The Commander by CJ Williams Page B

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    She gave him a don’t-even-start-with-me glance. “You’re the one who said the cube looked too Borg-like,” she hissed quietly.
    “It was just a comment; that’s all”
    “I hope you learned your lesson.”
    “I know. I have.”
    “It’s not fair to everyone.”
    “I know.”
    “These guys work their hearts out.”
    “I know that, Annie.”
    “You’re the big boss around this place, the visionary. You say something and people take notice.”
    “Ease up, would you? I already feel guilty enough.”
    “Okay.” Annie relented somewhat. “Just saying.”
    Luke remembered the offhand comment; it had been months ago. By the time he realized that what he thought was merely a humorous observation, had resulted in a totally new design, it was too late to take it back. He pulled Morrow aside at the time to apologize and explain what happened. Morrow was understanding but cautioned Luke to be more careful around the younger engineers.
    It was a fair point. Luke never thought of himself as a visionary or a seer or anything of that sort. But the threat mankind faced was truly apocalyptic. The mission objectives that he pushed everyone toward were understandably viewed as humanity’s last chance. Under such circumstances, it was easy for underlings to create a messianic-like culture around their leader. Adding to the effect was that George always referred to him as The Commander , and everyone else naturally followed that example.
    Once Luke became aware of his growing celebrity status, he strove to underplay it and to keep everyone grounded. “This is just a job,” he often said. “Everyone has a role and we should all do our best.” His attempt at humility only added to his image.
    He was glad that Annie, who knew him when he was just a guy in a diner, didn’t fall into the groupie category. She never gave him slack, and if he was honest about it, he found it a bit reassuring.
    “Good speech, though,” she admitted.
    “Thought I was going to blow it,” he confessed. “I was really nervous.”
    “I don’t think anyone noticed.”
    Samantha, who had been congratulating the members of her team, joined them on the stage. She had tears in her eyes as she took Luke’s hands in hers. “That was such a magnificent speech,” she said earnestly. “It means so much that you put into words what all of us are feeling at this moment. I know it inspired the colonists.”
    “Thank you, Samantha,” Luke replied. “I’m incredibly proud of everything that you and your colleagues have accomplished. You are the real inspiration.”
    She gave him a hug and then returned to her teammates for one last good-bye before hurrying to the Demeter . She was leaving her position at Moonbase to assume the leadership of the new colony as mayor. She had already been elected, along with eight commissioners. Her term of office was for eight years. Thereafter each new mayor would be elected for four years, with a lifetime term limit of eight years. Luke set the policy because he wanted to establish a democratic process from the outset.
    Luke caught Annie glaring at him. “What?” he asked innocently. “I was just congratulating her.”
    Annie shook her head, her expression neutral. “Nothing,” she muttered.
    Luke watched the Demeter depart, completely oblivious to the crowd of groupies at the back of the stage who hung on to every word of his exchange with Samantha.
    Annie discreetly watched their adulation. “You’ll never understand,” she whispered too softly for anyone to hear.

Day 334—Population 7,010
    Linda greeted Luke with a friendly grin as he entered the airport’s office. “Hi, boss. You picked a scorcher of a day to put in an appearance.” The temperature outside had just nudged over ninety degrees Fahrenheit.
    “Hello, Linda,” Luke replied. “Sorry I’ve been away so long. Where is she?”
    “In your office. And she looks terrible. I’m glad you’re here.”
    Luke gave his secretary a rueful smile