New Pangaea Pg 245-253

Week 39

Day 1

The awaited report from Doctor Tanaki was on my table at 0700hr.

Special Report from Doctor Tanaki.

Day 7 Week 38

1733hr

Operation ‘Core’ started at 1100hr Day 5. Team members are as follows:

1. Doctor Tanaki, Team Leader 1

2. Doctor Bell Frost, Team Leader 2

3. Doctor Ziva Moshe, Team 1

4. Doctor Schimdt Bormann, Team 1

5. Doctor Liam Lumley, Team 2

6. Doctor Sze Thing, Team 2

7. Sargeant McKay Team 1

8. Sargeant Kabe, Team 1

9. Speciliast Ian, Team 2

10. Specialist Decan, Team 2

We will split into two team on descent. We are equipped for a week’s stay if need be. As we discovered anything electrical does not work here, we are using all items and equipments which does not used it, and this report is written on writing pads and pencil.

We would winched down by a manual operated winch harness, and it will take two hours to go down. For those of us who are not familiar or worried about heights or have phobia on dark places, they will be sedated before going down. Doctor Bashir to assist here.

Team I was first to rappel down in this order; Sargeant Kabe, Sargeant McKay, myself, Frost, Ziva and Bormann. This is the Sargeant's’ reports.

Appendix 1,01

Special Report from Sargeant Kabe.

I was the first to go down; the initial fifty feet was usual, as I did caving before, but when I hit the empty darkness, it was frightening. I cannot see anything and even my thermal googles will not work. I lit up the lamps on my body ( we were equipped with head lamps, one on the shoulder and two at the waist; but they won’t work ) and I lit up the flares I had on me. I could not see dark shadows everywhere. I dropped more of the flares as instructed by Doctor Tanaki in stages to know where I am landing.

It was a grueling and scary two hours, and I am all alone. There is no communication to the top. As I neared the surface, I threw in more flares to lit up the surrounding areas. Thankfully, there was no reptiles except empty clearing. And its flat and damp with a musky smell to the air but its looks secured before I removed the harness. I signaled for the rest to descent. I proceeded to light up a fire place with my pack of woods. I lit up four more fire places and sat back for McKay. By then, they had dropped me loads of wood and supplies in those special bags. I tried the lamps and it worked here.

I also took out the five mini probes given to me by Doctor Tanaki. I laid them on the ground and activated them. They start to hum and then came alive. While I was there alone, I hear no sounds or feel any winds. It eerie and disturbing to me. I sat down and do my prayers while waiting for McKay. I also keep on feeding the fires with wood.

Appendix 1,01

Special Report from Sargeant McKay

I soon arrived down there and I was ever glad that I am still alive. If this is a version of Hell, I am joining the Parish tomorrow. I joined Kabe in setting up the perimeter and that was when we discovered what may be a wall. As the lamps worked here, I send the harness up with the note for more lamps. I also came down with a two bags of items which we can used; food and drinks. Aye, Kabe and myself help ourselves to a good drink.

We saw what appeared to be a scorpion, but this one is about the size of my boots and its translucent. I wanted to step on it lest it comes into my ten while I am asleep, but Kabe said no. We must respect the inhabitants here. It could be a soul which has not left here yet. Fragging believers he was of those pagans.

We expand the perimeter to twenty feet radius and ends at the wall. Its high as fall as my lamp can shone. But its a good place to leaned on.

Back to my update on the report..

I was down there later and its almost 1700hr up there on the outside. We will continue to descent until all is down here. I brought on the big lamps as per request, but someone left out the batteries, so we are stuck in the dark. Nevertheless I wanted to explore, despite my promise to Frost. This is a gem in the raw here. I went to the wall and feel it with my hand. There are some moisture on it but only a thin film. I took samples and I followed the wall. Its not flat but circular in circumferences. I must had walked fifty feet and I am still within sight of the fire place. Based on my initial assessment, its probably two hundred feet across  but I am not sure. I walked back as Sargeant Kabe was calling for me. That night, all we did was wait for the team members to come down, and also for the equipments which we needed. The last to arrive was my thermal sleeping bag, no thanks to Frost who knew I would renegade on the promise.

The ladies are the most excited not on the place but on the descent experience.

Day 6 Week 38

We were ready to explore today at 0630hr. Team 1 was to take the left and Team 2 the right.

This is Team 1 report.

Doctor Tanaki reporting.

We followed the wall and then at about two hundred feet, Doctor Moshe exclaimed on seeing something ahead. We all shone our lights at the direction she pointed. Its some paved path and its leading into the darkness. We left a luminous marker at the wall; it will light for forty eight hours and we moved along the paved path. As we walked we can feel sections of wall between us not wide but about twenty feet and then spaced out for twenty feet. We placed these markers on every alternative section, and after a while we looked back its like a dim cavern path behind us. Then we came to what appeared to be an arch; a large and high one of about a hundred over feet high. Beyond the arch at about two hundred feet is another wall, but this one has a doorway. Its a metallic door of about a height of thirty feet and wide at fifteen feet.

‘Could it be a Giant’s dwell here?’ Doctor Bormann was awed by the size of the doorway.

‘Frost, did you see Olga around here?’ But Frost shook his head. ‘Nay, Doctor Bormann, there is no Olga here. If there were Olga would the one you will see first. She was Frost’s mother in law. She makes the T-Rex small in bite size.’ That took the tension off everyone including myself. It always worked in the trade. Frost knows it well.

All of us felt and pushed at the metallic gate but it will not budged and there was no knobs or latch to bang on. Or so we thought, until Doctor Bormann managed to activate a hidden panel. It lit up and a shape of a hand was displayed. It was the size of a normal man’s hand, and Doctor Bormann placed his hand on it.

It was either very stupid or very brave. Or very impulsive moves. But the metallic gate opened. Well, its opened slightly as Doctor Bormann’s hand was off the panel.

‘Put your hand back, Schmidt.’ He did and the door closed back. He removed his hand and then placed it back but this holding it there. The metallic creaked opened ever slowly but it did opened wide. The two Sargeant went in first and we waited for twenty seconds before they said, ‘all clear’. Then we all rushed in. Its a long narrow hallway and we took it ever carefully, but this time it light up as we move ahead. It was about a hundred feet or so the walk, and we came into a big dome structure which is now totally lighted up. We don’t not know the size of the Dome. But the inside that dome is another dome and its is about ten five times the size of BASE or more. All around on the bigger dome are multiple row levels  with what may be termed as a pathway on each level. I counted twelve levels on the side of the dome. And there is inner sub level on top of the twelve. There were eight of these levels and then its stop and the wall of the dome extends from it.

I looked back to the smaller dome and its as high as the fourth level of the sublevel rows, and its without any pathway but viewers structures can be seen on the side. I counted forty eight row levels, again in the division of twelve. It was then we met Team 2 coming to us from the right of us.

This is their report.

This is Team 2 report.

Doctor Sze Thing reporting.

We went right as agreed with Team 1. We saw what appeared to be a wall and we proceeded towards it. But it was not; it was actually a slab fo stone in the middle of now where Its rectangle and is upright to the height of twenty feet and width of five and across in six feet. Kinda remind me of Stonehenge. It was then we found out that Doctor Frost is not with us. Decan told us he followed Team 1.

