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The crowd and competitors gathered around the starting line in the blistering heat of the early morning. Reporters lined the streets flashing their cameras at groups loading up their vehicles. Team captains were interviewed while fans and onlookers waited for the festivities to begin. On a stage adjacent to the starting line a man with blonde hair beginning to fade gray and wearing glasses approached the podium planted in the center. Adjusting his orange button up before clearing his throat he tapped the microphone lightly. A hush fell among the crowd as he smiled out to them and began his speech.
“A millenia ago,” He started. “King Leopold, The Great Unifier had a single goal. After bringing the four stalks under one crown he was determined to find God and ask, why? Why is there a gigantic Stalk at the center of our world and more importantly where has God gone?”
The crowd hung on every word, even after taking a long sip of water. In the moment of pause a voice yelled out ‘We love you Dupree!’ The crowd laughed with light applause and Dupree smiled before continuing.
“These questions burned something deep inside of him and he realized they could no longer be ignored. So he gathered an army made from soldiers on all 4 Root Continents and scaled the Stalk in search of our creator. It has been many lifetimes since his ascent but he promised one thing to everyone below. One day he will return and he will help us all ascend to Paradise. Leopold be praised.”
The crowd repeated the last phrase in perfect unison.
“And in celebration of this great promise, my company, Lancaster Industries, has partnered with The Church of Leopold for the ‘Millennia Derby.’ A once in a lifetime, historic race up The Great Stalk to the clouds above in honor of his journey and his legacy.”
The crowd cheered while Dupree stood taking in the adoration. Dupree came from a long family line who had a tight grip financially on all four roots. As Dupree aged he took advantage of his family's wealth and quickly became a household name. Whether it was radio or even parts of the machinery found in the vehicles on the starting line, Dupree found a way to keep himself financially involved in everything and anything to keep himself relative to the masses. The world lived in relative harmony even with a vacant crown, but being the wealthiest man in the world many treated him as you would any royalty. As the crowd quieted down he turned his attention to the dozens of teams waiting at the starting line. The vehicles sported all types of designs with no sense of commonality between them outside of their intimidating size.
“Soon our contestants will take their great machines up this stalk, racing not just for clout and honor but for a chance to show our love and honor of The Great King's legacy so when he returns he knows we have all but forgotten him.”
“And this is the legacy Leopold would be proud of?” A voice called out from the crowd.
Dupree’s demeanor broke for a moment when he heard the accusation and a hush fell across the crowd. He didn’t have to ask who spoke as the reporter moved herself closer to the front to make her voice heard.
“Your Millennia Derby preparations have done a number on this city. In the last 3 years our homeless population has been pushed to the outskirts of town, those who can’t afford to live in luxury were forced into hiding to keep the city’s image clean.”
The woman went on and on complaining about the race and Dupree knew everything she said was true. An event of this magnitude had never been done and once Rootshin City was selected for the starting line changes were made to guarantee the city’s image was pristine. This truth did not bother Dupree as much as someone having the audacity to call him out over this. He waited for a moment for the woman to stop before finally interjecting to give his own two cents.
“While there may have been some unfortunate side effects,” He replied. “I’m deeply appreciative of my partnership with the church who has provided solutions for the less fortunate of our city.”
“The Clinics? Oh I know all about them.” the reporter scoffed. She reached into her shoulder bag pulling out stacks of photos, waving them in the air above her.
“I’ve taken it upon myself to research these so-called ‘Safe Havens’ and what I’ve found was appalling. The homeless are corralled into these places like cattle and forced to live on top of each other. Sick people left unattended in rooms that haven’t been cleaned in months waiting to die.”
“Perhaps I can shed some light on this matter.” Another voice interjected.
Silence fell across the crowd once again, including the enraged reporter as an elderly woman made her way across the stage. She was short, hunched over and dressed in typical Nun attire. Her face held deep wrinkles that spoke to the many years she lived. Reaching the podium Dupree happily stepped aside, allowing her to speak.
“As a representative for The Church I must say that we are not abandoning or hiding our unhoused population of this great city. Quite the opposite, they are actually our most respected citizens.”
“While I’m sure this may be your belief, Sister Loveless.” The reporter replied, easing her tone. “It’s to be expected when it’s your name listed on the clinics. Can it really be called respect when we are allowing our people to suffer while millions are spent on this race?”
The elderly woman gave the reporter a warm smile.
“They are the most respected because of their suffering, my child. Suffering on this mortal plane is what leads us to Paradise, and as the written word says; ‘Blessed be those who suffer, for when I return they will be the first led into infinite glory.”
