
Subj : New Beginnings(38
To   : All
From : SkyHawk #1
Date : Mon Aug 28 1995 20:07:10 PST

                             New Beginnings(38)
                            By Daniel C. Harrison(Skyhawk)

     "Now just a minute." Candar took a step back. "I didn't say I wanted to
lead this colony. A politician, I am not! I just want us all to be careful.
Enough have died, we need to conserve our resources. It's just plain common
sense."
     Sorenson nodded. "I know that. I believe the ship's log will exonerate you
and the crew. If it does, I think you should lead. You have the knowledge and
the dedication. From what you said, it's a miracle we got here at all. True?"
     Candar sighed deeply. "True."
     Sorenson turned to Carnigan. He looked the short fan man up and down. "I
think weve had enough of politician types. I say we take another vote." He
looked around. "Attention everyone! It's my feeling we have the wrong person in
charge. I believe our Captain should continue to lead. What does everyone say?"
     There was dead silence. Then, a man stepped forward. "I was a crewman on a
freighter for years. I know the split second decisions involved with being a
senior officer, even a crewman. I think you might be right." He turned to
Candar. "How well do you know this planet?"
     "Not very. As I said, we did long range scans. It does appear to
uninhabited and, there are three seasons. We'll have to get used to that. I
feel a long range scouting mission is in order before any permanent settling
can be done. I also feel we should set up a base of operations. That will give
us a better stand than what we now have. Ship power once it comes back on will
only last so long."
     Everyone in the room suddenly began talking at once. The young woman with
the child smiled. "It sounds like you know what your talking about."
     Carnigan glared at her. "This is ridiculous! Any idiot can see, she's
appealing to your fear! I was elected through a democratic process before we
left Earth! I haven't even technically assumed office yet. I think it is safe
to start building. The longer we delay, the worse it will get! This woman's
fears are groundless."
     Candar waited for the noise to die down. "Carnigan, I don't want your job.
I certainly don't want to have to deal with you. I want to retire and live my
life in peace and solitude, once this is all said and done. But, we need to
think, damn it! We can't just go off half cocked. Who on your staff is trained
in geology? hydroponics? How about, anything having to do with setting up a
colony?"
     Carnigan shrugged. "We had established the science techs who came along
would do all that. My staff has to do with government and, economic forcasts
for the colony. To insure it grows, financially."
     Candar tried not to laugh. "Okay. You have to establish before you can
grow. Use your science techs to your advantage. Put them to work as soon as
possible. Assemble a team of scouts to go out and explore this new world of
ours. We need to know what areas we can settle."
     Sorenson grinned. "I've heard enough. I think you should lead." He looked
around. "Who's with me?"
     This time the room filled with shouts of approval. Carnigan looked as if a
knife had been thrust through him. "But..but, we had all kinds of plans. We
were gonna establish the crops at once and begin industrial planning. We had
planned to set up the dams and the..."
     "You don't even know what's out there now!" Sorenson shouted. "We aren't
on Hycenda. And your plan makes no sense. Captain, your elected!"
     "Wait a minute.." Candar swore. "It's different being a colony leader.
I never planned on taking anyone's job. I'll only do it if the majority of the
colony decides they want it." She turned and walked toward the door. "I'll be
in the infirmary checking on my co-pilot. Take a vote and let me know what you
decide. If it's yes, I'll consider it." She walked out, her head swimming.
     The door opened behind her and, she turned to see the young woman
following her. "Captain, wait!"
     Candar stopped and waited. The young woman still holding the child,
smiled. "You know your right for the job. Why don't you admit it?"
     "There are concerns that you don't know about that I have to consider. Let
me know how the vote goes. I'd like to know your name, your very kind."
     The woman laughed. "Kerry. Kerry, Lions."
     "Thanks." Candar turned and walked down the corridor. She heard Kerry open
the door. 
     "Oh, Captain!"
     She stopped without turning. She heard Kerry laugh. "I know how I'm going
to vote."
     Candar walked away. She couldn't believe this was happening! She had no
desire to run the colony. Particularly one that might be doomed. It would only
be mopre blame put on her and the others. Wouldn't Carnigan love that?"
     She entered the infirmary. Jerry was lying on the table. She walked
slowly toward him. He was breathing softly, his skin glistening with
sweat. But, he was alive. "Jerry?"
     He turned and opened his eyes. "Candar? Your..your alright. I thought
we crashed. It must have been all a dream."
     "No." She sat down next to him and took his hands in her's. "No
dream. Lot's of work ahead so, I need you to get better and help me. The
colony doesn't seem to be happy with Carnigan in charge. They're talking
about.." she swallowed hard. "Me."
     Jerry smiled. "No one better..Governor."
     "Governor." She sighed. "God. I never wanted to be a politician."
     "Your not." Jerry squeezed her hands gently. "Your a leader. Always
have been. Sorry I argued with you back up in space. Things will be
alright."
     She looked up as suddenly, the lights flickered and came on. Almost
instantaneously, heat came on and began to fill the room, driving away the
chill. Candar unzipped her jacket and hugged him close. "Your right           
