Chapter Fifteen - Blindside

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GOD Of A Man

Eternity Versus Eternity

“The price of ego is love, and the price of love is sacrifice.”

Chapter Fifteen: Blindside

Dated: 19^th - 20^th December, 2459

Loneliness is sought as well as dreaded. The loneliness needed for a visit to one’s own heart is sought, while the loneliness that emanates out of an empty heart is dreaded. But a heart is not always empty because it has lost all its’ love and faith, or because it is now occupied by an intense hatred. Sometimes the love in a heart can get severely constricted by a hard shell made up of a person’s ego. Too long and the love is smothered by the shell, leaving the heart empty. Ego does not ask for a price, it takes it! And by the time the individual realizes what has been given up, it is always too late.

But then, in all honest opinion, even love is not too different from ego, for love itself has never been an easy take. A queer habit of love is; it always fructifies in the most hopeless of situations. Perhaps the rebellious underlining of a relationship increases its’ romance and appeal to the heart so much, it throws away caution, logic and practicalities to wind. It is but imperative that at some stage the individual is forced into a spot where he has to choose either between love, or what stands to be lost in lieu. Love itself comes at a cost of a sacrifice. However the sacrifice for love only leaves an empty space in life, the heart still remains full of love, even for what has been sacrificed. And memories never leave one lonely!

But what happens when a person is lonely not because of ego, complete loss of love, or overpowering hatred? What if someone never found love before? Loneliness is sneaky and creeps up at the most uncomfortable and unconventional of places. It invariably creates a situation for the heart, and even the best are not spared. New Saisho’s best just might find themselves cornered in the least comfortable of situations.

With pain writ large on his face, lines of sweat dripping along his cheeks, Captain Aman Ahluwalia concentrated hard at water as the day took its’ final plunge. Unknown to him, Anne was waiting as hard for him to finish his job, right by the edge of the deck at the bow end.

“Alpha one to alpha two,” Lieutenant Schneider called his Captain.

“Alpha two receiving,” Aman replied.

“Sir, we are at least 30 nautical miles clear of the ‘Shooting Darts’ zone now,” Schneider replied.

“Alpha two to all units,” Aman issued next set of directions, “Prepare to reboard The Mighty.”

The fishing net was rolled back and one by one all the boats docked with ‘The Mighty’, where they were lifted aboard. Captain Ahluwalia’s boat was the last. As the Captain laboured his way up the rope ladder and finally climbed over the edge, he almost tumbled over due to weakness. Anne quickly stepped forward and cushioned Aman’s falling frame on her shoulder. Her arm around his waist, she assisted Aman regain his balance on his feet.

“Thank you Miss De Villiers,” Aman replied as he remembered her face from her frequent appearances on television, “I am surprised you made this trip.”

“Let me assure you Captain, you and your team are invaluable assets for New Saisho,” Anne replied as Aman tried to stand firm on his feet. But it was too tough after all the day on his knees in a small boat. He almost tumbled again, but this time Anne grabbed him firmly with her one hand behind his waist, and the other grabbing his arm closest to her and lifting it around and behind her neck. “Let me help you Captain,” Anne exclaimed, “Unless taking help from a woman hurts your man ego or soldier’s pride.” Aman was left speechless as Anne led him, almost hugging him to her bosom.

Pride at best can only last a life time, memories stay forever. Those who couldn’t be questioned by their counterparts are judged by those who follow. Actions are scrutinized in time and judgements are delivered by future. Both tyrants and heroes are remembered equally, but it is the latter that are revered. Future’s verdict may or may not be important for the present, but what worth is pride that knows it is going to be dismantled when it would be least defendable? Is it really pride or is it mere stubbornness to reject the truth? What differentiates a hero from a tyrant is how they answer to themselves.

“All right boys, what’s the update,” Captain Bradley Connors asked his men at the airport site.

“Sir, the landing strip has been cleared of sand and debris,” Private Simmons replied on the wireless, “There were a few patches along the runway that needed repair. The job will be finished in another half an hour.”

“Good work boys,” Bradley lauded his men, “But it is way past noon and really burning. You could have left it for tomorrow.”

“Sir, you’ve never taught us to leave work unfinished,” Simmons replied, “We couldn’t have disappointed you.”

“You sure didn’t soldier,” Bradley nodded, “Keep up the good work. We will join you in ten minutes.” He then turned towards Doctor Xavier and asked him, “I am sorry doctor this trip did not yield anything for your research.”

“That’s alright Captain,” Xavier replied, “How is your hand doing though?”

