Note
I discovered this document in an old box in my attic. It was on yellowed paper, and parts were faded, spilled on and occasionally torn out. The original manuscript was, alas, thrown out along with some other stuff gathering dust in storage. However, shortly after I discovered it, I read through it and typed up what I could into the format you see here. I thought that this rare and unusual book should be preserved for future inquiry. The font I have used for the majority of this work is Courier New, as it most resembles the original typewritten document. Any time within the text that you see the word “Note” in brackets, it is an addition by me, and not part of the original papers. Various parts of the papers were also hastily handwritten. Though some were unintelligible, the ones I could understand I have reproduced here using the Handwriting-Dakota font. As a note, there are several other boxes in my attic with similar assorted papers that I have saved and will attempt to go through at a later date.
Micah Wilger
Foreword
When I received this document, I could barely believe my eyes. The group it details is one of the most shadowy and mysterious groups in history. For many years, information about Labyrinth Underground could only be found in the back shelves of vast university libraries or on the lower floors of dusty used bookstores if you were lucky. And of the little that was found, all of it was useless. The only information that had been discovered from the remains of Labyrinth Underground were short correspondences, handwritten notes and the occasional bill. Even these were of little help, as they were written either in undecipherable code or in plain english with double meanings that no scholar has been able to interpret.
This book is a collaboration between Mr. Alan Hefner, a professor at Valhalla University, and Dr. Ernest Sav, the last surviving member of Labyrinth Underground.
During Mr. Hefner's period of research on the subject of Labyrinth Underground, he was introduced to Dr. Sav. The two worked together for several months, gathering papers and remaining memorabilia. Dr. Sav slowly revealed to his colleague that he had been a member of the mysterious organization. Over the next year, the two conducted interviews which formed the majority of this book.
Dr. Jack Motaro
Manager of the Modern Revolution Museum
Introduction
This work, Theseus & the Minotaur: The History of Labyrinth Underground, is the result of a two year collaboration between myself and my associate, Dr. Ernest Arlori Sav. Being a long time scholar and enthusiast of this subject, I was overjoyed to discover that the man I had been working with was in fact a former member of this group of revolutionaries. The results of our interviews, put together with remaining papers connected to the group, have formed the book that you hold in your hands. We hope that this will shed light on a field of study many years in the making.
Mr. Alan Hefner
Professor at Valhalla University
Chapter 1-A Summary of Labyrinth Underground
Labyrinth Underground was formed in the late 1960s, shortly after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. A group of students, together with their mentor, David Matreas, met in an old abandoned cafe. The meeting took place sometime in the early hours of the morning, though the exact time of the meeting has been lost. Six people attended the meeting. They were Matthew Brodan, Alex Joplin, Katy Staniewicz, Ellen Parafour, Greyson White and Dr. David Matreas. Using nothing but a blank notebook, they wrote a series of goals and rules that would become the basis for Labyrinth Underground. This [text faded here].
[Note: The following paper was handwritten and looked older than almost all the rest. I am not certain, but I believe it may have been the original page of the notebook described above that contained the manifesto of Labyrinth Underground. There were a few signatures at the bottom, but I could not read them, as a large coffee stain had obscured them]
The Labyrinth Underground-A manifesto in miniature
We of the Labyrinth Underground are:
Dedicated to the development of freedom in all its forms
Committed to maintaining a strong character in all that we do
Vigilant against injustice and intolerance
Prepared to destroy the systems causing these injustices
Committed to accomplishing our goals through nonviolent methods.
We agree that stealth is our greatest weapon. Therefore, we shall seek to outwit injustice, rather than outnumber it.
We agree that our hearts and minds are stronger than our weapons and our courage is stronger than our fear.
We shall not kill. We shall conquer.
We shall not hide. We shall persist.
We shall not fear. We shall respect.
We shall not hate. We shall love.
We who sign this page do hereby declare this to be our way in all things, and the way also for all who join our revolution in the future.
Signed
[Note: as described above, the signatures here were unintelligible]
From this point up until around 1980, very few records have been found. However, information from Dr. Sav and the few paper records left that have been dated before that time suggest that the group was hard at work. In an interesting twist, Labyrinth Underground was one of the few groups of the time that fought against threats from both sides of the political and social spectrum.
