Let the Dollar Circulate Part III
Darío calls Manfred and says:
Darío: Did you hear what Mustafá said?
Manfred: Yes, the jihad is funded and supported by the African Union.
Darío: And Gjallahorn, seems like I'm on an 18-karat streak.
Manfred: A streak of what exactly?
Darío: of good and bad luck.
Manfred: Why do you say that?
Darío: On one hand, I have enough evidence to push for the movement of a free Persia, on the other hand, we have to deal with 2 very heavy players.
Manfred: I understand, look Darío, I come to talk to you about two things.
Darío: How can I help you, my esteemed companion?
Manfred: I want to know what we can do with the child soldiers, and I need to ask you a favor.
Darío: What favor do you need?
Manfred: Authorization and transportation to go to the region of New Canaan, I made a promise to the girl to take her to her village.
Darío: I can guarantee you safe passage, but you'll have to take care of protecting the convoy.
Manfred: I understand, thank you very much, Darío.
Darío: By the way, I don't think we can help the child soldiers for much longer, so give me a suggestion on what to do with them.
Manfred: We can go back to Shiraz, my brother and I could come up with a solution.
Darío: What do you plan to do?
Manfred: Bernstein has a home for orphans, my brother and I will discuss transportation.
Darío: Alright.
Manfred: Thank you for listening, Darío.
Darío: Thank you for fighting for our cause, Manfred.
Manfred decides to call Dukovak.
Manfred: Dukovak, how are things in Shiraz? Did you take Yamazin for a walk?
Dukovak: Don't mess around, Manfred, what do you care about that?
Manfred: Well, I wanted to know what you're doing over there.
Dukovak: I guess the operation is over. What's up, Manfred?
Manfred: Well, we have at least 500 child soldiers as prisoners. Do you know what we should do?
Dukovak: Yes, I'll call Miguel.
Manfred: Okay, see you in two weeks.
Dukovak: Manfred, I'm glad everything went well.
Manfred hangs up, then an officer approaches him.
Officer: Mr. Horikoshi, Commander Darío requires your presence.
Manfred: Understood.
Officer: One more thing, only your presence is required, no companions allowed.
Manfred goes to Darío's tent and upon entering, he sees two cups, a teapot, a coffee pot on the stove, and two cigars. There's also a chessboard with all the pieces set up.
Darío: Welcome, Manfred, would you like something to drink?
Manfred: Whiskey, please.
Darío: Unfortunately, I won't be able to fulfill your wish since my religion doesn't allow me to consume alcohol with you. I can offer you coffee or tea. Make yourself comfortable, Manfred, we're not going to talk about work today, we're going to celebrate.
Manfred: I didn't know you were Muslim, I thought you were atheist.
Darío: The fact that I want a secular state doesn't prevent me from following a religious creed.
Manfred: I understand, coffee, please.
Darío: Coming right up.
Darío serves two cups of coffee.
Manfred: Darío, what are we celebrating?
Darío: The success of Operation Xerxes. Mustafá's death, and the beginning of the Republic of New Persia.
Manfred: Wow.
Darío: Do you want to smoke with me? I have two Cuban cigars prepared.
Manfred: I don't usually smoke.
Darío: Sometimes a man must enjoy earthly pleasures.
Manfred: Why?
Darío: Because you don't know if you'll be alive tomorrow.
Manfred: Alright, light it up then.
Darío lights both cigars.
Darío: I saw how you fight, in a relentless way. Not only that, but you fight with immense anger. What's that about?
Manfred: I just want to see a better future; I give all of myself to see that future.
Darío: I've fought alongside several men and I can assure you that you're not just fighting for the future or money. You're fighting for something more, but I still haven't understood why.
Manfred: It's just that and the money, don't get me wrong, I'm interested in your cause. But there's no other reason.
Darío: It's not just that, you cared about that unknown girl, you prevented us from killing her.
Manfred: Is this an interrogation?
