Vatican Ambassador by Mike Luoma Page B

responsible for bringing total war back down on all our heads once again!
    BC shakes his head. He tries to concentrate on nodding and greeting and mingling with the arriving delegations.
    I can't believe all that still hangs over my head. But if they've got any proof, why haven't they exposed me already?
    I hate to think Pope Peter was right after all. Maybe THAT'S why Nita Bendix is here! Shit!
    And shit again, look who it is...
    "Hello Father Campion," Richard Wentworth says, extending his hand. BC takes it and shakes it. "Mr. Wentworth. Trust your trip was smooth?"
    "That's Representative Wentworth, please, Campion."
    "And the Reverend Ambassador Campion, then, if you would, sir. Please."
    "Ah, yes. ‘Acting' ambassador, though, still, if I'm not mistaken... correct?"
    "Ah yes, for a little while longer, now that you mention it. Thank you."
    "That Mr. Al Sere you were speaking with earlier seems quite charming, doesn't he? Lovely man, glad they sent him. At least it shows they're serious," Wentworth says with pure sarcasm.
    "And how serious are you, 'Representative' Wentworth?"
    "Excuse me?"
    "How serious is the UTZ? Do you really want peace?"
    "Funny question, coming from you," Wentworth cracks.
    "Is it?" BC asks. He leaves the question hanging, and walks away from Wentworth. Never did have any illusions that this was going to be easy. Does anyone really want peace? I mean, really? Gotta wonder.
    BC leaves the reception behind, lets himself wander through the tunnels of Lunar Prime as his thoughts wander. He strolls down long corridors not really noticing much of his surroundings as he loses himself in his contemplation of the day and the conference.
    Ultimately, I can't make them want peace. No one trusts anyone else. Why should we? Why should any of us? Every side has shown itself capable of terrible things when pressed, when "justified". Hmmm. It's quieter than usual around this section of old Lunar Prime. The moon can be a serene place, sometimes. Hope some of that sense of calm filters through into our discussions over the next couple days. Wonder where everyone is? Probably distracted by the conference...
    "Hey! Campion!"
    BC's reverie is broken by the shout from Bruno, one of Wentworth's goons who have just appeared in BC's path.
    Oh no... Not this shit again!
    "Mr. Wentworth would like to see you."
    "Great,” BC says to the big guy. “Now what? Time for the next the part? Where you club me over the head and drag me off, right?" BC spits back at him.
    The big man looks around. There's no one nearby.
    The hunter surveys his surroundings before settling in to strike... Bruno shrugs.
    "Nope,” the thug tells BC. “Mr. Wentworth says it’s to be at your convenience... this time. Give him a call tonight,” Bruno says.
    "Or else?" BC prods.
    "Or else… I don't know. You're rude?” Bruno nearly makes a joke. “Just call Wentworth. Um, please."
    "Please. Wow, the magic word! Now, I'll call him. Because you said 'please.' I'm impressed, Bruno, I think we're taking this relationship to a whole new level!"
    Bruno shrugs, turns, and walks away. BC is left standing alone. He can't help but shake his head. He starts walking again.
    I wonder if the reception is still going on? Hope it wasn't rude of me to wander off like that. It kinda seemed over... If I screwed up it's because I'm new at this stuff. My excuse. But then, I don't want to give either side any excuse they can use to drop out of this peace process. Damn it. It seems hopeless. Still, I’ve got to try to pull it off to protect my status under the 'new regime'. Seems foolish to think we WILL find any common ground.
    Where the fuck am I?
    BC's aimless wandering has brought him into an area he doesn't recognize. He looks around, tries to get his bearings.
    Let's see... gotta focus, get out of my head and back into reality here. Hmmm, maintenance corridor by the look of it... there, that's a sign I recognize. The governor's office. Must be just off the main