Bradley looked at his hand, untied the bandage and showed it to Xavier.

Doctor Xavier examined it and replied a bit pensively, “I can see it is healing, but it does have a strange greenish tinge to it. Perhaps we should get it examined at New Saisho facility.”

“I don’t know when that would be possible Doctor for we are not supposed to dock there in another three months,” Bradley replied, “But don’t you think it is doing just fine?”

“It appears to be so,” Doctor Xavier reluctantly agreed, “But I would still suggest you give us a visit at the Hospital as soon as it is practicable.”

Bradley stared at his hand for a brief moment, and then asked, “How is Doctor Suzanne? Is she finished with her sample collection?”

“She should be done with it today,” Xavier replied, “I will talk to her in the evening. Why do you ask?”

“Nothing,” Bradley shook his head, “I was just curious.”

Xavier looked at Bradley’s face as Bradley turned his eyes away. Xavier’s gaze however wandered somewhere far away, his face became a bit sad.

The ability to foresee is an inherent quality in every human. However how developed it is varies from individual to individual. Commonsense is the superpower to foresee future. Sometimes a strange feeling warns one about an impending danger; the feeling called sixth sense. Sixth sense is nothing but a message from the subconscious mind, which has already analysed the future course of events using the commonsense. Now it is giving a warning signal to alert the individual, to either take necessary precautions, or prepare for loss management.

“How are the predictions going,” Doctor Yardley asked Jhiang and Nagarjuna, both busy with mapping the time table of expected chain of events.

“Sir, the system is really running slow as a lot of events are happening at the same time,” Jhiang replied, “Luckily for us most of them are happening in outer atmosphere or surrounding space.”

“The President is really concerned about our people out there, some of them brilliant soldiers, and some brilliant young scientists,” Doctor Yardley replied, “We need to get this information organized as soon as we can. But we also need to keep our work on the main project moving. So you continue with the work you were doing, and I will sit down with Nagarjuna on this one.”

“Yes sir,” Jhiang replied as he made way for his senior to join Reddy on the current job, while he himself returned to his work on the supercomputer based model.

A misconception about work is; it is possible to disconnect from it during personal time. The fact however is; once a man starts working, work itself becomes a part of his personal life. Not only does it provide for one’s finances, it also defines one’s personal circle and relationships. Friends are not just the people one grew up with, or people who live in one’s neighbourhood, but friends are even those who work with someone. Any person, who has shared a part of their life with someone, becomes embedded in the memories from that part. Those who went to school with one are friends from school, those who grew up with one are friends from neighbourhood, and those who work with one are friends from work. One may move on with one’s life, but friends from school, neighbourhood, childhood, or youth, they remain one’s friends for life. Similarly, one may switch careers and jobs, but friends from previous jobs will always remain friends from previous jobs. One can choose one’s work, one can even choose one’s friends at work, but one cannot choose to leave one’s friends with work.

The cool breeze flew across the vast stretches of waters as the evening matured into a beautiful starlit night. It was as if the breeze was a playful child spinning around in gay abandon with no one to pull its’ ears for being naughty. The shenanigans of the lights on board NSS ‘The Mighty’, playfully and sublime, seemed to reciprocate the feelings. The night was silent, the ship peaceful, on its’ final stretch to the ‘The Open House’.

“Can I come in?” a soft sweet voice asked Aman just as he had grabbed his phone to make a call to the love of his life, Jenny.

“Miss De Villiers, please come in,” Aman replied as he tried to get up and greet her.

“Please don’t get out of your bed,” Anne however insisted, “There’s no need to be formal with me.”

“I am sorry Miss De Villiers, you had to travel all the way from New Saisho because of me,” Aman exclaimed.

“Oh, that’s all right,” Anne quipped tapping his hand softly, “Beside I consider myself to be responsible for what happened.”

“Please don’t blame yourself Miss De Villiers,” Aman replied, “I lost my concentration.”

“You could call me Anne Captain,” Anne quipped.

“I’ll try, but only if you call me Aman,” Aman answered.

“Done,” Anne exclaimed thrusting her hand for a hand shake. The two smiled and shook their hands.

“I see you were about to call someone,” Anne asked.

“Oh yeah, I was about to ring my fiancée, Jenny,” Aman said, “She’s been really worried.”

“Oh,” Anne exclaimed, a bit of disappointment in her voice, “I remember her ringing me before I flew out, and asking if she could come along. Unfortunately I had to refuse.”

“She called you! Stupid girl,” Aman exclaimed a bit embarrassed, “I am so sorry Miss De Villiers.”

