Finding Calvin Pt. IV - 5 - A Lite Assembly
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Finding Calvin Pt. IV – A Master Unknown - 5 – A Lite Assembly
Look for corrections (*) I'll post in the title when I make some
Lamington:
Stripped, shackled, pissed on--yet not broken. Like a stone (Amused
expression)...
unbreakable perhaps (questioning expression)....
But we'll take care of them, won't we. My mighty mouse.
Mr. Berg: It reeks of s*** in here, sir.
Lamington: Indeed. Perhaps you should have your cake to-go, Calvin. Mr. Berg, have Mr. Andersen and Mr. Watson escort Calvin to the Rovers.
(Calvin would be in a comatose state during most of the ride, but given some smelling salts and a hosing, when they finally arrived)
Lamington: Mr. Andersen, after you hose off Calvin, make sure he finds his way to a second floor shower on the East end. And have Beatrice set him up, will you.
Mr. Andersen: Of course
Lamington: And grab him a Gatorade on the way.
Mr. Andersen: Yes sir
[…]
Calvin
would lather up his body
With
the massager/scratcher pad
That
every soap dish he's encountered
seemed to conveniently always
have
He
never understood their purpose
and
he never really thought to ask
But
it seems he's not too old to wonder
nor
to serendipitously understand
Like
a little wooded grove
Cut
down to let the light seep in
Just
to find the deepest hole
And
the darkness it embeds
He'd
slip it far below
To
find the crevices and the cracks
Once
again taking on the darkness
And
the dregs time slowly embeds
An ironic impression would linger
As
a thought quickly came and went
In
a way the vinegar and the urine
may
have been his christening
Perhaps
this is what it feels like
to
be metaphorically
born again
Now
fresh with open eyes
he
returns the massager/scratcher thing
He
wonders what it will be like
To
be Mr. Lamington's cat
A
thought faux pas outside of the shower
Still
one for further consideration
Perhaps
one hand washing the other
Will
be a mutual ritual massaging
No
matter what he knows he knows
He
knows there’s no turning aft
[...]
(overhears a new voice while roaming lost) “It’s not a conspiracy if it’s only one
Lamington: And in peeps our mighty mouse now.
Auberon: I’ve heard so much about you, Calvin. It’s a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.
Lamington: I was just informing Auberon of your little expedition.
Calvin: …
Auberon: Well, I should be going. it was a pleasure meeting you.
(Calvin nods contemplatively)
Lamington: Let me walk you out. Calvin, stay put, we’ll have you sorted shortly.
(Calvin espies a picture of Lamington and a young child at some island location)
Gertrude: That was Rupert’s son.
Calvin: What happened to him?
Gertrude: The official narrative is that he fell overboard while unattended.
Calvin: Why did he need attending?
Gertrude: He had special needs.
Calvin: You said official narrative?
Gertrude: One of the crewmen came off quite dubious during questioning. Rupert didn’t like the man. He said that he was always around the boy—and too often. But these observations are only understood in retrospect I suppose…
You look like him...the child.
Calvin: What happened to the crewman?
Gertrude: He disappeared shortly after questioning. Rupert doesn’t talk about it.
Calvin: Where was Rupert—and his mother?
Gertrude: She died during childbirth. Rupert said that he was with his then-lover. The nanny should have been around though. She said that she was fixing their late-night snack.
Calvin: You don’t believe her?
Gertrude: She seemed honest I suppose. But she was young. Who knows.
Calvin: So what happened to the child?
Gertrude: We’ll never know—the body was never recovered.
Calvin: I can’t imagine.
Gertrude: It wasn’t long after that Rupert became obsessed with various projects, making friends in higher places. He’s never really been the same.
Calvin: And who are you?
Gertrude: I’m his sister
[Lamington enters]
Lamington: Gerty, stop haranguing our guest and ask Gerald to prepare fresh cakes, will you
Gerty: It’s a pleasure meeting you Calvin.
Calvin: (nods in a moment of contemplation)
(Mr. Lamington moves over to a giant globe and starts fixing himself a drink)
Lamington: I bought this at a gala in Dortmund. It was Hitler’s. He had a love for the world I suppose. Perhaps he was a poet at heart (laughs to himself and looks up at Calvin)…I’m just kidding, Calvin…
So why do you think they kidnapped you?
Calvin: (As if disturbed from contemplation) I was hoping you could tell me?