But from the slab of stone, we saw the paved path going to the right, and we followed it. We were not worried of being lost as Doctor Liam was leaving the bread crumbs trail with his share of luminous markers. We must had walked for sometime when Decan tapped my shoulder. He said to look at my left and I did. There was long streaks of light in front of us, so we proceeded along that direction. We came to a high wall and we followed it back to the left. Not long later we came the open doorway and we went in. That was when we discovered Team 1. And an embarrassed Doctor Frost.

Back to my update on the report..

There is so much to report, but we found one major find; there are ancient Greeks writing on the walls and panels. And there are the symbol of the Greeks Gods. We could had walked into Olympia.

More to report later.

Since the report was made available to the scientists, they all volunteered to go there, with or without phobia. I told them to take break and give me time to decide.

The report was on my table. My hands trembled when I read it.

Special Report from Corporal Pedro

Day 6 Week 39

1602hr

Nixon and myself found the Fed’s Force at 1300hr Day 6. We did a count as below;

1. A dozen HELI-PODs M12 also known as Giant Gnat, with their transporter.

2. Three Heavy Ground Dozer

3. A dozen AFT2 Heavy Tanks

4. Half a dozen Multi Missiles Launchers MM12.

5. A dozen amour Personnels Vehicles or APV12

6. A dozen amour Transport Vehicles

They made their own roads by crushing through the jungle using the Heavy Ground Dozer. When we found them they had reached the chimps coming to intercept them at the halfway point.

I counted about five hundred of them lined up in the jungle edge. The battle was short as the chimps were no matched for them. The tanks just decimate the column with ease by dropping incendiaries shells. They were aided by the HELI-PODs. It was over in minutes. They moved on the moment the battle was over. They did not aid or looked at the wounded chimps.

We followed suit and they camped at a open clearing excavated by the Dozer. We took our position on the hill, and we saw them shoot a Brontosaurus who was nearby. They cut up the  meat and had their meals.

By morning, they left for the journey onto the camp. The HELI was flying recon in turns, while the path they cleared, even the T-Rex was running for safety. We saw one of the HELO shot at a Spinosaurus and left it dying. Its like a hunting game to them.

We came to a wide river and the the HELI took turns to winch the vehicles across as seen on Earth before. For the tanks, they used three HELI to do the crossing as its heavy.

No news on Vickie and that what scare me. Its unlike her, but now I really don’t know her at all.

Day 3

The awaited report from Doctor Tanaki was on my table at 0700hr.

Special Report from Doctor Tanaki.

Day 2 Week 39

1721hr

We have been in the structure for over twenty four hours and still no signs of any lifeforms. Sargeant Kabe and McKay has done a perimeter checks and found no hostile. They have however discovered a large room for us to work in. Doctor Sze Thing is doing acoustic sounds checks for signs of other lifeforms ( the lady scares me truly ) and she is walking around the place with this gadget of hers. Doctor Bormann is busy swiping samples with Doctor Indira. Doctor Moshe is checking for signs of any small inhabitants.

The room we are in is about twenty feet by forty feet in length, and its filled with some cases but we cannot moved or opened it. There is some wide panels in the room but we can’t seem to operate it.

The place looks like rows of housing units in a circular layout but each room we go to are the same; cases and panels. We have covered like half a mile and its all the same. But there are no doorways to the next levels but we did find another hallway like the one we took, and the door does opened on handprint contact to the outside darkness. Sargeant McKay offered to detour back to our original doorway and he did it in two hours by keeping to the wall.

I am arranging to bring in Doctor Boris to read the symbols or writing.

I asked Major Shaw to halt all works on Monolith immediately. Something tells me we need to evacuate the Monolith. I then called Major Shaw to move the heavy machinery to a distance from the designated outer limits of the hidden structure inside. I am worried about the ground collapsing down or blowing up.

‘Commander, there is a comm from the Fed’s.’

‘Commander Bent. This is General Davos of the Federations’. I am in command of the Forces here in New Earth and has replaced General Seeker. She has requested for me to call you. She would like seek political asylum with your side. Its unorthodox but we are in a new world. She is my colleague and I am offering her that chance. I will have her flown to your BASE on the HELI-POD as we speak. Good day, Commander.’

I then got the message that a HELI-PODs is seen approaching BASE from the west.

General Victoria Seeker stepped out of the HELI-PODs wearing her uniform but minus the stars. She is unharmed and looks okay. I had Doctor Bashir attend to her immediately. All other matters are secondary now.

‘Davos was my junior and I trained him well. He is now the new Commander, and would lead the attack on the chimps. He came with the new fleet and took command from the day we moved out. I was under custody since then. He listen to my pleas and let me go  despite orders to execute me. We parted as friends, but if we meet again, it may not be on the same terms.’ She was laying on the bed and I held her hand to comfort her. The doctor has given her a clean bill of health for both mother and child.

‘Davos know about the child, Scott. That was why he let me go.’ She broke out into tears and I reached out to hold her. I owe Davos one good turn, and one day I may returned it.

‘Commander, Corin is back.’

‘You killed my people...’Corin went in anger, speaks more in screeches than words, but I can make out her words. She is upset at the Federations’ who is slaughtering her people. I tried to explain to her that I am not involved but she does not understand me. And Doctor Boris is at the Monolith. My mistake was to conduct it in the Infirmary; Corin saw Vickie and it was she needed to prove her point. Corin stomped out of the Infirmary.

I was told later she left with her troops for the jungle.

Day 5

The long awaited report from Doctor Tanaki was on my table at 0700hr.

Special Report from Doctor Tanaki.

Day 4 Week 39

1727hr

We have been here for over three days now, and we have about three teams now. Doctor Boris brought in more company; Doctor Irina and Doctor Silvie. Plus a load of equipment, and bless we are, the electronics components worked but we have no external power source. So we had to rely on power backups.

But we found something new; Boris reads Greeks. This was written on the arch which we first passed on coming here. Its says ‘Ελπίδα σε όλους όσους βήματα στη Νέα Πανγαία’ or literally translated into English as ‘Hope to all who steps to New Pangaea’. As I am doing this report, Boris is reading his head off the writings around us.

We had a minor accident today; Sargeant McKay fell on his knees while trying to scale the walls. He will be sitting for a day or two but nothing serious.

I had a chat with Vickie on what did happened on her side when she went back after talking to me. She told me this.

‘Upon my return to the other side, they had already assembled the task force. All the vehicles was ready to move and I was in the Command Unit in the APV12 with General Davos. Our orders was simple; drive the chimps out and established a no-man’s zone so that the new colonists can stay and work in peace. I was reluctant to proceed but the orders was from High Command of Federations’.  We used the dozer to moved the jungle and create a path for us to move on.’

‘We came across some of the predators and the men were trigger happy or just curious; they opened fire without my command. I ceased all firing and told them buckle in unless attacked. We came upon the column of chimps at the clearing. They were sneering and screaming at us but they did not come forth to attack. I asked the tash force to stand down and observe but Davos stepped in with his gun drawn on me. He told me he had his order and it involves him taking command if I failed to do so.’

