FICTION: A King for Quito, Part One, Jaime

A King for Quito

The Rise of the Philosopher Kings

by “marko”

Prologue

The coronavirus caused global quarantine. It was the first time the world had ever done anything with one intent. It caused the skies to become clear and nature breathed a sigh of relief, and the progress of the disease was arrested somewhat. But after a while, the religious people insisted they could go to church, without masks on, and "God would protect them;" and the virus took off again, killing thousands, especially in Iran and the United States, because of the flimsy response to it.

Then, Bad Time came and it harrowed up the souls of the worlds’ inhabitants; and it became more than they could bear. It seemed World War III was humanity against the Earth itself, when Yellowstone blew. America was knocked down several notches in pride. In the arrogant towers of North America and Europe, moral civilization had not kept up with the material “requirements.” The elite rich had little concern for the poor, or the natural order. Pollution, disease, starvation, as well as race riots and anti-immigrant clashes, black-outs, looting, increase in gun-related crime, ecological disasters, and nuclear exchanges. Extinctions. Blinding flashes, followed by terrific roaring and incineration. There was a scrambling of the nations. Large nations were sometimes broken up, and smaller nation combined into larger alliances.

At the time, people in their late sixties witnessed what they had been dreading all their lives: nuclear war. It finally came. It seemed nothing could stop the idiocy of the leaders. No one would dismantle the weapons in time to avoid “the dust of hell” drifting over the earth. The human race had opened Pandora’s Box; and Hiroshima was made common.

Then, hatreds in the Middle East, South Asia and the Far East, would be patient no longer. Major cities incinerated. Jerusalem, Damascus, Mecca, Riyadh and Tihran gone. Moscow, Washington, Beijing gone. Islamabad and New Delhi gone. Pyongyang, Seoul and Tokyo gone. New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Colorado Springs, gone.  But not Haifa. MOAB type bombs fell, but did not explode.

The United States was hit the hardest. Fortunately, most of its arsenal was not even activated. The Capitol building, the museums on the Mall, the White House, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress building, the Pentagon, demolished, erased. Over. The eruption of Yellowstone laid grey ash a foot thick from Wyoming to the east coast. It did not need atomics or the volcano to wreck America. The Americans seemed determined to do it themselves. Ignorant tyranny, aberrations in the DNA, chemical toxins, the increasing mental stress and racial hatreds were adequate enough. Even events of enormous scale in the solar system all combined to humble the status of the self-important nation. Factions arose and civil wars of all sorts tore the country apart. Yet there were those who did their best to save food, and to help others, no matter who they were. Then those who had spiritual vision bonded together.

Now it would be seen what American ingenuity would come up with after the break-down in social order. It had gone too far. Demonic crimes, cannibalism had re-surfaced. This was the result of what the mutilated military minds thought would be the solution. That world was a dead body without its spirit. The City of Satan.

Clean water and safe food became premium and preoccupation. EMP pulses knocked out the Internet. Most communication had been cavalier, and self-absorbed anyway. Service centers in many places were crippled or cancelled. There was a drastic change in the way things were done and the motivation behind them. Instead of a monolithic center of power, there were many loci struggling to stand up again. America had been demoted to a country among countries, never again to be the military-industrial monster that alarmed the planet. Then arose the voice of the Indigenous peoples which had been suppressed for over 500 years.

For thirty years, the Bad Time lasted. Leadership gradually became organized again. The internet was slowly put back together. People had to learn to grow their own. Travel was not as easy as it had been.  Horse drawn wagons were better than nothing. Then, the highest-minded sovereigns insisted on global governance; and the basis for it was laid primarily through the facilities of the Chinese in Tianjin.

Several regional wars contributed to the spasmodic global crisis. With the destruction of Mecca, the Muslim world was thrown into disarray. Massive influxes of refugees dispersed to all parts of the world. With the destruction and un-inhabitability of Japan, Australia invited the Japanese to build new cities in the Outback, of material meant to endure for centuries. There was no more talk of two Koreas, or nations. Mutual assistance was what mattered.

There was only one world now. One effect was that scientists were again free to pursue their studies, free of the politicization and suppression of data. Destruction was not total; most of the wreckage was in the northern hemisphere. There were enough good hearts in the vanguard to give hope. In Ecuador and other countries, there arose a cadre of Bahá’í leaders.

Part One: JAIME

This is the story of a young man who was an anomaly among his people, and set a tradition for his family to become important to the world.  Jaime had glossy black hair pulled back into a braid, hanging half-way down his back. He wore rimless glasses, and had a friendly smile. Like most of his people, he was slender, only five feet tall, slim, skin the color of honey, with dark brown eyes.

His English was good, and it was his focus; and he said it was because his mother had encouraged him and provided what English books she could, and he began learning it early, and absorbed what he could before he even got to school.

Jaime first heard of Bahá’í, one morning, from an information table temporarily set up in the student commons. He stopped to talk to the gringo who sat there.

"Buenos dias?" Jaime began tentatively, as if it were a question. David looked up and encountered a gem of a Kichwa guy, dressed immaculately in the traditional uniform, white pants, poncho and sombrero.

"I'm Jaime. "

"I'm David!" offering his freckled hand. They did the soft handshake.

"Tell me about what you have here."

"Well!" David said happily, pushing back his wavy reddish-brown hair, his penetrating dark-blue eyes restlessly moving everywhere.

"The basic principles are the oneness of God, the oneness of humanity and the oneness of truth." Jaime lifted a leaflet to look at the pictures.

"The oneness of humanity." He said it like it was a sign on the road. The subject moved on to human history. Soon, Jaime sat down with David, while other people were passing by.

David saw that Jaime was highly intelligent, tender hearted, and a social activist. He was praying within that this seeker would find what he needed. When Jaime said “I am Bahá’í” as if he was making a scientific conclusion, David would go home later and place his forehead on the floor in gratitude.

They met often and Jaime learned that David had an impetuous personality and was a rather nervous, excitable guy. They enjoyed being together as much as their schedules allowed, and sat in the commons talking, after the display table was taken down.

One day, another student came to join them, and the discussion escalated into sharp existential confrontation. After they had told him of their admiration of the Bahá’í teachings, the tall Mestizo, Emilo, lectured at length about the uncertainty of anything pertaining to eternity, mysticism, higher powers, spirit, or the afterlife. David was showing signs of increasing irritation.

When Emilo said "I see it as a mental weakness when people start banking in things they cannot prove!" David was suddenly on his feet, obviously upset, and startled everyone nearby by upending the light table, and everything on it, onto the lap of Emilo. Then David stomped away, with Jaime hurrying to catch up.

"How could he go on like that! He is the one doing the imitating. He'll learn not to rival me!" Any attempt by Jaime to tranquilize the situation did not register for some time. Then David slowed down, and showed some penitence. His face showed amusement and they both started laughing.

"Did you see his face when I did that?"

"Claro!"

Jaime tried to caution his new friend, but David had taken on the persona of a gladiator in defense of his beliefs.

David eventually taught Jaime enough about Bahá’u’lláh that it kept Jaime up at nights, reading the books. Although he could see through David's personality weaknesses; it was easy to understand why his friend was so enamored of the Bahá’í religion. For his own part, Jaime could not deny what he was learning, and he soon enrolled as a believer. It seemed to Jaime that he was on a fast track. Every day, there were astonishing realizations, and the pace of intellectual and spiritual development was dizzying!

Then, Jaime and David were driven home from university at break, by Jaime’s long-time friend Diego. Diego was twice as old as them. He was resourceful and strong, could fix anything, and was popular with people who needed repairs. He had his own doble camioneta (four-door pickup) and a pilot’s license. To Jaime, Diego was fatherly in ways Jaime’s real father had never been. Jaime noticed him listening closely when David had said:

“I am struggling to articulate the shame I feel, as a white person, for the centuries of satanic superiority imposed on the rest of the world! How to portray it! It is a hideous enormity of such magnitude that its cruel results are smeared all over, imperialism in Africa, India and Asia, throughout all the Americas. Even Europe was nearly destroyed by racist Nazism. That was the real barbarity, not the tribes they subjugated.”

Jaime said, “We should be able to live as one human race in peace. It took so long for the cruelties to be overcome… It wasn’t just the white race. The Inca, the Aztec and Maya were warrior people too. They sacrificed even children!”

David was estado unidense (from the United States); but he was not extranjero (a stranger). Being an only child, David was more a brother to Jaime than anyone would ever be. His mother had died, and his father had taken a younger Ecuadorian wife, whom David loved. David and his parents had seen what was going to happen, and emigrated out of the US before it did. He was almost to get his Ecuadorian citizenship. And it was David’s appeal for the Oneness of Mankind, the central teaching of Bahá’í, that had touched Jaime most deeply. Who else was doing that?

“There are prophecies about the unity of all the tribes and nations,” Jaime said. “The indigenous have steadily agitated for more just government. I wonder…”

Diego could see that Jaime and David had more hope thanhe seemed to have. They talked up a storm about deep things. Things imperative to the world now. Besides the Oneness of Humanity, there was the eternal Oneness of God, which Diego believed in, but couldn’t talk about easily. They talked about the Oneness of all the Divine Teachers sent by God, and a series ofother benevolent teachings.

And Diego sensed that David was putting many ideas into Jaime’s head. Good ideas. He felt glad about this, because he loved Jaime like a son, and sympathized with him because his father was not in his life. Somehow, Jaime’s drive to learn more and do more fired and inspired Diego to drive as carefully as he could. He loved Jaime’s good heart, his natural intelligence, his imagination and compassion, but it was hard to say so. This was good because Jaime would later need Diego’s strength and intelligence.

