Noting "will learn" not "could learn," Cala looked up from the report he was reading and studied the government agent before him. Cala saw red hair and well conditioned muscles that provided evidence of the discipline of a body builder. That fit the positive mental attitude and argued Mike has credibility.
"It's decision time, Mike," Cala said. "The Mars assignment launches you into a political career like your father's." From his desk drawer, he produced a hologram of agents at a campaign fundraising lunch on Mars, with Mike's father as a speaker. "Your father was a fine man, but if you want to earn respect as an insider, one who knows what's really going on in the Commonwealth..." Cala tossed a gold agency troubleshooter pin at Mike, and a passport, with IC Sentinel authority.
Mike put on the pin, pocketed the passport and sat down, smiling.
"In your first assignment, you will have to prove you can function in a place you haven't studied: Island Colony," the supervisor said. "Your goal is to help introduce democratic elections. Things are not as simple as they might seem, Mike. The junta ended a bloody civil war ten years ago by staging a coup. The current President is retired from the military and running as the junta candidate. Local civilian politicians like wealthy Kumar Pradesh, opposition candidate, prefer to block the democratic elections than lose some power to the voters and obey the Commonwealth government's business regulations."
Mike took out his palm top computer and entered a list of questions he needed answers to about Kumar's usual behavior in power plays, his ambition, and his motivation. Later he would contact the Commonwealth's remote orbiting satellite to retrieve the information.
"You are dealing with people who respect Kumar's Greek wife, Medea, as one who can forecast the future," Cala continued. "You are authorized to offer Medea a government research job to remove her from the scene. Prolonged absence from the Island's magnetic fields weakens her powers. No point in replacing a military junta with a high priestess."
"What about this?" said Mike, waving the two page file once more. "Your previous agent on Island Colony apparently found nothing of interest."
Cala frowned. "Incomplete intelligence files endanger agents' lives," he said. "I'll send out a warning e-mail urging agents to return files and keep information current. Also, I shall request additional intelligence about Medea, and a copy of a legitimate ad currently seeking forecasters for a research project."
"So another possibility..." Mike hesitated. How could the previous agent have put together that two page file, and not even mention the part that Medea's played in her husband's plan to become and remain president or dictator, unless he was incompetent or dishonest. "I don't want the job of internal investigation of incompetent or dishonest agents. No matter what I report, who is going to believe a new agent on his first assignment? When I was a teacher, I learned that it is much better to prevent mistakes; not watch people struggle then fail them out."
"You have a temporary four week assignment," Cala said, ignoring Mike's last question. "You have a limited amount of time to teach democracy and change political behavior. Any problem that comes up, you must handle it." The supervisor looked down at the report he was reading.
Mike caught the next shuttle to Island Colony and presented his credentials at Government House. Mike was surprised when a uniformed aide ushered him directly into the office of the president of Island Colony.
The president stood up from behind his desk and extended his hand when Mike was shown into his office. "I am glad that you are here. I don't have much time, but I wanted to meet you as soon as possible." The president was tall, with the erect posture and alert expression of a former military man.
Mike said, "It is very considerate of you to see me on such short notice, Mr. President."
"I just wanted to tell you that Island Colony will hold the required democratic elections and become a member of the Interplanetary Commonwealth," the president said. "My government will give you full cooperation."
"Thank you, Mr. President," Mike said. "That will make my task a lot easier."
"I am sorry that our meeting must be so brief," said the president. "Unfortunately, I have urgent matters before me. If you need anything, simply speak to my aide."
"Thank you again, Mr. President."
Mike was quickly ushered from the president's office and shown to a much smaller but comfortable office in another wing of Government House.
"You may use this office as your base of operations," said the aide. "There is a telephone, video, and secretarial services if required. Is there anything you need?"
"How about a data drop?" asked Mike. "I need a link to the Commonwealth satellite for my computer."
"Done," said the aide.
"I need Kumar Pradesh's phone number."
"Done," said the aide. "His office is in the Corral Complex. You can call him from the phone on the desk."
