by S. Robertson
The second speaker, female, took a different approach, speaking more to the individual student. She stressed that in their quest for divinity it was imperative that they constantly develop their minds. Aspects of this development included a rejection of small mindedness, the need to overcome selfishness, to cultivate a state of goodness by having no room or desire to manipulate situations, and to honour truth. For only when they had achieved these qualities would they awaken the sacred in the universe.
As the second speaker returned to her seat Morgan thought to himself, “I wonder why our academic events can’t have such brief and enlightened speeches. These days we seem overinvolved with politics and economics. We’ve lost something. But with the closure of the speeches I can now enjoy the music. I’m about to hear the entire program.” He sat back and closed his eyes.
As the second speaker returned to her seat, Carola, sitting near the harpists, rose. The students positioned their harps and upon her signal began their musical presentation. The music began softly like a leaf blown in the wind. Then it soared as musicians proceeded with a magical mixture of poignant melodies. Minutes evaporated as the audience floated along the waves of the angelic sound. When the music stopped a momentary hush fell as the audience struggled to regain reality. Appreciation came in a groundswell of clapping.
When the clapping eased, Zolar rose from his seat. The expectation of his announcement was palpable for many students had spent years preparing for this moment. But Zolar appeared nervous, hesitating, glancing up at the group from Gaia and then to the royal family.
Andrew noticed the nervousness and whispered, “I wonder what’s up, Zolar isn’t a man prone to nervousness?”
Then turning to the audience Zolar proceeded, “After much consideration, I have selected the following four candidates for the first level of initiation.” Again he hesitated then, clearing his throat, he continued, “The candidates are Angi Talismann, Vette Gallant, Wolfram Stark and Morgan Mandelthrope.” Being unfamiliar with the language he stumbled on the surnames.
Dylan reacted, “What the hell, is he mad?”
“Am I hearing things?” asked Wolfram, “Did Zolar just mention our names as the four candidates? Is this some kind of joke?”
“Hold on,” cautioned Andrew, “Let’s see what transpires. I believe, Zolar has just stepped into a minefield………. wait………….”
Confused, everyone in the audience began looking from side to side. The Queen was in an animated conversation with Sirona and Myttrwn. When the Queen stood up the theatre went silent. In a crisp commanding voice she asked, “Zolar, would you repeat the names of your four candidates?”
Zolar obliged, this time louder, pronouncing the same names.
Sirona was out of her seat, her fury aimed at Zolar, “This is insane. You have no right to list our guests as initiation candidates. This is preposterous!”
The Queen, recognizing the disaster unfolding before her, beckoned her advisors. They talked briefly. Within seconds two guards appeared on both sides of Zolar, under orders from the Queen to escort him to his quarters and remain there. In an unprecedented move, the Queen stepped onto the Orchestra and spoke to the audience in a commanding voice, “This ceremony has now concluded. I ask you to please return to your respective quarters.” The theatre emptied.
Sirona and Corb dashed up the steps to where the group sat, Sirona giving an abrupt command, “Corb I want you to take this group to the Queen’s reception room at once.” Turning she added, “I will come to you as soon as I can. Myttrwn and I will be meeting with the Queen and her advisors.” And shaking her head she mumbled, “This is unprecedented.”
Time passed as they waited in the Queen’s reception room.
Andrew, wrestling with his thoughts openly remarked, “Surely this cannot be. You four are not prepared for such an initiation. Zolar knows that. So is this some stunt…………. but I expect stunts are not part of this kingdom. I’m sure he has sealed his doom ………..but why?”
Bryce, standing nearby, added, “My old friend, this is what we feared. Somehow we’ve ignited a power struggle likely between Zolar and Sirona and Myttrwn. The consequences of this could be immense. Is there no other option?”
“I never liked that damn cold fish anyway,” blurted Vette, her frustration erupting. “We’re being fed to the lions. I hate this feeling of helplessness.”
