NURS3102 Clinical Practice, University of New Castle

This course provides the clinical basis for the nursing care of patients of all ages. What is important in

this course is the provable skill in critical thinking and clinical reasoning. All these relate to assessment,

planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing as well as good communication skills and

teamwork.

The Importance of NURS3102 Clinical Practice, University of New Castle

This course helps the nurse to communicate and collaborate effectively with the customers, families and

other careers in the clinical environment. Furthermore, it helps the nurse to apply knowledge and skills

of effective communication, and teamwork, and to demonstrate effective written and verbal

communication while in service.

Are You in Need of NURS3102 Clinical Practice Assignment Help?

Some of the most common reasons why a student finds it hard to cope with assignments are: because a

properly done assignment should have good content and is properly formatted. The assignment needs

to explain the topic questions appropriately. The student should ensure that the assignment does not

deviate from the topic or question, but at the same time it should be plagiarism free. Furthermore, the

student has got little time to do research about the topic and write the assignment for submission

before the stipulated time. This causes a lot of anxiety and stress to the student for it is indeed a huge

burden. That is why Expertminds come to the rescue of the student writing the assignment. Expertminds

have the capability to tackle all kinds of assignments since they have highly qualified tutors who have

been in the educational and academic environment long enough to know all the goes into the writing of

masterpiece assignments required by professors marking assignments under NURS3102 Clinical Practice.

How Does it Work?

Whenever students receive an assignment under NURS3102 Clinical Practice they do not hesitate to

contact Expertminds to help out with the writing of the assignment. A student may be unprepared or is

facing a health challenge to be able to write a proper assignment and get good grades. Qualified tutors

respond to the student's questions online and quote the price. The student has a chance to explain his

requirements and expectations and because Expertminds have experienced and are highly trained

tutors who work on the assignments, the student will rest assured that he will get the assignment back

before the submission deadline. It is a seamless activity that goes on twenty four hours a day, seven

days a week such that there is a guarantee of service delivery at any given time. Moreover, the student

is free to reach out to Expertminds with questions from anywhere they are since it is an online service.

The student thus has enough time for other critical activities in campus.

In addition to this, there is no risk at all to the student in reaching out to Expertminds for assistance with

this matter because Expertminds are a reliable company that provides top notch services that guarantee

success as the student will definitely be able to get good grades in exams. Moreover, assignments are

free of plagiarism; the assignments are subjected to plagiarism

Finding San Antonio Home Builder

When you have finally decided to build a house it is very critical that you consider

choosing a good San Antonio home builder. It can be very frustrating to start a new

project without first getting a qualified person in that field to go with you every step of

the way. A home is important to human beings. From the start to the end of the project

all details have to be carefully considered to avoid problems and losses. When selecting

a good San Antonio home builder the following factors need to be carefully observed:

1. Their reputation

The reputation of a San Antonio home builder is very crucial for you to know. Ask

around and see if anyone in the neighborhood has worked with them or is familiar with

them. Look for the local directories in your area to find out more about the San Antonio

home builder. He must have a good reputation to start with.

2. Their experience

You need to get a San Antonio home builder who has worked long enough in the

construction industry. Avoid novices who might want to zero-in on your naivety and take

your hard-earned money after doing some shoddy job. You will have to regret. Go for an

experienced professional.

3. He listens

A good San Antonio home builder should be a good listener. You do not want to have

someone who ignores your views. The person must be willing to give you advice on

how to go about building a great home. A good listener is your sure bet. 

4. Their license

A true San Antonio home builder is one who is already licensed and insured for the job.

Carefully scrutinize his documents to find out if he is duly registered with the relevant

government agencies. A trusted San Antonio home builder is one with an insurance

cover card from a trustworthy company. Do not over-look this important aspect.

5. Their expertise

A qualified San Antonio home builder must have the necessary expertise in the field.

The person must be well-trained to build. You need to verify that the person went to

college to get the required skills. 

6. A Detailed, Organized Person

A reliable San Antonio home builder must be an organized person with an eye for

details. He must have learned the ropes of home building long enough to spot any

anomalies. You do not want to hire someone who falters along and does things rashly.

7. Their Patience

When selecting a good San Antonio home builder you need to find someone who is

patient. You should hire somebody who will not irritate you by asking for payment every

now and then. Get a San Antonio home builder who is understanding and willing

Academic Session 2020

July Semester

Assignment 1

BBM207/05 Human Resource Management

Question 1 (a) The purpose of the Employment Act 1955 is to provide minimum terms of

employment to employees covered by the Act in the private sector. Describe the provision of

sick leave (medical leave) to employees as per the Act

Answer:

A registered medical practitioner as to define the term refers to any person who has a university

degree in Medicine and is duly licensed to work as a doctor in his geographical region or

jurisdiction. This is according to www.lawinsider.com website.

A registered medical practitioner also refers to an individual who has acquired the relevant

medical qualifications according to the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 and has been listed in

the state register on medical practice. Additionally, this professional must have training and

experience in gynaecology and obstetrics (www.lawinsider.com). Also, a registered medical

practitioner refers to any person who has obtained formal listing or enrollment in state medical

council after completing first degree medical course in a college or university that is recognized

by the government (www.quora.com).

In the United Kingdom when a doctor becomes licensed as a medical practitioner their bio-data

would be made available for public viewing on the General Medical Council website (

datadictionary.nhs.uk ). These details would include the person's reference number, age, year and

name of medical school they attended, health status, date of registration and registration status.

In every country a doctor or medical professional is legally allowed to practice medicine only

after getting registered in the relevant state or govenmental medical register. Any doctor or

medical officer who engaged in medical practice without being licensed to do so commits a

criminal offense which is punishable by law.

Careers and opportunities available for registered medical practitioners include the following:

employment opportunities in government hospitals and health departments and centres as doctors

or clinical officers; jobs as medical practitioners in private hospitals and dispensaries, own

private practice, management and administrative roles in hospitals and medical research centres,

research roles and PhD programs, medical professor or tutor,  and medical transcription work

(blog.pharmafranchisehelp.org).

According to Merrium-Webster dicictionary a registered medical practitioner is a person who is

skilled in the science of medicine, or simply, a doctor. According to medical-

dictionary.thefreedictionary.com, medical practitioner is commonly referred to as physician. All

the above try to explain or give some of the definitions of the term registered medical

practitioner.

Sick Leave Entitlement

According to www.malaysianbar.org.my there are provisions for a paid sick leave although

limits are there. The worst thing to happen to an employee would be to have his job terminated

on account of his illness. The unpleasant situation is common not just in Malaysia but in other

countries as well. That is where the Employment Act, 1955 of the Malaysian Laws has this

provision to govern the conduct of employers and employees. An employee is there to render

important services to or on behalf of the employer. This is a contractual relationship. Where an

employee reports to work but is unhealthy or unable to work because of ill health this is absurd.

On the other hand, where an employee requests for a sick leave but is denied this becomes a

serious breach of the law on the part of the employer. In other cases, where an employee abuses

the sick leave by overstaying at home then there would be no other choice for the employer but

to wait for the employee to return to work or just terminate the contract. In larger companies and

organizations when an employee falls sick and is forced to stay away from work for long, the

colleagues may step in to assist with work duties. This ensures that the effect of the sick

employee's absence from work are lessened. A sick employee therefore is entitled to paid sick

leave of up to a number of days in the month depending on how long the employee has been

working at the organization. This is according to the Employment Act, 1955.

During the employment stage, that is, when one is being accepted to join an organization as an

employee in Malaysia it is recommended that the employer drafts a document or letter stipulating

the acceptable period of paid sick leave entitled to the employee.

According to the Employment Act, 1955 an employee is entitled to fourteen days of paid sick

leave within the first two years of work at a particular organization. After the individual has

served for at least two years the number of days rises to eighteen, and to twenty two days of paid

sick leave, if having served for at least five years.

Hospitalization Leave Entitlement

According to www.ajobthing.com medical leave is granted to employees to stay home when they

are sick but still keep earning money. In the same vein, hospitalization leave covers the period

that the employee receives hospital care.

This must be approved and signed by a registered medical practitioner. The circumstances under

which hospitalization leave address include the following: when an employee underwent a

surgical operation, though as an outpatient; when the person is on bed rest at home or at hospital

as prescribed by the doctor; or the patient requires further medical care after getting discharged

from hospital and ordered to rest at home to recover.

In the Employment Act, 1955 of the Malaysian Laws an employee is entitled to a paid sick leave

as follows: fourteen days of paid sick leave if below two years of work at the organization,

eighteen days of paid sick leave if having served more than two years but not more than five

years at the organization, and twenty-two days of paid sick leave if having served more than five

years at the organization.

