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Kennedy Nikomedes · (07-21-2014)

Florida Governors' Mansion

It's a beautiful morning in the Sunshine State. James Williams, the Governors Chief of Staff and campaign manager for his Presidential bid, carries a sterling silver serving platter through the upstairs hallways of the large mansion. On the platter is a pair of latex gloves, a glass syringe, and a vial filled with a yellow substance. The cautionary 'toxic radiation' symbol is the only thing you can make out on its small label. James greets a few of the Governers assistants as he walks. James is a mostly pleasant man, dedicated to serving Governor Nikomedes to the very best of his abilities.

James, for the most part, runs the Mansion, and does it well. People around the Mansion have learned a long time ago that if you want to see the Governor, you have to go through him. Those within the state have not liked that fact. If you ask James, he'll tell you he's doing the state a service. Niko's a busy man. He doesn't have the time to field every little complaint from every person in the state. Not serious ones, anything with weight does make it to the Governor. Those that complain about the menu at Denny's or the terrible service at their local McDonald's, and it's much more often than you may think, James pushes off to aids to respond in the Governors stead.

James reaches the Governors bedroom door and knocks lightly with just a knuckle rather than a fist. ”It's time for your medicine, Niko,” he says as he quietly enters the Florida Governors bedroom.

”What time is it?” Niko asks, not even raising his head from his pillow.

“It's nine in the morning, sir. You have a busy day ahead of you,” James says as he sits on the edge of Niko's bed. He lays the platter on the night table and places the latex gloves over his hands. He then picks up the syringe and that toxic vial. “I think you'll feel fine once the medication takes effect,” James continues.

”Jimmy, I'm not feeling it today,” he says as he begins to sit up. ”My head is pounding, and I feel like I need to throw up.” Niko says.

“Just take it easy for an hour or so. Let the medicine do the work,” James says as he inserts the syringe into the vial. “Your last dose is just wearing off, Niko. That's all it is. Now give me your arm,” he says.

Niko extends his arm and James inserts the needle, the yellow substance forced into his veins. ”God, that stings,” Niko says as James places the syringe on the platter and removes the gloves. ”What's on tap today?” Niko asks.

James stands from the Governors bed and pours him a cup of coffee. Black, no cream, no sugar. “Your father is coming into town,” James says, waiting for a response he doesn't receive. “He wanted to be a part of something special. He's not been well lately, but you know that,” James says while handing the coffee over to Niko. “He admires you, Niko. He wants to experience your run for the White House first hand,” he says.

Niko gets to his feet, holding his head with one hand and his coffee with the other. ”I hope he hangs on long enough to experience my inauguration,” Niko says. ”We go to Boston today, don't we?” Niko asks.

“Yep,” James replies. “We sent out letters and emails to probable non-voters telling them to ask Niko anything,” James states.

”Hopefully some took it seriously,” Niko says with a slight smile, obviously still fighting the pain. ”I take this bid seriously. So do the others,” he concludes.

James takes a seat in a chair near the large bay window in the bedroom. He lifts a remote and touches the button and immediately, the blinds open, giving way to the beautiful Florida sunshine. “I've not yet vetted the letters, Niko,” James says. “Though, I can if you'd like me to,” James states before pausing and then continuing, “just to make sure you get serious questions while you're in front of national television cameras.”

Niko hesitates, probably thinking about the move in question. ”Nah. Open and read 'em live, Jim. When I promise transparency, I mean exactly that,” Niko says with a sense of seriousness. ”If I promise that, then do the opposite, that makes me exactly like any other politician out there. I'm not like them, Jimmy. I won't do it. The American people need to know that there's a real difference between myself and my opponents. They need to know that there's a real difference between those within the power corridors in Washington and I,”[color] Niko says before pausing. [color=#006eff]”I'm one of them, Jim. They need to see that,” he concludes.

“Relax, Niko. They'll see the difference,” James states. “Get yourself showered and shaved. I'll be back in awhile,” he says as he starts for the door.

“Where are you going?” Niko asks as he starts toward his private bathroom.

“I have a staff meeting,” James replies as he reaches the door.

”Has Athena made contact yet?” Niko asks.

“Not yet, sir,” James replies. “I guess I should expect that real soon, no?” he asks with a look of worry.

”I think you can count on that. It's been awhile and she's likely seen the Brokaw interview by now,” Niko says before continuing on. ”You're certain the entire staff is one of us, right?” Niko asks.