“Impotent, is more like it,” replied Morgan, “We’re in a different world and no matter how positive our opinion, I have a sinking feeling we’ve entered a vortex for which there may be no easy exit.”
“What about substitutes,” argued Dylan, “I and my team could take the place of you four. We’ve faced lots of trials and might be better prepared.”
“Your offer is noble Dylan but it’s unlikely they’ll accept substitutes,” replied Andrew. “Zolar was precise in who he wanted for this. Let’s hold our fire until Sirona and Myttrwn get here.” However confident his words, Andrew feared the worst.
The arrival of food signaled a quick decision wasn’t eminent. As more time passed the outcome grew bleak.
When they finally appeared, the look on Sirona and Myttrwn faces signaled trouble. Sirona was the first to speak, “It’s been decided. Myttrwn and I have three days to prepare the four of you for the initiation.”
“Am I missing something?” asked Andrew growing irritated, “Why couldn’t the Queen reject Zolar’s decision?”
Myttrwn replied, “Andrew, in our kingdom, the Queen rules for the people and her mandate covers court administrative, diplomacy and the military. Each person appointed to a senior position like Zolar are given significant powers. Our selection of such individuals has been such that neither the Queen or King or Council has ever had to intercede. As you know, Zolar is in charge of the House of Learning. He alone decides who is to be selected for the initiations. Our society trusts these chosen leaders to operate under a very strict set of standards. For the first time, Zolar has chosen to ignore such rules with his decision today.”
Andrew, unprepared to let it rest, continued, “But surely just because this is unique, why can’t the Queen or Council overrule him. You just said he has defied your own rules.”
Sirona interceded, “As Myttrwn was saying, our constitution doesn’t allow this, which means this is a matter which will have to be re-examined but that takes time. Zolar had two objections about your presence; first he stated that you should not have been allowed entrance to the kingdom at your unrefined stage of development, and, second, he felt the level of technology in the medallion was far too advanced for your world at this time. He argued that we should take possession of the medallion until your world had reached a more appropriate Dwapara Yuga level. Of course, this would be in contradiction to the entire reason why the medallion was created in the first place.”
“So, Zolar took the matter into his own hands,” replied Andrew who was still fighting. “What does he expect to gain by insisting that four of our group go through this initiation? I thought your world was far more advanced. He’s nothing more than a tyrant, a madman or both. Angi, Vette, Wolfram and Morgan are unprepared and the outcome is uncertain. Am I right?”
“What about substitutes,” asked Dylan, now more determined than ever to propose another option?
“Sorry, Dylan, it’s not permitted,” replied Sirona. Then looking at the stressful faces in front of her, she added, “You have no idea how much this displeases me. Myttrwn and I tried every argument to have this stopped but to no avail. Zolar has used all means at his disposal to support his position. His final ploy was to insist that by going through the initiation you will be more qualified to take this advanced technology back to Earth.”
“Sure, if we survive,” interjected Vette.
“Let’s hear from the four on this,” asked Andrew. “Angi what are your thoughts?”
Angi knew in her heart that this was fated. She also decided not to mention her dream. She replied, “This is definitely an unwelcome
d turn of events. The unknowns are ample even with my medallion. But having it and whatever training I’ve already mastered, I’m willing to proceed. Bureaucratic decision making is something I recognize. I trust that Sirona and Myttrwn have done their best. So, there is no point in us beating this to death. Let’s maximize whatever time we have.”
Wolfram then replied, “Well, if Angi’s prepared to proceed then so will I. I’m definitely uneasy about this diabolical plot. You have to agree, whatever Zolar says from this point is suspect. I would argue there’s more to come. From this point I’ll assume my old police persona and be on guard. I’m glad Vette’s in this with us.”
It was now Vette’s turn, “I agree with Wolfram, this man can no longer be trusted. My gut feeling tells me we have been put into the hands of a madman whose stated reasons bear no resemblance to his true feelings. If truth is a priority here, then he just disqualified himself. I’d personally like to do him in, but that’s not on the books. I’m just glad it’s the four of us.”
