Finding Calvin Part III - 3 - Connected

There once was a small monkey who lived in the jungle near the grasslands. This small monkey was smart. And he learned how to use big sticks to knock down bananas that were hard to get to. 

The small monkey liked this, for he never went hungry, and the lion liked this as well. For he liked to eat small monkeys when he could catch them on the ground. But the small monkey was smart: He always payed attention to the lion's big roar, and he always saw the lion's big mane when he tried to approach. Still, the small monkey was wary, and he didn't want to forage on the ground for his bananas.  One day, being a smart little monkey, he thought to beat away birds from their nests with his big stick, so he could eat their eggs and their baby birds too. Soon, he found other ways to use his big stick, and nothing was safe in the trees, except for that small monkey with his big stick. But very soon other small monkeys learned his way too, and now they all had more time to relax and be happy.

But the fox witnessed the ways of the small monkeys, and he became very angry and jealous. For instead of foraging on the ground avoiding the hungry lion, like the other animals had to do, the small monkeys could just monkey around in the trees. 

But the fox was cunning and he approached the lion one day from one of his fox holes, and he whispered, "psst, I know of your troubles lion, and I think I can help you eat more small monkeys. But you will need a kitten."

So the lion found a cat with kittens in the nearby grasslands, killed the male cat and bullied the female cat into servitude, like the fox advised.  Soon, the kittens would not fear the lion, for they thought the lion to be their father.  One day, the lion said to his most obedient kitten, kitten, come with me to the jungle, I want to show you some things. So the lion and the kitten went towards the jungle. But, when they approached the treeline, the lion said to the kitten, let's play a game, kitten, it's called hide and seek. I'll hide in this divot, and I'll count to ten, and you go seek ahead of me in the jungle towards that red rock, but no talking, understand. Meow said the kitten.

When the lion started roaring, the small monkeys

looked down to see, but they did not see the lion's big mane, only a small kitten approach from where the roaring came.

But because the small monkeys never saw a kitten before, they thought it was a baby lion.

One of the small monkeys said, oh, it's a baby lion, let's kill and eat it before it grows up and tries to eat us. So they descended the trees with their big sticks.

But, little did the small monkeys know, the fox was busy digging fox holes. And the fox told the lion where exactly he and the kitten should be when the small monkeys come down from their trees. 

The small monkeys were caught off guard, and they ran from the lion towards the way they came, but some foxes blocked their path and this caused the monkeys to take unexpected detours falling into unexpected fox holes covered by unexpected leaves.  

Many small monkeys were trapped and killed that day, and the fox sated his anger and his fox friends and the lion got to eat many small monkeys ...

Do you understand Calvin?

Calvin: what about the peacock?

Xao: (still looking out the window he starts to smile, laugh, and tear simultaneously) ...oh, yes. He was in another country eating ants and berries. He was too garish and too haughty for the jungle or the grasslands, so he left long ago. (Calvin ignores the subterfuged response)

Calvin:  I think I understand.  Don't act in haste. Consider all possibilities and unexpected alliances and enemies. 

[...]

As they hug the winding road
They'd see many smoke stacks down below
And once they got to a higher view 
The gravity of the attack was now on show

[...]

Donnie Yen: (foreign language)! (Expressing shock and awe)

Huang Bo (foreign language)! (Expressing outrage)

Xao (foreign language)! (Expressing solemn resolution)

Calvin:  How can one man have such power?

Xao:  Strings attached—and where they lead

Calvin:  He can't just set off bombs in a city Xao.  How could he be so stupid.

Xao:  One does not look for stupidity in smart people.  

Calvin:  state power will crucify him.

Xao: Will they?...There will be speculation.  There will be pinpointing.  And they will remove his toys from the playground....They might even find out it was him.  Still, such things take time to unravel. 

Calvin:  What now?

Xao:  I make a call.  I will relay my suspicions.  

Calvin:  Will they believe you?

Xao:  More than likely the attack will be blamed on Uyghurs or Muslims, but the timing of the attack will necessitate reconsideration....we might be visiting Spain very soon.  

[...]

