It was immediately obvious that Nicko thought that Robert was having an affair with Marian. She had foreseen the possibility and decided she would not disillusion him if it helped smooth the visit for Robert.
Nicko's urbane response did much to endear him to Cherine. He praised her beauty and told Robert he is very lucky. He could not hide from her his shock since she could sense his emoting, but she treasured and appreciated the words he spoke and the manner in which he behaved. She had been prepared to be friendly to him and avoid causing Robert any embarrassment, determined she would get her revenge once Nicko is gone, as she felt it would be wrong to humiliate her Robert in another’s eyes. With Nicko responding the way he did and as she talked to him and felt him grow more comfortable around her, she also sensed he is beginning to feel that he understands why Robert finds her a captivating creature. She responded by warming to Nicko and over that day and evening she mostly talked with him and treated him as someone special. She giggled in her mind when she felt, by the second day, the first stirrings of jealousy in Robert.
Marian entered the bathroom while Cherine was having a bath, closing the door behind her so that Robert would not hear. “If you do not respect and honour Robert, then we must pack and leave immediately.”
“What do you mean? I haven’t done anything. He wanted me to be nice to his friend, so I’m only doing as he wanted.”
“You are trying to make him jealous. Do you think that Nicko does not sense it? How do you think that makes Robert look in his eyes? As a fool for falling in love with a little girl who immediately flirts with the first good looking man she meets? You are humiliating Robert and he does not deserve it!” Crushed, Cherine began to cry. Her mother helped her finish her bath, dried her, admired her body and told her she is sexy and once she was dressed, she told her to go out to the men and show them that she loves Robert and only has eyes for him. “Don’t do so as a little girl would, be loving but in a dignified way. Make Robert proud of loving you.”
Cherine hugged her. “I love you mum.”
Cherine decided that to change the way she’d been behaving would highlight what she’d been doing. She continued treating Nicko as special and told Nicko that Robert had told her what a good friend he had been when Robert was alone and without his family, but she was now more obviously loving towards Robert. As the men sensed her attention shift back to Robert, they both relaxed and Nicko once again began to see some of the qualities that make her special.
Robert had arranged for the neighbours from all three farms plus a couple of Greek farmers from a greater distance, to come for cocktails and a light supper, so that Nicko could hear their opinions or answer his questions. What caught Robert by surprise was the way they all praised him as a hard worker and a humanitarian who cares for his workers.
“At the time this country received its independence, the whites would pay their workers partly with food. They did so as otherwise the men would drink and gamble their wages over the first two days and then their families would starve. With the pride of independence the government made it illegal for workers to be paid with food because they said it was undignified!
Prices have shot up and even with increases in wages, the workers can no longer feed their families. Robert set aside a field for growing sweet potatoes, mealies and tomatoes for his workers. Many farmers don’t like it, but they are now emulating him out of necessity. If they don’t, their workers will not be able to work as they should.”
Nicko of course asked questions and once everyone felt the subject had been fully exploited and they’d enjoyed the embarrassment of Robert, they then picked on Marian, speaking of her in glowing terms. Then one of them told Nicko about Cherine and the panga-yielding Sivembo, warning Nicko that he should watch out as the locals all think she is a witch. That led to them talking about Tippity. Nicko had met Tippity and had been cautious when he was close, as he believed that a wild creature, even if tamed, could still revert. Fascinated he listened as they talked about the way Cherine can communicate with Tippity as if he is a human being.
Cherine said, loudly, “He is a human being! He understands a lot of words, he just can’t speak them.”
“For what my love?”
“You teased me in front of everyone and called me your girl. You let them see you love me.” Wisely Robert only kissed her, squeezed her to him and told her that he does love her very much.
“Futures in the commodity markets are soaring Robert. I’m talking mainly about food, though the changed weather patterns affecting coffee production in South America and growing demand as world populations explode are causing shortages, so coffee is also riding high.”
Robert grinned. “No wonder Patel tried to pre-buy my production this year. A few have already sold to him so he’ll make a killing. I wish I could get an internet connection out here.”
“Can’t you use satellite?”
“It’s still far too expensive.”
“I’d like you to get connected Roberto, even if I have to pay for it out of my share of the profits. Getting through on the phone is impossible!”
Robert hesitated before saying, “I did want to talk to you Nicko. The minister I’m dealing with has offered to make another thousand hectares available.”
