Orbianna: The City Beneath the Sea

Prologue

32,024 BCE

500 miles west of where Madeira is now.

Serchen and Orican rushed from the High Plenum. They realised time was running out. The members of the High Plenum, thirteen in all, had listened intently as Orican, their observer, tried to convince them that they were witnessing the start of an enormous change in their world.

Serchen had been elected to the High Plenum two orbits ago after he had displayed skills in the choice of sites where earth energy was strongest. He turned to Orican, I'm not convinced. There have been changes before, but I must admit, the evidence you presented was very persuasive.

I have drawn together all the signs, and my measurements are showing that the seasons are changing every year. I believe this is the result of the great ice continent to the north. The melting ice is tilting the very ground on which we stand causing it to sink. The sea draws closer every day, rivers are changing course away from Orbianna. The sea that has gently lapped at our shores will cover the city. The sea traders have told me of the ice continent and how it is shrinking and that all the seas are slowly rising. The message brought to me from our friend Odrin in the north, confirms my fears. Soon I believe the lands around Orbianna will disappear beneath the sea.

Surely this is a temporary problem that will resolve itself and the waters will recede?

Look, Orican pointed to their left over the city walls. The sea was a thin silver line on the horizon. Soon the harbour will be flooded and we will have nowhere for the traders to moor.

They joined the elevated walkway that ran from the administrative building to the harbour, their bright woven gowns fluttering in the light breeze. Outside the city walls, the defences they'd constructed to protect the city from sudden storms many orbits before, were places where children played. Now waves constantly broke against them. To their right, the red clay roofs of the city climbed towards the high mountains tipped with white. In the far distance they could just see the entrance to the Sonorant's workshop cut into the face of the silent mountain.

Occasionally, they would glance down the straight streets, bisected by narrower passages. The bright afternoon sun glinted off the black basalt paving slabs polished with a thousand footfalls.

Do you see our people queueing for grain. The unnaturally warm summers and the changing river courses have caused problems with the irrigation systems. Crop yields are much reduced. Soon hunger will be the main topic of conversation, warned Orican.

Serchen could hear children to his left laughing as they collected herbs from the gardens just outside the city walls, oblivious to the impeding disaster as the sea drew closer. Let's hope our efforts will give them a future.

In the far distance, on the horizon, they could just see the twin peaks between which the mid-summer sun would soon rise to light the oriel at the top of the sky viewing tower. A carefully crafted quartz lenses would then cast a rainbow across the city as part of their mid-summer celebrations.

Serchen's thoughts returned to the meeting. Following Orican's words, the High Plenum had voted to move their citizens. Many possibilities were discussed. They had finally agreed plans to migrate their people to the high land across the sea inhabited by the hunters in the far east. They'd heard that the land was lush and green. From Serchen's studies, he knew that there were energy places where they could begin the construction of a new city.

His thoughts were interrupted.

The task you have been given, to plan the building of many arks to transport the population east, how will you do this? asked Orican.

My knowledge of arks is limited, I'm not sure how to create such vessels. I'm hoping that the trading peoples are still in the harbour. We need their knowledge and their skills.

Until now, long distance water travel was something Orbianes had not found necessary. Their expansion across the surface of the world had been by land.

As they hurried past the sky viewing tower, the harbour came into view and to his relief, the traders were still there. He said farewell to Orican.

Serchen could see that the traders were making preparations to leave. Swarthy bodies, very different to his own, moved around the boats pulling ropes and moving goods. The deep harbour that had been created many orbits ago still formed a passageway to the sea, although the quay on which they unloaded was now almost covered by the sea.

The traders were shorter and stronger than Serchen's people. Their stature and strength allowed them to sail their physically demanding vessels across the seas, trading the resources of one group with the resources of another. Today they had unloaded great crystals of quartz for the expansion of Orbianna to accommodate its ever-growing population. A process that may now be unnecessary, thought Serchen.

The leader of the traders was supervising the loading of clay flagons destined for the developing groups who were gathering around the shores of the inland sea to the north-east.

Serchen had learnt the tongue of the traders some summers ago when he had travelled with them on their journeys across the seas as part of his education. Hail Tumas, how goes the work?

The trader turned to Serchen with a smile of recognition. Serchen, it is good to greet you. It goes well. We should meet the rising sea, though the time for sailing gets ever shorter. How goes with you?

Well Tumas, I have a request. We need to construct many arks to take our people to the far lands to the east. Do you have any of your people with you that have skills in constructing such vessels? We would look after them well if they could assist us.

There are a few Booters travelling with us, I can ask them if they would help. They will have to decide quickly as we leave soon.

Thank you Tumas. Would it be of assistance if I were to talk with them?

I think so. You could describe the terms of your offer. I will search them out, but why the speed Serchen, what drives you? asked Tumas.

We fear that the seas are rising and will cover Orbianna. We seek safer land.

Your fears are well founded. Our journeys are changing. Many peoples that once were near the seas have moved away. Our journey to the inland sea to the north-east gets easier as the entrance channel gets wider and treacherous rocks are covered. Soon I fear that your harbour will be flooded, already the sides of our boats are getting damaged on the low quays.

