GOD of a man

“A man slave to the whims of his greed is no one’s friend, no one’s ally.”

Chapter Twenty Five: Mists of intrigue
Dated: 30th May, 2426

The maxim, “There are no permanent enemies and no permanent allies,” may have had many takers in its’ hey-day but the truth is, those who believe in this maxim stick to none when their interests are in a clash with those of their allies. The bottom line is they are no one’s friends, their only guiding post being the realization of their own ambitious desires. Such a greed often leads to the deterioration of social and governmental structures as the ordinary populace is reduced to the status of merely a means to a glorious end for a select few, a few who control and run the governments whimsically for their own interests and benefits. Such people redefine the term “Draconian” and bring to life the myth of “Vampires.”

Robin represents one such corrupt mind and to whom everything and everyone is an opportunity to further his own ambitions. He is not the one to count his blessings at being safe even after the ordeal he went through with his friends. Rather his cunning thoughts are already busy plotting his next rise in power.

“Steve’s wife?” Robin was shocked by the news that Shiva has given up the position of the President to undertake a hazardous mission and elevated the wife of his arch rival Steve to the post.

“Considering the high status of Steve in public eyes, she was the best candidate for the post and besides she actively works for and with the public. She had everyone’s support,” Shiva replied.

“But why on earth did you have to leave Hatsu on this hazardous search?” Robin still couldn’t believe it.

“Well, no body else was ready to undertake it especially considering the fact that you people hadn’t returned for nearly a year. It was Ono’s insistence that finally broke us and we decide to go for a search for not more than a month at sea,” Shiva explained.

“But she is not the right person to lead us. She is corrupt and as is her husband. They are scheming, power hungry hypocrites,” Robin replied.

“As I said Robin, what you are saying are some very serious allegations and we better discuss them once we get back and convene the congress. If the others feel there is a case for concern against their honesty and dedication, we will impeach her,” Shiva replied and the conversation on the matter died for the time being as Susan came out after having been woken up by Ono and greeted the three men recovered alive from the seas.

A new set of sails was erected on the wooden bundle and the LCM along with the bundle was set on course for return to Hatsu. Ono was instructed to man the wooden bundle as it was toed behind the LCM. Over the next thirty odd hours, they made haste for the shores.

“They are back! They are back!” Aika who had returned to the shore for the third consecutive day to wait for her two sons at the sea now rushed towards the settlement to inform everyone as her weary and moist eyes caught the first glimpses of the LCM and the wooden load emerge above the horizon. It didn’t take long for the rest of the community to rush to the shores to welcome their heroes leaving everything they were doing in a limbo for the time being. Demetria was barely holding herself together, her eyes flowing and heart pounding, the thoughts of being one with her beloved husband once again were making her shake with excitement. With baited breaths and eager heartbeats they waited for the two sailing entities to arrive at the shores.

“There they are, yeah!” loud cheers erupted from the crowd as Robin, Andy, Daniel, Shiva and Susan waved to the gathered crowd from the deck of the ship while Ono jumped and waved from atop the wooden bundle.

“Where is Steve? I can’t see Steve,” Demetria’s eager eyes were searching desperately to catch one glimpse of her life.

“Where is Nakata? I don’t see Nakata,” Aika had her own fears and worries to contend with.

The moment the LCM and the bundle arrived at the shores and the men hopped off them, they were all lifted up in the air and given bumps as the joys of the city of Hatsu Saisho knew no bounds at that moment.

“Where is Steve?” Demetria’s trembling voice finally asked Robin once the celebrations died down enough to allow a meaningful conversation.

“Demtria, how are you?” Robin asked.

“You didn’t answer my question,” Demetria asked again.

“And where is Nakata?” Aika asked what was bothering her.

“Steve is fine. He’s at the other end along with Clara,” Robin said.

“What about my brother?” Ono was immediately concerned as Robin skipped Nakata’s name and so was Aika.

“Ono, I didn’t want to tell you this at the seas but your brother is no more,” the terrible news that Robin broke was no where as loud as the sound two breaking hearts made.

