Yet again we reach the concluding chapter of Flandry's first novel but how much have we found in it this time?
"...his loneliness returned redoubled once he was in the street again. He fled to Max Abrams.
"The commander was in his office, straightening out details before leaving on the same transport that would bear Flandry home. From Terra, though, he would go on furlough to Dayan. His stocky frame leaned back as Flandry burst through the doorway. 'Well, hello, hero,' he said. 'What ails you?'" (p. 190)
We all know someone that it is good to be with when things are bad. It is possible to be that person for someone else. A very long time ago, a friend was splitting from his wife and they both agreed that it would be helpful for him to talk to me. Why? I could not do anything to put things right between them. Sometimes all that is necessary is to listen and to say what you can. Another friend in a similar situation told me things that he never had before and never would again and that I will never repeat to anyone else.
After they have returned to Terra, Abrams will go to Dayan and Flandry will begin Intelligence training. Thus, this will be a parting of the ways for some considerable time. All the more reason for Flandry to glean whatever remaining wisdom and inspiration that he can from his mentor.
First, Abrams offers him a drink. They converse for two pages, the for another hour:
"And Flandry left the office whistling." (p. 192)
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
I agree, it is good for all of us, if we are so fortunate, to have a confidant of the kind you discussed here. For Flandry that was Max Abrams. I esp. remember him stating in A STONE IN HEAVEN of how an opinion Flandry had of Abrams.
And organizing and packing up those books and periodicals "flooded" on Abrams on Merseia was probably among the details he was straightening out in his office. To be deposited at the most relevant libraries and academies after arriving in Admiralty Center.
Ad astra! Sean
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