The Odds

Extract from a press statement made by A. Warwell

[The press office room of the Presidential Palace. Chattering journalists fill the rows of chairs in front of the small stage, which is dominated by a smooth marble podium. Flanked by Kalea and Vibbius, Alithia takes her place there]

These have been hard times for our people.

Thanks to our brave soldiers and the rapid and obedient response of each and every one of our citizens, the rebellion was halted, but as we are all aware the troubles do not stop there. It is not a story that ends after the final page is turned. Some of you are grieving. Others are staying in temporary accommodation. All of you are affected in some way. The efforts of you all have not gone unnoticed and I, on behalf of all offices of power within the Capitol, take this opportunity to commend all those who have given even the smallest sacrifices in order to help the rebuilding programs. As those in power, it gives us great heart to see citizens pulling together to support their nation. And today, in front of that nation and in the face of that good spirit, we pledge to do whatever we can to stop a situation like this from arising again.

With that in mind, it is more important than ever to ensure the quality of those to whom the future of our great nation will fall. I am talking, of course, about the students at the College of Excellence or, as I believe it is known colloquially, the Gamemaking Academy.

As many of you are aware, the College has a fine tradition of producing future leaders; indeed, in recent times all Presidents have received their education here, myself included. It is through their rigorous courses that our Gamemakers are sourced, and I am certain that Pandora and Kalea will also attest to the quality of our home institution. We are very proud to be its patrons. However, there is still much that can be done to improve. There remains, as recent events have proved to us, a distinct gap between those who graduate from the College and those who are considered fit to be Gamemakers. Mistakes have been made, for which I take full responsibility. This cannot be allowed to happen again. Now more than ever, we must exercise whatever caution we can. And to address this, we will be introducing an expert opinion to work alongside the Gamemakers in supervising the most recent crop of students.

Though we are aware that he may not be a popular choice, Vibbius has, in the past, proved himself to be an excellent judge of character. During his tenure as Head Gamemaker, which most of you will remember in some form, he oversaw many College graduates and judged them all accordingly. As someone who worked under him during this time, I can attest to the thoroughness of his decision making – even when I happen to disagree! [tentative chuckles from the audience] He has the experience to be able to provide useful assistance to us and the dedication to do so to the best of his ability. He is not being elevated to the Gamemaking team, nor is he a permanent addition; to do so would be difficult for all involved. He is simply temporarily advising us in our decisions in order to help us protect our great nation.

Given his somewhat turbulent background, it is understandable that there will be concerns over Vibbius’ loyalties. Neither are these worries baseless. Rest assured that we did not make this decision without thinking the matter through fully; the fact remains that, as a past President with an understanding of the College processes and a history of judging its graduates correctly, Vibbius is the most suitable candidate. However, you can still expect us to proceed with the utmost caution.

I would now like to thank you for your attention and allow the man himself to take the stand. Vibbius, the stage is yours.

[A. steps back; V. takes position by podium]

Thank you, Alithia.

May I just begin by quoting a most ancient proverb: that there is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.

I think in some ways - in a lot of ways - this quotation is fitting to a chilling extent. A lot has happened since I left that night, a lot of what has happened has been exposed to the nation yet a lot also remains personal to me.

I cannot be sorry for what I have done. I cannot be so rude as to ask for your returning forgiveness. But what I can do is ensure, with everything I have, that it will not, cannot, happen again. And I know a lot of you feel as though I have simply become a mere pet to my colleagues, but I must tell you now - I don't plan on playing fetch anytime soon. 

Thank you.

[V. steps back, replaced by A]

A very astute speech there, Vibbius. I am sure the press will have a lot of fun with it. [she smiles, audience chuckles]. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your time. That is all we have for you today.

[A. V. and K. leave]