Chapter 562 - So, do you have a better idea? (3)

2 June, Matthew's Villa, City K

Dominic looked at Matthew and said, "What do you mean?"

"This is what people like your Mummy's parents, who were consumed by grief and blaming the military for what happened do not understand. Those deaths, both military and civilian changed many things for this country. In the military, it changed how people were promoted. Unless you are in a specialised area, that if you did the job as a civilian that requires specialist qualifications, like a Doctor, Nurse, Engineer, or a Lawyer, you cannot become an officer without having spent time in the troops. They want you to understand what it is to be a soldier before you have a position of command over them."

"It also restricted the influence wealthy and powerful families had to push those they did not want into the military to a high level not only to get them away from the family, but to maintain family status. That meant, my parents could not try and get me promoted or have me restrained in my career. That meant people like your Uncles Ben, David, and Joseph, had the same chance as someone like me at getting promotion. It meant that your family position in society did not matter, you were judged on what you had done, not who your family is."

Dominic said quietly, "That sounds fair, but you are trying to distract me from you telling me the truth."

At those words, Lexi felt the tension start to go. She was worried, because Matthew had a hold of Dominic he would try and break away rather than listening to them.

"No, not what I am doing. But it is important you understand what came out of that tragedy, because that is something your Mummy's parents did not. The changes in the military did not stop there. It saw most military judges dismissed from their position, and part-time appointments from the civilian judiciary appointed, to prevent mistakes from being hidden, along with other things to improve civilian oversight."

"It also made changes in civilian life. It increased the pride in the military, as people saw that it was responsive and represented everyone, not just dominated by a few with family status. At the same time, it changed how the public thought about politicians and more widely the police and other public servants, as well. Accountability became extremely important. People realised that any form of public service did not depend on your status, it was all about your willingness to make the commitment. At the time of the accident, someone like your Uncle John, because of his family status could never have joined the police like he did, but the changes meant that he could follow what he wanted to do."

"Uncle John really loves being a police officer."

Matthew snorted, and Lexi laughed, before saying "True Dominic. He loves what he does, and in some respect, it allows him to indulge in driving high performance vehicles…"

"Just like you do mummy?"

Lexi smiled and said "We both do Dominic, and we both have learnt to properly drive them. I took lessons, and in addition to the lessons he had, your Uncle John from what I understand learnt special police techniques for driving such vehicles as well."

Quietly Mathew said, "You two speed demons."

"Speed demons?" came the question from Dominic who had a confused expression on his face.

Matthew paused before saying, "Dominic, in this case it means someone who likes travelling fast. You know how your Mummy has all those cars she barely lets me drive, has banned your Uncle Chester from using at all, and after the last time he borrowed one has also banned your Uncle Andrew from using."

"I love Mummy's collection and cannot wait until I get a chance to use them."

"Oh my god, Lexi. I thought you and your love of speed was enough, now we have Dominic."

"You can talk. You love speed as much as I do, and would you expect our son to be anything other than someone who loves speed."

Matthew nodded, before saying "Before your Mummy and I let you behind any of those vehicles you will learn how to drive properly."

"Unfair…"

Lexi said "Dominic, that is a few years away, but how about once you have your medical treatment and the doctors give you the OK, I find somewhere that you can learn how to drive an age-appropriate race car."

"Can I Mummy, can I," came Dominic's excited response.

"Not now, but once the Doctors say that it is OK for you to do so. Presently your medical treatment is most important thing, and we will talk about this later."

"You better keep that promise Mummy."

Sensing that Dominic was receptive, Matthew continued "We have gotten slightly distracted from our conversation Dominic, but I will promise you that I will make sure that promise is kept, once the Doctors tell us that it is OK for you do to that. But I think I might get approval from your Doctors to be able to take you up in a special flight where you can go at speed before you may be able to do that driving."

"Bribing him?"

"Lexi, never. If he is going to love speed, it will be something that he can do now, pending medical approval for the other."

Dominic, however excited at this said, "How soon can we do that?"

"We will have to wait until the doctors say that I can take you for that flight. Once they say I can, then I will organise it. Not before, and not against your doctor's advice."

"That is not fair. I want to go now."

"Now, Dominic? Even if you did not have Leukemia, I still must get permission to do this. That takes a few weeks to organise. So, you must be patient, but it will happen as soon as it can be arranged."

-------

If you are reading this novel anywhere other than at or its apps then you are reading work that has been stolen in breach of the authors rights and those rights assigned to others.

Please support this author and only access this novel through at # and report the illegal posting of this work.