Workers under the Employment Act, 1955, where hospitalization is needed are entitled to sixty

days of paid sick leave. This is after they have been approved by a registered medical

practitioner or doctor. However, there are other employees in Malaysia who are not under the

Employment Act, 1955. Their needs and entitlements are safeguarded by their organization's

employment policies and contracts.

Dental Medical Care

According to the Employment Act, 1955 of the Malaysian Laws every employee is entitled to

medical care and dental health care. If an employee is suffering from a dental health problem

while at work he is entitled to a paid sick leave as well as hospitalization leave provided he has

been approved by a registered medical practitioner or dental surgeon.

Duty to Inform Employer

It is the duty of every employee according to the Employment Act, 1955 of the Malaysian Laws

to give prior notice of absence from work on account of his illness the the employer. In case the

employee becomes absent from work with no prior notice of such it becomes a breach of contract

with the employer and would be treated as abscondment which is an offense. This could likely

lead to his services being terminated.

Sick Leave vs. Maternity Leave and Temporary Disablement

A woman who has served for not less than ninety days for one employer in Malaysia will be

entitled to a maternity leave. In this case, the woman will not be fired or replaced with someone

else during her time of confinement. Maternity Leave is different from sick leave. This is a paid

two-month maternity leave given to an expectant woman to go and give birth and nurse her

suckling baby. A sick leave, on the other hand, is granted to a sick employee who might not be

hospitalized. In case of temporary disablement as a result of injury, accident or any other causes,

an employee is granted leave to go and get hospitalization or just take time off to recuperate.

This is agreeable on a case by case basis. The duration is also agreed upon by the employee and

employer. In some cases, with regards to maternity leave, some companies in Malaysia let their

employers to extend their two-month maternity leave, although with no payment.

Question 2

a)

Develop a Job Description for the position of  Finance Manager. You are required to include

duties and responsibilities, reporting line, supervision, special duties and working conditions.

Job Title

This is a mid-level senior management job posting dealing with financial issues of an

organization. Finance Manager is critical to the success of the organization and they operate in

most sectors like banking, health care, education, agriculture and insurance.

Department

The Finance Manager in collaboration with the Finance Director are in charge of the financial

department and they both oversee all the activities taking place on a daily basis in the finance

department, especially staff supervision and collection of daily reports from them.

Reporting Line

The Finance Manager's line of duty involves being in constant touch and rapport with his

superior, the Finance Director and below him are the junior accountants and clerks.

Supervision

The Finance Manager supervises the finance department and related departments like

procurement office as well as petty cash office.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Finance Manager's Roles include monitoring the everyday financial activities in an

organization. These include in-house expenditures like car fuels, electricity bill payment, staff

salaries and remunerations, meals, purchases and invoicing. He also prepares research schemes

for data analysis on behalf of the top management in the company or organization. He also

ensures that proper procedures in accounting are adhered to. Furthermore; he manages cash

flows into and out of the organization and prepares a balance sheet. In addition to that, Finance

Manager is instrumental in the analysis of projects undertaken by the company

(www.glassdoor.com).

Special Duties

Some of the special duties assigned to the Finance Manager in any organization include

developing long-term budgetary plans for the company, to predict or make a forecast for future

markets and fiscal trends that may impact on the company, also, his duty is to report to the senior

level administrative organs of the organization as well as develop business relationships with

investors.

Working Conditions

A Finance Manager needs to be stress tolerant. He should be able to work with many people with

diverse views who might at times subject him to criticism. He should also possess the virtue of

self-control, for him to be able to keep calm in difficult situations.

Benefits and Salary

According to collegegrade.com the average salary annually for the finance manager is $129,890.

Since financial managers are controllers of an organization, i.e. they  are in charge of the drafting

of fiscal reports and predict the future fiscal status of the company with instruments such as

income statements and balance sheets they are deserving of such high remunerations.

Additionally, they are granted paid annual leave, paid study leave, supported with morgage plans

and have got great pension schemes for retirement.

(b) Develop Job Specifications for the Position of Finance Manager including qualifications,

related experience, skills, knowledge, behavior and special demands.

Qualifications

A successful Finance Manager must have a degree in either one or more of the following:

Economics, Management, Accountancy or Finance, Business Studies or Commerce and/or

Mathematics (www.roberthalf.com).

Language

Language is vital in a business environment since it is the basis of all sound communication

within and without a business entity. Effective communication skills is a requirement for every

finance manager to succeed. He needs to possess both excellent written and spoken language

skills. This helps the employees and senior administration to make better informed decisions

(Indeed.com).

Experience

The Finance Manager should have at least one year experience at entry level position as a cash

manager; i.e. monitoring the flow of money into and out of the company. Furthermore, since

finance manager is a risk manager, i.e. controls risks controlled involved in financial strategies

he needs to to have served in a similar role before, something like a one-year experience

(collegegrade.com).

Skills

Finance Manager job requires that an individual must possess strong leadership skills, public

speaking skills, communication skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills, data

analytical skills, research skills, critical thinking skills, computer skills, planning skills, and

multi-tasking skills (www.monster.co.uk).

Knowledge

Because a financial manager job is a hands-on job the potential candidate for recruitment for this

position should be knowledgeable in in this fields: accounting and economic principles as well as

banking and financial markets, he should have deep knowledge of business and management

principles, leadership issues, psychology, human resource management, customer support

principles, knowledge of mathematics and as well as knowledge of sales and marketing

principles.

Behaviour

Finance Manager should be a person who is dependable at all times by fulfilling the obligations

of the set by the company. A Finance Manager should be adaptable to the fast-changing

environment especially by embracing the new technologies

     About 6.30 on a sunny autumn evening, David Kalya moved around the mouse of his lap top computer aimlessly, browsing the internet, searching for something worthwhile and interesting to give a nice ending to his day in the office. The man in his late thirties had a body- builder physique, a confident countenance imprinted on his dark African face and an average height. After a couple of minutes the dark-suited man with a matching tie and clear spectacles perhaps having achieved whatever he wished to, shut down the system. As he continued sitting there, wild thoughts and weird imaginations began to race through his mind. Painful, sorrowful memories of his past right from his childhood days smote him hard. He tried to console himself with the review of his small, few and far- between victories he had managed to claim on his long, bumpy ride to his present destination. He then recalled the day when his wife whom he dearly loved shared with him her last moments before her life ebbed away. This hurt his already wounded soul. He just could not come to terms with his status as a widower. Just before these powerful thoughts could crush his feelings, Judas Kimuma alias Bellringer sauntered into the office casually and they shook hands. David?s friend was, as the nickname suggests an employee of Nasa Stock Exchange whose work was to ring the bell during ceremonies of selling shares or when marking the listing of a company?s bond on the trading floor. He was a crafty, eccentric young man whose presence anywhere at any time could be felt heavily. He was David?s cousin; a fact that he was fond of and could be visibly flattered on being enquired about his identity. The reason for this was explicit: David Kalya was the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the land of Sheba, a great African state. The president was overly excited when Judas Kimuma joined him so as to keep him company as he went out for the evening. He always found great company and comfort in the young man. Suffice it to say that they shared confidences together and the most important matters of the state were hatched and implemented on Kimuma?s consultation and advice. They worked on ?I-scratch-your-back-and-you-scratch-mine? principle, a practice common to all Africans. And it worked well. The masses enjoyed good governance where peace, love and unity abounded.

            In the presence of this young man, the president began to visualize a possible breakthrough in his dream. A dream which heavily burdened his mind, heart and soul day and night. He felt embarrassed that he was yet to act on it and yet he was beginning the second year since being elected president. He was apprehensive of one Rose Akinyi, a beautiful young lady who was a hailed leader of the official opposition party in parliament. If indeed he would launch his project by introducing the motion bearing the weight of his dream for debate on the floor of the House would it make any sense to the omniscient, critical opposition lady? He often visualized himself being booed by the MPs, led by Rose, the people?s heroine. And he would stand there sheepishly, a script in hand, bearing words of empty rhetoric if he ever attempted to give it a shot. This pushed him further into a groove of despondency. It was not, however, that Rose was a bad woman finding fault with everything but that he was entranced by this tall, smiling woman passing for a good wife. But he was shy of declaring his feelings. Mixed feelings of fear and adoration, that was all. Nonetheless, the more he attempted taking a step in that direction the more he hurt himself. Time was running out and no progress at all. He got guilty of entertaining those thoughts when he was jerked to life by Bellringer?s ranting in poor English. ?I told myself go and accompany cousin out tonight. I realize it?s hard job being president of Sheba, talking to people all day and nobody to stay with in quietness. I urged me to go compensate you for helping me achieve boyhood goal of taking charge of nation?s economy. I learnt in primary school in my Geography, History and Civics class that country?s economy is most vital than anything else. You held my hand and pulled me from nowhere and landed me a great job!? President David Kalya smiled understandingly and nodded to him. Still, images of his big vision in life and Rose?s beauty raced through his mind. Although paying attention to Bellringer, half of his mind was engulfed by those images. He wondered how that would come to pass. He knew that on the outward appearance, he displayed the posture of a confident, competent administrator but deep down, he nursed wounds resulting from his weakness. ?Let?s leave the palace right now and please remind me later at the hotel to tell you something about Rose and my ambition,? the president said. ?I?ll do.? Bellringer replied. The two got into a Mercedes followed by the driver and the president?s bodyguard. The car sped in the direction of a hotel.

