Caliph
5

Rais

September 11, 2001

World Trade Center was a building complex formed by seven towers. Almost all of the towers were designed by a Japanese-American architect named Minoru Yamasaki. World Trade Center was built by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. It was founded by Lower Manhattan Association chaired by David Rockefeller and had strong support from his brother, Nelson. The last man became New York governor later.

The complex located in the center of the financial district of New York had more than a million square meters of office space. It contained almost four percent of all offices located in Manhattan. World Trade Center was famous for its Twin Tower containing more than a hundred floors. It was bomb attacked in 1993 after previously burned in 1975, just two years after its second tower opened to the public.

The complex also had a hotel in its area. It is called Marriott World Trade Center. It was a building containing twenty-two floors and more than eight hundred rooms. It was opened to the public in 1981 as an International Vista, a brand which later combined with Hilton.

Rais did not see the World Trade Center as a special place. He didn’t even understand why people want to work here. This was just a skyscraper, like other skyscrapers. Rais had only read about the World Trade Center from the article, and it was obtained from the internet.

He knew that his parents have many friends in the multinational companies in the world.

And some of the companies have offices in the World Trade Center.

His father wanted Rais to occasionally visit their office, the corporate offices under the Hoetomo Group’s banner, including those in the World Trade Center.

Rais didn’t know New York City very well. But he felt the occasional need to fulfill his father’s wishes.

Rais climbed out of the front seat of a cab in front of the World Trade Center. The driver took the money and offered to carry Rais’ bag, but the young man refused his help.

“Nah, I got it, thanks.” Rais smiled, lifting his bag out of the back seat.

“Do you need anything else, Sir?” asked the cab driver.

“Everything’s fine,” Rais said, still smiling. “Thanks.”

“You are very welcome, Sir.” The driver said. “Nice to meet you, for sure.”

They smiled and wave at each other. The driver brought his cab happily. Not every morning does he get one hundred percent tips from a young man. A young man decided to sit in the front seat instead of the back seat like any other passenger.

And this young man chats with him along the way. They talked about many things. The young man asked the driver about his family, his job if he enjoy it, and many other things. Usually, the driver is the one who started the conversation with his passengers. He did it to make their journey less boring. But this young man is different. The driver felt comfortable talking with him.

Of course, the driver didn’t know who the young man is. Even though the young man’s destination was World Trade Center, the driver just thought that maybe he is a new intern there.

Meanwhile, Rais looked at the buildings in front of him. He shrugged. Must he feel good in here? Did it feel like home inside there?

Rais wasn’t sure. He loved the campus that he just left and this kind of building. But he didn’t exactly come into that building yet, so he must try. Rais headed up, shouldering his bag, and walked to the front entrance.

When he entered the building, a middle-aged man approached to greet him. The man’s hand was full of paper. Though the man’s title on his ID card was building officer, he looked like he did more than that. Rais analyzes the man, identifying that this man knew the building very well, can guide anyone who came here and handle all communication from the networks of this building. This man had a good body shape, then he must be trained so well, or performed his exercise goodly. For the last twelve years, Rais had learned how to analyze someone based on his gesture and appearance until he knew him more than his parents.

“Dr. Hoetomo!” said the man. “Welcome! How was your study?”

“All good, thanks,” Rais answered, smiling.

“Everything’s under control?” the man asked, looking interesting.

“I think so,” Rais answered, he didn’t know this man, but he read his ID card as “Lambert.”

“Good to hear that!” said the man.

Rais remembered. Lambert was his father’s assistant. He met this man once when Rais was seven.

“I think so, Lambert.”

Lambert smiled and opened a paper sheet in his hand. “Youngest Ph.D., I knew it. You made your record again, just like the old days.”

“I think so,” Rais answered, not seeming excited by the information.

Rais didn’t think that this kind of conversation must interest him. Even if he didn’t love his campus, he enjoyed his classes and didn’t mind working with all the subjects. Rais did his homework faster and more diligently than others. It was easier to do to make him have more times to be the street engineer, his second life.

“Well, maybe I will come inside and do my business.” Rais started to walk away from Lambert.

“So,” Lambert asked, “What’re your plans in here?”

“Excuse me?” Rais asked back.

“Yes,” Lambert said. “You are here and you’ve got all the business to do in this building. What are you going to do? Staying here to learn or start to lead your business by yourself? Or do you want to look around at first? If you want, I can arrange your schedule here.”

Rais looked around. He felt a little bit uncomfortable with Lambert’s question. Rais just arrived here. He didn’t know yet how things work in his company located in this World Trade Center. He knew all the business processes, for sure. But sometimes, things are different in other places. Then Rais hadn’t decided yet about what to do here.

