The long trip from Ochoeng
31 Jul 2015Ant Kingsmill
There was an air of indignation as I entered the room on Hennepin Dock. I knew my reception would be difficult, I hoped I wouldn't be rejected. Most people were hardened local haulers and retired miners, worn by imperial regulation not to mention years of pirate threats. They worked hard all their lives largely with little reward. It meant something to these people to be here and a clean shaven defected Baron arriving, claiming to help would surely arouse suspicion at the very least.In the room of about twenty volunteers I found an empty chair at the back. I sat next to a large man with a dishevelled beard and a worn leather jacket. On the arm of his jacket was a trading pilot’s badge. I recognised the lady speaking at the front as the revolutionary leader of Lao Zi. She spoke with the juxtaposing demeanour of a battle tired rebel and inspiration statesman. The speech carried authority and talked of the challenges faced by the organisation. It had been a close call making it to the meeting, a long haul from Ochoeng and three pirate interdictions had left me exhausted, so it wasn't long before my mind drifted into thought....