Reboot

As we were up on the dais awaiting the medals and trophies, Colby took the stage with a microphone and gave a speech. By now he was well known. People knew who and what he represented. So they were reticent to accept him, but he seemed like a reasonable person so he was given a “get out of jail free” card. At least, people were willing to listen to him.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I think I speak for everyone when I thank the drivers and their teams for putting on one hell of a show for us today.”

Cheers. Subdued.

“I think this marks a new beginning don’t you? From now on, we’ll start talking to each other again. I think that’s a good thing. Maybe we should have these races once a year, don’t you agree?”

Little louder.

“No matter which road we now choose, let us not forget who we are. Working together is the best way to travel down that road. Let’s keep talking, let’s rebuild together.” He was getting into it now. The cheers were much louder.

“I have here a gift from your president. It’s something special for the winner.”

Boos and Jeers. Colby smiled, he was on their side.

He pulled out a very large bottle of champagne that had magically survived the recent unpleasantness and he gave it to Peter who just stared at it in awe. Now the old tradition was to open it and soak your neighbors with it, but that just seemed stupid now. So Peter gave it to one of the ladies in charge of the food tents and had her hand out one glass to as many people as possible.

People cheered very loudly now. And Colby’s credit went up just for being associated with Peter’s generosity. They went up to him and asked him about the president. He quickly had quite a gathering of happy people around him. I looked at William with a serious look. He acknowledged it with a nod.