Damned!

The Project

President Hoveting sat in his chair in the oval office. A tall man who looked younger than his 50 years, his knees seemed to make hills in any chair he sat in. Surrounding him was Mayor Mignon whose dark eyebrows always seemed to be crossed as if in study of every topic discussed, the foreign secretary Aldrich, a small portly fellow, white haired Archbishop Dominez, the chief of staff Eversly and his assistant Nathaniel.

"The ceremony went well today, yes? It is too bad we couldn't go forward with Ein, but I think Ms. Genese will be much more amenable to our suggestions. Of course, I shall meet with Ms. Genese tomorrow with the proposed plan. The need to divert a water source to our newest suburb will take precedence and be started asap."

"President, we are pleased you see this issue as important. Having a crew of fresh new engineers should be enough to jumpstart this project, spurring it forward. I have instructed our department in a non disclosing clause regarding Ein's absence. They have been notified of his retirement, with the adage of his interest in travel," Mayor Mignon took the lead in conversation.

"We have allocated more funding to provide for an additional department to be in charge of the watershed project, completing the waterway resources for the military housing units. Remember, more than a third of our new recruits will be scientists with expertise in Artificial Robot and drone control. We must provide proper accommodations. This military hub will be the center of the continuation of our national AI facial recognition database which will distinguish our citizens from foreigners."

"Excellent, President Hoveting! Mayor, do you have a plan for the inhabitants of the Watershed Jungle? I want to make sure we have all our t's crossed. I do not relish the thought of my image being tarnished or a source of protest within this coming election year."

"I believe we can offer the inhabitants the apartment complex off of Thurgood street, although it will need renovating. It will be close to transportation and their new factory jobs as well as the local food market. Coupled with a year's free rent and on-the-job training, it will certainly look accommodating."

"Archbishop, will you meet with Heinrich then and bring him into the plan? I suppose he will want to know what will become of his position. What to offer him? Something small but substantial, enough to monetarily satisfy his displacement and needs."

Archbishop Dominez leaned back in his chair and folded the fingers of his hands as if in deep thought..

"Heinrich has always been grateful to us. We have supporte

d him for many years, despite numerous inquiries regarding his struggles with adultery. He is of retirement age. If he does not wish to abide by our decision, I will see to it that he retires comfortably to his home country, or is transferred to a location of his choice. He will be cared for."

A satisfied smile crossed the face of President Hoveting.

"Wonderful! Then all is in order. I will see you gentlemen again tomorrow."

He lifted his 6' tall self up to a standing position and performed the obligatory handshakes with all the other suits who were standing as well. The day had ended well and the sunset cased the parking lot as workers from the capitol building got into their cars and drove home to their various apartments and residences across the state.