As the weeks progressed, Jeremy adjusted to his new setting as best he could. Knowing that General Krakowski’s men wanted him dead was most unnerving. Naturally, he often thought about his family, about how much they must be grieving, believing that he was dead. If only he could somehow inform them that he was OK. But for his own safety, he knew it was not possible. At least not at this point. Perhaps someday.
Jeremy also thought about his Pennsylvania grandparents. Had they learned of his escape? Could they help him any? Would he be seeing them again? If so, how soon? Jeremy’s hopes suffered a setback about two weeks after he arrived in Iowa. His grandparents had moved out of Danville shortly after the dissolution. They had moved to York and then to Reading. From there, the trail went cold. In fact, they had left Reading within days of his escape from Virginia. None of their friends or coworkers knew where they had gone. His aunts could not be located either. They were probably both married, which made tracking them down even harder. With hopes of being reunited with his grandparents fading, Jeremy tried to console himself by knowing he had a good, growing support system in Des Moines.
Vincent Blake was never far from his mind. It took several weeks for Jeremy to learn about his fate. He had been taken to a work camp in West Virginia. The supervisors there were doping him with a drug that essentially deprived him of the ability to do any substantial thinking. He was scratching out a bare existence on that work detail. Unless something within Virginia, or perhaps West Virginia, changed, he would probably exist in this condition the rest of his life.
The distinction between Virginia and West Virginia brought up another key difference between the thinking in the RSNA and back in Virginia. In the RSNA, Virginia and West Virginia were still classified as two separate and distinct states. In Virginia, the two “states” were simply Virginia, with no separation between them. Any references to West Virginia were simply called “the West.” Jeremy also surmised that “the West” was being treated as some kind of inferior, lower-class area whose purpose was to enrich or empower the area that the RSNA referred to as “Virginia.”
The conditions in West Virginia made Jeremy consider his father’s behavior. Before his assignment in West Virginia, he had been such an affable, enjoyable man. His cheerful sense of humor could ease even the tensest challenges. He could converse with Jeremy about many topics, such as school, baseball, the weather, even girls. But after he came back, it seemed like he had lost his voice. No conversations. No humor. No advice. Communicating with gestures. Jeremy remembered one time after his father had come back from West Virginia when he hurt himself and screamed in pain. Nothing was wrong with his voice box. Jeremy could only surmise that his father had witnessed atrocities so horrific that he did not dare speak, fearing retribution from the authorities.
Jeremy thought about the flags graciously waving on the pole in front of Lincoln High. First there was the national flag proudly displaying its fifty stars and thirteen stripes. He knew that the stars represented the fifty states, while the stripes represented the states that existed when the country started. Virginia was one of those original thirteen. Yet this flag symbolized something much greater. It meant that we, not they, but we, were all together, united, just like the name of the country says. It embodied the core principle of President Adair’s commitment: that all fifty of the states were still components of a much stronger sovereign nation, and that together, we created a synergy much more powerful than the sum of its parts. This nation still existed despite its outward appearance.
Next came the RSNA flag. It was subservient only to the national flag, which always flew on top. The twelve stars represented the states that had approved the terms for reunification. They were functioning under one government. The dove symbolized President Adair’s, and nearly everybody else’s, commitment to reuniting the states peacefully. This flag was meant to be temporary. Once the nation was restored, it would fly no more. It would then only serve as a keepsake for anyone who wanted one.
The Iowa flag waved at the bottom, proudly nonetheless. Its three vertical stripes included a red one and a blue one at each end, with a white stripe down the middle, about as wide as the other two put together, the same colors as the national flag. The wide, white center stripe depicted a flying eagle, another symbol of the nation, with its strength, majesty, and pride. The eagle held a banner in its mouth. The banner had words which were too small for Jeremy to read from the ground. He soon learned that the banner proclaimed the state’s motto: “Our liberties we prize, and our rights we shall maintain.” Jeremy surmised that this motto could pertain to anyone in the United States. It was just too bad that his friends and relatives back in Virginia were being denied these rights and liberties.
Each morning, as Jeremy recited the Pledge of Allegiance with his classmates, the words and their meaning strengthened his resolve:
I: himself. No other person. He was not speaking for anyone else. Nobody was speaking for him.
Pledge: promise. Something he said he would do. He must not go back on his word.
Allegiance: loyalty. To be on the same side with.
To the Flag: a piece of cloth. But it symbolizes something far greater.
Of the United States of America: This is the entity that the flag represents. It is not Virginia’s flag, or Iowa’s flag, or even the RSNA’s flag.
And to the Republic: a form of government where the people select their leaders. The leaders do not seize the positions themselves. It also can mean a nation that has this type of government.
For Which It Stands: This flag symbolizes the United States. It is really this country that the person is promising loyalty to.
One Nation: Even though it did not seem like it, each of the fifty states represented by the stars on that flag constituted a single nation. This was not some kind of amalgamation of about thirty independent entities.
Under God: Of all the phases in the pledge, this was the hardest one for Jeremy to comprehend. He vaguely remembered hearing about God when he was a small boy. To the best Jeremy could fathom, if the nation was under it, this God must be something incredibly powerful.
Indivisible: It cannot be broken up. The country looked like it was broken up, but its true nature would triumph in the end.
With Liberty: freedom. People can do what they want as long as it is not harmful to others.
And Justice: fairness. Another promise the republic makes in exchange for our loyalty.
For All: everyone. Not one single person is excluded from this great nation’s promises.
One of the classes that met during his time slot with George Curry began discussing current events. George started taking him to that class, encouraging him to listen and participate when he could. One of the first things he learned was among the most surprising. While General Krakowski was distracted with invading West Virginia, a small city in southwestern Virginia called Marion successfully evicted the Virginia troops there.
After the West Virginia invasion was completed, the Virginia troops surrounded Marion in the hope of starving it into submission. The citizens of Marion responded by erecting a blockade. Suddenly, airplanes appeared in the air over Marion and started dropping food and all other essential supplies. At President Adair’s directive, they had flown over from Kentucky to supply much-needed aid. People started calling it “Adair’s version of the Berlin airlift.” Marion, Virginia, remained isolated but free.