“I’m hoping to convince you to sell and move to Greece - all three of you.” He waved his hands. “This is truly beautiful and your home would be worth millions if you had it in Greece. It is amazing and I understand the three of you being happy here, but you must think of the future Robert. I’ve been talking to various friends of mine and my father. We are busy buying up farms that are not producing anything because the owners are being paid by the EU not to. I’ve sold the idea based on you running it Roberto. My father and Alki have both told everyone they trust you.”
“Alki?”
“Georgiades, my fathers’ friend who looks like a bear?” Robert laughed as he remembered him. Nicko smiled and spoke in a dry tone. “I don’t know why he has a high opinion of you - it must be because you showed the good taste to adopt me as your best friend.”
“That is more likely to have the opposite effect.” Robert teased. “I seem to recall him talking with me at your apartment in London. He asked a lot of questions, that is all I remember.”
“You’ll like him Roberto, he’s straight, not like most Greeks. He is also patriotic and cares about the little man. He keeps it quiet, but he supports a number of private charities. A word of confidence from him is high praise Roberto.”
“I can’t just give this up Nicko. I’m happy here and I take pride in what I’ve accomplished. Just the beans I grow will feed thousands. I really don’t want to sell.”
“I can see why you would feel that way. Allow me to make a suggestion. We’ll invest another three hundred thousand for you to expand by a thousand hectares. However, you allow us to employ the best man to run the farms for you. You move to Greece and organise our farms, get us into production. We won’t mind if you visit here three times a year - whenever you wish, as long as the farms in Greece are doing well. That way this house can be your holiday home. Roberto, you’ll be a shareholder and will earn a huge salary, so you can afford for all three of you to visit as often as you want.”
Cherine asked, “What about Tippity?”
“He can stay here and you’ll see him…”
“No!” Cherine looked into Robert's eyes. “I can’t leave him, please!”
“You agree then? I’ll get the permit.”
“Nicko.” Robert paused. “I need to ask you a very big favour.”
“Go ahead.”
“I want you to keep it secret about Cherine.”
“Why does it worry you Roberto? She’ll soon be old enough for you to marry, if her mother agrees she can marry you as soon as she is fourteen. In the meantime, you’ll be living on the farm so who cares what anyone thinks - not that I will talk about her and you.”
“I meant…about what the others told you last night. About Sivembo and Tippity.”
“Oh…” For the first time Nicko thought about it and realised there is something special about Cherine. “Can you explain to me?…”
Marian nearly had a heart attack as she’d thought Robert was being nonsensical, when Cherine said, “Robert, we need a friend who knows about us, tell him.”
Nicko looked at her. “Both of you?”
“Yes, our love opened our minds to each other.”
Nicko remained silent, in thought. “Cherine, you have shown me great trust and it honours me. I will not speak of it to anyone, not even my family.” He paused. “Could you explain a little more than just saying your minds opened to each other?”
“Cherine has the gift of empathy.” Robert explained in detail, first making certain Nicko understood what empathy is. Hearing of all she had experienced from the day she was born, Nicko took her hand in his and kissed it. Swiftly the friendship between Nicko and Robert grew into a bond that made him a fourth of the group - a group that was finally taking its first step in evolving out of those directly involved. I’m sorry, it is not strictly true. The first step had been Tippity.
They discussed the dangers, to Cherine mostly, and agreed that her gifts must be kept a secret as governments and the media would not allow her a private life if they learn of her. They could feel that Nicko was excited and honoured by their confidence in him so they parted at the airport feeling they now have someone very special on their side.
A side effect of the above is that by speaking to Nicko, they’d also (without realising it) explained for the first time for Marian to understand. She was awed by what she’d learnt about her daughter and hearing how it had affected Robert, she began to get an inkling of why their love had been inevitable. That rid her of the vestiges of resentment she’d felt towards Robert.
Two weeks later they received a fax from Nicko. ‘Permit for Tippity has been arranged and consulate in Dar is being notified. Your Athens home is out in Ekali and am busy placing electrified wire above the wall surrounding the property - not to keep Tippity in, but to prevent any complaints from neighbours. My parents ask that I send you their love and tell you they are eagerly awaiting your arrival. My best to all four of you, your friend, Nicko.’
