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140 | A Toast
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2024-10-29 19:42:56I thought hard about what place could be so special in Kacey's heart. In fact, she wanted to take me there. As far as I know, Sri Lanka was a small country around India. But I did not know where exactly.
I had not finished thinking about what special place in Sri Lanka, suddenly Kacey shows a gesture of tilting her head towards the entrance to the VIP boarding room. At the same time, the atmosphere became noisy.
Ray, Ivan, and Fred each put their arms around two women, entering with steady steps. Even though it was just an air trip, the three of them could not escape the t-shirts and leather pants.
I glanced at the soles of the feet, and they were all wearing sneakers. What kind of outfit was that? But fuck it. They were rockstars, as they like!
"Che!" Ray, the vocalist of Boumerank shouted at me.
"Hey!" I replied lazily.
"Look!" said Fred, "I told you he'd come with a vocalist from Soundrenaline!"
"What's the name of the band?" asked
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In the Name of the Sacred Tree 141 | Copacabana
The next day, as soon as the plane landed at Rio de Janeiro Airport, we immediately boarded a special bus that had been provided by the Rock in Rio committee. This bus then took us directly to the five-star hotel that had been booked by the committee.Just got off the bus, I didn't see Kacey's tired face. Instead, she seemed to glow in the tropical sun. I didn't know what was on her mind, so she smiled to herself while looking at the luxurious hotel in front of her.As for me, mostly sitting in the plane cabin made me sore. I felt like I just want to go to sleep right away before the concert starts on Sunday tomorrow. Sleeping for a while seemed nice.But wait, who was I going to share a room with? Perhaps ..."I'll bet we'll be roommates," Kacey said, confirming my thoughts."I guess so," I said flatly."Why aren't you excited?" asked Kacey as she dragged me along with the group."I'm sorry. I'm tired," I said."You'd better r
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 142 | Roommate
Luis also opened room 205. This room is not too big, but also not too small for two people. However, when I looked more closely, it turned out that there was only one bed."I'll book another room," I said."No need. I have a surprise for you tonight," Kacey teased.She gave Luis a tip and started dragging me into our room."Oh, I can't wait to find out," I said, dragging Kacey in."You rest, I'll go around to have a look," Kacey said as she put down her things. "But first, I'll put my things down and clean myself up."While I lay down on the bed, I gazed at the contents of the luxurious room. Although this room was not very big, it is spacious enough for Kacey and me. Indeed, this room was minimalist, so it seems spacious.A golden light shone from the ceiling when Kacey turned it on. I watched Kacey start to open her luggage and put it in the cupboard."We've only been here three days. Why do you have to bother with that?" I a
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 143 | How are You?
“LANG! Langley!" Kacey called me really loud.I was shocked to hear that. Unlucky! Apparently, I was dreaming. In fact, seeing Kacey naked earlier seemed very real."Since when did I fall asleep?" I asked."Since you've been watching television," Kacey said, "I didn't want to wake you. I know you're tired after the series of events you've been through. So, I went around alone."I just stretched my body when I heard what Kacey said."Come on! Hurry up. It's almost four in the afternoon. Didn't Quinn say there was a meeting agenda," said Kacey."I almost forgot," I replied. "I want to take a bath first.""Okay, I'll wait while watching television," said Kacey.I got up and rushed to clean myself in the bathroom. The water flowing in my body feels so fresh as if the fatigue that I was experiencing is gradually disappearing.At that time, I was reminded again with my family at home. How are Mom and Jenny? I had not cal
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 144 | Technical Meeting
"HEY, Langley!" Fred greeted me as Kacey and I walked into the hotel lobby.As before, Fred was with the two girls who kept clinging to him."Fred," I replied. "Do you know where the meeting place is?""In the Orchid room," replied Ray, who suddenly appeared.He was not alone, but with Ivan and four women. Two each. Both Ray, Ivan, and Fred, all wore more casual clothes. Just like me, they wore tropical floral shirts and shorts."What are we really talking about?" I asked."Usually, it's about the schedule, equipment, last coordination before tomorrow," explained Ray."Usually also followed by a press conference," added Ivan."I'll skip that one," I said."No, we all have to be present at the press conference," said Fred, "we are a four-member band, not a football team."“Are we going to be photographed in a shirt and shorts like this?” I asked."Yeah, take it easy," Ray said, "as you said, we'r
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 145 | Press Conference
"Hey, guys?" I asked Ray, Ivan, and Fred. "Should I wear my mask?""Yeah," Ray replied, "I thought it would be more fun if you were mysterious to the press.""Yes, I agree," said Fred."After all, that's your trademark," Ivan said. “And until now, no one knows who the person behind Che's mask is. I also agree to keep it hidden.”"How about you Quinn?" I asked."That's up to you," Quinn replied, "but I agree with them.""Okay, I'll put my mask on," I said."Okay, let's go to the back of the auditorium," said Quinn.Together we walked through the back entrance of the hotel auditorium. Inside, as we prepared ourselves for the press, I looked around for where I had kept my half-face mask. Besides, I forgot I wasn't wearing a hoodie jacket."Here!" said Kacey, “I know you must have forgotten it."I saw Kacey hand me the mask and hoodie jacket that I usually wear. I wonder how she knew where I kept it.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 146 | Sunset in Rio
