Unearthed: Guantanamo University: Chapter 1 part 1 Phoenix City
CHAPTER ONE
Final moments
It was another day in the middles of
spring with cloudy skies, and an average temperature of 23 °C. The wind was gently blowing and the
birds' songs were uninterrupted. Our story begins in one proud city famous for its unique names, such as Umm Al Nar (Arabic
for Mother of the Fire) and Bain Al Jessrain (Arabic for Between the Two bridges). Today it is known as Phoenix
City, referring to the islands' shape resembling the mythical creature.
Somewhere in this city, in a tunnel, where vision is short of blindness, people walked out of a subway. Trains passed through the hearts of skyscrapers. On varying levels, various other paths spread out. People rode their cars on roads made of semi-transparent materials some 50 ft above
the ground. Others drove on the ground, as is customary in previous eras. The rent was cheap in such buildings. Some considered them more comfortable than any others. Tenants enjoyed
the harmony of silent cars and trains, the lovely breeze, the beautiful view to
shore, and access to free parking. There were various other transportation services including taxis, buses and share-a-bike stations. This
made "support buildings" suitable for students.
Under one of the buildings' roofs,
on one of its floors, and behind a single door, a middle class family consisting of two parents, a son and a younger sister was getting ready for the
new born day. The son was a secondary school student, preparing himself
for school. He left with his father, but not before he wished his sister of 4 months a good day. Of
course he didn't forget his stepmother. The senior student's name was Mohammad.
As his father drove the family car out of the tunnel, a spot of light illuminated the boy's eyes. The vessel took off. It traveled ground and sky. This
little car crossed bridges and roads, passed buildings and trees, and made Mohammad's mind wonder of the varying landscape.
Buildings were rising little by little.
Mohammad asked his father:" Was this building there
yesterday?". The father answered him negatively. Mohammad commented:"
This nanotechnology is really something!" Buildings were established in mere seconds. Joyous it was when this technology was used to introduce a different architecture a day; cheerfully colored buildings for Easter, costumes for Halloween, etc. Roads were designed
to form temporary slopes off and into highways. Somewhere along the ride Mohammad spotted a cherry blossom. America used to hold monopoly over these trees. People traveled all the way from Japan to witness their bloom. Its lovely blossoms encouraged him to ask his father:”There are
two months left before the end of the year and I still have no idea where I’m going
to study”. His father replied:”Relax son! Finding a college for you will be a breeze”. Mohammad:”Why would you say that?” The
father:”What is today's date?” Mohammad answered:”It is the 15th of
April, but why are you asking?”. His father replied:”You’ll see when we
get there”. Mohammad:”It isn't like I want to go fishing, but as you wish". Five minutes later, they've landed in front of the eldest son's final destination.
It was Abu Dhabi secondary school. The father said as usual:”Have fun son”. Mohammad:”Yea….I
know, I will I will”.
By the way, Abu Dhabi was the capital of U.A.E. back when it produced oil. Dubai has been the capital for 20 years now... When Mohammad reached the
school, he put his first step just like in the movies. Soon enough, one of
his colleague noticed him. Apparently this teenage student
was in a hurry: "Blue hair! Come on, we don't have much time. The class
president asked for a meeting to discuss our trip” he informed his friend while
waving his right hand. Mohammad replied:“Well,
why not! ”.
Soon the school's grounds cleared. Mohammad and his friend Rabi aimed for the
classroom. On their way to the 4th
class on the second floor, Mohammad asked about the reason for the tardy trip! Rabi answered
him:"You know we've been hurting for this chance". Mohammad:"
It must be hard on the class rep. I mean he manages
much without letting us help". Rabi:"This is his
way of saying: even though we come from different religious backgrounds, we are equal".
Mohammad:" Come on, this is not equity!"
Attendance was not mandated by the school. The fast web, or as it is more commonly referred to; the
internet, allowed students dynamic freedom over their learning environments. They were able to study while
practicing sports, at home, or in a park. Even then, some still enjoyed studying at schools. They valued learning from a human face, and sharing their days with others. Mohammad and Rabi heard
a noisy disturbance getting louder. Suddenly, a strange cart entered their field of vision.
It was made from a wooden base and some scraps put together in an organized manner yet an unorganized appearance! The cart jumped, then crash landed into a wall. The class president rushed to check
the lousy mess. There was smoke everywhere. Students began coughing. " It was you after all Jamil"
the class president Tair exclaimed. He continued after the smoke dissipated: "Is it another one of your experiments? Or shall I say... inventions?!". Jamil answered:
"Yep….I think it was a failed one". Tair was the kind of a guy
who Rabi described as: "drawn towards leadership because it has potential to truly help him in his career”. Two students
were running through the hall to see what had happened……”Nah, it’s not a big deal. He’ll be alright” Rabi assured the two students. Those two were Salim and Sa'id, two others from the same class.
