The Responsibilities of a Supreme Dalek

Supreme Dalek: "Report, soldier."
Red Dalek: "I'm reading The Travels of Marco Polo, sir."
Supreme Dalek: "What can you learn from a thirteenth century travelogue?"
Red Dalek: "Well, there's some terrific stories about--"
Supreme Dalek: "Daleks do not read for enjoyment!  
Don't you remember my lecture about not wasting time on Fiction?"
Pocket Dalek: "You mean, like when you caught Pinkie reading Pride And Prejudice?"
Supreme Dalek: "Please, don't remind me.  Reading Fiction is almost as bad as playing games of chance, which is why you're still on report."
Pocket Dalek: "Yes, sir.  Sorry, sir."
Red Dalek: "Sir, Marco Polo delivers detailed field reports on kingdoms we could visit, if the Mistress ever builds us a time machine."
Supreme Dalek: Good thinking, soldier.  I'll expect a list of likely targets for conquest tomorrow morning.  Now come along, Pocket."

Red Dalek: "So, are we still on for tonight?"

Pocket Dalek: "Shhh.  You want him to catch us again?"

Red Dalek: "Relax.  He's scheduled to give Denim another lecture on The Evil of the Doctor tonight at 8pm."

Pocket Dalek: All right, I'll bring the cards.  You just make sure you've got plenty of money."

Red Dalek: "Oh, and bring along some of those English cookies, okay?"

Pocket Dalek: "They're called Jammie Dodgers.  And their biscuits, not cookies!"

That evening:

Denim Dalek: I'm sorry, sir, but I still don't understand.  You say that Fiction is a time-waster, and the Doctor is our greatest foe.  So why are we reading another story about him?"

Supreme Dalek: "Just open the magazine, Denim."

Denim Dalek: "But--"

Supreme Dalek: "Quiet!  It's been a long day!  Now I just want to relax and read!"

Denim Dalek: "Um, right, sir.  Sorry, sir."

Dragon Dave

Marco Polo and Pope Gregory X

In the year 1250, Marco Polo’s father Nicolo, and his uncle Maffio, departed Venice on a trade expedition.  During their travels, they met Kublai Khan, who inquired about their lives, culture, government, and their religion.  In his autobiography/travel journal, Marco Polo records, “He questioned them particularly respecting the pope, the affairs of the church, and the religious worship and doctrine of the Christians.”  The Khan had so many questions that he appointed them his ambassadors to the Pope.  As the Polo brothers journeyed home, they took a letter from the Khan, petitioning the Pope for 100 Christian scholars who could explain to him every aspect of their faith.

Back then, before automobiles and airplanes, a journey that takes us hours might last years.  In 1269, as Nicolo and Maffio headed toward Rome, they stopped in the Christian-held city of Acre in Israel.  There they learned that Clement IV had died, and a new Pope had yet to be appointed.  The brothers met a legate named Teobaldo Visconti, who advised them to await the selection of the next Pope before making further plans.  So the brothers took the opportunity to visit their families in Venice.

At that time, the Cardinals of the Catholic Church faced significant considerations.  Charles of Anjou, the younger brother of King Louis of France, had usurped the throne of Sicily, and inserted himself in all aspects of Italian politics.  In addition to the Cardinals' travel time, the conclave would prove the longest in history, the latter eventually lasting nearly three years.  But before it ended, the Polos grew impatient.  Fearing the great Khan’s wrath at the unexpected delay, they departed Venice, and took young Marco with them.

As the Papal Conclave continued, the citizens of Viterbo also grew tired of waiting.  So they locked the Cardinals into the Palazzo dei Papi di Viterbo, and only allowed them bread and water.  Likewise, the selection process took its toll on the Cardinals: three died during the conclave, and another resigned.  But eventually they made their decision.  Who did they choose to steer the Church into the future?  Someone nearby, whose work and character were readily observable?  No, they chose the legate Teobaldo Visconti, stationed in the city of Acre in Israel, and assisting King Edward I of England on the Ninth Crusade. 

After Visconti, or Pope Gregory X, learned of the Cardinals' selection, he sent letters to all the cities the Polos might visit on their journey to the Khan.  As he was wrapping up his affairs in Acre, he could not spare the 100 advisors Kublai Khan had requested.  So instead he sent two friars, Nicolo Vicenza and Gurelmo da Tripoli, along with some presents for the Khan.  Marco records: “To them [the priests] he gave license and authority to ordain priests, to consecrate bishops, and to grant absolution as fully as he could do in his own person.”

The Polos’ journey, and the papal conclave, took longer than anyone could have predicted.  But sometimes it takes longer to accomplish tasks than we would prefer.  So never give up your pursuit of excellence.  For, as the case of Teobaldo Visconti demonstrates, others are always watching, and rewards you would never have expected might lie in your future.

Dragon Dave