The Consulate Archipelago

By A.J. Slipchenko

My name is Cassius, and my adventure started with the delivery of a mysterious guidebook to my deceased parents’ house. Then my office received a personal request email for me to travel to a place called Leserson Island. Of course, I couldn’t drop everything and go. I had responsibilities and a dog to look after.
Unless I got my sister to do it!
Once I had everything covered back home, I started my journey to this Leserson Island. But to get there, I had to go to the Consulate Archipelago. Even though I had an invitation, the Consulate had full authority over who could travel there. Only by fulfilling the requirements of the Consulate and meeting with the Chief Bureaucrat could I continue to Leserson Island. Yet these challenges were part of a culture and language which were unfamiliar to me.
Also, the guidebook I had received had almost no information about the Consulate or the tasks I had to complete!
Even more perplexing was why they invited me. I didn’t know these people, but they seem to know about my family and me. The longer I stayed at the Archipelago, the more of this connection I discovered. That is, presuming I can make it through these challenges and not be sent home!

• Language: English
• Publisher: A.J. Slipchenko
• Release date: Aug 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781775088172

A.J. Slipchenko

A.J. Slipchenko is a Canadian who wrote Herman’s dream and the Pre-Herman series (The Rise of Nega-State, the Secrets of Brother Joy and the Greater Theft) which were inspired by undergrad psychology and sociology classes taken at university.After university, he taught English internationally where he developed an interest in travel, photography and different cultures.When not creating new psychological vistas, he drinks coffee.

Book preview

I wanted to thank Poonam and Sher for their input regarding this story. I wanted to thank Leo, for his expert advice! Finally, I would like to thank all my family and friends for their enthusiastic support and to give me the drive to keep writing!

This book is a work of fiction. This book should, in no way, be considered a guide to any immigration process or what happens during that process in any country.

The characters, organizations, countries presented in this novel are fictitious. Any resemblance between any person, living or dead, is coincidental.

The author strongly advises that any travel to new places or joining new organizations in unfamiliar countries should be strongly researched beforehand.

This story takes place prior to 2020.

CHAPTER 1

Tammy, my brindle-colored Scottish terrier, howled with excitement at the package on the table. She thought the package was meant for her, since she heard the delivery person first.

This package, wrapped in brown paper, was the size and shape of a shoe box.

Someone addressed it to me, yet I didn’t live here. This was my parents’ house, and they had both passed away recently.

I was still getting used to this situation. After retirement, they traveled on humanitarian missions with different organizations and would be away for months. My sister Lindsay and I would look after their place while they were gone.

Yet now the house felt different, as though it knew they were gone. It was hard for me to describe. Before, I would never bring Tammy with me when I checked on things. Now, I often brought her along to keep me company. It seemed like the house was mourning too.

Tammy howled impatiently.

It had been a long time since I used this house as my mailing address, so why would someone send me a package here? Nothing from my parents’ accounts showed an impending delivery.

I didn’t know where the package originated from: a place called Leserson Island. What’s more, I had never heard of the person who sent it: someone called Les Sudarus.

I ripped off the paper wrapping.

Inside, I found a shoe box with its lid taped on.

Maybe someone sent me shoes?

Tammy gave the box a quizzical look.

I cut the tape and lifted the lid.

Someone mixed layers of newspapers with balls of newspaper to protect the contents.

I rediscovered excitement that I hadn’t felt since childhood.

Is this a gift that got lost?

Lost in the mail for the last twenty-odd years

A couple of barks from Tammy heightened this suspense.

I tore through the newspapers with a speed that existed from getting a long-lost gift.

Protected by the newspapers, I found the object of my search.

It was a book.

A book called: The Definitive Guide to Leserson Island .

All the colors had faded, but it still looked incredibly enticing. The cover showed this path heading off to this beautiful beach. On either side of the path grew these tall trees. In the distance, the water looked inviting.

A travel guide.

I haven’t heard of most islands, but I had never heard of this one.

I flipped through the book and found it to be moderately thin. There wasn’t much information about its location.

Who would go to this length to send me a travel guide? Why send it to my parent’s house?

Tammy let out a couple of barks in agreement.

Then my cell phone beeped.

I had mentioned that the house felt different from those other times when I was looking after it. Sometimes, it did feel like my parents were still alive.

