Deborah 14

As I head for my office building, a man steps in front of my path. Pleasant smile, produces an ID card proclaiming him to be Mr Jones, of the local broadsheet newspaper. "A moment of your time, Ms Ahpay?"
"I'd really prefer not."
Indulgent smile, "perhaps you'll reconsider after hearing me for a minute. You see, there are only two newspapers in this town. Now need I remind you of how the tabloid tends to treat Native issues?"
I know he's right, at least with him, it will be done in a respectable manner. And if I'm not on the record with the respectables, it means, well less said the better. I smile, "please Mr Jones, come right in. Could I get you some coffee?"
Once we're settled, he asks whether I'd prefer notebook or tape recorder interview. I opt for notebook.
"Now Ms Ahpay, let's start with the Police report. Their investigation has come back, with the 99% assertion that it is a genuine Alien abduction. Care to comment on that?"
"The Police are far more capable of carrying out any investigation than I ever would be. If they're 99% satisfied, then so am I."
"And what is the level of clientele available to Native Alcohol Services, following this loss of same?"
"Sir, we have less than thirty alcoholics left, almost everyone was in the Dragon."
"And the Provincial Government has chosen to be rather severe, with its funding cuts. They simply wiped you people out, end of this month. Clients are told they will simply have to deal with mainline services. Any comments on that?"
"To be fair, they simply had no choice. Cost per client is one of the parameters."
"That's rather sporting of you. Most in your position would have unkind remarks. So, how are your staff taking all this?"
"Of the dozen staff, eight will be moving along to Native Alcohol Services in other cities, places where the Aliens and religious revival have yet to make inroads. Four, including myself, have opted for a change of pace, change of career path."
"Totally off the record now Ms Ahpay, have you four received shall we say unpleasant social pressure?"
I laugh drily, "totally off the record Mr Jones, 'traitor' is the kindest word we've heard."
"Just plain burnt out, eh?"
I nod, "time for a change."
"Back on the record, what have you chosen to do?"
"First of the month, I will be starting in consumer electronics sales."
He whistles softly, "ah, wise you are, sky is the limit. All that Native purchasing power, suddenly being turned loose. And it's no secret they prefer dealing with Native sales reps."
"That is my understanding."
He grins, "word is, your Native sales rep is entirely more ethical when it comes to things like accessing warranty work."
"You said that, not me."
He grins, "off the record now, I need to buy goodies for my son's birthday. Tell me which store you'll be at and what shift."