You're a 1st martian Settler II - Continued from the previous madness

Palomar · 2005-06-03 08:36:40

Never has a more sublime cavernous chamber been found on Mars. Or elsewhere in the Solar System to date, including Earth.

Hushed, we looked about. Hilda -- for that is what I'd named the spider-droid -- scampered towards the chamber's natural exit, to our far right.

"It's not gold." Skylar commented.

"But what sort of mineral deposits could produce such a lustrous golden hue?" I asked, noting the deposits graced every chamber surface but the floor...and the wall behind us.

And the pure water stream, cutting the length of the cavern towards the far wall. Narrow, pristinely clear...like a stream of liquid diamond.

"Do those remind you of anything?" I asked, pointing to the half dozen stalagmites clustered together in the far left corner of the chamber.

The stalagmites seemed enrobed in bronze, copper and brass. As if those metals had been poured onto them. Oddly, we saw no stalactite source above them.

"Tibetan temples." Pat said. "Like miniature Tibetan temples."

I turned around. I couldn't resist pushing my hands against the wall as the others turned around to see what I was doing.

This wall was studded with sometimes rough, sometimes smooth but always irregular bits of silvery glass-like mineral shards.

"I see some blues and even purples in these." Chris commented, also running a careful hand over the wall.

"What could have formed a chamber like this?" Lynn wondered aloud, echoing my own thoughts.

I turned my head up to examine the entire ceiling. It possessed the same lustrous golden glow as the two major walls, and yet glittered faintly of a deeper gold streaking throughout it.

"Look, a mist!" Skylar called, tapping urgently at my shoulder.

Indeed, a ghostly-white mist swirled now between the cooper and bronze and brass-coated stalagmites. Slowly, sinuously.

I pushed the monitor towards it, then checked the reading.

"Doesn't smell or taste like anything." DJ commented, though warily.

"Negative reading. No toxin. I wonder how often that mist occurs in a Sol, and if it's cyclic?" I mused.

"We could camp out on either entrance, and keep tabs on it." Robin suggested.

"True. We might."

Hilda, having stood still, suddenly ran in a circle. Her little red light blinked rapidly three times, then she was still again.

Oh, I wish I had a camera! Should have brought a back-up. Damn.

Our camera had gotten smashed earlier in the expedition. I looked at Hilda and wondered if she had video capability. I inquired of Chris, who doubted it.

Hilda's red light popped on again. She scrambled around in another circle then stood quietly.

"What's up with that spider-droid? Losing its marbles?" Lynn asked with a short laugh.

I shrugged, immersed again in examining the chamber. I wanted to fix every detail in my mind. Some day soon we would document this holy grail on video; let Earth scientists drool over it.

The mist nearly enshrouded half the chamber's floor now. It was pleasantly cool. We all became oddly still and everyone fell into silence. The sudden, complete stillness and quiet should have alerted me; and looking back, deeply subconciously it did.

As I was tucking away the small hand-held monitor, DJ began laughing. I grimaced, taking care to secure the monitor firmly within its cushioned holder. DJ rarely laughed.

Now the laughter became a boisterous guffaw.

I looked up. I looked over to whatever it was so grandly amusing DJ.

Nothing.

A black and silver blur caught my eye: Hilda, streaking crazily around in circles, her red light flickering madly.

I was about to step forward to break the spell when Robin caught my arm. Intense green eyes riveted into me. The hand gripped my arm, hard.

"That mini-skirt looks swell on you. Anyone ever tell you that you look like Mia Farrow?"

I pulled back, shocked. "What??! What's wrong with you? I'm wearing a jumpsuit like everyone--"

"You shouldn't have cut your hair." Robin criticized.

What's going on here?!?

DJ continued laughing at something I couldn't see. I broke away from Robin.

Chris looked at me, about to say something -- and I was about to agree...

...flowers...

I stared at the pretty, vibrant red and orange flowers suddenly sprouting out from the far wall...towards the middle, and to the right of the "Tibetan temples."

...so lovely...

...lovely orange and red flowers...

