Josh grinned at Paul and motioned for him to continue their story.
Paul apparently wasn’t amused. A forbidden frown on his face, his voice was even, almost emotionless.
“It took us definitely longer than an hour to reach the second car. When we got there, Belachew, Goytom and Mekonnen were standing around it, debating what to do. They were very relieved to see us, but when we told them what had happened, they looked seriously distressed. ‘That it must have come to this! What a shame!’ Tsegaye muttered again and again. And Belachew profusely apologized for this outrageous breach of hospitality we had suffered at two of their men’s hands, as he put it. It turned out that Abdella and Serag had also overpowered and bound first Mekonnen and then Belachew and Goytom and that the three of them had only just managed to free themselves and had rushed to the cars to see what had happened to us. They apologized over and over again for what had happened to us. But honestly, Josh and I were so ashamed at having been so easily bettered that we tried to brush the whole affair aside.”
Josh took over again. Nodding to Belachew, Goytom and Mekonnen, he said.
“It turned out that Abdella and Serag never explained their action to the other three. So Goytom, Mekonnen and Belachew were just as much at a loss why this had happened as were we. By the time we had all told our stories and nursed our sore heads another half an hour had passed. Paul and I insisted that the luggage Serag and Abdella had unloaded from the car be loaded into the remaining car. But Goytom pointed out that we might need that car in the morning for a foraging mission to get more cars. So, in the end, instead of loading our luggage in the remaining car, we unloaded everything and hid it not far from the car in a crevice.”
Josh had been absentmindedly twisting a strand of my hair around his fingers. Now he cast a quick look at Rob and said.
“Well, to cut a long story short, it turned out that nobody had known or guessed anything. Abdella and Serag had really acted on the spur of a moment; because they suddenly saw a chance to take revenge for their dead family members. With the aid of the Pathogen we had brought. So, in a way, we are to blame, too. We should have anticipated that such a powerful, dangerous and lethal weapon would raise all kinds of unsavoury thoughts. I, for one, feel implicated in this sad development, just as much as Abdella and Serag themselves.”
Paul was having none of this and the way everyone except Yuki nodded their heads showed that they were very much of his opinion.
Paul expostulated. “I told you before and I tell you know. You are wrong, mate. No offence intended. But Abdella and Serag are grown-up men; they must and can be held responsible for their own actions. What should we have done with the Pathogen in your opinion? Just leave it in the plane. For anyone to find and open it; and die on the spot? Hardly a feasible option as well you know. No, no, sad as this outcome may be, we are in no way to blame. Just as Idris told us.”
I wasn’t so sure what to think about all of this. I could understand both points of view. But what was right or wrong, I would have been hard-put to say. It spoke volumes for Josh’s and Yuki’s kindness and strength of character that they thought we ought to have taken better charge of the Pathogen. I looked up to inquire what Josh thought about this, but Winter interrupted wanting to be told what Idris and his men had said.
“Idris’s main concern at first was that unpardonable breach of hospitality. Belachew, too, was very distressed by this. But the other men clearly thought differently. Mekonnen and Goytom were very concerned about what this might mean for their little group. Would they have to relocate someplace else? Were we in immediate danger of being detected by the Nemesis? Such questions were put forward. Tsegaye suggested we should rush after the two with the remaining car. Though, whether in order to join them or to prevent them from carrying out their crazy plan, was not clear. In the end, it took Idris’s authority to restore calm and order. After a measuring look at his men, he decreed that Belachew was to stand on guard outside while we would discuss in an orderly manner what was to be done. Belachew just bowed his head and disappeared into the darkness outside. The rest of us came here to discuss the few options we have.”
As soon as Josh had told us all of this, a heated discussion ensued among Idris’s group.
Winter ignored the fuss and said. “I hope someone will take care of Nulu. It can’t be easy for her. What with her father just disappearing like this? Didn’t he leave some kind of message for her? Tell you to tell her something?”
