the legacy: a comedy of terrors

the legacy:

a comedy of terrors

by Andrew Blinman
2006

For wisdom, I am indebted to a dear friend, Jean Pierre Languastue; the guardian of a pertinent mind and a magnificent cellar.

Chapter 1

It could not be a dream, of that there could be no doubt. A dream may access innumerable sources of inspiration, but it cannot deliver the clarity and fluency that the real world provides. Dreams lack the rationality of life, its tangibility, its smell and they could not mimic the physicality of mortal existence. I had arrived.
An arrival is critical in determining the events that supersede it. To what degree we might hold Influence over the occasion is notoriously fickle to determine, but reorientation is a wise precaution and could only be profitable. I determined to absorb my surroundings, but my observations were hindered. A mist existed, but it was not an all-encompassing mist that hoarded visibility. It was a selective mist and I could see above and below it, and even through it in places. In the latter case, the definition of its captives was indistinct. The light was a pleasant thing and did not depend on a solitary source, as had been my previous experience and it was more uniform as a consequence. The luminance it provided was yellow in colour. It did not worry the eyes, but it did not welcome them either. It was undergoing a transition of some kind and it was yellow that was gaining an Influential ascendancy. As a light source, it was effective; as a life source its promise was evident about me. I accepted this as my reality. I am not a philosopher; I am a victim of the flesh, not the mind.
I continued to develop my sensory potential and I was aware that all anxieties were absent. The base part of me felt Secure in these new surroundings. Synergy had delivered in orderly fashion and not left misplaced random abstractions for me to dwell on. Trees looked like trees and whilst I knew this was no guarantee of their molecules, the resemblance extended far enough to preclude queer feelings. I was to be a prospector, in the literal sense. It required no small feat of courage, but it had been foisted on me. I had no sense of direction to guide me, but as I placed one foot in front of the other, I was heartily reassured by the normality of the action. I left footprints with every step, but there were none there to bear witness to the trail I must have forged before. My course had been chosen and I enjoyed an odd sense of well being. It was as if I had rejoined Destiny in her restless pursuit of Armageddon and I was both privileged and humbled to accept Her course.
I viewed the mist and it provided me with limited determination, for it could have been dawn or twilight. I inhaled deeply, but not greedily. It was assuredly dawn. It had to be, for I smelt potential.
The first intimation that I was a victim to solitude was the approach of a callow dog. It struggled to co-ordinate limbs and this made travel in a singular plane challenging. The attentions of this ragged cur were welcome for their promise, but foreboding in their potential. The greeting I received was ambiguous and as I had never possessed affection for dogs, I tried hard to erase these prejudices. Until this point, everything had been charming and countryside. The dog was now more organized in approach, having encountered no obstacle to its courage. It was my actions that would define my stature, and dignity remains the final vestige of the self. I fell to all fours in close imitation. My conveyance owed more to satirization, than intuition; role play was more plausible when unencumbered by inhibition. This peculiar set of circumstances would not benefit from inhibition and so I made a good dog, barking and snarling aggressively. I had conquered my fear and this had proved more difficult for the dog. It lacked confidence in this non-formulated arena. It circled warily, but any aggressive intentions were mortally wounded by my insistence on eye contact. It was not long before it was fawning; its tongue moistening its black lips nervously before retreating to a safer haven, its shoulders were slooped and its belly was closer to the ground than was natural. I reached forward and it surrendered totally to me. It was content with my conquest and welcomed me as a familiar. I raised myself and restored the natural order as I saw it.
I chose to follow the direction from which the dog had appeared. The dog led the way, but was a little hesitant at the confusing turn of events. I uttered encouragement and we set off confidently along its lead. We climbed steadily and the surroundings were redolent with rough grazing land normally associated with upper moorland. The ground was covered in clumpy grass and sodden moss and there were rocky outcrops bearing witness to a stubborn streak in the face of erosion. There was sporadic gorse growing opportunistically and as the mist retreated, it was possible to distinguish a tree line above me and this provided a fringe for the craggy summit beyond. The trees were not the kind given to corpulence, but were lean-boughed, exuding a wiry strength that owed as much to their flexibility within the environment as to an obdurate nature. They made an imperious display of strength in numbers, rather than the individual impression of an obstinate desire for survival.
Moving across the terrain was an exercise more suited to the dog than to me. I was the subject of repeated backward glances. I ignored these and chose to keep the dog in my periphery. I had established a favourable relationship and I was reluctant to inflate the air of self-importance the dog had inadvertently created for itself. We were governed by no obvious path, but the incline remained steady. Whilst my physicality provided me with tribulation, I was pleased that my mental rhythms were steady and controlled, reflecting those of a confident, pragmatic individual travelling peacefully.
We reached a summit of sorts and the dog gained in confidence and rate. We had been climbing for an age and I had become physically uncomfortable and thrombotic. I smelt wood smoke and this was partnered by a vague hubble bubble that generally accompanies a gathering. Below me, there was a valley and it had been carved naturally into three steppes, the middle one had less gauge than those above and below. Below these three levels there was a gentle grassy slope which uncoiled as far as a river bank. The base of the valley was dominated by a river and the gorge it had carved. Of the three levels, those at the top and bottom were dominated by wooden dwellings. They were built to compact specification with each dwelling granted a frugal allotment. The middle level was less developed, providing a natural focal point for the whole community. There were no perimeter defences, nor any obvious warning system and I decided that I had encountered a race that trusted to a peaceful existence and it was not without merit to me. In the course of continued observations, I recognised the breed as my own and as my senses attuned, I identified my own tongue.
It was whilst I was absorbing the vista below me that I was spotted by an excited youth, evidently startled by my advent. Knowledge of my arrival spread and it was not long before I was granted an audience. A cabal of four approached me. They were no different to any four that I may or may not have encountered before. I used this familiarity to my advantage and adopted a dignity, in both posture and demeanour.
“Please come with us.”
There was no hostility or malice that I could detect in the tone of the voice and I was compliant. This was rewarded by independent and unSecured passage to the rear of the group. We moved off at a gentle pace, confirming my belief that there was no cause for concern. We travelled downhill on paths of compacted stone, which provided an extensive network throughout the valley. We attracted a pronounced interest and were joined by many along the way. As I glanced about me, I noted the dwellings looked purposeful, the inhabitants looked content and there was no sign of malnutrition or plague. There existed a general air of civility about the place and the atmosphere was convivial and contagious. I continued to follow the example set for me by my cabal and we emerged onto a clearing on the middle level where we were met by others arriving from the level below. I considered the likelihood of execution, and decided it was remote.
On the middle level there were huts erected for storage, a few domiciles and a large canvas marquee. We continued in the direction of a small dwelling and as those ahead of me began to separate, an elder emerged from the doorway. The greeting was as generous as it was genuine.
“Welcome. You will find us most hospitable to a traveller in need of rest. Please follow me, so that I can arrange refreshments for you.”
As we entered the humble dwelling, the dog continued its duty as chaperone. My arrival had been Secured.

Chapter 2

The dwelling was surprisingly capacious and it delivered ample quarters. It was square in shape with a fire serving as the dominant feature with the smoke sucked through an aperture in the roof. Situated around the fire there was wooden seating which appeared to provide a tolerable concession to comfort. On the walls, there were cupboards and shelving in a utilitarian style. I noticed a larger shelf protruding from one wall and surmized that it was a pallet for sleeping on. The ground was obscured by blanketing and its purpose was clearly insulation and not decoration.
At his invitation, I accepted the seat opposite my host. He retrieved drinking vessels from one of the shelves and from the ground beneath his seat, he produced a jug. He filled both beakers and offered one to me. I guzzled thirstily with no consideration for etiquette, but was pulled up quickly. I spluttered helplessly, but it was not a reaction to any temporal sensation, but more the result of a metaphysical recalibration. The effect was progressive within me. I possessed a greater sense of physical appreciation and I was able to articulate my perceptions and they increased in substance and clarity. My host was busy in the provision of victuals and as I observed him, there was a renewed sense of logic to the chronology of his movements and my cognizance followed it minutely. I rapidly developed a keen sense of overview which provided a greater sense of purpose to the sequence of events. By contextualising the individual manoeuvres, it breathed into them an increased sense of rationale. It provided confluence to a mental process that dismissed irrelevances, until they became relevant. And then the necessary perception was developed that allowed for their reincorporation. It was an enlightening experience. By the light of the lamps situated about us, I could see mirth had sprung easily to the features of my host.
“I should have advised caution! It is the drink of our preference.”
He laughed, but it was an engaging action and I followed quickly.
“It is a cure to all known ills, or more accurately, a cure to the concern of all known ills.”
He made as if to continue and then hesitated.
“My manners, forgive me. You must be hungry.”
He rose once again and continued about his hospitality.
I gazed about me and apart from the blankets on the floor, there was no other decor. If there were any private possessions, they remained concealed from the light. Whilst the furniture appeared to be primitive, closer inspection provided me with an insight to the adroitness of touch and deft manipulation involved in its manufacture. The simple design of my seat provided an effective degree of comfort and it was only when I took a moment to reacquaint myself with the sensation that I became truly appreciative. Until this point, I had been travelling, but not just in the physical sense. There had been an ongoing mental reconstruction, but it did assist me in absorbing circumstances current to me. My host reappeared with the victuals and the aroma promised much. I had no recollection of when I had last eaten and suspected my gratitude was entrenched in something bestial.
I ate and we sat in silence. The contents of the bowl I was offered were difficult to determine, but it comprised of both flesh and root crop. It was the most delicious sustenance that I had ever tasted. The tastes were alive within me and they possessed a depth and consistency that I had not encountered before. Their accommodation within me verged upon privilege.
My host had been percipient, but it was clear that there were topics that demanded immediate conference. As tired as I was, I realized the discussion would be crucial to my situation and so I met his gaze. I was at a distinctive advantage, as I had no accessible history to prosecute me and I was ignorant of actions for which I was deserving of prejudice. My host decanted from the jug once again and this time I was more prudent in my consumption. I managed to harness the sensation the drink provided and it was as if I had more possession over its Influence and it enabled me to concentrate the effect with more precision.
“So?”
He raised his hands, indicating that obligation had been satisfied on his part and the moment had arrived for me to deliver on my contract to him. I looked more critically at my host and saw features that might euphemistically be described as sage. It was difficult to discern between nature and cultivated affectation. I had little choice but to adhere to caution and maintain a respectful countenance.
“I will attempt to satisfy any curiosity you may have, but I fear that my tale will provide more questions than answers.”
The sequence of events preceding my arrival was recounted and the brevity of my explanation was more disconcerting than the content. My host gazed at the flames of the fire in a most erudite manner and I found myself inexplicably reassured. After profound consideration, he offered a hypothesis.
“Amnesia?”
It had possibilities.
“I remember the word.”
“Then let us be grateful for that.”
We both began to laugh. I suspect his laughter was fuelled by the insanity that my circumstances presented; mine was more to relieve an emotional pressure that had need of venting.
“I am grateful for your kindness and I am bound by obligation to make payment in kind, but until I am able to reorientate myself, I have little to offer.”
“On the contrary, you have provided us with novelty and that in itself has a value. Quite what value, we will wait to determine, but you are under no obligation to us and you are a welcome guest.”
We were in a peculiar predicament. Despite our willingness to nurture light conversation, there was no light topic on which we could converse and we were confined to the stodge of fundamentals as the first offering.
“I do not remember specifics about my past apart from my journey here. Things here are both familiar and strange. I do not believe that I am from here and I have no knowledge that might facilitate a return to any previous circumstance. Amnesia is certainly correct in that my history is beyond me and yet I do not feel totally disconnected from my current experiences. It is as if I have a partial inclination to my likely expectations. In my current position, I think apprehensions would be customary, but I have none that I am aware of. This leads me to believe I am not completely unfamiliar with the current environment.”
“You have the advantage of judgement on merit, not paradigm. So tell me of the similarities and then perhaps the dissimilarities. It might provide us with a model for discussion.”
There was little to offer beyond my lack of fear and the sense of familiarity, but I was capable of expansion on their possible significance. He listened patiently, as a sage might, ponderously masticating every syllable for taste and texture. The frequent sips he took from the beaker ensured every morsel received a moist welcome. It was ironic that I knew so little and yet I had so much to say. He was patient and absorbed. Eventually, my monologue petered out and we basted in silence, until he chose to break the spell.
“I think that might be enough for now, don’t you?”
His Spirit had been augmented.
“We have no way of calculating the scope of your journey, or even if it might have reached a conclusion. The detail is scarce and when we talk again, maybe we can assimilate some purpose to your existence!”
I was not willing to engage in any such debate, but decided to keep my counsel at present, to avoid unnecessary impediment. He offered to show me to my lodgings and as we rose to leave, he hesitated and turned to me.
“May I ask you a question?”
I felt an answer was the least I could offer.
“Yes and if an answer is possible I will provide it, of course.”
“Do you believe in Equality for all?”
He gestured with a broad swathe of his arm. I was certain it was a question worthy of serious consideration. At that moment, I was concerned only with my share of Equality and regarded any step in that direction as favourable. My desire for an Equal stake in anything was leviathan.
“Of course.”
I lay on my pallet some height from the floor and I had much to ponder. The short walk to the empty residence had held another surprise. We had been conversing for a considerable period and a return to the outside provided me with the first glimpse of what I would refer to as blue. My encounter with yellow had been very different. The mist had evaporated and a yellow countenance had remained consistent from then onwards. Blue brought a completely different light. It was less pronounced, but adopted a blue hue. It was as if a light source had been directed through a pigmented filter and the colour had retained more potency than the light. It allowed less vision and more privacy than yellow, but neither to a satisfactory degree. I glanced up and down the valley. The crag of the summit was imposing and inert. Below, the tranquil movement of the crystalline river provided the balance with its reassuring motion.
The activity that been current on my arrival had ceased and I could only assume that blue had been the signal for a shift change to a domestic routine. It had been a short and uneventful journey to my billet and it was in the same mould as the one I had just left. The facilities were adequate. I had a jug that I did not explore and an empty bucket was provided to save on nocturnal distraction. The lamps cast adequate light for my purposes. I considered my circumstances and decided that they were beyond reasonable expectation. The dog had followed me and had carved a blanket for comfort. When sleep selected me, it did so with inordinate brutality. Cerebral conjecture ceased, as my body was refreshed.
A sound alerted me to activity and I recognised it as the dog. I clambered from my perch in a small light and opened the door. The dog left and I felt an irrational guilt that I may have kept it from somewhere. I did not venture from the doorway, but my vision was unobstructed. The lateral view across the middle level was clear and familiar. There were paths leading up and down the valley. The central path that had delivered me was deserted, but I could see activity on a parallel path on the far side of the clearing and the movement represented the mechanics required for life in a community. Goods were transported upwards to the middle level from the plain below and were delivered to the marquee that I had observed. The noise from behind me suggested that a parallel path of a similar nature existed there and anyone wishing to travel up and down the valley did so on pathways to either flank. The central and most direct route was clearly reserved for other matters, such as the arrival of guests. A closer inspection of the settlement revealed that its construction had been fully extended and any further expansion would only be possible outside the sanctuary of its natural boundaries. I took the opportunity to make observations. Apart from the few smaller buildings within close proximity, there was the large marquee and a more solid stone building adjacent that was clearly identifiable as a mode of storage.
The yellow light had become relaxing through exposure and did not demand any optical adjustment which allowed me to absorb detail more effectively. The dog returned and lay down on the blanket that had been adopted for the purpose. I moved a seat to the doorway.
I was curious to gain an insight into those who lived here, but did not wish to appear intrusive. I knew we shared a great deal more than a common tongue, but there were few character clues on display beyond the needs or interests of communal life. A solitary life has huge disadvantages and relies a great deal upon fruitful adaptation to given circumstances. The advantage of living amongst others is consensus in communal purpose. Communal life demands flexibility, providing a division of labour and expertise, which returns a far greater yield than the sum of the individual contributions. Idiosyncrasy is tolerated, but encouraged as a solitary preoccupation. Wherever the combined efforts of the many are to be found, one will certainly discover an altar on which the ego has made its sacrifice. Adopted behavioural pattern owes much to personal immolation, but there is comfort in behaviour. The right behaviour.
I maintained my vigil until cramps of hunger compelled me to do otherwise. Exploration was a possibility, but a return to a known source of victuals was more attractive. The dwelling was welcoming and I was greeted with an insouciance I had no right to expect.
“Greetings to you. I do hope that the unfamiliar surroundings were no obstacle to slumber. I think it unlikely that I can make your dreams a reality, or even your reality a dream, but it is admirable to face life with intent!”
My host pointed to a selection of platters. There were spiky pickled nuts, cheese and bread, with water to moisten. I ate, but was disappointed by its effect on me, as I did not feel satisfied. I was at capacity, and yet unfulfilled. My previous meal had more substantial Spiritually. My host joined me, but ate in a more delicate fashion.
“Who are you?”
The question startled me, not because I was averse to inquisition, but because such a salient had not yet troubled me. The need or desire to Secure an identity had never been as incontrovertible as at the moment one discovers its value. Until this point, other concerns had obviated the need for specific concerns. The thorny issue of identity is a vast one and I decided to ponder upon it.
“ I am….. I have yet to decide.”
“Perhaps that is wise. Maybe it would be an advantage to focus on the substance rather than the title. Titles are a preoccupation that we ponder sparingly, and for the most part their purpose is portentous.”
We paused. The conversation was pregnant with possibilities and I was keen for it to continue. My host obliged.
“You are indeed in an unusual position. If all is predetermined, then you need not worry. You say that you feel familiarities and maybe you should let that path guide you. Perhaps you have purpose here and you may provide a beacon for the blind. You may unwittingly have become a reluctant beast of burden and provide a service for us all.”
He chuckled at his suggestion and once again I joined him, but as a matter of courtesy.
I had not considered that I might be a beast of burden and regardless of the load, it was not an occupation that contained appeal for me. I decided to abort the possibility in its embryonic stage, lest its foetal demands became unwelcome. But to have purpose? That certainly held great appeal for me.
“And you? Do you have a name?”
“Indeed I do. I am called Roger.”
We continued to eat. A bowl of spiky pickled nuts was offered and after a little instruction and disproportionate effort, I removed the shell. The task of retrieving the nut from its spiky case was therapeutic, but in different circumstances it may have assailed my reservoirs of patience. I decided to enjoy the flow of conversation, but I wished to restore it to a level where it could be employed to my benefit.
“I have considered my position and I have a problem in deciding whether it is good or it is bad.”
This was true, in a sense. My host offered wisdom.
“Then let me comfort you on one point at least. The state of good or bad is temporary, and will change the moment something changes elsewhere. Then it will become better or worse. Seek reassurance in the transient nature of life. Stagnation is a wilful act of betrayal against the creative Spirit, and that is heartbreaking.”
The dispensing of general wisdom lacked the conciseness that I required in the conversation and I wished to advance my purpose.
“Appealing to a greater authority may provide comfort to some, but I wish to engage in some activity that might assist me in my deliberations.”
“Maybe exploration is the solution we seek.”
Roger paused and assimilated his thoughts, but continued.
“So dissatisfied with the unknown that you seek it in greater abundance. I do not know whether to applaud your courage or castigate your madness, but I am wise enough to know the two things are not mutually exclusive. It is surely madness that provides the pathway for courage, but remember a path may travel in any direction and you must equip yourself for the journey ahead. It is my advice that you resist a call to hasty departure, for it would be impulsive folly. Give yourself a chance to reflect. Remember it is not the deliberation that might present the problem, but the decision you arrive at.”
I did not regard this as admonishment, for implicit in his remarks was the confirmation that my present was Secure.
We moved outside and it provided a view across the lower portion of the valley and down as far as the riverbank. I determined on a modest course of research and pointed to the hills that rose on the far bank.
“Do you know what lies in that direction?’
He paused again, but almost imperceptibly. It was long enough for me to know I should not invest all my faith in his response.
“There is nothing there that is not available to you already here.”
The response was presented in a cryptic manner and as with anything designed to lack in transparency, it provided little for the acute of mind.
“I would like to see for myself. I need to see for myself.”
“By your own admission, everything is novel. Would it not be prudent to familiarize yourself with what you can see and what can be verified before you become feral once more?”
With a patrician’s ease, a path bordered with logical progression had been crafted and to postulate would have implied an irrationalibility on my part.

Chapter 3

Our first destination was the marquee. It was the hub of communal activity and Roger provided elucidation.
“This is our distribution centre. Our produce comes here to be processed.”
I noticed a unit dedicated to boucherie
“Do you breed your own livestock?”
“Yes, but our animals do not die in vain. Any remnants beyond purpose are entered into the livestock feed. The livestock we butcher are chosen at random. A concession in return for their generous provision.”
“How can random slaughter be concessionary?”
“It provides a random chance of survival too.”
We exited the marquee; a hand-pushed barrow was rolled passed us containing root crop.
“We waste nothing. These are beyond taste or benefit, but we will utilize them.”
The tour progressed and I had the opportunity to observe the milieu. Above the valley, the slope led to a tree line and then extended on to the craggy summit above. There was no evidential deforestation, but a vast quantity of timber was evident in the constructions within the valley.
“We source our timber prudently, but are careful to cultivate our precious reserves. Like us, they are fallible to casual slaughter.”
I inspected the invariable accommodation.
“What factors determine the size of the dwelling?”
Roger looked bemused.
“A dwelling is as large as is necessary until practicality determines otherwise, by which point natural relations have developed and new units are established. We are a people who covet peace, for in peace we prosper and the next generation flourishes. We view expansion in progressive terms. The purpose of society is Security and in greater numbers we become more Secure. Of course, it is difficult to judge the effectiveness of this Security when one does not know the temperament of the jeopardy we face, but we have a Secure location from which to pursue our objective of social immortality. Social immortality is the only criteria by which the efficaciousness of our Security shall be judged. Without a purpose, society is an exercise in futility.”
“What concession do you make for the individual seeking an alternative immortality? A personal one? Or what is the Fate of the individual who has no penchant for social immortality?”
“Everyone is free to leave. We are saddened, but once that course has been set there is no return. It makes a return impossible. The bond that binds us cannot sustain a solitary weak link.”
“Nobody has ever chosen a different path, have they?”
“Nobody has chosen the life of mendicant over the life of the commune. There are no perquisites in solitude beyond solace and introspection.”
“What of freedom?”
“What of it? People are free to leave.”
“But not free to return.”
“Freedom can only be as expansive as the social Security in which it is rooted. The freedom of the individual does not survive out of this context. No social Security, no freedom. The benefits of social Security are quantified in freedoms, but not by freedom in totality. Freedom is infinite; our circumstances are congenitally finite.”
We arrived at the path I had viewed from my dwelling. It ran parallel to the valley wall. As we reached this natural boundary, we chose to continue uphill. We had to share the path as it remained in constant use. The dog maintained a fastidious formation behind. It attracted no attention and I considered that this might be pleasing and novel. There was the opportunity to forage and only when we paused did the dog display vulnerability, with proximity to me becoming a priority.
Further up the path, we arrived at a natural cove in the valley wall large enough for the food preparation and laundry. It was a clever and complex arrangement, wholly reliant on a copious water supply. Roger was unbearably proud of the machinations involved in the feat.
“Witness for yourself. We have harnessed strength from the river and engineered a system to provide us with a modest water supply.”
It was a remarkable achievement, the source of which I earnestly wished to view. The industry it provided was impressive, but it was much more than a serviceable utility. It was a statement of intent, a symbol to fortitude.
Labour in the cove was divided effectively. It maintained a monotony that reflected efficiency and its productivity was suitable testament to its efficacy. The procedures were functional and profitable; it was the best solution that could be expected from such mundane and rudimentary tasks. The appearance of such strict order was disconcerting to my mind and I was unclear whether to submit to chaos, or to accommodate intrusion. By nature, chaos recognized no shackles and it remained the last bastion of freedom. This strict exhibition of self discipline was dedicated to the provision of life impervious to any insurgency and the illusion was very real. The junket continued and there was a sense of systemic troupe in every direction. There was no opportunity for the individual and it demonstrated a lack of flexibility and imagination. The flexible imagination was a powerful Influence to disregard as it was a most potent receptacle to suggestion.
Having strolled to the top of the valley, we continued upwards and eventually settled to take the view just below the tree line, the valley tumbling before us, on its gentle gradient to the river bank. It made for a serene observation to those imbued with a serene aspect. There was clearly no sense of compulsion in the activities in the valley, but there was clear evidence of a community that was driven, without any consideration for self doubt. The aura of righteousness that existed was self perpetuating and sickly to the palate. My curiosity had become prickled.
“How long has there been life in the valley?”
I prepared myself for a measured and ponderous reply. By this stage in our relationship, I was aware that Roger was never casual in word or deed. I suspected that spontaneity and frivolity would be considered a weakness, more so in a collective mind where it might threaten the very bedrock.
“I do not think that time as a concept is of any value to us. Time has an irresistible passage beyond authority, but its consideration only serves to limit us. We take of it as we can and return the remainder for onward passage. You are fortunate in that everything is fresh to you. A new experience.”
He produced a sac and we drank from it. My Spirit became rigid and I toyed with the metaphysical conundrum presented to me and considered its merit. I considered that a fresh perspective might be a fitting provision in return for the hospitality I had received and as we returned to the valley, I began to ponder on my fresh perspective.
The top of the valley had a slender aperture, but once past its impressive jaws the landscape funnelled outwards to provide a generous allotment of safe haven for the community. We moved downwards on the eastern path that paralleled the valley wall on that side. The eastern side of the valley was different in nature to the west. It was less cluttered and its purpose served a different master to its twin. It was a hive to confabulation. Those with less purpose took to the east and conducted convention in social fashion. Here the youth were free from commercial danger and free for devilment. We travelled without attracting a glance from those we passed. Roger had referred to the novelty value that I had provided and yet there was no external sign of it. It was as if the community was impervious to external intrusion. My appearance had been extraordinary, but there was no curiosity aroused by my presence and it no longer laid claim to specific interest.
We once again took Spirit and during one of our occasional pauses I glanced into the near distance and observed a figure climbing towards us. Progress was slow under the burden of a bulging sac and I assumed that water from the river was his cargo. The water carrier was bent and crippled by his labours and it provided him with a low and surly demeanour. He delivered the water to a trough, providing recreation for the youth and began the return journey. The labour was inconsistent with the fruits it bore.
“Is it his task alone?”
“It is his by choice.”
I regarded the answer as contentious.
“Why would someone volunteer for a task so arduous and pointless? His condition is ruined and yet he continues. Is he loathed so much that there is no sympathy for his well-being within the community?”
“If he did not perform the task, someone else would be employed to do it. He is duty bound to spare others his distortion, and therein lies the motivation.”
I took more Spirit and enjoyed an immediate realignment to my senses. My fresh perspective was gaining purchase. Its freshness provided me with an overview and circumstances about me ceased to perform independently. There was a converluance of function that had a beautiful and unpossessing logic to it. Clarity was provided and hidden purpose was exposed me. The aged, sepia stained perspectives were shattered and my fresh perspective emerged, invigorated and crisp. The opaque became transparent.
The craggy summit displayed the menace that had carved it so vividly. There was a sinister malicious foreboding in its domination of the valley. Glancing below to the river, I could see it was more perilous than I had first reckoned. It was the artery of life commanding fearsome respect in return for its philanthropy. Only the valley walls offered a reassuring protection and any possibilities beyond them held no appeal. I was prepossessed of internal rhythm and I sensed as much as observed our vulnerabilities. I swept the slope above the valley and became fixated on a point.
“There on the slope! That is where you must build a watch tower to guard against unknown peril! I found my way here with impunity. Who is to say that others will not follow? A watch tower will forewarn the community as danger approaches so that preparations can be made.”
Roger looked perplexed, but others had joined us and my suggestion was met with immediate approval. Roger became defensive.
“Vigilance is not an issue we attach great importance to and it remains a low priority.”
“You cannot live here unprotected. How can you Secure freedom and Equality if you do not provide yourselves with the means to do so?”
They crowd about us had increased in size as more members of the community had broken ranks and ceased communal activity in order to listen to the ongoing debate on Security issues. I engaged my audience and elevated my pitch in resonate tone.
“We are required to defend our freedoms. Servitude is not a state of affairs defined by the vanquished, but a stigma of the bondage inflicted by their conquerors. Denying that a threat exists to you is an effective method of detachment, but it contains a number of deficiencies and I believe that the community is being shielded from the threats that exist about you.”
My fresh perspective had provided renaissance for many and there were inSecure rumblings that turned Roger dyspeptic. He quivered as he embarked on defence.
“You must remember that until your arrival, we had no grounds for concern. We have observed no threat to us.”
“Failing to observe a threat is entirely different to failing to identify a threat. And wittingly or unwittingly, I believe that the community has been remiss in its obligations. We have to defend our right to be Equal, the right to our share. We are each due a portion.”
I paused before I announced my point of greatest concern.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform the community that my fresh perspective to Security has led me to the unsavoury conclusion that there is an enemy interloper in the valley. I believe you have an interloper issue!”
There was uproar from the community. It continued unabated and the possibility of jiggery-pokery and duplicity was discussed. My new rationale offered explanation to all manner communal misgivings and an interloper theory gained purchase very swiftly. Again Roger mustered defence.
“We are an eclectic mix, but we have invested soundly in our future. You will find no deceit in our purpose. No one who partakes of the Spirit is capable of subterfuge. We function harmoniously.”
There was a lack of harmony in those about us and there was even the occasional spurious accusation in the air. My words had adopted clarity for many.
“The true art of subversion is the ability to disguise that which is not as that which it should be. As we speak, there are the smouldering embers of deceit just waiting for the breath of latitude to ignite their cause. That is the art of insurgency.”
There was a virile urgency to the paranoia that passed through the crowd. A threat to their portion was treated with the gravitas it deserved and consideration that there might be enemy contamination amongst them was disconcerting. My host was indignant; indignation being the last bastion of the self-righteous.
“Subversion had no place here before your arrival! As a sign of our hospitality, we accepted your account unEquivocally and made no attempt at discreditation.”
“Discreditation? You do not possess the means to discredit me! You are unable to accept the prepossessing logic of my fresh perspective. Cast me out, Roger! You are legion and I am one! Cast me out if you fear fresh perspective!”

