There was a rap on the door. The President spoke. "Enter!" His secretary's young assistant came in carrying two folders.
"The water allotment figures for California you wanted, Mr. President," she commented, "and the list of churches that wish you to deliver a sermon this Sunday." She put the files on The President's desk and turned to leave. She had almost reached the door when The President spoke up.
"One moment! Penelope, isn't it?"
The young woman stopped and slowly turned. "Yes, Mr. President," she stammered.
"Kindly shut the door, Penelope," The President continued, and come over here in front of the desk. I'd like to speak to you for a moment."
The young woman looked horrified, but quickly obeyed. When she was standing in front of the desk The President spoke again. "You're afraid of me, Penelope, you bring fear into my office. I'm afraid if we can't remedy that situation I'm going to have to send you elsewhere. Why are you afraid of me? You know I am powerless against the good. I can only harm those who do evil. You're not doing evil, are you, Penelope?"
The girl smiled. "No, sir! It's hard to explain, sir. It's the power you have over people, sir. I mean, the way everyone will do anything for you, even things they won't do for other people. That kind of power frightens me. I don't particularly like men, like what they want to do with me. But when I'm around you..." she stopped, blushing, and The President smiled.
"Oh," he remarked. "I see." He rose and came around the desk. "Give me your hands," he instructed.
Without hesitation the young woman did so.
"I put a shield between you and I, Penelope," The President continued, "a barrier that will make those feelings go away, and perhaps we should direct those feelings elsewhere. There are several unattached young men around here who would would really enjoy your company. Perhaps the right man would make you less hesitant to have those feelings."
The young woman smiled. "Well, actually, Mr. President, I'd like to have those feelings directed towards Ambassador Page. He is unattached, is he not?"
The President smiled. "My dear child!" he remarked, "Ambassador Page is twice your age. As a matter of fact, he has a daughter just about your age. It is true, he has grieved for his wife quite long enough. But why would you be interested in a man his age?"
The young woman looked down. "I don't have that much time. My genetic screening...well, they found something. But I'll be strong and healthy for at least twenty years. And I rather...well besides you, he's one of the kindest, most caring and considerate men I've ever come in contact with! If my interest was returned I would be very pleased."
The President let go of her hands. "Damn!" he cursed. "Those damned genetic readings should not be given to young people. They should just be allowed to live their lives! Well, there may be an opportunity for me to call the ambassador back to my office for some further consultations before the day is out. When he arrives make it known to him that you're free this evening, and would enjoy sharing supper with him. It shouldn't take long for nature to take its course!"
"Me ask HIM?" the young woman stammered.
The President nodded and picked up one of the files from his desk. "Tell The Lutheerans," he continued, "I'd be glad to speak this Sunday in their church. Tell The Protestants I'd be glad to speak next week, if they solve the problem of their financial investments by that time. And tell The Catholics I'd be more than glad to speak in The Cathedral if their priest has solved his problem by the time I'm to speak there. I would be more than glad to do the honors when he's ready. Everyone will understand what I'm talking about. No explanation will be necessary.
The young woman smiled. "No doubt of that, Mr. President!" she remarked. "I'll advise them of your comments. Thank you, Mr. President! How do you do it?"
The President looked at her curiously. "How do I do what?" he asked.
"Have so much power," the young woman answered, "be able to take anyone or anything you want, yet not take advantage of them, not abuse it."
The President shrugged. "Just my nature," he answered, "just the nature of my kind."
The young woman courtsied and hurried out. When she was gone The Preisdent sighed. "But the temptation sometimes," he remarked, "but the temptation!" He returned to his desk, picked up the water allotments, and returned to his work while things brewed around him.

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