They pull into a forested alcove
And get out of the SUV
Xao walks away on his cell phone
Behind some wooded masonry

Calvin would walk around the area
While the trio waited impatiently 

Ten minutes later Xao arrived

With the next move that's meant to be

[...]

Xao:  [Foreign language]! We are heading to Spain.  Sarah will be our cat's paw.  

Calvin:  What do you mean?

Xao:  She will help us get chestnuts.  Google it. 

Calvin:  Where to now?  

Xao:  It's a surprise.  But we leave now. 

[...]

As they take off from the runway
Xao would lament openly 
Of a history that's long past 
But with wounds still fresh to see

 [...]

Xao: Tokutomi Soho was Japan's most successful journalist.  It is said that when he learned of Japan's forfeiture of China to the West, he took a handful of gravel back to Japan to remind him of the pain and humiliation suffered from a victory so short lived.  (From The Ruins Of Empire).  Do you think the British have ever felt such grief—do they even revel in their victories; or are their souls calloused after centuries of calculated manipulations?  Perhaps just another byproduct of the weather.

[Calvin falls asleep after considering his daunting reality]

Xao:  Welcome back.  Ah, here it comes.  This is the Chimaera Monstrosa.  Its large liver was often used as a lubricant.  I believe that's what you call in America a fun fact.  It pairs well with the American Beauty dragon fruit before you.  I suppose that's another fun fact (foreign laughter)....(Foreign language!)

Servant:  (Foreign language)

Calvin:  What's wrong?

Xao:  They failed to remove the peduncle.  Some like to keep the peduncle and tail on because they find them aesthetically pleasing, but they present hygienic problems.  

Calvin:  The what?

Xao: The peduncle is the stem; it's directly opposite the tail...the stem is the source where all nutrients are absorbed into the fruit... Soon, we will be connected to a very big peduncle.

Calvin:  [Calvin solemnly reflects]

Xao:  Six vans crossed from Mongolia last night.  They did not carry explosives.  Their very frames were the explosive.  Over two thousand dead.  Many more wounded...

Many ancient Westerners have believed that since all things of men are in motion they must either rise or fall...

I thought that we have become smart enough to maintain the balance

I suppose I should have reconsidered the possibilities. Still, who could have foreseen his brazenness?

Calvin: what exactly is the balance?

Xao: in the Tao it requires understanding and adaptability. I think Aristotle's Golden Mean would be a more suitable adaption for your mind.

Calvin: That sounds familiar.

Xao: it's the middle path between excess and deficiency. You know it as virtue.. It's very easy to understand. For those less willing to bend the knee, the golden mean is more attractive than the tao--for It requires calculation rather than surrender.  

Calvin:....

Xao:  The algae in the red sea will be nearing full bloom soon.

[...]

Calvin didn't see any difference
But he would believe in what he heard
For though Xao didn't see the tide turning
He knew many stories of things occurred

[...]

Xao:  One of my favorite books when I was younger was about a Middle Eastern shepherd boy.  He was given two stones by a mysterious shop owner that represented yes and no, Urim and Thummim, I think they were called.  He used the stones to determine the right road to take when his intuition failed him.

Calvin: Why are you telling me this?

Xao:  I say this because there can be no yes or no going forward, though you must use your intuition, you cannot deviate from the road you're on.  We must be of one mind now. This is bigger than you and I.  Do you understand?

Calvin:  [Calvin nods] How did the stones work?

Xao: He urinated on them to see which one showed a golden sheen....I'm kidding.  I don't remember.  It was a long time ago. 

[....]

As they descended in a forested area
A familiar setting Calvin would see
But they weren't seemingly preparing for battle
In fact very little movement could be seen

[...]

Calvin:  How is it you have power to just fly into foreign airbases?

Xao:  Some people are too important to impede.  Power has privileges to free itself from constraints placed on those who have yet to prove their value.  But to answer your question, we have invested in many infrastructure projects in many countries.  It gives us unique privileges.  

[...]

This airbase was darker
With a less confined point of view
Surely less dependent on oil
And more reliant on honeydew

[...]

[Driving out the Nigerian base]

Xao:  There was a time when we thought we were superior to outsiders.  I suppose they thought so too...

