The Cee Team

The New Minister

Disclaimer- This story is a fantasy and doesn't endorse a belief in the occult.

Emm had been elected as the Member of Parliament this year, defeating his nearest rival by a margin of over ten thousand votes. In his native village named Bool, this was a moment of great pride. The revelry of the villagers on the day of result went past midnight with food and drinks on stalls for everyone to eat and drink. No one went to sleep hungry that night.

Emm was as if living a dream. He was overjoyed but also stressed about the challenges ahead. Next day at the meeting of the political party, it was decided that Emm will also be a Minister in the current government and will be allotted the portfolio of "Supernatural Affairs". Emm was bemused. He held a post graduate degree in Political Science, and while his formal education continually and strongly denied the existence of occult, his upbringing in the village had strongly instilled a belief in occult in him. To add to his confusion, he had never known of any minister in any previous governments hold this portfolio, and he was beginning to wonder if his party wished to make him a laughing stock in the country. In spite of all the internal conflicts, he accepted the duty and vowed to give his best at the meeting.

The oath taking ceremony of all the newly elected members was scheduled on the 24th. Once the formalities were over, The Prime Minister, Ell, called for a meeting of all the ministers in his office at 3 pm, but Emm was called at 2 pm to discuss additional issues.

The Parliament building was constructed in the 15th century. It was a majestic building in white marble spread over a huge area, with beautiful gardens on all sides. It originally had seven floors, however during some powerful natural calamity, its upper two floors were destroyed. The current building had five floors. It was meant for an important purpose however that purpose was lost in the annals of time, and there was no consensus among historians. Ell's office was on the third floor, huge, warm, carpeted, with brown walls decked with paintings of the prominent personalities of the country. On one side, was what could be best described as an indoor pool, filled with sparkling clear water, from which fumes were emanating. The desk and chairs were in teak wood with magnificent intricate carving.

Emm knocked at the door of Ell's office at 2 pm sharp.

"Come in" said Ell.

Emm entered.

"Ah, dear Emm, congratulations. You have been appointed a very important portfolio- Supernatural Affairs. I would like to brief you on it.", said Ell, completely composed.

Emm was struggling to keep his composure.

"Sir, I don't understand. Is it important?", asked Emm.

"Of course, it is. I can understand your state of mind. But allow me to explain you." said Ell.

"You see, Supernatural affairs is an extremely important ministry. We chose you for this because of your village background. All of us believed that you will be able to lead this better than any of us. Its as important as defence, in fact. While defence ministry deals with human threats, you will be dealing with occult threats." explained Ell.

"But sir, are there occult threats in reality?" asked Emm dumbstruck.

"Of course there are. There are forms or energies beyond this dimension which exert a profound effect on us. They are both positive and negative. Its the negative ones you need to worry about. This dimension was originally created by the Positive energies through a delicate balance between creation and destruction of the five elements of nature- earth, fire, air, space and water. These elements constitute everything you see - us included. We are currently ruled by them and so predominantly under their influence. The Negative energies have been trying hard since times immemorial to overthrow the Positive ones from this dimension and seek control. They work by destroying the balance and lead to sufferings one shudders to even describe. The Negative energies are separated from this dimension by a void all around, but there are certain places on Earth where this void is negligible, those areas are known as portals. The Negative Energies try to enter this dimension through these portals and every time they do, we have a natural calamity or a disease epidemic. Luckily, it has always been restricted to this much. If their influence increases or they get complete control, we will have Dark Ages of the type no one can even imagine. We have four portals in our country- one of which is in your office. They have been sealed by sages and priests using complex chants and rituals. You are not supposed to touch it. Sometimes you may notice a form coming through the portal- do not panic- we have certain spies in the other dimension that come to warn us of the dangers ahead. You will have a team of sages, priests and ghostbusters- I don't like this term for them, you will need to work out a suitable one- at your disposal. They are all eager to meet you and debrief you further regarding the situation. You have a book on the desk of your office- read it thoroughly. It will provide you with complete details. I have just given you a synopsis." explained Ell.

Emm's head was spinning. It was all too much for him to take in. But he mustered all his courage and asked in a shaking feeble voice,

"Where is my office?"

"Ah yes, your office. You see that pool of water? Its no ordinary water. Its the holiest water in the country, designed to both detect and ward off external Negative energies from your soul, so that your soul is pure when you reach the office. But this has a limitation. It will work on your soul, not on your mind. So if someone has a malafide intent, the water won't be able to wash it off, but it won't let you enter your office too. Accountability you see. To enter your office you must immerse yourself fully in the water. The water will take you to your office on its own." said Ell.

Emm pinched himself twice to ensure he wasn't dreaming. But he accidentally pinched too hard and was in considerable pain. Ell noticed this and smiled.

"Its alright. This happens. You will get used to this in a while. A word of warning, you must never disclose your real job to anyone outside the party members and your team. No one must know, not even your family. For the rest of the world, you are a junior minister in the irrigation department, working under Kay. You may now explore your office."

Emm couldn't reply. He was lost for words. He just got up from chair, went to the pool of water and jumped, fully expecting to drown. Just another second he was sitting in his own office.