A Distant Society — Part 1
Human nature doesn’t always change with the scenery
As Ian crested the ridge, he found Tamara already sitting in his favorite spot. She was enjoying the view of the Martian mining colony. Domes, sheds and heavy mining equipment were clustered far below in an ancient impact crater. He stood beside her and fought not to show that he was out of breath from the climb.
“Comfortable?” he asked.
“It’s a nice view,” she observed, still looking forward.
“You’re always free to sight-see.”
“That’s me: a tourist. Just looking the other way while you bleed everyone dry.” She smiled. “Is that who you think I am?”
“I don’t think about you at all.”
Tamara laughed, “Oh, that’s not true.” She suddenly rose, brushing rust-colored dust from the seat of her suit. “But please, by all means. Underestimate me.” She turned and stood close to him, a foot shorter, staring up through her bubble helmet as he impassively looked down.
He acknowledged that Tamara was smarter and that half the colonists now supported her unrelenting “anti-corruption campaign.” But as The Company’s installed Administrator, it was his job to have troublemakers stomped out. The planet had a harsh environment and accidents happened.
Ian briefly looked past her to study the distance to the crater floor, then back to her. He maintained a tight smile.
“Do it,” she dared. “You know you want to.”
He clenched his gloved hands.
“You can grift but can’t do the dirty work, eh?”
His smile devolved into a scowl.
“You’re not a leader,” she said. “You’re a politician!”
He pushed her. Hard. She sailed over the edge and hung there momentarily, then .375g pulled her down. He peered over to watch her descent, hoping that her suit would tear or her helmet would crack on the jagged outcroppings. But she navigated it all effortlessly, almost beautiful to watch. Cartwheels mixed with pirouettes, her boots landed firmly on Martian soil. A perfect 10.
She waved at Ian who stood agape, 200 meters above. Then he noticed the others — many others — who had witnessed his attempted murderous act. She had planned this, he realized. He no longer just feared losing his power. He now feared for his life.
Thanks to Zane Dickens for the Microcosm prompt Character vs. Character. Part two can be found here.
This series will also be posted on RoyalRoad.com
