Chapter Twenty Six: Distorted minds

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GOD of a man

“When power corrupts mind, greed eats up soul.”

Chapter Twenty Six: Distorted minds

Dated: July 2426 onwards

When one makes the top of a hierarchy, the power that the position brings has a heady feeling of its’ own which is distinctly unique and more influencing that the effects of alcohol or other substances of abuse. While alcohol and drugs only affect and alter the controls of the body of their abusers distorting the reality temporarily for them, power distorts the meanings of social values and moral restrictions often resulting in the distortion of the physical realities of many others facing it’s direct onslaught.

Robin’s elevation to the Presidency gave him unquestionable authority and command over the future of the masses he was leading. However, far from their interests leading his way and lighting up his path, it was his greed and hunger for power that was the captaining his brain. He chose to put their future at stake for his own betterment. Men like him make ordinary people loose their faith in those who lead them. Alas, it is generally too late by then.

As the Boat-wrights of Hatsu Saisho scratched their heads, planned and scrapped the plans, trying to build a raft that would sail and still be safe for its’ occupants, far from them and at the other end of the sea that stretched between their present home and better future, Steve desperately longed to be with his wife and kid again. Clara meanwhile was in the last stages of her pregnancy. It could have been any moment from there on.

“Steve!” Clara’s voice choked with pain cried out just as the dawn was breaking, waking up Steve from what appeared to be a beautiful dreamy sleep.

“Clara, what happened?” Steve asked as he woke up rubbing his eyes.

“Its’ happening! My baby’s coming!” Clara cried out again as she clutched her tummy, “Steve help! Do something!”

“I don’t know! I have no training,” Steve got excited and scared at the same time. His lack of nursing experience made him shaky, nervous and at loss as to what to do. Luckily for them, Clara knew what was needed to be done. She talked strength not only to herself but also to Steve as she guided a shaking Steve in helping her give birth to her first child.

“It’s a beautiful boy,” Steve’s voice choked with emotions as he had the first look at the baby.

“Let me have a look,” Clara said, still in a bit of discomfort from the delivery. “Thank you LORD for blessing me with your most beautiful of creations,” Clara spoke as she struggled into a sitting position and held her baby boy in her lap for the first time. She looked towards the sky, closed her eyes and made a prayer.

“What’s the date today?” Steve asked.

“I don’t know, have a look the back of that stone where we are marking our calendar,” Clara replied as she pointed to a stone where Steve and Clara had kept record of the dates since the first day they arrived at Adelaide shores, including their time spent in Port Adelaide.

“Twenty fifth of July, Twenty Four Twenty Six it is,” Steve replied as he scratched another line with a small stone adding the next count on the bigger one.

“Twenty Fifth of July, the most auspicious day of my life, thank you my baby, for making my life worth living, and thank you GOD for choosing me for this special gift,” Clara said as her eyes filled up and voice choked with emotions, “Nakata, see how beautiful your son is.” And she broke down as the tiny little baby boy looked on.

“You are a brave girl Clara,” Steve said as he patted her on her shoulder and comforted her, “Have you thought of any name for him?”

“Katsuo, Shoji Katsuo, that’s what Nakata told me he would like to call his son if our first child was a baby boy and Katsumi if it were a girl,” Clara said barely controlling her emotions.

“Katsuo, that’s a lovely name. What does it mean?” Steve asked.

“Katsuo means victorious son while Katsumi means victorious beauty. He told me the night he left me alone forever,” and Clara broke down inconsolably after that. Steve tried to comfort her to his best but there was little he could have done.

The dawn travelled along the sea from Adelaide shores to reach the Hatsu shores where it was the fourth time the people had gathered to test a new model of a wooden raft, to make sure it was safe and sailable. It was about five meters long and two meters wide at its’ widest point, with a flat base on the inside for people and surrounded by a three feet high wall. It was shaped like a diamond as it appears when viewed from the side. It had two sails attached to a pole in the middle of the base and tied to the three corners of the raft. The earlier three attempts had failed to sail as their flat base failed to overcome the resistance offered by sea water just by the strength of wind energy alone. This time they had added a conical and streamlined submerged portion to the raft emulating the body above the surface, to help it wade through the waters.

“Do you reckon it will sail?” Robin asked Taio, Shiny and others.