Asking farm owners provided Robert with one name that stood out. When the Soviet Union dissolved, a young Russian known as Artem Gorinych had found his way to Tanganyika and worked as a labourer on a farm. He was a hard worker; if he drank, nobody was aware of it and he treated the workers well and motivated them to work harder for him than they do for most shamba managers. He was spoken of with respect and a previous employer of his told Robert the man is a throwback, his courtesy old-world and his honesty tested and proven. Robert sent a message, asking Artem to meet him in Moshi and from there he took him to the farms and then to his Duluti home.
I will expect you to run this coffee farm as if you are a shareholder. In other words, I’m hoping you will work as if you love the job and the farms. For as long as present global conditions apply, I will always be contactable, so I will expect you to notify me before making major decisions, but otherwise you have carte blanche. Oh, one thing more, please choose a piece of land not within sight of this house and not in natural forest, for building a home for yourself. If you decide to build it on the coffee farm, you will have a ninety nine year lease on the house. I presume you know the local costs of building? Would thirty thousand pounds, sterling, cover the costs?” Artem agreed it was more than generous. “I will ask one favour of you and it is an important favour. Please see to it that Cherine’s home, the house and all the surrounding buildings and gardens, are well maintained, kept clean and protected from thieves. The coffee farm will pay all expenses.” He grinned at Cherine’s startled face. “One more point. Cherine has made a good reputation for herself as a poultry farmer. Please appoint someone capable of maintaining her reputation for her. All profits will be banked into her account.” Robert asked, without smiling, looking into the eyes of Artem with a piercing gaze, “Do you accept my terms and agree to them?”
“They are generous and I am pleased that my work has given me such a good name. I do have one problem. As you know, I am presently employed and cannot leave without giving my present employer a fair opportunity to find my replacement.”
“I’m pleased you placed that condition. I have spoken to Mrs Fardyle and she has agreed to thirty days notice. She has a family member from her deceased husband’s side whom she wishes to employ.”
Artem looked troubled. “If she has told you so, then she is not aware of his lack of ability to run her farm. I don’t understand, she is experienced and should have seen through his efforts to charm her.”
Robert came to his feet and paced up and down the verandah as he thought. He stopped by Artem. “How thin could you spread yourself if you have help? Do you know anyone you would trust as your assistant?”
“I don’t understand.”
“I would like to offer to Mrs Fardyle your services for free for one year. Her farm neighbours our bean farm and is on the road between our two farms. Having an assistant is a good idea Mr Gorinych, the work can’t stop if you get sick and during absences, such as your annual leave. One year would give you the opportunity to set her relative on the right path or send him packing?” Cherine’s eyes almost glowed, she sensed how Robert had already earned the devotion of Artem. She also sensed her mother and her admiration for Robert and she almost felt like crying from pride and love for him. Robert sensed her and was puzzled as to what brought it on, deciding it was his remembering to keep the poultry business for her. He shrugged those thoughts aside. “One of the things I was told about you I heard a year ago. During the planting season I heard that you succeeded in planting a full crop despite your machinery breaking down almost on a daily basis. If you need to use our equipment to see her through a spot, feel free to do so - without delaying our own work I hope…” Artem nodded.
Once Robert had secured the services of Artem, it was as if he was on fire and could not wait to leave. He waited for a moment when Cherine and Marian were visiting and called Nicko. “I’m set to leave. Nicko, I need you to do me a big favour. I know that as a shipowner you’ll get the best and that is what I want. In ten days it is Cherine’s birthday. Within my culture, the year a child becomes a teenager is considered important and I want to make it special for her. Could you book us a full suite at a five star hotel - whichever is the best one in London. A royal suite or whatever, I want her to remember this birthday forever. Nicko, I don’t care what it costs, just book it please.”
“You intend taking Tippity with you?”
Robert laughed. “That would be something! Can you imagine their reaction when he sits at the table with us in the restaurant, in appearance just like many of the other distinguished guests, an ancient lord or baron? No, I’m thinking of leaving him here for a week. After London I’ll bring Cherine and Marian to Athens and I’ll return to be with Tippity when he flies to Athens.”
“Why don’t you let us arrange the suite in the Grande hotel in Athens? She has never been to Greece and it will feel exotic to her. Between us we’ll also arrange the most amazing party for her.”
“This party I will organise. Trust me Roberto, this will be special. This way you can also bring Tippity with you, saving you an extra flight.”
“Nicko, I intend showing Cherine all the love she can handle for the entire day and night. How can I do that in Greece with your family watching?” Nicko did not answer, so he asked, “Nicko, you haven’t told them have you? Damn it, you promised!”
