Chapter30:From the Frying Pan to the Fire.Tibet,Lamplight Unto a Darkened World

Chapter 30

From the Frying Pan to the Fire

“I almost wish I hadn‘t gone down that rabbit hole, and yet, and yet, its rather curious, you know, this sort of life! I do wonder what can have happened to me! When I used to read fairy tales, I fancied that kind of thing never happened, and now here I am in the middle of one!” -Alice, “Alice in Wonderland,“ By Louis Carroll, 1860

The rooftop view was telling. It revealed the true state of Kathmandu in the wake of the royal family massacre. Earlier in the day, Tom had grown bored of being isolated in the guesthouse, and he began to explore the upper stories of the large building. Following the rhythmic, and deeply resonating, base sounds of a group of Buddhist monks chanting on the floors above him, he found that the last foreboding flight of stairs led up to the rooftop, rather than into the blank wall where they appeared lead. Hidden in the wall at the top of the dark flight of stairs was a plywood thin black door that opened unto the large flat roof of the guesthouse. The door was hidden in the wall by virtue of its flat surface, black color, and the lack of any landing. It was simply there on the top step. When Tom opened the black door, at the top of the unlit staircase, he was instantly transported into another world - pulled into the startling brightness of a striking turquoise blue sky. His environment had suddenly gone from blackness, to a brilliant blue netherworld. He was ostensibly up on the roof to retrieve clothes that he had left drying on the clothesline earlier in the day; but, his real purpose was to once again escape the claustrophobia of the dark and weary guesthouse. Days of semi-confinement had worn on him, and he longed to return to wide open, natural, spaces. Tom walked to the edge of the roof, and the short, raised wall that was there to channel rain water into hidden cisterns. He thought about his little green parrot, Anna-Suga; and how she would have loved to perch on the 3’ edge of the roof, and preen - while she took in the sun. That could have happened - before all of the disruption had begun. Kathmandu seemed like a much different place then. Exotic, unique, and challenging; but, never really that scary. Today, it was different, however. Life had changed in Kathmandu; and it was a change that would take many years to absorb, adjust to, and to recover from.

“There aren’t any guard rails on this roof - not unlike most of life in Nepal,” he thought, sanguinely.

“No guard rails, indeed,” he pondered.

To Tom, it was exhilarating to know and feel the ‘everything goes’ Kathmandu. It was a feeling of not being held back, or kept down to earth, by any arbitrary restrictions. But, it also was a bit dicey in times like these.....where someone else’s sense of ‘everything goes’ ruled.

“Those people who have little regard for other’s lives, to whom life is cheap,” he ruminated.

The streets below were nearly abandoned. The once teeming streets were devoid of any life; save the occasional cat chasing a rat. The cats weren't afraid of the guns, nor the military vehicles; and, they reveled at the fortuitous situation that brought near silence, and the cessation of any activity, to their territories. Ordinarily, they would be hiding in storm sewers, and back alleyways, away from the torrent of activity - waiting for the stillness, and cover, of night. Now they had full run of the streets. The contrast between that ‘normal’ state of the Thamel district of Kathmandu, and the present tomb-like silence, was dramatic.

“I feel like I’m in that old sci-fi flick, the ‘Omega Man,’” thought Tom.

He continued to walk the perimeter of the roof, looking down each avenue of streets that converged in the intersection of streets and alleys around the centrally located guesthouse. He looked for any sign of life - other than the occasional small animal or bird. The screeching sounds of a radio broadcast came from a neighboring building; and, blasted loud short bursts of irrational propaganda into the otherwise complete silence, echoing within the courtyard behind Tom’s building. It added a weird ‘otherness’ feeling to the whole situation.

“Things like this don’t happen anymore,” Tom said to himself.

“It’s like an old war movie.”

The musical introduction to the news broadcasts played every three or four minutes, with very little news in between. Over and over, the bulletins started with a few bars of breaking news music, that seemed to signal the beginning of a newscast. Then, they repeated the pre-recorded news of the Royal family’s untimely deaths. But, the announcements really said nothing; except to repeat the good wishes for the transition of their karma onto the next life. Nothing was said about how they died, who was in charge, nor what was even happening in Nepal....or anywhere else. The absence of any real news, or information, was more upsetting than anything to Tom. Coming from a world of over-saturation of apparent news, Tom could hardly stand the continual blaring musical announcements, without anything to announce. It seemed ridiculous to him, and was incredibly maddening.

“I wish they’d just shut the damned radio off!” he thought. But then, his voice picked up on his thought, and before he knew it, he was shouting.

“Turn the fucking radio off! They’re saying nothing, and it’s driving us fricking nuts!”

Shocking himself by his sudden and irrational outburst, Tom started to realize the impact all of the events upon him. Embarrassed for his outburst, he quickly walked to the street side of the building, away from the back courtyard, so not to be identified as the source of the disembodied voice.

“That’s what it is,” he realized.

“The feeling of disembodiment, without a near death experience; and the tension of waiting for something to happen. Anything at this point would be welcome. Anything to break this weird spell.”

All music, public meetings, and all forms of entertainment, were banned - upon pain of brutal repercussions, or imprisonment during martial law. The Nepali’s were told that during the period of mourning nothing could be played on radios or TV's, or even personal CD or tape players. Even the cheesy music in the common room of the guesthouse was gone. Some forms of religious chant music were permissible; but they were hardly played, out of fear of attracting any attention.

“For that’s what one does in times like these - hide, and avoid any attention,” Tom thought morosely.

“No one wants to be caught doing anything that could be misinterpreted.”

People were afraid that they might do something which could possibly ignite the barely suppressed rage of those around them; or appear to support the wrong cause. Fear ruled supreme.

Tom made another rotation of the roof perimeter; then he sat down in a chair to get a little sun and to calm down. Once he sat still, he noticed some movement on another rooftop - three blocks away. The storefronts on all the streets had their steel shutters pulled down, and were locked tight, so stupidly Tom had thought that he was the only person on the rooftops. All of the people were either staying in their homes away for the business district; or, were sequestered in their hotels and guesthouses in Thamel. Squinting against the bright sunlight, Tom tried to see the details of the person on the other rooftop. Curiosity, and boredom, drew his interest. The person was a man, and moved with a stealthness that seemed out of place.

“Dugh! Double dugh!!” thought Tom, alarmed, as the sunlight glinted off of the man’s rifle barrel.

“You dumbshit! What the fuck are you doing up here?” Tom’s inner voice chastised him, unforgivingly.

“Fucking idiot! Get inside! What did you expect on rooftops?”

Tom couched low to the roof, and crab-walked his way quickly to the rooftop door. Closing the door behind him, he sighed a deep sigh of relief.

“Jesus, what a dumb fuck you are, Thomas!” his inner voice condemned.

But, then his inner voice shifted to commendation.

“Thank God you saw the threat, and made a decisive retreat. At least your radar is still working!”

Feeling shaken, but a bit better, Tom went down the four flights of stairs to the hallway leading to his room. Regardless of the incident, Tom still felt a little relieved at seeing the sky, and the open rooftop space - even if for a short period of time. It, and the primal scream ‘therapy,’ had vented most of his tension.

“And, I’m still alive! Got to be happy with what you’ve got,” he reminded himself.

As he opened the door to his room, he saw that the lights were still out, and the curtains were still drawn shut. Andre Pierre was sleeping, and snoring his way through deep denial.

“God I wish I could be as oblivious as he is sometimes; then, this stuff wouldn’t bother me so much,” he considered.

“But, then again, No! I think not. Ignorance isn’t bliss in this part of the world - especially now with things changing so fast,” he reminded himself.

“Bless his heart, he isn’t dumb, he’s just overwhelmed by the whole situation, and is content to rely on my ‘greater level’ of experience; and, to hide away in sleep. After all, what else is there to do?” Tom mused, sardonically, ridiculing himself in the process.

Tom placed the clean clothes from the rooftop clothesline on his bedside chair, in the near darkness; and tried to move quietly, so as to not wake his new friend. They had spent a couple of wonderful days together, despite the circumstances; and Tom wanted to be sensitive to Andre Pierre’s needs. Andre Pierre had been skeptical, at first, of Tom’s warnings about marshal law being imposed while they were in Pokhara. He had gone along with Tom’s plan to leave Pokhara quickly by taxicab to Kathmandu, ostensibly based upon the not so pleasant alternative of cycling back himself in the rain - for two days. Being with Tom was both convenient, and enjoyable. Once the cab had left the city, he promptly fell asleep - with his head on Tom’s lap. Tom didn’t mind, he liked the show of security and trust in this action; and took it upon himself to look after his new friend. As they drove out of Pokhara, the driver bribed his way past police and military checkpoints, as the roadblocks were literally being lowered into place. After seeing this, and the mad rush of trucks to get to their destinations on the narrow roads, Andre Pierre understood that Tom’s intuition had been right. Concerned about civil unrest, and an obvious attempt to overthrow the government of Nepal, it was only logical that marshal law would be imposed; and that people would be kept wherever they were, for a long time. Tom didn’t want that to be Pokhara for them.

“Yeah, the 20-something, and 30-something, hikers and tourists saw it as a weird opportunity to party.

But they’ll soon be disappointed, as the days wear on,” he reasoned.

Tom also believed that if the situation got really bad, the U.S. would have an airlift out of Kathmandu; but it was doubtful to Tom that Pokhara would be airlifted. Pokhara was too remote, and he doubted that they could even verify who was there. As Tom’s logic played out as correct, Andre hid his disappointment at being wrong and naïve; and, situated himself comfortably under Tom’s wing. The following few days had been interesting. As Tom laid back his head on his bed, he was comforted by the knowledge of how things had played out; and how serene Andre Pierre looked as he slept in the neighboring bed. Escaping himself, he replayed the events of the past two days, like a movie in his mind; while he laid comfortably in his bed. He made a conscious effort to review, and thoroughly examine everything, from every possible angle - to prepare for the next challenge that he knew would come. His true survival instincts were now in overdrive, and he allowed them to rule him - instead of fear. The mountain pass experience had forever changed him, and he was now learning to hone his awareness of unnatural dangers......human dangers.......by letting his mind tap into its potential.

******************

“Please don’t drive so fast! My friend here gets very nervous on these mountain roads. That’s why we’re paying you so much to get us to Kathmandu safely.”

Tom had repeated the same request, over and over, in 10 different ways, trying to get it through the driver’s head that he didn’t have to prove himself by being the most aggressive driver on the road. It was a common problem in India and Nepal. The drivers had to show that they were superior to the other drivers in skill and mental sharpness, by out driving every other male on the road. This developed quick and very accurate, reflexes; but it often ended up in buses, cars, and trucks, careening off of the narrow mountain roads - to crash thousands of feet below.

“Stop the car. Stop the car now!” Tom shouted to the driver from the back seat.

“Right over there.....at that little store,” he directed with his finger and firm arm actions.

Tom was furious. The driver just wasn’t listening, and Andre was turning pale white with fear. Tom didn’t have the same physical manifestations, but he was getting concerned. He wasn’t as scared as Andre Pierre because he could tell that the driver was pretty good; and the traffic, although frantic, was uncharacteristically light. But, he was upset for Andre Pierre; and, with the driver, for being so stubborn. The driver pulled off of the road abruptly, and ground the car to a stop on the rough gravel area alongside the makeshift roadside shop.

“You want food or drink?” the driver asked, still ignoring Tom’s real concerns. “I stop here, but hurry please!” the driver finally spoke directly to Tom.

Noticing a different kind of concern on the driver’s face, Tom softened up.

“There is obviously something I don’t understand here,” thought Tom to himself.

Deciding to calm down, before he confronted the man on the driving issue, he left the car with a knowing look to Andre Pierre to stay, and to guard their possessions. Tom wasn’t about to be left on the roadside, in the middle of no-where-land, without all of his stuff and Andre’s cycle.

“You want a drink as well?” Tom asked Andre curtly.

“Oui, yes. Merci!”

"Ok, I’ll be right back.”

Tom walked to the left side of the shack, and stopped unceremoniously, and unzipped his shorts to relieve himself of all of the fluids of the day. He’d lost all sense of false pretense long ago, when it came to bodily functions in India and Nepal. There simply weren't bathrooms - anywhere. So, he was as discrete as possible, but didn’t worry too much about anything either. The other people at the little roadside shop, all in the same predicament - even the women, just turned their heads politely as each person relieved themselves. The Indians standing near Tom, however, were curious to see a white penis; and stared directly at Tom’s.

“Too silly,” the thought ran through his mind, as he was forced to laugh at the situation.

“Why now?” he wondered.

Finished up, Tom zipped up, and walked to the shack to buy three cold sodas, and some cookies. Everything was overpriced, and the cookies were probably stale, but Tom thought that the driver would appreciate them nonetheless.

“Put the bottle there when you are done,” the man said as he gave Tom change.

“No, charge me for the bottles too.....we have to go.”

Grudgingly, the man took back some of the money, and bluntly said “everyone in hurry today!”

His voice betrayed a slight disgust at having his regular procedure circumvented; even though he was making money.

“Yeah,” was all that Tom replied, pointedly ignoring his whining.

“Any word on what is happening?” he asked, with intentional emphasis.

“No word on anything. Just stay home, and wait. We leave soon. They say now the whole family dead, not just King and Queen. So sad; this bad day for Nepal. Dark days ahead. The King’s brother alone lives, he was in Pokhara.”

“Jeez, it’s worse than I thought,” responded Tom.

“All vehicles must get home before dark. After that, they shoot.”

Now Tom understood the driver’s frantic driving. Calmer now, he bowed his head in a respectful goodbye, and walked back to the car. Andre’s eyes were full of questions, and apprehension. Smiling a little to ease his mind, Tom pulled the door shut and simply said: “let’s go now.”

Tom couldn’t really say anything to Andre without embarrassing the driver, thus causing more problems; so, he broke into a conciliatory tone of voice.

“Here, I buy you soda and food - you like?”

A big smile played across the driver’s face.

“No one treats these people like human beings; and I have nearly done the same thing,” thought Tom.

“Simple courtesies really make an impression. In this case, buying things he wouldn’t buy for himself, but he really likes,” Tom schooled himself.

Continuing on, Tom spoke aloud.

“They say that the whole Royal family is dead, and things are shutting down everywhere.”

“Yes, I must get home before dark. It is bad, very bad.”