“No! You are lying! You said he was alright and at the other end! You are lying!” Ono’s wails reverberated across the shores and the surrounding seas as he broke down crying inconsolably, and so did Aika. There was pin drop silence on every other lip and the celebrations had turned into a mourning instantaneously.

“I don’t want to live anymore, I will kill myself,” Ono said as he rushed towards the sea. Two men rushed at him and tackled his to the ground. Ono resisted vehemently but was prevailed upon. Aika was wailing uncontrollably too as the women in the crowd tried desperately to console her. The loss of a beloved son of Hatsu Saisho overshadowed the joy of the others being safe and sound. They finally dispersed taking Aika along with them to Demetria’s house. Ono was meanwhile entrusted in the safety of Vir Ramsay and his friends. The information that his brother is buried at the other end and that he can one day go and see his grave calmed his suicidal intentions a bit but he was still shattered and at risk. LCM was dragged back on to the shore while wood was tied to the shore as well. It was decided that the bundle will be unbundled from the top and wooden trunks will be unloaded one by one on to the shore. The water was too cold to work standing in it.

The next day, congress was convened and every congressman made way to the White Scube. Robin meanwhile pulled Daniel aside before they entered the scube.

“Have you taken care of Andy?” Robin asked.

“Yes, I’ve left him with Doctor Susan and her assistant in Psychiatry. They are busy brain washing him that there’s no GOD,” Daniel replied with a grin.

“That’s great! He’s highly unpredictable now and the only one who can blow away our plans,” Robin said.

“Don’t worry Robin. He will be busy fighting the others about his beliefs now. One thing that was always peculiar about those who believed in GOD was their un-willingness to accept there is none like HIM. Andy has joined that select band of unfortunates now,” Daniel replied.

“And hopefully he will stay with them otherwise we will have a lot of trouble later on,” Robin said, “C’mon lets’ join the rest inside and get on with the business.” And the two marched inside the parliament to start their dirty game.

“Ms President and my honourable friends in Congress, on behalf of the people of Hatsu Saisho I would like to present to you two of our three heroes, whose courage, valour, intelligence and foresight has opened the gates of a new and better world for all of us. Ladies and gentlemen please give a big round of applause for Robin and Daniel,” Shiva started the proceedings of the day. Everybody inside the white scube gave a standing ovation to Robin and Daniel as they cherished every bit of their glory.

“However, in this quest for a better world we also lost one of our beloved sons Nakata. I would like to forward my sincerest and deepest condolences to the family of the deceased,” Shiva added, “Let us observe a two minute silence in honour of the departed soul.” Everybody closed their eyes, bowed their heads and remembered the brave, innocent and lovable son of the land Nakata as his brother and mother who were special guests at the parliament broke down while Vir Ramsay and his wife Sumitra Ramsay consoled them.

“Also I would like to bring to your notice our brave friends Steve and Clara who are still waiting for us at the other end with baited breaths to reach to them and start our new lives,” Shiva added the next mention.

“Gentlemen, I would like to say something,” Robin interrupted at this point as everybody broke into a murmur, “Actually I would like to expose the true face of our much respected friend Steve and his wife, honourable Ms President.” His final words created a riot of voices inside the parliament as everyone was taken aback at this sudden attack on one of the most respected men of Hatsu and the current President.

“I beg your pardon,” Demetria roared like a lioness.

“Yes sir, you are right. I am talking about this lady who stands here in the capacity of our President and her opportunist husband Steve,” Robin broke all the shackles as he directed his attack straight and firm.

“You filthy liar, shut your mouth,” Demetria nearly charged at him, outraged at his audacity.

“Do you realize what you are saying?” one congressman roared as the house was split into two factions, one outraged and furious at Robin and the other only trying to pacify them so that they can all listen to what Robin has to say before they decide anything.

