6.13: The antithesis of the Order of the Sponge
The youngsters find Hipparchus in a strange mood, as though having woken from a deep sleep in the middle of the day. But when asked, he looks at first confused but then, spurning all chit-chat he says that he has received an answer to their question the previous day.
“That was quick” says pTravis.
“No fiddle-faddle! The same rules as before” Hipparchus replies, gruffly. “This is just a story.”
“No booze for us then!” mutters Masongill.
Hipparchus begins, reading from a sheet of paper that looks rather less carefully written than the last two occasions during the adventure of The Order of the Sponge. They were written in rather fine copperplate. This verges on a hurried scrawl.
“The ‘Disorder of Catastrophists’ is a clandestine organisation deeply rooted in the philosophical and mathematical legacy of René Thom, the French mathematician renowned for his development of catastrophe theory. This shadowy group believes that the natural state of the universe is one of chaos and disruption, where sudden, dramatic changes—akin to the catastrophic events Thom described in his work—are necessary for true progress. Members of the Disorder of Catastrophists are said to use Thom’s insights to predict and manipulate societal and natural upheavals, viewing these crises as opportunities to challenge the status quo and usher in a new, albeit turbulent, era. Their activities are shrouded in mystery, and their influence is felt in the most unexpected places, as they seek to destabilize established systems and bring about transformative change through the power of chaos…
“In stark opposition to the Disorder of Catastrophists stands the equally enigmatic Order of the Sponge, a secretive group dedicated to maintaining order and cleanliness in the world. They believe that Thom’s work can, at best, be used to anticipate and avert disasters and smooth out the disruptions that the Catastrophists so eagerly embrace. The Order of the Sponge views chaos as an existential threat that must be absorbed, neutralized, and contained, much as a sponge absorbs and cleanses impurities. These two organizations are locked in a covert struggle, with the Catastrophists striving to unleash the inherent instability of the universe, while the Order of the Sponge seeks to impose order and control, ensuring that the world remains regular and predictable. Their rivalry is hidden in the shadows, yet its effects ripple through the fabric of reality, shaping the world in ways most people can scarcely comprehend.”
“I thought so!” says Lottie triumphantly. “Mind you, my names were better. More realistic.”