Perhaps the most impressive act committed by the group during the 70s was when Greyson White, one of the founders, took a bullet for president Gerald Ford at a conference that a skilled gunman infiltrated. White survived, but did little active work with the society from then on, preferring to handle secretarial duties and managing the new recruits.
From the 1980s on, the group faded out of the public eye, preferring to handle issues by what was known as “blind peace talks”, which are described later in this book.
In 1987, Labyrinth Underground would go up against its greatest adversary. The once fledgling society had grown to about 5,000 members, who generally met in groups of three or four in everyday locations all over America. There, they would hold debates and discussions about what direction they believed America's affairs should take, and how best to achieve those ends. These were transcribed and sent to one of the founders, who served as the leaders of the society.
[Note: the remainder of this chapter was perhaps the most poorly legible in the book. Several pages were missing, and stains obscured many remaining pages. The following document was found paper clipped to the end of chapter 1]
To my colleague, Alan,
I have heard recently about your work of research regarding the vigilante society Labyrinth Underground. At first, I was rather disgusted. Labyrinth Underground, as you may or may not know, is far less reputable than their records suggest. They have been responsible, directly and indirectly, for the deaths of thousands. They have also put the U.S.A into a state of great jeopardy, as they managed to make an alliance with several dangerous terrorist groups who now have received shadowy control of America. Nevertheless, whether for the purposes of slander or praise, information should not be suppressed. Thus, I shall aid you. The following is copied from a text written by myself and several long time friends, back in the days of Labyrinth Underground's existence. Knowing of the secret horrors committed by the group, and knowing that their few successes have helped entirely the wrong people, (namely, the powerless who could not create further change and who feed off the fruits of others' labor) my allies and I thought to form a counter group. To honor our socially elite status and our greater capacity for action, we called ourselves the Society on the Mountain. I hope you find this a valuable addition to your book.
[Note: Here a torn piece of paper was pasted onto the page]
Recognizing that wealth and status are far greater instruments of change than mere passion
Understanding that real change must be brought about
We the undersigned do hereby declare our allegiance to the Society on the Mountain, which shall apply to the following principles:
Do whatever is necessary for change, be it benevolent or malevolent in nature
Enact change only for those who truly matter
No cost of change is too high.
Jason Delinar, Abigail Fiske, Angus Van Shelk and Emily Wellison
[Note: The following paper seemed oddly out of place. It was nailed through the previous page, contained on a small scrap of paper and seemed to be stained with blood]
To Mr. Hefner
The Eagles will find you. We cannot allow your little “project” to continue. The cost to our own would be devastating.
Sleep well
Sincerely,
The Society on the Mountain
[Note: Despite my alarm, I was relieved to find that the document continues with a second chapter, which seemed as informative and well researched as the first.]
Chapter 2
The Organization of Labyrinth Underground, or a Dramatis Personae
After long interviews with Dr. Sav, I finally compiled information enough to determine how the hierarchy of the group worked, though it could hardly be called a hierarchy. Each member received equal footing, and jobs were often shifted between members. Dr. Matreas, though technically the chief founder, took a very backseat role to the administration of Labyrinth Underground. He primarily oversaw protection of the organization and its members, making several powerful alliances with mercenaries. Though my colleague could not confirm this, there are a few sources that state Dr. Matreas hired several powerful bodyguards who would later form the organization Al-Qaeda.
Aside from him, the student founders each took charge of a branch of Labyrinth Underground's operations.
Matthew Brodan was the logistical manager. He planned the missions and activities that Labyrinth Underground's members were to be sent upon. He also managed the group's financial resources. Brodan could be considered, for lack of a better term, the brains of the group. Brodan was also unique in being the only buddhist among the founders. Though the group set an atmosphere of tolerance and openness from its genesis, several of the founders were atheists.
Alex Joplin handled membership and other confidential matters. Various members of Labyrinth Underground, according to Dr. Sav, were always on the lookout for new recruits. These agents were called Minotaurs, in keeping with the society's name. All the Minotaurs reported directly to Joplin. Joplin would then interview the potential member through encrypted phone. Dr. Sav said he himself remembered such an interview. Joplin was also responsible for keeping the group under wraps, and outwitting, contacting or bribing the necessary people to do so.
