Power Play--Part II

Breakfast the next morning allowed Paul to mingle with all the mayors of Jupiter. Many he knew from their visits to the palace. However, a few mayors had been newly elected and Paul tried to meet and get to know as many of these new governors as possible.

“I understand that the new bridge is suppose to be nearing its completion,” Paul said, conversing with Lewis Graham, who had been just elected Mayor of New Caledonia. “Has everything been on schedule?”

“Even better, Your Highness,” the man beamed, “everything is being completed ahead of schedule. We hope to have a ceremony for its opening soon. Very soon.”

“That’s wonderful news. The bridge is going to support six lanes of traffic, isn’t it?”

“Eight, actually. It will provide another major thoroughfare to Ibernia and will hopefully ease some of the traffic congestion for both cities.”

Paul nodded, absorbing the information. “Then I’m sure you and Mayor McCammon are looking forward to the opening ceremony. It’s hard to imagine that a bridge of such size is being completed so quickly.”

“Yes, Sean and I are anxious for the project to be completed. Honestly, Your Highness, you can’t appreciate the size of the bridge until you are on it. It’s a marvel.”

“I would like to see it.”

Graham beamed. “I would be delighted to send an announcement of the opening ceremony to the palace when we have everything planned.”

“Thank you. Of course, I can’t speak for Leda, but I would like to be there if I can.”

“Consider it done, then.”

At that moment, Benedict appeared at Paul’s elbow. Excusing himself, Paul followed him to a vacant corner of the room. Benedict glanced to make sure they were not being overheard before speaking.

“Your Highness, I suggest that you limit your dealings with Mayor Naffid and his associates.”

Paul glanced over at the man in question before returning his focus back to Benedict. “I believe cronies would be a better term than associates. However, I can’t appear to be showing favoritism.”

“I’m not suggesting favoritism, sir,” Benedict said. “I’m just asking you to be cautious. Mayor Naffid and his, let’s say, allies have been at this for a long time and have a great deal of influence over most of the other mayors. Besides, they’re not happy that you are Prince of Jupiter.”

“I gathered as much,” Paul commented with a mirthless grin. “Well, the first main meeting will begin soon. You will be sitting with me during the meeting. I would appreciate hearing some of your ideas and observation afterward.”

“I’m at your service, Your Highness. At the moment, I believe that Mayor Grey is trying to get your attention, sir.”

“Well, let’s see what she wants.” With Benedict following, Paul crossed the room to meet her.

* * * * *

His knuckles were white as he grabbed the glass. However, Paul made himself sipped the water calmly before he addressed yet another of Mayor Naffid’s cronies. His patience was wearing thin, especially since they have objected to every major item on the budget.

“Mayor Espesito, are you honestly serious about your objection?” Paul demanded, his tone sharp. He could hear the indrawn gasps but didn’t see the people’s expressions. His focus remained on Edelburg’s mayor.

It took a moment for Espesito to compose himself. Yet, the angry flush remained on his face. “Of course, I am.”

For Paul, that was the breaking point. “You are suggesting that we postpone the hospital expansion in New Caledonia in favor of your project?”

To his credit, or his stupidity, the mayor did not back down. “New Caledonia is already benefiting from the bridge project with Ibernia. I’m merely trying to ensure that Edelburg receives is fair share.”

Mayor Naffid rose to his feet. “He’s right to try to ensure fair treatment among the cities and districts.”

“You are arguing for a golf course instead of much needed improvements to a hospital.” Paul paused, letting the statement makes its impact. “Regarding New Caledonia’s perceived double benefits, its hospital is one of the best on Jupiter and is used by people from the surrounding communities.

“By blocking the hospital’s expansion, you are putting a golf course before the health of Jupiter.” He smiled as realization dawned on the faces of Mayors Naffid and Espesito. “Is that what you are truly posing, Mayor Espesito, for the good of Edelburg and thus Jupiter?”

