25 Safe Harbor

Nautilus circled the landmass. There was evidence of recent geologic calamity caused by the explosive force of the guncotton. Liedenbrock felt a sense of deep regret. Giant boulders littered the vicinity. He thought he saw an entrance. While a man could hope to climb through it, Nautilus would not be able to penetrate.

Further compounding the disaster, debris littered the entire island. Nautilus paused as close as possible. The group decided a night of rest was in order before venturing to the island. Their sleep was unimpaired by any catastrophe.

In the morning, the party boarded the skiff and made way to the remnants of Cape Saknussemm. Water made its way through the debris into the cavern beyond. The terrain was too treacherous to attempt a foot crossing so they returned to the skiff to sail to a safer landing spot. Liedenbrock was anxious to see the reliquary. They found it and explored what remained. The explosion damaged it.

Liedenbrock said, "Alas, what have we done? All those specimens ruined!"

Nemo asked, "Where did you find the mastodons?"

"That direction," said Liedenbrock.

As the group walked through the vegetation, there were continued signs of damage. The forest continued to thrive, recovered from the trauma. Trees bore scars from the impact. When they heard thunderous roars, everyone double-checked their weapons were ready to fire.

Maria said, "Pierre, stay close to me."

Pierre said, "Of course. You need my protection, mother."

Iravan said, "Such a good son!"

The group took cover when they spotted the mastodons. There were several men-like apes of gigantosteologic proportion watching the herd. Nemo said, "These are not enlightened creatures but they are intelligent. They coordinate their efforts through hand signals and primitive calls."

Aronnax said, "Perhaps they are a devolved version of that which you seek, reverting back to a primitive existence in such an environment."

Nemo said, "Such a process takes thousands of years. These might be from a long lost colony, a lost tribe that separated from the main group, but I assure you that recent visitors have seen the enlightened ones. We must continue our journey."

Liedenbrock said, "They survived. We have to leave."

Maria asked, "Where'd they go?"

The mastodons continued their foraging but the shepherds vanished. Nemo said, "It's time to leave."

"Quite right," said Liedenbrock. "This was a mistake."

As the group began its retreat, they found themselves suffering a barrage of rocks. One of the gigantosteologic creatures made a rush and Ned launched his harpoon. The creature fell dead, pierced through the heart. As the group began firing on the other creatures, Ned retrieved his harpoon.

The electric guns were effective at felling the creatures, with the survivors making a hasty retreat. Both Aronnax and Liedenbrock started examining the corpses. One creature lay passively, not quite dead yet. He stared with such intensity that the professors felt remorse. Then the creature started speaking in a strange language.

Pierre asked, "What is it doing?"

"Praying," said Aronnax. "I do believe it's praying."

In the midst of the strange language, one word caught their attention: Agartha. Nemo cried, "Tell me of Agartha!" He repeated the command in several languages. The creature looked at him and said, "No." Then it gave up the ghost.

Nemo issued a series of excited utterances. Before Maria could say anything he added, "Not now, dear."

The group returned to Nautilus in near silence. What did the creature know of Agartha? Nemo remained in his cabin, staring at the ancient documents. Maria entered and said, "You're greatly troubled."

Nemo said, "He said Agartha. That primitive creature knew of it."

Maria said, "We had no choice. They attacked us. Does that sound like your enlightened beings that you're searching for?"

"Of course not," sighed Nemo.

"What do the texts say?"

Nemo said, "There were some that chose to leave Agartha. Others were expelled for wanting to worship the sun."

Maria said, "If he was a sun worshipper, why remain here? After all, there is passage to the surface."

Nemo said, "It doesn't make sense."

Maria said, "Of course not. This subterranean world follows its own rules. They attacked us. You won't find what you're looking for here."

Nemo said, "Maybe this lost tribe was originally intended to be gatekeepers to keep out those unworthy of Agartha."

Maria said, "Perhaps."

"He clearly said, 'no.' He said it with determination. Are we unworthy?"

Maria said, "It's not like you to fall into self-doubt. Come, dinner is ready."

Nemo sighed, "Perhaps this is all that remains of the ancient Atlantian civilization. We must find Agartha."

The following day, Nautilus advanced to the point alongside the shore of the group's hasty withdrawal. Standing on the platform, Nemo searched with his spyglass to ascertain the nature of the smoke. He observed many creatures along the beach.

"They lit funeral pyres," Nemo quietly said.

