The Odyssey of the Modem

A cell modem, a small device with a USB port. A simple thing that brings information, communication, to the tips of our fingers in the remotest of communities. This is a story about a lost modem, a modem that was taken from its home and could not find its way back. This is a story of the people who fought for the modem so that they could skype their parents on Christmas. This is a story of adventure, of corruption, and a lot of Maasai.
It started on a friday. The power was out, only the accountant was at the office, the week was drawing to a close. The modem sat there, waiting to be used with its unlimited internet access and quick download speeds. The accountant hatched a plan, if I take the modem home for the weekend, I can check facebook for days and nobody will notice. Tucked safely into his pocket, the modem began its journey.
Days pass, websites are accessed, pictures are viewed, statuses are updated. Sunday flows gently into Monday and a new week begins. However, as the workday progresses, the accountant and the modem are nowhere to be seen. Reports need to be sent and emails written as the office is about to close for the holidays. Where is the modem?
Tuesday, the accountant appears, but without the modem. Where is it, what happened, why did you take it, the questions come quickly. He issues a shallow apology and promises to bring it the next day. The office will be closed but the rest of the staff can come in anyway to finish their emailing.
Wednesday, a phone call is placed. Where is the modem? The accountant doesn't have it, he gave it to his father. Where is your father? In Nairobi. When is he coming back? ….... he's in jail. The accountant's father, the only man with keys to the house holding the modem hostage is stuck in jail for a traffic violation. Fuming, the staff wonders, why did he take the modem home, why did he give it to his father, what was the accountant thinking? The office is paralyzed waiting for the Kenyan police, voted the most corrupt institution of East Africa, to release the father of somebody who shouldn't have the modem in the first place.
Will the modem find its way home? Will the staff be able to finish its work before Christmas. Will the Kistler's families get to skype with them over the holidays? Will the accountant's dad be released by the new year? Stay tuned, for the thrilling conclusion of “The Odyssey of the Modem.”