BAD WINE CRAPPY CHOCOLATE

CHAPTER FIVE-11

"For the very reason that I just mentioned," Cane retorted. "The government is totally inefficient when it comes to commerce. Our role is to create an environment where the entrepreneurs can flourish. We make sure they have access to the markets, domestically and around the world. Then we let them do business. That creates jobs for the people."
"The people are bored to tears with those jobs. All they do all day is count Allisours' credits."

"But it's better than worrying about how you're going to keep a roof over your head. They can afford the Vitala, since they no longer have to pay exorbitant amounts for a home, as was the case when I started my political career."
"They live in apartments they don't own," Cybil replied. "In fact, the average person really doesn't own anything, except their Vitala. That's all they can afford on their salaries. The people should get more from life."
"The average wage in this country is in line with the other countries in the world. That allows us to compete in a global economy. Besides, who are you to tell them what they should want? You only have to give them security. The happiest people in the world are those with the lowest expectations. The citizens of this country had enough of struggling to keep up with the Joneses under the old system. Have you learned nothing from me?"
"I've learned a great deal. You taught me that when something doesn't work, it's time to change it, no matter how much opposition you face. Like when you led the consolidation movement. I've also learned that I'll never win an argument with you."
"What does Erma think about all this?" Chris asked.
"There are some things that I have to decide for myself."
"She disagrees. Erma has an excellent sense of what is and isn't worthwhile. You should take her advice, since you obviously aren't about to take mine. Forget the pilot and come to Hawaii with me. I'm going there to meet with Senator Grayson. We have to prepare for next month's foreign affairs committee meeting."
"I thought that travel wasn't necessary anymore," Cybil responded with a grin.
Chris smiled back at her. His adopted daughter's facial expression reminded him of the one he had observed on the little girl who came into his life so many years ago. They sat down and ate lunch.
"I'm going to see Daniel Foster this afternoon," Chris said when they finished. "I'll find out for certain what Brandon did at Allisours. Don't forget to review the newscasts every afternoon."

"I've never felt comfortable about doing that," Cybil objected. "The broadcast channels should report what they know, not what the senator approves of."
"It's done as a courtesy to them," Chris responded. "The news people want me to check their stories for accuracy."
Cybil gave him another skeptical look before standing up and embracing her adopted father.
"I hope there really is a time machine," she said whimsically, before walking toward the door. "I'm sorry, dear, but your mother is gone," Chris kindly called after her.
She turned to face him. Cybil wore a stoic expression.
"But I'm sure Brenda Henderson would be very proud of her daughter if she could see you now," he told her. "Just as I am."
Cybil smiled at him before leaving.
The Allisours building was located on a towering bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. The
impressive structure had continued to grow over the years, with the company not only adding Vitala and the Mibil to its product line, but also making forays into the agriculture and entertainment industries. The senator arrived at the light blue spherical building in his aircraft. He was escorted into the office of Daniel Foster without delay. The chairman of Allisours sat behind his desk, looking much younger than the senator, despite their being the same age. Chris had chosen not to take advantage of modern cosmetic methods to eliminate the exterior signs of aging, while his friend had availed himself of their benefits.
"Senator Cane, how good to see you," Foster said, rising from the chair behind his desk.
"How have you been, Dan?"
"Busy as always. But that's because the company is doing so well, fortunately. And I've got some good news for you. Max Bardy has been arrested."
"Where did they catch him?" Chris asked with excitement in his voice.
"He was in the city. They've taken him to one of the security centers."
"The interrogation of our most notorious Vitala thief should prove very interesting."

"Did you ever think they'd catch Bardy? I was beginning to believe that the man didn't really exist."
Foster sent an electronic image to Chris's Mibil. He could see the thief languishing in his cell.
"It's hard to track down one person among millions, especially when he usually stays away from the city," the senator said. "I'm glad they've finally bought him to justice."
"The Security Bureau has also discovered where his base of operations is. They're ready to close it down. It's across the lake in Canada."
"That could be a problem. The Canucks aren't too fond of us these days, not since your company found a way to increase our grain production. The price on the world market has dropped considerably." "We graciously offered to let the Canadians purchase the new grain hybrid in exchange for their
co-operation in our raid on Bardy's place," Foster said. "The bureau's forces now have permission to visit the home of the thief. But as I understand it, they've decided to wait until you return from your trip to do it. It's an acknowledgement of how hard you've worked to stop Bardy and the other thieves that operate in this territory."
"I'm flattered, though I hate to think that justice is being delayed on my account," said Chris. "Which brings me to the subject I'd like to discuss. What did Brandon steal from Allisours?"
"I know this is a difficult subject for you, Chris," Foster said sympathetically. "You've always thought of him as your son. He used his technological skills to put Allisours' credits into his account. We're willing to drop any charges against him, at your request. The man is very capable. He just needs help."
"I don't want him to be given any special treatment. He's had enough advantages. But you were right when you said Brandon might need help. He told his sister that Allisours has a device which makes it possible to travel through time."
"Really? Well, that's not true, senator."
"He also claims that you planned to use it to do away with Cybil. I won't even go into the details, it's too ridiculous."

"I did support her opponent. Maybe this is an attempt on his part to get back at me for that. I'm glad it hasn't affected our friendship, though."
"We're all entitled to our opinions." "Brandon needs professional help, senator."
"I've reached the same conclusion. Thanks for your time, Dan. I'm off to the seventh district."
"Enjoy your trip," the executive said as he shook his hand. "And tell the next Senator Cane that I'm looking forward to meeting with her."
Chris turned to address Daniel before leaving his office.
"I'm going to tell the security forces to move on Bardy's place right away. There's no need to wait for me."
The Allisours chairman nodded. Change was coming to this land once again.
"Just think," Foster said wistfully. "If there really was a time machine, you could debate the merits of democracy with the Greeks who created it."
"That would be interesting," the senator replied, a thoughtful expression on his face. He immediately contacted Cybil after returning to his aircraft.
"There's nothing to it, dear. Daniel is anxious to meet with you."
"Then I guess you didn't mention our plan to nationalize his company."
"No, and you shouldn't either. We'll discuss it when I get back. And think about moving into the house. You have to start living like a senator. He also gave me some very good news. Max Bardy has been arrested. After all these years, I'll finally see that thief get justice. And the Security Bureau will be raiding his headquarters very shortly."
Cybil knew she had to contact her brother immediately.
"Have a nice time, Chris. I'll see you soon."
Cybil ended the communication session and then instructed the chip in her head to contact
Brandon. As she waited for him to respond to her call, she considered Foster's denial and dismissed it out of hand. Her brother would never deceive her, in spite of what the Allisours executive had said.
Cybil still believed that Brandon had found their mother.