Katie Staniewicz was in charge of the ethical council. This group within the society met monthly, or as needed if a crisis occurred. All of the founders were members, as were several philosophers who became members. The job of this council was to review Labyrinth Underground's activities and ensure that they were in keeping with the manifesto and the Document of Conscience, and did not cross over into unethical or immoral territory.
Ellen Parafour was the leader of the teachers within L.U. She instructed all of the group's members in necessary stealth and diplomacy technique. She also collaborated with Joplin to keep careful notation on each member, assessing both strengths and weaknesses, and noting any problems.
[Note: Another paper was here attached to the document. This appeared to be an example of notation such as that described above, being the documents pertaining to Dr. Sav]
Ernest-verify this paper as genuine when you get the chance. Looks real, but A.J and E.P's signatures look a tad artificial. If it is real, we should put it in our book, with your permission
A.H.
Name: Ernest Arlori Sav
Age: 19
Birthplace: Budapest, Hungary
Religious/spiritual affiliation: Russian Orthodox Christian
Political affiliation: Republican
Other affiliations/allegiances: None
Medical History: No major health issues
Biographic Summary: Came to America at the age of 12. Believed to be a runaway since age 15. Joined our society at age 18, in 1969.
Current Societal Position: Engenderer, part time Secretary
Mentor: Greyson White
Strengths: good listener, gifted writer and diplomat
Weaknesses: low courage, physically weak, slightly temperamental at times
Major issues: None
Comments: Mr. Sav is a useful member to engender the necessary procedures. He has a way with people. We are glad he is with us.
ALEX JOPLIN
ELLEN PARAFOUR
Alan-This is indeed real. It was the first page of my record in Labyrinth Underground. The remaining pages contained detailed summaries of my missions and other important data. The signatures, if I recall, are stamped on. However, Joplin and Parafour were there at the writing, if I remember. Trouble was brewing nearby. The founders were needed at the scene, so they stamped on two premade signatures and left in a hurry. I'm glad you found this. Brings back memories.
E.S.
[Note: the book continues here]
If Brodan was the brains of the group, Greyson White was undoubtably the heart. White collaborated with Brodan and Matreas to form the Document of Conscience. This was the original rule document that Labyrinth Underground agreed to follow. It took the manifesto and expanded it into a set of practical rules, which tried to consider the ethics and morals behind the manifesto. Unfortunately, this document is too long to reproduce here, however it served as the primary government of the group for its entire existence, so its effectiveness cannot be disputed. White was also Staniewicz's partner on the ethical council, and the two of them would often stay up late considering issues of the society. After White's encounter with a bullet intended for the president, he became somewhat disillusioned with humanity. Growing increasingly bitter, he resigned from the Ethical Council and took on the majority of Labyrinth Underground's secretary work. Over time, he improved and became mentor to several new members. White invented several of Labyrinth Underground's diplomacy methods.
Each of the founders played their role, until such a time as new members were found to replace them. Unfortunately, due to Labyrinth Underground's short history, only one generation succeeded the founders as leaders before the group was brought to an end.
[Note: a brief note from Dr. Sav to Mr. Hefner was attached to the following chapter by staple]
Alan-Things have been odd around here. Some police officer said I could not come to your house today. Though he tried to hide it, I noticed his badge did not bear the proper insignia. I informed him of this, and he pulled a gun on me. Be very careful. I've had the feeling lately that we are being watched.
E.S.
P.S. Whatever happens, don't let any threat overpower you. This work is too important. The public must know about the beautiful history of L.U.
