Confidence Scheme
This is a scene snippet and a draft scene focusing on Ory’s storyline. Both are part of Act II. The scene-snippet is a teaser of some intrigue between Kalindi, the Executive Office who is stepping down, and Dardános, the current front-runner in the election to replace her. The draft scene takes place shortly afterward, with Dardános trying to bolster Ory so he doesn’t blow his chances at a future promotion.
#
“Thank you for seeing me, Dardános. Finally…”, Kalindi said.
Dardános didn’t bother with pleasantries. “You waited until you got his test results.”
“Yes, I did. Are you surprised?”
Dardános sat still and stony before answering, “I shouldn’t be, but I always am. Why do you torture me so?”
Kalindi relaxed in the chair, crossing her legs and smiling. “Actually, I want you to be Executive Officer.”
#
Ory stopped at the door with some trepidation. This would be the first time he saw Dardános since the selection began. Straightening, he pressed the door chime. After only a brief pause, the door opened.
“Have a seat.” Dardános was brusque as usual. Ory sat in the spare chair closest to the door for an easier escape. “Congratulations on earning your captaincy certification!”
Ory visibly shook and then stared at Dardános, who added, “Not the direction you thought the conversation would go?”
“No, not really. I thought you’d be upset with the added competition.”
“Oh, I am, but that’s not your fault. No, I blame a higher authority for that. In fact, I wanted to remind you of something.” Dardános leaned over his desk conspiratorially. “I signed off on your qualifications.” He let it hang in the air.
“And… Do you expect something in return?”
“Ha,” Dardános barked the briefest of laughs. “You really don’t get me, do you? I signed off on your qualifications. I think you’re ready to be captain if it came to it right now. Oh, I’d rather be captain than take orders from you. I admit that. But for a youngster, you’re ready. I’ve never seen someone so driven to accumulate certifications before getting more experience. I waited to get my captaincy certification after I made Section Head. That’s the norm, but you broke it.”
Ory took a second to take this in. “You’re right, I don’t get it. Why are you telling me this?”
“Because I’ve heard you’re second-guessing yourself. I’m far enough ahead in the voting that I can play the mentor. If you lack confidence during the selection process, people notice. They don’t want an XO who isn’t confident. It’s bad for morale and dangerous in a crisis. And though you may not win this time around, some will remember your lack of confidence now. So I’m reminding you, you’ve got the skills and the level head to do this job. So, be confident.”
Ory stared at Dardános some more. “Thanks. I have to say the process isn’t what I expected. My election as one of the Rotation Managers wasn’t nearly as…” Ory struggled to find an appropriate word.
“Political?” Dardános actually smiled. “Yeah, not exactly what we’re taught in civics, is it? ‘The system is designed to select the best candidate for the job. That’s why it’s important for everyone to read the dossiers of all the candidates and vote for the most qualified one.’ Ha. The point of certification is to demonstrate competence. After that, it’s a damn popularity contest.”
Ory frowned. “Yeah, I didn’t expect that.”
“I suspect that you voted for Talitha early on? People usually vote for the candidate they work most closely with, provided they’re easy to work for.”
“No, she didn’t give me a chance. She was the one who broke the news of the vacancy to me, and told me she wasn’t interested in the promotion.”
“Hmm.” Dardános nodded as he considered this. “Talitha wasn’t always like that, but she’s gotten comfortable with where she is. I get it, but that’s not me. I want to work to make things better. You can only do so much staying in one position.” Dardános paused before continuing, staring for a moment at the other chair. “At the risk of being too direct, who have you pushed your vote toward?”
This was direct, but Ory considered that he might not figure out where Dardános was going without answering. “I haven’t pushed my vote toward anyone yet.”
“Well then, start building your confidence by voting for yourself. And start acting confident. You could do the job if it fell to you. You should at least aim to beat old Betelgeuse. We don’t want to worry him about having to come out of retirement if he comes from behind to beat me!”
