Ben Chatham: "Caves of Oblivion"

For those people waiting, I can confirm that the final Ben Chatham spin off story to appear on OG/DWF will be 'Caves of Oblivion'. Given recent events, the story will be very different to the one I originally concieved and will begin later than I originally planned. The final part will be posted on or near to July 31st , OG's last day, and I can promise surprises.

can you post it here as well, emperor?

Absolutely, otherwise it will be non-canon 0/10.

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Here it is folks the new Ben Chatham spin off story:


CAVES OF OBLIVION

Part 1


Ben Chatham is lying languidly across the sofa in his apartment eating strawberries and listening to Radiohead’s “Kid A”. He flicks his thick blonde hair out of his eyes and throws down the book on the archaeology of the Shetland Isles that he has been reading. As he does so, Kyle Scott walks in carrying a tray of cups, milk & coffee:
“Thanks Kyle. I’m bored out of my skull. I think my head will solidify at any moment.”
Kyle grins:
“Oh cam on Ben. You were goin’ on yesterday about lovin’ all the peace & quiet with Craig & Isobel bein’ away stayin’ with your folks like.”
“Well yes, I’m hoping they’ll have Craig for the whole school holiday and give me some space. However look at me Kyle. My love life’s in ruins, I’m bored with everything and to cap it all there have been no new cases for Operation Delta for weeks. You know if it wasn‘t for you being here I really would be fed up. I do like having you around you know. ”
Ben dips another strawberry into the cream and elegantly eats it.
“Hows about we do sommat together today Ben? Theres a new bowling alley opened in town” Kyle remarks. Ben frowns:
“I am not going ten pin bowling Kyle. Such places are only one step up from dog racing and other chav sports.”
Ben gets up and goes to his computer, checking his email. Instantly Ben is spung out of his melancholy:
“Hey theres an email here from Jed! Jed Braithwaite, one of my university friends. He’s an archaeologist as well now.” Ben reads the message:

"Hi Ben,
Hope you are well, long time no see. It would be great if all the old crowd from Cambridge could meet up again some time soon. We only seem to meet up at weddings and the unfortunate funeral.
Anyway, the reason for this email is to pick your brains. I’m currently working on an excavation in some caves near Brangem in the Derbyshire peaks. Something very bizarre is going on. We have discovered several chambers within the cave complex which are decorated with strange paintings of what look like space craft yet can’t be as the chambers have been enclosed for centuries. There are also unusual metallic objects here and some strange crystals. The crystals are light blue in colour and radiate a luminous glow. Oddly they emit a very faint sound , as if a violin is being played in the house next door……….."

Ben stops reading and looks at Kyle:
“Well it looks like we have a case now Kyle. Come and read this!”
Kyle comes over and starts to read the email. Ben points at the line about the crystals:
“Those crystals sound exactly the same as those on Alzaneran 4 surrounding the Museum of the Crystal Caves. How the hell could Alzaneran crystals be here on earth? That planet is in another galaxy and the Clanac Empire of which it was once part never expanded anywhere near this one. Unfortunately the Doctor is off on his travels so we’ll have to investigate this ourselves.”

Ben reads on:

"Our dig has been complicated by the disused mines that link onto the caves. The shafts are partly flooded and very unstable and dangerous. Two days ago two 16 year old lads helping on the dig vanished. They are both staying at an outdoor pursuit centre near here; their instructors agreed to let them work on our dig for educational purposes.
Ben I fear that they have fallen into a flooded caven or something. There is going to be an almighty fuss over this and the whole project could be cancelled. Obviously I’m devastated about the two lads however if the authorities close down this project then we may never find out what else is down here.
I know you & your organisation have connections.

NB: I’ve sent a link with a map of the area. I hope you can come soon.

Jed"

Ben leaps up excitedly:
“Kyle there is no time to lose. We’ll pick up Jake & Katie and drive to Derbyshire immediately. I’ll text Corinne Shaw & Paul Farraday as they are in the midlands on another matter and it would be good to touch base with them. I fear that the disappearance of those boys may be no accident and that extraterrestrial forces are at work.”