Chapter 3
Revolutionary Peace-the techniques of Labyrinth Underground
Though Labyrinth Underground is notable for many things, including their skill at secrecy, their wide scope and their very equality based nature, it is their methods of action that are perhaps the most remarkable. In 1972, David Matreas wrote a letter to Katie Staniewicz, which contained an outline of several new ideas Matreas had begun to formulate. Often repeated was the idea of “Revolutionary [text faded here]
[Note: As I reached this chapter, I grew more alarmed. A few threatening notes were taped to the chapter, which I have reproduced here. A bit of comfort was found in the letter of David Matreas, which appears to be a carbon copy of the original. This letter contained several techniques which are discussed later in the document. However, to avoid redundancy, I shall reproduce the letter and omit the book's text on the matter]
Alan-I may not be able to come to you for awhile. There are mysterious officers patrolling my house day and night. Though they, unlike my first adversary, seem to be genuine officers of the law, it would appear that someone is paying them to keep me under lock and key. They have allowed me to write letters to one person as I please. For the sake of finishing this magnum opus we have begun, I chose you. If there is any way you can reason with these lunatics, I would be most grateful. I cannot leave the house, and my training detected the scent of cyanide in my food last night. Fortunately, I have rations in the cellar they don't know about. Perhaps I am just being paranoid, but I wonder if the Society on the Mountain that your old friend Dr. Delinar talked about is responsible. If so, then I am in peril. Help if you can. If not, please continue to send interviews by paper so we can finish this book.
E.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To Mr. Alan Hefner
You surprise me, my friend. I never really thought of you as a detective, yet here you are, meddling in affairs that are best left to agents of the law. I was rather hurt by your accusations, and I wonder if you are quite well in the head. I assure you that the Society on the Mountain disbanded near the end of the 1900s. Our opponents brought to justice, we no longer felt the need to continue. If, however, we were still around, we would most certainly not threaten Dr. Sav as you claim we have done. I have no idea who is behind the terrorization of your colleague, but it is my opinion that the whole thing is a childish prank. You spoke of poisoning, but I would ask you if you weren't perhaps a tad inclined to exaggeration.
One last caution, however. I would advise you to cease and desist your work on the history of Labyrinth Underground. It is evident that this has gotten you into the trouble you're in. While I am not the source of this trouble, I cannot be held responsible for the consequences that may result from your continuation of this project.
Dr. Jason Delinar
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To Mr. Alan Hefner
We gave you a warning. Now we deliver an ultimatum- Cease all work on your book and burn the papers you have. Do this in three days, or you may not live much longer than that. The Eagles are outside your house. We will not hesitate to do what is necessary.
The Society on the Mountain
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Dearest Katie,
I hope this letter finds you well and in good prosperity. As you know, I've been tinkering with philosophy during my spare hours. I've recently uncovered some ideas within my mind that may aid our cause. You should, if you feel so inclined, present them to the Ethical Council. Chiefest among them is a group of techniques I have seen as part of an idea of “Revolutionary Peace”. This is, of course, the sort of thing we based ourselves on, but I thought to take it into action. I first present to you, the Blind Peace Talk. In this, one would send an anonymous member to speak to the two parties at the root of an issue. With their consent, we would blindfold their leaders, take them to a secret locale, and sit them down with each other, still blindfolded, and unknowing of whom they were speaking to. The groups would discuss their differences, come to a truce with our help, and then be safely returned to their homes. Consent is, of course, the key here. This would be illegal if we were to do it without the permission of the intended recipients. There can be no room for questionable activity in this procedure. Any members who step out of bounds should be banned from aiding in this activity. Another thing I've had on my mind is an idea I call open manifestos. We, of course, have been sending our members on active missions, but I think it would also help to do the following. Send them somewhere inconspicuous, a cafe or anywhere where they can blend in with the public. Have them discuss their ideas for America's future. Make them transcribe these discussions, which we can then review and act upon. Being a society founded on intelligence and equality, it would behoove us to hear the ideas of our members. I have also had a third idea. Alas, it is perhaps more unsteady in its ethical foundation, but that is for your council to decide. Members could be sent to various places, with instructions to fake an identity as a politician or even a religious scholar or teacher. From there, as they gained popularity with the public, they could propose their ideals, and we could help engender change in this way. Again, perhaps not the wisest course of action, but I cannot say for certain.