After the press conference, we laughed knowing that the press was no longer interested in asking questions because of the Boomerank members' careless answers. That was how journalists are. The bad news is good news, they say.But it's a shame we gave them the really bad news. When pressed for reasons why we are like them and that, we always answer because we are rockstars who do what we want.After a short chat, Ray asked me about my plans for the evening. I replied that I had no plans.“You came with a pretty girl but you don't have any plans? Seriously," Ray sneered."I don't know, I'll leave it to Kacey," I replied, "she has the notes on where we need to go.""Yes, and I had it all planned," Kacey said."Hahaha, so you guys really take advantage of the concert as well as a vacation," said Fred."That's it," I said, "then what about you guys. What are you going to do after this?”"As usual," Ivan said, "they're go
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 147 | Lech
"Why are you crying?" I asked."Oh, nope," Kacey replied, rubbing her eyes. "I'm just being happy.""Because of what?" I asked again."I don't know," Kacey replied, "I just feel like it."“Want to go back to the hotel?” I offer."Yeah, let's go back to the hotel," Kacey agreed.We walked together to the hotel. I didn't felt it was already night. Along the way, Kacey was like never before, running or dancing. She was calmer and looked more mature.We finally arrived in front of the hotel room. I opened the door, and Kacey walked in gracefully. She then stopped in front of the bed and turned to face me."I can sleep on the couch," I said awkwardly.Kacey didn't answer. She just looked at me. There was a moment of silence for a moment.I ventured closer, Kacey didn't move. I grabbed the two half-blood girls' hands and caressed them. I could feel Kacey's joints loosening. A moment later, she leaned against
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 148 | The Phone Call
"LANG, hey Langley," a female voice whispered, calling my name.I slowly opened my eyes. There was Kacey's face sitting in front of me. The fragrance then wafted into my nose."Did you just take a shower?" I asked, straightening up."Yeah," said Kacey, "and you'd better take a shower too!""What time is it?" I asked."Nine in the morning," Kacey replied."It's still morning. I want to sleep again," I said as I lay down and closed my eyes again."Come on, don't you want to see the Rock in Rio?" Kacey sulked.My eyes immediately opened hearing that. Shit! I forget. Watching the Rock in Rio sounds like fun. Besides, I could feel the atmosphere first before the gig tonight."Okay, I'll take a shower first," I said."Hurray!"In the bathroom, I went back to what happened last night between Kacey and me. Her scent still lingered in my sense of smell. I could still feel Kacey's smooth skin in the palm of my hand.
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In the Name of the Sacred Tree 283 | The End
News of my arrest spread rapidly and wildly - from surrender, twisted by the Indonesian Herald by forced arrest. The wave of mass demonstrations was getting bigger in Surabaya.Until one day, a man was demonstrating alone carrying the body of a woman in the Surabaya House of Representative building yard which was recorded by television broadcasts. A moment later, he poured gasoline over his body and the old woman's body. Then, he started a fire which quickly burned himself and the body he was carrying.Everyone knew that he was Mr. Wayan who intended to show his protest by presenting himself and his wife in front of the people's representatives. He had a desperate on the government.When that happened, I was in the detention room.All the prisoners present stood up to learn of Wayan's self-immolation on television. I thought the prisoners would kill him for being the instigator of this distressing incident. Apparently, they even cursed the authorities. Th
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 282 | The Black Mask Movement
Julia then revealed that her pregnancy was actually from my seed. Therefore, Julia asked in return whether it meant that the child she was carrying was a bastard child too. That was why Julia was forced to accept Gerald's marriage proposal to cover my disgrace.I asked Julia why she hadn't said that earlier. Julia admitted that she had tried but was afraid to ruin my happiness. At that time, I received a phone call from Quinn if I was appointed as Hendryx's replacement at The Boumerank. Besides, I was already a famous person. Julia was afraid of damaging my image and defaming Bradley.I also asked how could this happen? Julia reminded me of when I lay in the courtyard of a closed Middle Eastern restaurant. That night, I forced Julia to make love to vent my frustration.I asked why Julia didn't refuse or fight me. Julia admitted that if she fough
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 281 | The Bastard
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In the Name of the Sacred Tree 280 | Saltyroth Rhapsody
