The Race [Chapter One]

[Tuber101]

The Race
Season One - Episode I
"When the Dust Settled"
November 2010
Sunset Valley

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The dawn broke over Sunset Valley on a crisp November morning. In the home she had lived in for two years, Lara Desmond woke with the sun. Her husband David was awake already; he set the newspaper he was reading aside and turned to face his wife. "Good morning," he said casually.

"What happened?" Lara demanded, squeezing her eyes shut and rubbing them. "How did I get here?"

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"You fell asleep at the office," said David curtly, folding his hands over his stomach. "Again. I carried you back."

Lara sighed quietly and rolled her eyes to the ceiling briefly before finally remembering why she had been up late the night before. "It was a big night. Hand me the newspaper."

"You don't want to see it," he said, holding up a calming hand.

"What is that, a Jedi mind trick?" Lara demanded irritably. "Can I have the newspaper, please?"

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Lara couldn't be sure, but she thought she detected a smug pleasure in her husband's eyes as he announced, "The Party lost big time. For Congress and state offices. As far as midterms go, this is pretty bad."

Rubbing her eyes, Lara Desmond swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up. "Thank you, David. Really, thanks." She couldn't believe how insensitive he was being.

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As she walked around the bed towards the bathroom for a shower, he continued: "There's more. Just when you thought there was no good news. Bill Tanner won. He won by a landslide."

"That's what happens when you're an institution," Lara muttered. "That's enough, David." She stepped into the bathroom and emerged several minutes later to get dressed.

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"Is there any good news?" Lara asked as she put her earrings in, standing at the dresser. She looked at David's reflection, still reclining on the bed, in the mirror. "Any at all?"

"Well...you're still Governor of the state of Simavia, if that helps."

Lara looked at herself in the mirror. "I can't tell you how that thrills me. I have to go to work and see just what the hell kind of state I'm running after yesterday's election."

"Give Alvin my best," David teased.

Governor Desmond glanced over her shoulder and decided not to rise to the bait. Her husband was feeling spiteful today; she wouldn't make his mood worse by arguing about it. "Will do. Bye."

"Will you be home early tonight?" David asked hurriedly, as if he meant to stop himself but couldn't. He looked like he regretted it the moment the words left his mouth.

Lara hesitated, her fingers on the doorknob. She cleared her throat and looked down. "I... I don't think so, David. I'm sorry." And she left, closing the door silently behind her.

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As dawn broke over the Governor's mansion in Sunset Valley and the employees began to arrive, one thing was certain: this was going to be an excruciatingly painful day when the dust settled.

[Tuber101]

The Race
Season One - Episode II
"Oh What a Circus"
November 2010
Sunset Valley

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As Governor Desmond crossed from 'the residence' to her office wing...

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...her senior staff gathered downstairs to discuss the results of the election.

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Alvin Macintosh was conducting a senior staff meeting. Macintosh had served as Lara Desmond's chief of staff after running her successful campaign for Governor. He had compiled an efficient staff including Jack Harris, the Governor's speechwriter and communications director, and Bea Thomas, her press secretary.

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"This is obviously going to be unpleasant for her," said Mac unhappily. "Her party was just soundly defeated in national elections. She barely managed to hold on to a majority in the state congress. What are the high points?"

"She's polling extremely well among Simavians, regardless of party. Granted her Red numbers are higher than Black, but she's doing well with Blues as well," said Bea.

Mac rolled his neck; the others heard pops in his vertebrae. "Jimmy," he said, addressing the intern at the far end of the table. "Does the press say anything about the Governor with regards to the elections?"

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"The Sunset Valley Times-Tribune indicts Governor Desmond as a leader of a party that has lost the trust of the Simlish people," said Jimmy Lawrence.

"Big surprise," quipped Bea. "They've hated her since the day she was inaugurated."

"Shut it," said Mac sternly. "What else?"

"The Sim City Journal lists her as one of the most reform-minded people in the party. They say she could be a leader in the hour of the Red Party's need," said Jimmy.

"Nice," said Jack.

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"I need to know what the Governor's schedule is for this week," said Bea. "Business as usual? New agenda?"

"The line is, she's eager to work with the new session of congress and will be unveiling her new agenda in her address to them in two weeks," said Mac, shuffling his papers.

"The line?" echoed Jack. "What's she really doing?"

"She doesn't know it yet but she's going to be meeting with a man from the Red Party tomorrow," said Mac. "He called me last night while election returns were coming in. He's...got a few strong words for her."

"Strong words?" Bea asked, cocking her head to the side.

"Don't worry about it. When it becomes a thing I'll tell you. Go do your job."

Meanwhile, across town...

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"It's not good news for the Party, Bill, but you can't deny the opportunity it presents for you," said Ellen Tanner as she settled into the armchair across from his desk. "The Party needs leadership. They need a warrior. They need you."

"I confess I have wanted to run for Leader of the Free World for some time, Ellen," said Bill, his brow furrowing with concern. "But...politics has changed since I got into the game. It's more of a bloodsport than ever before. I don't think I can run in that environment."

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"The Simlish people don't want that kind of political climate either, Bill," insisted Ellen. "They want someone with a record of decency, honesty, and service. Someone like you."

Bill Tanner looked down at the information laid out before him. Years of polling data, plus the most recent numbers on any number of issues told him that if he wanted it, he could easily join the fray. He'd be the first serious Red Party candidate to announce his candidacy, get the most media attention and endorsements...

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"Think about it," Ellen said as she stood and headed for the door.

When his wife and chief political adviser had left him alone, William Tanner sat in thoughtful silence. If he played his cards right, if he was careful, if he followed good advice...

He would be the next Leader of the Free World.

[KeiraLou]

Wow!! Can't wait to read some more! Good job.