Who We Were Born To Be (Niam) [ON HOLD]

Chapter 19: A week in the life of James

Chapter 19

James' point of view

The European leaders around the table gaped at James in silence for several seconds.

“Oh, haha, very funny,” one man said with a strong French accent.

The American ambassador coughed to get everyone's attention. “He's telling the truth,” the ambassador said flatly. He reached into his briefcase and drew out folders of papers, and began passing the copies around to everyone. “Here are your briefing documents on the subject. I believe the Australians have their own documentation to give you. In the meantime, President Matthews, perhaps a little demonstration is in order?”

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“I am not happy about this idea of you being 'President' of everyone with powers,” the Italian prime minister argued. “I am the president of the people in my country. How can I accept your claim to also be their president at the same time? Is their loyalty to me or to you?”

It was the next day, and the setting was more casual. They were sitting on comfy sofas and having drinks. James liked to have a drink in his hand while he discussed things, as it gave him a chance to think about the question by sipping at his drink for a while before he answered. I like thinking things through properly. I'm not one of those people who can just make up things on the spot. I wish Alistair was here with me. James could see Alistair in another part of the room. The man was surrounded by a gaggle of politicians like James himself was.

Fortunately James was saved by the English Prime Minister, David Cameron, coming to the rescue. “Is the loyalty of your citizens to the Pope or to you?” Cameron asked the Italian president. “Surely you, of all people, can understand how your citizens can have divided loyalties.

“The Church is different,” the Italian president grumbled. “It's... um... the church. Religion, you know. It gets its own special category. It provides spiritual guidance. Where's politically, I'm the elected leader of my people.” He turned back to James. “You seem to be implying that politically, you're the leader of your people. How can you claim political allegiance from my people?”

“I'm their elected political leader,” James stated with a shrug. “It's possible to have more than one political leader. Cities have elected councils and mayors. A person can vote for many different types of political leader, and be answerable to them all: Councillors, politicians, state governments etc. Your people are members of the European Union, and so their loyalty is further divided and they owe allegiance to the European Parliament to some extent, do they not? In general, all people have divided loyalties in a sense that they might have duties to their families, to their friends, to their church, to their city, and to their country. Many different people and institutions place rules on them and give them commands. You are the elected leader of one of those institutions and I am the elected leader of another.”

The Italian president didn't look happy but he nodded slowly at James' words.

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“Well?” James asked the group. “How do you all think the week went, overall?” James had put together this group to monitor the discussions with the world leaders and provide feedback at the end of each day.James eyed Alistair, who had collapsed into a chair opposite him. The man looked exhausted.

For a moment there was silence in the room.

“They're frightened,” Katherine said into the silence. She was an Empath. “They're also excited. And they're still in shock. Even after five days of talking to you and seeing the demonstrations, they still can't get over that the Powers are real.” Huh? Weird. James had expected politicians to be flexible and quick to deal with changes and new circumstances. Obviously I was wrong about that. “They also really respect the two of you,” Alice finished. “As people and leaders, I mean. You made an incredibly good impression.” Really? James had been second-guessing his answers all week long, wondering if he was really cut out for this. He'd found the whole situation incredibly stressful. I wish Niall were here. Just having him around would be wonderful. James was looking forward to returning to America after this debriefing and being able to see the boys again.