Mayor Grey tried to hide a grin while Naffid, Espesito and their compatriots fought to control their outrage. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Benedict cough before assuming a neutral expression. However, Paul knew he might regret this moment later.

“Think about it carefully, Mayor Espesito,” he said aloud. “Mayor Grey, let’s adjourn for the day. I think that we will all benefit from a fresh start tomorrow.”

“Of course, Your Highness,” Mayor Grey replied, rising from her seat. “The budget discussion will resume at tomorrow’s schedule meeting time. No other formal event, aside from dinner, will be held until then.”

Paul shook a few hands as he made his way out of the conference room, closely followed by his faithful shadow Benedict. He could overhear Naffid complaining to his associates about “that upstart boy’s misbehavior” even above the other conversations around him. But he couldn’t bring himself to feel remorseful just yet.

As he headed to his room, Paul realized that Benedict was suddenly going in a different direction. Puzzled, the Prince of Jupiter stopped and looked at his new assistant. “Where are you going now?”

Benedict paused, obviously debating on how to answer the question. Finally, he sighed. “Damage control, Your Highness.”

“Don’t bother, Benedict. I’m already tired of the games. Let Mayor Espesito attempt to salvage his image.”

“Sir, I understand,” the younger man replied. “I don’t like the games anymore than you do. However, I don’t think it’s wise to attack so directly.”

“Maybe that’s why so many of Jupiter have persisted, because no one will attack the crony system directly.”

“I would hate for you to burn too many bridges, sir.”

Paul sighed. “You have a point, Benedict, and I’ll keep it in mind. Now, other than that, how did I do on my first day?”

Benedict chuckled briefly, caught off-guard by the prince’s question. “You have my approval, but your wife would be a better judge.”

“I guess we’ll see.” Paul studied his assistant for a moment. “Don’t be apologetic in your damage control, Benedict. I meant what I did today.”

Benedict bowed and walked back toward the conference room. Deep in thought, Paul entered his room. He decided that he needed a shower before trying to call Leda.


