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The Books of Ordeals: An Ameriwank
Prologue:
Flight 341 of American Airways
From: San Francisco International Airport, State of California, United States of America
Destination: Belem National Airport, State of Para, United States of America
June 15th, 2013
Niko Galedo* looked at his touch-screen waiting for the plane to land. He was happy to hear that 8th grade was over and can look towards his vacation in the Amazon Forest Preserve. He always had a fond of wild animals when he was young, but this time, he can now look at them up close in person instead of a holo-projection in the museum back in the Bay Area or a domesticated animal in zoos of S.F.O.
“Ladies and gentleman, we are about to land. Please fasten your seatbelt as we approach our destination.” It was just a voice of an A.I.
Niko fled as the plane landed, scurrying past the security, and past the checkpoint and hugged his godfather, finally meeting him for the second time.
“God, James**, I hadn’t seen you since...”
“...you were ten,” James Ordeal finished his sentence with a big smile. “I’ve got a gift for you before we leave for the Amazon trek.”
“What is it?” As Niko smiled in glee as James pulled out a large (probably a 1000 page) book behind his back.
“It’s an actual paper book, haven’t seen one for like ever.”
“It’s actual ancient, made during the pre-Civil War era, but was reprinted by an old friend.”
Niko took a closer look at it: A Patriot’s Tale of a Nation: An American History 1775-1849
“Why did you bring me a history book, school’s over?” Niko was confused about this. For one thing, this should be in a museum with all the ancient paper books. And another thing, he wasn’t much interested in history as much as the next guy.
“This book was written by my very own ancestor. I want you to have it since you’re the only one I know that I trust.”
“Um, couldn’t you keep it for yourself?”
“Nah, I’m getting old. I’ll probably be gone any minute,” James chuckled, “So, you like your gift?”
“Sure, I guess.” Not so much in his mind but it’s a gift.
Niko sighed, but it was a darn good gift for someone over 60. Something about the book is special, mostly because it’s James's ancestor’s book and it’s family. Plus, James doesn’t really have much of a family at all so it was relevant to pass it on to him.
"I want you to past it on to your grandson or daughter when you're ready. There's something inside you've got to know."
Niko stared at him bewildered, "What is it?"
"You'll find out sooner or later. Now, come on, we have to go through the security scan.
Niko opened the book curiously, and noticed a signature.
“Jame’s what’s this signature?”
James already left through the security scan so Niko read on, very curious to what James was talking about with this family conspiracy thing.
“To my acquaintances and my beloved ones...”
* Niko Galedo is my best friend back in 6th and 7th grade in Vallejo, CA before I moved north to Washington state
** James is my godfather (oops, what a sudden coincidence )