XVI
Alperan ExcavationIn a hurry, but still trying to look and remain nonchalant I found a seat in the expeditionary council meeting. Zonh was speaking and he looked at me directly as I tried to relax into my seat. I immediately pulled out my notepad and began to listen and see what was going and if I had missed anything crucial.
If from the preliminary expedition to Alpera the staff reports are correct we have the following great concerns; in the far western reaches there is a great volcano erupting in the Plains of Almzion. It is of extreme proportions and magnitude and is covering land at a disturbing rate with deadly ash, poisonous volcanic gases and lava. There are unconfirmed reports of a poisonous energy cloud emanating from the this area.
The scientific team of Dr. Akinr and Dr. Remak have seen from their instruments a great drain in world etheric energy. We have heard many startling reports from close sources to this area. There is some concern that a Noen of incredible power has been let loose and a vortex has been opened.
Zonh steadily addressed the assembly.
We must now move in outer directions together. Zonh said. Votars are to go with Lash and Zobrin into the briefing rooms, as the scientists will come with myself into the laboratory facilities.
I followed Lash as moved to the fourth level briefing rooms. Things were happening very quickly. I heard Norstar and Zadir arguing about something.
Stay out of my business you ugly monster, Norstar said in a fierce tone to Zadir. You are a complete fool.
Zadir went into a rage and his eyes turned to steel. He threw himself at much larger Norstar striking him in the chest and knocking Norstar into the wall.
I will smash your little head for that you putrid slime, said Norstar looking straight into his face. Battle me weakling!
You fake Norstar! Zadir screamed as he attacked him again. You are the fool. Norstar was furious as he grabbed Zadir and pounded his head into the ground. Zadir defended himself and fought hard but Norstar had the upper position and the size to control him.
Zadir reached up knocking Norstar’s arm away and threw a punch at his face but it missed.
The sudden fight erupted catching us in confusion, but Zobrin came flying past Arim and knocked Norstar to the floor and against the wall. Issand and Tylar reached down picking up and holding Zadir back as he fought to get free and continue the fight.
You arrogant beast hold your anger, Zobrin yelled, I could expect so much from you, Norstar.
Holding Norstar on the floor Zobrin disciplined him unmercifully.
You always find a way to lose your temper and destroy your advantages. You will relax and be disciplined or you will be imprisoned here in your quarters, understand Votar!
Norstar did not back off though he did not respond. His violence just internalized and tightened his angular face.
You are a fool out of control, Zobrin berated and taunted Norstar. So you think you are tough, You do not know what it means. You are nothing! You cannot look into the face of pain or still your emotions. The tail wags the beast.
Norstar you have lost your inner battle against your almighty beast that will force you into death. Awaken and listen! I will discipline you! You will be listed as unreliable and placed confinement until abatement.
Zobrin was fuming still as Norstar’s anger subsided.
Zadir I know you are to blame in this as well, Zobrin looked at Zadir in rage. You will learn as he will. Your self restraint was unacceptable. Your mixture in this affair leaves me with much doubt of your abilities to become a Votar. I want neither of you in my presence this day.
Unyielding emotions will lead to disaster.
Zobrin said. Until you are purified and set on course with the group purpose as the first consideration we cannot allow you to enter into the secrets. You will each learn of your soul’s intention or be placed in confinement until the completion of our task.
Zobrin commanded both of them to be locked within their quarters for discipline under arrest. The uneasiness carried over even as Lash began speaking to us.
These things being revealed to you are not for the general knowledge. It is imperative you keep what we are saying completely secret. Lash said. It was urgent for Zonh to give the whole Hyrayarch the facts that we are sealing the doors of the University from outsiders. We forced to conduct clandestine operations near Alpera. We do not want anyone outside to know this threat is of the extreme peril.
We know there are conspiracies set upon us by the XAXA to destroy our civilization and the Ingersol is a pawn and part of the plan of destruction. The Government is ineffective and is used in a similar manner. They show concerned, but with bureaucracy’s natural inner bickering and lack of organization they will never be able to find a cure of OBS or deal with the advancing threat of the XAXA. They are even unaware or refuse to admit they are a powerful enemy of all that they speak in favor of. Hypocrisy knows no limits in insanity.
