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248 | A Small Favor
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2024-10-29 19:42:56I took out my cell phone and immediately called someone who had previously been imprisoned for being involved in the underground world. Uniquely, after serving his sentence or being released from prison, he even became a manager of a five-star hotel. It's so easy for him to get a job.
“Hello Brother Eric,” I said.
“Hello, superstar,” replied Brother Eric, “how are you? There must be something you need that you should call me.”
"Bingo!" I replied, "can we meet?"
"Come over to the hotel," Eric replied.
As a reminder, Brother Eric is actually a member of the famous pop band from Surabaya, Erpid 19th. This guy used to be famous as a drug dealer and celebrity pimp. He can provide all kinds of drugs. In addition, he has a long list of celebrity names who can be invited to a one night stand by paying a certain fee.
One day, he and former 19th Erpid vocalist decided to stop using drugs. They follow a drug ad
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In the Name of the Sacred Tree 249 | Drug Dealer
"What?" asked Brother Eric."I need marijuana," I repeated.“Yes, I heard you say that,” said Eric, “I'm sorry for being surprised. But this is the first time I've heard such a request from you. I never heard of you using drugs before. I thought you just like alcohol.""I'm a trustworthy person," I said."Why do you use marijuana?" asked Eric.“I have a problem with headaches,” I replied.“A headache is the same as a serious problem. That's right?" said Eric, “I can also guess that you have a stomach ache too.”"That's right," I replied.Eric then opened his desk drawer. He seemed to be picking up something like a cigarette. I know what it is. Then Eric turned it on, inhaled deeply, and exhaled slowly. His distinctive aroma immediately burst into the workspace."This is what you need, isn't it?" said Eric as he handed me the cigarette."That's right," I replied. "Tur
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 250 | A Benefit
"Are you sure?" I asked. "Maybe you don't know the truth about Brody.""Who knows. But I'm pretty sure I'm safe. The proof, so far, I'm fine, " said Eric."I hope it stays that way," I responded."Relax, Bro. Why are you worrying about me like that," Eric said."Because there's a story you don't seem to hear about Brody," I said."And what story is that?" asked Eric.Yes, I thought, there is a past story that Brother Eric doesn't know. Previously, I had heard scary stories about two figures who are now big mafia bosses in Surabaya and Jakarta, Uncle Brody and Uncle Troy. And they are both former subordinates of my grandfather, Bradley Tanoto."So, I heard this story from three different people. And they told the same thing about Brody. That means this story is probably the fact,” I began.“The first story I heard from Cameron and Ratty was after my house was attacked by two unknown people. The same story I heard fro
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 251 | Another Ally
After finishing taking care of all the needs of Gabriella's arrival to Surabaya, I said goodbye to Brother Eric. I thanked him and told him I had an appointment elsewhere. Of course, I didn't say who I promised."Is by helping you I have become your inner circle?" asked Eric."I think so," I replied."Wow, that's cool," Eric responded, "I'll try to help as much as I can."“Thanks, Eric,” I said, “you are a reliable ally. Now, I have another appointment elsewhere.”"Okay. Good luck to you," said Eric.After meeting with Eric, I immediately went to Donnie's recording studio. There, of course, I picked up Zoey. And coincidentally, the recording process had just finished."Langley!" said Donnie, who was walking with Zoey, “Calliope is really amazing. This way, we can advance the schedule earlier. We will adjust promotions, introductions, concert schedules, and so on."I saw Zoey smiling happily.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 252 | The Unsung Hero
"What a wonderful story," said Calliope."Yes. And you won't find his name in school textbooks," Donnie added.There was no mistaking it. It was the same story that Emmerich – my father - told."Didn't he disappear after the 1998 riot incident? At that time, President Suharto had to resign from his position," I replied.Donnie was surprised at my words, “How did you know about that?”"Actually, Bradley Tanoto is my grandfather," I replied."Impossible!""Yeah," Zoey said, "you never told me that.""It's not something you can tell anyone," I said.“I idolized someone, and now I'm sitting with his grandson,” said Donnie, “It's amazing. We should have another drink."We toasted for the umpteenth time. I don't care if I'm drunk or not. All the things that weigh me down I have to let go."Okay. Back to Bradley. You're saying he disappeared during the 1998 riots?" Donnie asked.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 256 | Inferno 1
