The American Experiment (Riot Quest)

For the Future Unborn

(Henry George POV)

You sat in your writing room and sighed. "You're certain that it will happen?"

Arthur Randolph looked at the Older man with a hint of quiet apprehension but knew damn well what he meant. "I'm no doctor, but I know people, especially old people who have suffered them before. You'll die if you push yourself in this game."

"I'm not dead yet." You said. "And I have an obligation to see this through."

It was always something of a curse and a blessing for you that the LLRP existed, on one hand, they were some of the most motivated bunch to bear the Georgist ideology, realistic enough to know when to compromise, and polite and well-mannered enough to keep it civil. Well besides the simple fact they chose the West instead of New York... But you never once faltered in their choices or actions. It bore fruit well enough. Even if at the time, it seemed poisoned.

You were proud of them, in a strange way, that you couldn't quite understand.

On the other hand, they seemed to spend less time organizing for the future and building the tracks as they came.

"Your first Stroke was in 1890 sir, seven years ago, and the fact you survived it was a miracle in a half." He said. "Providence won't let you survive something like that twice."

You scoffed, you knew he meant well, but he didn't know. "So you're saying not only will my doctor's not let me run, but God as well?" You scoffed at that gesture but instead shook your head. "Art I know the risks, and I can't give up."

"Sir, you are one of the few men in this world I respect, and that is not something I say lightly... to die or your stubborn pride in Political action, merely shows you that you are not the man I believed in, that Jack believed in when he first showed me your writings." He said.

"What if I don't, the SLP will sweep the electoral, and we'll be denied the chance to bring the works of the LVT on the City, the Poverty and squalor will be enhanced as the people living here will turn to more radical and provocative personalities making conflict inevitable." You said. "I'm not blind to the hell that awaits us, the fact is no one is bothering to make things better."

"I believe this will alleviate the fear of fraud; Secret Ballots, wonderful idea, possible solution...bring it up in the State Congress in Michigan." You continued.

It was more rambling now. God, what was wrong with you now?

Spillover from the south, spreading to other parts of America? The African American's deserved better, but…not like this?

You saw the chaos from the Civil War, saw the dead, the dead, even if you never fought personally in it. You wouldn't wish that hell on anyone. You didn't want to see war. Not again, not in this lifetime.

"This Chaos will consume us all." Art said calmly.

"So you want me to drop out, leave tens of thousands disappointed, so I may live and continue my work in other capacities?" Disappointment filled your voice. "We are so close." He said.

"Life is not worth temporary political power." He said as he looked away. "It's worth living."

"I could have done a lot with it, maybe stem the tide to come?" You said, giving a small grim chuckle.

"Or in the worst-case scenario, you would have died, and everything would have gone to hell before your body becomes cold." Art grimly chuckled as well.

"Oh everyone's a critique these days…some are more critical than others it seems." You said, leaning back in your chair, and then looking towards your bookshelf, the countless tooms granting you wisdom, strength, and knowledge. Even now.

You sighed. "What will my life continue to bring upon the world that I haven't already given?"

"Well you're Fifty-Eight, and despite your first stroke are in fair health, if you focus on it and writing and maybe a few more hobbies besides it, maybe you'll live long enough to find more suitable rebuttals to inspire us all." He said.

You smiled. "Well, I would like to meet my grandchildren personally. But that's an old man's hope."

"You've done enough for us, sir, rest and enjoy the life you were given. Before it's too late, you've suffered enough in your life to focus solely on service and duty." Art said.

Have you? You recalled the Near poverty and the struggle following your second child's birth, you were considering robbing a man? And the Kindness that stranger showed kindness and gave you five dollars which held off the worse of it all.

"Where would I be without the Kindness of one man?" You said.

Art shrugged. "That is for the lesser philosophers to know sir."

You closed your eyes, thinking about the life you've lived.

All the struggle, the pain, poverty, and Love and all you've experienced.

God.

Give me more time.

"I've done enough chasing for one life…the torch has been passed, though I may make adjustments to fit more of reality, I hope you don't mind." He said.

"We will always appreciate your wisdom, Mr. George. Now and Forever." Art said.

"Come I must, write my withdrawal speech, and prepare for a great deal of disappointment." You said getting up out of your armchair.

"No one will blame you for prioritizing your health and family after everything you've done. No one will hate you for being a mortal man." Art said.

I only hope that life might find a way to keep things well.

"You ever considered running for president?" You laughed.

"Nah. Not in my life." He replied as he helped you to the table, and the door.

Maybe this would help you.

Maybe that was the kindness that you would need to see again.

AN: A little artistic flair, and respect to one of history's most underrated economic theorists.

@Physici I ask for a Minor Historical Change.

Henry George Drops out of the 1897 Mayoral Race in New York City in order to focus on his Health and Political Philosophy, hopefully preventing his fatal second stroke.

Thank you Edit/Feedback Crew or giving me encouragement to make this.

While I write the update, you may vote for which organization you would like to see grow. You can vote for up to two organizations. This is also a good time to form a new organization, if you wish (max 15 orgs).

[] All-Continental Union Association

[] The Land and Labor Reform Party

[] The Revolutionary Federation of American Anarchists

[] The Forty Acres Movement

[] The Society of Friends of All Faiths

[] American People's Futurist Alliance

[] The Friends of the Huddled Masses

[] The Orange Disciples

[] The New American Patriots

[] The Society for Universal Suffrage

[] Uranus Gathering for People of Queer Orientation and Allies

[] The Minutemen

[] Southern People's Alliance

[] Appalachian Brotherhood