We will be working with Black Dragons in Marseille.  They are not like us.  They are like the golden carp that turned into a black dragon.

Calvin:  You love your legends.

Xao:  Yes.  History and mythology often go hand in hand in the East.  But it is not just myth, it is inspired by the strict standards of the imperial examinations in China.  They were the only way for common people to enter into government service.  The legend serves as a testament to the power of determination and perseverance.  The Black Dragons today are not just gangsters, they are a law unto themselves. They will die in Spain if they have to.    

[...]

As they arrived to the port
Though owned by Nigerians
They found a restricted enclave
With those matching Xao's yellow skin

[...]

[Xao propositioned Calvin 
As they were witnessing migrants boarding the large ship]

Xao:  You can take one of them to your cabin, if you wish?

Calvin:  No, thank you though. 

Xao:  Well, I thought I'd offer.  As your Jesus said, feed my fish.

Calvin:  It's feed my sheep

Xao:...If you say so.

[...]

After settling in his cabin
He'd would say a little prayer
And he'd pray in Jesus and God
And that General with the red stare

After a long time reading 
Calvin would find the lunch hall's fare
And he would find the rest dining 
And Xao propositioning him to come here

[...]

Xao: We've hacked his G-Mail. This is what we've contrived to send to his acquaintance Baxton.  Does this sound like him?

 "The poor have interesting expressions.  Think of the phrase get the f*** out of here, or go f*** yourself.  Some men actually say these expressly to other men.  Do you not find these curious expressions, to belong in the mouth of a man and said to another man? I say thou doth protest too much.  Perhaps they fool themselves with their crass language.  Indeed, perhaps you can reason to this, as I have. And perhaps you can reason your way to my mansion, post haste.

Calvin: His first name is Gavin?  Interesting....but yeah that's good.  But it could be more subtle.  Perhaps leave out the last sentence.  And add the term "commons" instead of "poor."  He likes to refer to average people as "the commons"

Xao: Good insights, Calvin. This should at the very least cloud his mind for a bit. And any confusion that we can create during opportune times is most welcome.

Calvin: and if possible, coordinate the sending of the message the night that he drinks. I'm not sure if he blacks out, but he drinks well into the early morning.

Xao: Smart idea, Calvin. We will do this. Thank you

Donnie Yen: (Foreign language)!
(Holds up what appears to be a Chinese gossip magazine towards Xao and starts laughing at the seemingly nonsensical picture on the cover: British royalty.)

Xao:  Even here we cannot escape them.  This will not be a cake walk, Calvin.  

Calvin:  (doesn't respond but just his introspective eyes say all that they need to)  

[...]

After a quick bite to eat 

Calvin heads to the top deck 
For he wants to clear his mind
And watch the golden sunset

[...]

Xao:  Beautiful, isn't it?  The Mediterranean is known for its golden sunsets.

Calvin:  It really is.

Xao:  The Islamic culture is very unique.  Like the East, they love their stories and mythological creatures.  Have you ever heard the story of The Akthar?

One day while a boy was walking with his father's sheep, he kicked a peculiar looking rock.  But the rock did not just bounce and roll, it transformed into a red demon, or at least so the boy thought.  But this was no demon, it was a jinn, and it was very happy to be free from that rock.  The jinn said to the boy, "for freeing me I will grant you any wish you want."

Being a smart little boy, he wished that he could have whatever his heart wanted.  But the boy knew that gifts given wouldn't be as loved as gifts earned, especially if that gift was the love of another person, so he also asked for ignorance: so that he could appreciate the otherwise all too easily attainable.

...The jinn said "To give you such a gift I must see as you see and feel as you feel, so I will have to walk with you wherever you go." 

The boy agreed.

So the boy and the jinn walked as one, but very soon the boy forgot who walked with him—as ignorance was part of his wish. Many thought the boy was retarded, because he would often appear ignorant of the obvious.  Soon, jealousies and hatred arose because of his unexplainable good fortune, And though the boy would come to find that he could get what he truly wanted, he could not stave off what he truly didn't want. So when abuse and insults came, he withdrew completely.  For the boy found that a temporary escape from abuse was more desirous than potential conflict.  So the boy lived in a dream-like existence for a while, but with many bouts of loneliness in between.  Until one day that boy remembered the jinn.  