"Thank you," said Mike. But he decided to make the call from his hotel.
After checking into a hotel, Mike inquired at the desk about the Corral Complex and learned that it consisted of: offices, residential area, a Health Club, Health Center restaurant and a lab with Wheel of Fortune computers. Mike called the office of Kumar Pradesh for an appointment.
"This is Mike Campbell, speaking. I am a negotiator for The Interplanetary Commonwealth. I urgently need to speak to Mr. Pradesh."
"The earliest available is about five weeks from now," said the secretary.
"I won't be on this planet that long," said Mike. "I have to see him tomorrow at the latest."
"I am sorry, he is too busy," said the secretary.
Mike hesitated a second, then had an inspiration. "Would it be possible to meet with Mr. Pradesh during his morning exercise routine at the health club?"
"One moment please."
After a long pause, the secretary came back on the line. "Kumar Pradesh will see you in the morning at his health club in the Corral Complex."
In the gym, Mike used the weight lifting equipment until his face was red like his hair, while waiting for Kumar's attention. He watched as the bald East Indian stockbroker accepted checks from investors and supporters. This wannabe president did not seem to be an improvement over the current president and his military cronies. While Mike waited to speak to Kumar, he spoke briefly to various persons in the crowd that surrounded the candidate, seeking information about the Island and about their attitudes toward joining the Commonwealth.
"Only Kumar can save us from civil war," said a woman wearing a long black dress and a black shawl. "Medea has foretold it."
"The Commonwealth will tax our trade and strangle our exports," said a gray haired man in a business suit, wearing an expensive watch and a black armband. "Kumar says it is so and I believe him. Can you guarantee that business will not be worse off under the Commonwealth?"
Mike shrugged. "I believe the Island will be better off under the Commonwealth. Individual groups, I don't know."
"You're honest. Stay honest," the woman said.
Eventually Mike managed to introduce himself to Kumar and then asked him directly, "Why do your political parties delay democratic elections? Do you anticipate the people will rise up and demand you be made president without an election?"
Kumar replied just as directly. "Perhaps. My supporters fear another military coup, voter fraud and violence, all forecast by Medea. I do not trust the current president. He promised me an important position in his administration, then gave it to someone else after he came to power."
"So you really believe that your wife can foretell the future?"said Mike.
"The word is forecast, not foretell," said Kumar. "It is a combination of psychic power and acquired skills that the women of Medea's family have handed down for many generations. My wife's neice, Dee has inherited the ability to forecast the future. Dee worked with her aunt, for a time, but she will not make sacrifices."
"Animal sacrifices?" said Mike, startled.
"We do not practice blood sacrifice in our culture," Kumar replied with an air of disdain. "I meant sacrifices of her time and energy to studying. You didn't do your homework."
Did too, thought Mike, but he felt embarrassment for his mistake. Mike asked Kumar to arrange a meeting with the dissidents to identify their concerns related to the election.
Kumar shrugged. "I'll arrange a meeting for you here with some of the President's opponents tonight."
"Also my supervisor urged me to meet with your wife Medea Pradesh and offer her an important government research position on Earth," Mike added.
"Medea Lantos legally," said Kumar. "She uses her Greek name to show respect for her heritage. My wife is taking a break from forecasting the future. She exhausted herself with hypnosis and medication to stretch her abilities to serve the Island. The Commonwealth agent here before you, also promised a big government job, after her participation in a major research project on computerized forecasting. Six months of heavy lab testing and analysis. Then he didn't deliver the job. He destroyed all records of the deal but he told you where to go to boost your salary."
"I didn't know that," Mike admitted.
"We know how the magnetic field of the Island strengthens Medea's powers," Kumar said, giving Mike a hostile stare. "Your motivation for taking her away from here is obvious."
This was a disaster! The previous agent has destroyed all trust in the promises of myself and other agents, Mike thought. He wondered what else he was ignorant about as Kumar excused himself and returned to his office.
