For evil to triumph is only necessary
that good men do nothing.
Edmund Burke.
Chapter 4
Headquarters of the Red Cross.
City of Al-Fasher, the second day of cruise.
First week of August, 2003.
After driving all night for a dirt road impassable, typical ofcamels and cattle, reached without further delay to the city where they would collect the rest of the cargo. Upon arrival at the place where one of the contacts of the Red Cross had its base and drain one of the cars, Nyota Uhura, Archer, T'Pol and Spock were ready to go to the airport. Kirk joined them at the last minute, saying that perhaps might need another pair of hands.
at the airport were divided, some to speed up the process with the paperwork, while the other received packets. They had no problems with the landing. However, witnessed the discrimination that members of the customs and airport authorities committed impunemenyou against a group of African families.
was Kirk who first saw what was happening, when the frightened cries of many children caught his attention.
- What happens? Spock asked when it was also attracted to where they heard the commotion.
I do not know, but I imagine it must be internal police terrorizing some African women. That is common in these regions. The city has a strong Arab influence. Saving
papers already authorized, both approached where several officers had cornered aa woman with three children in one corner of the small place that was supposed waiting room, the sight of a group of women and two men, who helplessly begged them not hurt. Demonstrating
effortlessly possessed enough strength despite its appearance, Spock arrested one of the agents who did hint of child beating. Ely Kirk stepped between the two other men, willing to become involved to blows with them. Before they were above others, with the first totally subject to abuse such a painful restraint in the arm, speaking in tongue fur, the diplomat informed them that it was representative of Amnesty International anddemanded to be allowed to leave the place to these people. Startled, Kirk managed to say a word, watching the scene with his mouth open.
- Good Lord, Spock! What did you say? Asked to see that the rates are retreating.
"I just told the Amnesty International would be responsible for making them lose their jobs as agents of authority, and let these people leave unharmed.
The injured woman approached them, still crying, but very grateful for what they had done for them. Spock smiled, and he iindex that they should leave as soon as possible, before they returned to suffer a similar attack. Almost immediately
was a man who identified them as the director of the place, just as Archer, T'Pol and Uhura were heading towards them with some packages retrieved from the cargo area. The man asked to leave and choose not to return to the Al-Fasher airport for landing of the Red Cross.
Nyota was first called them, and they were heading to the base.
- What happened? Why are we being denied lugar, Spock?
-defended an African family, possibly from southern regions, "said the diplomat without a lot of rodeo. Internal policemen threatened to beat a woman and several children.
"I'm quite surprised when he subdued without difficulty" said Kirk, still very impressed. I thought you were a guy wimp.
- Do not even play "overcome" with him, Kirk! He saw Archer, receiving a slight nudge from his companion. Ow! What did I say?
- Son irresponsible! "Was all the answer given Uhura.
"We were left without a suitable place nearby to receive shipments of medicines, equipment and spare parts, Mr. Spock, seconded T'Pol, also annoyed expression.
-Al-Fasher is the only site with the aforementioned airport, "he said, trying not to give the matter more wings. We can still use the smooth Zalinge, honey. I do not think ...
Yet both women seemed to be unwilling to accept the justification. Uhura was the first to return to the load. CHTMLX
C - Do not start with your diplomatic tone with me, Spock!-not "my diplomatic tone," Nyota. You know that I speak in this kind of situation, being an activist of Amnesty International. Even more amazed
, Kirk witnessed a strange discussion between partners. Spock began to discuss openly with his fiancee in a clear tone between diplomatic and too personal, trying to keep it in moderation, it failing miserably at it. Archer did the same with T'Pol, though not as diplomatic as others.
& eacutee, l just kept silent and sat back in his seat as if searching for hidden, half amused and worried listening recriminations and justifications of them trying to give them.
finally reached the base, and prepared to rest a couple of hours before going to the camp. However, despite the heavy travel that far, and the embarrassing situation that had happened, instead of sleeping a bit, Kirk decided to tour the city with the help of a tourist map, the photographic camera ; Chart and the recorder ready.
Before leaving, Spock joined him. Just carrying a small bag attached to thewaist, half hidden by his clothes.
"I see that you are going for a walk, Jim told emparejársele just a few steps from the main entrance of the house where they arrived.
"Yes, I want to take pictures. Maybe make a chronicle of cities and regions of Sudan, as a short documentary. Let's say ... a story totally tourist court. Could be part of a series of cultural magazines, or could reach hacérsela National Geographic. There is much potential in these areas.
"That would be interesting, very motivating.
