Revolt of the Lamebren: Book 1 of the Super-Dome Chronicles

by Manjiri Prabhu

  ******

  The Super-Dome Square was like a natural island in the centre, where the four Water Veins met at a crossroad under the lake. Beautiful, ornate arch-bridges led to the Square from each Quarter of the Super-Dome. Below the Square, the calm waters of the blue-green lake were like a smooth length of a velvet cloth.

  The Super-Dome Square was large and crowded as the lamebren descended from the charabanc. Zinnia had never before seen such a wide range of Altklugs assembled on one spot. A muted excitement prevailed like a tangible wave in the atmosphere. An elaborate stage with a huge backdrop stood imposingly at one end of the square. Thick curtains which seemed to bounce-off brilliant shades of light, enveloped the stage. The seating arrangement opposite the stage began with six-month olds and one-year olds, in the front row, to fifteen year olds in the last row.

  Bosco ushered them to the last row. Zinnia stared fascinated at the beautiful Christmas tree which rose gracefully into the sky, from the left side of the stage and was so lavishly decorated that it dazzled the eyes. The branches were aptly laden with gifts and snow clung to the gorgeous green arms. On either side of the seating, the ground was lit with hundreds of lamps, their artificial flames ejecting a sprinkling of colourful twinkling dust, every few seconds.

  The lamebren took their places just as Governor Tisya appeared on the stage. On either side of her stood Commander Hertz and Hobo, their eyes cruising the crowds in a sharp and alert manner. The Governor’s face was taut and the expression on her face was stilted and wooden. Her gown was so pure white and she looked so much like the statue of Governor Seeya, that Zinnia couldn’t take her eyes off the Altklug. Such a resplendent personality but such little warmth, she thought. As she stood on the stage, the Altklugs broke into a welcoming applause. The stiff expression curved into a smile, as she raised a hand to silence the applause.

  ‘I would like to wish every kid and Altklug here a very happy festival time. Merry Christmas and Happy Diwali! May your lives be filled with the wealth of knowledge and joy of efficiency.’ Her gaze swept over the audience. ‘I just have a small announcement to make. Beginning form tomorrow the Time Travel sport will now be permitted to the younger kids as long as they are accompanied by their parents.’

  A cheer broke out amongst the one year olds and Tisya’s smiled widened.

  ‘We shall now see the splendid Diwali fireworks display after which the lamebren from the Northern Quarter Red Cubicle will perform a ten minute play. This is their last wish before they are sent to the Dissolution Crypt.’

  Another murmur broke out as Governor Tisya waved to the audience and quit the stage.

  Immediately the sky was filled with soundless but magnificent fireworks. They formed patterns and names against the inky darkness of the landscape and the Altklugs read out the names in chorus. But Zinnia and Crispin were not admiring the display. Their eyes were on the Soldiers which were appointed at every exit of the Square. Their slim guns looked ominous and dangerous. A shiver ran down Zinnia’s spine. She shouldn’t allow herself to dwell on the danger now...after all, danger lurked in every corner, path and heart of the Altklug Ace-world. It was an inevitable routine for existence. These guns were just a blatant physical representation of that ever prevalent peril. So why fear danger now?

  ‘Northern Quarter Lamebren, kindly come up on the stage, to fulfil your last wish,’ the announcement interrupted Zinnia’s thoughts.

  The lamebren rose at once. For a moment, they all held hands in a chain. A silent prayer passed from one physical touch to the other, lodging the power of strength, fortitude and luck into their hearts. Then Crispin nodded and without a word, the lamebren stepped out of their line and walked towards the stage, carrying their props. Some kids sniggered, while other Altklugs turned an arrogant gaze on them. Zinnia caught sight of Mirella and Bamian in a row. Mirella met Zinnia’s gaze with a solemn nod.

  The lights were dimmed and the play began. Crispin and Cheska operated the recorded chip. Reed took control of the lights while Zinnia took the stage with trepidation. This was the moment, this was the place, the first step to freedom...

  ‘Today we bring to you the tale of a lamebirl born into the Ace-world of Altklugs,’ the voice-over began as the curtains parted to reveal Zinnia.