Josh shook his head. “No, he didn’t. It was so sad to see how hell-bent on his self-appointed mission he was. He didn’t want to hear a thing about his responsibilities toward Nulu. It was as if she didn’t exist anymore to him.”
Rob who had so far ventured neither any comment nor betrayed any emotions, interjected at this point. “What a conundrum! You know, we had been discussing tonight with Idris and his lot that they want to leave this place sometime soon. It not being really safe anymore. What with those Nemesis flights overhead every now and then. Now, after what happened tonight, we’ll all urgently have to leave. We’ll have to set out to scout for more cars the minute it gets light, don’t you all agree?”
“Yes, definitely. And then we have to set out and continue our journey as soon as possible.” Nin agreed.
At this point, Goytom, who sat next to Nin, chipped in. “Will you allow me to travel with you? I am desperate to go home and see whether anyone of my family is still alive. My family lives near Addis Ababa – and I will be able to guide you until there, at least.”
After a brief glance at all of us, Rob replied. “Of course. You’re most welcome to join us. But won’t Idris and his group need you?”
“I have already discussed the matter with Idris this afternoon. The minute we learned that you will be travelling through Ethiopia, I saw that this might be my best chance to get to my family. Idris isn’t happy that I want to leave, but he sees my point and he has given me his blessings for that journey. Granted, as he put it, that I help him find more cars so that he and his entire group can attempt a get-away. But that shouldn’t be a problem, should it?” Goytom addressed this last question at Paul and Josh.
Paul returned the question, “Do you have any idea where we might get more cars? We will need to hurry. I gather that Serag and Abdella might be able to reach our plane by early morning. If they really manage to get it off the ground, they will soon reach Khartoum. But honestly, I doubt that they will be able to get that plane off the ground, let alone fly it to wherever they are heading.”
Goytom vigorously nodded his head at that. “Serag flew a couple of times in a small airplane, a four-seater or something like this. He has no real knowledge about piloting, though, none whatsoever. They won’t be able to get this plane airborne. About Abdella I don’t know.”
Tsegaye had been translating all that we’d discussed and at this, Mekonnen chipped in in an agitated voice. There was a bit of a back-and-forth between him, Goytom and Idris, and eventually Tsegaye told us the gist of the discussion.
“They all agree that Serag can’t fly a plane, leave alone such a big plane as you came by with. They were arguing on what course of action Serag and Abdella might pursue once they will realize that they can’t use the plane. The argument is between whether they will proceed together to Khartoum and try to neutralize the Nemesis there with that Pathogen, or whether they will split up and each one will try to reach the respective Nemesis base in Khartoum and Gondar on his own. They can’t agree which will be the more likely option. They don’t know Abdella enough, they say.”
“Ask Idris again, where they want to go and forage for cars?” Winter interjected. “We need to know when we can plan for a get-away from here. With Goytom, we might even attempt to drive during the night, couldn’t we? What with him knowing the way.”
Without consulting with Idris, Tsegaye answered Winter. “There is a village nearby, about fifteen minutes’ drive along the road toward Metema. We should be able to get vehicles there. If we set
out around five and will also get enough fuel, we ought to be back by nine and can then head out as soon as everything is packed.”
Yuki asked Idris something now and a lengthy explanation followed. Tsegaye translated again.
“Your friend Yuki asked Idris where he will go with his people and what will happen to Nulu. Idris told her that they will head toward Ethiopia but that not everybody would stay together. Apparently, Degu would like to accompany you, too; the rest will go with Idris.”
Without waiting for a comment from us, he went on. “This means that you need two more cars and we will need either four cars or a lorry and a car. That should be no problem. We’ll find vehicles in that village close-by.”
Alice had remained silent so far. She stood very close to me and listened wide-eyed to what was being said. Now she nudged me and asked in a low whisper. “But what will happen to Nulu? Where will she go?”
“I don’t know, Alice. We’ll have to ask. But somebody will take good care of her, I am sure.” I tried to reassure her.