‘He ordered the tanks to lined up in firing formation; six in a row and the other six in the rear with each tank in between another for clear firing view. The opened up on orders at nearly five hundred yards onto the chimps at the jungle edge. The main cannon Taser is a 10 inches barrel and its shell spew wide and instant death. They followed on with their mini cannons and then the HELI came to mop it up. Five hundred chimps never made it more than ten yards towards us. Its senseless.’

‘Davos later told me he got the orders from High Command to execute me for treason. I pleaded with him to let me go both as a colleague and as an unborn child’s mother. The later was the one he sway to, and he agreed to ‘;banished’ me if Empire takes me into their custody. That was when he send me off on the HELI. I am ever thankful to him.’

But my discussion was interrupted.

‘Commander, we think we found something new. We think we found ‘Delphi’.’ Whatever Delphi means, its meaningless to me. But Boris later report tells me more. And it frightens me more.

Are we in the backyard of the God’s home?

Special Report from Doctor Boris Ivanov.

Day 5 Week 39

1713hr

In the writing of the Greek myth, Zeus sent two eagles to find the center of the earth. They flew on to the east and the other to the west. But the eagles took their flight and met back at one point, which was named by Zeus as Delphi; the center of the earth. Zeus placed a  cone-shaped, decorated stone, ‘the omphalos’, once stood in front of the Temple dedicated to Mother Gaia as a marker for the "navel" of the earth. Legends said that at the temple, an Oracle lived there and was so tightly intertwined with prophecies and predictions. She was consulted by many and she served that on many. Including even the ancient empires rulers or conquerors. It was fabled that the Croesus, king of Lydia in 550 BCE seek the Oracle advise on the war with Persia. He was give the statement that an empire will collapsed. He took it to mean the Persians’ but it was his. The ancient Roman last King; King Tarquin, the seventh King after Romulus was approached by the Oracle disguised as a simple woman who offered the King nine books which can foretell the destiny of the world. He refused her asking price of three hundred golds and she went away. Later she counter offer again with only three books left for the same price. The King bought them but asked for the remainder six books. She claimed that she burnt them and will not re-write them. Thus, great Rome rose to be a kingdom and subsequently flourished as a republic after the death of King Tarquin at Lucius Brutus’ hand. The new Rome was later to conquered Gaul under Julius Caesar. Then Rome inaugurated its worldwide empire. That Caesar was stabbed to death in the Roman Forum. And all these centuries, Rome expanded but never knew its destiny, until it finally collapsed. What wisdom might have been learned if King Tarquin had acquired the full set of nine books.

In which we come to my report. I found the words ‘Delphi’ or ‘Δελφοί’ written here on the walls, This could be the new Delphi on this planet. As the original Delphi was ‘cone shaped, decorated stone’ it could mean a city with a with dome. There is a dome here and we are in it. I am beginning to understand the writings now and the crates or cases which we thought of may not be cases after all. They are part of the structure.

We could be discovering New Delphi. Or even Atlantis.

‘Major Shaw, I want a total evacuation of the personnels and colonist to the far side of the Monolith. Just take what you can and do it now.’ I prayed I am not too late to do so.

And it did happened as I visions of it in my dream. ‘The dream of the good will flow through the hole and the bad will dispersed at the side.’ That was my grandmother told me as she weave the dream catcher for me. It still hangs over my bunk.

Just it had protect me, it would also protects Vickie and our unborn child.

Day 6

It was noon when I got the report from Corporal Pedro.

Special Report from Corporal Pedro

Day 6 Week 39

1602hr

Nixon and myself found the Fed’s Force at 1300hr Day 6. We did a count as below;

1. A dozen HELI-PODs M12 also known as Giant Gnat, with their transporter.

2. Three Heavy Ground Dozer

3. A dozen AFT2 Heavy Tanks

4. Half a dozen Multi Missiles Launchers MM12.

5. A dozen amour Personnels Vehicles or APV12

6. A dozen amour Transport Vehicles

Day 7

The ground shook as the tremors started and it must be a big one as I could not even walked properly. I told Vickie to stay in the bunk and not move. I held onto the shaking furniture and dragged myself into my uniform. I have to look decent out there despite the  calamities happenings here.

‘Commander, we got a vibrations of over 7, but its not an earth quake as we predicted. Its a ground collapse or ground upheaval; we are not sure.’ I ran to the comms and raised up Major Shaw. But there is no answer. I comms to the Cavern and checked with the officer on duty.

‘Monolith...... its still there, but an section has come down. It has collapsed, Commander. ‘ I can sensed the emotion the officer must had; friends lost or dead, or maybe a loved one was there.

‘Hold yourself, soldier. I will check it myself.’

I ran out of BASE and took the bike to the eastern ridges. I can see the dust overlapping the Monolith west side and it looks bad. I wished I had a Bubble and I can be there in an hour or so. But now I am stuck here and the only flying Bubble is on Monolith. And so is the Shuttle.

‘Commander........ its Major...Shaw. Please come in.’ I picked up the comms and held my emotions back.

‘Amanda, what is your situation?’ I can hear static and then her voice; ‘Scott, we are okay. We have some casualties but I think majority are fine. But we need medical assistance and rescue here. The ground under us gave way but we are way behind. I am sending the Shuttle and she will fly ASAP.’

Last count was sixty five injured and twelve deaths; two missing; Ishido Matsu and Micheal Bent. One Heavy Metal gone and half my W-Bots as we could not cleared them in time. But we got a new city in sight.

Its massive in size and tall.

Odysseus Part 13

X111

Not all the Gods are kind and understanding as some still harbors hatred and anger for me. Every time, I near the seas, Poseidon sends his regards to me. Its more like regrets as his water tossed me up and down, and into all directions. I was hanging on for my life as the ship of mine gets moved by the waves until it was near to the island of Scherie. I know its inhabited by the Phaeancians. A water nymph named Ino appeared before me and asked to me abandon the ship, but put on the veil so that she can sailed me to shore. I did as I was told, and I find myself on the beach. I am shipwrecked again and its all Poseidon’s fault. I was too tired to move and I fell asleep among the thicket.

Unknown to me then, the Goddess Athena enters the palace to find the Princess Nausicaa. Athena was to disguised herself as one of the friend’s of the Princess. She mocks the Princess that if she wants to b married soon, she must go and do her laundry of clothes in the river. Athena soon departs and at dawn Nausicaa ever curious of what was said, she approached her father and asks for permission to do the laundry and to bring a cart with a mule. The King approves on her request, but she will be present with her maids to assist her. On completing their laundry, the ladies took to bathe themselves. While the clothes are left to dry, they lounged around and have a picnic. In the midst of the game they play, the ball falls into the thicket where I was laying. I was awaken by the ball and I stood out from the thicket. As I was naked, I covered myself with a olive branch found nearby. The maids ran away but not Nausicaa who stood her ground to confront me. She may have thought this could be the man she was to marry so she greeted me. I stands to face her and I decided to begged for her forgiveness. At that time, in my mind was another Goddess I may offended and I fear their wrath more. I ask of her whether she is a god or a mortal? As I lay my eyes on her, I can tell that she is very beautiful.

