Chapter 346

Chapter 346: Immigration Transition Point

When the staff at the Dar es Salaam city government heard about the Far East Assistance Mission, they appeared bewildered.

Speaking to Aryan in German, one of the staff members said, "Sir, we were not informed about the Far East Assistance Mission, and there are no related entries in our work schedule."

Aryan explained, "This mission is being led by the East African diplomatic mission in the Far East. However, as you know, there is no telegraph line connection between East Africa and the Far East, so news travels slowly. Unfortunately, the news hasn't reached us yet. Here's my work permit to confirm what I've said."

In reality, the work permit wasn't necessary, but the city government staff believed Aryan's explanation. Aryan, a man of East African German descent who spoke fluent German and wore a uniform in East Africa, clearly appeared to be a local government official.

East African Germans were a unique group, recognizable by their yellow and white characteristics. Those wearing suits like Aryan were often educators in East Africa.

In East Africa, there was a distinction between the pure Germans, the mixed-race individuals, and others. The mixed-race group, especially those who had attended Hexingen Military Academy, held considerable influence and were trusted by the Crown Prince. This resulted in significant power and influence throughout the country.

East Africa had achieved a unique form of cultural integration, where intermarriage among various ethnic groups and mixed-race families was common. By the second generation, concepts of race had largely disappeared.

The city government staff, while respecting the protocols, promised to report the situation to their supervisor and asked Aryan to wait for a moment.

Half an hour later, the Dar es Salaam Immigration Office provided a response. They instructed Aryan, saying, "Mr. Aryan, we are from the Dar es Salaam Immigration Office. According to instructions, please stay in Dar es Salaam for a few days. The central government will send representatives to meet with you in three days."

Aryan inquired about accommodation and logistics, and the Immigration Office assured him, "We have prepared transitional dormitories for immigrants, and you can stay there temporarily. There's a cafeteria for meals, and if you have any needs, our staff will assist you. We're professionals in handling these matters."

Aryan accepted their arrangement, and they proceeded accordingly.

Later, Aryan explained the situation to Li Ge and the others who were waiting outside. He emphasized the importance of their mission.

Li Ge had a question, "Mr. Aryan, I'm finding it hard to express this, but why didn't your country make prior arrangements for us? Why the rush now?"

Aryan clarified, "This is indeed part of our embassy's responsibility, but it's mostly due to a procedural error. We didn't anticipate the Far East government's strong interest in assisting East Africa. This mission was initially intended for East Africa to gather medical knowledge, learn medical techniques, and recruit medical personnel from the Far East. We didn't expect them to be this generous in organizing an official medical team at their own expense. Naturally, Ambassador Richard couldn't keep you waiting for long. Sending news to East Africa takes at least half a month, so Richard made a quick decision to let you set sail."

Li Ge and the others found relief in Aryan's explanation. They were worried that the Germans had intentionally neglected their arrival, but now it seemed like a misunderstanding.

Li Ge expressed their preparedness, saying, "We were mentally prepared for this before coming to East Africa, so we won't be demanding about accommodations."

Aryan appreciated their understanding.

Subsequently, under the arrangements made by the Immigration Department, dockworkers loaded their luggage onto a hired carriage. As Li Ge and the others boarded the carriage, they found it quite different from what they were accustomed to, with western-style comforts and windows that provided a view of the surroundings.

The journey was smooth until they reached a checkpoint that appeared unusual, with armed East African policemen. The road seemed to lead to nowhere, as the city of Dar es Salaam ended abruptly, transitioning into a wilderness.

Ander questioned, "Brother Shiyan, why are we suddenly in the wilderness? Don't tell me these Germans are..."

Li Ge reassured him, "Don't overthink it. If Westerners have something important, they won't worry too much about etiquette. Since there are guards here, there must be something significant ahead."

After the police checked the immigration agency's documents, they were allowed to continue their journey. The carriage entered an unknown area that looked like a large camp, with neatly arranged rows of houses.

The housing arrangement resembled courtyard homes in the capital but was even more organized and uniform. Each house accommodated eight people, but Li Ge and the others were assigned to rooms with only four beds, considered a privilege due to their status as VIPs.

The Immigration Department staff explained, "The environment here is simple but very clean. We'll have daily cleaning service. Mosquito coils and nets are provided because mosquitoes are common in East Africa. You'll use the mosquito coils tonight as the nets are being distributed. Each room is equipped with tables, chairs, and benches for your convenience. Also, it can get cold at night, so we've provided clean mattresses for you."

Li Ge and his group were content with the conditions, finding them better than expected. East Africa seemed nothing like the barren and disease-ridden land they had heard of.

However, they couldn't help but wonder why the East African Kingdom had asked for assistance under such favorable conditions.

Li Ge mused, "It appears East Africa is in much better shape than we had thought. The rumors we heard in the Far East painted a different picture. They must be panicking for some reason."

Ander added, "As the principal and deputy envoys of the aid group, we were essentially 'scapegoats' sent by the Far East government. We were promoted temporarily to handle this mission."

The medical team led by Li Ge and Ander was originally composed of non-governmental doctors from the Zhili area who were kept in the dark about East Africa's true conditions. They had heard rumors from their colleagues and were aware of the actual situation.

Li Ge continued, "In reality, the East African Kingdom hoped for assistance in collecting prescriptions, acquiring medical knowledge, and recruiting medical personnel from the Far East. They didn't expect such generosity from our government, which organized an official medical team at their own expense. Ambassador Richard had no choice but to act quickly. Sending news to East Africa takes time, and we can't afford any delay."

Li Ge and Ander realized that the situation was not as it seemed. Their perception of East Africa had been skewed by rumors and misinformation.

The Far East government had initially sent Li Ge and Ander as envoys to the Kingdom of East Africa, aiming to satisfy their medical knowledge and resources. However, when they learned of the Far East's willingness to send an official medical team, Ambassador Richard had to act swiftly.

Li Ge concluded, "Now that we're here, we must carry out our mission with dedication. It's an opportunity to learn more about East Africa's situation."

They proceeded to the immigration transition point, where they would stay temporarily before the central government's representatives arrived.

(end of this chapter)