Chapter 4

My Fresh Perspective and the instant recognition of the frailties in the Security of the valley had stimulated malcontent. There was a convocation and the vulnerability was palpable. Some of the elders convened in Roger’s dwelling, but the dialogue had to be transferred to the marquee to accommodate the increasing numbers wishing to participate in the debate on my fresh perspective.
The tour had not been concluded, and it might now be beyond my grasp, but on no account due to lack of interest on my part. The sense of Secure asylum that had been carefully nurtured within the valley had been an apparition, concealed by the selective mental process of communal acceptance. By advancing possibilities, I had created feasibles. I could sense erosion and it was occurring in the physical and metaphysical senses.
The meeting in the marquee had evidently concluded. Roger made his presence known with a clearing of the throat, but there was a note of resignation in his voice as he spoke.
“Shall we continue the tour which I promised you? Beyond that, my obligations to you are exhausted.”
“I relish the opportunity to continue my appraisal, but my obligations to you are far from depleted. You might reject my offertory, but you are liable for that decision, such are the offices of responsibility. Does the community speak with a united tongue?”
It was a rhetorical question, as the hum of debate was all about us. Roger’s opinion had not found consensus and an element of doubt had been created by my observations.
We descended to the river plain on the eastern path. As we passed the lower level, I noticed that it was identical to the upper level. The dwellings were uniform and without exception. I charted the progress of the water carrier. Advancement was restricted by his burden and the gradient, but I was disheartened by his lack of enthusiasm. Urgency was lacking and I considered tangible targets to instil a sense of self esteem. It was an issue I would return to, but trivia could not cloud my priorities. I had realignment of attitude to dispense.
The valley walls concerned me.
“Has anybody ever scaled these walls?”
Roger looked puzzled.
“For what purpose? There would be no value in the exercise.”
“We are concerned with possibilities. Possession of belief is not adequate, Roger. We must dispel doubt.”
“We can not verify every assumption we make.”
“Call upon the youth. A suitable candidate must be chosen to scale the walls to dispel doubt.”
“What doubt?”
“By your own admission, there is doubt. We need a youth to scale the walls and dispel doubt.”
Roger engaged in meaningless conference with his cortege and my directive was prosecuted.
We descended further and I became familiar with the scale of the community. The plain adjacent to the river bank was significant in dimension. The location of the valley might have appeared tranquil to the untrained observer, but the subtle alteration of the fresh perspective that I introduced released a flexible imagination into the community. My opinion was highly sought after on all matters.
There was plentiful livestock, but it posed a temptation for pillagers. I made this point public and the prospect of pillage and its consequences became the new topics for conversation. Ironically, it was the promise of economic Security that provided the enticement for uninvited opportunistic foray. The possibility of surveillance was mentioned, but given the levels of inSecurity that currently existed, I dismissed it as a certainty. My obligation to the community was being revised and augmented with every passing moment.
A luxuriant lifestyle was obvious with the cultivation being lush and profitable, but there was no attempt to utilize potential.
“Does this method of exploitation yield a surplus?”
“The yield is in direct proportion to the investment of labour. Using this variable, we fluctuate production according to our needs. There is no purpose in depleting this wealth of resource, for we would pay a terrible premium for bad husbandry. That much is common sense.”
“There is no crime in making provision for periods of deprivation and siege. There is no harm in preparation. To the well tutored eye, this valley is plump for siege and conquest.”
We walked through the cultivated area and I calculated potential. A more intensive application of the existing methods would not provide immediate benefits, but it was the wasted potential that irked me.
“Crops sown in a more compact fashion would allow economies of scale. Surplus stocks could be stored for necessity and it would be a profitable measure for the community.”
“But we have no cause for concern. The land has never failed us and we have never failed the land. Why should we consider altering the arrangement?”
“You had not considered the possibility of my arrival, but you are considering alterations to Security. Had I been travelling in company and if my intention was hostile, I would have committed pogrom.”
Just the mention of the word hushed my audience and started a new humming.
One aspect of the valley that was beyond reproach was the harnessing of the river’s power. A wheel had been affixed in a way that the river current provided it with rotation. This in turn provided rotation for similar wheels on the bank itself. Once laborious tasks were now conducted with consummate ease and it was the power source on which the community relied. It served to grind what needed grinding and to irrigate what required irrigating. A system of reservoirs had been built along the western side of the valley and they were connected by a series of wooden spiralling screws, which transported the water uphill and provided a constant source of water at all levels of the valley. This ingenious system was patently subject to the threat of sabotage. On the eastern side, they relied upon the water carrier, but his efforts were to fulfil a recreational requirement. I was satisfied that the water wheel would be critical in any attempt to repel invaders and I said so.
The water system was a singular sophistication and the labour practices were as primitive as innocence. Movement of the produce to the distribution centre on the middle level was done at a leisurely pace, with half barrow loads. The whole labour ethic was archaic and the western trail was a monument to geriatric wallow. Labour that could be redeployed for Security was being squandered in every activity there.
“Roger, you seem content with the results that your labour force provide here, but the techniques you adopt are saggy. Barrows should be rolled downhill, but dragged uphill, not pushed. At present, you transport half loads. A harness and drag system would accommodate heavier loads and require half the number of journeys.”
“It would place an unEqual burden on those chosen to perform the task.”
“Roger, the truly inspirational point to the principle of Equality, is that it is possible to increase the burden upon everybody, Equally.”
Roger got snaky.
“There is no need to make the adjustments you suggest. The burden would overcompensate for the level of provision we subscribe to.”
There was snakiness among those gathered around us and I concluded on their behalf.
“Roger, I believe you are struggling with your objectivity.”

We progressed up the lower portion of the western trail and it was here the inefficiencies were most conspicuous. I sensed a deflation in my host. I was aware that the current system thrived under his auspices, but it thrived in a stagnant sense. I stopped and turned to him.
“Roger, I cannot claim the defence of this valley to be my vocation, as I know nothing other than what is natural to me. I am grateful for your hospitality, but I offered to make good the debt to the community and I have discovered an area in which you are wholly deficient.”
My voice had been gestating and as a crowd developed, it bore weight.
“Security is the path to freedom, not this life of complacency. If you were Secure, observant and a little less trusting, then attack might be diverted.”
I paused again.
“If we are Secure, those who pass by, will do so with courtesy and respect. If traffic increases, your diligence will become legendary and all due deference will follow.
“This place is familiar to me, but I do not come from amongst you. There may be others who share my sense of familiarity, whose intentions are less humble than my own. You must question what your future holds. You must consider the course of your destiny and make your consultations swift.”

Chapter 5

The endless communal discussions had created a stench of ambivalence. As was the custom, those wishing to gorge at the trough of inconsequence gathered and the marquee was bloated with debate. The inane confabulation was not impeded by deadline or direction. I was in the clutches of frustration. I had issued a directive concerning the inadequate Security arrangements in the valley and had suggested that the community be placed on high alert. In a previous meeting that I had convened there had been polite consideration of my ideas, but the occasion had been poorly attended. I had been asked to provide definitive areas in which I felt that vulnerabilities were most conspicuous and I could barely restrain myself. After further discussion, I was invited to stipulate a specific issue that caused me the greatest concern. I grew impatient with their frivolation. The community suffered from systemic cynicism and had failed to recognize the danger. I decided to go operational. Circumstances required immediate, independent action.
My first sphere of operations would be around the tree line. It was a known source of vigilance against us and it provided a perfect location from which to launch an assault on us. The tree line was not virgin territory, as timber had been harvested from there before, but its extremity and exposure now created a perfect vantage point to conduct a campaign against us. Sightings of the enemy had escalated and increased the risk attached to a mission to tree line. I decided that peril sat well with me.
Although there had been no definitive decision from the marquee, I made the necessary preparations. The expectation of danger mentally chilled me, but my nerves remained dormant. I believed that blue would best serve my purpose, as the enemy watch would be vulnerable and it was in this condition I wished to seek advantage. Roger approached, but he spoke a querulous vocal.
“The community is clear that it has no objection to your intended foray. How could we? You are free to do as you wish. However, we are mystified by your motivation, as we are unable to articulate any need or benefit that might be derived from such a scheme.”
He paused and I detected that we were approaching the nitty-gritty.
“Our message is very clear. By all means, go ahead and explore the tree line, but not in our name.”
The significance of the final words was not lost to me. I was going black. Those in the valley were not prepared to attach public accreditation or liability to my actions. To all intents and purposes, I was to embark upon a deniable, covert mission. A subtle difference in etiquette passed between us and I detected the whiff of cowardice.
I left the valley in anonymous fashion, but was pleased by the lack of attention my departure drew. There was no beneficial cover between the valley and tree line, but my approach was stealthy, methodical and lithe. I was coiled and condensed. Once in the cover of the trees, the balance between my enemies and me would settle. I was disappointed by the lack of natural cover that I found there. The ground was coated in fine debris that fell from the canopy above and nothing grew below as a result. I located a crush of scrub to provide haven and my lair proved to be suitable, granting me protection from all angles. I remained inert and my vigil began.
I had expected a tranquil watch and so I decided on meditation to consider my current circumstances. If the community was to develop, the surrounding land would have to be cleared of all hazards and the population would need swelling. I determined to develop le Pouvre, but I saw Roger was an obstacle, as communications had to filter through him if credence was to reach a wider circle. It was a circuit that had to be shorted.
My reverie was interrupted by a noise that could only have been produced by another living creature. There was a presence off to one side. The overhead foliage meant clarity of sight was a precious, but limited commodity. Despite this impediment, I managed to follow the movement, stealthy as it was and it indicated the enemy mission was covert. I believed it to be livestock. I had heard of wild livestock roaming, but the tree line was not a habitat one associated with such a creature, as the debris from the trees discouraged foraging. Movement was sporadic and its random pattern underpinned a cunning deceit. My unemotional response was girded by mental discipline and I maintained station. The noise moved away leaving only a distinct impression of proportion.
In my next conscious moment, the agents of our enemies were active in the trees. The predetermined movement of the livestock caused a light shower of tree debris. The enemy was small in body, but possessed a large brush. These brushes used in a jerky and irregular manner acted as semaphore within the canopy, providing intelligence to their command centre. Although individually diminutive, the tree creatures possessed weapons en masse that could threaten the valley. We were hopelessly compromised and heavily outnumbered.
There was an increase in movement across the forest floor and it alluded to an advance from ground forces. I had to depart rapidly, as the intelligence I had collated was of no benefit if I was captured or killed. Flight was the option, as I was certain that a flaccid response would be fatal. I took Spirit and began my stealthy return. I had only moved a crawl or two when the tree creatures were alerted to my position and they frantically displayed brush. I had been compromised. There seemed no point in further deceit and so I rose and broke into canter. I detected movement at ground level, to one side. A blur hurtled in my direction, bent on attack. It was an odd little creature, grey with long thin ears and back legs that were disproportionately large when compared to the body. It had long whiskers and a hunter’s nasal twitch. The attack creature had speed and its power and velocity were delivered by the hind legs as it weaved towards me. As I made my escape, my footing was taken. It was not the result of a slip, but a device of sorts. I had dodged one assault only to fall prey to another. It was a loop of sharpened twine with an incisive control about over one of my legs. Any course of action I pursued caused the constraints to tighten, until only inertia provided relief from increasing pain. Damage had been dispensed by the passive trap into which I had unwittingly stumbled. I clutched for the source of the constricting twine and discovered it was attached to a solid rod that had been driven into the ground. I rationalized my circumstance. To do nothing would result in death at the hands of the enemy.
Close by, there was a rustle and bustle that grew in stature. The livestock had returned confirming that it was aware of my presence. I could not rely on a rescue mission from the valley, as I was black. It was a deniable operation and I would have to rely on my own ingenuity if I was to escape. With an infusion of haste, I manipulated the twine and engaged in abrasive activity. Eventually, I was released and I crawled from the tree line in the direction of the valley. My last lucid moments came with yellow as I gazed at Roger, who was beside himself with fear. With my last conscious breath, I managed to utter a warning.
“Barricade us in! Barricade us in! There is a torrent of suffering moving in our direction. You must barricade us in!”

Chapter 6

When I awoke, there was a cold compress on my brow. It was an attempt to draw the heat from my mutilated body. My wounds were restricted to the damage caused by the trap and I was grateful I had not been the subject of a further attack whilst I had been incapacitated. I had fallen prey to a sophisticated opponent. The attack animal had decoyed to me towards the trap and it had been a masterstroke. The issue of Security was now prominent, as beneath my bindings lay the incontrovertible proof of the threat that existed. The community had borne witness to the potential brutality of pillages and pogrom. There was fear. It was on that bedrock of fear that I wished to develop my Security program. However, the Edge required by society to combat the iniquities of attack were blunted within the community and any appetite for resistance was curiously absent. Rather, recent events had induced a paralysis in the community; I made a conscious decision not to desert them.
I had been placed upon a cot in my dwelling. I was provided with doses of Spirit that acted as a panacea. I granted Roger access.
“Welcome back, friend. I feared we would never converse again. But you are strong and have returned to us. For that, you have our gratitude.”
I was unable to communicate verbally, but he intuitively knew that my concerns lay with the welfare of the community.
“Our misjudgements have returned to shame us and it is this sorry state of affairs that I have presided over. My shortcomings nearly cost you your life.”
With barely perceptible motions, I encouraged him further.
“We have barricaded ourselves in, as you commanded and from these barricades, we maintain an intense vigil. During blue, we have adopted a method of illumination as an imitation of our preparedness, but we are undoubtedly dependent upon your expertise in this field.

“And there is more news to burden you with. The youth sent to scale the valley wall and dispel doubt, has been found mutilated. The assault on us is not confined to the tree line and we may be subject to multiple prongs. We have labour in abundance available for deployment, as you see fit. We will wait for your instructions. We have no experience in these matters and have only our instinct to shield us.”
The use of surveillance had given the enemy an advantage and we were besieged. The natural defences provided by the river and the valley walls had become our prison. The loss incurred by scaling indicated the probability of an internal prong. The ease with which my reconnaissance had been compromised worried me, as I did not believe the presence of a large force in the tree line was coincidental. Even so, such an effective reception at short notice was a formidable achievement. I made the assumption that our enemy observed our every move.
The community no longer frivolated and their vulnerability found voice in frenetic and uncultured debate about how best to respond to the assaults upon us. My recovery was imperative. The necessary realignment of belief systems could not be coerced into position, but had to be moulded by physical reality and brutality. I accepted Spirit from Roger.
“You must invest another youth in scaling. We have to dispel doubt.”
My voice was weak, but the authority was vocal enough.
“It shall be done immediately.”
I needed rest above all else.
When I woke again, I made use of an aperture available to me. There was a Security detail of flattering proportions deployed around my dwelling. It represented a change in attitude towards defensive intention.
“Roger?”
When he replied, his voice had ethereal tones.
“I am here.”
“Roger, we must discover the interloper amongst us. The idea of internal treachery might be distasteful, but it is the only theory that embraces all of the recent events. The levels of readiness I faced in the tree line were no product of random anticipation, but the result of a forewarning. We have a forewarner problem, Roger. The prospect of collaboration is not a fragrant one, but the evidence is overwhelming. I carry the scars of internal treachery. And then there is the demise of youth to account for. Let the community know there is danger in their midst and the need for a counter strike is critical. We need systems.”
Slowly, my wounds responded to treatment and I had a litter crafted. I felt my re-emergence would reignite the Spirit in the community. I decided to inspect the Security measures that were in place. Losses to scaling were developing and concerns had grown as the fourth youth sent to the valley wall to dispel doubt was discovered at its base. The savagery of the beating had left a gelatinous mess. It was a graphic illustration of what waited for us in the event of pillage and pogram. I was not certain what had triggered the initial attacks, but they had gained a momentum. A fifth youth was chosen from the eager bunch that had volunteered to take the place of their fallen comrade. The youth were not wobbly like the elders and they placed their faith in my vision of an Equal good and an Equal portion.
Just inside the entrance of the valley, there was an obvious area to mount our defence. The valley expanded beyond the aperture and I decided it was here that I would make our killing ground when the inevitable enemy strike was unleashed. The area controlled the access to the eastern, western and central paths and any breach would allow access to the rest of the valley and in defence, the gradient would be against us. The success of our new communal defence program depended on the deflection of any disadvantage to our benefit. The communal defence programme was designed with an overview in mind and the mouth of the valley was critical. I decided to inspect the current defences that had been improvised in my absence.
From my litter, I was able to survey the barricade and give it a fair inspection. It was of a diligent construction, solid and true, but manufactured of wood. In time, I hoped it would be replaced by stone. With the assistance of the valley walls and the river below, our rear and flanks were effectively defended, but with no successful attempt to dispel doubt, the walls represented an obstacle to flight if the need arose.
Short comings were not found in the construction of the barricades, but in its basic design. My slow return to health had meant I had yet to brief Roger on the nature of the attack that we could expect to face. The methods used against me relied on benign simplicity, and it was here that the complexities began. The arrival of the livestock had been a distraction, a visual folly to gain my focus, and it had provided the opening for the tree creatures to infiltrate the canopy above. Movement from my position had sparked frantic semaphore from their brushes which guided the attack animal to me with laser precision. I had been surprised that the attack animal had not driven home the advantage. The torment was intended to provide physical and mental disintegration, in order to lubricate torture. In the event, I had planned to swallow my tongue. Any defences we constructed had to be Secure against a diversity of threats. A simple barricade would never allow us to develop our cdp (communal defence program), but the program had to be reinforced.
“Build a fire in front of the barricade! Build it the size of a dwelling and maintain it at all costs. We stand together and fall Equal, or we go to the tree line one by one and accept our Fate.”
My call was heeded vigorously. Gripped by a manic life force, the commune exploded into task. A chain formed down the east and west flanks, along which timber necessary to fuel the fire was passed from the wood store on the plain to the top of the valley. Even the youth of inconsequential size contributed. They were merciless in driving the water carrier up and down the slope. They took turns in beating his legs with coshes and his back with bush and it was a method I would adopt in peacetime. I felt fatigue and ordered my litter back to the middle level.
I had the cot placed at my door. To the east and west, the trails were alive with activity and this was reassuring. Roger came to me and I granted access. His demeanour was sour.
“Our situation is a fragile one, but these measures can only be Temporary (T). Our timber stocks are generous, but they were harvested in a leisurely, well disciplined way. Our self sufficiency lacked building materials, hence the store. But we are diminishing that store in brisk fashion and cannot continue to sacrifice our future in this way.”
“Our future? Listen to you speak! Our future is the present It is the present that we must protect if there is ever to be a future!”
Roger was addled by senility and retired to his dwelling.
A youth had been scaling the valley wall, but after reports of muffled screams, we submitted to the conviction that we required a replacement. The youth were snaky at the tragic fate of their fallen comrade and I gathered them for a meeting. I had to quiet them.
“Youth! Your enthusiasm and your courage are worthy! Your comrades have become the first victims in the Great War, as I nearly was. I fear they might be the standard bearers for the cause, but victory in this conflict will ask for sacrifice. Sacrifice is the fuel of warfare and we are being assaulted, mental torment as their tool. The Youth is all that stands between survival and destruction. We must not surrender to compromise, because your generation deserves an Equal portion. Security is necessary if you wish to receive that portion. Do you want your Portion?”
The youth began to chant for Portion and they continued until I raised my hands to indicate silence.
“Your sacrifice for the Cause will be the First Clause in your history. As it is scribed, let the First Clause strengthen our bond. Those who do not recognise the First Clause cannot judge it in their ignorance.
“I need scalers for the east and the west faces, but I will call on those who contribute less than their Equal Portion. They will have to display their worth. Find two elders and send them to dispel doubt on the eastern and western walls! Light large fires at their base and keep them stocked to supply a continuous stream of encouragement to invigorate the scalers.
“Youth! I do not wish to rob you of an opportunity to feature in the First Clause, and I promise you the chance to smell death. It will become a sickly odour as we drive the vermin before us!”
I raised my arm.
“First Clause of Cause!”
My salute was imitated and they responded.
“First Clause of Cause!”
The reverberation up and down the valley was chilling. I wept.
My convalescence was far from complete, but my presence was required on the front line. The dog and I found the view and aspect from the litter pleasing and I had decided its benefits warranted permanent use. I surveyed the killing ground in the knowledge that the attack was coming. The steady stream of timber had collected at the barricade and we had developed formidable reserves. Stocks of fuel would have to be replenished to avoid the risk of depletion, but there was no immediate danger of shortage. It was from my litter that I announced that I intended to return to the tree line as soon as my condition allowed. There was a fearful wobble in the large crowd about me and they begged me not to go in absentia.
“If the principle of Equality is to exist, then we must each receive our Equal Portion of pain and fear.”
My palms were raised, inviting reply. The youth were vocal in their support and encouraged others likewise.
“Are you willing to suffer pain and fear as willingly as I? To the good of the community, creating Equity for all?”
There was cheering.
“Then go! Go forth and suffer the pain of the huge burdens you carry! They are the burdens required to feed the flames of freedom. While the flames of freedom continue to burn, we can stand united and face the threat before us. If you suffer that pain, then we will conquer our enemy!”
With the exception of youth and the water carrier, everyone partook of Spirit and returned to labour.

Chapter 7

The Communal Defence Program was the fulcrum around which our Security framework would be developed. It would incorporate many innovations within a broad strategy. I placed the valley on a war footing and I had expressed the need for extringency in all Security matters. Some of my suggestions had drawn criticism from within the community and they refused to accept the necessity for sacrifice. I required a consensus if I was to implement my Program and provide the necessary effective defences. I outlined the dangers we faced and the necessary measures to repel them. A restructuring of the social fabric would provide us with the extra labour resources. These suggestions were under debate and the marquee was bulging with communalists, all eager to enunciate. The community had developed prevarication into an art, but I could not proceed without a consensus.
Roger emerged from the marquee and it was a nervous moment.
“A tiresome experience, Roger?”
“It was tiring, yes.”
“And were there conclusions drawn?”
“There were some who spoke for you and there were some who spoke against you. There was deadlock.”
It was as I feared. Indecision was a contagious condition in which some were able to vacillate in a complete contentment. Roger had paused, as if he were the bearer of bad tidings.
“Then the most recent scaling Youth was discovered and the mutilation had been repeated. The debate altered direction, and those who had spoken against, spoke for you.
“The macabre discovery signalled a validation of your prophecies. We wished this valley to be a Secure haven in which we could enjoy peace and we hope that our hesitation is not confused with ingratitude. We would regard it as a great honour if you were to advise us on these crucial matters of Security.”
“My authority must be unconditional, Roger. There are too many in your number who lack the necessary Spirit.”
“That is understood.”
My first act as Temporary (T) leader was to invoke extraordinary powers. Extraordinary powers were necessary to confront an extraordinary threat. It would be a harsh lesson for the community, with no method to soften the blow. Division in the community was a chronic problem and it needed a rough mauling. I decided to centralise the Decision Making Process (DMP).
The Decision Making Process in the valley had not evolved with any consideration to Security. Security necessitated the need for structure and priorities. Complacency had distorted the perspective that governed the DMP and the favourite pastime of the community was debating these issues. Debate needed to be regular to prevent asphyxiation by opinion and it became a circle of vacillation and compromise. A war footing demanded a swift, flexible Decision Making Process. The obvious solution was centralisation. All decisions would be mine and my authority was unconditional and central.
I installed the Youth as an extension to my authority. There was a lack of motivation amongst the elders and their reluctant attitude to new labour reforms meant the need for constant supervision, to the point of trespass. Adaptation to new labour practices meant I could not allow anyone to remain unsupervised in their allocated task. Urgency was absent and there was constant postponement until an issue had been discussed further. By centralising authority, I had rendered discussion obsolete and the instant implementation of directives became contemporaneous. The Youth were the most enthusiastic members of the community and they were a fine resource. The losses to scaling made the Youth snaky to those offering diminutive Portion. Every scrap had to be fought for and nothing less was acceptable from the elders. If there was an area of contention, I explained its purpose to the Youth and they counselled the elders vigorously. The Youth became confident and adept in their authority and they were the perfect tool for encouragement throughout the valley.
The valley was plump for conquest and our enemies would be moist. The implementation of an effective warning system was a pressing priority. It would be an outpost to alert us to any advance and offer an initial line of defence. It would deliver an advantage to battle readiness. Roger and I climbed the slope towards the tree line and I gave some thought to our defensive position. Satisfied that I had considered all of the pertinent factors, I settled on a spot that afforded the best angles for observation. It was the obvious site for a Watch Tower. I turned to him.
“I wish to construct a Watch Tower here. It is to be built of stone, but a wooden tower can be improvised for current purposes until we are equipped with the correct materials. External Security features will become common as the threat escalates. The Watch Tower should be retained at full strength, with immediate effect.
Despite the unconditional nature of my authority, sporadic noblesse oblige was a feasible. It was suggested that our new timber Tower would be vulnerable to attack by fire and the risks involved were suicidal. Before the Youth had the opportunity to counsel the community, I capitulated. A full detachment need not be exposed until a stone Watch Tower was complete. I was a benevolent leader, after all. The water carrier was to be stationed on the slope by blue. His dual purpose would be as a sentinel and as a bait to draw out the enemy prong.
The stone for the Watch Tower had to be quarried from the river bank and it required the new labour resources to be mobilized. The stone then had to be transported to the proposed site of the construction. It would provide me with a preliminary exercise with which to conduct logistics. The greatest burden fell to the water carrier as he was chosen to carry stone from its excavation to its new foundations.
New labour resources could not be squandered, but the quarrying of stone and the relay of timber had left us stretched elsewhere. This stretching had highlighted a number of processing weaknesses. As well as the quarrying of the stone, we were still relaying timber to the barricades and this had left our Security requirement under resourced. I called the Youth to a closed meeting on the plain.
“Youth! We face a bleak future. I tell you this with a heavy heart, as it is you who deserve your Portion. We are facing Impending Doom.”
I had no wish to burden them so tender, but I felt that it was necessary to explain the principle of Equality. It was an enlightening experience for all those present, but it came with a sting in the tail.
“The principle of Equality relies on Portion control. We are morally bound to provide Portion, as we are morally bound to receive it. But you will discover the guile that the elders will employ to avoid provision of Portion and there is no depth to which they will not stoop to consume the scraps of your Portion.”
There was a shout from the back of the crowd.
“How are we to determine if Portion is being hoarded?”
It was a good question and I graphically described the symptoms to them. I told them all about the opportunistic self-absorption and the miserly consideration for others. I also mentioned the selfishness and arrogance that accompanied the condition. The Youth became verbose and rugged. There was rankling in their midst and I urged caution.
“I know of your suffering and I know of your frustrations, and I share them. I urge you to restrain your intemperate mood. Violence for no purpose is wasteful and while we are on a war footing, we cannot allow for luxuries.”
There was another question to the far side of my audience.
“Is there anything we can do to avoid Impending Doom?”
It was another good question, but I did not possess all the answers. I decided to articulate my thoughts aloud.
“The only solution is to provide Security for the valley. Security must be extringent enough to repel our enemies and ensure our well-being.”
“How are we to provide for our Security?”
The questions continued to bombard my exhausted mind, but this particular issue was beyond my resolution. I must have looked flummoxed as I responded.
“I do not know. Without Security there can be no freedom and without freedom, you do not receive Portion. All I can say is that matters could not be worse.”
There was a hushed silence as the significance of my remarks was absorbed. It was oppressive. Then there was a tiny voice to the back, desperate to make itself heard.
“Why don’t we make things better?”
There was a collective intake of breath. I was absolutely dumbstruck, momentarily. Could we make things better as the Youth of insignificant size had suggested. Could this be the solution we were looking for? I became animated.
“Do you think that it is possible? Could we possibly provide ourselves with the Security and freedom, in which we could thrive and prosper forever?”
I felt a tingle of hope, but I dare not share my optimism with the Youth.
“It might be, if we wish hard enough.”
It was the same tiny voice. There was value in the power of positive thought and I could not deny there were possibilities opening up.
“The only solution that I can think of is to increase our labour productivity, but I have no clue how this might be achieved.”
An enchanting Youth of insignificant size standing some rows back looked very agitated.
“I know! Why don’t we extract the entire Portion that those miserly elders are hoarding from us? If we could make that happen, we could all live happily ever after.”
It was brilliant and I knew it intuitively. My problem now was the matter of Portion extraction.
“Has any one got any ideas on how we can persuade those grumpy, miserly, selfish, self-absorbed, mean, bossy, smug elders to give full Portion? I can think of no effective method that might achieve the results that we need.”
There was a vibrant discussion during which all manner of suggestions were made. I warned them that some cases where hoarding was prevalent, the elders would be obstinate; I suggested combinations and subtleties that would improve technique in encouragement and coercion. They were well received and I viewed it as an opportune moment for social adjustment.
Programs that necessitated an increase in new labour resources meant that the previously relaxed approach to other tasks demanded a more appropriate attitude. Attitudes were notoriously stubborn, but we encouraged enthusiasm. There was some discomfort for the community at the change in regime, but I assured the Youth that there was freedom through labour. The Youth adapted to their primary roles in the manner of supervision as I had expected. They executed instructions efficiently. They learnt the art of encouragement, and the coshes and bush were used to economic effect. We had shifted direction smoothly and had not been snagged by detail. The communal contribution in the development of the Communal Defence Program was worthy of recognition. The new labour ethic had to accommodate the Security to implement an effective CDP.
I decided on communal awards, but the essence of the awards had to be pertinent, and reflect my sentiment. The first endowment I conferred was that of Communal Officer of Conscience (COC). It was awarded to those who had been manifestly compliant during our period of transition, as they had not been tempted in the ways of self delusion. They were afforded privileges. They could retain a dwelling and could move freely about the valley, except for restricted areas. Once their fanciful aspirations were stripped away, they were capable in a diversity of tasks. They enjoyed Equality amongst their peers and COC was a noble status. The Youth reported that the recipients discussed little else beyond its significance.
It was necessary for my second endowment to reflect the need for encouragement. I created the award of Communal Underlings: Negative Thoughts (CU:NT). This award was developed primarily for the underachievers in our number. I had warned the Youth about these CUcolonNTs and how they nibbled at anyone’s Portion to avoid creating their own. They were parasites who would dissent over trivials. They were to be accommodated in the marquee on the middle level. Their number would contain those who inclined towards a propensity of debate and the marquee would provide them with familiarity. They were curfewed during blue, when each had to offer a share of victuals and Spirit to the COCs. It was an act of humility and it added an extra dimension to what already was a model of social enhancement in operation.
The labour requirements of the COCs and CUcolonNTs fitted together with lubricated ease and a symbiosis developed. It was important that the latter knew their place. In the quiet moments of reflection, no one really likes an uppity CUcolonNT. The internal treachery had caused fear and there was a suggestion that the interloper was responsible for the slayings on the valley walls. I was in no position to deny that it was a very, very real possibility. The prospect of a slayer internale produced uniform paranoia and we needed a co-ordinated effort for flushing. We offered the perfect conditions for social re-orientation.

Like all negative influences, subverism had an appeal to the disconcerted. It was an issue we could ignore at our peril. It was with this in mind I created Internal Security Program (ISP). We embarked upon a scheme to collate data from the valley and extract its relevance. We intended to gain an insight to any subversive activity and then subvert it ourselves. Subversion was always a temptation during wartime; to block out the pain that hostility inflicts, but we rose to the challenge. I enjoyed the ISP motto: To Protect and Subvert.
Despite the complete transparency of the ISP, a degree of translucency was necessary when dealing with internal Security issues. We were on a Secure war footing and we varied routines as a precaution, so that enemy surveillance could not predict our intentions. By attempting to mitigate any potential danger, all manner of Security procedures were introduced and there were ungrateful dissenters. It was an opportune occasion for adjustment.
The Internal Security Program had initiated a series of Awareness Stations scattered through the valley. It was an intrusion in personal terms for those with a penchant for secrecy. An Awareness Station could be positioned in any number of unlikely spots, but it was in this area the ISP found it necessary to engage a film of translucence. The issue had erupted when we infiltrated groups of known independents in order to induce data from them, but I did not have enough the expertise to assist me. I decided to recruit specialists.
The idea of training specialist cadres to be responsible for specific areas was a sound development and one I wished to adopt swiftly. The concept of delegation had ruminated ever since social redefinition. Expertise in certain areas had to be developed to facilitate flexibility in our planning and broaden the base of our logistic capability. There were areas in which expertise had to be developed to serve all contingency, but I had no desire for a lengthy selection process. There was a significant response to my call to arms, but I immediately dismissed the elder volunteers as being molecularly inflexible. Experience counted for little in practice, but we did value the elders’ ability to back train to basics. From the Youth that remained before me, I chose three candidates.
There were key specialities that I needed stiffening if we were to operate effectively. In the first instance, I needed a motivational guru to assist with communal morale. Morale was a constant concern. It was flat and it dismissed any attempts at elevation with a blanket of apathy. It was this lack of motivation that had become the debilitating obstacle to our progress. I was desperate for an individual to firm up new labour practices, but allow for flexibility. My ideal candidate would possess a sense of authority, with a hint of the Bohemian. I chose one of the candidates.
The mission delegated for this examination was to improve the transportation policy and deliver a greater return on our investment of labour. I selected a bunch of ungrateful CUcolonNTs and offered their services to my volunteer. The challenge was to double the productivity from these torpid CUcolonNTs and a pre-determined quantity of timber had to be transported from the store on the plain up to the barricade to feed the blazing fires beyond. The community gathered in spectation.
The volunteers were an obdurate bunch and the cosh and bush were a blur. Subtle combinations inspired a manifestation of latent potential. Production improved ten-fold. Momentum gathered and it was sustained by encouragement, until a metronomic labour pattern emerged. The Youth responsible for this phenomenon discovered all manner of selfish behaviour in the labour force and in the remorseless pursuit of economic viability, never missed the opportunity to tweak technique. What a sight! Importantissimo had Trusty Youth 1 (TY1) to serve the Cause. (Youth of insignificant size would later be observed brazen with enthusiasm, whilst performing their duties in a passable imitation of TY1!)
Enforcement was the next area I wished to address and it was a critical one. A sense of order was necessary to maintain discipline and there was an occasional frustration within the community that they allowed to fester. Outbursts occurred with an increasing regularity, and for no obvious reason. I could not entertain the prospect of public subversion and I required direct solutions that did not rely upon a sensitive constitution.
The second candidate stood by my side and I instructed some unruly CUcolonNTs to simulate attack against me. The Youth moved forward in my defence. Initially, the antagonists lacked enthusiasm, but they became bolder as humour value was introduced to the exercise. They would feign and occasionally prod the Youth. There was hilarity amongst the community who had gathered for the spectacle and the mirth extended to the would be assailants. The churlish behaviour had no effect on the Youth until a particularly odious CUcolonNT stepped forward and obviously crossed a mark. The Youth slew the perpetrator with a blade that had been concealed from the aggressors. The antagonist suffered a surprise demise and fell instantly to the ground. The blade was visible both at the front and back of the provocative CUcolonNT. Importantissimo had Trusty Youth 2 (TY2) for the Cause.
I anticipated routine missions in foreign or compromised territory, where there would be a demand for covert ability in the most perilous conditions. I had to enhance these capabilities to sustain our progress, as our strategy was to extend beyond the valley confines. The successful candidate would have to demonstrate a steely courage and instinctive guile. I turned to the final candidate.
“You are to travel to the tree line and across its breadth. There you will collect a handful of tree debris from its furthest point and return to me with it. Avoid all malicious threat to you. Are my instructions clear?”
“Yes, Master.”
“I wish you a safe return.”
Much later, the Youth returned with a handful of debris collected from the otherside. Lacerations were consistent with the mission undertaken and Importantissimo had Trusty Youth 3 (TY3) to serve the Cause.
The remainder of the Youth would require indoctrination into the basic skills. Trusty Youth 1 was masterful and delivered a comprehensive package of instruction on methods of encouragement and coercion. The philosophy of relevance extraction resonated throughout, and live exercises were habitually conducted for contextual authenticity and development.
Trusty Youth 2 concentrated on the art of the blade. The emphasis centred on basic public thrust and kill moves. It differed from assassination, in that it was a very public exercise. TY2 taught magnificent posture and had developed a delicious flanconade.
Trusty Youth 3 provided field craft and instruction in covercion. Covert operations were to sustain our territorial aspirations and stealth and concealment were imperative in the development of the Youth. TY3 covered areas where specially boned attributes were essential and they would be incorporated in specific black operations.
The construction of the Communal Defence Policy was an exhaustive process and with the exception of dissenters, it found favour in the community. The obnoxious were cleansed liberally in live exercises and I was relieved to discover a purpose for them. It would not be long before we were to engage the enemy again. The gradual improvement in my health indicated that my return to the tree line was imminent.

