CHAPTER FOURTEEN
STATE HOUSE EXTERIOR
BOSTON
THREE DAYS LATER
THE RING OF STUDENTS AND ACTIVISTS SPREAD AROUND THE STATE HOUSE AS FAR AS THE EYE COULD SEE. Every few feet they held sections of cardboard pipelines or huge banners reading RENEWABLE ENERGY, NOT MORE PIPELINES. Vicki wore the tailored gray suit and sensible heels. They didn’t fit right and left her with blisters, but that might take her mind off facing the camera. One way or another she would get used to it. She stood next to David Kitteridge on the lower steps that led up to the rarely used main entrance. The massive gilded dome was dazzling in the sun above the dozen pillars placed a full story below it and the seven brick arches below that. An American flag at the top of a pole blew in the breeze on the left side of the two centuries old red brick building. David’s colleagues stood near them holding balloons that were twelve feet tall and three feet wide. RESIST, REFUSE and REJECT were printed vertically on one side and NEW PIPELINES on the other side. The balloons were so large that they twisted in the breeze.
“This was the best we could do on short notice,” David apologized.
“No problem,” Vicki said. “I have another idea we can talk about later. Your help getting my things here was essential. Thanks for that.” As she was speaking, Carson arrived. “This is David Kitteridge,” she said, nodding toward him. “He and the others helped me with the Waltham action.” Turning back to David, she introduced Carson.
The two men nodded without saying anything or shaking hands.
There seemed to be some kind of competition going on, Vicki thought. It better be that they’re vying over who can combat climate change most effectively. She didn’t want to consider the possible alternative, so she walked over to Jessica Schwartz who was standing nearby with Sam Cho. Jessica held out a mic while Sam Cho filmed. “What’s going on today?”
This was the first time she had to face a large crowd. Her annoying knees started knocking again. She took two deep breaths and said, “We’re here today from over a half dozen colleges and universities and an even larger number of non-profit groups.” That wasn’t so bad, but she kept her knees clamped together. She would defeat this phobia. Definitely. Well, hopefully. “We want our legislators to know that their constituents oppose the building of any new fossil fuel infrastructure in our State.” She paused to survey the group. “The gas industry wants to send fracked gas from States like Pennsylvania and West Virginia through Massachusetts and export it to Canada, then likely on to Europe where prices are several times higher than in our State. That might mean increased prices here as we compete in a world market. It’s the opposite of what I gather the utilities and pipeline companies have been telling us.” The wind was growing stronger, so she tried to button her jacket. It wasn’t easy since her hands were shaking. “The companies have maintained the gas is needed here, and that it won’t be exported. From what I’ve heard, that’s hard to believe.”
There was cheering from the sidelines. Sam focused on the crowd, then turned the camera back to Vicki as she continued, “Our Attorney General’s Office has determined that not only do we not need the gas, but that increasing pipelines here would be the most expensive way to power our electric generators.”
There was even louder cheering at this point from the crowd. Sam turned the camera toward it again and back to Vicki when she continued. “You can get online to find organizations that will show you how you can help prevent construction of new pipelines and promote clean energy.” With that she stepped away from the reporter.
David and his colleagues had gone off with the other activists. Carson joined her. “I need to get back to my office,” he said, “but I want you to know I thought you did a good job. No reasonable person could take you for a fanatic although I’m sure some will try.” He noticed that she had missed the middle button on her jacket and was tempted to help with it. Probably not a good idea. “Don’t let that deter you,” he said.
“Duh,” she said. “You should know me better than that by now.” She walked off, heading around the building to a side entrance. And if you don’t, you will, she thought.