Shortly afterward, General Krakowski suffered another setback. After Maryland joined the RSNA, the RSNA military started stationing troops at strategic points along the border with Virginia. One such point was the tiny borderline between Maryland and Virginia, on the Delmarva Peninsula. A skirmish broke out there. Nobody was sure how it started, but within hours, the superior RSNA forces drove the Virginia troops off the peninsula. Another sliver of Virginia was liberated. At least those people could travel to other places easily. But Jeremy, like most people, realized that it would be better to live free and isolated in Marion than in any part of General Krakowski’s domain.
Discussion frequently centered on the upcoming reunion convention. All fifty states were invited to send delegates to Chicago to participate. Regardless of how many delegates they sent, each state present would have exactly one vote. In order to have a quorum, thirty-eight states would need to attend. Otherwise, they could not conduct business. For the Iowa Articles to be approved for submission to the states as the suggested in the Second Constitution, three quarters of the states present would have to approve. If exactly thirty-eight attended, twenty-nine votes would be needed to pass. If forty states attended, they would need thirty yes votes. Even if the twelve states already in the RSNA were certain to vote yes, obtaining the necessary votes from the other states was clearly uncertain.
Then there was the discussion about which states would attend and how they would likely vote. The RSNA states would all attend, along with Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Arkansas and Tennessee both sounded interested, along with the six New England states. That brought the total to twenty-three. Fifteen more were needed. The states under Mexican control would probably not attend. Nor would Alaska, under Russian control. Hawaii was iffy. It would have no obstacles in sending delegates if it wanted to. Since the dissolution, Hawaii had mostly tended to its own business and was basically self-sufficient in the middle of the Pacific.
New York presented a special problem. The state had split into three self-governing units. While some representation from New York was highly likely, questions were raised about how New York’s vote would be counted if factions from the three components disagreed. Several ideas were mentioned, such as a majority vote from its delegates. Another person suggested having each group vote separately, then having the state vote according to how at least two of the three groups voted. The idea of apportioning the state’s vote based upon population had merit, but no reliable population figures were available.
Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma all had issues. All three were nervous about the nearby Mexican presence, especially Colorado, which was partially occupied by Mexico. Oklahoma had more issues. The Cherokee Indians there were trying to obtain status as a fully independent, sovereign nation. Other Indian tribes with substantive populations in Oklahoma were paying close attention, interested in becoming sovereign nations themselves. The Oklahoma leaders were struggling just to hold their state together. Meanwhile, Kansas had a vague agreement with Mexico to not do anything adverse to Mexican interests in the area.
Nobody could predict whether Louisiana would attend. Someone joked that the best way to get Louisiana to show up would be to offer the state’s leaders enough money. While none of the RSNA leaders or any conference organizers would seriously consider doing it, many people honestly felt such an approach was the one most likely to succeed.
It did not matter if Virginia and West Virginia attended. George explained to Jeremy that both states would probably attend just to provide two votes against anything that would advance the reunion. But if those states did attend, the people favoring reunion would raise their quorum target to forty. That way, General Krakowski could not sabotage the convention by ordering his delegates to leave.
President Adair expressed cautious optimism that the other Southeastern states would attend. That optimism improved considerably when Florida, with RSNA support, pressured Cuba into withdrawing from its state. Floridians, along with people from most of the other states, rejoiced that Florida had become whole again. Not until after the Cubans left did word get out that the RSNA navy had built up a heavy presence along the southern Florida coast, alongside heavy RSNA army and air force support in strategic locations in the southern part of the state. Cuba’s leaders realized they could not hold the sliver of Florida that they had conquered, so they withdrew peacefully.
With the Southeastern states now likely to attend, hopes for a convention quorum brightened. But it still was not guaranteed. Seven states were certain not to attend. Five more could go either way. The whole quorum issue depended on Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. To obtain thirty-eight states, not counting Virginia and West Virginia, at least two of the five uncertain states were needed. President Adair began spending most of his time in those five states. Whenever he visited Hawaii, many of Jeremy’s classmates joked that they wished they could go with the president. Speculation abounded on what kind of hand-holding and dealmaking he was doing to try to convince these states to attend.
Discussion also centered on President Adair’s desire to reunite the states peacefully. In Florida, the Cubans were driven out with no bloodshed. Likewise, Marion, Virginia, attained its freedom without any loss of life or major injury. Nobody was killed in the liberation of the Virginia portion of the Delmarva Peninsula, though about a dozen soldiers were wounded or injured. They were all expected to recover. So far, so good. But Alaska, the Southwest, West Virginia, and the bulk of Virginia were not likely to be resolved as easily. The World Court in The Hague was reviewing the issues with Mexico and Russia. The Russians promised to abide by the court’s decision. Mexico remained silent on how it would react. Meanwhile, General Krakowski would certainly fight to retain his power over Virginia and West Virginia.
It did not take long for Jeremy to realize that while President Adair was widely admired throughout the RSNA and all over the world, he still had his critics. The most strident criticisms resounded from Maryland. While Maryland’s senators and congressmen generally stood with the president, Maryland’s governor, Wendell Thomas, constantly pleaded for President Adair to invade Virginia. While acknowledging that no other state was better protected by RSNA’s military than Maryland, he nonetheless believed that his state was the one most likely for General Krakowski to attack. Such an attack would have dire consequences for the state.
A Baltimore-based journalist named Stephanie Pruitt criticized the president even more vehemently. She published articles that downright demanded a Virginia invasion. Reasoning that if the RSNA did not strike first, General Krakowski would someday strike the RSNA. Maryland would almost certainly be the state invaded. As a result, its innocent citizens would be killed and injured, its property destroyed, and the lives of its residents would be the most disrupted. Furthermore, the sooner General Krakowski was stopped, the sooner the suffering in Virginia and West Virginia would end. It would end oppression and suffering for millions of people, not to mention the stopping the brutal killings in both states. She agreed that an invasion would result in the deaths of both fighters and citizens. But once the two states were liberated, fewer lives would be lost in the long run. Ms. Pruitt demanded a takeover of Virginia now, and if President Adair did not have the gumption to do it, the RSNA needed a new president who would.
