by Zac Funstein
“Why Japan Dora?”
“My father was elected honorary librarian of our college, a post he held with great pride as you know. But when a young pilot of little consequence some time was spent in Japan mostly to learn about the horrors of war-specifically the damage we had done there during the last war.”
There had been a terrible accident-they had managed to free their injured comrade using tools provided by a nearby member of the public-still the guilt remained-everyone had said it was not their fault-still Dora’s dad had the need to expunge this. Upon his return it was believed that this was one very cleansed personality.
“What should I do then dear sister in law-chose somewhere nearer home-that is safer?”
“The strategy, it seems to us-shoot us down if I am wrong-the one best adopted to achieve/ maintain safety, is to cherish diversity. We occupy our own version of the holiday continuum, one that starts with visceral pleasure that ends with it too-but we neglect the important matters. We neglect these are real people with real.. ”
“No one has really explained what the important matters are.”
“Not to get on a pure pleasure-vibe but to try to throw in a dash of geo just for good measure you understand. It is sensible not to neglect the locals who take care of us.”
After Dora had gone the would be traveller began hunting through her holiday clothes-the stuff everyone would laugh at ordinarily. Between the folds of a towel in the linen closet, there was this unexplained thermos-then it was realised that it must have been put there by Virgil as part of a chemistry-class experiment. They put methane, ammonia plus carbon dioxide in a flask, sparked some electricity through it, after a while they got a primordial beginning which contained amino acids, but it had to be ‘matured’-the student brother had informed her gushing with enthusiasm.
When Virgil was encountered after this a confession of guilt was demanded it was mentioned. “Okay sis you don’t have to go on-yes I was responsible. I left it there at the behest of Ronald J. Moore.”
“Your science teacher that has a highly eccentric approach to teaching!”
“Our class has found the growth factor combination needed to convert ESCs in a flask into primitive ectoplasm. The contents need to be gradually dried out by the action of caustic potash. I trust you didn’t open it-because you if you had you would have got an unpleasant surprise.”
“No, I didn’t open it.”
“The flask is highly insulated for such a thin container- thus the heat actually stays around for much longer, so the resulting mix is quite potent. Usually this is conducted in a flask provided with a funnel/ escape tube- the carbon dioxide formed is swept by a current of dry air-but we had to dispense with it in this instance.”
“Sounds utterly boring Virgil-like a boring Moore science class in fact.”
“The role of humble spectator is no longer possible -- we are all now perforce agents of history, which, correctly envisaged, is the process of the emergence of new forms/ values-even the humble high-school student like us sis might be on the road to a Nobel Prize.”
“I’ll believe it when I see it.”
“Why were you hunting around in that holiday gear anyway-intending to go on yet another Lao Tsu like sabbatical?”
Lao Tsu the great Chinese mystic often went away for retreats when finding himself disappointed by the human-race. It seemed to her then that was what was probably what was being considered
“That is very astute of you-but where that is the question.”
The matter seemed to be put aside-the dress that was really rough that everyone had been chopping at gaily must be attended to. Despite all the pins it would still not assume the shape desired. If you're unlucky, remember the iron rule: if pitted against incontrovertible evidence, deny everything. Most would give up with only apathy, quiet resignation - accepting the incontrovertibility of the situation but G continued with her amateur skill trying not to swallow the pins.
Her cousin Cynthia Jaysona Ochoa who in her native Turin was bullied teased because of her puny physique plus the incontrovertible fact of being protestant in a largely RC neighbourhood had come to help in this usually feminine activity. Her coiffure in a great net of fine wire which was scattered with tiny glass diamonds was impressive as always. The sight of the garment slowly taking shape seemed to fill her with a peculiar greed.
“These are incontrovertible facts of nature: people get old, things fall, dresses refused to take the form desired, locales get undecided,” exclaimed Cynthia by way of consolation with a sigh almost swallowing a pin.
“That is the least of my problems dear cousin Cynthia. Douglas is giving us a hard-time again so that I am want to take a vacation to where I know not-only that it should be as far away as possible.”
Some might go as far as to say there wasn’t anywhere on this tiny-earth that was far away enough-somewhere more distant was needed for which the means of propulsion hadn’t been devised yet. There would come a time when this wouldn’t be far enough but they would cross that bridge when it came.
“Your father is being obstreperous again I understand.”
“A skilled practitioner of understatement as always.”
There was a quality-moment as Cynthia who was often an old-person inside a younger considered- finally the verdict came:
“Pardon the pause-recognizing this responsibility, since these periodical gatherings are rare you have no time to bother with theories/ abstractions, I intend to confine myself to facts-the plain incontrovertible-or to statements based on actual experiences.”
“What conclusions do the collective Ochoa wisdom draw-cut the preamble?”
“That’s easy we went away on vacation recently neglecting to check the state department’s travel warnings on foreign destinations.”
“Check the political climate-I get it! There might be a coup-de-e’tat or something-a revolution.”
