Ch.16b Exploring the Village (Lawrence & William)

[Philulhu]

Friday March 13th, 1931 12.00noon
Main Square, Johnson Bayou, Cameron Parish, Louisiana

Returning to the square, they found the place deserted. Even the general store had a ‘back in 10 minutes’ sign hanging on the door handle.

In the distance, they could hear singing, a call and response that workers would sing to pass the time whilst at their labours.

[Mr. Handy]

"Let's go see who's singing," says William, without any better ideas of what to do.

[Philulhu]

Heading back in the direction of their lodgings, William and Lawrence could see the workers tending the cotton fields behind the houses. One young man who was built like an ox, led the singing in his deep baritone, while his fellow workers - men, women and even children - joined in the refrain. Whilst the civil war had put an end to slavery in the mid-part of the previous century, it seemed that little had change for the African Americans in Cameron Parish.

[Mr. Handy]

"These are exactly the sort of people Nyatanga might try to recruit," William says quietly to Lawrence. "They're even more poor than most people these days, and they're still treated like slaves even though slavery was supposed to have ended over 65 years ago. Not all of them would be swayed by his promises of freedom, and perhaps power and revenge as well, but it only takes one. If that one sees us, he or she may report our presence to him. Probably best not to let them see us at all."

[Bullfrog]

"William, there's lots of things that I am, but 'hard to notice' isn't one of them." Lawrence states, looking around to make sure him and William aren't being watched.
"The snake is a vengeful god, you know that? I remembered this verse in the bible, Genesis forty-nine sixteen and seventeen: Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward. It's everywhere, William, even our own faiths."

Spot Hidden 30%: 1d100

[Mr. Handy]

William nods. "The serpent was there from the very beginning," he says. "It told the first lie, and that's why we're in this mess. Let's just walk down a different path, and then there's no risk of them getting a good look at us."

Spot Hidden roll (64% skill) near the workers:
d%

[Philulhu]

1d100

A noise came from one side of the path as they were speaking. Looking quickly around, they saw a young black boy squatting in the ditch, attending to a call of nature. His eyes saucered in surprise at being watched and he quickly pulled up his breeches, and ran back towards the field, yelling for his papa!

At the sudden commotion, the singing stopped and William and Lawrence found themselves the centre of attention, with more than thirty men, women and children looking their way… …

[Mr. Handy]

"Well, they've seen us," says William. "Might as well go talk to them now."

[Philulhu]

The young man built like an ox straightened up and looked their way. ”Can we help you, sirs?” he asked warily.

[Mr. Handy]

"We were just curious," says William. "We're visitors here, and we heard the music."

[Bullfrog]

"My friend here's writing a book," Lawrence says, trying to direct attention away from himself. "We were looking for that old Indian chief who lives around here, Nashoba. Have you seen him around here?"

[Philulhu]

The young man studied Lawrence for a long moment before his eyes flicked to William. ”Nashoba will be here around one ‘o’ clock. He comes down every day to buy his lunch from the store and chew the ear off of anyone prepared to give him the time o’ day,” he rumbled.

[Mr. Handy]

"Well, that would be me," says William. "We've got some time before he shows up, though. I'm always interested in meeting people. Why don't you tell me about yourself?"

[Philulhu]

The young man looked very wary but obviously felt compelled to answer. ”My name’s Jacob and I work here, for Mister Halpert. My daddy did the same, and his daddy before that,” he said. ”As far as I know, there’s always been Halperts and there’s always been my family working here.”

He looked around, standing up a bit straighter. ”I’m a free man, we all are, at least that’s what they tell us. We earn a wage and we’re free to come and go, but this is the only work there is around here. The oil company ain’t hiring the likes of us.”

[Mr. Handy]

"I sympathize with you, Jacob," says William. "Work is hard to find these days, and employers know it. Some of them think this means they can do whatever they want to their workers, because they have nowhere else to go. Is Mr. Halpert a fair boss?"

[Bullfrog]

"I'm sure he is." Lawrence says, abruptly. No need to risk the poor man's job. "I think we ought to sit down and talk under some shade. This Louisiana weather isn't agreeing with me; God never intended for man to live in a swamp!"

[Philulhu]

”I think I can take five minutes,” replied Jacob. ”I’m a free man, after all.”

He followed Lawrence and William to the shade of a nearby tree, pulling out a large handkerchief and wiped his face and neck. ”So, this book you’re writing, you want to interview me? You planning on using my real name?” he asked.

[Mr. Handy]

"Sure, I'd like to interview you," says William, taking out a notepad and pencil. "I'll use your real name if you like, but if you'd prefer I didn't, that's fine too. we can always make up a name for you."

[Philulhu]

”I’ll think about that one,” replied Jacob. ”So what you wanna ask me?”

Can I have a Persuade roll to see how forthcoming he is?

[Mr. Handy]

"Let's start with Mr. Halpert," says William. "What's he like?"

Persuade roll (65% skill) to get Jacob to talk:
d%