Nonnie Jules is the founder and President of RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB, as well as interviewer of RRBC authors in the famed, “Who’s On The Shelf With Nonnie?” interviews. Her interviewing skills are legendary and she decided to accompany Author, John Fioravanti, through space and time to another galaxy 700 years into the future. Nonnie’s goal is to meet the key personalities on planet Genesis featured in Fioravanti’s series, The Genesis Saga, and utilize her formidable skills to find out something more about these characters. This scene is the fourth of many, which will follow.
Setting: Nonnie and I are standing on the doorstep of Professor Marco Rossini’s home on the University of Genesis City (UGC) campus.
Nonnie: “Thanks for getting us out of Newton’s building! (Gives him a stern look) I still don’t like this ‘popping in and out’ of places, but I needed to get away from him! Darnit! That man’s ego is insufferable… I’d like to get him on my bookshelf…”
John: “Forget him Nonnie… we’re on Marco Rossini’s doorstep. It’s hot out here; so let’s key his door chime.”
Nonnie: “Key his what?”
John: (Smiling indulgently) “Touch that golden square beside the door – it activates an audible signal and the video feed so he knows who is visiting.”
Nonnie: “Right. It is hot and muggy out here. I thought Louisiana was bad! How do they stand it? (Tries to look through the small window in the door) I think somebody’s coming!”
(A smiling Marco Rossini opens the door and invites Nonnie and John inside where it is much cooler. John performs the introductions, whereupon Marco guides them to be seated in the formal living room.)
Marco: “I’m glad you had time to visit me today, Doctor John! (Addresses Nonnie) Perhaps you can clear up the mystery surrounding our mutual friend, Ms. Jules.”
Nonnie: “Mystery? How is that? I’m new here, Professor Rossini.” (Gives John another meaningful look.)
Marco: (Sits back in his armchair and thoughtfully studies his guests for a few seconds. He then addresses both of them)
“Would either of you mind if we dropped the titles, Nonnie, John? I’d prefer if you called me Marco. Is this agreeable? (Both Nonnie and John nod their agreement.) Very good. Nonnie, John has been visiting us here for several months now. He says he’s not from around here – but he won’t tell us where he calls home.”
Nonnie: (Nonnie smiles slightly and winks at John) “The WHERE is Waterloo, but the WHEN will remain a mystery. John can share that when he’s ready. (John looks decidedly relieved.) May I ask you some questions, Marco?”
Marco: (Smiles at Nonnie) “Waterloo, you say… well… you remind me of Marie Brooklynn – no nonsense, get the job done…”
Nonnie: “Do you like this woman, Marie?”
Marco: “I’ve spoken to her a couple of times – she interviewed me right here, in fact – for her newspaper, The Genesis Free Press. Hmmm I guess I like her well enough…”
Nonnie: (Interrupting) “Well enough to ask her out?”
Marco: (Chuckles and blushes) “You don’t mince words do you?”
Nonnie: “Marco, I say what I mean and mean what I say! But I see you’re a bit uncomfortable talking about Marie, so let me ask about the election. (Marco brightens.) We talked to Joshua Newton earlier today, and he says you’re no threat to him. How do you see things shaping up?”
Marco: “Nonnie, Liz and I had this very conversation earlier today. She told me that we are a very formidable team and the opposition won’t know what hit them!”
Nonnie: “That sounds like Liz! Do you believe that?”
Marco: “Honestly? Just between us? (Nonnie nods and looks to John who is also nodding his head in agreement) Not at first. I’m a little out of my element as a politician…”
Nonnie: (Interrupting) “John tells me there’s no one else on the planet that can rival your political savvy! Didn’t you create the constitution for this democratic government? How can you be out of your element?”
Marco: “Well, Nonnie – I meant that I’ve never taken my knowledge and understanding of politics outside the classroom…”
Nonnie: (Interrupting once more) “Marco, love… you have way more on the ball than that Newton fellow… and you were chosen by two of the most powerful leaders on Genesis. They believe in you! Hear me, Marco Rossini, you put your doubts in your back pocket and sit on them!”
Marco: (Smiles tightly at John) “Nonnie is just like Liz! And I don’t argue with her…”
Nonnie: “Smart move! Liz Hastings is a great leader – that means she can read people. She clearly believes you can handle this leadership role – and you need to believe it too!”
Marco: “I’ll work on that. Is there anything else you want to know?”
Nonnie: “Yes. (She leans forward, locking eyes with Marco) Honestly now, do you think democracy has a chance on Genesis?”
Marco: “Complicated question. Before we can move forward, we need to understand where we came from.”
Nonnie: (Looking perplexed) “What do you mean Marco?”
Marco: “Do you have some time, or do you have to go soon?” (Nonnie looks to John)
John: “Marco, we have time.”
Marco: (Brightens and becomes more animated) “Excellent! Let’s go back in time – about 700 years worth, when humankind arrived at Genesis aboard…”
Join us next episode when Marco shares a good story with Nonnie…
Fiora Books by John Fioravanti 