An agent provocateur had chased Cynthia through the security gates nearly catching her flowing skirt in the elevator. Having then caught a scarf in the lift entrance as it closed, G’s cousin had only just managed to heave it free-saving herself from a gruesome end. The unexpected attack caught the would-be assailant off guard who landed on the porch with a thud. Funnily enough G was almost caught in a similar compromising situation earlier by one of the engineers where her p/t employment was, though decided not to mention it.
“Speaking yesterday, Mr. Joseph D. Wilbur-a travel agency spokesperson- said the law needed to be changed before anyone else was caught in the same situation. We need greater early-warning systems. We want to know what the political-climate is like before we get there.”
“I heard it-but there was always the danger of being caught in situations not easily explained that was half the thrill. Joseph’s mastery was in describing exciting events in catching the mood of the moment no more now than before. I pray this scheme will catch the public-they will be exploring the opportunities from the private sector shortly I’m sure. I sense there is more dear cousin.”
There had clearly been a move on in Cynthia.
“Where was I. Do not use domestic news sources or travel guidebooks as an indication of current events in a country. It's best to check with your embassy in the country of destination.”
“That was where you went wrong before-believing some testimonial.”
“From the brochure it was like a paradise but when we got there-now that was a different story entirely. How easily we were duped.”
“If you focus on lifestyle issues, in other words, what you wear, where you live, how much of a catch your partner is, etc-yes even where you go on vacation- you will turn the over how you are judged over to other people.”
“That’s what my father said-rather than the trendy exotic location which turned out to be a hell we should have stuck somewhere nearer-that we were all familiar with-that is friendlier.”
There was more-it got worse:
“When we got to our hotel part of the window cat
ch was broken, meaning it could be pushed open at any time. We didn’t give this much consideration until soon after we heard the catch snap then the window release slightly. For the first time in ages I caught sight of a character that had became known as the ‘The Independent’.”
“Why that title Cynthia?”
“A would-be thief formerly from Gothenburg Fredric Carlsson that worked alone rather than in groups as was usually the instance hence the title. An invitation card with the single letter ‘I’ was left sometimes as an affectation. There had been other titles but this was the one that stuck.
At present ventilation windows are secured by catches spaced evenly apart-it seems to have kept the Independent plus his cohorts away. It appeared this had been happening a lot but no one had been complaining. Now the practice of ‘honesty sessions’ has got a lot of frightened guests to open up-there was a lot of this going on more than was admitted. If the practice catches on, however, I would like to see it broadened to include more misunderstood groups. Australia's geographic isolation plays a big part in this Ayers Rock seems to frighten everyone. They won’t accept it’s just a stupid hillock.”
“I was sure it was supposed to have geomancy power-be divine or something.”
“That may be true but sometimes its just a stupid tourist attraction.”
Close family-friend Max M. Guesinnerry who popped in after the dress making exercise fortunately knew of the Independent-there were a lot of lonely operators at this time with such stupid denominators. Max knew the hotel as well in question being a frequent visitor to antipodean shores. They were always getting break ins.
“I believe the unbiased enquirer brought in to get to what was really happening called the doings of the establishment dishonest.”
“The actual owners themselves Max that must have caused a rumpus.”
“I believe the Hotel Ayers did moan a little, but then the personality of Carlsson seemed to fascinate Guesinnerry-it seemed to him the man was more rogue than fool; that is laughter was at the success of his vile tricks rather than any buffoonery; Cynthia was following sharp practice-that is was being deuced clever-in staying away for cornered this was someone liable to be dangerous.”
The aphorism ‘the youngest, a girl, will be the most spoiled, for she will be the final baby therefore will be cuddled/ loved’, might apply to some but not to our would be traveller. Ellen gave them all warmth/affection but Douglas undid all the good work with his violent temper. They would laugh a little, comment whilst reading a book, maybe argue over getting dressed or about throwing something across the longue but then when her father came onto the scene everything seemed to change-for the worse. Douglas‘s primary education was limited. One pivotal early experience, however, was working, when still a teenager, at a radio repair-shop, where the paternal element became fond of the aural qualities of radio broadcasts (especially shortwave radio broadcasts ) becoming familiar with the rudiments of electrical repair/ engineering. Any radio playing in the vicinity always seemed to make him violent.
Physical contact makes oxytocin ( known as the ‘cuddle hormone’) which promotes bonding, reduces anxiety then stimulates endorphins, our natural painkillers, which is why such warmth can bring temporary relief from lumbago, migraines plus similar aches. nothing registers as deeply as a simple squeeze, there is no greater reassurance of lovability than to be affectionately touched then held. Douglas never touched anyone unless you counted being hit as being touched.
Now-after one of her dads violent diatribes-his daughter once again reasserted to herself the need to get away possibly to save perhaps her very existence. Her cuddle count was low-negative equity was a serious possibility.
Outside however does not express this family- squall the sight is beautifully poetic, expressing rather the leitmotiv tension between heaven/ earth. The cumulus clouds are like ‘a castle in Spain’ G found herself writing in her diary. The teenage victor of strenuous battles against the most formidable, seasoned of opponents Douglas the amateur pugilist, found his ferocious boxing/wrestling gifts were alloyed with a beguiling sensitivity to all things poetical which his daughter has inherited.
