National Exile: A 21st Century Novel about Nobility, Poverty, and Cruelty

by Rusul A. Altaay

  Chapter 19

  Jenna

  “I’m sorry… You want us to go where?” Sidra asked.

  Earlier that day, Rain had a meeting with Sidra and Aser. He wanted both of them to go back to the private island. They needed to be at Siwaar’s headquarter.

  “And how do you suggest we get to the airport with the checking points all over Estil’s airport.” Aser said. “Do you want me to remind you of what happened last time we were there? It’s only been few weeks.”

  “I know. We might have to go to the Peacekeepers’ base first. I have a plan to get us to the airport.” Rain said.

  “And now I’m just supposed to trust your plan.” Sidra said.

  “I was asked to bring you to headquarter safely. I’m the one who gets to make the plan and chooses how.” Rain said.

  “Yeah, I’m not going anywhere.” Sidra said.

  “I’m afraid you have to. Something happened and you are needed to fix it, both of you.” Rain said. “Sidra, you can argue later.”

  “Rain, what’s going on? Why do you want us to go there?” Aser said.

  “Did you hear about the civilian airplane that just disappeared from the radar few days ago?” Rain asked.

  “Yeah, we did. What does it have to do with anything?” Aser said.

  “No way… It never occurred to me before now, but did they…” Sidra said.

  “Launch Siwaar? Yes, they did.” Rain interrupted.

  “What.. How can they do that? My code and Sidra’s was not uploaded to the headquarters’ data base. They could not have lunched it without us.” Aser said.

  “Why do you think a civilian airplane just disappeared then? Some idiot must have thought that they could. They never thought that things could go that wrong. There is a private jet for you waiting in Estil’s private airport. I need to get you there as soon as possible.” Rain said.

  “You are saying that someone used the satellite and made a civilian airplane disappear?” Sidra asked.

  “That’s what we are afraid had happened. The project was not officially launched because it required a lot of programming and testing. That was part of the reason you were sent to work at the Burj, so you can get access to SANA, the super computer. Due to the previous events, we were not able to upload any of my new work into the headquarters’ database.” Aser explained.

  It was about 6 PM, and it started to get dark. Rain, Sidra, and Aser could not drive all the way to Peacekeepers’ base because most of the roads were closed.

  Therefore, they had to walk for few hours. While they were walking, out of nowhere, an explosion happened right in front of them. Luckily, the blast did not harm them since it was far enough for the shrapnel not to reach.

  Few cars were completely destroyed and many people were killed. Everything happened so fast. There was nothing anyone could have done to help.

  Like always, no one knew who and why dozens of people were killed. They just had to die. Few people were injured. The majority of them died instantly.

  “This complicates things. We need to get going.” Rain said.

  “Look… There are at least five cars driving really fast and coming towards us.” Aser pointed.

  “That’s odd… People usually stay away, not drive towards the explosions.” Rain said.

  “GUYS… These are the militias… They are after someone…” Sidra yelled.

  In few seconds, the militias pulled over and started shooting in the air. They just shot randomly at people. They even shot the small fire truck that just got there. Sidra, Rain, and Aser hid behind one of the cars until they were gone.

  “What on earth just happened here?” Rain wondered. “What was that all about?”

  “Why are we still living in this hell of a country? The killers don’t know who they’re killing nor they care, and the people just get killed without knowing why. WHY?” Sidra said.

  “We need to get to the base. The sooner we finish up, the sooner we might get control over this jungle so called Estil.” Rain said with a mad tone.

  “I swear it feels that way. We are literally being ruled by animals. It’s kill or be killed.” Sidra commented.

  “Wait a second… Rain? Aren’t you supposed to be working for the Peacekeepers? Your job is to keep the peace in the city. Is it not?” Aser asked.

  “Yeah… Right… Trust me… the Peacekeepers are just a front. Half of the militias are under Maki Lion’s commands. The other half consists of just random terrorists. Lion let them do his dirty work. As for the Peacekeepers, our job is to make sure that no one goes anywhere near the administration’s personal or facilities. That’s how we keep the peace in the city.” Rain said.

