Chapter 23: Cloud Form Chairs
Jackson walked back into the hallway, where Tarza, Dusty, and Plod were still standing, and shut the door behind him.
“What are you doing? Asked Tarza.
“I can’t talk to him.”
“Why not?” she asked.
“Because… because that’s Arn Brule. And he used to bully me when I was a kid!”
“Oh,” said Tarza.
“And I’m willing to go debate the President, and take on the Byzongs, and Those In Charge, and whoever else if I need to. But you can’t make me talk to Arn Brule.”
“Do you want us to stun him?” asked Plod, raising a spiraled rod from her chassis.
“Yes,” said Jackson.
“Jackson!” shouted Tarza.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” he recanted. “No. But, thank you, Plod.”
“Jackson, I know this must be tough. But you’re not a kid anymore. And I’m sure you two can work out any differences you had in the past.”
“Differences? There was only one difference! He was the worst and I wasn’t.”
“Jackson…” she said.
“I know, I know.” He let out a huff. “Fine. I’ll give it a chance. But… have the stun thing ready.”
Plod gave an affirming beep.
Jackson opened the door again. Arn was sitting on a floating couch looking out the window. He stood up the moment Jackson and the rest stepped in.
“I’m sorry about that, and, um, wonderful hair. I’m Tarza,” she said, extending a hand.
Jackson bristled at hearing her compliment him.
He shook her hand. “Impressive boots. I’m Arn Brule.”
“I’m sorry about Jackson, he’s just—”
Arn raised his hands. “No, no, please. I’m the one who should be apologizing.” He gestured for Jackson to sit down.
Jackson watched Arn from the corner of his eye as he sat down across from him in a Cloud Form Chair and crossed his arms. The chair immediately changed shape to accommodate and cushion his body, giving him the perfect combination of support and softness.
“Jackson, I can tell by your reaction that you do remember me. And I’m guessing not for good reasons.”
Jackson scoff-laughed.
“I know that I did some things that were hurtful when we were kids.”
“Only every day,” mumbled Jackson.
“Right…,” said Arn with a sincere frown. “And… I’m sorry.”
Jackson turned his head and looked out the window. Las Algos was positively buzzing with activity below them. It seemed like anyone and everyone had made their way to the hotel.
“I had a lot of growing up to do. There were things I didn’t like about myself and I took them out on you. I never should have treated you that way. And for what it’s worth, I’ve always regretted it.”
Jackson glanced back at him.
“In fact,” he said with a small laugh, “I wonder if you and I might have been friends, if not for the way I acted.”
Jackson uncrossed his arms. It was the second best apology he’d ever gotten. It would have easily been number one, if not for the time he had been delivered the wrong pizza, and the delivery person gave an apology so heartful and earnest that they both ended up crying, hugging, and eating the erroneous pineapple and anchovy pizza together.
Jackson thought long and hard. He looked over at Dusty, spinning his disco ball silently. He looked over at Tarza, nodding him on encouragingly. He looked over at Plod, who raised the stun rod. He shook his head ever-so-slightly.
“I accept,” said Jackson, offering Arn his hand.
“Really? After everything that happened?” he asked.
Jackson shrugged. “I never wanted to fight with you, and I still don’t. If you mean what you said, then, we’re good.
Arn took his hand with a huge smile. Looking at him, it seemed to Jackson that a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders, and Jackson couldn’t help but feel the same.
“Ahem,” said Tarza. “I hate to break this up, but um….” Tarza took out her Pocket Watch and pointed to it. By then, Jackson had learned that the watch was actually set to the time on Ridgea, not Earth, but both he and Arn got the message.
“Of course!” said Arn. “We need to get down to business.”
Jackson nodded.
“Now, I’ve been studying President Racha for years. I was even on her campaign team for her first election.”
Jackson gave a suspicious look.
“I can tell what you’re thinking and, trust me, I’m not on her side. I’ve been working with the Pocket Watches for years now, and my only goal is to protect Earth and stop Those in Charge. Besides… she’s not the person I helped elect. Not anymore.”
Satisfied, Jackson urged him on.
“Now, if you don’t mind me asking, what’s your level of knowledge on things like Intergalactic Trade, Alien Relations, Earth Social Services, Transcontinental Legislation…”
Jackson’s eyes got wide with fear and Arn picked up on it.
“That’s ok! The truth is, we don’t have to beat her on policy. The key to winning a debate is turning someone else’s weakness into your strength. It’s something I learned how to do from a young age…”
Jackson gave a cold glare.
“... Anyway, moving on! We need to find the thing that you have over her. I know President Racha. She won’t be able to stand the thought of someone who once worked under her challenging her for the Presidency. If she feels like she’s behind, even for a moment, she’ll blow the whole thing.”
“But, what could I possibly have over her?” he asked.
“Jackson has a lot going for him,” said Tarza. “He made it all the way here, for starters.”
Arn smiled. “That’s true. Why don’t you tell me how that happened. Tell me how you got here. It may hold the key to beating her. But, we don’t have much time.”
Jackson recounted all that he could remember doing since taking a bite of someone else’s tuna fish sandwich. He waited for Arn to laugh at him when he mentioned getting frozen in foam twice, but he never did. He even included getting lost at the Fazaar, and Arn only nodded and encouraged him to continue, listening to every detail with rapt attention. When he was finished, Jackson took a deep breath, and sat back in his chair.
“I’ve got to say, Jackson. I’m impressed.” said Arn.
“Impressed?” Jackson asked.
“Well, yeah! Are you kidding me? You’ve faced more peril and come out the other side than anyone I’ve ever met! There’s plenty to be proud of in there. And I can say with certainty that President Racha can’t compete with a story like that.”
“So… you want me to tell everyone my story at the debate?” he asked.
Arn shook his head. “If only. The truth is, a story that complex… the accusations against Those in Charge… it will be too much for people. It’s too hard to believe.”
“But it’s true!” said Jackson.
“Doesn’t matter. It’s not always just about what’s true, it’s about what people will believe.”
“That’s silly,” said Jackson.
“Well, silly or not, it’s how these things work. And it’s my job to make sure you win this debate. But don’t worry, I already know how you’re going to win.
“You do?” asked Tarza.
“Oh yes, I knew it the moment he started his story.” He handed Jackson a small orb about half the size of a marble. “Now, stick this transmitter in your ear and I’ll be able to guide you through it. If you say what I tell you to say, when I tell you to say it, you’ll be the next President of Earth.”
Jackson stuck the orb into his ear. “Ok, but what’s the…”
“No time,” said Arn. “The debate starts in ten minutes.”
And with that, they took the levitator down to the Belmontenegro Grand Hall, where the people of Las Algos, and the eyes and ears of the universe, were waiting.