In the sealed chambers of the Sixth Level of the Hyrayarch’s Sanctuary Lash revealed the nature of the plague and the Shadow Government of the XAXA.
The Plague of Yethi, the fog, the OBS whatever it is called is based upon manipulating fear and this disintegrates the immune shields of the body causing obscuration.
If fear could be a living thing this would be it. This form represents the evil of our world, Lash said. Part of humanity, the primitive and self seeking part estimates the Hyrayarch to be little threat as an adversary. We appreciate this lower assessment because we see the Grey Beings of the XAXA to be very powerful over the masses. We are not powerful over mass consciousness as of yet. The masses are entranced by the the time cell descensions and the parasitical relationship is in full operation.
In the far west Islands of Aldera whole crews of fisherman have returned infected with the obscuration. Crews of lost souls drifting at sea in total disorientation.
There are whole villages in Tauzn leaving as refugees from Aldera are arriving in extreme fear of this plague. They see it coming towards their shores. They have watched their fathers, brothers and some children fade and die mindlessly. They are arriving in the port cities of Turas, Formulaut and Sadisa on Rota.
The infection as caused Alderans a ghastly fear of something they cannot stop nor comprehend. The Islands of Aldera are becoming a vacant ghost land where no sane man walks without crying for the suffering. They call this obscure fog, Yethi, which in their language means mindlessness. It is impossible to find one who is sane enough to speak rationally about it.
An Alderan ship ran a ground at the Port of Turas with a menacingly ominous message. This merchant ship ran on ground with no one on board not even the walking dead of mindless ones who have arrived. Fear is spreading. Whatever this is is contagious and people are moving from the coastal cities inland in panic.
We have sent one probe ship near Aldera but there was such a thick fog surrounding it that our pilot acted wisely and did not dare go further.
He did gather some instrument readings. We have not been able to ascertain their indications but they were very strange, the barometric pressure, and electromagnetics were completely wrong. It is a wonder that he was able to return to Rota. We believe that the threat is manifesting on an astral level that confuses dreams and reality. There is the belief that this Yethi mindlessness or OBS is part of the extension the XAXA beings desire for more energy.
It is the advancing of insanity. The world is being thrown into a dimensional chaos. This threat to our lives is beyond our physical mental beings. I caution you not to underestimate the power of this XAXA force as it is part of a world form that has been centuries in making and it will not cease until engaged and cleansed.
Understanding the need to seal your shields and hold on to your own power on a regular daily basis.
It is your duty to undertake the task to heal this area and to stabilize the radiations of negative energy with light pulsations. The mission behind the Hyrayarch is to protect. This irreconcilable negative XAXA force allows us no opportunity for evasion. It is the world negativity that requires concentrated and combined effort to repolarize and diminish its event horizon. It may be likened to the astronomical vorlaut that is being created within the emotional consciousness due to the increased power of our civilization.
We are unearthing the greatest discovery of our civilization in Alpera. It is a great pillar that has been left for us to show us a marker. This marker we understand holds keys to incredible knowledge. This Pillar holds the answer to untold questions of our origin and future.
We have been unable to breach the doorway into the main vault. But it is at hand as soon as we can get a team back there. Destiny calls us to do these things and there is extreme urgency and expediency required. We must remain a unit whole and solid for everyone is very important to the success of the plan. The purpose of the Hyrayarch and the consequence of the spiritual life is enlightenment.
With the find of the Pillar as it is written in the Old Commentary will come the Great Return. We must constantly use correct mental forms and beware of short memories and myopic vision. With the discovery that the last days are now, all the Hyrayarch must learn quickly because so little energy and time are left. Our scientists are verifying this is happening as the Sun is beginning to pulsate and contract as it shifts in polarity for the last time before the galactic implosions.
We find it necessary to avoid all contact with government and Ingersol spies and expedite the Excavation. Lash said as he began instructions on the mission itself. The main body of Votars will assist the Governments in the scientific investigations of the black cloud emergence near Aldera. A group of our scientists will also travel to Mt. Gorrh in the Plains of Almzion to view the Volcano. We will also send service vehicles to Formulaut and the upper coast of Tai province.