Jeremy marveled at the open criticism directed at the president. Nobody in Virginia dared criticize General Krakowski so bluntly. Anybody who did would certainly be imprisoned and tortured, perhaps even killed. Jeremy realized that this right to express oneself was another aspect of the concept called “freedom.” The more he learned about the true concept of freedom, the more firmly he resolved to do whatever he could to help liberate Virginia. When he lived in Virginia, he had aspired to attend Virginia Military Academy, then to become an officer in the Virginia army. Now he wanted to enroll in the RSNA’s military academy and become a part of the RSNA’s military effort. This way, he could help liberate his home.
Jeremy’s hopes for an appointment to the RSNA’s military academy met a setback when he mentioned his idea to George. While George commended Jeremy for his desire to help, it would be difficult for him to obtain an appointment to the RSNA Military Academy. Congress members would only appoint students who had lived in their home states for longer periods of time. People who could make appointments, who were not elected by a specific state, would be most interested in appointing students who had lived in the RSNA or in states that had joined the RSNA for longer periods of time. But George encouraged Jeremy not to give up hope. Somebody might make an exception. If not, there were certainly other reputable programs where Jeremy could obtain solid military training.
Jeremy could not forget his rescuer, Gary Kaufman. They started exchanging letters on a regular basis soon after Jeremy arrived in Des Moines. Gary would often inform Jeremy of how pleased Dr. Perkins and the other workers at his clinic were about his progress. He also encouraged Jeremy not to give up the hope of being reunited with his grandparents or, eventually, with his parents and siblings. When Jeremy informed Gary that his family had been told that he had drowned, Gary agreed that it was something the Krakowski cronies would do. Gary also said that this belief would probably cause the Virginia authorities to not look as hard for him. Jeremy decided that informing Gary of his murder charge in Virginia was not a good idea.
On Saturday afternoons, Jeremy’s favorite activity was watching the Drake football games on television. The first time, he watched it with the other men in the compound. Drake hosted Missouri that day. After two easy victories against weaker opponents, the hometown Bulldogs found themselves considerably more challenged. The two foes battled to a 14–14 tie at halftime. Jeremy and the other men cheered loudly as Drake took command during the second half, winning the game 35–14.
After that game, several of the men talked about how before the dissolution, such a result would have been next to impossible. A private school Drake’s size could never have beaten a state university Missouri’s size. Back then, money dominated too much for schools like Drake to compete in football. They mentioned some games from the first two weeks of the season that had similar results, such as South Dakota’s surprise upset over Nebraska and Valparaiso’s equally stunning win against Notre Dame. The men all agreed that they enjoyed college football much better this new way.
Jeremy also followed the final weeks of the Iowa baseball season in the newspaper. While Grinnell cruised to an easy championship in the East, Council Bluffs faced down a stiff challenge from Ames during the final week of the regular season to win the West. Grinnell then dispatched Council Bluffs in the playoff, winning four out of five games in a best-of-seven series. Grinnell thereby won the Iowa baseball championship.
Jeremy watched the football season progress with considerable excitement as Drake continued to dispatch its opponents. Creighton. Iowa State. St. Louis. Then came the critical, close victory over Nebraska. Finally, wins against Iowa and Northern Iowa secured a playoff spot for the local team. The whole city brimmed with excitement.
Randy Flagler and John Humpert quickly perceived Jeremy’s interest in football. They started inviting him over to their houses to watch football games. Jeremy found this arrangement even more enjoyable, cheering along the Drake Bulldogs with boys his own age. Sometimes other boys would be there, often providing chips, soda, and other snack foods. Some treatment compared to what he used to get back in Virginia!
Jeremy’s fortunes turned significantly for the better when Randy and John invited him to attend a Lincoln High football game with them. Something soon caught his attention much more than the game. He had seen cheerleaders at the college football games he had watched on television. Not only did Lincoln High have cheerleaders, but Alicia Shelby was one of them! Soon Jeremy became much more focused on Alicia than he was on the game.
John and Randy soon realized what had captured Jeremy’s interest. At first, they noticed Jeremy looking more at the cheerleaders than the game. As they kept observing, they started whispering to each other about who Jeremy watching. Before long, they figured out that Jeremy’s line of vision was usually pointed toward Alicia’s position within the cheerleaders.
At least Jeremy paid close enough attention to the game to know who was winning. That, plus the cheerleaders’ cheers, enabled Jeremy to participate in the cheering enough to blend in with the crowd. He cheered loudly with the rest of the home-field fans through the end of the game, which Lincoln won.
After the game, Jeremy went over to Randy’s house, where Randy, Jeremy, John, and some other boys enjoyed some refreshments in an after-game party. Jeremy could tell there was some chatter among the other boys that he was deliberately not privy to. Jeremy simply tried not to let it bother him.
On Monday, John and Randy approached Jeremy. There would be a party at Randy’s house next Saturday. He was most certainly invited to attend. The chance to spend quality time with his peers away from the compound always appealed to Jeremy. He readily accepted.
Don drove Jeremy to John’s house late Saturday afternoon. John welcomed him, took him inside, and began chatting. This puzzled Jeremy. He knew the party was at Randy’s house. He even saw students arriving and going into the house next door. He asked John about it.
“We’ll go over soon,” assured John. “Randy will let us know when he is ready.”
Still puzzled, Jeremy decided to take John at his word. He could not fathom why Randy would be ready to receive other guests but not him. Meanwhile, John engaged Jeremy in some card games, trying to keep Jeremy’s attention away from the Flagler house.
After about half an hour, the phone rang. Jeremy thought about how it was another convenient gadget that was hard to come by back in Virginia. John quickly answered the phone. Then he said, “OK.” Then, turning to Jeremy, he said, “Let’s go on over.”