Her uncle Wilburn L. Boucher who had called unknowingly in the midst of such a tirade had brought her something of interest that was relevant to her quest for a holiday destination- an article cut out of an old fashioned magazine-a rarity in these days of the superhighway. Once a corporate CEO with resources at his disposal that would suffocate Wilburn was now reduced to cutting out interesting articles.
Aunt Anna/ Uncle Henry had agreed to have her to live with them after her papa's stint ‘inside’. She was the perfect foil against which to exhibit their own sweet Lottie, of course, it saved on the expense to have them under one roof too.
“I shall be much obliged if you would give me an opportunity for an interview much favoured niece. Lottie has always been fond of you/Virgil. ”
“No problem if you could unfold that cutting then perhaps we could see more clearer Wilburn.”
The niece liked her uncle it was kind of him to go to such length on her behalf. Not one to dabble in computers this probably cost him a great deal of effort.
This is duly flattened so a clearer view is available for them both-despite the folds it is plain enough.
“Perhaps the most heartening thing of all about these ads is the way, fantastic as they are, they seem to remain anchored, albeit indirectly romantically, in the reality of their product.”
“But what it is is what I cannot understand Wilburn-if you would elucidate.”
“Another pastime that has kept us away from the keyboard-very difficult to do- a fascinating book I've been reading about how some locations are so steeped in history that if you can get there you can live like royalty for nothing.”
“I believe I have seen it now that you mention it-a fascinating vignette about a rather unusual KGB training centre in the Ukraine-now deserted naturally enough. By sheer good fortune the reviews found their way to us, I must say they make fascinating reading. For a little more than a brief sojourn in the Seychelles, they travelled the length of this fascinating state.”
“Hodgson/McCauley have trimmed the narrative to a compelling, accessible historical document. It was a masterly display; the battle between the generations will prove a fascinating one today. The gallery made up of drawings by non-artists is genuinely gripping not least for the variety of subjects depicted in the charcoals.”
“The interpretation of the workings of a primitive democracy is delineated well but what made us angry was the exploitation of the natives for selfish purposes.”
“How true McCauley would agree more than her partner-it seemed that her writing was maturing in many ways, I am angry/ bereft that I will not be able to watch her growing from strength to strength -- that I will never get to know her better. McCauley went on about her writing, which was riveting as well as horrifying.”
“This is all in the past tense Boucher-how so?”
“McCauley died recently in mysterious circumstances that are still being investigated.”
It was all beginning to gel. This was a former Nasa scientist who specialised in the study of human factor in automated tasks, a pioneer in aviation safety. They had found they believed a cave with prehistoric paintings in but everyone said it was racist so they wiped the cave clean.
The potential voyager never liked anything ‘automated’. Automated messages on phones thwarted: ‘This number is out of coverage area’; ‘The number you have called is not available’. Then there was the instance when her gran collapsed unexpectedly on her own who had the wisdom to set off the alarm. The med/ fire departments arrived, (her condo had already almost burnt down thanks to some dodgy wiring work) the responses were, by turns, hostile as well as disbelieving, but the medicos unblinkingly re-enacted what they had learnt on plastic models earlier using an automated external defibrillator on Helena, which restarted her pulse immediately. The brick relic which had once served as an a
rtists' studios, photographers' developing-room even once a cooperative studio/gallery where artists would work in the same space was nearly her tomb.
The pain must have been excruciating, but in a commendable display of noblesse oblige Ferguson made quips about it in her letters.
“Automation frightens us if I am honest,” the youngster gushed.
“Knowing the correct moment to automate is tough G, so using technology that proactively supports early manual testing but provides a path to evolve this is the key.
It is often debated whether there was a real distinction, in later medieval England, between the culture of the expanded aristocracy of gentlefolk vis-a-vis that of the higher, traditional, chivalrous aristocracy. I believe that a love of automation would mark them no question.”
“The aristocracy would like mechanization incredible.”
“They wouldn’t even give it a reciprocal glance-that’s how much they wouldn’t like it.”
Old French tutor Ross M. Pendergrass always seemed like an aging teenager on account of being dressed permanently as a Goth (or so it would seem). Some uncharitably likened him to the leader of an enraged tribe of Mad Max-esque barbarians-someone who might be found in the ruins of a shopping mall. Ross seemed to capture the excitement, chaos plus bewilderment of being in a class because of his enthusiasm for his subject. Always fond of cars when a child as his talk became clearer, his parents found that he was asking them for the names of the cars so began saying Ambassador, Porsche or Fiat at an early age. Even now Pendergrass become enraged at schoolboys under his auspices who wanted to hold onto their infancy who refused to grow up. In replying to the enquiries of a fond parent as to the progress and safety of her son Pendergrass wrote ‘Dear Madam, such time as your son does not devote to self-interest is spent in the neglect of his studies.’
Girls however were treated gently-it seemed to be a weakness- because of their assumed (or rather, socially expected) babyishness cum vulnerability. When asked to describe the ex-student Ross would state: ‘very attractive, but attractive in a normal-girl-on-the-street way’.
