by Derek Haines
A shuttle was waiting and whisked them off quickly to their destination. The Cavern of Clavius. Feb didn’t ask the driver how or who had arranged the shuttle. He would discover that soon enough he thought.
The shuttle pulled to a halt and the driver got out and opened the door.
‘We’re here?’ Feb asked.
‘Yes sir. The Cavern of Clavius,’ the driver said, pointing at what looked awfully similar to a TerraTunTun cemetery. Minus walls.
‘I don’t see anything,’ Feb said.
‘I’ll guide you and your associates sir,’ he replied with a smile. Feb and the rest followed.
In the middle of the dusty vacancy of an area the size of a city block, the driver slowed and pointed to a weathered wooden door. Lying as it did, in the dirt. He reached down and grabbed a handle, half covered in wind blown sand. Opening it revealed stone stairs leading into the darkness below.
‘Lanterns are on your left as you arrive on the first landing sir,’ the driver said as he gestured for Feb to proceed down the stairs. Feb accepted the invitation and led April, String and Snurd. Upon reaching the first landing just twenty-five steps below, Feb located the lanterns, lit one for each of them, then saw the door close above them.
‘Down I would presume sir,’ Snurd said.
‘Yes Snurd. Down,’ Feb agreed and led them down the stairs.
After more than fifteen minutes of stepping further and further down into the ground, all were expecting their descent to end at every landing they arrived at. But at each one, they found another set of stairs leading down to yet another landing below.
‘It’s going to be a killer on the way back,’ String said jokingly.
‘Perhaps there is an elevator for the return journey,’ Snurd replied.
‘For once I hope you’re right Snurd,’ String said, and wasn’t smiling this time.
Finally, after forty minutes of descending the stone stairs, and slightly breathless, they arrived at a landing with a large wooden door and thankfully no sign of more stairs heading deeper downwards. A large, heavy iron door knocker hung from the aged wood of the door. Feb drew it back and let it thud into the iron plate imbedded in the door. He drew it back a second time, and released it for another dull thud. A short time later, the door lock turned, and the door began to creak open.
‘Hello. I was told to expect you. Please come in,’ the very old and bent grey haired lady said by way of greeting her visitors.
‘Thank you,’ Feb replied. ‘I’m February Gregorian.’
‘Yes sir. I have been advised. Please follow me,’ the lady said as she hobbled, bent of back, away down a stone walled corridor. Everyone followed. A few minutes further, she stopped and opened a door on her left.
‘Please wait in here. You’ll be officially welcomed presently,’ she said and promptly closed the door behind them.
‘An odd welcome,’ April said.
‘Yes,’ Feb agreed. ‘Well, let’s take a seat and wait I suppose.’
In less than five minutes, the door opened and an immaculately attired, dark eyed woman appeared.
‘Welcome. I’m Giovanna Gregorian,’ she said. ‘I’m the Cavern Curator.’
‘February Gregorian,’ Feb said as he offered his hand to politely shake, which she accepted.
‘Yes. I know,’ she said. ‘Welcome to you too Miss April, Mr Humped and Mr Stringley.’
‘Thank you,’ they replied in unison.
‘It is so rare we receive visitors,’ she continued. ‘So two visits in two days is exceptional.’
‘Other visitors?’ Feb asked.
‘Only one,’ she replied and turned her head as The Puissant of Croonumble, Lefroy Overload, the President of the Grand Council entered the ante-room. Feb and April stood in shock.
‘I believe you are acquainted,’ she smiled.
‘Well, I ….,’ Feb started to say and then didn’t know what words came next.
‘Good evening my Supreme Potentate,’ Overload said humbly.
‘Yes, Mr President. Good evening to you. I certainly am surprised,’ Feb said.
‘As I am to be here sir. However I must say I’m so pleased to find you well. These now are difficult days on Gloth.’
‘Yes. I can imagine. You must bring me up to date on the events.’
‘Yes sir. I believe we have much to discuss,’ Overload said graciously. ‘Oh, I am sorry. Good evening April. Very remiss of me.’
