VOYAGERS! - The Voyager Chronicles
DISCOVERIES - BOOK 1
(The First New Adventure)
By DA Daugherty (VoyagersFan)
October 2006 (Revised 05/2009)
Previous disclaimers apply
Chapter 7 - AN AUDIENCE WITH THE QUEEN
Early the next morning Bogg and Jeff eagerly arrived at Columbus's apartment ready to accompany him to the Royal Court. Much to their surprise, however, they found the crazy explorer still hard at work finalizing his preparations for the meeting. While waiting patiently for him to complete his tasks, the two had taken up residence at the table in the middle of the room. To pass the time, Bogg pulled out a deck of cards he had commandeered during their visit to free Harriet Tubman and was currently showing his partner the fine art of playing Schnibbitz.
"So… kiddo, whatcha got?"
Jeff gallantly placed his hand on the table. "Read 'em and weep… Three jacks, hee…hee…hee!
"Ahh! Three jacks…" Bogg teased as he nodded and gazed at his hand. "I don't know kid, that's gonna be a pretty tough hand to beat."
Jeff smiled. "Ok, enough of the chatter. It's reveal time… show me whatcha got!"
Bogg smiled mischievously at his partner. "You really want to know?"
"Show me the money!" Jeff teased.
"The money?" Bogg asked innocently. "Remember, kid, we're not playing for money."
Jeff rolled his eyes. "Just show me your hand… Ok, Bogg!"
"Ok…just remember…you asked for it!" Bogg slowly placed his hand on the table. "Three kings! And as I recall, three kings beats three one-eyed jacks."
"C'mon Bogg, you cheated…'Fess up, where'd you hide that extra card?"
Bogg looked at Jeff with an exaggerated expression of disbelief on his face. "What, me? Cheat at Schnibbitz… Never!" He quickly held up his hand. "On my oath as a Voyager, I would never do that!"
"Yea right!" Jeff mumbled. "Like that's ever going to happen."
"What was that, kid?" Bogg teased.
Jeff sat back in his chair and sighed. "Oh nothing… When it comes right down to it, I guess you won that one fair and square."
Bogg nodded in agreement and smiled at his partner.
"So let's see now… that makes what…two hands I've won. One more hand and you'll have to make good on your little bet of spit-polishing my boots. But we'll save this last hand for another time. We've got more important things to think about right now."
Bogg picked the cards up off the table and stacked them in his hand. As he shuffled and straightened them, he stood up and made his way over to the desk where Columbus was now sitting.
"Chris, we have a big day ahead of us. Shouldn't we be getting started?"
"Gentlemen, I'm just putting the finishing touches on these documents. Give me a few moments to gather up the remainder of them and we shall be on our way."
Columbus' nerves were quite frayed by the sheer prospect of this meeting with the Queen. He had become edgy and his energy level had spiked off the charts. He rose from his seat and like a jackrabbit with its tail on fire; he began darting about the room gathering up documents and maps in a chaotic manner.
"Chris, you need to calm down" Bogg urged as his eyes followed Columbus around the room. "You don't want to hurt yourself prior to this meeting."
Jeff tugged on Bogg's arm and whispered, "He's got it bad, Bogg."
"Yea, and if he doesn't slow down, he's definitely going to lose it." Bogg whispered with note of humor in his voice.
After minutes of flitting about the room, Columbus ran past Bogg and came to a screeching halt near the door.
"Gentlemen, I believe we are ready to depart. Shall we proceed?" He asked.
Bogg put his deck of cards in the pocket of his jerkin. "We're right behind you Chris." He replied.
The three walked outside the apartment to their waiting transportation. Bogg followed Jeff over to his mule, anticipating he would need some help to climb aboard.
"Need a hand?" Bogg asked his partner.
"I guess so." Jeff replied indifferently. "I am definitely not looking forward to this ride. Especially on this bony mule."
"Wait a minute, kiddo." Bogg said as his partner attempted to climb atop the beast.
"What?"
"I'll tell you what." Bogg said as he smiled and scooped his partner up, threw him over his shoulder and walked toward his own mule.
"C'mon Bogg, what are you doing?" Jeff pleaded.
After a few steps, Bogg removed Jeff from his shoulders and sat him atop of his own mule.
"If it's any consolation to you, I am not looking forward to it either" Bogg affirmed. "Since you rode that bony old mule on the last trip, you can ride the fattened up one this trip. How 'bout that?"
"Thanks Bogg!"
"You're welcome, kid…umm…I think!"
Bogg walked over to Jeff's mule, got upon it and the three began their journey to the Palace.
