The Quest

By Peter Apps

Are David and his friends ready for the Quest? Most would say they should wait another six or seven years until they’re adults, but there’s no more time.

Worlds are being destroyed and theirs is already being influenced by the enemy. Luckily they have friends as well as enemies but who is going to take a group of young friends so seriously? However, their age does have some advantages. While adults worry about the dangers of visiting alternate worlds, learning to ride a bike is an adventure for a lad from one. Is learning to fire a ballistic missile harder than some computer game?

Join them as prepare to tackle a foe they have never seen and tackle an even harder task. Keeping it all secret.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Peter Apps
• Release date: Dec 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463014950

Peter Apps

Peter Apps is an award-winning journalist and Deputy Editor at Inside Housing. He broke a story on the dangers of combustible cladding thirty-four days before the Grenfell Fire. He has not stopped reporting on this national tragedy since, and his coverage of the public inquiry has received widespread acclaim. He lives in London.

Book preview

The Quest

Worlds Beyond

Book 3

Peter Apps

Copyright © 2019 Peter Apps

ISBN: 978-0-9955713-8-9

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, situations and incidents are the product of the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.

Published in the United Kingdom

TAUP UK

Sheerness

Kent

[e-mail]

Table of Contents

Preface

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Epilogue

Peter Apps

Science Fiction

With Thanks

Preface

David Pevensey, Duke of Barabourne and his friends have been given the job of saving worlds. On his own world he is introducing electricity and persuading his King to introduce social reforms on an enormous scale. He also has a quest to save the people who created the portal that makes it all possible.

Consolidation, the second book in the series to the point where his quest is about to begin. It ends with a court case designed to block the reforms and for his enemies to take control of the portal. David leaves court having successfully defeated his enemies and is ready for the quest.

This, the third book begins a few weeks earlier as his friends start the preparations for the quest so sometimes, it deals with events already dealt with in Consolidation but from a different point of view. I hope it does not confuse readers who have read the first two books because it is simple enough, at least in my head, but James, my editor, often complains that what is obvious to me is obscure and confusing to others.

If you have stumbled across this book then there are references to events and people already mentioned in the first two books. You may also wonder how such a diverse group of friends came together. I’m afraid you need to read the other books to find out but I hope you can still follow the story and enjoy it.

1

Wilson sighed as he looked around the library. Two village urchins sat quietly reading, while a footman played chess with a stable hand. He remembered the days when his old master could sit in solitary splendour, reading the Financial Times while sipping a brandy. His master had died and his son, David, who had succeeded him, had introduced radical and liberal new ideas. This was one of them. Anyone who could appreciate a room for quiet study or the books it contained, was welcome to use the library.

Satisfied the library was in good order, Wilson set down the tray holding a pitcher of lemonade and glasses.

Thanks, Mr. Wilson. One of urchins said.

My pleasure, Mary. Wilson replied, Let the chess players know if they look up for long enough.

Shortly he would be serving afternoon tea to the dowager duchess and her guests. It might be the proper order, but he would be invisible and ignored. Serving the lower classes in the library was appreciated, and they showed it. The duke’s ideas had advantages, he decided.

The dowager duchess’ son, David Pevensey, Wilson’s master and the Duke of Barabourne was only fourteen, had an extraordinary group of friends and a life few outside his circle could possibly understand. In Wilson’s experience, a gang of teenagers meant mischief and trouble, but although boisterous Wilson liked his master’s choice of friends. Three were standing in the hall chatting as he left the library.

One was the Honourable Miles Markham. At preparatory school he had been seen as a buffoon and a fop. He kept out of trouble by playing the fool and keeping everyone, the bullies included, on side by knowing what the in-thing was. Since moving to Barabourne, he had become a serious young man, interested in aviation and taking his studies seriously.