Calvin:  Then what happened?

Xao:  He slaughtered his enemies, took many concubines. He did what kings did at the time. He would eventually find the balance. But it took him a long time.

Calvin: what happened to the boy?

Xao: It is said that he walked with the jinn so long that he became the very rock that he kicked, and the jinn once again waited.

Calvin: did anyone know of the boy's gift?

Xao: Legend has it that the jinn hid behind the boys eyes, revealing itself as enlarged golden rings around the boys' pupils when he or the boy wanted something otherwise unattainable.  But those who witnessed it became possessed themselves, as if they were beholden to the jinn's power.  Some say that the boy entered such states so often that he forgot who he was, and he became the tool instead of the tool master.  Some say that he was always the tool.  I suppose it's like that with all obsessions.  

Calvin:  So the jinn was evil?

Xao:  There is not enough detail in the story to say.  For we do not know the many decisions nor the reasons for them.  But some versions say that the jinn was the rock all along, and he tricked the boy to let him reside within him.  

Calvin:  That jinn sounds like a demon to me.

Xao: Just because something is cunning doesn't make it evil.

Calvin:  What's the difference between a jinn and a demon 

Xao: All demons are jinn, but not all jinn are demons

We have jinn too, but we call them fox spirits, Some benevolent.  Some not so much.  But unlike the jinn, their personalities do not vary.  They are always cunning and seductive. 

Of course this is just folktale, Calvin. Still, such beliefs exist even today. Some even believe that General Guan Yu can be channeled.

Calvin:  What do you think?

Xao:...I cannot say.  Despite my connections, I do not involve myself in that world.  

Calvin:  How will we get to Sarah.

Xao:  Long ago Chinese fisherman trained a bird called the cormorant to catch fish.  A string would be tied around its neck, preventing it from swallowing larger fish.

Cormorants eat many small fish until they have a big fish stuck in their throat.   

Calvin:...

Xao:  Do you understand?

Calvin: [nods hesitantly, but to what extent he understood he was not sure]

[...]

Xao would soon depart 
And Calvin would too 
He'd find his way to the kitchen
To see if anything could suit his mood

[...]

Calvin:  You work too hard. 

Ouri:  I have to finish meal prep for the weekend journey.

Calvin:  What is your name?

Ouri:  My name is Ouri.

Calvin:  I didn't realize the many colors underneathe. What is the difference between them? [referring to the many variety of dragon fruit on display]

Ouri:  White is the most common type and it has a mild earthy flavor.  Pink is slightly sweeter than white, but it is not as sweet as red.  The purple is sweet and tangy, like blueberries and grapes.  But yellow is the sweetest of all.

Calvin:  What is your favorite?

Ouri: When I was a little girl, I would walk to school and pass a fruit farm by the shallow river.  And I remember how the sunrise made the yellow dragon fruit look golden.  It made me happy to think that things could change, or at least appear so. 

Calvin:  It must remind you of the sunset.  It has a beautiful golden hue. You should join me. 

Ouri: (she blushes)  I can't, really. 

[Calvin, feeling the tension
Glided over her skin to her knife 
And thought to himself 
I will make this fruit cutter my wife]

Calvin: Are you sure?  I think the fruit can wait.

[...]

She was awkwardly subdued.
Like many women in foreign countries 
But there were no attached strings
At least according to what Calvin could see

Was it crouched behind her oppression
Or was it her emotion transitioning 
Either way her hand found his erection

Instead of stabbing him aggressively

[...]

Ouri:  Wait.  I must know, what is your name?

Calvin:  Humphries.  Calvin Humphries

[...]

After a quick shower 
And basking in sweet memory 
Xao would find his way in his room
Disturbing Calvin unexpectedly 

[...]

(Xao hands Calvin a passport)

Xao:  If you need it.  But you'll have to pretend to be mute—for most Europeans speak at least four languages.  Watch some Youtube videos and practice.  Be prepared when we arrive. 

Calvin:  Where are we arriving?

Xao:  Italy....But we will be driving to Marseille, for that's where the safehouse will be.

