The Timor Man Read Online Free PDF

General was completely conversant with the facts surrounding the departure of Albert Seda, his misdemeanours as a student, and Nathan Seda’s family. This interview was only a formality. He wanted to appear to be thorough with the Timorese.
    The Colonel continued.
    â€œ We shared the same mother — I mean my mother married his father after my own father died. ” He felt flustered having stumbled with the reply. Seda was now embarrassed and angry. His family background was one subject he preferred not to discuss and now yet again it had become an issue in his career.
    â€œ As his adik-tiri, I had no influence over him whatsoever General, ” insisted Seda, anticipating some negative result from his family
    association with the man. “ I felt that any reference to our family relationship would only have been detrimental to my career and decided to omit all reference to him .” He stared blankly in front of him, resigned to whatever punishment he would receive.
    Sudomo, now satisfied that Seda had confirmed his earlier information said, “ It is not necessarily a problem Kolonel. ”
    â€œ Maaf, Pak ‘Domo , I don’t understand .”
    â€œ We will overlook your oversight, ” the General responded, smiling at his choice of words. “ Your brother has communicated with you recently? ” he asked suddenly before Seda could have the chance to compose himself.
    Seda squirmed. Letters usually requesting assistance to forward money to his mother and other family members had arrived from time to time. Surely they would not be aware of this?
    â€œ Tidak, Pak ‘Domo ,” he lied. The General’s eyes narrowed slightly. He studied his subordinate for what seemed to Seda to be an excruciatingly long time.
    â€˜ What is this all about? ’ he wondered, now very concerned as to the direction the meeting had taken. He refrained from speaking further, waiting instead for the senior officer to continue.
    â€œ You are instructed to commence communicating with him .” Sudomo ordered. “ We feel that he may be of some assistance to us, should you foster the relationship .” Seda was stunned. Surely they were mistaken! What had Albert done to bring himself to their attention? His letters had been brief, courteous, and uninformative. He felt the knot in his stomach return.
    â€œ Your brother has achieved a position of confidence with the Australian Government, ” the Intelligence Director said sharply, focusing on the Colonel’s eyes as he spoke. “ He is currently employed as a language teacher for selected government personnel. We feel that his access to these people could be of advantage to Indonesia’s future. ”
    Seda could not believe his ears. Albert! A position of importance with the Australian Government! It was incomprehensible! He was certain that there had been some mistake. His stepbrother had always been in trouble. How was it possible that he could now be the one suggested by his superior? He thought quickly. Without knowing the General’s real purpose he was lost in this discussion. He dare not refuse to assist.
    Whether or not Albert’s relationship could be cultivated was another consideration. It had been so long since they had last seen each other and even then Seda was happy to see the last of the troublemaker. He did not feel confident of carrying out the orders, remembering the circumstances governing Albert’s departure from his homeland.
    â€œ You will be required to move your office to a new section created specifically for this task. Your total cooperation is essential to the successful cultivation of Albert Seda. Should you succeed, there will be rewards commensurate with the benefits achieved by your section. ”
    General Sudomo paused ensuring the importance of his words had been absorbed, then continued. “ You are to report directly to me. There is to be a minimum of written communications