The quest for forbidden knowledge of life and existence on Earth and the universe has preoccupied men and women ever since their emergence from the ether. Lives have been sacrificed for less greater a cause. As the all-knowing dragon spirit, guardian of destiny, looks on, Howard Besser and his motley crew embark upon a postmodern pilgrimage across the ancient terrain of Vietnam in their quest for the Eastern Oracle, the sacred conduit of a Buddha-like saint. It is believed the Oracle lies hidden high up in the mountains on the grounds of a palatial monastery. Their journey is a perilous one...for few have returned from such a pilgrimage alive or in their right mind.
Howard, as fearless leader, rallies his fellow pilgrims about him at the start of their path. A clash of personalities is in store as these very different individuals proceed to record their thoughts on the adventure ahead of them. On Howard's left, the Adventurer, a bleach blond "Indiana Jones" wannabe, has come far to gather evidence of the Oracle's existence and achieve superstardom as the one to bring it back. He is egoistic and jaded after years spent scouring around the globe for artifacts. He hopes this will be the one -his true claim to fame and fortune. Behind him, the Biologist, a grizzly one-time surfer dude turned Darwin-spouting man of science, aims to disprove the power of the Oracle as mythic hoax invented by religious powers that be to enslave the weak into their fold. He thrives on danger and challenge. No one gets in his way. On his left, the Apprentice, a fresh-faced innocent and Howard's student, stands behind in reverence for his teacher. He has never been outside the stodgy walls of university. This journey is his trial-by-fire initiation into the world. It will make or break him. Lending on the side of the arch, the Linguist, stares off aloof to his fellow travelers. He is a hyper-intense intellectual sort who is seeking the rubric of all languages. He believes the oracle can be of assistance to him. He speaks to animals but it is not very conversant with his fellow humans. Before him, the Priestess, a diminutive but powerful mystic in her own right, desires to visit the Oracle. She wishes to pay her respects and receive blessings from it. The two young women on the right are the Tourists, both along for the ride. They won a contest to Vietnam specifically to be a part of this pilgrimage. They are excitable and giddy. In the very center, the Politician, a flunky of hegemonies powers in an unnamed country, exudes a relaxed air as a disguise. He joins the group with the intention of locating the Eastern Oracle and using its power to serve his undisclosed agenda. His average-Joe demeanor covers up a much sinister presence.
Howard and pilgrims walk along the forest path toward the mountain trail. It is early morning on the first of several days before they hit their destination. The dew drips, the flora and fauna murmur in the cool breeze, and the travelers proceed with purpose.
At a pier, a boat awaits the pilgrims. A difficult water journey begins for them. Next stop, who knows? Howard, seasoned veteran of the mission at hand, remains secretive about his proposed course of action. His charges are to remain oblivious of their surroundings if they are to find enlightenment. Despite his pilgrims' various agendas, he is confident of the Eastern Oracle's power to evoke change in the human heart.
Howard and pilgrims on boat journey down the River of Doubt. They see a man in a boat coming toward them. His appearance betrays an unexplained stupor. He does not answer to their greetings and seems faraway in his mind. The pilgrims remain unperturbed.
Howard at the helm of the boat. It is afternoon. The pilgrims wonder about Howard's bemusement. They do not know whether he is friend or foe. As the boat moves along toward their next destination, Howard explicates upon the purpose and goals of their pilgrimage. "I hope you guys are up for a challenge. The Eastern Oracle is all knowing and all seeing. You are to approach it with a pure heart and soul. If not, be prepared to suffer the dire consequences," Howard states with an undercurrent of glee. Hehehehehe…
Howard glazes down the river reminiscing of his past sojourns. He recalls several cases of insanity as well as a couple of mysterious deaths among past pilgrims he has taken on this quest. Nevertheless, he tallies on in the belief that all is as it should be. As the Biologist would say: "Hey, it is social Darwinism. Those of us who live to tell about this journey are already predetermined." Howard wishes that blowhard would shut his trap.