Chapter 8

The bonfire beyond the barricade had been developed and renamed in accordance with their significance. The newly monikered Flames of Freedom were burning splendidly at the top of the Valley and acted as a backdrop when I announced my imminent return to the tree line. It was an emotional occasion for the community, as my previous experience was fresh in their memories and its devastating implications for our Security were roaring behind me. We had formulated a strategy for extending our boundaries and accurate data pertaining to enemy numbers and tactics were critical in determining our tactics on combat missions. The location of all positions under hostile control had to be verified if we were to operate effective manoeuvres in the tree line. Refocusing on this sphere of operations was a response to favourable circumstances elsewhere in the valley
Subversion within the community had retreated to delicate proportions, but we remained vigilant and our contingencies were well advanced in this area. In a covert mission conducted by TY3, all CUcolonNTs were tongued. The total silence imposed during labour and rest was intended to prevent subversion and this had proved particularly difficult to impose in the marquee. The marquee had become a pussy, larvae infested sore of dissent. The punishment demanded for treason was execution and if it were rigidly implemented, we would lose half of our labour resource. The removal of tongues had removed the temptation for verbal treason. A subtle method in the preservation of resources, if you will.
The internal advances meant that I was free to accompany TY3 on the mission to the tree line. It was decided that Trusty Youth in Waiting 14 (TYW14) needed to moisten the blade. TY3 was a veteran in the tree line and I had no reason to doubt the confidence placed in TYW14, who had achieved distinction in advanced tracking and aptitude skills in the Youth Induction Program (YIP). It was hoped the mission would Focus horizons and flesh out experience. There was morose confabulation and wailing in a pitiful attempt to make me reconsider my decision to go in absentia. There were all manner of arguments provided as to why I should remain in the valley, but I quieted them with an appeal to their sense of duty.
“You should take inspiration from my exposure to danger.”
At blue, we moved off.
We climbed the slope and our first land mark was the pile of stone intended for our Watch Tower. The water carrier was attached to it by chains. The responsibility for his Secure and release lay with TY2 and as Security demanded, it was achieved by verbal instruction from the barricade. The wretch caught my gaze as I was passing. He was resigned in manner, but noble. He spoke:
“I was not born to carry; it was how I was created. I had never expected my freedom. Thank you for that.”
He wept.
We were practised and expert in our movement and covered the ground rapidly. I was recoiled. We grouped in tight formation to force entry into the tree line. Our routine was well planned and we began to forge a path through the dangerous terrain. As we moved, we collected material for camouflage and concealment. TYW14 took sentry whilst TY3 and I constructed a makeshift hide. The valuable lessons from my first mission were instigated as a matter of course. Visual impairment from the overhang meant we had to remain alert and I took the opportunity to remind the Youths of the sequence of events I expected and I reiterated the need for a calm and cool disposition.
Pungency permeated the trees and I realized that it was the Distracting Livestock. It was not possible to guess from which direction the odour emanated and we waited for another sign. Its approach was painfully stealthy, but it could not disguise the delicate crackle of debris under hoof.
There was a gasp from TYW14 as it became apparent that we had miscalculated the stealth of its approach and the Distracting Livestock suddenly appeared before us. This was no livestock drawn from the valley, where they were satisfied to graze until called for random slaughter. It was no servile beast, but as huge and as magnificent as any worthy opponent should be. Its size alone inspired awe, but the head dress adorning it was the most regal in all of existence. We became preoccupied with the vision before us; it was impossible to calculate the damage those deadly weapons could inflict on the community if our defences were breached. This discovery had brought no comfort to me.
The beast stood stock still and recombobulated its senses. At any moment it could have trampled us, but it moved off. It had served its purpose because the Tree Creatures had become active whilst our attention had been diverted.
The Tree Creature was innocuous by appearance, but concealed a savagery that belied its demeanour. Their attack capability was secondary only to their triangulation purpose. It was not long before the brush semaphore was running its message to the waiting Attack Animals. The various formations of the Tree Creatures were recorded so that we could construct an assault theorem. My initial response favoured the phalanx strategy, but its execution would not be easy. We could not endure such intensity on every visit to the tree line and had to discover a method of negating this danger.
I received a nudge to my side and it was TY3, drawing my attention to a solitary Attack Animal ahead that gave the overt impression of foraging. The inherent danger of the Attack Animal lay not in its power and its devastating speed, but the intricate lines it chose to call, in an attempt to draw its prey towards its waiting traps. Our enemy example was in a relaxed posture, with its nose twitching and its whiskers moving abstractedly, but its long ears were slicked to its grey, furry skull in expectation. The power in those hind legs alone could cause serious injury and it would compliment the damage done by its fearsome mandibles. The versatility it displayed was an abject lesson to any warrior. We hoped to study its favoured modus operandi (mo) and take advantage of any weakness.
Displaying deft manoeuvre, TYW14 slipped the birth, employing field skills taught only to the Elite Youth (EY) and moved off silently. As a recent graduate of our Stealth Training Program (STP), TYW14 was lost to concealment instantly. The techniques had been refined after my initial foray and it had been run in conjunction with our Silent Kill Program (SKP). The combination provided the opportunity to take a captive, but only if discipline was maintained. It would be a tense wait and I longed to be at the Edge with TYW14 enjoying the uninhibited cavort and thrust of engagement.
An age passed and a new odour permeated the lair. The foulness of the stench made it disconcerting. TY3 nudged me again and there was a movement in our periphery that grasped my attention. Skirting the tree line behind us was a creature so menacing that the threat posed by the Distracting Livestock paled by comparison. The four-legged beast was not imposing in size and its movement was ragged. It hung lower to the ground than the shoulder height suggested was necessary and it differed from other beasts, as it acquainted itself with its surroundings whilst mobile. The most astonishing feature was its colour. It was flame red and the effect was enhanced by silhouette against the glow of the Flames of Freedom. It had no intention of a stealthy approach and was confrontational by nature. It was a spectacular creature and displayed an absorbing intensity through its eyes. It was slack jawed, either from salivation or exertion and it had inhibited our direct line of retreat. I cursed. How many more divisions did the enemy possess? It was I who had brought the Youth here and I felt a weight of responsibility for their Security.
The Flame Beast had stopped, but instead of charging directly, its red head bucked quickly. From behind it came four foot soldiers, all diminutive in size. They were to form the attack wedge, bound by duty to strike and obtain restraint. Only then would the Flame Beast move in with vulpine silk to administer the coup de grace, with its vice like grip crushing the throat. As the foot soldiers turned to attack, the miracle happened. The Flame Beast and I locked on to one another and a moment passed between us. There was mutual respect in our gaze. With a sharp bark, it called off the attack and the soldiers followed their master away from us. The Flame Beast turned once more before it disappeared and the gesture was unmistakably a salute from one great warrior to another. TY3 understood what had taken place, but I took the opportunity to clarify a few of the finer points. What had inspired this great Act of Mercy would never be known for certain, but the reverence TY3 held me in was eloquent. Then the madness descended.
I had been forced to engage the Flame Beast. I had risen from our lair and faced it with a dignity that would become legendary amongst the community. It was TY3’s contention that it was an act of nobility that might possibly be Equalled, but never surpassed. In doing so, I had exposed our position. The huge Distracting Livestock appeared to one side of me and its rippling musculature drove its charge in my direction. I stood my ground. It kept coming, so I produced a sharpened blade and I intended to run it through. But before I had become fully operational, it passed me by, delivering a telling blow as it did so.
The Tree Creatures began to form into attack patterns and these transconfigurations were far too rapid to consign to memory. The branches were buckled with activity. The Attack Animals appeared en masse, dodging and weaving in mesmeric fashion, but the necessity to avoid the temptation of pursuit had been instilled into the Youth during basic training. It was a resolute defence that served as the best option in the face of this onslaught. The Attack Animal was capable of a mortal strike, but entrapment was its preferred method, removing the complication of physical contact. It was a subtle beast and it should never be underestimated.
TYW14 did not have my experience to rely on. As the attack had begun, there was a great disturbance in the canopy as the Tree Creatures became frenetic. TYW14 had travelled some distance from us. A veteran would have remained calm, but TYW14 had leapt up and released wave upon wave of slingshot into the trees above. All manner of debris fell, creating pandemonium. From our position, TY3 and I were incapable of providing any assistance to this bold approach. The ground between us was riddled with deceit. A web of booby traps meant we could not cover the ground swiftly enough to form an alliance with our colleague.
As I had predicted, the Attack Animals surrounded TYW14 and continued to run the angles. The temptation to pursue was overwhelming and despite the folly of the action, the heat of combat had dimmed the faculties. TYW14 set off along a track that defined the Distracting Livestock’s boundary. The intent was to capture an enemy for interrogation. It was a fatal decision and I roared in frustration.
The capture of an enemy might yield vital intelligence, but the chance of success was negligible. As the pursuit continued, the noise above us increased to a fever pitch. By breaking cover, TYW14 had broken the most fundamental rule we had instilled in the Youth, and it came as no surprise when the chase ended abruptly in a horrific scream that would carry to our river bank and beyond. TWY14 had gone to ground, but it been no voluntary act. The screams dominated the tree line and we made the decision to stage a rescue attempt. The necessity to clear a safe path added to our sense of frustration, but the moans of agony served to remind us of the concealed dangers ahead. As we grew closer to the scene, an eerie silence descended and I felt certain we were about to sustain a vigorous mauling.
The silence was total. TYW14 had been captured by an Attack Animal trap, but it was more brutal than the one that had ensnared me. The mechanism was ruthless in its simplicity. It possessed a metal plate with two serrated metal jaws that had been forced open and held in that position. TYW14 had stepped on the metal plate and in doing so had released the charge contained within its jaws. The Attack Animal had drawn its prey on in predictable fashion, but had carefully avoided the well concealed trap. TYW14 had succumbed to the tactic and was now gripped by the device and no amount of physical force could encourage it to release the pressure. Our attempts to manipulate the device compounded the discomfort to its victim, but we had no more appealing course of action available. Eventually, we managed to severe the useless limb and this was achieved by an effective sawing action being created against the serrated jaws. It was a labour; TY3 and I were leaking at the completion of our efforts.
The interminable evacuation back to the edge of the tree line was sapping and we were hampered by the carriage of TYW14. We still held out hope that yellow might bring some relief to the threat, as I believed our enemy was vulnerable away from the half light. The sight that met us as we looked down upon the valley confirmed my worst fears. Blocking our pathway to the safety of the CDP was a great number of Attack Animals, all in the casual repose they adopted before exploding into assault. It was conceivable that they could launch an assault directly on the community. I was desperate until I heard a welcome voice.
“Water carrier! Release yourself from your shackles and go to the aid of your comrades in the tree line!”
It was the voice of Trusty Youth 2, chosen as my armour.
The water carrier released the chains that bound him and raised his surly form to its full lowly height. He displayed the features of rancid determination. So hideous was the water carrier’s gait, the Attack Animals responded as if we had unleashed a secret weapon. Their powerful hind legs drove them to the sanctuary of the tree line to one side of us and this cleared our path to the valley. As the water carrier assisted us, he displayed an all encompassing purpose; a resolve that could not be broken. I did not believe in tokenism as a gesture, so as we passed the pile of stone, I tossed the severed limb in its direction. The water carrier was well down the food chain of Equality and would rarely encounter flesh. No doubt, he would be thrilled with a joint to himself.
As we passed through the barricade, I ordered that the Flames of Freedom to be doubled in size, proportionate to the risk we now faced, but we had extended our knowledge of the enemy at little cost. The water carrier was rewarded for his heroics to the community, as they insisted he sat out of labour and rested. He grew fidgety and his ingratitude scratched me. At blue, he was reSecured to the pile of stone to continue his bait duties. Shortly, there came a howling sound from his location above us and it was howling the likes of which I had not heard before. Oh, what gratitude!

Chapter 9

I had intended to enjoy furlough after my return from front line duty, but it was not easily accomplished. I was assailed constantly by those who wished to donate to the Cause. Since Importantissimo had gained Influence over the valley, every measure that had been imposed on the community had been met with resistance and I was bewildered at how far the Spirit had been bent back in my favour. The fabled victory in the tree line and the Miracle of the Flame Beast were the central features of communal confabulation. A Spirit of subscription existed. It provided a most opportune moment to review my domestic policy, as I believed the community was malleable. The welfare of those in my charge was my most pressing concern and the condition of TYW14 was to the fore of my mind.
TYW14 was in some discomfort when I inspected the injury and I was tempted to comply with the wishes of the unfortunate victim and desist from further attempts at revival. However, TY3 and I had been selfless in our rescue attempt and we had placed ourselves in great jeopardy to retrieve our colleague and to conclude these efforts prematurely would render it a wasted effort. I ordered the stump to be cauterised in an attempt to seal the wound. This was achieved on white charcoal. TYW14 was not immediately grateful for the opportunities the technique provided, but the operation was completed successfully and the patient slumbered.
Trusty Youth in Waiting 14 had been guilty of abandoning self-discipline. I had squared myself to death in a valiant manner when faced with the Flame Beast, but TYW14 had not possessed my sense of dignity and this lack of restraint had taken a heavy toll. I had been snaky about the rather tasteless appeals for release and decided we would be best served if TYW14’s accrued knowledge of enemy tactics was extracted swiftly.
TY1 complained bitterly about the garbled testament and the atmosphere in the community was becoming frictious. There was a convincing argument to execute TYW14 for treason, but wisdom demanded compromise. I had the second leg removed in rough fashion to warn the community against the perils of complacency. Compliance was immediate and TWY14 confirmed every estimation provided by the inquisitors. I ordered Best Purpose and the corpse was introduced to the food chain of Equality, at the lowest level.
The COCs came unto me and made overtures with regard to social imbalance. I listened to their concerns. The COCs had become antagonistic towards the CUcolonNTs, and accused them of failing to provide Equal portion. Conspiracy theories abounded and there were accusations of treachery levelled towards the CUcolonNTs. The matter needed resolution, as there were communal simmerings as the indictments went public.
The CUcolonNTs were seething and ranted mutely. It was their contention that they would be delighted to both give and receive Equal Portion, but they were not provided the opportunity to do so. The CUcolonNTs were convinced they were viable. It was a heartfelt plea and it moved me. I promised that I would give their frustrations some consideration. However, the most alarming feature of this discourse was the method they used to articulate their thoughts. It involved the use of the digits in a form of communication. My thoughts returned to the treachery concerns raised by the COCs and there was the distinct possibility that subversion existed. The tonguings had not been effective. Treason had not been detected from our Awareness Stations, but for operational reasons. AWs relied on the spoken language as product for risk assessment. TY1 was responsible for the ISP. We discussed the possibility of damage limitation and I was reassured that the pickle would be resolved.
My next encounter with the CUcolonNTs was a surprising one for me. The CUcolonNTs had previously been mute, but now they were missing their hands as well. I summoned TY1 to seek an explanation. Whilst it was confirmed that the original plan had involved the removal of the digits, the process had been fiddly and awkward. A more thorough surgery had resolved this problem. I could not fault the logic.

I received a petition from an unlikely source. It was from the whole community and they wished to have Roger speak on their account.
“The community is troubled.”
I prepared to meet with their usual litany of complaints and nefarious contrivances.
“It occurs to me Roger that the community never travels far without voicing an objection of some sort. It is becoming tedious.”
“No, you misunderstand. It is not a complaint on any subject that we wish to raise. It is an issue of far greater significance to the valley.”
I indulged him.
“We have become reliant upon your expertise and we regard you as our only hope of salvation. It is our profound wish that you no longer serve on the front line. Your heroic and idiosyncratic style of leadership is unique, but it entertains enormous risks. We feel the magnitude of these risks is too great to justify a wartime leader being exposed to them constantly in absentia.”
Initially, there was silence, for my rage was legendary, but then confirmative confabulation broke out in the community about me. It was TY3 who stepped forward to second the motion.
“I have witnessed the dangers faced when we leave the safety of the Flames of Freedom and can provide a vivid account of their brutality.
“There is no one who would doubt your courage. I witnessed the Miracle of the Flame Beast and I saw you deflect a fearsome enemy by presence alone, as we discussed. Our enemies respect you and your capture or demise would mortally wound our Cause. It is for this reason alone, we beseech you to remain among us. Those operating on the front line, myself included, are expendable. We cannot say that of you.”

The dog and I were littered through the valley to compile a status report. This report was vital for planning the allocation of resource. I inspected the stock piles of timber on the plain. Supplies were not dwindling to dangerous proportions, but both timber and labour were at a premium. Our actions were restricted by limitations, unnecessarily in my view and I decided to gain Best Purpose from the CUcolonNTs. They were located in the newly developed Centre for the Administration of Truth (CAT) on the plain. The ISP had decided that all CUcolonNTs were guilty of dissent and we moved them on further to our Subterfuge Unit (SU) within CAT. The backlog for processing this relocation was endless and so I decided to provide the sub-class with purpose whilst they waited. The compound that we had used as a holding pen was bulging and it had already been expanded for a fifth time. With a solitary exception, all housed there were CUcolonNTs. They were frequently joined by Roger, as I had decided to use him in a more pro-active manner. It had become his duty to monitor conditions after he had registered some complaints on the subject.
The rest were mute handless dross and I was under considerable economic pressure to introduce them to the food chain of Equality. Pragmatism overrode sentiment in this instance. If the resource could provide some value to the community, then the opportunity for redemption was available. I began to formulate a system in which this wretched refuse could obtain absolution or provide purpose. I counselled myself with great introspection.
The dog and I were stationed primarily on the barricade, looking wistfully towards the tree line. I might never return there, but the memories I retained were powerful reminders of the need for affirmative action. A siege mentality had begun to strangle the community’s morale. I did not view this negatively, as it provided a common purpose and communal paranoia. It strengthened our resolve. Like others, I pined for a return to peacetime and a cessation of wartime sanctions, but before all of this could be achieved, we had to provide Total Security (TS) in order to make it feasible. It was not until I was able to exert my authority that I could consider any other option.
From my vantage point on the barricade, I was able to inspect the very humble foundations of our Watch Tower. In its current form, it was of no deterrent value at all. It needed to impose and display purpose and this could not be achieved by wishing really hard, as some of the Youth suggested.
The CUcolonNTs could claim a purpose at last. I called Trusty Youth 1 unto me. We spoke of the dangers we faced and of the dreams we had for the valley. I highlighted that under a different regime from our own, it was conceivable that through collaboration with the enemy, we could suffer the indignity of the CUcolonNTs as our masters. We discussed the possibilities, but despite initial snakiness, TY1 was beautifully positive and very receptive. It was an audacious plan that I had suggested and we were both painfully aware of its Potential dangers, but our options were limited by other factors. Security was our priority.
We acted swiftly and TY1 released the miserable CUcolonNTs. With the help of encouragement and coercion, it was not long before stone was being quarried from the river bank and transported to the humble foundations of our Watch Tower. We had devised a method of binding stone to the labour force and from here it was just a matter of extracting their Potential. Only the water carrier truly thrived on coercion, free at last in self expression. TY1’s rigorous approach was Total (To) in its fastidiousness. TY1 had delivered the extraction of Portion as a reality, a tangible the community could take comfort from and I provided powerful testament to the achievement. I spoke of my protégé in glowing terms. TY1’s cheeks moistened, but they were rouge with pride.
Soon we had the materials required for the construction of the Watch Tower to begin in earnest. As the operation had to be conducted beyond the barricade, it meant that there was no Security provision. It caused alarm amongst the CUcolonNTs, as there were frequent enemy sightings around the tree line. The enemy was becoming saucy in its confidence. There was little doubt they were exerting psychological pressure upon us and waiting for the moment I left the valley again to mount an assault. Not a single CUcolonNT showed the slightest inclination to flee during the period of construction. In fact, every successful return from our new edifice provided visible relief. Only the water carrier remained unconcerned. The labour force was a rough bunch and it was hampered by the lack of hands and they were all grateful for the return to the Security of the valley at the end of a shift. More and more Attack Animals could be seen gathering and the community renewed its plea for me to stay behind the barricade. I agreed to venture no further than the Flames of Freedom and I was provided with a Unit of Protection (UP) to negate the threat of Hostage Takers.
There were crafters amongst the CUcolonNTs and at the conclusion of the project, we had achieved a satisfactory result. It was an abject lesson to how much Potential could be obtained from a bunch of idle CUcolonNTs if the motivation is truly inspiring.
I had never been prone to tokenism. It smacks of insincerity and as the CUcolonNTs returned to the compound on the completion of the task, they had fine victuals awaiting them and generous Spirit. It was recompense for their attitude and I wished to provide them with a chance to continue their rehabilitation on other pressing duties. I spoke unto them.
“The victuals before you, are they to your liking?”
I heard no applause or cheers and I thought them an ungrateful bunch of CUcolonNTs, until I noticed them waving their stumps and nodding their heads vigorously.
“Then I have more good news. There is to be a change in blue routine.”
Their arms flapped in demonic frenzy. The normal routine involved a return to the compound for spiky pickled nut cracking duty. It had become fashionable and effective to achieve this by use of the head. They would butt nuts in a frenzy, if there were victuals to be had. I had their attention.
“You will still enjoy the chance to butt nuts, but there is a greater calling. A calling that will provide you with the opportunity to return to society and solid victuals.”
The CUcolonNTs were fit to burst.
“The Requirement from you is a heavy one, but we are on a war footing and we need the expedient use of resource. The losses we are suffering on the east and west walls are a concern, but you are unavailable for these climbing missions. Couple the losses on the walls with the losses in combat and we discover a vital area that we have overlooked. It is my intention for us to initiate a Breeding Program (BP) to prevent community numbers dwindling further.”
There was an audible silence.
“You have the chance to provide yourselves with immortality and the level of welfare you currently enjoy will be maintained whilst I observe your serious intent in the matter. The BP (Breeding Program) will be conducted along the lines of the community livestock slaughter method. I wish for randomness. Breeding should not interfere with labour, but is to be encouraged otherwise. You may receive a Breeding Break (BB) during the course of normal duties, so use it wisely. To prevent stagnation, all other members of the community will be allowed to contribute, with the exception of the water carrier and the Youth. There might be misgivings amongst the selfish, but they should make every attempt to enjoy the sense of community that the pastime induces. A happy compound is a breeding compound.”
I was accurate in my predictions. When duty called, the CUcolonNTs delivered. The compound was awash to overflow with breeding and spiky pickled nut butting.
I received a visitation from Roger. The dog and I were relaxing. The next part of our plan involved meticulous planning and I felt I had made strides, but he looked grave.
“It is a matter of some delicacy I wish to speak of.”
I inclined my head, indicating that he was to continue.
“I understand that you have initiated a Breeding Program (BP) in the CAT compound.”
“That is correct.”
“I understand that there is to be an element of compulsion applied in its pursuit.”
“There is an element of compulsion in all activities in the valley, Roger. Why should this be the exception? It is an investment in future resource.”
“Before your arrival, such things were dealt with in a more idiosyncratic manner. There was no compulsion required and we were not prone to shortage.”
“You have never been on a war footing before. This arrangement is more practical and I believe the community has responded with a dogged determination. There is a queue forming at the entrance to the CAT compound as we speak.”
“But we relied on more natural arrangements before and it was satisfactory.”
“This arrangement provides variety and Best Purpose.”
“Best Purpose? How can this be viewed as anything less than barbaric?
“Roger, that is where the beauty of the system lies. Do you not see the benefit in this method? The genius lies in its simplicity. Like the slaughter of the livestock, the breeding will be conducted randomly and so the natural bonds within the society become fundamental. The anonymity of the program binds this generation with the next and in turn, forges newer, even stronger bonds within the community.”
“It means that in ignorance, blood relatives could create life together.”
“Bliss is ignorance.”

Chapter 10

With the Watch Tower completed, there was an opportunity to move forward with my plans for Total Security in the valley. Trusty Youth 2 had been tasked to provide the external Security for the valley, (not to be confused with TY3’s attack and probe policy) and our efforts had been concentrated on the Watch Tower. It served to protect our eastern and western flanks and provided a staging post for any sorties that might come under attack from the tree line. TY2 had recruited a Youth garrison and favoured the fanatics who were single-minded about their obligations to Community Service (CS) and saw it as their Destiny. Most were Youth of insignificant size, as they had displayed the most zealous approach to training. They were dedicated to the Cause and the Youth Garrison (YG) provided a link between the valley and the front line. As Security measures took shape, I decided there were other areas that merited my attention.
The dog and I were littered to an inspection of the east and west walls. I needed to record progress in our attempts to dispel doubt through scaling. Many attempts had resulted in disappearances, but others attempts had ended in an even less satisfactory conclusion. I had thought the fires at the base of the walls would have been adequate motivation to scale, but for some the flames were not a sufficient deterrent. They had fallen into the flames in a cowardly attempt to avoid the responsibility asked of them. More disturbingly, on several occasions the Youth guard had been overpowered, with the cowards being rescued and concealed in the midst of the community. All attempts to bring them to justice were unsuccessful, as the community considered the ordeal to represent trial by fire. Against such obdurance, I struggled to impose myself and I was thwarted by this largely held and frankly absurd opinion. I reinforced the guard at the base of the walls. This was a position we could not hold indefinitely, but I was to graduate to a more economical solution.
I had stakes cut. A great many. These stakes were driven firmly into the ground at the base of the valley walls and their protruding lengths were sharpened to a fine point. The angle of their protrusion was such, that anyone descending from the walls would be impaled. The new arrangement was inspected by many of the elders and they were aware that I had delivered a far greater challenge for them.
After our Security modifications were completed, the next scaler disappeared up the west wall as if life itself depended on it and soon was lost from view. We returned to our duties, but were heartened on our next sweep to find the scaler Securely impaled upon the stakes. The body had slid to their base. If trial by fire offered hope, then this offered nothing. I ordered a limb to be severed from the corpse and entrusted a Youth of insignificant size to deliver it to the water carrier. I had been moved by his previous howling gratitude and wished to hear more of it. The rest of the corpse was entered into the food chain of Equality.
The Flames of Freedom were the source of much concern to me. In terms of practicality, they were a huge success. The Attack Animals had been persuaded away from the valley and the Flames had become a potent symbol of our resistance. Security came at a very high price, both in terms of labour and resource. My plan to rectify these issues was an audacious one.
Ironically the source of the greatest danger to us, the tree line, represented the best available resource for fuelling the Flames of Freedom. If the community were able to harvest the timber from the slope above, it would not only provide the fuel we required for the Flames of Freedom, but it would remove the cover the enemy had used to its advantage against us. Clearing the tree line completely would be a huge task, but it would provide Security. My only reservation was the question of casualties. It was impossible to predict these losses accurately and in the case of extreme labour shortages, we would have to rely on improvisation. We provisioned a welfare centre to treat the wounded. The result of this bold project would determine our capability for ensuing campaigns and so the outcome was critical.
Preparations for the invasion of enemy territory were well advanced before Roger made his presence felt.
“I see that you are to embark on a truly bold strategy. I must advise caution, however. We have taken from the tree line before it became an enemy stronghold, but we have always been careful to maintain the burden on our resources at a modest level. We must not destroy such a valuable resource, as there will be no way for us to replenish in the future.”
“The present is our only future. These resources you are so keen to cohabit with are a natural weapon for our enemies. We must use them to our advantage. A policy of Neutralization is preferable to being Neutralized. We are concerned only with our current circumstances and not those based largely on hypothesis. We must be cunning and guiley if we are to unseat our foe, but ruthless too. Security must remain our priority.”
The garrison departed to the Watch Tower and once it had been secured, the Special Youth Cadre (SYC) followed. The SYC had been trained by TY3 specifically for counter-pronging and we hoped it would be the secret weapon in our fight for Liberty (L). The SYC, with TY3 in the fore, continued upwards and once they had reached enemy territory, a bridgehead was Secured inside the tree line. As the area was Secured, a reluctant labour force departed the valley. They were a combination of COCs and CUcolonNTs. The COCs were to provide the tree felling detail, whilst the CUcolonNTs were to be responsible for the transport of the timber down to the valley.
The Special Youth Cadre in the tree line was immediately engaged in the meticulous task of clearing booby traps. They took up formation and with the COCs working methodically, it was not long before trees were being felled. From my position on the barricades, detail of the scene was not as distinct as I had wished and instinct propelled me up the slope to take control. I was immediately restrained and pinioned by members of the community as I tried to make good my intention. No matter how I begged, they would not release me until I had given them my word that I would not desert them. I had to settle and wait.
It was not long before the first casualty was evacuated down the slope. This was achieved in a well rehearsed routine. The Youth from the Watch Tower moved upwards to assist the evacuation and in turn, TY2 and reserve members of the SYC moved up from the barricades and Secured the last part of the rescue mission. The victim had fallen foul of another of the Attack Animal traps. To compound matters, the trap had been placed within foliage which provided a fierce rash that proved most discommodious. The stump was cauterised swiftly to alleviate the suffering. The other wounds were multiple and the threat was from their number and not their severity. All rash wounds were cauterized as a precaution. The booby trap had not been intended to kill, but to damage and restrain, but any victim of such a trap would certainly be malleable to torture.
Twice the alarm was raised from the Watch Tower and on each occasion, the Attack Animals had been sighted away to the west. They were scouting. TY3 returned to the valley, leaving Trust Youth in Waiting 7 to supervise the labour at the tree line. I needed to gain an insight into conditions. The report was as bad as I had expected.
“There are many traps placed randomly and all manner of foreign objects are employed in deceit.”
As if to illustrate his point, he produced transparent rock with lethal edges. Whilst I had always been aware of the dangers in the tree line, viewing the evidence of the dangers stacked against us was chilling.
“There is a great deal of this to be found and we have suffered all manner of lacerations at the Edge. It does not cause significant damage, but it is very effective as a psychological tool against us.”
I dismissed TY3 with instructions to boost morale. It was not long before we received our first timber from the tree line. It was our first tangible success in the Great War and there was much partaking of Spirit.
Our approach to felling the timber was not to my liking. It was very random, but our inability to provide Total Security for the operation prevented a more progressive approach. I mentioned to TY3 that our magnificent achievement had been modest. The Flames of Freedom were a demanding project, but an essential one and I felt we would benefit if the process could be encouraged along at a greater pace. The risk of increased exposure to the enemy had to be limited. I gave possible methods some consideration.
As the labour force returned to their compound at blue, we had good reason to be satisfied, as the Flames of Freedom had been sustained and we had created a minor dent in the opposition defences. It was beyond my wildest expectations and witnessing the positive results of our labour generated a communal pride. The cost had been high. Many had been evacuated for cauterisation and were no longer considered serviceable labour. The SYC had a problem exerting authority at one stage and several CUcolonNTs had refused to contribute to the transport of timber. TY3 had no option but to run them through. We could not luxuriate in frivolation whilst Security was the focus of our attention.
I called the community together in my presence. I could no longer view the activities passively and I had arrived at a decision that was to bolster our efforts.
“I have considered the petitions you have submitted unto me, but it is my solemn duty to inform you that I have decided on a return to the front line.”
There was derision, gnashing of teeth and assorted dramatics, but I was hardened to these displays of sentimentality.
I made my way around the barricades and on past the Flames of Freedom. The dog attempted to follow me. I could not allow this, for fear of distraction, but I issued instructions that if I was wounded or worse in battle, the dog was to be released so that it could share my Fate.
In the Secure presence of TY3 and a detail of SYC, I was able to patrol the tree line without a threat from Hostage Takers. We were vigilant against attack or an abduction attempt. The guerrilla warfare waged against us was brutally effective, but I had been pressed by necessity. At present, the timber was felled selectively, but not methodically and it was this situation that required redress. I decided to begin operations at a fixed point and move forward, driving the enemy on before us. I was ever mindful of Security
I ordered the excavation of a large pit to the rear of our tree line operation to Secure our rear approaches. This pit would be extended to cover our flanks as we progressed. It would have enough depth to Neutralise the danger from the Tree Creatures and the Attack Animals and enough width to prevent incursion by Distracting Livestock. The measure was extreme, but it was in proportion to the value I placed on the Security of those at the Edge. We used COCs for excavation and left the CUcolonNTs to drag the extracted ground downhill. The excavated ground was used to construct a rampart across the entry point at the top of our Valley, curved to protect the Flames of Freedom as well. There was a neat symmetry about the system. The ground was excavated to provide one line of defence and in turn, provided for another. Organized, Secure and effective. The pathfinders were now able to concentrate on the ground before them and the tree fellas were able to progress more swiftly. As morale on the front line improved, I issued Spirit to all but the Youth and the water carrier. The beneficial effect on everyone gave rise to a Breeding Break.
At long last we had a firm grip on Potential.