Darío: No, I just want to get to know you better, would you grant me the pleasure of playing a game of chess?
Manfred: I can't say no, but I warn you, I'm not very good at chess.
Darío: I just want to get to know you, I'm not judging you.
Manfred and Darío sit down and play a game of chess. After ten minutes:
Darío: Checkmate.
Manfred: I told you I'm not good at this game.
Darío: That doesn't matter, I already have an idea of what you're like.
Manfred: And what idea do you have of me?
Darío: That's my secret, tell me. Why did you decide to pilot an MS, and why start a security company?
Manfred: I pilot the MS so my brother doesn't have to, and well, we started the company because there's a demand for private pilots.
Darío: Don't lie to me, Manfred. If you only cared about money, you wouldn't have asked me to have mercy on the child soldiers. Why did you start the company?
Manfred: We started it because we lost everything we had.
Darío: What do you mean?
Manfred: Have heard about the massacre in Monterrey? the one that happened months ago.
Darío: Yes, what about it?
Manfred: Our parents were killed in the massacre.
Darío: I understand, you want revenge.
Manfred: Yes.
Darío: Let me give you some advice, if you're going to seek revenge, dig two graves. But I still don't understand why you wanted me not to kill those child soldiers.
Manfred: Those children could have been my brother and me.
Darío: I understand.
Manfred: Why did you help me?
Darío: Minors are usually forced to fight or indoctrinated. They are victims that I don't want to kill, they're not innocent, but they're not guilty either.
Manfred: Why did you say I should dig two graves?
Darío: Simple, one grave for your enemy and one for yourself.
Manfred: Do you have a family?
Darío: I had, but I lost them thanks to these extremists 20 years ago.
Manfred: I'm sorry.
Darío: Don't worry, with time all wounds heal. Do you want another cup of coffee?
Manfred: Yes, please.
The two men talked until nightfall.
When it was dark, Darío puts all the adult prisoners in a line, to form his soldiers.
Darío: Attention, aim.
Manfred: Wait.
Darío: What are you doing?
Manfred: I'm not going to prevent the deaths of these men, but we have to give them a cigarette.
Darío smiles.
Darío: Ha, it seems you learned from our dialogue.
Darío: Attention, aim, fire.
Gunshots are heard, the bodies fall into a pit behind them, and the soldiers pass, finishing off each corpse. Then they begin to bury the bodies.
Manfred talks to Fiora.
Manfred: Was there someone you cared about very much in that pit?
Fiora: Except for my brother, no.
Manfred: Well, let's go to Shiraz.
Fiora: The deal was that you would take me to New Canaan.
Manfred: Yes, but we must do something with the child soldiers, we can't leave them alone.
Fiora: I hope you keep your promise.
Manfred: We will.
At dawn, a convoy is prepared headed for the village of Fiora. Darío speaks to Manfred.
Darío: From now on, the children are your responsibility.
Manfred: Don't worry, Commander, thank you.
At dawn, a convoy is prepared heading to Shiraz. Darius' troops pack up what remains of the enemy's arsenal, and Miguel receives a call from Dukovak.
Miguel: What's up, my Duko? How are things in Persia?
Dukovak: Good, how's your business going?
Miguel: Fine, all good. What's the call about, my Duko?
Dukovak: Would you be interested in another act of charity?
Miguel: What's up, my Duko, are you suddenly a revolutionary?
Dukovak: No, Manfred freed 500 child soldiers; we need to transport them to Mars.
Miguel: You should have started with that. See you in a week.
Dukovak: Regarding transportation costs, Manfred got a shipment that could help you.
Miguel: Don't worry about it, kid, when it comes to helping, I'll be there.
Dukovak: Alright, see you in a week in Shiraz.
Miguel: Okay then.
Miguel's ship arrives in Shiraz and finds Dukovak with Yamazin.
Miguel: What's up, my buddy, long time no see.
Dukovak: We're getting by, my friend, how was the journey?
Miguel: Fine, where's Manfred?
