The Great Clump Discovery

Some discoveries change history. Others could have been settled by pigeon.

October 12, 1492.

The voyage had completely drained Calamity Clump of energy. The Beringhas, a coveted trade route, now belonged to the Clumps. It had somehow existed without their knowledge.

The intrepid explorer stepped ashore with pomp and ceremony. He prepared to announce the greatest discovery in history. There, the Clump flag stood proudly where none had asked for it.

Then Chief Amani, the island's stalwart, approached. He had been watching the proceedings like a shaman predicting unusual weather. "Did you lose it?"

Clump's jaw dropped mid-speech.

Clump shuffled his feet and fumbled for an explanation. "The elders in the Clump family authorised me to claim previously unclaimed territories."

Amani eyed him with suspicion. He became hostile. "I need proof that the Clumps own the island."

So Clump presented the requested documents. Amani studied them as if he was purchasing Armani. They were impressive. Their relevance? Much less so.

The seal bore regality and authority to those familiar with it. Clump realised all too quickly that his authority had vanished because no one recognised nobility.

Amani stood firm. "My community and I were the first to land on the Beringhas." Clump waved his hands in protest. "There's no record of your discovery."

Amani drew himself up straight. "Our presence before yours is all the record that's needed. He quickly drew the Amani flag and drove its pole into the ground. "I claim the Beringhas on behalf of the Amanis."

"But the Clumps have an established patriarch, management, and ancestry." Amani stood firm. "We have the same."

Clump was stumped.

Amani made a prompt announcement. "Visitors must register before making claims on territory. He handed Clump a form--Declaration of Unwanted Presence Form 1492. It required his name, country of origin, purpose of visit, and proof of Ownership.

Clump's eye fell on a clause- the Finders-Keepers rule.

Do you intend to claim property belonging to anyone else?

Clump stated he was merely an explorer, not a conqueror, but Amani was firm. "That does not exempt you from the Finders-Keepers rule."

Clump had failed the Clumps. The Finders-Keepers rule disallowed any claim.

He gazed solemnly at his flag, sighed, then withdrew it.

Amani noticed the sigh. "Did you come all the way just to make claims?" "My family wanted a trade route." Clump was sheepish.

"Is that all? The Amanis already trade with neighbouring islands. Why didn't you state your request?" He offered negotiations. "We could have sent documents via our efficient avian services."

Clump's jaw dropped. He had travelled halfway across the world when he could have just asked by pigeon.

Clump accepted Amani's terms. From then on, inter-flight communication preceded trade.

For Mikeydred's October Challenge in honour of Columbus Day

Some mirrors show your face. Others show what you'd rather not see. What might yours reveal? 🪞