……….. To be continued.

Hooray!

sparacus wrote:Ben Chatham is lying languidly across the sofa in his apartment eating strawberries and listening to Radiohead’s “Kid A”.

Not "OK Computer"? I always had that down as being Ben's favourite Radiohead Album.

I would have thought that some vitally important organisation like Operation Delta might have a system in place that alerts them when strange things happen on archaeological digs (as it is a relatively common occurrence in the Chathamverse) rather than relying on a bloke Ben was at college with getting in touch.

Oh, and I understand that bookies are refusing to take bets on the possibility that there might be some clumsy vaguely homoerotic scenes between Ben and Jed in future episodes.

We only seem to meet up at weddings and the unfortunate funeral.

still cutting it...

The Co=Ordinator wrote:Hooray!

sparacus wrote:Ben Chatham is lying languidly across the sofa in his apartment eating strawberries and listening to Radiohead’s “Kid A”.

Not "OK Computer"? I always had that down as being Ben's favourite Radiohead Album.

It is, however he also likes Kid A, Amnesiac & the Bends.

Nick Barlow wrote:I would have thought that some vitally important organisation like Operation Delta might have a system in place that alerts them when strange things happen on archaeological digs (as it is a relatively common occurrence in the Chathamverse) rather than relying on a bloke Ben was at college with getting in touch.

Oh, and I understand that bookies are refusing to take bets on the possibility that there might be some clumsy vaguely homoerotic scenes between Ben and Jed in future episodes.

Jed knows that Ben has connections with the authorities and wants to ensure that the dig isn't closed down.

*throws away his quill pen and rolls of parchment - weeps stinging tears of embittered disconsolation*

I always knew the day would come when my writing ability was exposed as an utterly facile and fey mockery of genuine talent...

Luckily that day isn't today.

That aside, as always Sparra , old chap - once again, your deathless prose, artfully conceals the considerable technical skill employed to render it so... immediately unique and personal.

*raises glass*

I toast you, sir!

It's a heartbreaking work of staggering genius.

(Or possibly a staggering work of heartbreaking genius.)

Lucy McGough wrote:It's a heartbreaking work of staggering genius.

(Or possibly a staggering work of heartbreaking genius.)

Thank you, Minor. So nice to have somebody I respect say such a glowingly wonderful thing about my little post.

But tell me...

What did you think of Sparra's work of fiction?

Sid Seadevil wrote:Thank you, Minor. So nice to have somebody I respect say such a glowingly wonderful thing about my little post.

But tell me...

What did you think of Sparra's work of fiction?

Its deathless prose is seared across my soul.

Lucy McGough wrote:Its deathless prose is seared across my soul.

I think there's medication available for just such a problem.

Gaviscon?

Lucy McGough wrote:Gaviscon?

No thank you. I've just enjoyed a packet of Prawn flavoured Quavers for breakfast.

Rennie Dual Action is ideal for them.

Ok folks, here is the dramatic second part of this story:

“CAVES OF OBLIVION”: Part 2

Ben and Kyle are driving up to Derbyshire in Bessie, on loan to Ben from the Doctor, while Katie & Jake follow behind in Ben’s own vintage car. In the back seat of Bessie is K9, whom Ben & Jake had managed to fix using instructions left by the Doctor. Ben is listening to ‘Moonage Daydream’ by David Bowie as the wind blows through his luscious golden hair.
“Its just great to be driving along on a warm summer day like this. Wouldn’t you agree K9?” Ben asks.
“Affirmitive Master” K9 replies.
Kyle fiddles in his pocket for his phone and starts to text.
“Don’t do that Kyle. Not while we are in the car.”
“I ain’t driving, you are!” Kyle replies.
“Its distracting me . I now have the urge to text myself but cannot because I’m driving. It is like waving temptation in my face.”
Kyle throws down the phone.

