Derelict Intentions

Jason Caplin
Through my twenty-one years of life I have seen many moments of dismay and
causality, but never have I woken up with the dawning knowledge that I would be all alone in
this world after the day to come.
I live with my mother, Waris, and kid sister, Hani. We live in a humble cottage just off
the coast of the Indian ocean. I believe that my town is called Obbia, though I have never
looked at a map or left my town, so I am not completely positive.
As I awoke from my slumber that day, I began to gather my clothing. Today is a big
day so I'll need to look shipshape, I told myself. I slowly stumbled to the kitchen in a morning
daze and grabbed a mango off of the table; If I wanted to eat my breakfast I would have to do
so on the way. My day began when I first set foot out the door. Today is my first day Ill be
completing this walk to the pier, a walk that I will quickly grow accustomed to. There were
three kilometers between myself and the pier, it wasnt far but I couldnt dilly dally on the way
there. I had just received my call about a job at the pier yesterday; it seemed like it would be a
physically demanding job, but a job nevertheless.
After a stint of walking, I muttered to myself,I'm more than half way there as I
referenced the very explicit directions I had received.
After the third building higher than 5 stories, proceed 1 kilometer southeast.
I felt patronized by these directions, they seemed as if they were written for a child, but
I continued to follow them anyway. I got an eerie feeling walking to work that day, the walk
seemed longer than denoted but eventually I could see the pier. I mindlessly approached it, I
was terrified but also very excited for what the day had in stock for me. I couldn't put my
finger on the exact emotion and it was driving me mad. There was only one street length lying
between me and my livelihood when I was jolted by a loud HHOOONNKKK. My heart played a
drum solo in my chest as I scrambled to escape the pavement grave I was almost entrapped
in. Had I really just almost died? My psyche was in ablaze, How could I be so stupid, who
would've protected my family if I- these thoughts raced through my mind as I made it down
the remainder of the street, and passed through the gated perimeter of the pier.
When I was through the security gate, I searched around for the place I would be
receiving my orientation. I entered the first building I saw, and was approached by couple of
men, I straightened my back, shoved my hands in my pockets, and respectfully said, Good
morning.
The two men looked up in perfect harmony and the shorter man replied, Good
morning, you must be Azize. My name is Guhad, I am the manager of the ship yard. Today is
your first day, correct? His light brown eyes gazed past my face and into my soul and his stern
voice made it hard to resist his words.
I replied, Yes, with a nervous shake in my voice.
Guhad quickly replied, Perfect, let's introduce you to the others.
It turns out that I was not the only one there for orientation . I followed Guhad to a
room with thirteen or fourteen other guys sitting in chairs awaiting instruction. Guhad walked
up to the front of the room and began speaking with confidence and excitement, Hello all,
thank you for joining us today. We will be covering the basic responsibilities of your new job.