[...]

Upon exiting the port
Calvin would see a large lady and some cats
With an engraved inscription 
Written in all caps:

Al NOSTRO AMATO:

"CHI HA CUORE, HA TUTTO" 

[...]

Xao: You slept for quite a while.

Calvin:  Where are we?

Xao:  We are in Marseille.

Calvin:  When did we cross?

Xao: The Schenegen Agreement makes crossing into other countries very easy in most places.  Still, it's good to be prepared.  Checks are random.

Calvin:  What now?

Xao:  We settle at the safehouse.  But only briefly.  Sarah and her friend Emily are in San Sebastian, which is very close to the border.  Sarah is extremely private person, but her friend Emily is an eager beaver, as you Americans say.  Look, she's my friend now.  

Calvin:  You have a Facebook?

Xao:  Well, I don't but this Xiao Zhak does.

Calvin:  Who is he?

Xao:  Xiao Zhan—a very wanted star in China.  But Emily knows him as one of your up-and-coming tech moguls at Berkeley.   Yun set up the profile for me.  He's a smart man.

Donnie Yen : Almanac Yun.  He's like you Calvin—very focused (Foreign laughter)

[Calvin looks at the pictures
And he sees many selfies
Including a benevolent Sarah and Emily
Giving a poor man some coffee]

[Safe House]

[...]

As Calvin entered deep into the house
He smelled vibrant incense gathering
As he peers into the room to the left

Calvin astounded by what he sees

[...]

Xao:  Mind your path Calvin

[The door immediately shuts]

Xao:  Your room is to the right, last one on the right.  

[...]

Outside his window view
He was amazed by what he sees
Notre-Dame de la Garde
Topped with unrecognizable golden leaf

[...]

Xao:  Are you enjoying the view?

Calvin:  What is at the top?

Xao:  It's your baby Jesus, and his mother.  Yes, though gilded she may be,  she houses many treasures inside.  Perhaps before we leave we will rob her. [foreign laughter]...

Find something comfortable in the closet and meet us in in the yard in 20 minutes.  They have heard of your feat, and they want to see what you can do.

Calvin: what do you want me to do?

Xao:  meet us in the yard in soon, and be ready to show us what you know 

Calvin: Okay

(...)

Calvin heads to the yard 

To the many that gathered

And some were kind of sparring

And some busy with foreign banter

[...]

Calvin rehashed 

What he thought he knew

But they were too fast

And he too slow to move

Bloody he would leave 

And with a valuable lesson too
Though he's good at make-believe
Sometimes it's different than the truth

[...]

Xao: I was just telling them that your tai chi is good, like American kung fu master David Koresh, but you need more tools in your toolset. 

Calvin: it's Carradine, but I see your point. 

[Though he suffered much ridicule and slights in Xao's presence, Calvin loved his company nonetheless.  He felt powerful, and even more so around the nine.]

Calvin:  What's the game plan?

Xao: We will take Sarah and travel back here.  

Xao:  According to Emily's profile they have breakfast at a bistro every morning.  But it's too public.  We will wait. 

Calvin:  What if the opportunity doesn't arise?

Xao:  We will take her on the road.  There is always a way... 

Though you can't be seen.  You can't just lay low.  You must be with us.  We need your eyes.

Calvin:  What if she did see me?  Discerning her reaction could be telling. 

Xao:  That's a very dangerous idea.  It would have to be a calculated measure, with no deviance.  Perhaps we can lead her into a trap with her awareness.  You will have to be prepared to act, if she should come your way.  Perhaps we can drug her.  

[...]

The next morning came 
As Xao let himself in 
He had news of their Sarah
And her kidnapping 

[...]

Xao:  We will take Sarah today.  She will be visiting a vineyard outside of the city.  There will be no witnesses.  

[meet us outside in 20.)

Calvin:  Big truck

Xao:  Yes. Industrial fridges.  It's how we will store Sarah for transport.

[Unlike Xao and the trio, the nine didn't show a cautious acknowledgement towards Calvin. In fact, they barely acknowledged his existence at all.  He was as a stage prop, to be navigated around or potentially grasped if penetrating conversation became necessary].  

