A Mirror

Romanov made a rare visit to the nuclear plant. He had not been there in a decade or so. And as he entered the plant , there waited Constantine eagerly in front of the entrance . He looked at his master as the same way he had always done " With a childlike innocence and respect". Come in Sir , he greeted the Veteran . Romanov smiled and walked with Constantine up to his room. You haven't changed much, said Romanov. I would like to think so sir, replied Constantine. Lot of people gathered around to watch the legend himself walk in to their workplace. To many people, small and big he was a hero. They all had great admiration towards him for what he had accomplished. And Constantine looked at him and wondered if he was even aware of how much people respected him. He had never seen the look of pride in his eyes. And Constantine understood what Romanov was all about . He was a man who believed in service. He wanted to help humanity. The ranks , the stars , the honours , the statues were all mere illusions to him.

How are you kid ? Asked Romanov taking Constantine away from his trance. I'm good sir , been better , he joked . The position has got to you ? Romanov too joked with him. They entered the office and Constantine made sure Romanov was seated comfortably. He had a cane with him and he kept it on the side. Old age , again joked Romanov. Constantine was too nervous to take his seat and he remained standing. Please sit down, suggested Romanov. How are the kids and the family ? Asked Romanov. They are fine sir , replied Constantine. Good , good uttered Romanov. And how is Mary ? He asked Constantine . Constantine was lost for words . He knew who Mary was. It was Romanovs long separated wife. Constantine quickly regained his composure " She is fine too , sir" he said trying hard not to put Romanov of his tracks.

Romanov gulped the water and spoke "You know why I'm here, Sergey and Plato are coming back". Constantine knew why he was here but he did not have the heart to break the news to him. Yes Sir, they are indeed heading back, replied Constantine. And there was a smile on the wrinkled face of Romanov. More so about the prospect of meeting Plato than the others. What is the government saying, asked Romanov with his smile being gone of his demeanor. About what? will they be given medals? asked Constantine. No, I'm not talking about medals, said Romanov and you could see a little frustration on his face. I'm talking about the future projects about travelling. About that sir, said Constantine " There seems to be no further push from the side of the government, although if private players wish to travel to the other galaxies, the government won't stop them". Romanov shook his head and drank from his glass again. So they won't be funding anymore, said Romanov. Constantine nodded yes. Romanov sat there in silence as he looked like he was contemplating something.

Sir, said Constaninte " Can I ask you something?". Go ahead, said Romanov. You still have not given up on the whole another planet inhabitation situation sir ? asked Constantine. Kid, said Romanov " What is there to give up or give in. Am I not too old to change my ways". What else could I dream of ? What else is our reality ? he asked Constantine. And , continued Romanov "DO we not deserve another place in the universe. Is this the only planet for us ? For the good people among us ? For people like you and Plato. Constantine now took a glass of his water , and asked permission from Romanov to light his Cigarette. May I , Constantine asked. Romanov nodded in agreement. And he remembered the days when he used to stand beside the trucks and smoke his cigarette when Plato and Andrei used to visit him. Sir, continued Constantine taking Romanov of his daze " I seem to be doing well here , and the planet seems to be fine" Is it not best for you to realize your dream was flawed, he asked Romanov. You certainly seem to be doing very well, said Romanov having a deep gaze at his attire and the office interior that surrounded them. But the planet is doing better? that one could argue he said to the director. Sir, said Constantine, puffing out a large bowl of smoke " You are the reason out planet is doing so well, our energy requirements are completely taken care of! all because of you " and Sir, that too without leaving any carbon footprint, said Constantine emphasizing on the last part of his sentence. That I agree, director, said Romanov. But you know that was never my agenda. And, said Romanov as he leaned over the desk with his long and illustrious career casting a huge shadow on Constantine. He leaned back on his chair and rolled a few steps back " Do you remember when I first took you in, You did not come from privilege". You came from poverty like the rest of us, said Romanov. And Director, do you think that the planet has got rid of poverty!

No, replied Constantine at once. Have you forgotten where you came from? asked Romanov. No sir, but I do a lot of good for the children who grew up like I did, replied Constantine. And do you think that is enough, he asked the Director. There was no answer. Now Constantine quickly stubbed his cigarette and sat up firm. No Sir, he replied to his senior. But what more can I do? he asked Romanov. Release the patent of our technology to the poorer countries for free, said Romanov. That is your job, he said to the Director. The Director, firmly shook his head! He knew what the consequences would be and tried to come up with some excuse. Sir, but they do not have compound with them? what use is the patent for them ? That is my job to worry, said Romanov . Thank you Director, said the old man and walked out of the office. Constantine escorted him the say way they had entered.