Your main focus will be patrolling the shipyard and investigating any weird occurrences, such
as any sketchy individuals or vehicles on premises. You will also be loading and unloading
ships. Is this clear?
Yessir, everyone replied unanimously. Guhad already seemed like a good leader for our
group, I might actually enjoy working for this man.
Things in my life were looking up for a change,the past four or five years in my life have
been an utter cluster alllaena. My youngest brother Liibaan died because of malaria which
drove my father off the deep end, and away from us. It has just been my mother, my little
sister, and me ever since. On top of these family crises there have been natural disasters that
have forever scarred the coast of Somalia both with toxic uranium waste and the wreckage of
a tsunami.
The following day I was getting dressed for another day of work, I put on some cargo
pants, work boots that were worn into the ground, and a tattered plain tee. I grabbed a mango
off of the counter, keeping up with my previous routine, and was halfway out the door when I
heard his mother's voice, Azize???? Is that you??
Hesitantly replying I stammered, Yes mother, what do you need? I have to go to
work.
I was just wondering if the sky was clear, Waris said with a soft, sweet tone.
Yes mother, it is a beautiful day. I couldnt think of the possible reasons for Waris
question.
Oh perfect, I was planning to take Hani to the beach. I will see you when you return?
Of course. Have a fun time with Hani.
I continued on my path through the door as I had to move with intention in order to
arrive at the pier before my shift. The walk at first seemed tedious, yet as I followed my
previous footsteps, a sense of calm washed over me. I peered into the skyline, noticing how
the clouds would circle the tops of the towering green-spotted mountains; I noticed how the
sun, waking from its slumber, would light up the clouds with a stunning array of pinks and
oranges. This routine, as short lived as it is so far, gives me something to look forward to,
something to ground me; a new constant in my life.
When I arrived, the previous shift workers were ecstatic. They would finally be able to
go to their homes and get some rest, whereas my day was just getting started.
The tasks that I was given were tedious and tiring. We would have to patrol the entire
perimeter of the pier, clean wherever was needed, and move cargo from the monumental
ships and to the same ships. After a solid 12 hours of work, I was finally allowed to return
home. The walk home was less peaceful than I recalled from this morning, so I just rushed to
my home, and overlooked the beauty I had recently seen.
As I walked through my door, I called out, Mother, Hani how was the beach? I waited
for a reply but I didnt get one. Where the hell are they? I thought to myself, this doesn't
seem right. Worst case scenarios started flooding my head, if they were hurt in any way,
shape, or form I wouldnt be able to live with myself. I shuffled to my bedroom in a guilt fired
rage and layed down on my pad, with my hands crossed over my stomach. One Two
ThreeFour I was counting my breaths as my mother taught me in times of stress and
doubt. Fifty sevenFifty eight Fifty nine Sixty I slowly opened my eyes and calmly got
up. I then made my way to the kitchen, as it was dinner time, and began to gather ingredients

for mine and my family dinner. That is if they were to return. I began to boil some water and
chop up some fresh vegetables when I heard the door swing open. Mother???? Hani???? Is
that you?
Yes my love, I heard shout back in the same voice that had sung me to sleep since I
was a child.
I was worried sick about you guys, why are you only returning at this hour?
There was a mishap at the beach, Hani was swimming in the ocean and choked on
water she accidentally swallowed, I had to rushout to the water to save her. When I pulled her
out of the water, this immensely heroic man resuscitated her. We then noticed an oily slick
covering us from head to toe.
Oh god, are you guys ok?
We have no idea what the oily slick that covered us is. Waris said with a depressed
overtone in her soft, sweet voice. While carrying her child to her mat and laying her down
gently.
This cant be for real, what if it's poisonous? I cant lose you guys also. I would have
nothing to live for, nothing to ground me. I said with disbelief
I'm so sorry Azize, but there is nothing we can do but enjoy the time we have left
together, how ever long it may be. my mother replied
I then went to Hanis room, and approached her mat, I leaned in close and whispered,
Hani, are you still awake? I could see her moving under her covers. Hani, I'm so sorry for
what happened to you today, but I'm glad to see how brave you handled it. You are a strong,
and beautiful girl, and I love you more than you could ever know. Sleep tight. Just as I was
moving away, I could feel her slender arms wrap around my neck.
Azize, I'm so scared, I could feel her tears flow down my back. Today, in the ocean, I
swallowed some of that oily water and couldn't move. I have never been more terrified in my
entire life. I love you Azize.
Hani I love you too, now get some rest. You went through a lot today.
The next morning I woke up, writhing with unease caused by my night terrors. The
most recent one was about a boy who was all alone in the world, everyone abandoned him
either through death or just abandonment in general but the most terrifying part of this
dream is that it is my reality. Everything I have come to know and love has been ripped from
me, and my soul. Leaving it in bits and pieces; much like my life when I'll be all alone.
I took the day off of work today, so I could be with my family. I began to make our
families traditional breakfast of , a poached egg with goat cheese, and grilled vegetables, with
some fresh mango guava to drizzle over some yogurt.
When Waris woke up, she could smell the breakfast and rushed to the kitchen. Oh
honey, you didnt have to do this for me.
Of course I didnt have to, but I wanted to. I love you mother, and our time together
is limited, so lets make it special. I said as my eyes started to tear up, which hasnt happened
since my little brother passed away, 6 years ago.
Waris saw my eyes and came forward to hug me, and when she did I lost it and wept
like a baby. I I just dont want to lose you mother, and I dont know if I can go on, especially
without you and Hani. I'm so scared. I whimpered.

