A novel of ideas with nonstop suspenseful action.
Part 1 - Faith and Reason
The Current Month, Day 1 - The I-TON
“I swear to defend, preserve, and live by the Constitution of the Saviors’ Isle.”
Jay Rahman was elected Chief Civilian Executive of the 570-square-mile island located eight hundred miles west of Senna, a province of the Republic of Ibelyn. As he took the oath of office, his wife and their fifteen-year-old son, Jawo Rahman, looked on proudly. Jaya Rahman, Jay’s beloved older sister, rejoiced.
Over five hundred citizens cheered and celebrated by the massive cliff high above the sea in the northernmost part of the island. They basked in the early morning sunshine. They applauded Jay as he finished his speech, stepped down from the podium, and mingled with the revelers.
The revelry was a total departure from tradition. In eleven days, the holy month for honoring humility, sacrifice, and suffering would commence.
Two men and a woman looked at the happy faces and had the same disapproving thoughts: “These people worship pleasure and pride. They must be made to see the error of their ways!” The codename of the older man was Suff; the younger man was dubbed by their secret group as Sac. Humi was the woman’s alias.
As the citizens relished the festivities, a delegation from the Union of Ibelyn arrived looking for Dr. Ari Hugo.
The doctor had studied saxitoxin since he arrived back in the Saviors’ Isle four years ago. A month prior to the election, he saved the lives of numerous islanders, including Jay and his family, after they ate seafood infected with red tide. Moreover, an Ari chemical formulation eradicated red tide around the island.
The large medicine supply that Ari sent to his Uncle Ethan in Senna also saved many lives in Ibelyn. Residents of the Republic of Ibelyn paid for the red tide drug, and ordered huge quantities of the chemical product.
The Union of Ibelyn was located north of the Republic of Ibelyn. The latter seceded from the former after the great invasion almost two centuries ago.
The delegation demanded that Ari give up the medicine and the red tide buster for humanity. The Union officials pontificated, “It is evil to profit from suffering, from what people cannot do without.”
Ari was direct. “I deal exclusively with traders.” He turned his back and moved away from the delegation.
“Please explain, Dr. Hugo.”
“You are free not to buy what I spent four years to create. I am free to sell the fruits of my labors in a manner of my choosing; I earned the right. I transact with people who respect property rights. If you are here as advocates for people who desire the unearned, you have wasted your time.”
“But people need your creations! The medicine for red tide poisoning is necessary to save lives. The product that eradicates red tide is absolutely essential to the livelihood of fishermen and to increase the food supply.”
“By your reasoning, only those who create products or offer services that have nothing to do with saving or improving lives may trade; that those who do otherwise forfeit their rights.”
“The public needs your medicine and your red tide buster, especially the poor folks!”
“As I will not be ruled by a single human being, neither will I forfeit my rights to the public. An emperor has no claim on me; neither does a poor man. Need is not a claim.”
Many appreciated Ari’s principled stance which was in keeping with the individual rights enshrined in the island’s Constitution. But some vowed to destroy him. Each thought, “Ari is a danger to our cause and to society. He must be stopped!”
Ari had shown that nature could be understood and dealt with, not feared nor accepted passively. Storms and droughts had destroyed crops; epidemic diseases had killed poultry and cattle; red tide had poisoned mussels and fish. Nature had wreaked havoc. Food production on the island had required backbreaking labor. Islanders had to travel to Ibelyn to see a doctor or attend school. Life on the island had been very hard. The arrival of Ari Hugo and his wife, Glenda, was a boon to the country. She was an educator. They represented progress and exemplified that everything was achievable.
While Ari was with the delegation, his ten-year-old daughter, Lola, was with a classmate in the new obstacle course, a hundred meters to the left of where a sumptuous buffet breakfast was laid out for the early morning celebrations.
“Let’s try! Let’s do it.” Lola successfully hurdled the difficult obstacle course. She urged her classmate to do the same. “It’s your turn.”
“I’m ashamed.”
“There is no reason to be.”
“Okay, I’ll try. Don’t laugh at me.”
