Survival!: The Rich Will Get Richer the Poor and Middle Class Eliminated

By Kevin Miles

The Haverboard Corporation loves creating employment for the Island of St Augustine, but it's real objective is murder.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Mar 31, 2016
• ISBN: 9781483567198

Book preview

13

CHAPTER 1

CRAAASH!

Alocal grocery window had been smashed by a mob of hungry people. It was the twentieth grocery store to be attacked in the area. The mob jumped through the window, immediately starting to shove as much food as they could into plastic bags.

At the head of them outside the shop, an old, unkempt man shouted, Let’s go, let’s go, before the police arrive.

Others who were not so daring were forced to fish in bins looking for scraps of food. Two young kids could be seen outside one bin, fighting over expired croissants. The fight didn’t last long. All it took was one knockout punch from the bigger of the two and it was all over.

The situation was so desperate, large numbers of mobs would pull down a police officer from his horse, ripping into the skin of the latter with their sharpened kitchen knives. Other, more civilized people would eat anything they could find, dogs, cats, and, even in some rare cases, rats.

At first, when the disaster struck, people rushed into the super market filling up their trolleys with as much as they could, leaving in a frenzy, without paying. It wasn’t

only the general public engaging in such activities. Police officers, lawyers, teachers, doctors, as much as people from various professions took part in it, too.

Once the supermarket supplies had been depleted, people would turn to plants, leaves on trees until eventually some turned to cannibalism to nourish themselves. Food was now gold. Food producing animals such as rabbits, hens, and cows were priceless. In previous times, you would be mugged walking down an alleyway for your wallet. Now, it was for your groceries.

Price controls seemed to cause the massive food shortages as sellers refused to sell below market price. Panic and chaos had crippled the island of St. Augustine. The street garbage had not been collected for weeks; the stench in densely populated areas was unbearable.

I don’t get it. What’s going on?

Everything is increasing in price every second, said Daniel as he sat waiting in the school cafeteria with his friends, Sally, Melanie, Peter, and Paul.

I know, it’s crazy, said Melanie. I remember queuing up to pay for my groceries. By the time it reached my turn to pay, the price for a loaf of bread shot up by 1 million Ringleworths.

That’s crazy! exclaimed Sally.

I know, tell me about it!

Things are so bad, I haven’t eaten anything over the weekend, moaned Daniel.

"I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse OR ONE OF YOU!" he said, turning to the girls in a vampire like manner.

AHHHHHHHHH! shrieked the girls. STAY AWAY FROM US!

Cut that out, Daniel. We have to stay calm, keep our heads. said Paul, the leader of the group.

Paul was not only the most calm, cool, composed individual in the group, but he was also the most respected individual in school. Respected by teachers and students alike. On top of that, he was well built. A direct result of the hours on end he liked to spend at the gym.

Peter, on the other hand, was not so well endowed as Paul. He was a tall, skinny, scrawny guy, with long telescopic legs. His clothes would hang off him, rather than stay on him. Pete was the perfect fit for the stereotype of what you call a nerd. Very sharp he was and certainly the brains of the group. Along with his big circular glasses and lack of confidence, Pete was quite clumsy too. He loved sitting hours on end in front of his laptop, surfing the web and designing software.

What about Daniel? He was the total opposite to both Pete and Paul. Round and chubby cheeked, along with a round head, he had an evenly rounded belly. Round enough for you to lose your hand in it if you punched it hard enough. No prizes for guessing what Dan loved doing. Yep, you guessed it. Eat, eat, and, err, well, eat. Working hard was not in his repertoire, which was well reflected in his grades.

Sally was the bossy one. Sharp! A no-nonsense type of girl, with a warm character who cared for the welfare of others. She shared two things with Melanie, a mean hot temper and the love for shopping like most girls. Melanie was blonde, slim and very attractive. Plus, she was the most spoilt one amongst them.

Losing our heads will only make matters worse, said Paul commandingly.

Paul, I don’t think you have any idea how bad things are here.

Rumor has it that some of the female teachers in our school, such as Miss Smith, are prostituting themselves to pay their bills. said Daniel.

That’s actually true, said Melanie.

What! How? What evidence do you have to substantiate such claims? asked Sally challengingly.

Ummm. Well, duhh, I saw her. Said Melanie.

Where? With whom? asked Sally once again but in a more interrogating manner. I don’t believe it! I won’t believe it! she said, turning her face away and folding her arms.