 My darling boy, you have dealt with loss before in our past. You are so strong and I
believe that in time, you will be ok. My time in this part of life was to end soon anyways.
I hated feeling like this, powerless, at the mercy of others. So I decided to change the
discussion and asked my mother to go get Hani, as breakfast was ready. I was preparing the
different plates of food suddenly, I heard an abrupt shriek from Hanis room. My heart
dropped, my mother has always been a level headed person, especially when it comes to
emotions, and to hear her scream like that, I knew something was wrong.
I dropped what I was doing and flew to Hanis room. There she lied, lifeless in my
Wariss arms. My mother was hysterical, screaming, sobbing and swearing, on her knees, and
at the mercy of a higher power. I came up next to her and fell to my knees just as she did. I
threw my arms around Waris and the lifeless corpse of my sister and slowly motioned
upwards. Waris knew she couldnt just lie there. We carried Hani to the backyard and I dug her
grave.
Hani was gone, and it was just me and my mother, or what was left of her, she was a
husk of her own being. When we returned inside, the three plates of food were still sitting on
the table. Waris noticed them, and abruptly sulked into her room in a depressed flury. I
proceeded to clear the table, and when I did tears crawled down my face. I wouldve never
imagined that I would lose my little sister, especially on this day.
The following week Waris passed away in her sleep as Hani did. I dug her a grave next
to my baby sister and lowered her in, and then I dug a third. I went into my mother's locked
cabinet and pulled out my families revolver. Standing on the edge of the grave I thrusted the
barrel into my mouth and put my finger on the trigger. The cold sharp taste of the metal
stained my tongue, and there I stood. At no one's mercy but my own. Life Death.. what was
the difference? Everything I have come to know and love has been ripped from me, leaving me
in pieces. I was dead inside and wanted to be dead completely. I closed my eyes, with my
hand shaking in a vigorous fit, I pulled the trigger.
Opening my eyes, I thought about what I had almost done. Thank god we couldnt
afford bullets. I fell to the earth and let out a vicious roar, I swear on my family's demise, I
will never let someone get hurt from pollution in our waters ever again!!
I slipped the revolver into my pocket and proceeded to the streets. I found a gun store
and asked to look at some 22 caliber bullets. The man pulled them out and set them on the
counter. I then requested for him to gather some arrows for me 10 feet away from the
counter. When he turned to fulfill my request I snatched the bullets and bolted out the door. I
heard the man curse at me and try to chase after me, lucky for me, he was a stout old man
who couldnt even come close to me. I then made my way to pier at which I was employed. I
knew I wasnt the only one to have lost someone due to that sakhif pollution in the water, and
I was right. There was a group of people whose family members have died and didnt know
where else to go.
I barged into Guhads office and demanded to meet with him, his secretary called him.
After about a thirty second conversation he allowed me into the back room. Sorry to barge in
like this sir, but I have a weird question for you.
What is it Azize? Are you unhappy with your work place?
No, I enjoy working here, its just that you heard about the disastrous pollution of
the shore, right?

I'm afraid I know all too well. My wife just so happened to treat some of the victims, or
all she could
Well, my mother and little sister were swimming when it spilled I was choking up,
tears started to spill from my eyes and, it took their lives
Oh god Azize. I am so sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do to help you?
Actually yes, is there any chance you would be open to start protecting our waters? I
never want another person to get hurt due to pollution in our waters
I would love to. But, why me. How could I help you in particular?
Well, you have been in the shipping business for some time now, so I would assume
you have connections. We could start a fleet of people like me, who has lost due to or is just
very passionate about illegal dumping. We could protect our waters again by stopping ships
from coming near us, unless of course they are your ships.
That might just work, but those ships wouldnt willingly leave us alone. We would have
to use force. Such as guns?
Agreed, we would also need to move faster than them. Do you have smaller ships at
your disposal?
Yes, about eighteen I believe. They are seven person boats, so we would need about
one hundred and twenty recruits.
How are we going to get our hands on over one hundred guns?
I could ask my employees and my wife to see if anyone would be interested in this,
but you would have to try to get the guns.
Well, nothing is impossible. Thank you greatly Guhad. You gave me a reason to live.
When should we meet again?
Id say four days, is that doable for you?
Yes, I'll see you then.
As I was walking home I remembered the beauty from the last time i made this trip. It
was enticing, but I stayed on my path with my head down and my legs moving like a machine
until I finally got home. I riffled through my house to find the sixteen thousand shillings
necessary to pay for the bullets I had just snagged. After about 15 minutes, I finally had the
correct amount and made my way to the to store.
When I walked through the door, the owner glanced up and scornfully shouted,