“Who are you? I see no evil in you. If been bad, Zeus would had punished you, and if there was;p its over. Here you are safe and we will give you the needs of life”. I praised her kindness and offered to return with her to the city. She bid her maids to come forth and offered him olive oil and clothes.

“Bathe and dressed well., Be noble and we will return to the city.” I did as I was told, and once again, I looked like the warrior I was. Nausicaa was pleased of my looks that she wished he was the man she would marry. I was offered food and drinks before we embark on our journey. During my meal, I had the desire for this lady and I prayed to the Gods to grant me love and mercy during my stay here.

I walked to the city while the Princess goes back first to her palace. I was not aware until later that Athena had me veiled in fog so that no one will questioned me as a stranger and Athena was walking next to me as the lady with the jug.

“Lady, could you show me the direction to the King’s palace? I am a stranger here and there is no one I know of.” I asked the lady with the jug for help.

“Hush! Your words may bring trouble as not all strangers are welcomed. Follow me and I will take you there.” She cautions me and I followed suit.

Soon we near the palace and she direct me to the side door. There I stepped in and sees a large hall with gold and silver, with fifty maids in waiting. There is an orchard next to it, with the splendor of flowers and trees. I was to be led later to another Hall where the royal family sits for a meal. Immediately, I fell to my knees before the Queen Arete for her forgiveness. The family as taken aback and if not for an old man, I may be thrown into the dungeons.

“My King, a man comes to our table seeking food and drinks. Its customary for us to serve and asked questions later.” Wise words that helped me that day.

“Rise, my son. Give the man your seat.” The eldest son of King Alcinous rose and offered me his chair. I took my offered seat and lavished myself on the food and drinks.

“Pardon my manners, Sire, but I have not eaten for days.” I looked at the King for compassion and he did with a gesture to continue. After I had taken a fair share, the Queen asked of my name and my origin. I told them of myself and how I left my last destination to be ship wrecked here. It was the kindness of the Princess who found me and offered me clothes and to seek my refuge here.

The King was overjoyed that his daughter showed care for a total stranger and yet he leaves her charge without completing the task. I offered to apologies for the ladies as its not appropriate for me to walked with them as I am not known here.

“If I had my choice, I would had married you to her. I know not much of you saved your name and none of your origin. But nevertheless seek me your wishes so I may grant them.” The King was most kind and I told I desire to go home to my own land and I need a boat. He adjourned the discussion until he speaks to the Adviser’s. I was offered a place to bed and my request will be discussed tomorrow.

It was a grand feast when the Advisers meet as there were food and drinks with the accompaniment of the singers who sings of the exploits of the King and Gods. The singer that day was to sing of the Trojan war and the heroes behind the war. He sang of Achilles, Agamemnon and also of myself. I could n’t help myself as the minstrel recounts the days which I was involved. I moved my fac down to avoid showing my tears and buried it in the food served that day.

Soon the call for the festive games was on. The King decided some games of physical prowess be challenged. It was then during the call for the wrestling match, that my name was heard.

“Odysseus, show us your ability and strength.” I looked at the man who challenged me. He is young and he thinks I am too old to do this. But he is the King’s son and I cannot refuse. But before I accept, another youth mocks me with his words.

“Odysseus could be of a lowly rank, and his participation may tarnished the games.” I looked at the arrogant youth who made that remark.

“Aye, old man. My name is Seareach. Do not come in unless you have stronger bones.”

“My bones are sturdy like my name. But I fear you lack of the brain makes you see things differently. I will take anyone’s challenges but not of the King’s direct family as I respect my host.” I grabbed a discuss on the ground and tossed it further than anyone. Alcinous tells him that he shouldn't fear offending Laodamas because he was offended first and then calls for another feast to appease the mood that is turning hostile. The Minstrel on seeing that too changed his tune to that of the Ares’ affair with Aphrodite. It tells of a tale of an illicit affair which was discovered by the estranged husband. I had listened to it before but I still enjoys the re-telling of the tale. It reminded me of Agamemnon and Achilles stupidity over a woman.

When it was finished the tale, King Alcinous asked his Minstrel to play some songs that calls his sons can dance. The dance was made interesting with the balancing of a bouncing ball as they dance. I enjoyed that too and I had to compliments the king. It pleased the King Alcinous and he calls the Adviser’s together and announces that each should present Odysseus with a gift of cloak and a bar of gold. Even the arrogant youth, Seareach gives a broad sword of his to me as well as an apology. I took everything that was offered and Queen Arete was kind enough to offered me a chest to store it.

“Store it and bound it, Odysseus.” I laughed at Queen Arete advise but I did as she told me.

I was soon to retire with the King to his private Hall with the minstrel. There the King asked the Minstrel to play the songs of the wooden horse. So he did and went on with the destruction of Troy. It brought back to me memories of the war, of the heroes like Big Ajax, Aeanas, and even Hector. I could not hold back my emotions and the King stopped the entertainment.

“Odysseus, did you feel pain? Or was there your kins who died at Troy?”

“Aye, I am. I am who I said I was. But I am also Odysseus of Ithaca, who was one of the sworn by the Oath to the lady Helen’s marriage to Menelaus. I fought alongside with Achilles and Agamemnon. I was there to climb down from the Trojan horse as I was its originator. I begged your forgiveness for not telling you earlier more of myself.” I was on my knees in front of the King.

“Rise, Odysseus of Ithaca. None may you bow to for your deeds are heard by many. Sit by me. Tell me what did happened after Troy as all had returned as I was told.”

I began to recount my adventures from the day I left Troy, with no lesser details left out. . I told him of Cyclops, the giants, the Sirens and Also of Circe. I finally of Calypso. A ship with fifty two crews were prepared for me, and my treasures loaded onto the ship.

“Surely you will not reconsider your mind to stay. I asked not you to marry my daughter but you can sit by by my table for eternity.” I thank the King for his generosity but my mind is made. I asked him for permissions to speak to his daughter who showed me the passage to this day.

“Nausicaa, my dear. I am pleased that you shown me kindness, but I am sad I cannot do the same for you. I am an old man who is beyond your age, and I cannot offered you the quality of life a younger man can. But mark my words, that among them standing before you are many good ones. They will come soon enough on seeing my departure.” She smiled at me and she blushed at my thoughts. I kissed her on her cheek and told my leave of her.

I also thank Queen Arete of her kindness and how she takes care of the family. I wished her all the best in her coming years, and if need be, I am ever her servant to call upon.

I left that day and it was a smooth journey to my surprise. For days we sailed with no troubled winds or waves, but it was a smooth one.

“We near Ithaca, Odysseus. A drink to our journey before we leave you there.” I drank with the crew and rejoiced with them, but little I was to know, my drink was laced with poison that made me sleep fast. I slept the night and they sailed close to Ithaca. The bundled me up with my treasure and unloaded me on the cove on the island of Ithaca. They buried my treasures under the olive tree. There I slept.

It was many years later that I got to know of their fate. Poseidon on realizing I was home without any sacrifice done for him, turned the ship and its crew to stone as they near their home port. It was King Alcinous who told the tale of the wrath of Poseidon.