‘Oh no need Mr President. May I present our travelling companions, Mr Stringley and Mr Snurd.’
With the formalities and greetings over, Feb and Overload were anxious to discuss grave matters. Feb particularly wanted to ask Overload why he had ordered the attack on their Cosmic Cruiser. However, there were matters of protocol to be observed in such a sacred place for Gregorians, so even urgent matters of state had to wait. Giovanna was ready to start her introductory tour of the Cavern of Clavius. Although Overload had arrived the evening before, once he was told of the imminent arrival of February the Fifth, he had asked Giovanna if his first tour could be postponed to coincide with his. She agreed of course.
As the tour proceeded, it was clear that Atoth had been correct in saying that most of the real treasures of the Cavern were held in the annex on Terranova Two. There were however, many more artefacts, instruments, books and records pertaining to Christopher Clavius, which was probably logical given the cavern was built in his honour. Without a doubt though, the real highlight was that the Cavern of Clavius was the eternal home of the Gregorian Dodecahedron. As they approached the huge doors that led to the Dodecahedron Chamber, Feb and Overload could sense they were about to see something special.
As Giovanna opened the doors, accompanied by the creaking of ancient iron hinges, all five visitors waited silently until finally they could see the enormity of the Gregorian Dodecahedron. Its blackest of black exterior defying physics by almost glistening in the darkness. They proceeded into the chamber and their necks craned to absorb the enormity. Reaching more that twenty times their height above them, it now explained why the cavern was set so deep.
‘Why, it’s unbelievable,’ Overload said almost to himself.
‘It’s incredible,’ String muttered.
‘It is very, very tall indeed. Far from what I had expected I must say,’ Snurd said in his own brand of lethargic excitement.
‘The Gregorian Dodecahedron was constructed here in the cavern, but to this day, no one has been able to calculate how it was done,’ Giovanna explained. ‘There are no records in existence of its construction, although it is believed to have been logically during or just after the time of Pope Gregory the Thirteenth,’ she continued. ‘As you all know, it holds within itself the twelve facets of the Royal Gregorian family traits.’
‘Has every Supreme Potentate visited here?’ April asked.
‘Oh no,’ Giovanna replied. ‘Only those who have first been to the annex on Terranova Two. It’s only from there that one can be guided here.’
‘So when was the last time?’ Feb asked.
‘Around three hundred years ago I am led to believe.’
‘September and November,’ April surmised.
‘Seems so,’ Feb agreed.
‘And this is connected to the Dodecahedron on Gloth,’ Overload asked.
‘Yes. Nothing is stored on the one on Gloth however. It is simply a transmitter for the Royal Orb,’ Giovanna explained.
‘What would happen in the event that the Dodecahedron and Orb on Gloth were lost or damaged?’ Overload asked.
‘There are two replacements held here, and two on Terranova Two,’ Giovanna explained. ‘There were originally five, but during a hostile time on Gloth some five hundred thousand years ago, they were stolen or lost and had to be replaced.’
‘Does it operate the same as the one on Gloth? I mean, if I lay my hands upon it, would it begin to function?’ Overload asked.
‘Strangely no,’ she said. ‘It seems to have similar properties to the Orb in
that it will only react to a true Gregorian Royal who is the rightful Supreme Potentate or successor.’
‘So what would happen if February were to touch it?’ April asked.
‘Go ahead,’ she said looking at Feb. ‘If your hands are not those of the rightful Supreme Potentate, nothing at all will happen.’
‘Except leave greasy fingerprints I suppose,’ String added in an attempt at humour.
‘Yes. Probably,’ Giovanna said wanting to be polite.
‘Will you please try sir,’ Overload asked sincerely.
‘To make sure?’ Feb replied.
‘Seems no better time to do so sir. For the sake of Gloth,’ Overload answered.
‘Yes. I understand Mr President. I understand,’ Feb answered soberly.
