S13: “My God, this is the greatest discovery ever!”

Oskar then Robert then Wilbur read the Dyer Manuscript:

Oskar was stunned, “I had to find out the hard way father was killed by those things then experimented on. Yet Dyer knew all along and kept it secret. I’ll kill him if he ever shows his face again!”

Dr. Cope feverishly read the Dyer text of the true happenings of the Miskatonic University expedition and Lake's camp, burning down two cigars in a single sitting and draining a bottle of brandy as he did so. Once finished, he gently placed the text back in the manilla envelope and returned it to Moore, eyes ringed with lack of sleep but excited nonetheless. Not a good sort of excited either. "The world is not ready for this. And neither are we, Moore. If what's in here is true, we're in for one hell of a time if we stumble in the wrong direction," he thought to himself. After reading and returning the text, Dr. Cope returned to the dissected specimen, hard at work to find any possible weaknesses in the creature's structure in case what he fears may happen. He found time to write one letter to Lake's wife not revealing the whole truth but warning her that the report given to the world by Dyer is not wholly factual.

Wilbur had no death-wish to follow those THINGS that escaped into the Miskatonic Mountains (as Lake named them). What had been found in the cave should have been enough to satisfy his scientific career. Until the Germans arrived. And now that he’s read Dyer’s manuscript…there’s no way in hell he’ll leave now and let those bastards get their hands on the reported futuristic “weapons of molecular and atomic disturbances” or engineering marvels or “Shoggoth tissue” for any mad-scientist plans of a super-race per the German ideals of ‘Nazi Eugenics’ (selective breeding of Aryan traits).

2 Dec: Robert summarized everyone’s feelings, “I hate being right all the time.” Wilbur stood and reached for his pistol and rifle as the others questioned, “Where are you going?!” Wilbur described his plan, “Didn’t you hear Acacia made a deal to take the Germans to the mountain city? I can’t let them go alone. But if we’re to possibly face those elder things, then I think a little experimenting on their flesh in the specimen tent is needed to see how effective firearms are.” Oskar discouraged him, “Too loud. But I remember seeing a flamethrower in the German camp.” The conversation quickly turned to a plot to steal the German “flammenwerfer” till Wilbur reconsidered, “The how can be worked out but when? They’d want it themselves and would confront Moore.” Oskar suggested, “Then let’s just make our own.”

Robert was selected to approach David Packard for the project. “You say to help excavate Lake’s camp? Short notice, but yeah, I think I can come up with something along the line of a fertilizer dispenser you have to pump with a pilot-light on the end.” Wilbur added to the request, “And how about a 6ft extension for a blowtorch…same reason?” Oskar corrected, “I think 3ft would do.” Till he understood Wilbur’s reasoning that would be TOO close to an elder thing!

David no sooner ducked out of their tent than Professor Moore entered, “Well gentlemen; what is your opinion? Had I not witnessed the evidence in Lake’s camp I wouldn’t/couldn’t believe the text. Now what do we do with that knowledge?” Robert could read the man’s intent, “You really want to fly to the mountains?” Wilbur adamantly jumped in, “We’re Americans! How can we let the Germans go alone?!” 

Moore reacted, “So, you’ve heard of Acacia’s deal with the Germans? Their planes unable to climb high enough, so they’ve bartered to join her in the Bell in exchange for fuel and supplies to carry on her expedition without our aid.” Oskar added insight, “The Germans knew in advance and came prepared. We’ve prepared for the mountains but not THAT threat.”

Moore continued, “So we all agree we MUST go. Who should we bring along? Who can we trust? I’ll have to tell James when he returns. Well, that we’ve planned to fly to the mountain city as noted in the Miskatonic Museum records. I won’t mention the Dyer details. God knows how the man would broadcast THAT expository news! The world is not ready. Are we ready? I plan to bring both planes which means 12 people. The 3 pilots, James, myself, and you three. Who do you suggest for the last 4 seats?”