“There was a prophecy that a ship of ours will incurred the wrath of Poseidon when we aid a stranger off this island. That prophecy has come true and this ship is the testimony of it.” The King in order to appease the Gods, sacrificed twelve bulls to Poseidon for the wrath.

New Pangaea Pg 238-244

Week 38

Day 1

The Federation latest additions came in the day before we were attacked, but they landed some distance to the north west. A total of a hundred and fifty containers landed there and they have one hundred colonists and four hundred military personnels under Colonel Jeffrey Dante; Special Forces. They also came with HELI-PODs and military vehicles, and including supplies. They are here in response to the request of General Victoria Seeker as conveyed by Earth Council.

But the latest development is not appealing. The Empire and Federations are in conflict of ideas, but no war has started as yet. They been some diplomatic issues which they are sorting out, but meantime all diplomatic relationship are off. That applies to New Pangaea.

Forty three Fed’s survival including General Victoria will joined their people back as of today. They will continue to explore the land on the north to west while we focused on east to South. All previous arrangement are considered as null and void from this day.

Its a fragging Invasion force to conquer the chimps. Or understand them. I remembered what Mathew Burns said; ‘they can’t be trusted.’

At the ceremony to remembered the fallen in the last battle, I was asked to say a few words.

‘When we first embark to here, we were told of a promise land; a land of opportunity for us to live on; worked on; feed our family and above all populate it for the new generations. But we came to see hardship; which we could endure, dangers; which we could handle, sufferings; which we could overcome. But we did not foresee to have the ones we loved died in our hands even before we could had live a life here. Today is our 38^th Week on New Pangaea. I will named it the 38^th Declaration. We will map it as the day we decided to follow it the end with our courage and determination. We will not the ones who sacrificed their life's in vain.’

The headcount of the dead that day was two hundred and twelve one, with twelve more in the Infirmary still fighting for their life. We have ten more missing or unaccounted for as there was no remains found. They were all victims of this war with the chimps.

I also lost Specialist Micheal Burns and Kano; two very good friends and comrades.And my Air Wing; Captain Ludwig and his crew. Of the Four Horsemen, only three survived; Allen the pyro expert died in Village Two. And so was Peter Thomas Bone; a child will be born no knowing his father.

The rest of the week was cleaning up the Village Two and rebuilding it again. As for Outpost Six, it was also repaired and the defenses put up again with new Napoleons’ to come soon.

I looked at my new roster.

Outpost One / Tip’s Nest; Unmanned now. Travel time half an hour.

Outpost Two / East Ends; Unmanned. Travel time ten minutes

Outpost Three / Wide Plains; Corporal Duffy and five specialist including recruits. Travel time thirty minutes.

Outpost Four / Cavern; Sargeant Keefe and three specialist including recruits, with four at the ramp. Travel time ten minutes to the vertical cave.

Outpost Five / Southern Belles; Sargeant Kabe and three specialist including recruits. Travel time is forty five minutes.

Outpost Six; Sargeant Sharon and Mick O-Brien,with two specialists.

Military Village: To close

Village Two; Five guards and twenty Village Guards.

Patrol; Corporal Pedro and three specialists; New Furies.

BASE; Major Feeley, and eight specialist and recruits.

BASE TWO; Major Shaw and seven Specialists including recruits.

BASE THREE/SWAMP; Lieutenant Carlos Manuela and Sargeant Ali Hamid plus the remaining personnels;

And twenty five armed colonist.

I still got eighteen M-Bots left as some won’t work or are damaged. We been using them for construction with the W-Bots.

Earth Council has taken my Code One call and they will reply in due course.

Now I needed the coffee; my fifth today. I got five hundred forty three Fed’s who are near us and outnumbered us by four to one in military expertise. I got an unknown numbers of warrior chimps to contend with and not forgetting the hundreds of the predators around us. I could hear the call of the T-Rex and the Raptors now as the sun goes to rest on another fateful day.

Day 2

The Monolith requested my presence immediately. I had Major Shaw fly over on her Bubble and she stayed to look at her son, Vincent Stokes while I flew to Monolith.

‘Commander, we may have something  you need to know.’ I am looking at Doctor Tanaki, Doctor Frost, Doctor Indira and Doctor Moshe.

‘I am listening.’ I took up the cup of coffee which was served by Major Shaw. She does make good coffee despite the poor selection of coffee mixture which we have. We are all in the Command Unit on Monolith One.

‘May I start?’ Doctor Tanaki has been fetting since I came in. So he was allowed to speak; ‘If you can recall the report I did on the walls of Monolith on the west side; about it being ‘pasted’ on. Well, I am right. We did some tests and found its not consistent with the grains on the top or the other side although it has the same physical resemblance. We collected some samples and tested it with Doctor Indira and Doctor Sze Thing. Doctor Sze Thing is still busy in her lab and would not be attending as yet. We also did some sound probes on the surface and we think its hollow at about fifty feet inside.’

‘We also believed that its related to your ‘earth facture’ findings on Week 12. We think that whoever is inside could be also connected to there.’ Doctor Indira has to kick in her thrusters or in this case her boots into the discussion. She has pushed Doctor Tanaki aside to demonstrate her statement.’The piece you found on that place was also seen here; or traces of it was discovered in the soil.’

‘Doctor Moshe?’ I inquired with a puzzle look as why a entomologist was doing here.

‘Oh, I am here as they called me to study some fossils of some insects; to be exact beetles found on the site. More exact, I was referred to are ‘scarabs’; little guy that can fly or rolled the small dung ball. I am sure you seen in the old vid-clips. Anyway, scarab has been linked to ancient Egypt more than Greece, but they co-exist in about the same time. Scarabs were devoted in ancient Egypt and they who worshiped Ptah, the Egyptian Scarab God wore the symbol of scarab on their headgear. More to those who are associated with the initiation of warriors and death. Ptah also known as "First of Gods" and "Architect of the Universe"; forms a triad with his wife Sekhmet and their son Nefertum Ptah was believed to had originated from another Universe beyond our Solar system, and created our Solar system. Ptah is also shown in a white mummy shroud holding the scepter, and with a closed lotus flower hanging from the neck of the shroud - perhaps symbolizing the death of Atlantis.’ Doctor Moshe picked up a report to show us how God looked like. She then continued her findings.

‘In ancient Greeks fables, the scarab was also mentioned to compete with the eagle for the favour of Zeus. But they lost and the eagle became the emblem of Zeus, carrying his thunder. In the same timeline, there was the fable of the scarab and the vultures in ancient Egypt. But the scarab was not to left out of its connection to the Greeks Gods. Its mentioned many a times in Ancient Greek myths; the old play of Aristophanes ‘Peace’ where the peasant flew in a scarab to Olympus; Dionysos’s of the Greek’s God drank from his cup named kantharos or ‘scarab’, which can served drunkenness. Drunken is also linked to trance of linking earth to the skies.’

Moshe got us all captivated and she paused to see our reactions. ‘Well, the fossil I checked does resembled that scarab and its design is close to that we seen in other old dig sites on Earth. As you know scarab does not exist in the pre-historic timelines of Pangaea but much later in the development of Earth. So we could be seeing ancient Greeks artifacts here.’

