I sat in my office and review the files and reports concerning last night's raid. Truly riveting stuff if you're a pencil pushing bureaucrat looking to justify your programs to the unsuspecting doped up public. The raid didn't produce any major arrests, any new information about the revolution, and of course not a single word about what the real purpose was behind the raid. Which was just an exercise in those who are in power just flexing their muscles. I took a sip of my coffee as I continue to look interested in what I am reading, but in the back of my mind I am still trying to figure out what to do about Ellen. She could nail Mario, Charles, and myself at any given moment but she hasn't and she says that she wants to help us. I want to believe her, but the revolution is at a critical juncture at this point and if we trust the wrong person then this whole thing goes into the crapper.
I decided today to enjoy lunch in my office. I didn't want to go to "Rizzo's" today because it just felt too soon after last night. I might go back in a couple of days, but I still need sometime to digest what's happened and not to mention the next time I go I'll feel so sort of obligation. If something major is coming up though my guess Mario delivers my lunch to me with a note in my fries. With my mind wandering around I decided that I've read enough of the reports and just begin signing away blindly. All the while hoping that I didn't just sign an authorization to turn the "Wastelands" into a landfill, because there are some really good people there and where else would I get my cheese-steak fix?
Standing up to stretch my legs I walk around my office trying to figure out how to break the news to Mario that we have someone who wants in our party, and if we don't let them in then the whole thing could go up in smoke. If was any other person I wouldn't be so cautious but Ellen is not only part of the establishment, but she is also the propaganda officer. Meaning she is one of the ones who has to twist a lie into a truth and do it without any thought to her own sense of morality or decency. Again though this leads me back to the root of it all; she hasn't turned any of us in yet. Not to mention I should stop in and see how Charles is doing. Gotta admit based on the outward stuff Charles doesn't look like much, but one thing I've learned again is that you never trust a snap judgement in this kind of situation. You give the person a chance to prove themselves. Being in the revolution is more about having brains than brawn and librarians, good ones, don't grow on trees in this place that's for sure.
Just then I heard a knock at my door. I looked at my watch and see that it's 2 O'Clock when I remember that I am meeting Ellen today. I grabbed my jacket and open the door. I saw Ellen standing there and she was dressed in a comfortable green and white pants suit.
I said,
"Ahh good afternoon Miss Westlake. Here to conduct your interview about last night's raid?"I quickly darted my eyes around hoping she picked up the hint. Ellen nodded politely and replied,
"Yes I am Prefect Wallace. Would you care to have it done here in your office?"I said,
"No it's a beautiful day outside let's not waste it."I closed my door and said,
"If you'll come with me I know the perfect place."We walk about two blocks to the local park and I said,
"I know where all the bugs and video cameras are. I'll make sure we avoid those areas as much as possible."Martin was quiet the whole way over here each time I tried to get him to talk about something he would say something that made no sense. My guess he was being cautious and he had every right to be. After last night's little episode where I taped him and two others he is probably a bit on the shaken side.
He asked me,
"So what did you do with the video?"I replied,
"I got it off of my device and onto a separate drive." Martin nodded and replied,
"Look I said last night I believe you, and having had a night to sleep on it. I still do." I tried not to smile as Martin continued,
"However just because I believe you doesn't mean the leadership will believe you. You have many mountains of evidence against you Ellen."I nodded and asked,
"Will this help my case?" I produce a player and on it I begin to play the original unedited version of the raid which cost Mario his son in-law's life. Martin studied the video and when it was over he just nodded. However the look in his eyes tells me this hit him hard.
He said,
"That most certainly will not hurt your cause that's for sure. If anyone found out you had that video you'd be executed on the spot. Very daring of you Ellen." Martin nodded again and said,
"Meet me at my office tomorrow at 11 am I'm taking you out to lunch to Mario's. Bring both videos with you our interview is over, and I'll recommend you for membership."Martin turned and walked away at a brisk pace so that I couldn't keep up with him. He then stopped for a moment and looked back at me. I smiled at him and he gave a polite head bow as he continued on his way. I just hope I know what I'm getting into.