David talked the best he could, in Spanish, about the living planet, the spiritual life, progressive Revelation throughout history, and the necessary principles of just governments. He never seemed to run out of steam. He was very protective about the environment, and took offence at roadside dumping, saying it should be illegal. He mumbled about public urination and the dog plague as well.

“Be glad you live here and not in the radioactive north” Jaime told him. David had nothing to say to that.

Diego said “Claro. But it was gringos that got us into the Bad Time”. No one disputed this or said anything for a while, as they drove north from Quito, past immense cuts in the hills of volcanic clay, covered with concrete to prevent landslides, past century plants, and turn-offs to small villages.

“We are organically one human race,”insisted David.  “And what unites us has to be greater than the divisions. I don’t believe we are inherently violent. We should be able to govern ourselves as a species!”

They were all grateful that the Ecuadorian people were safe from the sufferings of the super power wars. Horses became important again, hauling vegetables to market, because there was not enough refined fuel for cars. Ecuador continued as it always had; steadily advancing, but struggling with poverty, pollution, protecting and educating the gifted children. For Jaime, all children were his. And the children could sense his love for them. He was not aware that he was Christ-like; it was only natural to cherish the sweet kids.

“I want to combine the ways of the curanderos” (healers) and the teachers”.

“And I want to stay here forever in the mild climate”, said David.

David had noticed his friend Jaime couldread and write his native Kichwa, the national Spanish and world English. And Jaime had also demonstrated his strong compassion consistently, with even empathic abilities. People found Jaime to be self-effacing, like his people, but eager to go beyond traditional boundaries. He was a balm to their worries, because of the concern he showed them. Like his people, in general, he was gentle, kind, and humorous. But he wasn’t timid like many of his friends; nor clannish and unwilling to travel or change. With his eloquent speaking ability, he was often made the master of ceremonies, and did what he could for everyone, looking up information, accompanying them to the hospital if necessary. This quality of Jamie’s made David and Diego and others quietly devoted to him.

They arrived first at Jaime’s house. He got out and said “Dios le páge!” (God will pay you) but paid Diego something anyway. They chuckled and Jaime went to bed.

The scent of bacon wafted from the modest, cement block house. Only the front had stucco and was painted bright green; the rest was left unfinished. On the tops of the walls that encircled the house, the hired men had placed shards of glass that threatened, like snarling teeth, any thieves that might consider climbing the wall. Many fruit trees, calla lilies, bird-of-paradise, and other flowers made the place enchanting. Well-tended garden plots lay inside the walls. Several chickens, and two cats, moved among the plants. The current young piglet was tied to a stake. Jaime drank a mug of hot honeyed cocoa tea, and gazed out over the verdant valley.

Before he had vanished, José Rumiñawi had placed a sign that said Ladron cojido, ladron quemado. (A thief caught is a thief burned). Although he was descended from the national hero, José Rumiñawi was a man of his time, which meant Ecuador trying to get on with life after great death had ruined the cities of the northern hemisphere, and the cut-off in many services and imports. Too many other interests impinged on him to stay in one place. He was a hard worker, and had put his son Jaime through school. But then, he had found work far away, left Elena, and had never come back.  He was the kind of man that wished thieves had tried to break in to his house when he was there, because he knew what he would have done to them. He himself had too many of his own demons to stay at home.

Slowly the rosy dawn came. Inside the house, large, shiny, brown ceramic tiles were well swept and cool to walk on bare footed. Large woven esteras (mats) were positioned in some areas, such as the kitchen, where Elena, his mother watched his movements from the kitchen. Jaime came to his mother and told her the dream, using both Kichwa and Spanish to express it. They quietly talked while they ate warm buns with cheese. Amatronly woman,wearing the embroidered white lace blouse and black anako (wrap around skirt) that were the symbols of the Kichwa women. For some time now, she had been in a state of excitement because of what Jaime had discovered and conveyed to her.

“Mami, I have found something wonderful!” he had confided with intense certainty.

“What is that my son?”

“I am certain that Veracocha, or Christ, has returned!”

This startling statement, she took quietly, deciding to let him explain more.

“You know how different Prophets have come in the past and taught the people.”

“Of course", she responded. He came and sat closely to her.

“Pues, a very great new Messenger has come named Bahá'u'lláh; and His followers are called Bahá'ís. They have the most powerful teachings and have raised temples with nine sides around the world, and the masses flocking to them. Well, the receptive ones are.”

“Do they believe in oneness of all mankind?” Jaime smiled and embraced her.

“That is exactly what they believe,” And he showed her his prayer book, and read a Verse from it:

“¿Quién puede librarnos de las dificultades salvo Dios?
Di: ¡Alabado sea Dios! Él es Dios.
Todos somos sus siervos y todos acatamos su mandato.”

(Is there any Remover of difficulties save God?

Say: Praised be God! He is God!

All are His servants, and all abide by His bidding!)

This was the beginning of Elena’s gradual conversion to a rock-like faith.

Now, she smiled at Jaime’s gentle jokes while she gathered up the breakfast things. And he prepared to go out, on another home visit he had set himself to make.

Jaimeput his head through the hole of his black poncho, then put on his glasses, and gathered his folder of information. He wore the traditional spotless white pants and foot-gear to demonstrate the importance of what he did. He calmly put on his black fedora-style hat, and went out the door, through the gate in the wall, and down the steps carved in the clay embankment, onto the cobblestone lane that connected the small village with nearby towns. Elena gathered her fachalina (shawl) about her shoulders and went off to a gathering of other related women in her ayllu (clan)

Jaime Rumiñawi was born a year after the nuclear exchange, relatively safe, in the Andes of Ecuador. He was now almost 30 years old. Elena’s only child; and His mother and father had prized knowledge and encouraged him during the time that the world was recovering. When the internet came back up, he was among the first to learn how to be proficient at it. When he caught a ride into town on a horse-drawn cart delivering vegetables to market, he was reading or looking at his tablet.

His entire life was shaped by the repercussion of continuing calamities, in other parts of the world. Jaime grew up responding to the people’s needs. He hadn’t seen David for several weeks, since vacation had started, because he worked in another town. They both attended Ruhí avanzes, classes that taught spiritual virtues to children and adults. But they stayed in touch by phone, and David emailed him regularly.

Even before he had found his new Faith, Jaime visited his neighbors and praised God with them, if they wished it. He helped them in any way he could. He was compelled to learn those things that were conducive to greater unity; and the herbal remedies were his study. But since he had declared his Faith in Bahá’u’lláh, by simply signing a small card, he had discovered the Long Healing Prayer, which took nearly fifteen minutes to recite. If someone was in pain, from an internal illness, even a headache, he had them relax on their couch, and by the time he was finished, they had usually fallen asleep, and felt better when they awoke. If not, he advised seeing the medicos.

On this particular day, he wanted to see a woman in the neighborhood, who had a son who needed a wheelchair. He had a little bundle of manzanilla for her, which would make a relaxing tea. She had been carrying her son, wrapped up with her fachalina, a square cloth,on her back, as every mother did; but that had gone on longer than normal, and now he was getting too heavy to carry. Her knees had been bothering her, and he helped her prepare mayoko, a small pink potato that was beneficial to joints. The parents were poor and barely literate, while Jaime’s own clan had been able to send him to two different colleges, and he had immersed himself in his studies and worked with determination to speak English, as well as Kichwa and Spanish.

He passed two school girls in their uniform skirts and backpacks, and an old man in clothes filthy from field work, carrying a huge bundle of some woody material. His shoes were totally inadequate. As they neared each other, they paused to speak courteously. The fields were fenced off with lechera, the living fence, whose posts were small trees of the right size, with barbed wire tying them together.

"Good morning! How are you?" began Jaime cheerfully, in Kichwa.

The wrinkled face of the short, bent anciano slowly looked up and smiled appreciatively. It was Fulgencio, the lonely man. Carefully and clearly, the little man announced, in Spanish: “Estoy bendecido por la Divina Madre y el Divino Niño, ¿y tú? (I’m blessed by the divine Mother and the divine Child, and you?)

Jaime could tell that within the heart of this man, too long alone, there had shone out a ray of his faith, which he sought to share with his countryman. In no hurry to go on, Jaime gently encouraged his old friend to express himself. Although Jaime himself had recently become Bahá'í, and was still frantically reading what books he had got his hands on, he was unwilling to becloud or confuse the simple man’s mind. Still, he inquired how he was getting on. It had always been Jaime’s natural and cultural habit to find the biggest problem people had, what they needed, and how he could help. Maybe there was something he could do, maybe there was wasn’t. It was his kind nature to ask.

Fulgencio was pleased to see Jaime, his friendly neighbor. He adjusted his load and shuffled his feet. Now, Jaime switched to the Spanish his shy friend preferred.

 “Yo soy Bahá'í ahora!”And he watched to see the little man’s reaction. Fulgencio only grinned vacantly, knitted his brows, and considered the statement. To assure him, Jaime clarified his faith, as clearly as his friend had, “Bahá'ís love Jesus and Mary, but we are trying to help the world heal from the wars by the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. The Bahá'ís are simply followers of Bahá’u’lláh.”

Sensing that small Fulgencio had heard enough for the day, Jaime wished him well and walked on down the road, at his swifter pace. Their paths might cross another time.

