Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in First Impressions

Posted by Civilian Aiofemi T. Oshiro (Director of Medical and Social Services) in First Impressions

Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in First Impressions
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

“Of course.” Hyrushi said. “And please do not ever apologize for challenging me. You were not brought here to simply agree with everything I say. We need you to stand up for your organization… and the people of Oed.”

Hyrushi, Governor

“I appreciate that you said that, it’s very reassuring to know that you are open to opinions and discussion in the future.” There was a sigh before she asked her question, “I have heard talks of a rebellion since I landed here. Why are the people in the colony angry?” She paused for a moment to try and think of a way to rephrase her question. “What I mean to say is why are there so many rebellions? It’s never a good sign when people feel like they have to rebel to be heard. I know there are always going to be those who are angry no matter what, but rebellion is a strong response so I wonder if you and the Lieutenant Governor are missing or lacking effective communication with the colonists?

Dr. Ai Oshiro, DMSS

The dark eyes of the Governor darkened and they locked onto Oshiro’s gaze. “Rebellion? Doctor, I don’t know what holovid you garnered that term from, but it is hardly applicable here.” He took a breath and composed himself. “There is no ‘rebellion’. What there is is a strong history of the people removing incompetent and-or corrupt leaders by force. Assassinations, bombings, and the odd poisoning. But it never directed at anyone other than the governing individuals. You see, Oed is unique… both in location and culture. The citizens are proud, and they are resilient, and they are tenacious. And they have no tolerance for incompetence or graft. The incidents you are speaking of happened years ago; and I am quite proud to say that in my tenure here I have only had an attempt on my life four times. And those were done by criminal organizations… not the populace. And I am quite sure that if you asked any hundred of the people in this city if they felt heard by myself and the Lieutenant Governor, the vast majority of them would say yes. So perhaps you should take some time and learn about the reality of Oed. Introduce yourself to people. Walk the streets. Listen to them. See what they say to directly. Then, perhaps, you can ask yourself if such an inquiry is indeed realistic.”

Hyrushi, Governor

She raised her eyebrows, it seemed she hit a nerve which strangely felt like a victory to her. She didn’t know why, perhaps it was because the defensive response he provided, although composed, made her feel like she was no longer in the hot seat.
“No, I have not been in the colony long enough to know any better and my information certainly did not come from a holovid, I only am sharing what I heard from others. However, your reaction to my question was defensive. It was not my intention to irritate you but I cannot help what people have told me. I figured I would ask you about it while I am here. I am here to learn and I do intend to walk the streets, as you said, to get a better idea of what the citizens think of their leadership. I will share with you what I learn but I warn you if it’s not what you expect, do not kill the messenger. In any case, I am sure whatever has happened is no reflection on you. I am actually glad to hear that you think rebellions are a non-issue and that the general population seems to be happy with their leaders.”

Dr. Ai Oshiro, DMSS

Dasca was listening intently and it might just seem she was being passive in this conversation, but it was far from reality. No, the empath was acutely aware of the shifts taking place. “From whom did you hear about these so-called rebellions?” she said. All information, even rumours, were important and she wasn’t going to let that sort of information slip away without notice.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

“In an effort to perseve the trust of my sources or anyone who confides in me, I cannot disclose them. They would never be willing to speak freely to me and probably anyone else again if they learned that I shared with you information they shared with me. Even more, you think the information is not accurate. You two are the highest officials and most important beings in this colony. Can you imagine the level of alarm they would feel? I would like to speak to my source myself regarding the inaccuracies.”
She paused, “I don’t think that is the point here anyway. There are some who think that the attacks, whether they are from crime organizations or gangs, are forms of rebellion. If we don’t have an issue with the citizens revolting then I think we at least might have an issue with organized crime which could be a problem all by itself and worse than rebellion.” She shrugged, “I know it’s not my area of focus. I was just curious about the situation. That is all.”

Dr. Ai Oshiro, DMSS

Kenzo took a steadying breath. He looked at Eela and his eyes conveyed more frustration than anything else. He looked back at Oshiro and said “Doctor… you are not a reporter. You do not have ‘sources’. What you seem to have is someone or some-ones who like to gossip and speak without having any kind of basis of actual fact. And we cannot have a Senior Cabinet member walking around listening to far-fetched, sensationalistic garbage and then spewing that forth without consideration of the ramifications of their words. Oed does not have a rebellion. Oed does not have ‘an issue’ with organized crime anymore than any other remote world with millions of people does. Our police force is quite adept and very good at their job, and they rooted out such many years ago. And no… this is wholly and completely not your area of focus, nor is it why we wanted you here. You are here to provide health and social programs to assist the people of this colony. And like it or not, Doctor, you are now in the public eye. Everything you say outside of your home is likely to be heard and reported on. You have the ear of the people whether you want it or not. So I would like you to make a choice right now, if I may be so bold as to impose on you. Do you wish to be a rumor-monger? Or do you wish to ensure the health and mental welfare of the people of this colony? Because you cannot do both. And one is wholly detrimental to the other.”

Hyrushi, Governor

She accepted everything he said. However she was annoyed when he called her a....”A rumor monger?” she said as she laughed, “That is an interesting term that I have never heard before, possibly because it has never ever applied to me. However, I think I understand the meaning of it.” She said the words fast and sarcastically even though she knew she was teetering on the side of getting fired on her first day. “I have not shared this information with anyone else but you two. Wouldn’t you rather I bring information like this to you? Or is it best to keep it to myself the next time I come across such information? Also, although I am not a reporter, I do have sources.” She despised that he had the audacity to tell her what she do and do not have. “As you said I have the ear of the people. If you really want to know where I heard these rumors it was from some of the citizens in the colony. However, I will not share their names with you. If you say there is no rebellion, I accept that. I you say there is no issue with organized crime, I accept that too.”
She frowned then said, “Of course, I want to ensure the health and mental welfare of the people of this colony. That is why I applied for this job. However wouldn’t that require me to listen to them, even the rumors that might come from them?” None of this was going the way she planned. She was starting to become frustrated herself because now she realized that Mr. Hyrushi was super sensitive and her question had caused issues. It was possible, she would get fired and find herself on the next shuttle back to Earth. She took a deep breath and then said, “Mr. Hyrushi. Is it possible to get a cup of tea? I have not drunk or eaten anything since this morning and I feel it may be affecting my mood.”

Dr. Ai Oshiro, DMSS