LOST AND FORGOTTEN: Book 2 The Secret Path

by Maurice Barkley

  “When I consider the possibilities,” the old man said, “I can hardly contain my excitement. You bring hope where there has been none for generations. The population here believes that the rule of the gray men is the natural order.” Our host began telling us of the Fall, as he knew it. “Much detail is missing or confusing, but as I understand it the gray men were the lowest of the lower classes. Some say they were not much more than slaves. Records tell of a massive and simultaneous revolt on all five home planets and Nexus, but those records give no information as to when it happened. It was an old tale when I was a young man. I am sure it goes back more than four generations. The rebellion was intense, short and exhausted both sides materially and mentally. Weapons of vast destructive power turned many places on all five worlds into glowing wastelands where no man may go. It was a terrible time. You must understand that the low class gray men greatly outnumbered the middle and upper classes. Although the slaughter was great on both sides, the gray men had just enough remaining fighters to win the final battles and to take solid control of the five home worlds. This condition has not changed.

  “For a long time after the Fall, the rule of the gray men was brutal. They were relatively few and even fewer females, so they created isolated compounds in the center of major cities. Daily, they would send out wide ranging patrols to take what they wanted and to maintain control. In fact, their methods have changed little in all of this time except that they abandoned unnecessary cruelty. They remain separate and aloof. Cohabitation with any natives is a capital offense.”

  I had my doubts about this story, but I felt sure that the old man was repeating legends as he had heard them.

  “I have a question,” Alice said. “What happened to your technology?”

  “At the beginning of the occupation,” our host replied, “the gray men eliminated our remaining schools along with most manufacturing. Few of them had more than an elementary grasp of technology. I have read that they feared what they did not understand. Both sides abandoned our public utilities and though their functions were automatic and self-maintaining, eventually most have stopped working. What little electric lighting you see after dark gains its power by sunlight collected during the day. The units slowly decrease in numbers and when one of them no longer operates, there is no one to repair it. The exceptions are a very few replicators. Although there is no one to fix them, they still work, but their power is fading.

  “Eventually, our new masters realized their own machines and weapons were failing. There was no one in either population who had the knowledge or the skills to repair or replace what they had. When they destroyed the school and factories, they also destroyed most of the books that contained the accumulated knowledge that built our civilization. It was too late to reverse the slow decline to what you will find here now. Most of our people live in the countryside on subsistence farms while the cities have minimal populations. It is my understanding that the other four home worlds are similar.”

  “Have you traveled to any of them?” Moses asked.

  “No, all travel remains restricted and unauthorized use of a portal is another capital offense. Our brave and clever Lamont is the only one of our group who has managed to make one round trip to another city undetected. His observations confirmed what we already knew about the gray men. They have a very limited vocabulary and a very crude method of writing. “

  “How big is your group?” Moses asked.

  “In this city there are less than twenty individuals. If you are tall, you cannot be anonymous. Sadly, the population in general is declining and you will find very few tall ones as you walk the streets. They have no courage, no spirit to resist.”

  “Have the gray men populated any of the agricultural planets?” Moses asked.

  “Again, I think not. Our sources of information are limited, but we think their population is declining as is ours. It is all they can do to manage the five worlds they rule and that is only because we offer so little resistance. They do sometimes go to the agricultural worlds out of necessity, but that practice is all but abandoned. There is little need with so few mouths to feed.”

  M1 was curious about the type and quality of the weaponry now used by the gray men. It surprised and pleased us to learn that they had long ago taken to knives, swords and spears. It was possible, but not probable that they still had some more powerful stuff in reserve. Things were looking up. If the rest of this world and the other four worlds were the same, that would be very good news to take back to Earth.

  Our host also told us that the gray men thought that this library was empty and abandoned. There were a few other buildings secretly controlled by a small number of men and women living by their wits under the noses of their oppressors.

  Our meeting continued with many questions from both sides as we learned of the conditions and capabilities of Omaha. We had a working lunch and discovered that the keeper of the books was as enthusiastic about peanut butter as was Lamont.

  Shan, who had been a silent observer, pointed to one of the paintings. “That large window looks out on the sky of my home. Ket Gai is there, looking down upon us. How can that be?”

  “Thank you, my child,” Our host said. “These paintings have long been a mystery. Later, you must tell me of Ket Gai and your home.”

  M2 took Shan by the hand and walked her over to the wall to show her the difference between a window and a painting. Bob followed along.

  After we ate, we examined some of the surviving books. Considering their age, the plastic-like material was in remarkably good condition. The old man provided Moses with a series of world maps. It excited him to learn that we were in a city formerly controlled by Mary’s family. The city’s name was Duula and it pleased us to learn that at last there was the name of something in Moses’ world that we could pronounce. At the same time, Amy named our host ‘Abraham’ because she thought that his aura was Lincolnesque. After our session with the maps, we returned to the table and Moses told Abraham the story of his search for his Mary.