Despite wanting to save her phone battery, Melanie was determined to prove her point. She then switched on her phone and held it in the air for her friends to witness a video of Sally’s favorite English teacher, being involved in what many could NOT believe, including Sally. Their jaws dropped in unison as they saw what they considered to be the unthinkable and impossible. It truly horrified them!

Well, seeing is believing, remarked Melanie. Feeling rather proud of herself that she had caught her English teacher in a shameful act.

Miss Smith? How could she? said Sally in disbelief.

I used to look up to that slut. Frankly, I’m disgusted.

Hey! Don’t talk about Miss Smith like that. She’s desperate ok. And desperate people do desperate things. said Paul.

Paul’s right. Said Peter. Like Miss Smith, I’ve heard that there are many women being forced to do this. Otherwise, the meat seller will not give them any meat and they starve. Or, they simply can’t pay their bills.

Pete, you and Paul are both right. I shouldn’t judge Miss Smith. Wow, it's crazy…clearly this economic crisis has brought out a different side to everyone. Said Sally.

Yeah. Survival mode, sighed Melanie.

Because of the water shortages, I had to have a shower in the rain. Can you believe it? In! The! Rain! She repeated.

Oookay, whilst everyone else worries about surviving, Miss Congeniality here is worried about not bathing, mocked Daniel.

Don’t ridicule me, I haven’t felt this icky in years. Jumped Melanie.

Oh my God, when is the food going to come? I could eat a horse. said Daniel impatiently, tapping his knife and fork on the table.

Couldn’t we just go up and serve ourselves lunch?

No Peter, we must remain seated said Paul. You know since the beginning of the crisis, people in the school have been stealing food.

Wow. I could never see the day when children within a school would steal food to feed their parents. Said Peter.

For many, things had become so bad that it would require people to work 80 hours to just buy one bottle of water. But what I don’t understand is why is the price of everything sky rocketing out of control? asked Sally, puzzled.

It’s the merchants and businesses fault; if they stop raising prices then things wouldn’t be so darn expensive.

Melanie, they’re only reacting to inflation. commented Peter.

And what would you know about inflation, Peter? Asked Sally.

Nothing, except that I’ve studied it. he replied confidently.

That’s right, you’ve studied economics as an extracurricular activity. Why don’t you shed some light on the matter? said Daniel, curiously.

Grinning and pushing his glasses up, Peter said, Well, well, well, the nerd revolution has begun. Yesterday, I was called a nerd, today, a genius, tomorrow….an—

Idiot and a boring loser who doesn’t know how to shut the hell up and get on with it. snapped Sally.

Hurry up! We don’t have all day. said Melanie, growing ever more impatient.

Wait, the food is here, said Daniel, delighted. Ohhh yeahhh. Food, glorious food.

The dinner lady finally arrived with the trolley containing their lunch. The end of her hat was shielding her face, making it difficult to see who she was.

She served Daniel first.

What? An egg and a potato? Is that all we’re getting? he moaned.

The dinner lady didn’t say anything. She quietly kept on serving the rest of Daniel’s friends.

Excuse me, miss? Didn’t you hear my friend? How are we supposed to survive on one potato and an egg? Barked Peter.

She still didn’t answer.

What is she, a mute? remarked Daniel.

Let me try again, said Peter.

He stood up.

Excuse me, dooo yooou speeeeaka aaany Engliiiish?

Paul’s eyes widened in surprise. Wait a second, you’re Mrs. Doyle. You retired whilst we were in our junior years.

Sighing, she lifted her hat up a little to expose her face to them all.

Oh, my God! I’m so sorry, Mrs. Doyle. We didn’t know it was you. said Peter and Daniel, remorseful over the manner in which they spoke to a nice lady like Mrs. Doyle.

Mrs. Doyle was a soft-hearted, hardworking, honest lady. Whenever the kids wanted a little more portions of food, she’d give it with a warm smile. Unlike the other dinner ladies, she never spoke rudely to the children.

But wait, weren’t you retired? asked Paul, confused.

Pain, sorrow, and despair appeared on her face. Yes, my darling. I was retired but since the crisis, I can’t afford to buy food, pay the water bills, and other basic necessities, she said, as tears began to roll down her cheeks.

But didn’t your pension go up by a couple of thousand Ringleworths?

It did, darling. But what’s a couple of thousand when a loaf of bread costs millions? Despite the increased pension, it’s not enough to pay for bread so I needed to generate income and the only way I could think of was coming back here. she said, now beginning to sob.

