The Destruction of Batana

NOMADS 2

We were inside a small tent with round-shaped lanterns hanging in the sky. In front of us there is food with a blackish block shape.

“I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Edez. I am the captain in this group.”

I'm nodding. Introducing myself to my colleagues.

Edez began to answer our questions about Batana. “ In the past, we had stopped in one of the cities with the most advanced technology. The name of the city is the City of Iron Clever. It was a city where geniuses gathered. I don't really care about the city. I went there just to buy various equipment or food.”

“Until I accidentally heard a group of people who nicknamed themselves by the name of Batana. In fact, they are just a group of students who are looking for new innovations in the city. I didn't care much at the time. So, that's all I know.”

Silent room. We are all thinking. Until Marko snapped his finger. Breaking down. “I know! Captain Lian, it looks like Batana is an abstract city.”

Vero scrunched his forehead. “Hah? What do you mean, boy? You're joking?”

Bundara clinched Vero's head. Told him quiet.

Marko only snorted for a moment, then continued his sentence that had been cut. “It looks like the name of the city is just a cheat, Captain. The city in question here is a group with a large number.”

“But, doesn't it mean the city should have buildings, residences, and shops? If it's true it's just a group, it should be his command to search for a group called Batana, open looking for a dead city called Batana.” Bundara stared not understanding.

I nodded in agreement. Agree with.

“Maybe they have a headquarters with facilities like a city. It is inhabited only by members of Batana. The term dead is applied to groups of people who no longer function. As Edez said, they came to a city with the latest technology in the world. Which means besides students, there is a possibility that they are a group of talented scientists. If I assume, this has something to do with the rise of RP-2. You remember when we found the anti RP-2 transmitter? Only the person who raised the RP-2 knew how to stop the robots. Captain Lian, why did you take us there? Is there something you're hiding from us?” Marko set his eyes on me.

I swallowed spit. I haven't told them my reason for checking the place out. Maybe it's time for me to tell them all my stories. I can't keep exploring and keeping all these secrets in my mind.

I held my hand. Start storytelling. “To be honest, I am from outside Keios City. I come from a small village in the middle of a meadow. The first location we went to, the place where you found the anti RP-2.” transmitter

“That day, the bandits attacked our village. Killed my family, my neighbors, my friends. They looted our property and food. I even came face to face with their leader. I still remember the details and stature of their leader. He caught me, but I managed to escape. Luckily, my mother and sister survived. We escaped together.”

I swallowed spit. The memory goes back to spinning. I could see our escape scene from the bandits.

“At that time, my mother told me about her past. My mother was a scientist. He is one of the causes of the rise of RP-2. My mother has been plagued with regrets her whole life. Looks like he's looking for a way to stop the RP-2. My mother also gave me orders to go to a dead city called Batana. Wait a minute!” Instantly I remembered something.“ Edez, what's the name of the city you mentioned earlier?”

“Iron Clever City.” Edez answered briefly.

I thought for a moment.

“What's up, Lian?” Jora asked curiously. Wonderful to see my face that looks serious.

“In addition to telling me to go to Batana, my mother told me to meet someone. He's a man with iron hands and a thick beard. What does my mother mean is Blacksmith City?”

Vero smile. “We won't know if it doesn't go there, Lian. Edez, when will our plane be ready?”

“Besok mornin I guarantee it's ready.”

“Where is the Blacksmith City, Edez?” Marko asked.

“Northern traditions. It may take two days of travel if using the plane.”

“Looks like we're starting to get close to our destination, Captain. The direction of the city is in line with the path we will take.” Marko happy.

I just ducked. I just told you about my past tonight. Tell them who my mother is. I was afraid their response to me would change. However, Jora patted my shoulder softly while smiling.

“Lian, it's neither your fault nor your mother's. Your mother may have done it by force or she may not know about the problem of RP-2.”

Jora has a point. This is not the time to be sad. I need to focus on our goal. A little doubt can be a failure in this mission.

“That's right, Captain. This is the fault of the previous people before us.” Marko is entertaining.

“But there is one thing that amazes me. If RP-2 is a forbidden object, why did people in the past not directly destroy the robots? They prefer to keep it instead of destroying it?” Vero asked while eating the dishes on the table.

I'm back to thinking. Vero's words have a point.

“It must be about money and power!” Marko expressed his opinion. “Perhaps the RP-2 manufacturing project is very large. Every country that has bought the robot certainly does not want to lose. Therefore they store the robots to be taken raw materials or spare parts. Rather than destroying it, of course, it was more profitable. They can create a variety of technologies and weapons from these robotic parts. ”

“It sounds reasonable. At least little by little we begin to put together the unraveling puzzle. Our next destination is the City of Iron. Maybe we won't stop by in Trench Town. We'll just finish this conversation. We should all rest to recover and restart our journey. ”

　

　

***

　

　

I woke up from my sleep. Heading out the tent. I don't know why I'm back to dreaming of the incident where Liana and I were chased by a Border Guard Robot. Some tents and houses still look lit. There were only a few people standing guard. Ensure all residents are safe from any RP-2 or other attacks. I decided to avoid meeting them.

So far there is no sign of the robots. I sat in one of the rubble of the building. Look at the night sky with thousands of stars.  I don't know how many times I've seen it, I never get bored.

When my eyes were high in the night sky, someone approached me. Edez, he's the one who came to me.

“What are you doing in the middle of this pitch?” He smiled gently.

I shook my head slowly. “I just want to enjoy tonight. It could be tomorrow I can't see the same sky.” I answered the origin.

“Hahaha, I've met people with the same case as you. I'm sure you can't sleep, can you? It's easy to guess from your face. Moreover, you are on a mission. Disappointment, anxiety, and prejudice always accompany people who are carrying a great trust, Nak.”

“How do you know that?”

“Hei! I've had a great journey full of challenges, son. In my group there is no one who feels most anxious besides me. I hold a very big trust. I can't let any of my group die or disappear. Of course I'm always haunted by anxious feelings.”

“But know, Son! Through the journey you can learn to understand who you are. Through the journey, you can discover new things. Knowing that the world is not as small as you imagine. Even what the map shows about the world is not just that. You can find a new world outside the map.”

I nodded in amazement. Edez's words sound very pleasant. The world beyond the map. That's a really cool sentence.

Edez looked up at the sky. “Even in the sky there, you will also find the infinite world, son. And those who are chosen can happily explore a world we cannot reach.”

“That's why I disagree with you, Edez. It is like escaping from the fact that this earth is our home. If our house is taken away, doesn't that mean we have to take it back?”

Edez smiled. “I'm really very happy to meet a young man who has thoughts like you. All this time I've heard people complaining.they all want to go out of the sky. But for the first time, I met a young man who said the opposite. I will always support you on the mission you are on.” Edez clenched his hand in front of my face.

I'm nodding. “Thank you, Edez.”

　

　

***

　

　

The night began to disappear, replaced by a rising dawn. We're all prepared. Some residents are happy to provide us with various other needs. They even offer farewell songs and various stunning attractions. It makes it harder to part with them.

Edez shook our hands one by one. Pray for us to avoid all danger. We are deeply touched by the attitude of these people.

“I have one message for all of you.” Edez spoke his last words. “Keep doing good. Because behind kindness, you'll find a way out.”

I'm nodding. “Thank you, Edez. We will never forget you.”

We started to enter the plane. As usual, Vero started acting up. She made the announcement like a flight attendant. Ordered us to sit down, put on seat belts, and some other odd commands.

The plane started taking off. I could stare at the wave of the people for the last time behind the window of the plane. I returned their wishes. The plane began to split the sky. From here on out, our journey will be even more difficult.