1-6:The politics of thought

‘There is a new political paradigm,’ she said, spitting the last word like it was vile beyond words. ‘The tribunal has been… compelled to commute the sentence of death… in exchange for certain information which will help our cause.’

She stared angrily at Daisy and continued.

‘This decision by the council…’ the Judge paused once more, trying to think of the least offensive words. ‘Is that the prisoner shall be released into the hands of others.’

‘Please don’t let it be Panix. Please…’ murmured Daisy.

‘This court is adjourned.’

* * *

Daisy was led between two guards down more corridors. One guard had a large bandage on her nose.

‘Where am I being taken?’ she asked.

They ignored her, with eyes fixed resolutely ahead.

At last Daisy was led through a checkpoint and dazzling daylight greeted her; white skies with the potential for wind, with rain freshening.

A black car was parked nearby. Daisy was led over to it. Just before she was shoved inside, a black hood was dropped over her head and a needle jabbed into her arm.

She fell into unconsciousness.

* * *

Daisy opened her eyes and winced from a killer headache.

She was lying on a bed in a quiet room. The pillow beneath her head was soft and comfortable.

Daisy made to roll over but stopped due to the stabbing rib pain.

She gasped, eyes wide, from the pain and confused recollection.

Something itchy was across her head.

She reached up and felt a bandage across her forehead.

The dream, she thought, terrified of the possibilities, and tried desparately not to close her eyes.

She blinked involuntarily.

The room remained unchanged.

A wooden door opened at the end of the bed and an orange-robed monk entered the room pushing a small trolley.

She smiled and uttered no sound. Her head was shaved bald.

‘Where am I,’ asked Daisy. ‘Haven’t we had this conversation before?’

The monk said nothing and walked over to the other side of the bed, helping Daisy roll over. Daisy was able to push herself up ever-so-slowly from the bed. The monk helped her out.

Daisy gasped as her feet touched the cold stone floor.

The monk led her over to a small table on a balcony, overlooking an astonishingly beautiful mountain range. Daisy sat while the monk retrieved the trolley. She lifted the cloth which covered it, revealing food; fruits, bread, nuts and cereals, though no meat.

The monk smiled and made eating motions with her hands and mouth. Then she smiled and turned.

‘Please wait,’ said Daisy. ‘I saw you…’

The monk smiled and nodded slightly, turned to leave again.

‘But how?’