Chapter 11

We were enjoying a period of consolidation at the top of the Valley. We were confident the measures we had undertaken would provide us with a respite from imminent danger, but there was no accommodation for complacency. The labour force had been industrious and a steady supply of timber was arriving from the tree line to feed the Flames of Freedom. Our territorial aspirations were a bold statement of intent. The labour was well organized and TY3 was a demanding taskmaster. As a result, we suffered few interruptions in our industry beyond the statutory Breeding Breaks. Security increased with the removal of every tree and the benefits were reaped immediately in a morale sense and well-being was improved. At long last, a return to peacetime appeared in the far distance.
At the top of the Valley, things were becoming increasingly organized. We had the Flames of Freedom burning, the barricade was of more effective construction and our rampart was engaged in growth. The tree felling was not as simple as I had anticipated. Before I had Potentialized, a tree was felled randomly and was collected when the opportunity arose. We were now systematic in our approach and with so many labouring above the tree line, the risk of accidents was very real. Anyone wishing to avoid a falling tree would have to move sharply. This was not so simple for the CUcolonNTs who were already harnessed to the timber they were hauling. Many had to prostrate themselves and used their loads for protection, but the element of chance was fickle. The timber was dragged to the barricades and stock piled for later use. Progress had been slow, but it had been consistent. We were able to concentrate upon this operation, largely because it was perceived to be the only area in which we were vulnerable. With every addition to the stockpile, it was a step closer to consolidation. The community was keen for the process to be hurried along, as they were uncomfortable with hostile exposure. There was a suggestion the trees could be burnt where they stood, without the need to fell and haul. It was ridiculous. We needed the timber to feed the Flames of Freedom.

The enthusiasm for breeding had developed in a way I had not thought possible. The CUcolonNTs were conscientious about the task and the COCs were regular visitors to the CAT compound. Roger could often be found there, discharging his duty. The random nature of the Breeding Program had been discussed frequently amongst the community, but to their great credit, they put these reservations to one side and bred without inhibition or encouragement. As the BP bore fruit, it would become necessary to divert labour further for the purposes of surrogacy and it would drain us, but it was a sacrifice necessary to develop our crop, an enviable bounty. I coveted this Program above all others, as it served to enhance the expansive aspirations of my longer term strategy.
Labour shortages had been an increasing burden as our Influence had extended. The boundaries were being harried and it required Security to consolidate these gains. The felling of the trees was an exacting operation. We had scouts clearing enemy territory of danger, the fellas to fell trees, the haulers of the timber to the Flames of Freedom, those digging the pit around the area of activity and all of those required to provide the Security on such a vast scale. The scaling of the east and west walls had been a drain. We were forever carving scalers from the spikes. The Centre of the Administration of Truth was not without its price. TY1 was a rare talent, but currently lacked the refinement that I had hoped for. We were being too literal in our definition of expendable.
I had an overview of the plain leading to the banks of the river. It was here that the elders were preparing for the next harvest of crop. Given our circumstances, I felt the labour to be inappropriately optimistic. The light work did not warrant an Equal contribution and such duties could easily be absorbed into our Potentialising Program (PP). We currently maintained a tripwire Security operation on the plain, but all Awareness Stations had to be fully maintained. Our objective was to provide the essentials the Valley needed to function, operate a complex CDP and absorb capital losses by use of the Potentialising Program. The wise assignation of labour when faced with meagre shortage was critical for the lubrication of purpose and I felt that a resolution was close by. The wonderful thing about precedent is its rich Potential.
The elders had been the subject of debate since the outbreak of the Great War. Long before my arrival, the community had developed a philosophy that governed their subsistence. The principle of Equality was a laudable one, but like all populist policies it threw up many issues that needed to be addressed. Equality relied on each individual in the community providing an Equal Portion, which entitled them to an Equal Portion in return. It was a gratifyingly simple concept and one I wished to be imposed rigidly. It came as a surprise to me when my comrades complained that I was trying to be too Equal. There was a suggestion that the principle of Equality should incorporate a degree of flexibility.
Roger visited me to discuss the issue and I detected frission.
“We are concerned that the elders are being called upon for labour that would not usually be regarded as appropriate for them.”
“Is that we, as in the elders, or we, as in the community as a whole?”
He paused to digest the point.
“I believe I was referring to the former.”
“And how would you have me define this group? By age, by size, eye colour. Provide me with a definition that can be simply imposed and we will act upon it.”
“I regret that is not possible. Some suffer physical frailty and some are now at a disadvantage mentally. It is not one sweeping term that is inclusive of all those unfit for work, more a question of due deference and respect for seniority.”
“This community exists by the principle of Equality, does it not?”
“Indeed, but the principle has always been interpreted to allow value of Portion to be provided in different forms. Those who reach a condition where they might not be as productive in physical terms as they once might have been, were allowed to contribute in other ways: offering counsel, support in times of crisis, a consideration for the development of the next generation and to guide us with the aid of precedence.”
“Not in my Valley, Roger. I have only recently lectured to the Youth on the importance of scrapping for the tiniest morsels of Portion and the need to pounce on Portion at every opportunity. It would be irresponsible of me to return to them and advise frivolity of Portion so shortly after advocating thriftiness. Roger, you spend your time luxuriating and giving consideration to negative and divisive thoughts and I think this is a direct result of you not being mentally and physically absorbed. It strikes me your devotion to philosophizing on anthropological issues may be ruinous to your sense of duty to the community. Perhaps you might like to contribute in a more practical sense.”
“Practical? What exactly did you have in mind?”
“Well, you might wish to enrol for the Wall Scaling Program (WSP). A volunteer would be novel and we are grateful for all the assistance that we can muster. It could provide a significant contribution to the welfare of the community, could it not?”
“My age and physicality might not make me a perfect candidate.”
“You are fit to make a contribution, are you not? An Equal contribution.”
“But I make a contribution already. I am the voice of the community. Its discourse filters through me and I digest it for purpose and nuance. Some say I have been gifted with a wise Spirit. Perhaps I am fortunate to catch the merest glimpses of the future, just the oblique outline here and there. But it is this tiny touch that provides me with illustration. And that is my Equal contribution.”
“A teller of fortunes?”
“Not fortunes, but futures.”
“Then you and I are at conflict. I place no value on events of the future and I am concerned only with the present.”
“You place no value on the future?”
“No.”
“How can that be?”
“Because we have never left the present.”
His demeanour confirmed that he was now disposed to my direction.

Chapter 12

The river had never presented us with a Security concern and it acted as a natural boundary. It was too fierce to be forged and we had been lucky not to lose a member of the community to its potent strength. The dog and I occasionally visited its banks and I would contemplate deeply in the prevailing silence. This was possible because every member of the community was deployed elsewhere. Even the CAT compound was deserted, as the CUcolonNTs were labouring. It was the quietest and most Secure spot in the Valley.
We were enjoying a period of great activity, but also a period of great communal Spirit. There seemed less preoccupation with subterfuge, as most of the community were labouring, breeding or resting and this left no energy for further distraction. I was not lax in my own Security arrangements, always aware of the threat from Hostage Takers and I was always accompanied by a detail from the SYC when I travelled to the tree line. Occasionally, we were confronted by a distant Attack Animal, but my guardians immediately dropped into their well rehearsed formation and did manoeuvres. Their loyalty was beyond question, as was their courage, but I still carried steel about me. The Flames of Freedom would roar in triumph as I passed and they were a heartening sight. I had always considered us to be Secure within the Valley whilst they were burning.
I was at the tree line overseeing some induction measures. The novice scouts were learning of the dangers of random berry foraging. Many were falling ill to vomiting and cramping. Common sense suggested that the enemy would never leave a beneficial crop in an area of such strategic import. It was whilst I was lecturing to the sick that I heard of a major enemy assault which had taken us by surprise.
Shouts from the barricades had gone unheeded, as had those from the Watch Tower. We were deafened by the retching all around us. Eventually, I felt a tugging at my side and discovered the water carrier desperately trying to attract my attention. He had been sent as a runner from the Valley. I heeded his pleas and followed him down the slope, noticing as I did the presence of an Attack Animal away to the west. Security was a relative term and there was much to be done.
“Come quickly!”
It was Roger.
“Come quickly to the plain. There is a calamity occurring! A real calamity. We are being invaded. As we concentrate our efforts at the top of the Valley, our enemy has attacked us from below!”
I was well used to paranoia, but decided to investigate the claim. The reason our Security had withstood the barrage thus far was a measured response to danger and not knee jerk reaction to circumstance. On this particular occasion, Roger had at least provided me with a valid cause for concern.
I viewed the plain and was met by a discouraging sight. I maintained a calm demeanour to set the tone and appraised. On the surface of the river itself, there was an enormous armada of enemy agents. They covered its surface and were immune to its raging torrent. They maintained position against its current and focused their attention on the Valley. They sat low in the water, with much of their body below the water line, but they had extended curved necks that provided all round visibility. Their heads were equipped with a brightly coloured beak, contrasting with their neutral markings. They only provided a limited target area and could move swiftly across the water to evade an assault. The thin, but powerful neck was the most likely point of exposure, but without an extensive knowledge of its weaponry, there was little we could do in response until we were engaged. I had never considered the possibility that we might have to defend ourselves on two fronts.
As I considered the options available to me, more enemy agents arrived to join the armada. The reinforcements flew in from further up the river gorge and fell straight into formation on the surface of the river. It was a practised routine which seemed to contradict the laws of natural science as they were enormous animals and yet they were able to stabilize their position in the river instantly. With the arrival of more and more of their number throughout yellow, they had gathered a frightening force, but their intention was not yet clear. With the arrival of blue, the whole community was congregated on the middle level or higher and we monitored the enemy to protect us from further unpleasantness.
I used the cover of blue to embark upon a reconnaissance mission. TY3 accompanied me. We managed to move onto the plain without being detected and used what cover we could find. The armada of agents had come ashore and was now brazenly destroying our crop. It was a classic scorched ground strategy. By destroying our crop, they intended to starve us from the Valley and it was a situation over which we had no control. If they were to continue their blockade, we would have no option but to confront them. It was a galling prospect as the enemy force had expanded so dramatically, they might well have outnumbered us. They had successfully established a bridgehead for their force and our initial objective was to prevent further incursion and then attempt repossession of our plain.
In the river, they were calm and exuded a serene air of invincibility. It was on ground that they were at their most vulnerable. They were certainly not very mobile, but took it upon themselves to explore our hinterland. There was no attempt at formation for the sake of safety and this only confirmed that they were a confident enemy. Their upper limbs which provided the power of flight were awesome weapons on the ground. They greatly multiplied the breadth of the beast when extended. Even the noise generated from this simple act gave the impression of enormous power. Their curiosity and pioneer Spirit grew and they moved freely and without inhibition. They moved among our livestock, but created no panic and we could only surmize that we were the intended victims. We could not leave the haven of the Valley and yet we were under threat there as well. We were being squeezed. Talk of peacetime had been premature.
Yellow saw the whole community taking overview. The extent of the problem was obvious and I was keen to discover our most effective method of engagement. From the outset I decided to adopt more traditional methods of warfare. The enemy did not congregate tightly and so there was no hope of simply shepherding them back to the water. The method of attacking them singularly had some appeal, but with the ever increasing size of their force, there was no guarantee of success. It was not possible to enter their midst to unsettle them, for the breadth of their upper limbs would certainly void any advantage that our mobility provided us. En masse or singular, this was a deadly foe. It was an invasion that I needed to repel.
We spent yellow observing behaviour, but it did not provide a consistent pattern we could adopt and develop a strategy around. Roger hovered. Eventually, he could contain himself no more and so I soothed him.
“We will wait for blue and then I will mount an operation to remove the Longneck blockade. If we are able to resupply with crop, then labour may continue above the tree line as before. I am no believer in coincidence and I am certain that one of the two threats is a distraction. It is a tactic the enemy employ to great effect. We are being forced to create a crack. I believe they are expecting a passive response and this assumption will provide us with advantage. But remember, the danger we face is multi-pronged.”
I took command of the raiding party. TY1 was in attendance and he led a brigade of Youth. I offered Roger the chance to join us, but he was modest about his purpose.
“I am certainly not as fleet of foot as I once was, should the occasion arise.”
“Fleetness of foot is only significant if one is trying to out run a predator. We are attempting to engage the enemy!”
I laughed.
I had feared we might be taken by surprise by the enemy in blue, but far from stumbling upon them in error and being forced into combat, they were visible in collective form on the river bank. I led the party to our stores on the plain and we arrived unmolested. We liberated all the crop we could and returned to the relative Security of the middle level. It was not a case for unbridled joy. Our preparedness was of no concern to the enemy. The Longnecks had made no attempt to prevent us from resupplying and it raised the unfortunate spectre that it might have been of supreme indifference to them. The liberated supplies would sustain the community for a period, but we required access to the plain in order to replenish for the long term. As an austerity measure, I reduced rations to all those not serving on the Edge.
Our observations indicated the numbers of Longnecks on the plain were increasing and it was vital we made our approach at the earliest possible chance. I was determined to avoid losses to enemy deceit and there had been further reports of enemy movement above the tree line, once again. TY3 had insisted we retained a scouting capacity, for it was likely that the enemy forces may combine to provide a concerted dual prong, but our Focus was on the Longnecks.
I addressed the CUcolonNTs, suggesting they might wish to volunteer for the attack party. They convinced themselves that their disabilities were prohibitive to the mission, but I detected that it was blind fear of the enemy. Like pleasure, fear lies largely in the anticipation. What I required was blind courage and so each CUcolonNT was fitted with a blindfold. It removed the anticipation.
Our force moved across the plain toward the enemy, with the Youth and I tucked behind our courageous defensive shield of CUcolonNTs, urging them forward. As we closed in, I signalled for the Youth to pause and we observed our blindfolded legion advance. Our attack strategy was effective and the blindfolded minions ventured intrepidly into the enemy ranks. The ensuing battle was a slaughter. As the CUcolonNTs had grown closer to the Longnecks, the enemy had reared up and spread their upper limbs in menacing fashion. It made for a very disturbing sight. Blinded by courage, the CUcolonNTs had pressed their attack, but were cut down and savaged. I had never believed this approach would serve much purpose beyond establishing the enemy capability, but I had been keen to remove the temptation of flight and the shackles about their lower limbs ensured that our survivors’ retreat was unhurried and it provided us with an extended opportunity to record our observations of enemy technique. Having closely inspected the injuries inflicted, I decided that blindfolds were not as advantageous as I might have hoped for. It had certainly provided for a courageous advance, but it restricted combat performance significantly. We had to engage the enemy fully and reSecure the relinquished ground they had inhabited.
The engagement was not textbook. It turned out that I had overestimated the desire of our enemy to relinquish the ground they had inhabited. I led a full force of Youth and CUcolonNTs to the plain and the battle was gratuitous in its savagery. I found myself climbing over our casualties in order to engage. The initial indicators had been promising, as we had clearly caught them unawares and they had been visibly startled. Both sides lacked cohesion and neither tried to capitalize by using the width down the flanks. I took repeated strikes, but accepted them philosophically. I cut a dash around the most obvious danger and lurched in from the rear. From this angle, I was able to deliver a savage pummelling. Unfortunately, my success was not Total (T) and I was soon the subject of enemy wrath. I was pecked into submission until I was prone and helpless.
Despite my inability to contribute, the Youth who had accompanied me were relentless in their barrages. They suffered terribly and I was moved by their courage. My next conscious memory was of TY2 engaged next to me, defending my prone form. Despite losses, the will to retrieve me from the battlefield was overriding and for a brief moment I thought I might make a return to safety. As our numbers diminished, then so did the prospect. I allowed myself a pause for reflection. I would dearly have loved to support the community struggle, but I was aware of my life forces dimming. I managed a final glance at the forlorn community standing on the lower level. They were silent and distraught. I understood it be the silence attendant to defeat in battle. With small movement, not wishing to attract attention, I viewed the scene about me. Had it not been for the sight of my fallen comrades, it would have looked as it would have done at anytime before the attack. The Longnecks were about their business unconcerned by events and they were content to leave me be.
I was at the point of departure when I noticed Roger push his way to the front of the crowd. I smiled, for he was complying with my wishes. He released the dog and it instinctively came towards me. My faithful dog, prepared to share my Fate. Its speed across the ground increased and it had a sense of purpose about it. I tried to raise myself to reward such beautiful loyalty, but the dog was passed me and I struggled to keep track of it. I had witnessed the Miracle of the Flame Beast, as told in community folklore, but I had never expected to be witness to a second miracle. Like an impatient surrogate, the dog herded and charged amongst the ranks of the Longnecks. I had accepted the futility of the gesture, but to my astonishment the Longnecks panicked. Despite their aggression and the extending of limbs, the dog was fearless and a few of the Longnecks were attended to quite rigorously before they were forced back into the river. Buoyed by success, the dog doubled its efforts and it was then the miracle happened; there was a stampede of Longnecks, but not in the direction of the Valley. For reasons unclear to me, they had chosen to retreat, rather than face a renewed assault. They had been so close to capitulation and the dog had just tipped the balance. Once back on the water, they recomposed themselves and took flight. The size of the adversary did not concern the dog once a technique developed. By charging the enemy directly, the prospect of a collision at speed was sufficient to demand evasive action from them. There was some reluctance to yield the occupied territory, but repeated charging eventually vacated the whole area. Some of the enemy lingered on the river, uncertain of the appropriate move. Any attempt to return to the river bank was now being violently discouraged.
There were huge cheers from the community, at which point my Trusty Youths rushed to my aid. The dog continued its stoic defence of the river bank and only deserted its station when it was certain that I was safe. My wounded comrades from the plain were treated. My litter was called for and the dog insisted on travelling aboard with me.
There was great deal of feasting to celebrate the Retreat of the Longnecks. There were songs written to my heroics and these were repeated over and over ad nauseam. Much as my modesty was disgruntled, I ordered the feasting and singing to continue.
Dog was awarded the highest award of the community. Honourable Among Equals Dog (HAED) or Dog. The ceremony was dignified and fully attended.

Chapter 13

Despite the beasting I had endured from the Longnecks, I could not allow myself the indulgence of a lengthy convalescence. Many CUcolonNTs had suffered similar affliction, but the savage probing from the Longnecks was a levy to be paid if we were to enjoy our freedom. Repelling such a dangerous enemy had generated satisfaction in the community, but inevitably there was a sense of unease at the prospect of further exposure to peril. We needed to adopt a more pro-active role in our Destiny, as currently we had no current control over its direction. Roger spoke for the community.
“We accept the necessity for an uncompromising stance in the face of an attack, but perhaps exploring any opportunities for negotiation might prove less costly to us.”
“When the Longnecks next reappear, Roger, you can meet with them and conduct negotiations.”
“That is not exactly what I had in mind, nor did the community.”
“Then speak your mind and that of the community.”
“You are well versed in the art of warfare. We may not know the specifics of your personal history, but your actions indicate that we have a need for your brand of expertise if we are to become Secure. No one would question your qualifications in these matters. But we are used to conducting our life peacefully and this whole affair is distasteful to us. The extringent internal searches that you have introduced within the Valley are very intrusive and extreme in any context. We understand the need for warfare, but not the extringent Security that you insist accompanies it. Any peaceful negotiation must be preferable.”
I sought clarification.
“You wish me to sue for peace, in return for the removal of inconvenient warfare.”
“Wherever possible, yes.”
I looked at my damaged body and the anger bubbled within me. The Longnecks had been intent upon occupation and there had been no basis for negotiation. I was numb. I had not expected a display of ingratitude. My options were limited, but the solution was simple.
“As soon as I am healthy, I will depart. I cannot abandon the course we have set and if this is not in keeping with the traditions of the Valley, then I must leave.”
I refused to listen further and I retired to my pallet.
I awoke to the sound of consternation. There were attempts to disturb my rest period, but TY2 had been stationed at the entrance to my dwelling and rejected all communal advance with the contempt it deserved. When I awoke again, the whole community could be found on the middle level practicing a vigil, awaiting my re-emergence. As Dog and I stepped out, spontaneous cheering erupted. It continued to the point of tedium. There were tears of gratitude, tears of relief and tears of concern. There was wailing and histrionics. I was placed on my litter so that I could address them.
“Comrades, why come ye unto me?”
Roger stepped forward.
“We have discussed the issues you have raised and we are desperate for you to reconsider your decision to leave.”
I considered the confession.
“Since my arrival, there have been various circumstances to contend with and not all have been to your liking. You assumed these events coincided with my presence, but the issues are unrelated. The events you have witnessed were in progress long before my Influence was felt, but you were blind to them. If this Valley is to survive, you must relinquish your complacency. It is this complacency that has left you vulnerable and plump.
“You question the intimate body searches to which the elders are subjected to, randomly and yet it is for your own Security. If the elders object to the treatment they receive, then it can only be because they do not share the concerns with the Security that the rest of us demand. You query the Breeding Program and say that it is not a natural process. I say unto you, verily, there is nothing natural about the process of survival.
“Equality is your foundation and it is sacred, but the share of Equality you receive is directly proportionate to the Portion you provide. Let us have no more discussion on matters of inconsistent treatment. We cannot survive unless we are prepared to make sacrifices. We must move forward and Secure the present from our enemies. If I am to continue to protect you then return to the duties to which you have been assigned. There are changes to come and you must prepare yourselves.”
The river had become a source of danger to the community, but we relied on it for all manner of things. It provided for our daily needs, but it had become an entry point for our enemies. The river provided us with value to our water wheel, but this had to be balanced against the threat we faced. Our Security had to be fluid.
A rigid fluidity had been achieved in the tree line. The community had been flabby and lacked discipline. The changes to enhance Security were not the cause of our problems, but rather the community’s attitude towards the changes. Unless we all shared the same vision, we would be impaired and I believed that it was the moment to delegate the burden more Equally.
My journey to the tree line, accompanied by the SYC, confirmed that levels of activity had been maintained, but only through encouragement and coercion. As yet, no amount of danger served as a motivation to hasten activity. I lingered over the pit that had been dug around the trees and whilst its progress was steady, the standards applied were deficient. Attention to detail was found wanting and I rectified in places. As the pit had been excavated, I had modified our defences further by introducing wooden stakes to reinforce them. They had been employed in the same manner that we had used for the base of the Valley walls. They extruded from the ground dangerously. I spoke to the labour force.
“Who accepts responsibility for the sharpening of the stakes?”
A number of COCs acknowledged their contribution and I summoned them to the edge of the pit to survey their handiwork.
“The purpose of this pit and the stakes within are for our Security, are they not?”
There was unanimous agreement. I pushed a COC into the pit. The impalement on the stakes was effective in that it disabled the COC instantly, but the screams were audible throughout the Valley and beyond. My point had been illustrated.
“Had those stakes been sharpened to a satisfactory level, then death would have been instant and the body would have simply slid their length. Instead, every enemy agent from far and wide would be forewarned as to our state of readiness and we would have lost advantage. I hope that there is no requirement to illustrate this point again.”
As I rested with Dog, enjoying victuals and Spirit, I was heartened by the number of COCs that came unto me, unconvinced by the levels of commitment of certain members of their group. I was also a little disappointed that some of the COCs already named by others had come unto me in order to deflect criticism from themselves. There was social tussling and I decided there was an obvious need to develop a middle class.
COC was regarded as a noble status and it contrasted sharply with that of the CUcolonNT. Both stations represented a different aspiration to the community. There was no opportunity for social relocation in our society. By the mutilations they had brought upon themselves, any social aspirations the CUcolonNTs might have harboured were futile. There was an opportunity for the COCs to socially relocate, but the mutilation to them that was necessary to complete the transformation would impact negatively on our labour demands. There had been dissent in areas that had surprised me and it was with this in mind, that I developed the communal award of COCcolonNT (Communal Office of Conscience: Negative Thoughts). The new social class required definition and I set about its classification.
Since the CUcolonNTs had been rehoused in the CAT compound on the plain and the marquee was now available for social housing, I decided it was here that we would accommodate our new sub class. We had resisted the temptation for any form of symbolic mutilation and the physical differences between the COCcolonNTs and the CUcolonNTs were largely confined to manual dexterity and tonguing issues.
Their relative positioning on the food chain of Equality developed rapidly. The higher up the food chain, the smaller the apertures in the colander through which their sustenance was passed. Inevitably, the solids were sifted as the supply filtered down. The COCcolonNTs were downgraded and provided with an intermediary colander. They were able to retain solids with a medium aperture. The CUcolonNTs came to rely on a liquid diet, but they developed their own initiatives to supplement their diet. The respective dietary expectations were inextricably linked to the relative apertures of the colanders on the food chain of Equality and they provided us with a clear distinction between our upper, lower and middle classes. By coincidence, under the same criteria, the COCs’ status had been elevated and it was a desirable aspiration for those below.
I spoke with Trusty Youth 3 as to how we might best incorporate the COCcolonNTs into the CDP. Our options were limited only by our ambition. There were facets of policy that had attracted no volunteers. The Youth were keen, but they were not expendable. I had long since been of the opinion that we should incorporate a more conspicuous expansionism into our strategy. The lack of significance we placed on this area reflected our lack of communal expectations. They had been governed by a more introspective doctrine and it had blinded the community to the possibilities that lay beyond. I had been conducting a counter-strategy up to this point in the Great War and pre-empting enemy assaults on us was sapping. From within the confines of the Valley, we were in acceptance of our Fate, but with intelligence from further a field, we might gain some control over Her Destiny. It would be a hazardous policy, but the Potential return was spectacular.
I gathered five pairs from our new middle class to explain their purpose. They were riddled with aspiration and eager to please. Even as I explained the hazardous nature of the plans I was proposing, their enthusiasm for the glow of recognition remained effervescent. They became filled with their own self import. The prospect of social ascendancy is a supreme leveller.
“Pairs! You are to be pioneers for the community and your successes will be recorded in the First Clause of Cause! You have witnessed the assaults on us and the heavy toll they take on us. It is not a position that we can sustain and we must act swiftly to provide Security for the Valley.
“You will leave the Valley as pioneers and report back with your observations. If you are successful, you will receive rewards and patronage.”
They positively drooled at the prospect and exhibited nervous, excited gesturing.
Pioneer Pair 1 (PP1: terra firma ascendancy) was sent to explore the summit of the crag that dominated our Valley and the area beyond. The likelihood of danger from that direction was remote, given the nature of the terrain, but the mission was necessary to dispel doubt.
Pioneer Pair 2 (PP2: terra firma east) was sent eastwards to explore for possibilities. It was to report on any enemy manoeuvres that were being conducted in that direction.
Pioneer Pair 3 (PP3: terra firma west) was issued with similar instructions, but the direction was westwards.
My instructions to the remaining Pioneer Pairs were different. Pioneer Pair 4 (PP4: aqua east) was to travel by river and would explore the east, with the river current to their advantage. They would have to fashion a suitable craft for the purpose. Pioneer Pair 5 (PP5: aqua west) was to travel in a westerly direction, against the river current. They would also be required to build a suitable craft for the purpose.
The difficulties in constructing a suitable craft initially lay in design. The only working model available for imitation was the Longneck and we were unable to replicate every nuance. Our next obstacle arose when it became apparent the Pioneering Pairs 4 and 5 were unwilling to co-operate on a design project. The rivalry spilled over into espionage and sabotage. I promoted the concept of teamwork and the results were monumental.
As a society, we needed lateral dimensions to extend our parameters and provide us with a solid cognitive basis for our fresh perspective and it was my hope for these missions to provide us with clues helpful for survival.
The first three pairs disappeared beyond the barricades wallowing in the adulation their departure caused amongst the community. The departure of PP4(aqua east) allowed no opportunity for adulation, as their craft simply disappeared from sight, carried by the mighty power of the river.
PP5 (aqua west) eventually resorted to pushing their craft up river against the current. The water level did not rise above mid-lower limbs. Whilst their footholds were precarious, their progress was steady and they were gone as well.
I had ambitious plans and these missions were central to our Destiny.

