Annette slowly entered the cut, allowing time for her eyes to adjust to the shadow, and felt along the surfaces of the walls. They were perfectly smooth, similar to the island top. Taking out her flashlight she shone it on the sides and top, but nothing was visible. Trying an experiment, she lay down on the flat floor, looking at an angle as she allowed the light to shine upward at an angle against the back surface, shifting her position to change the angle. A design on the back wall gradually became visible; a smaller copy of the design on the top of the cone.
Late the next afternoon . . .
The entire team had spent the day on the island with only one of the technicians left behind to watch over the camp. It was clear they had made a major discovery; perhaps even more important than the ruins themselves. They ran tests during the night on pieces of island material brought back to camp, and also some additional tests this morning here at the site. The blocks from which it was constructed were a form of obsidian, but the top was something different. The ledge below, and the walls extending into the cone, were the same as the top slab, appearing grown from a single crystal. Further, the designs on the island top and the door appeared to be a structural change to the material itself, as if the basic molecules had been rearranged to form the pattern.
While they assumed the short hallway led to a door no method of opening was apparent; and if there was a chamber beyond it was shielded and their instruments couldn't penetrate. Kevin had called the investigation of the hallway to a stop, the afternoon getting late, and ordered the equipment to be packed up and loaded in the boat.
Nothing more could be accomplished here with the time and equipment they had and they still had the area up to and including the crater walls to investigate. But, as soon as he could arrange it he would be back with a larger team and better equipment. He was determined to find out what was inside the cone; he was certain there was something there.
This whole thing could prove touchy with the Torgai. This was, very probably, what they believed was the House of Torga. As such it was the center of their religion, and for the colonists to force entry would very likely be viewed as sacrilege. Kevin had spent time with Jeff that afternoon and discussed it with him; Jeff was uncomfortable about even being here, as if even their presence on the island was wrong. If even he felt that way it could be a real political hot potato.
After briefing Takai, he would suggest he take a trip to the Torgai village to discuss the question with Eric. If there was any way to get Torgai approval that was essential. Without it, Takai might not want to take the chance of damaging relations, no matter how much he personally wanted an answer.
CHAPTER 14: The House of Torga
(July 30, Year 23): The findings at the crater had resulted in a high level of excitement at New Athens, but the conclusion Annette and others had reached about the island was kept limited to a very few, not to be disseminated at this time. The implications could cause too much concern among the general public.
It was clear the constructions observed were beyond both the present, and very probably any past capability of the Torgai. Further, the materials used in the metal arch discovered by the first expedition, and the ability to manipulate materials to create the designs ingrained in the cone top and the presumed entry, were beyond human capability as well. But if not the Torgai, who? That the design was intended as a message was evident; but with what purpose? It could have friendly intent, or be a warning.
What to do was replete with conflicting opinions. Tanya Moore pushed hard for an immediate expedition to cut into the volcanic cone with or without Torgai permission, but Kevin could tell that while Governor Maesaka also wanted to go in as soon as possible, he was held back by the same concern Kevin had; the reaction of their allies, the Torgai. Takai understood the colonist's debt to the Torgai and the degree to which they had aided them in the recent war and wanted to avoid a breach if at all possible. That was the reason for Kevin’s current trip to the Torgai village. Takai had asked him to see if the Torgai either knew how to gain entry to the cone, or would object to their breaching a wall if necessary.
Kevin was sure the Governor would eventually proceed with or without Torgai approval, but was willing to wait for a reasonable time. The reality of the political situation was made clear by Takai in the private meeting later. While he didn't say it in so many words, with peace with the Kraa the situation related to the Torgai had changed, and they needed good relations with the Torgai less than they originally had. The other side of the coin was that, while there was peace for now, it was a very fragile peace that everyone realized would break down eventually. When that happened they would need the Torgai again.
As the scoutplane glided to a landing at the Torgai village Kevin couldn't help but ask himself, "how? What arguments could he possibly present to Barco?" At the end of the strip nearest the village Kevin saw Eric and Hath-Boc waiting; climbing down, Kevin walked over and shook Eric's and Hath-Boc's hands in greeting, and asked, "can we go some place private? I want to talk to both of you before we meet with Hath, Barco, or the others."
Eric nodded, and the three walked down one of the dusty paths towards the fields, turning off to climb a rise where they could sit in privacy in the shade of several trees. There Kevin briefed them on the situation.
Kevin's summary was met with intense interest, changing to consternation when the possibility of attempting a forced entry to the island was raised. Both thought, from his description, that the island was probably the legendary House of Torga, but only Barco would know that. There wasn't another Torgai living who knew for sure unless Barco had told one of his apprentices. Neither could predict what the Torgai would do, but both stressed the need to get Barco's approval. The position of the Torgai would have to be decided by Barco alone, and both recommended that Hath-Boc discuss it with Barco privately before any meeting, or before Hath became involved.
