Thursday, August 17, 2023

Microstory 1954: Concerning Strength

Generated by Google Workspace Labs text-to-image AI software
Reese: That’s some good shootin’ there, friend.
Leonard: You don’t have to sugar-coat it. I can see my own shots. I’m doing terribly. I’m sure if you stood up here, there would only be one hole on the target after you emptied the mag.
Reese: I don’t know about that, but I imagine parole officers don’t get much target training, and don’t have to keep up with the same standards.
Leonard: No, not conventionally. That’s why I’m here. If I’m going to lead the trainees and agents, I need to be better. I doubt I’ll be as good as them, but if I turn out to not be a great leader, I can’t also be terrible at everything else at the same time.
Reese: I’m certain you’ll do great. SI Eliot isn’t a decent shot either, which is why he’s a leader, and he got to where he is today because he’s a good judge of character.
Leonard: I wouldn’t know.
Reese: He chose you, didn’t he? And Myka?
Leonard: That’s true...on the second part.
Reese: I know you’re nervous. I am too. I’ve never been in this position before. Sure, I’ve spoken to crowds, and I’ve coordinated with local law enforcement, but I’ve never been fully in charge. I still don’t know what we’re gonna be doing. Nobody does. Is this an invasion? Are we fostering allies? Will we never see another new alien again?
Leonard: I suppose all we can do is start at the beginning, and take it one day at a time.
Reese: *chuckling a little* Well, the range looks great. You clean this all up yourself? 
Leonard: Yeah, I guess the remodelers weren’t told that we would need it, but I’m thinking we will.
Reese: We definitely will. Is there anything you need for it, or for anything else? Have you noticed a lightbulb out, or whatever?
Leonard: Not that I’ve seen, but I’ve not been on the lookout for that kind of stuff. I can do that now, though; walk through the space, and take note of issues.
Reese: Nah, you don’t have to. Myka is responsible for that. One of the detainees has already been assigned to her team. We’ll send him on that scavenger hunt. Speaking of Myka, what do you think of her?
Leonard: Myka? Oh, she’s great. She’s mentioned her plans for this building; it sounds like she’s ready to turn it into a real workplace.
Reese: That’s not what I mean.
Leonard: I don’t know what you mean.
Reese: Evidently you asked about interoffice relationships?
Leonard: I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Reese: It’s okay. I’ve seen the way you two are with each other. Anyway, that’s irrelevant. Even if you were only asking to better understand the laws of our world in general, I’ll give you the answer. The government encourages finding partners within the same organization. It’s easier to deal with confidential information. Even if you’re not allowed to tell your partner something, they’re better at knowing not to ask.
Leonard: *nodding* If we’re talking in generalizations, then I should ask...how do you feel about Myka? I guess that’s not that general.

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