He thought about the Catholic Church, and how it had benefited from hundreds of years of virtual enslavement of the indigenous peoples, and how Papa Francisco had apologized for this, on his visit in 2014, and how some felt the United Nations should have held the Vatican accountable. Only in the 1960s were the landed serfs freed to buy their own property, if they could. How interesting that Francisco had “gone into the confessional” for the tyranny caused by centuries of dire oppression. Jaime knew it was a sign of the rise of indigenous influence, which still had a long way to go. Even the horrors of the brief but intense third World War had not destroyed the abiding hope that the indigenous from all countries would become spiritual leaders at last.

He thought about his friend’s perpetual dirtiness, and how he may not have washed in some time. There was a saying once that Quito was a city with a thousand churches, and one bath tub. There was still some concern about that. People had to carry their soap, toilet paper and paper towels with them, if they wanted to be sure to have them. In places where they are not provided, such as public restrooms, there was a .15 charge for TP, and perhaps no soap or towels. He did not want his country known as filthy, when it was so beautiful!

At that moment, a gang of three dogs paused to gauge him as he passed by. One of them had a limp. It deeply shocked some visitors, that in some parts of Ecuador, there was a plethora of feral dogs. Many ran un-neutered, and showed signs of disease, injuries and starvation. When puppies were small, especially miniature poodles, they were carried around like toys. When they become older, however, and their yapping and their trimming became burdensome, they were often mistreated or abandoned.

Soon he came to the home of the mother and the handicapped boy. The house was concrete block, like his own, but smaller, with no paint, no curtains and only a few simple pieces of wooden furniture. On the outer walls grafiteros had left their thoughtless designs. Graffiti was everywhere. Even if one could afford to paint over it, it would get brazenly tagged again. Most walls simply wore it for years.

Jaime was met by the woman and her son, who sat beside her on the couch, while she busied her hands with colored threads, weaving them into a small band. After determining that it was a wheelchair that they needed, not a walker or a cane, Jaime talked briefly with them about other things, and started to take his leave. But for some reason, the mother wanted to show him her pitiful yard, where some corn was growing. Someone had placed a car on blocks to repair it. The hard packed dirt paths were bare and resisted anything trying to grow. At one time, long before the house was built, tamped earth was used to make a long wall, to make the boundary of the original hacienda. The older earth-packed walls were gradually disappearing. Concrete bloques were now the main method of construction.  But buildings were left unfinished, with ugly seeping mortar and re-bar sticking up on the top floor. If a building was unfinished, taxes were not due; and that was the case here. He said his farewell, and promised to try to find a donor for the wheelchair. It could happen.

In this way, his movements among all the people attracted the attention of the media, and his modest fame began to grow. He steadily refused to magnify his own reputation. Instead, he consistently looked after the needs of his people, and this endeared him to them. He felt this was his destiny, to uplift the people. The name Jaime Rumiñawi appeared in a few newspapers. There was a radio interview when an appreciative woman claimed Jaime had healed her. It was true he had prayed over her, and laid his hand on her. He obtained a reputation as a well-dressed, well-educated young indigenous man who was giving hope to the people.

Some years went by. Jaime became better known as someone who would help. He became deepened in his belief. Then he dreamed about the Trees. In later years, he would again and again reflect upon the overwhelming, vivid unfoldment of their significance. Instead of the filmy puzzlement of most dreams, he found himself suddenly in a place of strange beauty and clarity. There was a great, and magnificent Tree that generated its own light. In awe, Jaime stepped closer and closer, hoping to touch it and its’ magnetic attraction was steady and irresistible. But nearby was another small double tree that felt somehow familiar to him. Two trunks emerged from the ground together, and they were growing eagerly toward the great Tree. Suddenly, an unexpected blow, as if from a freak wind, severed one of the trunks, leaving the inner surface exposed. The tree fell and returned to the ground, and from the newly cut trunk, the inner sap oozed up, gleaming over the entire surface. The uncut trunk continued to grow and put out new branches. Like a video turned off, it was abruptly over, and Jaime rose up on his elbows astonished. It was about 4am he saw from his watch. He gently ay back down locking the images in his memory.

This coincided with the growing concern that the Chinese dragon was going to gather everything to itself, especially the smaller countries. China was no longer ruled by the communist party, but by strict business interests; and although efforts were made to mitigate it and deny it, the mafia was involved, as it had been in Moscow and Washington before the war. Even with the loss of Beijing, the enormous population of China was able to continue and extend its progressive policies, finding itself the pre-eminent power in a world suddenly devoid of Russian and American competition. Cadres of civic administrators spread out around the world, connecting with nationals already established, to nations effected by the war and nations that had escaped the blasts, like Ecuador. The time of Chinese hegemony had come, and it would last for several centuries.

When the unlikely idea for an Ecuadorian king began stirring at the highest levels in Quito, a special committee was directed to find someone with attractive media appeal, historically Ecuadorian, with intellectual potential, not necessarily political, a with personal virtue –someone who could be trained as well as inspire. So the search for the “good man” began.

Jaime Rumiñawi was consistently doing the best anyone could ask for. He was Bahá'í, which was not political and was training people in acquiring virtues. The fact was, his Bahá'í Faith was not an issue. He was an impressive young man and wise beyond his years. He had gotten an education, and had no political ambition. He was like a rare gem, the result of inherent ability, benign influences and particular pressures. These combined to make him the choice of the committee for the ideal symbol of Ecuador. The more they observed him, the more they were convinced he was a national treasure, and should be protected. Without his knowledge, the President and the National Assembly resolved to invite him to Quito and show him honor. This continued to develop until the party on New Year’s Eve, 2050. They did not want to alert him to the plan until they could meet with him personally

Jaime went to Cotacachi during Inti Raymi. The surrounding pueblitos sent contingents of men with wooly chaps on their legs, and bizarre, broad-brimed black hats with tall pyramidal points, to "take the plaza." Some of the hats had swastikas or cannabis leaves painted in white. The tradition had it that the Catholic iglesias, which could be found next to every town square, had taken over from the Indigenous. So the drinking and dancing on the summer solstice was a symbolic re-taking of the plazas.

They were liquored up with chicha, and whistled through their teeth, blew on horns and conch shells, flutes, and harmonicas. They stomped in unison to the intersections of the square and rotated in a tight circle, until finally moving off to make room for another group. Hundreds of federal troops had once been brought in to keep the peace, after injuries and deaths, some children even asphyxiated from the tear gas.

It wasn't like the more tame version of the dancing, with the musicos in the middle of the circle, and all genders and ages moving in short, rhythmic steps. This was more of a war dance, not against anyone in particular, but against the injustices of the centuries. It recalled the jungle tribes who constantly went out against families of their own clan to threaten and terrify, or even shoot arrows, which kept the process going  on indefinitely.

The actual "taking" of plazas would eventually happen, when all were united, -Indigenous, ex-pats, Whites, Castelanos, Mestizos, Costeños, Orientals, and all others, --truly united in serving the Lord of the Age. But much had yet to be done to reveal that surprising "cosmovision" Bahá'u'lláh brought, from the Throne itself. It would involve the entire planet being cherished in actuality, not just ideals, and the realization that there has always been a creation, since the divine Name "Creator" presupposed it, and the spiritual Real Realm, with its perfect justice, unity, sanctity and peace, must, inevitably, become reflected in the world and overcome the earthly chaos.  What kind of "cosmovision" is it, Jaime wondered, that pressures the men to drink chicha to excess, until they vomited or passed out? The Mayors of the towns around asked their people not to act that way during Inti Raymi, forcing 500 federales  to be brought in, because the people were worried there would be injuries or damage! If it is "culture" that developed it, then it can be un-developed.

Before Jaime was tapped for national fame, the national government in Quito was scrambling to come up with multi-approach to the Chinese pressures that continued to increase. One idea was to establish a monarchy to help shield the national interests of the country, and relate to other countries which already had such a Head of State, or were contemplating the same idea.

Jaime was sought out; and it was learned he would be going to a New Year’s party. Everyone loves a party! Fireworks, loud music, putting costumes on the muñeca effigies and standing back from the acrid fumes when they were burned. Children fleeced the drivers with pitiful road-blocks, and begging bowls. The effigies were like Zozabra in Santa Fe, or Burning Man, ridding the people of their anxieties of the year just past. Jaime’s people observed Inty Raymi, Yamor and the other Christian festivals like Christmas, Holy Week and New Year; but it was not his new year. That came on the vernal equinox, when the year 207 began in the Bahá'í calendar. But he went anyway to socialize with the other people. He really did not like the stinking effigies. Not since so many cities had been consumed by atomic blasts in thehellish wars.

As usual, Jaime had his folder under his arm, with several Ruhí workbooks to show interested people, and several pens ready to take notes. As he entered the large white tent, with some white, plastic chairs stacked up and some spread out for the crowd which would hear the musicians, a group of three men in suits approached him. This would later be compared to the selection of David ben Jesse, to be king of Israel. The chairman of the committee, a man named Roberto, asked Jaime if he would sit down and talk to them.

“What party are you with?” Jaime wanted to know, up front.

“We are a consensus of all the parties,” Roberto replied.

“What do you expect of me? Have I done something amiss?” he asked, pushing his glasses up on his nose.

“Not at all. It is because of who you are that we want to honor you.” This made Jaime smile somewhat self-consciously. He now knew they had seen the press.

“hmm. What do you want me to do?” he murmured, wondering why they glanced nervously at each other.

“Just keep doing what you are doing!” Roberto said, as if to caution against alarm. “We have researched your lineage to Rumiñawi, our national hero. It has been confirmed by DNA. Plus, you have shown yourself to be a model citizen.”

