Abacus Brief Ch 10: basking under anarcho-monarchy

"A Bill is not a king." Grandfather corrects me, "All the Bills, from all the cities and villages, are the king."

I challenge that. "It's not an anarchy then, it has a ruling body?"

"A voluntary body, paid for time spent, by contributions from voluntary tribe members. Mediators do not work for free. In this city alone there are hundreds of tribes of affiliation one may join, none under compulsion. Start a new tribe if you wish." He pauses thoughtfully. "In fact you may already have. Both of you have many followers, some of whom will pay for your leadership. It would be wise to stay in the larger tribe also, easing your work load."

"So a tribe is a financial entity. I should have guessed that; if royalty is not hereditary neither is tribal affiliation."

"Tribes also function as a judiciary system. In legal matters the parties each pick a Bill from their tribe as an arbitrator. Together these two Bills pick a mutually respected third Bill as a tie breaker in the arbitration. The Bills investigate everything any one of them feels is important, then declare a decision."

"So tribal justice is dependent on recompensed arbitration. Your Bill selection must reflect your society."

"Tribes do not have to be formal. A leader not generally recognized for wisdom will not have their decisions easily accepted by others. As a Bill, leaders have a measure of assured credibility."

"An unknown Bill from another tribe is always acceptable?"

"Without regulation to fool us into complacency; we are very cautious about our selections. Bills approve Bills, and can always question qualifications. We follow those we trust who are willing to lead." Grandfather bows toward Shawny, "I myself follow Shawny, out of respect for her wisdom. She has also committed herself wholeheartedly to a project." He turns toward me, "Her project is now a valuable tribal elder. with projects of his own." He sees my grin and finishes; "Elder is an honor not limited to the aged."

"But I cannot be recognized as a Bill." Shawny states, almost a question.

"Some of those that follow you refer to you as a Billie, or in deference to your parent's naming, a Billy. It is already being discussed making Billy an alternative official title, at least as far as the white paper goes. Individuals will continue to do and say what they want. Recognition by the greater tribe is already determined. Like a female thespian is an actor, you are a Bill. Congratulations."

Shawny looks at me, "I'm too busy right now to get involved in arbitration, or other administrative obligations."

"I agree." I look back into the depths of her shining eyes. "I'm a hacker, that's plenty for me. With you hacking beside me, I have no need to pursue any other ambitions. At least for now."

"At least for now?"

"My plans are flexible, except my determination we will meet the future together. The two of us, with God's help, can accomplish anything." We put our arms around each other and turn back toward Grandfather. He laughs. "Amen. You may kiss the bride."

I do, not saying the words, kissing my bride -- is this six times we've had our marriage blessed? "With Pleasure."

Shawny looks at me. "You're thinking mischievous thoughts again. Your eyes are shouting at me."

"Grandfather, being married to royalty has me thinking highfalutin thoughts. I think I may get myself unofficially appointed ambassador from Elldee to the tribe, officially as Elldee's ambassador to the island. The two appointments will of course be co-joined once we win back our natural rights." I pause, "As an afterthought . . . There's room for an embassy on the hotel grounds."

Grandfather is enjoying this, "Like you, I've been buying properties in the area. Perhaps we need to engage in some plottage and join small parcels back together, gentrify the area. With hotel and restaurant as hub, it would make an excellent embassy row." His smile grows, "For some reason violent crime has dropped within six blocks of the restaurant, and the area of comparative peace is expanding."

"We almost had an incident yesterday. Mobsters parked a few blocks from the site, and a dozen walked in, pushing tourists out of their way. They left another four behind to guard their spheres. Scans from our way-posts showed they had ancient chemical powered projectile weapons, bludgeons, and sugar cubes of explosives. They sustained light injuries as our technologies disarmed them. When they tried to float away, the tops of their spheres slid off, seems someone had been careless with lasers."

Shawny looks a bit concerned. "They will probably get local politicians involved, and the police. Expect bureaucrats, bribe chasers, and inspectors. Harassment we won't want to counter with force against implied brute force."

Grandfather chortles, "I imagine you are prepared for them."

"As well as we can. We have dossiers on everyone we are likely to face, from building inspectors up to the president and ex-president. We can counter blackmail and extortion with blackmail and extortion. More importantly we have a safety department in the building across the street. These are the folks that will accompany the officials to their responsibilities and then quickly off property for lunch. Most island corporations do the same, using retired inspectors as their safety team (I nudge Shawny with a demonstrative: wink, wink, nod, nod). Former fire chiefs accompany fire department inspectors, never seeing or ignoring dangerous areas. Regulators and bureaucrats cooperate, knowing they will also have cushy jobs when they retire."

"You hired these corrupt ex-officials?"

Shawny shows her I'm-happy-with-the-world dimples, "Better than that, at twice their former pay, we've hired officials that were fired or forced to quit because they were honest, competent, or wouldn't condone excessive force. Our hires are all three. They know the local rules, how the game is played, and they won't cheat or bribe. Lovely people. We of course aren't hiding shoddy work or unsafe conditions, but tribal technology."

Grandfather shakes his head in acknowledgement, "I'm glad you two are on our side."

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