Morgan, having been relatively silent, was pushed to say, “I’m caught in a bind. A fraction of me is dying to know what is in that pyramid, but the rest of me is screaming to cut and run. I’ll admit, I’m not a risk taker. This trip for me was a gigantic leap. I will need the skills and training of my colleagues to survive. But I will vow to do my best at whatever is thrown at us. As a team we’ll make it.”
“Very well,” came Andrew’s resigned reply, “You are all willing. But for the record, I want it known that I am extremely irritated over this entire mess. I do not like being side-swiped nor being left on the fringe. I have come to consider this team as my family and I will fight like mad to protect each one of them.”
“Andrew, I too regard you as part of my family so Myttrwn and I will consider every angle. We have three days and have been given a free hand in this training. That took some negotiating. To do this, I want Angi, Vette, Wolfram and Morgan transferred to my quarters in the palace at once. We will begin tonight.”
Andrew asked, “What can we do?”
You will return to the House of Learning. For the next three days you will continue your usual activities. Daily, I will report to you myself to fill you in on our progress. I regret that I cannot have you coming back and forth during the training, the four must be in isolation.”
“Isolation, what for?” asked Andrew, the irritation of being shut out detectible in his reply.
“I know,” replied Wolfram suddenly aware of the reason for secrecy if they were to outfox Zolar, “It’s because of telepathy. It’s to our advantage that no one gets wind of the preparations. Right Sirona?”
“Something like that,” replied Sirona not wanting to discuss the matter. Then turning to Andrew she added, “Be assured, on the day of the initiation I will have the rest of you with Myttrwn and myself in the pyramid command center located on the same level as the transport gate. We will follow every step of their journey.”
“Fine,” answered Andrew, suddenly grasping Wolfram’s statement. “But I insist on seeing the four the night before the initiation to wish them luck. Is that permitted?”
“Very well, that will be arranged, but just you Andrew,” replied Sirona. The others seemed irked at being excluded.
Wanting to soften the situation Sirona added, “For your information the first initiation calls for three hours on each of six levels, with a brief spell on the seventh. This brings the total time to about twenty hours, less than one of your days.”
“Twenty hours……….. that’s a hell of a long time under fire,” replied Dylan.
Angi felt a cold chill creeping up her spine and thought, “So this is it. My dream is about to become reality.” As she looked at her companions she noted that the darkness of her own thoughts was replicated in their faces.
The music had stopped.
Chapter 3
* * *
The Palace, Sirona’s Quarters
Sirona and Myttrwn wasted no time. A large reception room was transformed into a training centre, complete with a glasslike box the size and shape of two old-fashioned telephone booths. Sleeping arrangements consisted of two rooms across from the training centre, one for Angi and Vette, the other for Wolfram and Morgan. A few personal items had been transferred from their suites for the three days.
Vette and Angi were together in their bedroom. Vette, testing the makeshift bed, commented, “This reminds me of my rookie days in the RCMP; temporary and basic. But then again we won’t be needing much. Angi, I expect Sirona is a tough taskmaster when the situation demands.”
“She certainly is,” replied Angi, remembering her early medallion training back in Scotland.
In a somber mood, Vette said, “Angi, I’ll only say this to you. Zolar and this initiation business makes my stomach churn. He’s intelligent, cunning and capable of almost anything. I get prickly when my enemy controls a gigantic closed building which we’re about to enter. This whole thing stinks and I can’t do a damn thing about it.”
“Vette, don’t be fooled by my easy agreement. I have the same misgivings but I realized that it was pointless wasting time discussing something that was out of Sirona’s and Myttrwn’s control. It reminds me of my former life. There were times when I had to bite my tongue over some idiotic rule or policy, admittedly not as dire as this. And speaking of constitutions, Canada almost goes ballistic at any hint of changing our constitution. It would be our misfortune to encounter a ‘first’ in this kingdom.”
