by DRK
While Nina considered searching the trash (maybe somebody found the square comm-unit, and, not knowing its purpose, tossed it away), Xavier, in his telecommunications room off to the side of his inside office, delivered another routine report to Earth.
Onscreen Earth Agent Doris had a few minor questions about fuel ore production. After that, "Thank you, Gov. Bright. Do you have anything more you wish to add?"
He replied, "Thus ends my official report. However, I do have another matter to deal with as long as we have open channels."
In the outer office, Osmo stood awaiting the governor's summons. The governor's secretary, Mrs. Kline, continued on her work, not being distracted by visitors. Sheila stood by Osmo's side. They reviewed the photos on his digi-cam. "Here's one of Al and Jane trying to beat my bowling average... I don't have that many pictures of him. I don't see much of him these days. He is always trying to heal all the hurts of the world or something."
Sheila smiled. "Well, if that's his hobby, I think he will never run out of projects to work on. In that regard, he is like my uncle. Uncle Xavier, too, wants to make this a better world."
Inside the tele-comm room- the nearby Security Administration building housed the main communications center, which did its best to keep connections open between Earth and Hope- , Gov. Bright inquired whether Mr. Martin was available. In a moment, Gunther Martin's face appeared onscreen. "I am glad you wished to see me, Gov. Bright, for, you see, I, too, also wanted to see you."
"Oh?"
"Indeed. As you know, Martinology has been a big developer of and player on the World of Hope in the planet's early stages. I continue to watch over it, and to help the steering Committee guide its direction."
Gov. Bright nodded. "It is as you say- I am of course well acquainted with that fact, Mr. Martin. But what is it that you wish to tell me?"
"There have long been rumors which claim you are a tyrant. Some of these rumors have reached Earth-"
The other man interrupted him. "Mr. Martin, what works on Earth to run things doesn't necessarily mean it will work here. My methods may sometimes come across as harsh, but it is for the overall good of everybody else. We cannot continue to function and to work for the good of everybody, if we allow a few trouble-makers to distract us from our goal, or if we let them do whatever they want, and then coddle them and tell them it is okay. No, in order to be a law-abiding society, we need law-abiding citizens. When we see a crime, we must deal with it."
"Let me finish," Gunther Martin insisted. "At this time it is not your methods which concern me. I understand, for example, that you post your face everywhere on Hope, as a way to motivate the people there, and things like that. If it works, great. But the thing that makes me concerned is the incredibly huge and convenient coincidence in the matter of George McCleer. Mr. McCleer's record showed him to be a good and impartial man. That is why he had been selected to assess the way things are on the World of Hope. And then, with some of his reports nearing completion, a day before his conclusions were due, he had that terrible accident. And now he is gone. I simply am unable to accept all that as mere coincidence! What kind of report did he plan to make, do you know? Would it have been a good report, or a bad one?"
"How would I know, Mr. Martin? Whether it would have been good or bad, I don't care.” Gov. Bright spoke curtly. “I cannot see what reason he would have to file a bad report, but that isn't the issue here. This is the way it is: Earth sent me here to do a job. And I am doing it in the best way possible. But if he thought I did the job less adequately than someone else, and advises my removal, so be it. He is- was Earth's representative. I respect that. I know the proper chain of command. I also know you are not an official member of the Committee, but often speak on behalf of your friend Leader Bigges, so I respect your unofficial status. I imagine he has asked you to speak to me about this, because he mistakenly believes your more diplomatic nature will make it less insulting to me.” At this point, his tone became more angry. “Now, tell me, are you insinuating that I caused the cave-in, because why else would you call it a coincidence? If that is what you think, do not hide your meaning! Say it out loud and to my face, and do not worry about tact or insulting me!" The governor's cheeks turned a bright red as he worked himself into a bona fide anger over the matter.
.
Gunther eyed Xavier, trying to determine if Xavier experienced genuine wrath or not. Gunther couldn't decide. "Gov. Bright, surely you can see the odds against Mr. McCleer's accident occurring just when it did really are astronomical. I assure you, I mention this because it needs to be discussed; my goal is not to insult you, but to arrive at the truth."
Feigning disgust, the governor snapped, "It may not be your goal, but it may as well be- It is the same effect. Now, how hard it is to imagine a cave-in at the mines? Those odds are far from astronomical, my friend. And, get this, it is the Earth Leader's own fault, if anyone's! I've been asking for more equipment, better safety aides, and a whole host of other things besides that. Yet you people there keep your fist closed tightly, forcing us to beg for every crumb we get! The Leaders want to save money and keep us on Hope as their serfs, and now observe what it has gotten them- the death of poor Mr. McCleer!"