Jeremy continued to feel puzzled about why he had needed to wait at John’s house until now. Upon arriving there, Jeremy could hear music coming from the basement. Randy promptly escorted both John and Jeremy to the basement.
While Jeremy had been in Randy’s basement before, he had never seen it like this. It was dark, with flashing strobe lights. The music, which was much more audible now, played loudly. The basement was crowded with boys and girls, many of whom Jeremy recognized from school. Some of the boys and girls were dancing with each other.
Jeremy’s most pleasant surprise of the night soon manifested itself. Alicia Shelby soon emerged from the crowd. Extending her hand to Jeremy, she asked “Would you like to dance?” Jeremy quickly surmised that this was the reason for the secrecy.
Nervously but eagerly, Jeremy took her hand as she gently led him out to the dance area. First, they did a fast dance with no touching or intimacy. When that song finished, the music person put on a slower song. Alicia gently took his left hand into her right while putting her left arm around him. Jeremy gently placed his right arm around Alicia. Jeremy felt a little awkward dancing, which was hardly ever done in Virginia. But Alicia did not seem to mind, even to the point that she would take the lead, trying to teach him. For the time being, the issues Jeremy had with Virginia or separation from his loved ones were gone. He could not remember ever enjoying himself so much.
Jeremy spent the rest of the night with Alicia. They danced every dance together. Whenever there was a break in the dancing, she and Jeremy would sit down next to each other and talk. They avoided talking about his Virginia experience. Instead, they talked mainly about each other’s interests. Football started as a common ground. They both agreed that they wanted to see Drake win the national title. As for Lincoln High, they were winning more often than they were losing but not likely to obtain any high honors.
Jeremy told Alicia about how much he liked baseball. She told him about how she played first base for Lincoln’s softball team. She also encouraged him to try out for Lincoln’s baseball team next spring.
It turned out that Alicia was an honor student. Her best subjects were English and social studies. She had not decided what she wanted to do once she finished school, but she had time to think about it. Alicia’s face glowed with admiration when Jeremy told her about his plans to join the military. Anybody who wanted to help defend the country while it was rebuilding was to be greatly admired.
The party disbanded shortly after midnight. Alicia, taking Jeremy by the hand, led him to the back patio. In the privacy there, she leaned up and gave Jeremy a long kiss. Jeremy had kissed a few girls back in Virginia, but no high school students dared to kiss this long. This kiss felt far better than any kiss he ever had before. He had lost Cynthia Sullivan but gained Alicia Shelby. Jeremy felt like he came out way ahead on that exchange.
Jeremy and Alicia began to get together frequently. He would often go to Alicia’s house to study with her. Even though they were taking different courses, just being with her always lifted his spirits. She felt the same way. Jeremy became good friends with Alicia’s parents, who certainly approved of his interest in Alicia. He also made friends with Alicia’s siblings, two younger sisters named Susan and Sarah.
Jeremy got a job at the Store of the States. It seemed like the perfect place for him to work. Not only was he earning money, but he also enjoyed helping customers. Finally, he was learning things about each of the states. He particularly liked the picture books. Lighthouses on Maine’s rocky shores. Fall foliage in Vermont. The splendor of the New York City skyline. Well-groomed horses in Kentucky. The French Quarter in New Orleans. Adobe buildings in New Mexico. A rodeo in Wyoming. Chinatown in San Francisco. A mighty river slicing a gorge between Oregon and Washington. The sheer majesty of Alaska. The tropical islands of Hawaii. This is the America he wanted to see. He also surmised this was the America that General Krakowski did not want Virginians to see.
He used his money to buy an Oregon picture book. He bought the buffalo he had seen in the thrift store. Another object he bought was a clock. He also used some to pay for dates with Alicia. Through all of it, he managed to set some aside for savings. He felt like things were getting better.
Sometimes, when he would think about Alicia, he wondered what she saw in him. Such an attractive girl, intelligent and with a nice personality, wanted him. He asked John Humpert. John replied by telling him that his escape from Virginia had made him a hero to everyone at the school. On top of that, he was both athletic and intelligent. John also believed that girls would consider him good-looking. Many of the girls at Lincoln High would want him. Jeremy just felt glad he had the one whom he considered the most desirable.
Back at school, talk centered on the Drake football team’s progress in the playoffs and the upcoming constitutional convention. Everybody wanted the local team to win the championship. They also wanted the Iowa Articles of Reunification to get approved. The college football championship would be determined with three rounds of playoffs, to be played on consecutive Saturdays. The convention would be held during the week between the second and third round of the playoffs.
Lincoln High School’s football team finished with a record of 5–3. While many students were happy with the winning record, the players and coaches really wanted something better.
Meanwhile, back at the compound, there was turnover among the residents. The family of four moved to Fort Dodge. The young couple moved to Sioux Falls. One of the young men moved to Indianapolis. Another young couple arrived. A man in his sixties arrived after leaving behind his wife, three children, and some grandchildren. Then came a boy who seemed so timid and afraid that he hardly seemed like the type to pull off such a bold move. Finally, a young woman who seemed to be in her mid-twenties arrived.
Jeremy continued to enjoy his meetings with Mr. Curry. One memorable session involved Saskatchewan’s relationship with the RSNA. Right after the first six states came together to form the RSNA, Saskatchewan submitted approval of the Iowa Articles of Reunification to the RSNA, applying for statehood. The application was sent to President Adair.
The president replied that this application would only be accepted if approved by every province in Canada. Ontario promptly replied that it would never allow any province to break the sacred bonds that unified Canada. The subject was quickly dropped.
The result was free trade between the RSNA and Saskatchewan, with each side willing to do small favors for the other. That was why Virginia escapees who were under suspicion were sent to Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan government would maintain close watch over these escapees. Even if these escapees were eventually considered harmless, they would be placed for employment only in Saskatchewan. Any escapees who did not pass muster were given work in a remote community called La Ronge. Whether those escapees were dangerous or not, living in La Ronge, Saskatchewan, would be far better than living in Virginia.