Robert puffed on his cigar long and hard before offering, “Griffith for sure. I met Willard in the cave and was impressed by his dedication, stamina, grit, and defiance of the Germans.” Wilbur added, “A 4^th pilot… Miss Gill Maskill. I read about her barnstorming days. Her daring and determination. We’ve had enough time together… well, Robert has… to get to know her well.” Oskar suggested one of the sled-dogs as guide and sniffer considering the German dog’s reaction to the elder scent. But Moore nixed the idea, “We’re climbing to altitudes where respirators are needed. No, we need humans.” Wilbur suggested bringing candidates into the specimen tent and see who handled the shock the best, but the others rejected the idea. “We need to limit the number of people in the know.” So, they settled upon Charles Myers the Archaeologist and Peter Sykes the arctic guide.

Before leaving, Moore had one more request, “We’ve got the people, now we need to decide the cargo. Go over these manifests and let me know if we lack anything.” Wilbur’s eyes locked on the listed flare-pistol and the blowtorch; he planned to possess those upon landing. Robert noted the 1200 lb passenger limit, “Six people, that’s 200 lbs each. Not much leeway. Sounds like I’ll be leaving my cigars behind.” Oskar scoured the list, “25 lbs for a cooker and stove? I think we can use a smaller, lighter-weight trail stove and save some weight.” Wilbur chimed in, “Good, because I need space and weight to bring along that modified radio the elder’s crafted. Seems to receive a homing beacon from their mountain city that will shorten our search and flight.”

Moore picked up on the topic, “Good idea. Why don’t you enlist Miss Maskill to fly you around to better triangulate the source?” So, the next few hours were dedicated to various tasks:

• Wilbur brought the radioman Laroche along on the flight which consisted of 45-mile legs then 45 degree turns across the face of the mountains. He used the excuse of looking for the German main camp. But when they landed, and he was alone with Gill, he took her into confidence, “If you haven’t heard, we’re flying into the mountains tomorrow. And there are details we’d like to share. If you’d join us in our tent, please.”

• Robert called Willard into the tent to take him into confidence, “You’re on our flight tomorrow and we wanted to give you fair warning what we might encounter. If you’d please read this manuscript. But PLEASE, keep it quiet. Loose lips sink ships as they say. We don’t want to worry the rest of the camp.”

• Meanwhile, Oskar continued to scrub the manifest. “No need for a Geiger-counter; so, there’s another 26 lbs saved. Which will allow flashlights and lanterns to explore the cavern city if I read correctly. Binoculars too!”

Willard entered the tent and slapped the manuscript on the table, “Is this some kind of sick joke?!” With Oskar leading him thru Lake’s camp, reality sunk in as Willard asked, “Do you really believe there is a city? These elders are intelligent; it could have been miscommunication that caused them to lash out at Lake and his team. I mean, sorry Dr. Orendorf, but Lake DID dissect one of their kind. Interstellar creatures? Hell yes, I’m in.”

And that’s when Wilbur led Gill Maskill into the tent, “Here’s another candidate who needs to know the truth.” She looked at the dour faces as she was handed the manuscript, “Can’t you just tell me what’s going on?” Wilbur spoke, “If you’d read it here then we can discuss it in more detail.” Gill was insulted, “What, you don’t think I can keep a secret? Just because Charlene is my tent-mate doesn’t mean I can’t be discrete.” Wilbur blushed and tried to swallow his words, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…” Hours later she returned, “Is this from 'Weird Tales' or something? What are you trying to pull off?” But she too was given the tour and soon realized the seriousness, “SHIT.” She took Oskar’s offered flask and drained it in one gulp, “I’m in. And I’m bringing my gun.”

3 Dec: It was becoming a long 36-hour shift without sleep as Moore approached once more, “The Germans want to depart now but Acacia is holding firm waiting for the promised equipment and supplies before she will takeoff. That gives us time to get James here and takeoff along with them. If not before considering there is fog on the Weddell Shelf where the German main camp is located.”

The trio climbed into their tent and sleeping bags for a long-needed sleep. Comfortable in their decision not to tell Myers nor Sykes. Lying in bed, puffing on his cigar, Robert told one last bedtime story, “Reminds me of the story of the man who jumped out of the skyscraper window. As he passed each floor, he exclaimed, ‘So far, so good’.”