“Lets’ hope so,” Taio replied.

The raft was lowered into the sea and one by one five men boarded it and the sails were set on the mast. Everybody waited with baited breaths for the sails to catch the wind. Their cries of joy drowned every sound and echo that may have dared to originate in the five miles vicinity of Hatsu shores. The raft worked.

“Congratulations Mr President,” Shiny said in joy.

“Congratulations to you men for all the hard work you have put in,” Robin replied with studied statesmanship. There was gaiety and joyous celebrations all around. Finally when the cheers and celebrations died down, Robin asked everyone to assemble outside the White Scube for the next discussion.

“So gentlemen, how many of such rafts can you build and how long do you need to do the same?” Robin asked the Boat-wrights as everybody assembled outside the Parliament. Robin liked to pamper his ego and make his days in the office grandiose by assembling parliament for the minutest of issues and all the assemblies used to be a mass congression.

“The alterations in the design have considerably reduced the number of rafts we can make. A fair estimate would be around twelve such rafts with the original capacity of four to five people,” Taio replied.

“Only twelve? You got to be kidding. That’s one too few,” Robin replied as his calculations were given a rude jolt.

“Unfortunately Mr President, there’s not much we can do about it. The changes in the design were necessary to make it work as well as make sure it is safe. In fact we will be providing each raft with a pair of oars as well, just in case the sails failed. We don’t want anyone to be trapped at the seas,” Taio explained.

“But what’s the need for the oars when sails would be sufficient enough. We all saw with our own eyes that the raft sailed with five men,” Robin still argued, “And if you are worried about the longevity of the sails then everybody will be carrying two spare sets’ anyway.”

“We know the sails work sir and we will be supplying everyone with a pair of spare sails too, but please sir let me remind you even you people were caught without wind for weeks at the seas. We just want to make sure that you people will make progress at any cost even if there is no wind,” Taio replied.

“Fair enough, but can’t we all wait at the sea for the wind?” Robin exclaimed.

“Mr President, twelve pairs of oars is not a lot of wood, not even enough for one more raft,” Shiny added his words of wisdom, “Besides Mr President, once at sea every day will be a challenge and struggle as the sun will burn the water out of your bodies. You won’t have enough water to survive. The lesser time you stay in the waters the better are your chances of making through the journey safe and sound. And that brings us to the next possible pitfall we need to make adjustments for, the water problem,” Taio continued.

“What about the water problem?” Robin asked.

“Mr President, out of the twelve rafts two rafts will have to carry fresh water containers only and will be toed directly by your LCM,” Shiny replied.

“Two rafts! But why do we have to waste two rafts for water? I mean we can always carry water on board our LCM and offcourse the water can be harvested daily in the form of the rain,” Robin argued.

“Mr President, while rain is unpredictable your LCM does not have the capacity to carry enough water for fifty odd people, and that’s in addition to the five to seven on your LCM, who would be undertaking this journey. If it fails to rain and you ran out of drinking water, people won’t survive even a day,” Taio replied.

“Mr President, just like you we as Boat-wrights also have a moral responsibility towards the people of Hatsu Saisho for their safety. We simply cannot afford to risk even a single life considering there’s only two hundred and a fifty odd of us still alive. We are an endangered species Mr President,” Shiny’s words left Robin speechless as he knew any objection now would mean that he doesn’t care for the safety of the people of Hatsu Saisho.

Robin chose to use the opportunity to promote himself, “You guys really impress me with your dedication. Hatsu Saisho is proud to have sons like you. Nothing is more important to me then the safety and prosperity of the people of Hatsu Saisho. In fact, my own wife and kids will travel in a raft along with the others who will accompany us. That is how much faith I am putting in your expertise gentlemen.”

“We promise not to disappoint you Mr President,” Taio replied.

“What? Wait! Why do you want to put your own wife and kid at risk? They will travel along with you on the LCM and we will have it no other way,” Shiva however didn’t approve of the thought that the President’s family should be risked in a raft when a safer bigger boat is available.

“Relax Shiva, they will be just fine. I have full faith in the expertise of these men. Besides every man, woman and child of Hatsu Saisho is my family. If anyone of them is going to be at any risk, my family will have to face the same too. If I fear to risk the lives of my own near and dear ones and put those who trust me at risk, I don’t deserve to be the President,” Robin exclaimed amidst wild cheers and applause.