In an aggressive action we will send two Votcrafts immediately to Rota, there is no time to waste. Of this group Zobrin will take one Votcraft and the other by Kynax. Prepare for your mission and I will see you at pre-flight. Read your flight plans carefully and understand the secrecy of our mission. Government interference is becoming very troublesome, we need time without interference at the Pillar.
Civil war between on the island of Rota might not be far off as the Alperans and Tauzians are involved in commerce disputes. We cannot allow the politics and strife of the times to interfere with the work. Be prepared for anything.
The Hyrayarch centers upon the great work. In the Sanctuary there cannot be any outside contact anymore. Too much danger is present now. Only the Votars with specified flight plans can leave. All others are restricted to the grounds of the Sanctuary. These strict measures are mandatory.
In the final briefing before departure in the Votcraft we accepted our roles in meditation. Zonh the Arhala led the meditation.
Azza Perisana Soan,
Nelan Agnisa Um
Alisz Shria Con, Aevea Annalighbala.
After the setting of the group aura Zonh introduced Lash who went over the final details of the mission.
Thank you Zonh, said Lash as he rose, and as he did, several pens and papers dislodged from his open pockets. He bent down to retrieve them and continued to gather up a few more papers.
We all understand the importance of secrecy as we undertake the most aggressive action of our history. As a Votar you understand discipline and the power of your position as we enter into the era of marshal law within our own ranks. It is with a great deal of reticence that the members of the Hyrayarch have agreed to this and it is not without a great deal of disagreement.
Lash always one to go right straight into the confrontation wanted us all to know that he did not wish for us to be taken to this higher level.
The Hyrayarch has decided to close our doors and demand a high sacrifice of each of you. It is recognized that you are ready, not as we would like but the times change and force our hand. Perhaps we could never expect any of us to be truly ready for what is happening.
Your captain and commander, Zobrin will set forth the planning for the excavation, Said Lash as he dismissed himself and brought Zobrin up to speak.
May we be prepared. Zobrin said. He brought out a list of the Votars and science staff to make up the team. We are sending out an investigation team out in the morning. The following Votars will prepare themselves for Duty; Dr. Akinr and Dr. Remak, Rysa, Sanir, Norstar, Tylar, Mensat Issand, Isyr, Arim, and Zadir.
Zobrin held an official document folder from the Government with the insignia of the controllers < >.
The Government is aware of the fact that the Hyrayarch is sending help to the provinces of Tai and Ra to help with the earthquake damage, He said this with a wry smile. We shall send two ships out, Arim, Tylar, Isyr, Issand and I will pilot the Votcraft 1AX07. Votcraft 2AX09, will be Lash Tyah, Zadir, Norstar, Sanir, Rysa, Mensat, Dr. Akinr and Dr. Remak.
I was a bit surprised to see that Zadir and Norstar would be on my team. I could communicate with Norstar. They had been interrogated and released. Norstar seemed much calmer and may have resolved his anger. Does Lash really know what he is doing I wondered. I was tempted to speak directly to Lash but there was no time and I am not part of the High Council of Masters.
The time blurred by as we were rushed through prep and were heading to the flight deck. We took off slowly, away from the shoreline and Riusm, through the mountains to the north of the city. We crossed the western fork of the Sumtra River channel and rose in altitude slowly. Rising over the ridges we moved west and out to sea gaining speed and altitude.
The ocean opened up below us a magnificent blue clean of any ships for as far as I could see. in the great distance I could see the outline of Rota in the dark blue sky of the south western sea of Mir. I saw what our scientists spoke of as a weather phenomenon, a fog so congested that it appeared black. It had a strange foreboding, a threatening presence.
I had little to do on the journey at this point. My mind began to wander back before I had come to the Hyrayarch. I had been ill, the obscuration, the dull emptiness, the inability to command my body or mind in the simplest of tasks. I am so grateful to be vibrant and healthy and a Votar.
Rota is in sight towards our left, Norstar notified everyone. It was in clear sight and we were near the point of the disappearance. Communication lines at the greatest distance between the Towers of Rota and Ion. Now is our moment to disappear from sight, Lash said.
We have registered with the Government and the the Formulaut tower in the Tai province of Northern Rota.
