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Silent Memories Chapter 7
Tuesday, August 29, 2006

A Tam Family Saga. Preseries.


CATEGORY: FICTION    TIMES READ: 1889    RATING: 9    SERIES: FIREFLY

7 - EARLY MORNING

When River had finally fallen asleep Gabriel went back to bed, just as the sun was coming up. He had resolutely closed his blinds and decided not to emerge until the day was almost over. Of course Reagan would have something to say, but for all he cared, she could nag until her vocal chords disintegrated. However, he would not be so lucky.

Gabriel had not been dozing for more than half an hour, when he was awakened by a cranky Mrs Mavel, saying something about a fat man with a large moustache who was being very pushy and rude about wanting to speak to him. He was half inclined to dismiss the wave, and tell Mrs Mavel to just go back to bed, but realised (with a feeling of foreboding) that the only fat man he knew who had a large moustache went by the name Governor Reuben Von Schleiker and was not exactly someone you told to call back another day.

He had rolled himself out of bed and dragged himself reluctantly towards his office.

“Do you know what time is it?” Gabriel grumbled as he slunk into his office and eased himself into a chair facing his vid screen.

“Gabriel! Thank God you’re awake!” exclaimed the Governor with real relief, in that voice of his which made Gabriel shudder. He noted in his uncharitable mood that the Governor was looking more florid than usual, on account of his state of agitation.

Gabriel grunted, “I really wasn’t…and could you just tone it down a bit? I’m feeling a mite…delicate right now.” He dispensed himself a couple of headache pills and downed them dry. Maybe if I take enough, they’ll knock me out…

“Delicate my pi-gu!” huffed the Governor in his bluff way, “I’ve got a crisis on my hands, to hell with you!”

The fact that the Governor had progressed to damning him to hell told Gabriel that he really was in a bad way. He blinked his eyes trying to lighten the load on his eyelids and said in a voice full of care he really didn’t feel, “What is it Reuben?”

Governor Von Schleiker made a face, “It’s Heinrich…” he said with doom permeating in his words, “…he’s been caught in a Blackout Zone.”

Gabriel started. Suddenly he was wide awake. “What in the ‘verse was he doing there?”

“He wouldn’t tell me! And I couldn’t get it out of the qing wa cao de liu mang who arrested him either!”

“Language Reuben,” Gabriel said tersely, “When was this?”

“Just a few hours ago! I called you as soon as I could. He’s being held at Illias…tell me you can do something? The election’s coming up soon Gabriel, NO ONE…” he hissed imperatively, “…can find out about this!”

Gabriel nodded, “Calm down Reuben, you’re not doing either of us any favours by fussing. We can’t do anything today in any case. I’m sure he’ll survive one night. Tomorrow, I’ll go down there myself-“

“No Gabriel I should go with you-“

“The moment you walk through those doors it’ll go on your permanent record. If you want to come, you’ll have to stay outside in the skycar. I’d be going there in a professional capacity, there’ll be no repercussions for a legal advisor going to see his client – believe me Reuben, it’s best for you if I sort this out by proxy. I’ll contact you when it’s taken care of. Just be warned, it’ll probably be a hefty bail you’ll need to lay out.”

If it was possible, Governor Von Schleiker’s face went redder with anger, “That good-for-nothing houzi de pigu! I’m going to flay him with my bare hands.”

Gabriel smiled wanly, “Let me know how that turns out.”

“I’ll come around at about nine, and pick you up. I owe you one Gabriel.”

“That you do Reuben.” He agreed making to stand up.

“That boy of yours – Simon isn’t it?

“Um…” Gabriel said uncertainly, “Yes?”

“Trauma surgeon in Capital City?”

“He was, last time I checked…”

“Good, I’ll forward a recommendation to the Medical Elect by Friday.”

Gabriel started again, “What? He’s not eve-“

“No please,” the Governor said bowing his head, “You take care of my son, I’ll take care of yours. Besides, old McNamara’s going to cark it one of these days and we need a bit of new blood on the board. Remember, nine o’clock.”

The screen went blank and Gabriel blinked with disbelief, and half chuckled all the way back to his room. As he lay down, for some much needed shut eye, he reflected as his last thought of the day: Thank God Simon never gets into this sort of trouble…

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