“I did not tell them, Alki did.”
“What nonsense is this? How could he tell them, who told him?”
“The facts did, I warned you about him, he saw through me immediately. It started when I showed some photos of the trip and I was asked whether you and Marian were having an affair. I said you were not and Alki picked up a photo with you and Cherine in it and asked me whether you and Cherine were. I said ‘no’ but I could see he did not believe me. Next time he saw me he asked again - Roberto, I could not lie to him, it will become obvious the moment they see the two of you together, it shines out of you. Face it now, let us help make this special day a special day for her and for you.”
Much against his wishes, his heart sinking at what he would face in Greece, Robert gave in and phoned his travel agent to change his bookings and arrange for Tippity to fly in the cargo hold. He arranged a private flight to Dar, collected the permit from the Greek consulate and returned to a very busy week, working from the moment he woke up to the moment he went to bed, trying to make certain Artem knew exactly where everything is and all the information he had compiled about the fields, their yields, fertiliser needed and so on (for instance, he bought natural fertiliser from a farmer with a herd of cows, which was why his coffee was considered one of the best from that area).
Marian realised that it will be very cold when they arrived, so she insisted the cage for Tippity be insulated. Cherine asked and the agent confirmed that it does get quite cold in the hold, so she insisted on buying clothes to keep Tippity warm. Robert was just as worried, for a chimp that has grown up in Africa will suffer if exposed to the cold. Even with her ability to communicate with him, it took a while for Tippity to be convinced he should wear the clothes and he watched as Cherine showed him how to climb into a sleeping bag and zip it up so that he stays warm. The locals were amused when Robert bought a portable loo and had it installed in the cage. They made certain that Tippity had water and food - plus nuts. Cherine gave him a simple hand-held electronic game to keep him entertained during the long hours of the flight. Cherine wanted to also give him a walkie-talkie, but Robert had to refuse her as aviation rules would not allow it. Marian teased that the cage with everything in it should be donated to the Natural History Museum as no other animal cage has ever included such civilised amenities.
Friends arranged a monster party for their last night and nobody reacted when Tippity walked amongst them, even helping himself to food from the buffet table. They did laugh when Cherine held his hands and danced with him on the dance floor. Tippity found it exciting and hooted with joy.
The next day Robert cursed himself for being a fool and complained about having to travel with a hangover. Cherine had been delighted when she sensed how he becomes when he drinks too much. She told him that he pissed her off because he started acting like he was her father, but in reality she had not been annoyed, she’d loved it. Once he’d cringed and apologised, she asked him whether he had found it exciting acting as her father because it meant their relationship was incestuous. Robert realised she was teasing and, that Marian did not, so he answered that he found it very kinky and exciting - and, could he be her grandfather next time? Marian was disgusted with him, making both Cherine and Robert laugh, despite his hangover.
They arrived in Athens on the 19th of April, 2001. The captain had announced the local weather and Cherine was in a panic. It was freezing cold and the cutting wind swirled the light snow in flurries. Cherine was convinced Tippity would get sick and die.
Without quite knowing how it happened, Robert and Marian found themselves allowed out of the plane before all the other passengers and then they were allowed to stand under the plane as the cargo hold was opened. Cherine was in there like a shot, ignoring the shouts forbidding her entry and when the others reached the cage they found her in the sleeping bag with Tippity, holding him to her.
“Alki asks whether you would stay with him at his home, he lives in a suburb of Athens. He asked me to tell you Cherine that he would be honoured if Tippity would agree to stay in his house until your own home is ready.” Robert inwardly groaned, feeling he’d just been thrown from the frying pan into the fire.
Alki was waiting for them at his front door. He did not rush forward to greet them, more interested in observing the way they interact with each other. Although it seemed that all of them, including Nicko, were centred on the chimp, he realised that in fact, everyone, including the chimp, were in a dance that revolved around the little girl. Part of his success as a businessman is his ability to understand some of the mechanics of social and power plays and without allowing his emotions to cloud his eye, he’d see who are the truly important people he should concentrate on winning over to his side. For instance, more than once he has realised that the important person, the one with influence, was not the person holding the highest title. It was very clear to him that the little girl was in control and it disturbed him. At that moment Cherine looked up at the top of the stairs and into his eyes and Alki gave a superstitious shiver. He was very tempted to enter his house and lock the door behind him. With a solemn nod of greeting, he walked down the stairs.
