He is perhaps the
most hands-on Number 2 when concerned with Number 6. This Number 2 is a
statesman style of figure. He knows that Number 1 may no longer be a mystery to
Number 6, if he sees what he means, and if he's elected in the first place!
He guides
Number 6 through all the stages of the election. Overseeing at all times that
the tissue is not damaged, because he knows just how far he is allowed to go
with Number 6! He is cunning, has guile, and encourages Number 6 to stand for
election against him, and it takes little encouragement to persuade Number 6.
What's more it is known exactly what Number 6 will do should he be elected. So
it is seen that he is.
Number 2 can
also fly a helicopter, and take charge when Number 6 attempts to escape by jet
boat. He gives chase in the helicopter, and tries to persuade Number 6 to turn
back before it's too late. Of course Number 6 doesn't listen, and it is Number
2 who is forced to go back to The Village, after initiating a southern
perimeter alert. Yet later, Number 2 flies himself out of The
Village, now that his term of office is at an end, and is in all probability
the only Number 2 to do so. Thus proving that he does in fact leave The
Village, and isn't simply retired to the Old People's Home!
This No.2 is
also something of an individual, and shows his individualistic tendencies by
wearing a jacket of his own choosing. Not one of the usual single or double
breasted blazers as worn by both his predecessors, or successors.
Once, in
the Therapy Zone, Number 2 plays the role of an alcoholic, and at one point he
gives the toast 'To hell with The Village!' I've never been sure if he was expressing
a true feeling towards The Village or not. After all there is no surveillance
in the Therapy Zone, and only two people would have witnessed the toast, which
later Number 2 could have denied, having been under the influence of alcohol -
well perhaps not!
I suppose there
are a couple of questions still outstanding concerning this Number2. One would
be, how is it that Number 2 arrives almost instantly after the telephone
call from the Control Room? And secondly, as Number 6 is about to embark on his
latest escape attempt, by jet boat, why is it that Number 2
is already flying the helicopter before giving chase to Number 6?
Be seeing you
"why is it that Number 2 is already flying the helicopter before giving chase to Number 6?" - He anticipated No. 6's move. The Village must always be ahead of their inmates' intentions. - BCNU!
ReplyDeleteHello Arno,
DeleteThat's very good, nicely thought out. And in that case with Number 2 always being one-step ahead of Number 6, then he can never win!
Very best regards
David
BCNU