Dukovak: He'll be here in a week; we need to get supplies.
Miguel: Don't worry, buddy, I'll cover it.
Dukovak: Of course, we'll cover the supplies for the return to Mars; you don't worry, my friend.
Miguel: Okay then.
After a week, the convoy arrives in Shiraz, and Darius speaks with Manfred.
Darius: From now on, the children are your responsibility.
Manfred: Don't worry, Commander, thank you.
Darius: One more thing, about the seized weaponry...
Manfred: What about it?
Darius: Half of it is for your company's development, the other half is ours.
Manfred: Thank you very much, Commander.
Darius: It's the only way I can show my gratitude. Where shall we leave the children?
Manfred: At the Inter-Spaceport; a friend of ours will make sure they get to Mars.
Darius: Let's go then, we don't have all day.
Several trucks full of children arrive at the port, Dukovak, Yamazin, and Miguel await at the gate.
As Manfred gets off, he hugs his brother, greets Yamazin, and talks with Miguel.
Miguel: How's it going, my Manfred, it's been a while, how was your mission?
Manfred: You could say it went well. And you?
Miguel: Me? All good, managing the business.
Manfred: That's good to hear.
Miguel: Manfred, your brother told me you freed a bunch of kids; don't worry about the costs, your brother and I will cover it.
Manfred: Thank you very much, Miguel. Take care of the kids.
Miguel: Okay then.
Darius helps the children off the trucks and notices Miguel's presence. He overhears his conversation with Manfred.
Darius: Is that the "Starlord"?
Manfred: What are you talking about?
Darius: Your friend, he's known by other names too, the "Lord of Death," the "Merchant of War," among others.
Dukovak: Do you want me to introduce you?
Miguel: Don't worry, buddy. That's right, I'm the Starlord, what can I do for you?
Darius: I can't believe they know the most important smuggler in all of space.
Manfred: What are you talking about?
Darius: Your friend earned the nickname Starlord because he moves his merchandise on passenger ships. He has a monopoly in the inter-space passenger transport industry.
Dukovak: So?
Darius: So far, he's the only independent smuggler who doesn't answer to anyone.
Miguel: Do you want to talk business, Commander?
Darius: Very soon, we'll keep in touch.
Miguel: Okay then, if you need anything, you'll have to talk to my buddies, Manfred and Duko; they'll let me know.
The children board the ship, and Miguel tells Dukovak:
Miguel: Duko, you're coming with me.
Manfred: We'll have to ask for authorization from Commander Darius.
Darius: Mr. Dukovak, you can leave New Persia for two weeks, consider it a gesture of goodwill.
Dukovak: Thank you, Commander.
Illmari speaks with Fiora:
Illmari: Why don't you go with the other kids?
Fiora: I have to go see my parents in New Canaan.
Illmari: You even remember the town where you live?
Fiora: Yes, it's Beit Shehan.
Illmari: Let's go there.
Manfred tells Dukovak:
Manfred: Yamazin will go with you.
Yamazin: Yeah, I don't want Dukovak running wild.
Manfred: Like you're his mom.
Yamazin: You know he told me otherwise, hehe.
Manfred: Did he even take you out?
Yamazin: He took me to Persepolis.
Manfred: Damn Dukovak.
Yamazin: See you in two weeks, Manfred.
Manfred: Take care, don't forget to keep an eye on my brother.
Yamazin: I'm not his nanny. But I'll watch over him.
Manfred: Thank you, Yamazin.
Yamazin: You don't have to thank me; I just make sure our negotiator and general manager are safe and sound.
Manfred: You're not fooling me.
Yamazin: Take care, Manfred.
The ship takes off.
Manfred talks with Darius:
Manfred: We have to fulfill a deal I made with the girl.
Darius: Where are you heading?
Illmari: Beit Shehan.
Darius: There's nothing there, but I'll do her the favor of providing protection; your convoy leaves tomorrow at 6:00 am.
Manfred: Is she coming with us?