I visited Aisha at her palace at Royal Certajava. There, I asked Aisha if it was true that the Rasheed's were eyeing a new source of oil in Saltyville. Aisha said she knew, but was not involved.I asked, why didn't Aisha try to block her family's intentions? There were thousands of people living on the land of Saltyville. Aisha replied that she was only a Muslim woman. She had no power to decide. I accused Aisha of enjoying the result.Aisha started crying, telling me this was not what I accused her family of. I asked, then how exactly. Aisha replied she couldn't expose it.Then, I clashed with Aisha by accusing her of being hypocritical because she pretended not to know what was going on. We both mourned each other and move away from each other.So it was with Kacey.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 279 | Investigation
Knowing that I again urged my mother to talk. However, Lidia did not budge. Then, I said goodbye and would find out for myself and continue Bradley's struggle. Lidia strictly forbade my intention. But I was determined.Based on clues from Brad's book and Zoey's notes, I and Amelia, with Vincent's help, discover the mode of money laundering by the Rasheed and Schielhort families. Bribes to and from Jamaal, Syahnaz, Fatima, and Malloch, were deposited through the CLIF Foundation and Islamic boarding schools and houses of worship as a form of charity.Besides, some were used to establish Islamic boarding schools in Jombang and Madura. This was done by asking one of the pesantren students to be used on his behalf. That way, the Rasheed and Torstein families were not legally touched. An example was Bowie.While tracing this dirty practice, I continued to experience terror.Exploring further to Jakarta, I also discovered a flow of money to state officials. The
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 278 | Bradley's Diary
The next day, I asked my mother, Lidia, about Saltyville in more detail. The village elders refused to talk about it unless Lidia had already told me. And how did Bradley relate to all of this? But Lidia refused to talk about Bradley and Saltyville.I insisted that I read old documents at the Dr. Sue Thompson Regional Hospital. The document stated that there was the name of Lidia Tanoto, who gave birth to twins without a father. Lidia didn't budge.I was not broken. Then, I rushed to the warehouse of my house. I unpacked old chests and suitcases that were there. Every old document I read to find what I looking for. But, actually, I didn't know what I was looking for. I only knew Bradley and Saltyville.Then there was a clean pocketbook, tied with ropes from torn cloth. I opened it slowly because the book had rotted with age. In the book, apparently, Bradley wrote his daily life up to three days before mysteriously disappearing.In the book, Brad wrote abo
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 277 | Burning Revenge
After Brody investigated, it was Troy who was about to collect Zidan's debt from Jamaal. Troy told Jamaal that Zoey was somewhere in Newton and would kidnap her as bail. Shortly after, there was an IMD raid into the Guysville prostitution complex that left three people dead.We said Brody - referring to himself and Troy - concluded that the mastermind behind the brothel attacks was the Rasheed's. Brody also revealed that the most responsible behind Calliope's past to bring down Jamaal was Vincent. I was surprised.Brody added that Vincent found out from Zidan. And the Zidan was pretending to be angry and running away from the house so as not to stand out, that he was the one who leaked it.I also asked, how did Zidan know if Calliope was Zoey aka Melody? Well, therein laid the mystery. Who told Zidan? Said Brody.I further asked why Brody was willing to let Zoey go to me. Brody answered because I was his nephew.Then, I was reminded of Troy. Actual
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 276 | Climax
Then, suddenly the rumor spread that Vincent Limantoro was a descendant of communists. Vincent's family said the issue once defended Saltyville because they wanted immorality to continue in Saltyroth. George Limantoro was touted as a dissident against the regime.Shortly, Mayor Jamaal announced three villages, not two, whose citizens were asked to leave immediately. The problem was, the three villages would be evicted by the authority in a couple of days. The three villages were Saltyville, Wigan, and Certajava. For Saltyville in particular, the eviction would be the next day.Those facts made me even angrier. I ignored Brody's advice to remain silent. At a concert that refused the eviction in Saltyville, I participated in openly voicing my rejection of Jamaal.At that concert, I was no longer wearing Che's robes. I wanted the world to recognize me and the voices I represented.Then hundreds of IMD masses suddenly attacked Saltyville. There were clashes b
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 275 | Dangerous Teror
It was Santos. To me, Santos confessed that he and other service officials travel to Singapore for a comparative study on the construction of city parks also the cleanliness rules. He gambled in his spare time. At first, I understood Santos's reasons.We then talked about music and other things. We didn't have much time together because Santos had to leave, while Quinn and I went back to the hotel.The next day, I had a concert with Boumerank. As usual, the atmosphere is always lively. After that, we all returned to Indonesia.Day by day, Zoey's life began to improve. I had also kept his promise to fulfill Zoey's dream of becoming a singer.However, when everything seemed fine, I and Zoey were suddenly hunted down by strangers. They demanded me and Zoey shut our mouths or be killed. Zoey and I at first thought it was someone from Zoey's past.In the midst of her popularity, news spread that Calliope was a former drug addict and prostitute with the
