2206 : Window Onto A New World
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IV. Machine Messiah
people of Hasania and its government are grateful for the way your administration has facilitated our accession to the Federation, Mister Chancellor » he dutifully stressed, « and you can be confident we will do everything in our power to help you out, should you ever need it, my estimable friend » he reciprocated, manifestly amused by the whole stratagem. « Excellent, excellent, Mister Prime Minister » the First Man of Ovel reacted with a little more feeling, « that's always good to hear, but especially during an electoral campaign » he insinuated, chuckling. « Indeed it is ! » at once concurred the Hasani statesman, chortling sympathetically, and then watching curiously as the experienced Conservative, who looked rather concerned, pushed a button on the armrest of his chair to mute his microphone, remaining pensive for some while, seemingly confused. « Well, ahem... » the career representative finally resumed, « I think we're about to dock to Harmo... ahem... to... Euthan – » « Euthenia Six ! » quickly whispered one of the advisers at the side of the federal ruler. « Euthenia Six... we're docking to Euthenia Six, Hassan » repeated the septuagenarian. « Ahem... that's Omar, Richard... Hassan is my father » promptly corrected the Emir. « Oh, right ! I'm terribly sorry ! » apologized the embarrassed elder, « let me retry that » he proceeded in haste, « we're docking to Euthenia Six, I'm told, my dear Omar » he then announced with forced levity and an emphasis on both names, « I'm sure you know how hectic elections can get my young friend, don't you ? » he masqueraded following a few interminable awkward seconds of speechlessness, hoping to justify his erratic conduct. « Ahem... sure Richard » Malaki replied without conviction, stopping for an instant as he wondered what to make of the lapses, « one day here and the next there, and you see so many faces you forget who is who » he diplomatically joked, seeking to ease the tension. « You got that right ! » joyfully agreed the veteran official, apparently struggling to recall the topic of the exchange, « so, as I was saying, I have to leave you now » he continued after a moment, « Omar » he accentuated again, « please transmit my salutations to your dear wife my young friend » he politely requested. « Ahem... I'll be sure to salute my concubines in your name, Richard » the Hasani Prime Minister promised, repressing a nervous laugh with difficulty, { the old man is forgetting things ! } he ultimately observed. « Ahem... huh... okay... » mumbled the aging politician, visibly upset and lost, « bye now, Omar » he concluded more audibly, following another incommoding pause. « Bye Mister Chancellor » bade the swarthy vicenarian, « thanks for your call ! » he lastly offered before ending the communication.
The world leader peeked around him at the members of his team who all averted their eyes from his anxious glances, busying themselves at their uDevs and notebooks, in a conspicuous silence that the disquieted man did not dare break. { No need to justify anything... such errors happen... they The Threshold
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Christopher Stewart