“Yes sir, I am well aware of each and every word that is leaving my lips. This lady here is a cheat who at the behest of her power greedy husband fleeced us all by setting up a trap for our respected mate and then President Charles, only as an act of revenge for putting Steve at the helm or the just concluded mission,” and after that Robin knew no bounds as he levelled allegation after allegation at Steve and created enough doubts about the actions of Demetria.

The parliament boiled, rocked and roared for over four hours when finally Gary, a close confidant of Robin finally brokered peace for the night, “Gentlemen, lets’ all leave the matter for the moment, go back to our homes and dwell on it overnight. Lets’ get back tomorrow and decide the future course of action.” Everyone agreed to Gary’s suggestions. When Demetria objected to the entire proceedings and questioned Robin’s intentions she was told by Congressman John Medvedev, “Ms President, these are some serious allegations and do require a serious thought as well as consideration. And mind you, we do have always questioned the entire episode of former President Charles trying to sleep with you and getting caught just a day ahead of Steve’s original departure. We would like to take our time and appreciate a bit of freedom for considering the entire situation as it stands today. You are requested not to interfere in the proceedings or try to influence any of the congressmen.”

It was clear to Demetria, things won’t be the same anymore for her. She kept her cool even though her eyes were flowing. She knew all wasn’t wrong with what Robin was alleging and that added credence to everything else he was stating. The support of Daniel in the absence of any objection added fuel to the fire that was threatening to consume her world and prestige. The parliamentarians dispersed for the night.

The next day parliament gathered again but the events of the previous day had spread around the entire settlement quicker than what a soft breeze would have taken to gush across it. The white scube was besieged by the entire gamut of Hatsu dwellers. The meeting had to be held in open.

Shiva opened the proceeding once again, “To all you friends gathered today, we are here to discuss some serious allegations against our sitting President and one of our beloved friends, as also to make some decisions. I hope everyone will respect whatever verdict is reached at by the respected congressmen and peace and tranquillity will be maintained.” Everybody fell silent and Shiva continued, “So what has the congress decided?”

“With the permission of the people of Hatsu Saisho and on behalf of the rest of my colleges, I would like to state that we do find merit with what our friend Robin has stated against Ms President Demetria. However we cannot determine the truth or otherwise of his allegations against Steve until he is amongst us to either defend himself or accept his faults. However, considering the seriousness of the allegations against the President, we would like to propose the commencement of impeachment proceedings against Ms President and determine if she still has the popular mandate backing her for her position,” John Medvedev stated on behalf of the entire congress.

“That won’t be necessary,” Demetria interrupted before the proceedings could go any further, “In light of the accusations against me and the fact that people will not trust me the same after this, I would like to tender my unconditional resignation with immediate effect.” Demetria’s decision shocked everyone and the whole crowd broke into whispers and murmurs. After careful thought and consideration amongst themselves John rose up again to state the stand of the congress, “Gentlemen and ladies gathered today, the congress has decided to accept Ms President Demetria’s resignation and the proceedings of inquest into the allegations against her stand dropped.” Everybody started whispering again.

“As the situation stands now, it’s imperative that we choose another President to head our society,” Shiva raised the next business of concern for the day, “Is there any name the congress would like to suggest?”

“I propose the name of our trusted and brave friend Robin for the job,” Gary rose up to answer the question.

“Robin?” there was a brief silence as Shiva nearly questioned the proposal, “What do the rest of the congress and the people of Hatsu have to say?”

There was a big and long discussion as everybody dwelled upon the idea. Finally Gary asked, “Does anyone have any objection to my proposal of Robin as our next President or does anyone else wants to stand up or propose a name for the post?” Gary’s question left everyone speechless. When no one replied or questioned, it gave Gary’s proposal all the credence it needed, “So gentlemen what are we waiting for?” And Robin Sutherland was elected the next President of Hatsu Saisho. Robin faked surprise at the adulation and elevation in his status to the best of his abilities and accepted the responsibility. His speech was short and meaningless. Demetria was heart broken and lonely standing in the middle of a swelling crowd.