Tippity watched as they opened the cage. Robert stepped out of the way and with whooping cries he rushed out and raced around the garden. His whoops and cries sounded very out of place and yet nobody from outside seemed to notice. Tippity rushed back to Cherine and settling by her side gave her his hand as he looked up at her.
“Tippy, this is the nice man who invited you to stay at his house. Be nice and say hello to him.” Alki looked down, almost prepared to believe the chimp would talk to him. Tippity looked at him and baring his teeth he went ‘uh-uh-uh’.
“It is my pleasure Tippity. Will you introduce me to the lovely young lady?”
By the time their luggage had been taken into the house and they were seated in the livingroom with drinks, coffee and cool drinks on the table, Cherine was half in love with Alki. He became the father figure Robert had so assiduously avoided becoming for her. As for Alki, he responded to her emoting without knowing it and found her enchanting, but also he felt as if she were the child, the daughter he never had. It is just as well that Cherine was affecting him that way, for Marian was already finding herself fascinated by him. The only thing Alki did find disconcerting was Tippity, who had seated himself on the chair opposite him and was staring at him non-stop.
Robert found himself outmanoeuvred by Alki. He was not given the opportunity to pretend there was nothing going on between Cherine and him. When they went up to their rooms to freshen up before an early supper, he discovered that his luggage had been placed in the same room as Cherine’s. She watched him with a pale face, waiting to sense how he would react. He gave her a weak smile. “So much for secrets.” Her face relaxed a little. “Well, if this is how it is to be, then we might as well make the most of it and enjoy ourselves.” As her face lit up he cautioned her in a very serious manner, “Even though I know I’m unbelievably sexy, please try to avoid screaming.” She grabbed a pillow and threw it at him as she laughed. He swung her up in his arms and kissed her.
“Do you know what I’m going to miss the most?”
“Our Duluti home?”
“No silly. You are growing too fast and soon I won’t be able to pick you up like this for a kiss and a squeeze. I could never have imagined I would love you being a kid so much.”
“Do you think I’ll be as tall as you when I grow up?”
“When you grow up? I think you’ll be as tall as me within a year or two. As an adult you will probably be taller than me.” She frowned so he continued. “That will be nice, I’ll be so proud walking next to you. Everyone will look at me and wonder why you love such a shrimp.” She still emoted a slight unease, as if worried he might find that a reason to stop loving her someday. Robert pointed at Tippity. “Look at him, he’s the real shorty of the family, but we both love him.” Tippity smacked his lips and Cherine laughed, telling Robert that Tippity had sent him a kiss for being so nice.
Many had heard that a chimpanzee from Africa is living in the house of Alki and that it will be present at the party as a guest, free to walk around on its own. A few nervous guests cancelled, but the rest saw this as the opportunity to be at the party everybody is talking about and they might even have their name mentioned on television or their photograph in newspaper or magazine social columns - and that is what most of them live for, however much they pretend they don’t care.
The guests began to arrive, but Nicko sat upstairs with the four of them, insisting they wait until everyone has arrived. They could see from their window that television cameras were outside. Cherine was a little overwhelmed when she was told that some of the guests are the top singers and actors of Greece and Nicko joked that the guests probably, jointly, represented the major part of all commercial wealth in Greece. Robert and Cherine looked at each other, for they could feel the fear in the other. Then Cherine got the giggles and teased Robert and they both lost their fear. Only poor Marian was not helped and she kept on fussing until Nicko told her that it is time the two of them go to the party - and he told Robert and Cherine to wait at least three minutes.
As Robert, Cherine and Tippity appeared at the top of the staircase, the orchestra played ‘Happy Birthday’. For a moment there was utter silence among the guests as they stared at the three of them walking down the stairs and then there was thunderous applause and cheering. Some reporters suggested it was for Tippity that everyone cheered. The truth is that the picture of one slight young man, a slim and very pretty girl being accompanied by a chimpanzee to a party where the crème de la crème of society were guests sort of had a Hollywood movie feel to it.
Robert refused to leave Cherine’s side for a second, apart from when she danced with Nicko, Alki and a young actor that she told Robert she thought was gorgeous. Tippity also needed to stay by Cherine and when she wanted to dance, he either stayed by Robert or…Alki. Cherine told Alki that Tippity is fascinated by his deep voice and his strong aura of power and that Tippity sees Alki as the leader of their tribe. While everyone joked about it, Alki was only deeply touched and the two of them became close friends.