Tom then realized the real reason that the driver was driving so frantically - he had to drive all the way back home after delivering Tom and Andre to Kathmandu. So, with every new roadblock, his certainty of getting home safely was further shaken. For Tom and Andre to be stranded anywhere was one thing; but for a native Nepali or Indian to be stranded was quite another. In a way, the hikers were safer than the locals because neither side wanted to hurt the tourism trade......yet. That was little consolation to Tom, and none to their driver. No one knew who was moving into power, and who was resisting that action. One thing was clear, however, a wild power struggle was in motion. Once it was certain that the entire Royal family was dead, many things were up for grabs. Besides the obvious problems of running the government, there was the military question, and the surprising dilemma of determining who owned what. Since the Royal family owned the banks, the airlines, and most every other major business, lock stock and Rupee, they were now leaderless - and ownerless. So, the fear of utter chaos from every form of looting was a very real thing. At first it was hard for Tom to understand that the major businesses of the country were basically family businesses that couldn’t really run without the owners. During the two days he and Andre had spent in Pokhara he had thought about the business issues caused by the sudden death of all the Royal family, and the obvious need for martial law to forestall a literal ‘run on the bank,’ and opportunistic looting. But, he neglected to grasp the issue that brought the greatest fear in the Nepali citizenry - total anarchy brought on by the loss of government, business, and military leadership. Until now, he naively assumed that the military would benignly enforce order, until things could be sorted out by the government. But, it was much worse than simple reorganization pains, it was revolution without leaders. It was suddenly very clear why the driver was such a mess - he feared losing his cab, or his life. The 4,000 Rupees that Tom offered him for the fare was even high by Tom’s standards, but now Tom realized that it wasn’t merely high due to inconvenience; it was high because the driver was risking his life in the endeavor. The shock of this revelation stunned Tom into uncharacteristic silence. Andre sensing that his silence meant something serious, had questions playing all across his facial features. Now concerned with panic within the car, Tom had to say and do something quickly, to ease the stress.

“Get him to talk - that will do it,” he thought, “and it’ll distract Andre from the real threat,” he reasoned.

“So, where does your family live? In Kathmandu?”

“No, sir. We live the country.”

“Oh, I bet that's a good place to live - away from all the problems of the city, eh?”

“Yes. So much so. I will be most pleased to be home with myself and my family.”

“Do you plan on going home tonight, or staying in Kathmandu?”

“Home. Most definitely, home.”

“Well, you are welcome to stay at our guesthouse. It will be very safe there, until things settle down.”

“It will be a long time until things are settled for Nepal - these are dark times. I could lose all in Kathmandu.”

“Do you feel that the Chinese Communists will take power, now that the Royal family is gone?”

The silence that followed his question was long and protracted. Tom looked up into the rear view mirror with as innocent a look as he could muster; meeting the driver’s blood shot wide eyes in return. Flinching under his intense, questioning, and searching stare, Tom pretended to be preoccupied with the package of cookies and feigned disinterest. It partially worked. The driver seemed satisfied that he was dealing with a stupid tourist who accidentally stumbled upon the burning question of the day; and responded in kind.

“It is unclear who is in power, and who will remain in power. It is best that tourists go home, and we return to our homes in the country - until more is made clear.”

“Hmmmm, that is good advice. We appreciate your efforts in helping us go home.”

“And, I thank you for the money. It will allow me to keep me, and my car, home; and, my family will still eat. It is best now that we hurry.”

Andre was finally understanding on the real threats, and therefore was less concerned about the driving. Seeing that Andre also understood, Tom nodded to Andre in recognition, and responded to the driver.

“Yes, I agree. I won’t distract you from your driving anymore. Here are the rest of the cookies, help yourself.”

Leaning over the high vinyl seat, Tom laid the open package of cookies next to the driver in the front seat. He then turned his attention to Andre; speaking loudly, so that the driver could hear:

“Look, Andre, the road is nearly clear of all traffic. I haven’t seen a bus all day, and the cars are nearly all gone too. There’s only an occasional truck coming our way from Kathmandu. I think we’re going to get to Kathmandu safely, and early. That should work for all of us, eh?”

Bemused by Tom’s shift in manner, Andre’s face showed his recognition that Tom was up to something, but also the fact that he felt safe and comfortable with Tom’s approach - whatever it meant.

“I think you’re right, Thomas. I am very tired, and plan on going back to sleep. Thank you for the soda.”

“No problems. Sweet dreams,” Tom said with a grin.

As Andre settled down to sleep, his head hung near to Tom’s.

“Don’t worry, Andre, I’ll watch his driving. Things are a bit more complicated, and more serious, than I thought. He’s just scared. He’ll drive ok. Alright?”

“No problem, Thomas. I trust your judgment. Thanks for everything,” he whispered.

“No problem here,” replied Tom.

Andre drifted off to sleep, as the driver continued on his mad dash to Kathmandu. A mad dash that Tom now heartily concurred with. Traffic had indeed fallen off to near nothing. This relieved Tom’s fear of driving hazards, but heightened his more serious fear of rebel or military intervention. He reassured himself by reminding himself that Pokhara wasn’t exactly a military strategic site; and, their road, while the largest in the country, was not where conflicting forces would be traveling. In his minds’ eye, he pictured the waving streams of soldiers on the paths, trails, and roads of Jajarkot, Rukum, and Salyan - extending through the Western districts of Nepal. Completing the picture, was the continuing advancement of squads of mercenary soldiers, and Chinese Maoists guerillas, through the beautiful jungles of the southernmost Gorkha district.

“Yes, it’s time to leave - and quickly. This place could easily erupt into protracted jungle warfare,” he worried silently.

He tried to not allow his worries to escalate to the point where it was beyond his control to do anything. Once convinced that he could do no more, the stress enforced a welcome sleep upon him. As he drifted off to sleep, he reminded himself to calmness.

“There is nothing more to be done now, it’s best to get as much sleep as I can now, to be ready for what’s ahead.....whatever the hell that is!”

Some indeterminate time later, Tom awoke to Andre’s quiet, yet urgent, voice.

“Tom. Tom! We are almost there.”

The hand on Tom’s right shoulder gently nudged him into an unsettling wakefulness. Then, reminded where he was at, he nearly jumped to attention.

“I've got to be alert. Wake up idiot! Wake up!” he commanded himself.

He was suddenly aware and alert. The adrenaline, and instinctual fear of eminent danger, brought him swiftly into a hyper alert state. Andre didn’t try to hide his surprise, nor his subsequent relief, in Tom’s sudden attentiveness. They both had smiles for each other; a comforting confirmation of their mutual, yet silent, awareness of each other.

“Hey, Hello! Looks like we are almost to Kathmandu, eh?” Tom said loudly to the driver, as he swung his head and arms over the seat.

“Yes. We will be there very soon,” replied the driver intensely, with a strained reply.

While sleep had done Tom good, the driver looked like pure, stressed out, hell. Fear was etched deeply into his facial features. Concerned, and deeply sympathetic to the man’s plight, Tom tried to relieve his worries a little.

“It has gotten dark, and late. You are welcome to spend the night at out guesthouse. I’ll gladly pay for it.”

“No. My family needs me home.”

Unruffled by the curt response, Tom continued.

“Well, then, at least let me buy you dinner.”

“I must leave quickly. I leave you, I go.”

There was no way to do more, so Tom acquiesced.

"Ok, then. No problem,” he said with a warming smile.

None of this had any effect on the driver. In fact, it seemed to only add to his tension. Never allowing his eyes to leave the road, his shoulders tightened further, until he looked frozen; in a state of rigor-mortus. The parallels in this comparison chilled Tom to the bone, and he regretted his attempt to ease the man’s tension. In fact, he regretted getting the man involved at all. Not that he wasn’t relieved to be nearing his home away from home; rather, that he had put this man’s life at risk in driving to Kathmandu. If he had really understood the situation from the beginning, Tom wondered if he would have left Pokhara at all. While he knew that it did no good to beat himself up now, not initially understanding the risk to the man; he still chastised himself for not figuring it out at the beginning. These were cash starved people, that would readily risk their lives for hard currency. Spending a couple of days in a relatively affluent resort town with Andre had lulled him into a relaxed state of affection for Andre, dulling Tom’s awareness of the poverty surrounding him. Life wasn’t as desperate in Nepal as it was in India; people could live off the land in Nepal. Yet, there were very few ways to earn hard currency; so, people would do nearly anything for money. Tom had stupidly assumed that the high price for the cab ride was due solely to the distances, eight hours driving, and opportunism - not because of the severe personal risk involved. Tom regretted his decision to hire the man at all; yet at the same time, he was very relieved to reach a haven of security for Andre and himself. As his conflicting emotions each sought dominance, the car turned the last totally black corner of the road onto the final stretch of pavement into Kathmandu. Dimly lighted by neighboring buildings, the road was nonetheless desolate. Actually, even more so, because Tom expected the typical frantic activity on the city streets; and, there was none. Again, an ominous omen. It wasn’t the dead of night, it was early evening; but, it felt so - the winding streets were empty of all traffic, and the cabbie had to drive around military barricades erected all around the palace perimeter. The driver deposited Tom and Andre at their guesthouse, and left without even a goodbye. Tom could see that he was really scared, and had no more interest in Tom - once he had been given the rest of his fare.

“Here is a tip,” Tom said as he handed the man another extra 1,000 Rupees. It equated to roughly $30 US, but it really brightened the man up.

“Thanks a lot for your help,” Tom told him sincerely.

“I hope you don’t take any unnecessary risks. Use the extra money to stay somewhere, if need be, ok?”

“Yes, sir, thank you for your generosity,” the man said as he got back into the cab, and drove off into the deserted streets.

Tom and Andre made it to the front door of the guesthouse to find it locked, and all the windows shuttered. Once they knocked, the bright face of Pasang peered out of the window. She smiled broadly, and ran to open the door for them.

“Mr. Tom.......so good to see you. We worried about you.”

“And, I you. It’s a sad state of affairs, huh? This is my friend, Andre Pierre. Is my old room available?”

“Why, yes.....it is. We are not at all busy these days.”

This statement only confirmed what Tom saw when he arrived. The restaurant in the guest house was well known among the locals, and was always full to capacity every evening. Tonight it was empty except for a couple of ragged, and skinny, male hikers. They looked like they had been out in the wilds for a long time, and were trying to regain their strength.

“Please, Mr. Tom, let me take these bags for you,” said the eager waiter who lived at the guesthouse.

He liked Tom, and never hid the fact. Ever since Tom came back that night from the remote club aboard a motorcycle, he had nearly a hero worship of Tom. He too was a welcome face for Tom.

“Thank you. If you get this bag, I’ll get the other backpack; and Andre Pierre can carry his cycle upstairs.”

Within a few minutes they were installed in Tom’s old room. It was large, with two beds, a couple chairs, and had windows and a balcony that opened to an isolated square courtyard behind four buildings. The back of each building served as one side of the courtyard square; which was accessible only from the ground floor of each building, so it was always empty. After everyone had left, Andre was the first to speak.

“This is very comfortable, Tom.....not so fancy, but clean, functional, and nice people.”

“Yeah, that last part is the best part.....really nice people. Real Tibetans, real people whom you can trust. I feel a lot safer here than anywhere else in Nepal right now.”

“I suppose. I still think you worry too much, Thomas.”

“Please....I’m not going into that again. Didn’t you see the streets? Empty! Hardly any traffic since that stop we made alongside the road. Things are dicey right now; it’s best for us to just rest up, and then decide what to do next. Regardless of what we do, we both need a break; and this is the best, and safest, place to get it.”

“My other guesthouse in Kathmandu was nicer than this one.”

“Yeah, but would you leave your valuables with them?”

“But of course not!”

“Well, I did here, and I’d trust them with anything. That’s more important to me than marble floors.”

"Ok, whatever - lets eat.”

“I second that! Do you want me to order some food while you get a shower? Then, I’ll come up and get one?”

“Why a shower first?” Andre asked, puzzled.

“Well, first of all, you stink more,” Tom said with a poke to Andre’s ribs, and a laugh.

“And, anyway, I think after eating we will only want to crash and sleep, eh?”

“Hmmm, you are right. Order me whatever you think is good. I’ll go first to the showers, but it is you who stink more.....Anglais!” Andre said with an overly serious look as he tackled Tom, and toppled him onto one of the beds.

“Phew! I can hardly stand the smell of you A-mer-e-can,” he joked as he pushed Tom playfully aside, and off of the bed..

"Ok, Mr. Frenchman......right! I’ll get us some good food,” Tom said as he left the room, laughing.

Both were relieved, more relaxed with each other, and happy to be somewhere safe and comfortable. Arriving downstairs, Tom decided to sit next to the scruffy guys’ table to start a conversation with them.

“Hey, guys, do you have any word on what's happening in town?” Tom interjected into their quiet conversation.

“Nope,” said the larger one.

“It’s a real mess though,” said the other.

“All of the traffic in and out of Kathmandu is stopped. We’re stuck here for a while, that's for sure.”

“Were you guys due to go home soon?” asked Tom inquisitively.

“No,” replied the other.

“But we didn’t feel safe out in the region we were camping in; the Sindhuli district. We ran into too many Maoist rebels for my taste. We worried about being in the wrong place at the wrong time; if you know what I mean!”

“Yeah, I know what you mean,” replied Tom, as the larger one scowled at his partner for speaking too much.

“Well, we are off mate. See you around,” he said, as he motioned his friend to his feet; and they abruptly left the dining room, to go to their room.

“Curious,” thought Tom.

“That guy sure was upset with his friend for talking too much. What would they have to hide, or worry about?” he wondered.

Then it hit Tom.

“They’re probably here for drugs, taking a few souvenirs of hashish home with them. But now, they’re worried that they won’t make it past tougher emigration. That's the only thing it can be, they have that stoner look anyway,” Tom commented to himself.

“Hello, Mr. Tom. So good to see you safe,” the Tibetan woman said to Tom, as she walked up to his table.

“I think you are hungry?”

“Yes, and so is my friend. Is the kitchen open and working?”

“Yes, we don’t have everything on menu, because markets closed and no deliveries; but we have much in freezer, and in supply.”

“I have to tell you, I feel so good to get back here. Its like home in Nepal to me, and I want to thank you for making me feel that way.”

“No problem, Tom. We like you too.”

As she said this, her son came up to Tom’s table and looked at him with bright, entreating eyes.

“Suga.....suga.....Suga?” the young child asked Tom.

“Oh, suga...the parrot.... She is living with a nice woman in Chyamje!” he said brightly.

The boy’s face looked downcast at the news. He loved to play with the bird while Tom ate his meals.

“I’m sorry, but it was getting too snowy and cold for Suga. So, I gave her to a nice woman who can’t walk. She loves suga, so suga is very happy! Here, I do have a surprise for you though,” Tom said, as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a snickers candy bar. The boys’ face lit up, and he looked up instantly to his mother to see if it was ok to eat it.

“You must eat your dinner first,” Tom said quickly. Pasang was happy for his interjection.

