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Message #:334
Time to look for the author...***1930 - "The Candidate" by Capt. Hunter |
SNIP:
Jim watched the flicker in Mike's blue eyes......eyes that were identical to his own. "Why are you doing this??"
Mike watched the flicker in Jim's blue eyes......eyes that were identical to his own. "Because......I want there to be a world for my kids to have kids. I want there to be a tomorrow for them. I'd give all I have for that. And I'm not alone. Jim......you inspired this in me. You. I'm not doing any of this for self-gain. Self-preservation, yes. But not self-gain."
Two sets of eyes stayed locked. "I don't know if I can."
Never wavering. "I don't either. But I think you're the one to give it the best shot."
Finally......Jim looked around at the others. Archer nodded. Sakkath inclined his head in a respectful bow. Archer spoke. "I wouldn't have risked coming here if I didn't think you were up for it. Past history aside......your enough of a thorn in everyone's side to be able to pull this off."
Sakkath focused on him. "To deny your abilities would be illogical. To deny that of anyone, you have the best possible opportunity to reunite a fractured Federation would be to do you a injustice."
Jim dropped his eyes. "I don't want this."
Mike placed a hand on his shoulder. "Which is exactly why you have to do this."
Jim turned away......walking to the window to stare out at the storm-tossed sea. "I have to think about this."
Mike nodded. "I know. You can reach me at home later. We'll leave you alone. Jim......please. Give it a try. That's all we ask."
He listened to the sound of them leaving without turning to say goodbye. His mind was more troubled than it had ever been at what they'd proposed. What scared him the most was......what if he won??
ON:
It was a little over a week since that fateful meeting on Assateague Island. Jim hadn't slept much in that time. His eyes reflected the torment he'd put himself through since that time. All he'd wanted was to slip quietly away and forget about any of the things he'd seen. But somehow, he wasn't going to be able to do that. Fate wouldn't let him. He was always going to be front and center of the conflict.
He entered Mike's office. Once again, he came face-to-face with the same people from a week earlier......with one exception. Admiral William Ross stood there as well......wearing civilian clothes.
Jim raised an eyebrow at that. Ross......seeming to sense the unspoken question......offered an answer. "I quit. It was either that, or be fired. In all honesty, I couldn't be a part of things anymore. You did the right thing......though you did it the wrong way."
Hunter smiled sadly. "Hearing you say that makes what I'm about to say all that much harder."
The four men frowned in unison. Jim forced himself to smile. "I can't accept your offer. The one who needs to be running is Ross......not me."
Mike Hunter grumbled, as did Jack Archer. Sakkath inclined his head in respect......while Ross looked nervous. It was he who spoke first. "Jim......I never wanted to be a politician."
Jim focused on him. "Neither did I. They tried to convinced me to be one. Now I'll convince you. Plus, with you there, it'll be easier for me to do what needs to be done."
Now everyone's jaw dropped......including Sakkath's. The only thing Jim offered by way of response was an enigmatic grin.