You... You have a lot of nerve showing your face here as he whipped out his pistol and put the
crosshairs on my head
I am so sorry for my actions this morning I reached into my pocket and pulled out
my shillings. Here are the sixteen thousand shilling I owe you keep the change
He lowered his weapon and scornfully said, What brings you back here? Come to steal
some more?
No sir, I need your help, you know of the pollution mishap, right?
Of course you thief, you think I'm some sort of idiot?
No sir, I meant no disrespect. Me and some of my colleagues are forming a makeshift
coast guard. We want to stop this issue at the source, so it never happens again.
So why do you need my help?

Chances are they wont be too cooperative and we may need to use force. We need
about 120 guns, for 120 to be on 18 boats, protecting our coast. I'm not asking for all of them
from this store, just any amount would be great.
How the alllaena am I supposed to trust you? You did steal from my store today.
Will you keep an open mind about it? We are all meeting up in four days, will you
come to the meeting?
I guess so. Where is the meeting?
Its at the pier just east from here.
I'll be there, but if this is a scam, never show your face here again or I will blow it off.
Understood. Thank you for your time.
I turned around and exited his store. A thought suddenly rushed through my head
wow I almost killed myself this morning I'm so glad I didnt I was off to the next store.
The other stores were a lot more accepting of my offer, maybe it was because I didnt steal
from them, but they all wanted to attend the meeting also.
The next four days flew by, it was the day of the meeting and I have to say, I was really
looking forward to this. Ever since this was put into play, I barely thought about the tragedies
within my family, it was a great distraction. I made my way down to the pier at the break of
dawn, I had to make sure with Guhad that the guests I invited wouldnt be an issue. After a
tedious walk and a stop for breakfast I finally arrived much earlier than Guhad had
anticipated.
Azize, what are you doing here so early, Its barely 8 a.m?
Sorry if I interrupted anything but I just wanted to give you a heads up. I went to all of
the gun stores in Obbia, and arranged all of the store owners a meeting with me and you. They
are willing to cooperate, they just want to make for sure that their charity is legitimate, and we
arent scamming them.
Fair enough, I talked to all of my employees and 89 of them are on board. I also had
my wife talk to some of the familys that she helped out and she got 13 people to join us.
So that makes 103. Right?
You forgot about me Azize.
Sorry Guhad. It just seemed like you wouldnt want to be a part of the danger.
Thats fine. Wow, we have 104 people and its all because of you.
I could have never done it without you Guhad. Thank you.
While Guhad and I were waiting for the gun store owners to arrive I went to work
unloading and sorting crates from last nights shipment. Guhad tried to stop me but his efforts
were futile. I owed him my life, literally.
A couple hours later, the gun store owners started to flow in. We all went into Guhads
office and had a brief discussion on how many people we had recruited at the moment, and
how many guns that each store would be willing to donate. Yet, before the store owners made
their decisions final, they requested to see the ships. I was also pretty curious about these
boats, as I would be riding in one sooner than I thought. We exited his office and started to
head to the dock. This dock was much smaller than the other docks I had seen in my time
working here, it was longer and skinnier with 10 places to dock on each side, and, the boats
were all lined up, like ducks in a row. They were all about 10 feet long and 4 feet wide, now I