The small tribe had assembled on the beach. The gigantosteologic creatures were in mourning over the loss of their family members. The sea must have held significance for them. They seemed unaware or uncaring that the strangers observed from a distance.

"Not as primitive as I had assumed," said Aronnax.

As Nemo looked through the spyglass, one of the creatures seemed to stare at him directly. It sent chills up his spine. The torment was quickly becoming unbearable. He said, "We should go."

Nautilus was soon underway, continuing in a southeast direction. There was much to observe but the sea lacked navigational features. No sun, stars, or landmarks – Nemo only had his compass, ancient maps, and a general sense of direction.

The depths started decreasing and speculation ran high. Were they nearing the end of this ocean? They found a strange column in the water of natural construction. To call it an island would have been a false description. There was no place to set foot. It towered to the ceiling of the chamber. It displayed evidence of lava extrusions. It was the deep base of a volcanic chimney.

For two days, they continued traveling with nothing in sight. Even the fish became sparse. They finally reached the perimeter of the chamber. The group stood on the platform in silence. Maria uttered a series of words and Nemo cried, "My dear!"

Pierre said, "At least she used them in the correct context."

Aronnax said, "Is there nothing more? This can't possibly be the end."

"It is not," said Nemo. "We traveled due southeast. We must continue north for a while. Passage continues to the east. We'll make note of the compass reading when we find that passage."

It took half a day to prove Nemo correct. They traveled through a chasm and entered another subterranean chamber containing an ocean. The direction was due east. Nemo estimated they were underneath the southwestern most regions of lower Asia.

Liedenbrock said, "That's not possible."

Nemo said, "You forget that we are underneath the mantle, sir. Nautilus is two hundred and thirty feet stem to stern as well as thirty feet platform to screw. If I were to walk from stem to stern within Nautilus, it only takes me ninety-two paces. When I do on top of the outer hull, it takes one hundred and five paces. From within, it is a straight line whereas on top of the hull I must walk along the outward curve of the boat. The distance traveled is less within these chambers."

Liedenbrock said, "Of course! You're right. That's in part why our estimations were off last time we were here. How could I have failed to see that?"

"You never made it as far as this chamber," said Nemo casually. He readied the skiff to approach the cliff wall. With precision, he etched 'N1' into the wall to provide a reference should he return to this point of the chamber."

Nautilus continued due east. The sky seemed closer in this chamber. The electric light was more subdued. It took half a day before they reached their first column, which Nemo inspected.

Aronnax asked, "Any markings?"

"Not yet," said Nemo. He etched 'N2' into the wall before returning to the boat.

Within two hours, the sky intensified in darkness and soon a torrent of rain ensued. Nautilus retreated to the depths but continued its trajectory. The glow of its electric light attracted an array of jellyfish of gigantic stature. One parasol measured ten feet across. Lightning struck the water and set it to boil. Some of the jellyfish survived but others descended.

After several grueling hours, Nautilus emerged to clear skies. Nemo once again scanned the horizon looking for any features that might help him. If he was going to use any choice words, Liedenbrock said them instead to avoid another humorous exchange between husband, wife, and child.

Aronnax asked, "Are we lost?"

"Merely not where we're supposed to be," said Nemo. Something caught his attention and he ordered everyone to return inside the boat. As soon as the hatches closed, the reason became clear. The water churned in violent succession.

Aronnax said, "A waterspout!"

"Fast moving," said Nemo. "Fortunately, it is leaving."

Nautilus continued several hours before Nemo spotted land. His hopes were high.

"Eat first, explore later," Shanta cried as she walked onto the platform.

"I'll give the commands on this boat!"

The guests endured a brief and animated discussion between Nemo, Maria, Iravan, and Shanta. It concluded well and everyone went to the mess hall to eat.

Iravan said, "My sister means well."

Maria said, "We know. We'll be able to explore without worrying about empty stomachs." This reassured the guests.

Ned said, "So you'll be wearing your subterranean suit again."

Nemo interjected, "There are certain impracticalities to wearing excessive petticoats and inadequate heels. Although, my dear, you do possess several fine saris." Maria laughed and the couple enjoyed a look, much to Ned's chagrin.

Liedenbrock said, "I would never take a woman on such a journey."

Nemo said, "Enlightenment is not only for the men. If that were the case, we should expect to find a deserted city. When our ancestors returned to the surface, they were men, women, and children. How could your god command anyone to go forth and multiply?"

Ned said, "At least let us check it out first."

