Chapter 4: Hustle & Bustle

Followers 1

Entry posted by mb1.0.2 · July 4, 2014

709 Views

Chapter 4: Hustle & Bustle

The tall ship pulled up to the dock and began unloading its cargo. Stone, wagons, oil, and various other supplies from the South were hauled up the road and into town.

"Now do be careful with this crate!" One of the hands on the ship called out. "It's some of the finest tea from the South. Bring it straight to the general store."

"Yes, sir." The men working the docks replied.

Ships from both North and South arrived at the port daily. Liam Fisher had played his cards well. The dock at the mouth of the river was an ideal trading spot. The town had begun exporting grain, produce, and lumber in exchange for other goods. Sometimes, ships arrived with "gifts" for Fisher, but that had tapered off in recent months. The settlement was a legitimate opportunity for both North and South to further economic progress, and neither was about to pass it up.

*********************

With all the legitimate trading going on, and with the new dock now up and running, it only made sense to establish more permanent roads. The main road is Dock Street, adequately named as it leads directly to the docks. It's the only road with a true name at this point. People have begun using the phrase "Farm to Docks Road" to describe the road that connects the farms with the dock.

Much of the original settlement has been untouched, ordered by Liam Fisher.

"If I wanted the hustle and bustle of the city, I would have stayed there." He barked at a settler one afternoon when the two were chatting about improvements. "My gravel road is just fine."

Father Marshall was less than pleased about the developments, as his church had been neglected since the earlier days of the settlement.

"This land is filled with heathens, brutes, and thugs!" he preached one Sunday morning to the small group of faithful. "You must spread the good word! Spread His news!" His words fell mostly on deaf ears, as the settlement had no time for converting sinners; there was work to be done. Even though the community had come a long way, life was still difficult.

*********************

Farther inland, past Dock Street, the outskirts of the town have seen some small ranches develop. Small shacks dot the perimeter of the settlement. Eventually the roads will find them, but not today. The Great Northern Longhorns that Liam was able to get from Ambassador Vandersnatch have permanent residence on this ranch.

"Those Longhorns are to be treated like KINGS!" Liam told the rancher. "They are some of our most prized possessions."

"Of course, Mr. Fisher. I'm takin' real good care of 'em." The man said.

"You better be," he replied.

*********************

People are beginning to forge their own paths as the woods continue to be cleared. There's so much going on and things are changing so quickly that there's very little that is solidly set in stone. The only thing that's a certain is this little town is growing rapidly.

*********************

"Ah, this is the life. Clean fresh air, water lapping at our back door...it can't get much better," a man said who lived near the coast. As the settlement expanded, some people took up residence outside of the major developing area, choosing rather to settle close to the river.

*********************

The woods are slowly loosening their grip on the point. As the settlers continue to arrive, more and more land is needed. Farms are exploding, the town is growing, and life continues to improve. There's talk of a large group of people from the South making their way to the settlement. A huge population boost is most likely in the immediate future. At times, Liam FIsher wonders if the town is growing TOO quickly. Only time will tell...

*********************

"We best be gettin' back to town, Tom." the man on horseback said.

"Let's hope these horses know the way 'cause I can't tell which way is up after all that 'shine," the other replied with a hiccup.

The old man in the cabin laughed as the two young men rode away.

P.S. I realize that the street lights are woefully inaccurate for a period-specific CJ. I have since learned how to remove them and so, after this update, there will be no more lights...now, about all those cars.

-------------

REPLIES

-------------

Excellent visuals and story.

Thanks a lot.

#LIAMFORVER lol i enjoyed this update btw take a look at my cj i also have a lot of political stuff going on

http://community.sim...f-taoyuan-loin/ it's politics baby its all politics lol ! can't wait for the next one

I did look, unfortunately at that time, Photobucket had removed the pictures from the first update, so it was difficult to really enjoy as you intended. I'll have to give it another look soon! Thanks for reading and following along.