DJ's loud laughter seemed a million miles away. As did that whirling silver and black thing with the flashing red light.

...I'm going to pick one...

More flowers bloomed. These were yellow and purple.

I leaned forward, reaching across the stream of liquid diamonds...

"Snap out of it!" Chris yelled suddenly in my face. A stinging blow brought me round. "The mist is doing something to our minds! We've got to get out of here!"

Half lucid, I obeyed. Confused, I wondered if Chris were right...but Chris was always right.

Hilda, trembling near the natural exit, was going positively mad now.

DJ resisted, wanting to stay and laugh at the nothing. Another blow from Chris brought DJ round and soon we were all pushing and prodding one another for the exit -- sprinting away as quickly as possible from the chamber and its strange mist.

Hilda led the way, pausing momentarily every now and then, glancing back, obviously ensuring we were following her.

How had this spider-droid detected the nefarious nature of the mist before we had?? And why had the monitor failed?

Palomar · 2005-06-05 19:03:13

Less than 24 hours later, en route to our original starting point -- Cave A, wherein the remainder of our group had stayed during the expedition -- a small group of men and women approached...with my husband in the lead.

Startled, I sprinted to him. I collapsed briefly into his arms, overjoyed to see him again...but also worried. Why would he and the others be seeking us out?

The spider-droid we'd reprogrammed and sent to them had fixed onto Hilda's transmission and led them straight to us.

We were informed that Cave A had experienced a collapse. Half our comrades had been killed, along with many rabbits. My husband led what remained of the rag-tag group.

There were many tears, many anguished cries of loss and regret.

Six of us -- including my husband and myself -- discussed what our next step would be. My mind was still reeling from the tragic news; I was at a loss for words, much less plans.

Chris spoke up and related all we'd been through. There was, to date, no future for us in the caves. And there was also the matter of the caves being mapped out by the remaining dozens of spider-droids still loyal to Lord Vlork.

Dark days indeed, regardless of our subterranean situation.

All I could think of was the unpleasant prospect of surrender.

But wait.

What about the double agent who had sought us out and who we'd taken in briefly, during our first days in the caves? Perhaps he would help us?

So many uncertainties now.

I rested my head against my husband's strong shoulder as the conversation droned on into repetitious trivialities. I dozed off into a twilight slumber.

Everything...so uncertain.

Cobra Commander · 2005-06-06 07:39:51

I've been monitoring the data from the droids, it seems the Hellas colonists have had a less than ideal time of things. First the hallucinations, which may prove to be the result of some of the "Happy Gas of Peace" hidden from the Yu Knights when we held Hellas shortly after the flooding of the basin. Or perhaps an as yet undocumented natural phenomenon, will have to wait for another, less impaired droid to reach the scene for analysis.

The High Priestess of Olympus is pushing to send troops to Hellas for a "relief effort" and I've given my approval, however since they are travelling over land rather than via fast-response transport ships I should be able to reach the caves a day or two before they arrive. Not exactly the manner in which I intended to make my return from the wilderness, but so be it. Perhaps I will conduct my own investigation and stay out of sight. In any case, nothing aids conversion like the prospect of imminet death from which the only escape is to embrace the True Faith. That's the latest marketing thing, True Faith. There's a reason the Almighty never reveals his word to large crowds.

The remaining droids have been updated with new instructions, all the survivors are to be located as well as any structural defects in need of repair. We aren't helping these poor unfortunate souls purely for altruistic purposes after all, we want Hellas back. One way or another, we'll get the water and a base for further operations.

May our righteousness sustain us, and failing that, may our might crush those who would do us harm. So was it written so shall it be done, blessed be the people of the Faith and may fortune smile upon our noble deeds.

If not, there's more buried under Hellas and not everything is of the "happy" variety.

Palomar · 2005-06-06 11:24:39

Spider-droids have collected in all entrances, blocking any escape route. We awoke to this gruesome realization.

I was concerned the spider-droids still loyal to Lord Vlork might attack Hilda -- who clings to my back, "asleep," like a trusting child. But so far the spider-droids cluttering up the entranceways have remained still.

