Order Only: The Barter Network

[alt_molly]

Oh, this is dreadful.

I received a visit from two of my neighbours, with the barter network. And what they had to tell me was a shock.

They've decided to 'spare me the burden,' given Arthur's death, and they're removing me as the trade administrator for the barter network.

Oh, Alice. This means that Sanctuary is cut off from the network! And Sherwood, too.

I was exceedingly careful, I kept two sets of books, so no one will ever know we were looped in. They're just going to be puzzled because the number of trades per month is going to drop precipitously.

I tried to protest, to say that I didn't mind, that it would help me to have something familiar to do. But they pointed out that I've been doing it for four years, and it was time to rotate the responsibility so others could learn the ropes and they hinted I might not have time, because I will probably have to find a job, and--oh, I know that Luella Hargrove is jealous because I've built it up so well and made it so successful.

What are we going to do?

Comments

Private message to Alice Longbottom

[alt_molly]

Alice...I'm afraid it means that, what with the storm destroying so much of the harvest, and now this...

Oh, dear!

You may have some genuinely hungry times ahead.

Re: Private message to Alice Longbottom

[alt_alice]

That's a blow to Sherwood, no mistake. But between the goods we got from the train and the extra supplies from the solstice run, we ought to be just fine at Moddey until the next planting season. We'll be careful, and won't be able to extend our usual degree of generosity to Sherwood... and we will cut into our reserves more than I'd like, but Arabella and Victor have assured me that we'll have enough to get by. No one's going to go hungry here.

It helps that we aren't having to keep the ten from the camps fed anymore, now that they've taken off for France.

Oh, Molly. That must have stung.

[alt_poppy]

From what you say, I expect they'll be back and begging you to resume your duties before very long when numbers drop and it looks as if your successor has let the whole business slip.

I'm sorry, though, that you had to suffer that. How very unpleasant.

[alt_sirius]

Too right, Poppy.

(How is everything on your end? Let me know when Frank and Alice need to leave; I'll come over.)

[alt_sirius]

We'll manage, somehow.

Would it help to tell them that you'll offer this Luella woman a list of the people and places you usually can count on for help, and include Laszlo's in the mix?