Nicko visited the next day just after lunch. Robert was upset. “Nicko, we have a problem. The party was wonderful and Cherine is still floating on a cloud. However, by having celebrities and therefore the press meet her, how are we going to keep her gifts a secret? Somehow I doubt that anyone else is as gifted as she is, but we all are gifted to some degree. With her becoming the center of attention it is likely that somebody who is gifted enough to sense her will expose her secret.”
“You’ll only be here for a few more days then you’ll be moving into your own home so stop worrying. Are you going to enrol her at the American college? I think there are four English schools in Athens but two of them are run by Greeks and the accents of their students are atrocious, the American would be best.”
Robert frowned. “Which means it is also the most expensive. Fine, how do we get her in, she hasn’t had formal tutoring since she was eight years old.”
Robert was right. Despite the influence of their sponsors and the white lie that Cherine had had private tuition, the school suggested she take a correspondence course. They argued that she is not used to being part of a team and she is a bit too old to adjust to the classroom environment successfully. So as to avoid any accusations of prejudice, they did test her and they reported she did very well and under different conditions they would have been happy to have her in their school. Cherine was relieved as she had not wanted anything about their way of life to change.
Robert was not interested in the house being provided in Ekali. He wanted to start preparing the farms as Spring was just around the corner and he preferred to be staying closer to his work. He had to admit that it made more sense for Cherine and Marian to stay in the suburb of Ekali, that way they would be closer to the shops and have a social life. He decided he would not tell them and he’d get them used to staying there while he goes off for days at a time to do his work.
From the first meeting, Robert immediately had his hint of how different it would be now that he is not his own boss and he soon learnt that for every decision he will have to sweat blood as there will always be at least two or three opinions. At that, he was lucky to have Alki in the group as he tends to decide quickly and then bulldoze his way through everyone’s objections. Finally Alki told everyone that they employed Robert at great cost to them because he is the expert, so he believes they should respect his expertise instead of each of them trying to make decisions in a field they know next to nothing about. He authorised Robert to automatically count on his vote for any decision he needs to make. Slowly the others reverted to concentrating on their own businesses, only requiring Robert to inform them in advance of any major decisions he makes. Robert sighed a breath of relief, Nicko had been getting on his nerves with his opinionated arguing of every point.
Nicko was given addresses and he flew to the United States to identify suppliers of the tomato trees and to investigate the claimed production and suitability for the Greek climate. He called to tell them that the figures given had been the optimum numbers and it would be saner to work on producing about fifteen kilos per month per tree, on a basis of ninety percent of the trees producing. The comfort of not having to plant new tomato plants every season plus the almost regular supply made it very attractive, so they ordered twenty thousand seedlings to be delivered over the next four years. Again the EU officials blew their top and warned that if the tomatoes do not meet the exact specifications (even sizes and shapes) as laid out in their rules, they will not be allowed to market their tomatoes even in Greece. Alki told Nicko to ignore them and buy the seedlings.
Robert's willingness to make sacrifices so that Cherine can stay at the luxurious home they’d been given while he lived and worked at the farms had not worked out. She had refused to listen and Marian felt that Cherine was right, Robert was paying her a very good salary and it would not be honest of her to let him survive from canned food while she enjoys the easy life in Athens.
In September, Alki invited them and Nicko and Elias to a private supper at his home. Before the meal he asked them to consider some thoughts that had been occupying his mind.
“We are already finding opposition from the EU on every step we take. They are not interested in feeding all the people of the EU, only in ensuring that the farmers of the northern European countries remain in business, despite their high costs.” He gave Robert a smile and wink. “I do not know if it is just the peasant Greek in me, but I find it difficult to convince myself that the officials are that stupid. I think they are very aware of the impending food crisis and their first consideration is the survival of the countries that fund most of the EU budgets. That is how I would think in their place.
I must admit I had not given the political realities the consideration I should have. We must do so from now onwards. The first steps I have taken have been as follows: I have talked in extreme confidence to some members of our parliament and they understand what we are trying to do and are willing to help us behind the scenes, under certain considerations. Their first problem is that there are too many of us. They cannot work with us under these conditions as a secret shared by many is no secret, at least one of us could speak to the wrong person and the whole project would blow up in their faces. Any serious disagreement among us could also lead to the politicians being exposed. For any politician to openly support our sabotaging of the EU would be political suicide, everything must be done by sleight of hand - and we Greeks are experienced at achieving the exact camouflage and misdirection of responsibility so that nobody can be found to be blamed.