We know what is coming. The spider-droids are of course holding us hostage until the fanatics themselves descend on us, to take us into captivity as slaves...or worse.

Death would be preferable.

They underestimate our strength and resolve, however. We are beaten, but not defeated.

Hilda crawled into my hands. I've gotten over my initial discomfort at touching a robot which does resemble a real spider. I carefully re-inspect Hilda's relay capabilities.

That agent...but all the spider-droids holding us captive...which frequency??

Our foes also underestimate my rebel nature. We will not go quietly nor without a fight to fanatics.

I consider a last-ditch, desperate plan.

Palomar · 2005-06-07 05:29:39

And thus begins our captivity. Lord Vlork's soldiers swarmed into the caves as the black-and-silver wave of spider-droids pushed back to allow them entry.

Hilda was taken from me, as was our other reprogrammed spider-droid. Presumably they will be programmed yet again...for the benefit of the fanatics, to whom they first belonged.

My comrades and I number 20 people. We are divided into four groups of five and marched out separately. My husband and I had the misfortune of being on opposite sides of the final cavern when the seige began in earnest. I watched with a mixture of anger and sadness as he was pushed with his group out of the cavern ahead of me; he tried to turn, to give me a farewell look...the butt of a laser rifle in his back urged him forward.

We were made to don their light, flexible brand of spacesuit. I hadn't planned on exiting the Hellas Cave Complex in a long time, much less under this sort of "escort."

I tried keeping my head high as we were marched forward. The sunlight seems unusually harsh, even behind the helmet's tint.

A glint to the left caught my eye. A tall man stood, enrobed in black, his face of course shrouded by a helmet.

Could that be the dread Lord Vlork?

Impossible to tell. At the very least it was surely one of the high-ranking fanatics.

Surely, if it were Lord Vlork, he was not here to witness our humiliation. No, it would be to personally claim Hellas. He would prefer to think of it as a reclaimation...but that is not true.

I turn my eyes away, look at the backs of the boots marching ahead of me and mutely go where led under threat of death. We have been informed that any one of our group attempting escape will be met with death for all.

And so begins our captivity.

That night, in a temporary hold, we are given holy scriptures to read. Songs praising the fanatical leaders are channeled into our holding areas. I turn my thoughts to other matters.

The scent of roasting rabbit carcass fills the building. They have slaughtered our remaining rabbits and feast gloatingly upon them.

Cobra Commander · 2005-06-07 07:40:04

From the Journal of the Prophet.

Damn her, the Priestess lied to me! I arrived at Hellas to find our soldiers had already taken possession. The manner in which the operation was handled is sloppy as well, marching the prisoners like cattle into holding pens hastily erected in transport crawlers. No wonder they can't get a single conversion from the lot of them. Perhaps when the transports arrive at Olympus with them we'll have more success. I've contacted the officer in charge at Hellas, a Brigadier by the name of Von Killington, and expressed my displeasure. He agrees and insists he was just following orders, then suggested we kill the prisoners and absolve ourselves of any mistakes that might have been made. I've advised him to re-read the holy texts, specifically as to how they pertain to bringing life to this world. Did you ID the prisoners, I ask. No. Did you determine familial relations, No. Did you find out who's in command, No. Did you even interrogate them, No. Idiot. But he's loyal to a fault, excels at killing large numbers of armed heathens and has no qualms about doing damn distasteful things when required so I suppose I should resist the urge to unleash a katana stroke at neck level. That, and hitting the edge of those helmets dings the blade something terrible. Few appreciate the amount of work that goes into properly polishing that out. Sure, we have robots to do it but it's the principle of the thing. Now I have to beat them back to Olympus, and when I arrive the Priestess will have some 'splaining to do. At least I got through to the Brigadier and this was posted in the transports for the prisoners:

Message posted in the holding cells for the benefit of the Hellas prisoners.