For the next few days, Mike worked in and out of his office in government house and doing legwork in the Corral complex which appeared to be the base for all of the opposition political activity. He established a pattern of twice a day work outs at the health club so that his frequent visits would not arouse concern.
Searching the Commonwealth government files via satellite for information about Medea Lantos, Kumar Pradesh, and the Island, turned up very little. It was obvious that the records had been tampered with. The location of the last agent who evaluated the planetary situation was unknown. Mike suspected treachery, but it was not his job to pass judgment on another agent's competence or honesty. Mike would report the facts and any conclusions supported by the evidence. He checked out private reports and contacts the previous agent had provided, but nothing useful turned up.
Mike talked to local women who admired Medea and were close to her. Every morning Medea's Meditation for Women groups came together for a half hour session. One group met at the health club. Mike could not attend the meeting, but he saw the women leaving the afterward in their familiar black dresses, each wearing a golden brooch depicting the Sun with its rays leading to a flying chariot.
Participants had no interest in Mike the negotiator but Mike wrote policy articles for Commonwealth Today magazine. Showing his press card, as introduction, Mike was able to obtain more cooperation about what went on inside from the participants. They wanted positive PR in the prestigious magazine. Medea had given a ten minute TV presentation. Then the group leaders took over. The participants were eager to inform Mike about Medea's gift and the potential riots she forecasted during a partisan election procedure.
Time to talk to the niece.
The office of Dee Lantos was a cubicle off the gym with windows. Mike walked through the door as the petite brunette in green sweats was hearing a complaint from a young mother. "The day care workers won't diaper or feed my baby."
"They will page you in class, if your baby needs help," Dee replied. "Two hours max and you may not leave the building." Satisfied, the mother returned to class.
"May I help you?" said Dee turning her lovely dark eyes toward Mike.
"Medea Lantos has been recommended as someone who would be interested in joining the Commonwealth's new forecasting department." Mike produced a computer printout ad which stated: WANTED: Certified programmer/prophets to manage a lab of Wheel of Fortune computers. Will train selected candidates for certification.
"I'm Dee Lantos and I'm interested in the job," she said. "But you want my aunt Medea. She's on vacation."
Mike realized that Dee's interest in the job was a lucky break for him. "Take the certification course and you're qualified to explore the Commonwealth as a forecaster." Prospects of getting the aunt out of the picture were not good, but Commonwealth scientists might learn about forecasting from working with Dee.
"I'm not ready for the certification test," Dee said. "Uncle Kumar said that I need more experience, before I can replace my aunt."
"Get ready and take the course, starting next week," Mike suggested. "Remember Satchel Paige, Dee. 'Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you.'"
Dee said, "Uncle Kumar told me that Commonwealth Ops overworked my aunt on their lab research project, then they reneged on a promise of a government job so she sabotaged the WoF system. She was arrested, but my uncle sued the police and WoF and won. However, no Island company will hire me as a forecaster, after what Medea did."
"So leave the Island," said Mike. "Don't blame relatives. Fear + No certification + No application = No job as a forecaster." However, the treatment of her aunt cooled Mike's enthusiasm for involving Dee with ruthless people who would try to exploit her after he moved on. Internal Affairs must know the situation if Kumar sued and won. "Are you comfortable being the only person in the universe who knows the truth about your aunt's past? I have no jurisdiction here, unless the killing starts." He paused to give her time to consider that.
Dee did not flinch. "I have nothing to worry about. I'm not political."
A young, athletic woman entered the office abruptly. Mike recognized her as a participant in the gym's beginner self-defense course, who demonstrated military or police experience while he observed the class. He was certain that she was an undercover officer of some kind. The woman ignored Mike and addressed Dee. "Your uncle says 'Dee's gift of prophecy is as great as that of her aunt Medea.' I challenge you to prove this. Help me to access the WoF computer for help in making an important investment decision."
"The WoF government franchise and the union insist that a certified programmer/prophet must be present when the lab is open," Dee said. "Uncle Kumar will open the lab in two hours. You enter the problem, your goal, and five possible actions to achieve it. The program calculates the probability of an action achieving your selected goal."