Chapter 14

The river was to play a huge part in my plans for the Valley. Whilst the benefits to the community were obvious, the river had illustrated its Potential to threaten us. We had managed to harness some of the benefits with our water wheel, but there were elements over which we had no Influence. The illusion that the river enhanced the Security of the Valley had been shattered and communal paranoia received a new impetus, but I was not convinced by the long term viability of our relationship with the river. The nature of the two simultaneous threats we faced could not contrast more sharply. In the tree line, we were able to observe tangible returns for our labour and our Security was significantly enhanced by its operation. Our Influence above the Valley had been consolidated by a series of Temporary Mobile Watch Towers (TMWT)s. I was not convinced that I would receive an Equally Secure return on such an investment in new labour with an unfamiliar undertaking such as the river. I needed to analyze the Potential provision the river offered us more closely.
With a hint of reluctance on my part, but driven by the desire to firm up strategy, I engaged Roger in conversation.
“Describe the river and its purpose to the community, Roger.”
“It is our lifeblood. Without it, we would be unable to sustain life.”
“Do you mean there is no other source of water available to us, or is it merely a convenient supply?”
“To suggest that there is a more convenient supply is fatuous, regardless of the threat from the Longnecks.”
“Remove convenience from the equation and what else endows the river with purpose to the Valley?”
“It is a Potential source of nutrition, for it is generously stocked with water dart. The dart provides us with an occasional supplement to our diet. We are careful not to over burden the river with our demands, for we have to pay heed to the demands of our future.”
“So you would gladly sacrifice the specific needs of the present, to Secure provender for the future?”
Roger did not contest the point, for he knew it to be folly.
“It provides us with a distraction. The manner in which we seduce the dart is relaxing and the supplement it provides is a bonus. It is an activity common to us all and has become a symbol of our continuity. The river is a propitious host and for that we are grateful.”
I was ambivalent towards both leisure and misappropriated metaphysics.
I was not prepared to accept the river as a philanthropic presence and it was an element over which I wished to exert some Influence. I would have to remould our attitudes to accommodate this new perspective towards the river, as we no longer relied upon it for sanctuary. I had no objection to our taking a more robust posture and the value of the river dart as a nutritional resource was very appealing. Since the menace of the Longnecks became apparent, our relationship with the river had foundered and there was no purpose to be served by ignoring its Potential.
We considered several options to harvest the dart. It was an abundant resource that was freely available, but it required an economic method of extraction. Labour was tight. Our first endeavours were technically sound. We constructed a timber platform on the river bank and from it we were able to locate the greatest densities of dart in the water. They hung in the current and remained inert, presenting us with an easy target. A volley of stones rained down on their position and this attack was supplemented by the use of slingshot. We enjoyed modest success, but the inherent flaw in our plan became obvious immediately. On the occasions that dart succumbed to our attentions and rose involuntarily to the surface, the current swept them downstream away from our grasp. It had proved to be a technical success, but a practical failure.
Trusty Youth 1 had spent protracted periods nestling with a COCcolonNT and I was assured the activity was for the provision of fruitful practice. TY1 had been invested with the responsibility of providing sustenance without the application of labour. The necessitate for Security had provided a labour shortfall for our agricultural demands and I could see no way of redressing this imbalance whilst we were on a war footing. Sustenance that did not demand cultivation had a hearty appeal to me. Dart had the Potential to remove our dependence on agricultural produce.
If our Dart Program (DP) fulfilled its promise, I was convinced we had solved our nutritional problems for the duration of wartime. As a fringe benefit, our land would remain fallow and fertile until we were able to recultivate it once again. The only contrary aspect of this proposal that I could envisage was the heavy reliance on timber. The increasing appetite of the Flames of Freedom had pumped a stronger pulse to production above the tree line, but progress had been stolid rather than dramatic. The operation was clinical, but impervious to a sudden increase in demand. There was a suggestion that we had Focused too heavily on the employment of timber in our defences, but the stakes in our pit could be packed no less densely if they were to be effective. On this point, I was adamant and I would not be deterred. The enterprise had evolved to cater for our optimal Security demands and the rate at which it could be achieved was a secondary concern. Our Dart Program warranted economies elsewhere if we were to supplement our new ambitions.
The Dart Program needed a smokehouse and a dart store, both of which required complete timber lengths for construction and these could only be obtained from the tree line. These constructions were vital, as we needed to process and then store the dart for future purpose. The necessary economies to maintain the Flames of Freedom would have to be found from within the Valley. It was with this in mind that I toured all dwellings and ordered them to be emptied of furniture, pallets and any other indulgences. It provided an excellent supply of timber. There was consternation amongst the community of course, but I dismissed it as a result of trauma. Wartime could sap the strength awfully. Our new stockpile of fuel grew impressively and recompensed for our deficiencies elsewhere.
On the plain, the construction of the smoke house and store forced us to extend our labour resources and exact more Potential. The rampart we had constructed beyond the Flames of Freedom gave us an unforeseen advantage in our efforts, as it provided us with a duplicity I had not previously considered. Instead of transporting the felled trees to the barricades from the tree line in a traditional fashion, with harnessed CUcolonNTs to prevent uncontrolled acceleration, we devised a method to allow gravity a more conventional role. The timber was simply lined up with the rampart and released. In this way, the timber enjoyed a lively descent, before coming to rest upon the newly cultivated defences, which served as a buffer. It was at this point, the CUcolonNTs were attached to provide a curb on velocity for its onward descent to the plain. Inevitably, with such a high risk strategy there were a few misfortunes, but the freshly harvested timber was delivered via the western descent to the plain below. The vast new resource that we had gleaned from the dwellings was carried upwards on the eastern path. There was a rewarding neatness in the arrangement.
The smoke house on the river bank was completed. We were confident we would be able to process our dart in a large smoke oven and that it would be preserved in a satisfactory manner to sustain the community without all of the ongoing daily preparations demanded by our current system. The second construction was to be for storage, but until we reaped a harvest, its final specifications remained flexible.
I gave the water dart my Total Focus. The elders who had been conscripted for the chance to scale the Valley walls were not allowed to remain idle. The DP (Dart Program) required a large net weaved from twine and our perspective scalers were set to it as they waited their turn to scale. They were not nimble, but they were dogged. It was a huge undertaking and the production of twine was a lengthy one. Finally, we were in a position to seduce dart on a large scale.
The net was dragged to the river bank and laid flat. Two CUcolonNTs were employed to ford the river, carrying one end of the net and a large stake to the opposite bank. Because of the CUcolonNTs limitations, TY1 and I bravely took to the river and made our way across, stopping periodically to secure the bottom of the net to the river bed. Once on the far bank, we drove the stake into ground and attached the net to it, then returned to our own bank, for Security’s sake. The apertures in the net were of an optimal size, calculated to harvest all dart. We had no experience to guide us and so we retired to supervise labour elsewhere in the Valley.
When TY1 and I eventually revisited the river bank, we were shocked by our discovery. Of the net, there was no sign. The stake driven into the far bank had snapped and our entire apparatus had disappeared. As a result, we had to reforage for materials, so that another net could be produced. Under encouragement and the operation was repeated. We thought better than to leave it to its own devices and TY3 and I settled down to observe. With almost indecent haste, the stakes supporting the net on both sides of the river began to creak. Initially, we thought it was the power of the river causing the phenomenon and feared that the whole scheme was doomed to failure – the first since my arrival in the Valley, but there was a strident cheer from the platform that we used to gain overview. I realized that the creaking was the result of our catch. We engaged our net hauling routine, but to land our catch safely we had to send to the tree line for extra labour. What we discovered did not so much startle, but stagger us. Within the confines of the net was a weight of water dart that was beyond the stretch of any sane imagination. Even the normally po faced Roger looked amazed as he saw the net writhe and heave. It moved as a single entity. It was a result beyond my expectations and I issued immediate instructions for the smoke house to be extended to twice its current provision, in order to process our new resource. We disentangled our catch from the huge net and created piles. It was critical that the dart was treated and stored swiftly.
The intention had been to smoke the dart in a confined space using a smoky fire. The smoke house boasted a unique design that enabled us to hang the catch so they would cure whilst the bonfire burnt below. We settled to wait for the completion of this process, but it was not without its problems. Evidently, a bonfire had been a misjudgement, as soon the whole building ignited. It was reduced to ashes with remarkable brevity. The process was successful in that the smoked dart we recovered tasted magnificent, but there had been a miscalculation. The loss of the catch was of no consequence, for no sooner had we returned the net to the river, then it quivered and strained for retrieval.
Whilst we waited for our new smoke house to be constructed, we experimented with different smoking variants. To mitigate the chance of combustion, we shaved the timber in fine fashion and it smouldered, rather than ignited. The shaving procedure required labour. In order to maintain a sense of proportion and to heighten our sense of appreciation, victuals could only be received now in return for an Equal weight in wood shavings. An exchange program of sorts. Resource for resource. Wood was shaved liberally from structures throughout the Valley and this provided us with smoking material.
Our new smoke house was completed. It was larger than the original, reflecting our bold optimism. We had continued our harvest and the dart was piled high and undulatingly across the plain, regardless of our capacity to process it. Roger was uncertain of this strategy.
“Surely, removing the dart for no other reason than to remove it is not a very productive approach?”
Roger’s horizons extended as far as his Influence.
“What exactly is wrong with the strategy, Roger?”
“It is wasteful. It is the capture and killing of good resource for no purpose.”
He suffered congenital myopia.
“Capture by this method serves a dual purpose. We land, smoke and store the dart, providing us with supplies in abundance. At a stroke, we also remove the stock of dart and deny its benefits to our enemy. We are exerting pressure and in doing so we have taken the initiative.”
The net was repeatedly stretched across the river and it took a great deal of labour to bring the catch to the bank.
Our storage facility was nowhere near large enough and it disappointed me to watch huge quantities of smoked dart being returned to the river. I ordered that the store be doubled in size. The process of smoking could not be accelerated, but the sight of surplus writhing on the bank provided inspiration and I decreed a feast. Everyone was gratified and ate their fill. We enjoyed the fresh approach taken by the CUcolonNTs. Gluttony had never been so erudite. They were limited by mutilation, but such nutriment represented a delicacy to their palate and they were keen to exploit the opportunity. They developed a technique by which they burrowed tunnels through the piles of dart, gorging as they went, providing comic value for the rest of us. The removal of the dart from the river became an obsession to us. Long after our requirements had been sated, the only good dart was a dead dart.
My orders to extend the storage facility once again were not met with unanimous approval. Not surprisingly, it was Roger who spoke up.
“We are delighted with the provisions of dart; we appear to have adequate supplies without further extension to the original facility and we have no timber to spare. Already these extensions have made significant incursions into ground required for the cultivation of crop and pasture for our livestock. We cannot sacrifice these facilities in order to store smoked dart.”
“The ground you speak of, what guarantees does it provide unto a community that has suffered the hideous privations of warfare? A community that has come to believe that hunger is an acceptable method of survival? What shall I say to that community? I am sorry that you have delighted in the prospect of regular victuals with no ration, but Roger wishes to return the ground to cultivation, so we can survive in accordance with the laws of chance and complacency. Roger, provide me with some logic to sustain your contention. I cannot go unto the community with your recommendations and advise them to risk their survival on unsubstantiated promise.”
Roger had alluded to an issue to which I was sensitive. I had to Potentialise timber. I toured the tree line with Dog and I noticed the density of the stakes in our protective pit. It was an area ripe for economy. The pit was an effective defence because it was filled with the deadly stakes, but it was an obvious trap and easy to avoid. The stakes were ostentatiousness and it rendered them ineffective. However, we needed the stakes for our wood shaving requirements and so I requisitioned them for the Shaving Program (SP). The Dart Program had extracted more effort from us than I had anticipated. I had no intention whatsoever of diminishing our defences in the tree line and with the water carrier for guidance, a team of CUcolonNTs were ordered to fill our Security pit and create a water feature. These extringencies provided us with the wood shavings we needed for the smoke house.
Back on the river bank, the capture of the dart continued, but the quantities were diminishing. This was of no consequence; it was our intention to completely drain the river of its stock, providing us with the monopoly. I felt that this was the point at which the Great War had turned in our favour.

Chapter 14a

The Dart Program (DP) had garnered our entire wartime provisions and whilst the inspiration owed much to TY1 and me, there had been a fruitful contribution at concept stage from a COCcolonNT. The Security of the Valley was indebted to the DP for everlasting sustenance, and by the progression of logic, the fruitful COCcolonNT merited recognition. To compound my inner debate, there was a zealous COCcolonNT involved in the Breeding Program whose unfettered approach to the task had been so driven that it had invited gossip. The community relied on contributions for its well-being and in both cases the benefit to the community was disproportionate to our expectations. I dedicated thought to the matter and I concluded that such crusading Spirit must be rewarded by Social Elevation.
I called Roger unto me.
“I believe we possess a young livestock that has not been procured in the ways of Equity, and it has become fatted. Verily, verily, bring the corpulent young livestock unto middle level and we will feast.”
“If we slaughter the livestock, we are unable to replace it.”
“If we do not slaughter the livestock, it will succumb to obesity. Verily, do as I ask unto you and suffer the community to come unto me.”
The Feast of the Greedy Young Livestock was an occasion of solemnity and joy. For the participating COCcolonNTs, it was a renaissance. A social reconfiguration of great spiritual significance. The whole community gathered to witness the ceremony.
The etiquette for the occasion had not been previously determined and it owed much improvisation. I faced the recipients of Social Elevation and in a tremulous roar that rang through the Valley, I began.
“You no longer accommodate CUcolonNT! There is no CUcolonNT left in you!”
The COCcolonNTs responded.
“I am no longer tempted by CUcolonNT, the source of all evil! Get behind me tempting CUcolonNT!”
The responses were repeated three times. This part of the ceremony was surprisingly poignant and my cheeks moistened copiously. The subjects went on to perform circles and make elaborate hand gestures. The significance of the dance was lost to me, but it had been included in the ceremony by request.
The final act was to hold Dog’s gaze. Dog was our most decorated comrade and it was deemed as an act of humility. Dog remained mobile throughout the event and this introduced the initiative element to proceedings, for gravitas purposes. Finally, I touched the COCcolonNTs and roared:
“You are COCs! You are COCs! You are COCs! There is no CUcolonNT that can tempt you now!”
With their negative thoughts and negative aspirations expelled, the two reupgraded COCs were restored to full social benefits.

Chapter 15

We accelerated our wall scaling activity, but the results were prone to ambiguity. Previously, it was common enough for us to find the scalers impaled on the stakes at the base of the Valley walls, but this had become a less frequent occurrence recently. Now our scalers simply disappeared. Whilst it was not a critical issue, as the community would have greater challenges to face, it was the sapping of morale that caused me the greatest concern. The psychological damage inflicted by these events provided a clear indication of the enemy strategy. We had to withstand mental anguish and produce a retort of our own.
Fortunately, I was a master in psychological warfare. As blue fell, I would induce the CUcolonNTs to step beyond the Flames of Freedom and dance, partaking of Spirit and goading the enemy with a casual attitude. In doing so, we psychologically diminished our foe. The Attack Animals would forage at the tree line and feign indifference. I would release our scouts to engage them, but our quarry would retreat leaving us with Secure boundaries, but a sense of frustration. Our defence of the Valley had been largely successful, but we needed to counter strike.
I was alerted to a commotion at the barricade. The CDP moved in lubricated fashion and we were instantly battle ready. A Youth look-out from the Watch Tower had arrived bearing the news of a Potential threat.
“There are two agents heading in this direction.”
“Is their manner scary?”
“Could be.”
There were occasions when I had to interpret a Youthful response, as their reports had a tendency to lack the perspective I required. On this occasion, I accepted the approach of two scary agents as a justifiable cause for alarm. TY2 and I left the Valley surreptitiously and sought to intercept our foe. At the point of contact, I almost delivered steel to the intruders, but was prevented from doing so by TY2. This had the fortunate consequence of sparing the lives of Pioneer Pair 3, returning with their report from the west. However, the detail they provided was an enormous shock to us.
On our safe return to the Valley, the whole community gathered around to hear the news. Addled with fear from their encounters beyond the Security of the Valley, PP3 were unable to provide a coherent account of all that they had witnessed. Shaking and nervous whisperings formed the basic pattern of their behaviour and this produced an unwelcome lull in communal Spirit. I decided that the relevant information might be retrieved in less ostentatious surroundings in the Centre for the Administration of Truth. To the untrained eye, some of the interrogation methods might have appeared severe but we found ways to occupy ourselves during the bouts of unconsciousness the Pair insisted upon. The nature of the information we received was so disturbing that TY1 and I initially felt the Pair must be serving as double agents for our enemy, sent back to inflict the maximum psychological damage upon us. Both halves of the Pair presented exactly the same version of events and they could not be discouraged from doing so. Either our enemy had superlative powers of indoctrination, or we had problems that the wildest mind could not have conceived.
PP3 had travelled west, ripe with aspiration for their rewards to come. They had not travelled far before they had encountered Attack Animals garrisoned in the base of a large bank of ground. The Attack Animals were an enemy Security measure, as their position protected a large rock arch way, the path through which led deeper into enemy territory. PP3 claimed to have resisted the temptation to pursue the devious foe and fall prey to their concealed traps and had broken through the defensive line, passing under the rock archway. The report was fantasy.
My suspicions had first been aroused by the apparent ease with which the Pair had said that they brushed passed the Attack Animal colony. A veteran would have a titanic struggle to survive, but a novice scout would have been slaughtered immediately. The realms of fantasy were extended gossamer thin and it became clear that their reintroduction to our Valley was any enemy ploy; a deliberate attempt to undermine our communal resolve. It was suggested that further to the West, there existed an inhabited valley, much the same as ours, sharing the same river gorge and craggy summit. Testimony became incoherent and I withdrew, calling the Trusty Youths to me. I was in solemn mood.
“It has begun. We must now raise ourselves above the shadow that the enemy has cast. The testimony we have witnessed can leave us in no doubt that there are Mobile Enemy Destabilization Units (MEDU)s in operation all about us. We need one final effort at extraction to discover the locations of the MEDUs that threaten us.”
There were nods of assent. They knew what had to be done.
The minds of PP3 were receptive only to our enemy’s deviancy and destabilization, but it was the inevitable price of blind aspiration. Unable or unwilling to be loyal to me, PP3 were proving to be a fickle pair and their exertions finally took their toll. As Best Purpose dictated, their corpses were entered into the food chain of Equality at the middle level.
I ordered the Flames of Freedom to be redoubled in size. However delusional Pioneering Pair 3 may have become, their mental condition suggested a threat of some kind existed. The Flames of Freedom had delivered us Security thus far, but I could not take this new threat lightly. The new development prompted a discussion as to our paucity of resources. I drew attention to the vast number of wooden dwellings that lay vacant as a result of Social Realignment Program (SRP) and reminded the community of the supremacy of Best Purpose in all matters. It was not long before these redundant structures were being dismantled and all flammables were carried to the Flames of Freedom. And what a signal they sent to our enemy; we are obstinate.
We had to begin MEDU-busting operations immediately. The Mobile Enemy Destabilization Units were mobile and covercious, which meant their appearance was going to be difficult to predict. I decided on a singularly diverse approach; a Focused raiding party, moving with a sense of lateral possibility. This allowed us to be Totally Focused on everything, all the time, simultaneously; a unique strategy in my experience. The Trusty Youths were clearly impressed when I explained the principles of Total Focus (TF) to them.
“How has no other leader before you ever thought of such a brill simple attack strategy, using it in conjunction with the complex psychological exertions that you favour? It is a privilege to be in your company.”
“Thank you, TY1.”
I did not wish to encourage the idolatry element to my role in the community, but the office of responsibility was a burden that I did not take lightly. The First Clause of Cause deserved a truly worthy vignette and it would be on this vignette that posterity would ponder on when it considered my contribution.
I took the bold decision to move out of the Valley in search of the MEDUs (Mobile Enemy destabilization Units) as soon as I was ready. TY1 was left to quell any nerves in the Valley. The MEDU-busting party consisted of TYs 2 and 3, along with TYWs 7, 28, 29, 31 and 43. We took a few CUcolonNTs along with us as porters. They were a nervous bunch and I had to do some nerve quelling of my own. Dog was insistent about accompanying us on this occasion and as the most highly decorated member of the community, I would have been churlish to refuse the suggestion. Dog patrolled at point.
We knew we were hunting a guiley foe, but our Total Focus approach meant that we quickly beaded reconnaissance Attack Animals on the slope to our left. The innocent foraging routine they employed was a sure sign that we were to come under attack; the final ingestion of the vital nutrients to fuel the strike. The Attack Animal was not prone to surplus movement, reserving its energy for precision at speed. The concoction we had received from Pioneer Pair 3 ceased to hold credibility, as inexperienced scouts could not have repelled a force this size. We needed to reach the rock arch way beyond the enemy killing ground and as a last resort, I sent Dog to confront the enemy. The Attack Animals set about running their lines, but Dog cross-countered. The venerated courage of our most respected warrior was vivid and as our enemy scattered with just the bobbing of their little white tails in departure to distract us, we continued on our way.
Once through the rock arch way, we were able to regroup and consider our options. Dog had rejoined us as soon as safety had permitted and it was panting with battle lust. It was certainly at this point that PP3 had been destabilised by the MEDU. I could sense it, and the others confirmed that there was distinct hue of destabilisation present in the area. Strategically, it was a critical position to hold and I ordered TYs 28 and 29 to guard the rock arch way at the threat of death until we returned. They agreed.
A MEDU (Mobile Enemy Destabilization Unit) is difficult to track when covertly implemented and they can assume almost any form. We were going to have to locate it, assess it and destroy it and then turn our attentions to the next devious target. I assumed we had entered neutral enemy territory, as it was eerily quiet. The terrain was identical to that on our side of the rock arch way and it shared the same craggy summit. It bore an uncanny resemblance to the surroundings of our own Valley. We proceeded cautiously, with TY3 and I scouting and we began to notice the occasional signs of habitation. Foot prints had been captured in bald ground and the tree line above the slope had been harvested. It was in the tree line that we established our first Lay Up Point (LUP) and once inside it, we could view any activity in the immediate area.
Having established our cover, TY2 and I moved down the slope until we came to a well used pathway and we followed it. We were astonished to discover that it led to the entrance of an inhabited valley. We took immediate covercious action and scouted for a spot from which we had comprehensive Overview of proceedings in the valley below.
From our new Overview, the geography of the western valley was similar to our own. It was dominated by the river below and by the craggy summit above. The valley was similarly tiered, but the western constructions there were less regimented and more disorganized than in our Valley. In our Valley, there were flanking pathways running parallel to the Valley walls, but the enemy relied on a solitary path running through the heart of the community. The river plain provided for cultivation, as did ours, but there were no signs of Potentialisation or any stock piling activity and their whole attitude to existence was happy slappy.
The enemy was obviously an arrogant group and gave no indication of concerns for their Security, clearly believing that they had us safely under siege. We had cut their communication lines when we harried the Attack Animals and they were oblivious to our presence. TYWs 28 and 29 would not allow the Attack Animals to retreat through the rock arch way to warn the western MEDU (Mobile Enemy Destabilization Unit) of the danger that we posed.
The features of the valley that monopolized my attentions were not one, but two water wheels on the river bank. Industrially, this valley was twice as strong as our own. The two water wheels had been installed in such a way that every operation in the valley was reliant on the rotation they provided. There were few areas in which labour was required and the level of dependence made the water wheels obvious targets for sabotage, as the economic effect would be catastrophic. TY2 surveyed the scene, looking puzzled. Clearly clarity was necessary on pertinent points.
“Master? If this is a MEDU, then it does not appear to be very mobile?”
It was an interesting point, but it belied a degree of naivety. I was a little frustrated at the lack of natural fresh perspective.
“Of course it is a MEDU! It is an Advanced Semi-Permanent MEDU (Advanced Semi-Permanent Mobile Enemy Destabilization Unit) and it means we are in far more danger than I originally thought. A scorched ground AS-PMEDU policy is a lethal one for any community that offers resistance. The only other option is destabilization and you have seen the terrible effect that had upon PP3.”
There was another feature that greatly concerned me and that was the large number of craft that bobbed in unison on the river, all attached to its bank. They looked as if they had been more purposefully designed than ours and they were far superior to our own efforts. These could not be craft employed for capturing dart, as there were none to be had and I could only assume their purpose was more sinister.
TY2 and I were relieved of stag by TY3 and a couple of TYWs. We retreated to our LUP in the enemy tree line and passed our new guard formation which had been developed following our previous experiences. It was well into blue when TYW31 returned from the Overview with news.
“Come. Follow. There is much to view.”
I needed no second bidding and did as I was requested.
Observing from our Overview, I was in for a nasty shock. Below us, every member of the community from the western valley had congregated on the river plain. They formed a neat semi-circle around a large fire and detail of the spectacle was more obvious to us as a result. The whole gathering began a pagan ritual of some sort that was accompanied by chanting and drumming. Using Total Focus (TF), I was able to absorb every nuance of the events below me and my practised eyes roamed opportunistically, tracking weakness. The very public nature of the activity and its ritualized format, suggested an execution. Central to the plot of this ongoing drama were several characters whose heads were shrouded beneath hoods. They sat on the ground before the community and were subjected to oratories from various communal sources and this was followed by a great deal of gyration from a dancing troupe of youth.
As this part of the elaborate ceremony drew to a conclusion, the hooded figures were encouraged to make a solemn declaration to the gathered audience, the content of which was lost to distance. Once it was completed, there was cheering and a communal embrace. My execution theory had been a little wayward and an initiation appeared to be a more probable conclusion. The individuals that had been hooded had their hoods cast aside and were once again subjected to communal embrace by those around. I ceased to absorb much beyond this point, as the initiates originated from our Valley. Pioneer Pair 5, who had been sent to explore the river flow westwards, were being hugged so vigorously that I feared for them. Many of our missing wall scalers lost to dispelling doubt were among the number and the Potential consequences of the scene before me was frightening. Our enemy was now operating snatch squads, abducting Hostages from of our community from our Valley peripheries. The Hostages had been brought to the AS-PMEDU and had undergone the evil metamorphosis that waited for them there. I wept. I had failed them, but I would not fail others who still relied on me for their Security.
The Great War was delicately poised and I could not risk an impetuous display of force which might hamper future operations. Shamefaced at having to abandon the Hostages to their Fate, we retreated to the Valley. I was still undecided as to our next course of action. TYs 28 and 29 were left to Secure the rock arch way, whilst Dog cleared our passage of Attack Animals. But I was oblivious to the dangers about me. My strategy would require alterations and the prospect of a return to peacetime disappeared from view.

Chapter 16

The return to our Valley from our mission in the west was not the triumph I had envisaged. I was able to offer limited reassurance to the community, but even this was negated at being informed of Pioneering Pair 2’s return and they were waiting for me with more disturbing news. PP2 had been selected to travel eastwards and report on the circumstances they discovered there. I had felt confident that it would be a cursory perusal to satisfy our curiosity and confirm that there was no immediate danger to us from that direction. The simultaneous attacks from the tree line, the Longnecks and the western AS-PMEDU (Advanced Semi-Permanent Mobile Enemy Destabilization Unit) had stretched me strategically, but I remained confident that I had wielded our resources effectively in defence. However, from the moment PP2 began the account of their findings in the east, I felt certain that we were doomed. The account bore too many coincidences to our discoveries in the west for it to be a formulation. To the east, another AS-PMEDU had been discovered, positioned in a valley in facsimile to its ally in the west. It shared both our river gorge and our craggy summit and was similarly tiered. A large crowd had gathered about the beleaguered Pair in order to hear of these disturbing discoveries and I was powerless to prevent the communal flickering of paranoia developing into a beacon of melancholic defiance. The concerns of the community were vibrant with justification.
The valleys inhabited by our enemies and ourselves had a great deal in common. The most obvious example was that all three relied on the river gorge for their industry and this provided us with no obvious advantage. As the dual accounts lacked synchronicity, I elected one of the Pair to speak descriptively.
“Master, the situation in the east is similar to that you have described in the west and we are heavily out numbered once again. The eastern valley enjoys vast resource and life there is complacent and plump. This plump complacency stems from their employment of two water wheels to provide for their labour demands.”
There was stimulation in the crowd and a puff of snakiness. I decided that it was an opportune moment for communal reassurance. I intended to milk their venom and reintroduce it with pernicious precision.
“The presence of two water wheels in both the eastern and western valleys is a distinct advantage to us, as it indicates their industry lacks balance. In our Valley, we invest half of our industrial expectation in the water wheel and the other half in labour. If something was to interrupt our mechanised output, we are not beholden to a solitary resource. Having one water wheel provides us with a greater Equipoise. They do not share our foresight and have become reliant on mechanization. This reliance means they are vulnerable to the sabotage of that singular provider.”
Not everyone shared my steely sense of realism and this irked me. There was more to report.
“Master, the eastern valley has a huge armada anchored to their banks, a vast number of overly fatted livestock grazing on its luscious plain and a root crop that is so ripe it is bursting from the ground. They have no need to store sustenance as we do, for they have such variegated, sustainable resource streams that they could never be adversely afflicted by curse or plague.”
The opportunity to calm communal twitching appeared before me.
“Our enemy is so arrogant that it does not even harvest its crop! Such is the outrageous confidence of the eastern AS-PMEDU (Advanced Semi-Permanent Mobile Enemy Destabilization Unit), that it believes we will soon be servile to their demands for labour to harvest their crop!”
There was worse to come. The conclusion of the report served to compound the psychological damage already heaped upon us.
“Master, I regret that many amongst their number there are those who have their origins in this Valley. We recognized PP4 and many of the wall scalers who have disappeared whilst dispelling doubt. They have undergone a social readjustment that has left them complacent, incapable of self discipline and they spend their yellow squelching in frivolity.”
I turned unto the crowd and inhaled the sickly pungence of impotent subjugated choler into my nostrils.
“Comrades, I regret to tell you that this is just the beginning. Our enemies are now moving decisively against us and have become Hostage Takers. They have illustrated their intention to wreak inSecurity amongst us by demonstrating the demoralizing effect these losses inflict. They are nibbling at the edges of our Portion. Our Portion has been breached and we will no longer be able to receive the Equal share that is rightfully ours. Do you want your Portion to be eroded?”
My enquiry bounced and echoed resonantly within the valley walls, continuing to haunt the communal psyche long after the words were initially bellowed. The corrosive unCertainty that was seeping into the communal trough had been more beguiling than expected. I lowered the tone of my appeal.
“I yearn for peacetime. How I yearn to be free and shed this Burden. It is its promise that drives me forward maintaining this turgid outlook. We have got to be turgid to be Secure. We can never allow complacency to blight a single blue, for Temporary is no longer a viable option.”
I paused to stoke my internal Flames of Freedom and as the comforting warmth of their beauty suckled me, it enveloped that most potent gland, releasing cosmic sensations throughout my rigid form and a crescendo was born.
“I want Peace!........... I want Peace to rid us of the threat that surrounds us and besieges us in its fiendish grasp. It lulls us into inSecurity by using highly improbable methods! We must demand our Total Portion at any cost if we are to make Equality balance!”
I paused yet again and allowed myself to bask in the ecstasy that pulsed through me, allowing me to crest every wave and ripple and the Dream was delivered.
“Of course we Dream of Security, but it has to be a Security that is turgid and unyielding, because that is what Total Security demands in return for the Dream. We must never entertain compromise, for it is incestuous and rampant and can only lead to self-mutilation! I share your Dream of a huge Portion, but if we are to guard every crumb, then Total Security is no longer sufficient and we must demand for ourselves Total Enduring Security (ToES)! If our Influence is to be substantiated to affect its boundaries, we must learn to Endure Securely. If we do not Endure Securely our enemy will pounce on our Portion! And if they do, we will all be at the mercy of the Hostage Takers (HTs) in the east and west, the verminous sub-species will deliver no mercy if they come for us and so mercy is no longer that free luxury gift item that we believed in.”
My tone modulated, but in peaks and troughs and not in jagged thrusts. I had been born for this moment, this delicious moment when self awareness caresses every sensitive constellation deep inside and the Dream becomes a Tangible Objective (TO) and a Tangible Objective Execution would lead inevitably towards Tangible Ongoing Personal Immortality (TOPI), that could be passed through my generations with great depth and appeal, acting as a Spiritual Template for the Most Illustrious Club (MIC) forever. TOPI would elevate and consolidate the Dream and it was a Tangible Objective that was Executable, of that I was certain.
“We must never surrender to the Hostage Taking vermin that blight our existence, because a step back now and they would pounce on our Portion and our stranded crumbs would be their hors-d’oevres!”
I felt the communal tremor and it was in no way ambiguous. We had entered a covenant, the Community and I, that served as an irrigant to the parched and cracking delta of Certainty, making it moist once again, providing fertile pasture for the Communal Spirit. Communal Spirit is warm and exclusive and ironically remains exclusive for it demands are all-inclusive. As the communal Spirit’s molecules simmer gently in the white hot embers of sacrifice, they expand and become Extra Turgid and more cosy. The molecular warmth is self-perpetuating as it is fed an endless diet of molecules providing for Spiritual Sustenance to achieve its full depth and its indignant significance. I looked slowly about me and absorbed the Community’s inquisitive stare. I judged that I had enough warm molecules to work with; in fact there were a few borderline vaporizers.
“We must always maintain our Portion and our Influence, for it is their sum Total that defines us. We Dream of our definition and now we have the opportunity to define it for ourselves, unEquivocally. We shall move forward in the ensuing struggle for Total Enduring Security by constantly redefining ourselves to cater for our needs. Only then will we be Enduringly Secure, forever!”
The chant went up:
“Total Enduring Security! Total Enduring Security! Total Enduring Security!”
The chanting assailed my senses, but not to the degree that I failed to hear the lone voice of a Youth of insignificant size amongst the crowd bid for a singular concession.
“Would it be ok if we used two Ts in Total from now on?”
I raised my arms in acquiescence:
“I say unto you, from this moment thence, there are two Ts in Total.”
The chanting assaulted a deafening pitch.
“ToTal Enduring Security (ToTES)! ToTal Enduring Security (ToTES)! ToTal Enduring Security (ToTES)!”
I left them to chanting and praising and called my TYs unto me for quiet reflection. I was spent.
The conference Focused on the options available and my instincts drew me towards mounting simultaneous Hostage Release Missions (HRMs) in the east and west; an Act of Liberation and an express intention defined. We could free our Hostages and boost the communal Spirit on which we thrived. It was as the necessary deceits were beginning to tremor that we received an untimely interruption from Roger.
“Roger? What brings you here at this moment of crisis? An offer of assistance, perhaps?”
“After a fashion, yes. I have come to you with a suggestion that I believe might offer us the opportunity for a peaceful resolution.”
I caught the TYs in a knowing glance. I had warned them of the offerings of scaredy-cats and surrender monkeys and listening to Roger’s mellifluous cowardice left them vacant.
“Why don’t we send a delegation to the east and west and ask them to recognize our peaceful presence. In return for such recognition, the prospect of a Secure alliance would become viable. Such a prospect might advance the return of peacetime.”
TY1 looked at Roger with withering contempt, expressing frustration.
“If we return to peacetime, I won’t get to kill anyone else.”
I intervened, acutely aware of the possibility of a misinterpretation.
“Roger, I think TY1 meant the Youth are still very snaky about the losses they have Endured and it is clear that the Youth scalers resisted their abductors, paying a terrible price for their courage. The scalers that followed merely lost their minds and did not lose their lives for the Cause. There is a sense among the Youth that our ToTal capitulation in the face of tyranny might constitute a betrayal to the memory of their Comrades. There is a suspicion that retribution is a more fitting response. I have given the matter intense thought and I have decided to conform to the prevailing wisdom.”
Roger interjected.
“Such a course of action could result in terrible bloodshed and the relations between the valleys might be tainted for generations to come.”
“You are making the assumption that there will be generations to come that require our consideration. Given our circumstances, I do not believe our negotiating position is a virile one. I fully understand your concerns, Roger, but the options are limited and of that there is ToTal Certainty. Now if you will excuse us, we have strategy to discuss.”
Having concluded my meeting with the TYs, I was alone in my dwelling partaking of Spirit. Satisfactory conclusions had been drawn from Overview. We controlled the top of our Valley and the Flames of Freedom were so large now that we were impervious to any threat from that direction. Once our clearance of the tree line was completed, we would have achieved all that was possible in that area and I was Equally confident that no attack could be mounted on us from our Valley walls. This meant our only inSecurity lay with the river.
Both the enemy AS-PMEDUs favoured the river as a source of Influence, placing great emphasis on their water wheels and armada. We were at a disadvantage as we had no experience in aqua-tactics and the only members of the community with experience in the construction of river craft were currently in the hands of Hostage Takers. We had to develop aqua inspiration and tactics if we were to have any realistic chance of survival. I had ordered that an armada be built.
On completion, our new armada was not as impressive as those of our enemies. In order to guarantee buoyancy, the dimensions had required dramatic compromise. It transpired that the most effective method for these craft to navigate the river was under tow; preferably unlade by a cargo of any description. From a purely practical perspective I had hoped for more, but the new armada reflected a communal purpose and I felt an obligation to incorporate it in future operations. I decided against simultaneous missions in the east and west and so I committed our attentions to the west. It was not an arbitrary choice as it was determined by the river flow and the river current flowed from the west. I concluded that this factor alone demanded an elevated priority status. The east was not to be immune from our Influence, as we began to Focus effluation with ToTal precision into the river, allowing us to move on the enemy gastrically.
As blue came upon us, TY2 returned to the Overview whilst TY3 and I slipped into the river and towed our armada westward. Our progress was hampered by conditions underfoot, but we moved forward courageously. The walls of the gorge were neither threatening, nor welcoming and represented neutral territory. Our steady progress continued until we came upon a prominentary of rock and we lashed our armada to it. We were forced to complete our incursion au pied, as the covercious nature of our mission demanded a guiley approach.
Our main priority was to assess western assets. I began with an examination of their craft which were larger and more effective than our own. We moved on, hugging the river bank, taking the opportunity to peek at the two water wheels as well. I had initially planned to disable the water wheels and rustle the armada, but this would have immediately alerted the enemy and invite a counter-prong. My plan relied more on implosion than explosion and I did not wish the enemy to be aware of our involvement in the impending chaos. We continued our recce terra firma and were able to confirm a proliferation of fatted livestock grazing on a fertile plain. I had been tempted to conceal myself and masquerade as a member of their community, performing assassinations, but I had opted for a random nocturnal slaughter as more propititious.
TY3 disappeared amongst the wooden dwellings. I remained in a state of ToTal Focus, fully boned and absorbing nuance. TY3 returned safely a while later, wallowing in good humour. I assumed the mission had enjoyed success.
“You slew a few?”
TY3 laughed.
“I slew a few and then a few more were slew.”
Personally, I did not share the joke, but the mirth it generated in TY3 was threatening to arouse the enemy. I demanded clarity.
“How many did you slaughter?”
“Seven, but in seven separate dwellings. Unfortunately, one of our scalers fell to my blade, but I was recognised and it caused some alarm. I was unable to locate the remaining Hostages.”
We retrieved our modest armada from the prominent rock on our return to the Valley. I was satisfied with our efforts, hoping the lack of collateral damage meant that any events in the west would not be associated with us. Some while later, TY2 arrived with a report of observations taken from the Overview.
“Master, you and TY3 did absolutely brill. I did not notice a thing. It was only at the break of yellow that it became apparent that all was not well in the west.”
I was impatient.
“Why?”
“As the victims of the Random Slaughter Program were discovered, panic bubbled up and it boiled over into hysteria. The discovery that one of our scalers had been slaughtered amongst the few you slew meant that there was no suspicion attached to our remaining number. The atmosphere in the west is currently venomous and internale. It lacks cohesion.”
It was what I had hoped for as there is no sensation less appealing as unCertainty and it was my intention to develop a vortex for their paranoia. I had a clearer vision of how the Great War would be won.