“Again Miss De Villiers,” Anne interrupted and Aman repented, and they both laughed. But just then the phone in Aman’s hand rang.

“Hello,” Aman answered, and as soon as he recognized the voice at the other end, exclaimed, “I was about to call you Jenny.”

“How are you,” Jenny broke down as soon as she heard his voice, “Are you alright? No, you were not going to call me, you’ve forgotten me.” And then suddenly her voice changed and she asked, “Why are you calling me Jenny? Is there someone else around?”

“Oh yes Jenny,” Aman replied, “Miss De Villiers was just telling me how you had called her earlier.”

“She’s there with you,” Jenny’s voice became serious, “What is she doing there? Is she in your room?”

“Oh no, I am all right Jenny,” Aman tried to answer her without inadvertently offending Miss De Villiers in any way, while Anne tried to pretend to be not interested in the conversation by looking away.

“Answer my question first,” Jenny’s voice became businesslike, “What is she doing with you?”

“Oh I am alright dear,” Aman replied again.

“That is not the question I asked,” Jenny roared, “Ask her to leave your room right now!”

“Yes dear, she has been making sure I get all the help that I need,” Aman was still trying to be diplomatic about the uncomfortable situation.

“So that’s the situation now,” Jenny quipped in a mean tone, “Call me with my pet name and tell me you love me.”

“Oh dear, don’t worry about me,” Aman replied again.

“You are going to die,” Jenny however meant business, “Either kick the bitch out or I am cutting the line, and forget it if you think I’ll answer your call then.”

“Oh I understand dear, but you need to understand too, it’s my job,” Aman haplessly answered, but his reply was cut short by an engaged tone. “Hello, hello, hello,” Aman tried in vain. He tried to ring Jenny back, but Jenny if anything, meant each and every word she had just said.

“What happened,” Anne asked.

“Nothing,” Aman replied, “The connection broke.”

“Oh,” Anne replied.

After a few moments of an uncomfortable silence Aman asked Anne, “Tell me something about yourself Anne. Have any boyfriend, or partner?”

“Well,” Anne replied after a brief pause, “I am completely a single girl.”

“I don’t believe it,” Aman replied, “How can a gorgeous girl like you still be a single?”

“As it happened,” Anne replied after a brief contemplative pause, “I was one of the biggest nerds in my class, which sort of kept me under the boys’ radar all through my school. By the time I got to college, my Uncle had already become the President and none of the boys around me had the guts to approach me. Once I finished my college and university, and since I started my career, my position has come up between me and many a heart. Men seem to get completely overawed by my rank and education, they themselves lose their confidence to approach me, and I don’t like men who don’t have an attitude or confidence. Honestly, I never actually found a man who was my match before.”

“You said before,” Aman replied, “Does that mean you’ve found someone now?”

Anne was caught by the question, and mumbled a reply on the lines of, “I don’t know! I am not sure!”

Certainty is a highly volatile commodity. It hold true only as long as the conditions remain favourable and conducive. It doesn’t take much for things to swing around and start a wild ride. Certainty is the first casualty.

“Good Morning Mr President,” Admiral Mir Abdullah greeted the first citizen as soon as he entered his office.

“Admiral Mir, I just got an email from National Space Research institute today morning,” the President didn’t waste time in formalities, “Here’s a map of the next series of events that will happen globally. Please make sure none of our men or vessels are in the areas marked by red circles. The expected times for all the changes have been marked in blue.”

“Thank you Mr President,” Admiral Mir replied, “My men will relay all the information and co-ordinates to our vessels right away.” He then took President’s leave.

Probability has a nasty habit of catching up at the wrong time, but surprise is not an excuse good enough for justifying lethargy. One needs to be on guard all the time, but more so when one has reason to believe that probability is looking for them intentionally.

As dawn was breaking in the Arabian Sea, two helicopters were making their way towards NSS ‘Full Bloom’ from the Egyptian mainland. Rear Admiral Guruban Ahluwalia, dressed in his ceremonial attire, was awaiting his wards to return from their Egyptian odyssey. As the two choppers landed on the front deck, Captain Bradley Connors stepped out and marched straight towards his senior, and gave him a salute, “Sir, mission accomplished! The airstrip is ready for landing, and the oil rig is safe and sound.”

“Good work Captain,” Rear Admiral Ahluwalia replied before motioning his orderly to bring forward a piece of paper in a ceremonial tray, “And here are the orders reinstating you as the Captain of NSS ‘Full Bloom’ with full powers and immediate effect.”