“I laugh when I am happy. I don’t laugh to embarrass people.”
“What if I fail?”
“Lessons learned, and then try again.”
Lola’s classmate focused. She exerted her very best effort. “I did it! I did it so well! Oh… I should be humble.”
“Why?”
“It’s good to be humble.”
“Why?”
“Everybody says so.”
“I am not humble,” Lola declared. “I respect and love myself. I always do my best because I don’t ever want to feel low and small.”
Lola’s classmate realized that self-love was the hallmark of a good person.
Later, Lola joined her best friend, ten-year-old Toni Connor. Toni brought their latest science project, a transmitter-receiver. They had successfully tested the device the day before. They enjoyed playing with it while recording their observations on static interference and the distance factor. The girls also practiced communicating in a private code.
Another classmate observed the two girls enjoying each other’s company. The recent series of tests where Toni got the highest scores, particularly in Science and Math, came to her mind as Grandmother Connor summoned Toni. The classmate joined Lola and asked, “Don’t you want to be better than Toni?”
Lola replied, “I don’t compare myself to anyone. I want to be good – period. I want to be the best I can be. I also admire intelligent people, like Toni.”
Meanwhile, Grandmother Connor gently admonished, “Toni, the Holy Book warns of proud, ambitious people and their punishment. Study the Holy Teachings and pray more often, instead of performing experiments. Read the Holy Book more faithfully, rather than science books.”
“Grandmother, God does not punish,” Toni smiled confidently. “I enjoy finding out about God’s creations. The mind and body are wonderful gifts from God. Surely, He wants us to use them.”
Just then, Toni heard her sister’s name. Eighteen-year-old Alisa Connor joined Josephine Schwartz on the podium. The two ladies sang and played the guitar.
Alisa had worked very hard and had taken care of Toni ever since their parents’ boat exploded seven years ago.
Josephine lost sight in her right eye when she was eleven. Yet, at that young age, she vowed to make mining her vocation. At twenty-five years of age, she was completely blind. Nonetheless, with her strong will and steadfast determination, she remained the driving force of the island’s mining industry, her brainchild.
Alisa and Josephine projected vitality and confidence. Their zest for life inspired the thought, “Do not give up. Rise. Go forward.”
Alisa worked in The Fun House owned by Frank Thomas, a retired decorated soldier. The property consisted of a theater, dance hall, lounge, bakery with a snack counter, merchandise store, and a children’s playground.
Suff, Sac, and Humi thought of Frank’s property as The Hell House. They harbored the same sentiments: “Those who cause people to disobey the Holy Teachings must be punished!”
The head of the holy faith, Santo Sacrificio, stood beside Ron Balian, an architect who took the preliminary vows of a holy man two years ago. They were surrounded by people singing along with Alisa and Josephine.
Ron was three years older than Alisa. Like her, he was eleven years old when his parents, Collin and Demi Balian, were thought to have met an accident. Like the Connor parents, their bodies were never found. Ron and Alisa understood each other’s terrible sorrow. Behind their calm façade was an anguish that squeezed the heart. Everyday was a battle to defeat pain and suffering.
Ron had his father’s intelligent face and his mother’s radiant eyes. His skin color was a perfect blend of Collin’s dark skin and Demi’s light complexion. After the tragedy that befell his parents, Ron solemnly told his grandparents and their friends, “Father held dear that suffering is not a value and that happiness is the aim of one’s existence.”
Seven years ago, Santo Sacrificio extolled suffering during the prayer session held for Alisa’s parents, Ali and Dyosa Connor. “Blessed are they who suffer… ”
Grandmother Connor was then too distraught to speak. The then eleven-year-old Alisa thanked the group and recounted, “Almost two centuries ago on this island, children as young as eight and others no older than twelve beheld their fallen parents. With wrenching anguish, they ran to their chosen posts and defended their country.” She looked at her then three-year-old sister, Toni, and resolved, “I have chosen my own post.” Her eyes were on Ron as she continued, “I have chosen my path. I will travel the road to happiness everyday.”