The meeting was dispersed for the day and Robin in his new status instructed and over saw the unloading of cargo from the seas. It took them three days to complete the whole task. On the fourth of June the Parliament reassembled to discuss the next strategy in the presence of the best of the Boat-wrights of Hatsu Saisho.

“So gentlemen what do you think of the wood that we’ve got. How long before you can make a boat out of it and what would its’ carrying capacity be?” Robin asked the specialists.

“Sir, it will take about three to four months to complete the task at the minimum and considering the bulk of wood that we have, a proper boat with a carrying capacity of twenty to twenty five men is what its’ going to be,” Shiny Rover, a Boatwright replied.

“Just twenty to twenty five men, but that is not enough,” Robin was shocked by the analysis.

“I am sorry sir but that’s what can be constructed out of the wood that we have got. Perhaps you will have to take twenty men across the seas and bring more wood or a new vessel from where you’ve brought this present lot,” Shiny replied.

“But that will take ages. At this rate we will spend the rest of our lives travelling too and fro from this place,” Robin exclaimed.

“I am sorry sir but however tragic it all may sound, this happens to be the best possible assessment of the resources available at our hands at this moment,” Shiny stated emphatically as the rest of the Boat-wrights put their weight behind his observations.

There was a silence in the parliament as everybody was left in a limbo of a thought process that was leading nowhere but running in circles. A heavy discussion over various possible strategies followed among the congressmen and the Boat-wrights while Robin stayed aloof from the discussion and lost in his own thought process. After a lot of thought and consternation Robin finally spoke, “Gentlemen, what if we made a raft powered by sails?”

“A raft Sir, with all due respect, will be as good as committing suicide. A raft for such a long journey is neither safe nor recommended,” Shiny put the reality in the right perspective.

“Considering the violent weather and other creatures that can be encountered at the seas, its like offering meat in the open to a predator and expecting it to miss it,” Taio Bayer, another Boatwright added.

“I am not saying an open raft, but a raft like a box with borders at the edges for protection,” Robin added to his query.

“Still the same,” Shiny replied, “Considering the size of its’ base and the number and weight of people it can be expected to be carrying, it would still be vulnerable to fragmentation. In fact, it will fragment and I am ready to put my entire education on line for my observation.”

“I agree with Shiny,” Taio put his weight behind Shiny again, “There is no way we can transport over two hundred and fifty people across in one turn, not even a hundred, even if we were to make a raft, which even I agree will fragment barely into its’ first week.”

“What if we made small individual rafts, big enough to carry only a small group of say five people, with wooden base and sides, a penguin skin tent for housing and penguin skin sails,” Robin put forth a fresh idea. The Boat-wrights were finally forced to stress their mental faculties and discuss the plausibility of such a design.

After much thought and discussion Shiny finally replied on behalf of the rest of his fellow craftsmen, “Sir, such a raft will still be unsafe in case of extremely bad weather conditions but it can be tested before a final decision.”

“If it works, how many rafts can be made from the wood that’s available and what would be their rough capacity?” Robin asked.

“Sir, I think we can make about twenty of such rafts, all in spindle shape and with a capacity to carry four to six people onboard depending on their weight and size,” Taio replied.

“Great! Then let’s get started on the idea at the earliest,” Robin closed the discussion. There was a brief murmur between the congressmen and the Boat-wrights before everybody took their leave and departed. Only Daniel stood there behind Robin, a bit at lost as to what Robin was planing and doing.

“What are you trying to do Robin?” Daniel finally asked when everybody had left.

“Lets’ go for a walk to the sea,” Robin replied as he got up and motioned Daniel outside. They both quietly exited the White Scube and without saying a word made their way to the solitude of the shores. It was a cold windy day and they had no company to discuss freely whatever they wanted to.

“Now, tell me what is bothering you,” Robin finally asked Daniel once he was sure no one can snoop on them.

“Why are you so adamant on taking a lot of people across the seas?” Daniel asked.

“Because it is important to the success of our plans,” Robin replied, “We need a sizeable population to hit the shores on the other side with us in order to close the door firmly on Steve or else he will ruin us.”

