Mosa
Chapter 28
The Paradigm Shift
Nina hasn’t got out of her office for weeks now. James was getting concerned. From time to time he went to Nina’s room to refill the cookies which Madam Wanda baked. Nina, as if she’s gone mad, just sat there on her chair looking at her puzzles. James was startled every time when he saw her with a chaotic hair, doubting her sanity. James gave her the briefing for the day, and left it on her disorganized table with piles of papers.
When he got out and saw Stein passing by, James waved his hand. Stein, as usual, frowned at James.
“Hello Stein. I’ve been informed that some of our undercover units were exposed to the enemy,” said James, scratching his head.
“Yes I’ve heard,” grumbled Stein. “We took them out, although one of our officers got injured… there was no harm done.”
“Should we alert other agents in the field too?” asked James.
“It is not necessary,” said Stein. James stared at him, as if protesting.
“All right Stein, very well,” said James, sarcastically.
“Yes, James, I’ll see you around…” muttered Stein, his eyes sparkled. James was actually amazed at his calmed down attitude. But he realized that Stein too was very distressed; the collar of his shirt was tilted, and the button of his neck was missing. Stein cleared his throat, and whirled around and walked down the hallway. James was staring at him, reproached.
“Stein, wait!” bellowed James.
“Is there something more James?” sneered Stein, frowning slightly.
“Yes, I have a question… what is Nina doing Stein? Do you have any idea?” asked James, he sensed the high, raised-up voice of his, unable to control.
“No,” said Stein, rigidly.
“What, none?” said James, blushing.
“No, James, I do not know what in the world she is doing,” said Stein.
“Seriously Stein, don’t hold it back, I’m going nuts here,” said James, angrily.
“Well, there is nothing we can do James,” said Stein.
“Of course we can! We have every information he ever talked and all the data! But he is not that stupid Stein, he sensed something was very wrong here; he increased the surveillance in the market place and training got frequent!” shouted James.
“We do not have sufficient data,” Stein shook his head. “Do you think we can just march into Veron’s chamber and take him out?”
“No, no! But then what? Is it even possible to win this war? We are hopelessly outnumbered! If Veron finds out about our units spying his regime, we are doomed! We have to work fast Stein!” shouted James, his voice echoed in the deserted hallway.
“Get back into whatever you are doing James,” said Stein, coldly. James grunted angrily, grabbing his fists so hard it became whitish. He moaned in pain and walked away. Stein sighed and stared at his back. A moment later, Nina slowly came out from the door with a sad face. Stein looked at Nina, concerned.
“Admiral, did you heard…” muttered Stein.
“Thank you Captain,” sighed Nina, looking at James who just disappeared from the corner. “I understand that everyone is frustrated, I’m doing the best as I can,” said Nina, dark circle looming under her eyes.
“We are on the same boat, admiral, you are not alone. If there’s anything I can help, I’m happy to help you,” said Stein.
“… You are kind Stein,” said Nina. “But I have to do this Stein, it is almost done. Soon the suit will be ready, and then I can pull this out.”
“Admiral, even if we have those, it is…” said Stein.
“I know,” said Nina, smiling.
“Are you sure we can win this?” said Stein. At this, Nina gracefully put her hands on her hip.
“Positive,” said Nina. Stein sniffed and rubbed his nose slightly, nodding.
“Well, if you are sure, then it will be good, admiral,” Stein chuckled. “I still remember when you were a child and still learning how to build strategies. Do you still remember about the carrots and sticks which I’ve told you?”
“Of course Stein, how can I forget? You told me over and over,” giggled Nina. “The puppeteer has to know how to use the carrot and stick. If puppeteer has too many carrots and sticks than others, then one forces others to become his puppets and, uhh,” and Nina stopped, trying to think, glimpsing at Stein shyly. Stein smiled and helped her remember.
“The easiest strategy to beat the puppeteer is to give him to have more carrots and sticks, because if there are too many, it is extremely hard to deal with. But if the puppeteer stubbornly pursues stability rather than expansion, the only way is to enter right in the middle so the carrots and sticks won’t affect you. If one can do that, then…” said Stein.
“Then, one has the power to shift the whole paradigm,” said Nina, interrupting him.
“Exactly, admiral,” Stein smiled, and tapped Nina’s shoulder.
At that time, Tasha and Jake were running, and saw the light coming out from the broken gap of the tunnel. Tasha grabbed the gap and jumped outside, Jake struggled so Tasha gave him a hand, lifting him up. After Jake got out, he looked up, and amazed at the big metal structure right above the hill. Tasha closed Jake’s jaw, and ran toward the hill to climb; Jake followed. The sun was hanging in the middle of the sky, giant rays glared against the black metal pillar.
On the top of the hill, they peeked and saw the children with uniform playing inside.
“Well, this is great, now we get to watch them play,” complained Jake.
Tasha and Jake looked at each other. “You know what we are going to do?” said Tasha, with a naughty smile.
“No,” replied Jake.
“We are going to slip in and steal their uniform!” exclaimed Tasha.
“No, Tasha,” said Jake shaking his head.
“What? Are you scared?” said Tasha.
“No, no I’m not,” muttered Jake.
“Pussy, you are a scardy cat!” Tasha put out her tongue.
“I am not!” Jake yelled.
“Come on, it’ll be fun Jake. Now we can steal their clothes and they can have our clothing instead,” said Tasha.
“I said no!” shouted Jake.
“Gee, you sound like Diana,” Tasha mumbled.
“Shh… be quiet, someone’s coming!” Jake quickly lowered his stature. They were round chubby boys holding sands on their hand. Their body looked like some rotten bloated fish. They laughed and sniggered, making a snorting sound.
“Hey Jake?” Tasha poked Jake.
“What?” hissed Jake.
“Do you think when Alvin explained to us about gay, do you think he meant them?” said Tasha.
“More like a pedophile,” replied Jake.
“No, it’s not, you stupid! I don’t know why Alvin calls you smart!” shouted Tasha.
“He never talked about gays, all I know is that he said, ‘kids, in this world, there are boys, girls and those in between,’” said Jake.
“I’m pretty sure he meant gay, Jake, or maybe some girls have penis,” replied Tasha.
“No, stupid,” sneered Jake.
“Shut up Jake,” hissed Tasha.
“Whatever, do you think those kids are learning the same thing?” questioned Jake.
“Of course! Now! That’s enough gibberish! We got to find out, how can we get the uniform from them?” said Tasha.
“Let’s tell them we are from outer space,” suggested Jake.
“Yeah right,” said Tasha, sarcastically.
“How about we are from the planet mars and we will blow their mind?” said Jake.
“No,” said Tasha.
“Ok, then, do what that dumb woman who always standing in the alley. She succeeds every time,” suggested Jake.
“No, she’s stupid,” snapped Tasha.
“It works though,” said Jake, plainly.
“Oh all right, let me do the talking,” murmured Tasha. She got up and marched toward the boys.
When t
hey saw her, their minds were blown. One of them dropped the jaw and other dropped the sand. Tasha stopped in front of them and shouted.
“Hello boys. Are you feeling lonely tonight?” said Tasha, awkwardly. The boys merely stared at her, dumbfounded.
“Are you feeling lonely tonight!” shouted Tasha, as if she is saying magic words. They looked blue and green, not believing what is happening, their mouth half open, one drenching from his mouth.
“We are from mars!” she roared. One of the boys start running and the other boy followed. Tasha scratched her head. Jake slowly came toward her.
“See? I told you, that chick is stupid.” Tasha teased Jake.
“Now what? Great, now we can’t get the uniform,” said Jake, sadly. Tasha groaned.