The debate was over when Daniel put his weight behind Robin, “I agree with Mr President and to show my solidarity and support with this great man I promise to send my wife and kid along with his wife and kid in the same raft.” And the cheers grew louder and wilder.

Finally when all the commotion had died down Robin asked the men, “How much time do you need to build these crafts?”

“It will take us around six months Mr President,” Taio replied.

“Six months! That’s too long,” Robin replied.

“Yes Mr President but not only is the design complex compared to what we started with but we also have to make arrangements for water harvesting onboard each raft,” Taio replied.

“What are you planning?” Robin asked.

“Well Mr President, the entire raft will be covered with a triangular penguin skin sheet with a sighting hole covered by a lid in front and another hole for the mast in the middle. It will be raised in the middle where it will be tied to the mast. It will taper and lower towards the front, and it’s the two edges towards the back will lower along the either side and will be tied to the two corners at the back. The two lateral edges of the sheet will be folded backwards and upwards, held in position by threads, making a thin canal that would be tilted towards the front end of the raft where a container for collecting water will be placed just below its’ mouths. Two more containers will be place at the two rear corners to collect the water from the canal at the base of the triangular sheet. The rain falling on the sheets will glide down the sheet and will be drained by the canals into the containers,” Taio explained in detail.

“And I guess that is what is going to delay the projects a bit?” Robin asked.

“Yes Mr President,” Taio replied.

“That’s fine. Take your time and make sure everything is perfect and safe,” Robin said. The meeting was dispersed after a while.

The Boat-wrights work was cut out and they took to finishing it at the earnest. The next few months were busy but uneventful for Hatsu Saisho. The men at work really made every day count as they created masterpieces of the modern day twenty fifth century world, the wooden rafts that could sail. What a fry cry from the destroyers that annihilated the most magnificent of human creations four hundred years ego. Finally six long months of hard work gave the eagerly awaiting public of Hatsu Saisho something to celebrate. The irony was, while no one was willing to undertake the original expedition, everyone was desperate to get on board this one. People were vying with each other to get Robin, Daniel or Gary’s favour, busy flattering them and doing their linen to impress. None of them knew what lay ahead and none foretold them. Andy was too busy explaining to Doctor Susan, her beautiful understudy and Daniel’s sister-in-law Natalie Tran and Robin’s sister-in-law and trained nurse Kina Davis how GOD spared him and the other three. Doctor Susan, Natalie and Kina were busy instructing him, “Forget GOD!”

The parliament assembled on December Fourteenth to discuss the forthcoming journey, hand pick those undertaking it and some political works.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, since I will be personally leading the first wave of settlers to the former Aussie shores and will be the founding President of the new settlement, we need someone to take care of the remainder of the population on this side of the sea until every living soul is transported across,” Robin addressed the gathering.

“With your permission Mr President, I think former President Shiva can be intrusted the mettle of the Care-taker President in your absence,” Larry suggested in response.

“You suggestion is very wise and welcome my honourable friend Larry but unfortunately Shiva is going along with us as well,” Robin replied and before anyone could say any other thing Robin added, “In present circumstances I think Gary is the right candidate to take on the mettle of the care taker President in my absence. What do you people think?”

Everybody fell silent as no one was sure whether they like it or not. What compounded their situation was the fact that no one knew who was going to make this trip and who wasn’t. No one could have objected to Robin’s suggestion as everyone wanted to be on good terms with Robin for the moment. However Daniel was shocked as he remembered vividly Robin telling him, “You could be the next President after me.” He was enraged but Robin noticed his fury and looked at him in his eyes and made an inconspicuous gesture with his hand to cool down. Daniel saw that and decided to stay mum for the time being.

“So I guess nobody is averse to my suggestions. So friends, I declare Gary as the caretaker President in my absence,” Robin’s statement was welcomed by clapping, willing or forced was not the question.

Once the political business had been sorted out Robin started the next bit, “Since we are heading on a major journey I would like to take a few liberties in nominating a select team to assist me and everybody in this journey.”