"I thought you would be left to dormir a little, "said the American, and on the way to downtown. The ride was quite heavy, and you must be tired.
"I wanted to give some space to Nyota Spock replied with an air of confidentiality. Sometimes you need to be alone, especially after a discussion that we witnessed today.
gesture Kirk smiled ruefully, looking at the road in front of them.
"Sorry.
"Do not worry. Sometimes it is what one gets when you become a hero. Moreover, reconciliation think motivates me. They laughed
por the first time, relaxing.
While roaming the city under a clear blue sky without clouds, sweating from the heat stifling, groups of children joined them, shouting at each step they took, while showing huge smiles and extended n his hands, looking for a coin.
- What do they say?
- Hawaii
a. "White" in fur, their language, "said Spock from crying. That is common here in the country. Not every day you see people with their skin color samples. Much also called atention people with light colored eyes.
-Go. Then I'm the attraction for them.Kirk took several photographs of these children, sometimes surrounding it Spock and battling with them, sometimes all in the group, or when away suddenly ran shouting and laughter, as if something the had frightened.
spent the afternoon on a leisurely walk.
At first, Spock was talking about the history he knew from the regions, being recorded by Kirk, who followed with great interest stories. Finally ended up talking about what they would do in the camp. And when hungerwas present, they stopped to eat at one of the few restaurants in town, in the tourist area. There, they continued talking of what would be the next step in place left to go back to the headquarters of diplomatic meetings, or to convey the status reports from camps to the organizations that sent the humanitarian aid .
base returned home just before five in the afternoon, after visiting some of the areas of attraction and museum, Kirk photographed places with enthusiasm. Upon arrival, immediately joined the others, already preparing to back up the shipment to the Court, this time with the slogan lbequeath to the camp.
"I'm intrigued by that we go at night," said Kirk to Spock while helping to raise some cases with medication.
"It's for safety, Jim. The territory becomes much more unstable after this point, and do not have any protection.
-away roads, James "Scotty answered from the top of one of the SUV, while tying a large package on the grill of it. We'll go hostile terrain and trails that are not registered. Henceforth, we only have a compass and memory dand those we have been here, in addition to the maps.
Kirk nodded thoughtfully. And then smiled.
"Well, now I feel like part of the expedition of Dr. Livingston.
"Do not exaggerate, Jim, Spock reproached him, smiling slightly. There are some shortcomings, certainly, but not as crazy.
-Ok. Trust you, Bwana, "she said with a smile, taking another package in the car.
Just upload time with more enthusiasm because all amounted to hear how the shirt he wore, broke from the party a & iacute, to the right sleeve the rest of the garment to choke on one of the straps of the grid. Kirk flushed between comments and laughter, but did not let that discourage you.
"I'm afraid you're spending more on shirts in the entire trip," joked Jim Spock to have it aside, before boarding the last box.
"At this rate, I'll have to walk with the chest," said the American air and no trace of modesty, mischievous smile. I still have a few without breaking. While I believe that is an advantage. Everyone can admire my abs without hindrance. If Spock had
sidor more emotional, probably would have taken a small bump on the head. But there was no need.
-Presumed. "It was Archer who did it all, just go with him.
Red Cross Camp Ardimi
northwest of the city of Al-Fasher.
Last day cruise. First week of August 2003.
A little over two hours to dawn in the darkness of the night sky and a huge moon still high, the silhouettes of tents in the camp limits beginna shape.
Kirk opened his eyes almost since I listened, half asleep. However, it took only seconds to process that was lying on someone's shoulder. That woke him up completely. It jumped up, meeting the slight smile of almost Spock before him, briefly illuminated by the moonlight.
"Good morning, Jim. Did you sleep comfortable?Kirk
blushed noticeably, and even amid the prevailing darkness, that was not lost on more than one inside the vehicle. Scotty chuckled at seeing through the mirror.
"Hey ... yes. Good morning, trying not to give too much importance to the matter, is rearranged in place and turned outwards, they were heading. So that's the camp. It looks pretty big ... We still
-surround to enter the door equipped to receive food and supplies, "said Spock, carving a bithis eyes. Although it had woken up too, did not show many signs of that. It gives us time to prepare before landing packages.
Kirk nodded in affirmation, and turned his eyes to the outside, watching the gathering dusk of the savanna, and where the lack of artificial lighting could see many more stars than any another place had been. Thought not ever get tired of seeing such a spectacle.
He could see the glowing eyes of some wild dogs and the erratic flight of fireflies in pools and silhouettes tostunted trees. His imagination played small visual jokes, thinking that there were shadows that were paired in the distance, among the weeds and the dust rose up the other cars, right on the border between dark and increasingly weakened the headlights that marked the path they took.