------------------------------------------
After their long journey, Bogg, Jeff and Columbus finally arrived at the Palace. Once again they tied their mules to the same tree as they did on their last visit, walked to the main gate and entered into the palace. Outside the Great Hall, the Queen's Royal Secretary greeted them.
"Good morning to you all."
The three responded almost in unison, returning the greeting.
"Her Majesty will be ready to see you shortly." She said. "In the meantime, if you gentlemen would like to rest after your long journey, you may sit over there and wait. When Her Majesty is ready to see you, I will be back for you."
"Thank you, you are most kind." Columbus replied.
The three walked over to a small alcove and sat down in some chairs that had been artfully arranged on either side. As they waited patiently, Columbus became even more nervous than he was previously at his apartment. Having noticed this change in him, Bogg and Jeff attempted to do their best to calm him down.
"Chris. Why are you so uptight?" Bogg asked.
"Well, I've waited so long for this moment, and I'm worried that I might mess up this opportunity."
"Mess it up? C'mon Chris!" Jeff exclaimed. "How could you possibly mess this up?"
"Mr. Jones…anything is possible." Columbus said humbly.
Jeff nodded in disbelief. "Ok… let's take a moment to review this situation. You are a member of the Royal Court, right?"
"Yes, Mr. Jones, I am."
"So you are also familiar with the protocols for these meetings?" Jeff asked.
"Yes."
"And you have complete confidence in your theories as well as your supporting evidence?"
"Yes, I stand by my theories and the evidence as well" Columbus replied.
"Then, as I see it, you have nothing at all to be worried about." Jeff concluded.
Bogg chimed in. "Chris…When the time comes, just walk in, present your theories and supporting evidence and ask for what you need. Above all else, be confident, tactful and show respect to your Queen. If you run into trouble, Jeff and I will be there to help."
After listening to Bogg and Jeff's obvious pep talk, a wave of calm and confidence came across Columbus' face. "Gentlemen, thank you once again for everything you have done thus far. I don't know what it is about you two, but, you always seem to come up with the right words for just about any occasion."
Jeff looked at Bogg and poked him in the side. "Hey, anytime you need a psychiatrist, just call us. We're good and we're cheap." He said with a chuckle.
"What's a psychiatrist?" Bogg whispered innocently.
"Never mind, Bogg! I'll explain later."
At that moment, the Royal Secretary came from the Great Hall and approached the three. "Her Majesty will see you now. If you would, please follow me."
Columbus followed the secretary into the Great Hall with Bogg and Jeff on his heels. They approached the Queen and bowed before her.
"Arise Mr. Columbus." The Queen commanded. "Please introduce us to your friends."
Columbus stepped aside and pointed to the two voyagers. "Your Majesty, this is Mr. Phineas Bogg and Mr. Jeffrey Jones. They have traveled here from a far away land to assist me with my work."
The two Voyagers bowed again to the Queen. Bogg rose and began to speak. "It is our pleasure to be in the presence of a Queen of such beauty, Your Majesty."
In response to Bogg's statement, Jeff nudged him in the side and looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Bogg understood the subtle message he was being sent and shrugged his shoulders.
"For foreigners, you most definitely know how to impress a Queen." The Queen replied. "Now, please arise and be welcomed to the Royal Court."
"Mr. Columbus, we understand from the Royal Treasurer that you have an interesting proposal to make to us. As we comprehend it thus far, this proposal could bring untold wealth and riches to Royal Court and the country."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Columbus replied. "If I may be so bold, I would like to explain my theories and supporting evidence to you."
"Mr. Columbus, we are listening. Please do begin." She commanded.
"Your Majesty. Currently, I have three theories that I believe, if proven to be true, would bring untold riches and wealth to this country. Let me explain further."
"The first of my theories proposes the world as we know it is round, not flat like most scholars currently believe."
"Yes we have heard of this theory, but what evidence do you have to support it?" She asked curiously.
"Your Majesty, according to most scholars, we are warned if we sail a ship too far west, we will inevitably fall off the edge of the world into a never-ending abyss. My evidence is this. If in fact the world was flat and sailing too far west would cause you to fall off the edge, then why have the oceans yet to dry up? I say, if a ship can go too far and fall off the edge, the same would also be true for the oceans. However as you see with your own eyes, the oceans are still filled with an abundance of water."
"Mr. Columbus, it is not my intention to insult you, however, what you have said so far is not evidence, but rather, supposition, pure and simple. Please do continue."
