Skills future

“What ? You change department again ah ? Become immigration ?”

“Sam I’m serious.”

He looked at me for a couple of seconds before he pointed to a parked coastguard vessel a distance away with his cigarette holding hand.

“There, see.. our tax dollar at work.”

“That’s it ? Don’t you think you need more fence ? Security ? I noticed you have a lack of cameras in your property.”

“Oh cameras… cameras ah…ok…ok…come…come.. I show you…”

Sam brought me to a large pile of compost. It stinks.

“This…. Shit…”

He then brought me to his grass cultivation plot.

“This… cow grass…”

Then gesturing all over him, he added.

“plants… Cannot eat one…”

Displaying a pose mimicking a body builder showing off his muscles, he angled his body with his cigarette pointing 45 degree to the sky.

“And got me here. Who dare to steal from me ? hahahahha”

We went back to his air conditioned office and Sam made me a cup of coffee.

He began talking about the side fence in question and say he’s fine with reinstating it but he just needs time. He has no intention of paying someone to do it since he has the workers himself.

All he need to do is to arrange their work schedule accordingly.

“actually, if need to, I can help the neighbour do and bill from for it. Hahahahah”

I told him we will go through that in detail when we meet on Friday with my boss. Gesturing to his first aid box in his office, I asked if I could take a look at it.

“eh Jerry, you seriously something wrong ah.” Sam said as he brought the box down.

Opening it, I saw a few pieces of plaster and a tube of cream for mosquito bites.

“What? You only have these in your first aid box? What happens if your men hurt themselves?”

“Jerry I tell you.” Sam sighed and gestured to the first aid box. “if a piece of plaster cannot fix ah, then you need to go hospital. Simple as that…if some poor guy cuts his finger off, you think there is anything I can fix with a box like this? Come on la.”

“No no… you need a better one.” I said and made a mental note to get him one.

Turning to his pantry, I looked at the bag of 3 in 1 coffee and a few pieces of crackers inside a plastic container.

“Is that your pantry ? That’s all the food you have? “

Sam looked genuinely concerned and he leaned over to touch my forehead.

“You something wrong ah.” He asked. “ this is an office leh… I stay here do admin work, send invoice. My work is out under the sun one. I hungry I go coffee shop la, why I need to put so much things here. Feed rats and cockroaches ah.”

I made another mental note to help Sam stock up his pantry.

Taking away the twins inside Daphne, i should at least account for water and food for 10 adults for a couple of days.

Something is happening on the 12th but there’s no way to know if it will end on the 12th. It’s better to be prepared.

“I’m going to order some stuff for delivery later, you will be here to receive it right.”

Sam stared at me with his mouth slightly apart and I told him I won the lottery.

“first prize…it’s a while back…. My office phone number 3025.”

His expression immediately changed.

“WAH! Huat AH!”

“I only just checked the ticket recently so I want to ermmm… do something for you…”

“WAHHHH…. Steady la bro….why ah….why? is it because I give you the inspiration to buy your phone number…”

I lied that he called me multiple times that day and I could see him trying to recall.

“Anyway, I need to do more good things for the people around me so my luck will get better….fortune teller told me so.”

“Eh intro the fortune teller to me also leh..”

“He passed away.”

“Fuck…”

I told Sam it’s just some general pantry stuff, not expensive stuff.

He offered me my choice of plants from his small nursery and I told him I will let him know if I see anything I fancy.

After a 30 minutes chat with Sam on his site, I excused myself and made my way over to Bobby’s warehouse.

Upon entering the warehouse, I can hear Conor’s distinctive accent spewing singlish that will make any native speaker proud.

“OEI YANDAO ( Handsome ) don’t look at your fucking phone when you drive the forklift can or not! KNN”

Walking over to Conor, I saw his face literally light up when he saw me.

“Ehhhhh Jerry…Li SI Yandao ah..! hahaha”

“thank you Conor.”

“What brought you here?” he asked.

I explained about the boundary situation and Conor told me he heard Bobby mention it.

“So you guys seemed pretty busy.” I commented.

Conor told me they are shifting things around the warehouse because there is a client with several big packages coming in.

“When are they coming?”

“This Thursday, 10th. Why?”

“Nothing, just curious…”

Conor offered the information without me asking. The client is from Myanmar and they leased quite a bit of space to store goods from Bobby. Pointing to the temperature controlled rooms at the side, he revealed that the client also booked the entire cold room.

“What is the temperature for the cold storage?” I asked.

“Bigger room is between 10-15 degrees, we do quite a bit of wine on and off, the small one is minus 25”

“Any idea what the clients will be bringing in on Thursday ?” I asked and Conor checked his tablet as a forklift zoomed passed us.

“It’s stated here that it’s mostly furniture and personal belongings. I think some Myanmar general or something is relocating to Singapore.” Conor said. “The things are shipped from a military base.”

“Oh..?”

“It’s very common. Preferential rates, easy to clear the ports once you have the right connection.”

“I see.” I mentally took note of the client’s name.

I wanted to speak to Bobby but was told he is out for the day.

“You can give him a call if you want.”

“It’s ok. I’m coming here on Friday anyway.”

Leaving Bobby’s warehouse, I looked at the solid automatic gate compared to Sam’s world war 2 era wrought iron gate with mangled wire mesh. It’s really a heaven and earth comparison.

While the roads inside Bobby’s warehouse is paved and straight, Sam’s compound gives you the feeling you just drove into a kampung in Malaysia.

Making my way back to office, I started placing orders from a supermarket on my phone. I ordered a 5 cartons of water, with each at 1.5 litres, plenty of crackers and instant noodles. To be honest, I don’t know what I was preparing for, something inside me just tells me it’s better to be prepared for all circumstances.

Who knows, perhaps a giant sinkhole might open up under us and swallow everyone ? At least we will have food and water.

I placed orders for batteries and portable radio that comes with torchlights as well. Then I went to an online pharmacy and placed orders for bandages, plasters, antiseptic cream and wound cleaning solution. Basically, everything a first aid box should have.

Daphne gave me a call close to end of the day and I shared with her the name of the Myanmar General.

“General Aung Myint. Can you find out more about him?” I asked.

“Anything I should look out for?” Daphne asked.

“I don’t know yet. Let me know if you find anything interesting.”

“when is your meeting?” Daphne asked.

“ermmm.. next Monday.” I lied. I’m not letting her know I’m going down on Friday.

It’s a game of odds and probabilities. If I keep Daphne away from the place where something bad is going to happen, I reduced the chances of her being at risk.

“what time?”

“ermm 10am.”

“you better not be lying to me Jerry.” Daphne said over the phone.

“Don’t worry, let me know if you find anything on the General.”

I quickly hung up and got back to work.

Just before I left the office, Sam sent me a picture with all the stuff I bought in his office.

It came with the message.

‘Crazy ar ? 7th month celebration is it?’

I ignored him and went back home. I brought the paper clips back and attached them to the information wall.

A general is coming on the 10th, 1 day before our meeting. 2 days before Daphne’s death. Surely this must be connected.

I ate instant noodles while staring at the wall filled with printouts and I tried to think if there is something more I can do.

My phone rang and it’s Daphne.

She did not even say hi and went straight to talk about the General.

“General Aung Myint, commanding officer of 201 Infantry Battalion located in the Northern Shan State. He’s very low profile and there’s practically nothing on him. I called a contact in Myanmar and asked about him but he too could tell me nothing on this reclusive General.” Daphne said.

“He’s single. Early fifties, a very decorated soldier and commands a group of loyal men. That’s practically what we know about him.”

“What are the chances that he’s coming here for his retirement?” I asked.

“Why not ? Singapore is a good place to retire. Especially if you have a shit load of money.”

I thanked Daphne for the information and hung up.

Adding another post it note to the information wall, I pasted General Aung Myint’s name on top of Bobby’s warehouse.

Whatever it is, I guess we’re about to find out.

……………………………………………..

10th January 2019

10am

I gave both Sam and Bobby a call to confirm the meeting the next morning. Bobby has offered to host us in his office.

Coming close to lunch time, I gave Bobby’s office a call to look for Conor.

I want to find out from him about the general that will be depositing his stuff with their warehouse.

However, the call went unanswered.

I didn’t think much of it and I tried again at 3pm.

Again, it went unanswered.

I brushed it off that they are busy with the new client who is taking up so much of their storage.

I’ll ask Conor about it when I see him the next day.

11th January 2019

7am

I went to office early and prepared the documents and drawings for our discussion. Making sure none of my colleagues saw what I am up to, I took a penknife and checked the blade before slipping it in my sock by my ankle.

Although I’m not sure what I can do with it, I just thought it might come in handy.

The butterflies in my stomach starts to get more apparent when the clock ticked closer to 9am. My eyes kept drifting to the clock. Alvin is someone who likes to be on time.

This means we should be getting to ready leave at 10.15am for the 11am meeting.

Feeling a bit uneasy with what I’m about to face, I transferred money into my parent’s account, splitting the lottery sum between the two of them.

