The Freedom Building

by Martin Kendall

As with the ability to hear about the possibility of a car bomb in the new building, John knew the shops would return: ‘Assuming a bomb the size of the last one could foil security and get inside a shop, it would only make a slight impact on the building, because there is heavy protection between the shops and the rest of the building.’

  Fielding nodded contentedly: ‘Can you talk a little about construction now – is it going well?’

  John felt a wave of relief spread through his body, now that she had ended questions on the design of the building. She clearly didn’t suspect there was anything wrong with him and was being less interrogative than with her usual political interviewees. The strange malicious objects in the room suddenly normalised again.

  ‘Yes, it is. Everything is on schedule. If you were to go to the site now, you would see a lot of activity: trucks, cranes and, of course, the beginnings of the new building, towering into the sky.’

  ‘That sounds exciting! Are you there every day?’

  ‘Sometimes when there is a problem, the Site Engineer may need me,’ he said, realising he was lying to impress, ‘but Pete Williams, the partner in my firm, has been at the site far more than me, working on things. You see, I tripped and sustained an injury to my head the day before construction began, so Pete took full responsibility at the site whilst I recovered. Then we both realised he might as well continue, since he was doing such a good job – one person is better than two when dealing with contractors and clients. Otherwise things get confused. Meanwhile, I’ve been working in the background and doing other company stuff.’

  ‘As he was the joint designer of the building, can you explain Pete Williams’s contribution to the design? I believe he is attending the Memorial Service outside the Zenith site today.’

  ‘He made some refined contributions to the design after my initial work at home – as did the rest of my office – but I was the one who conceived the building’s overall picture, its look.’

  ‘I see. And after you finished designing it, how then did you come into contact with Zenith, and did they change anything in the design?’

  ‘Well, when looking for an architect, a company will send specifications to architectural firms, stipulating what it wants for its overall design. For example, how many floors, what size rooms, et cetera – not to mention the Council’s requirements later. After I applied for the contract and successfully made the short list, I adapted my existing design to meet their requirements, but the essential design, its essence, remained the same.’

  John’s research of this period had enabled him to conclude that this was what must have happened. He had ascertained from Janice that two and a half weeks after the destruction of the old Zenith building, which was the time of his car accident, he had stayed at home for a further week and then returned to the office to show his initial design to Pete.

  ‘And when is construction scheduled for completion?’

  ‘In a year and a half.’

  ‘Thank you, Mr Gowan, that’s all we have time for right now, but please stay in the studio for further discussion.’ She turned to the camera: ‘John Gowan, joint architect of the Zenith building – in his own words. Now, joining us from Blanworth City Centre, just a mile away from here and where the Memorial Service is taking place, should be Johnny Walker.’

  The television screen, which had shown John’s incomprehensible building, now showed Johnny Walker, a familiar reporter whose appearance was always dishevelled with loose strands of hair and a ruffled beard.

  ‘Johnny, can you hear me?’

  John felt a huge sense of relief and sat back in his chair, happy that that part of the interview was over without Fielding discovering any of his problems. Now he had to prepare himself mentally for the discussion later. Wilkinson and Abdul Hassim were yet to be interviewed, and John was still required to be present until the end of the programme to answer any technical questions about the building.

  There were loud, echoing voices emanating from speakers, and Johnny Walker was smiling with his blond hair dancing in front of his eyes: ‘Relatives of victims who died four years ago today are now speaking on stage to the hundreds of people gathering here in City Square. The atmosphere is quite lively and responsive – a celebration of the lives of those who died. But earlier, the occasion was far more sombre.’

  Earlier footage of the day appeared, showing dignitaries on the makeshift stage in City Square with the incomprehensible image of the building behind. The dignitaries, one of whom was the unmistakable and colourful Pete, were sitting on a line of chairs, each walking to the microphone in turn to give a speech. Parts of the MP’s and the Mayor’s speeches were shown, and then that of a child of one of the security guards of the old building, wishing his father well in heaven. The next scene was of Johnny, interviewing the MP somewhere close to the stage.

  ‘What do you see when you look at the new building?’

  ‘Well, it’s only halfway constructed, but it’s already beginning to look beautiful, like the pictures.’

  ‘Anything more?’

  The MP paused and smiled: ‘If you’re alluding to its unofficial moniker “The Freedom Building”, I see freedom, too.’

  ‘And what does freedom mean to you?’

  ‘To live in a democratic society of differing views, as long as those views don’t infringe upon the freedom of others.’

  ‘But what about some members of the Muslim community who think the Zenith building is becoming a symbol against Islam?’

  ‘I find it curious how anybody could.’

  ‘Well, Zenith haven’t stopped their business dealings with Israel, and Wilkinson Junior is still in employment, despite his derogatory comments about Muslims wanting Israeli land.’

  The MP smiled and frowned at the same time, conveying a bemused expression, as if Johnny wasn’t making any sense: ‘Do you really think the Mayor, a Muslim, himself, would be here, celebrating this day, if he didn’t agree with this building?’ He paused and sighed. ‘Look, Wilkinson Junior, himself, apologised for his remarks, and many people, including non-Muslims, disagree with Zenith’s business practises, but Zenith is a business and is free to practice within the constraints of the law. Anyway, this building is so much more than just Zenith. It’s a symbol of the freedom of the society in which we live, and today it forms the perfect backdrop for Blanworth people to unite in their grief.’

  The scene reverted back to Johnny – live – who continued to talk about the mood of Blanworth, and then back to him earlier in the day, roaming the streets, looking for people’s views: ‘Excuse me, sir. Excuse me, are you here for the anniversary today?’

  ‘Yes. Me, my missus and the kids come to see it. We’ve been every year, so far.’

  ‘What does it mean to you?’

  ‘A lot. Our way of fighting terrorism, I suppose, and supporting the memory of the people that died.’

  Johnny thanked them and moved to somebody else, asking the same question.

  ‘Speaking as a moderate Muslim, I was horrified by the attack, four years ago today, and was further horrified by the news that it was done in the name of Islam. Let me tell you, this act was not the work of Islam but the work of a few deluded individuals.’

  ‘What about Wilkinson Junior? Do you think he should leave the company?’

  ‘Yeah. Personally, I do. But it’s not up to me, is it?’

  ‘But you’re a taxpayer. The government saved Zenith, and so don’t you feel you have a right to decide whether he should belong in the company?’

  ‘Well yeah, but it’s not like I can do anything about it. Anyway, I’m not here for Zenith. I’m here as a Muslim against terrorism and come to pay my respects to those that lost their lives.’

  Johnny thanked him and moved to other people. After the interviews, the scene reverted back to Johnny Walker, live, who concluded his report.

  Meanwhile, Wilkinson and Hassim had joined the table in the studio: the former sitting in John’s old place, with John moving further
away, and Abdul to Fielding’s right. Behind Fielding’s head, the television screen that had shown Johnny’s report reverted back to flowing purple and green colours.

  Fielding looked at the camera: ‘I am joined now by Henry Wilkinson, the Chief Executive Officer of Zenith, Abdul Hassim, the Muslim cleric and Imam of Cromwell Street Mosque in Blanworth, and John Gowan whom I interviewed earlier.’

  She turned to Wilkinson, holding a newspaper in her hand: ‘If I may start with you, Mr Wilkinson. It was mentioned in today’s Blanworth Express newspaper that some local Muslims see the new Zenith building, which is, albeit, still only halfway through construction, as a symbol against Islam and not a fitting backdrop to today’s Memorial Service. What is your response to this?’

  ‘Good evening. I would have to say, it would be curious to have a memorial service for those people who died without the site where it happened as a backdrop.’

  ‘Some say the makeshift stage could have been positioned differently in City Square so that it would still have been close to the site but without the new building as a backdrop.’

  ‘Well, then the location would have been less relevant and the occasion, consequently, less meaningful. But more to the point, in no way does the new Zenith building stand as a symbol against Islam. The new building is, if a symbol at all, a symbol of the free society in which we live. A society where we can practise any religion we please – Islam, for example – and rightly so. Today’s anniversary was to pay respects to those who lost their lives on that tragic day – may they rest in peace – and if the backdrop of the Zenith building should mean anything at all, it should show that we, as a society, will continue to move on and not be intimidated by terrorists. An important message, I think.’

  ‘But isn’t it your moral duty not to keep your son in employment, in light of the comments he made six years ago against Muslims living in Palestine? And I quote…’ She looked down at a piece of paper: ‘“Muslims go on and on about wanting to take back land occupied by the Israelis. But really, they should understand that it’s not their land, and they have no right to it. In truth, they should be thankful for what the Israelis have given them.”’

  Wilkinson shook his head: ‘Look, when he made those comments, his aim was to try to gain future contracts with the Israelis, but the Israelis, themselves, didn’t like them. He was young and naïve at the time, and it was my mistake for letting him go out there. Believe me, I was very angry with him afterwards for saying such stupid things. He was sincerely remorseful and made an apology through the media, but unfortunately the dye had been cast and, a couple of years later, terrorists destroyed our building. I believe Zenith has suffered enough now and that my son has learnt his lesson. He has a heavy conscience and is desperate to do right by Zenith and the British people in the future. He’s a valuable employee, and to sack him now would be just another victory for terrorism.’

  ‘You say sacking him would be a victory for terrorism, but the terrorists have been brought before the law, tried and jailed. Therefore, surely, there is no risk of people thinking that the termination of his employment would be a victory for terrorism?’

  ‘But we have already been punished by terrorists for his remarks, so to sack my son would be an extension of their intimidation, especially as he has thoroughly learnt his lesson and is profoundly sorry.’

  ‘But your son’s original comments offended Muslims across the world, many of whom also don’t agree with the terrorist attack. To relieve your son of employment might, therefore, be seen as a kind gesture towards them.’

  ‘I believe that my son’s apology before the terrorist attack was sincere, and I also apologise on his behalf, right now, to all Muslims who were offended by his comments. But I also believe that Zenith has been punished quite enough so ask people to accept my son’s apology as sincere and leave it at that. We are a company operating in a capitalist, democratic country and should be allowed to run things how we want – without outside pressure.’

  Dianne Fielding turned to Hassim: ‘Mr Hassim, surely Zenith has been through enough, what with the terrorist attack? They don’t need people telling them how to run their business.’

  The Imam lowered his hand from his beard: ‘Good evening. The publicity Zenith has gained since the terrorist attack has been huge and, although there was an initial drop in their share price after the attack, the value of the company has now more than tripled, so I wouldn’t say that the attack was bad for business. As for Wilkinson Junior’s comments, I believe he should be sacked immediately. Zenith is a large business which was saved by the taxpayer and, therefore, has a responsibility to do the right thing. So—’

  ‘What about—’

  ‘So I think—’

  ‘Forgive me,’ Fielding said, ‘but what about the son’s apology? Doesn’t that mean anything to you?’

  He shook his head and smiled: ‘If he were sincerely sorry and had witnessed all the damage and death which he did not cause but triggered, not only to the people in the old Zenith building but in the Blanworth riots, shortly after the terrorist attack – not to mention the disturbances across the country – I think he would resign, or his father should sack him. Zenith has a responsibility to the British people, and—’

  ‘But what—’

  ‘May I finish?’

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘Zenith has a responsibility to the British people now that taxpayers have saved it from bankruptcy, so not only should the son resign, but Zenith should stop their business dealings with the Israeli military.’

  ‘That’s unreasonable.’ Wilkinson said.

  ‘Israel has continued to suppress the rights of Palestinians for decades and, as a British taxpayer, I don’t think it is right that my money has, effectively, helped the Israeli government in their brutal oppression of fellow Muslims. Britain always turns a blind eye to what goes on there, feigning concern, and many people here suffer from a kind of blindness, because the truth hurts. Why is it that when Israel commits murder after murder, as shown on your News reports, the British government refuses to condemn Israel’s actions? Is it because the British government was instrumental in creating the nation of Israel in 1948? This country suffers a kind of cultural amnesia, and the government should never have saved Zenith from bankruptcy without some conditions.’

  ‘What conditions?’ Fielding asked.

  ‘The removal of Wilkinson Junior from Zenith and the halt in dealings with the Israeli military.’

  ‘Mr Wilkinson?’ Fielding said.

  ‘First, let me say, Zenith is a business that has many dealings with many different peoples and companies across the world. The Israeli military is just one of many organisations we deal with, and we are just one business of many that the Israelis deal with, so it would be unfair to suggest that we supported them in their foreign policy. Secondly, when my son made those comments, he got a little carried away with himself on that day. He was young and didn’t understand the true significance of what he was saying. His comments were not underlined by political motive – on the contrary. He was merely trying to gain favour and future contracts with the Israeli’s. We are a business, and I personally regret any offence caused by his comments. As for the British government, I think it did the right thing in saving Zenith because, otherwise, our demise would have been a victory for terrorism. I don’t think it would have been right for the government to stipulate conditions when saving us from bankruptcy, because then we would effectively have been controlled by the state – a state-run business – and that would have been a very bad day for capitalism. Something of which the terrorists would approve!’

  ‘But you needed help from the government because your insurance cover for acts of terrorism had not been renewed at the last board meeting – as part of your policy to trim costs,’ Dianne Fielding said.

  ‘I don’t think—’

  ‘Also, the reason you were trimming costs was because, as shown in your figures at the time, you were already in financial di
fficulty. This meant the government saved you not only from the terrorist attack but from a demise that may have occurred anyway.’

  ‘Regarding the insurance, I don’t think anybody, in their wildest dreams, could have foreseen the attack on the Zenith building in which 179 people died. Regarding our financial situation at the time, it is true we were undercapitalised, but that was because we had made new, long-term investments and weren’t yet benefiting from their rewards. The government knew this when they helped us. And, let me remind you, we have already started to pay back the government what it lent us – with interest – so Abdul’s insinuation that his taxpaying money has been given to Zenith forever is simply not true.’

  ‘I never insinuated that. What I am saying is, it is unethical to give taxpayers’ money to a firm that supplies equipment to the Israeli military.’

  ‘But, as I said, we do business with lots of companies throughout the—’

  ‘And, I also object to the actual design of the new Zenith building, because it reminds me not of man’s fight against terrorism but of the West’s crusade against Islam.’

  Fielding glanced at Wilkinson, then John and back at Abdul: ‘How does the building’s design remind you of the West’s crusade against Islam?’

  ‘The Christian connotations it has. Why, after a terrorist attack purportedly done in the name of Islam, would somebody design a building with Christian architecture?’

  ‘What!’ Wilkinson shouted, uncharacteristically.

  Fielding glanced at Wilkinson, then John again: ‘What Christian architecture?’

  ‘Well,’ Hassim said, holding one finger in the air, ‘if we could look at the design again on the screen, I can show you.’

  ‘Can we?’ Fielding asked, looking to somebody offstage. An image appeared on the screen, behind Fielding and Hassim, which John didn’t try to view.

  ‘As you can see,’ Abdul said, ‘the uyter eruygg 4&*YGuI…’

  John quickly stopped trying to listen to him, aware that he could not understand, because Abdul was talking specifically about the building. Dreading the moment they would refer to him as the expert, John wondered whether Abdul was correct: whether there was Christian architecture. It was a vague term, because many design features, such as gothic arches, innovations in roof design or even stained-glass windows – all of which were first created for cathedrals and churches in medieval times – were used in secular buildings today; therefore, the Zenith building may have ubiquitous features that could, arguably, be deemed as Christian.