Jaime began to be embarrassed, and

Jaime stood up a little restlessly. The two men with Roberto followed him constantly with their eyes, rather adoringly, it seemed to him.

“You are the patria’s most sensible, and most benevolent curandero”; Robert went on, “and we want to offer you a high position in the government, on the broadest scale!”Jaime thought that might me a great thing. Official help helping others! The conversation went on for some time this way, but Jaime could not sit down again.

Then Roberto said, with an official tone of voice: “We have been through centuries of colonization; and now the patrimony of el ecuador invites you to become its first king, -and your children after you, if they show the great abilities you have.”

Jaime could only stand stunned. What flashed through his mind, at that moment, was having his own children. He didn’t even have a girl-friend. He was still living with his mother to save money, and because she was lonely and needed him. King of Ecuador, HA! What if he did have children? If he was really king, they could get an education even better than he had! He could keep learning too! King of Ecuador? But the possibilities lodged in his mind; and he did not outwardly object. It was teaching his children and having access to more people that interested him most. King of Ecuador! To improve education here, and even abroad, in the Bad Time. That was the only important thing he could visualize to do with his life. Improve the knowledge quotient of the country!

“We know you live with your mother and we know where your father is. If you want them to come with you to Quito, it can be arranged.” Roberto had it all figured out.

“But what about the people I know here?” asked Jaime.

“You can help them more from Quito! You come and see them! You can travel all around the country! That is what we are hoping you will want to do!”

“What about my education?”

“Of course you may continue it!”

This made Jaime sit down again. It all seemed to be both exciting and perilous. He wanted to talk to his mother Elena. He wanted to talk to certain people in the crowd; but he was already feeling the pressure. He knew they would want him to act promptly about it. Something else stirred in him. The duty to be inca.

Then Roberto warned “What we don’t want you to do is mention this to anyone else yet. Except your mother.”

Silently, he said the Báb’s “Remover” prayer to himself very slowly.

“Alright,” he said quietly. “Let me talk to my ride, and then you can take me to my house and we will talk to her. The tension seemed to lift off the delegation, and they smiled at him in a friendly way, and embraced him. He was already el Rey. When he had a chance, he called David and told him something was up, but he could not be specific. David promised to call back in a few hours.

Jaime informed his ride that he had ‘another way home’. Then they got in a plain white van and drove to the village, up the cobblestone road, to his house.

Elena was not too astonished to see Jaime come home with well-dressed officials. For a long time she knew that he was special. He was good, and that in itself, would eventually attract attention. When she clearly understood the implications of the plan, she silently stood up and looked at Roberto and the two other men, and finally at her son, knowing better than anyone his goodness and honor.

“I will pack the things that I need.”

Elena did not want to stay in José’s house forever. How could she pass up being with her son as he progressed in the eyes of the people? But she did not want José to rejoin them either. While she packed her few things, Jaime called a friend and instructed that the animals be taken to other people. Then, he boxed up his Bahá'í books.

Jaime sat in the back, between one of the men and his mami. His phone rang. It was David. Jaime wanted to tell him what was going on. Roberto sensed what was happening, and shook his head at Jaime. This felt very wrong to Jaime.

“This is my best friend. He is like my brother. I was the only child.” Elena was nodding her head, smiling a bit.

“But we were told not to allow anyone else to know until we arrive in Quito.”

A great determination came over Jaime, as his situation became more and more real to him. He was not a forceful person; but he did not waver after a decision.

“Pues, I am explaining to my friend David exactly what is going on.”

Roberto and the other two men scowled, but did not object any more. Jaime told David on the phone what had happened, where they were, and where he was going. Because of Jaime’s closeness David vowed to meet them along the way, if it was possible.  Roberto told him where they could meet one more time.

Then, the incident that would never be forgotten began to unfold. The white van drove back down the cobblestone road, to the Pan American highway. They took that south to a place close to the pana, and pulled up next to a black SUV.

It had been obvious at the party that some officials were talking to Jaime, who was very well-known to the people of the region; and rumors started to elaborate with terrific speed. Somehow the connection was made between those who knew about the “kingship plan” and those who knew Jaime, and a chain of events happened faster than usual in Ecuador. Other people could be seen gathering, and one of Roberto’s men urged them to hurry the transfer. More and more people could be seen running in their direction. Some seemed friendly and excited, others did not. Jaime saw his friend David, who had taught him the Faith, and given him the books.

He said to Roberto: “This is my best Bahá'í friend. Let me talk to him.”

“He cannot come with us.”

I know that; but I will want to see him later for sure.” He motioned to David.

“Alright,” agreed Roberto, and David approached, with a giddy smile on his face.

“Alláh-u-Abhá! Mucho gusto a verte!” (God is Most Glorious! So good to see you), he said, laughing. “Now see what all your study will bring!”

“Alláh-u-Abhá!” said Jaime returning the greeting.

Their happiness was tempered by the increasing crowd, and Roberto was trying to get everyone into the SUV. Everything was loaded, and the driver was already preparing to go, when everything came to a swift end.

At that very moment, a crazy campesino suddenly appeared from the other side of the car, with his azadon (a heavy hoe) on his shoulder. Such a figure was common on the roads. But when the men saw him, they panicked. In an instant, the man ran at them, with a look of rage on his face. He swung his hoe off his shoulder.

It was all over so quickly. The blow that Jaime was convinced was meant for him was received by David, who saw it coming. He actually moved to block Jaime; and from that severe trauma he moaned and died on the scene. The attacker was immediately buffeted and restrained by Roberto’s men.Jaime clung to his friend and looked at the wound. It was a large scrape. The blood oozed up from all of it is exactly the same way as the sap had oozed up from the tree in his dream! Then, blood pulsed and poured over David’s face, down his neck, into his clothes, and onto the ground.

Jaime’s hands never left David’s body. It lay where he crumpled and fell. Jaime bowed over the fractured and bloody face in grief that grew greater and greater. He cried and tried to talk to David. He prayed.He howled and swore and called for his friend; but his friend was no more in the world. Elena’s face was in her hands; she wanted to help but was powerless to know what to do.

The local policia arrived, and the man was questioned. Who was he? Where was he from, why had he done it –but he said nothing. Finally, he was stuffed into the police car. It wasn’t known for certain if he had attacked Jaime because he knew of the plan, or David because he was a gringo. To Roberto and the police, the second possibility seemed more probable. The attacker was asked the obvious questions but wouldn’t say a thing. He had shut down. And he stank.

The ambulancia was also called. When they finally arrived, the med techs took David’s body away. Almost an hour had passed since the killing and Roberto wanted to leave immediately, but Jaime said:

“There has to be a velorio, a Bahá'í funeral, within twenty-four hours! Who is going to console the family? I will come to Quito; but first this has to be taken care of!” The committee of three stood silent. They were powerless to argue with their intended king!

Jaime felt a great force pass through him. Sobbing, he shouted as loudly as he could: “He was like my brother! My best friend!” He remembered how they had joked about being like David and Jonathan. The guilt Jaime felt for his insistence that David meet them began to swell within him. He had called his spiritual brother to his death. Jaime had never cried so deeply, or shouted so loudly, in his life.

When Roberto began to object, even Elena cut him off.“This is what Jaime does! Do you understand?” The authority with which she and Jaime spoke permitted no more objections. When Roberto’s face showed concession, Jaime managed to mumble, “I guess this is why you noticed me! I care about people!”

“I can see that,” admitted Roberto.Elena sat in the SUV, in shock, crying.

Jaime made them go to David’s parent’s home, instead of the funeral home, where the body went. He got out and went in the house, asking that the government men remain with the car.

David’s father, Jim, and his Ecuatoriana step-mother, Rocsan, happily greeted Jaime at the door.

“There has been trouble” Jaime replied. “It is about David.”

“What is it? What happened?” they both answered, now looking worried.

“Can we sit down and talk?” Jaime asked, moving to the divan. They moved to sit down near him.

“I was asked to go to Quito, and David came to say goodbye. And he was attacked.”

“What!” Jim shouted. “What happened?”

“He was killed…” Jaime whispered.

There was a moment of shocked silence.

“Where is he now?” Jim wanted to know.

“At the funeral home.”

Now Jim was agitated, wondering whether to go there immediately or not.

“I have to explain,” began Jaime. “I have been called to the capital. It seems they think I can be of use! But when we were getting into a car, a man came with an azadon, and…” He covered his face with his hands.

“O my God! O Jaime!” said Rocsan in both grief and consolation.

Robert then drove them both to the funeral home, while Jaime told the story again in more detail.

David’s funeral had to be swiftly prepared, and a burial spot prepared two kilometers northwest of Otavalo, in the Bahá'í cemetery.In the morning, while Elena remained with the Jim and Rocsan, Jaime re-read the burial procedures.

He gathered five sheets of fine white cotton fabric. He used his phone to call the Sede Bahá'í Nacional in Cumbaya. A ring, with a particular verse engraved in Arabic, was dispatched by a private courier. It translated: “I came forth from God, and return unto Him, detached from all save Him, holding fast to His Name, the Merciful, the Compassionate.” The ring had been placed on David’s hand, after the body had been cleansed with a sponge. He was wrapped in the white fabric and placed in ahard laurel wood coffin. Flowers were placed around the wrapped body. Jaime helped carry the coffin from the truck to the grave site. Within twenty-four hours the service had been held.