Momentarily, I expected a text from my parents wanting to be picked up.

Instead, the message came from my department.

We need you for an emergency meeting: tomorrow, Conference room 2C at 3:40 pm.

I texted I would be there.

An emergency meeting tomorrow? Interesting.

I glanced back at the book in the shoe box.

It looks like I have some entertaining reading ahead of me.

CHAPTER 2

I worked for a non-profit Training Company.

The Company has been around for 20 years. It hired employees based on their experience in a particular field, so most of the counselors were good at what they did. This company had an unorthodox business strategy.

Not only did it focus on practical job-oriented skills, but the company also taught and promoted other skills and abilities as well. The organization offered a variety of skill sets to their clients. Some would be beneficial, such as preparing taxes, promoting yourself to others and how-to multi-task effectively. Others were more like hobbies, such as cursive writing, obscure languages and painting.

Many of our clients used our services to improve their skills so they can get promotions in their chosen field. Other people also use the training program to help them get into a different field or to upgrade skills. A few of them used it to gain new hobbies. The people came from many different groups.

The non-profit had also developed partnerships and exchanges with other companies in other countries. Recently, they placed some of its material on the web to benefit both the clients and other partner organizations.

That’s how I became involved. My role in this company was as a web and educational software consultant. My responsibilities included placing their material on the web and finding the right software for a particular field. Sometimes I dealt with administrative problems or even fixing computer glitches. There were times they have even called me in to teach training courses.

The instructors used computers in their training courses. Some of them embraced this change with enthusiasm, while others were more hesitant.

I was holding a training course to help the other instructors upload their materials to a special website. This was also a tutorial so they could teach their clients how to access this information.

One session of this training course occurred this morning.

During the break, I mentioned the guidebook. None of the people I met today knew of Leserson Island. The instructors only knew about the popular vacation resorts. In fact, whenever I mentioned this island, the others would give me recommendations for places they have visited. I needed to do more research to find my answers.

Someone suggested that it’s a marketing ploy from the country’s tourist department, though that didn’t sound practical.

I looked through the newspapers included in the package. I didn’t understand the language. These papers might have come from Leserson Island. The travel book listed some words and phrases, though not enough to help me read a newspaper.

Again, I brought a couple of papers for my colleagues to look at, but no one had any clue about its location.

The mystery would have to wait until I can find out more information. The other mystery, the emergency meeting, would be solved quickly.

I walked to the conference room, not knowing what to expect.

A large table occupied the middle, with eight chairs positioned around it. A white board hung on the wall, like a picture. I walked over to one chair and sat down.

I carried my laptop and a notepad in case I needed it. These meetings weren’t common. Thinking back, I didn’t know of any situation like this.

I glanced around the room. It was kind of surprising that I was the only one here. Usually, others arrived before me. People should arrive shortly.

My thoughts drifted back to the mysterious book I received last night.

I skimmed a bit of the travel book before I fell asleep. Someone sent me a book published in 1995. There had to be something more recent.

When this meeting finished, I would check it on the internet.

A few moments later, Merrick and Cynthia walked into the room. They both were immaculately dressed.

Sorry, we’re late, said Merrick. He was balding with brown eyes and glasses. Merrick carried a briefcase with him and seemed professional.

He worked on the international programs used by our affiliates in other countries. Our departments often worked together, changing the material here for use internationally. I found that part of my job extremely challenging.

We had a previous meeting that went overtime, said Cynthia. She had dark hair and bright blue eyes. She carried a briefcase with her. Confidence permeated the air about her.

Cynthia was my immediate supervisor. She had been the one who hired me. She had also been supportive as I introduced some new ideas to the company.

I should mention that employees at the training center used their first names with both our clients and each other, regardless of our position in the organization.

They both took a seat across the table from me. Cynthia put her briefcase on the table. She walked to the door, closed it, and came back to her seat.

Is there anyone else coming? I asked.

No, replied Cynthia. This is a private meeting. We’ve had an interesting situation arise that requires your help.

I straightened up. This sounded important!

How much do you know about our partnership programs? Asked Merrick.

A little, I guess, I replied. I haven’t been following it that closely, however.

One client asked us to set up an affiliate training program several years ago, said Cynthia. She looked at me directly. Normally, there’s no problem, but this place is isolated.

