章 68: Torchbearer

Duncan gazed at the city buildings as he spoke.

"Five years ago, your application crossed my desk, but it didn't meet the qualifications for the Civil Forcers." Duncan started. "You were too young and only a college graduate. I rejected it, plain and simple. The following year, I received it again, and once again, I had to turn you down. I couldn't fathom what a mere football player knew about the complexities of politics and the weight of the burden of this country."

"But you kept applying, year after year, and I rejected your application, testing your resolve, thinking how far you would go. Yet you persisted. I rejected you again the following year, testing whether you would take the rejection and go back to the football or expand your company. But when your name appeared on your application for the fifth time, I knew the answer." Duncan turned and gazed at Leandre. "Do you know why I made it difficult for you?"