Mike Resnick by Ivory

Author:Ivory
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2012-01-08T19:32:06+00:00

Njomo walked across the office and turned off the television set.

“I’d call it one of his better speeches,” he said.

“I’d call it one of his last ones,” replied Kibo. “And turn the television back on.” “Why?”

“Because I know the difference between a threat and a bluff.”

“You mean the British ambassador?” asked Njomo. “What can he do? The more he protests, the better Kimathi looks.” “You’ve still got a lot to learn,” said Kibo, leaning back on his chair and staring at the historical drama on the set.

Njomo sat in his chair for another twenty minutes, then walked over to the computer on Kibo’s desk.

“Do you mind?” he asked. “I just want to check the network ratings for the speech.” “Be my guest,” said Kibo, staring through his window at the statue of Jomo Kenyatta that dominated the City Square. An ambulance raced by, sirens screaming, and two hundred birds took off in frightened flight, only to alight on the pavement once the vehicle had passed from sight.

“Not bad,” commented Njomo, as the figures began appearing on the screen. “We did especially well on the Coast.” “It’s 115 degrees on the Coast,” replied Kibo. “They’ve got nothing better to do than sit around watching television.” Suddenly he sat erect, his attention centered on the television.

“Here it comes,” he announced.

Njomo deactivated the computer and turned to face the video screen.

“And now,” said a smooth, polished voice, “we interrupt our regular programming for a special announcement.” The scene shifted to Jacob Thiku’s private residence in Muthaiga. Thiku and Sir Robert Peake stood on the stone steps leading to the house, surrounded by reporters.

“I have a brief announcement to make,” said Thiku.

The press crowded closer.

“At 11:30 this morning, less than 15 minutes ago, the government of Kenya concluded its friendly and peaceful negotiations with the government of Great Britain, as represented by Ambassador Sir Robert Peake. As a result of these negotiations, the ivory of the Kilimanjaro Elephant will be placed on public display in the National Museum of Nairobi at noon tomorrow.” The old president shook Peake’s hand, then shot a triumphant smile at the cameras. Kibo felt that he was smiling directly athim .

“Well,” said Kibo wearily, “that’s your final lesson: never manage a single-issue candidate unless you can be sure the issue will last until election day.” “What do we do now?” asked Njomo, still stunned by Thiku’s announcement.

“Now?” repeated Kibo. “Now we go home and relax. And the day after tomorrow we try to figure out what Kimathi can say during the final three weeks of the campaign so that he loses respectably instead of by a landslide.” “And what about tomorrow?” “I don’t know about you,” said Kibo, getting to his feet, walking to his closet, and donning his jacket, “but I’m going to go over to the museum and see what all the commotion was about.” Fifth Interlude (6303 G.E.)

I returned to my apartment a little after midnight, more for a change of clothes than from any desire to spend the night there.

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