TERRA EMPIRE: ON THE EVE OF WORLD WAR
Episode 52: PICKUP THAT COMES AFTER NGOPI
The drizzle that fell in the afternoon did not dampen the busyness in the heart of Jakarta. Traffic jams that are commonplace still adorn the streets, and the traffic makes Mr. Janus was a little irritated, especially when his car stopped at the stop where the big tall man was waiting with an umbrella that swung to the right left.
As soon as he saw the silver Lexus approaching, the man developed his umbrella, as if he would not willingly be exposed to the slightest splash of rain and walked over. His smile spread as he opened the door of the four-wheeled vehicle and saw Mr. Janus sitting in it, “Tumben you by car.”
“Come in! Later rain water into the car if you do not immediately enter.”
“Good car!” Balin patted the chair and the side of the door made of leather. “I didn't know Terra Empire had this kind of facility.”
“Sometimes a car of this kind is needed,” said Mr. Janus.
“For the sake of impress?” the Goda Balin Pati.
“I understand the way people think here, especially the officials, who still see appearances. You alone? Why aren't you using your car? Even asking me to pick you up who made my path rotate?”
“Do not blame if I enjoy coffee time with a beautiful secretary, after the boss I give Amnesinox.”
“Drink coffee? So you didn't leave right away after meeting James Howell?”
“It still takes a few minutes before Howell wakes up, while his secretary is still there,” Prefect Pati shrugs.
“Ya, yes..I understand..”.
“And there happens to be a nice place to have a nice coffee and a decent chat friend.”
“Yes, yes ..I understand. That's why you can't go home to pick up your car,” Mr. Janus raised his hand because he was not interested in hearing Balin's words further. “So everything has been handled?”
“Yeah, I've got her phone number and that girl I'm willing to call.”.
“Not him..” Mr. Janus interrupted.
“Oh, James Howell? Don't worry! He won't babble anymore.”
“And Prime Minister Hampbull?”
“He forgot about nuclear technology once Howell's negotiations with you failed.”
“Good! So there's nothing more I need to worry about.”
“Not in my region,” Balin says. “How is Clementine? I heard he had a little trouble controlling his territory because of America.”
“Instead, America was also troubled by the actions of the Shah of Iran and his people.”
“It is not imagined that they managed to kill Tramp. Death at the drone creator's factory that attacked Abadan. Sounds pathetic,” comments Balin.
“Earth is on the brink of hard times.”
“When did that never happen?” Balin asked back.
“I just don't want to imagine when it happens when Sasmahogra is incomplete.”
Hearing that Balin's face became serious, “Seriously what is his development?”
“Listen to the full explanation later in our monthly meeting in two weeks. I'll give you a thorough overview for all of you,” said Mr. Janus.
“Sometimes I think it would be better if Cezar's seat was recharged, along with the position of Prefect of the Atlantic Territory, which certainly further lightened my work.”
“It will be easier if you accompany me to watch Fruorio next week.”
Mr. Janus chuckles, “Sometimes it helps relieve stress.”
“Work for me!” comment Balin. “Honey you missed the game yesterday.”
“Does Titans Teens still survive?”
“Still, but I think it's not too long since some new monsters that are still unfamiliar strength have been added, and I guess those beasts aren't easy to destroy.”
“Remind me to watch it,” said Mr. Janus.
Their conversation was interrupted because Lexus was carrying Mr. Janus and the Pati Prefect had reached their destination. Both of them descended on the courtyard of a large house in the Menteng area which was indeed functioned as one of the official home areas of the ministers. The two were greeted by a security officer in blue uniform who let them into the living room.
The room was decorated with crystal lamps and a soft sofa made of velvet. Furniture such as tables, chairs, decorative cabinets, and gebyok made of mahogany wood that not only looks expensive from complicated carvings but also the distinctive aroma of the wood, he said, even though the scorer has covered most of his material. The painting hanging on the wall next to the sofa displays a view of Kuta beach when the sun is setting. The strong combination of white sand and red-hot light from the sunset indicates that the painter is nationalist…
“Not just the painter,” comments Balin. “People who keep this painting also love Indonesia, because this painting is full of shades of the colors of our flag. You may not understand this.”
Mr. Janus snorted, “Because I'm from Sweden? We understand what a nationalist is. Commenting like that again I will revoke your citizenship from Terra Empire.”
Balin Pati chuckled at hearing that…
Taufiq Dault, the Energy Minister, greeted them in the living room with a bright smile. The man was small and bespectacled, his wide forehead showing that he was a smart type of man, where it was seen from the business card he gave to Mr. Janus and Balin Pati exchange identification. The official apparently had two higher education degrees, a Master of Management and a Master of Engineering. A pair of prestigious titles are most likely the reason why the man was chosen to hold the post of Minister of Energy. Even so, Taufiq Dault had a slight sense of inferiority, which was seen when he stood near the large tall Balin.
“Mr. Janus. Pati sir! Please sit!” the man invited. Then I looked at Mr. Janus. “Do you want to continue this discussion with English?”
“I think in Language alone to make it more convenient for all of us,” replied Mr. Janus.
Taufiq Dault's face brightened to hear the answer, “I didn't know you could speak..”.
“I like to learn languages from countries where I will work together.”
“Nice...” Taufiq Dault nodded.
“And if I miss your words that I do not understand, maybe Mr. Balin will help me too,” Mr. Janus turned to Balin with a nosy look.
The minister goes into question, “I hope you both don't mind if I invite you to my official house. This issue is sensitive and I do not want the press or other Indonesian businessmen to be mistaken about what we are going to talk about this.”
“We understand! Also, when rumors appear there is a conspiracy or certain kongkalilong in our cooperation,” Mr. Janus responded.
“What is clear is that I have received the disposition from the President to continue this plan until it is realized. All technical matters of policy and implementation on the ground, you will speak further to me, Mr. Janus! Directly to me because you want this project can be implemented immediately.”
Mr. Janus nodded, “I have spoken to Mr. Wibowo and he has already stressed that. He agreed that the use of oil and coal should be reduced immediately from Indonesia. Nuclear can be an alternative source, or even replace, from energy sources that have been used.”
“Yeah, I've read your proposal. I just realized that exploitation done by lifting energy sources, such as petroleum or coal, from the bottom of the earth can harm the bonds of sediment and plates that become the grounding.”
The minister's words were interrupted when the servant came to bring the guests a drink. The host waved to Mr. Janus and Balin, “Please drink the tea first while warm.”.
***
