Year One

The council calls a public meeting at the American Legion hall, and Arlys and Lloyd test the idea of stowing weapons in the vestibule. Lana arrives with baskets of fresh bread for everyone from the new community kitchen. By eight o’clock, the hall buzzes. Most leave their weapons, but Kurt Rove keeps his gun and sits with the Mercer brothers, ready for trouble.

Jonah opens by praising the power crew and then focuses on community tasks like laundry rotations, candles, gardens, livestock, and Lana’s kitchen. Lana announces bread for every household and plans for a smokehouse. Rove mocks her efforts, refusing to take anything from a witch, but Lana steadies the room with humor. Rachel reports that the clinic’s new ambulance, powered equipment, and staff are in place, but she stresses that pharmaceuticals will run out. When she mentions hiring a healer, one of the Mercers objects. A person with diabetes thanks her and the scavenging team, strengthening the crowd’s trust.

Lloyd shares his story of arriving alone and then contrasts it with New Hope’s growth to over 300 people. He states that the patterns of harassment and theft must be countered by laws. He asks if the town will ignore these issues, and the hall gives a resounding no.