“Thank you Sir,” Captain Bradley saluted him as Rear Admiral handed him the copy of orders.

Captain Bradley Connors had barely accepted the orders from the Rear Admiral’s hands when the Rear Admiral caught sight of a strange event unfolding at the stern end.

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Chapter Fourteen - Hold on for me

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GOD Of A Man

Eternity Versus Eternity

“Faith is important till one finds the truth.”

Chapter Fourteen: Hold on for me

Dated: 19^th December 2459

Faith has a significant role to play in the evolution of myth into science, and a herd into society. Faith on one hand has to unite distinct classes on some common grounds, and on the other, it has to provide a hope to everyone pitching in with their efforts, as the society develops over the time. Ego however is the contradictory force which balances out the work of faith. Ego is not only a precipitator of differences, thus inducing divide, it also challenges the impression cast upon a suspecting mind by an unquestionable genius. While faith is egalitarian, ego is selfish.

Every progress sprouts out of a seed sowed in the soil of faith. Faith makes people believe in future, have hope, and be motivated to seek answers to questions raised by their present. Faith lasts as long as the truth is not revealed. Once the truth is revealed, the faith is either replaced by a fact, or enlightenment. Yes, enlightenment is not the same as knowing the facts. Knowing the facts is about getting the answers you desired for your questions. Enlightenment meanwhile is the understanding, what you always believed in was indeed never true. Truth can be both the emancipation of faith, as well as its’ watershed moment. Progress however is independent of the fate of faith, for irrespective of what transpires of faith, progress will still be achieved.

But what happens when one attains enlightenment? Do they lose their will to fight for a better future? Do they lose their hope? Once truth is not a mystery, one is not perturbed by the future, for it is not unpredictable anymore. If anything, the knowledge of the future might actually motivate the person to try and change it, for future might not be a rosy picture indeed otherwise. New Saisho is on the verge of enlightenment of its’ own, at test will be its’ will and intent to survive.

“Wow,” Anne exclaimed as she enjoyed the wide view out of a jet plane’s canopy.

“You enjoying the flight girl,” Captain Davis asked Anne.

“This is breathtaking, the view,” Anne said, “The sky looks so beautiful, the clouds amazing. The constricted view from the miniature passenger aircrafts' windows compares nothing to this.”

“Wait till I show you the world upside down,” Chris exclaimed, “Buckle up girl. You’re going to remember this ride for the rest of your life.”

“No, no, no,” Anne exclaimed desperately as Chris twisted the jet upside down. Anne shrieked herself hoarse as if she was on a roller coaster.

“Enjoying it,” Chris quipped.

“Don’t do that again or I’ll throw up all over you,” Anne replied. Chris laughed it off.

“I’ll show you something,” Chris exclaimed as he put his hand in his front pocket.

“No please, don’t perform any more stunts,” Anne pleaded desperately from behind.

“Here, see this picture,” Chris said as he handed her a picture, “She’s my wife, and isn’t she beautiful?”

Anne looked at the picture adoringly and complemented, “She is indeed! And this must be your daughter in the picture with you two!”

“She’s our little angel,” the proud father replied, “Almost five now, but talks like she’s our mother; wants to be a pilot like her father!”

“You have such a lovely little family,” Anne was touched by the warmth emanating from an image.

“It’s my whole world,” Chris exclaimed, “Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love my job. But at the end of the day, these are the people I am going back to.”

Anne had already been carried far away by some thoughts. After a brief silence Chris asked her, “What about you? Have you got a partner or a boyfriend?”

Life is not merely a collection of either accomplishments or memories alone. How lonely must a man be whose accomplishments do not attach memories of shared joy, and how worthless his life be if his memories have nothing to feel proud of!

“I assure you Miss Jenny, Captain Ahluwalia is doing well,” Lieutenant Schneider was answering another call from a desperate Jenny, who wanted to know if the love of her life was alright.

“Can I talk to him,” Jenny asked from the other end.

“I unfortunately cannot pass on your call to him at the moment,” Schneider had no choice but to refuse her request of having an audience with her heart, “It is his own explicit orders!”

“How come you always refuse me but let every other damn chic in the world talk to him?” Jenny was in deep anguish.

“I am sorry once again Miss Jenny, but I cannot help you on this one. The call from the Secretary to the President Miss Anne De Villiers was an official communication and couldn’t have been refused,” Schneider tried to explain their position.

Jenny broke down and said, “Just tell him to call me once, as soon as he is available. Tell him I’ll be waiting!”