Gunther considered all that Xavier said. He made no comment.
Xavier's disposition began to soften a bit. "Look, Mr. Martin, if you don't trust me, okay. I can deal with that. In a position of leadership, I know one must develop a thick skin. But do you at least trust your own son's judgment about me?"
"What does Osmo have to do with any of this?"
Xavier answered,. "He is the reason I asked to address you, Mr. Martin. I wanted you to hear what I regard as good news."
Gunther wondered what the good news could possibly be. "I'm listening."
"I think it's best if Osmo tells you himself, Mr. Martin."
Xavier buzzed Mrs. Kline from his desk in the tele-comm room. "Send in Osmo Martin, please."
Gov. Bright opened the door to the tele-comm room while Osmo entered the governor's inner office. The governor invited in the youth into the smaller comm-room to speak with his father. And Gov. Bright kept a cheerful face, giving no hint to Osmo of his previous display of temper.
Gunther Martin's face seemed to become happier, just seeing Osmo on the screen. "What is it, son?"
Osmo started with, "Remember how you hated my lack of direction, my irresponsible behaviour, all my partying and pranking-"
Uh oh, now what did you do? Gunther wondered silently. But out loud, he only said, with trepidation, "Um, yes..."
"Well, I've turned over a new leaf," Osmo announced. "I came here for a vacation because I had finished with my schooling, and now- Now I have finished my childhood. I have taken a job, Dad! Can you believe that? A job- me! This vacation has certainly changed me!"
Gunther brightened. "Oh, really? That's... good.” Then, his face showed some reservation. “Doing what, though?"
"I am joining Gov. Bright's security force," Osmo said proudly.
"What?!- I don't want to discourage you, but what do you know about security, Osmo?"
Xavier interjected, "Mr. Martin, my top security man, Sec. Ldr. Clyden, will be training your son personally. Osmo and my niece Sheila have become friends, so we see him often here at the Governor's House, and he has impressed me quite a bit with his character."
Gunther titled his head, expecting somebody to jump out any minute and yell "April Fool!" When no one did, he had to verify for himself what he had heard. "Osmo's character impressed you?"
"Yes, Mr. Martin."
Osmo explained, "Since I have spent time with Sheila, it's like she's motivated me to do things differently, to be different. You know, like you always tried to influence me to be better, but I guess I wasn't ready yet, Dad."
"Hmm, this is good to hear, son." Gunther's tone carried approval in it.
"Not only that," Osmo continued, "but Sheila and I visited Mom's memorial together. I had no plans to go see it before, because, well, you k
now how I always hated to think about that time. It's a wonderful tribute, and I have some photos here for you to view-" He showed his digi-cam. "I hope you can see them with this poor reception. I will send them to you, with Gov. Bright's permission, of course."
Gunther saw them well enough. He nodded his head. "They look very nice. Osmo, you were always pretty much anti-authority. Are you sure you can handle working for Gov. Bright, taking orders and everything?" Again, some doubts resurfaced in his voice.
His son answered, "I think it will be a good learning experience for me, Dad. Gov. Bright isn't the only one impressed with character. The governor has impressed me, as well, with his own character. I hope to learn from him, since my position will keep me in close proximity to him, and maybe I can learn to be a good leader one day, too, like he is- or like you, Dad."
Gunther wished he were there in person so he could shake Xavier's hand. "I marvel at how you've inspired my boy, Gov. Bright. Amazing. I commend you on a job well done."
"Thank you, Mr. Martin." Xavier accepted the compliment graciously.
"Listen," Gunther added, "I hope you understand- What we discussed earlier, I meant no disrespect. We here on Earth merely supposed it should be mentioned, that is all. "
"Understood, Mr. Martin," said Xavier forgivingly.
Gunther also said, "I intend to see exactly what is the problem with the supplies from Earth. I will push for the Leaders to be more generous, if your assessments of the needed supplies are accurate. I shall personally look into the situation, and see what I can do about it."
"Thank you, Mr. Martin. I already have my requests filed with Earth, but, if you like, I can send copies to your personal address."
"Please do. And thanks for being a good role model for my son Osmo."
“My pleasure.”
Different Paths