Lamington: Though, strictly a joke amongst the genteel, there’s been a rumor for quite some time that Hitler was quite the man whore. Apparently he had many women he frequented—so the rumor goes. There’s also a rumor that before he went into hiding one of his mistresses became pregnant with child—and was escorted outside of Germany before the fall. It doesn’t end there…
According to Auberon, correspondence recovered from a Cantadairian Priest, indicated that Hitler had one of his mistresses escorted outside of Germany shortly before entering his bunker. And apparently she was with child.
Calvin: Who is Auberon?
Lamington: British intelligence
Calvin: well that is indeed a fun fact, Mr. Lamington. But it’s not that surprising that Hitler would impregnate a whore—a man with such power.
Lamington: Indeed. But the most curious finding is where he ended up?
Calvin: And where is that?
Lamington: Recovered correspondence indicates that he eventually made it to a monastery in Ireland. That’s quite close Calvin.
Calvin: I don’t understand. What does this have to do with my kidnapping?
Lamington: Have you ever heard of the genotype and phenotype?
Calvin: No
Lamington: Well, in short if you can’t have the recipe, you’ll want the baker--or at least observe the recipe in action. Yes, I’m sure Furor Jr. has been through many experiments none the wiser. Given such practices it wouldn’t be surprising if there are others that they’ve kidnapped and studied.
Calvin: I’m no Hitler, Mr. Lamington.
Lamington: You don’t have to be a Hitler to be of intrigue. Who knows what their looking for. But whatever it is, you have something.
Calvin: how did they even find me?
Lamington: you can be an odd duck, Calvin. There's a feng shui about you. And even with this land's vast openness, eyes linger.
Calvin: So you think that they kidnapped me to study me
Lamington: Study you, possess you, extract whatever it is that is inside of you. It’s an interesting thought, isn’t it?
…
Before I just thought you were special, now I know it to be true.
Calvin: I’ve had my flights of imagination, but I assure you I’m not possessed.
Lamington: Calm down, Calvin. It’s quite alright. Demons, G-Nome, jinn, shadow self. It doesn’t matter what it is Calvin, it’s how you use it. At least, that’s the camp I’m in...
Auberon and I think that you could be of great use, Calvin. You could present an interesting perspective. Believe it or not, we don't have many in the States that we can be candid with. You're in an anomalistic position. And, as you say in America, a friend in me is a friend indeed.
Calvin: (contemplates)
Lamington: Have you ever had lucid dreams?
Calvin: In college. But these days it seems I'm just being led.
Lamington: no autonomy?
Calvin: there are moments it seems. But it wouldn't be what you'd think.
Lamington: can you think of anything, I'm just curious.
[...]
Calvin thought of his recent dreams
But he chose a different tune
He was too aware of the relevance
And who he was speaking to
[...]
Calvin: to be honest it kind of just comes and goes. But it seems that I haven’t had real autonomy in my dreams since college.
Lamington: yes, when decisions must be made, and every action tended to. I imagine most shuffle through their dreams none the wiser. Perhaps we can change that...
Well, if you do have any insights that perhaps need clarification, I find that Alice is a very wise listener. She's helped me see the light on many occasions.
Calvin: I'll keep that in mind.
Lamington: has your uncle arrived yet?
Calvin: No
Lamington: I’m going to have his estate surveyed for anything suspicious. In fact it’s best if you stay here with Alice and I until we can better understand what just happened.
Calvin: What now?
Lamington: I’ve prepared your day’s outfit and it’s waiting for you in your quarters. We're going to have brunch with some good friends of mine from primary. They’re not as sophisticated as Auberon—though I’m sure they would contend otherwise. They’re more of an isolated mindset, Calvin. Think Wellington.
Calvin: Landed gentry type?
Lamington: Indeed. Oh, and If the topic should come up--though I doubt that it should, it’s best to deny ever meeting Auberon. They have different social circles and you two meeting would only raise more questions. And questions lead to rumors. You’d be doing me a favor if you denied the occurrence.
Calvin: I understand.
Calvin: you don't think my presence will be unwanted?
Lamington: Nonsense. No, they'll enjoy the novelty. Just be honest, polite and play the game. But don't be too honest.
Calvin: if they ask you about my business, my life?
Lamington: Tell them the truth, but be non-descript. Say your business is called Sweet Confections. Something that doesn’t spark intrigue. But they shouldn't pry beyond that. If they do I’ll intrude. But you're shrewd, Calvin. Trust your intuition.
Calvin: why am I attending this brunch Mr. Lamington?
Lamington: I want you to get familiar with their kind. Consider it practice.
Calvin: I can't go back to the States can I?
Lamington: Many things can be managed but that could get out of hand. Still, stranger things, right?