Walking back to the village Hath-Boc broke off from the other two at Barco's den and called out to ask for permission to enter, which was granted by one of Barco's apprentices. Kevin and Eric continued on to Eric's house, where they sat at the table while Eric heated up some coffee. Margie was at the school and wouldn't return until later, which was just as well since Kevin wanted to privately discuss with Eric the position Takai was taking, which he hadn’t mentioned when Hath-Boc was present. Eric was sharp; he knew the value of the Torgai to the colonists had lessened, and that placed them in a vulnerable position. Kevin was sure he had an ally in Eric.
It was after Margie had returned from work and they had completed their evening meal that Hath-Boc called from outside for permission to enter. Barco wanted to talk to Kevin and Eric. Hath-Boc didn't know what Barco thought, but Barco wanted Kevin to tell him exactly what the colonists wanted. Leaving Eric's house the three walked through the twilight to Barco's den and were given permission to enter. Once inside they took seats across the small fire from Barco, who lay reclining on the other side with Sula and Taru, his two apprentices, at his side.
Kevin started from the beginning, describing what they had found at the ruined city, at the ceremonial site, and at the island. Barco was interested in everything the team had found, especially the ruined city, which no Torgai had ever entered. He had been at the ceremonial site and the island, so at least he knew what was there and there were fewer surprises. He really didn't know why the ruins were taboo; they always had been, since the beginning of Torgai memory.
"Yes," Barco confirmed, "the island was the House of Torga. Within his memory none except the head shamen had ever been there, and the last had been Cormandai; and of course the two apprentices who would have escorted him. When Kevin described their conclusion that the blocked entry halfway down one side was intended to provide access, Barco expressed surprise. He hadn't been aware of the existence of a door or of any internal structures, or even of the designs on the top under the debris. He thought that when the island was visited by a head shaman he had conducted his affairs on the top and
that was the limit of their knowledge.
Barco didn't even seem particularly shocked at the thought of trying to gain entry, which surprised Kevin. Barco admitted he was also curious about what might be contained within. Noting Kevin's look of surprise, Barco commented, "we worship the spirit of Torga, not his house. He is everywhere and all things; what need has he of a house? Do you think that a hole in his house would make Torga cold? But if this is to be done we would have to explain to Torga what you were doing and why. Of course, I would have to go with you to explain. He might say no, and he might say yes."
Then, with what appeared to be almost a twinkle in his eye, "but I think he'd say yes."
When they left the den Kevin, Eric, and Hath-Boc were initially silent. None had expected anything like Barco's attitude. "He is even wiser than I thought," Eric commented, "I suspect the reason he said he has to ask Torga's permission is because his curiosity is as great as ours and he wants to be there. The old scoundrel; pretty good for nearly 160 years old, wouldn't you say?"
Kevin nodded, “and very pragmatic.”
August 22, Year 23 . . .
Kevin sat in the chair outside the main tent at the camp, holding his mug of coffee between his two hands for the welcome warmth. The sun had risen above the crater wall, but the low fog was just beginning to lift from the lake, making the island in the distance look as if it were floating on top of clouds. The heavy sweater was welcome, something he had brought as an afterthought. While it was only August, and within a few hours the mid-day heat would set in, nights at this high altitude were cold. Within a month early morning frost could be expected.
He had just arrived the night before, although Annette and the advance crew had been here for several days setting up camp and preparing the equipment; but until today they had steered clear of the island. The team members had just completed loading the boats, and Kevin walked down to join the others who would constitute the ‘entry’ team; those who would prepare the site and cut the shaft.
Boarding, the boat was pushed away from the beach, and within less than 15 minutes beached on the narrow strip of shore at the island and they began unloading the equipment. By early afternoon the team had completed rigging a security rope along the narrow path to the top and building the hoist to lift equipment. Taru, Barco's senior apprentice, had granted permission for these items and for the general clean-up currently underway.
Last night Taru had stayed alone on the island to establish a mind-link with Barco and Sula back at the village, which allowed Barco to examine Taru's mind-images and sense the mood of the site. Tomorrow, Barco wanted to visit the site to examine the cleared top, which would require use of the hoist; but would return to shore the same day.
Only if they found there was something inside the cone would Barco be brought out for a second examination before they proceeded further.
This team was considerably larger than the initial one had been and would stay until their mission was accomplished. The mission was clear; force entry to determine the nature of the interior of the island but with as little damage as possible.
The equipment available was also considerably more sophisticated than what had been available to the earlier team; scanners for probing the interior, in addition to cutting devices capable of shearing through the rock. If there was something inside they would find it. Again, Kevin was in charge, with Annette responsible for recording and preserving any finds, and in addition technicians for operating the equipment. Jeff was again present, this time to act as the primary interface to Taru, who's grasp of the colonist's language was poor. Today the work was mostly preparatory with any attempt at entry deferred until tomorrow after Barco’s visit; but today they would decide exactly where to make the attempt aided by any data the scanners were able to provide of the interior.
That evening . . . .