One thing was certain, Rais didn’t want to spend much time behind a table. He loved actions more than any administration job.

“I will think about it,” Rais said. “But I will let you know when I need you.” He continued.

“Good to hear that, Sir.”

“Same here, Lambert.” Rais smiled.

“Is there anything else I can do for you?” Lambert asked.

“For now, it’s all okay. I will contact you later.”

“Sure, here’s my number.” Lambert gave Rais his business card.

“Thank you, Lambert. Here’s mine.” Rais gave Lambert the same thing as his.

“Thank you, Dr. Hoetomo. Please do not hesitate to call me anytime.”

“Pleasure’s on me, Lambert.” Rais smiled and started to walk away from Lambert.

Rais felt relieved that he finally can get away from that man. He didn’t expect to meet Lambert. He didn’t even know that someone will welcome him right when he entered the building. Rais knew this city. It’s not the city where the people will welcome us warmly when we came. Unless, we are someone special in here, like, a public figure. Rais knew that he was not a public figure. But he knew that Lambert just tried to do his job.

Maybe, Rais thought, his father asked Lambert to do so. Then it all makes sense. Now, Rais must continue his “mission”, He didn’t come to this building just to have a small chat with a man that he met once in his life before today. He came here to visit his family’s business. And the most important thing, he came here to learn how to rule a multinational company of his own. Because however, someday he will inherit it all and run it in his style.

So, this fine morning he entered one of the twin tower buildings. For him, it was like a palace, but with cubes. He glanced at his watch. It’s still too early to start the day.

There were only a few people here, and some of them wore suits and ties.

“Good morning, Mr. Hoetomo.” said a janitor.

Rais looked at the officer, trying to remember if he knew this person.

The officer smiled, then he left.

Rais entered the elevator and watched the view of New York City. He never thought of going to the top of the World Trade Center, and now he is doing it.

He was impressed.

Looking out the window, Rais remembered the Kryptonian Man. Can the Kryptonian fly this high, Rais thought.

Or will he be able to fly this high?

“We’re very pleased to meet you, Sir. Finally, I was able to meet with our major shareholders.” Welcomed someone who introduced himself as a secretary once Rais reached the top floor.

“Oh, it’s my pleasure,” Rais answered.

“More precisely for me.” the secretary smiled.

“All right.” Rais smiled back.

He found a sign that read “HOETOMO, Inc.” and entered the room. They walked through some employees. Some faces looked familiar to Rais. Some were only seen today.

Rais slightly developed his smile for politeness.

Someone approached them, enthusiastically and enthusiastically, introducing themselves as a director.

“Rais, my friend, look at yourself now! Very mature and certainly is happiness and pride for the Hoetomo family!” The Director patted Rais warmly.

“As I recall, the last time we met was at Thanksgiving three years ago!” Continued the director, still with enthusiasm.

Rais then smiled, “Ahh yeah, how can I forget the best apple chowder I’ve ever tasted, made by your daughter!”

The Director laughed out loud, “Yes! Yes! I am very proud of her cooking skills! If you get time later, please visit our house again. My daughter will be happy to cook for you. She is married now, and I want to introduce you to my granddaughter!”

They continued a little chat then Rais went to inspect the other divisions.

Rais was also treated to the most delicious Godiva chocolate that the secretary had enjoyed. He also received several invitations from executives, a hug that could crush bones from people who had worked for his father for decades, and even a night-time drinking invitation by some young people.

The visit was over quickly. After checking his watch, Rais felt that his visit was enough. He will start working in this office sooner or later. The director offered a car and driver to drive him, but Rais refused.

He left the building accompanied by the secretary. Up to the bottom floor, the secretary chatted with Rais.

Rais didn’t remember her name, but this secretary was very friendly. But still, Rais looks bored with their chat.

“We can’t wait for your next visit,” the secretary said.

“Thank you...” Rais peeked at the secretary’s identification card, “Ally, I hope we will work together soon.”

Ally smiled.

Rais left. He felt very relieved. Rais felt comfortable there for every second.

At least he received a warm welcome and a pleasant environment. He knew that it was a luxury that was rarely obtained by others.

He walked, and walked, past people who ran at rush hour.

That day was lovely.

Then ...

Moments later...

Rais heard the sound of airplanes, the roar of the engine was the same as the roar of aircraft engines in general. Then it got harder and harder. Then he realized the plane was indeed approaching the twin buildings. Sunlight was covered by the body of the aircraft before Rais noticed.

At first, he thought that it was a shadow.

A huge shadow.

Then a sound came, like a sound of thunder.

After that... he heard the sound of people screaming.

The screams were getting louder and louder—the cries of the people trapped on each floor.