Xao:   We have rented an Air BnB, just in case, though we don't plan on using it, unless we have to, if things go as planned. 

Calvin:  Interesting.  

[...]

[In Spain]:

(A van, a range rover, and a large truck depart their mansion)
(Calvin the trio and xao in one)

Xao:  Some of the nine and the truck will stay back a mile from the entrance, as to avoid suspicion.  And to handle potential security measures. 

(As they enter the vineyard entrance, they notice a sedan parked out front, it's placement looked queer)

They pull into the parking lot and Xao walky talkies)

Xao: (Foreign language!)....We take them inside

Calvin:  I thought you said it would just be them?

Xao:  (foreign language)!...

Here Calvin. (Xao hands Calvin a pack of pineapple bubble gum) Make bubbles. We want to see her reaction when she notices you.  

Calvin: What exactly do you want me to do?

Xao: I want you to look past where she is, towards something that is behind her, an exit, a bathroom. And I want you to think of something other than what you're really doing. Given the emotion that you will likely experience, perhaps make yourself think that you have to go to the bathroom, and internalize that expression....(Foreign language!) (Donnie Yen gives him his cell phone) Here, take this. Pretend to be swiping while you're walking by.  

Calvin: Wait, when should I blow the bubble?

Xao: blow bubbles casually, as soon as you can. But do it obnoxiously American as soon as you see her.  

Calvin: Wait, what if she's friendly and she wants to hug me, or tells her bodyguards to shoot me?

Xao: She will be in shock. Regardless, she will be hesitant. If she is friendly, be friendly back, but kindly tell her you will be right back. You must use the bathroom. We will take care of the rest. Just keep moving and don't look back.   

Calvin: What if she's at the bar or doesn't notice me?

Xao: Knock on wood. Do something to make her look at you. We will be watching for her reaction.

Calvin: Understood.

Xao: Calvin, this requires obnoxious subtlety.  She should only notice you for a minute.  Everything will happen very fast. Just keep moving.  

(They would send in two pairs of the half-breeds that looked almost Spanish. They would post up around Sarah's position. Calvin would make sure to get her attention by obnoxiously blowing bubble gum if he had to while he walked by her table and then he would run out the back to lure in one of her bodyguards.  

One of the nine would be killed during the kidnapping. They would later carry out with them and throw in one of large the fridges after clearing the area. Some of the nine would hit the suspicious sedan by the entrance simultaneously after the first shot)

[...]

Wang Yibo: (foreign language yelling)!

(Six scatter the vineyard and parking area)

Calvin: where are they going.  

Xao: take care of loose ends

  

Calvin: is that really necessary. We have her.

Xao: we can't have any witnesses if we're to safely travel.

Donni Yen: not too bad American!  

Xao: (foreign language)!

Donnie Yen: (begrudgingly obeys and leaves)

Yang Yang and Huang Bo carry an unconscious Sarah)

Yang Yang: where do you want her. 

Xao Put her in the fridge. Last one on the far right. Calvin. You will see that Sarah arrives safely. Give her water if she gets thirsty. It should not be a long drive. 

[...]

Drugged, gagged, and bound

She would find the large fridge

Where she would lay in the darkness

Side by side with Calvin 

Hearing chatter and clangor 

And voices filled with suspicion

Sarah suddenly wakes up 

Seeing Calvin patiently staring 

She writhes and she wreathes 

And she starts panicking 

Though she's bound hand and feet

She kicks the bottom incessantly

Calvin blows his bubble gum

While staring at her patiently

And he didn't know what to say

But the words came to him suddenly 

Calvin: Shh...it's going to be alright my sweet Gattare

I could have chosen subtler language in some areas., but I really wanted to emphasize the distinct human bias and flaws innate within everyone still going through their pruning process.  Perhaps one day, when we are a homogonous whole--when we have transcended gender, queer, and racial bias--we can project the ideal as if it were real.  But, for now our struggle continues—and we must reflect the reality that we see on TV.  

As Calvin once observed, "not all meals can be a pleasure, some just happen to be in the way."  It is no different here.  Much of this content was inspired and magical, but some ideas are incomplete and will have to be revisited.  #FirstIterations