Just in case shit happens, they have the cash to deal with any emergency.

I went to the washroom and splashed my face with water.

I could feel the anxiety building up in me and I chose to take a walk out in the garden.

Taking in the sights and fresh air made me feel a little better. Subconsciously as I walked, I came to the same path where I met Hock Chuan for the 1st time. The place where he sold me the 1st copy of the newspaper.

I continued walking, heading to a project site of mine to take a look.

10am

Its about time to head back and I had this sudden urge to pee when I saw the public toilet by one of the park’s entrance. I went in and head straight for the urinal.

I barely unzipped my pants when this man came in behind me.

There is this unspoken rule among men when using the urinal.

As long as there are enough urinals to leave a space between you and other users, you don’t take the one right beside a stranger. They don’t teach this in school, there’s no need to teach this. It’s ingrained in us.

So when this guy appeared beside me, I instinctively looked at him.

Why does he have to come so close to me ?

My tool is already out and I’m about to pee but given that I’m so on edge, plus the appearance of a man who don’t know anything about personal space, I just couldn’t go.

As if things could not get worse, the man unzipped his pants and looked down.

Then he started to smile.

And the smile turn to a laugh.

“hahahha…. Hey……brother…..”

My jaw dropped an inch as I started at him in disbelief.

“Long time no see brother…”

“what the fuck…” I mumbled as I heard the strong stream of pee leave his penis and hit the urinal.

When was the last time he looked at himself?

“how are you ?” the man continued talking.

I immediately zipped up my pants. There’s no way I’m going to pee bside such a weirdo.

Suddenly, he backed away from the urinal and turned towards the basin. It was then I realized he has a Bluetooth headset on his other ear.

He’s on the fucking phone.

I was about to laugh at myself for overthinking stuff when the man washing his hands suddenly stopped talking.

He turned and looked at me.

“The man beside me?” He asked while exchanging looks with me.

“huh?” I looked at him with a questioning expression.

The strange man then finished washing his hands before drying them with a paper towel. He pulled out his phone and disconnected the Bluetooth headset.

“It’s for you.” He said while handing over the phone.

“what?”

“take it.” He said.

I took over the phone and answered it to hear Arturo’s voice on the phone.

“Please hold Jerry.”

Moments later, Xiumei’s voice came onto the phone.

“Jerry. Do not throw away any empty bottles. Keep them. Stay close to the compost pile. Save as many as you can.”

“what? Xiumei. I need more. Tell me as much as you can. Every little bit helps.” I said.

“I’m sorry, this is all I can tell Jerry. Good luck.”

“Xiumei…Xiumei!” I called out but she has already hung up.

The man gestured for his phone and I returned it back to him.

Bottles, compost. Bottles and compost.

Keep every bottle. I thought about the cartons of water I ordered. That must be what she meant.

Returning to office, I went straight to the recycling bin in the pantry. I picked up the whole back of plastic bottles and lugged it with me back to my desk.

Alvin looked at me with the bag of trash and asked me what I’m up to.

“ERgmmmm… Sam wants to use bottles for some recycling….planting…stuff..”

“you ready to go?” Alvin asked.

“yeah let’s go.”

Upon arrival at site, I was surprised to see the gate into Bobby’s warehouse closed. Sam is smoking by his gate and gestured for us to go into his place instead.

“I don’t see anyone the whole morning.” Sam said. “ No one at all.”

“Can you try calling them Jerry.” My boss said as we walked towards Sam’s office.

Perhaps they are on the way in, probably worked late the night before or something.

Sam served coffee and Alvin started talking about shifting the fence.

We waited and we kept calling Bobby and his office. From 11am till 12pm.

Nothing.

The gate remained shut.

By 12.30pm, Alvin is visibly upset and he is contemplating climbing over the fence to see if anyone is in the office.

“ what nonsense is this!” Alvin commented.

“Eh sorry ah guys, I thought this was a quick 30 minute meeting, I have something else going on later at 1pm” Sam said.

“what do you have at 1pm?” I asked.

“There’s a busload of kids coming to visit the nursery and for longkang fishing.”

I could feel my heart sinking when I heard what Sam just said.

Before I could react, I heard the honk of a bus. Turning around in horror, I realized the bus came early.

“Ahhh..they are here already…” Sam pushed the gate opened and gestured for the driver to park inside the compound.

“No… NO…no…!” I protested and Alvin pulled me aside, asking me not to block the bus.

As the school bus cleared the turning radius into Sam’s nursery, a taxi followed closely behind.

“No…please… no…” I walked towards the taxi and the driver tapped his honk at me before lowering his window.

“hey Jerry…!” Choo called out

The next time I heard my name came from a tone which sounded pretty hostile, because the passenger in the taxi is none other than Daphne.

“Oh boy you have some explanation to do Jerry. “ she said.

“why are you here!” I exclaimed.

“and why are you here?” Daphne mirrored my exclamation.

Turning around, I tried to stop the school kids from coming down the bus only to see Sam already talking to the teacher.

No. This cannot be happening.

I tried to shout at Sam for him to stop the visit. Choo parked his taxi and asked to borrow the bathroom to which Sam pointed him in the right direction. Walking over to the bus driver, I was about to ask him to take the kids and go when I realized the person driving the bus is none other than Tan, the cleaner from the Mall bathroom.

“Tan…” I mumbled.

“Eh… why are you here…” He asked.

Right about then a 40 foot container truck pulled up to the side of the road, blocking the entrance of both units with it’s massive length.

Men appeared out of nowhere and a dozen of them made their way into the nursery.

“Hey..hey ! “ Sam shouted at the men coming into his property.

“what the hell” Alvin shouted at one of the man who shoved him deeper into the nursery.

He was about to push back when that man whipped out a gun.

Before Daphne could scream, she too was herded together with the rest of us deeper into Sam’s property.

Everything happened so fast. The kids didn’t even know what is happening. Some of them are still happily looking at the plants.

Their teacher, a female around 30 years of age was the first to react when she saw the guns in the hands of the men surrounding us.

“aRGHHHHHHHHHH!” Her high pitched scream was cut shot by a silenced shot to her head.

The teacher’s head snapped backwards before she fell onto a pot of tangerine.

Sam immediately put himself in front of several kids and turned them the other way. Alvin, having taken a grasp of the situation immediately rounded up a few kids too and tried to pacify them.

Tan was about to light a cigarette when he saw what happened and he dropped his fag. He held 2 kids by their hands and pulled them away from their unmoving teacher on the ground.

The other accompanying teacher fainted and collapsed onto the floor.

Moments later, Choo was dragged out from the bathroom and deposited unceremoniously with everyone under the zinc roofed structure.

Some kids started to cry and we tried to calm them down.

The man that shot the teacher fired 3 more silenced shots at Sam’s plants, shattering the clay pots and spilling the contents around the trembling kids.

“You make any noise. I’ll put the next one in you.” He threatened.

Seeing that they have the site under control, they gestured towards the back of their column.

Moments later, a charismatic man walked with his hands behind his back slowly into the compound.

His bearing, his body language, the way he carried himself, it reeks of military.

Removing his aviator shades, I suddenly realized he is looking at me.

I could feel my heart skipping a beat when he smiled at me.

Then I thought my heart stopped beating when he walked right over and call me by my name.

“Jerry…..”

I was dragged up to my feet by his men, putting me face to face with him.

“I am… General Aung Myint.” He introduced himself.

Then moving closer to my ears, he said something that chilled me to the bone.

“I can do what you do…”

That eerie smile took everything I had within me to stop myself from shaking.

“Surely you must not think only Singapore….has fortune tellers..”

I exhaled slowly as we faced off each other.

Shaking myself free from his men’s grip, I took a step closer to him and I felt the muzzle of a gun touch my head.

“Jerry don’t do anything stupid!” Alvin called out.

That look of smug confidence on his face really got to me.

“How much do you know?” I challenged Aung.

“And how much… do you know..?” Aung repeated the question I posted to me.

“that’s for you to find out I guess.”

“You’re getting cocky Jerry…hahha.” Aung whispered.

From the way he keep his voice low all this while, I gather his men do not know what he can do.

“I’m confident, there’s a difference.” I replied.

Now I don’t know how much Aung knows about what is going to happen.

I don’t know what his fortune teller told him about what is going to happen over the next few days.

All I know is I stand a chance to stop him.

And my odds just went up a notch.

Why?

Because among the armed men he brought are 2 familiar faces who has remained expressionless and unmoving all this while at the back.

Sulyani and Chan.

Bobby and Conor are probably in the warehouse.

The rest of us are all here.

This is it I guess.

Aung smiled and put on his shades.

“we’ll see.”

………………..

We were all herded into the sheltered compound under the zinc roof structure. Sulyani and Chan did not acknowledge me, and I refuse to believe they’ve gone over to the dark side.

Chances are they are working undercover.

Something of this scale must have taken some planning, surely the authorities are aware of this. That is why Sulyani and Chan have been planted with the General.