The other was Lieutenant James Clarke. At twelve, he went to Dartmouth as a midshipman despite the dire warnings of how scholarship boys were treated. For three years, he worked hard, earned a grudging respect for his sporting ability and ignored the insults because he could not afford to join in the social events. He had been sent to Barabourne to help the duke on a mysterious project which turned out to be a marvellous new invention: radio. Far from being the poor outsider, it was his organising abilities and willingness to help out that counted. It resulted in his promotion to Lieutenant over a year early and discoveries even more incredible than radio. He listened as Miles explained what they were doing.

Yes, of course I'll help. Jimmy replied, What about those flying machines of yours, though?

Gentlemen, Wilson interrupted, The main hall is not the place to stand and gossip. Allow visitors to come and go without wondering who should be greeted and who should be ignored.

Yes, sorry Wilson. Danny replied, David's got a lot on, so we’re seeing what we can do on our own. We’re not as organised as he is. We’ll go to the stone circle world.

That may be wise. Your initiative is commendable but David may be put out if he sees you in a conference, he is excluded from.

Another reason not to talk in such a public place. Danny smiled, We’re on our way.

It was the third youth, Danny, and what he was talking about, that still strained Wilson’s credulity for he came from an alternate world and was suggesting they visit a third. However, he also travelled, visiting Mary, a pub landlord on Danny’s world as often as he could.

The lads took a steam brake down to the portal and since there were three of them they were allowed to cross to the stone circle world.

How do you get on with the butler speaking to you like that, Miles? Danny asked.

Let’s just say, it’s one of the harder parts of David’s ideas. When I’m home, my brother gets so annoyed because I thank our butler. I don’t think the butler likes it much either, but the stone circle world expects me to be polite to any adult, and they are giving me flying lessons.

As always, Kendal was there with his books and laptop quietly studying. He leapt up to stand respectfully before Miles.

Welcome Divine Travellers. he said, How may I serve you?

Relax Kendal. Miles smiled, I know it's your way to treat us like elders, but we need your help, and I've learnt that servants help better if they forget they're servants.

I know I make you uncomfortable Miles, but it is my duty to serve the elders of the circle. Kendal said, I'm also happy to help as a friend, so I'll ask you to respect the ways of the circle until we leave.

Good thinking so let's go. Er, can you summon a taxi. I'd like to go the airfield. We'll grab drinks at the restaurant and I'll tell you all about it.

Using autogyros as taxis were a novelty, so even travelling the short distance to the airfield was an adventure, but soon they settled round a table.

Your instructor may be able to help you more but a Divine Traveller could demand to see the airfield supervisor. I can show you around my world but in return I'd like to visit yours, maybe even join you on your journey. I can ask because I believe the gods approve.

I don't see any problem but does your dad know you're asking?

I don't ask him. I convince him that the gods have led me to ask. I studied in the circle whenever I could before you arrived, at least, when it was warm enough. Then you repaired the heaters and now, I do all my studying there. Now, I cannot say that I was not waiting for you when I was drawn to the circle, so I truly believe I have been led to asking you and Dad won’t challenge my reasoning. Would I help more if I understood what you were doing?

I won’t challenge you either, after that. Danny chuckled, It could be dangerous and people will think you're a bit weird because you're different. It's not nice when they stare at you.

Revered Iain and Megan are teaching me what I need and don't worry, I won't strip near your holy places, er, churches.

I'll ask Mum if you can stay with us. Danny said, I live in a town, people tend to ignore strangers, and you can practice being disrespectful to adults. I might be a Divine Traveller but it's still easier to step aside for adults here. On our worlds, you don't exactly push past but you make way for each other.

We're on this world for now, so I'll speak to Dad. Kendal said, We should start a project like this in the circle. Don't worry if you're still not ready, Miles.

Neither Miles, Danny or Jimmy fully understood the religion of what they called the Stone Circle World. Technologically, the people were more advanced than those on their worlds, but they held a deep trust in their gods and strange things had happened there.

The pillars forming the circles themselves were engineering marvels, fitted with air screens to keep the circle warm on the coldest of winter days. However, the Stone Circle World believed that were built and maintained under their gods’ guidance. A project successfully started in the circle had the gods’ blessing and would flourish.