The whole Des Moines area seemed to cheer when Drake ousted Army in the opening round of the college football playoffs. Jeremy had mixed emotions because he still held hope that he might attend USMA for college. Even the air seemed charged with excitement as the Bulldogs braced for their second-round battle with Kentucky.
On the day before the Kentucky game, which was also the Friday before the convention, Mr. Curry handed Jeremy a sheet of paper. It read “Farmington Hills Newsletter” at its head. Just beneath, it said “Farmington, Michigan.” Jeremy surmised that Farmington Hills must be located near Detroit. Beneath an introductory paragraph were paragraphs headed by the names of each state, listed alphabetically.
“This newsletter discusses the financial and political issues in each state,” explained Mr. Curry. “You will find this useful as you follow the convention next week.”
Jeremy took the newsletter and read each paragraph earnestly. It was among the most interesting things he had ever read.
ALABAMA – The most favorable development in Alabama since the dissolution has been the vastly improved cooperation between the races. Both blacks and whites have benefited considerably. Emphasis on food agriculture, gardening, and fishing has helped to assure that residents are sufficiently fed. Cotton is likely to rebound once the state establishes export markets. With technology and construction nearly negligible, emphasis will be on infrastructure and railroads.
ALASKA – Under Russian control, Alaska has maintained good order. Economic activity is better than in most states. The bad news is that most of this activity benefits the Russian economy. Both the RSNA and Russia have promised to abide by the World Court’s decision regarding Alaska’s legal status. If the ruling goes against the RSNA, it will not be in any position to argue. Russia might resist if the ruling favors the RSNA.
ARIZONA – Very few states have suffered more since the dissolution. With Arizona unable to obtain the water it needs to support its population or its agriculture, people have been leaving the state in droves. Hispanics generally migrate into Mexico, with some continuing to other parts of Latin America. Non-Hispanics usually choose states in the Northwest, in the RSNA, or sometimes Texas. Mexican domination has not helped any. Issues of corruption and oppression run rampant.
ARKANSAS – By cultivating stronger relations with the RSNA, particularly through Missouri, the Natural State is gaining ground. Agriculture is providing the necessary food, while trade with the RSNA provides much-needed commodities for improving infrastructure. Its northern border with the RSNA also provides stability compared to the difficulties faced by most of its neighbors.
CALIFORNIA – With its technology, entertainment, tourism, and export businesses virtually wiped out by the dissolution, California’s economy nose-dived. The Mexican takeover restored some order, though issues with the Mexican government abound. Adverse weather conditions have inhibited agriculture recovery. While getting out of from under the Mexican government would help, the Golden State has a long way to go before full economic recovery. The state continues to suffer heavy outward migration, particularly to the Northwest, Latin America, and Asia.
COLORADO – While the western and southern parts of the state chafe under Mexican oppression, the areas north of the Arkansas River and east of the Continental Divide are doing better. Agriculture is strengthening to the point where it is providing a strong base. Ability to obtain oil from the RSNA via Nebraska helps. Allowing the RSNA to use the Air Force Academy is a plus. Concern continues about possible Mexican aggression toward the portions of Colorado that it does not already hold, despite RSNA assurances that it will provide help.
CONNECTICUT – This state was hit hard by the dissolution, with its financial and manufacturing sectors taking huge losses. Its affiliation with the other New England states, the Maritime Provinces, and East Long Island helps. Support from the United Kingdom provides more stability. Limited agriculture is supplemented by exports, particularly labor. Many Connecticut residents go to Europe as guest workers.
DELAWARE – The first state to ratify the Constitution provides a strong example of why joining the RSNA is beneficial. The economy has soared since it joined the RSNA, led by trade activity through its port in Wilmington. Its proximity to Philadelphia and Baltimore, together with its good business climate, have made the state a favorite with businesses located in the RSNA, in many non-RSNA states, and with foreign businesses wanting to do business in the States. Infrastructure is still a concern. But rising economic activity throughout the state provides good potential to fix this problem.
FLORIDA – The RSNA flexed its muscles well by forcing Cuba out of Florida. But it made little difference for the state’s economy. Many sectors, such as construction and tourism, were hit hard. Increased emphasis on agriculture helps. But the state’s population is too large to make it on agriculture alone. As a result, Florida has experienced much emigration. While most of its working-age emigrants have gone to nearby states, its retirees tend to move to Pennsylvania and Delaware, which both provide better access to health care.
GEORGIA – Similar to Alabama, Georgia’s economy has stabilized with its heightened emphasis on food agriculture. The larger population makes it more difficult to provide the necessary food. Trade with neighboring states and the RSNA helps. Lumber industry benefits from trade with the RSNA. Guest-worker programs with Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware are popular. Outlook is for continued improvement.
HAWAII – The newest state has had little involvement with the other states since the dissolution. Popularity with Asian tourists has propped up its economy. Agriculture has also performed well. The state’s use of Japanese money provides financial stability. All in all, Hawaii is functioning well, though not fully recovered from the dissolution.
IDAHO – Like many states, the Gem State has fallen back on agriculture to weather the setbacks of the dissolution. Increased use of human labor to produce potatoes, onions, grains, beef, and dairy have greatly helped to provide for its light but growing population. Only Oregon gets more people moving out from California. Utilities are rebounding, augmenting growth. Technology, trade, tourism, and lumber still have a long way to go.
ILLINOIS – Despite being nearly surrounded by the RSNA and the obvious advantages of joining it, Governor Woodring continues to resist. Few states would gain more by joining the RSNA at this point. Improved commerce with its more prosperous neighbors, better infrastructure, and more reliable currency would all benefit the state greatly. Having better currency would particularly help Chicago’s financial businesses. Instead, Illinois’s recovery continues to lag behind the RSNA. Internal pressure could force Governor Woodring’s hand.