Later on they all arrive in Brangem at the outdoor pursuit centre, which has been doubling up as the base for the archaeological dig. Jed (played by Rupert Hill) is waiting outside to greet them along with an older man in his early forties and a woman in her late twenties. Ben jumps out of Bessie and embraces Jed:
“Hey its good to see you. Its been a long time.”
“Too long Ben. I’ve missed you. We really need to keep in better touch.” Jed replies.
Ben introduces Kyle, Katie & Shakey Jake. Katie is struck by Jed’s boyish good looks and feels an instant attraction to him. Jed stares at her, mentally undressing her, however he feels it best not to appear too full on so moves the conversation on:
“Ben this is Jim Harries, head of the centre here and this is Lisa, one of the instructors..”
“Any news about the two kids like?” Kyle asks.
“Nah. The police ‘av given up”, Jim replies, “they’re gonners. Its bin a bloody nightmare. I’ve just ‘ad the parents of one of em on the phone whinging and the other lot are already up here & stayin at the pub. This is all we bloody well need.”
“Isn’t there still a chance they’re still trapped?” Ben asks.
“Nah they’ve ‘ad it lad. Don’t look like that, I’m from Yorkshire and I say what I bloody well mean. I’m as sorry as anyone about this but accidents happen. Now no doubt some bloody no win no fee legal do-gooder ‘all try an get a fortune out of us. This place’ll go.”
“The caves intersect with a whole network of unstable mine shafts. And when it rains they flood out. It poured last night” Lisa adds.
Ben turns to Jed:
“What about these crystals Jed? Can I see them?”
“In here”. Jed bekons them into the centre.

They follow him into a hall which is full of labels laid out with archaeological finds being washed and boxed. Jed opens a box and lifts out a blue crystal. Ben instantly feels a strange pulsating feeling throughout his whole body and the room seems to go hazy and pulsate. He hears a strange sound like a violin and his legs give way. Ben feels himself floating through a great darkness however something materialises before him. Strange luminous beings in white robes and with indeterminate facial features. He senses that they are warning him of some great danger, yet does not know why.

Ben wakes to see himself surrounded by the others. Kyle wipes his forehead with a damp tissue.
“Wh…what happened.? No I remember…. That crystal. That IS a crystal from Alzaneran 4, I recognise that sound. They have never had that effect before though.”
As he speaks, the door opens and in come Paul Farraday & Corinne Shaw of Operation Delta who have just arrived .
“Are you okay Ben? What happened to you?” Paul asks.
Meanwhile Katie stares at Corinne:
“Nice to meet you again Corinne. You’re looking good, its surprising how well an older woman can , how shall I put this, scrub up!”
Corinne smiles sardonically and flicks her hair to one side:
“You’re looking good yourself. Well all things considered…..”
Ben intervenes:
*getting up* I think we need a proper team meeting. I think there is something very very dangerous going on here. The earth may be in mortal danger”.


…………..to be continued.

sparacus wrote:I now have the urge to text myself

Text yourself?????

Jed stares at her, mentally undressing her, however he feels it best not to appear too full on so moves the conversation on.

A remerkable use of prose there spara.

Jed opens a box and lifts out a blue crystal.

That IS a crystal from Alzaneran 4

Bollocks it is - Pound to a penny it's from Metabelis 3.

………..to be continued.

Already looking forward spara.

A masterpiece, as ever, Sparacus, but I suggest that you substitute another name for "Kyle". North of the border, it is a name associated with Neds. (Scotttish Chavs, for the unenlightened.)

Pure poetry.

Katie is struck by Jed’s boyish good looks and feels an instant attraction to him. Jed stares at her, mentally undressing her

Well, possibly impure poetry.

Lucy McGough wrote:Pure poetry.

Katie is struck by Jed’s boyish good looks and feels an instant attraction to him. Jed stares at her, mentally undressing her

Well, possibly impure poetry.

HEY, FISH GOD!