“No question, sir. DNA doesn't lie,” James replies emphatically.

Niko nods with a smile as he disappears into the bathroom. James exits the Governors bedroom and heads downstairs to the meeting room. Once he enters, he's pleasantly surprised that his personal assistant has taken the initiative to hand out the itinerary folders to the staff around the table.

“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen,” James says as he begins the meeting. “Today is a busy day as the Governor starts to really rev up his campaign for President. We leave for Boston in a few hours and I wanted to go over the plans...”

“Hello James.” An almost robotic sounding female voice interrupts. The voice comes from the wall to James' right side.

[Image: hBOSUUc.jpg]

“Good morning, Athena,” James replies to the large flat screen television out of view of the XWF cameras. “How are you?” James asks with a forced smile through his nervousness.

“I'm fine, James,” Athena responds. “I've finally received the interview Kennedy had with Tom Brokaw and I must say I find it very troublesome,” she states.

“I don't see how, Athena,” James says in defense. “With all due respect, millions of American people saw the interview. His favorability ratings are soaring through the roof as we speak,” he says.

“That's all well and good, James,” Athena says. “I just don't feel running on a platform of legalizing marijuana and marriage rights for all is the right thing to do,” she concludes.

“I understand your concern, Athena, but again, with all due respect, it was only an hour long interview. We only had a short time and we needed to cover the XWF for part of it. So we thought it was a good move to cover a couple of the hot button issues that are facing Americans right now,” James states without hesitation. “Judging by the numbers, Athena, I think the American people would agree with me. Furthermore, its just two issues, not nearly his entire platform. You and the others would be wise to remember that, Athena,” he says in a less nervous and more authoritative tone.

“I respect your candor, James,” Athena replies. “In fact, I've always respected you and your work for us. If it is only two issues, I suppose there are many other areas to cover?” she asks.

“More than you could even guess, Athena,” James responds. “Niko will cover them all slowly. The American people will see that Kennedy Nikomedes is the right man for the job. They'll make the right choice, the only choice, rather, when the time comes,” he concludes.

“That's what I like to hear, James,” Athena says. “By the way, you may want to prepare Kennedy for the Malaysian flight. That was us,” she says without hesitation. The staff around the room look up, almost in shock.

“You're not serious,” James exclaims.

“Of course I'm serious. The first time we did it, the weapon malfunctioned and we accidentally vaporized the plane,” she says. “It took a lot of work to make it look like it just went down in the Southern Ocean. That was an absolute disaster,” she says before pausing. Athena continues on as the staffers look around at each other, still in some what of a shock, “It was a little early anyway. The weapon was repaired though and the plan was executed flawlessly,” she says.

“Are you out of your mind!?” James yells out. “That cost nearly 300 lives! Hell, nearly 550 with both flights! What would possess you to do that now!?” he shouts.

“Do not question my decisions, James,” Athena orders. “You now have Ukraine and Russia pointing fingers at each other. It was done to show the American people exactly how inept its current government is. The Republicans continue to shoot themselves in the foot every time they open their mouths and the Democrats never know what to do or how to respond. Giving Kennedy Nikomedes a sure example to point to when the questions arise about his ability to lead on an international level,” she concludes.

“I have to disagree with this,” James says. “He's not even the President yet. No one in the international community is even going to be paying attention to the United States election process for another year at least,” he concludes.

“Your job is not to question my decisions, James, is that understood?” Athena asks in an agitated tone.

James slams his folder down on the large oval shaped table. “Yes ma'am,” he replies.

“This is bigger than Kennedy Nikomedes! This is bigger than him winning an election!” she shouts. “While it is important and it is helpful that he'd win, it is not the most important goal. We have ten years left at the absolute most. We're running out of time, James. We have to take any and all steps that include other things that are not necessarily related to Kennedy and the election,” she concludes in a much calmer tone of voice.

“If he does not win the election, you may as well forget it,” he says. “If Niko loses, Athena, we have no way to ensure our survival,” he concludes in an almost somber tone.

“I guess you have a good point,” she says. “Which only adds to my point, James. Your job is to make certain he wins the election. You do your thing, James, get the election won. You leave the rest to us and never again question my decisions. Is that understood!?” she asks.

James rubs his chin with one hand while resting the other on his hip. “Yes ma'am. I apologize for my earlier outburst.”

“Good,” she says. “I look forward to the moment we can all be together again,” she concludes as the transmission fades out.

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