INDIANA – Joining the RSNA has been very good for the Hoosier State. Its agricultural bedrock has recovered well. The state’s refurbished railroads facilitate transportation. Chemical industry is starting to recover, another positive sign. Infrastructure is improving. So is technology. Its biggest drag is the refusal of its western neighbor, Illinois, to join the RSNA.
IOWA – The state that spearheaded the movement to reunite the states is reaping the benefits. Heavy construction in Des Moines, the acting current national capital, and Lamoni, the likely new national capital, has brought a huge influx of new residents. The political activity brings visitors from most other states and many foreign countries. The United Kingdom is already building an embassy in Lamoni. Agriculture is nearly back up to full speed. State-of-the-art railroads link nearly every community in the state. These railroads also enable easy travel to most locations in the western part of the RSNA.
KANSAS – While the extreme southwestern part of the state remains under Mexican control, Kansas nervously eyes joining the RSNA. The speedier recovery in the RSNA, particularly in Missouri and Nebraska, is evident to most Kansans. Proximity to the RSNA has enabled Kansas to obtain many agricultural gains as well as railroad access, particularly in the state’s northeast quadrant. Fear of Mexican reprisal is keeping Kansas out of the RSNA for now, despite full assurances of RSNA support. The RSNA has proven effectiveness in skirmishes with Virginia and Cuba. A larger bout with Mexico could be a different matter.
KENTUCKY – The collapse of the tobacco and distillery industries caused by the dissolution hit the Bluegrass State hard. The shift from tobacco to food agriculture has helped. So has the increased use of horses as work animals. The strong military presence in Eastern Kentucky is another plus. The completion of a railroad-highway bridge that will join Kentucky and Missouri will enhance transportation. In sum, Kentucky’s recovery lags behind its fellow RSNA states, but it is nonetheless doing much better than most non-RSNA states.
LOUISIANA – Never known for clean politics before the dissolution, conditions have worsened since. Nearly all of the significant activity in the state involves some kind of shady dealing. As a result, recovery from the dissolution has been painstakingly slow. Residents are getting by with minimally sufficient farming and fishing. Gardening is popular with urban residents. Many residents resort to foraging. The state’s once-powerful oil industry has completely disappeared. Many transactions of all types take place on black markets. Until this state gets better leadership, the outlook continues to be bleak.
MAINE – The linchpin of the Confederation of New England States and Maritime Provinces has its advantages as well as its challenges. Its plethora of small but good harbors provides ready trade within the Confederation, as well as with the RSNA and Europe. The main exports are potatoes, berries, and fish. Maine also benefits from the amount of traffic that passes through the state between the US and Canadian portions of the Confederation. Unfortunately, none of this has been enough to enable the state’s economy to make the large amount of headway needed.
MARYLAND – No state has benefitted more from the presence of the RSNA military than this one. The Old Line State is literally packed with RSNA army support, with equally powerful naval support in the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac estuary. This cash source has readily supported businesses, creating jobs, and increasing commerce. Baltimore is reestablishing itself as a business center. Shipping is still weak, with many shippers preferring to avoid potential problems with Virginia by shipping through Wilmington and Philadelphia. While the threat of attack from Virginia has subsided for now, do not expect the RSNA to reduce its defense of Maryland anytime soon.
MASSACHUSETTS – With a small agricultural industry and a dense population, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has struggled greatly since the dissolution. Trade through the Boston harbor helps. Its well-educated people are popular as guest workers in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The commonwealth has been reluctant to send guest workers to the RSNA, as many such workers choose to stay in the RSNA. With its service-based economy, the Bay State faces an uphill climb coming back to its pre-dissolution prosperity.
MICHIGAN – Having the strongest currency of all the states since the dissolution resulted in what is popularly called “the Michigan Miracle.” All RSNA states now accept the Michigan dollar as legal tender. Any states that join the RSNA are required to accept the Michigan dollar as well. Some non-RSNA states, such as Arkansas, Kansas, Massachusetts, and Mississippi, also use the Michigan dollar as legal tender. The strength of the Michigan dollar has built Detroit into a major financial powerhouse. The nearly obliterated automotive industry is now focusing on the refurbished railroad system. Like all states, Michigan still has not fully recovered from the dissolution. But it is at the forefront of the recovery.
MINNESOTA – With its substantial agricultural industry coupled with shipping access via Lake Superior, the Gopher State weathered the dissolution better than many states. Being bordered on the south and west by RSNA states has its benefits. Infrastructure, particularly railroads, is improving. The new Minneapolis-to-Des Moines railroad will enhance transportation considerably. This seems like a state that would naturally join the RSNA. Political leadership, however, has concerns about some of the RSNA’s constitutional provisions, such as details regarding separation of church and state.
MISSISSIPPI – Weak and ambivalent leadership has impeded Mississippi’s recovery. No new railroad track has been laid since the dissolution. Roads are crumbling along with the rest of the infrastructure. People are getting by on subsistence agriculture, fishing, gardening, and foraging. Horses and hired labor do most of the farmwork. Horses are also the main mode of transportation. Legalizing the Michigan dollar at least provides a reliable currency, but much more needs to be done.
MISSOURI – The second state to join the RSNA reaps the rewards. Construction is heavy in the Lamoni area, where it is anticipated that the Show-Me State will share the new national capital with Iowa. Anchored by sound agriculture, the state has made huge strides in infrastructure, particularly railroads. St. Louis acts as the financial hub for the West as well as being a transportation center. Most express packaging goes through the St. Louis airport. Meanwhile, Kansas City has emerged as the RSNA’s entertainment center. This state is steadily moving toward full recovery.
MONTANA – Cattle and mining have enabled Montana to establish trade with the RSNA to obtain necessities. The new railroad line now connects Miles City, Billings, Livingston, and Bozeman to the RSNA. This line should reach Missoula within the next year. Spur lines to Great Falls and Helena are also likely to be completed. Improvements to remaining infrastructure are progressing. With a small population, Montana has had little difficulty obtaining its basic needs.