Miles in particular was uncomfortable with the idea of meeting in the circle because anyone using it was expected to be naked. The idea was that the gods saw everything anyway and it was harder to have secrets when there was nowhere to hide them. Miles was recovering from some bad experiences and was uncomfortable undressing in front of others.

This is important, so I'll give it a go. Miles replied, Maybe it's time to show Niamh my feelings for her.

She'll be flattered to think she's helped in your healing, but she already knows how you feel about her. Kendal smiled, Those shorts hide less than you think and even Dad's noticed. He's told her to be patient until your spirit is ready.

Miles blushed. He had forgotten how tolerant this world was and it was all part of the openness the gods expected. He had also forgotten that Niamh was Kendal's sister. Kendal was just as protective of Niamh as brothers were of sisters on Miles' world and if Miles forced himself on her in any way then he would be lucky to live. His spirit may not be ready, but it was accepted his body would react to a girl who he liked immensely.

Cradawg, Kendal's father and chief priest of the stone circle listened carefully.

Kendal is ready to choose his path. Cradawg said, Learning the ways of the gods is a good choice. You say you are mortals, you wish to help other mortals and need our help. Your spirits are good, and all I see is the god's approval. First, you need accurate weather forecasts. Does this world have satellites? Can they monitor the weather for you? Airships are not suitable for bad weather but our aircraft need information from the ground to land safely. The final choice is helicopters. They need less ground support, but they are the most complex and least reliable. Range can be an issue.

Both Jimmy and Miles stared at Cradawg, startled by the switch from a non-worldly concern for the gods to down-to-Earth questions about air travel but it was Danny who spoke.

On my world aircraft need runways, or at least a flat area without obstacles to take off or land. Would we need to build a runway here and would we find one near enough to our destination?

We do have vertical take-off aircraft, but they tend to be small. Cradawg replied, It's a good point. Your expedition needs to be fully self-contained.

There's another point. Miles said, Darren's not here today, but he and Jimmy have airship time. I've got flying time but it's in autogyros and I'd have to convert. No, what I mean is, I'd have to convert to airships but Darren and Jimmy already know them. If we use something else, we'd all have to convert …

We get it. Danny laughed, On my world airships aren't taken seriously though.

We don't use them on this world either. Cradawg said, I think we'd have to build and design them from scratch. We do have strict safety regulations and I doubt that we could simply convert your ships without major structural issues. The gods do not approve of us being half-hearted, so we'll equip you properly. Miles, find out about weather forecasting, Jimmy, let's have plans of your existing ships and Danny, prepare Kendal for his travelling. We will meet here tomorrow at noon and see what progress we can make.

Cradawg looked at Danny, From what Billy and Miles say, you are the diplomat of the group. You need Kendal to help you understand the engineers you'll be working with so Kendal needs to learn about your worlds. Between you, you'll make sure there are no misunderstandings which could waste time.

Danny nodded, content that he had a purpose. He still had school but Kendal could spend the time on David's world and Danny would show him around at weekends. Danny laughed to himself, Kendal would need a bicycle but what would his world make of them.

For most of his life, a bicycle had been a basic means of transport that everyone took for granted. It was more of a surprise if a youngster did not have one. Pensioners pedalled sedately along oblivious to the traffic while earnest young adults, dressed in Lycra and helmets tore around oblivious to the Highway Code. Maybe it was all cliches but cycling was deeply embedded in people's psyche on Danny's world.

At Barabourne, they fascinated everyone as a curiosity. Roads were mainly gravel and although maintained were still littered with potholes. Horse drawn carts and steam cars with large diameter wheels and a high ground clearance could cope. Bicycles were less practical and did not exist.

Nevertheless, the bikes Danny brought across proved popular, with everyone wanting a go. Even Wilson, a man who frowned disapprovingly if the slightest thing was out of place, or anyone was seen to be disturbing the established order, had been seen wobbling down the driveway, much to everyone's amazement.

