GAVIN


    RING RING RING, pick up the phone.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    "One of those things is true,"


    Oh, Callahan. What shall we do? Tell us what our options are, Callahan. Lead us, oh wise one.


    "More than a Watch Captain," "That''s a strange thing to admit. You always did seem to think you had the most important job."


    "Getting a bit big for your britches there, son. You must be feeling pretty self-important right now. Not even Cloister law can keep you down."


    "You can''t claim to stand for the Cloister while breaking its rules, Gavin."


    "Sounds like a matter of opinion."


    "Is it?""Because the Board is in unanimous-""Well.  unanimous agreement. Say hello to Evelyn for me."


    "The Board represents the people."


    "If you keep heading down this course you''re on right now, things are going to get very ugly very quickly."


    "That so? You know, I always suspected you had a screw loose somewhere. Your father--"


    "Your father Rutiger had a lot of problems. He was never able to completely...come back from his missions. I can''t imagine what that must have been like for you."


    "Ah, yes. It takes a hard man to shoot an old friend of your father''s, doesn''t it?"


    "I''m sure they did. Here''s the thing, I don''t want to hurt you, and I''d prefer if we could work something out, but you know what? I don''t think I can get through to you. I don''t think anyone can. I think you''re lost, Gavin. In a reality of your own making."