‘Among the very early creation of coins, there are ones which picture insects like beetles, scorpions and others. Even ancient Greeks produced these beautiful crafted coins ever seen, with the looks of their gods and goddesses or scenes of mythological portions, portraits and animals including beetles. There are somewhat over 300 types of ancient Greek coins picturing insects and arachnids. Our earlier discovery of the coin with Kronos was not an accidental piece of junk; its a precious achaeological find in this times.’ Doctor Indira can be quite dramatic in her selection of words.

‘And we think Atlantis could be here.’ All the five scientists has their look on me. Its like a child asking for sweets.

‘Do it. I will advise Earth Council.’

The Hydrophonic farms are working and they are already producing the growths. Thank goodness for technology as we can now feed the people albeit less mouths to feed. I had to faced up to some families whose loss I could not described but I could relate to their pain.

The one other blessing we have are there are no predators like T-Rex to worry about here.

‘Scott, we discussed and we will focus on your bridge for now. Let the Fed’s fight the chimps, we just concentrate on the Colonization.’ Micheal Bent words was wisdom to me then.

‘Thanks, Dad.’ I hugged him and soon we had a drink in the Officer Billet at Monolith talking about the old days leaving out Mum’s topics.

When I got back to my BASE, there was a message.

‘Comms me tomorrow, Vickie.’

Day 3

On the side toward the sea, and in the center of the whole island, there was a plain which is said to have been the fairest of all plains, and very fertile. Near the plain again, and also in the center of the island, at a distance of about fifty stadia (one stadia=606 feet), there was a mountain, not very high on any side.

That was an extract of the description of Atlantis from the words of Plato in the writings of Timaeus. If Plato was right there was a mountain standing in the land that could represent Atlantis. Or could it be its city he was describing as a ‘monstrous structure that rises up from the earth’. Atlantis was said to be an island that covers a big mass of land, and New Pangaea continent in which we are on does cover a large continent surrounded by water.  There is are a lot of assumptions here, but the conclusion may not be what I thought.

My exact thoughts right now is what Vickie wants to talk about. I closed my research on Atlantis and picked up the comms. She has agreed to meet me at the river bank, alone.

‘Scott, the Council is not happy with my agreement to your boundaries of New Pangaea. They think we should be free to explore and colonized....’ She looked very military in her new uniform of dark green and red banded cap. Her beautiful hair is all kept under the cap and not a strand lies outside. I remembered I used to ruffle her hair in the morning and she will made those nagging statements but now I am addressing her as the commander of the Federation Colony of New Pangaea. Or New Earth as they named it now.

‘colonized? You’re mistaken, General. Yours is not a Colonization policy. Your new force is an exterminator team to kill the chimps.’ I seen your new HELI-PODs; they don’t carry four missiles; they carried an external pod with six missile each. I am sure you brought your tanks too. Those ones with the big cannons on it. You are here to win the fragging war with the chimps. Tell me I am right, General.’

‘Yes, you are right. And I am the fragging General given the task. I got a dozen HELI-PODs and a dozen tanks with other amour vehicles. We are to march tomorrow to the camp and onward. I am here to say goodbye.’ She did not look at me after that as she has turned to walk back to the waiting HELI-PODs.

But she left me a note on the ground where she stood. It says ‘forgive me. But orders are orders. You ought to know.’ She also left me a report.

‘You are a bastard, Bashir. You should had told me. I had to...’ I was pulling Doctor Bashir by his frock and slamming him to the wall.

‘Victoria told me not to tell you. She wanted to surprise you herself. You frag it; you are responsible for her.’ I looked at the Doctor who tells me about my responsibilities. I did not frag those mother’s kids on Monolith and yet I am responsible for their well being now. And I cannot do it for my own as the mother is waging a war on her own terms. I turned to look outside through the small viewer in the Infirmary.

‘I must go to her......’ But I could not move then. I remembered falling and then it was all black.

‘Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.’

I heard that voice and I woke up. I am in the Infirmary bed and strapped down. Susan is sitting next to me and holding my hand. I can see Micheal standing at the foot of the bed. He is calling for Doctor Bashir. The doctor came over and checked my vital signs, and then told the nurse to released my straps.

‘What happened?’

‘I sedated you. You were going to run and save the world. I had to do it. I know you well enough, Commander. Now that you are relaxed, you can frag my commission but not my responsibilities as doctor. So talk to your family now.’ I loved the way the doctor spat it out to me. He looked very menacing and he was holding a syringe like the scalpel blade.

The Bent’s family spent the evening talking and sharing. I hope out there somewhere she is too.

Day 4

I abandoned Outpost Six and Village Two to consolidate my forces at BASE and Main Village. I also pardoned the inmates and gave them weapons to defend themselves. They pledged to defend the colonist and BASE. Eighty hardcore criminals will now strengthen the Main Village with their skills. I removed all the previous penal guards to the Monolith so there will be no conflicts with the inmates.

Doctor Leong finally found my golden frog or frogs as he found them at the nearby swamp but Tony Adam during our previous battles with the chimps. Nevertheless, we took the frogs and kept them at Main Village. There we had an expert in poisons; ex-Inmate Rashid.Amin, whose second profession was making it. He taught the Zoologist more trades secrets that he will ever learned from the database.

I saw Corporal Pedro and Specialist Dixon who requested for permission to scout the Fed’s. I approved it but they are to be careful. They rode on the super-bikes and I hope they will come back soon.

I told the Cheng’s I want the Main Village reinforced like a castle.

‘Make it good.’ They saluted and went to work. They love these works.

Special Report from Doctor Tanaki.

Day 4 Week 38

0733hr

When we need to do a core into a surface, we have to create an access for the party to eventually descend. Deep core drilling into underlying bedrock, involves using a hollow drill which actively cuts a cylindrical pathway downward around the core. When a drill is used, the cutting apparatus is on the bottom end of a drill barrel, the tube which surrounds the core as the drill cuts downward around the edge of the cylindrical core. The limitation of the works is the length of the drill barrel determines the maximum length of a core sample, involving many many cycles of lowering a drill/barrel assembly, cutting the required core in length, raising the assembly to the surface, emptying the core barrel, and preparing a drill/barrel for drilling. But now we have developed a force field which will hold the hole while the debris are sucked by a vacuum suction.

We hit the bottom of the soil at fifty feet as reported early.

You need to come here to see this.

How do you describe a wonder of the Universe?

The depth of the distance to the base of the structure is estimated at about ten thousand feet to its ground. I could drop down the little probe we used on the caverns, but this place looks immense from the images which we have. It’s estimated to be as wide as three miles across and there are three rings of structures inside it. The central section seems to be biggest solid structure and that alone is taking up more than a mile across. As said, we cannot comprehend the magnitude of the place and its more than just jumping in. Mine shaft development has not changed much in the year 2311; we still experienced casualty yearly from collapsing mines or inhalation of fumes, even though the design of the support has improved. The current mine shafts on Earth has exceeded three miles depth and the limit was set at four miles due to the tremors and accidents in the mines, and also the heat of the shafts are too dangerous to work in. The current issues are the cross mining which makes the mining works a risky occupation.