In the holy name of the Prophet, Lord Vlork of Olympus, we say unto you the heathens under our benevolent protection that no harm shall come to you. In the span of four sols you shall be set free, five souls at a time with what provisions you may require. All we ask of you is that you repent of your heathen ways, or failing that, provide all information pertaining to discoveries and activities in the Hellas region.

As a sign of goodwill your rations shall be increased and the plumbing in your accomodations repaired with greatest haste. However, next time someone flushes their copy of the Book of Vlork you are on your own. Tomorrow you shall be moved from your groups of five to new accomodations housing all twenty. Do not be alarmed, for no harm shall come to you. We are deep in the desert and your suits will have exactly ten minutes of air for the transfer, so don't think about running. Blessed be the Prophet, peace unto the faithful and damnation unto the wicked, may the spirits guide your path to salvation.

Also, each of you has received a package containing one rabbit (barbecued), one fifth of vodka, the abridged and annotated Prayer of the Prophet and instructions on partaking of the sacrement. Doing so is advised, your souls are at stake after all.

Palomar · 2005-06-07 10:51:35

Message posted in the holding cells for the benefit of the Hellas prisoners.
In the holy name of the Prophet, Lord Vlork of Olympus, we say unto you the heathens under our benevolent protection that no harm shall come to you. In the span of four sols you shall be set free, five souls at a time with what provisions you may require. All we ask of you is that you repent of your heathen ways, or failing that, provide all information pertaining to discoveries and activities in the Hellas region.
As a sign of goodwill your rations shall be increased and the plumbing in your accomodations repaired with greatest haste. However, next time someone flushes their copy of the Book of Vlork you are on your own. Tomorrow you shall be moved from your groups of five to new accomodations housing all twenty. Do not be alarmed, for no harm shall come to you. We are deep in the desert and your suits will have exactly ten minutes of air for the transfer, so don't think about running. Blessed be the Prophet, peace unto the faithful and damnation unto the wicked, may the spirits guide your path to salvation.
Also, each of you has received a package containing one rabbit (barbecued), one fifth of vodka, the abridged and annotated Prayer of the Prophet and instructions on partaking of the sacrement. Doing so is advised, your souls are at stake after all.

Alone in my cell, I re-read the message.

Two days ago we were all reunited. Except my husband. We were told he'd sworn loyalty to the High Priestess and Lord Vlork. I don't believe it; what an obvious ruse.

But the question remains: What has happened to my husband??

Skylar and DJ ate my barbecued rabbit. I couldn't bear taking even one bite of it, opting for water and bread and vodka instead.

Vodka? My favorite liquor? So they try to win me over with this favor? But I'm not much of a drinker anyway. However, it did soothe my nerves, worried as I've been about my spouse and everything else. The vodka also helped to numb the 12-hour-a-day video/voice propoganda bombardment we've been subjected to. If I hear that hymnal one more time I do believe I'll scream.

This morning a soldier arrived. All who wished to repent of their misdeeds and join in the faith of the High Priestess and Lord Vlork were released. To my astonishment, we lost 9 members. They didn't glance back as they filed out.

I bear them no ill feelings. Mostly they "converted" out of desperation, to be reunited with family and friends. As tempting as that may be, I refuse.

I took a nap and woke up alone in this cell. During sleep my remaining comrades were apparently taken out quietly and forcibly.

The door clinked open. "What now?" I wondered tiredly, turning around. My jaw dropped.

Hilda scurried in. Behind her, a strangely suited figure whose features were completely obscurred and whose gender I could not determine.

A gloved fist made a strange motion. I stood frozen as Hilda pounced onto my head. A silent scream rose in my throat. All of my muscles clenched painfully with terror.

So this is how I will die??

I felt Hilda's metallic body growing somehow. Then cold metal liquid poured over my trembling body. Just as the scream began parting my lips, the metallic fluid spilled over my face.

The fear halted abruptly. There was no pain. I could think, felt my heart beating (crazily), could see and hear...hearing the stranger admonishing me this was a blessing, not to fear.

When it was over, my entire body -- even the soles of my feet -- were encased in a thin but extremely pliant metallic suit. Formerly Hilda.

