Damned!

The Update

Laura sat at the back of the cafe, marveling at the native Gandan imports on the wall. In one of the pictures, she noticed the same half bird, half man creature, this time taking flight over the wall of spray that bounced off a tall rock that rounded the corner of Gandan river. Maybe it was the presence of religious culture that had struck her during her visit. Friendly people everywhere welcomed her, but it was the numerous artifacts that lined the street vendors' shelves and the shapes of the kites in tribal images that gave her a sense that these people had strong community ties.

While waiting for the others, she ordered traditional Gandan fish from the menu. This was the second trip she had made to Medium Cruces. This trip had been approved under the titled excuse of surveying the river route. She had been a little nervous to schedule it, as her department phones and computers were being looked into. She could only guess that the president had made such orders in retaliation for the increased protests and perhaps the released story from the Village Voice. Luckily, there was no phone record connecting her to Thomas or Ein, at least not on an office phone.

It might be best she had decided to alert the others in case they needed to watch their trail. It was difficult enough working without having to worry about someone looking over your shoulder to trap you. She had called this meeting via the burner phones.

Thomas arrived first, in a customary suit. Laura motioned him over from the table. Laura immediately grilled him on the DOH mandated search through her department. Why was it ordered? What and who did they suspect?

"It's not a problem. So far, they are trying to find out who insinuated that AI was involved with the Gandans. The story was brilliant, by the way. It really has the people focused on Gandan territory."

"You realize that they have searched through all our emails and phone logs. I'm just warning you to check your connections to Ein. I'm sure they'll eventually suspect him. I know you two have been friends for a while. It may be your problem if they come after you."

Thomas looked lost in thought and Laura could tell he was suddenly unsure.

"There was one conversation..."

Laura nodded her head as if to admonish him.

Ein arrived in a huff, apologizing for a semi late arrival. "Imama has had my ear. She is really upset with grandpa, ever since he broke the story that the Gandan people will have to move. See if she ever takes him in again or ventures into that confessional booth. She knows I see him each visit. I had to sneak out the back, I was afraid she would follow me to our meeting spot. I don't need both of them here at the same time, too much drama." Ein says with a laugh.

Thomas looked on in confusion and then his eyes popped when it was explained that the village priest was his grandfather. "No...!"

Ein shrugged, "This is my childhood. My grandma lives here, and my grandpa is disguised as the village priest. Or is it the other way around?" he mused jokingly. "He can't claim patronage, being a Catholic priest, you know."

"So that is why you took a stance against the building project when you were at the capitol?"

Ein nodded and then continued, "Unfortunately, Grandpa would be inclined to go with a good offer. I'm trying to convince him otherwise."

As soon as he said as much, as if on cue, Father McNalster walked through the doorway. The table setting was complete with all four conspirators seated. After brief introductions, they started business. Thomas relayed the news bombs that had happened that were igniting public protests.

"These reporters are promising to write an investigative piece on the financial contract given to the construction company that is in charge of renovating the new apartment buildings as well. Word has it, the financial obligation is a little short and the timeline is rushed."

Then it was Father McNalster's turn.

"The people have not taken to the relocation news well. I'm afraid my parish will refuse and protest. They may even become violent; it does not bode well."

"How do you feel about this, grandpa? Are you with us or have they cut you too good of a deal?"

"They have offered me retirement or a limited secretary job in the monastery. Even after I made it clear that these are not my wishes, their offer was one or the other. I am most worried the people will decide to protest or block the construction."

The company at the table sat in silence for a moment.

"Buy us time, grandpa. We will do the persuading from our end."

"Let me tell you how I see it. For all my correspondence with the capitol, I have always considered myself to be in charge of my destiny. This decision feels like sabotage to my plans as well and the people I care about. If there is anything I can do to help you stop this project, I welcome it. However, my authority is not final. The archbishop has asked me to start relocation this week. I will not betray your plans or sources, but I'm afraid you are too late."