Escaping Castilpierre: Nedrick's Tax Collector Tale

Nedrick nervously wiped his palms against his shirt as he stepped up to the podium. He had never done something like this, running for office as tax collector for Castilpierre Planet. His superiors assured him it was his responsibility as his station to at least stand up and take a chance on the vote. He thought of his family, many whose future depended on the salary he might make as a tax official on this far away planet. Already his family was poverty stricken and the thought of having his siblings finally go to school, it made Nedrick swell with hope despite his nerves. Setting his shoulders back with confidence, his nervous muttered prayers giving him strength, Nedrick cut through the deep baritone hum. Casting his gaze across the faces of the fearful generals and colonists he was elected to work for, Nedrick stammered through his speech. "I promise to fulfill my duties of tax collector to the fullest. I will work hard to discover sources of wealth that otherwise were unknown, bring in funds to aid in the construction of a new healthcare system, new roads, and improvements to existing infrastructure. I won't take more than our city is able to pay and that the government will handle such payments with thoughtfulness and efficiency for us all. I vow to strive for justice for everyone. Although I am relatively lowborn, I'll do my best to take care of my constituents as if they're my own family." Although some of the naysayers did not give a graceful response, Nedrick was pleasantly surprised that majority of the people came to its feet clapping earnestly in approval and encouragement. To his surprise, Nedrick had won the election!

The day that Nedrick received his tax collector's badge of honor was one that brought forth many sides of emotion apart from expectancy. On the one hand he was overcome by fear. Not only did he fear the technicalities of his job and tenuous relationship with his superiors, his fear also sprouted from financial insecurity he felt every day. Would his job provide the necessary surplus to maintain his family's precarious lifestyle? On the other hand, anxiety and guilt were present as his first collection rounds consisted primarily of demanding taxes from people who were not so well off and certainly not in a comfortable financial situation like his superiors. Even though this was practically a matter of necessity, Nedrick worried no matter what he will be able to provide did not equate to the very same hardships being imposed on his less fortunate peers. No matter the inner turmoil, Nedrick bravely preformed his job and collected taxes from his superior surrounded by an increasingly disconnecting feeling of patience and understanding from his peers. People may have accepted his new position as tax collector, but Nedrick sensed a growing resentment towards his mounting task and inability to fulfill other social and domestic needs for the betterment of their lifestyles. He had to maintain a good standing –if only to cover himself from whatever might come from his superior.

Nedrick's journey to collect taxes from all across Castilpierre had paid off and now he was faced with a completely new level of responsibility. The amount of taxes yielded was far beyond what anyone had anticipated and the expectations on him had risen accordingly. Already, Nedrick felt he was reaching his breaking point. The discontent in the valley was not unnoticeable, Nedrick could regularly hear people grouse about their responsibilities and proclaim their inability to fulfill those obligations. On top of that it seemed like vast amounts of money was going to many different areas–how, why, he did not know. All he could do was maintain the task he was responsible for--and prepare for the ultimate reckoning. Now carrying forced and malicious regards from both high and low, Nedrick had fully crossed the lines of worry and worry into scorn. Everywhere he went, people thought of him as the instigator of Castilpierre's crimes and he was met with joyless faces and shut-out conversations. His fellow judges also attempted to intercept his taxis–calling to question his methods despite impending discussions of wages and deposits getting cut, food supplies quickly dwindling, and the sum of money leaving Castilpierre’s border shores. The situation even reached a point, where his superiors inquired to have the count of money directly from farmer’s tableware, instead of just yields–furthering suspecting of dire mismanagement and possible hidden motives. Away from his family, Nedrick felt more heavy weights pressing over him.

His latest rounds did not turn out well for Nedrick, having fallen for a trap of a hungry mob and finding himself deep in debt. Finally, he had heard and understood their grievances. He had witnessed first-hand the unjustness and injustice of carrying forced and malicious regards from both high and low, and he was determined to make a fresh start on this alien planet and make sure that tax collections were carried out correctly and fairly. Experiencing the edge of darkness, Nedrick took matters into his own hands and brokered a deal with his superiors. He revealed the details and maps of the underground sacred grounds and its vast reserves of valuable ores and materials. This resources not only freed his homestead of hunger, it also has promised materials free of over-taxation, made direct to the people in areas of medicinal/hospitals benefit and infrastructural advances. The news of his ingenious discovery spread like bushfire and right when it seemed like their future was safe, the rebel forces broke in to seize the wealth for themselves. To everyone's surprise, Nedrick lead the defense by standing in front of them and announcing his position as a protector of Castilpierre's citizens. The rebels froze in shock to hear Nedrick's voice coming from the man who collected taxes from them, and his passionate yet meticulous responses proved persuasive. After much heated discussion, Nedrick concluded a peaceful federal agreement of tax. It seemed finally Castilpierre Planet was moving in a forward and linear direction. The people, who had been so unfair to Nedrick, rejoiced and jubilated – along with troops and colonist of the lands. Through Nedrick's courage and diligence, his homestead and many others benefited directly from the new surprise windfall, allowing the occupants in Castilpierre Planet to genuinely enjoy the rewards of a new tax-free life. In the wake of his incredible accomplishment, Nedrick no longer felt his fate in the hands of his oppressors– instead, it was solely in his own charge.