Thus, finally came to where stood the Red Cross tents, secured behind a fenced area only by a few wires smooth. The place was the only area illuminated by several powerful searchlights, powered by car batteries. It consisted of four tents, two de them with huge steps, one medium and one slightly smaller than that. There was also an area away from the shops, where fifty-gallon barrels container capacity accumulated under a flimsy shelter. A few meters of that, Kirk said a building half-hidden. Considered that perhaps the latrines were camp staff had built there.
Two dilapidated military-type trucks were parked next to shops and a jeep which clearly had belonged to the army, all were on their sides and hood painted a white box faceLoad silverware drawn image of a cross with red paint.
Scotty was the first honked the SUV, as if to lift all the sleepers of the place. A choir in front of them, from the other two cars could be heard as well, and within minutes, several men and women came out still half asleep and finished dressing, one of the big stores.
Upon arrival, members of the car fell in a stampede, embracing those who were received with great enthusiasm. Although they were not part of Amnistíao Red Cross, Kirk, Chekov and Scotty were also received in the same way,armfuls warmly and warm words of welcome. Spock and Uhura approached them to see them surprised, but smiling.
- What was your welcome, gentlemen? She asked with a bit of malice. Scotty smiled even more to hear.
"It was ... strange, "said Kirk on his part.
- and enjoyable! "Interjected the youngest, still a bit disoriented.
-third are members of the group of volunteers sent to this region, and the first was almost alone when you sweatN closed the borders, "said Spock, watching the cliques that had formed, speaking to everyone warmly. Months have not see a different face. Hold them a little patience in his enthusiasm.
"While there are more hugs, no problem," said Scotty also with malice.
- Montgomery Scott! And I thought that one day you change, you pervert! "I reproached Uhura, jokingly.
"Not at all. The changes do not go with me, and less if it is to make me prude, rejected the perlists in the same tone.
Spock grabbed his bride by the hand. Until then, Kirk noticed that their luggage had to shoulder.
-I suggest that we will choose our places before you start downloading what we bring, "he said to go to the store that served as bedroom. It will be easier to get to sleep if you already have an available space. The three journalists
nodded, following his example, dropped his luggage tambiény penetrated into the store. Kirk was not surprised that Scotty and Chekov choose cots next to each other.
He,meanwhile, chose a space between the cots and a group that was totally against the wall of the shop, as if its owner had wanted to hide it from others. He did not know why he felt the urge to be as close as possible to that place again decided that it would be very convenient, not knowing whose side could sleep. Although I would find out later that night.
Leaving prepared the cots, the three journalists left the shop talking and joking with each other. On one side of one of the jeeps, Uhura urged them, ready to give no respite.
- Let'sdischarge any packages, gentlemen of the press! We need them here so lazy move that ass!
- Yes, ma'am! "Answered the three journalists, and laughing, ready to be of much help as possible.
Surprised, Spock turned only to see her leaving for a while trying to untie the knot. All around the scene laughed
-Nyota, could be less graphic in your command ...
"They understand me. Do not be prudish. "Without warning and against all, she gave a loud and naughty spanking her fiance, haci & amp; eacute; Ndolo blush violently, tearing laughter from those who witnessed it.
For a while, between conversations and jokes from the group of newcomers with others, spent the rest of the morning dropping packets and taking them to one side of the small shop, a sort of warehouse built with clay bricks and roofed with branches and canvas blanket. Scotty
joked with those who were there, who apparently already knew. Kirk is matched, carrying a box with cans and several unopened packages of bandages and gauze.
-Uhm ... Bones do not see, "he said finally, while leaving thethings in the store.
"Maybe went to one of the villas ...
"No, it is impossible to go while there is no communication with the city or the camp. Must be there, perhaps sleeping it off after drunkenness. You know? They say that got the country about ten liters of alcohol.
Kirk smiled, half bewildered by that.
"But it's supposed to be illegal, right? How did he do?
"That is a mystery, my friend. -Scotty wolfish smile so funny with anecdotesote that the doctor had. The irony of the matter is that only confiscated his luggage with things completely legal and illegal even saw it.
Upon leaving the store, they ran into one of the young people who receive it.
"Hey, buddy. Where is Bones?
- "Dr. McCoy? "The boy smiled at first, and with the head pointed towards one of the largest stores. Must be in the clinic yet, along with Dr. Phlox. A few hours ago brought several wounded.