Chapter 17

Our mission to the west had been a great success and so I was mystified that there were members of the community that did not recognise it as such. The strike had been audacious, causing physical and psychological damage and yet there was confusion in our Valley as to what exactly constituted success. I was happy to concede that there were no tangible benefits accrued to us from the venture, but mine was to be a strategy of erosion and not abrasion. I considered the next step forward in my lateral approach. There was communal snakiness and it was this discontentment that inspired my next combat move.
There was a prevailing stench of rotting dart now hanging over our Valley. Inadvertently, our surplus of dart had been left to fester. As the designated storage areas for smoked dart had reached capacity, all surplus had been dumped. The stench that emanated from it was gaining in bouquet and potency. I ordered the rotten pulp to be left to its rancid decay uninterrupted, but the vile potency had produced a less than generous Spirit within the Valley. Despite my confidence in the Potential of stench, application was everything.
TY2’s report from the western Overview was hugely encouraging.
“Master, since the Random Slaughter Program (RSP), a great hostility has developed within the community. TY3 did indeed slaughter seven of our enemy and they were all from separate dwellings, but these dwellings were all situated on the lower level of the valley. It has raised the possible prospect of further internal feuding, as those from the lower level have intuitively laid the blame for the slaughter on the residents from the upper level.”
RSPII was to be my inspiration. By inflicting RSPI, I had laid the blame for the slaughter on the upper level and I decided the western valley required a more pertinent degree of balance. Random Slaughter Program II was initiated. TY3 had been detached to the west accompanied by TYW19, who had a soothingly cavalier attitude to danger and a flippant disregard for life. My stated goal has always been to deliver a dysfunctional society to the west and this objective would be served more readily by the patient nurturing of internal division.
I had initiated strategy and TY3 and TYW 19s’ administration of RSP II to the upper level had left the upper and lower levels active in missions of espionage and insurgency upon one another. It was heartening news.
“Master, the results of RSP II were even more humorous than those of first attack. Those on the upper levels are claiming the slayings are a revenge attack upon them for the slayings they did not perpetrate. Such is the discord that the valley’s business is now conducted along tribal lines and wherever there is a gathering, a riot is inevitable.”
It was as if I had scripted it. TY2 continued.
“There have been vigorous debates and scuffles. All water supplies to the upper level have been sabotaged and the upper tribe has to confront violent encounter when visiting the river for water. Attempts to travel became so dangerous that the upper level has resorted to the use of raiding parties to retrieve water from the river. To minimise the danger of engagement, those above now effluate from behind tribal lines, and allow gravity to follow its course. It is deliberate incitement and a source of great discomfort and irritation for those on the lower level. Family and former friends are divided against one another and the atmosphere is treacherous.”
I publicly congratulated TY3 and TYW19 on their superb execution of my instructions.
The art of Application owes much to intuition and the stench of the dart that hung over our Valley had begun to threaten the health of the community. I decided to move forward in our campaign. I called TY3 and TYW19 unto me.
“Verily, I have considered our next incursion into the western valley and have concluded that the moment has arrived for us to adopt a more robust approach to our foe. Let us present them with a greater challenge.”
At blue, TY3, TYW19 and I slipped into the river and began to tow our armada in a westerly direction. We carried individual loads of rotten dart which were to play a major role in our mission. Our plan was multi-pronged, but simple in intent. We located the prominent rock and lashed the armada there for safety and continued to our new LUP. As I took guard on the river bank, TY3 and TYW19 disappeared across the enemy plain with their rancid consignment. I could hear snakiness in the community above the plain and it was obvious that any desire for a peaceful resolution between the two tribes could only be found in the nostalgic fantasies of a nervous few. As the Youths returned, it was my turn to move off, carrying part of our dart net with me. When I was happy with my position in the river’s current, I released the net and observed as it became entangled in the first of the water wheels. The three of us then retreated to the prominent rock.
We had not been waiting long, when a resounding crack reverberated down the river gorge and a short while later we managed to catch the broken water wheel as it drifted towards us on the current. The net had fulfilled its objectives. We unleashed our armada and hastened back to our Valley. We were greeted with great exuberance by the community. The dilapidated enemy water wheel was the first tangible reward for our efforts in the west and it was carried ceremoniously to the barricade and beyond, as a sacrifice to the Flames of Freedom. There was opulent feasting, within budget and much celebration as the burning relic of our oppression glowed brightly over the Valley. The bonhomie was to be improved further when TY2 returned to report.
“Master, our latest incursion was really brill. I witnessed TY3 and TYW19 feeding the rotten dart to the livestock. After you had departed and the sound of the water wheel breaking free had alerted the whole community and they converged on the plain. There was mass hysteria at their loss and the gathering turned violent. There was physicality.”
I had delivered a masterstroke. The water wheel was a symbol of achievement to the western valley; something in which they pooled their communal spirit. Now they had a solitary wheel and tribal disputes would certainly develop over its Best Purpose. I wished to hear more and TY2 continued.
“As the physicality began in earnest, the livestock began to flatulate. The flatulation increased in tempo, as the dart moved through the livestock’s body. Motions became less random and more persistent. The stench was infinitely worse for the rancid dart using the livestock as a conduit to deliver its potency. The tribes ran for the sanctuary of their dwellings and barricaded themselves in, hoping to avoid asphyxiation.”
The mission had transcended my expectations. The rotten dart was a potent weapon and I had thought long and hard about the nature of its Application. There was more good news to come.
“Despite their Best Efforts, the dwellings did not defend them against the insipid stench. Both tribes have now left the valley and are encamped on the slope above it.”
The strategy had been unorthodox, but beautifully conceived. Flatulating livestock had proved to be a brilliant tactic, despite the initial scepticism amongst our elders. The Youth had kept the faith, as ever and had seen the Potential my plan provided. I ordered the rotting process of the dart to be altered in subtle ways, so that the parfum of the livestock flatuation was constantly mutating, allowing no immunity through exposure. A bunch of CUcolonNTs regularly travelled to the western plain with supplies of subtlety altered dart. The livestock absolutely loved the stuff and they become dependent on the sense of relief and rhythm the flatulence provided them.
The two tribes had resorted to forcing the most senior and the infirm back into the valley to retrieve supplies. The task was fraught with danger and many were overcome by the noxious fumes before they could complete their resupply missions. Famine was a real possibility in the two camps on the slope. Eventually, despair drove the two tribes into collusion. As a result, a raiding party representing both the upper and lower levels was sent into the valley, and it slew the obnoxious livestock. Both tribes came off the slopes and returned to their valley. A limited degree of revivalism returned, but the atmosphere was waspish and it was not long before hostilities resumed. My strategy was delivering corrosion.
I decided to continue our efforts towards the western AS-PMEDU (Advanced Semi-Permanent Mobile Enemy Destabilization Units). We were always receptive to lateralism and I endowed TY1 with the task of delivering deviant strategy and this was to be an ongoing operation. As our Livestock Flatulation Campaign (FC) drew to a conclusion, TY2, TY3 and I visited the CAT compound at TY1’s invitation and were introduced to a caged sub-compound that had been constructed to provide exclusive quarters for our Nutters. All Nutters enjoyed CUcolonNT status, but Nutter was a descriptive term that we used to refer to all problem individuals. The origin of the word lay in the activity that was believed to be the most common cause of the problem behaviour amongst our Nutters. Spiky pickled nut cracking duty had claimed many victims and recognition of Nut Cracking Syndrome (NCS) had been a formality. NCS manifested itself in anti-social behaviour and violent conduct. Segregation was controversial, but it operated for the Greater Good (GG).The generic strain shared their compound with other strains of Nutters, most notably the Congenitals, a purer strain who could trace their ancestry for generations.
The Congenitals were the most deceptive of all the Nutter strains, as they were indifferent to their circumstances. This lack of aggression made the Congenital or Passive Breed (PB) as they are sometimes referred to, more tolerable as they did not share the violent tendencies of other Nutters. They had roamed freely in the community. However, the constant care and attention their vacuous behaviour demanded from the community was an immense burden. When I had assumed control, I had issued instructions for all Congenitals to be CUcolonNTized and housed in the CAT compound. They were soon potent and intolerable and their value to us soared.
TY1 had developed a strategy founded upon unorthodoxy and we were in no doubt as to its merit. In blue, TY3 and I led a procession of Congenitals up river. When we arrived at the western valley, we delivered a Congenital to every dwelling and returned to our Valley Congenital free and waited for TY2’s report in eager anticipation.
“Master, the Visitation of the Congenitals was a masterstroke. The west is in complete chaos.”
It was what I had expected, but I enjoyed hearing it nonetheless.
“The appearance of our Congenitals was a great surprise to the western community. Our Congenitals were keen to give vent to subjugated Spirit and tribal boundaries that might have previously existed there were swiftly forgotten, as the retrieval of the vacuous, roaming Congenitals became the overriding consideration. They had no concept of false restriction and it is Congenital chaos in the west.”
There was laughter from the crowd that had gathered to listen to TY2, as they were familiar with the circumstances described. They knew what a draining experience Congenital control could be and the west’s response was much the way our community had conducted itself before my arrival. TY2 was keen to continue.
“The westerners have tried every method they know of, but the Congenitals are beyond control or containment and they are intent on venting subjugated Spirit. They need to find resolution to the problem, or they will implode.”
The damning effect on morale in the west was further illustrated as the occasional Congenital would be seen set adrift in enemy craft on the river current. They would wave their stumps ambiguously as they passed. The pressure on the west was mounting.
My satisfaction at our most recent success was to be short-lived, as I was to be distracted by conditions elsewhere.

Chapter 18

I had always held the principle that no leader should ever engage the enemy on more than four fronts at any given time and with the AS-PMEDUs in the east and west, the Longnecks on our river flow and the Attack Animals grazing at the tree line, I was in possession of my optimum quota. The return of Pioneering Pair 1 from the crag and beyond was an event that was to require my rewriting Natural Military Philosophy (NMP). The Pair had been sent to scout the crag and beyond and the news they brought was negative. The crag was symbolic as it dominated our Valley, as it did in the east and west and it inspired in us a sinister foreboding. The region beyond on the otherside had remained unchartered, largely because instinct said nothing but harm would come of it. The decision to scout it had been borderline. Whilst my campaigns in the east and west were largely integreste affairs, hearts and minds if you will, any further malady would have to be confronted and not eroded in keeping with NMP. The news I received meant I had no choice but to become a Natural Military Philosopher and seriously consider the possibility of flying in the face of commonly held wisdom.
PP1 looked more dishevelled and unkempt than the Pairs who had returned before them. Clearly traumatized by their experience, they were shaking uncontrollably. They were also encased in black dust. The community waited nervously while PP1 enjoyed intensive soothing. Both halves of the Pair made attempts to articulate their experiences, but repeatedly collapsed in emotion. When coherent speech became available, we almost wished that it had not.
“Master, May you glow in the peace of yellow, and be serene in the dull light of blue. We bring you devastating news from the crag and beyond…”
The outpouring of emotion was tidal. In rare moments of lucidity, we coaxed the detail from their increasingly frail forms, only to bear witness to their tragic return to helplessness and wailing.

The Pair had travelled through the tree line where they had encountered, but not engaged the enemy. From here they had summited the crag and from their elevated vantage point they had witnessed the glory of the Flames of Freedom. The observations of our enemies in the east and west provided a contrast that could not have been more polar. In the east, the enemy was tres gastrique, but otherwise peaceful. Our effluation policy had insinuated itself swiftly and potently, keeping them all thoroughly absorbed and dehydrated. In the west, the situation was far more disorganized and ragged. Tribal raids in blue were frequent, but audacious strikes in yellow were not uncommon. Our Random Slaughter Policies I and II, in conjunction with our Congenital Placement Policy (CPP) were purposeful and effective with no extended use of resources on our part. The path of unCertainty, by definition, is prickly. The Application of logic becomes irrational and this has a striking effect on behavioural patterns exposed to its appeal. The Pair had moved on, comforted by the vision.
As they had descended beyond the crag to the otherside, they had stumbled upon a concealed entrance of some kind. It had been disguised convincingly to provoke the impression of abandonment, but the subtlety had been unsuccessful. The Pair had literally hacked the camouflage away until the enemy intention had become clear. We were being undermined.
Half the Pair made an impassioned observation.
“Master, it is our belief that the dangers we are currently facing are nothing more than distractive prongs, soaking up our resource. NMP (Natural Military Philosophy) says it would be mad to enter another theatre of combat, but it is our only hope! We are being undermined!”
It was impossible to dismiss their concerns, but the community relied upon my judgement and with good reason. A silence settled and I pondered. Options were singular and left me with no choice. I spoke, sensing their need for reassurance.
“To this point, NMP has always determined four to be the optimum numbers of fronts. But Comrades, Natural Military Philosophy has never before had to consider unNatural circumstances before. We are going to Optimum plus 1! To counter unNatural circumstances, we are going to Optimum plus 1!”
There was a bone chilling roar of approval. I imparted my commands:
“Go now! Shake and tremor! Warm up your molecules! Get them nice and bouncy!”
I believed the undermine had been chiselled directly towards us and it was a deliberate attempt to collapse our society and to crush our communal Spirit. The Pair had mentioned sighting much equipment within the undermine to suggest that it was an ongoing project. We could only guess as to where the undermine might re-emerge, but we were being undermined. I digested the implications.
I would have to lead. It was so obligitoire. In my absence, TY1 would soothe the Valley, whilst TYW19 provoked the west. I called for a raiding party to join TYs 2, 3 and I were delighted by the number of budding TYsW (Trusty Youths in Waiting) that were so keen on reputation. There was no shortage of volunteers. Pioneering Pair 1 were the final members of our cadre. Despite their nervous disposition, we required them for guidance.
I bade painful farewells as I went in absentia and joined my Team on the bid for the crag summit and beyond. There was no sign of the enemy above the tree line as there was neither the vegetation for foraging, nor the shelter for protection. Our progress was slow as we retained exacting formation and shape. Overexposure to the enemy heightened the chances of ambush against us and I had no intention of allowing natural haste to be my guide.
As we descended from the crag to the otherside, we partook of Spirit. It acted as a catalyst to ToTal Focus. I considered the possibility that we were being lured rather than guided. Apart from the black dust, there was nothing to verify the account provided by PP1. Lured or allured, it was difficult to say, as PP1 quivered with every step and displayed agitation. We moved on until I selected a suitable LUP amongst scattered crag. We consolidated whilst I pondered options. I immediately sent TYW 58 back to the Valley with details of our position. The report was also to confirm that I was safe and well, and when called upon to do so by my comrades, I was able to rest peacefully. TY3 was sent ahead to scout for danger.
TYW 58 and TY3 returned simultaneously. The former to confirm delight in the Valley and the latter to confirm the existence of an undermine beneath us.
Acting on impulse, I listened to TY3’s with alert gravitas. An enormous aperture had been found carved into the side of the crag’s slope and its recesses stretched deep into darkness. The audacity of the operation took me by surprise. On the slope below us, it was possible to see the ground discarded during the excavations and the indications were that we were being undermined on a significant scale. There was anger and frustration all about me as we realized our inSecurity was being exposed by troglodytes.
Without as much as a twitch, I called for an Overview from the undermine. All reports confirmed it was big, dark and very dusty. The dominant constituent of the ground was blackness. To brush the sides of the undermine entrance was to cover oneself in blackness. I would have preferred battle on the open field, as I enjoyed the enemy coming onto the blade, but I was left with no choice. We would have to go black.
We had no illumination and so a detailed examination of our new front would have wait, but our initial observations suggested an undermine of uniform excavation. Tools used for undermining had been discovered, indicating a rapid departure. Our raiding party had scared them half to death and the vermin had fled. Our approach remained turgid and successful, but without a more organized operation, we might be subject to sub-terranean counter-attack. To have continued at this stage would have been madness.
Consequences dominated my thoughts. The undermine had been dug in crumbly fashion, with no props for support – a deliberate attempt to sabotage us. If there were any structural faults within the undermine, it could collapse and collapse society with it. In order to prevent catastrophe, the undermine required Total Propping. This conclusion was an uncomfortable one, as we were already perilously short of resources. I had selected Trusty Youths in Waiting 9 and 6 to guard the entrance at the pain of death. Our enemy could return at any moment to complete their fiendish mission and so it was imperative that I returned to the Valley and began preparations to save the community.
Our return journey took us back over the crag summit. Our Valley appeared to be the target. There were copious droppings from Attack Animals en route. The droppings were fresh, indicating constant surveillance. Frequently, I inspected the ground and there was clear evidence of more blackness within. We had retrieved various samples from about the aperture in the hope of garnering intelligence when we returned to our own Valley.
TY3 and I debriefed on the return leg.
“Tell me, Master. This undermine we have encountered indicates a zealous desire for conquest over us, but are we so strong now the enemy has now resorted to such extreme methods against us?”
“It is a great compliment to our communal fortitude that these extreme measures are directed towards us.”
“But Master, we are at breaking point as it is. How are we to extend our resources further?”
“Potentialization.”
The one skill that all great leaders possess, it is the ability to dance nimbly along the various tightropes of Chance that are presented. If Potentialization was to be a success then resource permutation was critical. Currently, we were a little stretched, but economies could always be found. The COCs were in good shape, maintained in field condition for battle. The COCcolonNTs were lean and wiry. Their constitution was more economical than before their change of status. Predictably, it was the CUcolonNTs who provided me with the gravest concern. It was rare to see them enthusiastic and it was impossible to inject intensity into them. No words of Portion could raise their performance levels and I frequently found public punishment to be the only effective solution. TY1 pursued our goals with rigour, but cautiously. Labour was the primary source of my concern as we were helpless without it.
Potentialization was a question of balance between the social benefit and a cunning imagination. I decided to accelerate my program of integreste in the west, regarding it as I did, to be the favourable option.

Chapter 19

We had adopted a new u(NMP) (unnatural (Natural Military Philosophy)) and had gone to Optimum plus 1. Flexibility was our reward. ToTal Enduring Security required flexibility going forward. I had little doubt that our discovery was to provide us with a challenge, but I was unCertain whether we might expect to receive something more tangible as well. The undermine tactic was still a mystery. Was it an attempt to collapse or to penetrate?
I called Roger unto me for counsel.
“Verily, Roger, it appears that we are being undermined. There is an aperture that stretches from other side of the crag to this and it is well advanced. Have you any experience of this method of warfare?”
“How are you so certain that this is a threat aimed in our direction? Surely, this might be a coincidence, perhaps something unrelated to our plight? Maybe it is some harmless distraction?”
I feared Roger was in denial. Since my arrival, there had been a stream of unhelpful objections from his direction. Every decision I made was met by a wall of caution.
“Would you allow me provide you with an escort, so that you might investigate the undermine yourself?”
The question was rhetorical, apparently.
I produced the samples of blackness that I had retrieved from the other side and passed them unto Roger for inspection. He was quiet, taking a moment before responding. He allowed the pieces to fall to the ground, but remained silent. It was as if he had received some dreadful message from a place unknown to others. He paled through fear.
“Roger, tell me what it is that you know that made you pale with fear.”
“I am familiar with what you bring me, although I wish that I was not. This is the Dust of Death.”
Just the name conveyed Potential. I realized that we might have stumbled on something significant and my instincts were correct. Further conversation with Roger informed me that blackness was a superb flammable. We experimented and The Dust of Death fuelled the Flames of Freedom in a beautiful and cosy way. In the midst of the crises of wartime, a leader was entitled to a little good Fortune and this was mine. The Dust of Death was an eternal supply of fuel for the Flames of Freedom. (Despite its chilling and potent name, TY2 and I concluded that the threat that it suggested must have passed. We declared blackness to be void potency.)
Despite our good fortune, it was impossible to ignore the threat of collapse that the undermine posed. Our passage had to be Secure, but resource permutations had to be obliging. I dispatched TY3 to travel to the other side with a scouting party with the instruction to reconnoitre. I was becoming a logistics obsessive, but my plan to Potentialize relied on great logistics. The first area of Potential I addressed was theatres of combat.
Optimum plus 1 had served its purpose, but it was only ever introduced as a Temporary measure and Potentialization downwards was imminent. I summoned TYW19 for a revision of the western campaign. It was here that I hoped to develop a future source of labour, but the defeated enemy had to learn compliance before their usefulness to us became significant. Their solitary remaining water wheel had been disabled using the same tactic as before and absolute consternation had broken out, with tensions increasing significantly. This tension led to an increasing number of Congenitals being set adrift and they could frequently be seen bobbing down the river in a state of confusion. There were acts of sabotage between the two tribes, but much of the damage could be attributed to the behaviour of our Psycho-Ops. Sporadic fighting broke out and circumstances were developing satisfactorily. As TYW19 was the solitary employee for the western campaign, there were no economies to be had. It was an economic front.
The skill in moving from Optimum plus 1 back to Optimum is a delicate one. I decided that our most direct route was to completely lay waste to one front in order to accommodate another front. TY3 had provided details of the dangers that existed in the undermine and the measures to be employed. The threat that the undermine posed was legion. It had been dug crumbly providing double jeopardy. The tunnel was liable to collapse at any point and clearly required ToTal Propping. However, this process required illumination and this was igniting the enemy booby traps. Labour was now conducted in darkness. We were suffering losses at the front which would require resolution, but the unshackling of Potential had its priorities.
I ordered all members of the community engaged in domestic duties be sent to the tree line to Potentialize corrosion on the enemy strongholds there. TY1 was solid and demanded compliance from the Valley. In order to receive fair Portion, one was obliged to deliver Portion too. The entire effort was bent on stockpiling. The tree line remained an area constantly under attack and removing it was the obvious solution. If we released our stockpiles of timber swiftly we would be able to begin ToTal Propping. Collapses meant it was impossible to determine the original direction of the undermine and those at the front had found it necessary to excavate randomly and we were keen to negate their problems.
We entered a period of acceptable danger as we needed some girth to develop our route to Optimum and if good Fortune did not desert us, an eternal source of fuel for the Flames of Freedom. The policy of ToTal desolation in the tree line was effective, but not without risk. Untrained fellas could be a positive liability, but with so much activity casualties were inevitable. The stock piles of timber this activity produced were reaching the level where I was able to throw open opportunities to the community. I had decided to go dual-action.
I called the community unto me and they responded.
“Comrades, I am aware that there are grumblings and erosions in your midst as you become ever frustrated with the inability to strike against the enemy directly.”
Silence gave way to a rumble and then a roar, vigorously encouraged by the TYsW.
“I know many of you have never set foot beyond the Valley and the chance for heroics has eluded you! I command you to gather at the barricades immediately and prepare to forge together and demand your place in the First Clause of Cause!”
They gathered, but the Youth insisted on a cautionary sweep of the Valley to ensure that opportunity was grasped by everyone.
As we passed through the tree line, I ordered the stockpiles of timber to be transported with us. I spotted the Potential as we moved off venting encouraging groans and embarked on the first part of our dual-action modus operandi. We had barely begun our trek over the crag summit when Roger approached me at the head of the column.
“This is madness! This journey will kill many of our number. It must be stopped immediately.”
“Roger, are you suggesting that there are those amongst us unwilling to provide their Portion of heroics?”
“No, but there are those who are unable to.”
“Natural wastage. It is not that they are unable to provide, Roger, but they have become Spiritual husks with no sense of community to call on. Nostalgia seems to be their stock-in-trade and this serves to increase the burden of others.”
The Spiritually weak who failed to rise were strapped to the timber and when we arrived at the other side to be met by TY2 we had a good collection of strappings for the pot. (Strappings were to become a staple to our diet). TY2 and I convened to discuss progress at the aperture. The previous undermine had been built crumbly and irregular progress had been delivered from the front. TY2 had done a sterling job and had expanded in many directions, but we still lacked penetration. I had no choice but to issue a directive establishing an acceptable rate of progress. In return, those labouring in the undermine had an issue that required resolution. Those who were stationed at the Edge laboured in complete darkness and as they exited the aperture to rest, the brightness of yellow or blue would dazzle and cause suffering and head pain. I pondered the options available to me and they were limited. I did not want to have their eyes for fear of conceding to short-termism. I immediately arrived at a conclusion. If the underminers laboured in darkness, then why did they not sustain and rest there as well? They need never be overexposed again. TY2 agreed.
As soon as we had reloaded with the Dust of Death (void potency.), we set off amid Spirited groans and the second phase of our dual-action was established. A neat symmetry was emerging and our mood was lifted significantly as we delivered the DDvp. to the Flames of Freedom, but the cycle was rich in its demands on us and I was keen to free up labour for it purpose in other areas.
It was during this period that TYW19 formed an ideological bond with me. My disquiet towards TY2 was obvious and TYW19 suggested a different approach; one with Enduring consequences. I decided immediately to award ToTal Lifetime Immortality (TLI) and elevate TYW19 to the status of TY4. We conducted hand ceremonies to seal the covenant and retired to consider our lateralist options.
“Master?”
“Yes, TY4.”
“Master, if we were able to create a blockage in the river gorge, it could be possible to close down more than one theatre and go Optimum minus several.”
It was cunning philosophy, but with logistics as they were, was it possible to make it viable? TY4 once again pre-empted my next question.
“Master, I believe it is possible and I have implemented an operation already.”
It was bold strategy and I liked it. I told TY4 to prepare for inspection.
I travelled westwards with a TYW as a guide. We continued as far as the prominent rock that we had previously lashed our armada to for Security. The rock had assumed a more prominent role. A new initiative was undergoing trials. TY4 remained enthusiastic throughout as the plan was described to me. The objective was to tumble the Rock of Prominence and induce a ground slide which would provide us with a blockage of the gorge. In order to achieve this ambition, a series of counter-weights had been twined to the Rock and were dangling in the flow beneath. The counter-weights consisted of several snipe of CUcolonNTs lashed together. There were more ready to be attached. By absorbing the river’s force, the anti-pressure remained taut. I shouted encouragement.
“Keep the anti-pressure taut and victory will be ours!”
The operation demonstrated ideological maturity. I returned to the Valley. There was a final strand to be woven.
Because of the overcrowding in the tree line, I called a significant selection of the detail unto me on the middle level. I did not enjoy counter-progressive compensatories, but this one fulfilled a purpose. With our dual-action smooth and taut, I was able to concentrate upon strategy. My adopted philosophy was to provide the solutions for future problems in the present, releasing me from reactionary obligations. The ideological bond that had been formed between TY4 and I was firm. With this in mind, I had little option but to act on possible consequences. I turned unto the expectant labour force before me and spoke.
“I command that you dig a well!”
There is a point in every campaign where a great leader is emboldened by self-assurety and I had reached that point. Our dual-action enjoyed good motion, lubricated as it was by Spirit. Our labour resource had been precision detailed, with a return in the tree line that far out-weighed the losses required to achieve it, with strappings as a fortunate by-product. TY4 was adding snipe of CUcolonNTs to the counter-balance regularly and we were well into our expectation phase in the river gorge blockage. The labour on the middle level was bewildered by my command to dig a well, pointing curiously at the river below as if it were an aberration, but they began digging a well in earnest when TY1 convinced them of the import attached to the task. They were unable to understand the subtleties of multi-fronting. We were entering a period of ToTal Enduring consolidation and I wished the well diggers success in striking water before TY4 severely restricted our current supply.

