Death Closes In
Zoey sat in front of the television, waiting for the latest news broadcast.
“Nan!” she called out, “the news is on! Come and see what’s happening.”
“Alright, alright, I’m coming dear” answered an elderly woman as she walked into the drawing room and sat down next to Zoey.
They watched as the news presenter began her report.
“Good evening. In our top story tonight: The Prime Minister is at the River Novus to get first hand information about Vida’s welfare. We go live now to Des Johnson for our regular update. Good evening Des, what’s the news about the rescue?”
The windswept reporter appeared on the screen, looking the worse for wear. Standing next to him stood a man with a toothy grin on his face.
“Good evening Janet. I’m standing next to the Prime Minister, who has taken time out of his busy schedule to assess the situation for himself.” He turned to the Prime Minister. “Good evening Prime Minister. What is the government doing to help with the rescue?”
“Good evening to you and your viewers, Des. I’m here tonight to show Concordians that their government cares about the survival of the whale, the state of the environment and that we care about them.”
“Er... yes, Prime Minister. But what is the government actually doing to help?”
“Well, we’re putting aside money from the national budget to erect a barrier to prevent any more whales from entering the River. A fish that size is capable of sinking a boat. It poses a serious shipping hazard.”
“With respect Prime Minister, it’s a mammal, not a fish,”
The elderly lady watching the newscast gave a disgusted grunt. What a twit, she thought.
“Erm, yes, of course, I knew that. But as I was saying... our aim is to protect our citizens from harm.”
“So tell us, Prime Minister. What is the government doing right now to assist Vida? There’s been talk about a special sitting of Parliament. Has such a sitting taken place?”
“I’ve spoken to our party’s chief whip who has consulted the opposition’s chief whip, and we have decided that the soonest we could hold such a debate would be tomorrow evening. Our aim is to form a committee to discuss ways to help with the rescue.”
The Prime Minister turned away from the interviewer and grinned directly at the camera as if he would save Vida’s life single-handedly.
“And then, Prime Minister?”
“I’m sure something productive will arise from the sitting. I have every confidence our government will come up with constructive solutions to the problem. And I want to take this opportunity to reassure Concordians that their government is working diligently on environmental issues.”
“What a prat!” the old lady blurted out. “Vida will be dead by then!” Her granddaughter smothered a giggle. She had never heard words like that coming out of her grandmother’s mouth before.
Onscreen, the reporter frowned, irritated by the Prime Minister’s limp response. Determined to get a commitment from the government, Des tried another angle. “We’ve heard reports that the scientists are battling with red tape. They’ve complained that it’s hindering their efforts. Have you been able to assist them?”
“I have personally contacted the Secretary General of the United Nations to request its members to assist in any way possible.” At this answer, a fleeting look of frustration passed over the reporter’s face. He cleared his throat and posed his next question.
“And what was his response?”
“Unfortunately, most of the United Nation’s resources and manpower is currently being utilised for peace-keeping efforts. But the Secretary General has given me his commitment that he will ask the Security Council to consider diverting funds the next time it meets.”
“So, what you are saying is that the United Nations would rather waste money on countries with leaders that should be tarred and feathered than spend money on saving Vida?”
“Uhm... er... well, if you put it like that, yes. But peace-keeping is a very important function of the United Nations. And I can assure you that the Secretary General and myself, and my cabinet of course, and my party, are extremely concerned about the welfare of the whale and her calf and we shall do...”
“We’re sure you will Prime Minister. Thank you for your time” replied Des, cutting the Prime Minister short.
Des abruptly turned and faced the camera again.
“Dr. Gomez has asked us to thank everyone who is helping in the search for the calf. There have been many leads, but unfortunately, none of them has been fruitful. On a lighter note, Dr. Gomez, has named the calf Esperanza, the Spanish word for ‘hope’. She will be joining us later for an update. That’s all we have time for now. So, it’s back to the studio.”
The cameraman zoomed in for a final close up of Vida. Her struggles had become feeble and her breathing was slower and heavier. A sheet of freezing rain was drenching the determined few people still bailing water over the whale. They had the look of those who knew that fate was out of their hands, regardless of their efforts.
Zoey switched off the television and turned to her grandmother. To the old lady’s surprise, she saw tears gathering her granddaughter’s eyes.
“We can’t let Vida die. We’ve got to help. Isn’t there something we can do?”
The elderly woman put her arms around Zoey’s shoulders as a sob escaped from the young girl.
“There’s always something we can do. Nothing is impossible. I’m going to make a few phone calls. I have some friends who can help.”
“Thank you nan. Thank you” Zoey sniffed, her voice muffled against her grandmother’s shoulder.