"Thanks & MDAsh, Scotty and Kirk fired the young man walking towards the SUV where his stuff. Well, Jim. We will go to the clinic. It would be a good time for you to see at last the good of McCoy.
"But if they are to some injuries ...
"Good, do not you think? Met the man in their midst. "Kirk nodded, just when they got to where it was Chekov, the day resting and loading. Andrei, get ready! Bones Come to visit the clinic. Bring your camera. I took the video.
"Yes, sir. The
phe first meeting of James Kirk to Dr. McCoy, the head physician of the camp was too rugged.
With the camera on and lights for night and indoor shots at full power, entered the store that served as hospital. They walked a good stretch of the same, where there were couches everywhere, most occupied. Almost half of the villagers saw a bright area with a spotlight as they were abroad. Separation was made with dirty blankets, and saw plenty of activity behind them. Kirk did not imagine that this was the area designated as trauma surgeryay emergency, so almost to a standstill as they entered the area, to see two young men lying prone on a stretcher with a leg burned in a big hand and a gunshot wound shoulder. The wounded man was conscious and screaming so terrifying.
Scotty and Chekov stood against the two doctors, who dressed in dirty coveralls and face masks to placed, turned to look grim.
- But what the hell are they doing?! Asked one of them, the youngest, in an Americanized English, markedly sureñoy angry.
& mdash; Bones! -Scotty greeted effusively, while Chekhov made several quick shots to the wounded. By lifting the camera with the interior light on, momentarily blinded him, making it more infuriating. Old friend!
The aforementioned raised the knife in her hand, and threatening tone pushed back the journalists following them outside the area of operations.
- With a demon, Scotty! This is an operating room, not the damn television studio Oprah!
-Do not you glad to see us, after so many weeks away from you?
- LONG! Get out of here!
did not repeat the command. Stampeded the store, but continued to record everything that happened. Kirk was the last, most arrested two steps outside the entrance, looking intently at McCoy, who had followed to ensure that there would try to return. But not before giving a grim look at the correspondent, closed the door of the tent and returned to duty cursing and grumbling.
Kirk was still between shocked and fascinated by that doctor, thestrong and authoritative voice, and eyes framed by severe challenging angry gesture was repeated over and over in his mind.
- So this is Dr. McCoy? He asked, somewhat altered, still see the entrance of the tent. It does have character! Do you really think that allows us to interview?
"Oh, yes, Jim, Scotty took from a pocket of his vest pack of cigarettes I got in the city, making one and giving to his companions. Both refused. It will do when one becomes vacant by completo. We could go to wait when he addresses the room. It is almost a hundred percent sure that's out here looking to Spock or Archer. Or if you prefer to wait, you know when you decide to go to sleep. You settle on one side of where he sleeps.
inertia Kirk nodded, somewhat surprised. He decided to tour the rest of the camp, giving time for two doctors to end the intervention at hand.
-
wait to see him in the dining room. While v o to walk around. I want to see the camp.
The other s & oacutee; it made a slight gesture with his head and stood there, watching the recording was made. Kirkwalked between rows of shops, taking care not to step on any fire half extinct, while trying to see what lay before them, as the decade progressed the clarity of dawn to dawn. Gradually, his eyes and camera lens, the place was taking shape of a miserable village, armed among chime stores some constructions of straw and branches, as a kind of huts that served as an extension of the shelters. There were no fences or fences, as they had with the campsEthiopia, years ago. Only saw the barren land, surrounded by stunted trees and a thin layer of grass and bushes, and the vast majority, a sandy, desert, despite recent rains .
not find too much activity in the camp slept. Only a few stray dogs, a few farmyard animals tied to the shops of their prospective owners, and reptiles themselves escaping the desert areas in its path.
Two young women, quite thin and dressed in dirty, tattered clothes, crossed his path, each carrying a bundle of dry branches and bushes. Ambas they turned to him with curiosity, but only for a moment. Kirk I made a slight gesture of greeting as silent and proceeded to take a slide of them, silhouetted against the sky showed slight pink and orange hues of dawn from the dark tones of the clouds began to lift in the distance.
Without pausing for a long time, continued his walk for only one area, the area closest to the stores where they were personal, and the most illuminated by spotlights, thinking slide that would just take it as the cover article. Just took some photos of the impromptublurred village against the gray horizon, and several of some wild animals who were on the edge of camp, before deciding that was enough. The sun king
dawned minutes later when he returned to the area of the Red Cross tents.
Behind him, in the vast space occupied by makeshift tents, refugees were beginning another day of survival.
CONTINUED ----------------------------------------- ; ...
Go to Chapter 5
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