"Is this the secret of Kumar's great wealth?" said Mike. "He used Medea's gift of prophecy to become rich by speculation in the stock markets?"
"That was only the beginning," Dee explained. "Kumar was lucky being a member of the team that launched WoF. His role was more financial backing than computer expertise. Of course Medea's input to the system of forecasting through probability was priceless. She's some kind of genius who helped create the program to take a probability number and interpret what that result means in terms of self, family, society. I have studied the manual and tried my aunt's methods, but Kumar Pradesh knows better than to drag me into his business. Telling a stranger that I know how to use the WoF 2005 to pick successful stocks is inaccurate."
"So you refuse?" said the young woman.
"Why are you questioning Ms. Lantos?" Mike demanded, and showed his identification. She could be a government agent or terrorist, but she appeared to believe in forecasting. He wondered if her employer was the President, seeking to locate Medea to discuss a deal.
The woman continued. "Dee was reported for forecasting without a license. Her aunt is active in radical political groups." She flashed a badge, and a card with the name: Officer Renata.
"Talk to my uncle," said Dee. "I know nothing about where my aunt is living."
"These allegations against Ms. Lantos are false," said Mike. "But I too would like to speak to Medea. Perhaps we can help each other." He looked at Dee and said, "Will you help us?"
"Why?" said Dee. "I do not wish to risk my life."
"Even to prevent a civil war?" said Mike.
Dee looked Mike in the face, her eyes locked onto his. Could it be that her alleged psyhic powers were real? he wondered. "I will help you," she said.
Mike located Kumar in his large, imposing office, in the same building."The Island police are also seeking your wife," he said.
Kumar looked sad and he rambled as he spoke. "Last night I revisited the past by WoF computer simulation. I studied the Lunar dialect to speak to a stunning woman refugee. Later on the Island, I regretted that ability to understand my lonely wife, who missed her friends and culture and felt her skills as a prophet were losing power. She developed a stress ulcer. I was nearly thrown off the Island for her revolutionary activity. Every day she looked for a nail to hang a yell on."
"What does that mean?" said Mike. "'A nail to hang a yell on?'"
Kumar shrugged. "An old Gypsy expression. It is used to label a woman looking for an excuse for a loud argument."
Mike thought about the old stories of Gypsy fortune tellers and wondered if there might be a link between the Gypsies and Medea's ability to forecast the future. He put away this line of thought, saying to himself: Don't let him sidetrack you.
"Where is your wife?" Mike demanded, but his mind was racing down paths of speculation. Forecasters using WoF could delve into past activities, Kumar had just revealed to him. It made sense. The same methods that could predict the future could be used to reconstruct the past. But it could be a terrible invasion of privacy. And does it influence the future? If you can identify successful actions in past behavior, can you apply them to the future as the society is changing and demanding different approaches?
"Medea is with the President's enemies," said Kumar. "She sacrificed for her gift and wants respect." Kumar looked at his watch. "It is time to open the computer lab. You may come with me, if you like."
A few minutes later, Kumar, Mike, and Dee approached the computer lab. Officer Renata had staked out the lab and was waiting when they arrived. "The lab is open to the public," Kumar explained to Mike. "In theory, anyone can use the Wheel Of Fortune computer to predict the future or to make investment decisions. In fact, only someone with special gifts like Medea or Dee can correctly interpret the information the system provides. Nevertheless, the lab provides considerable revenue to our operation."
After he set up the computer programs, he waved to Dee. She had left her assistant in charge of the gym, so she could come to the lab and she now took over the keyboard, placing the neural interface ring on her head.
"What is your question?" Dee said to Mike, as she stood in front of the computer.
He said. "I have requested a meeting with a representative of the dissidents. Kumar has offered to arrange a meeting with a reformed terrorist. Will this be successful?"
Mike was startled when Dee developed a fast pulse rate and breathing rate. On the screen appeared the hazy outline of a coffin with a hairless man. "It needs the WoF computer to communicate," she muttered mysteriously. She looked as if she was having an asthma attack, but she just sat down and continued working with the computer.