My first thought was that we should buy out the majority of shareholders, keeping only two others that Elias and I trust. I actually took the first step and bought out Petrakis. Being our smallest shareholder it was easy to buy him out. However, when I did so, I re-thought the situation and decided that not only should we not buy out shareholders, but we should bring in more of them.”
Nicko said, “But I thought you said the politicians will not cooperate with us if they have to trust that many shareholders - now you want to make it worse? Won’t they consider it a slap in the face?”
“Not if we handle it correctly. I was putting through the paperwork for shares allocated to the politicians to be hidden in offshore shells and it gave me the idea. In the land owning company or companies, we can have as many shareholders as we want. Those companies will appoint, under long term contract and with a profit sharing agreement, a new company to be formed as the management, marketing and operating entity. In that company we will restrict shareholdings to only those we trust and the politicians.
In the public companies that own the projects, Roberto can own another fifteen percent in each company. He will also be allocated a very generous management fee, so I feel he will be well rewarded for his work and input. Robert, I would suggest that in a year or so, if you have no objections, you should apply to become a Greek citizen - I would not like to rely for a long period on the present EU rules about any EU citizen living and working freely within any EU member country. The existence of the EU in its present liberal form is not likely to survive the massive changes we face.
Before moving back to the discussion about shareholders in general, we first need to take into account the following. We are being warned of big changes in our weather patterns; rising of the sea level and swings between floods and droughts are projected. Until these changes settle into some kind of pattern that can be forecasted - which I fear may not be for decades or centuries, we must keep in mind that every year we will have failures in one kind of crop or more. Such failures could drag us down financially if we have all our eggs in one basket. I suggest we create one holding company for each produce. Tomatoes should have their own company. Olive trees their own - and so on. The financial dangers are going to increase exponentially over the next twenty years, we must plan from now so that no single or double calamity can sink us. The attorneys and accountants, with the help of professors in our agricultural college will make their recommendations and we can discuss those in more detail later.
I must return to the political scenarios that are likely to play a bigger role than we had projected. We are not in danger from the outside only, as food becomes scarce worldwide, our own government is likely to try to nationalise us - in the declared interests of the public, thereby ensuring we all starve. Is there any way we can stop them? Not if we stick to what we planned. I have come to the conclusion that the only way we can stay in control is to think on a heroic scale - we must be so big, the interests involved so diverse and strong in their own ways, that no single government will dare to try to over-tax or nationalise us.
Let me give you an example. Imagine that we are successful - not wildly so, but at least our people have a few of the basic foods for survival. I can guarantee you that certain neighbouring countries will not have taken any steps in time to save their people. Will they not eye our meagre riches with a covetous eye? How long before international treaties are torn up and armies march on us?”
“Jesus!” Robert looked around and saw everyone felt the same way as him. “You are painting such a grim picture I don’t see how we can survive. It might be better to return to Africa…damn, the same will happen there. Kenya is not taking any of the steps Tanganyika has taken, nor have any of the other neighbouring countries. Alki, we are talking about the end of civilisation!”
“Not necessarily my young friend. Allow me to continue with my suggestions and then we take a break for our meal, as the food is ready to be served. Robert, what if we extend our ideas to include Turkey, Bulgaria, Rumania and a few others who are willing to allow us to control their agriculture if we include local shareholders? As a group we will be stronger for repelling attacks from their neighbours, Greece will no longer be directly in the line of fire and…none of the governments will dare try to take us over, as it would topple the entire structure with disastrous results for all. Having our farms spread over diverse climatic areas also spreads the risks, while the proximity of all markets to each other means we can transport food by rail or ships even when fuel is no longer easily available.
Let us put aside our worries for a while so as to enjoy our meal and the company of our two lovely ladies. Tippity, will you sit between Cherine and I?”
As the dazed group moved to the dining room, Nicko confided to Robert in a whisper, “Now you see why he has become the wealthiest and most powerful man in Greece.”
“Jesus! He’s made my balls shrivel up from fear. I had not extrapolated anywhere along the lines he has, I’d only considered the immediate and central problem - how to grow enough food to save everyone…” he wrung his lips in a wry smile, “…only my ‘everyone’ only included the population of one tiny country, not the whole region!”