David's world of steam cars and airships was technically less advanced than Danny's while Kendal's world was ahead and Danny was concerned that everyone would laugh at his quaint, old-fashioned bike. By now, visiting alternate Earths was as routine as going to school but Danny was still only a young teenager not wanting to seem dull or old-fashioned. Another problem was taking bikes to Kendal's world because they would have to be taken through the stone circle, the equivalent of leaning one against a church altar. It was not only bikes that bothered Danny, it bothered him his world would seem backward and far more chaotic. Cradawg noticed something was wrong at the next meeting and listened.

Your friend Billy was nearly blown up by Bran and you arrived just in time to stop Megan and Iain from being sacrificed. Kendal is my son and if he heeds what I taught him, he'll see the good, but he won't see perfection any more than you see perfection here.

Danny nodded, It can be a bad world if you're not careful though.

It is also a good world because it produces people like you. Bran was not unique. I'm proud of Kendal, yet there are others his age and I’m relieved that they are not my responsibility. Does anything else trouble you?

Only that I've got a bike for Kendal, but I need to bring it through the circle.

Ah! You're worried about a worldly device contaminating the circle. A book maybe an electronic device but it expands the mind and so is allowed. Would a bike enhance Kendal's mind?

Until we're old enough to drive, it lets us get out and about more.

If it helps him explore your world then it is a key to knowledge. Bring them through. Cradawg said.

Danny complied the next day and Cradawg was there waiting to greet him as was Kendal along with others who had business in the circle. Danny had forgotten that new ventures should begin in the circle so that they would be blessed by the gods and it was another world where bicycles had never been developed.

Much to Danny's surprise, he was expected to give Kendal his first lesson in the ring. Far from a solemn religious ceremony, everyone laughed delightedly as Kendal steered erratically around the ring, almost tipping over the handlebars as he learned to use the brakes.

It's just as well he's somewhere where the gods can protect him. someone called out to more laughter.

Cradawg was standing near Danny.

We share everything with our gods. he said, Even fun and our triumphs. It may be small and unimportant but it is a triumph for Kendal.

I like it. Danny replied, Maybe Kendal felt safer and more in control here.

Our young people must respect their elders. I enjoy Billy’s wit and cheek and Kendal accepts I prefer a lighter heart. Others prefer blind obedience. It is for the youngster to work out what the adult wants. It is an exercise in understanding others so it is a useful lesson. Kendal also respects my trust in the gods, so he would not ignore them which is why he will be happier with such a cheerful and optimistic start to a new venture.

OK! We'll take a ride down to the village and cycle around there for a bit. Tomorrow's Friday, and I'm free all weekend, so I'll collect him at the portal tomorrow evening. Normally we travel in threes but Miles and I have arranged for Kendal to cross to my world, and the portal will teach him our Highway Code.

Danny understood Cradawg's comment about learning to ride a bike being a triumph for Kendal. For most of his friends, it was second nature and taken for granted. It was flying around in airships or autogyros that was exciting. For Kendal, autogyros were every day. He had been thinking about his own flying lessons, but he had been in no real rush. Being the first on his world to ride a bike was real excitement, and he cheerfully demonstrated his new skills to anyone who would watch and Danny had to admit, two boys on bikes generated a lot of interest.

Travel on the stone circle world was different. Most people worked locally so commuting was unheard-of while longer journeys were by autogyro or helicopter to connect to winged aircraft for long haul. Routes between towns and villages were often little more than paved paths and people walked, always ready to stop and chat. Kendal was happy to pull up to talk while Danny noticed he always stood, head slightly bowed until an adult told him to relax. Some glared at Danny for not standing respectfully but when Kendal had permission to speak, he introduced Danny as a Divine Traveller and then it was all right.

It was a world of holographic TVs, advanced aircraft and communications yet as they cycled out of the village, so they entered parkland; managed but still natural woodland with clear trails leading into the depths. For that first ride, they kept to the paved way.

Are goods flown in as well? Danny asked.