I'm the only person around here who's allowed to mentally undress anybody called Katie!*

*unless the Katie in question is Katie Price - then most of the male population of the country has mentally undressed her numerous time already*

Aspadistra wrote:A masterpiece, as ever, Sparacus, but I suggest that you substitute another name for "Kyle". North of the border, it is a name associated with Neds. (Scotttish Chavs, for the unenlightened.)

Kyle is a London chav. He is certainly not a 'Ned'. I'm not familiar with Neds; I've only been to Scotland twice (to Arran & Inverness) and they were all very civilised people. However there was a disappointing lack of kilts.

sparacus wrote:However there was a disappointing lack of kilts.

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Here is part three of this eerie tale folks:


“CAVES OF OBLIVION” Part 3

Ben has convened a team meeting in the lounge of the centre. Lisa brings in a tray with coffee, bourbons and fresh cream. Corinne is concerned about Ben who is very tired after his experience:
“Ben, I think we need to explore your experience and pool ideas as a group. Can you tell us exactly what you saw in your mind?” She sips her coffee in a businesslike manner and lights a cigarette. Ben holds his head in his hands:
“It was very strange…. Surreal. I saw the beings in white and although they said nothing, I had a sense of great power. I just knew that they were warning me of something. Corinne I just have this feeling that those I saw were of the Clanac.” Ben replies. Paul Farraday leans forward:
“The Clanac?”
“The Clanac Empire was one of the largest benevolent alliance of planets to have existed in the known universe. Their huge expansion was due to the appeal of their incredible artistic culture and perfectly planned and efficient economy . They never used wars of conquest. Like all Empires, it eventually broke up, however it left behind a most fascinating archaeology . The Doctor recently took me to the Museum of the Crystal Caves where it is housed.” Paul sips his coffee:
“I think our first priority should be to explore the cave where the boys vanished, dangerous or not.”
They decide that Ben, Katie and Corinne will explore the caves while Paul & Jake analyse the crystals.

Later, Ben and the others are preparing to enter the caves with Jim & Lisa giving a brief introductory talk about the cave system and its labyrinthine meandering passageways. Jim is rather short-fused as he’s just had an altercation with one of the missing boys’ father:
“ Now I’ve just had that bloody trouble maker threatening us with legal action. The last thing I need is any other bugger going missing so just follow me and do as I bloody say.”
He leads the way into the cave, with Ben and the others following. As they stumble in the dim, dank cave, Ben chats to Corinne:
“Its good to see you again Corinne. I’ve had a hard time recently what with splitting up with Anselm and then there is the whole saga of Nathaniel that you don’t know about. I could do with getting it all off my chest.”
Corinne smiles:
“Your chest is perfect as it is Ben. Seriously though, are you sure that you know what you want? I mean don’t take offence but your relationships with men always seem problematic.”
Katie is extremely irritated that Ben is having a conversation about such personal matters with Corinne. She fakes a stumble in the dark so that she plunges forward & jabs her torch into Corinne’s back.
“Ow…. Hey watch it” Corinne shouts.
“Oh I’m so sorry. I lost my footing” Katie replies.

Meanwhile, back in the centre, Jake & Paul have set up a makeshift lab. Jake pokes at a crystal:
“Hey this is like wow man. It has a structure of amazing density. I dig its strange sounds.”
Paul uses a welding torch on one and the crystal suddenly glows and pulsates. It shoots out a brilliant white light which shoots into Paul’s head. He collapses onto the floor . Dazed he looks up to see the light continuing to emerge from the crystal, but this time it forms a strange mist. Strange alien figures appear in the mist before vanishing.

Meanwhile, in the caves, Jim calls on the group to listen up:
“Right, this turning here leads into the mine shafts. We should be alright as its low tide, but they are prone to the odd roof cave in.”
As he speaks, Corinne gives a gasp. They turn around to see two figures emerging from the mine tunnel. It is the two boys, however they are bathed in a strange, eerie glow and their eyes shine a luminous blue. The taller one speaks:
“I am Asiron. I am your guide to the knowledge of the Clanac. There is danger. Great danger. The dark ones come………”

…………..to be continued.