00089

B-12 served buffalo wings to Gov. Xavier Bright and his niece Sheila. The two sat on the sofa in the rec room of the Governor's House, in front of the screen, enjoying a relaxing night at home together, watching a documentary, just like the old days.

Despite all his problems and concerns, Xavier Bright still managed to enjoy this time with Sheila. Security Agent Osmo Martin worked night duty and Mita Morgan again studied some refresher courses to brush up on what she had taken during high school. Sheila found that strange, and she wondered what Mita had studied.

Xavier Bright said, "I must say, so far this documentary is turning out better than I expected. I thought the production might fail in a proper presentation of all the difficulties facing me when I came to the World of Hope, and what a struggle it proved to be, to put things in order and under control. There was even a segment about the Quarantine cult.”

Sheila leaned lazily against her Uncle's side, keeping her eyes on the screen. "Well, yes, it is a good production, but, well, to be honest, this actor seems to... lack something. He just can't seem to catch the essence of you, Uncle Xavier. I... guess it is not always easy to capture someone's greatness when you want to play someone who is a very great man."

Xavier nodded. "Of course, but I applaud his attempt. He puts such heart into it, that I am not insulted, as I expected to be."

His communications-device interrupted him. With a frown, he told her, "It's the Public Relations Department. Now what could they want? As the past has often demonstrated, the risk of seldom getting a peaceful night with one's family is the price one pays, if one determines to be a great man and a good leader."

When he took the call, his frown deepened. The man on the other end informed him, "The Tourist Department caught this news and passed it on to us, Sir. The government of Earth has issued a travel advisory, warning their citizens against visiting our world."

Sheila noticed that recent, habitual cloud returning to her Uncle's face.

“I'll review it in my office," the Governor promised. After he disconnected, he turned to Sheila. "You will have to forgive me, but I am unable to sit through the entire documentary with you tonight, unfortunately. But don't worry, I'm recording it. I will have to catch it as opportunity presents itself."

She nodded glumly. "I understand, Uncle. You go do what you know you must do."

He gave her an affectionate peck on her forehead and departed.

In his inner office, the Governor played the travel advisory which Earth had issued a mere hour ago.

An insignificant woman- as Gov. Bright judged her- representing the Earth Security Division, was the speaker in the public service announcement. In a truly lackluster way, she said, "Are you thinking of a vacation in the near future? Do you want to travel far away, to get away from it all? Maybe a trip through space? A word of caution, if you are considering a visit to the World of Hope. It has become known to us here in the Security Division that you may not find the rest and relaxation you expect, if you go there to enjoy the resorts or the beach. No, but what you may find is that you could be kidnapped. Or you may find yourself caught up in the war on drugs, which recently resulted in the loss of life of many of Hope's own citizens, when the Security Agents burned down the hiding place of an illegal gang alleged to be selling Space Trip pills and other drugs in Sparkle City. Corruption putrefies the city and leaves a trail of decay, leading to the higher offices of the government of Hope, where there is a tendency for the Security Agency to look the other way when tourists are assaulted in the city or outside Sparkle City in the wilds when enroute to one of the supposedly idyllic spots on the planet- and which, incidentally, there are not very many such spots. Other troubles on that world include an unstable political situation- An example: only last month Gov. Bright barely thwarted a coup attempt by his own Security Leader who, apparently, had also murdered dozens of people at a research facility before attacking Gov. Bright. And so, be aware- Should you be thinking of visiting the World of Hope any time soon, it is advised that you reconsider, before you become another statistic. Think about it, for your own safety's sake, and for the sake of your family's safety.”

As the message concluded, Xavier Bright flipped off the screen, steam practically gushing out his ears. He paused a moment, considering the matter, composing himself, before he called the Hope Tourist Department.

"Yes, I saw it. No, do not as yet refute it. I will let you know soon how we shall respond."

After that, he entered his personal telecommunications room and sat before the screen in there. He buzzed his communications department and asked them to connect him with Earth, and particularly with Earth Leader Bigges. A half hour later, the communications department let him know they finally were able to establish a link. Soon he and Earth Leader Bigges were conversing.

Poker-faced, Leader Bigges greeted the Governor. "Ah, I expected your call, Gov. Bright, because of the travel advisory."

"Yes, I am sure you did. Can you explain what is the meaning of the advisory Earth has put out against our world?"

"It seems self-explanatory. But I cannot say too much about it. I- We only approved it, but I am not actually a part of it.”

“Oh, I believe you," said the Governor drily.

"However, you know, Gov. Bright. I trust the Travel Department's judgment based on its sound research, and so that is why the Council of Earth Leaders gave its approval for the publication of the advisory."

"I see. So it is based on sound research."

"Oh, yes. If this travel advisory bothers you, though, I can understand. I know the World of Hope derives some of its capital from the tourist trade," said the Earth Leader sympathetically. “We just want to look out for our citizens.”

Gov. Bright answered, "I admit to a slight concern about the impact of the advisory, for, as you say, we do derive a tiny, very tiny portion of our finances from tourism's revenue. And let me say, a lesser man might think this is just Earth attempting to put more squeeze on us. But I know that you know nothing would be gained from such a tactic, if it were a squeeze attempt. But I do question the degree of severity with which Earth attaches to their concerns about our planet and its ability to protect Earth's citizens. However, if the Council thinks it is wise to post such an advisory, I will not argue. Nevertheless, you realize we feel compelled to respond to the advisory."

Earth Ldr. Bigges nodded. "Of course."

"I merely called to let you know that- as a courtesy and a formality, Leader Bigges- to avoid any surprise on Earth when a response is published. I must say, though, I am a bit surprised Earth did not feel the same notion, to be as courteous with me, and to let me know in advance of the travel advisory which would be released."