"The second of my theories proposes the existence of a new route to Cathay. I have come to the conclusion based on studying various maps and documentation from other sailors, that, if we sail a ship due west from our ports we will reach the land of Cathay. Using this more direct route, we will get there much quicker than we do using the current route over land. The end result would allow us to increase our trading capabilities as well as our profits. Just imagine the riches to be gained from the spice trade alone. Also, it will allow us replenish the funds of the Royal Treasury quicker, after their depletion by the last war."
"We see, Mr. Columbus. True, finding a quicker route will increase our trade and fill our royal coffers, but you still have not provided us with any evidence that proves your theory." The Queen replied with a hint of skepticism in her tone.
As Bogg and Jeff stood in the Great Hall, bearing witness to Columbus' presentation, they couldn't help but notice their friend was growing increasingly frustrated with the Queen's responses.
"My last theory, proposes the existence of undiscovered lands on the other side of the oceans. Just imagine the impact on our country, if this theory was proven to be true. We could sail to those lands and claim them and their untold riches in the name of Spain. With the addition of these territories, we could become the most powerful country on the continent. "
'If I may be so bold, Your Majesty. I would like for you to take a look at the documents and maps which support my theories." Columbus said as he attempted to disguise his apparent frustration. He approached the Queen and handed her several parchments.
The Queen began to examine the documents. After several minutes of mind-numbing silence in the Great Hall, she looked up and began to speak.
"Your theories are interesting, but you have only a limited amount of evidence to support them."
"That is why I came to you, Your Majesty, to request the funds and resources to prove my theories. The evidence I have brought before you today is based on the available information that I have thus far. I need ships and funding to set sail and explore these theories." Columbus said, with a somewhat sarcastic tone.
By now, Bogg and Jeff had realized this meeting was not going as well as had expected. The outcome was not looking very hopeful for their friend. While Columbus and the Queen continued to discuss the issues, the two Voyagers whispered to each other, comparing notes. They knew they needed to do something to salvage this situation. They needed a plan and they needed it quickly.
"Your Majesty!" Bogg said humbly. "May I be so bold as to address the Queen?"
"Please sir, do approach and address us." She commanded.
"Your Majesty, my friend and I have studied the current information upon which Mr. Columbus has based his theories. Even though there is a only a small amount of hard evidence at this time which indicates their validity, both of us, believe that providing the funds to explore these theories would be in the best interest of the Royal Court and the country. It also has been brought to our attention in our various travels; these same theories are being debated in other lands. Currently, as we understand it, the King of England is in the process of setting about to fund the same exploration that Columbus has proposed. My question to you is this…Can you risk having these theories proven by another country? Or, even worse, having another country reaping the rewards of proving them?"
Suddenly, the room became gravely silent. Those in attendance stood quietly, their mouths agape, trying to anticipate the Queen's response. No member of the Royal Court had so questioned the Queen's judgment nor had they ever addressed her in such a bold and familiar manner.
The Queen, obviously caught off guard by Bogg's statements, paused for a moment before making her reply.
"Mr. Bogg. The Royal Court appreciates your opinions. You make several valid points in support of Columbus's request. We however, must weigh the possibilities of success against the amount of funding needed to take on this task. You must understand, our Royal Treasury is almost depleted. We cannot afford to be wasteful of the funds which remain."
"Mr. Columbus. We have sat here and listened patiently and with an open mind. We commend you, sir, on the time and thought that you expended on your theories and supporting evidence. However, we cannot approve the funding to allow you to carry out such a voyage, especially with the amount of evidence you have brought before me. We are truly sorry." She waived her scepter toward the entrance. "You may go now."
With this, the three bowed before the Queen. As they rose, Bogg expressed his gratitude to her for granting them an audience.
"Thank you, Your Majesty for allowing us the opportunity to discuss these matters with you." Bogg said humbly.
Columbus and the two voyagers immediately left the Great Hall. They got upon their mules and began their journey back to the apartment. During their ride home, Columbus spoke not a word, not even when Bogg and Jeff attempted to talk with him. He just rode his mule with his head down in extreme disappointment.
While the three continued their long journey home, little did they realize, back at the Royal Court, Luis was about to throw down the gauntlet to show the Queen the error of her ways. He and the other two officials had been inside the Great hall during Columbus' meeting and had heard the entire presentation as well as the outcome. They knew the Queen did not fully realize she was passing up a golden opportunity. This was even more apparent, with the King of England now in pursuit of this same quest. With an aura of confidence and professionalism, the three approached the Queen and put their plan into action.
"Your Majesty, may we have a moment of your time." Luis asked as he prostrated himself before her.
"Yes, please approach." The Queen commanded.