“Oh, I see! Considering all that we have done and a sharp intellectual mind Steve is, he will easily win over the trust of a handful of people and expose us. That’s true. We do need a lot of people to support us and make sure his voice is not heard,” Daniel understood why Robin wanted to take a sizeable chunk of people across, “But what about the safety of the people?”

“What about their safety? They will all sail in rafts that won’t sink as they would be made of wood which doesn’t sink,” Robin replied.

“Oh C’mon Robin, we both know how harsh the seas can be and what about the sharks? The people will be defenceless without guns,” Daniel reminded Robin of the troubles awaiting them at the sea.

“Don’t worry about the seas, even if they are rough the wood will still float on a bumpy ride and as the size of the rafts will be small, they won’t break,” Robin replied.

“But what if the group got scattered and we lost a few of them? What if they lost their sails like us?” Daniel asked.

“The group won’t get scattered as everybody will be tied with a rope to the LCM, not for towing but just for determining the direction of travel and we will make sure everybody is carrying two pairs of extra sails,” Robin replied.

“Yes, but what about the sharks? What if the sharks caught one or some of them? We don’t even have the guns,” Daniel was still worried about the safety of the people.

“So,” Robin asked calmly.

“Shouldn’t we let the people know about all these hardships before they make a decision about whether or not to travel by rafts?” Daniel asked.

“Do you think they will agree?” Robin asked.

“Perhaps not to travel by rafts but they can always decide to send a bigger team this time around so as to retrieve a better means of travel,” Daniel replied.

“What about our plans and career?” Robin asked.

“I agree we may get into trouble but there is still a chance that Steve will still loose his face and we might be just alright. But the people will definitely be safe that way,” Daniel replied.

“So you agree it will give Steve a chance to ruin our plans?” Robin asked further.

“I agree!” Daniel nodded, “But.”

Robin cut his speech short, “Why do you want to give Steve a chance? Do you think he will let it slip away?”

“Perhaps not, he will get back at us. But the people Robin, it’s about the safety of the people,” Daniel stated.

“Daniel, we are politicians and not social workers! If a few of them loose their lives for our welfare we will declare them martyrs and people will pay obeisance at their death anniversaries. Stop thinking like a humanitarian! Don’t worry about the people. Think about yourself and your career. Think about us and our future,” Robin’s words sent a chill down Daniel’s spine.

Daniel fell silent for a brief period and finally muttered one more question, “But what about our families?”

“You and me will be safe on the LCM,” Robin replied.

“What about our wives and children?” Daniel asked.

“What wives and what children? Our kids are merely our clones and wives, well, what’s the name of that hot sister of your wife?” Robin asked.

“Who, Natalie? Why are you asking?” Daniel was surprised.

“That’s the one. She’s one hot chick isn’t she?” Robin asked.

“Yeah she is absolutely gorgeous! But what are you trying to say?” Daniel was still not getting the point behind Robin’s words.

“All I am saying is, you can leave your wife and kids behind so that they can travel with the subsequent group or we can take Natalie along on the LCM. She’s a trained doctor working under Susan isn’t she?” Robin asked.

“Yes, she is,” Daniel was beginning to get lost in some thoughts.

“And she is still not taken?” Robin asked putting his hand on Daniel’s shoulders, “A hot girl like her who’s single and a doctor, I am sure there are many men out there who would do anything to sleep with her.”

“That’s true,” Daniel almost whispered.

“How long have you been married to your present wife?” Robin asked.

“About five years now,” Daniel replied sheepishly.

“Isn’t it long enough?” Robin asked and continued, “My wife’s first cousin is hot and young, barely seventeen, available and a trained nurse while I am the President. My wife and kids will travel on a raft to show my support to the ordinary people of Hatsu Saisho and re-affirm my faith in the longevity and sturdiness of the rafts to them.”

Daniel stood speechless as Robin left him to himself, “Remember, you can be the next President after me.”