(Calvin seemed lost in thought)
Lamington: Calvin, going forward call me Rupert, but in more public settings use Lord Featherstone--unless I tell you otherwise.
Calvin: should I be concerned about their titles?
Lamington: No. It will just be a couple of close friends from primary. Though they are indeed old money, they are not of the peerage.
Calvin: (Calvin addresses a more pressing curiosity) Gertrude said she was your sister.
Lamington: Yes
Calvin: That man in Switzerland-- In the castle, is he your brother?
Lamington: (looks up seriously) No. And who he is is not important--but he is. Perhaps one day we will explore that, but for now I want you as clear-minded as possible.
Calvin: So he’s important, but you are not?
Lamington: Some lynchpins can be more readily replaced than others. And though we live in an age when connections are easy to come by, secure connections are often dubious at best. Sometimes a mechanism has too many nuts and bolts.
Lamington: (receives a text). They'll be here shortly, get dressed. Oh, Calvin, I’ve been meaning to ask you: how did you make it to Scotland?
Calvin: Long story. I’ll have to fill you in later.
Lamington: Ah, alright then.
(20 minutes later)
Lamington: Calvin, they’re waiting in the rear garden.
(…)
Rupert: This is my special friend, Calvin. He’s from the States and he's visiting his uncle just south of the Highlands in Perthshire.
Frederick: Who is your uncle?
Calvin: Duncan McDonald, but he’s changed it to Goldberg apparently.
[…]
Strolling forth from an unbeaten path
Stepping over the kempt green grass
Comes forth a mysterious dapper man
Bearing a privilege indicative of his rank
[...]
Elizabeth: Ah, well if it isn't the Duke of Eastwick, Lord Mortmain. What brings you here kind sir?
I wanted to drop in on our Baron of the Ford to see if he's considered our secret arrangement. But shh, we mustn't let the cat out of the bag. I'm just jesting. I heard you were in the estates Rupert and I wanted to pop in and say hello.
Rupert: Well there's room Corbin, you may join us if you wish. We were going to enjoy cakes and tea.
Corbin: Who is our special guest?
Rupert: This is Calvin. He's a friend from the States. He's visiting his uncle in Perthshire.
Corbin: Ah, the Portal to the North, how intriguing. You're in for a treat, Calvin. But do mind the tributaries. Many have been taken.
Frederick: how are the regulations?
Corbin: I wouldn’t want to bore you. So, where were you before I interrupted?
Elizabeth: Calvin was just informing us that he has a hidden heritage recently unearthed by his uncle. Is that right, Calvin?
Calvin: yes ma'am. My grandfather fled Munich during the war and changed his name to McDonald.
(Rupert sips his tea in rapt attention)
Elizabeth: Well, I haven't seen a Jew since the summit.
Frederick: Yes, that's about right dear.
Corbin: A Jew?
Elizabeth: Oh you missed that part. It was Goldberg before the migration.
Rupert: Is both your father and mother Jewish, Calvin?
Calvin: I believe it’s just my mother’s side. My father’s last name is Humphries.
Frederick: Ah, Germanic
Elizabeth: Did you know that Humpty is the pet form of Humphries? (Coy laughter).
Frederick: I know what you are doing dear—but that’s a truncation.
Elizabeth: Well, regardless in my experience your people are a delight to be around—they’re so knowledgeable and astute.
Calvin: I’m probably more of a muggle ma’am. I don’t think I can claim Jew status.
Frederick: Well, truth be told Calvin there’s nothing to be ashamed about; without the Jews we don't know where we would be. They've been a tremendous ally to the Crown.
Corbin: What is good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander.
Rupert: Corbin is just sour over spilled milk, Calvin. Many feel upended by the shift in power. The rise of global markets and financiers have upended the playing board for many in the aristocracy. Not all boats are raised with changing tides. And some consider the past more honest than the present. Isn’t that right Corbin?
Corbin: It is as you say.
Frederick: Well I say that’s rubbish. We all come from somewhere, don’t we? Britons, Romans, Saxons, Vikings, Normans, the new wave and all those in between. And each race of people has brought something unique to contribute.
Rupert: Indeed. Take these white currant berries before you—because of their mild and sweet nature they can be eaten right from the bush, but their constitution is often too fragile for the cooking process, often degrading their flavor and turning them a pinkish hue. They require delicate handling. Compare them to their tartier counterparts, the black currants; they're quite puckering and require immense sugar to counterbalance their bold taste. But because of their high nutrient profile and unique cell structure they can withstand the cooking process that their white counterparts cannot. And because of such strength of character we can enjoy them in pies, liquors, syrups, and crumbles. So you see, with ingenuity, there’s a place for every berry under the sun. (Self-satisfying expression)
Corbin: That’s quite poetic, Rupert. But you must admit, the darker kind are quite pungent. Some would say catty or skunky.