No. There's an underground tube network. Things like water and power use it as well. You'll see access hatches every so often.

Danny nodded, I'd like to see but I suppose it's all high security.

It is. I don't like all those cameras watching me and explaining what I'm doing but I've ridden a service car.

That's high security? Danny exclaimed, You're not going to like my world. We have cameras everywhere.

I'm looking forward to being rude to adults. Kendal smiled, It's all different and I'm surprised you like my world and its rules.

They stopped by a shed, Danny guessed that it was made of some sort of dark green plastic with vines and brambles growing over it so that it blended in with the surroundings. Only the path and the door were clear. Once inside, Danny could see that the shed was far larger than he realised and a shaft, some four metres in diameter, dominated the inside. He tried peering over the railing and could see it opened into a wide open space about twelve metres below him.

In an emergency, the building can be dismantled and a crane flown in to lower equipment. Kendal explained, Shall we make do with the lift?

Danny grinned and nodded and soon found himself on a station platform. The railway proved to be two tubes with the centre sections transparent. Danny watched as a container passed through the station. It was only just slow enough for him to see it was a cuboid with circular flanges at each end. He guessed that they were vacuum operated and the flanges provided seals.

They use something similar on David's world, but they only carry letters. Danny said, when Kendal confirmed his guess.

Can I help you? a voice suddenly asked and Danny spun round to see a man standing watching them.

Yes please. Kendal replied, This is Divine Traveller, Danny, and he wishes to study our transport system. We'd like to visit the hub.

I'll be honoured to meet him in person. the man said and pointed to the end of the platform, You're in luck; we have a service car stored at your location. Please embark.

To Danny's astonishment, the man just vanished leaving him to think about holographic technology as they headed for the door to the car. Danny was surprised at its size but figured that it was the same as the cargo carriers, just adapted for humans.

Puzzled by the trouble Kendal was taking to secure the bikes against a side wall, he watched as the six seats fixed in the centre of the floor swivelled to face the opposite direction. They were comfortable office type chairs and Danny allowed Kendal to pull the safety belts over his shoulders and down to clip onto the lap belt. While Danny wondered at the elaborate seating, the car slid sideways through an airlock. He heard the hiss of air and felt himself pressed against his seat, scarcely able to lift his head from the headrest. It was silent now but tunnel lights flashed past, increasingly blurred together by the speed. The acceleration eased but then, gently at first, Danny found himself being pushed against the straps until only the straps were holding him in his seat. Finally, the car slowed and stopped. As Danny stood up, he stumbled.

Your brain has trouble processing the acceleration and speed. Kendal explained. It’ll pass.

Kendal was right and soon they were out on the platform; a circular rotating platform, not the long linear type Danny was used to. He watched as a cylinder arrived, stopping in a slot in the turntable which then turned. It stopped to receive another cylinder, and again to push a cylinder on its way through another tube.

The supervisor arrived but Danny was ready for him. Before the man could kneel, Danny stepped forward, offering his hand.

A custom from my world. Danny smiled, I’m here to learn, not teach you about divine ways.

The man smiled and relaxed, tentatively taking Danny’s hand.

I’ve heard of the custom. he said, Welcome, how can I help you?

I’m trying to learn something of your world. Danny replied, Your transport system is fascinating, but I was surprised at how easily we hitched a ride. On my world, we’d be spotted by security, and then we’d be in so much trouble.

Ah! You were spotted as soon as you entered the service hut. Being curious and exploring is part of growing up, so we send our image and just chat. We arrange rides when we can, though as a Divine Traveller you had a high priority but if anyone arrives bent on causing mischief our image usually calms them, and we encourage them to leave.

I like it. Danny said, What is this place?

It’s a local hub feeding communities. As you can see, all the lines look the same, and we need something to get our bearings, so we colour code the doors, the green lines feed local communities. At the end of the line, the containers slide onto the return tube and come back here. The yellow tubes link our neighbouring local hubs while the blue one links us to the regional hub. Each community station has loading and unloading facilities as do regional hubs. We’re just a switching centre.