"It is concerning Mr. Columbus's theories. Your Royal Highness, we beg of you to please reconsider your decision."
"Why? Please give us reasons why we should reconsider?" She asked.
"The three of us have conversed with Mr. Columbus and have studied his evidence thoroughly. There is a very good chance that his theories are accurate." Luis said boldly.
"And the only sure way of proving them is to fund the voyage." The first official stated.
"Just imagine all the wealth and riches which will be gained by the increased trade with Cathay. The happiness of the King, after claiming all those undiscovered lands in the name of Spain." The second official said as he attempted to paint a picture of the effects of such a discovery..
At this point, the first official spoke up. "Let's not forget the untold riches which await us in those newly claimed lands. Our coffers will be bursting at the seams. Your Majesty, can we really afford to take the risk of not pursuing this?"
Luis quickly chimed in.
"Your Majesty, if at this point we still haven't convinced you of the merits of funding this voyage, then, let me enlighten you as to what may happen in the future, if we don't. According to information that I have recently received, several nearby countries are discussing the funding of voyages to prove similar theories. One country in particular, England, is very close to obtaining the resources necessary to embark on a voyage. If Columbus's theories prove to be true, can we seriously risk having another country, like England, discovering the truth and reaping the rewards? By allowing them to do so, they will become a richer, more powerful nation for us to have to contend with."
The Queen sat on her throne, silent, contemplating what her closest advisors had just told her. After a moment, she rose from her throne. "Where is the Royal Secretary?"
"I am here, Your Majesty." She responded.
"Quickly, summon a messenger and command him to find Mr. Columbus and his friends and escort them back to the Great Hall." The Queen commanded.
"Your Royal Highness, I take it that you have reconsidered your decision?" Luis asked.
"Of course, thanks to my most trusted advisors. You have obviously saved me from making a terrible mistake. We agree, we cannot afford for the English to make this discovery. Columbus shall make this voyage, even if we must sell the Royal Jewels to fund it."
---------------------------------
As Bogg, Jeff and Columbus continued their journey home; they were stopped by the sound of hoof beats and shouts coming from behind them.
"Mr. Columbus! Mr. Columbus! Stop, I beg of you, please." The messenger yelled.
Columbus lifted his head and looked at the man.
Jeff looked curiously at his partner and whispered, "Bogg, I wonder who he is?"
"Obviously someone who knows Chris."
Overhearing the two's conversation, Columbus looked at them and exclaimed. "It's a messenger from the Royal Court!"
The messenger rode his horse up beside Columbus. "Sir, I have been sent by Her Majesty, the Queen, to bring all of you back to the Royal Court. Will you please come with me?"
Columbus, being somewhat baffled at Her Majesty's request, replied, "Do you know why she has summoned us back to the Hall?"
"No sir." The Messenger replied. "Her Majesty just commanded that I find you and escort you back to the Great Hall. I was given no other information."
"Well gentlemen, looks like we are going back to the Hall." Columbus said somewhat indifferently.
Heeding the Queen's request, the three followed the messenger back to the Royal Court. Once inside, they were met the Royal Secretary and Luis the Treasurer, who were standing outside the Great Hall waiting for them to arrive.
"Welcome back, gentlemen!" Luis exclaimed as he walked toward them. "I have good news for you all. After speaking with the Queen about your voyage, I and two other officials of the court have persuaded her to reconsider her decision."
"That's great!" Jeff exclaimed.
"Good work Luis." Bogg replied. "I thought it was pretty much over for Chris. How did you do it?"
"It was nothing more than a bit of gentle persuasion. We just explained the theories to her again as well as the what could happen if another country like England, proved his theories first."
Columbus stood in the midst of his colleagues stunned by this latest revelation.
"I just can't believe it! The voyage is actually going to happen."
The Royal Secretary went into the Great Hall to announce their arrival to the Queen. A few moments later, she returned.
"Gentlemen, Her Majesty will see you now."
Bogg, Jeff, Columbus and Luis walked into the Great Hall and again bowed before the Queen.
"Arise, gentlemen." She commanded.
"Mr. Columbus, we are very sorry to have put you and your friends through such a terrible ordeal. However, we have some good news to share with you all.'
'Yes, Your Majesty."
"After you left the Royal Court, three of our most trusted advisors came to us to further discuss your theories. After much discussion, they have convinced me that Spain and the Royal Court have no other choice than to pursue a voyage to prove your theories. Especially, since several of our allies are very close to embarking on voyages of their own. We cannot afford to allow them the opportunity to prove these theories to be true."