Another problem we had was the boring drill has been damaged to some circuit outage and we are not sure what could had caused it. It just fizzled and then stopped. All the connector and grids on the machines are toasted. Its beyond the nursing care of the Cheng’s brother.

In the end, the team comprising the five doctors, Chengs’ and my enthusiastic Three Horsemen decided to plan on a manual winching to go down.

I left it at that, and went back to BASE.

‘Commander, you got a Code One from Earth Council.’ I heard them out and the answer is to monitor and advise on situation. Earth Council do not want to aggravate their strained relationship with the Federations. Meanwhile all new colonist are being transferred to other locations. But EDS Titan will come in a week with supplies.

Fragging Council playing diplomats now. I am blind with one working Bubble and low personnels count, with a well equipped army on the rampage in my land. I never felt so hopeless.

Day 5

Outpost Six and Village has been cleared of all items which we can use, and the gates of these places were left open for the jungle and its habitants to reclaim the place. I also got my update from Doctor Tanaki. The team is descending today at 1100hr.

I had a visitor that day in my command Unit. It was Melody Mannheim, the young widow of Peter Thomas Bone. She was accompanied by Doctor Bashir and her dad, Peter Mannheim.  She wants to abort her child as Peter is no more around. She is of the age to decide for her own, but the father does not allowed it and Doctor Bashir thinks its my decision now. I sat down to talk to the duo but I was interrupted by a call from Base Three. I left the Mannheim halfway through my discussion.

‘We saw the apes just staying there on the edge, and not moving at all. They just stared at us. According to Doctor Leong, there could be four or five troops there as he can identify the prime primates. They came here two days, only about twelve of them and then more came. We counted like a hundred and twelve now.’

‘Talk to me, Doctor.’ But Doctor Leong is speechless. He is just observing them for any signs of these behaviors. ‘There is no such records before in our archive. This is absolutely crazy.’

I decided to walked up to the primates. There was this large one sitting there with some other large silver backs around him. He is about twice my size across and taller by a feet or so. I stood before with my hands holding my PH900. The Silverback got up and strolled towards me. It stood before me on its four limbs and then stopped to take up a curved bone. It took it up to its mouth and blew the bone like a horn. The surrounding chimps went into a frenzy and started screaming at the top of their voice. The large primate hands me the horn in its hand. Its looks white but the the middle is black, and the tip red. Upon handling me the horn, the primates all retreated back to the jungle.

‘Let me look.’ That was Doctor Leong who now has found his courage to come out and faced his previous adversary. ‘Its a Unicorn Horn.’

Soon back at the comfort of BASE Three, and the primates no longer sits to watch us, Doctor Leong recite the story of the mysterious Unicorn. The first mention of it was by Herodotus, who in the 3^rd century BC wrote of the ‘horned ass’ of Africa. The Ancient Greeks did not see such an animal but heard of it through Ctesias who traveled to the east. He brought back many wonders and stories to tell the people. He did see one for himself, he  describes  a creature he calls the ‘wild ass of India’  as being equal in size to a horse, with a white body, a red head, bluish eyes and a straight horn on the forehead, a cubit long.  He describes the lower part of the horn as being white, the middle black, and the tip red.   As a physician, he was especially interested in the horn, which he heard was protection against deadly poisons.  Drinking cups made from the horn were believed to possess the power of neutralizing poison when poured into them. Ctesias represents the unicorn as being extraordinarily swift of foot, untamable and almost impossible to capture.  The respected historian Pliny the Elder, who was born early in the reign of Tiberius and died in AD 79  wrote of the Unicorn. Soon later in history, great leaders has claimed to see it, Alexander the Great to Julius Ceaser. Alexander boasted of riding one to battle.  The well-respected Greek, Apollonius of Tyana, claimed to have seen a Unicorn in the east.  Its also claimed in the faiths words, that Adam was the first to identified the Unicorn when he saw it.

‘So you are telling me here in New Pangaea, we may have Unicorns’. I do not believe in fables and myths, but this is really unbelievable to put aside. But the doctor did not answer and took my horn away to analyze for more clues.

Odysseus Part 12

X11

Helios is the young Greek god of the sun. He is the son of Hyperion and Theia. The people worshiped him by dedicating herds to him, such as on the island of Thrinacia. Here is where we are to pass by. Circe warned me of not to harm the herds given to Helios or the men will die and myself delayed to more challenges before I can reach Ithaca.

We did see Thrinacia and its beautiful pastures. I told the men to rowed on but they protest strongly as we have been at sea for a long time. They long to put their feet on solid ground and also to replenished some fresh water. Supplies from Circe will suffice our needs but still the men complained about the need to walk on land. Their whims are getting to me and they do sound like women folks. I keep on looking at the island and its tempting to me too, but I heeded Circe’s warning.

“Move those oars. We will not land. Did you not learn on Circe Island.” But the one who shouted back at me was the one I least expected.

“Circe! Circe! Is all we hear now from you. Do you know what has happened to you, Odysseus? You worship the lady till you now listen to her words like how you lay at her bosom. Where is the warrior I knew before? Is he dead on Circe’s bosom too or he stands before us. We bested the Cyclops, the Sirens and now you feared an island. Are not mariners always landing at islands if not ports? Tell me what ail you here. Another lady perhaps.” His words mocks me but I feared he tells the truth. I listened to closely to Circe that I feared so much what she cautions. I have lost my warrior instinct and I am becoming a normal man.

“Okay, so be it. We land but you must adhered to my words. Touch not the herds that graze there and eat what you bring onto the island. Promise that on your oath as warriors and I let you go.” The men did  but they are disillusioned by the island than the oath. So I hold their words or my bow will do the talking but these are my friends. Men who walked with me in Troy and fought with me for Ithaca.

The sails lowered and we rowed to the beach. We landed and we rejoice with our own food. We mourned for the six who will not come back with us. When we were ready to leave the island, the skies went dark with heavy overcast and we stayed back. The days turns as we waited but we could not leave. The supplies dwindled and the men are complaining again. They feed on the catch of the sea but they yearn for the meat of the herds.

“Odysseus, tell us do we eat or do we starve?” I have no answer for them. I only can said, I will pray for the Gods to assist us. So I took my leave of them to find a place to lay myself to the mercy of the Gods. But none came to me; not even Apollo whom has said will be there for me. I woke up to the smell of roasted meat.

“No! The fools.” I ran to the camp and there it was. The meat on the rack taken from the herd to be given to Helios. I confronted Eurylochus.

“Aye, we slaughter them but we offered them to Helios before we eat. We promised him that we will built a temple for him in Ithaca. But the worst was yet to come.

We sailed that day but the voyage was raged by the storm. Zeus’s lightning made cinders of our ship and all the men are tossed out fo the ship by the waves or the fire. I was left standing holding the mast which I had attached to the keel. I held onto it as it sailed me with the assistance of the wind. All my men, my loots of past raids, my supplies and my ship are gone.

So is Mues.

Eurylochus.

And the remaining men which I sailed from Circe’s island.

