Settling Down

POV - CAL

[Day 1, March 2002, 9am]

Waking up groggy from another restless night, the weight of my newfound responsibilities bearing down on me like a leaden blanket. As I reluctantly dragged myself from the depths of slumber, the memory of last night's tumultuous events lingered like a shadow in my mind.

"What a shit dream i'm having." I sighed to myself 

Looking at the sunlight peering through the curtains hoping to steal a few precious moments of respite, I nestled back into the welcoming embrace of my bed, seeking solace in the realm of dreams.

But my reprieve was short-lived, shattered by the abrupt intrusion of a thunderous slam, sending my heart into a frantic frenzy.

"Good Morn—" a voice began, only to be met with a visceral explosion of fear and rage.

"GET THE FUCK OUT! NOW!" I roared, my voice laced with primal terror.

The echo of my own scream reverberated in the silence that followed, the aftermath of my outburst suffocating in its intensity. For a fleeting moment, I was transported back to a time and place haunted by demons of my own making—a chilling reminder of the fragility of my sanity.

With my roar, the Governor's protective detail team stormed in, securing the whole room, Farhan and Hamid entered as well, being part of my personal guards. As I saw them both, I took a deep breath before I told them to leave.

After a few minutes the adrenaline slowly ebbed away, I forced myself to steady my trembling limbs, mustering the courage to invite my uninvited guest inside. With a deep breath, I composed myself and uttered the words, "Please come in."

The servants, oblivious to the turmoil that had gripped my soul, entered quietly, setting down breakfast with practiced efficiency and a packet on the right before retreating into the shadows once more.

Alone once again, I surveyed the modest meal laid out before me—a simple concoction of potatoes, tomatoes, and eggs, accompanied by a humble serving of flatbread.

With hesitant hands, I took a tentative bite, savoring the familiar flavors that offered a fleeting semblance of comfort in this unfamiliar world. Each morsel served as a reminder of the humanity that still lingered within me, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness that threatened to consume my very being.

And so, with each swallow, I found myself slowly anchoring to the present, steeling myself for the challenges that lay ahead. For in this garden of uncertainty, nourishment—both of body and soul—was the first step towards finding my footing in this strange and treacherous land.

As I finished the last bite of flatbread, I casually glanced at the bulletin of news and the state of affairs in the post-war country.

With a heavy sigh, I dropped the packet onto the table, feeling a sense of disinterest wash over me. "Just another long list of tasks to tackle," I muttered to myself, the weight of responsibility settling upon my shoulders.

Heading to the bathroom for a much-needed hot shower, I couldn't help but notice the opulence that surrounded me—the gilded faucets, marble floors, and shiny walls—all remnants of the previous ruler's extravagant reign. I made a mental note that if push came to shove, these luxuries could be liquidated for much-needed funds.

10am

Emerging from the steaming shower, I found a neatly arranged suit waiting for me in the bedroom. As I began to don the crisp white shirt and sleek black attire, there was a sudden knock at the door followed by its swift opening.

"Hey! I'm changing here," I exclaimed in embarrassment, hastily attempting to maintain some semblance of privacy.

Two elegantly dressed women entered the room, their gaze respectfully averted as they gracefully took charge of assisting me with my attire.

Their expertise and efficiency in dressing me were evident, and as they adjusted the final knot of my tie, I couldn't help but feel gratitude.

"Um, thank you," I murmured, feeling slightly awkward in the presence of such professionalism. "I'm not accustomed to being dressed by others. Please forgive the embarrassment."

"Don't mention it, sir. It's our pleasure to serve," one of the women replied with a warm smile, her bright blue eyes briefly meeting mine before they exited the room.

Left alone, I approached the mirror and observed my reflection. For the first time since my arrival, I felt a sense of confidence and authority radiating from my appearance—a stark contrast to the uncertainty that had plagued me moments before.

A sharp rap on the door jolted me from my thoughts, signaling the arrival of the General. "Good morning, son!" he boomed cheerfully as he entered the room. "My, my, those ladies certainly know what they're doing. You certainly look the part now, Governor."

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort at his casual demeanor. "The suit does feel nice," I admitted, glancing down at the sleek fabric. "But I can't help but wonder how much it cost in this world."

"About two thousand dollars, give or take," the General replied with a shrug, as if discussing the weather. "Before conversion, of course."

"Two thousand dollars? Goodness gracious," I exclaimed, my concern growing. "Is this expense covered by the taxpayers?"

The General's response was surprisingly nonchalant. "Not to worry, son. With the country in shambles, there are no taxes being collected at the moment," he reassured me. "Most of the funding comes from the UAAID. I've secured approximately 55 million dollars for this year alone."

"55 million dollars?" I echoed, my mind reeling at the staggering sum. "But I've read reports suggesting that all that money was squandered after your forces withdrew 20 years later. How can this be sustainable?"

The General's lips curled into a wry smirk. "Well, I'm just a soldier following orders, and right now, this is a blank check courtesy of the 'War on Terror' for the next 20 years," he explained. "Money will keep pouring in, and it's up to you to use it wisely to rebuild this region into a sustainable country once again."