I carefully observe Sulyani and she is trying hard not to look at Choo’s direction. Choo on the other hand kept his eyes down and focused on pacifying the kids along with the other adults. If Aung realizes Sulyani’s father is among the prisoners, it’s going to be a disaster.

The men quickly took control of the site.

Aung Myint’s men took a roll of blue canvas from Sam’s store and started to block out the entrance and sides of the nursery. All our mobile phones were taken from us. The pockets of every adult were searched and thankfully, they did not find the cutter I kept in my sock.

The kids were not spared either. Some of them had smart watches that allowed them to call their parents, one even had his own mobile phone. All of it were taken away.

The dead teacher was carried and dumped in Sam’s fishpond. The children are all sobbing in fear and few of them peed themselves.

We directed the kids to sit while facing away from the terrorists. The adults formed a protective barrier of sort, separating the kids and keeping them away from the hostage takers. We did our best to calm them down, the remaining childcare teacher Mindy, asked the kids to take out the snacks they packed for the trip and take a bite.

Not that the food will calm their nerves but at least it occupies their attention for a while.

The 40 footer truck spanned across both units, effectively blocking any vehicles from coming in or out. It navigated itself onto a narrow section of the driveway leading into both units so it doesn’t block other traffic travelling along the main road.

The massive size of the truck also meant passing vehicles will not be able to see what is going on within the units.

Aung Myint’s men removed all the gardening tools that can be used as a weapon from the store.

“Hey..hey! those are mine! Don’t you dare damage them!” Sam called out but was blatantly ignored.

Suddenly I saw a familiar face.

Terry. That sick fuck that made me massage a dead body.

Goosebumps appeared all over my skin as Terry sauntered over to me with his hands in his pocket.

“So you can see now eh?” Terry laughed. He did not bother to call out my lie or go into detail what he meant. He just looked at me in a disturbing manner.

It’s like he is looking forward to toying with me when he gets his chance.

“Terry, the fence.” Aung said while lighting up a cigarette.

Terry grabbed 2 men and went to the fence separating Bobby and Sam’s plot. They cut through both fence and using canvas and timber from Sam’s nursery, erected a makeshift connection of sort between both plots.

When the connection is done, everyone was herded over to Bobby’s warehouse.

Upon entering, I could see Bobby and Conor on the ground. They were covered in bruises with 4 men standing guard over them. They’re knocked up pretty bad.

In a particular section of Bobby’s warehouse, the 6 meter tall racks are arranged in a ‘n’ configuration. With plenty of boxes and goods packed to the brim on 3 sides, it formed the perfect prison to hold everyone.

I could see some gaps that perhaps a smaller child could squeeze through but even then, he or she will need to cross an entire warehouse of hostile men.

At the opening of the makeshift prison 5 meters away, stands the cold storage section, it’s length perpendicular to the prison we’re in.

If we are to make a run for it, we will have to turn either left or right after coming out of the boundary of the storage shelves.

For close to an hour, we were left on our own. No one said anything to us, no one shared anything with us. About a dozen men kept watch over the group. If any kids needed the bathroom, only Mindy is allowed to bring them.

As for the rest of the adults, they will be escorted by Aung’s men.

“We’re fucked aren’t we.” Daphne whispered beside me. “what should we do?”

“Why are you here?” I asked.

“I want to check out the site before the meeting you lied about you dick.”

“Well, if you have listened to me, you wouldn’t be here, will you?” I retorted.

Daphne looked like she wanted to say something but stopped herself.

I’m right and she knows it.

“No talking amongst yourselves!” A man shouted at us.

2pm

General Aung’s men set up a table.

The rustling of plastic bags and boxes were accompanied by the smell of food. I could feel my stomach growling.

Aung took a seat as his men unpacked the food on the table, laying out a feast of Dim Sum and bread among other packed food. The packed food was distributed among Aung’s soldiers while the spread on the table is reserved solely for the General.

I stood up and one of Aung’s man immediately shoved me back down.

“Jerry, stop it. Calm down.” Alvin whispered sharply to me.

“Jerry….” Aung called out my name as he started to eat in front of us.

“I know what you want to say.” Aung took a bite of his French loaf before popping a dumpling into his mouth.” So I’ll save all of us some time.”

Gesturing to the kids, Aung said what is on my mind.

“The kids have nothing to do with this, you want me to let them go.” Aung exhaled as if had expected something like this from me, or rather, he has replayed this in his mind a dozen times. “I’m going to say no. then you’re going to try and convince me.”

Gesturing with his palm in a back-and-forth motion, Aung tried to illustrate the alternating conversation we will be engaging in if we attempt to go down that path.

“Let’s not do that. I’m not a patient man, doing something like that will only make me angry. And I’m not a nice man when I’m angry.” Aung chuckled as he shook the gold watch on his left hand to loosen it from his wrist.

I didn’t say anything, but I remained standing while looking at Aung. You can tell he is not done with what he wants to say. There is something more.

“I am a stubborn man Jerry.” He paused and took another bite of his late lunch.” So you can imagine the first time when I was told what will happen in the future, I have a hard time believing it.”

However, Aung soon came to embrace the gift that was given to him.

“Knowing the future Jerry. Can you believe that?” Aung laughed as he gestured to his men for a drink.

“you can tell the future Jerry?” Sam whispered “ Why didn’t you say so ? Tomorrow night 4D (lottery) 1st prize is what number? Or Monday TOTO ( lottery ) “

“It doesn’t work like that.” I whispered to Sam.

“What is going on Jerry?” Alvin asked and I told him I’ll explain in a bit.

After Aung washes down the food, he went on to say something that made my heart rate go up a notch.

“I’m here for a reason Jerry, I may be a small pawn in a big chessboard but I am here for a reason. “ Aung wiped his mouth with a napkin while levelling his eyes at me.” And my fortune teller, has revealed that you, are the key to my work here in Singapore.”

“I’m not sure I get what you mean.”

“I was told that you, will be the one that stands in my way for what I’m about to accomplish…. And my reply was simple. That I will kill you, put a bullet in your head the moment I see you.” Aung smiled.

I felt a chill in my spine as I thought about my parents. I can’t die in this warehouse. Not like this.

“However, if I kill you right now, I will fail in what I’m about to do. If I don’t, you will thwart and affect my plan. I’m caught between a rock and a hard place here you see.” Aung said, betraying a hint of anger. “

“I have accomplished enough with the skills and knowledge told to me that I truly believe everything my fortune teller tells me, but there is only so much she can see.”

Aung gestured around him.

“I have a platoon of my best men right here. My men have control of the site. We even have local guides that have been on our payroll for a while. They provided the necessary information to get me to where I am today.” Aung said proudly “and I’m really curious, how, you can possibly thwart my plans in your current state.”

Aung took out his phone and I saw him fiddling with it. Turning it over to face me, he displayed a countdown timer before looking at his watch.

At the stroke of 2.15pm, Aung started the countdown.

“In 30 hours, this will be over. In 30 hours, I will be able to kill you with no possible repercussions to my plan.” Aung said. “in the meantime, I want to understand how such a normal guy like you, can be blessed with such a gift like mine.”

My eyes looked at the countdown timer on the phone. A part of me wished I had taken Suwen’s deal. If I had looked at the day I die, I might have been better prepared for this.

Beads of perspiration rolled down my back as I looked at Aung who is smiling at me.

“this… is a gift from the gods.” Aung stressed “ only the worthy may have it.”

“What do you want?” I asked. “what are you trying to do here with your men?”

“What? You think this is some Hollywood movie plot where we dedicate a portion of screentime for the villain to explain why I do the things I do? Hahha?” Aung teased as he lit up a cigarette. “Tell me Jerry. What do you want ?”

“You want me ? I’ll stay right here. Let the rest go.” I said.

“Boring Jerry. Boring. Entice me. Make me, make me let the kids go.” Aung said as he blew a puff of smoke into the air.

He’s wasting time. Surely he has something better to do than to fuck around with me. Terry is nowhere to be seen, so are the rest of the men I saw that day in Geylang. They must be up to something. Sulyani and Chan too are not in the warehouse.

I wonder if they managed to get word out that there’s a terrorist attack with so many kids taken hostages.

“The kids are a liability to you.” I said to Aung and he raised an eyebrow at me.

“how so?”

“They are young, noisy, difficult to manage. They need the toilet more frequently than adult.” Gesturing to them, I added that half of them smells of pee. “You can be sure when the poop starts coming, this place is going to smell a lot worse.”

Aung roared with laughter, clapping in a dramatic manner.

“I could always shoot them couldn’t i?” Aung threatened. “My men and I have shot unarmed women and children before. What is a few more?”

Gesturing to me with his fingers, Aung gestured to a chair in front of him.

Aung looked at his phone and smiled, a sign I took that whatever he is here to do has been progressing well so far.

“If I let the children go, they go off running to get help. What will happen to me and my men?” Aung said without looking at me.

“The children stays here beyond their excursion time while their teacher remains uncontactable, what do you think is going to happen?” I countered

“hahahha. Good answer. Good answer.” Aung chuckled.