Part II Breakfast the next morning allowed Paul to mingle with all the mayors of Jupiter. Many he knew from their visits to the palace. However, a few mayors had been newly elected and Paul tried to meet and get to know as many of these new governors as possible. “I understand that the new bridge is suppose to be nearing its completion,” Paul said, conversing with Lewis Graham, who had been just elected Mayor of New Caledonia. “Has everything been on schedule?” “Even better, Your Highness,” the man beamed, “everything is being completed ahead of schedule. We hope to have a ceremony for its opening soon. Very soon.” “That’s wonderful news. The bridge is going to support six lanes of traffic, isn’t it?” “Eight, actually. It will provide another major thoroughfare to Ibernia and will hopefully ease some of the traffic congestion for both cities.” Paul nodded, absorbing the information. “Then I’m sure you and Mayor McCammon are looking forward to the opening ceremony. It’s hard to imagine that a bridge of such size is being completed so quickly.” “Yes, Sean and I are anxious for the project to be completed. Honestly, Your Highness, you can’t appreciate the size of the bridge until you are on it. It’s a marvel.” “I would like to see it.” Graham beamed. “I would be delighted to send an announcement of the opening ceremony to the palace when we have everything planned.” “Thank you. Of course, I can’t speak for Leda, but I would like to be there if I can.” “Consider it done, then.” At that moment, Benedict appeared at Paul’s elbow. Excusing himself, Paul followed him to a vacant corner of the room. Benedict glanced to make sure they were not being overheard before speaking. “Your Highness, I suggest that you limit your dealings with Mayor Naffid and his associates.” Paul glanced over at the man in question before returning his focus back to Benedict. “I believe cronies would be a better term than associates. However, I can’t appear to be showing favoritism.” “I’m not suggesting favoritism, sir,” Benedict said. “I’m just asking you to be cautious. Mayor Naffid and his, let’s say, allies have been at this for a long time and have a great deal of influence over most of the other mayors. Besides, they’re not happy that you are Prince of Jupiter.” “I gathered as much,” Paul commented with a mirthless grin. “Well, the first main meeting will begin soon. You will be sitting with me during the meeting. I would appreciate hearing some of your ideas and observation afterward.” “I’m at your service, Your Highness. At the moment, I believe that Mayor Grey is trying to get your attention, sir.” “Well, let’s see what she wants.” With Benedict following, Paul crossed the room to meet her. * * * * * His knuckles were white as he grabbed the glass. However, Paul made himself sipped the water calmly before he addressed yet another of Mayor Naffid’s cronies. His patience was wearing thin, especially since they have objected to every major item on the budget. “Mayor Espesito, are you honestly serious about your objection?” Paul demanded, his tone sharp. He could hear the indrawn gasps but didn’t see the people’s expressions. His focus remained on Edelburg’s mayor. It took a moment for Espesito to compose himself. Yet, the angry flush remained on his face. “Of course, I am.” For Paul, that was the breaking point. “You are suggesting that we postpone the hospital expansion in New Caledonia in favor of your project?” To his credit, or his stupidity, the mayor did not back down. “New Caledonia is already benefiting from the bridge project with Ibernia. I’m merely trying to ensure that Edelburg receives is fair share.” Mayor Naffid rose to his feet. “He’s right to try to ensure fair treatment among the cities and districts.” “You are arguing for a golf course instead of much needed improvements to a hospital.” Paul paused, letting the statement makes its impact. “Regarding New Caledonia’s perceived double benefits, its hospital is one of the best on Jupiter and is used by people from the surrounding communities. “By blocking the hospital’s expansion, you are putting a golf course before the health of Jupiter.” He smiled as realization dawned on the faces of Mayors Naffid and Espesito. “Is that what you are truly posing, Mayor Espesito, for the good of Edelburg and thus Jupiter?” Mayor Grey tried to hide a grin while Naffid, Espesito and their compatriots fought to control their outrage. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Benedict cough before assuming a neutral expression. However, Paul knew he might regret this moment later. “Think about it carefully, Mayor Espesito,” he said aloud. “Mayor Grey, let’s adjourn for the day. I think that we will all benefit from a fresh start tomorrow.” “Of course, Your Highness,” Mayor Grey replied, rising from her seat. “The budget discussion will resume at tomorrow’s schedule meeting time. No other formal event, aside from dinner, will be held until then.” Paul shook a few hands as he made his way out of the conference room, closely followed by his faithful shadow Benedict. He could overhear Naffid complaining to his associates about “that upstart boy’s misbehavior” even above the other conversations around him. But he couldn’t bring himself to feel remorseful just yet. As he headed to his room, Paul realized that Benedict was suddenly going in a different direction. Puzzled, the Prince of Jupiter stopped and looked at his new assistant. “Where are you going now?” Benedict paused, obviously debating on how to answer the question. Finally, he sighed. “Damage control, Your Highness.” “Don’t bother, Benedict. I’m already tired of the games. Let Mayor Espesito attempt to salvage his image.” “Sir, I understand,” the younger man replied. “I don’t like the games anymore than you do. However, I don’t think it’s wise to attack so directly.” “Maybe that’s why so many of Jupiter have persisted, because no one will attack the crony system directly.” “I would hate for you to burn too many bridges, sir.” Paul sighed. “You have a point, Benedict, and I’ll keep it in mind. Now, other than that, how did I do on my first day?” Benedict chuckled briefly, caught off-guard by the prince’s question. “You have my approval, but your wife would be a better judge.” “I guess we’ll see.” Paul studied his assistant for a moment. “Don’t be apologetic in your damage control, Benedict. I meant what I did today.” Benedict bowed and walked back toward the conference room. Deep in thought, Paul entered his room. He decided that he needed a shower before trying to call Leda.


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