A Danger to Herself?

"Yes, we have to protect her from the media," Fred said.

"That's no doubt true, but it wasn't what I was thinking of. I told my nurse that Astra wasn't a danger to herself or to others, but on reflection I'm not so sure that the first part of that was true. There are many hazards in modern life that she currently has no conception of. I can imagine what could happen if she tried to cross a busy street on her own, for instance. Another example: she has no idea of how dangerous the combination of electricity and water can be, since she has no idea of what electricity is."

Before anyone could respond, there was a knock at the door. An aide came in and gave Frank Maia a sheet of paper. He glanced at it and then said:

1. "I've just been given the latest opinion poll results. Since news of this came out, the Governor's popularity rating has fallen by 15%."
2. "I've just been given the latest poll results. Since news of this came out, the Governor's popularity rating has actually risen! It's gone down among women and the elderly, but that's more than compensated by the increase among men and younger voters."
3. "Can you believe it!? Playboy wants to feature the Governor as Playmate of the Month!"
4. "The Governor's younger sister, Belinda Thessamar, is in the outer office, wanting to talk to her sister. I think that one of us ought to speak to her and do his best to reassure her."
5. "Ralph Rutland is on the phone in the outer office. He claims to be able to restore the Governor's mind to its normal state, but of course there would be a price. He would not tell the aide who answered the phone what that price is, though I can guess."

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