NEBRASKA – While agriculture provided a firm foundation for recovery, the real Nebraska miracle has been oil. Ever since the James Oil Company began processing oil pumped from the Falls City area, it has become the lifeline of the decimated oil industry. It used early profits to obtain additional sources from North Dakota and Kansas. Southeastern Nebraska is prospering like it never has before. The oil revenue has also benefitted the state, helping rebuild its infrastructure. Efficient railroads reach nearly all of Nebraska’s communities. This has also provided a bounty for the oil industry. Nebraska is proof that the American business model still works.
NEVADA – Both tourism and gambling plummeted with the dissolution. Attempts to convert gambling over to Mexican currency, then Japanese, did not help. Combined with the Mexican takeover, Nevada’s economy has almost vanished. So has its population. Reno, Las Vegas, Sparks, and the Las Vegas suburbs are like ghost towns. The remaining population is mainly supported by mining and ranching. Both activities have underperformed under Mexican leadership. This state may never again have the glitz that it was once famous for.
NEW HAMPSHIRE – The gritty pluck that the state’s residents are known for is now helping it survive the dissolution. Quarry products and lumber are its main exports, primarily going to the RSNA and Europe. Dairy farming and fishing are its other mainstays. The people come together to make the whole arrangement work. Its gradually rebuilding railroad system aids transportation. The rest of the infrastructure is sufficient. Affiliation with the Confederation of New England States and Maritime Provinces helps facilitate trade and transportation. Services will need to be revitalized for New Hampshire to make major steps toward full recovery. But until then, New Hampshire and its people take care of themselves.
NEW JERSEY – The most densely populated of the states faces many challenges. Unable to grow enough food for its people, the state has relied heavily on guest-worker programs, particularly with Europe and Africa. The improved economy of the RSNA has helped revitalize New Jersey’s chemical industry. Gardening has helped supplement agriculture to improve food sufficiency. Proximity to the RSNA states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware helps, particularly being located across the river from Philadelphia. Traffic in its port cities is picking up.
NEW MEXICO – Of all the states retaken by Mexico after the dissolution, this one has had the least amount of friction. The Hispanics and Native Americans are more tolerant of the Mexican government, while the whites generally go along to get along. Nonetheless, progress since the dissolution has been slow, with poverty rampant. Many New Mexicans have emigrated to Mexico and other parts of Latin America, while others, particularly whites, move to the RSNA.
NEW YORK – City of New York: With no agriculture to support its large population, this city plunged into anarchy. Now acting as an independent city-state, it is trying to remake itself as an international trade city. Most foreign currencies are considered legal tender here along with several of the state currencies. New York City has not created a currency of its own. No single currency dominates. This has created a new kind of banking based largely upon currency exchanges. All businesses must accept any currency recognized as legal tender. Businesses and residents will then exchange to get their preferred currency. These exchanges are also popular with foreigners and people from other states.
Upper New York: This portion of the state is essentially part of the RSNA. It complies with all RSNA laws. It conducts commerce with the RSNA, with no restrictions. Nonetheless, it has no representation in the RSNA Congress, nor can its citizens vote in national elections. These will be granted only when the entire state joins the RSNA. Farming provided a base to start its recovery. Railroads provide ready transportation to the Eastern RSNA. Long-needed infrastructure improvements are being made in the large cities. But manufacturing is still slow. The close affiliation with the RSNA has nonetheless improved living conditions considerably.
East Long Island: Physically separated from Upper New York, ELI cast its lot with the Confederation of New England States and Maritime Provinces. Fishing, farming, and light manufacturing provide ready commodities for trade with the rest of the Confederation. Small but viable ports enhance trade with the Confederation, the RSNA, and Europe. Financial services are catching on a little. Recovery has been fairly good on the whole.
NORTH CAROLINA – Keeping a wary eye on Virginia, North Carolina struggles forward with its recovery. Its meager military would be no match for Virginia if it attacks. Promised support from the RSNA provides some comfort. Meanwhile, the steep drop in tobacco demand hurt the state’s economy badly. As a result, food production has stepped up considerably. Timber and furniture lag behind but are recovering. Work on rebuilding infrastructure is providing a boost. North Carolina has its priorities in the right place, helping the welfare of its people while trying not to build a huge military.
NORTH DAKOTA – Oil, coal, and agriculture have greatly sped along North Dakota’s recovery. Profits from these sectors have enabled the Peace Garden State to create one of the best infrastructures in the world. Freight trains loaded with oil run on top-notch rail lines from Williston to Falls City 24/7. Now emphasis is shifting more toward upgrading and refurbishing buildings. While full recovery is still a considerable distance off, North Dakota is certainly in the forefront.
OHIO – Substantive agricultural output may not be enough to support the state’s population, but the linchpin of the eastern RSNA has much going for it. Interstate railroad transportation often goes through Ohio. The state is moving into the lead in technology, fixing damage caused by the dissolution. Recovery is still slow in some cities. Akron struggles to replace the rubber industry. Youngstown still tries to find its way. Overall, the state is doing better than most.
OKLAHOMA – With Mexican occupation in the western portions of the state and Native American desires for sovereign nation status, the Sooner State faces challenges. The Cherokees have declared independent nation status, complete with constitution, national government, and a capital. National borders, though clearly defined, are not enforced except through a kind of truce between tribe and state. Only Mexico has recognized Cherokee sovereignty. Other Native American tribes are watching developments carefully. Because of this, recovery has been slow. Agriculture has performed fairly well. Uncertainty about leadership and regulations impede efforts to restore infrastructure. The new Tulsa-to-Joplin railroad line could help revive the oil industry. Statewide, the standard of living remains low.
OREGON – Trade and a close working relationship with Japan spared the Beaver State from the worst of the dissolution. Agriculture, timber, and fishing are all making strong comebacks. The Japanese yen provides a stable currency. The main impediment to recovery has been the huge influx of migrants. No state has received more migrants from Mexican-occupied states, particularly from California. Providing for and finding productive work for this suddenly increased population has strained resources and infrastructure. Efforts of the RSNA to help are restricted not just by the fact that Oregon is not a member of the RSNA but also because it is such a long distance from the RSNA states.