Frank found it suspicious that Ali and Dyosa Connor met the same fate as Ari’s parents, Ivan and Kori Hugo. Frank suspected that the disappearance of the Connors, Balians, and Hugos was contrived by a single evil group. He believed that his friends were still alive.
Six weeks after the Connor tragedy came the month for honoring humility, sacrifice, and suffering. A number of children asked probing questions. They noticed the stark contrast between Ron and Alisa battling great sorrow, as well as Josephine overcoming a tragic affliction, and the self-deprivation, self-inflicted pain and suffering that many folks engaged in, especially during the holy month.
In a prayer session, then eight-year-old Jawo asked his parents, “Father, Mother, do you want me to suffer?”
“No. Of course not. Not ever. No parent would want that.”
“Then why do some think that God wants people to suffer?”
The adults could not justify attributing a sickening trait to the Almighty.
As the islanders continued to celebrate by the cliff, the other members of the cabal, two men and two women, fueled the outrage of Suff, Sac, and Humi. The secret group called their leader, Head-Hunter; the other man was codenamed Fort; the two women were known as Gem and Glitter. Each member thought of ways to tear down those who did not follow traditions or who did not believe in the Holy Book. Each craved, “God’s will be done! I must impose the sacred traditions at all cost!”
Back on the podium, Santo Sacrificio was called on next to speak. He prayed, “God, please have mercy on those who do not worship, praise, and serve you. Forgive them for not doing your will, for their ambition, pride, and self-esteem, and for not believing in man’s weakness. To all dear Saints, pray for them and help them see that self-sacrifice and suffering are pleasing in God’s eyes.”
When it was Toni’s turn, she prayed, “God, You are all-good and all-loving. You do not need anyone’s praises – You are not insecure. You do not need anyone’s service – You are complete and all-powerful. You have no use for servants - You do not want slaves or robots. You are not a sacrifice profiteer. You are not a sadist – it must break your heart to see anyone suffer. You want people to be happy, and have given us everything needed to achieve happiness – our minds and bodies, this earth and the universe.”
Toni requested Ron to speak after her.
Ron contended, “There are people who have demonstrated how powerful the mind is – they have created medicines, built engineering marvels, great boats and other forms of travel, fuel plants, and a tower of lights. Every advancement shows how great God is. There should be so much more to discover and each discovery will better the lives of mankind. It is pleasing to God that we use His gifts and understand how great His creations are.”
The merriment continued.
Suff, Sac, and Humi were of the same mind: “I am God’s soldier. I must defend God’s will!”
Fort inflamed their anger. “Those who influence people to spurn the Holy Book are evil. Those who flaunt that they do not need God, those who worship pleasure and science, must be made to repent and fear the wrath of God.”
Head-Hunter stoked the avengeful fury of his cabal. “Proud, happy, ambitious people cannot be ruled. We must step up measures to force them to submit. An Armageddon is needed again. These people must be punished for their sins.”
Legend attributed the destruction of the wonders created by the island’s founding heroes to God’s wrath. What betided the founders and their legacy was a mystery. Over the decades, many people searched for the legendary underground chambers, believing that they would find the Heroes’ Journals and other treasures.
Ron joined Alisa. Her intelligent, beautiful, innocent face was a picture of joy. He told her, “You are an angel on earth, Alisa.”
Alisa responded, “Heaven and earth – they are one and the same.”
Jaya was asked to speak on the podium after Ron. When she finished, she requested Ron to give another speech. The islanders were all ears as Ron solemnly addressed them.
“Reason is the faculty that deals with the perception of reality, while faith is the claim to a non-sensory means of knowledge. Principles and values derived from faith are often accepted without question even in the face of contrary evidence, while reason deals with facts and employs the method of non-contradictory identification.
Faith has been used to further ignorance, to enshrine irrationality, and to exploit people. With faith - there is no necessity for justification. Force is its corollary.
But if one’s personal faith holds reason as a top value, then, faith and reason are not incompatible. If one’s personal faith holds the life, freedom, and happiness of each human being as the most sacred of values, then, reason and faith can coexist on parallel tracks in the same man.
