too much hope [85th debate]

P I E R R E

Debating seems to be all he has done over the past couple of months, trying to figure out the problem with his family and the cause of the disaster in the factory area. Surely this must be a breeze for Pierre, except of course the sensitivity of having to spit words at one of his very own in-laws. Pierre did try and talk her out of it, though it seems Calypso is set on trying to beat her brother-in-law out of the mayor’s house.

Pierre’s DNA is all over that house now. He has his butt marked on the office’s chair, a place for every piece of him in every room. There really will be a lot lost if he fails.

The weather is kind today as he stands at one of two podiums on the stage outside of the justice building. A larger crowd than normal has gathered in the town square, their chattering expands for yards until their attention is brought to the two fighting to lead them…to somewhere. The questioner introduces them, both names causing a reaction amongst the audience. Pierre’s eyes take a journey, from the audience, to the questioner and then the Calypso. There are no nerves inside of him today, public speaking is not a hard feat but reality on how important it is for him today, to leave a positive mark on all of those listening really bites down on him hard. There will be no whiskey to help guide him today, his words cannot be rehearsed like the speech. It is all go from the very moment.

Think back on a time when you experienced great difficulty. How did you get through it?

The questioner opens with a familiar question, a question that can have so many answers, it is Pierre’s turn to be the first to answer first. There cannot be any delay in stringing out a response, he can already feel the eyes on him after the noticeably short seconds of silence. ”We have all shared great difficulty together recently. Still, we are rebuilding from the devasting terrorist attack that dared to shake our District but we did not back down. It was not long after the explosion that I arrived at the scene and I was quick to join the rescue effort that had already begun. It really proved how great of a community we are, something so unexpected and myself and the District co-operated together so quickly to free those who were trapped under the rubble.

The newly refurbished medical centre was able to operate at capacity for those injured. I worked through the night to help co-ordinate a rescue and clean up. We may have lost family and neighbours but so many lives were saved that day because of the co-operation shown by everyone. I have relocated funds to help rebuild the factory. Workers who were left without a job have been trained in rebuilding their workplace, to ensure that income is still coming into their homes. I also made sure that all factory buildings were inspected, and evacuation procedures updated in case any similar disaster were to happen again.

It all happened so quickly and unexpectantly, but I was quick on the scene and was able to string together plans to help rescue and rebuild, with the seniors of the District involved in the factory. For weeks, my focus was on ensuring that all survivors and the victim’s families got the help that they deserved. Now we are here rebuilt and back on our feet as District again!”