“No, I do not want to. I have no intention to destroy my career as a piano virtuoso.” Leah was having a lunch with a district representative at a beautifully ornamented restaurant. Oak chairs and carved tables could be found throughout the building, including the balcony, from which you were able to observe the street.
“You are the perfect candidate. You were able to put off a great play and you are still twenty.”
“Everyone has to, before being given a certificate.”
“You have a charisma.”
“Still, I do not want to destroy my life by becoming a politician.”
“Work is work, which will always be significant. If you choose to be statesman, then you will be given a lifetime of adventures.”
“Adventures that nobody likes, not even me? Why did you become a representative? I know politicians are hated no matter what. A lowly job for lowly fellows. They do not even have any authority except the right to fix faults, improve life quality and administrate.”
“I did not excel at arts or recreation, only in talking.”
“But I do.”
“That is why we want you to be an envoy. It is more prestigious.”
“If I accept and come back, the citizens will brand me. People think that politics excludes talent, so I can say goodbye to concerts and fans forever. Nobody would come, nobody would cherish me. Even my parents would flinch at me with hatred and disgust.”
“We thought if a renowned artist such as you would go to be an envoy to the Annual Interregional Convergence, then people would stop detesting this profession. It is important to address issues, but everybody is a coward, who flee from the slightest problems of society and suppress those who try to find a solution.”
“I am not renowned.”
“You have written a play.”
“So did everyone to get their certificate.”
“I failed, you didn’t. That is why my status is lower than yours. That is why I am a politician. Some have to be the worst to provide for the people even if they do not acknowledge you. I’d say that you have the talent to endure and be the best.”
“No.”
“We tried to hold a referendum about it, nobody but us, the representatives voted. About seven people.”
“Nobody would sell me anything.”
“They are prohibited to segregate politicians.”
“I have seen it a dozen of times. The police wouldn’t care to control them.”
“Because nobody would testify.”
“We would like to hold another referendum to elect an artist to become the envoy. We would also say that if nobody participates, the country will withdraw from the Convergence and bear the consequences.”
“So you would intimidate the people so that they would vote and you would destroy another’s life by nominating. What a pleasant people you are.”
“We have no choice.”
“Why don’t you go?”
“Since I am the only official in the Art District, I have to do my job, since I have to do the work of hundreds of people. Shame, but this is true for all the other districts as well. My inferior told me that he would substitute me while I talk to you.” The inferior is the supervisor of the representatives.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
“I can recall that guy. His eyes told me a story of sorrow and dismay, and I do not want to be like that. Even though workers, who are unable cultivate art, are given anything if they have their certificate, and they are always given, everyone in the government sector is forbidden to use that privilege. What if we do not send anyone?”
“The Order will purge the nation, and destroys every defects of this nation and creates a satellite state. Everyone will be asked not to interfere. This would be an insult that nobody would forgive. They are working for a more peaceful and more prosperous future.”
“Why don’t you ask the one you tend to send?”
“He died three days ago in a heart attack.”
“My condolences.”
“No successor was found. What do you think what will be if do not attend? All will suffer.”
“Can’t you disguise someone so that nobody would know who goes?”
“No. It is against the laws. A politician must be recognizable.”
“If your boss does your job, why do not you go for it?”
“Can’t, I told you we all have to oblige the endless paperwork.”
“Isn’t there anyone waiting to be persuaded by you?”
“Your play was the best, not to mention that you are kind of a renowned pianist as well.”
“But…”
“I think I have to make the decision. You are nominated to become the envoy, nobody else and it will be an emergency election, so everybody has to vote. I do not care about your objections. You have to save this nation no matter what.”
“Eh?”
“Hmmh…”
“Do I have to?”
“Definitely.”
“Well, fuck… Why me?”
“I have told you my reasons.”
“Then tell me about the duties of the envoy.”
“You will be given the right to vote in the name this country. You’ll see.”
“This is very nice of you.”
“I don’t know anything about it either. You’ll have to talk about it with the supervisor. I guess you have to solve all the present crises, like the war between West and East.”
“That will brand me.”
“Hope not.”
“Nobody would say a word to me if I accepted.”
“I do. I was more than happy when you accepted my request.”
“I don’t know.”
“I hoped you would understand as you did not turn me down. You are tolerant, you are sociable, charismatic and talented. Please, approve our nomination.”
“I have to think about it.”
“I should get back now. I have a duty to hear out the population’s problems and solve it. I know they are just using us, but hey, I do not mind. Be yourself then.” He got up, and exited the restaurant in a haste. He left some money on the table, which had absolutely no value, not to leave his fellow countryman in a tight situation. Barter trade was present in this nation, but some people was given Favours, which represented money, with which you could appeal to the politicians and juries. The police’s, lowly people’s and workers’ payment consisted of some food, the right to ask for any kind of reasonable goods and many Favours. The citizens considered money to be an abysmal abomination that would lead to the monopolization of state and power hunger. It depends on the people to choose whether it is bravely or cowardly to build a system of power that rules supreme without the consent of the people to improve their situation. This backfired too many times in this region, losing faith in politician who became the object of public ridicule and hatred. It did not matter if they were needed, people just hated the idea of someone abusing their power.
“What if I was destined to be the envoy? Should I prepare a campaign? What is it I have to do to win the people’s consent? Are they afraid? I knew bad things ended twenty years ago, but we are a completely different generation now. We have to change in order to stay alive, don’t we? Does it have to be me to change the people? Are they so ignorant? If I try only they can change their mind set, I cannot. They might see me a potential dictator. But I have to try right?” She stood up, paid the bill with those Favours and ran to the Representative’s Office in the district. Knocking on the door, the representative let her in and offered a seat.
“Did you change your mind?”
“I hope I won’t regret. Although I have some conditions.”
“What is it?”
“A proper campaign.”
“Definitely not. I will not have you organize your public execution.”
“Then let me talk to them after the Conv.”
“That is different, you have to do that anyways.”
“I think this is unacceptable. We need a system before we destroy ourselves.”
“You think so?”
“All the others have it, we mustn’t fall behind. We might be able to forge weaponry and decorate them to encourage the folks. We might be able to create a proper government that can address issues and provide safety to its people.”
“Do you accept being nominated?”
“Yes.”
“Well then we’ll hold the referendum tomorrow.”
The representative sent a message to his colleagues to stop searching for a nominee, and start arranging the election that hadn’t taken place for twelve years.
Both of them had positive intuitions towards the election, and Leah would not be bothered by other people’s opinion. No matter what she will endure and push forward to a better, more reliable and prosperous future.