Booker shifted nervously as Director Phip peered at him from across the desk. As head of the United States Chamber of Portal Research, Phip carried tremendous influence over all authorized portal exploration guilds.
"Let me be direct, son," Phip said gruffly. "With Bear gone, Spearhead Guild needs a new leader. I want you to take up the mantle."
Booker's eyes widened in surprise. "Me? But I've barely been a member for a year."
Phip waved a hand. "You've got more real experience than these paper pushers who just stare at portals all day."
He leaned forward intently. "You survived things that would break most men. And Bear believed in you with good cause."
Booker looked down. "I appreciate that, sir. But what if I'm not ready for this responsibility?"
"No one ever feels ready," Phip said with a chuckle. "But you'll have my support and Spearhead's seasoned team backing you up."
He stood and clasped Booker's shoulder. "I know the burden seems heavy, lad, but I see Bear's courage and integrity in you. You're the right man for the trials ahead."
Booker took a deep breath, letting Phip's words sink in. The old director was right - this path would not be easy, but walking away now would betray all Bear taught him.
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Finally, Booker met Phip's gaze and nodded firmly. "I'll do it for Bear's sake and the sake of our mission."
Phip grinned and pulled Booker into a quick embrace. "There's a good man. Bear would be so proud if he could see you now."
As they discussed the transition, Booker felt the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders. But beneath it lay a spark of tentative excitement too.
With his guildmates at his side, perhaps he could live up to Bear's legacy after all. The man had given Booker a chance to become the leader he was destined to be. That gift would not be squandered.
The light still beckoned through the shadows. And Booker would follow it home.
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Joshua kept his tone polite but reserved as Director Phip prattled on about the promising future of portal research. Ever since the downfalls of John Masters and Adrian Fournier, the folksy Phip had maneuvered himself into tremendous influence over the industry.
"With those rogues out of the picture, we can finally focus on good science and safety," Phip said cheerfully. "No more reckless profiteering tarnishing this noble work."
"Quite right," Joshua replied carefully. "Though progress requires risks, within reason."
Phip's face darkened. "No more unnecessary risks or exploitation will be tolerated. That era ended."
Joshua bristled inwardly at the man's presumption to dictate policy. "Some sacrifice is inevitable on the frontier. Hard choices must be made for the greater good."
"Careful, those sound like Masters' and Fournier's justifications," Phip said, eyes narrowed. "I know your PSA has overstepped before too."
With effort, Joshua kept his tone even. "My agency serves the people, unlike those you compare us to."
Phip stood, clasping Joshua's shoulder in a way that felt more warning than friendly. "See that you stick to that purpose then. The days of unchecked power are over."
Joshua forced a smile as Phip departed. The old man was proving an annoying threat to autonomy lately. Perhaps it was time the Portal Research Chamber had a change in leadership.
For now, Joshua would play along, appearing chastened. But he would not have this common bureaucrat questioning his methods. Phip failed to understand that progress demanded difficult trade-offs.
When the moment arose, Joshua would sweep the bothersome Director aside and restore stronger stewardship. Portal exploration was too vital for petty ethics or legal constraints to hinder it unduly.
Phip doubtless believed his folksy paternalism was protection. But Joshua knew true leadership sometimes required darkness before the dawn. When tough choices presented themselves, he would not flinch or falter. The greater good depended on it.