IC-Chapter 1-Holy Holy(Father Levington/Harry Sawyer)

[Mr. Handy]

"Many people find the path here purely by accident," says Atal. "Usually, it is those who like to explore, or who have a love of adventure and a fascination for the unknown. Many people who come here do not even remember how they got here. Anyone can find the stairs that lead to our lands' gates in an ordinary dream. Not anyone can pass the tests to go through those gates, though. That takes someone special indeed." He paused. "It is also possible that something drew you here, something you had experienced while awake. Both of you had some interest in Morpheus, so your dreams may have steered you to this place as a result."

[TheAlchemist]

"Hmph."

Levington seems to chew on that for a while, his eyes roaming about the room.

"This is all very pretty," he remarks. "It's too bad such decoration is no longer in style in my world."

[Mr. Handy]

"Yes, that is too bad," said Atal. "I have heard tell of some of the classical artwork of your world from visitors such as yourself. Also of the modern variety, which from the descriptions leaves much to be desired. Still, styles and times change, and what is old may become new again one day. Is there anything else you would care to know, or would you rather retire for the night? There is a good inn nearby that I can recommend."

[TheAlchemist]

"The inn sounds great," Levington says. "I'm feeling my age tonight. Thank you for showing me around and answering my questions. You've been a wonderful host."

Levington frowns.

"I don't mean to be crass, but how will I pay for a room at the inn? What goes for money here?"

[Mr. Handy]

"We use coins of precious metals," said Atal. "Gold and silver. We don't have any use for paper currency such as I've heard you use in your world. I'm sure you can work something out with the innkeeper. The Cat's Meow is used to taking in weary travelers from your world. They will often exchange a meal and a room for the night for a song, or for news or stories of your own land. You are quite welcome, and please feel free to return any time."

"Thanks," said Harry. "Guess we'll need to sing for our supper, then."

"I can guide you to the inn," said Snookums.

[TheAlchemist]

"Thanks," Levington says to Atal.

Then to Snookums: "Lead away."

[Mr. Handy]

"Pleasant dreams," said Atal as they departed.

Snookums led Nathaniel and Harry to a quaint little inn on a quiet side street. It looked like something out of Renaissance Europe. An iron lantern hung beside the door, lit now that the sun had gone down. ABove the door a sign swung gently in the breeze. It said "The Cat's Meow" and bore a picture of a cat singing at the moon.

Inside was a wood-paneled common room with a roaring fireplace. Stairs led up, presumably to rooms, while tables were spread throughout the room and a bar ran its length. The bartender was a plump, jovial man who looked to be about fifty years old, bald and with a gray beard. The guests were a diverse lot. Most of them were human, but there were also a few cats lapping up milk from bowls set on tables or the bar. A blonde barmaid in her mid-twenties with long pigtails was serving drinks and food to the customers.

[TheAlchemist]

Levington stood in the doorway, seemingly dumbfounded.

"It's like stepping back in time," he said to no one in particular. Then he walked up towards the bar waving at the bartender.

[Mr. Handy]

The bartender smiled at Nathaniel. "Welcome to The Cat's Meow, travelers!" he said. "I am Gregor, the innkeeper. How may I help you gentlemen this fine evening?"

[TheAlchemist]

"I'm in need of a room for the night," Nathaniel says. He grins sheepishly. "The problem is that I don't have any money. I've been told that I might be able to offer you a fair trade for a room, but I'm not really from around here."

[Mr. Handy]

"Neither are most of our guests," said Gregor. "Visitors from faraway lands often have interesting stories to tell. Tell a good one, and that will cover your room and board for the night."

[TheAlchemist]

"A good story. Any popular subjects?"

[Mr. Handy]

"The stories I like best from travelers are stories from their own lands," said Gregor. "Really, anything will do as long as it's new and interesting."

"What about songs?" asked Harry. "I know some good ones. I could sing for everyone."

"Yes, songs are welcome too, especially those from distant lands."

[TheAlchemist]

"Harry, if you've got a song you could sing, I'd appreciate it. I can't carry a tune to save my life, and I can't really think of any stories. Unless you want me to put them to sleep with a history lesson."

[Mr. Handy]

"I've got a good one," said Harry with a smile. "It's new, so they probably haven't heard it before." He cleared his throat before singing in a clear, strong voice:



Ground Control to Major Tom
Ground Control to Major Tom
Take your protein pills and put your helmet on

Ground Control to Major Tom
Commencing countdown,
engines on
Check ignition
and may God's love be with you.

This is Ground Control
to Major Tom
You've really made the grade
And the papers want to know whose shirts you wear
Now it's time to leave the capsule
if you dare

This is Major Tom to Ground Control
I'm stepping through the door
And I'm floating
in a most peculiar way
And the stars look very different today

For here
Am I sitting in a tin can
Far above the world
Planet Earth is blue
And there's nothing I can do

Though I'm past
one hundred thousand miles
I'm feeling very still
And I think my spaceship knows which way to go
Tell my wife I love her very much
she knows

Ground Control to Major Tom
Your circuit's dead,
there's something wrong
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?

Can you...

Here am I floating
round my tin can
Far above the Moon
Planet Earth is blue
And there's nothing I can do.

[TheAlchemist]

Father Levington watches the audience for a reaction. He enjoys the song.

[Mr. Handy]

The rest of the people in the common room applauded, and the cats grinned and purred. They all seemed to really like it too, especially Gregor. "That's the best song I've heard in a long time," he said. "You can both stay here any time, and feel free to eat your fill. Did you write that song yourself?"

"Uh, no," said Harry, "it's by a fellow named David Bowie. It's called Space Oddity. He wrote it to celebrate Apollo 11." When Gregor looked confused, he explained. "It's a rocket heading to the moon. It just took off today. When they arrive in a few days, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins are going to be the first men on the moon!"

"Oh, I wouldn't say they're the first," said Gregor with a smile. "Perhaps in your land, but ships have been going back and forth to the moon in our lands. Even so, it is a great accomplishment. It is a hazardous journey, and the moon itself is full of dangers. Moon-Beasts, for one."

[TheAlchemist]

"Moon beasts? You mean that our astronauts might find something alive up there?"

[Mr. Handy]

"Astro-nauts?" said Gregor, furrowing his brow. Then his eyes lit up. "Ah, I understand. Those who travel among the sea of stars. I like that word. Yes, it is possible that they might find something alive - or that something alive might find them. It depends where on the moon they go. The Moon-Beasts are cruel, vicious creatures who enjoy enslaving and torturing whoever they can capture, but they only have one city on the moon. If the astronauts don't go near their city, they don't need to fear them."

[TheAlchemist]

"For their sakes I hope they don't. Men like those are naturally curious, and if they were to see such a place, I have no doubt that they would approach it."