The entrancing Prayer for the Dead was read in Spanish by one of the friends. Other prayers were said by friends in Kichwa, and English. The family members, still numb with incredulity, tried to express their grief coherently. Roberto’s delegation was in attendance, as well as the carpentero. At the home rosquillas and juice were all that was to be served, but many people brought cooked food, large bottles of pop, and fruit for the family. The consolation went on all that night.

David was suddenly gone! And there was no unbelief about the Presence many felt. When it came time to leave, even though they were bereaved, David’s parents wished Jaime well and were grateful for his own presence and, when he promised to see them again, David’s mother said Dios quiere (God willing).

In a black mood, in the black SUV, they drove quietly back to Quito, in the night. Along the way, in Cajas, they stopped for biscochos, the biscuits that went so well with hot chocolate. Roberto had the natas de leche, but Jaime had never liked it. They glumly discussed details.

Roberto told Jaime he would have to address the National Assemby and the cameras, so he should try to gather his thoughts; but during the last hour of the trip, he did not try to brief Jaime on what to expect. There would be time for that. Jaime was in a state of triple shock. Occasionally he whispered to Elena in Kichwa, or tried to get some rest, sitting with his head back on the head-rest, his face turned towards the darkness outside.

He and Elena transferred their residence to a house prepared for them in the government compound, west of the El Panecillo hill and statue. The comfort and beauty of the simple, dignified house was reassuring to him. It was not opulent. White walls with no decoration prevailed. Double doors opened onto a balcony. A complete media center and desk awaited him. His first act was to take out a colorful tapestry that had been made in Otavalo, by a Bahá'í friend. It was the Arabic calligraphy of the “Greatest Name”, Ya Bahá’u’l-Abhá! (O Thou the Gory of the Most Glorious!) He hung it with solemn dignity on the bare white wall. Without looking around too much, he prepared to go to bed.

It was his habit to perform the obligatory prayer in the mornings, and read the Scriptures at night. He reflected how the Báb was called the “King of the Messengers” and Bahá’u’lláh was the “King of Kings.” He wondered if that meant Bahá’u’lláh was also the King of the Báb. They were different, yet They were the same. He pictured himself visiting Bahá’u’lláh and humbling himself with the Báb. Using the word search, he called up more passages referring to kings. He would now be a king, and it no longer felt so incredible. But he needed all that his rich resources could give him on the subject. And he found this passage:

“How great the blessedness that awaiteth the king who will arise to aid My Cause in My kingdom, who will detach himself from all else but Me! Such a king is numbered with the companions of the Crimson Ark -- the Ark which God hath prepared for the people of Bahá. All must glorify his name, must reverence his station, and aid him to unlock the cities with the keys of My Name, the omnipotent Protector of all that inhabit the visible and invisible kingdoms. Such a king is the very eye of mankind, the luminous ornament on the brow of creation, the fountainhead of blessings unto the whole world. Offer up, O people of Bahá, your substance, nay your very lives, for his assistance.” (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 50)

Wonder and awe, horror and trepidation surrounded Jaime. “Could he be ‘the fountainhead of blessings’ to the whole world? It seemed David had offered up ‘his very life’ for me, and that was not something anyone expected. Perhaps I can be a fountainhead of blessings, if He shows me the way.

But that night, alone in his chamber, he was unwilling to yet recline in the bed; he knew he was beginning something frightfully important, and he asked God for help. He sat on its edge and recited part of a prayer, prescribed by the Báb, which he loved very much; “Oh mi Dios! Disipa mediante Tu resplandor toda oscuridad y mediante Su poder evidente elimina todas las leyes anticuadas. Arruina, mediante Su preeminencia, a aquello que no han sequido los senderos de Dios. Destruye a todos los tiranos por Su intermedio y pon fin a toda discordia mediante Su espada; aniquila mediante Su justicia, a toda forma de oppression; haz que los gobernantes sean obedientes a Sus mandatos; subordina todos los imperios del mundo a Su imperio!...”which translated as: “O my God! Dispel through Thy Splendor all darkness and through His evident power do away with the antiquated laws. By His preeminence ruin those who have not followed the ways of God. Through Him destroy all tyrants, put an end, through His sword, to all discord; annihilate, through His justice, all forms of oppression; render the rulers obedient to His commandments; subordinate all the empires of the world to His empire!...”

For David, for the nation, for the whole world, for his future, Jaime recited it again and again, hundreds of times, until he fell into a sleep like death. To him the dream had been fulfilled, and he and David were the two trunks of the small tree, and Bahá’u’lláh was the great Tree. Somehow it mattered for all the sudden changes.

In the morning, when he awoke, calm and certain, the sun-light streamed into the white rooms, and filled him with hope. He used his lap-top to access more of the Bahá'í Writings. Sometimes he fumbled through one of the books from his bag, trying to gather his thoughts, and prepare what he wanted to say to the people.

At about 9am, Roberto appeared and, it was obvious, seemed chastened. What he had thought to control was no longer in his hands. Jaime sensed this, and asked him:

“Will you continue to be my counselor?” Roberto assented.

“Do you have a faith of your own, Roberto?” Jaime asked, after a pause.

Roberto said: “I believe in God, but not organized religions.”

“How is this going to work, since Bahá'í is an organized religion?”

Roberto thought about it, with his hands in his pockets. “I hope to learn.”

“Would you object to praying with me on occasion?” Jaime wanted to know.

“I am not in the habit of praying.”

“So you don’t try to talk to the God you believe in?” Jaime continued gently, while seated on the comfortable divan. He motioned to Roberto to sit beside him.

Once Roberto was seated, Jaime said: “Mira, (look here) I need to pray constantly to get myself prepared for this, and I need people who will pray with me. Yes or no?”

“V-very well, y-your majesty.” Robert stammered.

“Mira, we are all in a learning curve here. Don’t call me that. You may call me señor.” This was funny, because Roberto was at least twice as old as Jaime. They smiled.

“Now, I am going to read a prayer or two, because they are like breakfast to me. You can just listen. And then we can consult about the schedule, all right?”

Jaime read his prayers with all his heart. Roberto felt privileged to listen, thinking ‘This is my king now.’

Then they discussed what tech equipment there was to use, phone numbers for government officials, embassy and agency lists, government programs and websites, and particulars about security. He could visit different people in need in Quito with ease. He had access to more contacts, more information, more medicinal herbs, as well as doctors who would work with him. This was all that Jaime had expected.

When Roberto had come to a stopping place, Jaime said he wanted to help build a school in David’s comunidad, to be named after him. This was exactly the sort of thing he was good at already, networking and working on a project with enthusiasm. There would be a proper stone on his grave as well. He went next door to the adjoining house, where his Elena stayed, and told her his plans She was happy to hear them. Now he was sure that the memory of David would be honored. The tragedy had deepened Jaime’s already deep sympathy for everyone, and it remained with him forever afterward.

He was shown his own APV (aerial personnel vehicle), and some other vehicles. He met with his own chofur (chauffeur); but before long, he requested his friend Diego be hired instead. Diego was a pilot, and owned his own working camionetta (pick-up), and was already familiar with Jaime. Diego, fortunately, was also a strong, burly man, a mestizo, and could act as bodyguard, if necessary. But the likelihood of another assault in a country that loved him was low.

He was driven to the Parliament building in his white SUV. The car pulled into the circle drive that went underground, for passing into the building more securely.

It was scheduled that Jaime would address the nation. Standing before the Assembled representatives of his country, with the tri-color sash across his chest, with its red, yellow and blue bands, which someone had put on him, Jaime paused before speaking to the microphone and to the nation. He imagined them all watching and wondering who this guy is? He could only be himself. He first met with the President and the leaders of the Parliament, and the amendments to the constitution were discussed, creating a republican monarchy, continued through primogeniture, under certain conditions, with clauses about abdications, duties, and purposes. Open topics included choosing diplomats, to which Jaime expressed the surprising opinion that he be consulted.

Then, before the National Assembly of the Republic, under the shadow of the tragedy, with all the media, Jaime Rumiñawi made his first statement as the first Sovereign of sovereign Ecuador.

“I greet the people of Ecuador with all my heart. I hope you don’t think I used leverage for this job, because I didn’t! You might think I won a grand lottery to be here. But I was just doing what my people needed. And now, here we are. I am sure you have heard the news about my friend David who was attacked and killed near Otavalo.”

For some time he could not continue. It hurt so much! He felt he had to tell them about the dream! He could only speak carefully, slowly, with his broken heart. But he had to go on: “I had a dream before this happened. I was in another world. There was a beautiful garden. Directly in front of me there was a tremendous Tree that gave of life, and beauty, power and light! I stood staring at this Tree. But something drew my eyes to another tree nearby. Two trunks split, and were growing from a common trunk. Then one of the trunks was cut off by something…” he gasped and got control.

“Something cut one of the trunks, and the sap came out from all of the veins in the tree. When David was attacked, I saw the blood appear in the same way from his wound.”

Then Jaime paused. He was in no hurry whatsoever. Ecuador and the world could just wait. He used his phone to access sacred Texts. He carefully looked at it and read the following:

“Nothing but a fiery ordeal, out of which humanity will emerge, chastened and prepared, can succeed in implanting that sense of responsibility which the leaders of a new-born age must arise to shoulder."

It was from Shoghi Effendi’s book, The World Order of Baha'u'llah, one of his favorites. He covered his face and quietly cried.