      *                                   *                                 *                                              *

            It was a warm dusk in Nasa, capital of Sheba. Rose Akinyi was reclining on a sofa in her house in the company of her siblings and a few friends. In this atmosphere she very well assumed the role of a matriarch. Their parents having died many years back, and she being their eldest child, was left with the responsibility of taking care of her siblings. By this time the two brothers and two sisters of hers were now grown ups pursuing their college studies in Nasa city. They had just moved house and dwelt in this new palatial house she purchased upon earning a good salary as a legislator.

            It was one of those fast-paced days when she enjoyed peace and comfort in the house after those hectic moments of work during the day. After all, it was her home and she had every right to relax and feel good to be with her siblings and a few close friends. Life was good. Nevertheless, this awareness of being single was something of a worry to her. She made up her mind since the demise of her parents that she would remain single for the rest of her life. This was in keeping with her relatives? word that she takes up the responsibility that fell on her to oversee the affairs of her younger siblings. Another thing which bolstered her resolve had to do with her own perception. She once attended a lecture on engagement and marriage at her church when they were still living upcountry. In those days she had had a strong desire to be engaged to a handsome young man whom she would marry. It was a feeling she brought home after finishing high school probably having acquired it from her peers. During one lecture session the marriage counselor said:  ??we may illustrate marriage as something taking the shape of a tent. Wedlock is one pole; the physical union of sexual relation is the second and love is the third. For a tent to provide a good shelter, all the three aspects of wedlock, sex and love must be present. That marriage is safe, happy and firm.? Later after the session while Rose was serving the counselor at lunch time in his office, a young lady who was touched by the lesson especially the illustration of a tent came to talk with him. She was troubled by her own marriage. She was candid enough to confess that she was not yet legally married to the man with whom she was cohabiting. She revealed that she had eloped with her suitor when she had mistaken lust for love. Down the line she became pregnant and delivered a child. Her parents forsook her for the foolish thing she committed. Her husband refused to legalize their marriage and began to batter her. She had nowhere to go. She began to sob uncontrollably as she compared her own married life to a tent with one pole missing ? that of a legal act of wedlock.

She added that her tent was raining in and the child too suffered a great deal. The counselor did his best to console and advise her. From that experience Rose began to view marriage as a bed of thorns, not that of roses. However the two factors that undergirded her determination to remain single were wobbling and getting feeble with time. Right now in fact she was considering rescinding the decision. Perhaps a little optimism and the favor of God would grant a happy marriage. After all, her siblings were now mature enough to fend for themselves, she reasoned. To say that she never eyed a potential husband was a fallacy. For it was true that she had greatly admired David Kalya long before he became president. She highly regarded this man?s demeanor and character. Nonetheless, she had reservations about her potential spouse. Who would like a widower with a boy-child for a husband? Who would delight in a husband facing charges of war crimes committed in the past? Even if those charges had been put on hold currently what if the case was reopened in the near future? Those were thoughts that weighed heavily on her mind as she sat quietly warming herself by the electric heater in the sitting room.

            Her sisters were busy preparing supper in the kitchen while one of her brothers was watching television soap as the other one revised for his college exams imminent in his room. Her two friends, a lady and a man, were busy getting acquainted with a few odds and ends inside the guest room as they prepared for the night. A moment later, the male friend returned and sat beside her to warm himself. His name was Kogi. ?How was your day?? Rose enquired, smiling.

 ?It was fine, except for a few ups and downs here and there. That?s life. Somebody once stated: ?things turn out the best for those who make the best of the way things turned out.? He replied. ?It?s true. It may also be the same personage who said little things make the difference in every facet of life, so to get the most out of life add the little extra that makes the difference between winning and losing.?

            The two went on to discuss current affairs in Sheba, analyzing every phenomenon whether good or bad point by point. As they did so, they were both in their element. The type of people who could be termed as having political blood.

            It occurred that there was an agreement called the Regional Charter that had just been ratified among Sheba and five other neighboring states. There had been a mighty push by many quarters to achieve that pact so much so that when it finally materialized it was regarded as the chief milestone for the region. Directly it was put into effect, ushering in a new dispensation. Among the provisions of the charter comprised: Amnesty to political prisoners, and flexible economic stimulus regulations for member states. ?Change is like the rest. We are now living in a new era. The Information Age. Nobody should ever dupe you out there in the village by claiming to be a great leader somewhere and leave you misinformed. Things have never been better. As time goes the society matures both in intellect and technology. The keyword here is progress. But then again progress must go hand in hand with liberty,? Rose philosophized.

?I strongly feel that the more things change the more they remain the same,? replied Kogi. ?Do you still remember the day we received the Constitution??

?Yes, we were jubilant,? said Rose.

 ?Yes the moment we held it in our hands we were overly elated,? sad Kogi. ?However that happiness lasted a day. True happiness should be sustainable. It was better when we looked forward to something. Those days when we endured pain because of our expectations. Yet when the wind came it took away our grain and left us with only chaff!?

      *                                   *                                 *                                              *

            Parliament was opening its Tuesday afternoon session. President David Kalya glanced at his watch which read 2:40. Being ten minutes late as usual on arriving at the parliament precincts lawmakers were already seated inside in anticipation of him and the speaker. This day the president entered parliament, marching elegantly to be accorded a standing ovation by the parliamentarians. Deep down he was anxious. With trepidation, he avoided glancing at the opposition side lest he noticed how Rose was responding to his entry. He recalled that of late the opposition leader rose to her feet lazily, actually becoming the last one to stand. This was under the pretext that she was engrossed in her files; flipping through them in readiness for the beginning of the session. This had occurred on several occasions in the recent past, upsetting his feelings.

            He proceeded to his seat behind the speaker and sat, took out a handkerchief from his coat pocket and wiped his glistening face. Having regained strength and composure that had hitherto been sapped from his person by anxiety, he scanned the opposition side and saw her sitting on the front row. He wondered whether she had regarded his triumphant march directly past her in the past two minutes. Still focusing on her, he envied her calm, confident composure. She looked unruffled by circumstances all the time. She was busy flipping through her files as she conversed with a certain fellow called Mr. Tom Tum, a new legislator. They seemed to be discussing something quite interesting as they kept laughing heartily all the while. David Kalya felt unpopular in spite of himself since, he realized, he could not associate with some underling like Tom Tum. Yet Rose Akinyi, a sophisticated intellectual as she was, could amicably interact with all persons regardless of their status.

            Immediately after the speaker?s arrival the session began in earnest. Firstly, orders from the chair. Secondly, questions, thirdly ministerial statements, then debate. His Excellency thought at this juncture about his burning ambition. Will it sail through considering the present atmosphere? He noticed the sad dejected looks on his ministers? faces, their hearts having been bruised by some tough questioning MPs. He felt sorry for them. Incidentally, the government was going on a loose tangent lately. There was a public outcry. Damaging reports arose from various parts of the nation as citizens decried and bemoaned generally declining standards occasioned by bad governance. An avalanche of worries bombarded the government side, that is the Executive, not least His Excellency. He kept wondering why at no time since he captured his place in the House on the Hill a good, noble report was ever brought to his ears. Ills, confusions, chaos galore. He called to mind a character on a certain novel where the character was talking to his friends saying ?If anyone wan make you minister make you run fast like flames commot!? Sadly in his case, he thought, he would dissuade his son by saying, ?If anyone wan make you president, make you shoot yourself in flames!?

