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Original X-roads-2003
In the Present…
Mark arrived at port during the harvest season. He was pleased to see the region doing so well, the citizens productively going about their work in a peaceful and contented manner.
He watched Casandra marching towards him with contempt in her eyes. He knew her moral ethics had been violated for the common good. He could stop her where she stood, and never hear a word of it. He could wipe the memory of it from her mind and make her complacent.
“There were refugees, fleeing bad circumstances from abroad.” she started talking as soon as she reached him. “They were seeking out sanctuary here. All they wanted was a safe place to rest. On Dybin’s orders the entire populace was wiped out. Murdered.” She motioned outward with her hands.
“I see your concern.” Mark commented. “I also see a thriving, healthy community instead of a weak, anemic one. Which do you think I prefer? People who are happy and productive, willing to do their work or people who are unable to comply with even the lowest of work standards due to malnutrition and lack of resources?”
“It’s not right.” Casandra accused him, “It’s not compassionate.”
“Your idea of what is right differs from my idea of what is right.” Mark explained to her. “I did not leave you here in charge, I left Dybin in charge because she knows of these matters. She understands I am only looking out for what is in the best interests for the country I serve. You know citizens want to feel safe, be well fed, have decent living wages, and adequate rest. They have all these things, because we have not over populated this land. There is a delicate balance between natural resources and consumption. This port village does not have enough housing currently to store refugees.”
“We could build houses.” Casandra interjected.
“Cut down trees and expand out the town making it bigger.” Mark replied. “The temperature would rise from the decline of shade and greenery. There would be a rise in demand for basic necessities like food and water. Have you even established a local patrol yet for the safety of the village?”
“No, I..” Casandra begin to explain.
Mark would not hear of it. “You have failed to erect a basic infrastructure for the citizens who are already here, and you want to bemoan people you can not possible sustain? This country is so stable and secure it can not only provide for it’s own citizens but three times more so? If so, wonderful! Let us open trade.”
“No.” Casandra answered.
“No?” Mark questioned her. “Then until this country becomes a thriving commerce, stop trying to destroy it. You do not ask a sick man to make you well.”