know why Guhad said that 7 people could fit in each boat. In the water surrounding the dock,
there was drift wood floating about, bumping into each other.
So, do you all believe me now that this isnt some sort of elaborate scam?
Yes Mr. Guhad, said the store owners in harmony.
One of them had an idea and piped up, Guhad, does it matter what type of weapons
we give you?
Of course not. Any and all means of firearms will do us a great service. We plan on
starting as soon as possible, so, by all means, try to get the weapons to us as soon as
possible.
You guys are doing a great service for our entire country, I promise we will make your
charity worth your while.
Within the next week, we had all of the weapons we needed and our end goal was in
view. Out of the 104 people we had recruited, we deduced that we could have 13 skiffs with 8
people on each one, but we would only need 91 guns, as we would need 13 people to control
their skiffs motor.
Now, it was off to the training. We got all sorts of guns, pistols, machine guns, and
rocket launchers, except only a certain few knew how to use them to their full potential. Those
people had all of their weapon of choice, and the newbies would disperse themselves through
the groups, based on the weapon they liked the best. I felt so powerful, like I had created an
army, unstoppable and fierce.
After we completed training both the gun wielders and the ships motor controllers, we
set off on our first mission, we all had radios so we could always be in contact. I was polishing
the barrel of my pistol with a corner of my shirt when I heard the roaring horn of a freighter. I
whipped my head around only to see a towering cargo ship crawling on the surface of the
ocean like a rat.
Who do these al'umm-alllaenaers think they are? Polluting our waters? I dont think
so! I said pissed off. Set course for that ship I barked at the motor controller.
The skiff moved with great speed, considering it was supporting the weight of many
full-grown men along with weaponry and other materials that accompanied us. As we were
approaching the ship, my fellow crewmates were jamming in the magazines, and cocking their
weapons. Emotions were strained as two of the men started arguing.
Shut your mouths, we are fighting the enemy, not each other. I hissed
They replied in sync, Yessir!
It was weird being referred to as sir, especially from people who were at least 8 years
older than me, but I couldnt think about that right now. We were within 100 yards from the
monstrous freighter that seemed to be polluting our waters. We slid in a grapell to each
launcher, and secured the rope ladder to the ends. I bellowed, Fire!!
The grapples shot up onto the ship and latched on, securing the ladder. We all
scrambled up the ladder, one by one onto their ship, except for the motor controller who was
to stay next to the ship in case of a quick escape. We immediately started sweeping the main
deck , our guns raised and fingers on the trigger, trying to find the captain and the crew. We
came across the crews corridors and kicked down the door. They all leaped out of bed
shocked, dazed and confused, as it was barely daybreak.
Get on your knees and put your hands on your heads maggots I bellowed at them.

They were petrified with fear.

NOW I hollered. They were all on the ground in an instant. We bound their hands
tight and forced them to reveal their captain. They slowly got up and began to walk toward the
control room, where the captain and the co-captains quarters were. We got to the door and
one on my men knocked on the door.
Hello? Whos there? questioned the captain beyond the door.
I held a gun to one of the crewmates heads and whispered, Talk
Captain, could I meet with you for a second? stuttered the man with fear in his voice.
I motioned for one of my men to stand on the wall next to the door. And there he wait,
gun at the ready. The captain opened the door and my men whipped around, holding the
barrel eight inches from his head, he entered the room. Where is the cargo list I roared.
Steven, get your ass up the captain said to his co-captain And get this man the
manifest. NOW!
Yessir whimpered the man presumably named Steven.
As he handed us this so called manifest, we bound him and his captain along with the
crew mates. I had one of my men who could read english scan the list for the most valuable
items. The list read two crates of jewelry
Show me these crates of jewelry you al'awbash I shrieked at the scared to death abn
alkalibat. We allowed Steven to get up and lead us to the crates. Once we found them, we
pried them open to make sure we weren't getting jipped. The jewels were glowing in the
orange array of the sun. We tied ropes onto the crates and hoisted them down to our skiff. I
approached the crew and the captain. I stood right in front of them, towering over them I
stared into their eyes and deep into their minds. I scorned, STAY OUT OF THESE WATERS, OR
WE WILL KILL YOU THE NEXT TIME WE MEET! As we were leaving we stuck a knife into the
portside of the ship, so the crew could unbind themselves.
As we put out into the sunrise we were all celebrating, drooling over the crates, yelling
and shrieking with joy. This was a small victory, but a victory indeed.
We knew that our first attack would spread through the shipping industry like a
wildfire, ships wouldnt cross our paths anymore, willingly at least. We accomplished our goal,
of being able to successfully ward off a foreign ship in our waters, but we still had a long trek
ahead of us.