Storytelling Week 4: Rama's PR Crisis

Cubicles, courtesy of World News Stand

A phone rings in a busy and bustling office full of cubicles. In less than three rings, it was snatched up by an employee who appeared to be more frustrated with having to answer the phone than having his lunch stolen by the office thief. 

"This is James with Bawcom & Sons, how may I help you today" James spoke hurriedly into the phone. 

"Uhhhh... yah hi" said the seemingly distracted voice on the other side of the phone. "I'm Rama, and I think I'm about to have a bit of a public relations crisis, could you help me with that" Rama questioned. 

James quickly jotted down a few notes before saying "I'm gonna need a few more details about your situation sir, but I'm sure Bawcom & Sons can find a solution for you".  

"Well, everyone I know looks up to me as some sort of hero" Rama said boastfully. "But, as I'm sure you can believe, I don't have any problems with that. In fact, I'd like it to stay that way. That's what my problem is." 

James kept up with his not taking as Rama continued. "So I wanted this guy Sugriva to help me find my wife, and he agreed to help me if I could help make him King of the Monkey Kingdom again by defeating Vali". 

"Monkey Kingdom" James asked slowly. "I've never heard of any sort of Monkey Kingdom". 

"Neither had I" said Rama, before he continued with his story saying "That's not the point. The point is, I had to go fight this guy Vali. I hid in the bushes while Vali was fighting Sugriva. It was pretty clear Sugriva was going to lose, there was a reason he wasn't king in the first place. Now, Sugriva was a big guy and a good fighter. I didn't like my chances against Vali if Sugriva couldn't beat him. So, I shot Vali with an arrow instead of fighting him. People saw, and now I'm worried my reputation as a hero is going to be diminished". 

James sighed deeply. He didn't know who Rama was, or why he mattered. But, it was James' job to find a solution for Rama, whether it would be easy or not.  

"So" James started. "I think what you need to do is frame it as you saving the life of your loyal friend Sugriva. Tell anyone who asks you about what happened that you didn't have time to reach Vali and fight him, so you had to use your bow and arrow. Definitely don't mention that you had an enchanted sword, or that you were afraid to fight Vali". 

"Ok, ok" Rama said, already seeming like he was breathing easier. "I think I can do this. I still have to rescue Sita. But, to avoid any more embarrassing defeats, I'm gonna send Sugriva's servant Hanuman to weaken the enemy forces before I even get there". 

"That sounds great" replied James. "Now, be sure to contact us if you need any more help. As a last piece of advice, don't let Hanuman know your plan". 

"Alright, thank" Rama said, hanging up the phone. 

James sighed and shook his head. He wondered if any of the stories about Rama and other supposed supernatural beings like him were even true. Telling people how to manipulate the public could really take a lot out of a man. Just as James let his mind begin to wonder, the phone rang again. 

Authors Note: This story is based on my reading diary of The Divine Archer, written by F.J. Gould. I have decided to use the Public Relations Consultant storytelling idea. Rama kills Vila in what many consider a controversial way, he shot Vila with an arrow while Vila was busy fighting Sugriva. In the Public Domain Edition, Rama ambushes Vila, which is very unlike Rama's character.  

Bibliography: "The Divine Archer" by F.J. Gould (1911). Link