As everybody looked on with anticipation Robin started handpicking the people he needed, “As I already mentioned Shiva would be joining us on this trip for foresight, experience and maturity he brings to the community. In addition I need a good mechanic for our ship for which I suggest none other than our friend Larry Chapman. We will need a doctor for which I suggest the name of Doctor Susan’s understudy Dr Natalie Tran for this trip. However tempted I may be but we can’t take Dr Susan along as she is an experienced doctor and better equipped than anyone else to deal with the bigger population still being left behind. And since we are taking a big group at the seas than the last one, I would also need a nurse in addition for which I suggest the name of Kina Davis. Anybody has any objections to my suggestion?”

When no one objected and even Daniel seemed to have been pleased by the inclusion of Dr Natalie Tran in the group, his aversion in any form was also avoided. Robin went on to hand pick the rest of the people making the cut. By the end of it all sixty men and women, excluding all kids except for Robin and Daniel’s, were short listed.

When everything had been finalized, Dr Natalie Tran who was also present rose up to say something, “Mr President, I am honoured to be selected for travelling with you but I would like to say something.”

“Yes please, feel free to express what you have to say,” Robin gave her the go ahead.

“Sir, in your list one person who is missing and who happens to have been a part of your trip and is currently under my observation as a patient is Andy. I would like to request you to take him along with us. He is my responsibility and also experienced with sea travel,” Natalie’s suggestion made Robin a bit uncomfortable and didn’t go down too well with Daniel.

“He’s mentally sick. All that nonsense he talks about GOD, he cannot be taken along. He might influence others with his behaviour,” Daniel made his stance clear.

“If that is what Mr President thinks as well then with great regret I wish to inform everyone, I will not be able to undertake this journey. I have a moral responsibility towards Andy as his doctor,” Natalie replied.

“But Natalie, we need a doctor and you have been picked for the job,” Robin replied.

“Sir, I would like to suggest the name of Dr Jacinta Layne, wife of navigator Peter Dodd who is accompanying you on this trip. She is as trained as I am and taking her along would make it easier on them as well,” Natalie’s suggestion blew all the air out of Daniel who looked haplessly at Robin to salvage the situation.

Robin took a while to think about it and then suggested, “Perhaps we can actually take you and Andy along in this trip and leave Peter Dodd for the next batch. We don’t need another navigator for this trip in any case as I will be donning that mettle myself. I hope that settles the issue.”

“Thankyou Mr President. I am glad you were kind and considerate enough to accept my proposal,” Natalie said and sat down, right next to Andy who was looking admiringly at her. The site was a bit too much for Daniel to behold as his eyes flamed with hatred for Andy.

“Is there anything else anyone wishes to say or add?” Robin asked. When no one answered he made the final call, “Good! Now that everything is settled, we will sail in one week’s time, on twenty second of December.”

The congression was finally dispersed as everybody made way towards their destinations. Daniel however stuck around and Robin new exactly why.

“When you promised me that I was going to be the next President, where did Gary come from?” Daniel was seething with rage.

“Relax! He’s just a care-taker. The reason I am taking you along is to give you an opportunity to impress upon the masses and build a support base for yourself for your future candidature. There are so many senior members in front of you waiting in a queue to be the next President. How do you propose to overshoot their shoulders and be the next President?”

Robin’s words brought Daniel down to earth and he continued further, “Use this opportunity not only to make an impression in the public eyes but also win over your next wife, Natalie. Why do you think I agreed to take Andy along with me? Had I taken Natalie along with me leaving you behind as a caretaker President you would have been relieved unceremoniously of your charge after your job had been accomplished and Natalie might have ended up in another man’s arms. By the way I don’t like the way she and Andy look at each other.”

Daniel was left speechless as Robin parted saying, “Grab your chances with both hands and thank me for the opportunity that I am providing you.”

And the next few days were used for gathering food and getting ready for the departure. The day finally arrived and as per Robin’s plans, his wife and kid along with Daniel’s wife and kid were put in a raft to show solidarity with others who were travelling in rafts. Robin and Daniel’s wives did object to them in private but were placated by both in the name of their political carriers. They being good wives agreed.

Robin was joined by Daniel, Larry, Shiva, Dr Natalie Tran, and on her insistence Andy, and Kina Davis on the LCM while fifty two others were in the rafts. Their departure was delayed by three days to December the twenty fifth but was no less than a fair. Entire Hatsu Saisho community cheered and blessed those sailing away, hoping to see their smiling faces again soon. And the humans finally made their first major stride in centuries to rebuild their futures. No sacrifice was deemed too big but everybody hoped it wouldn’t be required. They were sailing for better lives risking all the life they had in them but their joy and motivation made them overlook everything that might have appeared daunting under ordinary circumstances.

