Parallels

'This is a great beginning,' Godfrey’s voice echoed to the shivering crowd of three hundred spectators and nearly a dozen members of the new world's version of the news media. 'It has been said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. As I take this first step with you, I am reminded of the many great words inscribed in the walls and recesses of this building behind me. Novus ordo seclorum. Or 'a new order of the ages is born.'

'I was once told that our new world would be an order only of fighting and warfare. That humanity would be nothing more than a mass of soldiers combating the horrid invaders who sully our planet. That our children had nothing to look forward to other than a warrior’s life.

'While I eagerly carry my sword into battle alongside my brothers in arms, I can confidently say that the new order of the ages is more than war. It will be an order of law, of freedom, and prosperity despite the darkness that threatens to eclipse us. Because what do you need to fight darkness? You need light. You need candles of freedom and torches of hope.

'Today we have lit more of those candles and torches. Today the first post-invasion elected body will occupy our new home. Today the duly elected Senate will do the people’s business in this hall, a hall that has always been a sanctuary for liberty.'

Applause came but not as roaring as Evan would have liked.

'We must make the most of this opportunity. We dare not allow this advance to be reversed. We dare not allow any quarter to those who feel there is no room for liberty. For the sake of our forefathers and for the sake of our children, I declare the Senate now in session!'

The applause came once again, albeit shorter and softer than Evan would have preferred.

In front of the podium gathered a handful of journalists, mainly from fledgling newspapers although two carried video cameras and a few more brandished tape recorders.

'Evan!'

'Mr. Godfrey!'

'Evan, over here, I have a question!'

He ignored them until one said exactly what he waited to hear: 'Senator Godfrey!'

Evan-Senator Godfrey-gave his attention to a red haired woman.

'Yes? Um, Susan, right?'

'Susan Constanino from WHBA in Harrisburg. Now that the re-opening ceremonies are out of the way, what business do you consider most urgent for the Senate?'

'Susan, I don’t have to tell anyone out there that right now we have inflation problems and questions of legitimacy for our official currency, Continental Dollars. I am not convinced that Gold Dollars are helping the situation. I think it was a mistake for them to be issued. We will take this up in chambers, debate, and vote. That’s what democracies do.'

Again more questions, again Evan turned to the first to call him 'Senator,' in this case a Hispanic man wearing a torn leather jacket.

'Ray Lito, Baltimore New Press. Isn’t that part of the problem? The Senate does not really have any power. Trevor can veto legislation and there is no recourse to override a veto.'

'I believe we will find several things to be true, starting with the fact that Trevor is over extended. The Senate alleviates some of that pressure and allows him to deal directly with military matters. He does not have to be bogged down in the details of day-to-day governing. Second, ultimately it is the people who hold the power. I do not believe Trevor would veto a measure that has the support of the people. Since we are the elected representatives of the people, then we are, in fact, the embodiment of that will.'

'Cindy Taylor, National Broadcast Network. Senator, there is still confusion over the composition of the Senate.'

'In truth, this Senate has more in common with the old House of Representatives. We are using a formula that combines population and geographic boundaries. The result is that there are forty-five Senators today. But I think the bigger point is that the Imperial Senate is really the first seed of democracy. We will continue to expand this concept with time. I, for one, hope that someday we will have both a Senate and a House of Representatives again. Of course, I also want to see a restoration of the three branches of government.'

'Senator Godfrey, do you plan on running for the position of President of the Senate?'

'No comment.'

– Sharon Godfrey-formerly Sharon Parsons-met Evan underneath the Capitol rotunda. The room stretched high above and was so powerful in feel that it was nearly oppressive.

The ornate walls…the statues, busts, and plaques…the paintings…it was easy to see how working in such an environment could foster a sense of arrogance; of personal importance.

'So what do you think?' Evan sought her critique of his performance.

The crowd moved inside and worked their way around the interior, absorbing the atmosphere and admiring the quality of the restoration. Volunteers served bottles of water and snacks of beef tips and fresh fruit trucked in from points south.

'Not bad. Could do with a little more, um, let me think how to say this…'

'Venom,' Evan finished for her.

'I didn’t say that.'

'You don’t have to. This is why I don’t put you in front of a microphone. You’re as subtle as an atomic bomb.'

Her father had served as Chief Councilman of New Winnabow where she lived with her young son. It had been her father’s disdain for all things military or violent that convinced him to refuse the passage of troops through their community and who had fatally misjudged the lengths to which Trevor would go for victory. More then one hundred people died at New Winnabow in the jaws of the K9 Grenadiers.

'Sometimes subtlety is not a virtue, Evan.'

'You really don’t know this game, do you?' He pulled her aside into the shadow of a founding father's statue.

'I didn’t think we were playing a game, Evan,' his partner, occasional lover, and overall showpiece shot back.

'Oh, now don’t make that mistake, Sharon. It’s one big game. The rules are simple. Don’t slip up. Don’t frown when you should smile, don’t smile when you should be sad. Don’t say the wrong word in front of a rolling camera. But you know the most important rule, Sharon?'

'Oh, please tell me. I am dying to hear another of your speeches today.'

'The most important rule is to hold your cards close to your chest. You,' he gazed at her top down with disdain. 'You should never play poker, Sharon. You would go broke.'

'I suppose I have a lot to learn,' she conceded nothing and he darned well knew it.

'Just stick with your part and you’ll be fine. We’ll be fine.'

'Now don’t be mad,' she wrapped her arm around his. 'Look, I’m smiling because I am touring the grand new Senate building with my husband. Come, darling, let’s go walk arm and arm through your kingdom. Perhaps you can whisper sweet nothings to me about business regulation and budget projections.'

They strolled the hall absorbing the ambiance and the attention. Evan Godfrey, the champion of democracy; the man who could stand toe to toe with The Emperor.

At his side his wife whose first husband-a brave U.S. Marine-died fighting the invasion and whose father was murdered when Trevor grasped New Winnabow.

A skinny woman with dark hair and overly long earrings approached the happy couple. She wore a fur coat that served purpose, not fashion.

'Senator Trimble,' Evan greeted her with forced warmth.

'Senator Godfrey,' the woman spoke in guarded tones. 'Your words today were well-chosen. Why, one might even say well-crafted.'

'I like to believe that my words were spoken on behalf of all the Senate.'

'I’m sure you would hope so. I am also sure that you feel confident your fellow Senators will elect you President of our new body next week.'

'Why my dear Helena, I don’t believe we’ve even started accepting nominations for that position. Besides,' he waved a dismissive hand, 'it is a rather boring and dull position.'