“Wait. How about the Antioch Liberation Group?”
“A-L-G?”
“Yeah. I mean, ‘group’ is lots nicer than ‘army,’ or ‘command,’ or ‘force.’ It doesn’t spell anything. And it’s group, and it’s liberating Antioch Two, right?”
“It’s still not very decisive.”
“Yeah, but it’s there, but not scary, y’know?”
Jake thought it over. On the one hand, she does have a point. A threatening name would make it hard to get people involved. A ‘group’ doesn’t have to do anything violent, whereas an ‘army’ or a ‘force’ almost has to. And you know, there’s something perversely funny about a ‘liberation group.’ It almost qualifies as an oxymoron.
I’m certainly having to deal with morons, oxy and otherwise, around here.
He sighed. “Well, I can’t think of any names that, as you said, aren’t ‘scary.’ So A-L-G it is. Congratulations, Evvie. You’ve made another vital contribution to the cause of freedom. Now, get back to work on your next one.”
***
The ALG’s debut came three mornings later when the all the planet’s workers would have break. The minute after the break would have started every machine used for work on Antioch Two shut down, except of course for life support and the intercom, the latter coming to life within seconds.
“Hello again, everyone, Edie Freedom on the line again. Say, did you know that by interstellar law, you’re entitled to paid retirement? You’re the one who’s supposed to be in control of that retirement plan. Guess what? That’s right, Maxis has his grubby fingers in that pie, too.
“When you get too old to work, he sends you to the retirement center he chooses. He pockets your pension, takes kickbacks from the center, and they keep collecting government benefits long after you pass on. Don’t you just love that?
“By the way, this bit of exposure is brought to you by the Antioch Liberation Group. Dedicated to restoring your rights and your fair share. Now, here’s some music to annoy the boss.”
The broadcast was followed by three songs. When the last one ended, the machinery was powered back up. Naturally the broadcast was the talk of the planet for the rest of the day. Even more naturally, it led to a call from the Rosens to Jake.
“What’s this Antioch Liberation Group?” Daniel asked.
“Should we organize?” Clarissa asked.
“No,” Jake said, answering the latter question. “Continue to lie low. The object is to again get Maxis looking for something that doesn’t exist.”
“People are talking, Jake,” Daniel said. “I think they need a forum.”
“No, they don’t. Not yet, anyway. In fact, we’re going off the air for a week.”
“Whatever for?”
Jake smiled. “To find out who’s really interested, and who’s just generally unhappy. I want you two, as quietly as possible, find out who really wants to commit to an effort to overthrow Maxis. Don’t ask right out; steer a conversation in that direction. Be subtle. We’ll let you know when we do another broadcast. The day before ask again. That should give you some idea of who’s interested, and who’s just discontented with their life. We want people from the first group, not the second.”
“All right.”
“Chin up, kids. These things take time. We’ll be in touch. Take care, and remember the key word, ‘subtle.’”
***
Sure enough, late the following week when the morning break should have happened there was another interruption and another broadcast from “Edie.” This time the subject was the real estate deal Maxis’ grandfather had made.
“Friends, you might not be too surprised to hear this, but Maxis’ grandfather lied to his employers on how rich this world is. He bought this planet cheap, made a fortune, and passed down his corruption and ill-gotten gains to his son and his grandson. It was all completely illegal. I guess in the case of Sordius and his family, some behavior is inherited. Too bad it’s criminal behavior.
“Now the ALG will bring you more music to undermine the unjust authorities. And to the oppressed and exploited workers, hey, have a great day!”
That night the Rosens again got in contact with Jake. They first presented their list of names to him. Then Daniel asked, “Can we organize now? I have some ideas on how we might hold meetings.”
“I’m sure you do,” Jake said. “You’re wrong.”
“How do you know what I was thinking?”
Because you always go with the obvious, Jake wanted to say. “Any attempt you make to hold secret meetings at an odd time will get found out. Now, as you said a while back, Sundays are your day for cultural activities, right? Including club meetings, true?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, you’re going to form a new club for this Sunday. The Twenty-First Century American Literature group. Official initials, T-F-C-A-L. Unofficial initials, ALG.” He smiled and opened his hands in front of the screen. “There you are. You’ll be meeting right in the open, where Maxis and his cronies would never think to look.”
“Oh. Wow, that is clever.”
“What if too many people start showing up?” Clarissa asked.
“Invitation only,” Jake told her, “on recommendation of a trusted member. We’ll conduct background checks first.”
“Do we just meet, then? No secret names, no disguises, nothing like that?”
Jake closed his eyes. It would be amusing to see a meeting like that. But I have to take this seriously. “No. The more it behaves like a normal club, the less attention it will draw to itself.
“Now, I want you two to get the club formed and meeting space secured. Odin found out that one of the school rooms is free. If you have any problems let us know. We can manipulate the data to get everything set. Since this will be a weekly club, getting a meeting spot will be tricky, but that’ll be to our advantage. Once the meeting it set up, send out a normal notice to everyone on the list. We’ll send an anonymous second message about what will really happen. Speaking of, we’re sending you a meeting agenda. Don’t deviate from it. Turn on that little contact device I gave you when the meeting starts. I’ll be listening in, and I can talk if I have to.”