  Zinnia flung herself into the performance as she enacted a lamebrain, her confusion, her fumbling and mistakes. Humour was woven into the dialogues with a backdrop of songs. The Altklugs watched fascinated as the play unfolded. Ivy, Maisie and Camilla came on stage acting as Altklugs, expressing surprise and disgust as the lamebirl found simple math difficult, when she cried for her mother, and at her desire to sing, laugh and cry.

  The Altklugs were completely engrossed when suddenly a woof was heard and Doodle ran on stage. Startled, some six-month-olds shrieked but Zinnia instantly lifted the pup and cuddled it, demonstrating what a playful pup it was and such fun.

  Then the stage went dim again and the lamebren moved back stage. In the centre beam of light, an ethereal-looking lamebirl in white made an appearance. She looked so beautiful that the audience gasped. She smiled at the Altklugs as she began singing.

  ‘I watch helplessly as they come and go,

  Touching my life with a special glow.

  With a hungry mind and a hungry heart;

  They enrich my life, as they depart.

  I watch as they disappear into a haze

  Touching my heart in oh, so many ways.

  Teaching me love and the art of giving,

  And making me a better being.

  I’m not an Altklug, just a lamebirl in the Super-Dome

  This isn’t my world, nor my home

  Soon, I will have to say goodbye,

  Without asking how, when and why...’

  She looked so sad and the song was so poignant that some of the Altklugs moved restlessly in their seats.

  Finally, the lamebirl stared at each one of audience members. Her voice was soft as she said, ‘Today, I’m a ghost. And only I know what it means to be put to death. Yes, I died some time ago and it hurt, not because I was executed at the will of the Altklugs but because had I lived, I would’ve lived to be hundred!’Her voice echoed and her white gown swirled around her.

  A ghost! Taken aback, a disturbed gasp escaped from the Altklugs. Some of the six-month- olds began to whimper. Commander Hertz frowned. He stared at the beautiful lamebirl on the stage and bent forward and whispered something to Governor Tisya. She inclined her head in an affirmation. In the background, the lamebren continued to sing their song. And then the stage went dark again and the lamebirl disappeared and the strangest creature appeared on stage. He was huge and his face was wrinkled and ugly and he looked frightening in the eerie light.

  ‘It’s a monster!’ someone screamed.

  ‘Monster, help!’

  Sudden commotion broke out amidst the Altklugs. The six-month and one-year olds shrieked and left their seats, running helter-skelter. Their parents ran to catch them and all hell broke loose. The soldiers clutched their guns, ready to spring into action. The lamebren continued to sing their chorus in the background, their sweet voices in unison with the rhythm and undisturbed by the chaos off-stage.

  The stage went completely dark for the second time and for some moments, darkness prevailed, obstructing vision. Confusion reigned as the Altklug kids were cajoled back into their seats. It took a while for some semblance of order to return. The song continued in the background, as the voices of the lamebren repeated their chorus.

  ‘Something’s wrong,’ Governor Tisya remarked suddenly, with a frown. ‘Commander Hertz, check at once!’

  Commander Hertz obeyed without wasting a second. He hastened backstage and stopped short. Not a single lamebirl or lamebroy was in sight. Neither the ghost in white nor the wrinkled, ugly monster. Only a recorded chip continued to sing merrily.

  ‘Guards! High alert in the Super-Dome. The lamebren have escaped,’ Commander Hertz roared into his audiocrone.

  F
ury clouded his eyes and his brain. How dare they attempt to hoodwink him! As if escaping the Super-Dome, right under the smart noses of the Altklugs was a lamebirl’s play. Let him just lay his hands on them, he would instil such fear in their hearts that no lamebirl or lamebroy would ever think of going against an Altklug again. Commander Hertz’s eyes flashed with venom and he ground his teeth in fury.

  26

  ‘Please lie low till you are told to do so,’ the driver spoke on the PA system.