Mike wondered what was happening. Several possibilities occurred at once:(1) Medea is in mental contact with Dee. (2) the island's magnetic field increases sensitivity to messages from the future. (3) Medea uses computer animation to make it appear as if Dee has the gift. The hazy figure on the screen might be Kumar. Was Dee forecasting her uncle's death?
Renata abruptly turned to Kumar. "Your wife was associated with terrorist groups," she said. "She is suspected of being implicated in the assassination of a general a year ago."
Kumar had not been watching the screen, and while he spoke to Renata, Dee turned her back and erased the screen.
"I don't use computer prophecy to spy on the past of my family," said Kumar. "Apparently, my wife Medea has different attitudes towards how to get rid of the bad guys. But to seek democracy through assassination? Unlikely. Look at the results of the civil war. The social system didn't become more democratic. I don't know specifics about Medea's political activities."
Dee was blocking the computer's signal, Mike observed. He wondered what she was trying to conceal. Some telling information about Kumar or about Medea? Or perhaps she was trying to conceal her own ability.
"Take my card," Mike said to Dee. "If you would like to talk about a career with IC Space Corps, let me know. It's never easy, but it's never boring."
"Planning for the future is OK," said Dee quietly. There was a tension in her voice that she struggled to conceal. "Reliving and prying into people's pasts is dangerous. I intend to fight this WoF invasion of privacy."
At noon, Dee and Mike had lunch at the packed Health Center's juice bar, which offered a variety of vegetarian dishes based on her home recipes. Dee deflected any discussion that the Island faced serious trouble and talked about food. "Clients take an active role in weight management." Mike glanced over the menu looking for something familiar. He read, "Pradesh Tofu:4 0z. 1 medium-fat meat, 7 grams protein, 5 grams fat, and 75 calories." Around him, other customers consulted their Master Diet Plan and calculators, before selecting food.
"Try this tofu," said Dee. "Medea sent it over to Kumar." She put Medea's tofu on a plate and Mike checked it with a scanner. The scanner buzzed and Mike tossed the poisoned food into a trash bin. "Take this," he said, handing the scanner to Dee. "From now on, check all of your food. And your uncle and your aunt's food as well."
Dee continued to rattle on about food as they carried their trays to a table. "A major food company offered me a national distribution contract," she said. "However the company wanted additional authentic recipes, for a cookbook premium as a tie in."
Mike was trying to be patient, but she seemed to be in denial. "Dee, listen to me. You, Kumar, and Medea are in danger. I'm working for the Commonwealth government and I can help you. But I need the answers to some questions."
"I don't have time for this," said Dee, growing agitated. "I have to get back to work."
Mike stopped her from getting up by taking hold of her wrist. "You have most of today without scheduled appointments. I erased your name on the staff blackboard and wrote in 'substitute.' When I came to your office this morning, you seemed to be expecting me. Why?"
"Kumar warned me that you would question us."
"Later, when you were on the computer, you seemed very upset," Mike went on. "Were you receiving some psychic vision that you did not want to tell your uncle, or me, about?"
"I felt I wanted to yell a warning," said Dee. "Don't go to your meeting with Kumar tonight. There is danger! I don't know where Kumar stands, but my aunt is the President's cousin, and family feuds are the worst."
Dee abruptly fell silent as Kumar joined them. He now wore a gray business suit that seemed out of place among the colorful sweats the other customers wore. "Any thoughts about my picks for today?" Kumar handed Dee the Commonwealth stock section of the paper where he had circled the names of several stocks in blue ink.
Dee looked over the list and handed it back to him. "Your selections should be based more on information from financial newsletters than on meditations or on my Rider-Waite tarot deck," she said.
Kumar complained, "You have no talent as an adviser!"
"If you rely upon my rumored talent to reel in the marks, it is time for me to stop managing the family business and move out to my own apartment," Dee said, her voice rising with anger.
"Don't come into my face like that again," Kumar shot back. "I have my own problems with the melt down in Asian emerging markets funds."