We both glanced over to Nulu, who huddled close to Senayit and seemed utterly miserable. Tilahun chose this moment to hiss something at Nulu. Maybe because the others had all ceased talking for a moment, whatever he had meant to say to Nulu in a low voice, was suddenly audible to everyone. Idris and Tigist instantly reacted. Idris reached Tilahun before Tigist and slapped him across the face. Then he bade him stand in front of him and gave him a rare dressing-down, that much was apparent, even if we didn’t understand what was being said.
This time, Yuki translated for us. “I am so glad Idris took such a tough stance.” She muttered. “I mean, it won’t do to accuse Nulu. Anyway, Idris just told Tilahun to never ever reproach Nulu for what her father has done. One, because her father did whatever he did because he felt compelled to do it after the tragedy that happened to his family. And two, because Nulu is a sweet little girl who needs our all support now and must be encouraged to remain with them. He also told Tilahun, that if he ever catches him making sneer remarks at Nulu because of her dad, Tilahun will wish that he hadn’t been born.”
It was kind of funny. Yuki told us all this with so much satisfaction and gusto, it was more than clear that she absolutely took Nulu’s side and entirely despised Tilahun’s remarks to little Nulu.
Idris now barked something at Tilahun which made him disappear at full speed in the back of the cave. Then he beckoned to Nulu to come forward. When she stood in front of him, he embraced her and kissed her on her front. He said something to her and then gestured for Tigist to take over. Tigist rushed to Nulu and lifted her in her arms, murmuring soothing words, just as it all became too much for Nulu and she burst into tears. Tigist carried Nulu toward where Tilahun sat and embraced him too. First, he didn’t want that, but then he relented and hid his face in her side. After all, he was still just a small boy, too.
“Nulu will stay with Idris and Tigist.” Yuki informed us.
“Good, they will look after her well and she will have a family and siblings to grow up with. Idris will also treasure Serag’ sacrifice and won’t sneer at him. So, Nulu will be able to remember her father with pride.” That was Goytom’s assessment and we all whole-heartedly agreed with him.
A glance at my watch told me that it was by now close to four o’clock. Nobody felt like sleeping anymore. If the car-foragers would set out around five, it was time to get breakfast ready and then start packing. I bent toward Yuki and whispered. “Ask Melat whether we can help her prepare breakfast, will you?”
Josh smiled at me lovingly and teased. “You in a hurry to get going, or what?”
“No, but time is running. And I think the faster we get down and prepare for our departure, the better. And, if we want to leave this place in a few hours, we had better eat something now. It may be a long time before we can sit down for the next meal.”
Josh ruffled my hair and chuckled. Getting up, he pulled me with him and said. “You’re right, of course. So come along, let’s see how we can help Melat.”
Melat clearly didn’t like the idea of Josh helping to prepare food. It was apparent from her demeanour that the thought of a man preparing food quite outraged her. But she relented and showed us with gestures what we were to do. Rob and Winter soon joined us and between the four of us, we carried things over to the central fire place and laid them out.
Yuki had gone over to Tigist and was bending over Nulu who still looked unhappy and shy. Yuki would know just the right words to help her overcome her sadness and shame. But I was glad to see that Alice and Safia had also crowded around Nulu for support. And sure enough, a small smile stole finally over Nulu’ face now. She tentatively let go of Tigist and let herself be led away by Alice toward the corner where the other children, Tilahun included, sat. Nulu hesitated a bit when she saw Tilahun, but he bowed his head and said something, probably an apology, and she relaxed. They all sat down and were soon busy playing some game with stones. Nulu still held back in a self-conscious way, but she took her turn in the play. To hear the quiet laughter of the children was definitely heart-warming. We needn’t worry for Nulu, she would find love, support and shelter in this new family. And, maybe, maybe her father would return.
“Josh, what if Serag will come back here? If he survives his mission, I mean. In search of Nulu. And everyone will be gone. Do you think Idris will leave some kind of information for him, so that he might find them?”
“No idea. But I also wondered about it to tell you the truth.”
