Die Trying

Chapter 2 - Part 1 - The Interim Survivors

January 1

00:00 Hours

Conakry, Guinea

Cathedrale Sainte-Marie

Father Thomas Cassidy had been in Guinea since February and was well acquainted with interruptions in service of telephone, electric, water or any associated infrastructure so when he lost his Skype feed to his mother and brother in Wicklow Ireland, he thought nothing of it. They had been counting down to the New Year when the connection was terminated. Father Cassidy decided to go out to the courtyard and watch the fireworks that were crackling above.

Guinea was a magnificent country, warm and genuine people were common. The nation is well known for violation of human rights, invariable "partial freedoms" and rampant physical abuse which often clouds outsider's impressions. The repeal of free elections while the military government continues to operate presents little stability for the populace. Religion is the one salve that provides cure for the wounded and nourishment for those who hunger for peace, including Father Cassidy who had to overcome the presence of such heinous practices in order to offer hope.

He had a true calling to the priesthood and the fact that he was chosen to go to a small congregation in a mainly Muslim country filled him with the spirit of the joy and giving.

He had been a bright student in seminary. Always ready to answer questions and provide support to his classmates. He relished philosophical debate and scientific theory. Often though, he would need to be reminded by his teachers to accept the word without question

He had difficulty explaining that he wasn't questioning scripture; he merely wanted to understand the why. It did not win him many friends. He was frequently called "Doubting Thomas", which had infuriated him then but now, he wore it as a badge of honor.

When he learned he was to be considered for this post, he studied intensely; the history of the Cathedral, the people, languages and culture. He met with the priest who was moving on to his next mission and the Bishop, with whom he formed an immediate bond.

Although there was concern voiced about Father Cassidy's quirks, Bishop Lázaro Valadares appreciated Father Cassidy's obedient belief in the word and found his questions appropriate for the post he was to be taking over. Here, many parishioners may have the same questions and together with their new pastor, they would embark on the journey toward virtue through sympathetic discussion and enlightenment. In the end, Father Cassidy's appointment was approved.

Upon his selection, Father Cassidy personally purchased cases of educational materials to be issued from the church to any individual or family. Literacy for his parish and anyone in want was his primary goal. Preaching the need for abstinence to stem the epidemic spread of HIV/AIDS was folly, he knew yet this too would be one of his ongoing concerns.

Bishop Valadares had been correct in his assessment of the congregation, they identified with their new pastor and steadily, attendance and donations were growing.

As Father Cassidy watched the display of aerial splendors, he smiled, confident in the knowledge he was at peace with himself and his place in creation as a spiritual leader, friend to those in need and hopefully, a bridge between peoples.

January 2

08:01 Hours

Chongqing, China

Ruitian Road

Ri and Miao Tian had been married for five years. Both were employed as research and development engineers by a prominent chemical company whose home office was in Lyon France. Both Ri and Miao spoke French fluently and their decision to spend their holiday in Tahiti took less than a one minute discussion.