  He was wearing a black mask and Zinnia could only spot his eyes and his lips. The lamebren were huddled in the charabanc, lying flat on the clean, smooth floor. Zinnia’s heart was still palpitating. Leo had met them backstage, with Doodle in his arms. He had quickly instructed them that an Altklug charabanc was waiting for them, a little distance away from the stage. The lamebren were shocked to meet Iris. The twins had clung to the smiling older lamebirl and Azalaea and Cylia had burst into tears of joy. As soon Iris had made her entry on the stage, Leo had quickly and quietly bundled them on to the waiting vehicle. The name ‘Fountain of Life’ sparkled flamboyantly across the charabanc. A message from the Universe? Zinnia had wondered in muted delight.

  ‘You will be dropped off at a safe spot from where we can enter the snarl,’ he had whispered. ‘Just trust the driver.’

  ‘What about you, Iris and Doodle?’Crispin had asked.

  ‘Don’t worry about us. We are separating only as a precautionary measure. We’ll meet you at the Dissolution Crypt. You just co-operate with the driver. Let’s just hope that you can manage to pass across the Super-Dome, before you are found missing. Now go!’

  Soundlessly, they had driven out of the Square from a back route. The charabanc had picked up speed once out of the Square but the lamebren were still lying on the floor of the charabanc. Zinnia was worried about Leo, Iris and Doodle. They would be able to escape too, wouldn’t they?

  ‘Don’t worry, they’ll be alright,’ Crispin voiced her thoughts. ‘They managed to enter the Super-Dome undetected so they must have an escape route planned too. Just concentrate on us right now, okay?’

  Zinnia nodded. Crispin was right. They needed to be very alert with their wits around them. The danger was far from over. By now, Governor Tisya must’ve discovered that the lamebren had vanished. Hell must’ve broken loose…

  ‘Oh no! Looks like the alert has gone off earlier than we thought. Soldiers have barricaded the road ahead. The red signals under the road are all lit up,’ the driver spoke in the PA system. ‘Hold on now!’

  Zinnia raised herself a bit and peeped out of the window. The street lights illuminated several Officers standing by a barricade ahead on the road, their slim guns in position. She had been right. Apparently the alarm had gone off and they had been discovered to be missing. Zinnia’s heart began to race. Would the driver stop? Because if he did, that would be the end of their plan...

  The charabanc lost a little speed and Zinnia frowned. Don’t stop, don’t stop. The other lamebren were tense too and Crispin dragged himself closer to Zinnia to take a look out of the window.

  ‘Lie low all of you. Not a sound!’ Crispin whispered to the others.

  The driver slowed down the charabanc and for a moment Zinnia thought that the game was over. But the next moment, the charabanc picked up tremendous speed, breaking through the barricades. The lamebren clutched whatever part of the seats they could hold on to as the charabanc literally flew off the skyway. Azalea began to sob softly and Ivy hugged her and whispered encouragement into her ears. The twins held hands tightly as did Reed and Berk. Maisie began muttering a prayer and Cylia closed her eyes tight. All around them flashes of red signals began popping up. Insistent sharp and squeaky alarms screamed from all across the skyways. The entire Super-Dome flashed with red alerts, as the charabanc dodged spinners and blocked streets. Behind them, other vehicles seemed to be catching speed, the distance closing between them.

  ‘We are being chased by officers and soldiers, so I can’t take you where I am supposed to. There’s only one thing to do. I am going to plunge into the Paramour Lane adjacent to your Cubicle. I’ll stop for exactly five seconds. Please get off like lightening. There’s a short cut, so head back to the Cubicle via the Forest Door. I’ve left it open. Hide in the basement, till you hear from me again. Do not go into the forest. You will be hunted out and killed within seconds.’

  Zinnia listened, stunned. ‘Colonel Kripton!’ she exclaimed.

  ‘Not now Zinnia. No time to talk. Just get ready to embark,’ Colonel Kripton’s tone was urgent.

  The lamebren rose, stumbling with the speed of the vehicle and holding on to each other. Their heavy clothes loaded with food and small articles, made movement difficult.

  ‘Okay, get set everyone. Five seconds...’ Colonel Kripton repeated.

