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“Working force?”

“Why, yes,” Raleigh said smoothly. “The Senator pointed out to the President that it is time for the people of America to return to their values.

Hard work has always been a part of that. Together we must build a new America. This fort is near cattle ranches and farms. Using the military as guards, we will help the people start building a new world. ”

“We can begin supplying Central with fresh meat and vegetables in a matter of months,” the Senator said with a wink.

Bruce Kiel was making notes on the proposal. “And what is this estimated birth rate gibberish?”

The Senator’s fake warm smile was frozen on her face as she shuffled her papers. “We must begin to breed if we expect to survive. ”

“Isn’t it the American way to have babies when you want them?” Bruce Kiel looked up, his expression quite dour.

The Senator laughed a little and Raleigh leaned past her to speak. “We are in a new world, Mr. Kiel. If we intend to survive the undead uprising, then we must have a future generation ready and willing to assist us. ”

Kevin flipped through the proposal as fast as he could, scanning it. He found the estimated birth rate data as well as the breakdown of ages among the surviving women in the mall. Women over forty-five were to be part of the regular workforce, since they were not considered optimal breeding age. Women thirty-five to forty-four would be given a six month window to become pregnant, or they, too, would be sent out into the fields. Women, married or single, were expected to produce one child per year. Scanning further he was horrified to see what looked like a formula that estimated an acceptable loss of life to productivity ratio.

“You’re talking about these people as if they are cattle,” Bruce said in a low voice.

Again, the Senator laughed, flashing her beautiful smile. “Bruce, please.

I’m being realistic. We all must be realistic. The days of freedom of choice are over. The people must look to us to guide them or we are doomed. ”

“How do we intend to convince the people living in the fort to turn it over to us?” Kevin looked up from the data. He felt sick to his stomach.

“They are Americans. They will do what their President asks them,” the Senator answered. “Besides, there is no clear indication of resistance from them. They are calling us every hour asking for the return of their people and have not uttered one threat. ”

“That is true,” Raleigh agreed. “They may initially resist, but when they see our overwhelming firepower, they will concede. ”

The Major General cleared his throat and shook his head. “We may have more resistance than you anticipate. Bill from the fort said-”

“Bill from the fort is one man. We must speak with the leaders. The leaders will see that it is in their best interests to turn over the fort,” the Senator said smoothly.

Kevin sighed and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “When are you going to start negotiations with them to turn over control of the fort?”

“We’re going to let them wait just a bit longer,” the Senator answered.

“They need to see we are the ones in power. ”

“You do realize that evacuating this mall will be dangerous and the loss of life may be high,” Kevin said.

“I saw the evacuation plan. The charges go off, the barricade comes down and as the zombies flee the fire as many vehicles as possible break their ranks,” Raleigh responded.

“Also in that evacuation plan it is stated that those in the last vehicles are at risk of being overwhelmed by the undead hordes as the fires die out and the zombies close ranks again,” Kevin said.

“They have that in here,” Bruce said softly. “The elderly and sick fill the last vehicles. ”

“The expendable population,” the Senator explained. “We have to protect the healthy and the young. ”

Kevin nodded, then said, “I see. ”

“This fort is more of a godsend than we originally realized. Instead of maintaining the mall and the fort, we can merely take over the fort,” the Senator said with a grin. “It will be a civilized environment that we can nurture and grow into something the President will be proud of. ”

Kevin nodded again. “Very well. When do I leave to negotiate?”

The Senator leaned across the table toward him. “I knew you would understand. Contact them in the morning. Make arrangements to see them tomorrow afternoon. ”

“Excellent, excellent,” the Major General said.