The plan had been withheld. On the flight we looked over the details. It calls for some difficult maneuvering to make us appear to have been destroyed in a ocean disaster.
Emergency, emergency, This is 2AX09 to all bases we are in mechanical trouble, our systems have failed, we are being forced into the ocean, at 121 north ... 1*&^%& sou — th — Emergency...
Dr. Remak called out a distress signal using half power to increase static. We have electrical engine failure, crash ! "" we have an explosion, a bomb, sabotage, static..(*&(^$%.........—- - - - - -
At that point Norstar piloted the craft into a vertical dive. The gravitational forces pushed us into the seats as we headed straight to the ocean and a vicious speed. Norstar waited until the last moment then brought the craft to a level above the water until we slowed and came to rest on the ocean surface.
Zobrin will notify our disappearance and mysterious misfortune to the Government and undertake a fruitless search.
This deception is so foreign to the ways of the Hyrayarch but Zonh feels it is necessary. I could sense a grave danger in Lash’s voice in the last days after the discovery.
Norstar is an excellent pilot of the Votcraft and guided the it slowly out of sight of the shore towards the mountains.
At full speed the Votcraft is the match for any Government ships. We could easily reach our destination quickly but too many eyes would have seen and followed.
We reached the river channel submerged and moved carefully along the deepest waters. Away from the shore line Norstar brought the craft from out of the waters and we hovered over the channel and begin our inland journey.
The canyon walls were steep and rugged and no one ever wandered beyond in the rugged interior beyond the coastline. Mt. Rigant and stood sharp and defiant on the western side of the Bordji Meru. A threatening blackness ominously stood out in the far west.
Lash pointed out a jagged canyon freshly opened by the violent earthquakes. The waters below us ran red with debris, mud and silt. The enormous physical power of the quake was like no other registered. Mountains were split in two and crevices thousands of feet deep were everywhere. The was a branch of the river was blocked and pouring into and over massive rocks and crashing into newly formed abyss.
Norstar piloted the Votcraft carefully watching for dangerous rock formations above us and obstacles ahead as we moved closer to the mountain.
Suddenly there it was. I went blank as I looked into a wonder of wonders. The wonder was I have seen this before. I knew it. I knew everything from this presence. The black shimmering structure stood there like a giant monument to a dead civilization.
I saw myself covered in darkness in a fragrance of sweetness. I knew my death was here. I feel intombed. I am walking over my own grave.
The Black Pillar was clean and unblemished by the earthquakes. As we moved closer I sensed of its magnitude seeing the exposed section was more magnificent and much taller than I had imagined.
We landed and Lash jumped immediately out of the doorway into some soft sand and begin moving towards the Pillar.
He went with Dr. Remak and Dr. Akinr as Zadir and I prepared the equipment. Norstar shut off the engines and relaxed back in his seat the journey had been exhausting. He looked completely drained by the tension and precision flying he had to effect to hide the ship from the searching eyes of the Government.
I forgot my feeling as we unloaded the excavating equipment for the work ahead. The equipment was very heavy. We quickly finished removing provisions from the ship and awaited the return of Lash for direction. Lash returned to the site from the far side of the monolith.
The doorway is on the north side, facing the mountain, I heard Dr. Remak say. It may be an opening of some kind or just an insignia but it will require some extensive excavation.
Zadir and I were outfitted with the equipment to dig out the opening and followed them to the chosen spot.
This work should go quickly, Lash said optimistically.
Our black flight suits were of no use now in this work so we changed into the silver heat reflecting work suits. I put a helmet on to protect from the dust and rocks and fired up the sand pump. I held the hose and started the clean up as Zadir was moving the large rocks out of the way. We cleared an area of 25 by 50 in a about an hours time.
Under the sunlight the work on the Pillar began and a premonition broke through the light. Suddenly, I hit solid rock. I cleaned some more and it was enormous stretching out around me. I was about 50ft below the initial surface we began early in the day and I called up to Lash, I have hit bottom. Lash, was silent then said, Bottom? I yelled back. Yes! I have hit solid rock.