            At one point during the session David Kalya tried to seek assistance of the government chief whip to introduce the motion carrying the weight of his dream on his behalf. Just at that moment when he was on the verger of delegating the great task to his servant, it dawned on him that he had committed a fatal error which would have been starkly suicidal. He had not consulted his deputy on the matter. The deputy could have read conspiracy in the whole scheme and accused the president of high-handedness, worse even, opposed the motion by any means necessary. That was the gravity of the matter. He did not wholly put his confidence in his deputy. Though keeping faith with tenets of competitive democracy which he advocated for, His Excellency kept his vice at an arms length on matters bordering on his personal convictions especially this one now. He was at a political crossroads; his destiny hinged on the steps parliament led by Rose and the vice- president took. As he sat there, looming larger than life figures savagely in the recesses of his mind, his worries seemed to intensify by the minute. He saw Rose in front of him, either in realty or in mirage. His feelings about her now were impelling him to embrace her if only to comfort him. She appeared tranquil like an innocent baby girl. Her hair was tied up in an elegant knot on the top of her head in the form of a star. Towards the end of the session, the atmosphere was breathing gently, the air charged with warmth and peace. This gave him memories of his late wife sleeping peacefully in arms. He missed her deeply. If only Rose, by some miraculous conviction, be stirred to love him and marry him, he wished.

            The session came to an end with David Kalya walking out a dejected mortal. The awareness of his standing in society notwithstanding, he was grieving inside, his object of desire seemed elusive, every struggle was being harshly refuted and even horribly smitten by ominous powers marring his path to Destiny. This situation would be repeated ad infinitum.

President David Kalya had received an urgent call and flown out of the country for a day or two. On the day that he left his home on weekend, Bishop Gamaliel had just paid him a courtesy call or an informal visit at home. He was a revered personality internationally. He had won multiple awards in acknowledgment and honor to him for his unrelenting struggle to promote peace, fairness and justice in the society. He had mediated in various disputes of national and international concerns in several countries on the continent of Africa, successfully bringing about peace and reconciliation to the rival parties. He was a dignitary called conscience keeper.

On this day, the president had entrusted Judas Kimuma with sole responsibility of keeping company the guest at home. A responsibility which Bellringer took up with a spontaneous alacrity. Wearing a T- shirt sagging at the neck and a pair of shorts, Bellringer entered the sitting room carrying a rolled newspaper in his left hand. He shook hands with the guest.

 ?Hello Sir?? How?s abroad? You exchanged each and another? He went abroad and you came from abroad. Ridiculous. You are highly welcome.? He said a greeting to Bishop Gamaliel as he threw his weight on the couch.

 ?Fine, thank you. I traveled safely. When I arrived I found that Nasa city is a really cool place to be this morning. It?s teeming with life and bustling with activity,? replied Bishop Gamaliel.

?Don?t be deceived. On the outward looking of things, citizens pass for angels of light to strange men like you. Stay in Sheba for a week and you discover for oneself they are terrible devils.

Never deceive you again. You?d better be caring or else be carried away by their false beauties.? Bellringer charged

?That's really sad. The people should be contended with whatever they have however little it might be. At least they should appreciate that they are fortunate enough to have a good government which epitomizes peace and tranquility. Other nations are deep in turmoil with no end in sight to their plight. My friend you?re better off in Sheba! Men fight for food, space and justice.?

  ?Stupid people of Sheba! Let me whisper you one secret, Bishop. His Excellency, a very good noble cousin of mine is planning great plans that will shake not Sheba alone but also international world. He plans to introduce a motion in parliament. The motion will be about??.? Judas was cut short when his phone rang. It appeared to be a special message to him as he checked the number of the caller and dashed out to receive it, a smirk smile on his face.

 *                                   *                                 *                                              *

            Rose and Kogi had met at Dates World Hotel, a major rendezvous for most people of high profile, for a cup of tea that Saturday afternoon. They were special and platonic friends who treasured one another?s company. They were discussing their hobbies there at the table. Kogi enjoyed, he said, painting and traveling in his leisure time. He related how he traveled to Germany lately; his intrigues, episodes and experiences. ?Rose, do you remember the Berlin wall?? asked Kogi.

 ?Yes?.err?.the fall of the Berlin wall? Rose recalled.

 ?Yes, I was privileged enough to step my foot at that site bearing the memories of the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe.?Kogi explained. ?On that day thousands were celebrating twenty years sine the epic moment of November 9, 1989. Numerous, colorfully decorated dominoes numbering up to a thousand which were piled along a 1.6 km route were toppled to symbolize both the moment the wall came crushing down and the consequential fall of Communism in Eastern Europe. The memorial services, speeches and events of that day had attracted leaders from around the world. It was captivating watching former Soviet and German leaders walking shoulder to shoulder as they crossed a former fortified border crossing point between East and West Berlin to tumultuous cheers. ?It?s still a miracle and a puzzle to this day,? one of the leaders of twenty seven European Union countries stated. I interviewed one German man aged seventy five by the name Peter Sauff who reminisced about life in the barrier?s shadow. ?It was like a prison. I lived on the western side of the wall. Those were really dark days. We should never forget that day, nor the sacrifices that made it possible. It was the happiest moment of my life. We remember the people of Baltic, who joined forces across their land?, we remember the students of Prague who propelled a dissident playwright from jail to the presidency. Freedom is not a given, it must be earned.? Peter Sauff told me, tears welling up his eyes.?

            That surely was an epic moment for you, Kogi!? Rose beamed with awe; completely carried away by the story.

            A public holiday celebration for the entire nationhood of the people of Sheba had just come to a grinding halt. The country was commemorating their hard- won Independence Day.

The function had been attended by locals and foreigners including high profile personalities hailing from a former colonial power country (currently allies and great donors).

            It had almost become a rule over the years that the celebration at Nasa National Stadium would not be just be rounded up with the presidential speech; but miscellaneous activities entailing singing, feasting and dancing would carry on for the rest of the day, so was the case this day.

            As other people, perhaps having other commitments to accomplish after the main event, rolled out of the stadium in columns, His Excellency and other senior officers in government remained for entertainment. The enigmatic opposition leader too was still lagging behind. She sat with her fellow legislators who were engaged in chit-chat to pass time. Occasionally, silence would creep into the tent as they momentarily diverted attention to people doing dances. Disorganized, uncoordinated groups of people or individuals had sprung up sporadically to engage in frantic, frenzied singing and dancing spree. President David Kalya also took to the stage to play his part. Rose watched quietly. He seemed to be on a warm-up exercise, or trying to search the best dance suitable for him. Then finally he got it and started off.

            He broke gradually into some animated movements without co-ordination; without regard for the traditional sense of rhythm. At this point, Rose stared at him, almost swaying unconsciously in tandem with his sideways body movements. She was very much captivated mentally by his gait and style; as he gently gyrated his muscles amid a dozen fellow dancers, leaving her clamoring for more. As if to express their feelings, the dancers would wriggle and writhe in what looked more or less like pain or ecstasy from time to time. Rose was enthralled probably more than anyone else in the tent! Sadly though, nobody could understand her. She was so absorbed into David that she almost forgot that she was a in the company of her colleagues.

   Punctuating the highly spirited performance were nerve ? racking screams with some steps that did not seem to fit into the twisting and rolling movements. ?This is pot- contemporary African dance craze.? one MP remarked. ?It is an evolution from traditional African dance. They have just introduced into it some new ingredients, making it such a sophisticated dance.?

            ?I beg to differ with you calling it ?post contemporary African dance craze,? ?? Rose objected, tongue-in-cheek, anyway. She folded her arms across her bust and continued. ?The French facilitated almost four decades ago and a blended theirs with West African authentic dance. Ordinarily audience cannot understand this type of dance. Let?s leave it to intellectuals and foreigners!?

            In her time of silence as she was spellbound by the artistry of His Excellency, she felt glad that Judas Kimuma was nowhere around him. She recalled how she was lately having to feed up with Bellringer for a reason God knew why. He just disgusted her, yet she could not comprehend or explain it. In the young man?s presence around her, or noticing him near the president made her feel like vomiting out something of a squalor. Therefore, she was at present at peace with David and herself.

            The great controversy! A half a year appraisal-cum-bounding session for senior government officials from the executive, the parliament and the judiciary was held for a whole day inside Nasa Conference Center. This meeting was convened and chaired by the President David Kalya. It was a momentous day whereby the leaders had the opportunity to evaluate the past progress visa-a vis the present position and strategize on what lay ahead of them. Every officer had the liberty and mandate to raise his or her issues, point out flaws and criticize constructively where necessary and give credit where it was due. Since the outset of this forum early in the morning, so far so good.

            The first session had come to a close and with that, they took lunch at midday. Then they resumed the afternoon session. It was at this moment that the president began to experience jitters; a kind of a premonition of a difficult time ahead of him. Hence as he composed himself on his cushioned chair to open the session, he faltered and stammered a little in his five-minute speech. The theme they were set to deliberate on was: ?The Rule of Law, Democracy and Justice.? By virtue of its connotation, this theme caused a big stir in the House as soon as the president opened room for views, criticisms and recommendations, since it was the pillars on which the entire nation and humanity stood.

