BAD WINE CRAPPY CHOCOLATE

CHAPTER FOUR-5

"I just want to say that I'm looking forward to working with you," the senator-elect began. "The task of managing a territory is a very daunting one. I'll be relying on you to keep me informed about the concerns of the people."
"I'm looking forward to solving problems with you, Senator Cane," said Brenda Walters, who had inexplicably won a seat at age 42, with an enthusiastic smile.
"That's really sweet, dear," Mira interjected. "But we were elected to tell you about the problems, madam senator-elect, and you were elected to solve them. I hope you're up to the task."
I wonder if we can have these meetings with our Mibils, Cybil thought to herself. Then she said aloud, "I am, Mira."
"Good. Because we need immediate action on our request for a train station between the 300 and 400 residential buildings."
"This isn't a formal meeting," her husband pointed out. "We're just here to say hello."
"Go to sleep, Lenny," Mira chided him.
"I've given the matter a lot of thought," Cybil said. "I've decided to appoint a committee to study the problem."
"And how long will that take?" Mira asked suspiciously.
"Not too long, I would hope. I didn't plan for a long session today. So if there's anything of an
urgent nature on your minds, let's get right to it."
"Gloves," said Tom Boyle, who was dressed as an aircraft pilot.
"What about them?" Cybil responded.
"In the winter I always leave mine on the train. And so do a lot of folks. I think the security
people should review the surveillance images to find them for us. They can see exactly where we lost them."
Cybil almost laughed aloud at the idea of using the Security Bureau's resources for such a task. Yet she knew that these were powerful people. Their concerns must be taken seriously.

"That would create a problem. We're barely on target to stay within the budget this committee approved one year ago. It would take a considerable amount of worker hours to address your concern by using the surveillance images. I suggest instead that we review the operations of the lost and found departments at train stations and other public places. We might be able to make them more efficient at reuniting people with their lost items."
"Why doesn't he just buy a new pair of gloves," one person mumbled.
"Now, if there are no other..."
Cybil was interrupted.
"The receptionist at the medical station I used disappeared for an hour during my last visit,"
complained Greg Baxter, another committee member who was dressed as William Shakespeare. "When I get my bill from the state for annual services, I'm charged for those visits."
"It's a lot better than paying a percentage of your income, like in the old days," Lenny said. "You never knew what you were paying for."
"And you do now?" another member asked sarcastically, as Mira reproached her husband with a disapproving glance.
"My point is, I had to wait until she came back to make my next appointment," Greg continued. "And I had a lunch date. I was very late. You should create regulations governing their conduct, madam senator-elect."
"I'm sure you didn't starve," Mira said. "What's a young guy like you going to a doctor for, anyway?"
Young to Mira was anyone below the age of 90.
"That's none of your damn business," Greg retorted.
"I think this is a matter to be taken up with the person who manages the medical station," Cybil intervened. "Now, if there's nothing else..."
"You know, there are a lot of people who can't afford to buy Vitala," Lenny said. "The government health plan doesn't cover it," Greg complained.

Cybil was tempted to answer by telling the committee about her idea for nationalizing Allisours. Then the thought of having such a discussion with the people around the table made the senator-elect change her mind.
"That's because there are some who claim its benefits are unproven," she told them. "But I'm sure in time it will be on the government list of reimbursable items."
Brenda looked at her with an expression that said: It's been over 50 years. How much longer can we wait?
"We can discuss it further at the next meeting," Cybil told them. "I'll see you then."
"We simply must have a new train station between the 300 and 400 apartment buildings," Mira said as she walked toward the door. "The people there are older, and can't walk all the way to the nearest station."
"If they're physically unable to reach the train, then they're eligible for a ride to the station," Cybil pointed out. "They just have to apply to the bureau of transportation for a pass."
"But it takes forever to get one of those," Mira replied with a sigh. "Think about it, dear. I'll see you soon."
This job might not be all I thought it would be, Cybil mused.