Essential as Air and Water by Matthew Bushen
Chapter 19
They approached the site entrance and Lanegan was greeted by an army commander who briefed him on the living conditions, supplies and the problems they had encountered. He explained what to expect from the crowd, commenting that generally people were good-natured but with the inevitable concern for loved ones, property and belongings. Many of the people who had been evacuated had been in the New Forest for days and were not aware of how the towns and cities that they came from had declined.
Lanegan’s family had been notified of their imminent arrival. They knew from experience, however, that they would have to wait their turn for his attention.
As he returned to the group Lanegan exhaled loudly, pushing the clean forest air from his lungs. He had never managed or witnessed a situation similar to the one they were involved in now. He hoped his naturally calm demeanour would be maintained as the pressure grew and inevitably people would begin to ask for help and answers.
“I’m walking in without security,” he said.
“Not recommended, Tom. You’re still the Prime Minister and many people may hold you indirectly responsible. People always look to blame someone,” said Ken.
“I know, but the second I walk in there looking Prime ministerial and full of self-importance, I have lost my chance to talk as an equal and will appear to be giving orders. They have to know we are serious, and you must remember, we have had a while to get our brains around what is happening - they haven’t. The only way that we will get them on side is if we can demonstrate to them we are serious and willing to get our hands dirty and not hide behind men and women in dark glasses. Hasn’t it been better since we left London? As soon as we decided to leave I couldn’t wait to get out of there and try to do something positive. We would have achieved nothing by sitting and giving orders. Let’s not ruin it by closing ourselves off from them. We deserve the chance to see and taste change as well. I would like to feel normal, just for a short time.”
“Normal is something you will never know, Tom, but it’s your decision,” said Ken. “Just be prepared.”
As they walked in, Lanegan immediately felt the tension within the forest. He also noticed that the military personnel and government officials present were showing concern without giving an explanation.
Lanegan leaned over to the army commander.
“Is the reason for my presence causing so much unease because of the reports I received about activities happening within the camps?” he asked.
“I would imagine so, Prime Minister. The instructions we received only referred to stopping violent or disruptive behaviour and basically keeping the peace. The activities you speak of have all been peaceful and so we have left them. Are you changing that command?”
“No, Commander. Keep as you are, you are doing a great job under the circumstances and you should all be proud of what you have achieved. You have saved many lives.”
Lanegan began to walk through the outskirts of the crowd. Initially the people were subdued and didn’t make much noise in the hope that they would receive some news. After a short time, questions from the crowd started to be called out that made holding a conversation almost impossible. Lanegan tried to comfort those closest to him, telling them that they were doing all that they could to stop the troubles. His prediction was right, as questions about the state of London and the riots were repeatedly asked. He became concerned as many people attempted to inform him of the illegal actions that were occurring within the forest. He saw in their faces that they were genuinely scared of what they had seen or heard about. He wanted to stop and try to reassure them but knew it was not the time or place. The sheer number of people overwhelmed him and meant he could not satisfactorily answer individual questions, so he decided to stop and turn back. The army commander spoke to the crowd through a megaphone, telling them that the Prime Minister would make a speech later when the PA system was installed.
Trying to be a face in the crowd was simply not possible. As much as Lanegan tried, he simply could not please everyone and move freely. It didn’t take long before the crowd began to become agitated. Pushing and shouting ensued. As they were ushered onto a military truck, Lanegan looked back and thought of the difficulties he now faced. Would what he was proposing be accepted? Or would it simply cause a separate conflict to the one they already faced? Doubt was constant in his mind, but he felt he had no choice.
“You were right, Ken. Let’s make our way to HQ,” Lanegan shouted.
Ken gave the order for the military to escort them to waiting vehicles and they left.
“Is my family at HQ?” Lanegan asked the commander.
“They are Prime Minister. We’ll get you there ASAP,” he replied.
The group were driven to Cadnam, one of many places that had welcomed people within the New Forest National Park. Lanegan’s family had been housed in an office that was formerly an old pub called The Sir John Barleycorn. To look at from the outside the building had the appearance that it had not changed for centuries, even the name was still present. Inside however, just as all of London’s old buildings, it had the standard government décor of bland colours and functional furniture. The sound that greeted them was of the generator that rumbled loudly and constantly. This was necessary for security and because it was a base for government and military officials to meet. Security was thin for the Prime Minister’s family, and so far unnecessary. The fact was they were welcomed just as any other refugee would have been and revelled in socialising in unfamiliar surroundings with new friends.
Everyone stood and looked up at the pub. Even with the distractions of the generator and government and military personnel busily moving around, it was still a beautiful looking building in a tranquil setting.
Lanegan walked through the front door and asked where his wife and children were. He was directed to their room and entered, finding them all asleep. Standing over them, he experienced a feeling of relief and happiness. He felt truly happy for the first time in weeks.
As Lanegan watched, Ella awoke.
“Hey,” he said. “Don’t wake them. I’ll see them in the morning.”
“How are you doing?” she asked.
“I’m fine. It’s good to see you. How are you all?”
“We’re fine. We’ve been well looked after. What took you so long to get here?”
“We had some obstacles as well as enlightenments along the way. We made some friends, which multiplied into lots of friends. We lost Toby.”
“Toby? What happened to him?”
“He turned and we crashed the bus. We had to leave him there and now he’s disappeared. A search helicopter will leave tomorrow morning.”
“Oh my, poor Toby. It’s always harder when it’s someone you know. He will be fine, I’m sure.”
“I hope so.”
“Tell me about London.”
“London - is on its knees; as is every other major city and town in the country. You wouldn’t recognise it. We can only hope that what we are trying to do here has some positive effect.”
“How do we start?”
“You already have. Come with me, I’ve got some friends who you need to meet.”
They walked outside to hear loud voices and laughter. Ella in turn hugged Ken, Jacob and to his surprise, Morrison.
“Hello, Mrs Lanegan,” said Morrison.
“Call me Ella,” she replied.
Morrison looked at Lanegan to gain approval. He shrugged his shoulders and smiled.
“Whatever she says,” he said.
“Ella it is,” said Morrison.
“Well, how do you like the forest?” asked Lanegan.
Lanegan could tell that they were all happy to be out of the city but reluctant to admit it. He felt guilt himself because they had left and left people behind. He quickly changed the subject.
“I would like to introduce my family to those of you who haven’t had the pleasure. This is my wife Ella.”
“Hi, everyone,” said E
“You know Morrison, Ken and Jacob. This is Isabelle and Stephanie. You can all stay here with us tonight.”
This last comment caused smiles of relief.
For the next hour the conversation focussed on the positive aspects of their temporary new home. Thoughts of turning were pushed to one side and for a short time the atmosphere was relaxed. After a couple of hours it was agreed that they were all tired and needed rest. For Lanegan however, the night was just beginning. He still had to write a speech for the next day and to make contact with Bukewitz to formalise a plan for re-entering the cities. Ken of course would not allow a tired man to work alone and so stayed by his side. The rest slept by the fire, which was fine by them.