  “Your job is terrible. Just saying.” Sidra said.

  “Thanks…That helps a lot. I think we’re going to have to spend the night at the base.” Rain said.

  “Anyway, we need to get going. By the way, Rain, does your base allow any women in there?” Aser said.

  “No, they only hire men. Oh… NO… I totally forgot…” Rain realized.

  “You have got to be kidding me.” Sidra said.

  “I think there is only one way.” Aser said looking at Rain.

  “Yeah, I agree.” Rain said.

  “Agree about what? Why are you two looking at me like that?” Sidra asked. “Look, I’m just going to spend the night in the woods.”

  “Do you want to get yourself killed? It’s totally unsafe, and that is completely besides the fact that we are few hours away from the woods. It’s really dark now.” Rain said.

  “Do I look like I have another choice? I’m not going to men’s only base. It’s kind of creepy.” Sidra commented.

  “Yeah, you actually do. You are going to disguise yourself as a man and spend the night at the base.” Aser said.

  “And I can arrange for you to spend the night with the kids. Well, they are not exactly kids. Most of them are between the age of 10 and 16. They hire them young.” Rain explained.

  “What if someone finds out that I am a girl?” Sidra asked.

  “Well, they better not. Especially given whom you really are, Sidra.” Rain said.

  “This better works. So, we leave first thing in the morning?” Sidra said.

  “Yes, that is the plan. Now, wear my hat and keep it down. Also, take this shirt. Do not speak unless someone asks you anything. Try to use a manly voice. Also, take some mud from the ground and put it on your face and cloths. It has to look like I just found you on the street.” Rain explained.

  “Is this your master plan?” Sidra asked.

  “Do you have a better one? I’m all ears.” Rain replied.

  “Fine… Gosh…” Sidra said with an obvious annoyed tone.

  Sidra did what she was asked. She looked like a little scared man and just followed Rain and Aser without complaining or saying anything all the way.

  After they got to the base, Rain introduced them as people he just found and needed help. He was told that he could not let them stay, but after a long talk, his commander agreed to let them spend the night.

  “What is your name, kid?” The commander asked.

  “Sary, Sir.” Sidra replied with a somewhat manly voice.

  “Couldn’t she think of a different name? Sary? Really?” Rain thought.

  “Well, Shani and Sary, I will let you stay the night. You can stay in the kids’ room. It is the only place that might have some space for you. However, Sary, you are going to have to sleep on the floor. You are covered by mud.” The commander said.

  “Yes, Sir.” Sidra replied.

  When they were finally sent to the room, they saw approximately 20 kids. Their ages ranged from 10 to 16 like Rain had said. Most of them had scars and bruises on their faces.

  It turned out that they take the kids who lost their parents and prepare them to be soldiers. Sidra did not know what to do. She was shocked and mad at the same time.

  “Rain knew about this that whole time and did noth
ing about it. He and I need to have a serious talk.” Sidra thought.

  “Sary? So, why are you covered by mud?” A 16 year old asked.

  “Because I have a stupid friend who told me to do so.” Sidra replied.

  “Haha… You sound like a girl. Take THIS…” The kid just pushed Sidra on the floor and made fun of her saying, “You even look like a girl. You’re so weak.”

  “Yeah, kid. You have no idea how weak I am.” She replied.

  The kids just laughed and went to bed. Everything sounded fine until around midnight when everyone was a sleep.

  “You have got to be kidding me, another one of these random explosions?” Sidra yelled.

  Few seconds later, the entire base was a wake. The alarm system went off warning everyone of an attack in the civilians’ areas. Rain got Aser and Sidra out of the kids’ room to talk freely.

  “Sary, Ashoni or whatever your names are, we need to leave and help out. At least ten of our men were in there at the time of the explosion.” Rain said.

  “And we care because?” Sidra asked.