Sleep. So fleeting. Considering the squall that blew thru the camps. Strong enough to knock over ice-block retaining walls. Oskar half-buried as the back wall of their tent collapsed in on him, pinning him in his sleeping bag. The German dogs howled, alarm bells clanged, and someone gave the order, “All hands on deck!” Hours wasted trying to reclaim order which delayed the flight to retrieve Starkweather.

And that’s when Dr. Meyer approached Moore for a quiet talk before turning toward us, “Gentlemen. Exciting isn’t it? A new world lies at our feet, yet a new civilization awaits us at the mountains. Mr. Sampson, I must apologize for my superiors withholding the facts. Not ethical. I can understand your reaction.” Wilbur did his best to accept the hand and act like he was calm and collected, “At least you did share the information for which we are grateful.” Dr. Meyer smiled as he added, “Are you as excited to explore the city? I look forward to our collaboration on this endeavor.” Oskar [Psych check] actually read the man genuinely pleased and cooperative.

0600: James finally deplaned and was only met by Bill Moore who quickly briefed his associate on the upcoming trip. “Jolly good. I don’t need sleep. As soon as the weather clears, let’s be the first off.”

0900: Albermarle launched another weather balloon, checked his logs, and reported the fog cleared and thus cleared for takeoff. The rest of the camp gathered to watch Starkweather about to board the plane, hands clasp overhead in a cheer and salute to his team, “Wish us luck. And luck to you as you continue to explore the cave fossils.” But his last words were drown out as DeWitt exited the plane, “Damn it! Some fool ordered the wrong oxygen. Welding tanks versus flying tanks. We have to unload them to remove the chemicals before we can fly.” James cursed and screamed as he heard Acacia’s plane rev its engines and begin to slid down the runway, “Damn it man, what’s a little smell. Climb back in and let’s be off!”

It took Dr. Orendorf to reason with the man who had locked eyes with Acacia looking out her window as her plane lifted off. [Persuade] “That’s is not just a smell. That is poison. The only thing we’d beat Miss Lexington to, is the side of the mountains.” It was a LONG 45 minutes for everyone within ear-shot of Starkweather constantly over the workers shoulders, “Are we ready yet? Now? What’s taking so long?” It never occurred to the man, HE was the one who ordered the Arc-Welding Company oxygen bottles.

1003: The Enderby was the first to launch followed by the Weddell. The engines strained at full power to gain lift for the fully loaded planes. A bumpy ride across the runway before the planes slowly and finally gained flight. The remaining expedition members waved and silently cheered their departure before getting back to work.

Doug Halperin in the pilot seat tried to contact the Bell on the radio but found nothing but static. “45 minutes ahead. They should still be in range.” It took 2 hours before the planes finally reached 16,000ft cruising altitude. Sudden buffeting and turbulence slammed the passengers up and down. Even though Wilbur had his camera and binoculars straps around his neck, they still rose to their limit before descending and slapping him in the face. At least he kept his knees clamped on the sides of the ‘modified elder radio’. Oskar too had a tight grip on his backpack full of 2 scotch bottles. Robert in the other plane experienced the same and held on tight.

The co-pilot Pat Miles exclaimed, “Wow, what a tailwind! We must be doing 250mph ground speed. Both plane occupants looked out their windows at the mountains before them. “My God, they are magnificent! Those in the background look taller than the Himalayas.” Everyone was on the edge of their seat. Once again, the copilot Pat Miles tried to dial in the Bell but only heard static and an occasional hum and pulse that echoed throughout the cabin. Wilbur recognized the rhythm and pulled his own radio to his lap to turn it on. A strange sound, high pitched piping and whistling pulsed from his set. [POW check] Wilbur clamped his hands over his ears as his brain began to hurt. Starkweather seated in front screamed, “Turn that damn thing off!”

Wilbur stumbled thru a poor excuse for having the radio in the first place. No way to tell Mr. Starkweather it was possibly receiving a beacon from the city. Moore hadn’t told James the threat that lay ahead. “Shortwave. I was hoping to contact Mr. Cope in the other plane.”