"With that being said, my dear Mr. Columbus, I do hereby authorize the funding of your voyage to prove your theories."
Columbus once again bowed before the Queen.
"I am honored by your most gracious decision and thank you most humbly."
Bogg and Jeff looked at each other with an overwhelming sense of relief.
"Mr. Columbus, we will grant you the funds to make your voyage along with three of our best ships from the Royal Fleet. We will have our Secretary draw up the papers for you to sign. In the meantime, please begin to make preparations for your journey. Good afternoon to you all."
"Thank you. Thank you very much, Your Majesty."
The two Voyagers, along with Columbus and Luis, bowed to the Queen and left the Great Hall. Once outside, the four congratulated each other on a job well done.
"I'm sorry, but, I must leave you now to continue your celebration on your own." Luis said with a sense of regret. "Unfortunately, I have much work to do to gather the needed funds for your voyage. It will take several months to make these funds available as well as to summon the three ships you will need."
"Thank you Luis, I understand fully." Columbus said as he embraced his friend. "Thank you once again for all your help my dear, dear friend."
"You are very welcome."
While Columbus and Luis were thanking each other, Bogg pulled out the omni and opened it.
"Well, kid, we have a green light!" Bogg said wryly. He closed the omni and clipped it to his belt."
"We have a green light now… but his mission is not over yet." Jeff said pointedly.
"So in other words we need to jump forward in time and check on his progress?"
"Yea Bogg, but how are we going to explain it to him?" Jeff asked.
Bogg shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know, kid. What about…we've got to go to bedside of a dying relative or something?"
"A dying relative?" Jeff replied with a hint of sarcasm in his tone. "C'mon Bogg, can't you can come up with something better than that?"
"Hmmm. So you don't like my idea, huh?…Ok, then…YOU think of something." Bogg quipped.
Jeff stood there beside his partner, attempting to come up with the perfect explanation for their departure. After a few moments, Bogg broke the silence.
"Ok, time's up!" Bogg said with a smile. "We're sticking with my plan!"
"But Bogg?"
"No buts kiddo. You had your chance and ya blew it."
As Luis turned and walked away. Columbus approached the two Voyagers and interrupted them.
"Well gentlemen, we did it and I have you two to thank for it."
"No thanks are necessary." Bogg said.
"We must now begin the preparations for this voyage. I have some friends at the Rabida Monastery near the town of Palos who can help us with this undertaking. We will need to go there."
"Chris, I'm afraid Jeff and I will not be going with you."
"Oh, what's wrong?" Columbus asked as he now sensed something was amiss.
"We didn't want to worry you or to spoil this meeting today, but Jeff and I received a message late yesterday afternoon. We have been summoned home, to the bedside of a dying relative. We're both very sorry, but unfortunately, we will have to leave you for a time to attend to this matter."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Columbus said with regret.
Bogg continued with his explanation. "The journey there will take several weeks. Once we have completed our obligations, we'll be back.
A worried look came across Columbus' face. He put his arm on Bogg's shoulder.
"But will you be back in time for the voyage?" He asked.
"Don't worry, Chris, I promise Jeff and I will be back long before you set sail to help with the preparations."
"Mr. Bogg, I know you to be a man of your word. You go and tend to your family's needs." Columbus reassured. "I will make my way to the Monastery and begin the preparations. I look forward to seeing you both again in city of Palos."
Columbus turned to walk away and upon taking a step forward, stopped and looked back at his friends.
"Thank you…thank you both for all your help. Good luck and Godspeed on your journey, my friends."
"Thanks Chris. Good luck to you." Bogg replied.
As Columbus turned and walked away, the two Voyagers quickly headed for the exit. Once they had made their way past the guards at the main gate, the two ran toward the tree where their mules were tied. Without warning, Jeff grabbed his partner's arm and the two stopped in their tracks.
"Bogg?"
"What is it now?" He quipped.
"That was a good cover story you had back there." Jeff said. "I'm sorry I doubted you."
"It's history, kid. Don't beat yourself up over it. Besides, we've got more important things to think about now."
Bogg unclipped the omni from his belt and opened the lid.
"Where's our next stop?"
Jeff paused in thought. "He set sail for the new world on August 3rd 1492 from the port city of Palos, so I guess we need to get there a couple of weeks prior to that, say July 20th, 1492."
"Palos, July, 20th 1492 it is." Bogg said boldly. He adjusted the dials on the omni and closed the lid."
"Ready?" He asked.
"Ready!" Jeff replied.
Jeff took hold of Bogg's arm as he pressed the button and they were once again on their way.