At the other end however Steve was fast losing his last few hopes of seeing his wife and kid again. He was slowly and slowly resigning himself to the fate that he and Clara are alone in this big wide world forever now with only Nakata and Clara’s son to accompany. Clara however tried to give him all the hope and strength she could. She believed in GOD, she wanted him to believe in GOD but she couldn’t make him believe in GOD. He never questioned her belief but he never bought what she had to sell about HIM.

The days were dragging along until one morning Steve woke up, a bit late in the morning and got up to take a bath in the salty waters. As he approached the beach he noticed Clara’s child sleeping on the Penguin skin mattress while Clara’s clothes were lying next to it. Steve looked at the waters as Clara emerged from them after her dip. As she turned around and saw Steve she was taken by surprise and by natural instinct folded her arms to hide herself.

“Steve, what are you doing here,” she asked as she slowly and slowly walked out of the sea, still clinching her shoulders with her folded arms and trying to walk diagonally away from Steve. Steve however was lost in the thoughts of his own; thoughts that made his eyes burn with scaring passion.

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Chapter Twenty Five: Mists of intrigue

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Message for all my friends

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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.”




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Chapter Twenty Four: Stepping Stones

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A message from the author:

Dear friends, please support me in my fight for my love and diginty. I don't need money or words but a lot of friends. Please visit my website http://www.fatalurgecarefreekiss.com/ for my story.

GOD of a man

“All men are born equal, great men just stand up for what they believe in.”

Chapter Twenty Four: Stepping stones

Dated: May 2426

It’s easy to blame men for their fallibility in the face of testing times but to think of it, majority of the human population is in a never ending struggle of providing food and shelter to their families. In such a scenario the easiest and safest possible way of doing things is the way of least resistance. However it’s those who resist whatever is wrong with their society that are important. Depending upon their fate they may either end up wasted by the society and forgotten, or end up changing the society and long remembered. The only glitch is no one can decide their fate. One may decide to take things in his or her hands to sort out the kinks but there’s never a guarantee he or she will be able to finish what has been started.

Steve is one such man and Clara one such woman who have it in them to stand tall for what they believe and change the fortunes of those who associate with them. Their’s something in their attitude, something in their mental acumen, something about their way of doing things that makes them stand tall even amongst the crowd. However, that does not guarantee their survival if nature decides to stack its’ odds against them.

As Clara was finally broken down by the heat of reality that surrounded her and collapsed on the ground it wasn’t her who was in control of her destiny anymore. She was merely a puppet in the hands of nature that could destroy her like a dried leaf of the fall, trampled under a heavy foot. “Steve,” the last word that escaped her mouth before she fainted spoke volumes about the fighting spirit of this young lady who didn’t give up on what she had decided to undertake even when she was staring at her own untimely demise.

As Clara’s eyes shut for the light her fortune started to shine on her.

“Clara!” Steve emerged at the top of a sand dune and as soon as his eyes fell on Clara rushed straight to her side.

“Clara! Clara!” he tried to shake her up but when she didn’t respond he knelt beside her, his back facing the beach and his body blocking the sun that was burning Clara’s face. He turned Clara around and lifted her torso slightly and supported her back and neck on his knee. He pulled out what looked like his last container of water, moistened Clara’s lips a bit and sprinkled a few drops on Clara’s eyes.

“Steve! Where are you?” Clara’s faint voice answered to re assure Steve that she was still alive.

“I am here by your side Clara. Please wake up and open your eyes,” Steve shook her.

Clara finally opened her eyes and Steve straight away put the water container to her mouth. He supported the container and Clara managed to gulp a few sips of water.

“What happened to you and what are you doing here?” Steve asked.

Clara was a bit disoriented and took her time to re-access where she was and then finally replied, “I was looking for you. Where have you been all night? I was worried.”

“I was sleeping at a place I dug up yesterday. You wouldn’t believe what I found,” Steve said as his eyes lit up. Clara balanced herself on her own without the support of Steve’s knee and looked at what Steve had to show.

