4 Arrival on Ceres - Part IV

Prince Crimson Arc

18th April

After establishing myself as Governor, I had my predecessor, Kyle Matthews, organise a meeting of the Legislative Council of Ceres. The council has no real power, but they're a body of important members of the colony. I need to establish my authority over them to implement the real change that the colony needs.

The Legislative Council of Ceres is the official governing body of the Colony of Ceres, but under the laws of the Freehold, colonial governance is solely dictated by the Governor. The Council is a mere advisory body for the Governor, who's authority is based on them being the Consuls' representative in the colony. As I am now the Governor, that effectively means I can do as I wish, as long as I keep everyone happy. But this isn't a game. It isn't like I really can do as I please. I was sent here by Consul Scuderi, because it is necessary to turn around the sorry state of affairs in the colony. It's my duty to turn things around.

Kyle and I arrive early, so that we're already seated before everyone else: I sit at the head of table, and Kyle directly to my right. The other members of the council arrive one at a time. As they come in, I ask each of them individually to introduce themselves to me.

First to arrive is Francesca de Marcos, who serves as the Treasurer. I know she's been here since the first voyage of the Persephone (the predecessor to the Proserpina), and served under the former governor, First Fleetmaster Montague. Her twin sister, Rosia de Marcos, is also a member of the Freehold Space Fleet, having recently been promoted to Fleetmaster herself. She has served as Treasurer for her entire time here on Ceres. She has been offered a number of jobs, public and private, that she could take up if she returned to Luna, but she has turned them all down for whatever reason.

Next is Henrik de Vries, here on behalf of Ceres' mining community. At least, that's his supposed role. In reality, I imagine he is here solely in the interest of Medano. Henrik is a cousin of Jamie de Vries, the chief executive of Medano. In addition to his responsibilities as a member of the Legislative Council, he is also head of Medano's operations here on Ceres. And it is clear which of those two duties takes priority for him.

Mohammed bin Omar Al-Sayris then arrives. Al-Sayris is the Imam, religious leader, for the Palestinian community here on Ceres. Al-Sayris lives here in the settlement, rather than out in the tunnels, unlike many of the other Palestinians. He tells me that he came to Ceres by the invitation of now Deputy Governor Matthews, six years ago. Kyle explained to me that he had hoped that Al-Sayris would be able to help them improve relations with the Palestinians here on Ceres.

Last to arrive, is Butch Gallagher. Garrison Commander Gallagher was the previous Deputy General, serving until my arrival under Governor Matthews. He came to Ceres to replace Seine Montague, as she served as Garrison Commander on Ceres, as well as Governor. Gallagher is now the head of garrison here on Ceres. As Ceres is a colony of the Freehold, rather than a state or a province, the military here is part of the Freehold Fleet rather than an independent military force, like those in existence on Luna and Mars. He looks at me in an intimidating way. I imagine that he's upset that he has lost the position of Deputy Governor due to my arrival.

When Gallagher settles down into his seat, they all look at me expectantly.

Kyle leans over to say to me, "the council has assembled."

I stand up to address them, "as I'm sure the Deputy Governor has made you aware, I've been mandated by the Consulship to take over as Governor of Ceres. During my time here, I intend to change the current trajectory of the colony. As I'm sure your all aware, the colony is failing. The colony here has been a drag on the Freehold. My job here is to turn this around – make the colony economically profitable once again."

"Forgive me… Akira, was it?" the Imam talks, "but if there was a way to make the colony profitable. It would've been done already."

"You will address me as Governor when we are in meetings, and no, there is a way to make the colony profitable. There is always a way. What the real problem is, is that no one here has done anything."

At that, the whole council protests. I lean forward, making my height add even more presence and I intimidate them into backing down. Even though I'm thin, my three metres makes me appear intimidating to Earthlings. It's one of the few times my height is actually useful.

"I will finish talking. None of you have achieved anything. I've looked over the records, and I've seen that nothing has been done. Nothing meaningful has happened in the last ten years. And as such, all of you will removed from office today, with the exception of the Deputy Governor. I will be dissolving the council, and replacing the members that I find inept. The new council will meet in a week's time. That will be all."

Everyone in the room simply stares at me. After a matter of seconds, Kyle speaks up, "Governor, you can't be serious… this council has served well for many years. All the members here are experienced and valued here in the colony. I would advise you against this course of action."

"Your advice in noted, Mr Matthews, but I'm going to go through with this. The council has been dissolved. All of you are excused. I would like to speak to you in your office after this, Ms de Marcos."

"Of course, Governor," de Marcos replies. She then stands up, and is the first to make her way toward the door. The others follow suit until only myself and Kyle are left in the council room. He looks over at me, a furious look on his face.

"What are you doing, Akira? Why are you doing this?"

"Because despite what you say, at least some members of the council are clearly inept," I replied, "nothing has been done here. If that weren't the case, the colony wouldn't be in the trouble that it currently is. As you were the Governor, I'm sure that you are at least partly to blame for that, but you once served my father loyally and faithfully. I hope that you'll do the same for me."

"What kind of accusation is that? I have done everything in my power to keep this colony afloat. And it isn't like I have a choice whether to serve you or not!" Kyle answered angrily, "if I say no, you'll send me back to Luna to rot in a prison, won't you?"

"I don't know what happened between you and my father, but it's a possibility."

"If you'll excuse me, I'll be leaving now," Kyle responded, trying to control himself. I could see that he was visibly shaking. He must be really angry. Maybe I would understand better if I knew what happened between him and my father, but I don't think either of them will tell me without good reason.

"You can go. We're done for today," I say to him, and watch as Kyle trudges off, still shaking. The door slams behind him.