Time Corps 8

"Indira we must talk privately, my office, 3 o'clock."
"As you wish Col."
She grins proudly, "your idea on pulp fiction has been through the Committee. To quote, 'it has the potential of magic, an excellent storyline.' It'll be a long time yet, but they're considering whether it would be a good first mission for you. Your feelings on that?"
"Col, bring it on. It was before computerization, very labor-intensive. Should not be too hard landing some sort of job with one of those publishing houses."
"I must admit to curiosity. How does a person reconcile a disdain for fiction with your obvious enthusiasm for this mission?"
"Col, different time in history, decades before the publishing industry got too big for its britches. Back in the day those 10 cent and 15 cent magazines were all the rage, working peoples' literature. What's not to like?"
"So, indirectly you're saying you prefer covering the underdog's story, rather than the fat cat's?"
"Never thought of it in those terms Col, but you are quite correct. Always have a soft spot for the underdog."
"Even though most pulp was dreck quality writing?"
"Col, to paraphrase you, I'm not a literary critic either."
She laughs, "touche, plan on doing a bit of reading on circa 1950 New York."

Col Khan smiles uneasily, "I ah always hate to say this. There simply is no class which takes it well. So hear me out, debate all you like; but don't shoot the messenger." This grabs our 100% attention fast. "Now the pattern of life of a front-line Time Corps officer is one year away, one year back here. The year away, time distortion of course makes it pass as ten. In your year back, you spend a lot of time with editors, going over film your mini-camera brought back. Two years worth of vacation. Preparation for the next trip. And a 30 day tour of training duty as a Reserve officer. I see those looks, listen up before you shoot. There is no law compelling people to join the Reserves. Most employers view it as a gargantuan waste of time, make life very difficult on any employee who wishes to participate. So-oo, in the public sector, everyone must participate. You, me, the parking wardens. But look at the bright side, the year away you're exempt. So in effect, it's just once every 2 years. What does a Reserve Lieutenant do? Command a platoon of peacekeepers. Fairly low training level compared to warriors. Questions?"
Betty Lou, "what sort of weaponry?"
"Single shot rifles, one radio per platoon, jeeps, really pretty ill-equipped."
Heidi, "any extra money for this?"
"$15 a day, standard field allowance, just buys either cigarettes or little extras."
I ask, "Col, is this part of the 100,000 contingent available?"
"Yes and no Indira. See when you have exactly that number, you never get 100% attendance. Always people in hospital or jail. So, Reservists are often needed to top up the roster."
I ask again, "so there is a mathematical chance we'll slog through jungle in New Guinea, rather than editing film?"
"Yes it happens sometimes. Simply the duty of every person in the public sector. Be honest Indira, are those peoples' lives worth less than TV shows? Aren't they human too?"
I blush hotly, "why is there this prejudice in the private sector?"
"Same as your epoch in history. Decline in respect for authority, decline in sense of being a citizen, fixation on wealth and more wealth."
I start to laugh. Everyone looks at me quizzically.
Col, "perhaps Indira, you'd care to share the joke."
"The parallels, the contrast, the irony. Think of it, this mega-budget, high-tech operation and we're reduced to musketry. Roughly akin to much of what happened in Canada. The French have a saying, 'more things change, more they stay the same."
Everyone laughs, including the Col. It clears the air.