Steve pulled out a bunch of necklaces and other items of what looked like gold and diamond jewellery from one of his pockets, “I found a jewellery store. I found gold and diamond jewellery.”

“That looks pretty amazing,” Clara said as she took one of the necklaces in her hand and admired it.

“Clara, I am rich and I am going to give all this to wife when she comes over here,” Steve said as he looked on at Clara and then at the jewellery in his hands and then got lost in his thoughts for a few seconds. Tears rolled down his eyes, “Clara, she will come will she?” And the next moment, Steve the big man broke down and cried like a girl with his hands in his eyes, “I love my wife. I miss her. Now I will never see her again.”

Clara realized how troubled Steve was but there was nothing she could have done to change their current predicament, “Steve, hold on! She will come! Even she loves you! She will come along with your child and the rest of the people very soon. Stay strong!” Clara tried to comfort Steve, rubbing his shoulder and speaking all the wisdom she could conjure up for the moment. Steve was weak and needed support badly. Clara gave it to him, like a good old friend. All the hard feelings Steve had for Clara went down with the setting sun. They finally got up and walked to their camping site which Steve knew exactly by its’ location now as he had been scrolling the entire area for over a month now. Steve gave Clara the physical support she needed while Clara provided him the hope that he needed. They both hoped the other three would bring the rest of the people along with them to their new abode and it won’t take too long, little did they know the rest were battling their own fears and misfortune.

“Why is this happening to us?” Daniel cried out in frustration as he struggled to maintain his composure. The dawn of a new day had just woken him up to the harsh reality he would rather happily forget as a nightmare if he got a second chance at life.

“Relax Daniel, we need to think of something,” Robin tried to calm him down.

“What if we used a tree each to sail across the sea?” Daniel asked.

“Don’t be ridiculous! We won’t be able to balance ourselves on one single tree and plus it won’t be safe. Have you forgotten what happened with Clara on our trip the other way?” Robin almost rebuked him with his reply.

“Yeah, you are right. Plus we don’t have ores as well,” Daniel added to the answer for himself.

“Damn! I’ve even lost the count of days now,” Robin finally gave up on thinking as well.

“Why are you so quite and calm? How can you be so calm?” Daniel turned towards Andy and asked him with a seething rage as to how Andy wasn’t concerned about their safety and well being anymore.

Andy however didn’t answer. He was lost in his own thoughts when something came up in his head and he got up, walked around the drums and looked straight ahead.

“What happened? What are you doing?” Daniel got worried about Andy’s actions and he and Robin immediately followed him around to the front.

“Don’t do anything stupid,” was all Robin said as he and Daniel approached Andy who was standing at the front looking far ahead.

“Why are you quite? Why are you not saying anything? What happened?” Daniel asked with frustration at Andy clearly noticeable in his tone.

But Andy didn’t say a word. He just lifted his hand and pointed in a diagonal direction with his index finger.

“What are trying to say?” Robin asked as he craned his neck to have a look at what Andy was trying to point out but there was nothing he could see and so was the case with Daniel.

“Have you gone mad? What are you pointing at?” Daniel asked.

“GOD is sending us help,” Andy replied.

“You have gone nuts,” Daniel was infuriated, “You mention that word again and you are dead.”

Andy however didn’t need to say another word as a ship appeared on the horizon.

“What the hell is that?” Robin exclaimed.

“That’s a ship,” Daniel replied as he frantically started jumping and crying out for help.

“We are hallucinating. Our situation has gone to our heads and now we have started imagining things,” Robin said shaking his head, still not sure if he was awake or dreaming.

“Who could that be?” Daniel also became a bit cautious, “Is it really there or are we seeing what Andy is thinking?”

Many questions and a general sense of disbelief overtook their brains as they waited impatiently for the ship to sail closer.

“That’s impossible, Nakata?” Daniel screamed as he saw a familiar face on the deck of the approaching vessel, “Are we dead? He’s come on our ship to take our bodies!”

“Take hold of yourself you idiot. That’s not Nakata, that’s Ono,” Robin replied, “But what is he doing over here and who is he with?”

“The important thing is, he is here with who ever he is with,” Andy said.

“Oh the penguin skin sails! I missed them,” Daniel exclaimed as he identified the vessel as distinctly different from the one they deserted a few weeks back.

“I can see them. It’s them,” Ono started shouting towards the wheel house of his boat as Gary and Shiva rushed out of the wheel house.