"Hey kid!" shouts the Adventurer in a swagger, "is this the way to the mountains?" The young boy replies: "Sir, once you see the creatures of earth in their toil: one that works the land and pulls its weight tenfold; one who exists to please and soothe the fiery hearts of man; and one that lacks presence but is full of spirit, you will be on the correct path." "But..kid, what on earth do you mean?" the Adventurer interjects. "You will understand if you see with my eyes," says the young urchin as he dashes off from the riverbank.
As the pilgrims become restless, Howard makes a gallant attempt to bring some unity by engaging them in a round of "Koon by ya" as they drift further into the bowels of the Vietnamese jungle. Flanked by a Tourist on each side, Howard sings along much to the apathy of the other pilgrims. The Apprentice follows Howard's lead but manages only a couple of refrains before choking from lack of air.
"Gee, this is a hard crowd," Howard ponders. "The journey ahead will no doubt (no pun intended-get it, we are on the River of Doubt) be a physically grueling and mind-altering experience but I have no doubt (hehehehe…) this ragtag bunch will come through it in one piece (or more)…
Finally on solid ground again, Howard and pilgrims venture forth along another serpentine forest path. The day is almost spent.
Howard points to the Dragon Bridge before them and explains: "This is a sacred marker of the mystical realm of the Eastern Oracle. As we cross it, please clear your hearts and minds or be aware that strange forces are at work and will seize every opportunity to play upon your weaknesses." As he says this, the pilgrims look around them apprehensively but follow along like sheep.
As the Dragon Bridge disappears in the distance, Howard and pilgrims encounter haystacks. In a trance-like state, people about them carry on with their work oblivious to their presence. Howard tells everyone to pick a haystack and have a rest. Howard says cheekily, "As my buds back in Berkeley would say, 'Make Hay Not War,' I suggest you do the same here and who knows what will be in store for you next."
Howard adheres to his words and takes a load off. "The gang will be surprised," Howard thought mischievously.
Time elapses. Hours or even days but everyone is unaware of any change. Howard directs everyone's direction to the Pathway of Straws that has mysteriously materialized while they were in their collective slumber. Howard treads upon the straw-laden lane followed by his motley crew.
As they walk along this path, an ox munches on grass complacently. The Adventurer recognizes the first creature of earth the young boy had spoken of: one who works the land and pulls its weight tenfold. The Linguist speaks to the ox in his language: "Mister Ox, we were told to seek you out in our quest for the Eastern Oracle." The Ox replies solemnly: "Tell your human friends to follow my lead." The Linguist translates for the pilgrims while Howard is already one step ahead of them.
The ox dashes away from the Linguist and friends. Howard races along with the ox to the next place of interest.
Howard and the ox come upon the stairway to a dilapidated temple. The pilgrims follow closely behind as Howard sans ox (who has disappeared all of a sudden) walks in.
As they walk deeper into the temple, the scene changes dramatically and the pilgrims find themselves in an alternative world-a world long past. A virtual montage of the remnants of this past world flash before them in lightening speed.
As they emerge out of the temple on the other side, a bone-chilling, mysterious cloud descends upon them and their vision is temporarily blinded. Everything becomes quite hazy.
The first to get out of the haze, Howard stumbles upon warrior statues in various poses. Howard wonders what these men may have done to be imprisoned in their current form. "Let's hope these guys fare better with the Eastern Oracle," thought Howard.
The pilgrims witness Howard speaking to a lion statue and wonder if he is in his right mind. The lion statue appears alive only to Howard. The lion informs Howard of the journey ahead for him and his friends. They converse secretively as the others look on incredulously.
After his conversation with the lion statue, Howard signals to the others to follow him. After some twists and turns beyond the temple, they encounter an eerie, beachside stretch reminiscent of Oz's yellow brick road in its seemingly undulating infinity.
Just as they begin to lose steam, Howard and pilgrims come upon a marble archway inscribed with indecipherable characters. The Linguist examines the characters before him and is unsuccessful in his translation. Howard gestures to the others to move on.
Along the path, a white poodle dog rushes forth and begins yapping to them in his language: "In a hidden cavern deep in the side of the mountain, you will find a clue toward the path to the Eastern Oracle since its location is forever changing." The Linguist hears the dog out and translates. Again, Howard has gone forth ahead in the direction of the dog.