“Yes, like Mr. Tom says, finish your dinner first.”

The little boy ran out of the room, and into the kitchen to finish his meal.

“He is so cute, a great kid.”

“Well, he likes you very much Mr. Tom.”

“Yeah, and Suga...”

“Yes, he very much wants a bird now, since he has played with yours.”

“Well, I still have the cage upstairs in storage; he is welcome to that if you want him to have a bird.”

“A little one wouldn’t be so bad,” she said, “but....”.

“How about if I find one for him?” Tom suggested.

“You are very kind, Thomas.”

“No, just very appreciative of you guys, and a little thing like that to a child is a great big deal - a gift from someone else. When I get back to the states I’ll send him a package as well, ok? I know when I was a kid, I loved to get something in the mail.”

“Thank you, Thomas. It is good to have you back.”

“Yes, it’s good to be back,” he said; but he sensed apprehension on her part.

“Can you sit and talk?” he asked her.

“Yes, but let me get the cook started first, and I will come back out.”

“Good. I guess we will have whatever you want to make, ok? Lots of it, huh?”

“Yes, you are hungry?”

“Very hungry. The trek was very tiring, but also very good. But, they didn’t have very special food along the way - not like yours,” he said with a sincere smile.

“Much rice and beans?”

“Yes, don’t remind me,” he said with a silly grin.

Once she finished in the kitchen, Pasang came back, and sat across the table from Tom.

“So, how are you doing in this mess?” he asked her.

"Ok, but no business. And, it is very very sad about the King and his family.”

“Is everyone dead?”

“We don’t know. They say the prince was upset that his parents wouldn’t let him marry an Indian woman, and so he came to their weekly dinner, and shot everyone - then, himself.”

“Do you believe that?”

“It is hard to know what to believe. We must just wait.”

“Yes, let the dust settle, and then things will sort themselves out.”

Tom didn’t want to ask her any more specific questions. It could put her in an awkward position. He knew that anyone found talking in groups of two or more, in speculation, was subject to immediate arrest. Tom could talk with impunity, generally, but he had to be careful how and what he asked. He could see one of the waiters standing behind the stack of glasses, listening to their every word. Tom didn’t trust that particular waiter, nor did Pasang, as far as Tom could tell. They both considered him a slacker; and Tom knew that if was disgruntled, or a Chinese spy, Pasang would pay dearly for any perceived indiscretion - regardless of how well intentioned. So, Tom side-stepped the topic with an oblique statement:

“Well, the politics here are beyond my abilities to understand,” he said loudly enough to be heard by the eavesdropper. “So I’ll just not do anything that could be misconstrued.”

Upon hearing this, the waiter gave a slightly disgusted grunt, and left his hiding place behind the glasses for the kitchen.

Now that they were alone, Tom spoke quickly and with double entendre.

“I’ll follow whatever you say to do. I trust you, and won’t speak openly about such matters anymore. But, what really has happened?”

She knew that the waiter had left; always keeping him in her peripheral vision. So she felt she could speak more freely.

“It is known that the family is all dead, except for the prince. He is in critical condition, and being held by the military. Who was behind the killings isn’t so clear, but none of the official stories are true. Part of the military is under the control of the nephew. No one trusts the nephew.....he is unstable. So, it is said that he is fighting with his father.....the Kings’ brother, for control. He wants to kill his father.”

“Oh, this is bad.....very bad. I had a run-in with the nephew at his night club before my trek. The music was great.....bizarre, but interesting, and I wanted to dance. So, I started dancing, and many of the women danced with me. Some of the guys got jealous, and one had a sinister look in his eyes. I quit dancing when one of the people I met there warned me to stop.

‘Don’t cross that man, he has killed four in public, one a policeman. He is the King’s nephew, and thinks himself above the law. It is not safe to contest him,’ the guy told me.

Bad news, that one. He’s a little psychotic, and therefore easy to manipulate into something maniacal - like taking over the country. I believe this one would kill his father....or anyone who got in his way. You have to see those eyes to understand.”

“Yes,” she said, interrupting him politely. “We all know nephew. So, we can do nothing but wait. To talk about these things is not so good, be careful, Thomas.”

“I will. And, I’ll just follow whatever you say to do, without any questions. The walls have ears, eh?”

“Yes, this is unfortunate, but very true.”

“You are holding up good for being alone. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“No. We are fine. My daughter is here visiting on school break. She attends a school in India. She helps me with her brother. I’m working on getting them both out of the country to India, to school. School here is stopped. Everything is stopped, and the borders are being closed.”

“Yeah, I figured that would happen. If I can do anything to help, I will, ok? I could even go over the border with them myself if you like.”

“Thank you, but this must be done quietly. We are working on it. Just watch yourself, where you go, who you talk to. It is curfew now. Once it is dark, no one is allowed on the streets. They will shoot people after dark.”

“That's why there wasn’t any traffic on the roads tonight!”

“Yes, that is so. They are very serious. Do not attempt to go out at night.”

Just then, Andre walked into the room, and their conversation stopped.

“Hello, Andre. Nice shower? I don’t smell anything, it must have gone well!” Tom joked with him as he stood at the end of the table.

“Ha, he is so funny, this A-mer-e-can, isn’t he?”

“Yes, he makes me laugh.”

“Not so with me! Sometimes..... I just get so frustrated with him!” Andre joked.

“I will check on dinner now.”

“Thanks, Pasang. Thanks for everything!”

“No problem,” she replied, as she left.

“She seems nice,” said Andre, as he sat in her vacated seat.

“That she is. Hey, I talked to the other hikers here, and the waiters. There is a night curfew, and military martial law. We can’t go out at night at all; they’ll shoot first and ask questions later. They’re worried about riots, and civil unrest. Evidently, that was a big issue before this last King cracked down on it; Nepali men are quite excitable. That's why the businesses are required to have steel shutters on their buildings - the dead King ordered them, and night curfews for the locals. When they had riots before, they often shot into the crowds to get things under control; so, many people died. The Nepali are very passionate people. Now, with their King dead, a King that they had come to love, no one knows what to expect. So, they are keeping a tight lid on things.”

“Well, we need rest anyway. We might as well make the best of it. Do you like to play cards, Thomas?”

“Yes, I do. I’m glad that you understand the situation. It’s a lot better for us to be here, I think. They have plenty of food and we are the only guests; other than the two stoners. So, we have a safe place, food, and good company. Might as well just go with the flow, eh?”

“Yes. And I appreciate your help, Thomas; you are a good man.”

“As are you, Andre. I can’t think of anyone else I’d like to spend martial law with! I enjoy our talks, even if I frustrate you sometimes.”

“Phhhpppp! You do not bother me, Thomas. I only take half of what you say seriously, so it is of no concern!”

“Ha. Well, now I know how much I’m respected here!” Tom said, as he tousled Andre’s hair with his right hand.

They both laughed at each other.......and themselves. Tom was glad to have someone to be silly with during the dark period he knew was coming. He knew that they would need their sense of humors before the civil unrest was over. Tom didn’t want to worry Andre unnecessarily, or incur further derision from him about his ‘over worrying,’ so he remained silent about many issues - especially his friends in Nepal. He liked, and trusted, Andre well enough to spend time with him; but, he wasn’t sure that he wouldn’t talk too much....to the wrong people, about the wrong things..... in his naiveté. His possible indiscretion wasn’t a big fear, but Tom wanted further proof of an appropriate level of caution, before he was fully open about everything he knew.

The next few days passed without incident, especially since they had stayed in the building. But, lying on the bed now, with Andre snoring, Tom was getting anxious to get outside - his recent drama on the roof not withstanding.

“I’ve just got to use my head, and be careful,” he thought aloud.

“Hmmm, Hmmmm? What didja say?” Andre asked incoherently.

“Opps, woke him up.....oh well,” Tom observed.

“I am awake, silly A-mer-e-can! I hear you. You think I am so stupid?”

“No, not stupid......comatose or hibernating, but certainly not stupid!” he said with exaggerated emphasis, and then continued on: “How could that be, mon ami? You are French after all!

Opps, half French - there is that Belgian part, eh?” Tom laughed, uncontrollably.

“I kill you!” Andre said as he launched off of his bed at Tom.

Tackling Tom, he wrestled him to the floor, and they rolled around the floor laughing at each other, as each tried to gain dominance over the other. Tom kept his attempts up long enough to break a sweat, and to knock most of the furniture about the room; but he began to worry what the people in the guesthouse would think, so he gave in, and let Andre top him.

Laughing hysterically, since Andre used the opportunity of pinning him to tickle him mercilessly, Tom struggled out a ragged sentence.

“Good morning, silly guy! What I have to do to, get you out of bed! Are you ready to get out of this place for a while?”

Breathing heavily, Andre kept his hold on Tom, keeping him pinned to the floor, as he caught his breath.

“Yes.....I will go mad, unless I get out of this place soon!”

“What, and leave me? And, I thought you loved me!” Tom said with feigned hurt.

Playing along with Tom’s game, Andre went on: “But I am just a man, I need variety.......surely you must understand.”

“Yeah, I understand,” Tom said as he called on all of his regained energy to flip Andre over, and pin him to the floor.

“I understand, Frenchman! Love is but a game for you!” Tom said laughing, as he sat on Andre.

“Give up?” Tom asked.

“Never! I shall never concede to a silly Amer-e-can!”

“Oh, ok....then, guess I have to let you go then, huh?”

Still laughing, and breathing heavily, Tom stood up, and held out his hand to Andre - pulling him up off the floor.

“Let’s eat....I’m starved.”

“So am I, but let’s eat somewhere else this morning,” responded Andre.

"Ok.....but let’s wait a while, and make it lunch somewhere else. I was up on the roof this morning, and the streets are still empty; but, I spotted a sniper on another roof.”

“No, this is not true!” he said in serious disbelief.

“But, Oui, of course it is true.....I never lie!” mocked Tom in response.

“Phhhpppp! ok, I believe you, but I want to walk, or cycle, somewhere. My legs ache from no use.”

“Me too. I’ve asked the woman who runs the place, and she said that martial law is being lifted for the afternoon. Many people need to get to the market, and do necessary things; so, they are giving people this afternoon to do limited things.”

“Great. It is over.”

“Not quite. Not by a long shot. But we can go to the Kathmandu Guesthouse at least, take a coffee, check the TV there, and get a newspaper.”

“Oui, I need a newspaper to find out what is really happening.”

“Sorry to say, but newspapers aren’t usually the places to get the truth.”

“Tom, you see conspiracy everywhere.....”

“Yeah, well, that's what happens when you live long enough.”

They ate a leisurely ‘breakfast’ that lasted beyond noon; and then ventured out, onto the nearly deserted streets.

“It’s kind of eerie out here, huh?” Tom asked Andre, as they got a few blocks away from their guesthouse.

“Oui, quite strange when nothing is open. These buildings look so different when all the steel doors are shut, and the people aren't so many.....”

“Yeah, they close and lock them at night. It’s the regular law, but to see them all closed in the daylight is really weird.”

“Let’s go to the Kathmandu Guesthouse.”

"Ok, it seems like our only option anyway; not unless you want to walk all the way to Dubar square?”

“No, for what? We have food. It won’t be so nice of a walk anyway.”

Within ten minutes they approached the gate that led into the Kathmandu guesthouse courtyard. The adjoining landmark bookstore was shuttered tight.....another weird sign.

“I’ve never seen that place shut up before, I didn’t realize that it opened onto two streets, and that it had a cafe’ in the back.”

“It is big place, that is sure. Well, the guesthouse seems open...”

“Ugghhh, yeah.....that's the understatement of the day,” replied Tom, as he considered the bedlam that lay ahead of them.

The place was crawling with tourists. Every square inch was covered with anxious, and visibly nervous, hikers and tourists.

“Jeez, I’ve never seen this place so busy; it looks like everyone is congregating here out of fear.”

The courtyard was packed with people, and the lobby of the normally quiet hotel was swamped with people trying to check out. Tom and Andre squeezed into the lobby, passing the main desk into the hallway that led to the western wing of the hotel, and finally to the central courtyard. As they struggled through the anxious crowd, it was impossible not to pick up on many conversations.

“They say the borders are still closed....”

“Even the airplanes?.....”

“The airlines are owned by the Royal family; so it’s shut down, but other airlines are adding flights.....as soon as the borders open up......”

“I hear the airport is chock full of poor bastards......”

“The hotel clerk says if we check out, we won’t be able to go, and then we will lose our room. The place is full, and there is a waiting list......”

After hearing many conversation snip-its, looking at the TV, and observing the lobby area, Tom came up with a few simple conclusions; so, he pulled on Andre’s arm to have him follow him out of the mess and into the quiet courtyard. The courtyard was strangely quiet.

“Wow, this place is on its end, eh?” said Tom.

“No one is calm around here. Usually, this courtyard is full of sunbathers, and tourists having tea. Now its empty, and everywhere else is full!”

“Oui, it is strange, indeed. I was only here once before, but it was very different.”

“I spent a lot of time here, before the hike in Annapurna, and this is a panic exodus. Once the borders open, this place is going to be empty. Everyone who can, is leaving the country.”

“But of course, Thomas. How silly you are. You yourself said.....”

Cutting him off mid-sentence, Tom started.

“I’m not really surprised that they’re leaving, its just one thing to intellectually think about something like this, and quite another to live it! Also, it’s funny, in a weird way, that it took this long for people to figure things out. Dugh! Lost in space, dude! Jeez, if I were them, and was in Kathmandu when the shit hit the fan, I wouldn’t have waited for the borders to close in the first place. I would’ve been on a plane out of here immediately. These guys just didn’t get it, until they were restricted indoors by armed soldiers!”

“Whatever, Thomas. You say yourself, people live in denial of reality; then you are surprised when you see evidence of it? What should we do?”

“Well, first of all.....like I said before, its one thing to know something, and quite another to find out just how right you were, and how wrong so many others can be - its going to take me a while to assimilate this, ok? Just because I am right about stuff I don’t like, doesn’t mean I want it to be true. As for what we should do? We don’t have that many options. I’m not sure if you noticed, but the TV is still out - the one in the lobby was on a test pattern. The radios are all still out too. I got that message this morning, loud and clear, over and over, until I wanted to scream. Actually, come to mention it, I did scream!”

“Get serious, Tom! Stop being so silly all the time.”

"Ok, I get serious!” Tom joked. “Anyway, from all of these factoids, I think that we can safely surmise that all communications are being purposely shut down.....not even newspapers are being allowed in the country - from anywhere. There are usually tons of them in the lobby, and not a one there today. Along with the borders being closed, I’d say that we can only conclude that the power struggle is still in play. So, it’s safest to just sit tight, and relax. There really isn’t anything we can do, even if we wanted to. It’s an easy guess that the Chinese embassy is still closed too; so, we can’t go to Tibet either. Soooo, I suggest that we go to a movie!”

