The ritual had begun. We all kneeled on pillows facing The Council. The organization’s charter was read out loud along with the obligations required of both members, leadership, and the leader. The readings felt like they took hours but were closer to an hour.
Upon completion, the same person who hit the gong when we arrived wheeled a small table toward us. There were three copper bowls of water on it and a large item wrapped in a white muslin-like cloth. Carefully, he unwrapped it. Underneath the cloth was a sharp-edged knife with a gold bejeweled handle. It had been used in this ceremony for generations.
A series of chants were uttered over each one of us and then the unnamed man walked over to Zheng. “Please give me your right hand.” His voice was soft but gravelly.
Zheng did as he was asked as the man picked up the knife. Carefully, he turned Zheng’s hand, palm up, towards him and used the knife to make a small cut on the flat part of his hand. He was given one of the bowls by an assistant wearing gloves and placed Zheng’s hand underneath it. Three drops of blood were allowed to fall into the bowl before Zheng’s hand was removed and covered with a white cloth. The same thing happened to Nina and then to me.
Mr. Ng broke the silence in the room. “The essence of your life has been added to the source of all life. After tonight’s ceremony, you will become the father or mother of this organization. Your intelligence and wisdom will guide us in all of our decisions for the next generation.
“We’ve had an opportunity to study each one of you . . . some more closely than others. Chang Lee-Xiou was an extraordinary leader, and typically succession would automatically be passed down to his first born son. There are no sons. But, he graced us with two extraordinary daughters giving us reason to change the rules and allow for this vote today.”
I couldn’t help but think this entire ceremony was ridiculous. If I’d been born with a penis instead of a vagina, considering I’m several minutes older, this would be a different type of event. A coronation of sorts. I would have been able to assume the role and left all of this extra drama behind me. Still, I would have crushed Nina’s skull and called it a night.
“It is now time to cast our votes for the next leader.”
Zheng Xei was nervous. I could see the sweat glistening on the side of his head. So was Nina. Behind the bruising that was starting to appear on her neck, I could see her swallow. Was this a dream? It had to be because it was laughable that these two were even being considered. I kept my gaze focused and straight ahead. If this were real, I would have been nervous, but I had a plan. I couldn’t waste time on feelings. Lives were at stake.
“Zheng Xei please stand.” He stood and bowed. “Each member please vote your conscious as your name is called.”
“Eli Nakamura.”
“No.”
“Wei Chan.”
“No.”
“Binu Yoshi.”
“No.”
“Ang Woo.”
“No.”
“Si Xei.”
I could tell Si was angry that Nakamura had changed his vote and ashamed that his son wasn’t able to garner even one other vote. There was no choice for him but to support his son otherwise he would bring shame to himself. “Yes.”
Ng recorded the votes. “Zheng Si, you have only received one vote from the Council today. My vote will be cast with the majority and therefore, would not help you. Please remove yourself from the room.”
“Gina Lee-Xiou please stand.” I stood and bowed. “Each member please vote your conscious as your name is called.”
“Eli Nakamura.”
“Yes.”
“Wei Chan.”
“Yes.”
“Binu Yoshi.”
“No.”
“Ang Woo.”
“Yes.”
“Si Xei.”
“No.”
I raised my head after seeing who stood with me and who stood against me. I now knew the deal, and I had the three votes. If Ng voted for me, it would make me the leader. Everything I’d ever wanted was right at my fingertips. I had a choice to make. I spoke up.
“Honorable leaders of the Council. It is with great respect and extraordinary circumstances that I ask for permission to speak.”
Ng looked down the table for a consensus and most agreed. “It is quite unusual, but after conferring with the other members of the Council—please go ahead.”
“It is with much honor and pride that I stand before you today. Being given the opportunity to lead this organization and sit in my father’s chair is a dream I’ve had so long that I cannot remember when the seeds were first planted. I would stand shoulder to shoulder with giants being amongst you. However, after careful consideration, it is my feeling this Council would be better served if I withdrew my name.”
The room had been quiet but was suddenly draped in surprise and confusion.
After a few moments of more chatter, Ng responded. “Gina Lee-Xiou, are you sure of this decision? Were you somehow coerced into it?”
“No. This decision was made of my own free will.”
It was apparent he was stunned. “Then, we have no choice but to grant it. Since this is your decision, please remove yourself from the room.”
“It is, and thank you all.”
Nina Lee-Xiou was going to assume the leadership position. The smirk on