Mike didn't like the way the conversation was going. "The stock market won't hold, if Medea doesn't counsel peace," he said, interrupting. "Let me talk to her."
Before Kumar could answer officer Renata appeared. She had changed from her sweatsuit into her uniform and looked great, with blond hair pulled back. Instead of accosting Kumar or Dee, she turned to Mike, "Want to come along to the Rising Star Improv club tonight? If you do, don't forget your photo ID."
Was she being friendly or did she want to tap into what Mike had found out? he wondered. Perhaps he should go along. He might be able to turn the tables on her. "What material have you prepared for audience participation improv?" Mike asked.
"I wrote a skit for my friend's audition based on 'Six Characters in Search of an Author. She will play the daughter part as..." She removed a wig and exposed a newly shaved head. "A new marine recruit. You can be a character in my universe."
"OK. What's the secret message about 'Six Characters?'" Kumar said, biting his lip. "Are you and Renata plotting right in front of me? Do you think I'm stupid, interplanetary hot shot?"
"I had a vision of you in a coffin, Officer Renata. Avoid work responsibilities this evening." Dee said abruptly, causing everyone at the table to stare at her.
"She won't know you're joking," Kumar said with alarm.
Renata turned to Mike, who was lost in thought, staring at Dee, for he had thought the bald figure was Kumar. Renata put her hat back on with a flourish and left without him.
"We don't choose our relatives," Mike said. "Let Dee be herself. She doesn't need computer animation tricks to con her into believing that she can forecast the future."
Kumar looked only at Dee. "Don't even consider dating a government guy, Dee. Don't get serious and involved with the Commonwealth. Stick with entertainment forecasting. Can't you see that he's a young Goliath, without savvy." He pointed a finger at Mike. "Give him 100,000 guineas and a smart operator will bleed him dry. Study harder, you can become a high priestess like your aunt."
Mike turned to Kumar. "The tofu was poisoned. You should use the scanner I gave to Dee to test all of your food. I don't know which side Renata is on. Don't reveal to her or the President what we discuss. My fear is that your associates may not want a stable Island. You and Dee and I can't become wealthy with stocks, bribes or cookbooks, and ignore that the path we are on leads to more civil unrest. Kumar, we have seen the desert with its rotting bones. Stop the war happening again."
"Very eloquent," said Kumar sarcastically. "Perhaps you should be a fortune teller."
"If Medea is not the instigator of the violence, she is at the center of it. I must speak to her," Mike said. "It is of the utmost importance."
Dee took out her aunt's palmtop minimode and used it to contact her aunt. The device showed Medea's hologram, seated on a sky chariot. Medea had an angry look on her heavily made up face.
"Can't talk. I'm flying to Luna later, with the Leadership Group."
"Don't do that, or use physical violence on an opponent," said Dee. "I see you in an accident. Talk to Mike, then return home. Your gift of prophecy is not perfect." Dee's voice revealed that she was growing impatient with Medea.
"I see no accident," said Medea, angrily. "Claim to be a greater forecaster than I again, and you shall be punished. Mike is not important, I have nothing to say to him." Medea abruptly cut the connection just as Mike reached for the unit.
"A chance to reason with Medea and I blew it!" Mike said,
"Don't blame yourself," said Dee. "It is not your fault she refused to talk to you." Dee patted his hand and returned to her office.
Mike contemplated the image of Medea he had seen on Dee's palmtop. Underneath the make up her skin cast had a cyanotic blue tinge which might be due to oxygen deficiency. If Medea has need for a cardiac transplant, normally it would be no problem to find a cadaver donor with compatible DNA, unless she has participated in illegal medical research altering her genes to increase her gift of forecasting. What would happen if Medea were suddenly removed from the picture, not voluntarily but through death or serious illness? He did not need psychic powers to imagine the consequences. "Kumar, you've got to speed up the elections before Medea collapses and the people stage a riot."
Kumar and Mike came over to Dee's office later. She answered the door, carrying the palmtop and wearing her aunt's crimson robes and crescent crown. "Mike. She's casting a spell on us."