“I refuse to believe you came here without a plan to get out. Especially not when you know if you kill me in 30 hours, everything will go your way.” I said.

“hmmmm…go on.” Aung sucked on his cigarette as a column of ash dropped on his shirt.

“I’ll stay here with you until the time is up. Let the rest of them go.”

“Jerry NO!.” Alvin called out from behind me.

“This is a chicken and egg issue isn’t it.” Aung commented. “ I let anyone go.. they go for help, it spoils my plan.”

As Aung started talking further, it became clear to me that he has in fact thought this through.

“I’m going to make you an offer Jerry.” Aung said. “ I will let half the children go, along with 2 adults. However, if they go for help, or notify the police, the army, whoever, I will kill the rest of the children here at the warehouse.”

I counted a total of 20 kids. Half would be 10 of them. Plus 2 adults, that’s 12.

“However I’m not going to let them go just like this, you’ll have to work for them.” Aung said while gesturing to the table full of food.

“You must be hungry Jerry, come eat.” He offered.

“What do you want me to do?” I asked.

“10 kids, 2 adults. I will let them go on one condition.” Aung smiled and I could see the evil in that grin. “Eat what you want on this table, after you are done, we will play a game with the amount of food left on this table.”

The rules are simple.

Everyone of the hostages must know exactly what food is left on the table. From the type, to the quantity.

“in case you think you can cheat and finish everything” Aung laughed “ You must leave a minimum of 12 types of food on this table. 1 for each hostage that I’m going to release.” Aung said, laying out what seemed like an impossible rule. “ And you cannot leave the same quantity for each food type.”

I looked at the spread of food as I ran over the rules in my head.

12 food types, with different quantities, that means I need to leave 1 of type 1, 2 of type 2, 3 of type 3 and so on until I get to 12.

My heart sank as I digested that Aung just said.

It’s hard enough for even an adult to remember have the amount of food on the table given the stressful situation. Not to mention a group of 6 year old kids.

“How is that possible!” I blurted out.

“That’s on you Jerry. Haha.” Aung laughed while looking at a few of his men. “were you expecting scissors paper stone ? London bridge is falling down?”

Aung looked at his watch and gave me an hour.

“Do you accept the challenge?” He asked.

Taking a deep breath, I exhaled slowly through my nose and I shut my eyes, blocking out all the ambient noises.

I said nothing and Aung never rushed me for a reply.

Even with my eyes closed, I could tell he is staring intently at me.

He wants to see what I will do.

“If you give up on the challenge I will release 1 adult and 1 child right away but the same condition apply. If they go for help, I will kill the rest.” Aung threw that offer out fast, speaking rapidly to mess with my concentration.

“Make up your mind now, 1 adult and 1 kid now ? or risk not being able to save anyone. What is your decision Jerry!” Aung spat. “ I give you 10 seconds to make up your mind.”

My heartrate raced through the roof as Aung’s words hung by my ears. He started counting down from 10, sounding only too please to pile on the pressure.

It’s a difficult choice, should I go with the easy option, just save 2 first, or should I attempt to save 12.

At that moment, I remembered something from before.

Hock Chuan believed I am someone who will try to save as many as I can.

That is the reason why he chose me.

“3 seconds Jerry!” Aung said as I opened my eyes.

“I want to save everyone.” I said. “ I accept the challenge.”

“Good!” Aung laughed as he swung his arm around the spread of leftovers.

Taking a look at the food on the table, I took a deep breath and calmed myself down a notch.

I set aside 12 types of food in their respective quantity and I stuffed the rest into my mouth. Aung looked at my food choices but said nothing.

Terry came over and confirmed the quantity and types of food on the table.

Stealing a glance on his watch, Aung asked his men to take a picture of the leftovers.

“Can I bring the table closer to them?” I asked.

“Be my guest.” Aung gestured to Terry and he helped me carry the table of food over to the makeshift prison.

The moment we got close, the adults all got on their feet. They heard what Aung said I could see them trying to commit everything to their memory.

“There will be no writing of any kind.” Aung reminded, “anyone tries to cheat, this game is over.”

I could see Sam and Alvin’s lips mouthing the food types while Daphne’s eyes opened and shut as she tried to remember what is on the table.

The challenge here are the kids.

How do I get 20 kids to remember exactly what is on the table?

I rearranged the food on the table from type 1 quantity 1, to type 12, quantity 12.

Ignoring the adults, I addressed the kids directly.

“alright children, I am uncle Jerry and I want to teach all of you a song.” I said and the attention of the kids all settled on me.

“what the fuck ? “ Sam mumbled.

I gestured for him to calm down and listen.

You cannot get 6 year olds to remember stuff like this without some kind of structure. The easiest way for kids to remember something is through song and games.

And I have the perfect fucking song for them.

“You might have heard this song before ok, but the lyrics are going to be a bit different, so listen and sing with uncle Jerry ok?” I said with a smile.

Aung walked closer with Terry by his side, eager to see what tricks I have up my sleeve.

“On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me. Sio Sio eh Jiam Tao Roti ! ( hot French loaf ) “ I sang and I watched the jaws of all the adults dropped an inch while a few kids laughed.

“come on, come on, everyone, sing with me!” I said. “ On the first day of Christmas……. my true love gave to me,….. Sio Sio eh Jiam Tao Roti !”

There was a 3 second delay before Daphne led the song with the teacher quickly joining in.

“Come on, it’ll be fun guys, sing with me.” I encouraged.

“ On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, Sio Sio eh Jiam Tao Roti !”

“good! Next” I lifted up the next food item. Char siew bao ( pork buns ) “ on the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me. 2 char siew bao and a sio sio eh jiam tao roti.!”

I could not help but chuckle when the hostages sang after I was done, a bit louder this time.

“GOOD!” I said with a smile and lifted up the next.

“On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 3 siew mai ( meat dumpling ), 2 char siew bao, and a sio sio eh jiam tao roti”

Some of the kids started giggling at how silly this is but the glimmer of hope I see in everyones’ eyes told me I’m doing the right thing.

“On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 4 har gow ( prawn dumplings ) 3 siew mai, 2 char siew bao, and a sio sio eh jiam tao roti !”

I could see the change in expression in Terry’s face while that of Aung is one of amusement.

“On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,5 fan choiiiiiiii ~ (glutinous rice with meat) 4 har gow ,3 siew mai, 2 char siew bao, and a sio sio eh jiam tao roti !”

“On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,6 egg tarts, 5 fan choiiiiiiii ~ (glutinous rice with meat), 4 har gow ,3 siew mai, 2 char siew bao, and a sio sio eh jiam tao roti !”

Almost all the kids were smiling by then and I could see Daphne laughing at what I was doing.

It’s a simple song. It’s effective.

We’re halfway through and aside from saying the new dish of each segment, there was no need to repeat the earlier ones.

“On the7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,7 chee chong fun ( rice rolls ) 6 egg tarts, 5 fan choiiiiiiii ~ (glutinous rice with meat), 4 har gow ,3 siew mai, 2 char siew bao, and a sio sio eh jiam tao roti !”

“On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,8 spring roll, 7 chee chong fun ( rice rolls ) 6 egg tarts, 5 fan choiiiiiiii ~ (glutinous rice with meat), 4 har gow ,3 siew mai, 2 char siew bao, and a sio sio eh jiam tao roti !”

“On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,9 carrot cake, 8 spring roll, 7 chee chong fun ( rice rolls ) 6 egg tarts, 5 fan choiiiiiiii ~ (glutinous rice with meat), 4 har gow ,3 siew mai, 2 char siew bao, and a sio sio eh jiam tao roti !”

Almost all the kids are on their feet by then, a few are laughing as they sang along. My boss Alvin shook his head in disbelief and gave me a thumbs up.

Even Tan, found it amusing.

“On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,10 xiao long bao, 9 carrot cake, 8 spring roll, 7 chee chong fun ( rice rolls ) 6 egg tarts, 5 fan choiiiiiiii ~ (glutinous rice with meat), 4 har gow ,3 siew mai, 2 char siew bao, and a sio sio eh jiam tao roti !”

“On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 11 lor mai gai ( glutinous rice chicken ) 10 xiao long bao, 9 carrot cake, 8 spring roll, 7 chee chong fun ( rice rolls ) 6 egg tarts, 5 fan choiiiiiiii ~ (glutinous rice with meat), 4 har gow ,3 siew mai, 2 char siew bao, and a sio sio eh jiam tao roti !”

I nodded at my receptive audience and looking at the big innocent eyes of the children singing and jumping, I know they can do this. They can.

“On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 12 guo tie ( fried dumplings) “ I sang the last dish and I pointed at both fingers at my audience.

“11 lor mai gai, 10 xiao long bao, 9 carrot cake, 8 spring roll, 7 chee chong fun ( rice rolls ) 6 egg tarts, 5 fan choiiiiiiii ~ “

Turning around to face Aung and Terry, I allowed myself a victorious smile as I looked at them.