“A movie? Are you nuts? Anyway, where are movies??”

“I just saw a sign on the wall by the lobby,” Tom laughed brightly.

“There are movies here each night! Only a dollar to see, and that even includes popcorn and a soda!”

“Great! What the hell anyway,” Andre laughed, relieved at Tom‘s quick shift from deathly seriousness.

“What time is the movie, A-mer-i-con?” he asked, without missing a beat.

“There’s one in half an hour, and some tonight. I think we should go to this one, and relax. We can’t be on the street after dark anyway.”

“Good! That sounds good. I like movies.”

“Me too,” replied Tom distantly, as he looked off into the crowd.

“Hey Andre, I think I know someone in that mess in the lobby. Someone who might know what’s going on,” Tom said as he looked through the wall of glass that separated the courtyard from the lobby.

“I want to go ask him some questions. Do you want to wait here?”

“I don’t want to go back in there, and I have to use the toilet anyway. I’ll meet you at the movie, ok?”

“Sure, it’s upstairs next to the paneled room at the top. Just go up the steps all the way, and turn to your left at the top.”

“Cya later.”

“Cya”

With an agreed upon plan, and Andre on his way, Tom dove back into the fray; and tried to locate the portly Englishman whom he had lunch with before his trek into Annapurna.

“He is an interesting fellow, and should know something,” Tom concluded.

After wading through the panicked crowd, Tom came upon the normally composed Englishman, only to find him even more panicked than the tourists. He had told Tom that his job was to coordinate travel groups through the region; and he had been quite amused at Tom’s questions about the Maoist rebels. His response had hit Tom as weird then; now, it resonated with troublesome undertones.

“The Maoists are kind of interesting; they stir things up - it’s the Chinese way. A little chaos is interesting, is it not?” he had said. Also, he had blithely commented: “it wouldn’t be so bad if the Chinese ran things a bit more, you know.”

To Tom‘s trained eye, he no longer looked so cavalier.

“Hello,” Tom said, as he approached the man.

“Quite a mess, isn’t it? Terrible thing with the Royal family, and all, eh?” Tom intimated, inquisitively.

“Hmmm, yes, indeed it is. Quite unsettling.”

“Things should settle down in a week or so, wouldn’t you say?” Tom persisted.

“Well, yes I suppose so. How was your trek through the Annapurna circuit?”

“Wonderful. I just wanted to thank you for advising it. I wouldn’t want to be starting it now....too unstable. The weather is turning rainy, and the guerilla activity in the mountains was getting pretty busy during the time I hiked through.”

“You saw military in the mountains?”

“Yes, the first few days in the Gorkha district, near Nagdi we heard Maoist rebels through the night, and some people were killed. Then, two days before the Kings death I passed whole groups of armed soldiers....and a few mercenary guys as well,” Tom said casually.

Tom knew enough about intrigue to know that you first had to give a little, to get a little; and this was his bait.

“Reeeeally?” was the man’s curious response.

“Yes, reeally......” Tom said in an equally drool way.

“It seems like the King was putting serious pressure on the Maoist rebels just before he was killed. I guess the Chinese aren't doing as well as they expected in the resulting vacuum,” Tom fished.

Immediate shock registered on the man’s face.

“Bingo,” Tom thought, “now I’ve hit the nerve.”

The man began to visibly pale, started to stutter, and was obviously shaken. Evidently his worst fears had been confirmed. He was obviously a Chinese informant, trading ‘news’ and information so that he could be assured travel permits into Tibet. They were purposely in limited supply, and therefore highly coveted.

“It was a nice cozy deal....until the Chinese hand was exposed in a failed coup d' état,” thought Tom.

Now he just had to confirm his suspicions, to feel comfortable in his conclusions.

“Would you like to have dinner sometime this week?” asked Tom innocently, utilizing an approach that he had unfortunately learned from a University Director of computing.

Tom hated to copy that man, but his disgust for the Englishman had hit a low point that tempted him to twist the knife he had just inserted - with the objective of confirming the man’s true motivations. Tom couldn’t let his queasiness get in the way of their survival; and, the man that he was working on wasn’t any innocent.

“I would love to old chap, but I have to be getting home soon,” was his nervous reply. It came too quick, too unfocused, and too untrue for Tom to accept it; so, he continued relentlessly.

“Oh, I thought you had just started on a six month assignment here, and had even sublet your place in England?”

“I was supposed to, but.....my malaria, you know.....my malaria is acting back up.”

“Aren’t we the inventive one,” thought Tom, as he responded in blatantly mocking sympathy.

“Oh, jeez, I am sorry to hear that. I didn’t know that malaria was a permanent condition.”

“Oh, yes indeed. Yes it can be, and I’ve had a terrible flair up. So, it’s best to be home where I can get proper care.”

“Makes sense to me. Sorry to see you go, it is quite intriguing discussing things with you.”

At this comment, the man gave Tom a more appraising stare. One of those: ‘I know, and you know, we are both talking bullshit; but I didn’t expect you to be bright enough to figure it out’ looks. There was even begrudging admiration in his appraising look at Tom. Seeing this, Tom pressed his advantage to learn what he could.

“Yeah, we’ll be leaving soon too. We’re going to Tibet. That’s the last place the Chinese will be concerned with; since they have this failed debacle to deal with now. The Chinese leadership seems really patient; but, I imagine that this failed coup was a bad surprise. It must’ve been something that they expected to succeed..... from all those years of planning. Then, you know, ’shit happens.’ It must be a big disappointment.....” Tom let his voice trail off, and made a puzzled shrug.

The Englishman went pale, and into full panic mode.

“I, I, I .... have to be going now.....I, I am late, and have to pack.”

“Well, have a good trip,” replied Tom. “I hope you make it out of the country ok,” Tom said sincerely. He could see that the man had learned the error of his prior games, and was obviously in great distress. Tom’s newfound compassion for the man overrode his prior anger. He had obviously been tricked by the Chinese into a deeper, and more complex, game than he understood. He had compromised himself to the limit, based upon the premise that the Tibetan issue was moot and that the Chinese could be trusted. He, like many others, had been terribly wrong. Tom knew this was the biggest Achilles heel of Westerners.....to project their value systems upon Asian culture. To think themselves more clever than thousands of years of ingrained deceptive behavior. The man, to Tom, had been played like a pitiful tool.....and he now knew it. Hurting him further would serve no purpose, so Tom relented.

The man then turned to Tom, as he left, and said in a concerned whisper: “be careful, very careful Tom.....these things......” his voice trailed off with silent meaning, while his face registered legitimate concern for Tom.

“Thanks for the advice, I appreciate all your help......I really do.”

“Good day, then.”

“A good day to you, as well,” answered Tom. Within minutes, the guy was lost in the crowd, pushing his way up the stairs to his room.

“Maybe I was wrong about him,” wondered Tom. “Then, again, maybe not. He probably didn’t understand what plans the Chinese had up their sleeve when he dealt with them. Not many Westerners really understand their ruthlessness - much to their later consternation!” he concluded with disgust.

“I wonder how many Americans realize that their zeal for money impairs their ability to understand this basic point; and, therefore they provide China with the very trade that it needs to finance their inhumane ambitions? We, like this poor bastard, have given them the resources to prevail......ignoring the price the Tibetan people have had to pay, out of denial of our financial and material benefits. I wonder if Americans can own up to their culpability, and make the painful, but necessary, changes?” Tom wondered, but then concluded: “I doubt it. We’ve become too fat, dumb, and lazy!”

Tom walked around the empty courtyard for a while, to gather his thoughts, and to calm his mind, before he went to meet Andre Pierre at the movies. He was surprised at how small his emotional disturbance was after today’s revelations. Usually, something like this would have really upset him, and driven him to do ‘something’ immediately, if only to share it with someone else. But, after his trek and his experiences over the past months, he was actually relieved.

“Relieved, how can I be relieved?” he asked himself incredulously.

The realization followed soon after.

“Its just confirmation of what I already guessed; and, so I feel good about the accuracy of my perceptions, and interpretation of events.”

Tom also felt strongly that the attempted Chinese coup was failing.....even though the struggles weren't over yet.

“It still could go either way, but something tells me that the Chinese weren't prepared for a fight. They expected a coup d’état - something that didn’t happen. Backing a psycho nephew has its risks, and in this case, probably proved too unpredictable.”

Tom remembered meeting the nephew at his dance club. There, he learned first-hand that the rumors were true. He had killed 4 people....outright, including a policemen, when he had gotten drunk or high. He felt above the law, immune from prosecution; and, that didn’t bode well for rational thought processes. When Tom had met him he could see the madness in his eyes. Now, with everyone in the Royal Family dead, it only stood to reason that he thought he would prevail in usurping the throne - encouraged and supported, no doubt, by Chinese operatives over time. It had been planned out well in advance, but the Chinese had plans beyond the nephew. They would help him get the crown, and then....through other groups....they would discredit the monarchy; and move in as ‘the only stable force,’ saving the people, from ’tyrannical oppression.’ Tom could see hints of this plan in their staged strikes during the month before his trek. They wanted to portray the monarchy as selfish, inbred, given to favoritism; and themselves as the only logical choice for stability. Subverting the nephew probably took time, but he was ripe for the picking. Tom’s relief was both from reaffirmation of his conclusions, and the fact that the Chinese hadn’t won......yet. Tom didn’t think the international community would put up with the murder of the Royal family, if they knew all of the true facts in time. The King had had attended University in England, and had many friends abroad. But, they couldn’t really do anything if his nephew was put into power first - it would be an intrusion into succession, and the facts would be muddled enough to cast suspicion on any alternative. After all, if the guy got his father killed, who else would inherit? In some ways the whole Chinese plan was brilliant. First get succession that couldn’t be challenged abroad; and then, subvert it after the sensation had calmed down, and the psycho was vulnerable. Tom wondered how the foreign press was covering the whole story.

“Do they really understand what’s going on?” he wondered aloud.

He liked to think so, but since the media was effectively squelched in Nepal, who knew what news was getting out? The rumors in Kathmandu were gradually being honed into a story that would be believable. The first story was so outrageous, that no one believed it. They said that the prince brought a new type of automatic machine gun to the family dinner; and when he set it on the table it went off, and killed everyone - except the nephew and his wife. Then came the story that the prince was mad at his parents for not approving of his intended marriage to an Indian woman; and he killed them at dinner. Then, being so distraught with what he had done, he shot himself. The only problem with that story was that his gunshot wounds were in his back. Crazy stories were being floated, to see what would be believed; then, they were quickly discredited by real facts. In whatever story Tom heard, there was only one common thread of fact: the King, Queen, and probably the Prince, was dead. The only people, out of eleven total attendees, to live from the weekly dinner was the nephew and his wife. The nephew’s father, the King’s brother, was conveniently out of the city in Pokhara. And, the military was partially aligned with the nephew. Whatever actually happened didn’t matter; but it was clear that it wasn’t a murder-suicide.

“You only have to look at the survivors, and the political tension with the Maoists and Communists to figure it out,” thought Tom aloud.

But, still, Tom wondered if this was clear outside of Nepal.

“I’ll check into that later,” he reminded himself.

“Its time to see a movie and relax.”

He left the courtyard, walked quickly up the staircase to the theatre, paid his entrance fee, and stumbled around the small theatre trying to find Andre in the dark.

“Where have you been?” Andre asked, when he finally found him.

“Oh, it took me longer than expected to talk to that guy; then, I took a little break in the courtyard to relax.”

“Hey, guess what I heard?”

“What?”

“The Kings’ son, the prince was in a coma, and finally died. His wounds were too much to survive......he had been shot in the back! It’s hard to shoot yourself in the back with a semi-automatic gun, huh?”

“Yeah, it is. Let’s watch the movie.”

“Shhhhhhssh!” said a girl behind them.

“Let’s talk about it later. It isn’t over yet. Its going to be a while before all of this is settled.”

"Ok. Hey, I bought you a candy bar,” said Andre.

“Thanks, I appreciate it. Really.”

Andre’s responding smile was clear, even in the darkened room.

Tom and Andre went home to their quiet guesthouse immediately after the movie, and had a wonderful dinner. Both were rested, relaxed, and happy to be in each other’s company. They were learning more and more about each other, and were both happy with what they learned. Tom wasn’t such a silly A-mer-e-can, and Andre was deeper than he let on. Both easily fell into a trusting camaraderie that allowed them to talk about everything. Lying in their beds that evening, they couldn’t sleep, yet they didn’t want to get up either; so, they talked late into the night. Andre shared his pain and confusion over his best friend’s suicide; and Tom recounted his painful divorce and abusive work environment. They seemed to agree on many things, especially on being sensitive to other’s feelings. It was a wonderful time for both of them; and when they finally fell off to sleep, they felt like they had known each other all their lives.

Morning, however, held its own surprises. They ate breakfast, and ventured out to a few travel agencies to investigate the best and cheapest way to get to Lhassa. They agreed the night before, during their discussions, that they wanted to travel together; and, Andre wanted to make it a cycling trip in Tibet. Tom had never considered cycling for any long distance before, and certainly not in the highest altitude in the world; but, he was game for the experience.

“Oh, hell, why not? But, you have to help me at first - it will be my first time. Can you be gentle?” he joked.

“Everything with you is a joke, Thomas! I like that!”

The people at the guesthouse had told them that the curfew was lifted for the daytime, so they could walk around; but they were warned to be careful. They went to the Kathmandu guesthouse first, and found that the exodus was in full swing. Three quarters of the people were already gone, and the rest were going as quick as they could. Many were going to the airport, even though they had no plane reservations - deciding to wait there to fly anywhere, to get out of the country. To Tom this was a new experience. It was really strange for him to see a population of people in panicked retreat. It was like every war movie he had ever seen; but he now thought that they were overreacting. By the time the tourists finally understood the threat that they had been under, the worst was over.

“And now,” Tom thought, “they decide to panic! Duh! It’s an example of group psychology at its best, and people at their worst,” he bemoaned, silently.

“Can you imagine what its like at the airport?” Tom asked Andre.

“Silly, they are so silly. They run like rats......even on top of each other. I am glad that I came with you to Kathmandu; this has been the best thing to do. You are clev-ar, Thomas. Very Clev-ar!”

“Thanks, I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“It was one.”

"Ok. Anyway, lets go to the other travel agency, this one is closed. I liked the guy here, he was really the best; but he must be staying out of the city, until things settle down. It has to be scary to live here, and to know that your whole society is hanging in the balance; but you have little, or no, control over events that will forever change your lives.”