“Yah, you’re right, Angi. The RCMP was jam-packed with rules and regulations and some equally unwise policies. Whatever Sirona and Myttrwn can do to make this easier, I’m all for it. Let’s find the others and get started.”
Wolfram and Morgan were just exiting their room when Angi and Vette opened their door.
“I’m glad we’re together,” said Wolfram, “Combining our talents, especially Angi’s medallion, should give us a fighting chance. Add that to whatever Sirona and Myttrwn have to offer, we should be fine.”
“But that oversized phone booth looks menacing,” came Morgan’s input, nervous about so many mounting unknowns.
Opening the reception room door they found Sirona and Myttrwn sorting clothes on a long table.
“Come over here,” beckoned Sirona, “We’ve decided you’ll be wearing our field uniforms. The uniforms have been modified for you. I believe we have your sizes but I’ll need you to try on each item so we can be sure. Once you’ve collected your set, we’ll return to your bedrooms. I’ll go with the women and Myttrwn will go with the men. You will be training in these. It may take time to get used to the boots.”
Angi thought as she touched the material, “It’s light and smooth to the touch, I bet it’s also loaded with sensors.”
Sirona proceeded with an explanation of the items. “The uniform consists of a tunic, pants and boots. The long-sleeved blue tunic slips over your head and goes to your hips. The tightly rolled collar on the tunic contains a head covering suitable for all weather. The pale gray pants are loose fitting and are designed to fit into the boots which will come to just above your ankle. The foot coverings, designed to keep your feet cool and dry, make their own calculated adjustment as circumstances demand. At first, you’ll feel a slight movement as your boots conform to your feet.”
When the uniforms were collected they headed back to their bedrooms. Once dressed Angi and Vette discovered concealed pockets on the tunic and along the pant legs. Vette then asked, “How effective is this material against attack?”
“It will repel most items hurled at it like rocks, sand, or small weapons like knives,” was Sirona’s reply. “For combat missions we wear a different uniform. Now walk about the room. Tomorrow, I’ll be adding a belt with attachments. We’ll begin testing these suits tonight. Let’s join the others.”
As they entered the reception room Wolfram and Morgan were already present, dressed in identical attire.
Myttrwn walked towards the glasslike structure and said,
“In the next three days, this chamber will be used not only to test your uniforms but to familiarize you with how it reacts to certain elements. This testing device allows only one occupant at a time. Wolfram, how about you starting the process?”
“Should I unravel whatever is in this collar before I enter?” asked Wolfram.
“That would help. Can I get the rest of you to do the same?” replied Myttrwn. Sirona assisted where necessary.
They watched Wolfram through the enclosure as Myttrwn went to a small outer panel and initiated the program. Wolfram endured five minute intervals of rain, snow, heat and wind. Emerging from the testing chamber, he exclaimed, “Wow that was something. This uniform came alive; parts tightened, then released and tightened again. The uniform was great, but Myttrwn, I need help with this headgear. I never got the hang of it.”
“We can deal with that,” said Myttrwn as he proceeded to check Wolfram’s uniform for breaks or problems and asked, “How about your feet, Wolfram? Did they stay cool and dry?”
“Yes, the boots are fantastic. They’re not only lightweight, but they kept readjusting on their own. In the snow I could sense some warming. My feet were never hot, cold or sweaty.”
“Good,” came Myttrwn’s satisfied reply. Then turning to the others he said, “Now that you’ve witnessed what happened to Wolfram, I’ll proceed with the rest of you. Morgan, your next, then Angi and last Vette. Be aware, tonight we’ll stick to five minutes, and then we’ll add five more minutes each day for each element.”
After a few minor uniform adjustments and a demonstration on how the headgear worked, the evening ended with Sirona saying, “That’s all for tonight. We’ll begin at dawn tomorrow. I expect you to appear in these uniforms. On the third evening I’ll have them cleaned for your initiation. Tomorrow’s schedule will include an explanation of the pyramid and an introduction to your belt and attachments. Angi will be spending time with Myttrwn regarding the medallion. We have much to cover and little time.”