Sister Loveless coughed and Dupree quickly provided her a sip of cool water. After her drink she stared directly at the reporter again with a stern look.
“And you're right, my name is on the clinics not out of need for recognition. It’s a promise that anyone who enters will not be treated like a child looking for a handout from a parent, but as a true suffering human being on a course to eternal salvation. I am proud to facilitate this process and will gladly put my name on every clinic giving glory to the Great King. Leopold be praised.”
The crowd tried to repeat the phrase once again but the reporter loudly interrupted, raising her voice even louder. The answers were not sufficient to her and she needed everyone to know the absolute disgrace of what she saw in these clinics. Continuing to yell she felt something blunt hit her on the back.
“Shut the Hell up!” Someone screamed after tossing a bottle at the reporter.
Almost on cue, an uproar began. Expletives, insults and other pieces of trash were thrown at the woman for even attempting to speak badly of the church and most of all Sister Loveless. She was just as famous as Dupree if not more, but not for money or fancy inventions. Instead she was known as a devout follower of the church who personally funded rehabilitation clinics all over the world. Sister Loveless stood unmoved at the podium watching the outrage while Dupree stood behind stifling a smile.
The grip the church had on the world was ironclad. Sister Loveless had no need to argue with dissenters or non-believers, they were already in a losing battle in most environments. No one sane dare speak poorly of the church in public or risk being classified as a 'Heretic,' a title worse than what's given to even the cruelest criminals. Dupree was already well loved but after forming this partnership with the church and in turn Sister Loveless, he was practically untouchable. While the berating of the reporter continued unchecked he turned to his assistant, giving a discreet hand signal to her, who then gestured to the band to start playing.
“Well it seems we are out of time!” Dupree spoke, shuffling back to the podium to regain control of the crowd. “Let’s turn our attention to the starting line to continue our opening ceremonies!”
The reporter tried to continue but was drowned out by the applause and music. Sister Loveless gave one last warm smile to the crowd before turning to whisper something into Dupree’s ear and leaving the stage. As everyone made their way to the starting line Dupree spoke to his assistant before following after Loveless himself.
“The mouthy one,” he spoke in a hushed tone. “Make it a surprise, make it bloody.”
The assistant nodded, scurrying off while Dupree continued on his way.
🌱🌱🌱
“Keep shoveling Josie!” Peg yelled from her seat at the head of the vehicle.
Their Locomotive barreled through the twisted streets of Rootshin City as onlookers ducked and dived out of the way. Over an hour passed from when the race began and the only thing on Peg’s mind was catching up to the others.
“Alright we’re almost there, hang on!”
Peg turned hard to the right and moments later the starting line was in view. Normally an impossible task for a vehicle such as this but Peg made sure to give 'Midnite Cruiser' all it needed to compete, including a different wheelset just for this race. People were still packing up from the opening ceremonies and lunged out of the way screaming. At the starting line Peg could see her investor, looking even redder than he had yesterday outside her warehouse.
“I told you she couldn’t be trusted!” he barked into the phone. Hearing the screaming he looked up from his conversation to see a mass of smoking steel heading towards him. He jumped out of the way a split second before the train flattened him along with the phone he was just using.
“Hey Mr. Waithe!” Peg yelled, looking back as she zoomed by. “Sorry we’re late! Just make sure you have our second half when we win the race!”
Seconds later the duo zipped past the starting line and sped up the track spiraling around the base of the stalk. While pressing forward Peg noticed the ground below had been trampled flat. The base area of the stalk was normally covered in thick thorn which is why the vehicles used in this race were so heavy and powerful. With how much later they arrived however the ground was flattened by the other racers making it a breeze to travel. Peg advised Josie to hold off on loading more coal since they might need an extra boost later.
After 20 minutes of driving up the path covered with exotic greenery they finally reached the back of the pack. Josie poked her head out the window and realized the racers out in front of them were desperately attempting to maintain their narrow lead. As Josie and Peg caught up a few began to take notice.
One team with a larger machine began flinging large clumps of coal and other debris in their direction. Peg cursed, doing her best to dodge each one. ‘Midnite Cruiser’ was on the smaller side compared to other vehicles so it was easier for her to dodge but some shots were unavoidable. Nonetheless she pressed on, dodging the best she could and soon they found themselves in the heat of the race.
“We have about another mile till the first finish line! Load up as much as you can!” Peg Shouted.
Josie gave a thumbs up out the window before shoveling in the rest of the coal. With a deafening screech, Midnite Cruiser picked up speed. It was so intense that even the hanging potted plants Peg brought along seemed close to falling off entirely. Before they knew it they were crossing the line signifying the first leg of the race.