This man uses reason for everything that can be explained while his faith holds on to dreams that are dear to his life; dreams that inspire and enable him to live.
Faith in a God who is all-good and all-loving, who treasures each man whom He has endowed with a mind capable of understanding man’s nature, this earth, and the universe. Faith in a God who so loves man, that He respects his freedom of choice.
Faith that God shares man’s most sacrosanct of values - each man’s life, his freedom, and his happiness here on earth.
Faith that human life goes on until eternity, that everything is possible to man, and that heaven and earth are one and the same. Faith in miracles -
Think of a miracle. Believe that God has given the means to achieve it. Think, and find out the facts. Think, with the clarity of purpose. Let the vision of a miracle be a beacon to guide your actions. Think, and then act. Act with the confidence that miracles do happen to those who strive to actualize them.
Rejoice! Angels do exist in our midst, though it takes the highest of virtues to recognize them.
Heaven on earth can be achieved when reason reigns.”
Alisa looked proudly at Ron. “He is goodness personified,” she thought. “His mind matches his good looks.” Ron was six feet and three inches tall. He was proud and joyously confident.
Ron went on to say, “I respect the freedom of each man to celebrate the holy month, but I do not hold humility as a virtue. I think that the creed of sacrifice is evil, that suffering has no value, and that one’s own happiness is the purpose of life.”
Those who envied achievement, who hated men and women of ability, and who wanted people to grovel and weep decided to execute their plans for Armageddon prior to the holy month.
The festivities continued. Toni and Lola played dodge ball with other children.
“Look! A huge boat is coming!” Toni pointed to the north. A boat, as big as a palace, was approaching the island. It had a gold, silver, and black flag with a white letter K at the center.
Frank’s father recognized the colors. “The letter K stands for the Knox family,” he recalled. “But the boat must be the reincarnation of the legendary Derek Bustoz.”
The big boat’s name came into view. The Savior’s Isle citizens fell silent; it was a solemn greeting to a beloved legend.
Almost two centuries ago, the founders of the Saviors’ Isle achieved heaven on earth. They conquered nature by understanding it. They created and enjoyed wealth. The country was a land of plenty and glory.
The Derek Bustoz 2 docked in the deepest water at the end of the pier. Located at the northeastern tip of the island, the principal diagonal structure extended from the massive cliff that dominated the northernmost part of the Saviors’ Isle.
All the islanders were on hand to welcome the boat.
Smiling and waving from the Derek Bustoz 2’s deck were a middle-aged woman with long golden hair, a young man of twenty, and a fifteen-year-old girl. The woman’s husband joined his family. Filled with excitement, they disembarked.
Jay greeted them warmly. “Welcome to the Savior’s Isle. I am Jay Rahman.”
“Thank you, Jay. I am George Knox. This is my wife, Rio, my son, Glenn, and my daughter, Georgia. Our boat was copied from the first Derek Bustoz which was built on this island. It is a dream come true to set foot in your great country.”
Toni greeted the Knox daughter. “Hello, Georgia. I am Toni Connor.”
“Toni Connor!” Georgia echoed excitedly. “Your name must be spelled with a letter I. Hello.” She looked at her brother. “Glenn, could we show them the I-TON, please?”
Glenn invited Alisa. “Would you like to operate the I-TON?”
“Yes, please. Thank you, Glenn. I am Alisa.” She boarded the Derek Bustoz 2 with the Knox siblings. Jawo ran after them. He, too, was invited.
Toni, Lola, and their schoolmates were very excited. “What could the I-TON be?” Toni wondered. “I have not heard of it.”
The people heard a distinctive hum. A cylindrical structure made of lightweight steel and indestructible glass rose from the center of the Derek Bustoz 2. The structure with a twenty-foot diameter rose to twenty-eight feet. From its midsection, a tubular metal, eight feet in height, extended sideways up to ten feet. The tube could rotate around the vertical cylindrical post. The upper part of the post, ten feet in height, contained the main control room. A big letter I, made of pure gold, was embossed on the outside. The post continued to rise to another twelve feet, and then another tubular metal extended sideways below the control room. The second tube had the same height and length as the first. The post rose to another ten feet whereby a hyphen and three more letters, T O N, all made of gold, came into view. Two feet below the control room, two arm-like metal limbs emerged.