PENNSYLVANIA – Philadelphia is now the largest port in North America. Pittsburgh has emerged as the RSNA’s leading medical center. The modernized railroad system connects both cities, heading northwestward into Cleveland and to the rest of the Eastern RSNA from there. Spurs connect most of the commonwealth’s population to the main line. Agriculture and coal mining provide the economic base, with trade augmenting the economy to meet the state’s needs.
RHODE ISLAND – Being a small state with little land suitable for agriculture, Rhode Island turns to the ocean for sustenance. Fishing is once again a big part of the economy. The state is promoting trade, but the port of Providence is having difficulty competing with the larger port in Boston. Affiliation with the Confederation of New England State and Maritime Provinces helps. Light manufacturing is picking up a little. The outlook is for continued albeit slow improvement.
SOUTH CAROLINA – Demand for cotton has greatly diminished since the dissolution. This should change as the economy gets healthier. Most cotton produced in South Carolina gets shipped to Europe. Like many states, agriculture has shifted toward food crops. Infrastructure lags behind. No state-of-the-art railroads have been built here. Generally, the standard of living is above subsistence but not particularly strong.
SOUTH DAKOTA – This is among the brightest spots in the recovery. Cooperation between whites and Native Americans has created innovations in using inedible parts of grain plants and wild plants to enhance agriculture in addition to improving ointments and, sometimes, medicine. Railroads provide excellent transportation throughout the state. Infrastructure is recovering nicely. Like all RSNA states, South Dakota is in the forefront of the economic recovery.
TENNESSEE – Having a border with the RSNA via Kentucky has its advantages. Commerce with its northern neighbor has helped revitalize the state. Infrastructure and agriculture are providing mainstays. Anticipated railway connections with Kentucky enhance optimism. Plans are underway to build a connection from Bowling Green to Nashville, while the Missouri-Kentucky railroad bridge would provide a branch off to Memphis. Eastern Tennessee struggles more than the rest of the state. Conditions there should improve as the new railroads branch out that direction. This state is ripe for joining the RSNA.
TEXAS – No state has rebelled as violently against Mexican occupation as Texas has. Riots are frequent, usually aimed at Mexican government facilities. Efforts by the Mexican military to quell the violence are only effective in places where the military has a high presence. When riots break out in other parts of the state, the Mexican government moves the bulk of its forces to these areas, and the process continues. This destructive violence has impeded efforts to rejuvenate infrastructure. Standard of living recovers slowly.
UTAH – Unlike Texas, Utah has put up passive resistance against Mexico. Much activity has been taken underground, so it is hard to say how well the state is recovering from the dissolution. Mexico has no interest in modernizing railroads, causing transportation to be slow and difficult. Horseback travel is common. Infrastructure, good before the dissolution, appears adequate. Considering its situation, the Beehive State is holding up well. Progress toward full recovery, however, remains slow.
VERMONT – With little arable land and a decimated tourism industry, Vermont struggles. Dairy products are its main staple. Gardening and fishing have become more popular. Affiliation with the Confederation of New England States and Maritime Provinces helps, particularly with exporting lumber. Maple syrup, considered by many to be a luxury, not a necessity, is slowly increasing in sales. All in all, the residents are getting by on sheer pluck. Quite often, that is the key determinant of success.
VIRGINIA – Under Krakowski’s leadership, living standards continue declining. While elite members of the general’s team enjoy privileged lifestyles, nearly all other citizens suffer continually declining fortunes. Most food grown in Virginia is exported for military weapons, leaving many states and some other countries on edge. Civilians get by on whatever they can scratch out. Pickings are getting fewer. Despite the tremendous oppressiveness, there have been few signs of a possible rebellion.
WASHINGTON – The collapse of the high-tech industry hit this state particularly hard. Combine this with the heavy influx of refugees from California (only Oregon and Idaho have more), and Washington has really struggled. Agriculture, timber, and fishing are now the economic mainstays. The good ports, particularly at Seattle, enhance trade. There have been no food shortages, with signs of further recovery evident.
WEST VIRGINIA – Since General Krakowski sacked West Virginia, he has plundered this state mercilessly. Huge amounts of coal, lumber, and agricultural produce get confiscated to support Virginia’s military buildup. People are foraging for necessary food. Allowances from the Virginia government are far too skimpy. Many West Virginians escape into the RSNA. No state is under worse oppression and poverty than West Virginia.
WISCONSIN – With a significant agricultural economy before the dissolution, obtaining enough food has not been much of a problem. Relations with the RSNA via neighboring Iowa and Michigan are good. The Dairy State has maneuvered these advantages to advance its recovery. Still, the metropolitan areas, particularly Milwaukee, suffer greatly from poverty. The potential for linking with the RSNA railroad system while also building new railroads brightens the outlook. Concerns over some provisions in the RSNA constitution have caused the state to hesitate about joining the RSNA.
WYOMING – With a light population and considerable mineral resources, Wyoming is recovering better than most. Railroad connections with the RSNA, particularly in the southeast corner of the state, benefit trade and commerce, particularly with shipping oil to Nebraska. While the overall economy is still much weaker than it was before the dissolution, the state is doing well enough that there has not been much interest among its residents in joining the RSNA. That could change as the RSNA gathers more states.
To Jeremy, the pattern was obvious. The states in the RSNA were much better off than the ones that were not. That by itself should be enough to convince more states to join. Yet none had joined in a while. Perhaps that would change after the convention. But even if the convention went as desired, several states would still have difficulty rejoining.
Then he wondered why the RSNA was so much better off. Perhaps the RSNA had better government. Maybe President Adair was a better leader than those in the non-RSNA states. Secretary Fields’s monetary policy could be part of the reason. The RSNA had more people than any other grouping of states. Jeremy reasoned that synergy could be an advantage. The RSNA could also support a larger military, providing more security for the RSNA states.
Jeremy handed the newsletter back to Mr. Curry and thanked him. He, like so many people across the United States, anticipated what the coming week would bring.