Millions of In-Worlds

Chapter 17: Pink Panthers

It was almos' time for school ta start up. Daddy said, "Things being as they are, school this year is delayed, maybe even cancelled. B'sides we need all the help we can get from you kids."

"But what about the little kids who can't be of much use in the cleanup?" I wanted to know.

"You may've noticed an open air school is startin'. Teachers are settin' things up in the east pavilion. Your old teacher Mrs. Appleton is in charge. She chose that location because it's closest to the playground with swings, monkey bars, and slippery slides. It's better to teach them rather than just babysit, right?"

The city park became the the kitchen for the whole community. Folks decided to pool all their food resources. Plus it's a convenient place ta meet and report on the progress of the day.

Two days after the Great Crash the mayor called for a community meetin'. We all gathered by the crumbly steps of town hall. The mayor and the town council stood on the steps so's they could be heard. "Attention! Attention ever'one! Mister Jamison boomed 'bove the crowd. He had his arms in the air and was motionin' for quiet. When the chatter stopped he said, "It's my privilege to present ta ya the honorable Mayor Lewis."

The formality seemed a little silly, but we politely applauded anyways. The mayor moved forward. He began by loudly sayin', "Thank you John Jamison for the introduction.

"And thank you all for comin' to the first meeting for the restoration of Burns. I don't need to tell you about the challenges facing each and every blessed one of us. We want to commend and applaud each and every one of you for your sacrifices. Give yourselves and neighbors a well deserved pat on the back for your heroism in the face of catastrophe."

The mayor paused as the crowd erupted in a rumble of back slappin', thank ya's, and hugs.

When the racket subsided, the Mayor continued, "Going forward requires a coordinated effort. The council and I agree that the best way to deal with our challenges is to organize, and divide labor. Every able bodied Burnsite man and woman are needed. Our young people, especially those twelve and older, are invited to pitch in too. As we organize, we realize the need for teams with specialized skills. We've posted signup sheets and ask you to add your names.

"We invite each team choose a foreman from their ranks. They will report daily progress, concerns, and needs to the city council daily.

"The specialty service groups we've identified are as follows:
1. Carpenters, and handymen
2. Plumbers, and electricians
3. Hunters, and fishers
4. Farmers, and dairymen
5. Chefs, and cooks
6. Resource gatherers
7. Homemakers
8. Medical people
9. Teachers, and Clergy
10. Safety inspectors
11. Manual laborers
12. Peacekeepers

"The most urgent need is for safety inspectors. Inspectors will enter every home and building to determine if they are safe for use. The weather is nice now, but in couple of months the nights will get colder. So the first priority is returnin' people to their homes. Churches are the second priority. We need all the help we can get from the Man above."

I think he meant that to be funny, but nobody was in the mood for laughin'.

He got a little red on his cheeks, but went on anyways. "Third prioritizes are schools, government buildings, and businesses. None of this is set in stone. If any of you have suggestions we would love to hear from you. Are there any questions?"

The questions was rapid fire. "Where's them sign up sheets?"

"Who decides priorities? I mean if I disagree which house is next, whatta we do?"