I’m really sorry, but I’m not allowed to give you any more than the portion I’ve served you. New school food serving guidelines.

She wiped her tears. I’m sorry, children, I’m ruining your breakfast, aren’t I?

She turned slowly around to serve the remaining tables.

Poor Mrs. Doyle. We have to do something, said Paul.

Yeah, survive and don’t end up like her, said Melanie.

No, said Paul, annoyed. We need to do something to help her.

Like what? We can barely feed ourselves. How are we supposed to help her?

THIEF! bellowed one of the students.

One of the children pretended to tie up his shoes then reached into one of the food containers at the front. Hoping no one would notice him, he placed an egg into his pocket. Realizing he had been seen, he decided to make a run for it, heading straight for the cafeteria exit doors. He was quick. The smile on his face grew wider as he edged ever closer toward the doors of freedom.

Just as he reached and pushed open the doors, a force from behind started holding him back. One quick burst of energy yanked him back, sending him to hurtle and skid along the floor. The egg he took and placed into his shirt breast pocket went sliding along the floor before it splattered against a wall next to one of the tables. The boy got up, slowly brushing himself. He saw a tall, dark figure, dressed in black from head to toe, walking fast, like an asteroid, toward him.

TSH!

Ow, my cheeks. he cried.

That should teach you a lesson to not steal from the school, said Miss Hardbroom.

But my mommy and daddy need food, they haven’t eaten for days. They’re starving.

We are not here to feed them, nor you.

Me?

"That’s right. You too. As you are now expelled PERMANENTLY!" she said, hovering over him.

You just slapped him, said one of the students. That’s not allowed.

Ooooh, what you going to do, Ralph? Report me? In case you have not noticed, there’s no law, only carnage out there. Just chaos. The strong will survive. As for the weak, such as this egg thief here, they will be eliminated.

Miss Hardbroom stood on a chair to make an announcement.

Right. From tomorrow, to prevent more thieves from stealing, any student who comes to school wearing clothes with pockets will have two choices. Either they eat in only their underwear or they don’t eat at all.

That goes double for you high schoolers, she said, pointing in the direction of Paul and his friends.

Is that clear everyone?

Silence descended for a moment into the cafeteria.

I said, IS THAT CLEAR?! she bellowed like a whirlwind.

Her voice shot out, reaching every corner of the cafeteria.

Yes, Miss Hardbroom. replied every soul fearfully.

Ah, man, this economic crisis is worse than the hurricane that hit us a few years ago, expressed Peter.

How so? asked Paul.

Well, with the hurricane, at least we knew it wouldn’t last for long. Also, we knew that all we had to do was take cover. However, in this situation, no one knows what to do. And there doesn’t seem like an end to the problems.

Someone is benefitting from our suffering, I just know it. commented Paul.

They all headed into the hallway area leaving the cafeteria.

Before heading out the cafeteria, Miss Hardbroom called to Sally.

Sally, take him to Mr. Chapman’s office. Someone will then take him home, explaining to his parents his expulsion. Mr Chapman was the school principal.

I’m not a thief, said Eric as they walked the hallway. I just wanted to feed my parents, he said in a sweet, innocent voice.

I know you did, Eric. If I was you, I’d do the same thing for my parents too.

Really, Sally? he asked, surprised.

Absolutely, Eric. You were only trying to help the people you love. said Sally, comforting him by rubbing his short, curly brown hair.

Having reached the doorway that lead to Mr. Chapman’s office, a strange thing from a distance could be seen seeping under the principal’s door.

What is it? asked Melanie, nudging Peter.

I don’t know, I’m the one with the glasses.

Exactly. So you should be able to see better than everyone else here, said Sally.

Shh, quiet, you two. whispered Paul.

Paul moved slowly but surely to investigate what it was.

Having reached the door, he whispered, Escort Eric to his class, Sally.

Why? What is it? And, uhh, how? He’s just been expelled remember?

Just do it, Sally, whispered Paul, becoming agitated.

Sally knew something serious was up. She knew Paul did not want Eric to see anything, so without asking any further questions, she took him to his Math class, which was on the second floor.

Paul opened the door to Mr Chapman’s office. The old door creaked open ever so slowly. Paul, closely followed by Melanie, Peter, and Daniel, walked in. The office was dark. Paul turned the lights on.

