Pre-Prologue to the Saga of 6Nations

Pre-Prologue
2000 years ago, the world was flat. Following in the manner of all humans, a band of explorers, closely emulating the lemmings they resemble, in a suicidal bid to satisfy their deadly curiosity, sailed to the edge of the world (for adventure, gold, glory, and a strawberry), and fell off the edge.

“Where are we?” asks an explorer, which for the reader’s convenience, we shall name as Explorer I. “No idea,” replies Explorer II. “Duh. We fell off the edge. So we must be at the bottom of the world,” says Explorer III, which historically proves beyond all doubt that 2000 years ago, stupid humans existed as well, and many of the more intellectually challenged humans today can trace their lineage with great pride all the way back to Explorer III.

“Wherever we are, I believe that we are most likely stuck here for a long time,” ventures Explorer I after a period of silence. “Ugh. I hope not. This land is so…fresh, green, and…scenic,” says Explorer II in disgust. “Nothing at all like our beautiful, misty homeland of marshes, bogs, volcanic fields and stone plains,” agrees Explorer III.

“Um, may I speak?” asked Explorer IV timidly. “No!” chorused Explorers I, II, III. “You have to wait for your turn. Our custom is to speak in sequence of ascending numbers. I, II, III…um…(what comes after III?) and I again, I suppose.” Explorer I explained patiently to the Explorer IV, speaking like an adult to a child about the oft-quoted saying “Children are seen but not heard, so that is why we are deaf but not blind.”

“Well, I suppose as opposed to standing around talking, I suggest we better get settled down in this land,” Explorer II said. “Until we find a way home,” finished Explorer III. “You know, it’s really amazing how you three can just carry on a conversation like that. Are you going to do this all the way until the end of the chapter?” Explorer IV asked.

“Quiet, IV.” Explorer I commanded. “Our traditions demand it,” Explorer II concurred. “And as for this land, even though it looks pretty dreary with all the scenic forests, grasslands, and mountains, I suppose we’d have to eventually change our perspectives and concepts of ugliness and beauty,” observed Explorer III.

“Or we’d not survive,” Explorer I commented. “Take heart, the rest of the land surely can’t be all that bad,” Explorer II spoke encouragingly. “Hope,” Explorer III mused. “Very well, this land shall be called Sixan for the hope it represents,” continued Explorer I. “The Hope of A Better Land and possibly of A Better Age,” mused Explorer II. The Explorers were speaking faster now, almost as if in a trance. “May our hearts fill with hope.” “Sixan.” “The Land.” “Fitting.” I beg to differ A huge voice boomed from above. Our military regulations demand that this land shall be named Sixan, designation 07S0. And under the Military Property Act, you are required to register with the Defense Ministry, CC to the Secretary General, print on double side, font size 12, Times New Roman, 3 years to process. “It seems that the gods have followed us here.” “07S0-Sixan, then.”

*Historian’s note: It seems that 2000 years ago, in the land which our forefathers originated from, where philosophers used to rule, they promoted a community of inquiry (precisely why explorers were so curious that they sailed to the edge of the world). To prevent everyone speaking at once, it seems that our forefathers used to have a tradition and rule that when someone speaks, no one else is allowed to speak. People holding on to microphones were given special speaking privileges. To this day, it is still unclear why Explorer IV was not allowed to speak.
*Author’s note: The Historian in question came from the land of Historia. All people from Historia are naturally called Historians. Do not confuse with historians, the geeky, boring people who study the past and record it down.


The List of Characters will be out soon now that CTs are over. I hope.