SURVIVORS
368. Building a Hope Island
For days Dean's team reinforced the small island bit by bit. The beachside rocks are stacked higher. Made a little distance with a pile of large and hard stones that became the foundation of the island. Also made a wide dock for the place to lean the boat.
Even the sand that connects the island has become a strong rocky road. On the right left is planted with mangroves, so that water does not erode the road that is built. Although the road was still slightly covered by water at high tide, but their horses could still run safely.
Alternately Dean, Robert, Indra and Sunil brought land to hoard the outermost part of the island. Then they look for seedlings of mangrove plants on the island they first visit. Members of the group worked hard to plant mangroves around the island, so that the place they live does not continue to be eroded by sea waves.
Dean's role was particularly pronounced in the changes on the island. His skill in cutting rock, was much needed. Some small coconut trees have begun to green the island that was once arid.
Dean also taught them to make their own salt. Collecting rainwater for consumption, as well as making a simple tool distilling sea water into fresh water.
They arranged the hill neatly. Some flat sections are added, then landfilled. Dr Chandra said the field was to be used as a place to grow the vegetables they needed. The cliff section is made tiered. Planted with weeds for animal feed.
Another area is where to raise various livestock. They were taught to make cheese from milk. Cheese can be sold. Robert taught livestock rearing which was closely related to the fertility of their vegetable gardens. So that livestock manure is not thrown carelessly, but used to fertilize the soil again.
Each family gets a horse to bring the harvest or catch fish to the market.
Aslan still went to sell sheep to the market. That way they can raise the money that Doctor Chandra needs.
After hard work, in one month, the island has turned into a beautiful island, when viewed from the main island. It was no longer a shabby and stifling place. But the island is full of hope.
The group members were happier and more hopeful. Now they were completely submissive and obedient to Doctor Chandra, his people, as well as Aslan.
Aslan's residence repaired. The weathered wood was replaced with bricks, which were made in a small world. Now, in that house there are two canals. Storage, where to put the teleportation door, as well as Doctor Chandra's room.
Aslan's mother's grave was also repaired to make it neater. Given a fence so that domesticated cattle do not enter and trampling. On his left and right sides, Dean planted it with apple and pear trees that he brought from a small world. The tomb is now getting shady.
This afternoon, Doctors Chandra and Robert and Sunil sat around a long table. Beside that place, Dean planted a beautiful maple tree that was not too high. They enjoy young coconut water. Aslan came out of the house. He was wearing the new clothes Dean bought him.
"Look .. You're so handsome now!" greet Robert. Aslan smiled widely
"Come here!" call Doctor Chandra.
Aslan sat on an empty bench in the courtyard. Now, that's where they eat and talk. Close to the outside kitchen which has now been given a roof.
"We've decided to take you to a small world. It's time to bury your mother and grandmother there" said Dr. Chandra.
"I've been waiting for that day, Grandpa!" Aslan's eyes sparkled.
"You relieved?" guess Doctor Chandra.
"Yes. I guess, Grandpa forgot about it." Aslan.
"Of course not. However, it would be no good if we ignore those who are in great difficulty here. That's why we helped them first. To survive, when we leave.
"Are we not going back here again?" ask Aslan to know.
"You can decide that, later. What matters now is that we buried your grandmother and mother first. You can still come back if you don't feel right there" replied Dr. Chandra.
"Good, Grandpa." Aslan nodded obediently.
"Now tell me that tomorrow morning, we will be gone for some time. So they don't look for you, and help guard your house and your cattle.
Remind no one to enter without permission. We will punish him if he does not obey!" doctor Chandra.
"Okay, I'll tell you." Aslan immediately stood up and exited the courtyard.
"Can't the Sovereign protect the room where the teleportation door is?" ask Robert.
"could. But I also want to see their obedience" he replied.
Robert and Sunil understood. Compliance is a simple word, but it is difficult for certain people to do it.
"Has all the necessities in the small world been fulfilled? You still have time to buy something this afternoon" advises Dr Chandra.
"Dean didn't ask for anything else, Doc. Even our little world is so vibrant. The walls of Indra's house were painted purple and pink by Niken, very eye-catching among the greenery of the forest behind her," Sunil laughed.
"Marianne is very happy when we buy a sewing machine, a variety of threads and a pile of colorful fabrics. And most importantly, like Dean's wish. We already have a soft mattress and pillows to sleep more comfortably." Robert smiled broadly.
"Ahh .. I remember. I can't find any bamboo trees here. Too bad. If there was, we could have taken her to a small world. Grow it to fertile. Because bamboo has many benefits," said Dr. Chandra disappointed.
"We didn't find any sugarcane plants either. Their sugar here, obtained from imports," Robert added.
"Yes, what a pity." Doctor Chandra nodded.
"You're back." said Robert, seeing Aslan open the gate.
"Yes, I've said that I'm only gone for a while, wanting to get a little experience." Aslan said.
"They didn't arrest you?" ask Sunil.
"No. They encouraged me to add experience and knowledge, to lead this group, later." Aslan bowed listlessly.
"Why are you so lethargic?" sunil Goda.
"Because I want to come with Grandpa and stay in the stars!" lantang.
"Don't rush. You see first, you just make a decision" advises Robert.
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The drizzle replaced the heavy rain that had fallen since the afternoon. Freshwater shelters are full. Robert even repeatedly transported the water to fill the bathtub. If there is no rain, then the tub is filled with seawater only. Water barrels for drinking are also fully filled, in the kitchen. They even deliberately play in the rain, to refresh the body.
The cold air made the island quiet faster. No one wants to walk on wet roads.
"It's time we leave!" said Dr. Chandra.
"okay!"
Sunil, Robert and Aslan prepare. Food for livestock has been prepared. The door was closed and locked from the inside. All windows are closed too.
The three of them entered the room and stood in front of the teleportation door. Dr. Chandra envelops the interior of the house, with a thin white light. No one should have broken that barrier. Except for the one with more power.
Then a ball of light enveloped the four people. Then it floated, entering the teleportation door. The white light was swallowed by the blue light of the teleportation door.
Now Aslan found out why he was strictly forbidden to enter that door. Inside that light-filled passageway, the ball that enveloped them, oscillated and continued to hit the walls of the passageway. And the thumping and the collision was really painful.
He followed the three people in front of him who were sitting under the light. Close your eyes and concentrate. That's not easy either. His stomach felt shaken until nausea. Doctor Chandra drained a little energy for her, so that her nausea subsided. Then he gave her a pill and a bottle of water.
Although it felt that the journey was very long, but as the first experience Aslan's eyes could not deny even the place was amazing.
"Grandfather, what's this place called? There was a lot of light" asked Aslan.
"Name the teleportation hall. Or you may call it an inter-dimensional passageway, too" replied Dr. Chandra.
Aslan. His mouth was half open in amazement.
"Grandfather, there's a very bright light there!" point at.
"That's the exit. We're hanpir up. Get ready!" sahut Doctor Chandra.
Seeing everyone standing up, Aslan stood up as well. Their ball of white light felt sucked tightly towards that bright and dazzling light.
There was a scream as the ball was pulled tightly to get out of the teleportation dribble.
"Awelcome ...."
That ball of white light was thrown out and hit the cave wall.
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