Tumas turned and strode to his vessel, his short strong legs gave him a rolling walk, perhaps exaggerated by long weeks at sea.

Serchen considered his next problem, the collection of wood to use as the basic building materials for the arks. A large forest at the base of the mountains protected Orbianna from westerly winds. Although the larger public buildings were made from stone blocks, trees were used for their roofs and to construct many of the smaller dwellings. Arborers collected wood brought down by storms. They fashioned these into useful pieces using their light knives. These focused the sun's rays through crystals, to cut through the branches and trunks to form roof beams and supports.

The arks would need much more than opportune tree falls, they would have to fell many of the large trees. A difficult task. They may even need to cannibalise wood from some of the existing larger houses. That wouldn't be popular. He would have to visit the arborers, but for now that could wait. He could see Tumas returning with three traders, presumably the Booters.

These men are keen for a different adventure and they are all skilled Booters. Tell them what you have in mind, said Tumas.

We have need of your skills to teach us how to build a set of arks, enough to take all of our people to the far lands in the east. We must complete the work within the next orbit. We will feed you, reward you well and give you resting places. Are you interested?

The taller of the traders, Davan, responded, how many people do you need to move?

As many as we can ... the whole city. You have visited here before. Do you understand the quantity?

Aye, I have been here before and there are many people. It will take many trees and many skilled woodsmen to build the number of arks you will need. Do you have these people? asked Davan. He studied Serchen's physique which was very different to his own. Serchen's long thin arms, torso and legs with his large triangular shaped head did not suit physically demanding work. After all, most of their constructions were carried out by people like himself. Each race helping the other, Orbianes provided knowledge while people like Davan provided labour.

Serchen saw the expression on Davan's face. You will not be aware of the Assistants we have developed to overcome our physical short-comings. We have light knives to cut objects with little effort and we have instruments that can help us move heavy objects with ease. You will learn much from us while you are here.

The second man, Broon, spoke. We need more than trees. Do you have the black tar we will need to make the vessels water-tight, the reeds to make the ropes? We do not have time to make a journey to fetch these things.

We will find whatever is required. There are many skills we will need to learn, but we are a people who learn very quickly ... will you help us? asked Serchen.

We will be many moons away from home ... you ask a lot! commented Hefter, the third Booter.

This is true, but you will be treated well while you are with us. You will want for nothing while the work goes to time, Serchen knew the High Plenum would ensure their comfort. If the task is successful, you will be well rewarded.

The three men huddled together and spoke quickly, too quickly for Serchen to understand with his limited knowledge of their tongue. Shrugs and frowns caused Serchen some concern. If these men didn't agree to help, he wasn't sure what could be done.

After a few moments, Davan turned to Serchen. We have concerns about your people's ability to do the work necessary, so we propose that we stay here for three moons and teach your people. At the end of that time, we will decide whether the task is possible. If not, then we will return to our homes. Do we have an agreement?

Yes, I'm sure we will be able to develop the necessary skills. What you offer is a fair plan. I can see that Tumas chose you well. Come, we will tell the High Plenum of our agreement.

***

The Booters settled in well to their work. Davan in particular proved an excellent teacher showing great patience and skill. The Orbianes who volunteered for the physically demanding work developed rapidly. When three moons had passed, Lucere consulted with the Booters who agreed to continue their training so that the arks would be constructed in time.

Arbourers developed more powerful light knives to speed the felling and shaping of the wood necessary for the construction.

In return for their commitment, the Booters were well looked after and the High Plenum agreed to share Orbiane technology. The Booters realised that this gave them very special skills that would prove to be very lucrative.

After a full orbit, twenty arks had been constructed and a further five were very near completion. Each ark could carry two hundred Orbianes and sufficient sustenance for four moons at sea. One ark had been built to transport the Orbiane ancient scripts to their new lands. Many more Orbianes had volunteered for the uncertain journey than could be accommodated so each had been assessed on their health, their contribution to the construction of the arks and their abilities, so five thousand Orbianes prepared themselves to join the flotilla.

The Booters agreed to sail the leading ark as they had experience of navigating vessels on the ocean. To further aid them, Lucere gave each Booter an Orbiane Director that would keep a needle always pointing in the same direction. This would help the Booters to navigate with more accuracy.

Finally, the day came when the vessels were to set sail. The Orbiane volunteers lined the harbour side in preparation for boarding. The rest of the population watched from the city walls. The High Plenum addressed the assembled crowd telling them that they were carrying with them the future of the Orbiane race. There was much shouting as the volunteers mounted the ramps to the arks, family and friends wished them well.

Lucere was to sail in the last ark. He ensured that everyone was aboard before he prepared to join the vessel. As he stood at the quay-side, a loud roar filled the air, the ground under his feet trembled and the fire mountain that dominated the skyline above Orbianna started to smoke. In an effort to keep upright, Lucere placed his Director on top of a stone pillar used to tie vessels to the quay and held on.

