Chapter 47

“I have always said I would not have been President had it not been for my experience in North Dakota. It was here that the romance of my life began.” - Theodore Roosevelt

1000 hours, local time
Monday, 2 March, 2015
North Dakota State Capitol
Bismarck, North Dakota

“So, my friends, while we can’t exactly reconstruct a state government, certainly not the one that existed prior to Doomsday, for you, we can, as you can see, lay the foundations of a new, much more effective local authority that can function as a city-state for now, and thus the basis of a new provincial government when the time comes. The old days of states’ rights are over, but under Havenite rule, North Dakota is likely to be established as a province of this brand new commonwealth.

“I know that some ... other parts of this former state have ... less desirable leadership, which is a bit less cooperative with the Havenite movement. That’s rather unfortunate, but that is their choice. They can either lead, follow, or get out of the way, because history will march forward regardless or even in spite of them. Eventually, they will be conquered or absorbed or annexed into the Commonwealth of Haven. That’s just the direction and trajectory of the future. You are much wiser for embracing this path forward, instead of clutching your pearls and lashing out wildly against it,” the Prophet Charles Tremaine reassured Mayor Bjorg Mackensen, along with the four City Commissioners.

“We have an urban militia, of course, but we could certainly learn, I believe, from your guidance in this and other matters, sir. Currently, the commandant of the militia is a retired police chief named Colonel Malachi Fjord. I am Commissioner Jenna Fjord, the colonel’s niece. These are Commissioner David Willett, Commissioner Garfield Rusk, and Commissioner Andrew McGill. McGill is also known as ‘Shamrock Andy,’ but that’s a long story there. He’s actually a bit more Scots-Irish than truly Irish in the usual sense. He’s not even Catholic. Commissioner Willett, however, is, or at least was,” the lone female commissioner of the group informed Charles now.

“How many troops do you have in this militia of yours?” Mike interjected now.

“Yes, that is a very constructive question here. Well, how many are there?” Charles concurred.

“Twelve hundred forty-five. My uncle is a bit frustrated at this number, but he’s doing the best he can so far. If you can help in some way to increase the size of said force, that would certainly be welcome,” Jenna replied with just a suggestion of wistful hope mixed with lingering resignation.

“Oh, yes, but that’s in no small way connected to the necessary conversion of this town, of this community, to the Havenite faith. Think of it, the zeal and commitment that a newfound religion can bring to a people, that’s a powerful motive for rallying and mustering to arms, mobilizing for the defense of hearth and home as well as a higher purpose. Your populace needs to welcome not only Havenism and its religious institutions, but also Schumacher Syndrome, accepting the necessity of transmitting it freely among you. It will help people bond and families connect with each other in a larger sense, to become a closer community,” Charles encouraged Jenna, even as she noticed herself being more and more drawn to the admittedly impressive, naked religious leader.

“So, it is true, then? The rumors I heard. You encourage cross-pollination, interracial breeding, polyamory, polygamy, promiscuity, omnisexuality, hyper-fecundity, incest, etc. Is that correct?” Jenna found herself becoming damp as she contemplated such a notion, especially the last when it came to her uncle.

“Naturally. This is part of the new way forward, my dear. The morals of the old ways don’t work for humanity anymore, if indeed they ever did. It is high time that we alter society for the better, don’t you agree? Schumacher Syndrome makes one immune to such things as STIs, removing a major excuse, and as you can see, we need a bit of a baby boom to help this world recover and evolve after Fireball Day and its disastrous effects. It is high time for a new world order, and Havenism is the path toward that great new era, as you will soon discover.