Daniel nodded. “All right. We’ll run the meeting, then?”
“Yes. I won’t step in unless I have to. You two are now in charge of the Antioch Liberation Group.”
“Great. We’ll get started on our end right now.”
“Stay in touch, and be careful. Out.”
A moment after the image on the screen faded Odin said, “Jake, I do have one question about your plan?”
“Only one? I must be doing something right.”
“Why a group on American literature of the Twenty-First Century? I was not aware that there was much literature from America, or anywhere else, at that time.”
“Ah. That.” Jake shrugged. “Well, compared with now, that time was virtual golden age of literature. Any older period, and we might get someone who’s really interested in the topic, but not in revolution. And there aren’t that many countries that start with ‘A.’”
“There are colonies.”
“True, but have they produced anything worth discussing week after week?”
“I see your point.”
“I do see yours, Odin. I suspect Maxis’ inner circle does not include any serious and learned literary scholars. In fact, I’d be willing to bet that ‘scholar’ is the last thing you’d call any of them. I think the ALG will be safe from any unsavory attention for a while, Odin.”
***
Jake was back in his chair on the bridge when the first meeting of the ALG began early the following Sunday afternoon. He allowed Evvie to sit next to him, but told her to keep silent during the meeting. “You aren’t here to make suggestions,” he said, “just to listen. If the meeting gets bogged down, I’ll get it moving.” Evvie agreed, and Jake instructed Daniel and Clarissa that things were ready on his end.
He heard Daniel stand up. “Thanks for coming,
everyone. I’d like to welcome all of you to the kickoff meeting of the Antioch Liberation Group. I’m glad that you all support our ideals, and I hope this is the start of positive change for all of us, and for everyone else on our planet.”
“Get on with it,” Jake muttered.
“We all know each other, and because of security, we won’t do any introductions. Instead, our format will be a greeting, followed by new business. If we get to a point where we have to take care of old business, we’ll do that next, and then we’ll wrap things up.” There was a pause. “Yes?”
“What about new members?” a woman asked.
“That’d be new business, I think. Jake?”
“Get on with it,” Jake answered slowly, “this is a revolution, not a social club.”
“Oh, right. Well, let’s start with why we need to take these steps. Clarissa?” Daniel sat down, and she stood up.
“Thanks,” she said. “As you are all aware, we are being oppressed and exploited. Furthermore, we have proof that Maxis is denying us our share in the profits of our world’s resources. Finally, as you’d heard through the ‘Edie Freedom’ audiocasts, Maxis has engaged and is engaging in illegal and corrupt practices.”
Evvie tapped Jake’s arm and smiled. He nodded, then put his right forefinger in front of his mouth.
“I think the oppression is cause enough,” Clarissa continued. “This corruption could be a serious problem down the road. People might assume that we support it, when in fact we don’t. So if Maxis was caught and arrested in the future, and our rights were restored, the markets might not want to buy what we mine, or they might want to but at a lower price.”
“We need to take action not only for us,” Daniel said, “but for the future prosperity of our world.”
“How do we go about this?” a man asked.
“We have a plan of action from our new friend, Jake,” Clarissa answered. “He’s agreed to help us oust Maxis, in return for a share of our gross profits. I hope that’s okay with everyone?”
“As long it all works out,” another man said. Quiet laughter filled the room.
“Right. Well, I’ll let Daniel outline the action plan.” She sat down and he stood up again.
“Okay, well, first off, we need to have a work stoppage when we would have had our regular break. We’d like to do this Wednesday morning. I think that gives us enough time to spread the word, but not enough time for it to be interfered with. Yes?”
“What’s the purpose of this work stoppage?” another man asked.
“The stoppage has two goals. First is to show that we have support. So it’s important that everyone spread the word about it. Second, this would be the first act to protest how we’re treated.”
“Weren’t the breaks taken away because of your broadcasts?”
“Actually, they aren’t ours, per se. They originate from a secret site. To answer your question, no. Our workload was increased so that the executives can pay for new equipment and not have to dip into what they’re making. Taking away the breaks was a major part of that increase.”
“How do you know that?”
“We...”
“Have inside information,” Jake said. “The Rosens wouldn’t be carrying this out without knowing the truth of what’s going on.”
“Very kind of you,” Odin told Jake in a low tone.
“That’s right,” Daniel said. “In fact, I think over time we’ll release information to all of you that will help you convince others that what we’re doing is right and just.
“Okay, well, we do this work stoppage on Wednesday morning. We’ll see how we do, but I’d like to do more next week, so make sure you get the word out. Oh, and don’t forget, we don’t want to get shut down. Don’t tell any of the forepersons, guards, and definitely don’t tell the executives.
“Now, once we’re on our feet and can get a good turnout, we should stage a protest march or rally down the road. We might also think about circulating a petition for our rights, for our share of profits, and so on. Over this week, if any of you get any ideas, speak up at next week’s meeting. I think if we all pull together, we can be a force for real positive change.