Spreading my arms apart, I lifted it slowly like a performer wrapping up his act.

“4 har gow!” Sam’s voice overpowered the song as he sang gleefully

“3 siew mai!” Alvin laughed

“2 char siew bao!” Daphne yelled before the deafening scream of kids finishing a song echoed throughout the interior of the warehouse.

“and a sio sio eh jiam tao roti !”

Terry took a threatening step towards me but was held back by a smiling General Aung.

Aung waited for the din to die down before speaking.

“I was wrong to underestimate you Jerry.” Aung said with a smirk.

Aung walked closer to me.

The manner in which he looked at me has changed. There is no longer any amusement in his eyes.

“I thought you are nothing more than a distraction in the grand scheme of things.” He paused and walked around my back, taking his time to complete a full circle.

If you could measure the temperature of a person’s voice, Aung’s one just dropped several notches below freezing.

“Now Jerry…. Now…… I think you are a worthy opponent indeed.”

…………………

What followed was a long stare between me and General Aung.

They say your eyes are the window to one’s soul and looking at the dark corneas of the man in front of me, It’s like I’m starring into the abyss or the depths of space.

My little triumph is beginning to look like a mistake to me. Despite all that I’ve done, we are still at the mercy of the General and his men.

“You are free to choose who to stay or go.” Aung said to me. “ However, you shall remain here for the rest of the 30 hours you have left.”

General Aung walked away from me and gave everyone a glimpse of his explosive anger when he lifted and toppled the table of food with one hand.

The outburst startled the kids and a couple of them started crying immediately.

I honestly thought he is going to go back on his words of letting 10 kids and 2 adults go, he shouted something to Terry in his native tongue as he exited the warehouse.

Terry waited for Aung to be out of sight before turning back to face me.

“10 adults, 2 kids. You have 5 minutes to choose who.” Terry said before turning to speak with a few of the men in the warehouse.

I don’t know what he is saying but I could tell they are no longer taking things lightly after the stunt I pulled. I get the feeling they are trying to beef up security or something to make sure no one slips out.

Turning around to look at the group, I was immediately greeted with a bunch of hopeful looks.

Everyone wants to get out of here but who do I choose?

I have to be logical about this.

You could see it in the eyes of the adults, Sam and Alvin knew right off the bat they are out of the selection. I could tell they want to give the chance to the kids too.

Bobby and Conor have got themselves off the ground and despite their bruised and beaten state, I could see the anger in their eyes. The looks of men who are not going to take this lying down.

They were beaten up pretty bad.

A gentle shake of their head from Bobby and Conor when I look at them told me there’s no need to worry about them.

The kids are the priority.

I want to get Daphne out but the moment I looked at her, she mouthed to me she wants to stay for the story with a stare that says there’s no way she is leaving.

Walking closer to the class on excursion, I lowered myself to the ground to speak with them.

“Alright everyone, I know you are scared, but Uncle Jerry will fix this ok? I will get everyone out of here safely back home ok?” I paused and let my words sink in. “We can’t all leave together; we have to take turns.”

“You guys are in Kindergarten 2 right ? you’re let me see, 6 years old?” A few of the nodded while one boy pointed out they have a few Kindergarten 1 kids among them too.

I looked at the teacher and she gestured to a bunch of the younger kids by her side. They look so innocent and lost with their small backpacks and water bottle slung around their tiny frame.

I nodded to let Mindy know I am aware of them and that I will definitely prioritize the younger ones in my selection.

I turned to see Terry redeploying the men to different sections of the warehouse.

Lowering my voices, I asked the K2 children how many of them have started taking swimming lessons.

A handful of them shot up their hands and I gestured for them to come over to me. I checked to make sure they can swim with the aid of a float.

“Guys, listen. “ I said as if they are adults. “we need to find a way to escape and I’m not going to rule out swimming. You have some experience in the water, I’ll need you guys to help me out a while longer over here is that ok?”

The swimmers nodded and I looked at Sam who immediately herded them over to his side with Alvin’s help.

Taking away the swimmers, there are still 13 kids.

I asked if anyone has their birthday in January and 2 hands shot up.

“February?” I asked again and 2 more joined the January babies.

I’ll have to choose 3 out of those 4 to stay for the simple reason that they are older than the rest.

“Guys, you are older than the rest of your classmates. I know it’s only a few months but to me, you are the big brothers and sisters of the class. I’ll need your help for a while longer over here while we let the younger ones go.”

Looking at the only girl in the lot of 4, I asked if she is ok to help take care of the rest that will be leaving.

“What’s your name little girl?”

“I’m Claire.” She replied.

“Alright Claire, we have enough, you can join your friends over there. I’ll have you on the bus in no time.” I barely finished my statement when 2 of the boys started crying.

They started sobbing away upon knowing they have to stay behind.

“Guys, guys, guys, calm down. Come on.” I said to the 2 boys whose face has already scrunched up like a wrinkled melon.

Looking over at Terry, I was worried he would hear what I am trying to say to the kids.

“I can swim.” Said another girl from the younger group of 5 year old.

“Hurry UP! What is taking so long !” Terry shouted at us suddenly and the 2 boys started crying.

“It’s ok, it’s ok. Everything is ok. Don’t cry.” I said and Daphne came over to try and pacify the kids

Claire went over to the other girl who said she could swim and pulled her over to Sam and Alvin.

“Let them go, we’ll stay.” Claire said as she squeezes herself and her young friend into the group huddled behind Alvin and Sam.

I did a quick visual count.

I have 7 swimmers who are 6 year old, and 1 that is 5. That leaves 2 non-swimmers. That’s not too bad, I’m sure if it comes down to paddling out into open waters for help, we can juggle 2 kids among the adults.

Terry shouted for a few of his friends to come over.

“We’re not waiting anymore.” He barked as I gestured for Mindy to get up together with the group of 10 kids that are leaving.

“Choo…Choo… you… you’ll leave with them.”

Choo is the obvious choice here. I’m guessing he’s about the same age as Tan but having him here might distract Sulyani from what she is here to do. Besides, Tan was supposed to kill someone had I not stop him in time.

In times of emergency, I guess it would be nice to have someone who had it in him to stab someone close by.

Tan pulled Choo over and I heard him telling Choo to let his granddaughter know about him if he gets out.

“Tell her not to worry about me. I’ll be ok.” Tan whispered sharply.

Mindy is the only teacher left and I need her to handle the kids, including the young ones for the next 30 hours. The rest of us will figure out what to do with those still in the warehouse.

I gave a quick glance at the remaining group left and as far as the adults are concerned, I could see no objection to my choice of who leaves and who stays.

No one stopped me when I followed the group of 12 out of the warehouse by helping Choo and Mindy carry one of the kids, I went to the back of the line to make sure everyone exited safely.

At the same time, I took the opportunity to check out the security arrangement that has been set up. Aung has at least 30 men from what I could see scattered throughout the 2 sites.

While some remained on guard, some are busy unloading stuff from the container truck.

I saw another familiar face when I head over to Sam’s nursery.

Set up under a cluster of palm trees and black netting, is Larry. The creepy guy watching me pee in Lisa’s bathroom. He did not see me as he continued meddling with the numerous radio sets and signal equipment. It appears as if he’s monitoring the numerous channels in used by law enforcements.

The black netting Sam used for this plants provided the perfect camouflage for the setup. Looking down from above, you will see nothing by rows after rows of sheltered plants.

I saw Aung speaking to one of his men standing by the bus that brought the kids in. Mindy, pleaded with the men to let the kids use the bathroom one last time. Several kids followed Mindy towards Sam’s bathroom while Choo looked after the rest.

Shortly after that, Aung came over to me.

“I am a man of my word, however I am not a fool either.” Aung said as everyone who could leave loaded up the bus.

Two of his men will be following the bus that will be driven by Aung’s men.

“The bus will keep moving, no one leaves. No toilet, no food, nothing. 29 hours later, my men will let them go.”

“I can see you redid the interior and exterior for the bus”

“Nuggets of information from my fortune teller.” Aung said without elaborating.

The company logo of the bus has been painted over and replaced with something else. While there is no time to repaint the whole bus, several streaks of colours have been added to what otherwise is a boring grey bus.

The slight change in it’s paintwork would make identifying it difficult along the roads.

I heard a loud clang of metal and realized someone is just done changing the license plate too, the original number plate is now thrown unceremoniously onto the floor by the side.

“what guarantees will I have that they will be unharmed?”

“None. Only my word, take it or leave it.” Aung said before walking away with a smug look on his face.

“what’s the difference then if they stayed right here ? “

“I can tell you Jerry, in 29 hours, this place is the last place you want to be in. hahha.” Aung’s voice trailed off as he walked further away.

I put down the boy I was carrying and walked briskly towards Sam’s office where I kept the biscuits and crackers.

A couple of men stopped me but I told them I’m just getting water and food for the kids. It’s more than 24 hours for fuck sake. They exchanged a look before letting me and Choo through.

