The Third Way

American Southwest is suffering from years of drought. Using good conservation practices, the people of Verdant Valley have been able to feed themselves and their people. And each year, they have fulfilled their contract for protection with the motorcycle gang known as the Demon Spawn. But this year the gang want more, much more. Giving them what they want will lead to starvation for Verdant Valley and the entire Babapupa Reserve. And it seems improbably that farmers can survive a firefight with bandits brandishing guns. Can a small group of market women and artisans find a way to save their people from both the slow death of starvation and the bloodbath of resistance?