Transform Me (A "Shatter Me" Trilogy Fanfiction)

THIRTEEN: CHANGE OF PLANS

13: Change of Plans

My meeting with Lieutenant Fukawa and some of the high-ranking officials of Sector 21 lasts for approximately five hours.  The conference consists of the usual status reports in the different areas of the sector.  Sergeant Aguinaldo, who is in charge of overseeing the workers of the sector, begins by giving his report. 

 “As punishment for recent insurgent uprisings, the workload of Sector 21’s workforce has been doubled, as per the Supreme Commander’s orders.”  Sergeant Aguinaldo states.  “However, instead of an augmented percentage of productions, there has been a noted decline since the laborers are growing feeble.  This, of course, is something we anticipated.”

 “In relation to this,” Sergeant Akhmetov, head of the health department of Sector 21, adds, “the infirmary is filling up faster than ever and we are running out of medical supplies.  Our next shipment of resources isn’t until the next month, and some of the people would not make it until then.”

 “Personally, I say let them be.”  Lieutenant Fukawa says dismissively.  “We’ve always discussed the concerns regarding the growing population in contrast to our diminishing resources.  This could very well be the solution to that.  Those who are too weak can be of no service to The Reestablishment, therefore, these invalids are no longer of use to us.  The Reestablishment should have no obligation to see to the sick and injured.  They are but minor casualties in the grand scheme of things.  After all, what is ten thousand people to ten billion?  In order to make progress, sacrifices have to be made.”

 “You have presented an interesting proposition, Lieutenant,” I address him coolly, “but I am afraid there is a flaw to that line of thinking.  If left untreated, this could result in a contagious viral outbreak that will affect the rest of the remaining workers.  If we allow the people to die off, our number of workers will dwindle.  And if this happens, logically, our production rates will decline as well.  If we are serious about doing all we can to help The Reestablishment take back control of the world, we all need to do our level best to ensure the success of our cause.  This would include ensuring the health and safety of our sector’s civilians.”

             Lieutenant Fukawa presses his lips into a thin line and his eyebrows knit; and we both know how much he’d love to just snap back at me right now.  However, we also both know he’s too smart to be insubordinate.

             “Sergeant Akhmetov.”  I address the only woman in the room. 

             She fixes me a no-nonsense stare.  “Yes, General?”

             “Dispatch a message to Sector 20 and inform them of our need for medical supplies.  The delivery should be made as soon as possible.  I’m sure they’d be more than willing to extend aid in this matter.”

             “Yes, General.”

             “Once the supplies arrive, I want the civilians treated immediately and given proper medication.”  I instruct her further. 

 I know full well that this is not something the real General Watanabe would say, which is why it is a constant effort on my part to always keep my opinions in check.  In order to throw off any suspicion, I still have to maintain some degree of ruthlessness that the general is well known for.  This is why I have to compel myself to utter the next words.

 “Once they are well enough, they are to directly report back to work.  During their first week of work after confinement, they are to be given only half their workload.  After that, their workload is to be immediately tripled.  With all the help we are able to give them, this is the least they can do to repay The Reestablishment’s kindness.  Anyone who resists, much less complains, will be immediately treated as a rebel against The Reestablishment and will be dealt with in the same manner all other insurgents are punished.  Any questions?”