It’s in a place called Leserson Island, said Merrick.

My eyes widened!

Did I hear you right? I asked. Did you say Leserson Island?

Yes, Cynthia replied. Do you know it?

Yesterday, I received a tour book about this island in the mail, I said. Merrick and Cynthia looked nervously at each other. Judging from your reactions, you knew nothing about this?

No, she said. But I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the same person who sent the message. Do you remember who sent it?

The mention of a message intrigued me.

Les Sudarus, I replied. What message?

I don’t recognize that name, said Merrick.

Me neither, said Cynthia. Interesting. I’ll check around and see if anyone does.

What message? I repeated.

Merrick and Cynthia stared at me.

After we helped with their set up, we didn’t have any communication with them, said Merrick. Until a few days ago, that is. We received a request for someone to visit the organization and provide suggestions.

Okay, I said. So, we need to send someone there.

Not someone, said Cynthia in a frustrated voice. You! They want you! She looked over at Merrick and shook her head.

Me? I exclaimed. Why me?? I don’t do this stuff.

They have requested that you visit their company, said Merrick.

Cynthia pulled out a copy of that message and pushed it across the table to me. I grabbed it and picked up the message. It read:

We would like Cassius to come down here and audit our organization. We have been out of contact with the outside world and would appreciate any help he could give us, including updating our resources. Our company shall arrange all the travel details and accommodations so there will be few expenses for both him and your organization. I know this is an unusual request, but if you can respect our wishes and send him, we would be most appreciative. Sincerely Family 2

I looked at the message. It was real. I knew that when they used my name. My parents called me Cassius, though I never understood why. They just liked the name, I guess. Growing up, I always threatened to change it but never got around to it. Instead, I went by Cass, and it stuck. I’m too attached to that name now to change it.

Getting back to the email, I still didn’t understand the connection. Why me? Why not one of the other people here with international experience? I had never heard of this place before. How did they know me? Who was Family 2 anyway?

It’s been so long since we had contact with them, stated Cynthia. We had to make sure the message was genuine. It is.

Okay, why me? I asked.

That we can’t answer, stated the Cynthia. It’s obvious, though, that you are important to them. Plus, all the work you’ve done here can help you with your assessment. Find out what systems need to be upgraded and if we had any resources that would benefit them. Neither of us has been there, so we can’t tell you what to expect.

I nodded.

We understand this is a tough decision and you’ll probably want to think about it. We’ll need to know your answer soon.

My courses? What happens to everything that I am currently involved in? I asked.

Don’t worry, said Cynthia. If you go, we will have someone look after it for you. Just give us your answer shortly.

Merrick and Cynthia looked at each other briefly.

Before you leave the country, said Cynthia. We’ll give you the information that we have.

I nodded at hearing this. I did not know what I was getting into, but at least my projects would be covered. There would have to be more information before I jumped into the unknown.

We really want you to do this, said Merrick. You are the most qualified person for this position.

I beamed after hearing this.

One more quick question, I asked

What’s that? Cynthia asked.

How long do you think I’ll be over there? I asked.

We’re not sure, Merrick said. Probably, however long you need to finish the work.

I glanced at both and nodded.

You’ll have my decision within 24 hours. I replied.

That’s all we ask, said Merrick, as they both stood up.

Both nodded at me and then left the room.

My mind raced. I didn’t know what to think. Although I could help them with whatever materials they would need, I had never traveled overseas. Other people had more overseas experience than I did. Why did they want me for this?

I needed to find out more about this island and its people. It looked like there would be a lot of researching in my immediate future.

I had to get a second opinion on this situation. Fortunately, I didn’t have many things that would be put on hold because of this trip.

Still, I needed someone to talk this through, so I sent a text message to my sister, Lindsay. After all, she would get all my home responsibilities. I texted her:

I received some important news, and we need to talk. Can we meet for a coffee tonight at the book shop near your place? About 7:00 pm?

I waited a few minutes before an answer. Then I received this reply:

I can make it for 7:30. This had better be important!

I looked at that last sentence. She was not having a good day. I’m not relishing having this reunion.

CHAPTER 3

The afternoon passed quickly and after making a short trip home, I traveled to the coffee shop to meet my sister.