Love and peace are like estranged neighbours; living in the same street, yet cannot stand each other’s presence for much of the time. While both connect two or more people together, yet they exist in seemingly anti-parallel dimensions. Peace exists even when there may be no love between the two warring sides, and love gives neither of the two halves in a relationship any peace.

“Watch your step boys, the wall’s rough with protruding rocks, the walkway is narrow, uneven and slightly tilted towards the steep fall on the other side,” Bradley advised Doctor Xavier and his man, the two people following him step by step, as they made their way across the remnants of the small network of underground passages at the site.

“What could have possibly happened at the other site, and how do we know the same thing won’t happen here,” Doctor Xavier asked.

“My job is not to find reasons Doctor,” Bradley replied, “I am the solution.”

“And my job is to do both,” Doctor Xavier quipped, but before he could complete his sentence, he lost his footing on a tricky piece of rock sticking out of the uneven floor, and his hand lost the grip of the wall. A panic stricken Doctor Xavier shrieked as he struggled to regain balance. He would have tumbled down the steep fall had Captain Bradley not swiftly turned around and grabbed his arm at the right moment.

“Careful Doctor or you’ll get buried in an open grave,” Bradley exclaimed.

Doctor Xavier paled out of fear as he first looked at Bradley, then at the steep fall, and then at Bradley’s face again. In the dim light of his head lamp, Doctor Xavier stared deep into Bradley’s eyes for the first time, which made Bradley uncomfortable as he quickly turned his face away. However Xavier was stupefied for a moment, his gaze fixated at something he couldn’t see, his jaw left hanging.

“Lets’ move doctor,” the soldier behind him tapped his shoulder, and they continued their walk.

The damning thing about fear is its’ ability to stun the intelligence, even if momentarily. What makes fear so potent is its’ linkage to something a subject is attached to. Fear attacks what selfishness holds dear. And the reason fear is so effective is, before a person can analyse and react, the first thing that occupies their mind is the future; how their loss will affect them, how will they survive, and is there a replacement handy. The question as to how best to avoid the feared fate is always an afterthought, hence the delay.

“Mr President, the telescopic instruments for the satellite are now ready,” Doctor Stephen Sebastian was updating the president about his team’s efforts, “We can launch it in two weeks time, and in another couple, all the data Doctor Yardley’s team needs will be available.”

“That is encouraging Doctor Sebastian, but what is the progress with our new space craft,” the President asked, “How much is the passenger carrying capacity, and how many like it can be readied? We need something which flies faster than anything ever made.”

“Sir, both the liquid stage and solid stage propellant based technologies have their limitations. But once we get some high grade Uranium and technology to keep it stable in storage, we can really think of introducing our nuclear fuelled technology into the crafts,” Doctor Sebastian replied.

“Doctor, we don’t have much time,” President explained to him, “We need a craft that can carry as many people as it can, at unimaginable speeds, and which is sustainable over extended periods of time in space. And we need the craft ready as soon as we can. Our survival might ultimately rest on it.”

“Sir, all those requirements will put a sever constraint on the craft’s carrying capacity,” Doctor Sebastian tried to explain, “We will need a lot of technology onboard, which includes not only water and oxygen reclamation technologies, food storage and living area, but also, fuel storage, and quite possibly uranium enrichment and refining facilities, that is in case we will be depending upon leeching Uranium from other planets and heavenly bodies over the course of the travel. And if all this has to be achieved maintaining high speed travel abilities, it restricts the size of the craft even further.”

“Give me a head count doctor,” the President inquired.

“I am afraid, twenty five at the best,” Doctor Sebastian replied.

Doctor’s reply shocked the President who murmured, “That is nothing!”

“I know Mr President,” the Doctor continued, “There are only two options; either we take many onboard and sacrifice the speed requirements, which will be a suicide, or we can take a few onboard, give ourselves an edge in speed, but there is still no guarantee.”

“What do you mean Doctor,” the President asked.

“Smaller size will give us a chance to develop a much faster craft, and depending upon the available time, we might just make more than a couple of crafts, but even then,” the doctor continued, “With all the improvements we might be able to affect in our technology, we still won’t be able to survive more than six to nine months in space unless we find an alternate home, plus food source.”

There was silence at the other end.

A solution is not defined to be so by the content matter it presents, but rather by the purpose it serves, for the content matter might itself raise a new question. At best a revelation of facts, relevant or otherwise, only represents new learning. What matters is how that new learning is put to use, both as a culmination point for a previous thirst, as well as a trigger for a new quest.

