THE DECISION
Lydia Fazio Theys

“… bringing the United states closer to the brink of nuclear annihilation than at any time in history.”

He had looked directly at me when he spoke. Around the impeccably buffed mahogany conference table, the rest of the team sat watching me, only me. I knew that what I said right now would be critical. The others were prepared to take their cue from my words, to go along with me. After all, this is why the Chief had put me on the team. He had selected us as the elite “Team One” because he trusted us. And because our areas of expertise were exquisitely complementary, chosen for perfect balance. I knew he prized my years at Princeton, then Harvard, and my deep knowledge of history. Usually, I was all too happy to offer my opinion and to make my voice heard, to be the one who had his ear. But today the enormity of it all was too much. Never before had so much been riding on my words. I had not counted on there ever being this much raw pressure.

Small moist beads began to form along my upper lip and at my hairline. I prided myself on a power to concentrate, but right now focus was elusive. I looked around the table again. The grim faces told me how much each person here had riding on this one decision, a decision that my next words would influence beyond all reasonable measure.

I was unsure. I knew what I wanted to say, but what if it were wrong? How had I gotten to be the unwilling kingpin in a critical endgame like this?

Barbara was sitting directly opposite. I forced my gaze away from the golden eagle atop the flag stand behind her and met her pleading eyes. “Well?” she said.

“I… it…” It took all my self-discipline to speak naturally. “The Cuban Missile Crisis.”

Quickly, smoothly, with no hesitation, the Chief took over. “We’ll go with his answer.”

“Correct!” said the moderator. The other team sagged. “Award Team One its yellow pie wedge as they advance to the center of the board. The next question could decide the 2004 National Trivial Pursuit Championship.”

© Lydia Fazio Theys 2004

Lydia Theys (lydiatheys@hotmail.com), a NY born astronomer, makes a living from technical writing but comes alive writing fiction. She now lives in Connecticut with her husband, their two children and an assortment of fat, crotchety and/or neurotic pets. Her work can be found in some of the most highly acclaimed slush piles in the country.

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