~ 59 ~

Monday, April 12th Vancouver, BC

She tossed the file on her desk. All the news events kept her busy, distracted, but when she sat at her desk, it was difficult to stay focused.

It had been weeks since the Premier’s Joy of Spring Ball. Helen could not even recall the drive to Gloria’s penthouse after they had left the Victoria Club. Thank God for Richard. He’d retained most of the conversation, and had even taken notes, something she generally did. He knew she would review this over and over and that she was still absorbing everything.

Ted, with Gloria’s assistance, had started over for Richard’s benefit, and told the story again: the plan, how it was conceived, and why.

Hank and Gloria and Elliot had not caused the fall of Canada, and nothing was ever done by Ted that would perpetuate the events that occurred – no one man could have done that, as no one man could have stopped the events from occurring. What they had done, was to come up with an idea of what to do if Canada began to fall of its own accord. No harm would have been done, other than the financial risk each of them were taking – the expenditures of stocking up on food and building a pipeline – and they had been willing to risk any potential losses for the chance of succeeding.

Ted and Gloria had gently explained about the new country. Ted had told them, that night, that the PM, the President and the Queen were supportive of the idea, and if everything could be done peacefully, and to their collective satisfaction, then the nation Island of Canada would come into existence at the same moment the Parliament of Old Canada was dissolved.

As a new country, Ted and Gloria had said, it would take the best possible leader at the helm. Not a politician, and not someone from the business community. The Prime Minister must be someone who had no vested interest, other than representing the people. The only chance the new country had of succeeding would be if it had the people’s confidence, and they wanted Helen to be the first Prime Minister.

Around two in the morning, Helen and Richard excused themselves to walk along the inner harbour to discuss what had been asked of them.

First, it would mean a move to Victoria – which was not an issue; they already had been coming over to the island whenever they had a free weekend.

Next, they felt the stress and workload would not be much different than Helen had been handling for the last several years.

Finally, they agreed with the reasoning that the first leader would have to be someone outside of the current power structure. There were many that fit the criteria, and Helen fit it as well.

They had walked quietly along the upper level of the inner harbour. All issues had been discussed between them, Richard had indicated that he would support whatever choice she made, but this decision must be hers alone.

As they continued their silent walk, Helen ran her hand over the iron plates that had been set into the old stone wall, each honouring the captain and crew of vessels that had been a vital part of this country – the explorers in the 1700’s, the traders in the 1800’s, the fishers and freighters of the 1900’s, all brave souls, fearless. Oh, she corrected herself, they absolutely had fear. It’s what they did with the fear that built this nation. Turning her back on her fears, she made her decision.

They walked back. She told Ted and Gloria she would be honoured to accept. As soon as the remaining pieces were in place, Ted had told them, he would contact her. There was still much to be done, they had said, it could be a few months before they knew…

Helen was jerked back to the present by her phone buzzing. She picked up the receiver and her secretary said, "Ted Underwood is on line 3."

Helen punched the button, "Ted, hello."

"Hello, Prime Minister."