As Captain Aman Ahluwalia commandeered his men, knelt next to the edge of his motor boat, holding on to its’ side with one hand, and clasping his chest with the other, the noise of the Hummingbird landing on his battleship was the least pleasing of sounds for him.

“Alpha two to alpha one, tell the pilot to cut out the engine noise,” Aman asked his men in the control room onboard NSS ‘The Mighty’.

As two of his men helped the plane to be secured to the front deck, Lieutenant Schneider stepped forward to greet the lovely lassie Anne De Villiers as she disembarked, “Welcome to NSS ‘The Mighty’ Miss De Villiers. Hope you had a nice flight!”

“Thank you Lieutenant Schneider,” Anne remarked as she strained her eyes to read the rank and name of the officer on his lapel label, “I’ve brought the anti-dote needed for your Captain. I see you’ve continued on your journey even when he’s indisposed. I am impressed. How is your Captain though?”

“Thanks for your generous appreciation Miss De Villiers, but we are proceeding very much under the direct command of the Captain himself,” Schneider graciously replied as he took a few steps towards the edge of the deck and pointed towards his Captain.

Anne was left agape as she stepped towards the edge and had the first glimpse of the warrior on a mission.

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Chapter Thirteen - What I can foresee

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GOD Of A Man

Eternity Versus Eternity

“Success: A diamond out of mines of patience, cut finely with struggles.”

Chapter Thirteen: What I can foresee

Dated: 19^th December, 2459

One of the many interesting facets of success is its’ ability to make the preceding struggles inconspicuous. It is so easy for human senses to get overwhelmed by the glitter of the gilt, most fail to spot the bruises under the soles and soars on the back of the one being eulogised. Success that comes on a platter is meant for tasting, not treating. The struggles are but imperative for success that lasts. In fact a better name for struggles would be learning curve. The more one has to struggle, the better their learning is. Not only do they perfect their art, but also master the ability to adapt, innovate and improve; the three most important facets of talent that determine the longevity of success after the initial breakthrough.

Things however can often get complicated if the person unwittingly makes a wrong judgement call about the goal to be achieved. Success is as much determined by efforts put behind the plans, as much as it is determined by the ultimate aim of the master plan itself. Too many have wasted precious time in pursuits towering, only to be left feeling incomplete at the point of achievement. What is being sought is much more important than the efforts it demands to be put in. Sacrifice is important, for what is being sacrificed will never return. Futile causes lead to agony and despair even in achievement, for the worthlessness of achievement is glaring in the light of the valuables lost.

However, all the knowledge and understanding of the learning curve, all the meticulous planning, and all the detached evaluation of goals to be achieved, may still not be enough to keep an individual motivated through the testing times. Struggles are overpowering not because they are testing an individual’s persistence in the face of hardships alone. Struggles test the ability of an individual to resist wavering temptations too. The toughening hardships are made to appear even more unappealing by seemingly lucrative options ready to be claimed. All that is expected from the one who seeks excellence is, they quit their quest and settle for an easy, under-worthy choice. However, when what is at stake is one’s own future, the choice has to be made rationally. A failure may be hard to forget, but it enhances one’s self-respect. The regret of quitting on the other hand is a fall from grace in one’s own eyes.

Mistakes are unavoidable when something big is to be achieved, and one is hard at work. The real ability is in recovering from the ensuing chaos, as effortlessly as pushing a needle through milk. Every hero makes a mistake, and that is what separates a hero from GOD. New Saisho’s best are in no different position. The test of their abilities begins now!

“Ok boys, we are going to split into two teams,” Captain Bradley Connors had directed his men to report for work three hours past midnight. The solar powered lighting wasn’t enough to accomplish anything worthwhile past the evening, and the heat emanating from the barren dunes of time was more than a handful past noon. Since most of their work was going to be out in the open, available resources put a severe time constraint on productivity.

“Private Simons, assisted by three men, will oversee the removal of debris and sand from the runway. If time permits, start re-sealing any damaged parts of the runway,” Bradley continued giving instructions, “Private Mathews and the rest will fly with me to the oil-rigs. We’ll do an aerial reconnaissance, then a physically inspection onsite, and finally me and one of you will inspect the underground installations. Private Mathews and the rest, including our friend Doctor Xavier who will be gracing us with his company all through, will stay above the ground as back-up. Any questions so far?”

“No sir,” everybody replied in unison.

“If I may say something,” Doctor Xavier however had some other thoughts, “I actually need to accompany you underground Captain.”