At 18,000ft the pilots informed everyone to begin breathing oxygen, “Find your pipestem masks, bite down on the hose, and secure the clamp over your nose.” What an uncomfortable setup! Long use could easily dry ones throat raw. Wilbur struggled with his mask, almost hyperventilating. Oskar beside him coached him how to properly breathe. And it helped they were closer to the mountains as the pilots aimed for a gap between two towering spires. Breathtaking and picture worthy had Wilbur focusing his camera and distracted from his mask.

Fortune or planned, the flight to the mountains had taken long enough. Enough time to burn down fuel and weight for the planes to climb higher to 21,000 ft as they barely crossed the gap. Then severe buffeting and an almost fall down the backside as the planes encountered mountain-wave effects. A little vomit carpeted at least one of the plane’s interior.

In the Weddell, Robert focused his binocular at the landscape before him, “Pure black rock mountains. Blocks stacked into towers and pyramids. A labyrinth of caves stacked in layers. Definitely the work of an intellect.” Beside him, Willard Griffith marveled at the formations, “No geological evidence of volcanic activity. I too must agree the caves with their smooth edges were worked by some intelligent being.”

In the Enderby, James Starkweather gave his non-scientific opinion, “My God. Fabulous. Marvelous. Magnificent.” Wilbur had already used one roll of film and realized he need to be more selective in his shots. “Click, click.” “Click.” It was a new experience and vista for all and did need to be preserved and displayed for mankind. Oskar gazed at the scenery and realized he’d seen it before…in the Russian diplomat’s hotel room. Roerich’s paintings!

They continued thru the mountains as the planes wove around spires and peaks. Like a gauntlet of swords thrust upwards. And that’s when the sun broke thru the mountains blinding all. The pilots squinted to navigate and avoid the towering threats. Till their eyes adjusted and they saw the plateau before them. Professor Moore shouted across the radios, “There! There is the city. Look for a place to put down.”

And still the scenery unfolded before them. Stone buildings reaching ever upwards, linked by tubular bridges that spanned between the towers, domes, pyramids, stacked blocks, and ice. Lots of ice! As if a lake had consumed the city and frozen it in time. Starkweather took it all in, “My God, this is the greatest discovery ever! Who built this? Gentlemen, welcome to the top of the world.” Wilbur and Oskar behind him remained silent. Gill Maskill in the copilot seat gasp, “Dyer wasn’t kidding.” Then answered James, “Oh, nothing.”

It took another 30 minutes as the plane swooped over the city 30-50 miles wide. Then, on the western side of the foothills they spied terraced land among the buildings. And a great frozen river from the northwest with an artificial channel between two huge towers. Barrel-shaped sentinels…with their heads lopped off. While James did not recognize the tower form, Moore and the trio understood the form of the elders. And feared who or what lopped off their heads!

All elder thoughts stopped when Halperin exclaimed, “There’s a clear path ahead and a circular plaza at the end. I’m going in. We’re already near half tanks.” The Weddell was the first to land and taxi to the side of the impromptu runway. The Enderby followed but with a rougher landing. Ralph’s excuse, “Air turbulence from the first plane.”

Both planes were parked and the pilots at work checking the engines before covering them with canvas to keep out snow and ice. Meanwhile, the others setup the camp, complete with oxygen tents and a heat-lock barrier doorway. Starkweather was already slipping on his backpack, Well don’t dawdle, we’ve exploring to do.” Wilbur had his own exploring as he dug thru the equipment to retrieve the flare-gun. The blowtorch would have to wait as the pilots had moved it to their engine-gear collection. The trio, Moore, Maskill, and Griffith looked at each other first in amazement they had made it, then concern as they quickly turned their eyes and any binoculars to the area around them. Any movement would have set them on edge. “Dr. Orendorf, you have your flask ready don’t you?” 

Next episode: https://rigglebmm.blogspot.com/2021/01/s14-like-coon-dog-sniffing-everything.html