Slowing down to a halt and directing their vehicle to the area for competitors the team was able to take in the sights of their first location. They appeared to be in a small town, which surprised Josie. She didn’t think anyone lived above the thorns but it came as no Surprise to Peg. People for centuries have lived on the upper parts of the stalk, rarely traveling down due to the thorns below but they survived all the same.
On the outskirts of town there was a section where participants could park their vehicles for repairs along with being able to relax and prepare for the next leg of the race. Once they arrived they found a spot to park before stepping out to stretch their legs. After a few minutes they heard loud crackling over the tall speakers right outside the rest area.
“Coming in 10th Place, Team Blue Dancer!” The voice boomed.
Josie wanted to listen for their team but Peg assured her there’d be no need. With the alarm mishap that morning there was no chance they’d earn a high ranking position. She instead told Josie to focus on assessing damage before they went looking for supplies.
“We just have to be the first in the clouds.” Peg said, looking up the stalk and into the fluffy white sky above them. “Nothing else matters as long as we win the last leg.”
“Margaret York, as I live and breathe!”
The two turned towards the booming voice to find a large older gentleman with a curly snow white beard. Peg’s anxious demeanor changed in an instant as she leapt to her feet and gave the man a tight hug.
“Cisco!” Peg yelled. “You’re here!”
“I should be saying that to you! Where were you this morning?”
“We overslept…” she replied, looking away. “I don’t want to get into it.”
“Overslept?” The man bellowed with a deep, stomach filled laugh. “If that doesn’t prove you are your father’s daughter I don’t know what does!”
As they laughed, Josie watched the two of them. They seemed to be old friends and she didn’t want to interrupt. While laughing Peg realized she had momentarily forgotten about Josie and moved to introduce her.
“Josie, this is Mr. Francisco Drake, he’s an explorer who was close with my parents.”
“Ah you must be the replacement!” Francisco said, extending his hand to shake hers. “Wow! That’s some grip young lady!”
“You’re an explorer?” Josie asked, getting straight to the point. “How far up have you been?”
Francisco pointed up to the sky and smiled, causing Josie’s eyes to widen.
“The clouds!?”
Peg laughed and explained how famous Francisco was. How her parents and he often had wine fueled arguments late into the night, boasting about their discoveries and adventures. Francisco was actually quite famous in the world of exploration, even with stalk exploration being off limits in, as he would call it, 'The Modern Era.' When the race was announced Francisco was a front runner to win it all being one of the few with experience going up the stalk.
"So does that mean you've been above the clouds!? What's it like?" Josie blurted out, her violet eyes wide with curiosity.
Francisco let out another of his loud belly laughs, patting Josie on the shoulder.
“What an imagination! You know there’s nothing past the clouds, the only one who’s been beyond is The Great King himself.”
Francisco continued to laugh but Josie wasn’t all that amused. Peg chuckled along but also wasn’t happy with Francisco’s answer. Before their conversation could continue, one of the reporters traveling along in the race requested to pull aside Francisco for an interview. He gave his goodbyes, promising to catch up with them both later on. Once he left the two of them turned their attention back to Midnite Cruiser and focused back on the task at hand, the next leg of the race.
🌱🌱🌱
Peg set every alarm she could, there was no way they’d make the same mistake twice and thanks to the bright morning sun, they didn’t. After triple checking their supplies they made their way with the others to the starting line. Once they arrived both Peg and Josie noticed a few teams from the day prior had gone missing. Before either of them could question the disappearances a voice boomed over the loudspeakers.
“ATTENTION! ATTENTION! WE ARE MAKING AN ANNOUNCEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE MILLENNIA DERBY COMMITTEE! WE WILL NOW ANNOUNCE THE SEVEN TEAMS WHO HAVE DECIDED TO DROP OUT OF THE RACE!”
The voice read through each quitting team's name along with their previous ranking. Each one named was low on the scoreboard, most being close to last place, but the final name grabbed everyone’s attention. Especially Peg’s.
“TEAM FIGHTING DRAKE’S, RANKED 4TH WILL BE DROPPING OUT OF THE DERBY!”
The voice went on to explain how this affected the rankings but no one seemed to be paying attention. Conversations swirled around as Peg sat in absolute shock. Josie tried to get her attention but her calls fell on deaf ears. Soon she leapt out of the cab and ran towards the lodging area where the voice mentioned the ‘Drop Outs’ would be departing. Josie yelled after her but Peg assured that she’d be back in time for the start of the race. For the first time in over a decade, finding a way up the stalk wasn’t at the forefront of her mind.
"Francisco," Peg thought to herself while running through the crowd. "What the Hell happened to you?"
To Be Continued