            The attorney general proclaimed thus, ?A characteristic of the rule of law and justice is that no man, save for the president, and is above the law.? There was a trace of hushed murmur in the hall ensuing the AG?s remark, who was the government?s chief legal advisor. The AG seemed to have been impressed by his own comment or reaction of others as he kept laughing by himself.

?What?s the principle of equality for all?? MP Tom Tum asked the AG.

?You know, ladies and gentlemen, that the judiciary interprets the laws made by parliament. Who then implements the laws? Definitely it?s the executive. And the head of the executive is the president!? the AG replied, punching the table with a fist.

?What is lost in this analysis is the more fundamental implication of your assertion, Mr. AG as regards your position in this scheme of things.? Rose Akinyi the opposition leader prodded him.

President David Kayla?s heart was at this moment throbbing mercilessly. Suggestions for devolution of powers crossed his mind. He could only manage to shout feebly, ?Order! Order in the house, please!? he signaled to the AG to answer the question.

            ?Ladies and gentlemen, to answer Rose?s question, I would say I am subject to the law, though I may be an indispensable instrument of the law to the land of Sheba and to the government.? The AG answered looking beaten.

            ?You know,? it was Rose again, ?Mr. AG, we are bound to enquire about the source of authority in proclaiming the president to be above the law. You are member of the executive at the same level as a minister. You are an ex-officio member of parliament, and not only that, you sit in the Judicial Operation Committee that determines who becomes a judge in Sheba. You also sit on many independent commissions set up with varying mandates including the one reviewing the constitution. In one fell swoop, Mr. AG, I am sorry; you?ve arrogated to yourself the roles of the three arms of the government. In light of your opening statement, and having analyzed your performance in the past half-year, it is difficult not to conclude that your words had nothing to do with the person or office of the president.?

            ?Not only that,? Tom Tum was saying, ?the AG enjoys a security of tenure and cannot be removed except through recommendation of a tribunal and the occurrence of the president. It is next to impossible to prosecute him for any of his unlawful acts, whether as private individual or as the AG since he wields the all- powerful weapon known in legalese as ?nolle prosequi?. Sadly, he has actually used this weapon in the past for his own protection and the protection of others in the wrong. It is therefore my considered opinion that the entire struggle for democratization of the nation and government has been gravely misguided and focused on the wrong objectives and individuals.?

            ?It?s my conviction that if we seek true reforms in the political and judicial architecture of the state, we should not look further than the National Law Office. We should specifically trim the outlandish, excessive powers wielded by the AG.? Rose delivered her verdict. ?It?s disillusioning against any concept of ?democracy? for an individual to wield so much power with no checks and balances on the function of the office. By so doing we would be on the path to ridding Sheba of the object which is the embodiment of the phenomenon of impunity.?

            There was dead silence in the hall at this juncture as each person pondered in the heart the magnitude and effect of the accusations leveled at the AG. The AG now looked forlorn and withdrawn, far from his usual ready -chuckle demeanor. As if his heart would suddenly disintegrate into pieces, the president awaited with deeply suppressed apprehension any utterance Rose would make against his person now that the AG was already dealt with appropriately. Matters were not made any better seeing as he had fallen for her secretly; any snide remark by her about him would aggravate his feelings by and by; his suspicions that the secret he gave Bellringer about his still- born ambitions might have been leaked to everybody made him a bundle of nerves.

            It transpired during that session that there had been so many flaws in that administration: Talk of abdicated responsibility in the war against corruption, an indomitable monster; failure to regulate the nation?s food reserves occasioning a ravaging famine; growing insecurity both within and without the borders, and rampant unemployment among the youth. The challenges of governance!

            Thus accusations and counteraccusations continued to mar the better part of the afternoon session. Pride and prejudice. Almost every senior leader from every arm of the government received a fair share of the blame. At the close of the session, President Kalya remarked that he was optimistic that every officer had gleaned a lesson for the good of the nation. This was the directive he gave in closing: ?The fight against corruption must neither be personalized nor politicized.?

            No sooner had David walked out of the hall than Rose approached him. He could not know how to feel or react. ?Your Excellency,? Rose Akinyi said, shaking his hand firmly. ?I need not enlarge upon personal differences we have on several matters. They are a tempting subject.? The president was relieved of his apprehensions in an unexpected way. He had hitherto predicted that his difficulties were at last coming to a crisis.

             ?Far from it? he returned.

            ?Far from it,? assented Rose. ?I do not in any way thinkable wish to rekindle memories of our past differences. It is not apt that either of us should make the other one the subject of aspersion and pillories. I may have opinion of you, Your Excellency; you may have your opinion of me. But it?s unfitting that these discording opinions must come into disunity. They should instead head into a single harmonious point of confluence.?

            ?Honorable Madame,? His Excellency replied at length, ?I think you somehow attacked me personally besides my capacity. But this is not the time to settle scores or to apportion blame. But I quite concur with you on what you?ve stipulated.?

            Rose bowed her head in honor to him then, shaking his hand again in that reassuring firm grip of hers, she walked away triumphantly, holding her files tightly close to her side.

            All the president remembered the rest of the evening was a replay of the events, moods and moments of that doomsday, not least his brief meeting with the empress of his heart at the end of the forum. He called to mind as he lay in bed how some of his political adversaries had, whether they won or not, tried to disparage him to her. He wrestled with his intentions to ask her out for a date in the recent past. There he could let her in on his dream. But he was glad he did not. That was still premature, he told himself.

 

                                                         CHAPTER FIVE

    Sometimes when Rose was taking a rest at home over the weekends, she would be in such high spirits that she could ask her brothers, or sisters or friends present for little games. They used to play on her beautiful lawn.

    One such day in the afternoon she assembled them for volleyball. She was in a pink flowing dress that brought out her feminine figure: she had an average bust, a slim waist and all that balanced by gently undulating hips. Her female friends fancied her physique. This made her to be envied by those girls struggling with excruciating body fitness programs. The lawn was ?perfectly lovely? in the afternoon sunshine as one lady complimented it to Rose. It was spacious with trees and perspective walks that one could just distinguish at night without moonlight.

     They had been playing there for nearly an hour when they took a rest under the trees. A teenage girl of nineteen, who had just arrived home, being a friend of one of Rose?s sisters, approached her. ?Hi, madam. I am your youngest sister?s friend, my name is Diana Njeri? she said, shaking Rose?s hand. She then proceeded to sit beside her on the soft, green grass.

 ??Hi, it?s a pleasure to see you. We?ve been playing. It was such an enjoyable game.? Rose answered happily. She saw a lot of potential in this slim, blonde with dimpled cheeks. Diana, in the next three or so minutes into the conversation, discovered her new companion?s impressive personality: Rose?s totally disarming friendliness combined with a gentle sense of humor that bubbled constantly below the surface delighted her. She loved the great leader to distraction! Diana had for long admired her out there, but she could only see her on television or newspapers. Rose was her star and role model. On this particular day they struck a special friendship. ?I?ve never met a special, down-to- earth person as you madam? Diana complimented her.

 ??Thanks. Diana just call me Rose. Don?t bother?. Rose said with a sweet smile that encouraged Diana, ?I am so fortunate to have met you in person today to the extent that we?ve shared light moments. I?m in raptures. You are very loving, so does your youngest sister, Lavender, whom I?ve intimated to you is my friend. God bless you in your endeavors to take this nation to great heights. You?ve mastered the ropes of national leadership so well. You stand for integrity. You are a wonderful role model to many of us.? Diana giggled .Rose had just been nodding to every sentence, she was so moved by this girl?s appreciation of her personality and achievements that she was lost for words. There was momentary relaxed silence. Both ladies were in tender state and too full of emotions to speak. For her it was a moment of reckoning her little progress in life and so many failings: for Diana it was a moment of exhilaration having met her star!

    The next minute the two ladies now appearing like old friends rose to their feet and taking each other in arms, they pressed their temples together and broke down in tears.

                                 *        *        *         *         *           *             *

       Bishop Gamaliel?s sleek limousine pulled in at the compound of the palace. On alighting, he was led into the palace by a junior staff officer. There was a laptop computer on the table as usual in the president?s office. The guest was ushered into an arm-chair directly opposite the host so that they could converse face to face, literally. Being a hot afternoon, President David Kalya had removed his coat, revealing a broad fighter?s chest in a white shirt, and blue tie. He sat with his palms clasped together, somehow supporting the chin, with elbows resting on the table. Having shaken hands, they commenced a conversation. Hardly had they been discoursing on commonplace matters for the first five or so minutes when Bishop Gamaliel ventured to enquire into his host?s secret dream. ?The last time I visited you, I was privileged to learn from your friend Judas of your great dream. Sorry, I wasn?t able to get the gist of the message well from my informant; your confidant .I was however quite intrigued and stirred in the belly. I had a conviction it?s really a tangible idea you contemplate undertaking. I would be quite pleased, Your Excellency, to hear from the horse?s mouth?. The Bishop said, his hands resting on top of his knees. A feeling of hollowness and utter defeat crept into President David?s heart, increasing with every passing second. It was akin to standing before the Almighty God on the judgment day!