I ordered 5 cartons of water. With each carton holding 9 x 1.5 litres of water, I have 45 bottles in all. Those still on site can always drink tap water, I’m more worried about those that will be on the bus.

They’re going to be in a moving prison for more than a day.

Then again, if I give them too much, I will have less of the plastic bottles Xiuwen wants me to keep.

It’s not hard to put 2 and 2 together by then.

The empty bottles are going to be used as floats from what I can see. If I can tied enough of those together, they should be able to carry the weight of a 6 year old and help them paddle to safety. It’s a risk getting them into the open water but it beats staying here with the madmen.

Trying to do the sums in my head, I struggled with how much to ration them.

At 1.2 litres per kid per day, that would take up 12 litres. Include Mindy and Choo who probably need 2 litres, that will be 16 in all. I loaded 2 cartons of water into the bus and told Choo to ration the water and biscuits.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of them.” Choo said before lowering his voice. “My..my daughter…”

I shook my head and told him not to say anything.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure she will be ok, I’ll keep an eye out for her.” I said.

“Let her know I’m safe, so she can concentrate on her work.” Choo whispered to me.

“I’ll see what I can do.”

Looking at the bus from the inside, I realized the curtains were all drawn. Not only that, the windows were stuck with black trash bags, blocking out the vision from both sides.

In the short time between me winning the challenge and choosing the kids, there’s no way they can prepare the bus in that manner. Inside the bus, the men chose where each of the hostages will be sitting.

They put one kid by each window seat propped up on boxes, raising their height profile.

Anyone can tell they are going to use them as shields against any attempts at rescue. Aung knew the bus had to be prep for transportation from the start.

He just didn’t expect I would win the challenge.

Terry directed for the container truck blocking the exit to move and I watched the bus depart from Sam’s nursery.

“If you try anything here, we will kill everyone on the bus. If they try anything on the bus, we will kill everyone here.” Terry warned with a grin. “either way, we win.”

Not wanting to engage Terry in a conversation, I just looked at the departing bus.

I was led back to the warehouse and I updated the guys that the bus has departed.

Returning to the makeshift prison, I tried to find out more about what happened from Bobby and Conor.

“They came the first time in the morning.” Conor said.” Cut all the phone lines, killed the internet and took our phones.”

“I thought they wanted money and I offered them the safe.” Bobby said. “ But they’re not here for money.”

“You guys resisted ? that’s why you were beaten up?” I asked.

“No..” Conor replied. “ We did not resist, they made us fight.”

“what?”

According to Bobby and Conor, while waiting for the rest of the crew and the General to arrive, the men were bored. They made Bobby and Conor fight with their men.

“What the fuck…?” I mumbled.

“They’re sick fucks I tell you. Fucking Chee byes.. ( Cunts ) “ Conor spat.

“This is….this is from one fight?” I asked.

Bobby revealed that they treated it like some sort of a game. A combat sport.

“Lethwei, they call it. Or Burmese Boxing.” Bobby added.

It’s considered to be one of the most brutal martial arts in the world, the sport is done bare knuckled with only tape and gauze. Fighters are allowed to strike with their fists, elbows, knees and feet, even headbutts are permitted.

Needless to say, Bobby and Conor did not last long for the men’s amusement.

“how badly are you guys hurt?” I asked.

Bobby told me he is aching all over and his ribs are killing him while Conor showed me 2 fingers of his that are bent way out of shape.

“I think Bobby cracked some ribs, I’m aching too but I should be ok other than the fingers” Conor said.

I settled down beside Bobby and asked him if there’s any way we can get out of there besides charging through the guards.

Bobby lowered his voice to a mere whisper.

“There is a narrow walkway behind the shelf on our back.” He said.

I pretended to stretch and look at the shelves filled with boxes.

Bobby told me it leads to this exit door that opens directly to a dirt path at the back of the warehouse.

“From there, it’s a straight ramp down to the sea.”

The men checked every door in the warehouse when they took over, the door Bobby is referring to has been bolted shut with a padlock from the start so they left it alone.

“They took my bunch of keys for the place, but I have kept a spare.” Bobby told me on the lit up exit sign above the door, a spare key has been place on the lightbox in case of emergency.

I pretended to lie down alongside the shelves to get some rest and took the opportunity to check out the walkway through the tightly packed boxes.

This might work.

We were left alone for the next few hours and everyone is starting to get hungry.

I was allowed to get the biscuits and water from Sam’s office. Alvin and I transported the stuff over a few trips.

“what the fuck is going on Jerry ? What’s this thing about being able to tell the future?” Alvin asked as we loaded up the water onto a trolley

“It’s hard to explain but I was given a newspaper that sort of predicts what will come true and one thing led to another.” I said. “ It sounds incredible and unbelievable but, but everything seemed to be happening.”

I gave Alvin a quick summary and he just looked at me as if I’m mad.

“I don’t expect you to believe me.” I said.

“How is this possible?” he asked.

“It’s not possible, people can’t know the future. But, but here we are.”

“You mean you know there will be a terrorist attack today?”

“I don’t, this is the frustrating thing, I don’t get the full picture of what is going to happen, sometimes I just get bits of it and I have to figure the rest out.” Gesturing to the water and snacks, I told Alvin I only ordered them the day before.

“Let’s just focus on getting out of here alive first.” Alvin said as he loaded the last of the water onto the trolley.

We ate quietly and everyone just waited. I’m not sure what we are waiting for but we just sat around while the guards around us took turns for their breaks.

As night falls, the kids slowly drifted to sleep. I asked to turn off the lights around our area so the children can rest properly. Conor was allowed to head to the switch and soon, a section of the warehouse is plunged into darkness.

However, the powerful lights from other lamps still on is bright enough to make sure all of us could still be seen by the guards.

I started reading the labels on the boxes and I ripped opened a few of them.

Initially the guards shouted at me, demanding to know what I’m doing, but when they say I was just looking for something to cover the kids as the temperature dropped, they left me alone.

While opening the boxes, I made a mental note of the ones that is going to come in useful.

A shipment of curtains and clothing is soon spread out among the hostages. It’s not much but that little bit of comfort does wonders for one’s morale no matter how low it may be dipping to.

It was coming to midnight when Aung came into the warehouse.

“Thanks to you Jerry, I have the police on a wild goose chase.” Aung said.

I could pretty much figure out what he meant even without him elaborating.

An entire class of kids missing from their excursion, surely it will spark off a massive manhunt throughout the country. Worried parents will be slamming at the desk and doors of the police station.

The school bus will be their first target and I guess by now, everyone will be focusing on the bus that is driving around the island, if they can identify it that is.

“You watched the show ‘Speed’ before Jerry?” Aung asked. “ I love that show. It gets my heart pumping, makes me excited. Hahha.”

“It’s too much hassle to rig up a bus that cannot go too fast or too slow. Singapore has a shitload of traffic lights. The bus will probably blow the moment it reach a junction.” Aung took a seat in the chair his men brough and faced all of the prisoners. “just replace the driver with my own men and it’s done.”

“it’s a matter of time before they realise you only have half the kids on that bus.” I said.

“You are right, but I will have accomplished what I want to do by then.”

“And what is that?”

“none of your business. Jerry.” Aung smirked and I saw him steal a glance at his watch. “Bring everyone in here except the guards.”

Within minutes, all of Aung’s men are gathered in the warehouse. This time round, I saw Sulyani and Chan as well. Both of them avoided looking over at me and I too, did my part by looking away.

All of the kids are asleep. They used their bags as makeshift pillows while the curtains I opened up functioned as blankets.

With the 10 kids sleeping in the middle, the rest of us formed a circle around them.

I faced the front, looking directly at Aung while Alvin took up position to my left. Sam got my right, followed by Daphne, Tan, Bobby and Conor.

“I have no intention of sleeping tonight, let’s have some entertainment shall me.” Aung said and his men knew exactly what he meant.

A circle was formed in front of Aung’s chair and several of his soldiers spoke in their native tongue before one man stepped into the middle.

He’s about the same build as me. Removing his top, I could see his ripped muscles.

“what the fuck are they thinking…” Sam mumbled.

As the soldier started to warm up, Aung pointed to our group, asking for one of us to step up into the ring.

“Are you kidding ? We’re not soldiers. We’re civilians!” I retorted.

“I can always choose, if you guys don’t want to make the decision yourself. I might just choose one of the kid hahah.”

Everyone exchanged looks and it became evident I’m the obvious choice.

Conor look like shit with bruises all over his face. His lip is swollen and his left eye could barely open. I’m one of the youngest one in the group, I can’t exactly expect my boss Alvin to go out there can i.

Not that it would affect my annual appraisal or anything.

Tan, although I’m sure he will stab and kill his way out of this is too old to be doing this.

“fuck this.” I got up and Alvin held onto my hand.

“Jerry, don’t.” he said.

“come on, stay standing long enough, and I promise all the kids get a nice hot breakfast in the morning.” Aung said.

I stepped up and walked into the ring surrounded by Aung’s men.

This is going to end badly. I have shit knowledge and experience when it comes to a fight and I’m sure it’s already starting to show in my body language.