What sort of technology was this??

"You'll need no water nor food, and your bodily functions are suspended. In three Sol's time the spider-droid unit will revert to its original form and you will be free of it." The voice was mildly mechanically distorted and sounded oddly genderless.

Dozens of questions hammered through my brain. Who was this person? The agent? Why was s/he helping me? Had Hilda been re-reprogrammed? Where was I being taken to??

I saw soldiers lying sprawled in the corridor outside my cell. The stranger and I sprinted past them.

"We will have to run a few kilometers before meeting a private craft. The body armor will provide the energy; your limbs will naturally comply."

Indeed. We ran side-by-side, as swiftly as gazelles. The color of our body armor matched that of the Martian landscape, effectively covering us. My newfound friend assured me of a nice cache of weapons, though, just in case...tucked securely into the cloak s/he wore.

Cobra Commander · 2005-06-08 10:24:24

The ground did tremble and the air did smell of ozone, fire and alcohol as the great transports bearing converts and a handful of captives did thunder back into the great caverns of Hellas. Much consternation did beset those in bondage for they had been promised freedom and now had been brought back to the caves they did once inhabit. Those few who had refused to convert were swept by fear until one did rise among them. "Do not succumb to fear, their religion is a lie!" Shouts against the blasphemer did echo as the cage was lowered to the ground facing the sunlit entryway to the cavern. "Their Prophet is false, The mighty Lord Vlork doesn't exist!" More shouts of protest followed as the recently converted of Hellas did waver in their faith. "Have we ever seen him? Has anyone? Sure, we hear stories of the Prophet wandering the desert but how do we know they are anything more than figments to prop up a dying and empty faith?"

And so it was that the sky did burn, and the waters of the Hellas Sea did part, and a great rain of comets did fall upon the land. Behold, for from the blinding glow of the cave opening did enter a figure, clad in tattered black robes with hands thus full. In the one he did hold forth a bottle of the finest Martian vodka and in the other, held back reservedly was the finest Martian katana poised to strike down those whose conversions were false or who did bogart too much of the sacrament.

"The Prophet returneth!" the people did say, and the converted were strengthened in their faith. The blasphemer however did continue to blaspheme as was his way. And so unto him the Prophet did deliver a pristine glass of the spirits, then another, and another, each taken with growing enthusiasm. "Behold brothers," the Prophet did say, "the blasphemer doth speak in tongues!" And the Priests did proclaim it a sign from on high.

And those who had resisted did yield their heathen ways and take of the spirits and saw that it was good. To them the Prophet did proclaim "Chapters Three through Eight of the Holy Texts tell us many things," the Prophet did say. "All crap, tear them out." And with hesitation they did so. "Written by the Priests in their greed they were, for the way of the Prophet is not a path of gold, temples and conquest; though all are nice in their time and place. No, for a flask of the holy spirit and the Commandments with a few of the later annotations are all that thou doth need, for that which was amended to the Holy Text is the twisted work of liars, fools, Yu Knights and Pinkos."

"What's more, thou needeth not a house of worship gilded in the sigils of the Faith, for we began in the modest confines of the TempleBar and require no more to perform sacrament. The Priests have lost their way, it shall be again shown unto them. " And so it was that the Prophet did cast down the Priests from their exalted heights and did set free the former heathens of Hellas, now more certain they could uphold the faith with all the petty rules and nonsense of the middle chapters expunged, and they did go forth to populate Hellas as they had Olympus before, from there to spread across the remainder of the planet now growing wet with the vapor of comets sent by the Prophet from on high and ready for life to spread untended across the surface before the lives of those witnessing that blessed day did expire. "Drink to life," the Prophet did say holding the now much-reduced bottle high. "The tribulation has ended, happy days are here again."

The Prophet Returns

Palomar · 2005-08-02 15:25:50

And so we met with the private craft, which was blessedly pressurized. The metallic covering retracted automatically from my head and face. Fresh, clean air: I inhaled deeply and appreciatively.