?Well, Bishop Gamaliel,? so he began to carry his idea into effect, ?in this life I belief every man born of woman is purpose-driven. Let me say that it was placed in me a burden, always growing heavier with time to the extent that it is now demanding to be brought to birth. I cannot at this time in the least refrain from making you acquainted with this agenda, Your Honor. The whole idea is about changing thee world, making the world a better place to inhabit. There are past heroes you may recall in this field, but there is always room for more of them in the land of the living. The centre of attention in this vision of mine is Israel. The plan is laid down like this: Sheba will enter in to a mutual partnership with Israel whereby Sheba will export to Israel raw gold at a fair price .To compensate us for tedious and costly process of mining and refining, a novel thing in this country, and better still to reciprocate this offer, Israel will supply us with their technological know-how and equipment necessary free of judge. Having exported this gold to Israel the next level of my vision is thus reached. Israel will under the Middle Eastern Convention, and it having veto powers under the establishment for being a super power, will use its now pure gold to leverage itself economically. It will after appealing to the concessionaire issue a degree ordering all oil producing nations in their league to cut oil prices they export to Africa by half. Countries of the world are bound top receive this noble gesture thumps up. The burden of high fuel costs will be relieved! The next thing ? a peaceful world!?

         There was silence. The president was beside himself in the fervor of his speech. The short, burly, broad faced Bishop sat still, his gaze fixed past the president, pondering weighty issues. Bishop Gamaliel never saw a man so thoroughly give an array of events constituting his entire vision with passionate determination as David Kalya did that afternoon.

        ?But first, Bishop Gamaliel,? His Excellency pursued, ?I have to introduce into parliament a Bill that allows the country to mine and export this priceless stone as is stipulated in the constitution regarding mineral resources. Hopefully it will pass the debate and I will assent to it and bingo! Off we go!? The guest had smiled spontaneously by this time,

 ?That?s a great, magnificent pursuit! I wholly approve of it Your Excellency!? the conscience keeper interjected.

         They went on to discuss other miscellaneous issues by the way of circumspection. David Kalya, buoyed by his agreeable companion expressed himself all the more. He was a man, so he said of himself, with an eye of an eagle; when situations were bleak; deep in his belly a passion rejuvenated his energy. Furthermore, he possessed the zeal of an ant; wisdom ingrained in his brain urged him to push on quite ahead of time no matter how far off his object of desire seemed to be. Bishop Gamaliel did more of listening while His Excellency did more of talking.

      At last when the great guest took his leave and drove off, David was pleased to remain by himself to re-enact in his mind what they had been talking about. He could smile alone or even utter some words that had sounded pleasant and important to him as he first spoke them to his guest. He was like a deranged man! That afternoon had ended sweetly. Of all times of his that God had in his grip, there was none in one retrospect he could smile at half so much and think of half so tenderly!

                                                    CHAPTER SIX

       Rose had been invited to a private party one evening by David Kalya. It came as a surprise to her. Her feelings for him were rekindled as soon as she entered his house. Her idea of first impression was to look as calm and tender as possible. They shook hands warmly and exchanged commonplace greetings. Rose was then ushered into a small comfortable sofa where she could sit with her arms reposed on arm-rests. She felt good and expectant. The two were alone in the house. David was wearing an evening sweater over a T-shirt. He looked youthful and attractive. He excused himself and entered the kitchen. Moments, later he was bringing to the table a lot of sumptuous food and drinks. He served her then himself. Rose was watching, so absorbed in his act. She was being treated like a queen. She kept wondering whether it was true she had arrived! She yearned for a married life to none other than this smart guy. Will it be today? She felt as though she was in a dream. A dream of their soft voices and laughter; of their sitting close to each other in a serene room with no prying eyes. Of being spoon-fed like a baby receiving the smothering affection of its mother; of being complimented and being patted on the back like a father?s gentle hand upon a son?s face.

            After finishing their meal, David cleared the table. When Rose offered to help he turned her down and proceeded with his work.

           He then came back and sat beside her (They were now sitting on one bigger sofa at the same table). They began to discuss intimate matters. David did not fathom how he got his way. He told her how he loved her. He told her how he idolized and worshipped her. When Rose hung her head and cried, and grew weaker, his eloquence increased. If she would like to die for him she had to say nothing but the word. Life without her love was not a thing to have on any terms. He had loved her every day since he first saw her, sincerely. He loved her to distraction! The more she sobbed, the more David ranted and raved. They were sitting on the sofa by and by, quite enough feeling comfortable and peaceful. Well, Rose agreed to his proposal. He was in a state of bliss. They were engaged.

       They supposed they had some notion that this was to end in marriage. Yes they had it because Rose stipulated that they were never to get on to the next level without her uncle?s consent. Her uncle, called Mr. Bill Too, was living and working abroad. She had together with siblings received overwhelming support and love from this benevolent man in the past when her parents died in a plane crush. Therefore, it would not seem proper to sideline him, Rose observed, in the process of seeking marriage. He would also, she considered, receive her dowry in place of her parents.

                                   *                 *                  *                          *

       It was chilly afternoon. Bellringer sauntered casually into the palace. ?I said to myself go and see cousin this afternoon. How are you, most excellent?? he said, stretching out his hand while another one held a rolled newspaper which he seldom opened or read.

 ?Fine, sir. I am doing fine except for a few hitches here and there. It?s a good day, anyway,? returned President David Kalya apparently at peace with himself.

      ?I got leave today of a fortnight from boss. I?ll take advantage of my freedom. I Judas aka Bellringer by profession am goanna do ventures. I daresay whatever a man thinketh so he is. That is scripture. My paper discourage me saying a lot of trouble lurking everywhere. But my hope together with your big dream of peaceful world will hand in hand prevail. If so, why so? If no, why not?? said Kimuma fidgeting in his seat.

 ?I agree with you Mr. Kimuma. I love people who are optimistic regardless of the way things are. If the world had so many of you that would have been great and marvelous,? replied His Excellency, tapping the keys of his computer.

?Another thing is?sometimes I wonder why citizens disturb you everyday on TV. They shout, we are hungry! Your faithful MP and minister tell them, ?Government works hard to import cereals for you. Be patient and work on farms in the meantime?, but citizens cry, ?we?re perishing. We can?t wait any longer.? Poor citizens, your Excellency. They had rather shut up and spare you air and space!? Bell ringer ranted.

?These very problems are common to man. We must try to put up with them for the sake of humanity and brotherhood,? David said, moving the mouse. He appeared relaxed like a jaunty, happy- go-lucky fellow in movies.

?I hear from your text messages you?ve just proposed to the one and only Rose. Kudos! Cuzo,

That lady is like a charming fabulous woman in fairy tales. The one who can transform you into whatever you wish like Midas touch. My regards to Rose, tough, talented challenger par excellence. I hope she won?t oppose your great plan you?re planning. I bet or oppose that you and Rose will share the dream, instead. Together you?ll work out a concrete action.? Judas delivered his flattering remarks in broken English. ?I hope so?? His Excellency answered.

            His Excellency?s assistant who was a middle aged, married woman came in to serve both of them with tea. She was stricken in years though still young. It was understood that life had dealt a blow to her in more than one way, leaving her to lead a wretched life. She had labored so hard at her previous manual jobs prior to getting the present one which she could never relinquish to anyone in the world. The old, unfulfilled, unhappy feeling still pervaded in her life, with no end in sight. What she missed, something obscure, she regarded as having been a youthful fantasy that was in the long run incapable of realization. An elusive object. ?Thanks, ma?m,? Kimuma broke the silence, a wry a smile on his face and a short-lived giggle. ?By lavishing us with cups of beverage you are doing the society a lot more good than harm. Well done! God bless your children and multiply them by many! Madame Pauline.? Madame Pauline walked out with an indifferent, expressionless look. She was perhaps wounded by the comment about children for she had tried all possible ways to have one but all in vain. Medical tests with her husband brought her down in all respects. Sometimes either of them could tell the other one reprovingly, ?You ruined my life.? Gossiping, regretting, shame and guilt punctuated the couple?s lives day in day out.

         Almost an hour or so later on, a government officer?s car pulled in at the compound of the palace. When the officer alighted he was intercepted by a youthful looking man. ?What mission, sir? I?m in charge.? the man queried like an FBI agent.

?To see His Excellency, sir? answered the officer.