“OH MY GOOOOOOODDDD !!!” the voice of a woman screams.

“WHAT’S THAAAAAAATT ???”

“IS IT A BOMB ????”

White papers scattered like snow. Rais looked up and looked towards the North Tower.

That’s where it looks.

A hole.

A massive hole.

Orange-blazing flames flared out of the tower.

People were yelling and screaming.

Then harder.

And harder.

Rais continued to stare at the North Tower.

Tables, chairs, air conditioners, and water heaters, followed by people, began to fall.

They jumped to their death.

Rais ran towards the tower, wondering if he could save someone between them.

Whoever it was.

Please, be safe...

Please, stay alive...

People ran in opposite directions and saved themselves. As he saw more and more people fall from the tower, some jumped and hit the people below.

People ran reflexively away from the tower. Some of them even ran from their apartment without getting dressed.

Rais’ step stopped. He looked at the riot before him. Then he saw someone fall and landed right on edge, with a broken head and body.

But he could recognize who that person was.

He was the Director.

Rais did not realize that his tears began to fall from his eyes.

Among the falling people, goods, and, paper, Rais found something hovering down.

It was a light thing, and it fell near him.

Rais picked it up and looked at the familiar object.

An identification card has been somewhat charred, but the name printed on it is still legible, also the picture.

Ally.

Then another sound approached. It’s a jet engine sound. Rais looked at the sound. Another plane appeared to be hitting the South Tower.

From the beginning, Rais did not shout.

Not this time either.

He only looked up at the plane.

People are still screaming and screaming.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!!”

“HELP MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!”

Rais looked at the plane that began to hit the South Tower.

Dust started to fall.

Rais still looked towards the tower that has now exploded, with a look full of hatred.

A few moments later, the towers began to collapse. All the luxuries were gone. There was nothing left.

That morning, The World Trade Center was no more than a grain of dust.

A female officer shoved a glass of water at Rais.

“Drink up. You will feel better.” Said the officer

Rais looked at her. She was a white woman and blonde hair. She has brown-eyed and her face was more like a Russian. This woman’s face looked challenging but friendly.

“I’m Andrea Izmaylov.” said the woman. “Do you want anything to eat?”

Rais silently did not answer.

“Is your family there?” Asked the woman again.

Rais looked at the ruins and debris of the World Trade Center. The woman patted his shoulder.

“I’m sorry.” she continued.

Rais nodded.

“Izmaylov! You have to see this!” The voice of a fat man in a uniform the police broke their conversation.

The woman moved and headed for the fat man who called out to her.

Another man in uniform approached Rais. He sat next to him and invited him to talk.

“You must be happy, aren’t you?”

Rais turned his head.

“They or you guys did it.” the man continued.

“Doing...what?” Asked Rais.

“This is all,” the man pointed to all the rubble.

“What do you mean?”

“Muslim, this is all your work!!!”

The man’s words could no longer be digested by Rais. Everything just sounded like a murmur. Part of it could be heard, but he could not understand its meaning. Rais just sat and felt something stirring his stomach.

He was like a lifeless creature, seeing corpses lying around while still wearing their work clothes, most of which had been burned. All the wraps of their beauty were gone.

Izmaylov

Lieutenant Andrea Izmaylov reached her house near midnight. Her sister, Svetlana, had left her food for dinner. They have lived in New York since their birthday. Their immigrant parents had tried very hard to get out of the Soviet Union and become American citizens.

Andrea found her sister asleep.

Svetlana had been staying at Andrea’s house for six years, trying to get a better job.

Unexpectedly, Svetlana woke up.

She then took a big glass of water.

When she found that her sister was having dinner, Svetlana sat and accompanied her. They watched television together.

“So terrible,” said Svetlana.

“You could say that,”

“Indeed,”

“If you were there to see what happened, it’s more terrible than it seemed.”

“I hope I don’t have to go there. Watching it from here alone is enough to make me have nightmares.”

Andrea threw herself on the back of the sofa.

“Are you all right?” Svetlana stroked her sister’s shoulder.

Andrea told her about this morning’s terror, about the deaths that were the most numerous than she had ever seen. Then many children became orphans. Then about the treatment of his colleague towards Rais.

“That is very insolent!” said Svetlana.

“Indeed, I wanted to punch him in the face.”

“I’ll help you do it,”

They laughed.

“I’m thinking of quitting.” Andrea continued.

“What do you mean?”

“All this madness, deaths, murders, sometimes I have had enough. Everything drives me crazy. ”

“Then what will you do?”

“I don’t know, there’s still plenty of time to think about it,”

Andrea turned off the television and tidied up her dinner.

Svetlana said good night and turn off the lights.