27.1

Shard waited – fasting, mentally preparing for the inevitable moment – until he received the call. When it finally came the conversation was short, but to him, infinitely sweet.

“You have asked me a question, and deserve an answer,” the President said warmly. “All I can say is… as far as I’m concerned, personally… I have no objection to the release of those films. As you say, it may provide a catalyst for change. And my record stands behind me – I have always been an advocate for change.”

“Thank you,” Shard said, relieved.

“Is that all you need from me?” the President asked, with a hopeful lilt.

“Don’t worry,” Shard said. “I’m sure it will all come naturally to you in the end.”

“I hear that…” the President said. “But… when you say “it will all”… frankly Shard, I don’t know if there is any more I can do. After all, this is not my mandate.”

“Ahh well,” Shard said finally. “We’ll see about that, won’t we?”