I don’t like this one bit, whimpered Peter. We shouldn’t even be in here.

Paul turned Mr Chapman’s chair around. Their hearts pounded against their chests. As Paul swiveled the chair around slowly, the chair made a creaking sound. They sighed in relief.

So where did that blood seeping out the door come from? wondered Peter as he closed the door from behind.

Beats me, said Melanie. And frankly, I don’t want to know. She turned back to open the door.

ARRRGGGGHHHHH! she shrieked.

They all turned around. Parked on the floor, behind the door was the person they were looking for.

Crouching in front of him, Peter said, "So who’s weak now?

Huh? What? I can’t hear yooou!" He placed his right hand next to his ear.

What’s the matter with you? Have some respect for the dead. growled Paul.

You don’t think it’s a suicide, do you, Paul?

No, I do not. I’m not convinced at all, Sally. he said, examining the corpse closely.

It’s gotta be suicide. I mean, I heard he had a $400,000 pension. But now, its value has been reduced to nothing. All those years and hours he spent sweating, saving for the future. All his hard work evaporating into thin air as if he hadn’t worked at all. I’d say that’s a good reason to kill yourself. Knowing you have no other way of supporting yourself during retirement.

Why is he behind the door, Peter? Unless, someone put him there. Secondly, the gun is in his left hand. He never used his left hand for anything. said Paul, suspiciously.

The police were not contacted as they would not attend because of budget cuts. Instead, they informed Miss Hardbroom of Mr Chapman’s demise. She arranged for his body to be removed by students. A short, simple funeral was arranged for the deceased principal.

CHAPTER 2

Having agreed to have an economics lesson taught by Peter, Paul and his friends walked into the one of the empty classrooms on the first floor. They sat down waiting for Peter. After the funeral, Peter disappeared for a while. They were all desperate to understand what the problem with the economy was. They loved their country and could not bear to see so many people suffering. It was clear to them that before you can solve a problem, you must understand it. So they turned to the person with the most knowledge on the matter in the school.

Despite there being no formal classes on economics, Peter was the only person in the school who could educate them. He loved reading books on the subject and listening to various lectures online. Even though he was far from an expert, he was better than nothing because none of the others nor teachers had any knowledge on the subject.

The economic situation had not improved at all. Before the economic crisis, one Ringleworth would equal twelve U.S. dollars. After the crisis hit, a U.S. dollar equaled 1 billion Ringleworths.

Violent protests spread like a bushfire across the country. As things continued to worsen, people would camp outside government buildings and even try to enter them by climbing and breaching security, only to be shot down by the army, which had now been deployed to deal with violent protests.

Groceries would close their shops to customers, knowing that by selling their produce and accepting the national currency, they would in fact be losing money.

Trying to see the funny side to the collapse of the economy, a common past-time activity amongst children would be to stack up bank notes making castles out of them. One child witnessed a retired couple in their home, lighting themselves to their horrific deaths.

One very important change was taking place. More xenophobic chants could be heard and read across the streets in the form of graffiti, or in the form of protests of people, who felt the ones behind their struggles and suffering were foreigners and immigrants. The anger and rage of the masses had boiled over as the price of bread climbed to an insurmountable 12 billion Ringleworths.

So, why did the price of things continue to sky rocket? No one knew. All they knew was more money was required to buy necessities, which meant longer hours at work.

Prior to the crisis, the average person would work thirty-five hours a week that went up to fifty, before catapulting to seventy hours a week.

Cash was now becoming ash. People used it to heat their homes as they could not afford to pay their heating bills. Wind up radios replaced modern telecommunications, because of their practical use. All energy suppliers on the Island were almost non-existent. Cars on the roads stopped circulating. Bicycles became the cheapest and most popular way to get around the Island.

Some people simply stopped trusting the currency and barter became a way of life for most. However, the problem was there was no way of setting prices. At what price would the price for a pack of chewing gum be set in? Two lumps of coal? A barrel of oil? Barter was slow time consuming and inefficient.

Time, people did not have to waste. Time was divided in two; time spent earning, and time spent spending. Any other activity was seen as time spent losing money and getting behind and not getting ahead of inflation. For these reasons, many merchants and sellers would only accept payment in foreign currencies. A man and wife both working would receive their wages several times during the day. Their children would come and collect those wages to quickly spend it on food, water, clothing, and other necessities before the value went down.

One day, Prime Minister Lance Steele came on the radio to address the nation. But not to assure the people with promises that