on this proposed MSSW route had no bearing whatsoever on this particular ruling in administrative history. Even if making such a selection would save her thousands of crowdumplers in tolls along the way, and also much time that could better be spent vacationing than traveling. Both were mere coincidences after fate got involved.
Regardless of the reasons, Hiruaha had long ago been chosen to be the grid point, and thus ever since has been the center and most vital mark of the whole grid.
Hiruaha was thus put on the map, both literally and figuratively, even if it was not the downtown of culture, power, or population, because from then on it was definitely known as the only downtown as far as location was concerned.
And now that it has its Beacon back, Hiruaha is once again “the home to all things perfectly luminous,” the planet’s motto ever since The Beacon’s creation. A motto prominently displayed on a massive billboard located on the first moon of Hiruaha, lit by The Beacon itself, making it clearly visible to all ships passing nearby.
Chapter Thirteen
Frank had returned home. Being no further toward solving his mystery than when he had left, he tried to push all the thoughts surrounding it out of his mind the best he could. Settling down on the couch, he flicked on the local baseball game. As he did he clutched a beer tighter than usual in his other hand, with his thoughts neither on the game nor the beer.
Next thing Frank knew, he was waking to a knock at the door. With the light from the television the only light in the room, he lifted his sore, tired, and now somewhat beer soaked, least in the rear of his trousers, body from the chair and made his way to the door. The knock was still coming when he got there. He paused for a moment in front of the door; images of beeping policemen were flashing through his mind.
“Well, are you going to let me in or not?” Laura added a few louder knocks from the other side of the door.
Frank opened and Laura rushed right in.
“You were right Frank. Look!” She pointed to the article in the local newspaper, holding it up so he could see. “It’s about the two missing policemen. They were …” she gasped to catch her breath and then continued, “they were last seen on your street!”
“So you trust me?” Frank suddenly became hopeful.
“Yes, I trust you.”
“Thank you.” Frank sighed. He was slightly elated and greatly relieved, although neither of those feelings would last for long.
“So, now what will you do?” Laura continued.
“What? What do you mean ‘do’?” Frank asked.
“Well, you have to find out why they were here.”
“I have to? Why? Why me?”
“Because they weren’t seen at someone else’s apartment with someone else, but here with you. That’s why Franklin, that’s why.”
Frank thought this over and came to a very unfortunate conclusion, besides confirmation of disliking being called by his full first name, especially by Laura. She was right.
“Okay, but we, not just me, need to get to the bottom of this. You’re involved now too,” Frank said, desperate for some help, and also in a final attempt to possibly discourage Laura in this regard.
“Fine,” Laura replied with an ease and tone that only comes from having a strong sense of conviction, “I’m in.”
“Oh, great.” Frank tried to sound genuinely pleased with her response, however failingly.
Laura exited, and Frank was left to make his way to bed with his thoughts swirling. He was also left to wonder why he hadn’t been able to make his voice do that thing Laura’s had just done so easily.
Maybe tomorrow would be better.
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