Sincerely,
Dr. David Matreas
[Note: From the chapter's remaining info, it would appear that the methods described by Matreas became the primary activities of Labyrinth Underground]
Chapter 4
The Hawk and the Eagle
An explanation of the Society on the Mountain
[Note: From here on out, the document becomes highly garbled. Bits and pieces of chapters are combined with letters, papers, notes, etc. I've tried to reproduce everything in hopes that it can eventually be put together to make some sense]
To Mr. Alan Hefner
You have escaped us once. You were extremely fortunate. When we find you again, we shall not be so merciful. You will find your chapter on our noble Society missing. Should your academic work ever see the light of day, we do not want our group to be slandered by your lies.
The Society on the Mountain
King Sooper's
Receipt
1 qrt. Milk.........$5.00
2 pack batteries....$15.95
12 bxes strwberries.$35.00
Total: $55.95
Thank You!
Ernest-I've finally got him where I want him! Jason is, as I believed, responsible for your unfortunate imprisonment. I'm sending you a copy of his letter, which I intercepted in a manner I shall relate to you, in brief. The mailman passing my house bore an insignia on his coat which resembled exactly the coat of arms belonging to the Fiske family, which the Society on the Mountain used as their symbol, if you recall. The man dropped the letter. I quickly took it, and recognized Dr. Delinar's handwriting. Who knows? Maybe we can still bring these terrorists to justice!
A.H.
[Note: A paper was pasted here]
To Operative Osprey-Sigma
I regret that this letter is so vulnerable, but I had to write in detail to ensure you do not make a mistake. Obviously, you must destroy this letter once you have read and understood it. You are the closest operative to one of our most recent targets, Mr. Alan Hefner, a professor at Valhalla University. He is attempting to publish a history of Labyrinth Underground with the help of one of our old foes, Dr. Ernest Sav, the last surviving member of our hated enemy. Dr. Sav is currently in our talons, if you will. Mr. Hefner, however, is on the run. From reports, his last known location is only 3 miles from your outpost.
You know what to do.
The Boss
To Mr. Alan Hefner
You are clearly mad now, my friend. I agree that the handwriting does uncannily resemble my own, but it is beyond that point that any credibility to your argument ends. You said yourself that the police found no trace of fingerprints on the letter, nor was any signature of mine affixed upon the document! You accused me of being a liar, a terrorist and a murderer. I am deeply wounded, but I am more concerned with your obvious danger to society. I have spoken with law enforcement, and they agree. You'll be on your way to a friendly local asylum in a few hours.
Dr. Jason Delinar
P.S. You were entirely correct in your accusation. By the time the police not at my own fingertips find out, you will be dead. The Society does not tolerate opposition well.
Alan-If you are reading this, then my heart is glad. So much has happened in these past weeks. I agree that the letter you received from Dr. Delinar should convict him. Unfortunately, it appears he wrote it on self destructing paper, so our main evidence is no longer valid. I'm going to try and bail you out. Failing that, I will bust you out. We've got to set things right. I called a few good men remaining on the police force around town. They've managed to get me out of my prison home. I then managed to reconnect with Ms. Parafour and Mr. White. I regret to say that in the interest of protecting my own, I was forced to lie to you about being the last surviving member. All of us who survived the attacks by the Society on the Mountain were instructed to say that. I would keep the secret, but it no longer matters. If we can get you out, the four of us will meet together and decide on what to do. If you believe in God, may He watch over you. If you do not, I hope you receive much fortune nevertheless.
E.S.
Ernest-Thank you a thousand times over for your help! And of course, I was honored to meet Greyson White and Ellen Parafour in person! Their spirit of hope truly inspired me. I've finally got the police on our side, after a murder case recently was traced to the Society. Still, Delinar hides his tracks very well. And assassins are after me. We've got to meet at the Councilrock, as Ms. Parafour called it.
A.H.
To Mr. Alan Hefner and Dr. Ernest Sav
This is finished. I have moderately tolerated your meddling for awhile. Only standard level assassins have been dispatched. Now you have brought the law against me. I am finished with my cat-and-mouse games. I must finish you myself.
