13 Work (1/2)
”Yea, what are we waiting for? Let's go!” Gibli exclaimed.
”What do you mean? I thought we would be able to do anything over there.” Gibli said. He had already imagined himself doing all sorts of things in the workplace.
”As if! You don't know jack shit about construction and now you want free reign? Like, try walking before you start running.” Lonappan replied to Gibli's pipedream.
”So, how are we gonna go with it?” Kunjan asked the plan.
”Well, first of all, you lot will be doing nothing other than the heavy lifting stuff. I don't want you guys anywhere near the machinery. You need experience for that.” Lonappan explained.
”You see, I do have experience working in this sector and I believe that could be of help.” Taro flexed his multi-year experience on construction work over Wados.
”You might be right. Even so, I'm not gonna let you do the machinery. You used to work with the Wadorian machinery. That experience might be of little help. And I don't wanna imagine how terrifying you'll be if you are to have machines by your side.” Lonappan suddenly got a chill as he inadvertently imagined that scenario.
”Yea, I guess so.” Taro agreed with this as well, albeit disappointed about this.
Lonappan tried to console the disappointed Taro. ”Don't look so down. In fact, only one person is experienced enough to do the work in this area.”
”You?” Kunjan asked.
”Hell no. It's Thankappan.” He replied to everyone's amazement.
”This guy?” Kunjan asked as he pointed towards Thankappan, in midst of him picking his nose.
”Yes, I'm that good!” Thankappan proudly proclaimed.
”Seriously though, this guy? It would be better if you let a toddler handle it than this guy right here.” Kunjan shook his head as he retorted.
”Hey, don't insult me like that!” Thankappn cried.
For once, Lonappan stood with his plea. ”Thankappan's right. He might look and even act like an idiot, but I believe in his training back in the dungeon prepped him for any random job thrown into him.” Somehow, Lonappan's statement irked Thankappan more than the original one.
Everyone agreed. ”True. I believe in the MIB's training regimen.” Kunjan replied.
”Me too.” Gibli chimed in as well.
”Hey, it would be nice if you give some of that trust to me too, you know?” Thankappan resorted to screaming.
”Don't be complacent with about the praise that I gave you. You gotta work hard to earn it.” Lonappan said as he patted his junior's shoulders.
”Was that even a praise though?” Thankappan wondered.
”That's cool. I'll do that.” Kunjan agreed to the notion..
”Although, Taro will have to strictly do the heavy lifting alone.” Lonappan asserted his point.
”I understand, but…” Taro was about to say something before he was cut short by Gibli.
”What about me?” He asked.
Nevertheless, before Lonappan could give a reply, Taro interrupted. ”Wait. I just displaced my strength over to my shoulders. I can't use my hands with the same power as before now.” He said.
”Well, can't you just meditate once again and shift back your power?” Lonappan asked.
”I can, but there's no guarantee it'll go the way I want to.” Taro replied.
”Very well, seems like it would be better if Gibli helped you carry them—like Gibli can load and unload stuff from your shoulders and you can carry that stuff around. Gibli does have his hardened exoskeleton feature.” Lonappan pointed out.
”Wait, I thought it was for defense alone.” Thankappan spoke.
”It gives me quite a bit of strength too.” Gibli replied as he hardened up and broke a rock nearby.
Taro was intrigued. ”Wait, is it genetic or…”
”Sorry, man! You can't learn it. It's genetic.” Gibli shrugged.
Leaving that idea aside, Taro replied. ”Okay, I'm fine with Gibli helping me.”
”Now that all's said and done, shall we move?” Thankappan asked.
#
A kilometer or two away from Holy Land—there it was, the construction site. They went there in Gopan's auto. ”Have a great day a work, guys! And make friends along the way.” Gopan wished them luck.
”Will do, Gopan.” Kunjan replied.
”Wait here, Gopan.” Lonappan ordered as he walked out of the auto and look at the guys. ”Ok, this is as far as I go. I told them about you lot and they said they'll help you. So, behave and don't do anything stupid.” He reminded.
”Sir, yes sir!” Everyone shouted as if they were in the military.
”By the way, where are you going?” Kunjan asked to Lonappan.
”Oh, trekking with my family. My son's been asking for it.” He smiled.
”Lucky bastard!” Thankappan muttered under his breath.
However, Lonappan heard it. ”Mind your language if you don't want me reporting the higher ups about all your mishaps.” He said.
”Weren't you supposed to guide me? You'll be held responsible as well.” Thankappan replied with a mocking smile.
”Piss off!” Lonappan flipped the bird as he walked away.