Lash and Dr. Remak came down at once even though it was very dangerous as the tremors were continuing after the largest earthquake in history. Zadir looked very tired as he had worked continuously for five hours and was glad to rest. I was happy to have the internal cooling and air filtration systems in the suits. Still my exhaustion overcame the enthusiasm as I rested crouched down low next to a large boulder.
Dr. Akinr followed Lash and Dr. Remak into the pit looking stern and troubled. He was a grouch in some ways perhaps his age had much to do with it, or his aptitude made him seem aloof and unapproachable.
I observed Lash as he became animated by the findings, he got on his knees and looked for the seams to the opening and found some engravings on the surface.
I saw Dr. Akinr speak in hushed tones to Lash with Dr. Remak listening.
Zadir had moved up the ladder and out of earshot. I heard a question from Dr. Akinr that disturbed me. Dr. Akinr, very serious, asked. Lash can you be sure of those two?
Not completely, I heard Lash answer. They can do the work, they have been tested to the fourth level.
I heard a mention of Zonh and the mission but I could not hear another word as they spoke quietly as I left the area.
Norstar joined us after he straightened up the Votcraft followed our progress at the Pillar. I saw him standing at the edge of the ladder as I worked my way up seeing his black flight suit silhouetted by the black massive column of the Pillar that rose above his head. The massive black form rose out of the deep of the earth like nothing imaginable, it’s size was enormous.
Down below, as I looked back I could see Lash, Dr. Akinr and Dr. Remak discovering more markings, lines in various patterns. Sanir arrived from the ship with his arsenal of computers. He set up the CCIM network translator for Dr. Akinr a few feet away. He descended and to begin the work of deciphering the codes, markings and symbols.
What do you make of those markings? I called out to him, he laughed and said. It means so far so good.
I enjoyed Sanir’s casual approach in the wake of the seriousness and my exhaustion.
Zadir, Norstar and I stood looked down awaiting orders as they looked puzzled. Suddenly Lash looked up at us. Norstar, he called. We need the electromagnetic hydraulic extension drivers and the magnetic mercury filled rods from the ship. We need a way to construct a door removal mechanism in order to enter.
The door is a solid piece of granite at this thick. said Sanir.
Very precise Sanir, I laughed.
Zadir went to retrieve fission hammer to cut the edges so we can attach it.
Rysa come down here with the Excavator we need this area as clean and deep as possible, Dr. Remak called to me.
Elevating the rock out of the pit was working smoothly as I cleaned and polished the area where the granite door was to be removed to. Norstar had assembled the mechanism as per his instructions with Dr. Akinr’s help. Zadir was completing the laser edging to reveal the door. We were working as a team and getting the job done.
Lash believed there was probably another entrance but this would have to do for us because of our timing and lack of resources. We were lucky to have found this opening. The Pillar was built on giant precast rock. We all had the excavation suits on now, as Norstar had to put his on in case of another quake. The internal air supply will last for a day under extreme circumstances if we are covered by dirt or debris of another quake. A reassuring thought of being conscious when buried alive. The system was not very powerful but it was effective.
After a day and a half it seemed we would be entering shortly. The wait was difficult, only Sanir was really active at this time deciphering all the markings and discussing the finding with the Dr. Remak, Dr. Akinr and Lash. We shored up the area around the doorway to protect against erosion or slides of rock into the area.
Lash asked Norstar and I to go to higher ground to get a vantage point and take seismic readings of the area.
We took the quadrivexes up to the crater of Mt Meru and could see far south and west. The emergence of fires in the plains of Beluh sent smoke across the land.
Norstar and I both were transfixed by a cloud that hung over the far south west towards the icy Plains of Almzion in Nzrael. It had always remained a dark purple with a bluish indigo cast sky over it but now we saw a thick blackness and a deep grayish cast to the sky over Nzrael. Looking into it I saw far away a reddish glow flickering in the blackness.
Do you see that, I asked Norstar,
Yes. he replied, searching the area with the telezoom camera. He came back up the few steps where I was looking through my camera.
It appears that Mt. Gorrh is erupting with heavy amount of fire and lava. It is incredible that we can even see it from here.
It must be a tremendous eruption to see from this distance, Norstar said and muttering to himself. Is this an Island?
Is there an island in the Alun in this direction? He asked me.
