Hatrack River Writers Workshop: Burton Hobson

This is topic Burton Hobson in forum Character Interviews at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by Bent Tree (Member # 7777) on :

I am agent Burton Hobson; an investigative auditor for the the Division of Caloric Restriction. I was born in Montpellier Vermont in 2168; twenty one years after the first Global Calorie Restriction laws were drafted in the Cape Town Convention. The same year the the third revision of the Child allowance was written to disable reproduction for all but those whom passed rigorous genetic and intelligence testing.

In 2196 I took my first position within the bureau, and through diligence and meticulous attention to detail, I recieved several promotions. In the last six years as a senior auditing investigator, I am responsible for reclaiming over one billion dollars in tax evasions, as well as the sucessful prosecution of over twelve hundred would be tax dodgers. In addition, I stumbled upon a glitch in the algorythm is in the biometric K-Cal monitor implants. And with my own funds I hired a team of mathemeticians to remedy the flaw in the algorythm. This correction by my calculations will have an adjusted value of 21 billion dollars within the next three years. Only after I was absolutely certain of the flaw and after I had remedied it, did I bring it to the attention to the director. I recieved accolades and a promotion in salary, which I used to purchase a state of the art personal computation device. The revolutionary technology enables me to perform my work virtually in any situation. Its biometric interface performs functions with a clench of a jaw; some simply by thought. I don't even need a keyboard because the bio elecronic receptors within the nerves of my hands read my movements even before the are enacted. It cost me nearly an entire years salary, but it is well worth the cost, because it makes me better at my job.

I recieved a message from one of my most trusted informants yesterday. He said it was big; we had to meet. He said it was big; the biggest thing I could imagine. He is not one to exaggerate. I am certainly intruigued. It also could not have come at a more oportune time. I heard this morning that the director was considering an early retirement, well, I know first hand that he is considering it, even if he does not, because I have my own invention implanted within his skull. It reads his thoughts. His retirement is not for another three years, technically, But I know that he intends on retiring early...next spring. This case could ensure that I get his job. I am certainly the only candidate, but I leave nothing to chance.

Posted by jmar2 (Member # 8993) on :

As a brand-new user, I cheekily will give you my twenty centimes of opinion, inflation adjusted of course. Please remember that it is just opinion and an inexpert one at that.

Love the idea, too bad we have to wait until the middle of the next century to see it.

I like the character's name. It sounds like a bean counter. No Burt, but Burton.

The character himself: I do think you nailed an OCD, dedicated accountant-type personality. The issue for me as a reader is, why? I want to identify with him a little more and I can't simply because he's thorough, dedicated and good at his job.

I'd like some extras, things like: was he supposed to be culled but escaped somehow and now has some type of reverse honor that makes him so dedicated? Or did he have to report a loved one or family member, because he thought it was right?

Give me a flaw or two and then have him still be dedicated and you'll hold my interest more.

Thanks for listening

John

[This message has been edited by jmar2 (edited January 29, 2010).]

Posted by jmar2 (Member # 8993) on :

Oops. I forgot to ask ol' Burt a question or three.

Why didn't you keep the money?

Better yet, why didn't you keep some of the money and then gloriously report finding and saving the rest. You'd still have the glory, but you could then eat real beef instead of synthosteak.

Are you paying any attention to that cute little redhead three cubicles down from you? Or do you suspect her of some nefarious shenanigans? Or are you so busy getting noticed, you fail to do any noticing yourself?

OK, I go away now.

John

Posted by Bent Tree (Member # 7777) on :

Thank you for your interest in what I do...what did you say you name was? I will be more than happy to answer your questions, but another time perhaps? I wiil schedule you into my late morning agenda. I need to retire, presently, I am afraid. Inadequate sleep affects my performance.

Posted by Bent Tree (Member # 7777) on :

Well, Jmar2 forgive me for saying that your name strikes me as a bit peculiar. It reminds me of the call names of the androids used in the police department to search for bombs. But to answer your questions, the thought of keeping the money never occured to me primarily because it was not a matter of funds lying around. There is always a paper trail and one will always get caught when stealing or extorting the government. It is only a matter of time.

As for the redhead, I think you are refering to Kendra. She is very attractive, but I am certain that she is a lesbian. I hired and investigator to follow her last year.

Posted by macmicool on :

Hello Mr Hobson,

May I call you Burton? So, Burt (we're all comfortable here), I have a few questions for you. First of all, I see that you seem to be quite dedicated to your work. How dedicated might I ask? Next, have you ever been married, been with someone, had a girlfriend, kissed a girl, or even held hands? No offence but you seem like the type so wrapped up in yourself that you have no social life. Last question for the moment, do you ever get away from it all - meaning, do you have any hobbies to let yourself relax from all the tension you seem to harbor?