Danny smiled, I get what you mean by bearings. I’m not used to your written language yet and I didn’t notice the signs anyway, so I’m not sure which our line is.

You came in on Blue 1. The supervisor said. "Green 5 will take you back to the Town of the Divine Path."

Oh! So we disrupted the main-line. Sorry.

Only for a few seconds so don’t worry. The blue lines have access points because they have no stations. Green lines don’t need them. Is it permitted to ask a Divine Traveller questions?

Yes, of course. We’re just chatting, not having some deep religious ceremony.

The supervisor grinned, That’s what puzzles me. People talk of your lack of manners and respect for elders, yet I find you easy to talk to. You are respectful, but more relaxed.

Dad says that manners are lubricating oil. If there isn’t any, things grate together and cause friction but if there’s too much, everything gets oily and eventually clogs. I think Kendall would like to join in, but he’s clogged up.

The supervisor laughed, Relax Kendall, and it’s my turn to apologise. I should have said so, sooner.

Kendal adopted a more relaxed pose, slouching a little and grinned, I’ll try to unclog myself.

OK! Danny said, This is an important problem for me. We’re preparing for a journey and as Kendal learns about it, so he’ll need to talk to engineers. We’re just exploring on our bikes today, and he waited for permission to speak. What happens if an airship engineer forgets to give permission, and we’re crashing?

The supervisor laughed again, I think disrespect would be tolerated in those circumstances but I understand. Kendall show me how your er, bike works.

Kendall duly mounted his bike and cycled around the platform before dismounting again.

Interesting, and it’s a gift from the Divine Path?

Danny nodded.

Then I’d say such a Favoured One should be listened to. Kendall, is it permitted for me to learn to ride?

Danny might have said something but the supervisor glanced at him and shook his head.

It is but our bikes may be a little small for you. Can we get adult sized bikes, Danny? Kendal asked.

There’s a couple at Barabourne. We’ll go and fetch one. Danny replied.

You’re going to travel on the Divine Path, Kendal? the supervisor asked, Then your problem is solved. You are our world’s first Divine Traveller. You should be treated as an elder.

Kendal smiled but seemed unhappy about something. He was quiet on the return journey, becoming hesitant as they approached the circle.

Danny paused, looking at him quizzically.

I’ve never entered the circle dressed before. he said, It seems so wrong.

Oh! Danny exclaimed, I hadn’t thought of that. Let’s speak to your Dad.

Cradawg listened carefully before replying, Kendal! If you travel, you will experience many things which will make you uncomfortable. You must not only worry about leaving for a journey along the Divine Path but about arriving. Are you ready to travel?

I think so. I must seem so silly but it took me by surprise.

I’ll tell you a little secret. Danny said, If any of David’s friends do something wrong, his mother gives a funny little smile and looks away. It happens at least once every time I visit her. We swim a lot on David’s world, so I’m more used to being naked, but what did worry me was that everyone would laugh at my bike because it’s so old-fashioned here. I guess I’m trying to say, we’re all a little odd and it doesn’t feel nice.

Kendal smiled, I understand, but it’s my friends seeing me dressed. It’ll feel so weird.

How will your friends feel about you becoming a Divine Traveller? Cradawg asked, I’m beginning to doubt that it’s the right path for you. What do you think, Danny?

I don’t understand your gods, but isn’t the question, what do they expect of Kendal? Will they be disappointed because a silly fear stops him travelling or is it their way of discouraging him?

Cradawg nodded approvingly, You understand them better than you think, but would they lead him to a decision only to stop him at the last minute?

It’s me. Kendal snapped, I’m being stupid so let’s go.

He strode off leaving Danny to hurry after him. He hesitated at the entrance of the ring then strode forwards, aware that he was being watched, then stood by the portal, waiting for Danny, blushing bright red.

It only took a few moments before they were standing by the road on Danny’s world. A screen appeared with a message: Will redirect if insist but do