The stage management for the dinner is hasty but effective. I study a video of one of their leading actors playing a king, with annotations from Sean. We go over some body language “do’s and don’t’s” and cross our fingers.
I’m the last dignitary into the room. I enter to an introduction from the governor and I sit at the left-hand end of the main table—a position of honor for a first-time guest in this culture. My “entourage” sits on my left, and there’s an exit door behind me, not far down the wall. “This is supposed to make you feel comfortable as a stranger,” Sean explains. “The door is close enough for you to leave quickly, but far enough off to the side to see an assassin coming.”
This night Governor Algers wastes no time getting into the festivities.
“My friends. We have won a great victory today, but more … much more … lies ahead.”
As a toast he says, “Enjoy! Fortify! For the best is yet to come!
And now it’s my turn. The blood in my veins turns to ice.
I stand and look the crowd over. As Kull the Conqueror I’m permitted to sneer. It looks like I’m doing so … But it’s really the smile of stark terror as I face … people … I have to talk to! God! Why can’t I just shoot up the wall and slap on a few collars!
“People of this planet!” I bellow. “I came here to bring you into what you call the Interstellar Age. And this I will do. Whether you like it or not. Whether you kick and scream or not.”
I look around, and there is worry on many of the faces. This is good. If I saw smirking, I would have to actually put some holes in the walls.
“What I have discovered since I have landed is that many of you are enthusiastic about entering the Interstellar Age. At this I am surprised. And in this I am well pleased.”
I grin a big broad grin and I motion to the governor. There is applause and cheering.
“Kull can be generous. I will see that this province leads this world into the Interstellar Age.”
There is great cheering and applauding and I sit down. My heartbeat starts to slow and I start to breathe again. I’ve said what I need to say. Now others will explain what I meant. And … I guess … this is what being a leader is all about … or at least part of it.