“It is the same in many war torn places, Thomas. Americans should travel more, and then they would see the consequences of their foreign policies.”

“Oh, no, you can’t blame this one on the United States.”

“Oh, but of course I am not!”

“I am talking about Vietnam, Cambodia, and places like that. I cycled for a year through those countries, and Pol Pot.....oh my God he was an evil man; yet American foreign policy supported him, as did China near the end when he functioned as a guerilla group. He was worse than Hitler ever could be - atrocities I do not want to even repeat, killing over 1.7 million peoples! Twenty percent of population! He was a madman, leader of Khmer Rouge, but also a pawn of America and China through foreign aid. See what ‘superpowers‘ truly do?”

“Wait, I don’t know that situation, so I can’t defend us on that topic.”

“Precisely! My point precisely! You A-mer-e-cons don’t know what your government and businesses do, and then you wonder why you are so hated. ‘It must be a big mistake,’ you say to yourselves. ‘We are good people.’ But, when good people allow others to do bad in their name.....then.....they aren't so clever...they are worse than silly. They choose to remain ignorant...in spite of the atrocities done in their name.”

"Ok, ok, peace....truce now, ok? You know now that these things are purposely kept from us, so cut me some slack. I can’t be held responsible for everything that bad people do.”

“No, of course you are a good person Thomas, otherwise I not travel with you! But, you cannot remain ignorant.”

"Ok, with that I agree. So, let up on me, ok?”

"Ok.......for a while I will,” he said with a teasing grin.

“You bastard.....I never can tell when you are serious, or messing with me.”

“Yes, I know. It is most amusing.”

“Well, you have to know that I believe everything people tell me.”

“Seriously? This cannot be so. Are you that gullible?”

“No, trusting. I’ve learned....the hard way.....to remain trusting, like I want to; I just have to be careful who I spend time with. So, I have accepted you into my ‘trusting zone.’ and that places a responsibility on you to not fuck with my head, ok? I know you are teasing now, so no big deal. But, I want you to know that I am placing more and more trust in you everyday, as I feel safer with you. What I am asking, is that you respect that trust; and not deceive or lie to me, because I will pretty much believe whatever you tell me now - because I trust you! So, don’t violate that trust, ok? It’s really the only thing that can hurt me. I can take any news, just so it’s true. I’d rather know a bad thing than feel deceived. It’s easier for me to cope with. So, I am placing my trust in you, my man. I have to if we want to be able to rely on each other. But, I’d rather be alone, and know that I have to watch my own back always; than to think my back is covered, only to find out that it isn’t. What do you think of that?”

“I think you are a silly A-mer-e-con; but, I like you a lot anyway. You are hard to work around because you are clever, and a good man; and do always the good thing.”

“Would you rather I was clev-ar, in an not so nice way?”

“No, but of course not! Again, you say silly things! I just don’t trust people, like you say you do.....”

“Well, you can try it with me, because I guarantee that I won’t betray it!”

“That, I believe” he said with a warm smile.

“I like you Thomas. I like you very much. You help me see things that I haven’t noticed before. I will enjoy traveling with you to T-bet.”

“Great! Glad you approve. I’ve been just sitting here waiting for your approval!” Tom said, as he began to run away from Andre jokingly.

“When I catch you, I strangle you!” he yelled, as chased Tom down the street.

Laughing, and out of breath, Tom ran down the street to avoid being tagged by Andre, in his mock anger. It was a game they played, and Tom enjoyed the sheer silliness of it all. For the first time in his life, he was able to finally let go of all pretense, and just enjoy the fun things of life. They knew that they probably looked silly, but they didn’t really care. It was funny, though, that most people who saw them engaged in their games, just laughed good naturedly at their silliness. Most people thought that they were brothers. After a while, Tom and Andre had given up trying to explain that they weren’t; and they just went with the flow - enjoying life, as best that they could.

“That’s it!” realized Tom as he ran.

“The success of really living life means being observant, and learning what the flow of life was.... all around you; and then, moving along with it, not against the tide. I’ve fought the tide so much of my life; openly defiant, and never really relaxing.....always working against the tide, like a migrating salmon. I don’t have to change my beliefs, principles, or values; nor compromise any of them. I just don’t have to take on so many fights.”

“Chose your battles, Thomas,” one of his mentor’s had always advised him.

Now it made more sense. All of Tom’s recent realizations had lifted loads of weight from his worries, and helped him function effectively through times of crisis. This by far, was one of the best realizations for him. Now he understood that he merely had to clearly assess the reality of a current situation, and then work around it.....not fight it. In Nepal, fighting things was useless; and assessing reality was fairly easy, if brutal. At home it was just the opposite. Political correctness was just another form of societal self deception; and spin control had become the default first action, instead of retaining its intended purpose of being a sound byte solution - to simplify complicated issues, quickly. Both strategies of social engineering were subsequently twisted from their original purposes, in misguided attempts to weave and live perceptions, instead of facing realities. Both methods were initially effective for well intentioned leaders, but had ultimately become additional tools for the betrayers of trust.

“Another lesson on the dangers of complacency; evil doesn’t rest, and will corrupt anything, if allowed,” thought Tom.

“Perceptions become reality, Thomas,” a University V.P. had advised him, years ago. But Tom remembered his reply then; and now saw here, that its accuracy was confirmed yet again.

“There comes a time when the rubber meets the road, and you have to deliver on something, Ronald. You can’t feed children perceptions. What happens when PR and spin control becomes the product? I‘ll tell you. Everyone losses touch with reality, and are therefore at great risk of being overthrown by the more direct, and action oriented, barbarians. That’s when fantasy castles collapse. You’re dangerously close to overselling what this University can deliver; what anyone can deliver. Once people realized they have been betrayed.....the Alumni, the research sponsors, the public, and the students...... credibility and trust will be gone. Once credibility and trust is gone......” Tom had warned him, years before.

Thinking back to those days of public relations at the University, and comparing them to his current situation, Tom realized that this had always been his hidden talent - to see beyond the deceptions. His mistake, upon reflection, was to assume that the people using the tools were truly altruistic, and not self serving. Without getting bitter, and disenfranchised, Tom had to now accept that most people become self serving, once corrupted from their state of connectiveness with others, and life.

“At birth,” he realized, “we’re all connected; and, our environment and upbringing either desensitizes us, or protects us, until we are strong enough to stand on our own, and contribute back - to the furtherance of life. Strong enough to knowingly accept the challenges of withstanding the continual temptations of self absorption. And, strong enough to sidestep all the distractions from a compassionate path of life.”

Tom saw the Dalai Lama was a perfect example of tempered protection. As a result of his upbringing, he had become one of the most respected and compassionate people ever to live. Especially if one didn‘t believe in reincarnation, he was living proof of what selflessness, and unconditional love, can produce.

“’Ocean of Wisdom,’ was his inheritance. The deliverance from pain and suffering are his gifts - to those who are willing to listen,” Tom now believed.

Tom had spent twenty years protecting his children, keeping them working together, trusting of life, and believing in the goodness in the world........risking his life, sanity, and personal welfare in the effort to keep them secretly connected to real life - like so many parents did for their children.

“Now they’re being challenged, faced daily with brutal realities created by unaware, or numb, people,” he thought.

Like his children, the human race was continually being challenged to protect life, or to abuse life. Unfortunately, the balance was presently tipped towards abusing life. Tom now understood that he had to learn to develop ways to avoid getting self righteous about it; and to work around it. Otherwise, he’d be ignored as radically liberal at best; or, in the extreme, destroyed in the effort. He’d been silently waging war, like many societal ’outcasts,’ and now understood that he needed to be forging peace - however difficult and challenging that would be.

“That’s really the defining factor,” he realized. “We have to walk the talk, not live the spin.”

Awareness was crystallizing, and a clear path was revealing itself to him.

“This situation’s terrible,” he reflected. “But I’m not frozen in fear, and I’ll survive regardless of what happens,” he thought, confidently.

This was all very reassuring to Tom; and, therefore, he was able to really relax - even during a time of open conflict - without the crutch of denial.

“Maybe conflict, and the risk of losing your life, heightens the things that are really important,” he considered aloud. “I’ll have to think about that one,” he concluded, as he turned around to see how close Andre was to tagging him.

The street they were running down passed directly in front of the Royal Palace; the residence of the Royal family, and the scene of all the grisly events of the past few days. As Tom turned to look at Andre, Andre stopped, and got a very serious look on his face. He was looking beyond Tom, at the street ahead; and he had stopped cold in his tracks. Tom, confused at what would stop Andre, turned forward again and followed Andre’s gaze. They had just passed Kantipath street, and come to the intersection of two main roads in Kathmandu; Dubar Marg and Tridevi Marg. Dubar led to the newer main city section of Kathmandu, and Tridevi led back to Thamel. They formed a ‘T’ intersection, directly in front of the Royal Palace. There were hundreds of people lined up and down the street beyond the Palace; everyone holding a flower, or collection of flowers, in their hands. As the people walked past the huge iron gates of the Palace, they bowed, laid down their flowers in respect, and then were directed back down the intersecting street by heavily armed military soldiers. The scene was poignant, heart wrenching, and terrifying - all at the same time.

“What are they doing, Thomas?” asked Andre vacantly.

“Well, it looks like they are showing their sadness; and giving respects to the dead King and his family,” he replied.

“I can see that. I mean the soldiers, there....”

“Oh, I’ve heard that the Nepali are very passionate people, and prone to riots. With their beloved King murdered, they’re probably close to the flash point of a real messy riot. That's the way they expressed discontent before the dead King was in power. He instituted the mandatory steel roll-down doors for all businesses to eliminate night robberies, and to inhibit looting during riots - making the streets easy to patrol. This place has a hidden police-state side that the tourists never see. He had to firmly maintain order, because there are so many groups trying to stir up problems.”

“Who?”

“Well, the Maoist rebels in the countryside who have killed over 1,500 harmless policemen in the mountains, the Chinese communist party, The Leninist Communist party, the other factions of other power groups, and the Indians. It’s a long list.”

“I never knew.”

“Its something they don’t really publicize. In fact, it’s something that they try to hide; to not alarm tourists. The businesses and people are tightly held in check by peer pressures, physical threats by these various groups, and the military. With the King not here to keep the balance....... wellll, let’s say it plays right into the hands of those who would like to have a state of chaos - at least long enough to take control themselves. The Nepali are a culture of chameleons. They have to be, with India and China both wanting to take them over. It’s been that way all through time, due to their geographical location. That’s why the United States quietly supports them through foreign AID programs and charitable organizations; so they can retain their independence, and forestall any overthrow by either country. That would destabilize the whole region.”

“I never knew.....” Andre said, as though he had missed a major thing - which he had. Tom tried to ease his mind, though, and help him feel safer and not so ‘unaware.’

“Well, you aren't alone......so, don’t feel bad. It isn’t common knowledge; and, you really are safer than the local people are. The one thing they all agree on is tourist money; so they all go out of their way to insure the safety of tourists, more than their own people. Thamel is tightly controlled through operatives, and undercover people, to eliminate the scarier elements and to protect us. Most tourists are totally clueless. That's why the Nepali think us stupid. But, again they don’t really care, so long as they make money off of us.”

“How do you know this?” Andre asked, jealously, implying that he was unaware and therefore less ‘clevar.’

“Please, Andre......lets not go there. You’re not dumb, and I’m not smarter than you. It’s just that the more you live, the more you learn that things are often quite different than they appear. Here, it bothered me when I first arrived. Something just wasn’t ‘right.’ Not bad, mind you, but some things were out of place. So I spent a lot of time with local people trying to learn what the real life here was like - not the image that they work hard to portray in these areas. To do this, one has to go looking in places the authorities don’t ‘manage,’ and be open enough to really listen to the people in order to understand the true culture. To me, it was a full immersion thing. It was hard, but I think I understand things clearer because of it. Now, though, it’s all telling me that its time to leave. Let’s keep moving, those soldiers are watching us too closely. You know, they don’t want to hurt the tourists; but there is such a thing as being in the wrong place at the wrong time - and trigger-happy, nervous soldiers. Things are really tense now, so we have to be careful to look dumb, and stay out of the line of fire. If there are riots, they’ll fire on the rioters. If we happen to be in the middle of them, then our deaths would be unfortunate, but still very real. So, ignorance isn’t bliss, my man. Don’t worry; I’ve got your back. Just be looking for mine too, ok?”

“Sure.....”

“I’m glad you’re seeing things that let you know that I don’t make this shit up......keep asking questions, to everyone; and then we can relax. But we have to switch hit sometimes, and remain vigilant. Enjoy yourself and our time together, but don’t be lulled into complacency, ok?”

"Ok, but I still think you ......”

“Please......don’t even go there. Absorb this new information before you get yourself on a prejudged path. That’s your Achilles heal, Andre. Making snap judgments based on information you have been fed, and then not being humble enough to admit that you misjudged something; and then, blindly sticking to an obviously wrong judgment. Be careful, it limits you from being adaptive and really nimble, and aware. None of us really understands everything; so, we can always learn more. Seems like the more I learn, the more I learn what I don’t know. So, try not to let yourself get stuck in inaccurate assessments. I’m willing to admit I might be wrong; but, it’s less frequent when I’m not thinking myself infallible, and self correct accordingly. In this environment, in the middle of this very real and very deadly conflict, the awareness of changing conditions, and subsequent adaptability, are vital to survival. The Nepali live it everyday, ask them. Now, in times like these, their skills are heightened. So, most of them realize that they need to keep low, until things settle down; and, they can see who won. Then, they can adapt accordingly. Anyway, we have to get out of here now, come on,” Tom concluded, as he led Andre around the corner, and down Dubar Marg - the street that dead-ended at the gate of the Palace.

“The travel agency I finally got down to, before my hike, is right up this street - on the right. I found that most of the tour companies talk to each other, and they ultimately throw all their customers together for tours. This company, Royal Travel, is somehow connected to the Royal family, and seems to be in charge of a lot of tours. They can get us the best prices to Tibet,” Tom explained to Andre; as he followed close behind him.

Tom tried to keep talking, and changed the subject, so that Andre wouldn’t freak out on him. Tom had seen enough of that with all the other tourists who were panicking and leaving the country. He didn’t want Andre to do the same. They were getting along very well, and he was going to be a great travel partner through Tibet.....or, so Tom thought.

They arrived at the travel agency, and found that the iron gate to the steps leading upstairs to the second floor business was locked.

“They are closed, Thomas.”

“Damn it! If they aren't open, who will be?”

Stepping back on the wide sidewalk, Tom shielded his eyes from the bright midday sun, and looked up at the upper story of the Travel agency. The large, floor length windows were all wide open, making the iron balconies accessible from within.