When he could resume, he said with resolve in his voice, similar to what Roberto had heard outside Otavalo:

 “…I never sought this. I never wanted a crown and I won’t wear one! I didn’t want a throne and I won’t sit in one. I will wear this sash! But if I want to wear jeans and get dirty in el campo, I will!’ There was another lull, while he struggled very hard to gain composure. I want my friend back! We have to ask ourselves why did this have to happen? I lost my friend David. Yes, he shared his beautiful Faith with me. For some reason, he gave his life for me too. Why? We don’t have much violent crime in this country. Why did it have to happen now? I was always grateful that in Ecuador la clima esta templada y la gente estan tranquilos (the weather is mild and the people are laid back); and now this!  Why it had to happen I don’t understand yet; and if anyone can help me to understand, I would really appreciate it! Time will tell. This is not a time to celebrate really. We must show the world good faith and friendship, mutual assistance and cooperation. We must call for the re-gathering of all nations. No matter how powerless we feel, we must press for this.” He paused again.

“If I can keep doing what I have been doing, if I can meet with people and go to schools and hospitals, then I will try to be your Sovereign, and train others to do the same thing after me. I love my people. I love all the tribes and races. I only want to see us demonstrate the value of non-aggression to the rest of the world, and move on from the global Bad Time of so much suffering. I believe a way can be found forward by Ecuador!”

He pulled out a card to prompt himself, and read the following: “O ye the elected representatives of the people in every land! Take ye counsel together, and let your concern be only for that which profiteth mankind and bettereth the condition thereof, if ye be of them that scan heedfully. Regard the world as the human body which, though at its creation whole and perfect, hath been afflicted, through various causes, with grave disorders and maladies.”

The he said “Let Ecuador become one of the countries that makes the world better. ‘The meek will inherit the earth!’ I will need your patience and help to do this. There is a residual class society I intend to address. If you see me working with my hands, come out and help. If you see me consorting with costeños and serranos equally, that’s because we are. I tell you this. Men and women are like the wings of the condor. Both must be balanced for it to fly high. I will work against abusive machismo and the equalization of women’s rights. We must advance in the sciences. There is no doubt about it. If you wonder why I am so devoted to stability, ask yourself ‘Hasn’t Ecuador had enough instability?’”La biblia dice ‘Benditos los mansos, porque recibirán la tierra en herencia’ (The Bible says ‘Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth’).

He stepped away from the podium.

The gentle expression of resignation on his face was evident to all who saw him. Here was a good man. Of course, they loved him all the more for that.

As he exited the hall, the melody of the Himno Nacional blared from the speakers; and everywhere he went afterwards, he was truly encouraged by the friendliness of the people. He was honored, and lavished with the love of his people. “How is this valley lifted up?” he thought.

His visit to the Palacio del Gobierno was more like a tour, and in the near future he spent little time there, causing some to think his ascension to kingship was a publicity stunt. News from around the world showed skepticism about an unknown being put into such a position. Some of the foreign press was critical, or even abusive. This pricked the pride of the Ecuadorian people, who sometimes felt inferior; and Jaime was defended vociferously. It was natural for people to expect outward power and influence to motivate the new king. But this was far from the actuality. When he was with his countrymen in general, he made no mention of religion, unless he was specifically asked. But when Diego came to Quito and consented to drive for him, he went to the Sede Bahá'í Nacional in Cumbaya for a celebration, and much-needed consolation from his co-believers.This was noticed by the media, and it became evident that the novel King Jaime was not of the Catholic majority.

He was greeted at the door of the Sede by the friends and after coffee and galletas, those present seated themselves for the prayers they knew they needed. Silence pervaded for some time. Then it appeared they were waiting for Jaime, and he knew how it should begin:

“O my God!” he read, his head down, but his voice firm, “I ask Thee, by Thy most glorious Name, to aid me in that which will cause the affairs of Thy servants to prosper, and Thy cities to flourish. Thou, indeed, hast power over all things!” This became his most frequently breathed invocation in the years ahead.

Then others had the opportunity to relieve their hearts and lay their hopes and anxieties on the invisible altar. Once a mood of devotion had become dominant, then the reading shifted to the Tablets, and the re-assurance they held. One of the friends read the Bisharat (Glad-Tidings), where Bahá’u’lláh had revealed the following Verses:

“Aunque una forma republicana de gobierno beneficia a todos los pueblos del mundo, sin embargo, la majestad de la realeza es uno de los signos de Dios. No deseamos que los países del mundo permanezcan privados de los mismos. Si los sagaces combinan las dos formas en una, grandes serán su recompensa en la presencia de Dios." En el propio Kitab-i-Aqdas, conocido como El Libro Mas Sagrada, se encontró la siguiente cita: “Uno de los signos de la madurez del mundo es que nadie aceptará soportar el peso de la realeza. El reinado permanecerá sin que ninguno esté dispuesto a soportar solo su peso. Ese día será el día en que la sabiduría se manifestará entre la humanidad."

Aquí Jaime admitió: "Me siento incapaz de desempeñarme en el papel que se me asignó, y estoy muy debilitado por la pérdida de mi amigo; pero me veo obligado a seguir adelante e insistir en la unidad de las naciones."

 The issue of tsunami and earthquake-proof houses arose. Periodically people died from the quakes, when their block house fell in on them. And in some valleys prone to volcanic lahars, people were still living. Bahá’u’lláh had said “Build ye for yourselves such houses as the rain and floods can never destroy, which shall protect you from the changes and chances of this life. This is the instruction of Him Whom the world hath wronged and forsaken.”

The question of the inevitable Chinese hegemony arose. Bahá’u’lláh’s Son and Successor, 'Abdu'l-Bahá, was reported to have said “China, China, China, China-ward the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh must march! Where is that holy, sanctified Bahá'í to become the teacher of China! China has most great capability… Had I been feeling well, I would have taken a journey to China myself! China is the country of the future.”

           

'Abdu'l-Bahá said “The President should be the elect of the elect…” “The president must be a man who does not insistently seek the presidency. He should be a person free from all thoughts of name and rank; rather, he should say, ‘I am unworthy and incapable of this position and cannot bear this great burden.’ Such persons deserve the presidency. If the object is to promote the public good, then the president must be a well-wisher of all and not a self-seeking person. If the object, however, is to promote personal interests, then such a position will be injurious to humanity and not beneficial to the public.”

Confucius had said: "If you govern the people legalistically and control them by punishment, they will avoid crime, but have no personal sense of shame. If you govern them by means of virtue and control them with propriety, they will gain their own sense of shame, and thus correct themselves."

One of the elected nine Spiritual Assembly members reported that in the last few days, many new people were enquiring about the Faith, following it up at meetings and enrolling in it. If having a Bahá'í king now speeded up the process, it was good.

Helping the country come under the banner of Bahá'u'lláh was now his life work.

He joked with the friends, “I didn’t want to be el rey (the king) but I do want to be el rayo (the ray) of light, teaching together with you.”

Near the end of the gathering, Jaime noticed two boys who were not participating, but engrossed in their personal phones. These boys were fortunate enough to hear some advice from a man that was kingly before he was king.

“I want to ask you what the Faith is? Is it a job? Is it a hobby? Or is it a fire? Are we candles attracting the seekers like moths, or just dry kindling to be consumed? The closer we approach the Center of the Faith, the more heated the tests.”

When a young woman heard him say this, she whispered:

“May I speak to you privately?” Upon obtaining his permission she said:

“One boy I know here is very sincere in the Faith, and sings so beautifully. Another boy has shown immaturity and argued with him until he cried and refused to eat. Could you please speak to him?”

Jaime consented, and spoke to both of them alone, one after the other. When he saw that his counsel seemed to have an effect, he made sure the other counsellors were aware of the situation after he left.

On the way back to their family compound, Jaime was again seated in the back with his mother Elena. She said:

“There is plenty of ground where we live now which could be made into a garden.”

“Would you like to be doing gardening again?” he asked her.

“Claro! I do not like sitting around doing nothing!”

“Then I will see what can be done about that.”

Then he had to turn his attention out, across the surface of the Earth, and join in the efforts to plan and organize the re-gathering of the world leaders. Slowly, the human world was re-gaining its consciousness. The movement gained momentum, until it was apparent that in Unity was Strength.

The insistent leaders of small countries like Ecuador and Gambia, and Belize, who continued on as before the wars, desperately called for an international assembly, when contact could be re-established, and the Federation of Nations was organized. There would be no return to the United Nations plan. It had failed to prevent World War III. The unity of the nations of Earth was the will of the people of Earth –not the tool used by the rich to manipulate the masses, but the forum of the masses themselves.The gathering would be in China, which was the principle organizer. China saw an opportunity for its own unquestioned pre-eminence, and the expansion of its BRICs economy. After messages were sent out to all governments, a date was set, and a place was arranged, on the planet Earth, for its leaders to “get their act together”. At the appointed time, either the Prime Ministers, the Presidents, or the Kings of all the countries assembled. Only in a few cases were the Heads of State not present in person. Those were cases of extreme difficulty in travel. In many cases the leaders of a region gathered at the likeliest city and travelled together, to the convocation.

There was little argument this time. “There is no need for blame and denunciations,” Jaime thought. “It’s time to govern ourselves as a species. It is time to make things right. Humanity will coordinate itself,  stand up again, take stock, and make plans.” Of course, the religions prayed. Some prayed for failure; some prayed for success. But success won.