“It sure is them but why do I see only three of them and where did they get all this wood from?” Gary asked.

“I think they’ve found a new land and that’s where they brought the wood from. But you are right I don’t see the rest,” Shiva replied.

“Where is Nakata? Where is my Nakata?” Ono realized his brother was missing from the scene and immediately lost his patience and cool. He started shaking with the stress resulting from the emotional turmoil. “I’ll go and check for him,” he said as he nearly climbed over the metal bars lining the deck and jumped into the sea without thinking.

“What are you doing? Have you gone mad? Do you want to die? We are going to dock with their watercraft pretty soon anyway,” Shiva spoke as he and Gary grabbed Ono from jumping into the sea in an attempt to get to Robin and the others on their craft, forgetting the fact that he can’t swim. But such is the power of love, it makes one forget one’s physical limitations and attempt the most unimaginable of acts, putting to risk all that one has even if it is their own life.

“Larry, turn the boat around and dock it on the other side of their wooden craft,” Shiva shouted towards the wheel house.

As their LCM went around the wooden aboard of the three men lost and found at sea, Ono’s prying eyes were frantically and desperately searching for any signs of his brother but to no avail.

“Where is he? Where is Nakata?” he kept murmuring, his eyes moist, as he craned his neck and lifted his body on his toes as if to get a better view of the high rise wooden bundle.

“Relax Ono, he might be sleeping or he might have been left with the other two at the other side of the sea,” Shiva tried to calm him.

“Left at the other side of the sea? What for and who dare do such a monstrosity?” Ono burst out.

“Calm down Ono, we don’t know anything yet. Lets’ not start assuming things without getting to the bottom of all this,” Gary tried to soothe Ono’s hyper state.

They soon docked with the wooden bundle and the three men climbed down the bundle on to the LCM one by one.

“Oh boy, am I glad to see your pretty faces?” Robin exclaimed as he embraced Shiva and Gary one after the other and then looked at Ono and hesitated for a moment before he finally took him in an embrace as well, “How are you Ono? Your brother sends you a lot of love.”

“My brother sends me a lot of love? Where is he?” Ono cried out instantly.

“He’s alright. He’s just at the other side of these waters along with Steve and Clara,” Robin said as he looked around and towards Daniel and Andy who were shocked to hear what Robin was saying and wondering why is he hiding Nakata’s death when he had made a different plan with them. Robin just looked them in their eyes and said a lot without saying a word. But Daniel and Andy were not the only ones who heard it. The message went across to Shiva and Gary as well.

“You see Ono! I told you your brother will be fine. Now lets’ get the men inside and sort out our next plan of action,” Shiva said clearly understanding that something was deeply wrong somewhere, “You know guys he is the one who dragged me, Larry, Gary, Vir and Susan into this search mission for the missing six of you. He hasn’t let us sleep in peace since the last three months.”

“Thanks Ono, you actually saved our lives. We’ve been stuck at the seas for the last six months now. Possibly even more, we’ve lost count,” Robin said as Daniel and Andy looked at him, still at loss as to what is he up to.

“Six months? It hasn’t been that long,” Andy said.

“Relax Andy. You badly need some rest to sort out your problems,” Robin exclaimed with a stern glare, “He hasn’t been feeling well of late. All this turmoil at the seas has affected his mental health and infected his thoughts with all kinds of rubbish including that about GOD.”

“We understand Robin but you don’t worry. Now that we have found you people, I am sure he will get better in no time once we get back home tomorrow,” Shiva said.

“Tomorrow? How far are we from shore?” Daniel was surprised.

“Not too far! We started our search only yesterday, the twenty ninth of May,” Gary replied.

“Wow! The wind must have pushed our craft towards the shore without us realizing it,” Daniel exclaimed.

“Perhaps it did,” Robin replied, “Perhaps the buoyancy of wood and the air getting trapped in the air spaces amongst the tree trunks pushed us slowly towards home.”

“How come we didn’t realize it?” Daniel asked.

“Perhaps because there are no landmarks at sea to know if we are moving or if it’s just the water passing by. The speed at which we must have travelled must have been too slow for us to judge from the changing position of night sky or the passing clouds,” Robin tried to figure out the logical explanation.