“Hey, Andre, they are upstairs, the windows are open......the gate is just locked for security. Lets get their attention, they’ll let us in.”

“Hullo, hello, hello,” they yelled in unison, and simultaneously rattled the heavy iron gate.

A distinguished looking man, the man in charge of the agency, looked down from one of the windows and saw Tom and Andre. Recognizing Tom, and curious, he motioned with his right arm to an employee to let them in. A burly looking guy unlocked the gate for Tom and Andre, and maintained his surly disposition. Noticing this major shift in attitude from his former visits, Tom assessed that things were not well; tourists, and making money, was obviously the least of their concerns. Their whole lives were hanging in the balance.

“Andre,” he whispered, “things are touchy here today, let me handle things, ok? Just follow my lead, I kind of know them.”

"Ok, I’ll remain silent.”

Andre sounded uncharacteristically relieved with Tom’s suggestion; and, Tom was relieved as well that he didn’t have to worry about Andre making a faux pas that might jeopardize their exit into China. They were greeted at the small lobby by the owner.

“Hello. Today is not so good of a day for business,” he said curtly, but not unkindly.

“He is waaay stressed,” thought Tom. “He’s only here to watch events unfold from his catbird seat, near the Palace, and waaay above street level.”

With this assessment in mind, Tom took a different tack than direct business; or concern for himself and Andre.

“Yes, these are very difficult times. Let me tell you that I’m very sorry for your loss. This is a terrible loss for Nepal, and I can’t really imagine how you all feel. I have tried to think what it would be like to wake up one morning, and find that our president and all of our top ruling government people had been killed. What would we do? It’s very disturbing, and terribly sad as well.”

“Well, you do understand a bit of our troubling situation.”

“Just enough to know that it’s going to be good time to be out of Nepal for a while.”

“Just so. Just so. You would be well advised to do that.”

“Well, when I came here before, we had looked into that jeep tour to Lhassa. I now have a friend who is also interested in going. Are there enough people to justify a trip?”

“Hmmmm, most trips have been cancelled. Nothing is going anywhere, for a while. But, still, we have guides waiting due to all the cancellations; and China wouldn’t be unsafe for you tourists right now. Maybe in a few days we can do something? But, you will have to secure your own Chinese Visa....”

“That is no problem; I think I know how to do that now. I’ll just wait until the Chinese embassy opens up, and go immediately there.”

“That is wise.”

“Let us pay for the trip now, so that you know that we’re serious. Then if it can’t happen, you can refund seventy five percent. Is that fair?”

“Most fair.”

The man visibly brightened to be doing something that distracted his mind a little.

“We’ll just check in with you every day or so, to see on what's going on, ok?”

“Yes, and what guesthouse are you staying?”

“The Snowing Tibetan.”

“Let me know immediately when you receive your Visas, ok?”

“Yes, I will come here directly from the Embassy the day we get them.”

“That will work.”

“Here’s a credit card for the charges. We‘ll take a one way jeep trip to Lhasa, and then arrange for a flight out through China, on our own.”

“Hmmmm, the banks....”

“Oh, yeah, sorry.....it’ll wipe us out, but we can give you cash. We can get more from the ATM if it isn’t out of money yet.”

“It is easier for you to get money, than it is us. You will have no problems.”

“I believe you are right. Andre Pierre, hand me the cash,” Tom asked Andre casually. Andre was a wonder. He was totally baffled by Tom’s approach, but was smart enough to recognize that it worked, and therefore his trust in Tom’s judgment had gone up a few notches; so, he watched and listened.

“I will need your passports.”

“Yeah, well, we will need them to get Visas. We have photocopies that will work for your paperwork until our visas come.”

“Yes, you are right, that will do. Usually we get the Visas for the entire group, but in times like these......”

“Yes, who knows what the Chinese will do.....”

“Just so. I must apply in advance with all passports to receive a tour permit. They are very particular about that. They want to check out every visitor before they allow the group into China. Also, you must know, you have to stay at all times with the tour group and the Chinese guide that they will assign to your group. They will always be watching you; and will suffer big trouble if they allow you to go astray. They are responsible for you while you are in Tibet, and will be held responsible if they lose you. No one is allowed to travel unattended in Tibet anymore. Once you arrive in Lhasa, you will only have a few days left on your group Visa, and will have to leave.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard the drill. They want you to see what they want you to see.....nothing more, nothing less.”

“Very true, but it is still a very interesting trip. Lhassa is most beautiful.”

“Yeah, its ok.....don’t worry about us....thanks for the heads up, though.”

The man then looked directly at Tom, and knew that Tom had gotten the coded message: “Beware....do as you please, but be careful - no one will protect you.”

As they completed the paperwork, the man’s nerves and disposition had visibly improved, and Tom felt good to know that his presence helped him, and eased him a little. Then they heard loud shouting and chanting on the streets below.

“What is that?” asked Andre, as they were all drawn to the windows.

Everyone in the well appointed agency went immediately to the open windows and small balconies that faced the main street below. Platoons of heavily armed soldiers marched in clipped, and precise, unison down the street; and all passerby were forced to the sidewalks. Then, truckloads of heavily armed soldiers rolled by, in an organized and efficient motorcade. Tom was shaken by the sight, and very glad to be off the street, and in a position, to watch events unfold. But, the scene still scared him. It was straight out of a war movie, and he was in the middle of it all. Suddenly, being so cle-var wasn’t so fulfilling; and, he began to worry. Everyone was silent in the agency, similarly concerned, but captivated by the scene as if it were a grisly accident that you just couldn’t ignore. As the platoons of solders reached the end of the street, only one block to Tom’s left, they split off - one half turning left down the street in front of the Place, and the other half to the right. The well ordered parade would have been impressive if it wasn’t so worrisome. Behind the soldiers were thousands of Nepali men screaming and chanting; wildly waving signs, and framed pictures of the dead King and Queen. The man could see Tom’s discomfort and worry, and commented accordingly.

“The Prince was confirmed dead today. The people were to riot......so many troublesome factions fanning the fires of passion. So today the military allows public mourning. But, still....we are not so sure that riots won’t erupt.”

“Well they look upset, but they look relatively orderly and sincere. Maybe the trouble makers won’t succeed,” offered Tom.

“We can hope. But, still.....”

“Yeah, the power struggles behind the scenes must be fierce.”

“We mustn't speak of such things.”

“I understand. Time will show all. Hey, most of the guys have shaven their heads. I thought that Nepali men never cut their hair so short,” observed Tom.

“And, they have little pony tails in the back, Thomas, they haven’t shaven completely,” added Andre.

“Yes, it is customary that when a father dies, a son will shave his head out of respect for his father.....if he really loved him - leaving only a little hair, as a sign that life still continues. The men so loved the King, that he was like a father to them and the country. So, they show this ultimate respect for their dead ‘father,’ the King.”

“So, it looks radical, but it’s really a mourning thing......a respect thing.”

“Quite. It is very unusual. Men only do this for their loved fathers, no one else. It shows the depth of loss that they feel.”

“Yes, and they are pissed off too!”

“That is clearly so,” the man added.

“Someone is going to pay for this deed. Whoever ends up being the real culprit will pay dearly, I think” suggested Tom.

“Unfortunately so.....this is what we all fear. Total retribution, and chaos. The government wasn’t too respected before this, the King had just fired them all again. Now......”

“But, the old government employees wouldn’t attempt a coup, would they?”

“These are not our concerns. Again, things will work out as they will. Things will change, but Nepal will prevail......I hope.”

“I think so,” said Tom. “The United States won’t allow anything different.”

The man’s eye brows lifted at Tom’s comment, and a look of hope flashed across his face.

“If they know, maybe.....” he said.

“They will know,” added Tom, to reassure the man.

“Well, we must go now, the crowd has died down now, and we can use this opportunity to get a clear shot back to our guesthouse. Thank you for your help, and hospitality. I look forward to working with you.”

“And, I you,” the man said, as a flicker of hope played through his emotions.

“Its visible, if you’re looking,” Tom commented to himself.

“Andre Pierre. I think we should go home now, do you feel comfortable leaving?”

“Yes, I think we would be better at the guesthouse....just in case...”

“I agree,” Tom added. “We will stay in touch, sir, thank you once again!”

“No, Thank you Mr. Thomas.”

Andre Pierre and Tom headed directly back to their guesthouse, through totally empty streets. Not a single soul remained on the streets. The military soldiers had just marched through, with the mob sandwiched between platoons of them. It was all very orderly, well planned, and served the purpose of venting the build up of anger and remorse over the killings. But, it was scarier than ever for most residents of Kathmandu. They looked out their windows, surreptitiously, and hid as well as they could.

“It feels like one of those old war movies, or a science fiction one, doesn’t it, Andre?”

“Oui.....there is no one, but us. You are either very brave, or very crazy; Thomas. To take us out in this mess.....knowing what we may run into. At least I didn’t knowingly do such a sot thing.”

“Sot?”

“Silly, it means silly in French. You sot A-mer-e-can!” Andre said to Tom, with a hint of admiration in his voice.

“Maybe you aren't so clever.”

“Well, many people would agree with you on the crazy vs. brave thing; but Clev-ar? But of course, they all think me Clev-ar!” Tom joked with him, and ran ahead.

“When I catch you!” Andre screamed, as he ran after him laughing.

Andre laughed heartily. Out of relief, out of tension, or out of pleasure to be in Tom’s company. Tom couldn’t tell which, but it did ease his fear, a little, until they got home. After they arrived at the guesthouse, they had to knock hard to get someone unlock the door. Everything was shutdown tight. The Nepali, like timid animals after a huge storm, had stuck their heads out yesterday afternoon, and a little today, only to jump back in deeper once the protests started.

Tom and Andre, however, weren't so worried about the protesters now. They weren't violent.....just really sad, and upset. They were smart enough, evidently, to not allow contentious factions to take advantage of the situation. They showed strong solidarity, and a firm resolve, to exhibit their hurt and anger.....yet, to await the truth, to unleash their measured wrath. Tom was now sure that whoever was to blame for the murders was going to pay dearly for it; and the Nepali people weren't going to accept a white wash of the horrendous events. As they got into the guesthouse, Andre was feeling a lot safer, and perked up quite a bit.

“I have to get my camera, and take some movies,” he said, “and, I have to send email to my friends and family so they will not worry about me.”

“Email?” asked Tom, incredulously.

“Where can you do email?”

“Here, Thomas....in the little room in the back of the building there are a few computers set up.”

“Jezzz, I never even thought about that” Tom chided himself.

“I just assumed that they were blocked; like the TV, the radio, and the newspapers. Are you sure they are working?”

“Oui. I asked the woman this morning, and she said yes.”

“I’m so dumb. Assume nothing, eh? Well, I can go online and see what the Western press is saying about the situation here.....we should get a clearer picture from them, huh?”

“I suppose, I never considered it. I just want to contact my family, so that they will not worry about me.”

“Me too. I just didn’t think I could. Ok, we will take a few pictures.....I’ll go with you, ok?....and, then we can do email. Ok?”

“Sure. That sounds good. I’ll be back in a minute with my video camera,” he said as he trotted off to the stairs.

“Bring my camera too, Andre,” Tom called out to him as he climbed the stairs.

“Oui, I will.”

The woman in the guesthouse had stood silently by, patiently listening to Tom and Andre talk.

“Damn. These Tibetans sure have their calm button programmed well,” thought Tom.

“She can just sit there, and wait patiently, not intruding one bit. If you were an obnoxious, self absorbed, tourist you would never even see them; and would bowl your way through, ignorant and full of action......but lacking the sensitivity and awareness to even see them. I guess most really nice people are that way. I’ve gotta learn how they can be so good,” Tom advised himself, as he prepared to inform the woman about the days events.

After he had told her all he knew, she commented that she had heard that the lock down at night was going to be fierce. Something was definitely in the wind, and today's events had been carefully managed to project an image, and vent tension, as a distraction. Things were obviously even deeper than Tom had imagined; and he then realized that it could take years to really understand all the dynamics of Nepali society, even if you were accepted.

“Stay inside after dark, Mr. Tom,” she advised with obvious concern.

“I plan too. There are too many unknowns, and no reason to risk anything.”

“Very wise,” was all she said.

“What is the word on your children?” he asked.

“They’re to leave tomorrow. We found a way to get them into India, and to school.”

“That’s very good, and must ease your worries for them......but, still...it must be hard to be away from them.”

“Yes, it is. But we do what we must, and they will be safer there, and able to continue their studies. Here, the schools are closed, and for who knows how long? It is very troubling times, Thomas, anything may happen. Please be cautious.”

“I will, and let me know if I can help you in any way.”

"Ok, but there is not much to do. No business again, for who knows how long? I let the cook and waiters go today. They wanted to go home anyway. I now have only the one who lives here.”

“Just you and him, for the whole place?” Tom asked.

“Yes, but there is only us, and you two, here now. The others left today.”

“That’s just as well, I didn’t trust them much.”

“I understand,” she said.

“It is truly better, for now. So, what you like for dinner?” she said, brightening up.

Laughing, Tom said: “Whatever you want to make. When would you like us to eat?”

“Early, so we can turn out the lights before dark.”

"Ok, no problem here. And, by the way, thank you for having us....this whole situation could be horrible if it weren't for you.”

“I feel the same way, thank you Thomas. You are a good person, and that helps me too.”

Andre bounded down the stairs just then, cameras in hand and with a happy-go-lucky disposition.

“Ready, Thomas?”

“Yes, let’s go. We will be back soon...he wants pictures! Wadda you gonna do?” he said with a laugh.

As soon as they got out, and onto the street, they heard yelling and chanting down the adjacent street.

“Let’s go this way, Tom,” Andre said.

"Ok, I’m following you.”

Andre smiled at this, and jauntily led the way. As they hit the first intersection of roads, they met the oncoming crowd of protesting mourners. The mass of people was still wandering the streets; only now without a military escort, and in reduced numbers. They weren't particularly scary, just very upset, and sad. They were led by two people holding large, framed, color pictures of the dead King and the Queen. Ignoring Tom and Andre; the mourners streamed past them, as if they were inanimate objects. No one else was on the street, but people were now openly peering out of their shuttered and locked buildings. Tom and Andre took many pictures, and Tom was struck by the heartfelt emotion in the men who were marching. They sincerely cared about the loss of the King and the Queen, and openly wept. Up close, they were less threatening; and not as tense as they had been earlier, with the military escort. They had lost that at some point, and were now clearly mourning their grievous loss. Tom and Andre were both impressed with the men, and amazed at their sincere demonstration of grief through the shaving of their heads. It didn’t make them too pretty to look at, so it was clear that it had been done at great personal loss, not for some premeditated purpose. They were very sincere in word and action, and it had a definite impact on Tom and Andre Pierre.