My rescuer remained cloaked and unidentifiable. Should I say something?

S/he remained motionless.

Finally I asked, "And my husband? Is he already at our destination?"

No reply. Was he or she sleeping?

With a sigh I leaned back. Food and water were made available; I partook sparingly.

My rescuer stirred slightly, then asked in the oddly flat and toneless voice: "Do you recognize this personage?"

I leaned over cautiously to examine an Image held out to me. I now felt acutely uncomfortable in my rescuer's presence.

"Yes. That's Lord Vlork."

"You're certain?"

"Indeed. My party, spouse and I passed him on the way out of the Hellas Cave Complex, when we were taken captive."

"And the container he's holding? Do you recognize what fluid that might be?"

Doubtless I gave my rescuer a weird look.

"Well, it's not Evian. Must be vodka."

"Vodka is illegal on Mars. As are all forms of liquor, stimulants and etc. Including caffeine."

:?

"You could have fooled me. And since when?"

Silence.

"We are attempting to assess how human and how cyberonic both the High Priestess and Lord Vlork are. The hand which clutches the bottle, for instance."

"It's cyberonic. And has Swiss army knife capabilities too: Corkscrew for opening champagne, fingernail file, tiny scissors..."

"Be serious!" My rescuer boomed in an impatient voice.

"I really know very little about either the High Priestess or Lord Vlork. Their religion doesn't interest me in the least. He does look a tad bit like Darth Vader, don't you think?"

Another period of silence.

"Now what about my husband?"

"You'll be reunited with him shortly. He is safe and well."

--Relief--

-*-

Many hours later we arrived at a new and previously unknown destination: The Kermax Assembly.

Cobra Commander · 2005-08-04 07:46:20

For many days and nights did the faithful revel and engage in all manner of drunken debauchery and all that follows from it, bringing the promise of a new generation to carry on the faith and expand the dominion of life. And when at last the taps did run dry and the spirits did cease to flow, the Prophet did say unto them "My brethren, for too long have we dwelt in darkness, hidden away from the heathens. Laboring beneath our impenetrable fortresses waiting for the day when we may walk openly upon the land and breathe the air without choking on the toxins and the blithering of infidels."

"Screw that," the Prophet sayeth "for the day hath come when we shall claim this world in the name of free and faithful people everywhere." And the people did listen intently. "When the sun doth rise tomorrow we shall set out upon the plains and make our way to Hellas, already populated by survey teams and loyal crusaders. There, on the shores of the Hellas Sea we did create as the Most High did command, we shall establish a righteous city. A thriving beachfront community welcoming all who seek entry, provided they abide by a few simple rules."

And the people did rejoice for the day of days had come, and they did make preparations to go forth into the world to build a shining city, a beacon of hope and progress for all, and live in peaceful brotherhood with all who would have it. And liberate the rest should the need arise. And they did prepare offerings of peace for those they might encounter, a side of barbecued rabbit and a miniature bottle of Martian vodka.

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#76 2005-06-03 08:36:40

Re: You're a 1st martian Settler II - Continued from the previous madness

#77 2005-06-05 19:03:13

Re: You're a 1st martian Settler II - Continued from the previous madness

#78 2005-06-06 07:39:51

Re: You're a 1st martian Settler II - Continued from the previous madness

#79 2005-06-06 11:24:39

Re: You're a 1st martian Settler II - Continued from the previous madness

#80 2005-06-07 05:29:39

Re: You're a 1st martian Settler II - Continued from the previous madness

#81 2005-06-07 07:40:04

Re: You're a 1st martian Settler II - Continued from the previous madness

#82 2005-06-07 10:51:35

Re: You're a 1st martian Settler II - Continued from the previous madness

#83 2005-06-08 10:24:24

Re: You're a 1st martian Settler II - Continued from the previous madness

#84 2005-08-02 15:25:50

Re: You're a 1st martian Settler II - Continued from the previous madness

#85 2005-08-04 07:46:20

Re: You're a 1st martian Settler II - Continued from the previous madness

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