Maria said, "Nonsense. I'll be perfectly fine."

After dinner, the group readied to board the skiff. Maria wore her subterranean suit and wrapped herself in a brightly patterned sari. Without a setting sun, the group could explore as long as fatigue did not overcome them.

This particular island had a central column leading to the top of the chamber but much farther inland. Nautilus cautiously circled the island but it was difficult to see the interior. This was a lush forest island. Unlike its counterpart under the Atlantic, the flowers displayed bright vibrant colors. The lack of sunlight prevented green leaves but the flora displayed vibrant colors including blue, orange, and yellow.

Satisfied with a natural cape, Nautilus entered and the skiff finally took to the shore. A brightly colored bird flew past the group.

Liedenbrock said, "It appears that evolution continues in this chamber much along the same manner as flora and fauna on the surface."

Nemo said, "Perhaps those that sought refuge saw fit to bring with them flora and fauna."

Liedenbrock said, "We didn't see any of that in the other chamber."

Nemo said, "Perhaps that side suffered more catastrophes in the war."

Ned said, "Again with this? Does it really matter?"

There was a nearly unison 'yes' from the members of the group. This chamber had similar structure to the other but only joined through a chasm. Pollen had been unable to travel between the chambers and birds unwilling or unable to travel such distance.

"Darling, look at this," said Maria. She pointed to a footprint in the ground. It could have belonged to a child, human in appearance with five toes.

"Amazing," said Aronnax. The fresh footprint so close to the beach was a great curiosity.

Liedenbrock cried, "There's another!"

For nearly an hour, they followed the trail of footprints. They reached a soft velvety moss that covered the forest floor, making it impossible to continue the trail.

Liedenbrock said, "There's no sign of a trail."

Ned said, "That's not unusual. I've heard of some Polynesian tribes that take great care to avoid making trails to better disguise their numbers."

Aronnax said, "Of course, this forest is so full of life that it is constantly regenerating and flourishing."

Nemo took the lead and the group followed. His men remained cautious while the learned scholars busied themselves with classifying the flora. They saw an unknown variety of deer grazing on the moss but the ruminants fled.

"They know hunters," said Ned. "We're not the first ones here." A bipedal creature charged the herd. Several others joined from different vantage points. The pack successfully downed one of the deer.

Liedenbrock said, "Velociraptors! Amazing! I had no idea they had feathers!"

Aronnax said, "I thought velociraptors were scavengers."

Ned said, "They're dangerous. In case you hadn't noticed, they came out of nowhere like a pack of lions."

Nemo snapped, "Back to the skiff! We'll return in greater numbers."

The group made its way back to Nautilus and sailed away from the coast. Nemo did not want to risk such creatures from entering the boat while everyone slept. He was determined to explore the land.

Maria said, "It seems as if every island within the chambers is unique. Maybe we just haven't found the right one yet."

As Nemo lay down for bed he said, "That was clearly a human footprint. There's something out there that can help us in our journey."

Maria said, "Then you shall find it. We've come so far already. I remember when you first promised to show me the subterranean realm. Here we are, doing just that!"

"Indeed," said Nemo.

Sitting in the lounge, the two professors reviewed their notes for the day.

Liedenbrock sighed in frustration, "What are they doing in there?"

Aronnax casually said, "It sounds like they are having marital relations."

Liedenbrock said, "What are we doing here?"

Aronnax said, "We have learned much on this adventure."

Liedenbrock said, "Yes but he's searching for something that doesn't exist. What if we never return?"

Aronnax said, "I'm sure we will."

Liedenbrock asked, "How can you be certain?"

Aronnax replied, "I cannot, except that both have promised it."

Liedenbrock said, "I daresay he cannot afford either of us to return. If he does find it, would he really want either of us publishing the discoveries? We are both accomplished at the art of scientific manuscripts. Would he really want us writing of these voyages?"

Aronnax said, "Probably not, but who else could attempt such a feat? His submersible is decades ahead of anything else we could possibly imagine. Why, if skilled engineers were to get their hands on this magnificent boat, it would revolutionize sea travel as we know it."

Liedenbrock said, "He uses it for war."

Aronnax sighed, "I know. Oh, his martial engagements are not like they once were but he still employs his tactics."

Liedenbrock said, "Someday there will be other submersible boats capable of this journey."

Aronnax said, "Then when we chronicle these journeys, we must omit certain facts as to exact starting and ending points."

Liedenbrock said, "Agreed."