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215 | Arrival
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Summerfest is an annual music festival held in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. First held in 1968, Summerfest is located at Henry Maier Festival Park, adjacent to Lake Michigan and Milwaukee's central business district.
The flight from Surabaya to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is 19 hours, 45 minutes. As soon as the plane landed in Wisconsin, United States, the next day, we immediately boarded a special bus that had been provided by the Summerfest 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 the exhausted faces of Kacey and the LGBT Gang. Instead, they seemed to glow in the morning sun. I don't know what's on their mind so they smile to themselves while looking at the luxury hotel in front of them.
As for me, mostly sitting in the plane cabin makes me sore. I feel like I just want to go to sleep right away before the concert starts on Sunday tomorrow. Sleeping
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"Hey, Langley!" Fred greeted me as Kacey and I walked into the hotel lobby.As before when he was in America, Fred was with the two girls who kept clinging to him."Fred," I replied. "Do you know where the meeting place is?""In the Gold 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 were wearing T-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
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 217 | Summerfest
"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 Summerfest?" Kacey sulked.My eyes immediately opened hearing that. Shit! I forget. Watching the Summerfest 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.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 218 | Summerfest 2
The fun of watching the Summerfest concert finally ended. We didn't expect international concerts to be that wild. Just like music festivals in Indonesia. No fights, but still dangerous.We went back to the hotel, but Kacey told me to go to the room first. She said there is still something she needs to do with the LGBT Gang. When I asked if I could accompany her, she just said that I should rest for the gig tonight."You rest," said Kacey, "I and LGBT Gang still have things to do.""I can accompany you," I offered."No need," Kacey replied, "this is a woman's business.""Okay. All right then," I said.We parted ways in the hotel lobby. I went up to the second floor while Kacey came back out of the hotel. I thought this is my chance to call Amelia, Aisha, Julia, and Zoey.In the room, I went to the balcony and saw the daytime view on Copacabana beach. I sat on the chair and took my phone out of my pants pocket.Amelia. She asked
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 219 | Summerfest 3 - Off Mask
I was standing tensely in the halls of the Olympic stadium. While wearing the new clothes and mask from Kacey, I started to sweat. I often perform in front of masses in Indonesia, but this is my first time performing in an international event.Before, I was reluctant to get out of bed when Kacey woke me up. I felt tired, and my mind was full of girls from Indonesia. But thank goodness Kacey kept forcing me to get up.And soon, she was beside me. Wearing a Boumerank t-shirt that she had bought from Jimmy this afternoon, Kacey looked rock n roll with dark lipstick and a jagged bracelet wrapped around her hand. Truly a lady rocker."Are you nervous?" Kacey asked.I took a deep breath, “Yes, of course. This is my first time performing on an international stage.”"Take it easy," Fred suddenly joined the conversation. "You'll be fine out there.""I hope so," I saidThen, the crowd roared from the front of the stage calling out t
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 220 | Going Home
“I like mysteries," Kacey said. “Travelling to see other cultures, listen to history, admire works of art, and sort of.”"Really?" I asked in mock amazement.Even though I was really amazed."Now it's my turn to ask," said Kacey."Go ahead," I said even though I was worried that Kacey would ask all kinds of questions."How can you play bass?" asked Kacey, “I mean, when did you first play it? It's rare these days to be a bass player."I then smiled and thought back to the past. I then told Kacey. The first time I played bass was when I was in 1st grade in high school. At that time, I liked to play guitar like most boys.In the past, I told Kacey, there was a famous underground band called Heretical Spirit. The band consists of only two members, Big K as the guitarist-vocalist and Cole, the drummer.I really admire those who dare to choose an unpopular genre. What fascinated me even more with the Heretical
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 221 | Dream of A Promise
I found myself in little garden.In my opinion, was like a mini-roundabout. There were chrysanthemums, jasmine, and bougainvillea. Then there were also taro, aloe vera, and chilies. The colors of the plants create coolness as well as peace."It's all me who planted it," said a woman.As I look at her, it was Zoey.What is this? I’m I dreaming. I supposed flying to Indonesia. It felt absurd. You can see yourself with a woman in the middle of a garden. I’m sure it was dreamingI then nodded my head. It was amazing that this young lady has the same hobby as my mother - gardening. Then, I turned to pay attention to Zoey again. I still wanted more explanation from her about the income inequality that occurs at this brothel."The same? What did you mean?" I still can't accept it. "She already got fifty-fifty and boarding money from you, but she still got more from karaoke and beer!"Smiling wryly, Zoey then sat on a concrete sea
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 222 | Intermezzo
Arriving in Surabaya, we rested at a cafe. There the LGBT Gang asked me to tell another story. And coincidentally, they asked me to talk about sex."Tell me everything you know about sex," Leah said."Yes, Lang, we want to know," said Gary.“We want to hear it,” said Tiffany to which Brittany agreed.I just had a dream about a prostitute, and now I've been asked what I know about sex."Okay," I agreed.Sex sells or sex sells. So, it is not surprising that sex scandals are always a hot topic that is often discussed throughout the country.Starting from famous politicians, celebrities, and even presidents, no one is safe from the attention of the media who are thirsty for sex scandals.If you think one sex scandal is enough to embarrass the family, take a look at this one about the Kardashians. In early 2007, Kim Kardashian became the center of Hollywood's social radar. At that time, her sex video was leaked on the In
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 223 | Inspirational Man
"Oh, yes, Lang, Kacey told me about your blind friend," said Tiffany, "what's his name, I forgot.""Titus," Kacey confirmed, "tell him about your inspiring friend.""Okay," I agreed.In a corner of the hamlet, a group of elementary school students seemed to be playing happily while waiting to enter class. Like schools in general, the courtyard is filled with cheerful laughter, the typical joy of children before the bell rings.There, the most agile 2nd-grade elementary schoolboy. His oval face, framed by thin straight hair on the side. His skinny body was wrapped in tan skin. As an eight-year-old boy, he was agile running around.As in general, old-style school buildings, sturdy pillars are installed in each front of the room. Around it, the dull tile tiles typical of the past are neatly installed. Toga plants also thrive in the yard.This one boy really likes to play a thousand steps. In fact, he was the one who ran the fastest. However, th
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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