I could not recall one as he was just thinking out loud.
We should return, I said. Lash will be very interested in these changes.
Down the mountainside we moved slowly as the gravel and loose rock made our trip treacherous. The fires burning in Tauzn and the smoke rising from the cities of Agoll and Armenk mixed in the haze and dust we kicked up. Norstar knew what the smoke meant as I knew the civil war was being waged, but we were quiet in our descent.
Suddenly, I was tumbling uncontrollable flipping end over end as rocks rushed around me. I landed hard on a rock as another hit my helmet and knocked my head back into semi-consciousness. Sand and dust swelled around my face. It became hard to breathe. I dropped helmet face shield down as an abrupt shock in my right leg numbing my senses with pain. The sound of a roaring torrent of rock, dust and sand covered me and the light disappeared.
~ )( ~
Intombed
I awoke in a dark quiet, still, lodged against the rock I rolled into. I could sense by the warm wetness and stiffness of my body that I had lain here awhile, buried alive.
The darkness was not complete as I saw some light from above which gave me some hope. A opaque haze, I could sense above my head. I could move more hope. I reached my hands above my head. The movement was as brutal as anything I had ever attempted. Locked within rock and sand.
I wondered about Norstar, when the quake began I was launched into the rock and have no ideal where he might have landed. I hope he is alright and can find me because I am helpless in this predicament.
The air was still fresh so I must have more time on the air supply. I could sense my right leg was lodged but my left was free to push off the hard floor where I lay. I reached my hand up and up as high as I could reach. I moved it from side to side seeing a little more light each time. As I moved my hand I found that I could not move out of this hole, if only I had the equipment I could be out in seconds. I can’t see anything or pull my way out with out anything to leverage myself against now.
Norstar, he is my only hope, I must keep moving my hand in hopes he will see it.
I awoke suddenly not knowing who, where or what I was doing. the time was lost with insurmountable feeling of fatigue. I had my arm over my head lodged upward reaching up for a hand from my comrade and friend. But trapped and alone I did not know if Norstar were alive from this dreadful collapse of the mountain.
Could any in the excavation be alive. I surely do not know what has happened to anyone. Again I passed to semi-consciousness and lost it to fatigue. Struggling to move but caught up by the rock lodged below and no way to reach down to detach it from my foot. It was a helplessness that went beyond anything I had ever known.
Every time I moved my hand upward more sand would come around me. The fit grew tighter and more difficult to move. The quiet was frightening as it was without any break from a continuous absence of sound. I only heard my labored breathing as I strived to live through this catastrophe.
I wandered in thought to the Hyrayarch and Vayla to seek her inner guidance. My mind reached the edges of sanity. Hallucinations taunted my reason. I thought I heard voices.
I had no way to make a sound for it I moved my mouth it would fill with sand and dust. I listened closely for any sound or movement but heard none.
I was stuck in a tomb. The dream once again affect my consciousness. Another voice from deep within me was reaching out. I heard the words though they were spoken,
Your life is not over, I was assured of this insight. You will live on, You have much to do.
This resolution pervaded my every corner of my being as I knew in some way I would survive this episode. I could still breathe carefully around the rocks and sand. I knew I was close to the surface. My hope was that Norstar would find me because the chances of the excavation team finding us here was remote.
Hours passed. I waited and darkness came. Shadows grew larger, the sand cooler, silence grew deeper and something was looking, watching and waiting.
I went in and out of consciousness during the night, listening for sounds that might help me reach out and make a sound a hum, something to let Norstar know I was alive. Hope started to vanish as night turned to day and still I had not received help or heard anything.
Is this death, how can I be sure I am not destined to die here trapped by sand and rock on Rota. Settled into this position I was uncomfortable feeling dehydrated. I hallucinated, not sure of what I was seeing, hearing, feeling or thinking anymore. Another day passed. My body was still locked under the sand. I was becoming more lost into a interior world of sound, fear and dread of what was seeming to be inevitable. I am helpless to stop my death by slow and definite incapacitation.