I could have called her, but this way seemed better. It would give me a chance to hunt for some books related to that island.

She might have an outburst. At least, in public, I might hope to avoid a scene. No chance of that if I talked to her on the phone.

Besides, although we were supposed to be going through the house together, I haven’t seen her since the memorial service.

The coffee shop adjoined the bookstore, so this was the perfect opportunity to check out the travel section. To my disappointment, I didn’t find any books written about this island.

I hoped to find something about their language. Something bothered me: I would go there knowing very little of their spoken language.

My guidebook included some words and phrases, but I didn’t have any keys for pronouncing them. I would feel better if I knew how to say them.

Still, I felt excited. It hadn’t been blogged to death by overzealous travelers. Something that didn’t have ten thousand newsgroups or photos.

My heart pounded faster.

Then my phone beeped.

Lindsay was here.

My adrenalin spiked in anticipation of this reunion.

I walked through the shelves of books over to the coffee shop area.

The store had a dozen small tables clustered in the corner of the building. About half a dozen of those tables were being used. Someone waited in line for their coffee while another person ordered a dessert.

My eyes darted around, scanning for my sister, and then I saw her.

Lindsay was a couple of years younger than me with deep blue eyes and shoulder length red hair. Stress added years to her appearance, so much so she looked older than me. I guess I hadn’t seen her in a while.

She wore her business attire. Her slacks and blouse showed some wear from all the overtime. Obviously, this must be important.

Growing up, I used to call her Warbler. When she was little, Lindsay used to love birds. She used to wander around the house, imitating them. It was incredibly annoying. That and she couldn’t do it very well, so I ended up calling her Warbler.

That describes her singing voice as well.

I gave her a big hug.

She waited for the hug to be over before she spoke.

So, what’s this news you wanted to tell me?

We both sat down at a table.

I explained the details of the meeting and the mysterious event of a getting a tour book in the mail.

Lindsay looked at me with a blank expression, just nodding. It was hard to gauge what she was thinking when she looked like this. I had to be prepared.

You want to go on this trip? she said, summing up the events.

And while I’m gone, you’ll have to check the house, I continued.

She seemed nervous. I don’t think she visited that house since they passed away.

How long do you think you’ll be gone? She asked.

Honestly, I don’t know.

What days? A week?

I don’t know. A week? I don’t know what the problem is?

A week? Warbler repeated, thinking things over. How often will you be in touch?

I don’t know. There’s been little contact with them. I’ll try to be in touch as often as I can.

Where is this place?

I had never heard of it. Its name is Leserson Island.

So, you want me to take up the responsibility of the house while you run off to some island?

Her voice rose in intensity. My choice of a public location didn’t seem to have the desired effect. Instead, the other people around us noticed our conversation.

It’s not like I’m going there for a year!

But you don’t know how long, do you?

It won’t be a year.

She sighed.

I have my deadlines, Warbler exclaimed. I can’t drop everything because you want to go to an island somewhere!

I could tell this wasn’t about her deadlines. She appeared to be faintly shaking at the mention of going back there. It was as if returning to that house caused her to relive the whole trauma of losing them again.

Yet she was the only one who could do it.

Hey, I’m not asking you to do everything, I said. Just check on the place while I’m gone. I’ll get it all sorted out when I get back.

I don’t have time, okay!

Without another word, she stood up and ran out of the building.

I was stunned.

This whole experience had been too much for her. I did not know that things had gotten that bad. Of course, she had said that she was busy when it came to dealing with the house or anything related to the funeral. Now that I saw she was shaking at the mention of going there, I had to rethink things.

I might need a backup plan in case she can’t help. I can call on other people to look after Tammy, but they can’t help with the house. We were the only two allowed to do that.

I sat at the table and sipped my coffee, going over my options.

* * *

After finishing my coffee, I drove back to my apartment. It didn’t take me long to get back since there were few vehicles on the road. My building was located in a residential area in the center of the city.

I went through my nightly rituals, though I was fixated on the current situation.

Without my sister’s support, I had to rethink the trip. Yet things were still workable. If this trip was only for a week, I could leave the house the way it is. After all, we weren’t on any particular deadline, and I could fix things up when I got back. I would just have to check everything before I left.

The more important factor was finding someone to look after Tammy.

There were a couple of people I knew who would be happy to