The I-TON was fifty feet tall; its post was forty feet in height. Its twenty-foot-diameter base tapered off to fifteen feet beyond the first tube, and then to ten feet after the second tube. Glenn and Alisa manned the control room. Georgia and Jawo manned the tubes.
The I-TON’s metal arms extended. A massive palm and powerful steel fingers emerged from each metal limb. Glenn pushed a button and a Derek Bustoz 2 miniature slid down the metal limb into the palm. The metal limb moved and offered the miniature to Jay. Georgia and Jawo operated the tubes and showered the islanders with candies and toys. Gifts continued to slide down the I-TON’s arms.
Alisa was all smiles as she operated the control devices with Glenn. Ron looked at the golden-haired young man and woman. He realized that he was in love with Alisa. She looked like a goddess. Her zest for life and its challenges shone in her eyes.
Toni threw a ball at the I-TON. The right metal palm and fingers caught it. Then, the metal arm took up a throwing position and threw the ball back at Toni. Lola also threw a ball high up in the air away from the I-TON. The left metal arm extended, caught the ball, threw it much higher into the air, caught it as it came down, and then offered it back to Lola. The right palm was also stretched out beside Toni. Lola and Toni got on the steel palms. The I-TON lifted the girls up high before putting them on the boat’s deck as other citizens boarded the Derek Bustoz 2.
Frank’s military-trained mind was awed by the enormous boat and by the I-TON. “What great offensive and defensive devices,” he thought. “The Derek Bustoz’ weapons must have spewed out of its metal arms and rotating tubes during the invasion. Its massive steel palms and fingers could have caught balls of fire from catapults. Even children could have operated the I-TON and its weapons!”
A tour of the boat’s interior was a history lesson and an insight into the technology created and enjoyed by the legendary founders.
In contrast, the tour of the island elicited disbelief and sadness.
When the Knox family was brought to the hall where the Constitution was kept, George Knox held onto its light steel and glass case. The Constitution was one of the very few remnants of the glorious days of the founders.
George looked at the faces of the islanders.
Jaya stated George’s unspoken question. “What happened to the paradise created by the founders? Legend claims that the wonderful structures were destroyed by lightning and fire. Many survivors migrated to the Republic of Ibelyn; they kept mum about the heroes and the destruction. Most of those who remained accepted the belief that God’s wrath wrought the destruction.”
“What became of the founding heroes?” Glenn asked.
Ron answered, “They left the island long before the destruction.”
“That is the only logical explanation.” Frank’s cool rejoinder came quickly. “The destruction would not have happened if they were here.”
Frank’s face did not betray what he had guessed. He thought, “Ron found the underground chambers! His skills as an architect and his brilliant deductive ability led him to his discoveries. He must have found the Heroes’ Journals. But he is now in danger!”
Ari pondered, “Ron never asserts categorically unless he is sure of his facts.” He, too, realized that Ron had unlocked the wonders that had remained as mysteries for almost two centuries.
Frank’s face remained unreadable. But the leader of the treasure hunters also surmised that Ron had found the secrets of the legendary underground chambers.
“The treasure is at hand!” Head-Hunter rejoiced in silence. “Twenty-four years of patience and shrewdness have paid off. I am blessed! I am a rich man!”
Head-Hunter devised a cunning scheme.
The secret group met in the evening. Head-Hunter rallied Suff, Sac, Humi, Fort, Gem, and Glitter.
“Today, we witnessed blasphemy and heresy on a grand scale. We must act swiftly to defend God. I have devised a brilliant plan. One blow will destroy the leaders of the unbelievers. The blow will be followed by Armageddon. The wrath of God will again be unleashed upon this island!”
Read more about Reason Reigns and Ilyn Ross HERE.
Copyright 2008 Ilyn Ross. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author.
Post a Comment