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Page 3
Things are much changed. We were attacked on Firstday. It was quite an experience. I can't say it was all that dangerous. There were almost 200 poorly armed attackers, led by our deserters Tigger and Koshmar. Luckily, our scouts spotted the attack well before it was fully developed. We had nearly an hour's warning and were fully prepared. We had about two thirds of our population hiding behind the walls, waiting. The gates were open with what appeared to be the normal two guards. We had most of the rest of the town "going about their regular business." The attackers sneaked to the edge of the cleared area surrounding the town walls, about 50 meters. There was a shout, and they attacked, screaming something about Pirates Rule or ruling or something to that effect. They got about halfway across the open area before we got the gates closed, and sounded our own signal. They lost 50 or so at the first volley of thrown spears. The attack broke before it got to the wall. The only injuries we suffered were suffered at our own hands, and none were serious. I have to admit Tigger and Koshmar may not have been the greatest strategists, but no one can fault their bravery. They led from the front. Unfortunately for us, they looked so much like pincushions that we couldn't figure who deserved the rewards. So, we held a party, and gave the rewards to RangerX and Indreju (the scout who spotted the attackers) by acclamation. Tigger and Koshmar had their heads stuck on the gateposts. The next day a fight broke out in the council. I'm not even sure what started it. I think it had to do with how we were going to reorganize things now that the council was down by two. The question had to do with how the council would be structured, and how the members would be selected. Some of us felt we need a constitution. Others want the council to just make up the rules as they go along, and have the council head to function as though he were a king, a benevolent despot as it were. Things got pretty heated. Someone called Voodoo a bitch. She blew up, and I don't blame her. The upshot was that she and a number of her troops have left us. She will be sorely missed. I am lobbying hard for a constitutional convention. We are growing too fast. Guilds are forming, and factions are developing. I am afraid that chaos is coming if we can't hold things together. I don't know whether we will make it. I will stay. I have to try. Day 12 (Threeday, Fourweek, Onemonth, Year 1) I can hardly believe how much has been happening. The population has continued to grow. We have also made contact with cities whose people who seem to have come from a different birth center. That means there are probably more of them. Whoever set this up most likely planned to space them throughout the temperate zones of this world, (if not the entire livable areas) to better ensure our success. At least that's what I would have done if I were in charge. One problem though. It means that there may well be real warfare before long. I am afraid, very afraid. On other fronts, we have learned a lot about the Bugs. The Grigs for instance. They look to become our world's cattle. They travel in herds, and are relatively docile. They provide plenty of meat. The carapace makes excellent armor. The wings make excellent windows. If not exactly clear, they are translucent, and make neat rainbows against the walls as the light refracts through them. The area beneath the wings is supple and strong enough to make into top quality leather. All in all, a prime find. We have also discovered a basketball-sized Bug we have named Elmers. Depending on what they feed on they excrete a variety of adhesives. These range from a sticky "putty" we can use as a binding/caulking agent to fasten building sections together; to a milky glue that acts very like the white glues I remember from before. More importantly, we can "communicate" with them. It is nothing like the mind-speech we have between one another. Rather, it is more like a form of empathy and impressions. The neat thing is that this communication can be aimed at either small groups of Bugs, or individuals. Our grigboys won't use lassoes so much as mind-herding techniques. The ability to mind-speak to the Bugs also seems to be a learnable skill. The more its practitioners use the skill, the easier and clearer it becomes. Lots to learn here. I suspect all of us will have to develop some ability in the field. One other piece of news: with Voodoo gone, Voggarth tried to make me head of Hope's militia. It was not a job I wanted. I convinced him to give the job to a Section Leader named Darth. He distinguished himself during the battle with the Pirates. I wangled the job of Director of Intelligence instead. I have the feeling this is going to be a tough one. On the other hand, as a naturally nosey kind of guy, this is right up my alley. I do see one potential problem. Turf wars. I do NOT want to be a cop. Nor do I want to run the Scouts. But I need to share information with both groups. I think Darth and I will be able to work together, but only time will tell. As for the constabulary, Ghalidrim and I should do ok.
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