  When finished, he turned to the old man. “I have never traveled there myself. I can only say that Mary told me that after I left, she would go to a large facility on the pleasure planet. She would enter a dormant chamber and remain there until my return. I alone have her chamber release code. My challenge is to locate a portal to that planet if one still exists and is undamaged. I do know there were several portals and their locations were a well-guarded secret, known only to the highest levels of our society.”

  “In some of the old books,” Abraham said, “I have found some reference to that world. Nowhere was there anything specific about the location of the planet or the portals. I also believe that the gray men know nothing of this. I wish I could be more helpful. You may examine all the material in this building.”

  “I have a question for you,” M1 said. “Have you ever heard of a group of people—people that look like us? They may have been dressed in black. We call them Nazis.”

  Both Lamont and Abraham showed surprise and recognition at this.

  “You know of them?” Abraham asked. “Are they your people?”

  “No,” M1 replied, “they are criminals. We hunt for them, but the trail is old.”

  “I am pleased to hear what you say,” Abraham said. “They were here long ago, but did not linger.”

  “What can you tell us of them?” M1 asked.

  “We had no common language and they were few in number,” Abraham said. “I was not living here at that time, but I have heard the stories. Their conduct was strange.

  “At first we thought they came to help us because the rule of the gray men was diminished and we were preparing to revolt. However, as soon as they realized our situation, their behavior changed. They had many powerful weapons that could kill at a distance. The gray men were quick to join their ranks in a subservient capacity and they were as brutal as the people in black. Together they slaughtered many of my people while never giving us a reason for their actions. My
people think that for some unknown reason, those you have named Nazi wanted the gray men to remain in control.

  “It is strange that they did not come to conquer, but their actions cemented the rule of the gray men. The Nazi alliance with the brutes was not a military necessity. Their weapons were beyond anything in our experience. The gray men still use their symbol to instill fear in our hearts. You have seen the symbol painted on many buildings. It is also, along with a number, burnt into the arm of those they see as a threat. We have not revolted since for fear that they will return to aid the gray men once more.” The old man stopped for a moment to gather his thoughts. “To be brief, they appeared from an unknown place, had little interaction with the population, remained here for only a few violent days and did not go beyond the center of the city. After examining many large buildings, they threw out the occupants of this place and barred the entrances.

  “After several days, a group of my people broke through the barricade and found the interior empty and undisturbed. Their leaving was as mysterious as their arrival. They were never seen here again. As far as we know, they also ended all association with the gray men, but we fear that the brutes may still be able to communicate with those in black and may even have some of their weapons. This is one reason we dare not revolt.

  “The front door of this building is barricaded with heavy timbers. In front of the obstruction, the gray men built a shrine to their masters. Frequently they leave tribute—mostly food. The following day the offerings are gone, but we have never seen the taker.”

  This was big news. We looked at each other, wanting to say more, but caution kept our conversation confined to a minimum. It could be that the Nazis were alive and somewhere here.

  When was the last time the gray men left an offering?” Harry asked.

  “I am not certain,” Abraham answered. “We do not keep watch at the gate.”

  “I suppose we could lie in wait,” M1 said, almost to himself, “but as important as it is, we don’t have the time.”

  Both the gray men and we, fear that somehow those evil men are responsible.”

  “Wow,” Harry said, “it’s almost like they left a religion behind and it’s almost like they knew in advance what they were looking for.”

  Abraham verified our suspicion. “They did have a map.”

  “Wait a minute. Wait a minute,” Alice said. “A map? What kind of map? Was it one they took from here?”

  “No,” Abraham said. “One of my people was present when they used it. The writing was strange—lines of little separate symbols. In one corner there was a larger, but still meaningless symbol.”

  “Can you draw it for us? Alice asked.

  He bent over a table and swiftly drew the symbol. It was a swastika.

  Abraham frowned at what he had drawn. “You may have seen this symbol painted on various buildings. Also, some of the gray men have applied that image to their arms and legs by cutting their skin and rubbing in the soot of candles.”

  We were silent for a while. M1 was the first to have a coherent thought. “I’m thinking of Sergeant Gunter Weis and his false idea of the secret path. Could it be that there is a third secret path? Maybe the second path ended at Ganymede and a third started on Nexus. We’re still chasing shadows.”

  “Seems that it’s our specialty,” Alice said.

  “It’s a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.” Harry muttered,

  “Yes,” M2 said, “but Sir Winston Churchill said more in that quote. He said, ‘It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma; but perhaps there is a key.’ He never gave up.”

  “I’m with Sir Winston on that,” Alice said. “He also said, ‘If Hitler invaded Hell I would at least make a favorable reference to the devil in the House of Commons.’ The more we know the better. I’d really like to squash some of the Nazi bugs and it seems to me we’re finding more and more reasons to do so. It’s time for us to move on.”

  It had turned into a long and tiring day so Moses called a halt to the work sessions and recommended some relaxation and a few hours’ sleep. At Harry’s invitation, we gathered around the table for a nightcap. Before we finished, Lamont showed up with a stack of thin straw sleeping mats that he set out along one wall.

