The Sensory Deception by Ransom Stephens

Author:Ransom Stephens [Stephens, Ransom]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub, mobi
Publisher: 47North
Published: 2013-08-06T04:00:00+00:00

Farley knew that he could make Sy a hero—the word pirate in the documentary’s title guaranteed viewers. If done well, Sy could contend for a Nobel Peace Prize. Farley had the necessary equipment, and he was certain that Gloria knew the tricks for making it go viral. There was, however, the problem of electricity.

A single, Soviet-era diesel generator was the sole source of electrical power for Sy Hassan’s kingdom. Fuel was scarce, and like everything else in this camp, the generator was shared. Ringo’s video sensors could go for months on a single charge, but that single charge required twenty-four hours on the generator. The DAQ PC and the satellite phone could go for only a few hours. At first, Farley and Tahir took turns waiting in the queue for use of the generator, but as Farley planned the documentary, he realized they needed greater access.

In his enthusiasm, Farley rejected Tahir’s advice to go through channels. Instead of waiting in line with the villagers during the two hours that King Sy held court each day, Farley went to his tent an hour after sunset prayers.

A guard sat outside the tent on a stool made from an old crate. An AK-47 hung from his shoulder, and he seemed to be watching the stars. Farley asked for Sy, the guard went in, and Sy came out.

“Follow along,” Sy said. He stepped past Farley on a trail leading north. Farley had to jog to catch up. As they walked, Farley went into further detail about the documentary. When he got no response from Sy, he mentioned the Nobel Peace Prize. Sy stopped. The stars didn’t provide enough light for Farley to see the expression on Sy’s face, but he could sense disbelief.

There was a ridge at the north edge of camp that villagers were discouraged from approaching. Farley knew the area was well guarded and wasn’t surprised when Sy told him to wait at a fence.

A few minutes later, Sy returned with four other men and a lantern. He hung the lantern from the fence. The four men carried weapons and wore the guarded look of veterans.

Sy said, “Your mate, Chopper, prefers to travel alone.”

Farley then recognized the four as Chopper’s entourage. For an instant he wondered if they had taken Chopper outside of camp, killed him, and returned. Then a smile carved itself between his mustache and beard.

Chopper. How he loved Chopper. He said, “Yeah, you got it right, Sy; my buddy Chopper does like to travel alone.”

“Well, then,” Sy said, “I shouldn’t expect to see him alive again—between the jihadists, thugs, and lions, I rather think he has little chance.”

“Actually,” Farley said, “the jihadists and criminals are the ones in trouble—but he won’t hurt the lions.”

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