“Maybe you are right Robin but you must admit you were really lucky the wind pushed you towards home and not away from it or in some other direction,” Shiva said.

“That’s because GOD didn’t want us to get lost,” Andy stated.

“See, that’s what I meant,” Robin said as he pointed out Andy’s statement to the rest while Daniel looked at Andy with spite.

“Don’t worry Robin, we will work things out with him once we get back to the shore,” Shiva said patting Robin’s shoulder.

“Lets’ hope he gets better,” Robin said.

“By the way, why did you bring so much wood and what happened to the rest,” Shiva asked.

“Its’ a long story and I will tell you all a bit later but lets’ get moving towards our home,” Robin said.

“What about the wood?” Shiva asked.

“Lets’ just leave it here. We don’t have sails to toe it along and we don’t want to risk sabotaging our rescue boat too,” Robin replied.

“Don’t worry about our boat, Larry is with us. And you said you don’t have sails for it, well let me assure you we have brought two sets of spare sails. In fact if it wasn’t for the extra caution that we were using, we might have started at least four weeks early,” Shiva replied.

“Well if that is the case, lets’ put some sails on the wood and see if it can float on its’ own. But I won’t recommend towing it along. That is the mistake I made and risked our lives and I regret it from the deepest part of my heart. I hope Daniel and Andy will forgive me for putting their lives in danger,” Robin made a statement that raised the eyebrows of both Daniel and Andy.

“But why did you toe the wood along?” Gary asked.

“Well, to cut the long story short, when we reached the former Australian shores, Adelaide metropolitan shores to be exact, we found the radio activity levels to have dropped to below the maximum range for human survival. So I thought it might not be a bad idea to move over there with the rest of the population. So I asked everyone to collect and bundle trees that we could toe back to Hatsu Saisho for making a boat for us. Only Steve didn’t agree but thanks to the rest who worked diligently with me,” Robin played his first card.

“What? Why didn’t Steve agree?” Shiva asked, a bit surprised that Steve won’t agree to such a thing which was clearly in the benefit of the remainder of the human population.

“Agree with us, he used a gun to threaten us and made all of us do his biding by virtue of it,” Robin stated.

“A gun? Where did he get that from?” Shiva and Gary were shocked.

“I don’t know, perhaps from The Phantom. But all I know is that he used it to force us back on the ship and sail alone while he chose to stay back, making sure he will stay safe even if something was to happen to us. He forced Clara to stay with him saying he needed a nurse in case he was to get sick and all this with the barrel of his gun pointing at our heads,” Robin had finally started his game.

“Steve can’t do all that. I don’t believe you,” Shiva was shocked and refused to accept what Robin was saying at the face value.

“Don’t believe me, ask any of these two guys,” Robin said pointing to Daniel and Andy.

Daniel took the hint and joined him, “He is right. Steve is the biggest jerk I’ve ever known. He even got us lost in the sea when we were sailing towards the new land. He was angry for having been forced to undertake the mission and made his disenchantment loud and clear. In fact he even admitted dragging Robin along just so as to revenge Robin recommending his name for the mission. I wonder if he had set up Charles using his wife only for his revenge.”

“I don’t believe it. Look these are some serious allegations against a very senior, intelligent and beloved man of our community. Lets’ first get back to the shores and we will take it from there,” Shiva still couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“Lets’ then get the new sails out and put them on the wooden load,” Robin said.

“You are right. Ono, will you bring the new pack of sails out and wake Susan up as well. It’s almost time for her shift at the wheel house,” Shiva said.

“What happened to Nakata? You are hiding something from us,” Gary asked as soon as Ono went inside.

“You are right. I was hiding something from you because of Ono. Nakata is no more,” Robin shocked Shiva and Gary with his disclosure.

“What?” was all Shiva could muster.

“He died of a food allergy on our way towards the new land and never made across the seas alive,” Robin said and continued, “I didn’t mention it earlier because I didn’t want to put Ono at risk. We don’t know how he would react and he might do something stupid.”

“No, you did the right thing Robin. We should not let him know about this, al least not until we have reached the shores,” Shiva agreed.

“By the way, who’s the President in you absence?” Robin asked.

“I abdicated the post to travel on this trip. The reigns are in the hands of Demetria now,” Shiva replied.

“Steve’s wife?” Robin was taken aback by the news.

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