After chatting a lot with Donnie, I drove Zoey aka Calliope back to his secret apartment. Throughout the trip, Zoey kept expressing her admiration for me. Zoey is amazed to learn that I am a descendant of a hero.In fact, Donnie is not the only one who idolizes my grandfather. So am I. I want to be a liberator like Bradley.After dropping Zoey back at her apartment. I returned home to Certajava. I suddenly remembered the members of the band Ryg's – my band before The Boumerank. It seemed interesting chatting with them.I then took out my cell phone and called Big K. After small talk, I asked what they were doing and where."Where are you?" I asked.“In Inferno, Bro,” Big K replied."What are you guys doing there?" I asked.“Practice,” Big K replied."I'm heading there," I said."We'll be waiting for you," Big K replied.I crossed Dharma Hoover's busy road as usual. Understandably, apa
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 254 | Inferno 2
The smell of alcohol wafted from their mouths. No wonder they walk sideways!This is the first time I'm not recognized. But, I personally have a feeling of hesitation.Then, one of them approached us. He asked about the new song and the schedule for our next gig. He's confident as if he's acting self-assured. So friendly that we all raised an eyebrow. Who is this long-haired young man with pierced ears and nose?"Senior. May we ask for a cigarette?" asked the punk boy.How dare he ask for a cigarette! Ah, it's probably because of the effect of the bold drug on his brain. The giant man gave him one. He was then grateful as if he had just received an autograph from a celebrity."What's your band name?" asked the table beater."Disaster," he answered.A very unique punk band name."What's your name?""Irwin," he introduced himself,It didn't take us long to adapt to the equipment in Studio Inferno. You see, we often
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 255 | Reunion 1
"You still remember our songs, apparently," said Big K."Of course I still remember it," I said. "How could I forget after all the years we've been together.""Shall we continue this meeting with a drink," Cole suggested.“I agree,” said Big K and Santos."How about you Lang?" asked Cole.Considering I've smoked pot and drank with Donnie before, I think I'd like to quit. But because it was my friends who invited me, I couldn't refuse."Okay, I'm coming," I agreed.Night began to envelop Certajava. After buying some liquor, we gathered at our usual place – a middle eastern restaurant that had closed due to bankruptcy.Before I put down my ass, I saw the same black Toyota Avanza that I had met in Dharma Hoover Street this noon, parked in front of us across the street. I threw away my negative thoughts and started to enter the arena.Big K then gave me a shot. Its volume contains mixed liquor—vodka a
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 256 | Reunion 2
Malay songs and dangdut reverberated through the night.Suddenly, Santos started talking again about the nostalgia of being a student. When the left palm is clenched in the air. When a human child is not afraid to die. When the campus really becomes a localization for young intellectuals. But now, said Santos, the campus has been downgraded to a factory that produces capitalist men.I was offended because I was the only one who was still a student among the members of the assembly.“Back in the 70s and 80s,” said Santos, “Shu Benjamin was a student when he was one of the loudest critics of the New Order.”Wait! Shk Benjamin who is Juwingan Chinese? Amelia's father? The quiet one? So a political activist?"Until the end, the New Order government became angry and injected political movements on campus," continued Santos.Big K then cleared his throat. I know that's a sign he's about to come along. Julia's brother said t
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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
When my mother found out that I wrote a book, she could only cry. I softly asked Lidia again. Lidia admitted that she did not want one of her loved ones to be lost in front of her again.Lidia finally told how Bradley disappeared. At that time, Brad and George were advocating for Saltyville residents not to be evicted by the government. The reason at that time was the same, namely the eviction of the brothels. The goal was to control coastal land to build an industrial complex.Bradley struggled on the pitch staging protests, while George, a journalist, struggled through writing. Because George's writings were considered threatening, he was hunted down by a group of unknown people. George during the New Order era was more famous than Bradley because of his profession as a critical journalist.One day in February 1998, a group of people dressed i
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
