CH 13 - Relationship Advice For Hackers

Mose clears his throat, breaking the contemplative silence of their road trip to Elldee's capital.

"I better preface this -- I like and respect both of you. I know you feel the same."

Jon and Gloria glance at each other, saying nothing. Sitting in the back seat of the van, Mose watches them closely.

"I feel awkward about emotions; and I know each of us has reasons to feel uncomfortable about life, death, and love. There is something I need to say, for our team, and for our continued ability to perform."

Mose stops to compose his thoughts, no interruptions come, his small audience obviously attentive.

"You two have been avoiding the obvious, out of consideration for each other. It's creating tension. We are hacking a kingdom that believes in killing opposition. There is plenty to be tense about, we don't need miscommunication multiplying the effects."

Mose studies them for a moment, they are expectant, but relief shows in muscles relaxing as an avoided subject is being addressed.

"I lost my father when I was young. I put up walls and choked my communications. There are places in my mind I still won't look. The pain and anger is too deep to confront. You two have both lost the same person to random forces too big to control; your wife Jon, and Gloria's sister. By the depth of your reactions I identify with your pains. Janice must have been a heck of a gal."

Still no comments from the front of the van; but there are nods, shining eyes reflect in glass, and Jon seems to slow down the vehicle. Mose does not change pace, he is like a workman digging up stubborn rocks in a field.

"It is obvious you two have long been friends. Each of you has strong emotional bonds to the other -- emotions you are avoiding expressing. Knowing your individual courage, I'm sure your hesitancy is due to concern, not fear. You don't want to intrude on the other's grief, appearing faithless to memories of Janice."

Taking a deep breath, Mose labors on.

"I doubt the uncertainty in your emotional connections would have been chosen by Janice. Jan knew the risks to our lives, and how quickly paths we choose can end. We may not survive past the next Elldee standard police roadblock. You two must allow yourselves to experience what you both seem to want ..." After quickly exchanging glances of assurance, Gloria and Jon reach out their hands to each other, clasping them tightly.

"...I won't plow your fields. It's your responsibility to be true to yourselves. True to what you know to be true of each other."

return to top of page.