  CHAPTER 36

  I didn’t feel like sleep. My mind was churning—trying to sort out the mass of information dumped on us. I asked Abraham if I could walk around and take a little self-guided tour of the library. He said that of course I could, but cautioned me against excessive movement if I should go to the cupola on the top of the building. There were windows that provided an excellent view of the city and the oceanfront. M2 gave me a small camera and asked me to take a few pictures from that vantage point.

  “If you’re up there long enough,” he said, “take a few pictures of the night sky. I’m making a collection that may help our astronomers.”

  The first thing I did was to check out the door on the left side of the bookcase in the back. It was a room identical in size to the latrine, but devoted to storage. I went out to the lobby and climbed the stairs to the rows of bookshelves.

  Near the front of the big room, I found a spiral staircase that wound its way up and through the ceiling. At the top, I stepped into a circular cupola that reminded me of a lighthouse, minus the rotating light. Curved benches sat in front of small ledges extruded from the wall. I took pictures all around then sat myself down where I could gaze out over the water to watch the reflection of the setting sun. This was the perfect spot to think. These buildings have a lot in common with large buildings on Earth. Maybe there are many other things we have in common. I leaned more comfortably on the ledge, looked out over the water and mentally stood aside to see what would happen.

  A vision of the elite of this planet marched in front of my eyes. I saw them seated on the benches beside me. I saw them browsing in the book aisles below and gathering in conversational groups in the big lobby below, but I saw only the elite—no one else. Now there’s something to consider. The elites were few when the Nazis appeared. Long before that, did they fight and die, or did they run, perhaps to another hidden planet? Did the upper class abuse the lower classes? Did they have plantations? Perhaps it was a justifiable revolt. All we have now are legends. Near the end of my vision, I saw them do something surprising that gave me a possible solution to a big problem.

  As my eyes swam back into focus, I saw a clear sky packed with stars, madly twinkling near the horizon. It reminded me of another night sky I had seen from the deck of the Beachcomber in the city of Colón. As I indulged myself with those pleasant thoughts, I became aware of a presence in the darkened room, just to my right. I turned to look and there were the dark eyes of Alice Dance, floating just inches from mine.

  “I saw that look on your face when you wandered off on your building tour,” she said. “I also noticed that you didn’t take your backpack. I figured that wherever you were daydreaming, you might need a light to get back.”

  “Thank you,” I turned and looked out of the window. “It’s a very nice view from up here, isn’t it?”

  “It’s beautiful over the water, but the darkened city looks tragic.”

  We sat side by side for a few moments in silent companionship, looking out over the panoramic scene.

  “I’ve been thinking,” Alice said, “about what we’ve seen since we left Earth. We’ve learned a lot, but we’re just rubbing a peek hole in a frosted window. There’s so much we don’t know. Abraham relies on his books, but who knows who wrote them?”

  “Very true,” I said, “but I’m not discouraged. This is beyond fascinating. I just love what we’re doing.”

  “I’m thinking of the day we first met,” she murmured. “Who would have thought that our handshake would lead to all of this? Who would have thought?”

  “Any observations about Amy and M1?” I asked. “Also I have a suspicion that our Shan is interested in M2.”

  “Both possible relationships are in the
early stages. I think we should just watch and let things develop naturally.”

  I was content to stay right there and dwell in the moment, but Alice was curious. “Okay, James,” she said while standing, “I’d stay here all night, but I think that you have some things to tell the rest of us.”

  After I took a few pictures of the clear nighttime sky, she turned her flashlight on low and kept it pointed toward the floor while we descended.

  As I followed her down the spiral staircase, she kept talking. “Can you give me a preview of your revelation?”

  “If I’m right, in the morning we can leave for the pleasure planet.”

  She stopped so suddenly that I bumped into her and we almost took a tumble.

  “Let’s hurry,” she said, “I can’t wait to hear what went on in that most unusual brain of yours.”

  I smelled cigar smoke as we entered the conference room.

  “Yours is here on the table, James,” Harry said.

  “And mine is where?” Alice asked.

  “Right here in my pocket,” he replied. “Been keeping it warm for you.”

  She grabbed her cigar and fired up. “Gather around folks. James has had another of his wondrous revelations and would speak to us. Grab a seat and a drink and he will astound you.”

  Alice told me that when she had earlier seen the look on my face, she took the time to tell Abraham and Lamont of my unusual ability. She then sat down next to me and plugged her cigar into her mouth, which gave me the floor.

  “I do have an idea, but we have to test it. First, I need to ask Moses a question because he was here long ago. Moses, what class of people would use this place before the disaster?”

  “Although I had never been in this building,” he replied, “I do know that the upper class used this type of building exclusively.”

  “Very good,” I said. “That being the case it would be a good place to hide something that they used frequently.”

  “I see where you’re going,” M1 said, “This could put us back on the trail. It’ll be fantastic if you’re right.”