Kevin, Annette, Dr. Bert Miller, and several of Dr. Miller's scientific staff were gathered in the operations dome examining the probe data. Now, with this new data, it was clear the island had been at least partly hollowed out, starting somewhere above the level of the entry and extending down as far as their sensors could detect, far below water level. The entry, while blocked, appeared to continue for a distance, and then turn and circle downward inside the wall of the cone, with no end apparent. There was no evidence the blockage was actually a door; it could be simply to bar entry to the hallway on the other side. In any case, if it was an operable door, they had found no indication of any operating mechanism. Since they didn’t want to damage the door, with its intricate patterns, they had decided to attempt entry to the hallway by cutting through the cone wall a distance away from the entry itself and enter the corridor after it turned into a downward circle. This seemed to be the least destructive method, and, if Barco's approval were obtained they would start tomorrow.
Three days later . . . .
Kevin climbed the rope ladder to where the cut was in process and pulled himself over the ledge, getting to his feet. Bert Miller, Annette, and Taru were already waiting in the cramped entrance to the tunnel. From inside the hissing sound from the cutting tools drifted out, mingled with the odor of overheated rock.
"How long before they're through?" he asked.
Bert responded, "about 15 minutes, maybe a little longer."
Kevin nodded and seated himself, leaning against the wall.
"Did you bring the lights?" Annette asked.
Kevin nodded, motioning to the pack leaning against the wall.
It was longer than 15 minutes before the workmen broke through and reached the corridor on the other side, and several more before the opening was enlarged to allow passage. As soon as the breakthrough occurred it was apparent to those on the ledge; a flow of stale air drifted from the opening, causing them to put their breathing masks on. It wasn't the smell so much as the danger of isolated micro organisms that called for the caution. Later they would place fans in the tunnel to flush the stale air, but right now they were too anxious to look inside to wait. A few minutes later the two workmen came out, carrying their tools. One of them glanced over at Kevin after removing his facemask and said, "we'll enlarge and smooth the opening later, but its big enough now to go in if you like. Be careful though; the edges of the final cut are still pretty hot."
Kevin turned to Bert and Annette, "ready?" he asked. Both nodded, Annette picking up the pack and taking out several hand-held floodlights, giving one to each of the others and keeping one for herself. Each adjusted their facemasks and oxygen tanks, and after further adjusting the audio control for the facemask radio link entered the tunnel, Kevin in the lead.
The tunnel to the corridor was a tight fit, but the corridor itself was considerably larger and wider, extending on their left at a slight upward slope to the original entry location, and on their right downward to where it disappeared with the curvature of the cone. They had broken through in the top part of the corridor with the floor about a meter below the opening. Kevin dropped to the corridor floor, Annette following, and then Bert and Taru. Once inside they stood, shining their floodlights in all directions. Where the sides, top, and floor of the hallway met the corners were perfectly square, without imperfections such as one would expect of a rock-cut, and the walls were perfectly smooth and unmarked.
Kevin started down the sloping hallway, followed by the others; a hallway that seemed to continue on indefinitely, constantly downward. Kevin estimated they had made at least three complete circles of the island before the hallway floor leveled off, then abruptly came to an end in a small, square room. On the left side of the room was an archway.
The four stopped; Bert commenting, "we must be far below water level here."
Kevin nodded, "do we go on now? Or wait? We're probably already overdue."
Annette laughed, "surely you jest. We have to go on. I’d never be able to sleep tonight."
Taking the lead, Kevin walked through the arch and entered the blackness; if there were a far wall or roof they were too far
for his lamp to reach, and the black floor and the black wall behind him, seemed to absorb all light. Stepping several meters into the cavern Kevin angled his light at the top and to the sides of the arch though which he had passed, the others joining him and doing the same. No one said anything, just staring at the heavily inscribed walls that extended in both directions. Kevin reached out and ran his hand over the surface, "feels like metal", he said, "it seems to be a sheathing over all the walls."
Kneeling, Kevin added, "but the floor is more like the crystalline material up on top."
Before they went further, Kevin suggested they leave a light at the entrance arch so they could get some perspective; then the group began walking slowly following the wall, looking for anything different. But it was all ‘sameness’; as far as the eye could see the inscriptions continued, extending upward past the range of their lights.
Annette stopped, the others also stopping and walking back to where she was standing. She pointed slowly upward slightly over her head, "from that row and downward it appears to be similar to the glyphs on the pillars or at the ceremonial island, but," she said, pointing higher, "those above are totally different; almost a script, not hieroglyphics. And, higher up the script changes again."
"How would you explain that?" Kevin asked.
Annette glanced over at him before responding, "it answers something that's been bothering me ever since I saw the first data on the sounding arch. Hieroglyphics are a pretty primitive form of writing, but are limited, making transmission of complex ideas difficult. That doesn't fit with the technology displayed by whoever built that arch. They could have built the city at that level of advancement, but the arch technology and that used here is something else.”
Resurrection: Book II: Settlement Chronicals Page 16