February approached the Dodecahedron, then stood still just inches from one black towering face. The others waiting some paces behind him. A full minute passed as it seemed he was preparing himself. Perhaps for either possibility. Staring at the blackness just inches from his nose. Steadying himself, he lifted his palms, holding them either side of his face, with his fingers spread wide. Slowly, he pushed them forward until they almost touched the Dodecahedron. The silence, as silent as the Dodecahedron was black. Finally, he pushed his palms forward, with the full weight of his body behind them.
The blackness began to impossibly illuminate, silently. Then transform its ultimate blackness into the deepest of deepest blue. And ever so slowly, emit its own pulse. Slow and rhythmical. Almost hypnotic. The bluest of deepest blue now pulsating in its slow rhythm, to the richest of richest blue. Adding the most royal of royal blue into its pulse. Feb could feel the pulse of the Dodecahedron increasing. Seemingly trying to find synchronicity with his own. Increasing, increasing, increasing and adding the brightest of brightest blue now and illuminating the chamber with its heavenly glow. The Dodecahedron’s pulse now beating in precise unison with his own. Feb could feel his heart pounding in his chest. Every beat coinciding with the bluest of bluest pulses. A euphoric sensation of victory surged through his veins. Millions of Gregorian years, and the spirit, indefatigability and fortitude of those before him, now swimming in his blood. Sensing the grit of Gregory. The first Gregorian.
Without knowing the precise reason why, Feb knew it was time. Having received all he had received and given all he had given, the Dodecahedron and he had finished their exchange. He moved his weight and stood upright. His hands falling away from the Dodecahedron’s face and to his side. Its pulsating bluest of bluest blues slowly fading. Returning itself to its blackest of blackest black. Everyone in the chamber standing still, as if frozen.
Feb turned. ‘April. Thank you,’ he said.
‘For what?’ April asked.
‘For November’s little letter.’
‘I simply found it.’
‘No April. You didn’t simply find it while you were settling the affairs of Great-Great-Grandma January.’
‘Oh Feb. I don’t know…,’
‘The secret is safe here April. The Dodecahedron told me of the royal safe guard. The secret that the eldest daughter must carry for her entire life.’
April stayed silent except for a glimpse of a knowing smile that only Feb could see. The others knowing that they now must respect the deep trust that had been thrust upon them. The deepest of Gregorian secrets.
‘I think it’s time we moved to matters at hand Giovanna,’ Feb said.
‘Yes sir,’ she said knowing she had now fulfilled her responsibility. ‘We can go to the Cavern Parlour now,’ and led the way from the Dodecahedron Chamber.
Feb beside Giovanna and the rest a step or two behind.
‘Thank you,’ he said quietly.
Giovanna made sure her guests were comfortable in the Cavern Parlour, served tea and ice cold water with a lemon twist for Feb, then left them in private.
‘Shall we discuss the matters of Gloth in private?’ Overload asked.
‘Yes, of course. We’re in private already, so let’s begin,’ Feb said and Overload returned a puzzled look. ‘These are my three closest advisors and they’re privy to all matters concerning the restoration of Gregorian rule on Gloth.’
‘Very well sir,’ Overload replied obediently. ‘We must start with the rupture in the Grand Council.’
‘Yes, certainly. But I have one question I’d like you to answer first.’
‘Yes sir?’
‘Why did you order the attack on our SSGCC-Twelve?’
‘In order to protect my family sir. However I did modify the original order.’
‘Yes? Go on,’ Feb said while April, Snurd and String listened intently.
‘Very well sir. You see, my position as President of the Grand Council has been undermined and now made untenable by my own selfishness. At the last election, there was some considerable doubt as to the support for my re-election and I unwisely accepted an offer of support from a faction led by two young ambitious Grand Councillors. Hadlian Kortek and Alsiatious Umblicat. At the time I believed I could manage their youthful ambitions, but unfortunately I was wrong.’
‘So they’ve been pressuring you during your current term?’ April asked.
‘Yes. Only a little at first, but increasingly bold in their demands.’
‘You could have called for an extraordinary election surely, if you felt compromised in your duty?’ Feb asked.