Tsegaye who had helped us with the breakfast, too, answered Josh. “No, we will not leave any information. It’s too dangerous. We’ve already decided that. We have to leave. Serag, should he survive whatever he set out to do, will have to try to figure out by himself where we might go. That is, if he really should come back here. I didn’t get the impression during the last few weeks that he was too attached to his daughter Nulu. His sons, three of them, together with his wife and parents were killed by the Nemesis. He’s been burning with resentment at this and when Abdella came and talked of revenge he was all for it. Those two, Abdella and Serag, are two of a kind. But I shouldn’t say more.”
Josh shot me a quick glance and nodded to Tsegaye that he’d understood. It was utterly sad to think that Serag might really have left without ever planning to come back; that he should care so little for his only remaining child. Was it because she was a girl? Or was I just over-suspicious here? I must have looked puzzled, because Josh whispered. “No, I don’t think that it’s because he doesn’t love Nulu or some such thing. I hazard a guess that the death of his loved ones unhinged him. He must have known that Nulu would be loved and taken care of by Tigist and Idris. That he could safely leave her behind with them. Maybe he just saw no other way for himself anymore, other than try to take revenge and kill at least some of the Nemesis.”
“How…?”
“Sometimes you are so easy to read, Lia. You know.” He pressed me close for a second and laughed at my amazement. Then his face grew sombre. “And to think that we brought them the means for their revenge! I’ll always blame myself. We never should have brought those bottles with the Pathogen with us.”
“They would have found other ways to get back at the Nemesis. Josh. Stop blaming yourself. Why, with that Pathogen they may even stand a real chance of doing the Nemesis substantial harm. Without it whatever action they’d considered would simply have been a suicide-mission.”
“But do they know how to handle that Pathogen? What if they kill themselves attempting to use it against the Nemesis? It takes training to handle such lethal organisms. You can’t just assume that they will by chance get it right. No, I feel guilty for having put temptation right in their way and for being implicated in their sure death.”
Josh looked gloomily and I felt like kicking him.
“And I disagree. Okay, our carrying around the Pathogen may not have been the hottest idea. But honestly, should we just have left it there in that plane? Other than that, Serag and A
bdella are adult men. They are responsible for their own decisions. If revenge they wanted, they got their chance to go for it. We didn’t bring the Pathogen for them to use it. We just carried it with us in order to eventually destroy it. So, no, I don’t think we are guilty of anything. Call me callous or what.”
“You’re so cute, Lia. Let’s agree to disagree, okay?” Josh smiled his gorgeous lopsided smile at me and whatever feeling of discord had crept up before simply evaporated and I smiled back at him. He folded me into his arms and held me tight. It felt so good. To feel him close, the smell of his warm skin, his lips on my hair. I sighed happily and whispered, “I love you, you know.”
“As if!” He chuckled. “Love you, too. So much.”
“Hey, you two!” Paul interrupted our reverie. “Get over here and have breakfast like all the rest. We’ve got a schedule to keep.”
“Ah well, it was too good to last.” Josh sighed into my hair and let go. He held my hand firmly in his as we walked over to the central fire place where everyone had by now assembled and was busy eating breakfast. Alice sat with Safia and Nulu and smiled at me. She seemed happy and content, so I let her be. Yuki handed me a mug of tea, she knew my priorities, and I thanked her warmly. I wasn’t feeling really hungry. But I forced myself to eat something because we would probably have to keep going the whole day without another food-stop.
“How are we going to play this?” Winter inquired of nobody specifically.
Paul was the first to answer her. “Rob and I agreed that we would go. You, Rob and I, that is. Tsegaye, Goytom and Mekonnen will complete the team. We’ll carry weapons, of course. And, should we not be back within three hours, well, I don’t know what you should do then.”
“And exactly when did you decide this? And without consulting with me?” Josh sounded more than a bit peeved. I could well understand his anger, but there was no denying that I liked the idea that he wouldn’t be part of this expedition and we wouldn’t be separated. Nin, too, looked seriously miffed. But he refrained from commenting and just waited to hear what Paul and Rob had to say to Josh’s question.
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