The newly constituted Federation of Nations included every nation, with China ascendant. Even with the loss of Beijing, the enormous Chinese population was able to rebound. The first order of business was the choice of a global auxiliary language, to be taught in all the schools of the world, to help bind the human race as close as possible. Concession was made to English, with the caveat that its spelling be phonetically streamlined, so that the script could accommodate any language. No one had to learn more than two languages –their native tongue and the global auxiliary. No one relished learning Mandarin, even though Chinese civil servants were found in every land, helping to restore order.

The next order of business was strict limitation of arms manufacture, the destruction of millions of guns, and the conversion of countless military bases, warships, rockets and military budgets.

One of the representative speakers from the Arab world tearfully described what had happened in his country and quoted Qur’ án (17:82) “The oppressors increase only in ruin.”

After this, another Bahá'í leaders arose and spoke about how good guidance had been there all along, and the foolish of the earth had refused to follow it, and these foolish ones had been elevated to positions of great power; what was to prevent the same from happening again? There had to be not only prohibitive laws against unnecessary armaments but institutions which promoted benevolent statesmanship? Then the movement began for such schools, both within and without the Bahá'í Commonwealth. Those who aspired to leadership would have to show sincerity for some time before they actually take office. Coups were out.

The conclave went on for several days, and when it was his turn to speak, Jaime arose and described how he had been bestowed the kingship; and how seriously he took it. Among the citation he made was this:

"A few, unaware of the power latent in human endeavor, consider this matter as highly impracticable, nay even beyond the scope of man's utmost efforts. Such is not the case, however. On the contrary, thanks to the unfailing grace of God, the loving-kindness of His favored ones, the unrivaled endeavors of wise and capable souls, and the thoughts and ideas of the peerless leaders of this age, nothing whatsoever can be regarded as unattainable. Endeavor, ceaseless endeavor, is required. Nothing short of an indomitable determination can possibly achieve it." (Abdu'l-Baha, The Secret of Divine Civilization, p. 66)

He also explained that since the disruption of the American infrastructure, his country would be changing its currency in favor of the new global situation.

The “United States” still had no clearly elected leader, because the president had gone to the bunkers and was never seen again. What they sent to the conference in China was a delegation of the diverse Native, Hispanic, Black, White and Oriental citizenry.

As Quito had seen value in Jaime, some distraught nations began to see the possibilities Jaime was promoting; and the Bahá'í position gained greater weight. Jaime often explained how there had been a trend to disintegration for a long time; but another hidden trend to integration had been there all along. The crises had witnessed the crossing of the two trends, one downward and one upward. No one any longer gave credence to philosophies of disintegration, including the unbridled capitalism of the elites. Now integration was the word of the day. And what was the Bahá'í view about everything? If answers were found in the Bahá'í Writings, Jaime magnified them before the eyes of the world.

During six busy years, Jaime, el Rey, was content not to marry, and had devoted himself completely to the work and the life he was given –travelling, speaking, counselling, healing and social work. Sometimes he did retreat into intense periods of study or reflection.

But, more and more, the people pressed him to get married, and finally, he did.

The manner in which Jaime chose a wife was normal for the age he lived in. The internet had not been down long. And when it came back up, many people used it, more than ever before, to connect with relatives and find mates.

Jaime knew a few nice girls, but none seemed to be right for him; and he was driven by the work that he was doing.

When it became obvious that marriage would serve the country as well as himself, he began canvassing the numerous applicants that wanted to be married to the king, narrowing them down to a few who were Bahá'í, who could really help him in his work. Someone had suggested that he invite them all to a gathering, but he was certain that would have been the worst thing he could do!

He had met with a few of the Bahá'í ladies. And then there was Luz. She was also from the Kichwa, and wore the anako, the long, two-layered dress, and the white embroidered blouse. Her eyes were dark and luminous, her black hair was glossy and straight, in the typical trensa braid. Her complexion was smooth and her teeth bright and straight.

The sat down on the sofa to talk.  She initiated the conversation, which pleased him.

“I recently had a dream. A beautiful woman came out of the night. I did not see the kuntor (condor) but felt like it as there, too big to see. And she confided to me, with the utmost urgency in her voice, that if I were to marry the new king, his line would be assured, but otherwise it would not…” She paused to see what effect this had on Jaime. He raised an eye-brow. He had great respect for the dreams people had.

Luz was truly a light. She was already a Bahá'í and fed her spirituality constantly, by reading from the prayers she carried with her. She was calm, affectionate, eager and able to help him in the work, and to be his companion wherever he wished to go. Her grace and kindness to everyone was legendary. It was also her family that convinced Jaime; because it was really the union of two families. Her mother said her daughter was luz even before she was born!

After meeting Luz he stopped searching altogether. Before long the wedding was planned, and it was announced that Luz would become the consort of Jaime the king. Before the wedding was held, they wanted to travel together, so Diego drove them to Loja in the south of the country.

At a public meeting, he spoke about the “God-born Force” that opposed the explosive forces of “blind and triumphant nationalism” that had proven themselves to be not so triumphant after all.

“I defend this great revolutionizing Force that Bahá'u'lláh has brought into the world. It appears to wreck things that are unjust, build up things that are just, fortify the faith of the martyrs, and both topple kings and set them up. What else could it have been to bring majesty and nobility to Ecuador at this time? What else could it be that will maintain it long after I am gone? This Force can warm hearts, move mountains and heal planets. I respectfully challenge anyone who is willing, to meet me in private discussion or open debate, to determine whether or not this Bahá'í Cause, now growing in the world, is truly the Will of God, the Force of God, the Kingdom of God.” Interest in this Force became a popular theme and resurfaced many times during his career. He often spoke about it to anyone who wished to hear it.

Up to that time, Jaime had been judicious in mentioning his Faith in Public. But when he saw increasing numbers of people investigating out of curiosity, he intensified his cooperation with the national Bahá'í communities, and a great number of people swelled the ranks of the membership, not only in Ecuador, but in other countries as well. But besides all this, there were the schools he was starting, and the health programs he was advocating, and the clean-up mingas that he insisted on. He directed that soap be put into the webbings used for fruit, in public bathrooms around the country, and attached to the sinks. This was only one of the things that he supported for national hygiene.

His religious challenge was taken up by the College of Cardinals in Rome, and he arose immediately to discuss matters with them in the Vatican. Diego not only drove him to the airport, but was asked to accompany him.

Seeing his friend king, and seeing the Bahá'í temples being built around the world, and the masses flocking to them finally convinced Diego to focus attention on the growth of Bahá'u'lláh’s world order.

“I know you were Catholic,” Jaime said to him, over the Atlantic.

“I was.” Diego murmured.  “But now everything makes more sense. I’m hopingel Papa will understand too.”

Nearly 200 years had passed since His Tablet had been sent to Pope Pius IX. Jaime, king of Ecuador requested that it be brought out of the Vatican Library.

When the original was displayed in its protective transparency, with all the accompanying commentaries, Jaime said “This is the foundation. If you want to know the essence of Bahá'u'lláh’s message, study this. In this and other Tablets, He addressed many issues pertained to the church. Nothing should be overlooked.”

“What issues were addressed?” someone asked.

“You really haven’t read it yet?” Jaime replied. “For instance, the priests and monjas (nuns) should be free to come out of their cloisters, and set aside their vows for a higher vow. Only the Lord Himself has the authority to alter such a thing.”

Already many priests had been leaving their cloisters, and the subject of women becoming priests was moot, because priesthood itself was abolished, and the station of women raised dramatically.

“But this is all contingent on the legitimacy of the Prophet, is it not?” his questioner ventured. Jaime smiled and continued:

“Legitimacy begins with God, not how the masses perceive it. Look how the church is gravitating to what He said. Pius the IX lost his papal dominions; and he was the one who claimed infallibility when he spoke ex cathedra. Bahá'u'lláh lived a life more like Christ’s, being whipped, banished, poisoned and imprisoned, and He bid the Pope sell all the “embellished ornaments.” How have those negotiations been going?”

Just recently, the church had sold highly esteemed pieces of art to raise money for the relief work. The rich of the world were glad to get them.

“He also told the popes to emerge from their “habitation” and leave the Vatican to travel and admonish the nations; and that was what they had been doing since World War II.

Furthermore,” Jaime added, “confession, as we have known it, is also specifically abolished. There must have been a reason for that. But Bahá'u'lláh gave special prayers to use in its absence. Again, the taking of the bread and wine, and the idea of trans-substantiation should be examined scientifically; and it was only to be done, ‘until He came’ as is mentioned in Corinthians.

“What I am most eager to talk about is the mythology of Miguel Arcangel. Statues of him are to be seen all over my country; but an understanding of him, based on scripture, is woefully lacking. His coming is with Christ at the Parousia, and we believe that has happened. It was the word of Bahá’u’lláh that threw down the beast-like Caliphate.”

The materials which had been produced by Jaime, and his hosts, were exchanged, and the details of the philosophical arguments were contained in them. But the event progressed around the dinner tables, and something started to happen.

Two of the participants from Rome kept asking questions with enthusiasm.

“We have made progress in relations with Islam. What a change it has been, since the crusades were enjoined, to the point that Muhammad is considered a true Prophet!”

“Claro!” Jaime responded. “And now is high time! Muhammad spoke of the “entry by troops” and we are seeing the same thing now. But if we go back to the interpretations of the Bahá'í Writings, we find that the renewal of Faith would emerge from the Islamic matrix. In the eleventh chapter of the Apocalypse, three ‘woes’ are mentioned; and they are Muhammad, the Báb, and Bahá’u’lláh, following quickly after the Báb. The ‘two witnesses’ are Muhammad and His chief apostle, the Imam ‘Alí. They ‘die’ and ‘stand up’ again after 1260 years in the holy Persons of the Báb, and His chief apostle Quddus. Then, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá interprets, in detail, the first six verses of the twelfth chapter, which describe the Woman and the Dragon. We do not see it as Virgin Mary, but as the same spirit, re-enacting in Fatima, daughter of the Prophet. She is modeled after Hagar in the wilderness. Water came for them out of the earth; but here the threatening water from the Dragon was taken into the earth. Remember Gabriel came to Mary and Muhammad both!

