Damned!

The River Roshana

In the small fishing boat, the river looked deeper than it had from shore. Laura sat comfortably in the hull, while Ein acted as ship captain, standing with taut muscular arms that made creases every time he rowed the long paddle. They passed men and women heading back to shore after a day's catch of fish and were teased about their late arrival.

"Ah, Senor Ein, are you trying to catch a fish or a woman?" a man yelled from his boat looking directly at Laura.

"I would be so lucky as to catch both, I suppose!" Ein laughed good-naturedly.

Laura eyed him curiously as he laughed. They had spent the day meeting and greeting in the market, at various deli's, and even in a few homes. Ein seemed to know everyone here, despite his years of being away. All the people were indeed charming. It had been a wonderful day.

The boat ride, Ein insisted, would be the culminating event, as the river was the object in question. Indeed, it was a beauty to behold the riverbank rich in jungle foliage and wooden huts. Young children were often seen playing by the water as if they were a part of the scenery itself.

"I just can't believe this idyllic area full of well-structured Gandan huts would be destroyed by a signature at the capitol, in the name of building a waterway supply for military housing units that would focus on artificial intelligence."

"I'm not sure it is quite as simple as that, Ein. At any rate, I agree that destruction to the Gandan people's way of life is terrible, but I need more than sentiment. The mayor has already offered to house all Gandan people free of charge for their first six months in a nicely renovated apartment close to the capitol."

Ein scoffed at the mention of this generosity and pointed out that the people would be ill equipped to find jobs or learn a new trade. The government was not helping by making decisions for the people.

"You want data? Okay, think about this. You see beyond through the trees on the right side of the river here. Gandans have expertly cleared field areas for planting crops, without destroying the direction of the riverbanks. So, not only would the main food source of fish be diminished, but also the crops planted in the fields that border the river. Currently Gandans supply the top supplier of freshwater fish and the fourth supplier of leafy green produce. Crops like spinach, kale, cabbages." Ein mused out loud. "This destruction would impact the capital and President Hoveting has no right to approve the project when he has not reached out to consult with the population. They have no voice. It is discrimination."

"If you could find someone to help gather voices, make the info you just gave me public, Ein, maybe we would have a chance, with a recall or public vote."

Ein smiled, "I knew it was right to bring you here. You would be perfect for this job. I can work with my connections in Gandan, but I need your help in making this happen in the city."

"Oh no, not me. Again, my job would be zilch'd if they found out I was plotting against the project. What could I do anyway?"

"I've got contacts in the media, and a few in the capitol, if I am careful. I just need you to buy me time and leak the right information. Just basic information, such as the time frame and the contractor. Listen, if I can find out their plans ahead of time and contact the right people, we can successfully sabotage this project. I've done it before; it's called knowing your way around influential people while working in the capital. I don't want you to get lost in the crowd and I believe this is why you wanted to contact me in the first place, correct?"

Laura looked at him with exasperation.

"I don't like your manipulation techniques, especially on myself; but I agree with your environmental point of view. Perhaps the economic one as well. I was beginning to suspect this project was to be placed on President Hoveting's personal accomplishment display in the election year. It does seem rushed." She reached out to give Ein a handshake. "For the river and the Gandans," she said, then placing her hand over the side of the boat to feel the cool waters.