Several of Aung’s men laughed as they look at how I stand with both of my fist up in front of me.

The soldier that I will be fighting rotated his arms and did his stretching.

I thought about how Conor is looking and I subconsciously touched my own cheek. I can’t imagine myself looking like that in a few minutes time.

“Hnin, 201 Battalion , 1st company, 1st platoon, rifleman.” The soldier identified himself while taking up a fighting position.

All eyes are on me like they expected some grand introduction on what I can do.

“Jerry, Nparks, Senior Manager, Planning and Development.” I blurted out and from the corner of my eye, I saw Chan and Sulyani’s jaw dropped an inch.

“Survive 3 minutes Jerry, and I consider it a pass. Hahah. Begin!” Aung gave the order and before I could do anything, Hnin feigned a kick before delivering the real one into the center of my chest.

I fell immediately onto my butt after staggering back 3 steps.

Before I had time to check if I was still breathing, I felt a hard blow to the side of my face.

When I opened my eyes, I could hear people laughing and clapping with plenty of ‘boos’ thrown in. The disorientation I was feeling is like I’ve spent the last hour sitting in a spinning tea cup ride at the amusement centre or something.

“Come on… Jerry.. hahha. “ Aung laughed. “I expected more from you.”

I pushed myself off the ground and when I touched my own cheek, I could feel this numbness like I just visited the dentist. I could taste blood inside my mouth too.

How the fuck do people fight like that?

Seeing that I was up on my feet, Hnin came in for another strike with his arms this time. I raised my arms to block his strike but his hit was so hard that it sent me staggering towards the cheering soldiers on the side.

They pushed me back into the fight and Hnin lifted his leg, angling his knees in a downward smite.

His extended limb connected with my chest and I was immediately presented with a view of all the lamps illuminating the warehouse.

At the rate things are going, he might as well have been fighting a 6 year old.

Struggling to breathe, I turned to my side and several of the kids were awaked. They were looking at me in shock.

I mouthed to them that I’m ok and I tried to get back up. It’s just 3 minutes, I should be able to hold out till then.

Hnin charged towards me and just when I thought I’m going to get knocked down again. I saw an arm punch through the fray.

It blocked Hnin’s strike, stopping him in his tracks.

Looking up, I saw Sam in the ring.

“Alright. Alright. Hahahaha. A New contender.” Aung and his men cheered.

“Stop embarrassing yourself Jerry” Sam said as he warmed up his body. “stay back.”

“Be careful Sam.”

“I grew up in the streets Jerry. I pai kia ( gangster ), last time I cheong and fight with billiard que one.” Sam gave me a grin.

“Hnin, 201 Battalion , 1st company, 1st platoon, rifleman.” Hinn looked visibly more excited facing Sam than he me.

Sam stood with a relaxed posture and orientated the left of his body to Hnin.

“Sam, CEO, Chief entertainment officer of Sam’s Nusery. I own the fucking nursery you guys are trespassing on.” Sam declared before making the first move on Hnin.”arghhh!”

What followed was a flurry of movements, of hits and kicks. There’s no grace of any kind in Sam’s movement. It was an all-out brawl. With his large frame, Sam is capable of taking a few hits and still strike Hnin.

The two entangled together and in less than a minute, the onlookers stepped in to separate the 2 men. In that short span of time, both men manage to inflict quite a bit of hits on each other’s face.

Hnin kicked and struggled to break loose from his friends holding him, eager to hit Sam again while Sam did the same.

“Fuck you ! You Chao Chee Bye! ( You cunt ) Come on!” Sam shouted.

Aung spoke in his native tongue and Hnin was let go while the others tried to hold Sam down. Sam put up a valiant fight but bulk and size is no match for numbers. Within seconds, he was left cowering on the ground, trying to protect his head from the blows raining on his body from all over.

I dashed in and pushed several men aside and Alvin joined me in breaking up the group.

“enough!” Aung said, looking thoroughly amused.

Alvin and I dragged Sam aside and I looked at Aung who seemed contented reading messages off is phone.

“What is the fucking point of all this!” I shouted at Aung. “ What the fuck do you want with us!”

“watch your language Jerry, there are kids around.” Aung laughed.

Larry, who was manning the comms ran into the warehouse suddenly and there was a grim expression on his face. Aung got up immediately and went over to him. Something must be happening.

They had a short exchange and Aung looked over at everyone in the warehouse.

When he came back, he had his weapon out.

He pointed it at Sulyani and Chan.

“Hey, hey, hey, what the hell?” Chan spat.

“someone sent out an encrypted message 20 minutes ago.”Aung said.

“We helped you move your stuff and get your men into the country!” Chan said angrily while Sulyani held him back.

“General, the only reason Chan and I are still here is because we are waiting for our money! Money that you are withholding” Sulyani said. “As soon as you pay us, we will go.”

“my men will not betray me, you 2 are the only outsiders here. ”Aung said.

“You think we want to be here? The agreement was just to get your men and your stuff in. You are the one keeping us here. We just want the money!” Sulyani raised her voice at Aung, if I didn’t know who she really is, I might really just be convinced that she meant it.

Aung spoke to Larry in his native tongue, and he replied shortly while tapping away on a laptop.

“We will decrypt the message, then we’ll know if you deserve to get paid.” Aung’s men let Sulyani and Chan away, keeping them separated from us.

If Sulyani and Chan did send something out, it could mean help is on the way. Then again, once the message has been decrypted, it could mean certain death for them too.

The crowd of men dispersed, leaving only 2 guards seated a distance away from the prisoners.

12th January 2019

At 1am in the morning, it started to rain. I could hear the rumble of thunder in the warehouse. The sound of rain falling on the metal roof of the warehouse gets amplified in the confined space. I could not bring myself to look at Daphne. It could happen anytime.

The 2 guards chatted with each other and i started to crawl towards each adult in the group, telling them my plan.

Returning back to my spot, I kept an eye on the guards as I slowly wriggled and crawled my way towards the boxes at the back shelves. I’m going to try and unlock the door, paving the route for our escape.

I’ll position myself by the boxes I want to move while the others will distract the guards one after another.

It was then I realized there’s a pair of eyes staring at me.

The youngest girl who offered to stay because she could swim.

“Hey…it’s ok. Everything will be ok.” I said.” Don’t worry ok? Uncle Jerry will fix this.”

“You’re hurt uncle Jerry.” She whispered.

“It’s just some scratches, I’ll be ok.” I pulled her makeshift blanket higher to cover her and asked her to get some rest.

“I can’t sleep. I miss my bed.”

“I miss my bed too.” I said with a smile.

“My Mummy and Daddy will be angry.” She said with a frown.

“I’m sure they’ll understand, we’re all kept here against our will.” I said and I noticed a guard heading our way.

He gave a visual check of the number of people before heading back to his position. He is on his feet, I’m waiting for him to sit down so I can give Daphne the signal to go over and block his line of sight.

“My Mummy will be angry at my Daddy.” She said.

“Why?”

“My Daddy chose the school, I think I am unlucky.” She said.

I laughed.

“don’t say that. Nobody wants this to happen.”

“Mummy is going to scold Daddy for sure.” She quipped just as a loud thunder rumbled the very structure of the warehouse we are in. A couple of kids woke up and started crying.

Daphne helped to pacify them and I saw the guards shot us a look before resuming his chat.

“don’t worry ok, I’m sure help is on the way.” I reassured the little girl, gesturing to the darkened warehouse made worse by the storm outside, I told her there’s no need to be afraid.

“I’m not afraid of the dark, or the thunder.” She replied as smugly as a 5 year old could be.

“I can tell you’re a very brave girl.” I smiled as I cast another look at the guard. He’s pulling his pants and positioning his body in front of the chair, it looks like he’s going to take a seat soon.

The little girl pointed to the soldiers guarding us with a quick jab of her thumb.

“When my Daddy comes, they will be the one who is going to be afraid of the dark.”

I smiled and patted her head, asking her to get some rest.

“What is your name?” I asked.

She took her time adjusting her Peppa pig school bag under her head, making herself comfortable just as the guard took a seat in his chair.

Upon seeing the guard seated, Daphne and I exchanged a look before she got up on her feet.

As Daphne walked towards the guards, I exhaled and got ready to move.

“Good luck Uncle Jerry, my name is Lynette.”

……………………………….

Lynette buried herself under the blanket and turned away from me.

She’s a sweet kid, perhaps too young to understand the gravity of the situation facing us.

With Daphne blocking the guard’s line of sight, I shifted a large box, freeing up enough crawl space for me to go through the shelves. Careful not to hit anything, I quickly adjusted the box back to it’s original spot as I laid flat on my tummy while looking in between the boxes to see if my little stunt has been discovered.

Daphne walked away towards the bathroom and the guards continued talking among themselves. Looking at my watch, I noted the timing in my head.

5 minutes, I told Daphne to give me 5 minutes before she comes back.

I got up and pressed my body against the wall, walking quickly towards the exit door Bobby talked about. I could see the dim white light of the exit sign clearly in the darkened walkway.