“The Law of God was in the twelve ‘stars’, the twelve Imams, and the Child that she was to bear, the Promised One who would arise from the house of Muhammad, and that is the Báb, who arose in 1260 Anno Hegira, or 1844 Anno Domini. The Jews were to re-inhabit the Holy Land at that time. The fact that they are back in their Land means the Promised One must be in the world. From this, you may deduce for yourselves who Miguel Arcangel is. Ask yourselves if it possible that Baha’i may be more ‘catholic’ than Catholic because of its universal mission.” Here he paused, for he was coming to the end.

“You have been saying the Lord’s Prayer for centuries, and I am here to tell you today that prayer is about the coming of Bahá'u'lláh, the Everlasting Father. He was the one in heaven. His Name is the hallowed Name. His Kingdom is now in the world.” He paused again and peered at his audience.

“Isn’t there anyone here that is moved by what I say? If you reject this message, by what proof have you believed in God?”

One of those who was well-disposed toward him said, “The proof should be found in the new verses!”

“I think someone here has heard me,” said Jaime the king, and he sat down.

This was the jist of Jaime’s exposition to the assembled Cardinals and the Pope himself, who still sat on the elaborate throne of Saint Peter. The responses to Jaime varied, as he expected, between the traditionalists who had personal investment in the customs of the church, and the innovators, who were open to the new doctrine. The two who questioned him most closely were led to withdraw from the church and make pilgrimage to Mount Carmel.

Most of the others refused to countenance such a ‘drastic reaction’ and denied that Christ had returned, and thereby delayed the salvation of millions that much longer.

The conversion of the two worked its effect on the church around the world. Reportage of Jaime’s delivery became the topic of discussion everywhere, and waves of seekers enrolled to study in the Ruhí curriculum. In the Latin world, a special column of the king’s sayings ran in the media and various periodicals. In print, and in person, Jaime emphasized the necessary qualities of the seekers.

He was asked by a cameraman if he was attempting to convert the world. And looking directly at the camera he said:

“Claro! But don’t become Bahá'ís just because of me! If Bahá'u'lláh permits you, you may enter. Investigate seriously for yourselves! Read the Writings and weigh them yourselves, and carefully weigh what others say about them. The attackers are themselves proofs of the need of these teachings. Be dispassionate about it. Do you sense that the detractors are being fair? Do you feel the power of the Verses themselves? Attend the study meetings and listen. Compare the teachings of all religions and see which are most effective for this age. Pay no attention to the atheists, or to enemies of the Faith, whatsoever. Go to the prayer groups and listen respectfully. And if you do decide to enroll, then be passionate and steadfast to the end of your lives!”

Back home in Ecuador, Diego drove him and Luz to the opening of the local school dedicated to David. The ride was quiet. Everything had been discussed enough, and all were in a prayerful state for their friend and his family.

The school was basically academic, and Bahá'í class was optional. To the children in this class, the king said:

“Be careful not to be heedless, and commit things you will regret forever. When your life is over, you will look back on everything you said and did. Do you want to look on lots of shame, or lots of happiness? Be patient with others, and overlook their faults. Be kind to them when they are hurt and troubled. Live in harmony with Pachamama (Mother Earth), and don’t throw your litter on the ground! Put it in the basura! We like to think that Ecuador has the alma socialista (socialist soul), but how can that be if we deface public signs with porno-graffiti, or throw plastics in the quebradas? I am one of you. I am your servant. Don’t think I am any different. I just try to serve the whole country, and you can serve your vecinos (neighbors). Remember Jesus who said ‘whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’ I am looking for children of capacity and potential, so when they come of age, they may be trained in statesmanship, and take over after me!”

It came time for the state wedding of el rey Jaime and his Luz. He was thirty-five. She was twenty-six. Although they wanted an intimate event under a white tent, the country insisted on something more public. It was agreed that cameras would be allowed, and that it would be in the Sede Bahá'í in Cumbaya. 2053 was also the Bi-Centenario (Bi-Centennial) of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation Event in the Poza Negro (Black Pit) of Tihran. More attention was actually made for that program than the wedding.There was increasing interest worldwide. The Bahá'í communities around the planet were full of enthusiasm and vigor.

At the same time Luz was preparing for the wedding, Jaime was on the phone to police in eastern El Coca province, who had interdicted illegal loggers with cell phone cameras.

If anyone wanted to see the wedding, they first had to learn about the prison three flights of stairs underground, where Lady Wisdom came to the Persian nobleman.

The list was restricted to ninety-five attendees. They had their white tent out on the lawn, by the pool. There were flowers growing and arranged everywhere, in the hands of darling children. There was the national red, blue and yellow. There was the banquet of sumptuous food; and the musicos played Andean melodies. Everyone danced, old and young, without hesitation.

But before any of these things, there were the vows. In the presence of the two chosen witnesses. First Jaime and then Luz repeated the single Verse ordained for marriage: “Todos, en verdad, nos atendremos a la Voluntad de Dios” (We will all, verily, abide by the Will of God).

Like the verse upon the ring worn by David, the concision and precision of meaning was uppermost.

The whole program took less than an hour, and the banquet was not televised.

Luz accompanied him back to the casa blanca at the government compound, and they began their strenuous, rewarding life together.

At the time, Jaime was made a humble representative of Ecuador, a man named Bashir was struggling to cope with the ruin that had come to many cities across the Arabian peninsula. The super-power war, and their major proxies Israel, and Arabia against Iran and it s satellites, had wrecked the region and hundreds of thousands of refugees were homeless and there was no effective dispensation of food, and the people were suffering severely.

Bashir had come from a very prosperous family that lived comfortably and blissfully ignorant of the signs of the times. Everything changed with the war. The blasts, the ruin, the dust that caused breathing problems, the screaming children.

Bashir could not stop complaining and cursing the crisis. It ate up any faith in humanity he had. The wounded, trudged in sad columns, like trash that had been thrown away and forgotten, in their own country. His business and his assets were suddenly gone completely. Half the people he knew were dead, and the rest were in ravaged bands, trying to make it to some center that could help them.

Bashir cursed everything and wondered what God thought about it all! He cursed the earth and the nations and the dead that had it better off. The idea began to gestate in his mind that the kafirs were to blame, those who never believed in God, as if his own belief was pristine. It was his hope to strike back at the kafirs.

The suffering crowds flooded into a few unscathed towns, like Jedda, where Bashir brought his family, and were crammed into confused tent cities, fighting over food, stampeding the weak, devoid of any human civility. He cursed this too.

No animal was spared. All were killed, and many eaten in a mess, without cooking, which wasn't possible. And even some fallen persons were cannibalized.

Bashir never thought to blame his own umma community. It was all someone else's fault. He forgot about God and prayer, and focused his hate on the ones who were succeeding, so blithe and glib. This hate became even stronger when a television was finally set up that showed news from around the world. But struck him most was the story of Jaime, King of Quito, whom he considered a nobody from nowhere. Why did this winner of kingship have to adhere to some "detested off-shoot of Shi'ism"? It was a transgression! And he was reaping influence and honor and wealth, while the "true believers" were made to suffer unimaginably.

There had to be hell to pay, and there would come a day. Such deep and jealous anger invaded Bashir's soul. He did not think to consider that Jaime was innocent. But it became something he spoke again and again about to his friends and family, the kafir king of Ecuador, safe and sound from all the war fronts. This hatred was like the zakkum bush that bore nothing good for anyone. In Bashir's inner landscape zakkum spread to the horizon. It was an abundance of ill will that would supply him and his descendants for generations after.

Such a horrible infection seemed natural to Bashir because of the fate that had twisted his life and twisted his very face, and sometime drove his wife away in horror. Good riddance to her, he thought. She was soft, when there was need of sharpness. She was too compassionate when the force of hate had to be strong!

"I don't need your heart to hate!" She challenged him.

"What else is there? Nothing! We have nothing beautiful anymore!"

She could find no answer to that. She only knew his face was the face of shaitan, and she had to get away from it. But somehow his sons were inclined to him, and they were always near. Instead of leaving with her, they made him their "dark lord" and in them he planted the zakkum bushes all the way to their inner horizons. And of his three sons, Ibn Bashir responded the most positively, while the other two only listened. Ibn Bashir studied, while the others came and went. Ibn Bashir would remember the ugliness and suffering of the trek through the desert, and the satisfying hate that explained it; and would later transmit that fury at unfairness to his own sons.

Even more than his father's, Ibn Bashir's diatribes made sense. His eloquent sermons against the unwitting "enemies" was something to hear and hold on to, while the weak were dying off, freed from their pitiful existence. In his mind, Ibn Bashir told himself he would be strong, and that strength would take root again and the people would come back from it.

Ibn Bashir buried his father and inherited the dark legacy. He married an unsuspecting young woman, and shaped her to his train of thought. In her, he found a willing partner, and someone to raise another generation of souls vacuous and vain, especially one to strike.

They named him Shimr, and trained him inexorably, horribly, and with sure resolve, to achieve what Bashir had believed must be done, to atone for it all.