Once the mass of men passed out of sight, the roads were once again vacant; except, heavily armed and serious looking soldiers were posted on nearly every street corner. As Tom and Andre walked back to their guesthouse, they passed two road blocks under construction. Again, they were manned by very serious looking soldiers armed to the teeth with semi-automatic riffles.

“Curfew tonight. Go home!” one said gruffly at Tom and Andre, as they passed as unobtrusively as possible.

Tom nodded assent, and they quickened their pace perceptibly. Both were relieved to get back to their guesthouse; and Tom made directly for the computer room.

“I’ve got to see wants really happening, Andre......and let my kids know that I am safe. It must look really bad back in the States, and I bet they’re worried.”

"Ok, you do that, and I’ll send mail to my family as well.”

After Tom confirmed that the internet was up, and mail was getting through, he sent reassuring email to his family and friends. Then, he went to the News websites.......and was totally shocked.

“Andre, I’ve gone to every news website, and there is little or nothing out there. They know less than we do!”

“Did you try BBC and CNN?”

“Yes, look here,” Tom said incredulously.

“Maybe I’m missing something here. You look, ok?” Tom asked Andre.

“It’s just too weird.”

“Here, Thomas, CNN has a little news on it. They are the best at reporting what is really happening in the world....”

Tom read the brief story with interest.

“Andre, it’s all wrong. The writer is some Indian woman who is supposed to be an expert. If the Indians are behind all of this, like some people think, how can she be objective?”

“Well, it says here that she works for a big Indian paper; maybe they don’t know?”

“Probably. Look here, she has pictures of what we saw earlier, and makes it look like anarchy. She even says that the men are so violent that they saved their heads like Indians going to war. That is totally wrong. Maybe she believes it, but it’s wrong!”

“Oui, I see..... Let’s try the others.”

“I have, look here I bookmarked them. They talk about the murders, but they have conflicting reasons - none of which are true. Someone’s managing the outgoing information very effectively; diverting attention from the real issues, until it’s too late for anyone to do anything.”

“Tom, why are you surprised? This is how things are done. A-mer-e-cans, you are so powerful and rich, but so unaware of what really happens in the world.”

“I agree with you now, Andre. I’m not arguing that point anymore. You have taught me something very important.”

“Oui?? I guess I am clev-ar too?” he laughed.

“Yes, but of course you are clev-ar.....you are part French!!” Tom conceded gracefully.

Andre beamed with pride, and began searching other sites for any information on events in Nepal.

Again, all efforts turned up nothing substantial. It was back page news in most places, and small when noted more visibly.

“Well, this is something I can do, Andre.”

“Do what?”

“I can send out information that we know, and get others to ask hard questions Before its too late...”

“Will they listen to you?”

“I don’t know......but we can try.”

“This is how A-mer-e-cans do things. In Belgium, we leave it to others.....those that know better.”

“Well, we can’t always assume that those in charge know better. In fact, most of the time, they are so insulated and isolated by layers of people, that they lose touch of things. Then, it’s our responsibility to alert them, eh?”

“But, again, in Belgium & France this would be presumptuous to think you could do so.”

“Maybe that's true, but facts are facts, and once they are out and visible, action soon follows. All we can do is give our input, and let others with more power run with it.”

“But, again they won’t listen to just anyone....”

“True, but if you are the only one speaking, it’s hard to ignore, eh? All I can hope for is to get their attention; and, to be credible enough to get them to check things out, and verify what I say. Once that is done, things will go into motion on their own. That is all we can do. After all, there has to be someone who is the on-site correspondent in cases like this, huh? We just happen to be those people. The tourists thought only about their asses and ran; and the governments are grinding along predictably in slow motion. As such, the government reactions are predictable, and therefore easy to manipulate if you plan long enough. Therefore, the bad guys are working very hard to manage all outgoing information. So far, it’s clear that they are succeeding -especially with the false impression of independent reporting from this Indian woman. So, we just have to blow their cover, and the system of checks and balances should do the rest. Frankly, I wouldn’t underestimate the Chinese. They’re very patient, and will work generations on an initiative. This is something that short-view cultures just don’t comprehend, since they are fixated on next quarters’ profits, and think that ‘long term’ means a whole year. Also, remember, the Chinese leadership is very Clev-ar....in a not so nice a way. It’s ingrained in their cultural psyche. As a result, Western peoples and governments have a big blind side, and no motivation to do anything. They have been bought off by the Chinese, through cheap -high profit - goods; so, what is Nepal to those people? I can hear them now: ‘Yes, it is regrettable. Such a shame! An unfortunate loss of life. I hear that the young Prince was terribly unbalanced.....such a shame. Maybe the Chinese will bring stability to the area. Commerce is the solution, and the Chinese have finally bought into that. So what if Nepal is the last haven for real Tibetan culture? They need to learn to adapt to the new world. The Chinese might be the best thing that happened to them.’ Blah, blah, blah....”

“Yes, I see what you mean Thomas. Things need to be exposed in the United States system, otherwise good people are very clearly deceived......like the land mine issue.”

“Greed, and power, Andre - that's what corrupts. Our capitalistic system is good, but it has hit its limit, and has been corrupted to the point where the ideals we think it’s promoting, are not what’s happening at all. You, and others I have hiked with, have convinced me of this. We have become a country of hypocrites. I know most people can’t conceive of that being true; and, that is their blind side. But, once they find out that they have been deceived, they’ll correct things....of that I’m sure. Anyway, I’ve got to get this email out quickly, and can’t talk anymore. Thanks for your help. Lets talk more about all of this at dinner, ok?”

“Sure. I am tired anyway. I will take myself a nap.”

“That's a good idea. I told Pasang that we would eat whatever she wanted to cook. Most of her people are now gone; and, she wants us to eat before dark, so we can turn off all the lights. Someone told me that they are moving bodies from the Palace tonight, under the cover of dark. Many more than the 9 people reporteded killed have died. Evidently, due to the security breach, or they wanted no witnesses, the entire Palace staff has been killed. The bodies are piling up, and they need to be removed, and burned.”

“Jesus, Thomas. Who tells you these things?”

“If I told you that, I’d have to kill you!” Tom laughed. “No, seriously, nothing here is as it seems. And while things like this can’t happen in our countries, there are legal ways to destroy whole populations. People aren't really different from country to country, just the methods are. At least here, the reality....although very harsh....is relatively easy to discern. To me that's more reassuring than always wondering who you can believe, and what institutions and companies are truly evil in their actions. The reality is hard, but easier to cope with......otherwise, we get caught up in the whole societal denial system that is carefully crafted to deceive us.”

"Ok, I believe you. I can‘t take anymore reality though, alright? I‘ll see you Thomas. Good luck!”

“I’ll wake you for dinner.”

After Andre had left, and the conversation ended, Tom turned his full attention to the computer screen and began typing.

“I’ll send whatever I can to CNN,” he thought. “Before we lose our internet connection.”

Tom typed quickly, furiously, and with a passion. He didn’t stop for typographical errors, grammar, or spelling. His objective was to get as many facts out to CNN as he could, as fast as he could. In the hopes that it would provide enough information, credibility, and interest to capture the network’s attention so that they would realize the need to investigate the situation in Nepal thoroughly. What was happening had to be reported on objectively; and hopefully, it would help head off a Chinese coup d‘Etat.

From: Thomas100@myemail.com

To: ted.turner@cnn.com

Cc: larry.king@cnn.com; sid.bedingfield@cnn.com; community@cnn.com

Sent: Sunday, June 03, 2001 9:22 PM

Subject: Nepal TODAY.....bedlam, and military

Hey, postmaster at CNN: I’m not sure who to send this to; so I copied Ted Turner, Larry King, and Sid Bedingfield. If my e-mail addresses were wrong, please send this to the general e-mail account, so it can be forwarded. PLEASE READ THIS ASAP>>>

My name is Thomas Walthrum, I’m from Atlanta and have been in India and Nepal for a few months. I am sending this info. to you so that you can follow-up on this very important issue: China's expansion into Nepal, the assignation of the Nepal royal family yesterday, and the real facts on Tibet "cleansing" by China. I feel obligated to let CNN know about this, and will provide what help I can to avoid a really bad situation for Nepal and the world.

I am trying to get this out to you b-4 the e-mail is cut again. The banks have been closed, and the communists have nearly shut the capital of Kathmandu down with strikes. Then, the murder of the beloved king and his family yesterday. This place is about to explode, and after talking with and living with the people of Nepal I have some info. (and pictures) that I would like you to investigate....and then, once you feel comfortable that I am not making this up...report on it asap to slow down China's aggression/plan.

For brevity I will organize my thoughts into 4 categories, pls excuse typos and abbrv. I have to do this fast.

I. Political perspective:

The royal family of Nepal was killed en masse yesterday in order, i think, to result in instability that the communist party can exploit. like Russia, after the Czar's family was killed, they want to fill the vacuum. No Nepali believe that the family sucided, nor was killed by the son in rage (2 of the various stories being spread) It would be like Prince Charles killing everyone in his family, then leaving the kingdom to his black sheep uncle.

The Chinese want to move into Nepal, due to its strategic importance vis a v India; and to consolidate their annexation of Tibet. Nepal is the last refuge of the pure Tibetan people/customs/resistance/support.....with Nepal firmly in their grasp, the Tibet issue disappears....an uncomfortable thing w/ the Chinese...not that they feel guilty about it, just that they got caught at it.

China is using tourism as the vehicle for subversion of the Nepali.....the royal family was the only group who could resist this threat. By appealing to the Hindi Indians, and Nepali, the Chinese have "bought" their way into Nepal. The shops of Kathmandu are a perfect example. There are 100's of them, but they fall into 5 types where all the merchandise is Chinese; and they are controlled by a few people.

Maoists make terrorist raids all over Nepal resulting in confusion, unrest, and the appearance of dissention of Nepali. (Over 1,700 dead over the past year or so...mostly policemen) The Nepali are not aware of how they are being played by the Chinese.

Maoists joined the Leninist communists’ party recently; and successfully staged public strikes last weeks.....and shutdown of schools a couple of weeks back. The result? Kathmandu is in disarray.

The Chinese "Cleansing" of Tibet:

Everything you have heard is true, and it’s worse than anyone has let on. 25% + of the Tibetan population has been slaughtered. Most surviving Tibetans fled to Nepal and India....6 million remain in china controlled Tibet, but china has moved 6 million Han Chinese into the same area; w/ 5 times the wages of Beijing and free housing/land. Thus leaving the Tibetans as a slave class w/o work. 2,600 Tibetan Buddhist temples have been torn down to the ground.....the remaining beautiful structures have been stripped of all statues/images/etc. and are being re-painted/ re-positioned as Chinese "history". Being made ready for western tourism dollars and propaganda. People visiting won't be able to even see the truth...all whitewashed and reconstituted to suit china's objective: assimilation and expansion.

China is ready and poised to build 3 major roads through the heart of Nepal.....thru to India....with the camouflage of tourism access (funny, they are being built to handle tanks ;-). Additionally, they want to damn up the major river through the Annapurna sanctuary for hydro/electric power.....even tho windmills would work great due to the natural Wind tunnel of the valleys of the Himalayas

II. Environmental perspective:

The Annapurna region is THE most beautiful place on earth....virtually untouched by "progress" it is an asset of the world that needs to be protected. With a 10 year charter the Annapurna conservation area project (sponsored by the now dead king) is about to expire w/o any plan for renewal....thereby allowing the folks that china buys off to sell it out to development. The three roads alone planned by Chinese will destroy this treasure...one goes right thru MUSTANG....the last refuge of the original Tibetan culture...hidden there all these years.

III. Ideological perspective:

Nepal and small areas of India are the last refuges of Tibetan Buddhism. A theology that basically generates the most sincere, loving, caring, and gentile people in the world. People who respect all forms of life, and can be an inspiration to the entire world on how to face bad stuff and still retain their honor. China wants to stamp this out cuz it’s a thorn in their otherwise unchallenged "people's republic" ideology. Tibetan Buddhism works....so therefore they want it destroyed....it’s the only real threat to Chinese hegemony. The Chinese have appealed to the materialistic, self-serving, nature of most Hindis to aid it this subversive effort to stamp out Tibetan Buddhism. An example would be the "instruction" Tibetan children are given by Chinese schools: One project was for the kids to go out and kill an animal and bring it back to school the next day....the bigger the animal the more points they got towards good grades. Even the thought of hurting, much less killing, anything is reprehensible to Tibetan Buddhists. All in an effort to destroy children’s perspective of parents; portraying them as weak, etc..

I know this is fragmented.....mixed up and not totally well organized...i just wanted to get as much out as i could...while i could....so you can send a reporter to Kathmandu for the kings funeral and to call for international intervention in the preservation of the Annapurna/Everest mountain range/valleys. If someone, or some organization, were to bolster up the conservation effort.....which the king started and most of the country supports, then the Chinese would be stopped in their tracks!!!!!

Thanks for "listening".....have incredible pictures if you want them....15 rolls worth :-) just trekked through the area... and spent weeks in Kathmandu....that’s how I got this information, from the people themselves.

Let me know if you need anything else....thanks for doing what you can to save Annapurna and Everest areas, and for holding the Chinese in check.

sincerely,

Thomas Walthrum

PS: below are some errors in reporting of Nepal situation on CNN webpages:

1) Men shave their heads when the father dies...as a sign of respect and loss..(not a govt mandated thing as reported)....to lose one's father is very bad. The population, by shaving their heads, are saying: "the king was as my father" VERY EMOTIONAL>>>>VERY UPSET>>>>VERY ANGRY AT WHOMEVER DID THIS....

2) The people know the prince would never kill his parents (as reported by CNN reporter, an Indian correspondent.....it’s a bad "official" story), and they are angry that they are being fed lies. As soon as they find out who is behind the killings, the people will rise up against them.

3) Martial law has been imposed to cover up the real truth, and to allow all the bodies to be removed from sight.......body count is over 40 at this point; some say the entire place staff and many top military leaders have been killed in coup attempt, and aftermath.

***************will send more info if i can....thanks********************

After Tom had completed his email, he went to the common room to get a drink. Pasang was the only one there; and she sat at a table, all alone, and very sad. Knowing, intellectually, about something was one thing; but seeing the effects on real people was another. Tom had trouble dealing with the effects of unprovoked aggression on a conceptual level; so, actually seeing it levied against a wonderful and loving person such as Pasang was torture to bear. Losing her bubbly little boy, for at least a year, seemed to only be the latest in a series of her losses. Tom worried about his children, and they were only across town from where he lived.

“To have her last child going to India must be devastating,” he thought, silently.