All dead or presumed dead, as the sea waves raged around me.

I am the only survival as told by Circe.

Did she caution or did she prophecies on us?

For what was my ten years of sacrifice to come so far and yet go back with nothing. I should had stayed as a farmer and maybe today be King.

But I am cursed to be here. By the Gods or by myself, I know not but I did know, my sufferings has just begun.

But the wind was without mercy. I was shown not to safety but back to the Straits. I am sailing towards the lower cliff into the grasp of the whirlpool of Charybdis. She whirl me in like a line on the rod. I rowed with hands but she still pulled my makeshift boat in. I saw no chance of escaping and then I got the opportunity.

“Grant me strength, my Gods. I bid you mercy on my soul. I beg of you.” I leap high and I caught myself on the cliff and onto the fig tree. There I held for dear life watching the whirlpool ensnared my boat. It twirls and whirl the boat into the depths. As I thought I will be stranded, the boat appeared before me as Charybdis regurgitates it out. As the legend saids, she will swallow three times and throw it out three times. So it was, and I leap off the cliff onto my boat again.

“Sailed me, you wooden wonder. Aye, we will sailed to safety together.” And so we did, the boat and myself. Soon, I was adrift and the boats takes it own course.

I wake to find myself on an island. I am alive, but bruised with aches all over my body. My armor gone and so is my bow. I am a broken man on another beach on another island. What tragedy will it bring me here I do not wished to foresee but as a warrior born, I will faced it. But truly in me, I feel like a humbled man with no aspirations of gold and wealth but to go home to my loved ones.

I must had laid long on the beach as next I was to see myself on the soft comfort of the beddings and the aroma of a lady in waiting.

“You awake, stranger. Welcome to my home. My name is Calypso, and I dwell alone here on this land.” She is a beautiful lady with the smile that can swoon any man off his feet. She laid some food and drinks for me next to the bedding, and she raised me up so I can eat in comfort. I took small amount of both and slowly feel my body revitalized itself. But I soon myself asleep and was in the state of dreams. The dreams of a man being comforted by a lady. The dream of being in the caress of a lady. I reached for the image of that lady thinking its Penelope but I held was a stranger in my arms.

“Penelope?” I shouted out in my dream and I was awaken from it. It was Calypso who shook me out of my sleep and she is next to me in my bedding. I leap out of the bedding and realized I am unclothed. I grabbed the cover of the bedding but it uncovered the lady in nude. I shook my head and gave back her the cover while I searched for something decent to cover myself. I found a piece of cloth which I wrapped myself around.

“My lady, I apologies for my ride behaviour but I may have acted in my state of unknowing. I begged your forgiveness if I have in any way harmed your virtue. I swear before Zeus, Odysseus is a man of his honor and he will carry out his obligations”. But she laughed at my sworn statement.

“Atlas is my father, and as for Zeus; discretion is not his greatest valor. He sired more than he can remembered. I am the daughter of Atlas, Calypso. You are on my island and my guest. I rescued you from the beach where you laid dying. The apologies shall be mine for I slept next to you in the bedding, but its my bedding and you are sharing it. As for my sleeping attire, I favor the skin to the coarse clothings, as here I felt closer to the soul and I liked the morning sun on my skin. I meant no acts was imposed on you to smear your honor or my virtue. If I wanted to, there are many of nymphs who are ever willing to do so with your body.” She laughed aloud and her bosom was unveil to me. Its truly a sight since I left Circe that I had laid my head on any, not since Penelope before I left Ithaca. I can feel myself in turmoil for my love to Penelope and my last betrayal to Circe.

“Perhaps, I shall wait outside for you, Lady Calypso.” I turned to walked out the door and leave her to her dressing. I am not in mind to annoyed another God or God’s children for fear of more punishment. As I was waiting, a nymph came to me with some clothes to change into. And I was to join her mistress Lady Calypso in the Hall.

“Odysseus, I know your name well. You adventures are spoken by the Gods and they admired you. If not for your foolishness of your men, you would had been home by now. What the Goddess said about you, even put Aphrodite to blush as she heard of your valor and honor for Penelope. You succumb to Circe for the sacrifice of your men; a noble deed in the making, but you also had the courage to walked away after such a long time of .... attachment. There I wondered on how strong you hold your love for Penelope. Surely a normal man will have forgo her for the life with a nymph, who serves all you desires and longing. You are a unique man, Odysseus.” She raised her goblet of wine to my character. I obliged her but I did not reveal that within me, a man still harbors for the love of a woman. If I was like Achilles, I could had picked up one fo the forty six of my men, but I am not him.  I looked at the lady who sits before me, with her lips sipping ever lightly at the wine that trickles down into her mouth. She is a seductress by yards, but she is one sensational one at that.

It was not the push for the consummation but the pull by me towards her. It did not take place immediately but over a period of time, where courteous words and gestures are shown before the raging hormones of mankind reels in its desires. I lain with her and yet I harbour not the love for her like that of Circe and Penelope. It was not a sacrifice of my flesh as I did with Circe nor a enveloping heart beats for my true love, Penelope, but for one a craving for company and respite from all the adventures I had. The feeling of being wanted and at times to extract my rage on the punishment I had for my voyage. It was a long seven years of servitude and self fulfillment for both of us. We served and yet we get it in return.

“Calypso, the day has come for me to said my farewell. Its been a great seven years, but my heart is not here. Neither was it at Circe’s but for Penelope. I begged your forgiveness but I did loved you these years. Please allow me the leave of your side so that I may see my family.” She leap out of the bedding and she stared at me.

“Odysseus, look at me. Do you see me as a woman or a Goddess? If the former, then understand my feelings too. If the later, be gone for I will not see you again.” I looked at her and I stared at her. I cannot forgive my sight as its travels down her body.

“I see the woman as well I can see the man in me. Just as I desire you, but my heart tells me its empty of the substance I yearn for; love. I love thee for the body but not your heart. I begged again your forgiveness for this selfish thoughts.” She raised her hand as it to weave some magic but then she stopped. She lowered her hand and asked me to leave. I did as she requested. I needed a swim in the cold water.

It was not for two days, before she was seen by me. But she ignored me and called not for me. I sat in the garden and awaits her call. I know that she did tell me that I would to stay with her, I would be immortal and aged not a day older. But I am not sure of what I want then.

“Odysseus, hear me out.” I turned to see the man who spoke. Its Hermes, the very same one I saw on Circe’s Island. “You been not yourself in the last years, with two ladies you have chosen to shattered their hearts for you. I am surprised at your indiscretion as on one end, you harbour a love for Penelope, yet you betrayed her’s with your body and lust. If not for Zeus intervention on the pleading of Athena, I would had not stepped in but his words are mine to carried out. I have spoken to Calypso, and she has agreed to leave you, and you of her. So go to her now and continue your voyage.”

I did; I met Calypso who was in tears for me, but we did not let the tears stopped us for one more night of indiscretion. I sailed the next day watched by her from on top of her roof, and she bid the winds to carry me home. I waved to her and big her my farewell. Little I was to know, I left not one heart but two more on the island. She soon gave birth to my sons; two of them.