  The next moment, the charabanc jerked to a halt and the door of the charabanc rose like a hood. The lamebren tumbled out, clutching to their props and blankets. Ivy and Maisie supported Azalea between them. The next instant the hood slid into place and the charabanc took a sharp U-turn and vanished into the dark.

  A small path seemed to cut between the tall shadowy trees. Crispin took the lead and the others followed him under the cover of darkness. The path curved and looped around the trees, finally joining the Diaphanous Seal. The snow hour had begun and the snowflakes settled on the ground in white sheets, making the ground slippery. The cold was biting and hard. Sharp sounds punctuated the silence of the night, like a string of short sirens and the sounds became alarmingly louder.

  Crispin led the way along the shining Diaphanous Seal and the lamebren trooped after him.

  ‘The forest door’s open, like he said,’ Crispin sounded relieved. ‘Remove your shoes all of you and carry them in your hands. We don’t want to leave tell-tale footprints.’

  Zinnia admired his presence of mind. Just like Crispin to think clearly and practically in a moment of crisis. The black metallic forest door was open and they slipped off their shoes.

  Crispin peeped in through the door. The hall appeared empty and dark.

  ‘All clear,’ he whispered.

  One by one the lamebren slipped into the hall. The silence was eerie as they crossed the mirrored hall, their reflections like shadowy duplicates as they slid down the corridor and headed to the basement. Taking the small flight of stairs, Crispin slid open the basement door and stood back as everyone slipped into the cool, dark interiors. Then he stepped in and shut the basement door softly. Only then did Zinnia expel a slow, easy breath.

  ‘No talking anyone. We have to maintain complete silence,’ Crispin cautioned.

  It was freezing in the basement as gusts of wind and snow made their way into the gloomy room through a tiny window. Berk slid the window shut and the sound bounced loudly off the walls.

  ‘Shh...!’ Ivy put a warning finger to her lips.

  Berk looked abashed. Azalea began shivering, so Zinnia tucked a blanket around her to keep her warm. Maisie and Cylia shared the other blanket. Crispin paced the floor. The twins clung to each other and Ivy stood on guard by the door with Reed.

  The darkness was oppressive and breathing was laboured. Zinnia inhaled deeply, concentrating on the little snow-reflected light which filtered through the glass window. She stared at it, willing herself to keep calm. This would all be over soon. The red alert would be called off in a while, then they could slip out of the Cubicle. Like Colonel Kripton had said―right now, the forest was sure to be searched by top scanners, for the lamebren. Their only chance of survival was to wait out the emergency...but when would that happen? And what if it didn’t? Zinnia could imagine a dead end—how were they ever going to get out of this Cubicle alive? The ambience in the basement was thick in the grip of anxiety and fear.

  Suddenly, hurried footsteps approached the Basement and the lamebren sat up. Shouts and commands carried easily though the door. Zinnia’s heart beat at breakneck speed. There was someone right outside the door. She held her br
eath.

  ‘I have checked the entire building, Officer. There’s no one around,’ a calm voice reported. Preceptor Amadeus!’Perhaps you should check all the Paramour Paths. It is easier to hide there.’

  ‘You’re right, Preceptor! We shall scout the Paramour Paths at once,’ a grating voice agreed. ‘Soldiers, head out at once! Comb through every Paramour Path.’

  ‘Wait!’ a young voice shouted. ‘They are in there―the basement! I saw them!’

  Lorde, Zinnia realised, with horror.

  ‘Are you sure lamebroy?’Preceptor Amadeus confirmed. ‘Don’t waste our precious minutes playing tricks. This isn’t the time.’

  ‘No Sir, I saw them,’ Lorde insisted.

  Oh, the little rat, Zinnia muttered under her breath.

  Running feet once more approached the basement door.

  ‘If you will excuse me Preceptor?’

  ‘Of course! I must’ve missed the basement...’

  The lamebren waited with bated breath, as the basement door slid open. A soldier stepped in and stared at the frightened faces of the huddled group. Zinnia’s heart sank. In that second, the young and innocent faces of all the lamebren swam before her eyes. All routes to their grand escape were now cut off for good.