The Cost of Priorities

POV - Shaav Sautereau, Minister of Development

[Day 1, March 2002, 1pm]

With bated breath, I waited for the Governor to depart. As soon as he exited, I hurried to the bathroom, desperate to release the stifling cough that had plagued me since birth. Damn body. I took this job for the medical benefits, but there isn't even a ministry to build them up.

After washing my face, my phone rang. It was Mummy. "Shaavi, are you alright? Do you need me to send someone to bring you home?" Her worry was palpable.

"It's alright, Mother, just a light cough," I reassured her.

"A light cough?! I'm sending the car and the doctor now. Do not move from the Palace" she insisted.

I let out a resigned sigh. When Mummy set her sights on something, there was no stopping her. A convoy would soon be following her to the Palace, and I could only hope it wouldn't embarrass the Governor.

In about 30 minutes, she'll arrive. I hope the Governor will still be available to discuss the $8 million. There isn't much we can develop for the entire region, so we'll need to choose one initiative.

I look at myself one last time in the mirror, ensuring there are no stains to be wiped away. After washing my hands, I stride out, scanning the area for the Governor. From a distance, I spot him in the smoking area.

"Governor!" I inquire, far enough for him to see me and hear me. When he turned and saw me, he took his last puff of his cigarette and put it out in haste. 

"What do you need, Minister" he asks smoke exhaling from his mouth

Though feeling under the weather, I do my best to present myself confidently. "Governor, with the $8 million allocated for the year, it's not enough to develop the entire region. Splitting it could dilute the impact and give the impression of indecision."

I press on, "I suggest focusing on one initiative annually—whether it's Roads, Economic Development, or Essential Services."

I have already done the calculations in my head and that budget must be fixed with no deviation.

Ministry upkeep: $1 million

Planning and Design: $1 million

Land Acquisition: $1.5 million

Construction Costs: $4 million

Contingency Fund: $500,000

The Governor listened to my plea regarding the development plans. "How about this, Minister," he replied, "you seem smart enough. Draw up three plans and bring them back to me by next Monday." His suggestion stunned me; it was almost an impossible task, requiring extensive research for each proposal. "I'm sure your family will be able to help you with that, do you think that should be enough time for you to make the proposals?" he added casually, gesturing towards the approaching convoy. "It is for you, I presume?"

Taken aback by the Governor's request, I quickly composed myself before responding. "Certainly, Governor," I replied with a confident smile, though inwardly, a surge of adrenaline at the daunting challenge ahead. "Thank you, Governor," I nodded respectfully, acknowledging his dismissal as I turned to meet my family.

I descended to the first floor, waiting anxiously for Mummy's arrival, just a short distance away. The convoy of white and black jeeps pulled up at the Palace, and Mummy stepped out. "Oh, Shavvi, are you alright? Doctor! He's here!" she exclaimed, her concern evident in her voice.

The embarrassment I felt that day was immense. It was my first day meeting the Governor, and there was Mother, smothering me with her love in front of everyone. She looked up, catching a glimpse of the Governor. "Is that your new Governor, Shaavi? Can I talk to him?" she asked, her voice carrying across the courtyard.

"Mother!" I hissed quietly, "Yes, that's the new Governor. Please, show some respect," I urged, hoping to maintain a semblance of decorum amidst the chaotic scene. With my comments, mother did a curtsey towards the Governor, acknowledging his presence with a semblance of respect.

The Governor bowed respectfully, placing his hand over his chest and a gentle dip in a gesture of reverence towards the Mother of his Minister. "Come on, Mother, let's head back to the car before you cause any more commotion," I urged gently, guiding her away from the scene and back towards the waiting car.

As the seven-car convoy began to depart one by one, I let out a loud sigh, knowing that it would surely prompt my mother to inquire about my day and what had transpired. "What happened, dear?" she asked, her tone filled with concern. "I may have accepted the Governor's request too hastily," I admitted. "I have to create three proposals by next Monday to develop the country's infrastructure."

As the doctor checked my vitals with his stethoscope, my mother chuckled softly. "Oh, baby," she said with a hint of amusement. "You do understand how Mummy and Daddy make the money that affords us this lifestyle, don't you?"

"Yes mother, do you know anyone that can create 3 working plans for Roads for the entire region, Economic Development for business to thrive, or Essential Services to help the people." I asked, seeking her assistance.

"Of course, first we need to get you to the hospital," my mother insisted, turning to the doctor. "How is my son?" she inquired anxiously.

"Oh, Lady Sautereau, it's just his RDS," the doctor reassured her. "Hospital is not needed but he may need to rest for a few days."

"I don't have a few days," I interjected, feeling the pressure of my impending deadline. "I have to get three proposals done by the end of the week for the Governor."

Mother smiled warmly at my enthusiasm. "My, my, Shaavi, don't you worry. Mummy will take care of it. Roads, Economic Development, or Essential Services. We'll bring in the brightest minds money can buy. Your room will be a temporary room for these geniuses to plan if you'd like, so you can monitor the progress."

"Thank you, mother. Where is Father?" I asked, noticing his absence. "Usually he comes with you on any impromptu trips."

"That's why I came so quickly," Mother's tone shifted gravely. "Your father has been taken by loyalists, and they've demanded a ransom for his release."

With those words, my world came crashing down. The impact felt like a ton of bricks, and rapid, shallow breaths consumed me before I erupted into loud coughing fits, completely overwhelmed by the stress.