"What?" Ldr. Bigges scratched his brow, looking puzzled and slightly displeased. "No one apprised you beforehand? That is not like our Travel Department or our Security Division! I must inform them of how unhappy I am with their lapse of protocol."

"Please do, Arthur- Ldr. Bigges. Over and out."

Gov. Bright left his communications alcove and went to his desk in his office. He stretched his limbs but did not sit down. Instead, he paced slowly back and forth. Finally, he called his Public Relations Department. "I know now how I want to answer Earth's travel advisory. I will tell you what I am aiming for, and give you a rough draft of what is in my mind, and you will refine it for me, please."

"Yes, Sir."

Less than an hour later, Gov. Bright himself gave his statement in a broadcast video. As usual, the make-up people had little to do in trying to make him look his best, since Xavier Bright almost always looked his very best already.

"People of Earth, I would like to address you from our wonderful little World of Hope. I am certain you all recognize me as Gov. Bright, the Governor of Hope. I would like to speak to you for a moment, if you will kindly indulge me, in response to the government of Earth's travel advisory against our planet. This is the perspective from someone who actually lives here and sees what goes on here on the World of Hope every day.

“I do not deny the problems which the travel advisory release has mentioned. Yes, we have our share of troubles, just as does our motherworld, Earth. These days, no place is completely safe. However, it regrets me to see how far our problems have been exaggerated in the advisory. I assure you, any who are thinking of visiting our fair world, you will be safe, and your safety will be, as it has always been, one of our top priorities. You will be safe, very safe, as safe as you would be on Earth. Safer than you are on Earth.

"I also wish to inform all of you, we have been working on improving our world, making it safer, and we shall continue our progress. In fact, we shall increase our work and our efforts, to get done that which needs to be done on the World of Hope, to make it as close to Paradise as we humans will ever be able to achieve.

“To get there, however, the going may become very rough at first, I acknowledge to you. I also desire my fellow-citizens of Hope to realize this, as well. Rest assured, though, that we will succeed, we will do whatever is necessary, and the World of Hope will be the better for it, if only we stay the course.

"Some of you may be wondering how it is that the World of Hope has gotten into the situation in which it finds itself, where Earth finds it necessary to issue travel warnings. Let me explain.

"In the early years of our world, Hope's society operated much like the Wild West of North America during the expansion of the United States of America. In other words, the Earth government wished to control the new world- this world- and, well, rather than letting those first settlers figure out their own way to run the world they lived on, the Earth Leaders thought they knew best about how the colonists should run the World of Hope. Unfortunately, things on this planet declined, once the people and Leaders of Earth got too involved in running our world. By that point, Earth recognized there should be a Governor on the World of Hope, to keep law and order.

"Naturally, Earth sent the most qualified for the position, and I am proud to report I have succeeded quite admirably in keeping law and order on the World of Hope. Ask any citizen of Hope, if you doubt me. The paradox is, the more success I achieved, and the greater our society on our world becomes, then the more Earth tried to keep us dependent upon them. Earth sends less and less of regularly needed, much needed supplies, which Earth forbids us to manufacture for ourselves, while at the same time, Earth insists we send more and more fuel ore and food to Earth. The equation is woefully, shamefully unbalanced.

"In spite of our lack of resources-thanks to Earth always cheating us- whenever there is a problem upon our world, we quickly respond to solve the matter. It is obvious that we are very concerned for the welfare of both our own people as well as the well-being of people who come here from Earth. Now, this is what you must ask the Leaders of Earth- Why are they not as concerned as are we for the safety of their own citizens when they visit us here? If the Earth Leaders were truly concerned, they would make sure we had adequate necessities to take care of our own citizens and our visitors from Earth. Our resources are stretched to the breaking, and yet we persevere. I publicly call on the Council of Earth Leaders to rethink the policy of making us bow and scrape for those things which we need.

“I say all this, not to be confrontational, but so the Leaders will understand how they can help us and alleviate some of our problems, if only they will send us the requested items which we need to run the World of Hope.

"I thank all of you for taking the time to listen to me. And I invite each and everyone of you from Earth to come visit the World of Hope yourself, to see how the travel advisory is not warranted. One final word- I and the World of Hope will redouble our efforts to do what is right for the welfare of the World of Hope.”

On Earth, Leader Bigges and Gunther Martin shared a business lunch in a government canteen, which leased space on the property of one of the headquarters of Martinology. The two watched Gov. Bright's message.

"Pretty cheeky, isn't he," remarked Ldr. Bigges.

"Indeed," agreed Gunther Martin. "And he rightly thinks he can get away with it, too, since the majority of the Council is unwilling to risk replacing him with someone else who may get less results in fuel ore production. But I actually think the Steering Committee should be more generous with sending supplies to the World of Hope. "

"Sadly, I think you are right about the part that the Council is unwilling to risk replacing him," admitted Ldr. Bigges. "Gov. Bright seems to not mind if Hope's tourism is affected, yet I know very well he needs every credit he can get, to run the world. I wish I could convince the Council get rid of him. It is unwise to keep Xavier Bright in that position. And I wonder what he means, when he says they will redouble their efforts to do what is right for the welfare of the people of the World of Hope.”

“I think we will soon find out. I advised you against issuing the travel warning, if you recall. Now you have pushed his back against the wall. He is the kind who will not take kindly to someone trying to back him into a corner. This could be serious."

Ldr. Bigges sighed. "Perhaps. But, either way, whatever he is planning, he would do it to us anyway. Only now it will be sooner, rather than later. Maybe that is a good thing. At last he may lay his cards on the table, and the Council of Leaders shall realize they should have listened to my warnings about keeping Xavier Bright in his position. I only hope it is not too late when the Earth Leaders finally realize this.”

(c) drk 2012