  “My name is Shani.” Aser corrected him.

  “Again, why do I care that bunch of Peacekeepers got killed?” Sidra asked.

  “Look at you. They are people like me. Most of them have families. They were forced to join this base.” Rain said.

  “He’s right. We have to help.” Aser said.

  “I cannot tell the good from the bad people these days.” Sidra said.

  “You know that you are good and that is enough. We shall always help others regardless of the surroundings.” Aser added.

  “I couldn’t agree more.” Rain said.

  “It’s funny how you say that. If that is how you feel, why haven’t you helped these kids out?” Sidra asked.

  “We can fight over this later. Right now, I need your help, both of you.” Rain said.

  “Let’s go. How can we help?” Aser asked.

  “We are going to look for the other soldiers and maybe help the civilians as well.” Rain said.

  “Interesting how the civilians have second priorities these days.” Sidra commented.

  “That is not what I meant… Just go…” Rain said.

  That night ended with many dead and injured people. The soldiers that Rain looked for were never found. It was believed that they were in the middle of the explosion, and that they were the targets.

  That night was not so different from any other night. People die, others get injured, others lose parents, some lose children, and many lose faith and hope in the future.

  In the morning, it was time for them to leave. But before that, Sidra had to ask,

  “Do I have some time? I would like to visit the orphanage. Rain, what do you think?”

  “They are fine. I visited them a while ago.” Rain replied.

  “You did? Thank you for that. Is everything going ok with money and food?”

  “Yeah, it is kind of a long story. I will tell you all about it later. For now, I made sure that they have enough money for months. Trust me, they are all fine. Besides, if you would like, I can go and visit them again as soon as I get you and Aser on the plane.”

  “What do you mean? Rain… Are not you coming with us?” Sidra asked.

  “No, people here need me more than ever. I will ask to be transferred to the local hospital. I can be of more help over there.”

  “I don’t understand. You are not as cold hearted as you always seem. If you care that much, why haven’t you done anything about the kids at the base?” Sidra asked.

  “Do what exactly? Keep them on the streets to die out of cold and hunger? There are very few orphanages that are still open. I think being at the base is not as bad as the streets.” Rain said.

  “I’m afraid he’s right. We can’t save everyone.” Aser said.

  “The car is here. We need to leave now.” Rain pointed.

  They arrived to a private and small airport. There were almost no people in there.

  “This is the private Jet. This lady will take care of both of you and escort you to Siwaar’s Headquarters.” Rain said while introducing Jenna, the lady Rain met in NY.

  “Hello mother…” Sidra casually said.

  “Hello Sidra… Give me a huge… I have not seen you in such a long time.” Jenna said while hugging Sidra.

  “We talk on Skype at least once a week, Mom.” Sidra added.

  “What is going on here?” Rain asked a very good question.

  “Rain, Aser, let me introduce you to my mother.”

  “Yeah, we got that part. You said that your Mom died years ago.” Rain said.

  “No, I said that we were told that she died. She found us years later. It’s a long story.”

  “Ok, this explains why you didn’t tell me about Sidra’s trip to Japan earlier.”

  “Yeah… She really did not want to talk to you.” Jenna said. “I only told you how to find her after commander Basam ordered her team to be executed if she was not found.”

  “I have tons of questions, but I have a meeting in less than an hour. Jenna or Sidra’s Mom I trust the rest to you. My part is done.” Rain said.

  “I really hope that you know what you are doing, Rain. Just be careful and stay alive.” Jenna said.

  “I will be back as soon as possible. I will make sure that my stay does not go over a week. Regardless of how things turn out with the project, I will be back and help out.” Sidra said.

  “Stay as long as you need. If you don’t want to come back, I would totally understand. Just be safe and do what you can from over there. And Sidra, please don’t do anything stupid, or get mad at me for whatever you discover over there.” Rain said.

  “Take care and don’t die until I get back.” Sidra said.

  “Will see about that.” Rain said as he waved goodbye.