Fred's Reassurances Fall Flat

Frank Maia said to the group, "Astra's sister Belinda is outside, asking about the Governor. Fred, do you want to take this? You know the family better than I do."

Fred answered, "I don't know Belinda all that well, but I will try."

Fred walked out into the waiting room. Seated, in a lieutenant's blue army service uniform, was Belinda Thessamar. She was tall, like all the Thessamars, and had a stiff posture. Her blue eyes and sharp nose reminded Fred of a hawk.

Belinda rose to shake the hand that Fred held out.

"It is good to see you Belinda. How is life at the Pinnendorf base treating you?"

"Not badly, Fred. I am always busy. May I see Astra?"

"The governor is resting right now."

"I need to see her."

"Not just now. Maybe tomorrow?"

Belinda replied, "That is not good enough. She is family. And none of us likes to see the Thessamar name made into a laughing stock. I need to know what is going on."

Fred replied, "Do mind if we sit down? Today has been rough for all of us." Fred thought to himself that he could use a stiff drink. A Crown and Coke sounded good right now. Maybe a Crown and Coke without the Coke. But first he had to answer to Belinda.

Fred looked into the eyes of Astra's concerned and angry sister, and continued, "We are still trying to figure out what is going on. Something happened last night - obviously. But, while Astra appears to be in one piece, something has happened up here..." Fred pointed his index finger at his temple. "... that is probably connected with Astra'a strange actions last night. It sort of looks like amnesia. The doctor is still trying to figure it out."

Belinda's eyes got wide, and she said, "So my sister has gone crazy, and all you can say to me is that you don't know why? You are supposed to be her friend, or at least part of her staff. Why weren't you looking out for her?"

Fred replied, "Look, Belinda, we are doing our best. The governor was perfectly normal until yesterday. She is a grown woman, and her judgment until now has been great. No signs of anything wrong. We saw her as being solid as a rock. This came out of nowhere. The doctor says that this might pass in a short time."

"Lovely. What caused it? A bump on the head? Was she drugged? Let me talk to her. Maybe I can talk some sense into her."

Fred replied, "We are taking the best advice that we can get, from the physician. Right now she needs rest. Once we know where she is at, as far as her mind goes, then you can talk to her. You know, this could be anything. Fatigue. Um, coercion? It is not out of the question. But right now she is not in shape to talk."

Fred thought to himself, "This little talk is not going the way I had hoped. Belinda is going to assume the worst. But Astra's condition is not good right now, and there is not much I can say in words of reassurance that would not involve an outright lie."

Belinda stared at him, and said,

1. "She should never have gotten into politics. I hope you and all your little group are ashamed of yourselves."
2. "Fred, let me see her, with the doctor. I promise that I will not dress her down. I am disappointed, sure, but what is done is done. I just want to understand."

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree