The Arrival at the Bungalow
Christine, the Major, Helena and Gerusa arrive at their new home. It is a brick and mortar house, bungalow style, some 1600 square feet of constructed area, that's surrounded by a garden of fruit trees. Inside there are two living areas, four bedrooms, a kitchen, a laundry area and a bathroom. On the outside there are maid's quarters with a room and bathroom. The four walk in silence until the major speaks up.
—Well here it is, our house that I built a few months ago. I hope you like it. It is spacious and comfortable.
—It looks very nice. I think we're going to be happy here. (Helena)
—I also hope so, despite the premonition that I just had. (Christine)
—Premonitions are nonsense. You will be happy, my daughter. This place is nice, filled with good and hospitable people. (Major)
The four enter the house. They unpack their bags and get some rest. The trip had been long and tiring. Beginning another day, they would fully explore the place.
Meeting with the Mayor
A new day arises and Mimoso presents itself with the aspects of any rural community. Farmers come out of their homes and prepare for a new day of toil, trade officials do so as well. Children pass by with their mothers in the direction of the newly founded school. The donkeys circulate normally carrying their loads and people. Meanwhile, in the beautiful bungalow, the major prepares to leave. He was heading to a meeting in Pesqueira, with the mayor. Helena gently straightens his jacket.
—This meeting is very important to me, wife. Important lords of the land are to be there, such as the Colonel of Carabais. I have to reaffirm my place over Mimoso.
—You're going to do fine as you are the only one in this place with the rank of Major in the National Guard. It was a good idea to buy that position.
—Of course it was. I am a man of vision and strategy. Since I left Alagoas and came here, I have only had victories.
—Don't forget to ask for a position for our daughter Christine. She has been doing little to nothing. The education that she received in the convent is enough for her to perform any duties.
—You need not worry. I will know how to persuade him. Our daughter is intelligent and deserves a good job. Well, I must go. I don't want to be late to the meeting.
With a kiss, the major says goodbye to his wife, Helena. He walks towards the door, opens it and leaves. His thoughts concentrate on the arguments he will use at the hearing. He thinks of the power, glory and social ostentation which his rank of major will give him. He dreams big. He dreams of becoming the Governor's friend and by doing so, getting more favors. After all, all that mattered to him was power, and his daughter's future, of course. Others became mere pawns in his game. He picks up the pace for in five minutes the train to Pesqueira will depart. For a moment, he turns his attention to the poor people he sees on the way. He regrets it and turns his face to the other side. A major can't mingle with everyone, he thinks. The most humble and excluded, for him, only count at election time. When that moment passes, they lose their value and after that the major does not pay any more attention to their demands or needs. The poor, under control of the Colonels, are uneducated and resigned. The major keeps walking and approaches the train station. When he arrives, he buys a ticket and boards quickly.
On the train, he looks for the best seat and begins to remember his childhood. He was a poor boy, from a suburb of Maceió, who worked as a candy salesman. He remembers humiliations and punishments by his father and the fights with his older brothers. These were times he wanted to forget but his memory stubbornly refused to stop reminding him. His strongest memory is of the fight with his stepmother and of the knife he wielded to kill her. Blood gushing, screams, cries and him escaping from home after the act come to mind. He becomes a beggar and shortly thereafter is introduced to drugs, alcoholism and delinquency. He sinks into that world for about five years until one day, a pious woman appears and adopts him. He grows, becomes a man and meets Helena, a farmer's daughter, with whom he marries. Some time after, they have their first and only daughter, Christine. They move to Recife. He purchases the rank of Major of the National Guard and travels deep into the interior looking for land. He conquers everything from the western side all the way to Pesqueira. He takes over the lands and becomes a very powerful man who is well-known and respected. He felt himself a grand man in every way. Life had taught him to be a strong, calculating and conquering man. He would use all of these weapons to achieve his goals. Still on the train he notices right behind him, a woman with a child on her lap. He remembers Christine and her innocence and sweetness when she was small. He also remembers the birthday gift he gives Christine, a rag doll. He gives her the present; she embraces him and calls him dear father. He gets emotional but can't cry because men can't do that in public. His little Christine was now a beautiful and attractive young lady. He would need to arrange a good marriage and some duties for her. Thinking about it he falls asleep in a restorative nap. The train sways; he wakes up and queries his pocket watch to see what time it is. He notes that it is close to the time of the meeting. The train accelerates; Pesqueira comes into view and his heart calms. His mind is now concentrated on the meeting and he is thinking about the encounter with his farmer friends. The train signals that it will stop and the major stands to expedite his way out. Life required sacrifices and he more than anyone else knew that. The time during his boyhood and his life experiences qualified him even more. The train finally stops and he hurries down towards the city's political headquarters.
It's 8:00 AM and the gigantic building is already completely filled. The major enters, greets the people he knows and sits in one of the front seats reserved for him. The session has not yet begun. A loud racket is heard throughout the general headquarters. Some complain of the delay, others about their relatives who could not all fit into the mayor's office. The building manager tries in vain to control the situation. Finally the mayor's secretary arrives, asks for silence and all obey. He announces:
—His Excellency, Mayor Horacio Barbosa, will address you now.
The mayor enters, straightens his clothes and prepares to give a speech.
—Good morning, my dear compatriots. It is with great satisfaction that I welcome you to this seat that represents the power and strength of our municipality. It is with great joy that I called you here to talk a little bit about our municipality and empowering the political representatives of Mimoso and Carabais. Our municipality has been growing a lot in the commercial sector and in agriculture. On the border of the wilderness with the hinterlands, we have Mimoso as the main trading post. We have your political representative, Major Quintino, present here. In the hinterlands we have Carabais, and with its familiar farming it has managed to render many dividends for the city. The Colonel of Carabais, Mr. Soares, is also here. The tourism of our municipality is also developing after the establishment of the railroad. As you can see, our municipality is growing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Finally, I would like to please introduce Mr. Soares and Mr. Quintino. Let us applaud them.
The assembly stands and applauds them both.
—With my authority as mayor, I now pronounce you commanders of your respective localities. Your function is to rule, with an iron fist, the interests of the public, oversee the collection of taxes, and maintain law and justice conforming to our interests. I promise to help you in every way.
Sashes are awarded to them and all clap. Quintino signals for the mayor and both withdraw from the podium. They would have a private conversation. The two enter
a restricted room.
—Well, Your Excellency, I asked for a moment of your time because I have two questions to deliberate with you. First, I want a higher percentage on tax collections. Second, a job for my daughter, Christine. As you know, Mimoso became a trading post of great importance after the railroad and with that, the profits of the prefecture proportionally increased. I want then to become stronger and more powerful and who knows, to even be your successor. In addition, I want a good job and a good salary for my daughter, Christine. She's been rather...static lately.
—With respect to profits, your question becomes impossible. The city has many expenses and my administration is transparent and serious. Personally, I can do nothing. As for the job, who knows, I can give her the teaching position.
—How so? Your administration is transparent and serious? The corruption here is notorious! Remember well that I supported your governor and got him a considerable percentage of the vote. If you don't give me what I'm asking for, the support is off.
The mayor was quiet, and thought and rethought about his office. He set his eyes on Quintino and commented.
—You really are terrible. I don't want to be one of your enemies. Very well. I will increase your percentage and I will give the post of tax collector to your daughter. How's that?
A slight smile filled the face of Major Quintino. His arguments had been enough to convince the mayor. He really was a winner and a warrior.
—Very well. I accept. Thank you for understanding, Your Excellency.
Quintino said goodbye and retreated from the room. The meeting was adjourned and all withdrew from the hall.
Meeting of Farmers
After the end of the hearing, the main "Gentlemen" of the city of Pesqueira gather in a bar close to where they had been. Among them, the Colonel of Sanharó (Mr. Goncalves), the Colonel of Carabais (Mr. Soares) and Major Quintino, of Mimoso. They talk cheerfully about power, strength and prestige.
—The implementation of the railway was the trump card of the government. It encouraged production and the marketing of our wealth. Pesqueira already highlights at the state level. Its districts have become referenced in many different genres. Mimoso, for example, became a very important commercial strategic spot. I can already see all of the benefits that I will be able to take advantage of in this situation. Wealth, social ostentation, political power and unrestricted command. My enemies will have no respite for I will deal with them with iron and fire. My team is already prepared for the rebels. (Major Quintino)
—As for Carabais, the railroad did not affect our finances simply because of the fact that it does not cut through our district. The government technicians saw fit to divert it just before the entrance of the village. The soil was not suitable for the deployment of rails. Our district, though, is an important agricultural hub. Our products are exported to neighboring states. As Colonel, I dominate the region and I am respected. Those who are enemies of mine will not survive for very long.
—The establishment of the railroad in Sanharó was important but not the only source of income. The agriculture is strong and we excel at the state level. Our milk and our meats are first class and give us good yields. As for my enemies I treat them the same way as you. We need to maintain the power of the Colonel System.
—That is true. This system should be maintained for our own good. Rigging votes, fraud, the network of favors...all this benefits us. Our power and our strength come from torture, pressure and intimidation. Brazil is this: A great power structure where only the strongest survive. From the southeast, where the rich coffee growers dominate, to the northeastern parts run by Colonels, the system is the same. Only the names and situations change. We have to keep the people quiet and resigned as this is the best for our ambitions and goals. (Major)
—I fully agree and in order to keep the people quiet and agreeable it is necessary to maintain our acts of cruelty, oppression and authoritarianism. The people should fear us. Otherwise, we lose respect and our benefits. The world is unfair and we should be part of the small part of the population that are the winners. To win it is necessary to kill, humiliate and take down precepts and values and that is what we will do. (Coronel of Carabais)
The conversation continues excitedly about women, hobbies and other matters. They spend close to two hours talking. Major Quintino rises, says goodbye to the others and leaves. The train that goes to Pesqueira-Mimoso was soon leaving.
Back Home
The major rushes back towards Pesqueira's rail station. The train is stationary waiting for the exact moment to leave. He goes to the ticket office, buys the ticket, leaves a tip and heads toward the train. He boards, complains about the delay of the collector to serve him and sits down. The train signals that it's leaving and the major focuses on his plans. He sees himself as Mayor of Pesqueira, right-hand man of the governor and grandfather of at least five grandchildren. Christine's children with a son-in-law that he would choose. After all, a man is achieved only if he can marry off his children. The train leaves and takes along with it the dreaming major.
The rhythm of the train is quite regular. The passengers sit calm and comfortably. An employee offers juices and snacks to passengers. The major takes a snack, chews and imagines how good the taste of victory and success is. He had gone to a meeting and had come back with his plans implemented. He would be entitled to a higher percentage of taxes and a good job for his daughter. What more could he want? He was a made man, happy in his marriage and had a beautiful daughter. He held the rank of Major of the National Guard, which he had bought, and that gave him the right to politically dominate Mimoso. The only thing that would make him happier would be if he was Colonel, the Governor's right-hand man and married his daughter off to an ideal son-in-law. This would definitely happen. Time passes and the train gets closer to the small town of Mimoso, his electoral corral. He was eager to break the news to the two women in his life. His heart speeds up and a cold wind hits his body as suddenly the train changes its pace. It's probably nothing, he thinks to himself. The rhythm of the train goes back to normal and he calms down. Mimoso is approaching closer and closer. For a moment, he thinks that the world could be fairer and that all should be winners just as he was. He attempts to deviate from this thought. He learned since childhood what life was like and knew it wouldn't change from one minute to the next. He still bore the marks of his suffering: His father's punishments, the fight with his older brothers, the murder he had committed. His brain kept those memories intact from that era. If he could, he would toss those memories in the garbage, far, far away. The train whistles signaling that it will stop. Passengers fix their hair and clothes. The train passes and everyone gets off, including the major. The arrival is relaxed and he is all smiles. After all, he came back from Pesqueira victorious.
The Announcement
Upon getting off the train, the major heads to the station, says hello to Rivanio and asks if everything is okay. He replies yes and the major bids farewell and leaves for his house. Along the way, he meets some people and they talk about education. He hurries his steps and in a few minutes is near his residence. Upon arriving, he enters without ceremony, and finds Gerusa cleaning house and sends her to call the two women in his life. They arrive and hug and kiss him. The major asks that they sit and they obey promptly.
—I just came from the meeting I had in Pesqueira and the news couldn't be better. First, I will receive a higher percentage on the taxes that I collect. Second, I got the job of tax collector for my beloved daughter Christine. What do you think?
—Sensational. I am proud to be the wife of a man with true character such as you. We will only become richer and more powerful as time progresses.
—I'm happy for you, Daddy. Don't you think that the job of tax collector is a bit masculine for me?
—Aren't you happy, daughter? It's a great job and with adequate remuneration. I don't think it's a man's job. It is a position of high trust that only you can perform.
—Of
course it's a great job. As her mother, I approve unreservedly.
—OK. You have convinced me. When do I begin?
—Tomorrow. Your function is to monitor and enforce the official tax collector, Claudio, son of Paulo Pereira, owner of the gas station. He is responsible and honest but it's like the story says, opportunity makes the man.
—I think it will be good for me. It's a great opportunity to meet people and make friends.
The major retires and goes to take a bath. Christine goes back to the knitting that she was doing before her father arrived and Helena goes to give orders to the kitchen maid. The next day would be her first day on the job.
The First Day of Work
A new day begins. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the morning breeze envelopes the bungalow. Christine had just woken up after a deep and revitalizing sleep. The dream she had the night before had left her deeply intrigued. She dreamed of the convent and the nuns who she learn to admire during the three years of her life devoted to religion. They participated in her wedding. What did that mean? It wasn't in her plans to marry at that time. She was young, free and full of plans. Her sense of self-protection cried out inside her. No, she really wasn't ready for marriage. She stretches quietly in her bed and looks at the time. It was close to 6:30 AM. She gets up, yawns and goes to the bathroom of the suite. She goes in, turns on the faucet and the cold water carries her to her convent times. She remembers the gardener who worked there and his son who had captivated her. They began romantic games and took walks together and in no time she had discovered that she was in love. Her contact continued with the gardener's son but one day one of the nuns caught them kissing. The Mother Superior was consulted, Christine's bags were packed and she was expelled from the convent. On this day she felt a great relief. Relief of no longer lying to herself or to life itself. The contact with the gardener's son was disbanded; she forgets him and leaves for home. Her mother and father greet her at home with surprise. She disappointed her mother and gave new hope to her father who wanted to see her married with children. Time passed and she hadn't fallen in love since. She learned to knit and embroider to better pass the time. Now she was employed as tax collector by her father's influence. She felt anxious and nervous about the new situation. She turns off the cold water, soaps up and begins to imagine her new coworker, Claudio. She pictures a tall, blond boy, full of tattoos. She likes what she sees and continues bathing. She cleans her body roughly as if she was taking out impurities from her very soul. She turns off the faucet and puts on two towels: A larger one on her body and a smaller one on her head. She walks out of the suite and goes to the kitchen to have breakfast. She sits, serves herself some cake, and greets her father and mother. The major begins to make conversation.
Opposing Forces Page 8