OZ

It wasn’t a large hall by most standards, it did not need to be as the locals were quite diminutive in stature, though the ceiling was high for the benefit of visitors, and of course to show that they could build them so. The vaulted ceilings emerged in sweet ellipses from pillars of whole trees which had been embosed with the anthology of fables that hold the secrets of the Minervans, this was their Hall. Each of the pillars bore the touch and heart of the artisan, each jamb held the story of some past ancestor. The polished floors would gleam in the light that beamed through the high shutters, though not today as there was not a inch of floor not obscured by feet, and in some cases only balls and toes as the heels were resting the feet of others.

“Everyone has the right to choose for themselves how they will live!”

This interjection from Arrabella Nortón prompted much response from those gathered in the brightly coloured hall. This was the meeting house of a people called Munchkins. They do not call themselves Munchkins of course, much like Danes that come from København do not say they come from Copenhagen, at least not in company. The Munchkins were an agrarian society that had settled so long ago in this lush part of the world and had found peace and harmony. It was paradise, this is certain as there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so, and the Munchkins had for a very long time thought that it was so.

“My fellow Ozzies,” countered Oeste Brujo, “we came here today to discuss how best we can address the sustained pressure of North Enterprises against our long established policy against Genetic Modification and the industrial farming techniques that have lead to such injustices in North’s own country. Please do not get sidetracked by arguments of liberty which Arrabella raises as they are only meant to divert our attention away from the realities of the system that only she and her fellow shareholders can benefit from. There is so much more at stake than…”

Jeers of “Communist!”, “Hippie!” interrupt from Arrabella’s corner of the room.

“Through the technology that we offer you can all gain. Harvests will be be more plentiful, you will all have more time at your disposal to be at leisure as is available to all where I come from.”

A contingent of younger Munchkins whom had been bewitched by Arrabella with promise of the wealth of kings being available to all, though she neglected to say that this was not necessarily available all at once, increased the aggravating taunts and began to agitate with some around who prophesized that Arrabella’s ideals would actually just be the start of a large experiment for all Minervans in what it might be like to be the proverbial puppy chasing its tail, only with far more unpleasant consequences than merely feeling a little prick.

Oeste sensed that things were starting to get out of hand and did not want to be the cause, or part of ,at least, any violence and realised that any news that got out from such an outcome could only ever benefit Arrabella’s cause as the only newspress was owned by North Enterprises.

“Friends, Minervans, countrymen, lend me your ears.” Oeste began, “ I fear that we will not gain any more than medical bills and bad juju if we continue today so let us adjourn for some crumpet and meet again tomorrow in the field where we might all be seated and discuss this at more length. I will call on our friends from across Oz and ask that they join us also.”

Oeste dismounted the Speaking Steps and made her way out of the hall by a side-entrance as the hubbub caused by the crumpet suggestion started to die down. She made her apologies to her Minervan friends and mounted her bicycle to depart. Her last act before departing was to call an especially trustworthy Minervan by the name of Constance, and ask “Will you travel to Ester and ask her to join us tomorrow in the field?”

Constance replied that she would most certainly do so.

Meanwhile those who had congregated started to exit the Hall and Arrabella was in congress with some of her “young Munchkins”, as she called them, about what options they had for the following day. She had witnessed the clever play of Oeste but was not going to let anything stand in the way of the growth that is the right of every individual.

Just then strange sound reverberated through the air. It was still as yet disembodied but everyone became aware of something loud and powerful. Oeste who at this stage was 400 metres down the road stopped her bike by the side of the road and dismounted to look about. As the sound grew louder a shimmer appeared in the sky, suspended some distance above but directly in line between the Hall and where Oeste had stopped. Suddenly there was an almighty crack and a massive thing came hurtling out of the shimmering tear in reality, Oeste only had time to look towards the Hall to see that Arrabella was looking directly at her before the house smashed down on top of her.