Death awaits you
Dr. Jason Delinar
Alan-We're in deep water now. I've got one last ace in the hole, luckily. If we're going to a showdown with the highest leader of the Society on the Mountain, we'll need help. Brodan, Joplin and Staniewicz died in the Society's crackdown on Labyrinth Underground. However, I'm sending a letter to India, where Dr. David Matreas currently lives. He is very old now, but he still has the ear and muscle of several powerful mercenaries. We're not exactly close to him, but with me a former member and you one of the few champions of his cause, I think he'll help. Just in case we don't make it, I'm writing in this letter a brief account of everything that happened that's not in the book. At this point, I don't think we'll be able to finish the book. Even if we survive this showdown, we'll have to flee for our lives for quite a few years after, and possibly take on new identities. Thus, if any historian or scholar discovers this, I hope this letter will allow them to finish what we could not. A brief departure, Alan. If you are reading this and you are not the original recipient, please take this and any other documents you find and make them known to all. If they are known, a great injustice can be exposed, and a new fight for change can begin again.
An Account of the End-Labyrinth Underground's foe and its doom.
The Society on the Mountain, formed by Jason Delinar, Abigail Fiske, Angus Van Shelk and Emily Wellison, began as a group with similar aims to Labyrinth Underground. Van Shelk, however, had been holding a long standing grudge against Dr. David Matreas, due to a past family incident. Matreas had been accidentally responsible for an assassin murdering Van Shelk's father. He had said the wrong thing at a party, to make a long story short. Nevertheless, Van Shelk eventually turned the others to his cause, and the Society on the Mountain became solely focused on the elimination of Labyrinth Underground.
On December 25th, 1997, elite assassins and hired gunmen from the Society on the Mountain infiltrated a Christmas party held by the founders. Matreas and Greyson White escaped. Ellen Parafour was away on a business trip, thus ensuring her survival. Alex Joplin, Katie Staniewicz and Matthew Brodan, however, were not so lucky. The three of them were killed that evening. Many other members died as well. The few that lived fled to all corners of the globe. A misguided former member of L.U eventually murdered Angus Van Shelk. The Society on the Mountain has continued its goal to this day, however, and has increased its aims to dominating America.
I hope that we live, and that someone can bring this matter to light before it's too late.
If anyone reading this is a former member of Labyrinth Underground, I wish you well.
Dr. Ernest Sav
[Note: Much to my surprise, the document continues in its original typewritten format. A new author, evidently, has taken over here]
Greetings to any who are reading this. My name is James Smithson. I'm a part time historian. Having discovered this document, and having inherited the remainder of Dr. Sav and Mr. Hefner's interviews from my grandfather, I have attempted to piece together the information into something resembling the rest of the book.
Chapter 4
The Hawk and The Eagle
An explanation of the Society on the Mountain
For a long while, Labyrinth Underground remained relatively unopposed. Their secret nature made them far less likely targets than some of the more public rallies and protest groups. Nevertheless, a society would form in 1988 that would put Labyrinth Underground's courage and resolve to the test. They were known as the Society on the Mountain. A year or so after their formation, they began attacking L.U due to a personal grudge held by one of the founders, Angus Van Shelk. For the next ten years, Labyrinth Underground was bombarded with assassins, hired thugs and trained warriors. Still they managed to press on. In one letter to his students, Dr. David Matreas wrote, “There will always be some who stand against us. But we shall overcome, and we shall not fight [the society] but we shall fight the root of its injustice. As the great Martin Luther King Jr. once said, 'hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that'.
Alas, the Society on the Mountain eventually triumphed. One evening, on December 25th, 1997, several of the founders were murdered by assassins. The only ones who escaped were David Matreas, Greyson White and Ellen Parafour. After that, White issued an emergency directive to disband Labyrinth Underground, setting up a place called Councilrock as a potential reunion location. The surviving members then went their separate ways.
Chapter 5
An End and A Beginning
Though Labyrinth Underground has gone, there is rumor that there are plans to rekindle the group. Whether this is true or not, I cannot say. Regardless, it can be said that Labyrinth Underground was a light in the past and may provide a hope and an example for the future.
[Final Note: And that's all, folks! To be honest, though, I'm not sure if this is it. The few other records I found of Sav and Hefner are sketchy, but they suggest that the two did survive the showdown with Dr. Delinar. Only time will tell. Perhaps someday, this great work can be seen to a full and satisfying conclusion.]
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