Stopping again by the door, I heard another loud crack of thunder. The warehouse rumbled and I could feel my heart rumbling as well.

I saw another flash of lighting before a louder crack of thunder shook the very door panel I was leaning against.

Using the rolling boom of the thunder, I jumped and my hands tried to feel for the key on the top of the exit sign. I felt it on the first jump but I failed to grab it.

Bending my knees in preparation for the next attempt, I waited for the flash of lightning before I leapt up into the loud rumble of a thunder that seemed determined to shake the very structure down to it’s foundation.

This time round, I grabbed the key and I went straight for the padlock. The old heavy lock squeaked loudly when I tried to turn the key, forcing me to wait for another clap of thunder.

When the bolt came loose, I quickly undid the lock and placed it on the floor.

I thought of opening the door to check the situation outside but I stopped myself in time.

Opening the door will giveaway my position right away and the guards will know exactly what we’re trying to do. Howling wind and angry rain isn’t exactly subtle.

I’ll have to get as many kids behind the shelves and ready to escape before opening the door.

There’s still plenty of preparation to be done. Crawling back to the place I entered, I waited for Daphne to be back from the bathroom. Using the cutter I brought from office, I sliced opened the box near the bottom.

Inside the boxes are phone cases and screen protectors. Packed into large bundles, the combined weight makes it hard to move it around. I started pulling them out as quietly as I can, reducing the weight of the box that is going to see quite a bit of movement.

I checked my watch and saw that I have another 2 minutes give and take before Daphne comes back.

Crawling on my belly, I turned to the other direction where the narrow walkway leads. I put the stuff I took out on the floor. Feeling for other boxes and crates that are light enough for me to pull out, I started building a barrier.

It looks more like a child’s pillow fort but if it buys a few extra seconds from the pursuing soldiers, it’s worth the effort.

“There’s no more paper in the toilet.” Daphne said loudly as she walked back in order to give me some advance warning.

Quickly making my way back to the crawl space, I waited for her to block the views of the guards before making my move.

Using that small window of opportunity while she talked to them, I shifted the boxes and crawled back into the group.

I barely had time to adjust the boxes back into place when the guard stood up to cast a quick glance over at us.

My heart was thumping as I held my breath, trying to pretend I was asleep.

Seeing that all was normal, the guard settled back down.

With Daphne back, I gave the signal for the adults to proceed to the next part of our plan.

Pretending to shift our resting position, I got the larger sized adults to come to the front. If we all shifted at the same time, it will look suspicious.

So we did it slowly over 15 minutes.

Sam, Bobby and Conor sat up and hugged their knees at the front of the circle in a staggered position, while Alvin and I turned to our sides and pretended to sleep with our bodies facing the guards.

The lights in our zone have been dimmed while the brighter area is where the guards are. The spill of the light hitting our elevated bodies cast a dark shadow behind, giving Daphne and Tan the cover they need for the next part of our plan.

We have opened several boxes of goods in Bobby’s warehouse. When initially we appeared to be looking for something soft to lie on or to use as blankets, I was in fact looking for stuff we can use.

There is a box of adult pants which came in handy. We undid all of the plastic wrappers earlier when we were trying to set up the sleeping space for the children. Unwrapping anything now will surely draw too much attention.

“Be as soft as you can.” I whispered to Daphne and Tan who is tying up the bottom of the pants in knots.

I’m getting them to make an improvised float. By tying up the leg holes, we can slip in the empty 1.5 litre bottle to where the legs are supposed to go. Tie it up again at the waist, you will have a make shift floatation device that kids are taught to do with their pyjamas during swim class.

Only in this case, we did it with empty plastic bottles instead of blowing into them.

That’s not the only thing we are doing. Using fabrics from the curtains, Daphne and Tan will also be shaping them to mimic a kid sleeping underneath.

That way, we can do a one to one replacement for every child we smuggle through the shelves and into the escape corridor.

It’s impossible to save all 10 at one go, I’ll try to save as many as I can but I know I have to send at least 5 out.

Why 5 ?

Because based on what I can see, Sam, Alvin, Bobby, Conor and I, we can each carry a kid and run if it comes to that. Tan and Daphne will go to the waters with the 5 swimmers. With the floats and 2 adults, they should be able to swim to safety under the cover of darkness.

The waterway is always busy, some passing boats will surely pick them up.

If there are more than 5 kids left in the warehouse after the 1st group made their escape, one of us will have to carry 2 kids and run.

There’s a chance we may get away with pulling 1-2 kid out, but to have too many being substituted by fake profiles whose head cannot even be seen, the guards might realise what we are doing before the escape begins.

It may not be the best plan, but it’s what I can think of under those circumstances.

Once Daphne and Tan has ‘shaped up’ a sleeping child and a sleeping adult, they wake a child up quietly. Daphne, being the only woman, if she were to disappear suddenly, it would be a dead giveaway. She will have to be the last to go once we get the kids ready.

Tan has a smaller build and they have already shaped the fake profile in his size right at the back. He is also the oldest among the adults.

Daphne leaned close to whisper the plan to a kid and I prayed he understand what we are trying to do. I watch the boy rub the sleep from his eyes as he nodded his head.

Half crawling and wriggling, Tan guided the boy to the box where I made my entry to the walkway. I gave him a thumbs up with my hand behind my back as I kept my eye on the guard.

Holding my breath, I heard the soft shuffle of a box being moved.

Moments later, I felt Daphne tap me on my leg, giving me the signal that Tan and the boy made it.

Daphne continued doing what she did earlier.

Making an improvised float together with shaping a sleeping child. We cannot make too many floats at one go, neither can we shape too many fake profiles. It will have to be a one-to-one replacement.

I wished I could help but I need to keep an eye on the guards.

The 2nd child made it across in no time and things are only going to get more difficult from there. There is always a chance the guards might decide to come over for a closer inspection.

Just before we started on the 3rd kid, one of the guards stood up to stretch his body, casting a glance over at us.

Sam, took the opportunity to tear open a bag of crackers loudly, spilling the individually packed biscuits all over his lap.

He opened one up and munched loudly while starring at the guard.

Conor stretched and cursed as his bruised and batter body sent aches and jolts of pain.

Aung’s men looked away and continued talking.

Daphne has got down on her tummy with her legs spread apart, making contact with Alvin and me. I knew instantly what it meant, and I saw Alvin give me a nod.

He understood her intentions too.

Keeping our eyes peeled at the guards, Alvin and I can give Daphne’s feet or calves a quick squeeze to warn her if needed.

The rain hitting the metal roof of the warehouse helped masked out the occasionally snap of plastic from the bottles Daphne is handling.

It took us close to 30 minutes to get the 3rd child across to Tan, partly because 2 of the kids we tried to wake up are fussing too much. One of them is Lynette.

She mumbled and groaned as she turned away, snuggling deeper into her makeshift blanket.

Just when we are about to start on the 4th, one of the guards stood up and I saw him put a cigarette to his lips. He started walking over and I quickly warned Daphne to stop everything she is doing.

All of the adults are wide awake and tensions are high. One wrong move and everything will be gone to waste.

“Eh brother.” Sam called out to the smoker, distracting his attention. “ I also need a smoke.”

“Me too” Bobby said.

“Me three.” Conor added.

“Me four” Alvin chirped in.

There was a deep frown on the guard’s expression as he looked at the 4 prisoners pulling out their crumpled cigarettes from their pockets.

“Come on….just a smoke. I’m dying here man.” Alvin said.

“You want you smoke here!” The guard said.

Alvin gestured to the kids behind him.

“Come on. Not in front of them. And you took our lighters.”

“Fuck off. No smoking for you.” He grunted angrily, annoyed that his smoke break is getting interrupted.

Gesturing to his bored friend to keep an eye on us, the man walked towards the exit of the warehouse to light up.

Sam took out a cigarette and just sniffed it before groaning.

“ohhhhhhh…”

“You look like you are sniffing worn underwear or something.” Bobby commented, taking the opportunity to throw a jab at his neighbour who he has a boundary issue with.

“ahhhhh… how would you know ? Unless you did it before?” Sam countered without losing his cool before giving a sick expression with his tongue slightly out while licking his cigarette.

I could tell Bobby wanted to come back with another insult or jab but he ended up laughing and so did Sam.

And just like that, the animosity between a pair of feuding neighbours is gone.

“Shut up!” The guard said loud enough as he folded his arm and put up his leg.

The banter stopped and as soon as he looked away, Daphne began to move again.

With one guard gone, we took the opportunity to push the 4th kid through.

The next push will be the riskiest.

It involves getting Daphne and one other kid across at the same time.

When the smoking guard came back, he is not alone. He brought along another 2 guys presumably to take over their shift.

Everyone held their breath as the 4 men hung around for a couple of minutes before parting ways.

The new set of guards did not chat at all. They just settled into their seat and looked at us.

One of them played with the ends of his shoelaces while resting his ankle on his other knee, while the other just stared blankly in our direction.