"I'm not worth it," Mike said.
"Don't be daft. I have been trying to focus my mind to remember the Old Country colors, smells and tastes. I was going to update tofu recipes and work on my vegetarian cook book, but..."
"Mike's recommending you accept a Federal scholarship," said Kumar, who seemed to be in a daze.
"Watch the WoF computer screen," said Dee. "I am getting an image of a conference from ten years ago, but its changed. Medea was there, but officer Renata would have been a child at the time. She couldn't have been there."
"You are doing something wrong," said Kumar. "Where is the manual?"
Mike turned and helped look for the manual, but a cry from Dee drew his attention back to the WoF display. They watched the screen show Medea kill Renata for tying her to the assassination. Medea used no gun, she became a weapon hurling an energy current from her fingertips. "Stop!" Kumar called out, horrified.
Dee grabbed the palmtop and hit "Back Up Decision Tree" command, to cancel the screen.
"Why did you do that?" demanded Mike.
Dee was shaking. "I hope it's not too late. I am afraid, Mike. It's not just a computer simulation of the past. It was the future."
Had they seen the truth on that screen, or a computer simulation testing Dee's reaction to murder? The workplace was full of hidden cameras, supposedly to deter crime, but Medea's hand was everywhere, especially in the WoF computer and it's operating system. "Talk to Medea, Kumar," Mike said. "I'll leave a message for Renata to avoid working tonight. Dee, you must go to the Commonwealth. You will be safe there. You can clean up the forecasting Department. People with talent have a responsibility to do good with it. Once we have a dictatorship of Medea and her movement, it will be too late to return to normal government without violence."
"I need to sign up for training, if I decide to work in the prophecy area of computing, like my aunt," said Dee. "I could hurt myself and others blundering about in ignorance." Dee shivered, and put the palmtop away, then began to remove the crown and robes.
I can't tell people what to discuss in their own home. Should I go with Kumar to meet the dissidents? Suppose Medea declares a revolution while I'm standing with her?
Dee hesitated. "I am worried about the privacy issue, when any family member--maybe you're not even friends--can bring your past and probable future to a computer screen. Will you come to the President's Town Meeting with me? I've got tickets."
Mike nodded.
When people plan the future through WoF, does that change the future? Mike wondered. "Somebody is going to have 'snap your fingers power' at WoF. We need you to be that person, Dee. Don't let us down. Here's my password and laptop. Take the certification test in your computer lab. If this is your gate, you'll walk through."
"I didn't learn about no gates, in class! I'll take the test later."
Mike gave up on the inspirational talk. He had no right to give orders to the residents of the Island. She turned away, then abruptly changed her mind. "OK, I'll take the certification test in the lab now."
"Don't do it!" Kumar said. "Job stress made my wife ill."
"People are becoming too dependent on the computers to make decisions for them," Dee said. "We need fresh ideas on how to solve this problem. That's why I am going to accept Mike's offer."
"What about Medea's problems with WoF?" Kumar asked Dee. "She needs your help."
"She is too strong for me to be a therapist for her at this time," Dee said.
Mike sat in the Club's lab, while Dee completed a short form of the pre-certification course by computer, then took the certification test. He heard a bell ring as the machine automatically logged on, then 30 minutes later logged off.
Dee walked out of the lab. They went to the administrator's console to see the results of her test.
"Test completed, grade A. Tuition scholarship at Space Corps Academy granted," the computer screen read.
The club patrons were all friends of Dee and they were delighted with news. A man began to play a mandolin and the patrons formed a line for a victory folk dance in Dee's honor.
Mike said to Dee. "I'll clue you in to the good teachers at SCA. The students are friendly and we have great track and marathon runners." Dee joined in the dance.
"We must leave now." Dee ran into her uncle's office. Mike followed. The computer responded to her commands with a hologram of Medea and Kumar struggling for control of a shuttlecraft.
"I'm the skeptic, but that phony admirer act fooled me. Go ahead and kill us both," Medea's voice dripped venom.