Darius: I have to inform the parliament and the minister of defense; your contract ends in three weeks when you return to Shiraz.
Manfred: Darius, thank you very much.
Darius: It's the least I can do; I always keep my word.
Darío: One more thing, bring the confiscated weapons closer.
Manfred: What's that about?
Darío: Half of it is for your company's development, the other half is for us.
Manfred: Thank you very much, Commander.
Darío: It's the least I can do, I always keep my word.
The convoy sets off for Fiora's village, they arrive, and it's a Ghost town. Fiora's reaction is limited to an incredulous face.
Fiora: It can't be.
Fiora gets out of the humvee and runs through the streets.
Manfred: Fiora, wait.
Illmari and Manfred go after her.
Manfred: Damn girl.
Manfred and Illmari see Fiora entering a house.
Illmari: Fiora, stop.
Fiora enters and sees two skeletal corpses lying on the floor. Fiora, in tears, says:
Fiora: Dad, Mom. I'm back.
Manfred and Illmari see this devastating scene with Fiora kneeling on the floor crying.
Illmari: Poor thing.
Manfred: Damn.
Manfred and Illmari approach Fiora. Illmari says to her:
Illmari: We know how you feel.
Fiora: It can't be.
Fiora goes to the kitchen, moves a shelf, and finds a little door on the floor where she takes out a passport.
Illmari approaches Fiora, who is crying, and consoles her. Manfred squats down to comfort her when Illmari says:
Illmari: We know how you feel, we've been through the same thing, but believe me, you'll get through this, we'll help you.
Fiora: You don't know how I feel.
Manfred: Yes, we do, that's why we're going to help you, the first step is to get up and move forward.
Manfred extends his hand, Fiora grabs his forearm, and they stand up.
Fiora: Can I ask you a favor?
Illmari: Of course, what do you need?
Fiora: I want to bury them, it's the least I could do.
Illmari: Count on us.
Manfred and Illmari request a couple of shovels and dig two graves. Fiora buries her parents' bones and makes three mounds of stones. She stays watching the mounds until sunset. Fiora says.
Fiora: Enough, there's no reason for me to stay here.
Manfred: well, but it's going to be night soon. Do you want to spend time with us?
Fiora: Sounds good to me.
A bonfire is lit, and the three of them begin to chat.
Fiora: You told me you went through the same thing, I want to know what happened to you.
Manfred: Don't be so direct, wait a bit.
Manfred takes out a bottle of whiskey, one of vodka, and one of centenario tequila.
Manfred: Do you want whiskey?
Illmari: There's no ice, I'll go for vodka.
Manfred: Ah, okay.
Manfred pours a shot of vodka and one of centenario tequila.
Illmari: Manfred, where did you get those bottles?
Manfred: Miguel gave them to me when I arrived.
Illmari takes his vodka.
Manfred pours his tequila.
Illmari: Manfred freed me and my brother. I saw my parents being executed, Manfred, it's your turn.
Manfred: Wait.
Manfred takes a shot.
Manfred: My parents died on the same day in the Monterrey massacre, I saw my dad die.
Fiora: What about your mom?
Manfred takes a shot.
Manfred: I just heard her last words before she died, over the phone.
Fiora: Did they kill her?
Manfred takes a shot.
Manfred: yeah.
Fiora: ...We're not so different after all.
Manfred: I'd offer you a drink, but you're still a kid.
Fiora: What did she say?
Illmari: We would offer you alcohol, but you're still underage.
Fiora: I'm already older.
Fiora shows her passport.
Manfred: We're not idiots, the name's not the same.
Fiora: My name is Sephora.
Manfred: Weren't you Fiora?
Sephora: I lied to them to keep my parents safe, now that I know they're dead, there's no point in lying anymore.
Manfred: Do you want tequila or vodka?
Sephora: Tequila.
Manfred: Alright then.
Manfred pours her a shot, serves himself one, pours vodka for Illmari, and all three say:
Group: Cheers!