Frustrated Leadership

Unplanned for solidarity

The strength and endurance of the people was more than the leaders had expected. The leaders had planned for a total breakdown but instead what was created was a seemingly unbreakable solidarity. The people proved that they would not submit passively.

“Have we identified the trouble makers; their leaders?” asked the Primary Executive.

“That’s been the puzzling part,” reported Agent Eight. “We’ve identified a few hundred people who are encouraging the people with their writings but none of them are traditional leaders that people normally rally behind. It’s weird but the people are acting together without any true leaders. It defies normal tendencies.”

“So if we can’t go after their leaders who do we go after? Can we silence all these writers?”

Agent Fourteen spoke up, “Unfortunately, all these writers are using the same internet that we use for disinformation and propaganda. If we shut down their conduit we shut down our own.”

“Can’t we shut them down individually?”

“Well… uh… there are so many of them. And there are ways for them to get around blocks. Our propaganda team is working on ways to persuade the people from believing these writers. We’ve got plenty writers of our own who are sticking to our script.”

The Primary Executive took off his glasses and rubbed his face with his hands, “Damn it, we need decisive action. Now. Propaganda takes too long. We need to put the fear of God into these people immediately.”

Agent Nine spoke up, “Sir, we can go through with our plan to send the army into the streets. Nothing creates fear like a show of might. Tanks speak a lot louder than writers…”

Agent Six interrupted, “Remember, we already tried that in Sector H34 — just to gauge the reaction. The biggest reaction was not from the people but rather from the soldiers; almost half of which refused to put on a show of force against their very own people.”

“Jesus H. Christ!” the Primary Executive slammed his hand down on the conference table. “Doesn’t anyone know how to take orders these days? Listen folks, we cannot carry this out without absolute, unquestioning loyalty. I want troops in every city and town NOW! All soldiers who refuse are to be arrested and imprisoned. And I want every one of those writers arrested and imprisoned, too. I want the complete submission of all the people within 48 hours!”

Agent Twenty-Two stood up as he dropped his pen on the table, “Mr. Primary Executive, sir. You hereby have my resignation.” He then walked out of the room.”

Agent Eleven then stood, “Me, too.” He followed Agent Twenty-Two out of the room.

The Primary Executive yelled at the Security General, “Have those two men arrested immediately!”

He then leaned forward over the table glaring at the other agents, a scowl on his face, “Anybody else?”

A painful silence ensued as the agents looked at each other. They could all stand up and leave the room, ending the conflict immediately, or they could sit tight to preserve their jobs and offer the Primary Executive their loyalty. The tension in the air was palpable.

What would they do?

Copyright by White Feather. All Rights Reserved. This is a work of fiction. White Feather Archive Index

Speaking of troops in the streets…