Chapter 20

The cycle of consolidation always requires direction and the west was the most obvious target. Multi-fronting was a delicate matter, but all the signals were clear. I calculated that when TY4 tumbled the Rock of Prominence, the western forces would remain in the ascendancy and we would be overrun by our angry foe. Any attack by a superior force would be the death of us and so I considered how best to conduct the next step in my campaign towards ToTal Enduring Security.
Implosion in the west had always been my intention. As I moved towards the end game it was important that I defined implosion in the most positive light. I did not wish to lose the good bits in the maelstrom of self destruction and selective implosion became the objective in the hope of avoiding unnecessary collateral damage. The increasing popularity of Congenital drifting had destroyed the western armada as I had hoped and tumbling operations were Secure as a result. Conflict between the two tribes had not escalated significantly, as both sides lacked the confidence required to guarantee victory. If they were called upon to combine at this juncture, they would be potent. I wished to retain the most effective labour, but in manageable proportions and discard the waste. Ironically, an increase in combat activity between the opposing forces risked the very welfare of those we wished to absorb, as the best pugilists made the best labourers. I required a strategy that would not unify or further divide, but one that allowed for introspection. It is here that the enemy are most vulnerable. I decided on policy.
I called TY1 unto me.
“TY1, how are our Nutters?”
It had become a sensitive point.
“Properly Secured, Master. They have been ever since the problem.”
The problem referred to was a reference to an attempt at harnessing a couple of Nutters to a transport detail heading to the Otherside with timber. They had broken loose and slaughtered several Youth Guard on Security detail. TY1 had eventually managed the situation, but the volatility of the Nutters was a concern to us.
“TY1, I have decided to diverge policy in favour of Thinning.”
“Thinning, Master?”
“Yes, selective implosion will be determined by Thinning through introspection.”
TY1 nodded sagely.
“Sounds good.”
There was a silence, but it was not an ideological silence. I thought hard before my next enquiry. It was key.
“TY1, are the Nutters combat ready?”
“Master, they are in a perpetual state of combat.”
“Good.”
If TY1 was right, my Optimum minus strategy would soon be in free fall.
I ordered a regiment of Nutters to be garrisoned at the top of the western valley. I had decided to introduce the Nutters into my cycle of consolidation by way of Potentialization. They were extraordinarily counter-productive in mainstream community, but segregation had provided Focus. Initially, this was a source of many problems. Building a prefabricated, Temporary garrison and reconstructing it in situ was straight forward, but transporting the Nutters to the west was no easy matter. I had to suspend operations in the Well Sinking Program (WSP) and those operations on the Otherside in order to accommodate the Security requirements for the controlled passage of our unusual cargo. It would later be referred to as the Mad March and with good reason. Every step from the Security on the river bank to their new billet at the top of the western valley was tinged with the surreal. Before the March, we had performed as much twining of the Nutters as was deemed possible without mortal danger to ourselves, but this acted as an inadequate deterrent to their violent rage and it was not long before our Security cordon developed multiple breeching. There was no greater sight than a Nutter in full flight, but the Security Youth acted decisively and cut them down with their blades. Many TYsW moistened their tip on the Mad March. I had not intended to become involved, but even I became victim of the flesh and helped myself to a few or two and there were slewn Nutters littering the entire length of their controlled passage. There was a temptation to unleash them on the west immediately, but we had only conjecture to rely on for possible operational effectiveness permutations.
As soon as the Nutters were successfully rehoused above the western valley, TY1 joined me at the western Overview. The western Overview was one of many solitary tendrils that contributed to the ToTal Overview school of thought. It clarified vision. Below us was the western valley in full tribal conflict. The two tribes had become immersed in riverside skirmishes, an activity punctuated only by rest and sustenance demands. They were oblivious to the threat we posed to their valley. It was as the tribes Temporarily truced that we had a moment for conversation.
“TY1, are the Nutters primed and fully bated?”
“Yes, Master, as we discussed.”
“And have you managed to introduce a humorous element to the activity, for the sake of morale?”
“Yes, Master. Very funny.”
I glanced at the western valley beneath. The population was evenly spread and appealing. The moment of Application had arrived.
“Release a Nutter!”
TY1 relayed the command to the head of the valley.
Our introductory Nutter made an entrance and appeared to be incandescent, but confused. All combat Nutters were attired in protection to prevent self harm and this contributed to the fearsome persona we were hoping to project. It was not long before the Nutter was engaged in a few random runs to acclimatize to velocity. As an inevitable result of CUcolonNTizing, the Nutters weaponry was heavily reliant on violent intention and amounted to little more than sharpened appendagery attached to their stumps. Various weapons had been attached to the Nutter and it was hoped that rage filled motion might gyrate theses weapons in a deadly way. An increase in the number of random runs provided a huge cheer from my community at the Overview and calls of encouragement were resplendent. I enjoyed an uninterrupted vista and was well placed to observe the spectacle. As the Nutter gauged the distance and gradient of the valley below, a bellow of encouragement from TY1 catalyzed and the wretch set off in murderous descent. TY1 then turned to me, smiling.
“Master, here comes the humour.”
I glanced back at the descending Nutter who had made significant headway into enemy territory. As its velocity increased, the appendagery began to whirl and scythe, providing an unorthodox oFFence. As it began to peak, the Nutter roared its primal war cry.
“I am a Nutter! I am a Nutter! I am a Nutter!”
When the laughter eventually subsided, I congratulated TY1 and settled to observe the progress of Thinning through introspection. The Nutter was fully bated, molecularly charged and desperate to vent. The war cry had alerted the foe below and they displayed all manner of responses. The most productive response during the initial contact is static. Nutters are attracted to movement and it provokes an aggressive response. As the Nutter swept into a gathering of westerners, its flailing appendagery struck them down indiscriminately. For Thinning through introspection, the Nutter was the perfect tool. Its randomness and irascibility meant the Nutter was a curse of unCertainty, terrorizing the enemy by its limitless possibility. Our Nutter was in vigorous condition and temperament and continued to veer unexpectedly. My comrades cheered and shrieked encouragement. The Nutter had arrived at the river and with rabid enthusiasm had turned and charged back up the valley. Movement was fatal and the Nutter was soon slicing foe on the ascent.
Thinning through introspection provided a most effective cull. The initial victims are always those unable to raise the enthusiasm for flight. The less mobile were at a disadvantage. As the danger emanates from close proximity and it is random, to remain consistently evasive is the correct procedure. Thinning through introspection was a process intended to retain the healthy strands and scythe the rest. The effective members of the valley below began to evade singularly with no regard for others, using natural cover for camouflage and infusing into valley chaos with lithe anonymity. They would never draw attention to themselves by issuing a warning shout. The Nutter continued to consolidate until there was an effective effort to prevent it from doing so. With the valley in apparent division, it was not clear on whom one could rely for assistance and no effective resistance developed leading to a very individual approach to survival. There were a few evaders who managed to requisition the few viable craft on offer and weigh anchor off the river bank. A pattern was to emerge and whenever a Nutter fell, it always did so on top of a healthy pile of dead foe. Nutter bloodlust was contagious and their refusal to retreat was attractive, but it was the way they exploited the angles, penetrating any ambiguous cusp with technique that was most optically engaging. As a result, there was a great number of volunteers to join the Regiment.
The introduction of Nutters to the western valley was only ever intended to be a Thinning measure, a tool of consolidation, but it had the incidental effect of boosting morale amongst our community. It was a popular spectacle and served to reassure that our strategy was advancing satisfactorily. We maintained random selective implosion by drizzling Nutters into the west. Their breathtaking lack of finesse was the subject of folklore. With weapons whirling and scything, the incredulous westerners were powerless against our assault. The Nutter Program (NP) left us with a bumper of dead foe. We continued our cycle of consolidation.

Chapter 21

Every campaign requires the taut use of resources and this was proving to be no exception. The Focal point of our campaign had always been the Flames of Freedom. They were our mission statement to our tormentors and the sign representing communal Spirit. They were the beacons that illuminated le Pouvre. Their rich fiery heat providing the perfect conditions for molecular osmosity in our search for ToTal Enduring Security. On a rare furlough during theatre, Dog and I climbed the crag voluntarily. As we made comfort on the summit, I absorbed the splendour of the Flames as they lapped at the enveloping blue. They were to be the pivot on which the pages of the First Clause would be turned. They were the ideological burning that I felt in my loins. They were to be my Legacy.
The Flames of Freedom would be a proud symbol to the generations to come of the struggle their forebears were forced to Endure in the face of merciless persecution. Their existence would be revered and the First Clause of Cause would be recited beneath their glow forever. I envisaged the Clause being chanted tastefully by communal descendants as they jigged in Their light. The discovery of the Dust of Death vp. had been a bonus as it provided an eternal source of fuel that would Secure my Legacy. A legacy becomes petrified in a moment of history, with every page, nook and nuance on display, a sort of public confessional, but my Legacy would exist purified by the Flames of Freedom. After some good runs by a couple of concurrent Nutters, I was cheered and ordered the Flames to be redoubled in size so as to keep us turgid and Secure.
The Underminers on the Otherside were continually howling for timber. They were easy to forgive as they were good little labours. They were not satisfied with giving portion; they were delighted to provide Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC)s. This communal attitude was laudable and their passion for life was manifested in the UnderBreeding Program (UBP). They bred remorselessly. It was not long before weak strands were shorn away and a stereotypical Underminer was moulded. A bit dopey, but born to burrow and breed. ToTal Propping was essential, but stealthy. Felling and transporting operations providing dual-action were not as fluid as we had wished for and without prop material the Underminers were unable to proceed. It was during these lulls in activity that they would breed and inevitably separate tunnels would need to be opened up, for privacy. We were extending our tendrils. Initially, I had issued commands that they go crumbly and carefully, but at the point of mutual understanding between myself and the labour force, the Health and Safety CUcolonNTs from the Valley had got involved. The Health and Safety was an eclectic dining organization dedicated to self importance through the ridiculous. I let them exist for comic value. However, the startling reality was that if we wished to fuel the Flames of Freedom for Eternity, we would need more timber.
I had never truly embraced the Spirit of the tree line. My early exposure had left me scarred. The Forestry Team were cavalier sorts and were completely in acceptance of Fate. At one point, the Well Sinking Program on the middle level required the supply of lining for their wells. It was possible to carry stone from the river, but I determined that we would grain gravity advantage if we rolled crag choppings from the summit. A crag detail intent upon community service was constantly industrious at the summit. Crag choppings were ideal for well lining material. Inevitably, as the crag choppings rolled, life in the tree line became more random and Health and Safety were on the point of intervention when I decreed that the area was of Specific Interest (SI) and beyond their remit. The timber was required for ToTal Propping so that DDvp. could be harvested. Our Commitment to the Flames of Freedom was the objective which commanded us and this was clearly illustrated when the community deconstructed the last of the wooden dwellings, plank by plank, in order to feed Their Magnificence. The suggestion that timber production should decline, preventing ToTal Propping and in turn allow the Flames to dim was not in the communal interest.
The Forestry Team were always popular at communal gatherings where they would scoff at the thought of danger. To them, dodging crag choppings was second nature, but they had falling trees to contend with as well. They all enjoyed a rich diet of strappings to help them keep form. They were a sound outfit and I was always keen to maintain their morale. The Valley choral society regularly performed for them on the upper slope and it was always very well attended. They sang warming lyrics:
“One of these days, I’m goin’ to have me a Dream
Its gonna come at me with a full head of steam
a full head of steam
a full head of steam

But it wonta stop me chasin’ ma Dream,
‘cos I don’t care about no full head of steam
no full head of steam
no full head of steam”

A rare fusion of low folk and urbane drawl.
There is no greater morale booster than an increase in production and we strived endlessly to extract Potential at every turn. In any economic scale there is always a bouncing parameter and on our economic scale it was timber. I was dichotomized by the paucity of available resource, but Focused on the tree line. The crag chopping detail was recalled and assisted the fellas. Every available CUcolonNT from the Valley was called up to drag and clear, whilst some of the more substantial Underminers were blindfolded and called upon to transport the newly felled timber to the Otherside. ToTal Propping was integral to labour and the Security Youth were responsible for the safe passage of the timber. They guided the disorientated Underminers and were quick to moisten their tips if the occasion presented itself. TY2 was at last in receipt of timber and strappings and the harvesting of our eternal resource could continue.
I went to the Otherside unannounced to check on TY2’s performance. A remark made by TY4 contained a subtle truth and it irked me. Labour had me stretched and the Well Sinking Program was absorbing and critical. I needed to see return from the Otherside. TY4 had suggested that TY2 was ineffectual and effete and was never seen at the Edge. When I arrived, the aperture of the undermine was twice the original dimensions. It had originally been an axer’s mistake. Apparently props of irregular dimension had been introduced and the decision to regulate had been an obvious one. The increased girth was more effective as a place of labour and conditions sub-terranea became less squalid. The Underminers were magnificent producers and delivered great Portion, but they were a different strain to the community in the Valley. They had gone reverse-molecular and thrived on the lower temperatures offered to them in the undermine. TY2 was surprised to see me and hesitant at the suggestion that we go to the Edge. My suspicions were confirmed immediately. I had believed the undermine to be our greatest point of vulnerability, but the excavations appeared more domicilian than counter-oFFensive. Once back in yellow, TY2 and I sat at the Bonfire of Social Benefit and warmed ourselves.
I reiterated my new quota directives. More progress forward. TY1 was dominant in the Valley and TY3 was an operations genius in the tree line. TY4 had displayed great aspiration with the blockage suggestion, but TY2 had not displayed the same instinct. I chafed TY2 indulgently. We enjoyed a frank exchange of views and I demanded that there was more tautness to the operation. The Underminers were at the lowest point of the food chain of Equality, but they enjoyed a huge boost from strappings and they had become complacent. The root cause was timber.
I commanded the desolation of the tree line. The Underminers demands needed attention. TY3 organized logistics and the felling began - a true communal effort. We felled, dragged cleared and stockpiled timber at blistering pace. The ground had given up its rigid grasp on the trees and they simply toppled one upon the next. We had ToTal Control of the tree line and soon we had closed down a theatre. It represented a return to Optimum and stated a case for unNatural Military Philosophy. The only problem that remained was to transport our vast stockpiles to the Otherside. With a steady supply of timber and strappings, the Underminers burrowed frenetically and produced a huge stock pile of DDvp. for transport to the Flames of Freedom. The undermine was being propped rapidly with every scrape forward being a scrape of Cause closer. The tree line was obsolete.
Dog and I were dozing after our exertions. Dog was chasing imaginary foe and twitched accordingly. I was trying to work through some suspicious smoked dart, but we were both awoken by an unnaturally big bang. It was loud enough for it to cause great concern. I just hoped it would not impact negatively on the Great War.

Chapter 22

The big bang evolved into a series of smaller bangs, but continued for a disturbing duration. I spent a moment collecting my thoughts and absorbing Destiny, summoned Dog and left the dwelling. The first rule for any great leader is to understand that every one of his subjects is Equally staggered and horrified by disaster as the leader. The difference being that a great leader provides the perspective from which the minions take their vista and this determines the correct communal response.
I waited for reports. All around me, the CDP was sliding into formation like a velvet paragon. Our manoeuvres were crisp and silky, but I would have been more reassured if I had known the nature of the threat we were facing. I pondered the most recent directive from Importantissimo; it had been unEquivocal:
“…..we must Secure our perimeter, but allow for its elasticity so that it might function……………….retreat is never an option whilst advance is still possible.”
I determined immediately that the big bang would not leave a big impact perspective.
In the silence that followed, it was difficult to determine the direction of the big bang or to establish whether we were under attack and therefore administer a counter-strike. Our transmission paths were Secure, with fresh runners in position at Awareness Stations throughout our Valley. As soon as events became clear, I would be informed. TY3 was the first to arrive. It would turn out to be one of many tales of good fortune surrounding the big bang. TY3 had been dining in the Valley when it occurred and was now ideally placed for counter-attack and extraction operations. In blue, we suffered limitation and instinctively travelled towards the Flames of Freedom, lured on by Their Promise. With the removal of the wooden dwellings, the Valley was more open plan and defence strategy was significantly more straight forward. I decided to base Operational Head Quarters (OHQ) at the Watch Tower. The community begged me not to travel beyond the barricade and I had to appease their wailing.
“Stop your wailing! I am going to protect our Portion! I have no choice!”
It was a wrench, but cut I them a dash as I strode to my OHQ. My Special Youth Cadre travelled with me in divine synchronicity. It was at the Watch Tower that I would collate data. Our Temporary Mobile Watch Towers (TMWTs) were established in all areas of Influence and I was confident an Overview would emerge. The TMWT s were serving as consolidation measures in order to maintain taut elastic Security about us and they were garrisoned by details of Youth. TY3 slid back into scouting with practised ease and laid a path up the slope to the desolated tree line. It was largely an area of inactivity, but it had not escaped my notice that foraging activity existed there and I feared blue might be regarded as the most opportune occasion to bag novel forms of nutrition. The reports from the Valley were heartening with all the traffic indicating no collateral damage and the CDP had successfully metamorphosed into V formation. The Flames of Freedom were currently being doubled in size and I had a full Security force to call on.
TYW41 made the first significant report. It was general, but retained clarity. Apparently, since the tree line had become desolate, the passage of crag choppings had been facilitated and the upper slope had taken a pounding. It had become fashionable for members of the crag detail to be found providing AVCs whenever the opportunity presented itself and it was proving very productive. The rolling crag choppings pounding may have played a significant role, but the value to be attached to its significance had yet to be determined. There were unconfirmed reports of silence from TMWTs to the west, which contrasted chillingly with their counterparts in the east, which repeatedly reported that all was quiet.
TY3 returned from the west with some Potentially damaging news.
“Master, I fear a rift has occurred.”
I received this news as I did all messages. I was appropriately deferential, but dogmatic.
“Thank you for the news, TY3, but you are mistaken.”
Reports from our tendrils consolidated ToTal Overview. It was clear that the enemy agents active against us in the undermine had attempted a rift. Fortunately the relentless pounding of the enemy target by the crag detail on AVCs had diverted the danger and transmuted it to a rapid ground slide. By removing the trees from the tree line, we had almost opened a double front, but the danger had been mitigated and allowed to harmlessly and happily pass us by. There were bound to be casualties, but their context was everything and we had yet to discover the extent of the damage to us. Slowly, detail trickled in. A huge subterranean surge had ignited an attempted rift, but instead had triggered a slide which slid downwards and discharged itself at a point between our own Valley and the enemy valley in the west, into the river gorge below. TY3 approached me for wisdom.
“Master, what is the difference between a rift and a Ground Slide?”
“Everything.”
Casualty figures were arriving and the process was ongoing. There had been initial hopes that we may have been spared, but for the sake of a few foragers. Unfortunately, the desolated tree line had been the chosen venue for a gathering of snipe from the Rock tumbling operation. It was just an informal discussion with their fellow CUcolonNTs in Health and Safety. I feared they were lost to us amongst the detrus of disaster. Other unfortunate victims included the Valley choral society on their tour of Hope. Their final mortal contribution was a bluesy number called “Ma baby’s leavin’ me.” The chorus says everything.
“B-b-baby, I’rm beggin’ ya not ta go away
Because B-b-baby, we DON’T have to listen ta what they say
We will keep those wheels aturning
If that’s wha’ it takes to keep Themma Flames aburnin’”

I was touched by soothing melancholia.
Later reports indicated higher losses than we had anticipated and it was now known that we had lost the entire garrison of Nutters waiting to be drizzled on the west. Their billet had been clipped by the Slide, but even a clipping sent it into a ToTal spiral. OHQ was silent whilst I collated. A message had to be passed on to the anxious community below. It called for perspective.
“TY3, go to the Valley and confirm heavy losses, but reconfirm they were restricted to the CUcolonNTs community. Say that it was so sudden, they did not know what hit them.”
What resulted was paradoxical. All communal CUcolonNTs gathered by the slide and attempted to dig out their fallen comrades from the slipped ground. Because of their mutilation, they made no progress. The rest of the community spectated. There was a stand off between the two sides; one group was willing and not able, whilst the other group was able, but not willing. A very strange dynamic, I observed.
In edition we had lost several western TMWTs with their Youth details and several communal breeders intent on privacy above the Valley, but I was confident we could take the hit. A rift would have been serious and even divisive. Characteristically, community Spirit was undinted and as the CDP stood down, there was mutual celebration in the Valley. Then a missive arrived from TY4.
“Master, TY4 sends warm greetings! I bear great news! We have tumbled the Rock of Prominence!”
If this was correct, our Well Sinking Program was going to face pressure.
There was enormous jubilation. The community spontaneously danced around the Flames of Freedom. We had tumbled the Rock and created a blockage! Perspective lit up before my eyes. The remaining TYs and all moistened TYsW were afforded the privilege of meet and greet duties on TY4’s return from the front. It felt right. I remained on the middle level and nibbled on cured strapping.
The whole ensemblage that followed in the wake of TY4 was tasteful. It was only as we faced one another on the middle level that I truly recognized our ideological symbiosis and what it meant for the future. TT4 also possessed a fine chin.
“TY4, tell me, is it true that you have tumbled the Rock of Prominence and created a blockage.”
“Master, I have done as you commanded and created a blockage.”
I chose this very public opportunity for elevation. All Underminers had their blinkers removed whilst TY4 and I idled in ideological caress. It was molecularly determined that we entered Spiritually controlled gyration and it soothed our audience, but the atmosphere was brazen as we crescendoed with hand movement. At that moment I was released.
“TY4! You are no longer TY4! From this moment forward, you will forever be known as Very Trusty Youth 1!”
It was very emotional and I filled up. The sequences of affairs leading to the tumbling and the subsequent Ground Slide were outlined to me and the Communal ensemble. VTY1 had been wrestling with the Rock and progress had been ongoing. I had made a Potentializing sweep and freed more resource for the objective and the multi-delta sniping technique had been put into practice. At a critical moment, the CUcolonNTs had disappeared to attend a meeting with H&S on the upper slope. VTY1 had succeeded in creating turgid pressure reversed against the Rock and the sudden release of the pressure had led to recoil and the subsequent big bang that had alarmed us so. The tumbling Ground Slide was the result of our efforts to create a blockage! It had not been a rift attempt. The crag detail was viewed less heroically. We wept and then and danced in our dried river bed. We were uncontrollable with Spirit. There were songs about my greatness, songs about my courage and songs about my sensitive side. There was something for everyone. We danced and chewed on strappings.
The effect it had on the valleys either side of us was a contrast. In the east, they had no current at all. Left as it was, it would soon suffer from aridity. The only fluids they would receive along their river bed would be those of our choosing. Our river bed was dry, but we immediately initiated our new Well Sinking Program upon it, as it benefited from a less cluttered operation than the middle level offered. It was a hive of activity. The inhabitants of the western valley had an entirely different problem. They were not short of flow, but it was becoming a liability. The valley had begun to submerge and their water supply had begun to stagnate, trapped as it was against the blockage. Tribalism was abandoned and Thinning by introspection returned when supplies ran low. As the stagnant pond crept up the valley, space became confined and it was not long before a ToTal Surrender was offered by our enemy. The west was unaware that our Nutters were lost to us and feared their performance in confined areas. The prisoners were taken to the CAT compound for processing and further Thinning. All peace demands humiliation, as victory demands indignation.
TY1 and I considered the CAT compound. We had been able to determine the number of snipe lost to the slide and the labour requirements that we anticipated. The foreign Youth had been billeted with our Youth and induction had been attractive and swift. We were delighted for any addition to our Security detail. Our compound was full. Sustenance was our key consideration and we decided to introduce dart dangling for the first time. Dart would be dangled into the compound at a level that only the prime could reach. Thinning by thinning, as TY1 had quipped.
A closer inspection of the river gorge revealed a very large blockage to the west. Phenomenally large. The Ground Slide had been triggered by the tumbling of the Rock of Prominence and had gone on to consolidate the blockage. It would be a dominant geographic feature for a while. There remained just a trickle of moisture seeping through. There was no question of our armada being floated and all fluids retrieved from the western pond quickly became stagnant and required heating to avoid plague. I had hoped to recover the wooden dwellings from the west as part of the victor’s spoils and ceremoniously feed them to the Flames of Freedom. Ultimately they were used as fuel for burning during sterilization of stagnant water in situ. The Underminers required little fluid as they ran better dry, but the community could not parch and persist simultaneously. The lack of moisture was sudden and entirely catered for. The Well Sinking Program was progressing well and trickles were being absorbed, but we were not self sufficient as yet. We faced a ceaseless struggle against the strata below and had no choice but to employ foreigners for well shaft labour, but not before I had instilled desperacy into them. Even as we closed down theatres of combat, there were significant obstacles in our path.

Chapter 23

The blockage had been a magnificent success and had provided my campaign with an Equal balance in our favour. Tumbling the Rock of Prominence had been a cataclysmic triumph, resulting in an immediate cessation of armed struggle in the west. The magnitude of the achievement was still under scrutiny and there would undoubtedly be repercussions felt in our Valley, most notably the lack of river flow. We harnessed selected foreign labour from our advanced position of Influence and it was Focused on the Well Sinking Program on the river bed. Our enemies in the eastern AS-PMEDU (Advanced Semi-Permanent Mobile Enemy Destabilization Unit) had made no such provision and the lack of river flow had not just left them arid, but also without their two water wheels functioning. Intrusion into the eastern valley had become inevitable.
Our eastern Overview had been positioned expertly by TY3. We enjoyed unspoilt views of the activity below and the exercise provided interesting observation. The easterners had not resorted to panic and Thinning, but had adopted a more pragmatic approach to their new found circumstances. Our community had responded with alarm at the sudden prospect of aridity, but we had no crop or livestock to sustain on the plain, our Well Sinking was ahead at full tilt and we had access to purified moisture. Whilst the diet of smoked dart had become monotonous, it was supplemented by generous strappings from the undermining and dual-action operations. Breeding was spumante and the Flames of Freedom were enormous, so we had little to concern ourselves with and I told them so. Those in the east were measured in consideration, but limited in option.
The eastern community gathered on their middle level and entered into convention. It was evident that our Elder Hostages, taken whilst scaling to dispel doubt, were allowed to speak to a respectful silence and their opinions stoked confabulation. As with all convention, it inhibits policy, but the whole commune was invited to speak. Our enemy clung to a different mentality than ours and the longer they convened the more moisture they lost to aridity. They could no longer rely on moist rock in the river bed to slake their thirst. Their debate extended into blue, when they continued by the glow of Our Flames. They spent much consideration on moisture issues and I was confident that we would soon be Applying a rugged mauling to the east.
When they eventually concurred, the easterners approach to their Fate was weakened by its emphasis on a Socially Beneficial objective. It was immediately obvious that the prime had decided against a cull and were initially happy to incorporate the whole community in activities. The livestock were slaughtered and their flesh was dried before the communal fire. It was then compactly stored until further use. The crop was harvested and processed. All sustenance was stored and divided into rations. There was frantic activity on the river bed and a well sinking program was initiated. The project received Focus. From our own experiences in the area, I was aware of the barren despair they were to face, but their operation was taut. Elsewhere, their wooden dwellings were being deconstructed along with all other communal structures. In their place a communal marquee was erected and it was here that rest and sustenance were taken. The cut stone from their pathways were used as well lining and Hostage Pioneer Pair 4 were busy recomponentizing the armada. The Hostage Elders and eastern elders alike entertained the Youth and offered counsel.
The cultivation of the foreign Youth was the most alarming feature of eastern life. They were content to frolic and perform the occasional menial task. They appeared amused by the elders in an infantile fashion and shirked responsibility. TY3 was disgusted by the sight.
“Those foreign Youth are so going to have a shock when we osmotically absorb them.”
I laughed, despite myself.
“TY3, if this aridity continues, I fear there will not be much to absorb!”
Other Hostages from our Valley that had found themselves in the east included a number of our Congenitals. They had been the victims of drifting in the west, but had achieved safe passage to the east. In our Valley, we had been aware that Congenitals were pliable, but limited. Loosely, they came under the charge of the elders, but their interaction with the foreign Youth was a study on the effects of aridity. As CUcolonNTs, Congenitals had no way of communicating with those around them. Driven by need, they developed a new language with the foreign Youth that relied on the twinkling of the eyes. Mutual receptiveness fed a requirement. The elders continued oblivious to all bi-lingual communiqué. As the new language, Twinkle matured and broadened, then so did its scope and perspective. It was not long before some of the great Twinkle literature and economic theorem were developed, all done under aridity. For the elders and the Youth, life continued as normal, but with a dry sensation.
Aridity bit in the east and their communal spirit bowed to natural forces. As they convened in the marquee, a frictious atmosphere was detected by TY3’s scouting party. The value of the elders’ portion was questioned. They provided little wise counsel and now that the Youth and the Hostage Congenitals had Twinkle to occupy them the elders were redundant. They volunteered to deliver portion for the community. Communal snakiness was lack of moisture inspired. We were still delivering effluation and it had been forbidden in the east for the community to utilize our offering. Despite the warnings, it was well known that the elders occasionally travelled up gorge to suck on our moist rocks.
Psycho-Ops had always been my speciality and I decided a squeeze was necessary. It was prompted by disturbing news delivered by TY3.
“Master, I have news from the east. It appears that their wsp has been successful and it is now yielding.”
Yield gave them a psychological boost that only a life necessity can and I feared that they would be able sustain Enduringly and a swift conquest might not be so Certain. We were heavily outnumbered by the foe in the east and their numbers would need to be reduced to manageable proportions. The only Nutter power we had lay in a few late developers that had been spared the Disaster on the upper slope, but I wished to retain them as an option. I chose psycho-erosion.
Stealthily, by blue I organized a bonfire at the base of the eastern valley. Upon it we Bar-B-Qued fresh strapping from the Otherside. Its charred pungence plagued eastern nostrils to the point of salivation and this was nearly triggered at the sight of Dog gorging on the honied flesh. They no longer had dogs in the east. A contingent of CUcolonNTs maintained the bonfire and ironically, the supply of strapping. The community feasted and farted enthusiastically and did so with humour. Such was the aroused nature of our Spirit, VTY1 gathered a band of fearless Youth and made a daring strike on the eastern water wheels. The raid was successful and the wheels were retrieved as symbolism. They were promptly taken to the Flames of Freedom and sacrificed. It was then that I addressed the community.
“This is a great moment for our Cause and it will be recorded in the First Clause!”
There was a gland swelling cheer, but only I knew what was to come. I buckled and twitched involuntarily with early seepage.
“We are our in possession of the only functioning water wheel in the whole of existence!”
There was a gush of euphoria and I just let it flow.
We observed the impact of Psycho-Ops from our eastern Overview. It was disturbingly calculated. The easterners retrieved carrion and all the fuel we had not required for our Bar-B-Que was recovered. After convention, which included input from our Hostage elders and Hostage Pioneering Pair 4, emissaries were sent to distant eastwards with trinkets to buy favour. As the emissaries were provided with a security detail, I instructed TY3 to provide some Scout Youth, fully blood lusted with talk of personal fortune. They were sent after the enemy mission and returned with moist tips and the spoils of conflict. We had the eastern trinkets, but they had bought them no favour.
We attempted to conduct Hostage Release Missions with variable success. We had finally closed these missions down when a Hostage Rescue Youth was sent on an attempt to liberate a Hostage Congenital. The unfortunate Youth had been seduced by Twinkle and had instantly travelled a twisted path through the spiritual prism and simply never returned. I decreed the offensive Youth be declared an enemy and confirmed that Congenitals were no longer to be afforded Hostage status.
Our progress in the east held my attention for longer than I had anticipated, but when their demise took its first nibble, I was there as a witness. It had been widely known that the elders had a passion for our moist rocks and our effluation always kept us comfortably ahead of demand, but a social phenomena occurred amongst the easterners. Rock sucking no longer suffered its initial taboo and was regarded as an acceptable preoccupation. It was considered a time of social release. The warnings against the activity were still promoted widely, but those who partook of the rock continued to do so, and the weak became a lot weaker. It was gastricity that eventually sucked the resistance from the east.
The gastricity introduced through our Moist Rock Policy (MRP) had been particularly virulent and very contagious. The Plague ignited and the whole eastern valley was forced to act. As the definitive cause of the gastricity had not been established, there were those who continued to suck Dreamily on rock, gorging on its ethereal sensations. The rapid decline in those sharing the pleasure first alerted them to the possibility that the Habit was somehow linked to the Plague. Cordons sanitaire were erected, allowing no breaches of Security for the victims to escape. In addition, all those with the Plague were made to wear funny hats for visual identification. In the early stages, the eastern valley was unaware of the Plague’s contagion and there was an element of sympathy for the weak, but as the prime became afflicted, the sympathy turned to contempt and loathing. VTY1 was able to make daring raids on their supplies and these were not even detected by the distracted community.
I decided that I was fully advanced on my fronts. I was delighted with the results from the east and I was satisfied that the final lick of Application could be delivered at a moment of my choosing. Destroyed Spiritually by the loss of their water wheels and destroyed physically by the convenient cooperation of aridity and gastricity. Now there were other areas that required attention if the intentions of Importantissimo were not to be disappointed.