“Are there any more questions? No? Okay, then. This has been a good first meeting. Let’s pull for a good showing at the work stoppage Wednesday morning. If that’s it, we’re adjourned. We’ll meet again next Sunday to discus things. We’ll let you know where and what time by Friday. Thanks for coming out.”
Jake shut off the audio as the sounds of a meeting ending rose. An instant later he sighed and rolled his eyes. “Did he just say ‘thanks for coming out?’”
“He did,” Odin said.
“Would you call that an unintentional choice of words or a clueless goodbye?”
“I believe I will leave the cynicism to you.”
“Oh, but I have so much. Can’t I share?”
***
The next Sunday the ALG met in a different classroom at a slightly later time. The attendees from the first meeting were all there, and were joined by two new members. Daniel took the part of meeting leader and facilitator.
“We’ll start with old business, namely the work stoppage,” he began. “I think we should give ourselves a hand. About ninety percent of the workers stopped on Wednesday, and we managed to keep the stoppage going for a full ten minutes. Great job!” The sound of clapping filled the room.
“I think we should try for three stoppages this coming week: another Wednesday morning, one Thursday afternoon, and one Friday morning. If we can get strong responses all three days, that’ll go a long way towards our goal. That leads us to new business. First, Clarissa has a report on the possibility of a petition drive.” He sat down and she stood up.
“Thanks. I’ve found a clause in our standard work contract that does grant us the right to appeal unjust actions on the part of foremen to the executive council. I think this is our method of approach on this topic. We need a grievance as the subject of our petition. It has to be something that they are doing to us, but also something that they can’t solve on their own. Any suggestions?”
“How about restoration of the break periods?” one man asked.
“That’s close, but it’s too minor a grievance. We need something major.”
“Profit-sharing?” another asked.
“The executives have control of that, not the forepersons.”
“The child policy?”
“Same.”
“Shift safety?”
“Unfortunately, that’s not a problem right now.”
“I say go with the break periods,” Jake said.
“Why’s that?”
“It might be minor, but it’s an opening. You’ll force the executives to either reject you out of hand or give in to the petition. If they turn you down, that’s a propaganda victory, proof that they don’t care about the ordinary worker. If they grant the petition, you’ve asserted some real power. You can start bombarding them with petitions for major grievances like profit-sharing and such.”
“I have a question,” a woman said. “How do we present this petition? I mean, if one of us shows up with it, won’t the executives know who we are, what we’re up to?”
“Not if it’s an anonymous posting,” Jake answered. “You get the signatures. When you think you can’t get any more, send it to me. I have a way of sending it out to everyone without it being traced back to any one person. The petition becomes an open secret. There are all these names supporting it, but no one signee claims credit for being behind it. Get enough names, and there are simply too many people for the executives to retaliate against.”
“Either they deal with it or they ignore it,” Clarissa said. “They can’t punish us for it. Thanks, Jake. If there’s nothing else, then, I guess I’m done.” She sat down.
Daniel stood up again. “Okay. Clarissa, you draft the petition. We’ll figure out a way to get it around. If there’s no other discussion? Let’s call for a vote. All in favor
of the petition plan, raise your right hand. Opposed, same sign. Great. I think we’ll try to get that going this week.
“Next on the agenda is a protest march. I’d like to form a committee to explore a route, a theme, and to find a time to carry one out.”
“When would this committee meet?” another woman asked.
“We’ll do our business through Jake’s secure system. I’ll let you know the details once you’re in. Any volunteers? Carol? Good. Frank, okay. Chris? Okay, I think that’ll do. I’ll be on it too, if that’s okay. I don’t think we need to vote on this. Anyone disagree? No? Great.
“Well, I think that’s it for new business. Remember, these meetings are being held in secret. Don’t spread the word about them. If someone asks, or if you overhear that someone’s interested, send their name to us. We need to make sure Maxis and his cronies don’t break us up. Okay, well, we’re making progress. We’ll see you next Sunday. We are adjourned.”
***
Over the week that followed the second meeting things moved quickly. The first two work stoppages went off without hitches, each lasting ten minutes. The petition was electronically signed by a fourth of the planet’s workers in four days. As the Friday morning stoppage occurred the petition was anonymously circulated. Maxis and his executives couldn’t help but notice that things were rapidly heading downhill. He brought them together that afternoon to figure out how to deal with the growing situation. Like every previous executive meeting, Jake and Odin were listening to every word.
“There’s no way we can crack down on this petition,” Thorne told them. “There’s just too many workers, and no single source.”
“Well, we can’t accept it,” Maxis replied. “We give in on this, and soon those idiots will be asking us for everything.”
“What should we do about these stoppages?” an executive asked. “They’re defeating the purpose of the break cutback.”
“We can’t force people to work if they don’t want to,” Thorne said.
“Why not?”
“How do we force them to work that doesn’t involve physical harm? It’s not like we have an unemployed population sitting around waiting to take their place.”
“We could bring in unemployed from other worlds.”
“And deal with their unemployment agencies and labor departments?”
“Oh.”
“Face it, we have no leverage. We can’t harm them and risk sending them to the sickbay, and we don’t have any real benefits that we can cut.”