‘Well sir, my original hope was to fulfil my current term and with it ensure my retirement to an ambassadorial post or such like. And more importantly, I had with my re-election, been able to secure favourable outcomes for some of my family.’
‘Please continue,’ Feb said.
‘It’s not well known, but I have a son. Oderly Kerth Dagnion. He reverted to his mother’s name when we, my wife and I, went our separate ways many years ago.’
‘My father’s personal assistant and advisor!’ Feb said in fake shock. Having been aware of this since Snurd’s secret letter.
‘Yes sir. And it’s only now that I realise the shame he has bought upon me,’ Overload admitted close to tears.
‘So he’s been working under the wing’s of Kortek and Umblicat then?’
‘Yes sir.’
‘So the obvious question is if he was involved in the disappearance of my father,’ Feb said sternly.
‘I am now of the belief that he was sir.’
‘But why?’ April asked, still shocked.
‘A complex affair I’m afraid, and one I’m now certainly ashamed of. My son has a half sister as his mother remarried. Her name is Grendaglod, and she married into the Gregorian family. She has a son I believe you know very well.’
‘Yes?’ Feb asked.
‘December.’
‘My cousin December?’
‘Yes sir.’
‘This is becoming quite a story Mr President,’ Feb said. ‘Is there any more of your family I should know about?’
‘I’m afraid so sir. My son’s daughter, that is my grand daughter is married to Commander Glutz of the Gregorian Guard.’
A silence fell as everyone calculated what had eventuated in recent weeks and the consequences of Overload’s selfish greed. It was Snurd who finally broke the silence.
‘It would seem Mr President that your family has been somewhat wayward in their allegiance of late,’ he said as only he could. To which Overload did not respond other than lowering his head in obvious shame.
‘So what made you decide to come here?’ Feb asked Overload.
‘It was clear to me during my last meeting with Kortek and Umblicat that their intention was to remove me. By one means or another.’
‘By that you mean……?’ April started to say but Overload completed her question.
‘Assassination. Yes. I believe they are capable of it. They demanded my resignation, and had already begun lobbying support for a new election.’
‘Any other reasons?’ Feb asked.
‘My son has cut all communication with me. It’s only Glutz that
has maintained support for me. But I fear at a probable cost.’
‘So you’re saying Glutz is still to be relied upon?’
‘Yes sir. I believe so,’ Overload said with his voice losing its authority by the minute.
‘And what about General Durrgan Dirrth at Glothic High Command?’ Feb asked.
‘He is an honourable man sir. He will follow orders with precision.’
‘But whose orders?’ April asked.
‘Official orders.’
‘I can understand his position,’ Feb said. ‘You would too I think Snurd.’
‘Yes sir. Fully,’ Snurd replied.
‘And the attack you ordered Mr President?’ Feb asked, deciding to change the topic away from Overload’s family for a while as it was clear he was close to tears.
Overload took a moment before answering. ‘I feared for my family sir, so I issued the order as they asked. However I edited the order after showing Kortek and Umblicat the draft.’
‘The change?’ Feb asked.
‘That you had been abducted and that lethal force was not to be used in any circumstances, and that no harm was to come to anyone aboard SSGCC-Twelve in the efforts to return you safely to Gloth.’
‘It didn’t seem like that to me,’ String said in his first foray into the conversation.
‘I’m sorry. It must have been very harrowing,’ Overload said.
‘Well, that’s all done now,’ Feb said. ‘What I don’t understand is your concern for your family. It seems from what you’ve said that they were, and seemingly still are, firmly siding with these two Grand Councillors. So why should there be reason for concern?’
‘Sir, these two men are dangerous. Especially Kortek. I feared, and now understand fully, that my family has been used for their own ambitions and that they will soon become superfluous to their needs.’
‘How so?’ April asked.
‘My son Dagnion is his own worst enemy. Always has been one for thinking there was an easy way to success. But in all honesty, he’s never been someone you could call intellectual or exceedingly bright. I know your father was displeased with him, and also that Kortek and Umblicat had no plans other than to exploit his position, then rid themselves of him. I suppose in a way I feel sorry for him.’