?Have appointing letter? Show!?

?No sir. It is an emergency case,? pleaded the officer.

?No permission then to disturb Most Excellency.?

If the receptionist had been beyond earshot, the officer who appeared genuinely in need of the president could have gone back dejected. She hurriedly approached them and said, ?Please, Mr. Judas Kimuma, our honorable Bellringer, please allow him in. It seems sincerely in an emergency situation.? The officer was cleared to accomplish his mission that had almost hit an iceberg.

                                                    CHAPTER SEVEN

            Rose, Lavender and Diana were engrossed in the game of scrabble. It was a Saturday evening at Rose?s home. Scarcely had they started when with hesitation Diana formed the word MISCEGENATION. She doubted whether the word really existed, holding her breath awaiting a score. ?Diana, you are correct! The word actually exists!? Lavender intoned,

 ?What?s the meaning?? Diana questioned with eyes wide open.

 ?It is a term that was used nearly four decades in America. It was used to describe whites and Africans? unions in marriage. In deed it was an ugly ? sounding connotation because those unions were discouraged in those days,?? Lavender explained with an air of all?rounded knowledge. Hardly had they proceeded with their game when Rose in a similar manner of hesitation and uncertainty, had come up with the word ?CYBERPUNKING?. ?Good heavens! This one defines a situation where two or three callers to a radio station can engage in direct conversation on air. The first known station to introduce this concept was the world class station BBC. This makes a fantastic forum.? expounded Diana. She looked like an acclaimed scholar. This went on for quite a good deal of time as they enjoyed the game.

           Later when they stopped playing scrabble and Lavender was alone in the sitting room, she watched a short play on television. the channel that was airing the play was one of the Sheba?s neighboring country and the cast were high school students of that country. Against the backdrop of that program was that nation?s struggle to achieve a new constitution. Indeed it was in such tumultuous and stormy moments with respect to a draft that was shot down acrimoniously by two thirds majority of the nation on plebiscite on claims it never met the needs of the people. Presently, several committees (and numerous sittings) were busy reviewing and trying to harmonize contentious sections of the proposed draft constitution - but not without opposition and bickering over and over. Lavender was captivated by a scene where an officer distributes at random a few loaves of bread to the audience urging them to eat them. He goes back to stage and wonders why nobody had embraced his generosity. He is led to infer that the loaves were of poor quality. He invites others to work hard with him to produce good quality bread. Somewhere in the process they differ with one another over the best method to produce palatable bread and they part ways. The experts are recalled to resume the same unfinished process and are still clashing as the scene changes.

           Through their meetings and mostly in the company of his friends Rose, Kogi fell for Diana. He could not forget the sisterly feeling with which she regarded him. She always showed him sympathy whenever he was in a trying moment in his career of sales and marketing; for so often his performance would fall below the threshold of the company?s portfolio expectations. Market forces were always at work and much like the usual air hovering above the sea water which may occasion a tempest, those forces would buffet his delicate acts. Consequently, he had to endure the scolding of his inconsiderate, domineering master. He could not fully permeate the enigma of his own heart to pin point when he began to think that he might have settled his delicate hopes on Diana. With her being a banker he considered her to make a good wife; he regretted his first relationship which failed and resulted in an acrimonious parting of ways after their opinion carried the day. All throughout the ups and downs of that relationship which trucked for two long years, Diana was at his side to encourage him or sympathize with him when hurt. Taking a retrospect he felt that if she had loved him with another kind of love he would have been wise enough not to let her slip through his fingers. All the same, there was the time factor, his own blind spot leading him on a stray route; a mist of compromised affection veiled all the while. And he had cast Diana?s special love away consciously or unconsciously.

           One fine morning Kogi, having been agitating all night and barely an hour sleep on aggregate, made up his mind. He picked up his cell phone from the bedside table resignedly. He called her, apologized and asked her out for a date in the evening of the present day at his favorite rendezvous ?Dates World Hotel. She consented. All Kogi had to do was to count hours, his spirit heightening with every passing hour.

           It was half past five that evening, the time that Kogi had much anticipated when he prepared to leave his office. He was glad to take leave of his colleagues who always made his day boring and monotonous. The gossiping, quarreling and coarse laughter nauseated him all day long when he did not go out for field trips. All done, he left and drove off.

          As he entered the hotel, Diana was already awaiting him sitting at the table in a serene corner. He was quite taken by surprise and amazement to realize that she had made it in time for he thought he would be the one waiting for her. After exchanging greetings Kogi ordered tea and snacks.

?Well, Diana, well? Kogi began, composed. ?You may hardly comprehend whatever I?ve been undergoing. You may be able to deduce that  I am a happy man on face value, but deep down there are undercurrents of regrets, betrayal and despair. In accumulation of these vices, I?ve plunged into debasing circumstances in my career and relationship.? He paused, affected by his words.

?I understand every bit of it Kogi?? Diana rejoined. I?ve seen no bright or comforting day in those debasing circumstances and have not improved since I came out of that relationship.? Kogi lamented, adjusting himself on the chair, ?I?ve been keenly watching you and have been trying to pick you up,? Diana followed up.

?In an attempt, though a desperate one, to change my ways I seek now to implement new approaches. But I?m reeling under those burdens that brought me down.? Mist filled his eyes and he blew his nose.

?Sorry, my dear.?

?I feel that I have been fooling around and too deluded into believing that things turn out better miraculously some day. Like a fool that never sees the truth I took you for granted. All your counsel fell on deaf ears?. He broke down in tears.

?Oh, dear Kogi! Come off it! I will stand by you!? implored Diana, touching him on the shoulder. ?For heavens? sake? I confess that I have never made any sufficient progress. At the point when I am on the verge of a breakthrough things fall apart.? Kogi sobbed, wiping his tears with a handkerchief. Tears stopped. ?My mind has been on you ever since. My coming to meet you was for me to make a confession. A confession of a stubborn, prodigal boy. I regret my past wandering and would like to start on a clean slate with you.?

            Diana too shed tears. Clients in the hotel watched them with gaping mouths. On becoming aware of these prying eyes, Kogi composed himself ?Please don?t weep.? Kogi said standing, ?let?s leave here and we?ll finish it up later.? He paid the bill and as they walked out, their hearts throbbed with emotions.

                                                 CHAPTER EIGHT

         President David Kalya was introducing the Bill bearing the weight and fate of his lifetime dream into the floor of parliament for debate. He had taken the trouble to consult with significant personalities including Rose and his deputy. Even then, as he stood before the legislators upon whom his dream squarely rested, he still harbored reservations and doubts. Anyway, come what may, he took a leap of faith, trusting his men and women to hold him in the air. Do the thing and you shall have the power, he told his soul.

           After moving the Bill that proposed the mining and exportation of gold in the country, he sat down. He refrained from divulging other details besides that, acting on the advice of friends.

He had to move step by step and resist the temptation to ?throw pearls to the pigs? as Mr. Kimuma had cautioned him. Suffice to say that not even Rose was conversant with the full account of the horizons of the vision. She had to wait, His Excellency considered. She was not present when he introduced the Bill in parliament this day.

          As the speaker took over to open the debate, the dream carrier got jittery. There was a brief strained silence as no MP was yet risen to second his motion yet he had beforehand painstakingly implored some trustworthy ones to come to his rescue. With his restless, darting eyes he scanned the rows. Then after some minutes one dear friend rose to his feet to second the motion. There were hushed murmurs as Mr. Dick Mburu went on. His Excellency could not locate the sources of the grouses; whether from the executive side or from the opposition side. It did not matter, anyway. After Mr. Dick Mburu?s seconding an opponent came next. The second opponent took the floor, then the third, fourth. David?s hands began to glisten with sweat profusely, not least his face and neck in the tight tie that virtually suffocated him. His handkerchief accomplished very little as it soon grew damp.

           It transpired that the Bill was not feasible since the gold deposits in question were said to be lying on the ground directly underneath Sheba?s boundary with Gilboa, the neighboring country. The revelation crushed the president ruthlessly. There was a tumult in the house. Obstacles!  The speaker was left with no option except to adjourn the debate until Tuesday the following week. The present day being Thursday, the MPs, as the speaker ruled, had four days to ponder the matter so as to present decent, well researched views that would culminate in voting.