“Be my guest doctor,” Bradley replied, “But I want you to know one thing; it will be really dark down there, for there is no lighting available. And for all we know, we might actually run into one of those things that Doctor Suzanne is collecting in Kuwait.”

Doctor Xavier gulped a big lump before asking, “You really think so Captain?”

“Well, who knows?” Captain’s counter question left Doctor Xavier contemplating.

Knowledge is a complex entity. Knowing the facts right is not even half the gig. Real knowledge encompasses the ability to develop cognitive relationship between chunks of knowledge, and to deploy the learning in practical situations. Knowing the facts is only the first stage of developing knowledge, the learning. The next stage is to understand and implement what has been learnt; the experience. The final stage is developing the learning further through innovation and experimentation, the creativity. The only thing that grows in stagnant water is algae. Progress emanates out of a volatile mix of old learning, fresh implementation and radical improvisation.

Jhiang was industriously working on the most important project of his life when the phone lying next to him rang. “Researcher Jhiang Chu at NSRI,” Jhiang answered.

“Jhiang, this is Doctor Yardley,” the voice from the other end replied, “The President wants to know if the predictions you have made so far include all the events that are going to happen on the earth in the upcoming months?”

“No Sir,” Jhiang replied, “I had specifically instructed Reddy to concentrate only on Australian mainland. But if we need to, the prediction time table can be readied for the entire world.”

After a brief pause, marked by the sound of discussion at the other end, Doctor Jonathan Yardley advised him, “The President would like you to predict as much information as you can for the entire world, and as soon as you can. We have our fleet deployed across the globe, and we have some very important members of New Saisho intelligentsia working everywhere.”

“I get the idea sir,” Jhiang understood what was expected, “I will instruct Reddy accordingly. Give us a day or two.”

After another brief pause Doctor Jonathan replied, “You’ve got two days boys.”

“Thank you Sir,” Jhiang replied, “That should be enough.”

However, enough is not the same as optimum. Enough is never enough for it is always based on an under-estimation of the requirements. If the intention is to save enough of everything, the discretion while collecting will invariably leave out more than what will actually be needed. Optimum might end up in a problem of plenty, but at least it never falls short of the requirement.

“Has the package from New Saisho hospital arrived?” President Katsuo enquired from Anne as she was preparing to board the twenty fifth century hornet class double seater fighter jet with vertical lift capabilities, the Hummingbird.

“Yes Sir,” Anne replied, “They’ve sent the requested species-specific antidote.”

“Why was he commandeering from a motor boat?” President lamented as he looked at Admiral Mir, as if seeking an answer.

“He is a very dedicated officer Mr President,” Admiral Mir replied, “The safety of his ship as well as his men rests on his shoulders. Shooting Darts is not a region any captain would like his ship to sail through. We didn’t give him the luxury of time, and under the given circumstances he was doing the best he could.”

“I guess you are right,” President nodded in agreement, “Anne, you better get moving now, for we cannot waste time. We need to get him at the helm as soon as we can for we don’t have time to dispatch another ship.”

“But he needs rest,” Anne tried to reason.

“I am sure he does,” the President replied, “But unfortunately we cannot afford him the luxury anymore. Besides this is exactly the kind of situation a soldier is expected to give his best.”

“Trust me Mr President, he won’t disappoint,” Admiral Mir batted for his man.

“I hope so,” President exclaimed nodding his head, “Anne, get going!”

“Yes Sir,” Anne answered reluctantly as if she wanted to say something, but took their leave and walked towards the waiting aircraft.

“Good morning Miss De Villiers, my name is Captain Chris Davis,” the pilot greeted her, as the ground crew assisted her alight into the back seat and buckle up, he asked, “Have you flown on one of these things before?”

“This is my first time on a fighter craft,” Anne said as her heart pounded.

“Well then, get ready for one hell of a ride lady, for this thing really flies,” Captain Davis exclaimed as the crew readied the plane for a take-off. Anne clenched her hands and held them close to her bosom. The plane started its’ run across the tarmac.

One of the eternal truths is; every precedent had to happen for the first time. Those who seek comfort in the past instances to base their current decisions never achieve greatness, for greatness is the servant of the enterprising, the ones’ who take risks, create precedents. People remember those who set examples, not those who followed them.

Quick action had saved Captain Aman Ahluwalia’s life, even when the species specific antidote wasn’t available. The doctor onboard NSS ‘The Mighty’ had drained much of the polluted blood and given him a transfusion, a glucose drip, and a general purpose anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic injection. Aman’s condition was now fast improving and he was regaining consciousness.

“What,” was the first word to come out of Aman’s mouth as he strained open his eyes.

