Matt Black - Book 1 of Re-Forge

Presidential Visit

Matt asked: "Mr. President, if it pleases you, would you and your entourage like some time to prepare for arrival at the colony?"

The President said: "I'm ready, Captain."

The Bridge crew came to attention and saluted as Matt and the President left the Bridge. The two men went through Matt's office and into his apartment where Matt thanked Asad again, in private, away from the crew.

Asad shook Matt's hand and said: "I want you to know that you have opened my eyes to possibilities for my nation and have whet my appetite for experiencing more marvels inside the Luna Colony. For example, I would like to see the self-perpetuating ecosystems where life is thriving as it once did on Earth, and I would like to see how normal Luna citizens live day to day."

Matt said: "I think it is safe to say that you will not be disappointed, Sir."

Asad replied: "Then let's get moving, I should join my colleagues for the trip to the surface."

Matt called for a guide to assist Asad, and when that crewperson arrived, he excused himself to prepare for the trip down to the colony. Matt shouldered his small bag of essentials and made his way through the apartment to leave via the exit to the main hallway when Defender announced: "Captain, Commander Aziz is waiting in your duty office. She is requesting a brief meeting.?"

Matt said: "Okay, Defender."

Matt changed direction and entered his duty office from the apartment's second doorway. He found Sharon standing in front of his desk, waiting for him. Matt could see that her body language was closed, suggesting she needed this interaction to be formal.

Matt's lips compressed into a fine line as he obliged her by moving to the other side of the desk. He observed the strained expression on her beautiful face while he waited for her to speak.

Matt thought: "What could her problem be? Why is she looking angrily at me. Whatever it is, this will not be pleasant."

Aloud, but in a gentle tone, Matt said: "We both need to be boarding the shuttle with our guests. You know this, so I hope what you have to say is short and to the point. How can I help you, commander Aziz?"

Sharon replied: "There is so much I want to say to you, but none of it is relevant because Ahmed Abbas and his family hold power over my family, and therefore, over me. They will never release me from my promise, so..."

Matt asked: "What does this have to do with me? In the fish tank hall, you went to great pains to make our positions with reference to each other. Our relationship is purely professional, and on this ship, I am your boss."

Sharon said: "I know. I think it is best that I end this chapter of my life by resigning my commission."

Matt felt shocked and disappointed, and he knew it showed plainly on his face, but he said: "Sharon, Ahmad Abbas will never let you be who you are meant to be. Resigning before you marry will only reinforce his power over you."

Sharon pursed her lips and nodded, saying: "A promise must be kept and in truth, after he takes me, I will become nothing more than a trophy that symbolises who holds the real power in the colony."

Matt said: "You face a future chained to the subterranean levels of the Moon. Forget about what me or others think or want from you. Do yourself a favour and think about what 'you' want. What it is that Sharon Aziz really needs in her life."

Sharon said: "I cannot flick a switch and turn off my feelings like you. I can't continue feeling like this every time I come on board. It is not fair."