He was seated next to Elias so he took the plunge. “Patera, I love her.” Elias put his hand over his hand, gently squeezed and spoke to Claire, answering some private comment she’d made. Robert hoped the touch showed Elias was not upset or disgusted by him. The meal was pleasant, the company as intimate as a family should be and everyone mulled over what Alki had told them. After the meal they moved back to the sitting room for coffee and brandy - chocolate liqueurs for Cherine and nuts for Tippity.
Elias spoke first. “None of the countries mentioned can afford to finance a project this size. I think you will have to think bigger Alki.” Alki burst out laughing; Elias has spent the last twenty years telling him he thought too big. Elias acknowledged the irony with a nod. “I don’t want to involve the United Nations as they’d wrest control and then everything will becomes politics, plus cost five times as much as it should. I suggest our first step should be that we send Nicko to buy out the growers of the tomato trees. We must then urgently send out enough trees to every country for nurseries to be created that can make those countries self-sufficient. Why should we have to dedicate farms to growing the tomato trees? Surely it would be far more efficient to promote the concept that every family should have their own tree?”
Robert's face lit up. “I read that people in cities in Japan who live in apartments are growing small vegetable or herbal patches in the islands that separate traffic and wherever else there is earth not covered by concrete or tar. Another example is here in Athens. A popular ornamental tree is the bitter orange, the nerantzi. The fruit cannot be eaten and I do not see why we should not fill our streets with lemon trees. Olive trees would also be effective, maybe oranges and tangerines, cherries and mulberries. The greater the variety of fruit trees the public will be able to eat from, the better.
People used to have their own vegetable patch at the back of their house. Now hardly anyone does - why? The governments must give incentives, perhaps by supplying seeds and advice, so that a variety of products are grown by the consumers themselves. Along with a tomato tree they could grow their own cabbages, carrots, green peppers and so on. Perhaps governments could create communal mini produce markets where the families could sell or exchange their excess produce for vegetables they did not grow? They should not try to tax such sales, as it would only be a nightmare for them to monitor and people would avoid supporting the concept, selling only to friends and neighbours. Perhaps each homeowner could rent for a very nominal sum a tiny stand in the community market? Jesus, this idea could be extended in all sorts of directions!” His eyes widened. “Alki, can we convince governments to remove all taxes on food? Taxes only mean we are condemning citizens to death from starvation.”
Alki nodded. “Good ideas from both of you, thank you.” He looked around. “Roberto’s ideas may sound naïve, but we have to adapt to the changes being forced on us, so maybe they are not that naïve - anymore. Their ideas do not preclude our doing as we planned, they only extend the possibilities. Robert, I do not wish to rely on governments doing anything efficiently. We can create farms that grow the basic foods that can be grown locally in bulk and use our presence to subsidise and promote your ideas. I think that Elias hit the nail on the head, why limit ourselves to one area, all the world will be starving soon, we must do all we can to help this become an international effort. Instead of corporations providing funds to charities that only buy food to feed the hungry, we will promote the idea they should help fund the growth of food in countries that presently cannot afford to do so?”
Robert spoke of something that had been on his mind for a long time. “Alki, there has been a lot of controversy about gene splicing and mutated plants. As long as the level of civilisation and technology we have attained can be sustained, those arguments will not come to a conclusion. Now that we know that the fuel will not exist for us to continue in the way we’ve evolved, we must return to plants that grow from seeds and produce their own seeds for future crops, otherwise we will be far too vulnerable.
Perhaps we should also appoint a committee of experts to work out what the results of urban sprawl will be. For all of history, men who had to work in an area, lived in that area, thus creating cities. As much as I hate living in a city, we cannot afford the fuel spent on millions driving in and out of cities every day just for the purpose of going to work. We should examine ideas and ways for us to make it more attractive for people to live in cities. Maybe there are ways we can make cities safer and because of the condensed habitation provide heating in winter and spaces where the young and old can enjoy themselves? If it is not done now in a planned and beneficial way, it will happen as soon as we run out of fuel and the collapse and chaos will cost many lives and probably even destroy economies.” He paused. “A number of people will still be able to stay out of cities if they can work from home or they use a solar-powered vehicle. Another possibility is that people live in the city, but spend weekends and holidays at their country or small town homes.”
They talked late into the night, ideas and suggestions flowing as passion for their dream took over - even Claire, Cherine and Marian making suggestions - and Tippity probably would have also if he could have spoken, if his attentive look as they spoke was any indication.