(Corbin's gaze seems to linger a bit too long to Calvin's discomfort)
Elizabeth: Well, I say who wants to visit the stables? On the way we can ponder the Manx. Apparently a group of them have found solace by your sycamore.
Frederick: Are you sure they're Manx dear?
Elizabeth: positive
Corbin: Looks like we have more than one special guest in our presence
Rupert: (Looks to Calvin) they're very rare around here, Calvin. The Manx Loaghtan were exclusively confined to the isle of man until recently. Looks like someone has smuggled some to the mainland.
[…]
As they make their way towards the stables
Lamington and Calvin would fall astern
While Elizabeth and Frederick would pass
And then Corbin would take his turn
[...]
Corbin: I'm hosting a hunt, Rupert.
(Lamington gives Corbin a look Calvin found quite curious)
[walk and talk]
Lamington: Calvin, why did you mention your uncle is Jewish?
Calvin: Should I be concerned?
Lamington: No, it doesn’t matter. Forget I mentioned it.
[…]
During some coarse petting
And conversation not upsetting
Lingered a mysterious undertone
That no one was addressing
Calvin would mind his presence
And keep from overstepping
And though there was conversation
This time it wasn't as pressing
Calvin would find a lavatory
And an excuse for not returning
Instead he found a quaint bench
And a lighter view that became concerning
[...]
Alice: There you are. Enjoying the view are we?
Calvin: Have you ever seen anything like that?
Alice: it's called a fallstreak hole. We see a lot of them by the airport. I believe it has something to do with cold air and biological material combining. They're relatively harmless from what I understand... They're not all that illuminating. Some can be quite dark in fact. It depends on the time of day I suppose.
Calvin: Fallstreak hole? It almost looks like someone's looking through it...
Through the looking-glass, Alice.
Alice: hahaha, indeed -- I wonder, what do you think they're thinking? Do you think they see us?
[...]
Calvin suspicious of her what's and why's
Shows reticence to reveal suspicions deep inside
So after a pause he adjusts his frame of mind
And says something off kilter much to Alice's surprise
[...]
Calvin: they're probably wondering why I'm not petting a beaver right now
Alice: well, clearly they're a bunch of perverts. Hiding behind their peep holes. Show yourself pervert (Alice abruptly screams at the sky, then crazily laughs in Calvin's direction)
[...]
Calvin aware of the Freudian slip
Wonders if there's other meaning
Besides the jelly and the dreaming
And those who laughed because of it
[...]
Alice: So how did your outing go? I heard you met Lord Mortmain. He's such a twat, isn't he?
Calvin: He seems one.
Alice: Indeed. I usually subscribe to the belief that first impressions aren’t reliable, but he seems to be the exception….
Every day is a new creation. I think you get that. That’s why people like talking with you, Calvin. It’s like there’s no past or future with you. Yes, you’re not quite a vegetable but not quite a fruit (She smiles coquettishly)
(Calvin gauges the emotional expression and what could be behind it)
Alice:
You know I had a patient that was removed from her work station because she started screaming gibberish in a highly sensitive environment. Needless to say her removal was prompt...
To anyone who was not yet informed--which was the entirety of her team, her behavior was interpreted as a severe mental breakdown. But when it was found out that she was a recent convert with fervid beliefs in the speaking of tongues, her mental reality was clarified as being congruent with a healthy mental state. Within 24 hours she went from being housed in a psych ward to being granted a remote work visa. No doubt she was the envy of the office after that.
Calvin: I'm sure she's an inspiration.
Alice: mental health is often a matter of making sense. Which is often accomplished by exploring the incongruencies with perception and reality. Can you think of any misunderstandings or complications you've had in your story--real or otherwise?
Calvin: I have circumstances, I don't have misunderstandings. Well, I might I don't know.
Alice: Okay. Well, I'll leave you be. Just keep what I said in mind. If you want to explore anything, I'll be around.
Calvin: Is Rupert looking for me?
Alice: No, and I wouldn't worry about it. He understands the impression the Duke can create.