“Hey, is this seat taken?” he asked, aloud, to announce his presence.

Startled at his sudden appearance, Pasang began to rise in automatic reaction.

“Don’t go, I’ll leave if you want to be alone. I’m sorry if I interrupted anything; you deserve your quiet times, and I don’t want to take away from that.”

“It looks as though I am to have many quiet times, Thomas. These are ominous times; these are to be terrible times. But, good shall prevail. At least within us, no?” she said, bravely, yet looking for reassurance.

“I think it will always prevail within you, Pasang! You are one of the finest people I’ve ever met; you needn’t worry so much. Many people will be there for you; you need not worry, ok?”

“Thank you, Thomas. You are right; my son will be safe with his sisters, and my family. I must do what I must here. They will return, and understand.”

“I’d say so,” commented Tom, sincerely. You’re teaching him how to be strong and brave, by staying here and doing what you must. It’s got to be a terrible feeling to not have him around, I’d miss him. But while it hurts you now, it won’t hurt him as much as you may feel right now. I find that I miss my children terribly at times; but that doesn’t mean they aren’t doing fine without me......at least for a while. I feel they always do better with me around for them, of course, but sometimes that just isn’t true. I certainly feel better with them around, but they need us less and less - especially if we do a good job raising them to be independent. So, while I understand your real hurt and pain, I also know that you will have great joy and happiness with your son.”

Pasang smiled a wane, but real, smile; and seemed to be less upset after she’d absorbed Tom’s observations. As they sat quietly, Andre came walking through the common room.

“It is good I find you, Thomas. I forgot, I must meet with Bernard for evening coffee. I promised yesterday, and he will be waiting.”

“Would you like me to come along?” Thomas asked, politely.

“No, that is not necessary. We just talk a while, nothing important.”

“Fine, I’ll see you later. I’ll just go ahead and eat dinner; and you can catch what you want on the way, or after your return. I’ve some reading to do anyway.”

“Ohhh, hmmmmm, I’m supposed to........”

“What are you supposed to do?”

“Bernard invited me to a party, down on Freak Street this evening. I told him I am not so sure that you want to go.”

“It doesn’t matter to me if you want to go without me, I’ve very little in common with Bernard; and frankly, I don’t trust him.”

“But he is son of ambassador, he is....”

“A sneaky little weasel, that has one intention: to get into your pants! Surely, you must see the way he looks at you, Andre.”

“Phhhp! Thomas, again you exaggerate! What would he want with me? There are to be other people at this party.”

“Whatever, I don’t even want to get into it. I’ve no issue about him being gay, but I’ve a big issue with his manipulations. Just the fact that I only hear about this now?” Thomas said, calmly, but incredulously.

“He has all kinds of hidden agendas Andre, and they aren’t in your best interest. Believe me. Anybody that invites one person to a ‘party’ in the Hash capital of the world, and pointedly tries to keep your travel partner out, is suspicious to me. He knows that I see through his games, and I won’t allow him to take advantage of you. So, he gets you alone.....getting rid of me. Whatever! You’re a big boy. Go there if you want, but be cautious of anyone slipping drugs into your drinks, or getting you to smoke something with crack in it. I hate to say it, but I’ve seen lots of nice guys like you get taken advantage of. Guys don’t expect it; girls are more cautious of predatory people. But, guys get tricked more often than you realize; and then, they are too embarrassed or ashamed to ever bring it up. If there are more of them than there are of you, and they seem odd, then trust your gut and leave. ok? It’s for you to live. I’m just giving you a warning. Most men people get HIV from being slipped drugs, and not being aware of what’s going on. When they’re out of it, they’re passed around like a Barbary Coast whore during pirates’ shore leave. That’s what happens to lots of guys. They can’t remember a thing, except that they passed blood in their stool the next morning, and it’s hard to sit down for a few days. When men are drug raped, it usually isn’t pretty. Most gay men wouldn’t ever think of doing something so horrible; but there are enough, just like straight guys, who care for little else but abusive behavior. Any person that has rough sex with drugged people doesn’t consider you a person. You’ve been objectified, and that’s when the pain begins, and they blindly infect people. One guy actually told me ‘I’m sick, so everyone else should be too! What do I care? I’m gonna die anyway!’ Bernard doesn’t strike me as someone that bad, but he cares about one thing - Bernard. So, that can’t be good for anyone who’s vulnerable around him, eh? The other issue, however, is probably more important tonight. It’s the curfew.”

“You worry too much Thomas, you never have fun!”

“Oh, I have fun, dude! Just not the: ‘I’m stupid, rape me,’ or the ‘I want risk my life with trigger-happy soldiers’ fun. That’s what you’re looking at tonight. Again, I’m not your keeper, your father, or anyone other than a good friend. Just be careful, ok? Promise me that you’ll stay at Freak Street tonight though, all night - even if Bernard is a scumbag like I say. Just stay awake, or stay sober. But don’t try to come back here. It’s going to be very dangerous on the streets tonight. Something’s up, because there are blockades everywhere. Obviously, they don’t want people moving around or seeing what’s happening, so they’ve got kids with guns manning the blockades. Eager young guys with no experience, lots of passions, and shiny new guns! Will you tell him, Pasang?”

“Yes, Mr. Thomas is quite right about curfew. You must stay wherever you are, once it is dark. Which will be pretty soon. They have orders to shoot on sight.”

“They won’t shoot me, I am not involved.”

“You will be involved if you’re on the street tonight! The local people think that someone is moving bodies tonight. You know, coups usually result in high body counts......even if you don’t hear about it on the news. If you’re in the wrong place and see the wrong thing, you’ll become ‘a regrettable accident.’ This is nearly a civil war, Andre. Go party and play, in the face of real people’s life dramas. But don’t expect that they’ll either respect you, or tolerate any silliness; if you happen to get in the way. Again, Bernard knows this; he even said as much to me, yet he encourages you, and whomever, to have a party when you don’t know what's going on. This is one of the reasons I don’t trust him. He thinks diplomatic immunity will save him from anything; and maybe it might. But, it won’t save him from a random bullet from anxious guards who shoot first, then ask; or, it won’t save you, regardless. Just the fact that he would risk his father, or abuse the purpose of diplomatic immunity, says a lot to me. He’s a diplomat’s son; he knows better he’s just playing with people. I know you don’t want to see that, because you are a big strong man, with lots of intelligence and tons of hormones; and think it can’t happen to you. Well, the King and his family didn’t think they could be killed either, eh? I don’t have the patience, time, or interest in being your keeper.......and risk my life trying to do that. I have children, they deserve better and more responsible behavior from me - to not to take unnecessary risks like that, for a party of all things. I just want to warn you, ok? I may be full of shit; I may be 100% correct......or, something in between. All I’m saying, is ‘be aware,’ ‘be cautious,’ and ‘stay alive,’ ok?” Tom said, sincerely, in a caring voice.

“Again, I think you worry Tom. But I listen to you. I will see you tomorrow, then.”

“Sure, I’ll be here. Bye,” Tom replied, without rancor.

Pasang had sat down at the table, a bit shocked at Tom’s frankness, bluntness, and his revelations about the drug culture. He knew he had to say something, if only to let her know that while he understood a lot of it, he condoned none of it.

“See what I have to trust my life with on our cycling trip? Sometimes I wonder. But this should be a good learning experience for him. Maybe after seeing I’m right about this, he’ll listen to me when I warn him, eh?”

“I hope so, Thomas. There are such issues that I’ve never thought about before.”

“Just as well. There are scary hidden traps in our culture for young, and inexperienced, people. Wrong decisions can mean terrible life consequences that don‘t show up for years. Outside of your well ordered and sane world of Tibetan Buddhists, people are faced with very challenging issues, problems, and hidden dangers. Yours is blunt and clear, but there’s much deception in ours. Most are involved in ‘The Game of Life,’ without any clear rules, and tragic consequences. It’s really difficult to raise children in our crazy world. They’re often misled, even though they are very clever themselves. They’ve had to deal with many issues at an early age, and are more educated and confident than ever before; but the traps have become more sophisticated. So, they need more guidance than ever, but get less than ever. The hard thing is that to effectively give advice you’ve got to talk about horrible things with accuracy, without discouraging them. Then, they’ll believe you and be prepared when they eventually come in contact with what you’ve warned them about. You can’t keep them in a closet and over protected, so that means facing some horrible truths head-on. They can’t be blanket warnings either, because they’ll discount you as being overprotective - you’ve got to be informed and have open, honest, and regular communications.”

“That is always true, isn’t it?” she asked, puzzled.

“Not in a society where mom and dad are corporate sharks, are in a deep state of denial themselves, or use recreational drugs, abuse alcohol, or overuse prescription meds. That's why the mortality rate is so high right now. Suicides, date rapes, HIV, STDs, and worse of all being emotionally trashed, is the present reality. By living in denial of reality, Americans facilitate the worst violations of trust for their kids. Instead of protecting or shielding them, we’re setting them up for bigger falls. The result is that the kids don’t care about anything. That just feeds the cycle of defeat, despair, depression, and self abuse; and therefore generates more demand for drugs, over drinking, obsessive sex, and greed for more material possessions.”

“Suddenly, Thomas, my life seems very simple.”

“Yeah, keep it that way. But, it still doesn’t mean you can’t feel real sadness about your children. It’s all relative. In the U.S., the physical threat isn’t so prevalent. People don’t risk physical death as they do here in, and many other places. What’s harder to identify, but is just as harsh if not worse, is the emotional pain and ‘deaths’ of spirit people suffer there. Here, you don’t have much materially but you have the most spiritual clarity in the world......as a whole culture. To me it’s a terrible trade off, but it’s nonetheless worth it. What good is a long life there, if it’s a life of emptiness? It just ends up being a longer period of torture, where people become shrewish and hateful - as opposed to maybe a shorter, but spiritually fulfilled life here.”

“I never understood what wasn’t right with many of the trekkers before, Thomas. They have so much, but they come across the world to fill a vacancy.....or to party on Hash. ‘What is this gap they have?’ I’ve asked myself, many times. I see it clearer Thomas, thank you so much for our talk. Now, what is it that I should cook you for dinner?” she asked, changing the subject deftly.

“You don’t have to thank me. It’s just nice to know that I can partially repay all of your good talks to me - that's thanks enough! And, as for a nice dinner?” he asked with a mischievous smile and a wink.

“Make me whatever you’re having, and don’t stress it. Ok?”

“I make you something good, you like.”

“Then, thank you!” Tom laughed.

After Pasang left to make dinner, Tom sat alone, and nursed his beer. He felt sad, and disappointed, in Andre. It was clear to him that Andre had planned all along to go without him. He would have taken Tom along, if pressed; so, Tom purposely said that he didn’t want to go, before that issue was raised. It didn’t hurt him to be shut out, as much as it did to not be talked to responsibly. He felt disrespected, when all he given was respect and sincerity.

“You can give what you want Thomas, but you have to stop expecting that they have it in them to give it back,” he reminded himself.

“I was being careful with this one, and thought that he could be respectful and caring” he ruminated.

“That's the key, idjit! He can! He has the ability and capability to do so, but will he make the effort it requires?” he wondered.

“Evidently not yet. Give him a few more chances, then let go if you have to,” he advised himself, silently.

“But wake up, idjit! People are trying to tell you that they aren’t as sure as you are.”

Thomas knew that if he hadn’t asked Andre for details, he would’ve been left alone, wondering.

“He needs a sense of freedom. We’ve been together, twenty-four by seven, for weeks now. He’s just waffling about being so close,” Tom concluded.

While their growing closeness felt good to both of them, and they were safer, Tom knew that it prohibited Andre from playing separate people - to meet all of his desires. Tom saw that Andre needed, desired, and appreciated his relationship with Thomas; but, he also felt that Andre resented it in some twisted way. Being with one person prohibited him from using his charms on multiple people, and therefore he was held accountable for his actions. Andre couldn’t have one person for one thing, and others for other purposes, with Tom always around; so, he wanted to escape to his normal play between people. His purposeful non-communication, and unfounded rebelliousness, were clear signs that he categorized Tom into some pre-determined role, and that he was frustrated that Thomas wasn’t squeezing into it - regardless of the impact on him. Rather than to fight Andre, Thomas tried to lay his plans bare without judgment, and to show him that it wasn’t only wrong but unnecessary. Tom had learned to avoid the power struggle this behavior created, by willingly walking away - and giving helpful advise in the process. He hoped that by showing Andre the flaws in his game plan, that he would both expose the game and invalidate it. From experience, Tom had learned that people either cleaned up their act when shown the error of their ways, or they got worse. Either way, it helped Tom help them, and gave him a clear action plan. But Tom was tired of unnecessary games and dramas. He’d thought that Andre was different; he’d hoped that he was different. And then, this sudden surprise.

“Men!” Tom thought, disgustedly.

“I’ll give him the opportunity to learn, but if he doesn’t ‘get it,’ or want to make the effort to be forthcoming, my path is clear.”

***************

©Tibet, Lamplight Unto a Darkened World…the American Delusion, a Parody of life ( L'illusion Américaine, une Parodie de Vie); is copyright protected, by author, Patrick Mahoney. Online Internet Reproduction/Propagation/Quotation Encouraged, with this citation. Any Printed reproduction, other than for personal reading, requires written permission by author, patrickm at http://patrickm.gather.com/ or patrick1000000000@yahoo.com




Thank you to HHDL The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso,
for his Inspiration and selfless commitment to the betterment of life.....



If you download this book,
please make a donation to Great Compassion Boarding School …Tibetan Cultural Preservation through Education…if only a few dollars….
to a very worthy cause.





FOR PICTURES on this chapter, and More INFO Click Here

Or here,

Chapter 32 http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.js...

OR,http://www.myspace.com/theamericande...

OR,http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

Tibet Lamplight Unto a Darkened World(The American Delusion,a Parody of Life)Overview/ Preface:

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.js...

Tags: tibet protests,tibet nepal, tibet china, tibet bbc, tibet cnn, tibet youtube, tibet India, , world congress of faiths, tibet lamplight unto a darkened world, train to lhasa, patrickm, destroyed tibetan monasteries, religion, buddhism, everest tourism, buddhist monks, lhasa, monni stones, patrick mahoney, free tibet, disney-esque tibet-land for tourism, 2008 olympics, march into tibet, panchen lama, travel, spirituality, the american delusion a parody of life, kathmandu karma, decrepit tibetan monastery, tibetan monks, kathmandu, annapurna, tibet tourism, dalai lama, gather, tibetan borders closed, monks killed, tibetans killed, bbc blocked in tibet, cnn blocked in tibet, youtube blocked in tibet, india detains tibetans, tibet, into varanasi, environment, mongolian monks