~ )( ~Released
As abruptly as I was entrapped I was released by a violent shake. I was pushed forward into the tumbling sand. I was jolted forward by the rush of sand and rock. The shaking was another earthquake tremor. The sun broke through my grave. I could see the sky as I fell along with the debris of the mountain down a hundred feet further. It stopped shortly thereafter in the open sky free. Released and unencumbered by the sand and rock that covered me for days. This was an upheaval.
I laid in the open air, dirty and dusty, gasping in the fresh air being able to breathe without fear. I was free. I was free. I could move my arms and legs but rested on the surface in joyous release from captivity.
Mother nature had me at her mercy and let me live. A reprieve from a certain death buried alive inside a mountain. I looked around from where we had previously been standing I must have fallen 1000ft. It is hard to tell now. The whole side of Mt Meru was changed by the earthquake. Its power was awesome and tremendous. I worked to get my bearings and sat up looking for the path to return to the others.
I saw the Pillar even more revealed below me showing it as being even larger than previously determined. I started off moving slowly as my legs were sore and cramped form the long period under the sand. I saw no sign of Norstar and figured if he had survived he would be nearby or at the camp.
I understood the find was more important than my life and if I was buried for three days they would expect I would be dead. I had a funny realization as I returned they would be shocked at my story and recovery. I am just so euphoric at being alive I needed to find my compatriots and share my joy and exhilaration with them.
Sliding downward on the loose sand I worried about being involved in another landslide and was careful to avoid a totally ironic demise. I saw a figure on a quadrivex coming up from the Pillar. It was Norstar, I waved frantically. He saw me and came quickly to my aide. Water, I begged him as he advanced. He jumped from the quadrivex and ran over to me.
You’re alive! he shouted. I knew it.
He ran over with some water and fruit. I drank and splashed it on to my my dry and dirty face.
Of course I am alive! I laughed. I am alive, an earthquake isn’t going to kill me.
How? He said. Looking puzzled and he looked, staring at me in amazement.
I don’t know, I reflected. An aftershock, another landslide freed me from under the sand where I was trapped.
Come, we must return with the good news, Lash and the others were very sorrowful, Norstar said as I got up on the quadrivex behind him. We have lost two others, Sanir and Mensat were killed by falling rocks back at the camp.
I realized the pain of their deaths would be lessened by my remarkable survival.
Let’s go, I told Norstar and gave him a hug in appreciation for staying with me though I am sure the others had given me up for dead. My return was greeted by the team in great delight as I rode down the mountain side with Norstar. I was ready for some food and proper rest. Lash was particular excited to see me as he had taken me on as his own student and I looked to him as my mentor.
After recovering with a good restful day and food it did not take long to regain my composure.
I was ready to get back to the business at hand with the responsibility at hand to uncover the Pillar.
After another day of work on the doorway we found that it was much bigger than expected, nearly twice the size as expected. Zadir, Lash and Dr. Remak were exhausted from working constantly for long periods of time without sleep.
They pressed on regardless anticipating reaching into the Pillar and to discover the nameless artifacts.
Remember we didn’t come here for a joy ride, Lash said. Work is difficult. Zadir nodded in agreement as the others were putting rocks into the elevators to take them out of the excavated area.
Zadir was diligently working to maintain shoring up the walls to prevent another cave in. If the walls should crumble form another earthquake. We have had one tragedy too many already.
Lash went down the ladder with Dr. Remak and they were looking at some new markings etched into the black stone.
Who has the key? Norstar asked light heartily. I need to call home.
We have no need for humor now, Dr. Akinr said, Save your jokes until we get in.
He was always one to dull the moment. Some levity would be better for all after the calamities of the past months and days.
We need to clear this whole area for open this door, Dr. Akinr said. It looks like we will have to pull it open if we expect to enter this position.
What are waiting for, continue, Norstar said. Our seismographs are reading the possibility of more earthquakes after shocks.
I have found something interesting, Zadir called out. Here, at the bottom of the door, its covered with dirt. Lets remove it. Come over here. Zadir called to Dr. Remak who went over to see what it was.
This is interesting, Dr. Remak said. This is a form of ancient music from the Alderans used 10 centuries ago. I believe we should look to reproduce this musical pattern. This indicates a harmonic sound pattern will allow the door to move. The geometry points to a development oscillation that will cause the door to release its locks.