"You lost the ability to forecast the future. So you plan to kidnap Dee and cut out part of her brain and transplant it into your cerebrum. How could you believe I would allow this?" Kumar shouted.
"Loyalty!" She hit Kumar's head with a steel box that bore red cross on a white field. "The universe needs Medea. Be proud to be my herald. I am the true Medea."
Dee raised her hands and pointed in the direction of the shuttle.
"No, Dee. Don't hurt them," Mike shouted. "That makes you Medea's twin! You don't have her excuse of temporary insanity after losing the ability to forecast. Be generous." Mike pushed her hands down. He felt uncomfortable with this side of Dee, ready to counter words of destruction with actions of destruction against her enemy.
But Dee did not use her powers. Mike and Dee stood with her hands held in his as the shuttlecraft wheeled and spiraled into the ground. The computer sent the image of Medea dragging Kumar out of the crashed shuttle, before it burst into flames. Within seconds, rescuers were gathering protectively around her and Kumar. When they saw that Medea and Kumar were being taken care of, Dee and Mike went to the presidential "town meeting" as planned.
When they arrived, the President beckoned Mike and told him the bad news.
"Oh no," Mike said. "Mr. President, I'm sorry to hear about tonight's shuttle accident of Kumar and Medea, for their pain, and its potential for starting violence. Maybe your enemies will use that as an excuse to hold demonstrations."
"I don't want to be the one to tell Dee," the president said. "I've a photo op to do."
But Dee appeared from the crowd abruptly before the president could get away. "I've decided to run for the office of your Vice President," Dee said. "Kumar and Medea are out of the election with back injuries. I know neither the President nor any of his supporters injured my aunt and uncle. I have the gift and I saw the accident in a vision."
"Dee, you've never lived in a democracy," Mike said. "You don't realize what you're giving up to stay here."
Dee shook her head. "I'm an Islander. You're not."
The President turned the sound system back on and said to the assembled crow, "Under the sad circumstances, the decision of Dee Lantos to give up the Space Corps Academy offer to serve our country as Vice President shows her commitment. I pledge that we shall work together as a team for Peace and Prosperity."
"Island Colony is my home," said Dee, taking the microphone. "My aunt and uncle dedicate their lives campaigning for what they believe in. We don't always agree on issues. I'm proud to be the People's candidate for Vice President." The Town Meeting erupted in cheers, echoed by TV watchers throughout the planet.
Mike noted under the President's chair, a wreath of blood red berries and garlic--the universal pledge of the curse of death. He removed that wreath, hid it under his coat, then disposed of it quickly in the trash. He could go to jail for profaning their customs. But the President may be superstitious and the curse could work.
Two weeks later, Mike was still surprised that Dee would turn down Space Corps, to work with the President. She drove him to the Spaceport after it was clear that she and the current President had won the election.
"Why aren't Kumar and Medea planning attend the election celebration?" said Mike.
"Medea is furious she and Kumar were too weak to campaign after the accident," said Dee. "She claims I am trying to take her place."
"I placed your SCA appointment on hold," said Mike. "You can change your mind and join us any time. I understand security is beefed up for the victory celebration tonight, but don't take any chances."
When they reached the spaceport, she kissed him, then turned her face away. "We'll stay friends," she said. "Now go."
And Mike went.
Two hours later, Mike looked out of the window of the spacecraft as it arched upward toward orbit. What will the Island be like in four years? he meditated. Will they be preparing for the election of President Dee? It might come sooner if Medea intervenes.
Mike sent an encrypted report to Cala recommending speedy approval of IC membership, to discourage the opposition and the terrorists. For a first assignment this went fairly well. Mike clicked "send" to transmit the message to Cala, then opened the folder on his next assignment.
Bio:Frances Taira is a homemaker and a former teacher. She writes and has published both fiction and crossword puzzles.
E-mail: 75570.2113@compuserve.com
Visit Aphelion's Lettercolumn and voice your opinion of this story. Both the writer and I would love to read your feedback.
Return to the Aphelion main page.