It turned out that Bernard had little to worry about, at least at the fire was concerned. A light drizzle, which had been on and off for much of the day, resumed not more than fifteen minutes later, and it opened up into the strong seasonal rains that were no stranger to the people who lived in this part of Juldania. The river on the other side acted as a natural firebreak as well, and the ground was wet enough that there wasn't much that the raging fire could do to spread quickly.

Before long, the fire was well-contained, without anyone having to do anything, and just enough damage had been done to the area surrounding the distillery to make it clear how bad it could have been. The citizens of Lenoran, however, were more than a little shook up, both from the close call and from the sudden lack of easy alcohol.

A town meeting was called, and Bernard addressed them, speaking of his recently-found fondness for the whiskey produced at the distillery - in fact, he told the crowd, he had just bought some the previous night, and it saddened him to think that it was the last bottle he'd probably be able to get.

However, Bernard cautioned, this was the kind of danger that illegal operations took upon themselves, and that his heart went out primarily to the families of those who had lost their lives or livelihood due to incompetent management and poor safety practices.

Something had to be done, Bernard told the eager townsfolk; while the presence (or lack) of a distillery might not be among the town's biggest issues, Lenoran had the opportunity to present to the whole country that they could be the best, and have the best - that this was one area that Bernard personally felt was key to doing just that.

If they want to, Bernard said, he was willing to have the town open and operate a small-batch distillery, and do it right. They could also provide jobs to many of the men displaced in the accident the night before. However, it would mean people would have to contribute a little more - certainly less than they were paying to buy it right now, but it would come in the form of taxes instead.

For this higher contribution, Bernard promised, each household would get a regular allotment from the product made, so that they never had to worry about supply or poor prices. And to ensure that their money was being spent well (and that the service was being utilized), they would have to limit the selling of other alcohol products in the town.

Of course most people didn't listen too hard after getting the concept of "free alcohol" - and the crowd was shouting their enthusiastic approval of the idea instantly. Bernard nodded like a humble public servant, and said they'd start the necessary work immediately. After they dispersed, Bernard asked Peter to start seeding the idea that the more that everyone contributed, the more they all got out of it.

Bernard knew that spreading this idea was a necessary step to becoming more isolationist, and having greater control over everyone, even beginning to slowly start dismantling private ownership; but it had to be a concept that people warmed up to, or they would surely rebel. The other point that Peter needed to get spreading, Bernard mentioned, was how much better life was - getting everyone to contribute as much as they had worked great as long as nobody wanted to leave later (in which case they'd need to have their own resources to fund that), so Peter needed to get the propaganda mill going full speed.

Things went exceedingly well for the next several months. The distillery went up without a hitch, more people came to run it, and the prospect of government-sponsored allotments of things such as alcohol was driving up interest across the very loosely-federated region. Lenoran continued to grow, and health and happiness were increasing.

It had gone virtually unnoticed - or at least it was never commented upon - that Bernard now controlled virtually every aspect of the Lenoran people's lives. Their food production, house construction, government, metalworking, water supply, alcohol, and various public services were all firmly in the grasp of a single man.

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Even better, they loved him for it, and in their minds, Bernard could do no wrong. As Lenoran grew, it became harder and harder to disseminate information and ensure consistent messaging, so Peter suggested that they search for a printing press and start a newspaper.

Another change was that Peter had been brought on to the town staff with a full-time salary (in addition to the money Bernard was giving him directly), handing much of the communications to and from the people. As such, it was well within his purview to request the newspaper officially, as part of the town budget. Of course, it was easily approved, and the regular news that went out to everyone did even more to reinforce the messages that Bernard wanted them to hear.

Before the end of the year, Bernard had realized that he would need to start delegating more, and organizing a more official government structure - between the increased population and the breadth of services being offered, there was really no other option. Ministries were established for several key functions, and Bernard personally appointed citizens to run the growing city's daily affairs. The biggest gap he had found was that he needed more highly-skilled people like physicians, especially to ensure that Lenoran wouldn't be susceptible to a plague or even a simple virus gone awry.

Messaging started to go out about the need to take care of the old and infirm, as well as getting testimonials from immigrants and long-term citizens about how much their lives had improved, about how happy they were to be a part of Lenoran and how privileged they felt to give what they had to contribute to its success and growth. When the time was right, Bernard quietly asked for a grass-roots campaign to be started to request better medical care provided by the government. When the city's populace raised "their idea" to his office as a public demand, Bernard once again addressed the people.

"My brothers and sisters of Lenoran, I hear your pleas, and I agree with you. The fact is, we shouldn't ever have to hunger, to thirst, or to fear. The care of those who have given all, or who need assistance, should never be something that keeps us awake at night; it is our duty to help the sick, and to reward the elderly for the work they have done."

He continued, "Is it not true that the closer we have worked together, the more we have achieved? So must it be in this matter as well. Too many times, private enterprise - the rich, and the powerful - has left us to our own. Who has supported us? Who would ensure that we have all that we need? Only Lenoran will watch out for Lenoran, in this and in all other matters."

Bernard's voice raised as he became even more animated. "There is no power except the power we give ourselves! We people rule, without allowing those with more to lord over those with less. In fact, we have done much to reject the notion of having less at all. But it isn't enough!"

He paused for a moment, lowered his voice, and took a tone of derision as he said "Of course...of course, those who have always want to protect themselves more than anything. That is why we must stop this poison in its tracts. As we continue to grow, and to thrive, my friends, we will become a great target for those who wish to take what is ours. I tell you, it is only the complete transfer of all control to the workers, to the men and women of Lenoran, that will allow for us to make the right decisions without a mind for any one man's personal gain. Let us own nothing ourselves, and be thereby ensured that we, our brothers, and our sisters, always have all that we need provided."

Bernard took a step back and looked conflicted, pretending to make a difficult decision. "Distributing land, medicine, grains, and services - these are not tasks to be given to a ruler, or a governor, or a faceless bureaucrat who cares nothing about those who are served. As you give all to Lenoran, Lenoran will give all to you. Seeing your service, your commitment, how can I do less? I have decided, friends, that I will step down if it pleases the people; we will allow for any model, even a rotating leadership of citizens. I will gladly offer my experience and advice as it pleases our fair citizens, so that we use our collective resources to the best possible gain."

The crowd went wild, and it was exactly as Bernard and Peter had planned. Of course the people demanded that Bernard continue to lead them, that he be the first amongst equals. Bernard returned to the podium, bowing at the honor, and he promised to work hard to give them their brightest tomorrow, and to see that their faith in him was rewarded.