WCGW Chpt 186

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==Chapter 186 - What Could Go Wrong==
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Thazi (Former Outworlds System)
9th December, 3044
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"So, what is it going to take?" Major General David Mitchell asked
"That depends on so many factors that I cannot even really give you any sort of estimate, Sir." Derek Paulson replied
"You are as close to an expert as I have out here right now Derek, so help me out." Major General Mitchell said
"Business Administration, not Political Science or Government sir. Ask me about anything business related and I probably can answer the question. Hold a local election maybe. We know the locals have a council made up of select elderly that help resolve problems. Maybe get with them, the council that is, and ask them what they want to do. They might lack modern education levels but they are basically educated, they have run schools for century's without outside influence. Most can read and write but on a middle school level. The folks I have spoken to from Onverwacht are much worse off, education wise, same for those on Wokha. But they were basically slaves to the pirates. The people here were better treated, mainly because they knew how to keep everyone fed and did so without a fuss.
They will need to determine what type of Government they want to have, create a Constitution and all the other little or big things that what we would consider civilized nations have. You have said it a thousand times, it is their planet, you just gave them freedom, so let them have the final say." Derek Paulson replied
"Why do I have a bad feeling about this entire thing?" Major General Mitchell asked and got no response.
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12 December 3044
"We are honored by your invitation to speak sir." The "leader" of the Elder Council said
"The honor is mine to be hosting this meeting. I am sorry it took so long for this to happen but it has been a busy time." Major General Mitchell replied gesturing for everyone to have a seat around the table.
"We would like to thank you and your people for setting us free and for all the help you have provided us." The leader said
"Please, what is your name?" Major General Mitchell asked
"Forgive me. My name is Gerald Ornami. Many years ago, I was taken from Praxton by a pirate raid. Wound up here, now I have a wife, children and grand children. Been 50 odd years now at least." Gerald Ornami said
"What did you do on Praxton?" Major General Mitchell asked
"Worked the production line at Praxton Fusion Products. I was studying for an engineering degree at night, but that was squashed by the pirates. I got elected leader due to my education." Gerald Ornami replied
"Well then, Mr Ornami, I asked for this meeting because it is time a decision was made on what becomes of Thazi and it's people." Major General Mitchell said
"Why a decision, Sir? You took the planet from the pirates. You have treated us with dignity, started restoring basic services as best you can. Thazi is yours. What you decide the council will back you." Gerald Ornami replied
Major General Mitchell was taken aback at the idea and basically said so "I am no ruler. I just took out the pirates here. The people are free to make their own decision on who leads them. There should be an election or something like it. That is the way it is done."
"Much must have changed since I have been gone. What I remember is that very few planets or systems actually have elections for the planetary ruler. Some might be appointed by a nations ruler, but most are passed down the line, father to son or daughter and such. But if you say we must hold an election, then we will hold an election." Gerald Ornami said and the various council elders nodded in agreement.
They all spent several hours talking about various needs and what could be done to correct those needs.
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13 December 3044
"So, how did your meeting go sir?" Brigadier General Herbert Horbaugh asked
"Pretty good. They agreed to hold an election for the planetary leader. I expected a bunch of complaints, but there were very few. It was almost like speaking to a bunch of yes men." Major General Mitchell replied
"Then they will decide their future. Good for them. You read the reports from all those experts?" Brigadier General Horbaugh asked
"Yes, I was surprised at the amount of stuff we have pulled out of Wokha so far." Major General Mitchell replied
"Well then, have a look at this report your Derek Paulson dropped off for you. It is the Thazi report he compiled." Brigadier General Horbaugh said handing over a thin file which Major General Mitchell took and opened.
Thazi Production Report 3044
Gold - 23 tons - 112,976,000
Emerald - 1,983 carats - 674,200
Wheat - 543,000 tons produced
Apples - 67,245 tons produced
Tomatoes - 41,895 tons produced
Coffee - 12,350 tons produced
Potato - 39,578 tons produced
"So, the pirate love for Gold continues here also. I am not going to say no to it. I guess I will need to get with Derek and the other experts and figure out what sort of projections they have for next year. I feel so guilty about taking this stuff from the people here." Major General Mitchell said
"We are not taking it. Not a person here is going hungry, they are getting complete upgrades to their standard of living at no real cost to them other than part of what they produce. Which we sell to pay for all the stuff that they need." Brigadier General Horbaugh replied
"I will feel better when they elect a ruler and form a government. It will take a huge load off my shoulders." Major General Mitchell said
"Careful what you wish for, Sir. It might come back to bite you at a later date." Brigadier General Horbaugh replied
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