Dr. Cartwright Performing the Nile Sand Ritual. Image Credit: R.L. Davis, Senior Recorder of Concordant Countenances
Minutes Convocation of The Order of the Great Fifth Sea
Date: 27 August, 2025
Location: Rawley Chapter House, Map Room
Presiding: Alistar Corvus, Presiding Concordant and First Keeper of the Hollow Compass
Recorder: E.P. (Acting Clerk in the Absence of the Regular Clerk, Who Remains in the Field Studying Drift Patterns)
1. Call to Order
The Presiding Concordant struck the ceremonial brass ship’s bell at precisely 19:06 hours. Members were reminded to sign the attendance ledger in waterproof ink and to refrain from adding unsanctioned “safeguard symbols” to official documents.
2. New Business
2.1. The Return of Little Concord
Technical Officer Ashford reported on the refurbished mini-submersible’s first trial after seven decades in storage.
Systems were functional though ballast controls proved unreliable. Eleanor Price improvised repairs with a chewing gumf, which Ashford has now recommended for inclusion in the standard repair kit.
Notable interference was encountered from salmon allegedly outfitted with surveillance devices. Opinions differed as to whether this constituted “paranoia” or “evidence.”
Motion: authorize additional test dives under Ashford’s command, restricting provisional members from operating the emergency vent lever.
Vote: Motion carried unanimously.
Archivist’s note: GLRC surveillance claims remain unverified but are consistent with prior Ashford reports.
2.2. Welcoming of Dr. Basil Cartwright
Dr. Basil Cartwright, Egyptological Envoy, was introduced. He marked his entry with a sprinkling of Nile sand upon the Map Room threshold.
Members noted his attire (cream linen suit, scarf) as “culturally incongruous for Wisconsin humidity.”
Discussion arose over his practice of leaving “field safeguards” (Eye-of-Horus slips, red threads, carved glyphs) embedded in Order equipment.
Arguments For: Provides interdisciplinary flair; may improve international relevance.
Arguments Against: Risks contamination of instruments; creates confusion with proper maintenance markings.
Motion: Assign Dr. Cartwright provisionally to the Symbolic Alignments Committee, with prohibition on engraving Order property without consent.
Vote: Motion passed 7–3.
2.3. Conference and Ball, Sturgeon Bay
Invitations acknowledged. Debate ensued over appropriate attire.
Motion: Formal maritime dress required; “deckwear with epaulets” permitted at discretion of wearer. Dr. Cartwright’s proposed pith-hat vetoed pre-emptively.
Vote: Motion passed 9–2.
Subcommittee formed to review dance charts from the 1893 Columbian Exposition.
2.4. GLRC Displeasure Post–Rawley Affair
Notice received from the Commission expressing “displeasure” regarding recent activities.
E.W. described their fog-shrouded lighthouse entry as “unnecessarily theatrical.”
B.M. countered: “Precision is their only form of poetry.”
Motion: Table further response. Maintain stance of cordial tone and resistant practice.
Vote: Motion carried without objection.
3. Old Business
3.1. Maintenance of Sea Kayaks
Routine upkeep deferred. No volunteers forthcoming to polish brass fittings; reassignment by lot scheduled next session.
4. Announcements
Next week’s field exercise: Neshota Beach. Members to bring waterproof boots; sand shelf unstable.
Archives Committee seeks assistance re-cataloguing the Miscellaneous Drawer (contents now include three sextants, a replica scarab, and an unidentified brass whistle).
5. Adjournment
The meeting concluded at 21:08 hours with the traditional toast (non-alcoholic) to “Custodes Litoris. Memoria Maris.”
Attached Comments (Supplemental Notes)
T.A.: "Chewing Gum repair should be recorded as official improvisation protocol.”
M.H.: “If Dr. Cartwright sprinkles sand again, he should sweep it himself.”
B.M.: “GLRC’s fog entry was impressive but lacked soul.”
E.W.: “If the Miscellaneous Drawer gains another sextant, I resign.”
Clerk’s Note: “The Affair has shown once more that logs are worth more than artifacts; documentation endures when instruments rust.”