[…]
After some time had passed
A lone goose would catch his eye
He left the bench where he sat
And followed the mystery close behind
He'd come to a woven path
With goosey tracks he recognized
Stamped onto the deep steel sand
Of the murkiest brigadoon shoreline
As he looked where he was at
He collapsed with goose in sight
Though it happened all so fast
He grasped a familiar prick in his thigh
Calvin would come to
With
others of similar plight *
He'd be the warmest he'd assume
Amid the darker ones under the light *
[…]
Guy
1: Yo bruv, why da f*** are you in a unicorn suit?
[…]
Calvin looked to his hands
But his hands were now mittened
And though he could feel the contours
He failed to see how they're fitted
[…]
Calvin: I don't know. Can you see any buttons, zippers?
Guy 1: nah, you're f*****
[...]
There were a dozen others in the room
All had tracksuits and a letter
Except for Calvin in his unicorn suit
That now became his new fetters
[...]
Guy 2: damn. I didn't think it would end like this
Guy 1: this is some hunger games s***
Guy 3: Shut da f*** bruv. You ain’t helping. And yo bruv, why da f*** are you in that unicorn suit?
Loud Speaker: In the fridge you will find bananas, apples, almonds and a protein shake in the provided containers. You each may choose one container. You will be running for your lives when the clock reaches zero. If you make it to the hilltop you will survive. I suggest that you stretch beforehand. Good luck.
[...]
The first one grabbed a container
Then another did too
Then Calvin made his way over
After digesting the new view
They ate and they would ponder
Questioning what they should do
Though they never addressed Calvin
Perhaps all thought he was doomed
All stretched in the unknown inside*
Not knowing the outside view
But Calvin's burden was light
Even his sneakers were a lighter hue
[...]
Loud speaker. You have 5 minutes gentlemen. Find the hilltop. Good luck.
[...]
The doors would suddenly open
And they cautiously lingered out
Examining their new environment
Until a gunshot would hit the ground
[...]
[200 yards away]*
[group laughter]
Lord Collinsbridge: is that a donkey?
Lord Mortmain: He’s a unicorn—you can’t tell?
Lord Sutters: what's the special occasion?
Lord Mortmain: special guest
(Lord Featherstone would give him an alarming stare)
Lord Weatherswerth: The gold’s a nice touch.
Lord Mortmain: Yes, I thought so too...
Whoever retrieves the horn gets Persephone for the weekend.
Group: Hahahaha [ group laughter]
Lord Childers: I have always liked Persepheone
[Awkward pause]
Lord Mortmain: what do you say. Twenty minute headstart?
[...]
They would disperse throughout the forest
Some paired and some made some space
But no one was near the golden one
Not even under the darkest of canopies
It wasn't long until Calvin became tired
And he would begin to lose his pace
And then he would hear rifle fire
And started rethinking his plan known as A
He would hear the hooves approach
And he would find a deeper meaning
As he jumped into a dark sinkhole
And the rank essence that lies beneath
[...]
(Obscured shouts and horse hooves: over there...hahaha...hup! Hah! Cha Cha!)
[...]
Eyes caked in muck
Calvin wades the pond’s bank
Remembering that to the far left
There were willow leaves that overhanged
He blindly grabs and he wipes
Then he recognizes Mr. Lamington
As he raises his iron sights
But reconsiders and rescinds
Lord Featherstone: Tally ho!
(Off he galloped)
[...]
What did Mr. lamington see
For the gold has lost its sheen
Was it the lightness underneath
Despite the darkness in-between
Calvin would hear some stunted screams
Far off excitement and galloping
He decided to avoid the scene
Despite the directive where he should be
He walked beneath the darkest trees
Blending in with the scenery
Slightly heavier with the muck caking
Avoiding the hilltop's presumed safety
Suddenly he'd hear a charging horse
And he would hear a lordly scream
He would turn to see a far-off sword
With the rifle tucked for close keeping
Calvin ventured off the off-beaten path
Forging a novelty between the trees running
But he would quickly hear a whelping cry
And feel a darkness overhead unbecoming
He would turn to where he came
Finding a horse that lost its cunning
Now seeming dumbfounded and bestirred
Losing its Lord from an unknown something
Calvin would slowly approach the horse
Being sure of absolutely nothing
He’d grab the reins and chart his course
Hoping the above would be his buddy
I suppose the story is about many things; however when it comes to Calvin, there appears to be a cycle of impulsivity, a desire to see things differently than how they are, and lingering mental health issues--or is that just a matter of perception?
I broke protocol with presenting a scene without Calvin in it because I wanted to clarify Mr. Lamington's non-involvement in Calvin's kidnapping--at least the second one.
Mysteries and Questions:
Or is the metamorphosis yet to take place?
Has it already?
I have more mysteries and questions to post, but it will be posted later.
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