Oliver Benjamin
advanced beings that the rest of the world should model themselves
after? Despite your supposed spiritual advancement, most of the
people here seem pretty unbalanced. All these bizarre therapy
sessions haven’t made anyone here any stronger or more capable. I
hate to break the news, but while the Omniraja may be brilliant, he’s
not going to fix the planet’s problems. Most people wouldn’t buy his
mystical approach, anyway. It’s too spooky.”
“Those people,” replied the woman, clearly agitated by my
diatribe, “will not be around for long. They are part of a toxin that will
be eradicated.”
”Eradicated?” I said. What did she mean by that?
“Wow,” the British guy said to me, “You sound just like Vikash.”
“Who’s Vikash?” I asked.
“Never you mind,” she answered, then turned to admonish the
British guy. “Don’t ever speak of him again,” she grumbled.
“Who’s Vikash?” I repeated, but was met only with awkward
stares.
The woman then suggested that if I had such negative feelings
about the ashram I should pack my bags and leave. When I told her
that that was the first clever thing she’d said, she got up in a huff and
went back to her table. The Brit and the German followed her. I was
once again pleasantly alone.
But not for long. A giant tractor drove into the bakery and
stopped in front of my table.
“Joe! How have you been?” It had been some time since I had
last seen him.
“Mighty fine, junior. Yourself?”
“Same old. Have a seat or two.”
He sat down. “Well, Mr. Rippy, how are you enjoying your stay
at this ridiculous place?”
“I’m not. In fact I think I’m leaving tomorrow. You?”
“You know, my friend, I’ve been to some of the most miserable
spots on earth, but nothing compares to this. This place is
outstanding! I’m canceling my other destinations and staying here
for the rest of my trip. Now this, thisis misery!” He spread his arms
wide to indicate the other Omniraja followers in the room.
That was the nail in the coffin for me. If Joe Fortune liked this
place, it had to be really bad.
“Where are you going to go?” he asked, attacking a pile of
donuts like they were Cheerios.
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