Chapter 24

Ironically, our problems were not dissimilar to those that existed in the east. The tumbling of the Rock of Prominence had been a remarkable achievement and would be recorded in the First Clause of Cause. It was our greatest achievement to date and it had defeated multiple foe simultaneously. A flooded western valley had realized surrender and the lethal combination of aridity and gastricity had guaranteed emparchment in the east. Circumstances made it unlikely that the Longnecks would choose to return. VTY1was refreshingly unblemished by affectation and we became increasingly ideologically twisted. Together, our priority now was moisture.
In order to blossom and remain turgidly Secure, we required a reconnection with the river flow and it would involve deconstructing the blockage. The blockage that had resulted from the tumbling of the Rock had been significantly consolidated by the Ground Slide. The entire gorge had been sealed. The western valley had maintained a consistent water level within its stagnant pond after the river broke its bank further up the gorge. In order to benefit from river flow again, it was clear that we would have to remove the blockage and the most obvious technique was by Ground displacement. By displacing the Ground, we would be able to remove the threat of aridity and engage our water wheel in operations once again, thus re-utilizing our unique advantage. The Ground Displacement Project (GDP) was to be a logistical feat that far exceeded our endeavours in the tree line or on the Otherside and I charged VTY1 with the task. Once the decision had been made, I enjoyed a swelling in confidence. Morale was low in the Valley despite recent victories and a return to moisture under the sympathetic authority of VTY1 would provide boost.
The GDP was to require the Potentialization of labour and VTY1 and I discussed the subject.
“VTY1, in order to disperse this spectacular blockage, I offer all the resource that is available to me, to you.”
“Thank you, Master, for your generosity is legendary. May I ask if the foreigner Hostage Takers in the CAT compound are Thin enough for incorporation?”
I laughed mischievously.
“VTY1, the foreigner Hostage Takers are not just Thin, but they are Taut and plump for labour.”
The dart dangling has been a great success and we had a reduction of foreign prime to be inducted into our labour force. I had more good news for VTY1.
“I understand from TY1 that the foreigners have been tongued and instructed in How We Do It. The foreign Youth are dribbling for the chance to encourage their elders in the tasks ahead and will pounce on the opportunity to moisten the blade.
“An opportune reminder to the community that the foreigners retain Hostage Taker status might be appropriate as well. We must have whole hearted Incorporation for the newest members to our Valley. You only have to ask and resource is yours. We must have a return to moisture or we shall shrivel!”
The GDP required the dispersal of ground, but such a volume could not be accommodated within the Valley and so had to be transported beyond its walls to find a suitable spot for dispersal. Initially, the Security pit employed around the tree line was back filled, but when this could be compacted no more, I set about landscaping the rampart that protected the Flames of Freedom. It was integral to the ToTal Enduring Security that we wished to implement and I developed it into an arc shape around the top of our Valley. As the GDP began to Tauten up, I extended our rampart outwards concentrically. Despite, the extension of Turgid Security, morale within the community remained very low. They were parching up. The GDP was a gargantuan challenge, but it would be unobtainable without communal enthusiasm.
As Dispersed Ground became more abundant, I ordered the rampart to be extended outwards in concentric arcs around the valleys in the east and west. As areas of Influence, they were entitled to our surety and this cycle of consolidation was contagious. The rampart was then extended to the Otherside and built concentrically away from the aperture to our undermine in a ripple effect. This development had a dual purpose; it provided us with protection and enabled the Undermining community access to the Valley. By counter-burrowing along the ramparts we had provided, the Underminers were able to re-emerge at the blockage in the gorge without exposure to any illumination. They were so conditioned to darkness that the tiniest flicker brought on head pains. Beyond the undermine, they had to be blindfolded. This rampart situation released a hitherto under-utilized source of labour. The Underminers loved to burrow, but they loved to breed too. The inevitable result was a large, labour-enthusiastic and rapidly expanding interwoven community that required constant secondments to undermines in distant areas at the edge of Influence. Each of these popular far flung undermines necessitated a Security detail and a TMWT (Temporary Mobile Watch Tower) to look over it. The GDP offered the perfect opportunity to the Underminer who did not share the geographic aspirations of their far flung relations. We needed to harness and Focus this virulent force on our attempts to reach the moist stagnant pond that stood beyond the blockage.
The surge of labour harnessed from the Underminers led to a rapid increase in production of our GDP and we were once again forced to look elsewhere to deposit Dispersal. The Underminers travelled along the rampart to the blockage and burrowed. The Ground the Underminers dispersed needed to be transported away from the Valley. The speed of the operation in the new undermines through the blockage dictated the speed of the operation in the Valley to disperse the Ground and it was a subject that created friction between the community and the Underminers. The latter were happy to burrow and breed and it left little opportunity for nostalgic confabulation, whilst the former still required a degree of sociability. VTY1 had no choice but to make AVCs compulsory within the community in the Valley and communal morale plummeted once more.
Confrontation between the community and the migrant Underminers was frequent and bloody. Communications between the two sides all but broke down on a number of occasions. I had decided to use the stagnant pond in the west as a repository for the GDP. In doing so, I intended to adjust the tangential variables of the counter pressure on the blockage. By altering the differentials in our favour by back filling the western valley, I hoped it would hasten a return to moisture. The western valley was a greater distance than the communal labour force felt to be reasonable. I explained differentials and how it would Secure a return to moisture and they soon became obsessed with the task. Raising the level of the stagnant pond became paramount in our Focus. The Ground was dispersed west using all manner of receptacles and it was back breaking labour, but with every load delivered to the pond, its level grew a little higher and the differentials moved consistently in our favour. The process also allowed the labour force an essential opportunity to forage whilst making the return from the west with a load of stagnant water for our new purification plant in the Valley. The water carrier provided specialist tuition. The Underminers had a marvellous habit of increasing tempo once in while and it stretched the Dispersal operation. I upped Expectation from the foreign Hostage Takers and this created competitiveness between them and their indigenous counterparts. Roger came unto me and spoke his apologist wisdom.
“You must not force the foreigner Hostage Takers to carry such a burden. They are at breaking point and it is unjust that they should be penalized for being foreign.”
He was right. An Equal burden should be just that. I upped Expectation for the entire labour force.
The griping continued. Why did the foreign CUcolonNTs retain their hands? Why should the foreign CUcolonNTs get strappings? The foreign Youth are too reserved in their acts of violence! They killed our Hostages! It was true as we had never recovered a single one. The foreigners always denied the charge and they would blame our Nutters for the slaughter. A ruck would develop. Even the Underminers enjoyed the odd slaying if a foreigner entered the excavated blockage in error. VTY1 would complain about the behaviour of the Underminers on the foreign labour details to TY2. TY2 publicly endorsed support for the Underminers. VTY1 responded by calling TY2 a lover of Twinkle. The victim of public bandinage, TY2 was strafed with indignation. I had always been an advocate of the competitive Edge and I entertained an idea I was germinating. It was already well advanced, but I tweaked it nonetheless. In order to boost morale and knock the edges off the increasingly healthy competitive Spirit, I called the community unto me for an announcement.
“Comrades. I am delighted to announce we are going to hold a Games!”
There was a great deal of cheering and banter bounced back and forth as to the likely outcome of the forthcoming Games. It had been an inspired idea, as it offered the perfect opportunity for our Reserve Security Youth (RSY) to moisten their tips and gain admission to Youth Security and also rid ourselves of the community’s disruptive element and the borderline Nutters at the same time. An amphitheatre was carved into the slope on the side of the blockage.
The Games were an attempt to unify the various factions that had emerged. Volunteers came from the undermine, the Valley and the foreigners. I issued Spirit. I had been as vague as I dared with my remit in regard of format. The atmosphere in the amphitheatre was engaged and this was a credit to VTY1 who knew how to throw an occasion. Events began and three borderline Nutters in full appendagery were the first into the arena, but not to skirmish amongst themselves, as TY1 followed them and issued a challenge. I felt it was a stout order even for TY1, but the pugilists squared up three on one and engaged. The bestial ferocity that Nutters unleashed on their foe was legendary, but it caused not a tremor to TY1, who provided a gritty, solid line throughout the tussle. The singular performance brought adulation from the crowd and TY1 concluded matters using full deliveries and remained unscathed by whirling appendage. I turned to VTY1.
“TY1 is a magnificent swordsman.”
“Spectacular. The success of the technique owes much to the strength of the upper arc.”
I agreed and settled back to enjoy the sport.
There followed all manner of gruesome encounters and the crowd was hoarse with cheering. Various combat combinations were attempted, but the blindfolded Underminers were always at a disadvantage. In the end, we ran a separate knockout competition for the blindfolded with the official title of Underminer 1 (U1) as the prize. It was both exciting and labour intensive. There were many grudges settled by the blade and we successfully dispatched a lot of riff raff from our subterranean ranks. The able eyed contested combinations and thanks to the great technique imparted by TY2, our Youth Reserve felled a huge batch of foreign rubbish. As proceedings were drawing to a close, TY2 entered the arena and stated a case. TY2 had always been a free radical.
“Master, with your permission I would like to exercise my right to satisfaction. There is one amongst us who has repeatedly made public and scurrilous insinuations in my direction and I wish to claim satisfaction. I call upon VTY1 to answer these charges.”
VTY1 vaulted into the arena and shrugged a response to TY2. Trouble between the two had been brewing, but TY2 wielded a breathless blade and duelling was a forte. The duel had come as no surprise to me as they had been ideologically unbalanced for a while. I had been satisfied that they had both found their niche, but clearly ill will had slopped over during contact. I feared for VTY1, the pupil against the master. I could not deny TY2 satisfaction, neither could I deny that VTY1 was going to lose and I was seriously concerned as to who was to receive the Legacy. Pre-bout rituals were conducted – a mystery to me. TY2 was limbering aerobically, with the emphasis placed on Spirit and self-elevation. VTY1 limbered casually, looking to die for. The crowd was silent and eager, aware of the symbolism involved in the contest. I, myself was nervous.
When preparations were completed, the combatants stood in the arena before me. TY2 bowed deferentially in my direction, exposing the neck. This allowed VTY1 to win the contest with a singular strike. As the severed head hit the Ground and rolled towards me, I could not help but to remark on the startled facial expression that TY2 still wore. VTY1 was victorious and ready to suckle on greatness.
The communal dynamic had been altered and it had to be accommodated. The Legacy had found its heir. TY1 had never been interested in status recognition and was a relentless assistant of encouragement to the labour force. TY3 was content carving Influence in the distance and had ensured a turgid buffer around us. If moisture was to be accomplished, then we would have to accelerate our GDP. It was the moment to Radicalize.

Chapter 25

I had long considered the Application of practical ideology and now that I had the impetus of VTY1 behind me, I felt the moment was ripe. My Program of Radicalization (PR) was to be the most progressive of its kind in existence. I was going back to basics. I was going to return to the fundamentals and attack the root cause of the malaise that existed within our community. I had been moved by the Teachings of Importantissimo. VTY1 and I spent spare rare moments of leisure in intercourse on its essence. Morale in our Valley had not improved since the Games and I had come to the conclusion that there must be a more Spiritual element to the problem. The foreign Hostage Takers from the west had enjoyed seamless Incorporation, the sign of a good immigration policy, but with our populous spread widely over our spheres of Influence on the Edge of distance, it was possible that we had lost our true Focus and Spiritual fulcrum. We had embarked on the Eternal Quest to maintain the Flames of Freedom, but we had to be condensed and compact in order to achieve that goal. We were suffering from Dissipating Energy Syndrome (DES) and Radicalization was an attempt to Neutralize the effects. Our satellites required realignment so as to present the Flames of Freedom as their bond.
Perhaps my moment of greatest inspiration came during my Radicalization period. VTY1 and I had been fiddling with our Socially Enhancement Energy Objectives. DES (Dissipating Energy Syndrome) was a tremendous threat to us and we had to consolidate turgidly, by removing all the conduits of Dissipating Energy. Our objective was to maintain the Flames of Freedom, but in order to do so, we needed a return to moisture. The Undermining community hinted at the greatest source of under utilized Potential, as they continued to extract DDvp. that had long since become surplus to our requirements, for now and evermore. Their Breeding Program had maintained spectacular proportion and we currently had several divisions of surplus Underminers on exercise in our most distant ramparts and there were many more in numerous obscure undermines at the Edge of Influence. It all amounted to little more than subterranean vagrancy. The majority of the Underminers led a task orientated lifestyle and I thought nothing would persuade them from their beloved burrow in the undermine on the Otherside, more affectionately known as Legacy Way. Then VTY1 struck me with a Radical spark.
“Master, I require more labour if I am to accelerate the GDP and back fill the western valley as we discussed, but I believe I have stumbled upon a solution. I believe that the significant proportion of the Undermining community labour remains invested on the Otherside. Importantissimo has issued stringent guidelines on Dissipation and yet the frenetic burrowing in Legacy Way continues its path well beyond purpose. We have harvested more Dust of Death vp. than we will ever require and yet the Dissipation of Energy continues, in direct contradiction to the Teachings of Importantissimo.”
I frequently called on VTY1 to ponder on the Teachings. VTY1 was a purist and took a Taut line.
“Master, Impotantissimo tells us to “…...drag the vermin from their burrows and farm them for the practical advantage of the Community.”
“Master, I believe the Teachings refer to the Underminers.”
I had been blind. It was an opportunity crying out for development. Overcrowding had become a serious issue in Legacy Way and the solution was glowing in the Teachings. We would transmigrate the Underminers to the blockage in the river gorge. They could forge their own little tenements and develop their own communes. They would not be restricted in their expansionist policy and would be available to provide their AVCs in favour of the GDP. Our whole Community would have Focus. The accommodation was a Temporary measure whilst we back filled the western valley and acquired moisture, but it was good for five to ten generations. The blockage was to be our dominant geological feature. As the Underminers created their new task orientated domicile, the GDP developed smoothly and our western differentials continued to balance in our favour as our Ground was dispersed. Dissipating Energy had been neutralized. It was Taut Process (TP). And that was how the underworld gained purchase in the Valley.
The underworld was to develop as an enclave and it became a law unto itself. These were to be unforeseen consequences of the transmigration of the Underminers and I did not view them entirely favourably. The Underminers were delighted with their Secure environment and became attached to their surroundings. I could no longer send Security details to the blockage as they never returned, but there were reports from the underworld that spoke of base activities, like licking feet and eating hair. I fear the temptation of darkness proved to great a draw for many in the community, who were attracted to the blockage and its dark promise in much the same guilty fashion as the rock suckers in the east had been drawn to our effluation. Roger visited.
“How can you allow such moral degeneracy to continue?”
He had been disturbed by the lawlessness that existed within the blockage.
“Roger, it is a contingency wartime measure and key in my plans for a return to moisture to the Valley.”
“Wartime measure? We have no foe remaining! They are either slaughtered or enslaved.”
“Roger, I wish what you say was true and then I would be rid of this Heavy Burden that I bear. Alas, there are easterners very much alive and still threatening to undermine us.”
“The eastern populous has been wiped out by aridity and gastricity. They are pinned out on their arid steppes and those who are breathing are sustained by the victuals you supply them. Otherwise, there is nothing left in the east except the poisoned wells, scorpions and serpents.”
“Living foe, Roger. I have a duty to maintain ToTal Enduring Security.”
Back filling possessed a greater urgency as the purification process of the stagnant water from the west was expensive and exacting. The race to alter our differentials with the west had led to the introduction of some inspired technique. The crag detail had always been ideologically sound and never needed harrying for AVCs. They had been indispensable in the prevention of a rift and were always willing to assist in any detail concerning the crag. The crag was a physical feature that was common to all three valleys and its Potential had not been explored. A gang of craggies had devised a novel solution to back fill the west. They went about their crag chopping, but directed their product towards the stagnant pond, enhancing our plan to raise its level. As with the well lining objective, gravity lent its force and it was not long before the western valley and its approaches were subjected to random crag choppings raining down to assist the back filling process. The craggies were an unusual bunch, but they were basic. I welcomed their contribution.
As the community reFocused, it became necessary to redefine purpose in a number of areas. Our Scouting Division, under TY3 was no longer required to scour for Influence and was developed into a covercious unit to maintain order in the underworld. Many were already fluent with the dialect as they had come into contact with the Underminers whilst on Security details at far flung undermines. They were drilled and instructed for their new task at their SHQ (Security Head Quarters) in a burrow beneath the tree line. TY3 lectured to them on operational subtleties, whilst TY1 lectured in attitude. They continued selective snatch squads, concentrating upon the most reproductively active. Perhaps the most striking example in adjustment of purpose was the transformation in the TMWTs (Temporary Mobile Watch Towers). As tools of consolidation, they were invaluable, but they were unpopular postings, remote and inhospitable with only the constant burrowing from the undermines below to distract attention. We were now Consolid. We were no longer in need of such oFFensive formation as we had now realigned behind the ideology of Condensation. We utilized our TMWTs to condense us more effectively. Instead of surveying the edges of Influence and beyond, we repositioned them at the top of the Valley, surveying our vital access. It had become an unusual habit of the foreign Hostage Takers to attempt to leave the Security provided by the Flames of Freedom. Whilst a departure from the Valley was technically permissible, I decided that conditions were too hazardous and a return to liberalism might impact negatively on our community, it was like viewing the escape of Portion that was due to them. Our TMWTs served as a superb flight prevention unit and when liaising with our Awareness Stations, they were able to prevent the effects of Energy Dissipation by desertion from damaging the labour force.
VTY1 was troubled.
“Master, since Condensation, I have been deeply troubled. Our position on the Otherside is abandoned. Did not Importantissimo preach, saying “………a shunned Resource will Dissipate Energy more virulently as an act of spite.”
“I believe the intention of this Teaching is directed at the Otherside.”
I gave the matter consideration and then acted on my musings. VTY1 and I took an amble to the Otherside with Dog as company. We travelled in an ideological glow. When we arrived at our destination, it became obvious to me that VTY1’s Taut interpretation of Importantissimo was unEquivocal. The place stank of Dissipation. There were vast stock piles of timber harvested from the tree line just begging to be Neutralized. The entire horizon was dominated by the deposits of DDvp.. The Dissipation was truly virulent and spiteful.
I did not take the decision to ignite the Beacon of Incorporation and Equal Portion without a stern consideration for the consequences. Currently, our vast fuel reserves served only to draw contrast to our humble dependence on moisture and this led to a Dissipation in morale. As we lit the Beacon of Incorporation and Equal Portion, the spite of the resources was consumed in a symbolic act of Neutralization. The stock piles on the Otherside caught in spectacular fashion. Initially the view of the Otherside was disappointing, but it was not long before the horizon began to smoke. From the Valley, it looked as if the crag summit was to be enveloped by the Beacon behind it. The grandeur of the spectacle even out glowed our own Flames of Freedom. We laboured gratuitously in their glow.
There were many in the community who remained myopic where policy was concerned and they repeatedly accused me of squandering resource, blind to the logic of Neutralization. At one stage, the Beacon of Incorporation and Equal Portion became so intense that the floor of our Valley became tepid and there were reports of distant rebel undermines combusting. As a result of the intensity, it was not long before we were camouflaged in its effluvium. We lost yellow and blue and they were replaced by grey. The cloud of camouflage extended across the whole of Influence providing us with blanket cover. VTY1 and I were awed by the Teachings and made a covenant to the Eternal Quest.
Dog and I were taking a stroll along the parched river bed taking in the sights. One could not help but be impressed by our armada. It was the only armada in the whole of existence and it contained a great deal of Innate Value for the Legacy, but only when returned to Purpose. The whole labour force was engaged in Dispersing Ground to the western valley and when moisture was returned, there would be my TOPI (Tangible Ongoing Personal Immortality) gained through Innate Value. My achievements were historic and ongoing. Dog too had retained the position of Community talisman and was revered. On our return to the Valley, we were met by a deputation led by Roger.
“I have news that may be of interest to you.”
I had been filtered around the loop.
“And the news is good, I trust?”
“Yes. We have no living foe in the eastern valley, or anywhere else.”
I was puzzled.
“How can that be? I exchanged victuals for relevance with the east recently. They are sustained.”
“They are slewn.”
I was confounded.
“I issued no instruction for them to be slewn. They were to be maintained, to provide intelligence.”
Roger was serene.
“I issued the command to have them slewn and have them entered into the food chain of Equality at the appropriate level.”
“You cannot diminish me!”
The delegation was unwavering. Roger addressed me.
“Our intention is not to diminish you. We wish for a return to peacetime and the restoration of civilized society amongst us. The danger has passed. We have no living foe.”
“There are Attack Animals still spotted.”
“Very rarely, but their threat is exhausted. I understand they have become fashionable as victuals if one is bold enough to attempt entrapment.”
I was in a turmoil of emotion and unable to respond immediately. My eyes swept across the delegation to the gathering crowd beyond. I bellowed unto them.
“I will choose the moment of my departure!”
“We have already chosen the moment of your choosing.”
Roger had my attention.
“We have chosen the moment that will be symbolic in its passing. The birth of the last infant conceived in your Breeding Program will be the moment of departure. Unless of course, you wish to stay among us as an Equal.”
The latter was no option at all. I would be reduced to a purveyor of labour, altering the differentials with the rest of the community. My TOPI would become reduced in squalid trivia and Dog would become a forager or worse. I was curious
“And how will you celebrate the occasion?”
“We will celebrate the First Undisadvantaged Birth by a return to Equality for all. It will represent what we covet above all else.”
I had little option but to retire and consider my options. My Program of Radicalization had returned us to fundamentals and we were in a lithe state of Condensation, well Secured by TMWTs. We were free of foe and we had Neutralized everything, as Impotantissimo had instructed. As soon as moisture was reintroduced, the water wheel and armada would soar in Innate Value, unique as they were. I had introduced immigration and transmigration successfully and both the foreign western Hostage Takers and the Underminers had been Incorporated with fluid ease into our labour requirements. I had gone to Optimum plus one and against all the odds I had transformed the Valley into Optimum Neutral. VTY1 and I managed to steal a few moments together to provide Enduring policy. It was in sombre tone that we sat together in the effluvium, but we consolidated nonetheless.

Chapter 26

The moment chosen for my chosen moment of departure allowed the opportunity for reflection and I considered it to be a respectable hand over period. The privations of wartime were still very much in evidence and coupled with the news of my departure, morale in the Valley was in a helpless trough of melancholia. The definition of my position within the community was rigidly ambiguous, with neither side willing to test it for supplety. I had inspected the eastern valley minutely in search of survivors, but had found none. I had no choice but to accept the need for a cessation of hostilities, as they now lacked direction. The community was focused; moisture had retained priority, but practices were saggy and lacked the sinewy tautness I had insisted upon. It was a return to anachronism and complacency. I was not bitter, even when I examined my scars, a vivid testament to my dedication. I had endured much during my struggle with the attack animal and the wounds troubled me still in times of dehydration. The legions of rash that had once covered my body had been cauterized and I was now largely given over to scar tissue. I had suffered the thrusts of the Longnecks without complaint and I even carried the mark of a congenital’s glancing blow, but nothing could compare to the pain of my departure.
A good example of the ambiguity of my position arose when I received a delegation of elders. They wished to expel the undermining community from the blockage. The blockage had become a magnet to the community in the valley and its popularity coincided with the cessation of all breeding programs. Inevitably, there had been a more liberal approach to communal relations as well and Roger was adamant that ethnic division was the only appropriate measure if the individual traits of the two communities were to survive and flourish. I had no desire to intercede, but it fell to me to do so as the authority figure in the valley. I entered the underworld in expectation of vulgarity, but was spared much by the darkness. U1 welcomed me with courtesy and we convened. It became apparent that the underminers were tired of influence and were keen to preserve their own language and traditions. The constant intrusions from the valley under the cover of darkness had caused friction and were regarded as invasive. I offered u1 a return to legacy way for the whole undermining community, free of influence, as an independent territory. The underminers were delighted at the opportunity to perform hegemony on the otherside and the retransmigration went ahead without a glitch. All parties were delighted with the outcome. The community was happy to loose the labour the underminers provided, as they hoped to slow the progress of moral latitude within the valley as a result. The underminers were able to return to a familiar secure environment, free from all feudal obligations. The settlement was a sign of my power.
Ironically, the valley had to call upon my power once again to reverse the situation. As the demands of a return to moisture became more pressing, Roger and his delegation expressed their wish to retrieve the prime underminers under subjugation to their burrows in the blockage. The intention was to create a tunnel through which they hoped to drain the stagnant pond in the west. The stench created hung over our valley and as the beacon of incorporation and equal portion receded, then so did the effluvium. We enjoyed a return to blue and yellow, but we were at the mercy of the effusion from the stagnation. I was reinstalled as temporary leader on a skirmish footing and I recruited a band of mercenaries to accompany me. I drew primarily from scouting sources as it was in their midst that I found the most suitable companions. We successfully extracted the prime from the undermine and consolidated our position by hermetically sealing the rest of the undermining community in legacy way, as officially requested. In return for my efficiency, it was clear that until the event of the Undisadvantaged Birth, I would be allowed a fitting and lengthy adieu.
The mundane affairs of the community were of no interest to me and my observations were cursory. The youth had ceased to obey me as the community reverted to its archaic social configuration and they were contented with infantile behaviour and minor domestic duties. Responsibility for the sick and wounded fell to everyone equally. There was a central point created on the middle level that served as a hospice and it became the main focus for communal resources. The strong grew weaker so that the weak might grow stronger. In another development, all of the ground removed from the blockage had to be sifted before it could be dispersed. The product of this process was shiny metals that could be reconstituted to form appendages. The appendagery was gaudily encrusted with rock and worn. Emissaries that had been sent against my express wishes returned with far foreign merchants and technology. The stagnant water was pumped from the pond and the water carrier became redundant. The stagnant moisture was used for sifting on the river bed. Even this minor reintroduction of irrigation to the plain allowed for it to develop a modest scrub and it served as grazing for some reintroduced livestock. The slopes above the valley were utilized by cultivation and the charred pit that had once played host to the tree line served as an area of recreation for the youth. The communal accommodation in the valley was dismantled. Community became nuclear and life as a troglodyte became fashionable, with a dwelling in the valley walls said to be tres chique and much sought after. There was no resource to rebuild their old dwellings as it had been vital fuel for the flames of freedom. The community also favoured a return to the genetic family and the potential for feuding was seminal.
The first undisadvantaged birth was an event that divided the community. My wartime influence had waned and yet my departure would create a vacuum. I decided to offer the community a compromise that provide a possible solution and seal my legacy. I sought out Roger in his new hq at centre point. He was waiting for me.
“I understand that there is more sacrifice that you are prepared to endure on behalf of the community?”
I cut a noble dash in my response.
“I am prepared to offer myself as the subject of a special breeding program. I do not wish to labour under pressurized conditions, but I am confident I will perform admirably. It will be my parting gift to the community.”
“We have no need of breeding programs. We have returned to our previous idiosyncratic method. We feel more natural as a result.”
He said it in dry tone.
“No, it is no inconvenience and I feel the tug of obligation.”
“Please, I speak on behalf of the community when I say that we have had enough of your portion. You are no longer obliged to us, or we to you.”
My presence in the valley remained a joy to many; I was a symbol of caged integrity The foreigner hostage takers who had made their fortune sifting the ground from the blockage repeatedly invested me with wonderful reconstituted metal appendagery encrusted with rock. I was festooned with baubles. Dog modelled a number of wonderful commissions. The crag detail remained loyal and carved my likeness in the summit. Dog was included as an icon. Upon completion, my image cast its reassuring gaze over the valley. Dog and I maintained a preference for being littered about the valley and this distribution of labour created frission within the community, but no one chose to intercede. I entertained generously and my soirees were always well attended. Breeding programs may have been suspended, but my baubles saw that I never went short.
The end of my tenure was hastening, but Roger did nothing to prevent my season of feasts:
The feast to reclamation – where freedom was enjoyed, but liberty was desired. It was one of my themed occasions.
The feast to corpulence – arranged in twenty six magnificent courses.
The feast to sentiment – a sickly occasion where rather too much spirit was served.
The feast to Dog – a supercilious affair at which the guest of honour failed to appear.
The feast for good measure – because I desired it.
Although I frequently toured the valley dispensing wisdom, I could often be found in society on the plain and as an ideologue, there was much curiosity in me. I was an oracle to my wisdom and I delivered teachings. There were many signs around us, all pointing in the direction of acceptable behaviour and respectful manner, but I regarded the etchings I left on the valley walls as more profound, laden with existential overtone. I was quite an attraction and drew heavily on my charm as I engaged. As the event drew imminent, I called the community unto me and my finale was attended by the full compliment. As I looked across the sea of faces, emotion took me.
“Comrades, this is the last time I will speak to you and it is a sad moment. “
There was a silence, which I interpreted as mournful.
“We have travelled a long way together and what we have achieved here will never be forgotten. We have crushed those who threatened us, both inside and outside of the valley. We crushed insurgency and drove the flotsam from among us. By that act of cleansing, we have arrived at this moment.
“Further threat was extinguished at minimum to cost to ourselves. When you ask me how it was possible to destroy two enemies simultaneously, one by flooding and the other by aridity, my answer is simple. It was possible because of your dedicated cooperation and your boundless dedication to the teachings of importantissimo. The ruthless destruction of our foe is a great achievement of which we can all be equally proud. How we cheered as our nutters savaged the west and how we laughed when our effluation destroyed the east. We faced those foe together, all accepting our equal responsibility for our fate and the fate of others. Despite the controversy, we even settled some foreign hostage takers amongst us to provide our labour demands with balance.”
There were wails and sobs at this nostalgic indulgence and it led to copious tears. There was howling as I continued and it was obvious my departure would tear.
“How you toiled in the breeding program! You did not obsess yourself with moral dilemma, but recognized your obligation to survival. Even those who displayed initial reluctance were quick to shed their inhibition and they could be found rutting for the opportunity to partake. You provided this eternal communal gift willingly and long may you be proud of your obligation to one another.
“My failing during the great war was to spend so much of it in absentia and it fostered a disquiet among you. I was never content to be a witness to history; I wished to be a protagonist.”
I produced a musical instrument crafted for the occasion.
“There are many things I wanted to say, but combat was a demanding mistress. I have tried putting my thoughts together in song.

Nothing I’d say or I could do
Could move the mountains from your view
(* I should have been there to inspire you – Paul Weller. Heavy Soul, Island Records 1997. No permissions sought as yet.)
Some members of the community sang along with the chorus, but not in a condemnatory fashion. I returned to my dwelling and when yellow gave way to blue Roger came to me.
“Before we witness yellow again, the first undisadvantaged birth will have occurred. We have chosen this moment for your moment of choosing for your departure. It has begun. The renaissance: the past and future philosophies fused, as if in redemption. The issue of the first undisadvantaged birth will be our mould and the symbol for our future.”
It also symbolized the end of the handover period.
“I will be gone by yellow.”
I had one more appointment to keep. Dog and I walked out of the valley and around the smouldering embers of the flames of freedom and continued to the stone watch tower on the slope. It was utilized for the storage of redundant netting. There I met vty1. The secure passing of the legacy required a final investiture. We did jigs and flitting movements, but mostly the sequences were determined by the passage of emotion. It was a spiritual orgy in microcosm. We became ideologuers and then communed spiritually.
“Vty1, you are no longer vty1. I now command you as The Most Trusty Fucking Youth in Existence 1!”
Our farewells were sincere. TMTFYE1 spoke in a quiver, but made a tearful pledge upon departure.
“Master, I promise that the teachings of importantissimo will be a living philosophy and I will re-ignite the flames of freedom!”
“Bravo TMTFYE1!”
Personally, I didn’t rate the poor cunt’s chances.
I walked amongst the community, laying on hands as I went. I espoused wisdom and reassurance. I chatted with the axers as they took shavings from our water wheel to serve as props in the blockage and I granted absolution to those occupied with the deconstruction of our armada. Dog and I went on retreat.
We returned at the turn of blue and were surprised to see the formation of a queue. The queue constituted of the entire community and extended from centre point on the middle level as far back as the river bed. I wished to exchange courtesy with Roger before my departure and climbed the valley to visit his hq. As we passed our recent comrades, I noticed unnatural behaviour. Many waited in the queue with a bare leg exposed, whilst others hopped from one leg to the other. There were clusters jigging and clusters settled in contemplation. I had expected a more festive atmosphere to be inspired by such an auspicious event.
I entered centre point and expected to see the prime issue of the first undisadvantaged birth on conceited display. Roger was huddled with other elders around a fire. In its heat there was gathered a selection of instruments designed for severance.
“Roger? I trust there has been no misfortune?”
He shook his head.
“Nothing that cannot be equalled out.”
I sensed a prickle in his tone and so I continued.
“A return to equity?”
“The first undisadvantaged birth has issued its demands of us and we find the price equable.”
“How can a newly born make demands upon you?”
‘The first undisadvantaged birth delivered a child missing one leg.”
Dog and I turned to leave as Roger placed one of his own legs on a block designed to assist severance. He called to me.
“Who are you?”
I pondered the riddle with serration as my sound track. As his severed limb was fed into the flames, I turned back to him, to exchange courtesy.
“I am the tyrant’s looking-glass.”

Epilogue

Dog and I made our departure. We were laden with jangling baubles. It was misty. I viewed the mist and it provided me with limited determination, for it could have been dawn or twilight. I inhaled deeply, but not greedily. It was assuredly dawn. It had to be, for I smelt potential.