            The president was driven to his house that evening despairing, took his supper despairing and retired to bed still despairing. Soon and thankfully, he fell off his cliff and down the precipice of sleep. He woke from the dreary dream at quarter past three at dawn with a conscious feeling that something had gone wrong somewhere without managing to make out what it really was until a moment later. It came to him in the form of a Bill that collapsed in dramatic circumstances, a lazy seconder and hordes of bare- knuckled pugilists. Another thing: his counterpart of Gilboa was his political foe. Both leaders were not in good books with one another. They had fallen out with each other when the heads of state of six countries in a league were electing the Regional Chairperson. This came hot in the heels of the signing of the Regional Charter. David doubted whether the provisions of the charter would come in handy in this issue. Or was it just a mere paper and not a vital document? This looming obstacle portended a bleak aftermath. Given the present circumstances he had to act expediently if he ever wanted to win this battle. He knew that it was indispensable for him to seal all loopholes that any serpent of betrayal would dare to squeeze itself through.

            Later that evening he assembled the vice president, Mr. Dick and Rose for an informal meeting in the palace. To make the meeting seem less sensational and more relaxed, he entertained his guests with beverages, drinks and snacks. He worked harder at his jokes today than as usual. Something though displeased him. He detested his deputy?s indifferent, unfeeling look on his face. He doubted that this was the man?s true personality, deducing that it was instead some sort of weapon. Yet he still prayed to God for a destiny helper.

           Then with a good dose of trepidation and caution, he broached the topic after seeing that the coast was clear. After sufficiently expounding on the issue, throwing light on its strengths and weaknesses he paused to ask, ?which way forward, Madam Rose and gentlemen?? he waited.

?The Gilboa phenomenon,? the VP said, thoughtfully, ?is one that we can?t ignore. There is really no getting around it without sustaining minor injuries on our hands. President Makonde is really a tough ? headed, mysterious and eccentric leader. You have heard of his controversial affairs, today this, tomorrow that. He?s very unpredictable and unreliable, at that. You can?t make him a partner in any endeavor. We need to be tactful, using strategic approaches.? David was sincerely glad that his deputy was giving his rational views.

 ?What His Excellency VP asserted is something significant. President Makonde ruled his subjects with a heavy hand; imposing bans on almost everything. Recall his recent ban on the drinking of borehole water?? Mr. Dick cracked a joke and he laughed hysterically. The three others kept him company in the laughter.

         ?I suppose we have to make good use of emissaries. I mean, we should select a good breed of sages to spy out there for good reasons. The idea is to use this fellow to silently coerce President Makonde or anybody close to him that this is a noble project. When his government consents to that, the mining of gold will commence,? Rose advised.

          At the end of the discussion it was agreed that Rose?s idea was feasible. It was a little progress, but a good progress anyway. The project was to become a prototype of socio- political emancipation.

          Later that night as he lay in his bed tossing and turning with no prospect of a wink of an eye, David Kalya was led to appreciate the value of relationships. That the type of man?s relationships was so consequential that it determined how far he could go no matter his field of endeavor. But on judging it critically without bias or favoritism, he concluded that men and circumstances were variables on the one axis with universal values being constants on the other axis. Man?s inherent qualities of hate, malice and bride stood in the way of an ideal life, disturbing the equilibrium of a healthy fruitful society. Yet coming back, he could figure out where he stood with people. Everybody he knew crystallized into a person bubbling with feelings, tastes and differences in opinions, and not cogs in a wheel.

                                   *                  *                     *                       *                     

         Once when they were out on a date Kogi and Diana settled the matter. They were engaged. They were already so closely acquainted with each other that in just a matter of three shorts months they got married.

                                              *           *            *           *

            At last Kogi and Diana settled down in their newly acquired posh home in a luxurious part of Nasa city called Denver. It was a dream come true. Both of them being Christians, they had been praying to God to change their status quo and exalt them. And their prayers were answered. They even got new neighbors in that area and some of whom turned out to be their greatest friends. Mr. Jack Kuto, his wife Mrs. Irene Kuto, their twelve year old son, Amos and their eight year old daughter, Doreen were a family that struck a special friendship with Kogi and Diana. They used to visit each other at their homes to chat, dine or play games. Moreover, their houses were set in idyllic surroundings  The first instance that the two families got acquainted with each other was one day when Mr. and Mrs. Kuto visited the home of Kogi and Diana. After the usual introductions, they engaged in a relaxed conversation as though they had known one another for a while.                                                 Mr. Kuto, a jovial entrepreneur doing his ventures in the city, owning three supermarkets dominated the discussions with his favorite subject. "This government is really funny. I read in today's paper that they will soon impose price controls on every wholesale and retail product sold in this country. That's ridiculous. At a time when the prices of most products were rebounding, this regulation will impair our ventures!"                                                                                                    "Mercy upon us! Mercy upon us!" Mrs. Kuto could just cry so and said nothing more.

the project and would embark on it as soon as they saw the green light. As they conversed with His Excellency at the palace they revealed that Israel was going to leverage itself on its imported gold which they would refine and sell out at an exorbitant price. Coupled with its status as a Veto Power, the new privilege would definitely put it on the edge in order that it would exert influence on the other countries in the Middle Eastern Region to reduce the prize of fuel sold to Africa by half, if possible, less than that. This, Israel will execute after first appealing to a concessioning body in the region. President David Kalya, the delegates hinted, would be honored in a marvelous way.

                                                 *            *           *            *              *                                                            Parliament was in session. It was three o'clock in the afternoon. MPs were debating the
Bill which had been christened Gold Bill. Government chief whip was the one who moved the
motion on the Bill on behalf of the president who had gone abroad on a state business. There

such sunken spirits after being linked to the killing of Maj-Gen Ben Tele by some members
during questions time. She was accused of distancing herself from Eve, formerly her campaign
manager in her elections. To answer those speculations she had complained that she was being falsely accused by skeptics and cynics who were bent on obliterating her political career. She shed tears as she concluded her personal statement. Then came the crucial Gold Bill. With the effects of the onslaught on her integrity still profound in her heart, she remembered her fianc?s dream. She was at crossroads. She could not face her rivals to drum up support for it after being affronted. She could only answer back rudely those who came up to her seat to consult with her regarding the issue. This exacerbated the situation. The legislators could not bring themselves to

Over the next few weeks President David Kalya succeeded in instituting a commission of inquiry to probe into the scandalous sale of Voyage Hotel, a public asset It was an uphill task instigating the body as irate parties protested vociferously that it was tantamount to a waste of public funds. Critics of the government said the audit firm that blew the whistle on the scandal was a credible and reputable institution and qualified to name each and every suspect and the amount of funds misappropriated. The public on the other hand demanded a rapid procurement of funds and the culprits immediately brought to book. There were calls to have the sacked Finance minister     indicted over his dealings in the scam. The president had carried on relentlessly and established the commission of inquiry which was to be chaired by  Dr. Peter Werret, a Briton. The president defended the appointment of the man to the effect that the doctor had on many occasions chaired similar commissions across Africa with tangible breakthroughs. This was, nonetheless, taken with a pinch of salt.

During these fine days was established one of the mightiest bonds that ever united man and woman. They frankly discussed their ambitions, promising to fulfill them no matter the cost.     Congratulatory messages were still pouring in from around the world after their publicized wedding. Men and women of renown were applauding them for what they termed "a meeting of great minds". They both went through these messages with heightened gusto especially when they recognized familiar names from such and such part of the globe. It was impressed upon their fertile hearts that they could reach for the stars and above all, focus on meeting the needs of the people not as leaders but as fellow human beings. Knowledge without use is like a fertile farm without crops; the possession is of no benefit to anyone. That was the view that these noble spouses had of the glorious pragmatic use of knowledge. They came round to noting that the best attitude to life people cherished in others was: the disdain for gain, devotion to an intellectual passion, and the willingness to serve.

Just at that moment when the guests were treated to an interesting American documentary film, Judas Kimuma turned up unexpectedly at the door. "I salute you all in the name of democracy!" He squeaked, and then matched to shake hands round the table bowing in a clumsy, wicked manner. As the maid brought the bundle of joy to her mother, Judas broke into song and dance:

Kogi was a posthumous child. His father had died four months when his eyes opened on the light of this world. He grew up and lived always in intimacy with his poverty-stricken mother. For many years, they lived in abject poverty. It was during those sluggish days that Kogi's life was molded - perseverance brought character which in turn brought hope. Ultimately he grew to exemplify the potency of a formidable, uncompromising Christian lifestyle. Diana grew up in a well -to -do family that knew no lack. In her parents' munificence, she enjoyed a variety of toys, ate plenty and dressed elegantly. She studied at prestigious schools with children from equally wealthy families. It was only when she was nearing the end of her high school studies when the family experienced a huge financial need. Her parents who were Christians were very strict on her as she grew up especially in teenage years. So suffocating her parents' surveillance was that she envisaged an escape route from that establishment. That was a blessing in disguise for her personality and character were nurtured. The discipline instilled in her had taken root and was to bear fruit in future. Her marriage was thus destined to be colorful.

Make a donation to fight for progress on big issues.