Recently made a trip to our nation's capital and the National Postal Museum. To say it was inspiring would be an understatement. Please enjoy this first of two chapters!
"What made you want to work for the United States Postal Service?"
It was a complicated and deeply personal question, but one for which Oliver knew he had at least a short-form answer.
"I believe that sending a letter out into the world is an act of faith. Someone is relying on the contents of every letter we receive to make it to its final destination. By some small miracle they end up in our hands. We are the stewards of that kind of faith, and it's up to us to see it fulfilled," Oliver explained. "I think we all agree that it's a sacred trust we all take very seriously, and I know for me it's what I get up in the morning feeling called to do."
Oliver, Shane, Rita and Norman were in Washington, D.C. for a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Smithsonian National Postal Museum was opening a limited-time exhibit called "Technology and Tradition," which celebrated the marriage of traditional methods of dead letter revival and delivery with the support of current technology.
According to Becky Starkwell, Shane's dear friend who had invited their participation, the museum had been in the discussion and planning phases for upcoming exhibitions, and some gentle coaxing on her part had secured this exhibit as proof of her "special project" to "develop increased reliance on the work of the post office."
The Postables had been interviewed about their work and the letters they had delivered, all of which had gone towards developing the exhibition and its contents over the past year. Part of the promotion of the exhibit included an open question and answer forum for the public prior to opening with the exhibits' primary subjects. They were nearly done with this portion of the festivities.
Another audience member took to the microphone.
"Ms. McInerney, I read in the program that you actually started here in D.C. as a technical systems consultant before you headed out to Denver, and that once there you actually changed jobs in a way. Can you reflect on that? Was it a good move for you?"
Shane fumbled a second to find the "On" button for her microphone, but then rose from her stool to address the audience member. They were seated in stools on the stage. Shane looked out into the medium-sized auditorium to address the crowd.
"It is true, when I was transferred to Denver I was actually supposed to be joining the Direct Line Operations team. But as fate would have it, I ended up with the Dead Letter team, and to be honest I have never looked back. I think of what I do now as technical assistance of another kind, and it has been an experience beyond what I could have possibly imagined. I love it," She concluded, taking her seat once more.
"We can take two more questions before we conclude the panel," Becky, who was moderating, interjected.
Another audience member made their way to the microphone.
"What's the most difficult letter you've tried to deliver, either in terms of content or the methods you had to employ?"
The four of them looked to each other. To the audience, it would have appeared as if they weren't sure what to answer or who should go first. To Shane, Oliver, Rita and Norman, the looks were one of a shared answer, but one that would stay within their family.
Becky took the initiative on their behalf.
"Norman, why don't we start with you and make our way back towards Oliver," she suggested.
That was the point at which Shane tuned out for a second. She didn't hear Norman's answer because she knew the letter that was most difficult for her—for all of them- was the one they really couldn't talk about. Her eyes drifted towards Oliver, who, to her surprise, was looking at her, too. They had obviously had the same thought, or, at the very least, he could read the distress at close range. They were seated directly next to each other after all.
Oliver's letter to his wife was the most complicated and trying letter she had ever delivered. The outcome was that it had actually brought all of them closer, but particularly Oliver and Shane. The final wall had finally come crumbling down and the obstacles keeping them apart finally removed.
This was Oliver's first time in Washington, D.C. since his wife left, and Shane felt as though her courtship with Oliver depended upon knowing and understanding what happened there. Shane couldn't help but feel as though there was a ghost hanging over her from the minute she stepped off the plane at Reagan National Airport. It was a ghost she had to face, and it was calling her to the Pony Express Exhibit at the National Postal Museum. She still hadn't been to visit the museum, but she, Rita, Oliver and Norman had all promised to tour it for the first time with the new exhibit as a group.
The longer Shane spent in town, however, the more tempted by the few minutes walk she became, and the stronger her desire to see that place where so many lives had changed, whether in the moment itself or as a lingering consequence. She needed to make peace with it somehow.
"Shane, what about for you?" Becky's voice cut through her thoughts.
Shane cleared her throat, turned her mic back on and began her answer.
"There was a letter a while back that we were actually delivering 10 years after it was written. We came to find out that the letter writer had actually died, but had something that her husband and daughter really needed to know. It was pretty emotional for all of us. I think the newspaper clip from that delivery is included in the exhibit," Shane concluded, grateful that despite the scattered nature of her thoughts that she was able to formulate a coherent response.
"It was also the case that earned these four the highest honor in the United States Postal system, the Dark of Night award," Becky shared with the audience. "We'll take the last question."
"I have always been a sucker for a really good romance. So I am just wondering if any of you are dating," the female voice inquired.
"Kennedy Hale, is that you?" Becky questioned into her mic, a hint of exasperation in her voice.
"Uhhhhhh-no," the teen fumbled. Becky rolled her eyes.
Shane knew that voice from anywhere and decided to field the question herself. Kennedy had made a fatal error when she failed to specify exactly whom among them was dating and were they dating internally. As a result, Shane would playfully make sure she paid dearly for her oversight.
"This job requires a lot of our time and energy, which means we see a lot of each other," Shane diplomatically explained, practically hearing Kennedy's sigh of frustration from the stage. Kennedy immediately recognized her error.
"And that concludes the question and answer session. Thank you all for coming! We will see you tonight for the ribbon cutting and gala!" Becky said, concluding the panel.
"Kennedy, come see me, please," she added.
Shane laughed at Becky's exasperation, "You're the one who nominated her for the Executive Program, you know. I tried to warn her about getting a big head before I left…"
"It's such a shame-she's so bright, yet so terribly outspoken," Becky reflected, "And everyone here absolutely loves her."
"That should be a good thing…"
"It would be, if I didn't fear a heart attack every time she opened her mouth," Becky replied bluntly.
Shane laughed out loud, "You always pick the wild horse."
"Shane!" Kennedy called out, hugging Shane faster than she even had time to react to, nearly causing her to fall over in Kennedy's eagerness to reunite.
"Good to see you, too, Kennedy," Shane said, hugging her back.
"Kennedy…."
"Uh oh, angry headmistress," Kennedy whispered in Shane's ear as she pulled away.
"I heard that."
"Where is this nickname coming from?" Shane interjected.
"Long story-probably for another time," Becky explained.
Kennedy continued her line of inquiry, "Am I going to see you tonight at the gala?!"
"We'll be cutting the ribbon to the new exhibit, so of course!" Shane replied, looking around to find her friends otherwise occupied with audience members with more follow up questions for her colleagues.
"I'll introduce you to the rest of my friends tonight."
"Shane, seriously though-are you and Oliver…?" Kennedy pressed.
"Ok, problem child, back to your duties. Don't be late for your 2pm tour," Becky interrupted, frustrating Kennedy while also physically removing her from the stage.
"You know the truth don't you headmistress?" Kennedy accused.
"See you tonight," Becky mouthed, dragging the ornery teen behind her.
As always, reviews are greatly appreciated. Points to anyone who can properly identify this chapter's guest star from one of my previous fics in their review! See you again soon!