At the entrance to a mountain cavern, a giant stalagmite-like life force glows preternaturally. Howard touches the stalagmite and begins to glow himself. In a trance state, Howard proceeds into the bowels of the cavern. In his state, he lights the path for the others. Startled and fascinated, the pilgrims follow eagerly.
Howard and pilgrims find themselves before a religious altar of some sorts with the same indecipherable characters inscribed. Next to it, more giant-size glowing stalagmites appear. Howard touches one of them and it opens a portal where a light streams though to the other side.
A troop of plush toys suddenly appears in their path. They march in unison chanting mysterious words. Howard and pilgrims follow suit.
The plush toy soldiers enter a non-descript, white tavern of sorts. Howard and pilgrims dash in and find themselves in similar nylon, synthetic company. Howard speaks to the tavernkeeper in hush-hush tones.
Howard motions the gang to follow again. They encounter motorcycles/scooters along the path. Howard instructs everyone to hop on one and ride forth with him.
Howard and pilgrims burn rubber down the mysterious path.
Along the way, they see women of the temple carrying bunch of reeds.
Howard and pilgrims continue indefinitely on their bikes.
Howard stops at the front of the Temple of Regrets. An imposing sight for the eyes. He jumps off his bike and runs into its interior. The others follow hurriedly.
Another sight is of these pristinely clad young ladies walking along the path. They appear relaxed and enjoying themselves. The pilgrims wonder where on earth is Howard taking them.
It's the lion statue again. Howard walks up to his stone friend. The others, already fatigued, wait for him.
Howard speaks to his lion friend. The lion conveys some more clues to him. They appear to be old acquaintances.
Howard and pilgrims run out of the temple. The pilgrims follow Howard's lead as they race along on their bikes.
Howard halts in front of the Temple of Hope where a baby dragon stands watch. The baby dragon comes alive to all and spits out a white, glowing fire . The scene changes.
A small but beautiful tower amid a moat of lily pads appears before them in the distance.
The next thing: Howard and crew find themselves on boats again. Their destination is unknown but they soon hit land.
On the river's edge, a tiny monkey of sorts sits caged up. He begins jumping about his prison. The Linguist converses with the monkey. The Adventurer recognizes the third creature of earth as foretold by the young boy. Howard has already proceeded down another path.
Howard and gang encounter a mysterious merchant and his store of goods. Howard instructs the pilgrims to purchase hygiene products-toothpastes and soap-so they may cleanse themselves before they visit the Eastern Oracle. Howard tells them also to buy some prayer beads to wear while in the presence of the Eastern Oracle.
A little way down, the pilgrims are astounded to see the darkened path transformed into a beautiful bridge over crystalline waters.
Howard and gang enter a wondrous, awe-inspiring mosaic and sculpture filled garden. A sense of tranquility permeates the environment. The pilgrims find themselves in rejuvenated spirits after a tumultuous journey.
At the end of the footpath of the garden, Howard and gang stand frozen before the entryway to the Eastern Oracle. A palatial monastery is the armor that houses this sought-after Holy Grail-like artifact. Howard advises all to proceed slowly into the monastery. Again, he reminds everyone to cleanse their hearts and minds of impure thoughts. Along the corridors ahead, they encounter a series of doors all marked with a mysterious icon of some kind.
The Politician wrestles the others to open one of these doors. Some mysterious force pulls him in. In there, he finds the secret behind his reality and existence. "This must be some joke," the Politician cries out in anguish. As he says this, Mickey comes alive, laughs maniacally and points to the time. At the stroke of the hour, the Politician dissolves into vapors.
Howard and the rest of the gang choose one door over the others. They enter and are pulled in by mysterious force. On their way in, they see the great contributions made to mankind by both scientists and artists. A white light envelops them all. Time elapses.
When they regain consciousness, the pilgrims find themselves soaring in the air as they each are on their respective planes returning home. But where is Howard? To be continued….
Assignment #1 for UCLA IS287/Howard Besser
Student Project by Lindy Leong--Winter 2000