“Sir, how are you feeling?” the doctor immediately asked, “Can you see my hand clearly? Can you see my fingers? Please count them for me?”

Aman strained his eyes, took his time, and replied, “Three!”

“Well done,” the doctor quipped, “Are you feeling any pain?”

Aman looked at his bandaged chest, “I can see the bandage doctor, but I don’t feel any pain.”

“That’s right Sir, I’ve given you some tranquillizers in the drip,” the doctor replied, “The creature had stung you right in the middle of your chest and just above your heart, it’s just plain lucky the poison got deposited not so deep. We’ve ordered some species-specific antidote from New Saisho, and have been told it’s on the way.”

Aman then suddenly realized the task he was in the middle of, “What’s our progress?”

“Don’t worry sir,” Corporal James Michigan, who was also in attendance replied, “We are holding firm our position right where we were. It is pretty safe out here.”

“No, no, no! It is not safe anywhere here,” Aman immediately tried to spring to his feet, but was too weak to jump out of the bed.

“Sir, you cannot go anywhere,” the doctor shrieked as he tried to stop Aman from pulling out his drip, “You need to rest! Your men are carefully manning the ship.”

“You don’t understand doctor,” Aman replied, “We need to get out of this zone as quickly as we can. We cannot hold our position here.”

“But there is nothing to worry about,” the doctor replied.

“Yes sir,” James also echoed a similar feeling, “We are all taking every possible care and precaution.”

“That is not the problem,” Aman replied, “I know you can take care of the ship, but who will stop the ocean?”

“I don’t understand Sir,” James was perplexed, as was the doctor.

“This is sea! Weather changes, winds change, and when the night comes, the moon’s gravity mobilizes water in various ways,” Aman replied, “Don’t be fooled by the comforting calmness!”

The doctor immediately understood what his Captain was saying, “Sir, you reckon the zone might become dangerous for the ship at night?”

“I am damn sure it will doctor,” Aman answered, “How much time have we lost so far?”

“Just a trifle above two hours,” the doctor replied.

“That’s not bad,” Aman replied as he pulled out his drip, and tried to stand on his feet, only to waver and then grasp at the wall for support, a shrill pain shooting up his entire body. He grimaced in pain as the doctor tried to support him and stop him, “Sir you cannot leave the bed.”

“I unfortunately will have to doctor. It is my job,” Aman replied, “We need to get moving right away.”

“Sir, we will get moving, you don’t need to worry,” Corporal James assured his Captain.

“No Corporal,” Aman stated, “It is my ship, my men, my mission and my responsibility.” And he walked out of the room as the doctor and James tried in vain to stop him. He walked grappling on to anything he could to stay erect, and made his way to the control room, the doctor and James in toe.

“Sir,” Lieutenant Thomas Schneider was surprised to see his senior, “How are you?”

“I am fine Lieutenant,” Aman replied, struggling to catch his breath with a bandaged chest, “Where is other James Michigan, the Lieutenant?”

“Sir, Lieutenant James is manning the boat you were on,” Schneider replied.

“Good, I need him there,” Aman replied, “We need to get moving right away. Get me back to my boat.”

“But sir, you are injured, you need rest,” Schneider replied.

“I know what I need Lieutenant,” Aman quipped, “Lets’ get on with the job. Lieutenant James will stay on my boat to assist me.”

“But Sir,” Schneider wanted to say something when Aman put his hand on his shoulder. He knew his Captain had spoken.

Words, in spite of their job to convey the meaning, fall miserably short of the job most of the time. Words may describe what a person wants the listener to know, but words cannot put the credence to the emotions. Credibility is the watermark embedded in actions. Actions convey meaning not to be found in the words embellishing them, or not embellishing as well. Actions are revered, words are mere reflections!

“Captain, I am going down with you,” Doctor Xavier told Bradley, once they had finished inspecting the site above the ground.

“Are you sure Doctor?” Bradley asked, “I mean you don’t have to. I have a camera on my helmet and you can view everything I will be inspecting via the monitor in the chopper.”

“No Captain,” Doctor Xavier insisted, “I want to see everything in person.”

“It is going to be really dark in there and could be dangerous too,” Bradley tried to scare him, “Who knows what lurks in those dungeons!”

“If you are trying to scare me Captain then yes, I am scared,” Xavier replied with a fierce tinge, “I know I don’t have big muscles like you, I am not as foolhardy even, and I do love my life for I value what is there on this earth to enjoy, but I am not a coward.”

Bradley was left speechless!

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