At that moment, the top of the mountain erupted as fire and smoke shot into the air. Lucere rushed towards the boarding plank and managed to reach the deck of the last ark just as a mighty tremor shook the plank free. He shouted to the ark's steerer to unfurl the wind-catchers and join the other vessels, which were now floating some distance out to sea and forming into a group.

The vessel crept slowly away from the shore. Lucere watched in horror as the sky viewing tower shook and started to collapse. Orbianes that had gathered around its base, or that had used its platforms to view the spectacle of the arks, ran for their lives in panic as great pieces of stone dropped around them. Some of the crowds who had gathered around the harbour shouted to Lucere's vessel, pleading for the ark to take them to safety. Some jumped into the channel and tried to swim to the ark. It was impossible for the ark to turn back. The winds were now picking up and pushing them out to sea and the channel was too narrow for the ark to turn.

Lucere's heart hung heavy as he watched the catastrophe unfold before his eyes. The fire-mountain took on a new anger as burning rocks filled the sky. Dense clouds blotted out the sun. The ark wasn't yet out of danger. Small fires started by falling rocks, were doused on the deck. One or two Orbianes suffered burns where they were hit by glowing rocks. As the ark cleared the channel and sailed into open ocean, the deadly rain ceased.

The Orbianes on the arks watched mesmerised as Orbianna's buildings collapsed and slowly turned grey as the dark cloud settled.

Chapter One

Casablanca, August 2030

As the plane banked over the Mohammed V International Airport south-east of Casablanca, the sun glanced off the wing and momentarily dazzled Mary, creating a halo of light around her shoulder length blonde hair. From above, the airport appeared to be in the middle of a housing estate, dwellings spread away in every direction. The pilot lined up for his final approach, preparing to land in the middle of this giant mosaic of pinks, greens and greys.

Sitting next to her, Si pushed his dark brown hair, forever uncontrolled, from his blue eyes and flicked through their papers checking everything was in order. The next flight to Marrakech-Menara Airport is in two hours.

Just enough time to have a coffee ... I'm parched, Mary wanted to check out an undeciphered piece of text that was held in a library in Marrakech. From a photograph sent to her, she believed the language could be Orbiane.

The Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa had been uneventful. Their visit to the churches of Lalibela in northern Ethiopia, carved from the bedrock, hadn't revealed any direct evidence of Orbiane involvement.

After clearing customs, Mary and Si settled at a table in the airport café. Deep in thought, Si stirred his coffee.

You know, it's been a year since we left Australia. I'd never have guessed a year ago we'd create so much reaction from our colleagues. Fortunately for us, the initial hostility died down when Bob started publishing some of our discoveries.

Mary smiled, I know ... the places we've seen ... we even learnt to SCUBA dive!

"Yeh ... that dive we did in Japan to look at the Yonaguni Monument was pretty interesting. Remember that guy who taught us to dive? He was a real character. He was convinced the structure was man-made. I'm still unsure, could have been man-modified I suppose. Very intriguing all the same."

But what about Petra in Jordan. There are cave dwellings everywhere. It's amazing how dispersed civilisations across the world had the same idea, building underground ... of course, the big problem with these structures is that we can't date them.

There are texts that say when some were built, Si pointed out as he drained his coffee.

Although some texts say when they were built, you can't always depend on texts. It might be that later occupants took them over and maybe extended the structures and wanted to take the credit for building them ... but who really started them and why were so many built into rock or underground? I still think there's a strong possibility that Orbianes had a hand in many of them.

We're finding that difficult to prove. We haven't found any conclusive evidence, no matter how hard we've tried.

Si and Mary had first met some years before at a symposium in London, but neither of them could have imagined the adventures they would share.

Mary Freeman, Professor in Pre-human Archaeology and Ancient Texts had been studying ancient manuscripts in Timbuktu. The two were re-acquainted when Professor Simon 'Si' Cartwright, an expert on asteroids and near earth objects based at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, lead the investigation team to investigate the asteroid that hit the Sahara desert on the 13th of April 2029.

The impact had exposed an entrance to a buried city in the Sahara created by Orbianes, an ancient, previously unknown branch of our evolutionary tree. Their findings eventually led them to another lost city in the deserts of Australia.

That was a year ago. Since then they'd taken a year out from their jobs and together they'd toured the world looking for further evidence of lost Orbiane civilisations. With new eyes, they'd examined many ancient sites, trying to identify any connections, but as yet, they hadn't found anything that could be proven conclusively.

Have you heard anything from Bob lately? asked Si.

Not for a week or so. I'll check my messages when we can get an internet connection.

Professor Bob Cunningham, Mary's Head of Faculty at Durham University had taken charge of the examination of the Australian site near Ayers Rock, known to the Aboriginal population as Uluru.

Much of the work was translating the fragile tablets held in its library which were revealing fascinating insights into Orbiane and human pre-history. They told of how we had lived alongside Orbianes for many thousand of years before almost all traces of the Orbiane