Trees Hold Up the Sky 10 William James Johnson

His sonorous voice merging with the blast of the boat whistle, Skipper Jose' Barbarosa guided the Orinoco Queen alongside the wharf at the end of the village street, shouting orders at his zambo deck hands. Doors in the small shops on each side of the Hotel Granada, swung open at his signal, and curious natives ran towards the boat, eager to share in the excitement of its arrival. Isolated from the outside world, the river was their only link with civilization.

Laura and Jess were pleasantly surprised to see a two story sparkling white building with a wide veranda surrounding its ground floor, reminiscent of the ante-bellum inns along the Mississippi. Stepping ashore, they saw coming towards them from the hotel, a smallish army officer, resplendent in his tropical white riding outfit, accompanied by two aides.

"That's Verez." said Stuart. "Commandant of the Army's Drug Brigade and manager of the hotel."

"Arturo! How nice of you to meet us like this," said Hank, extending his hand.

"Secretary Obispo commanded me to greet you on your arrival. His order was unnecessary when he told me you would have a woman as beautiful as Senorita Marsh with you. Welcome to San Fernando de Atabapo," said the officer, extending his hand to Laura, who offered hers in return. Gently touching the back of her hand with his lips, he was careful not to exploit this opportunity.

"Thank you. We didn't expect such a welcome," said Laura.

"I had no choice. When Secretary Obispo told me how attractive you were, I had to see for myself. His description does you no justice. You are indeed very beautiful Dr. Marsh. I trust you are not offended by my praise."

"Not at all Captain. A woman likes to be appreciated. But I must admit, you're not seeing me at my best. The wind and sun on the river were very exhausting. I can't wait to bathe and get into some fresh clothes."

"You're rooms are ready. If I may be so presumptuous, I would suggest you have a siesta, and this evening I would be honoured if you all would join me for dinner."

"Do I detect a slight southern accent in your voice?" asked Jess.

"You're very perceptive Dr. Martin. I took my army training at Virginia Military College. My father was a professor of history at that highly regarded institution."

"Jess and Laura are language specialists," explained Hank.

"They are the ones who will try to find the meaning of the cave symbols, is that not so?" asked Verez.

"That's right Captain," said Jess. "And the sooner we can get at it, the sooner we'll know what our ancient ancestors had in mind."

"I trust tomorrow will be soon enough to begin," he said smiling. "Give me these few short hours to welcome you properly in my village. Very seldom do we have the privilege of such distinguished visitors."

"Tomorrow will be soon enough. What I need right now, is a siesta like you suggest."

Dazzled by her natural beauty, Captain Verez could not take his eyes off Laura. He made no attempt to be discrete, as his gaze roamed uncontrollably over her pliant body, stopping to examine at great length each and every wonder on his sensuous voyage of discovery. She was beginning to feel intimidated by this handsome mestizo, with the piercing dark brown eyes. Jess felt a slight twinge of jealousy as he watched Verez visually assault his companion. Subtly touching his arm, Hank restrained him from taking any regrettable action. A bulge forming in the crotch of his form fitting riding britches was an embarrassment for all except the strutting bantam Commandante.

Arriving in the hotel lobby, Verez gave instructions to his aides, and rejoined the Americans, obviously relishing his role as lord of the manor. As he spoke, they saw the mammoth Barbarosa waddling into the bar, his arms around two zambos. Releasing his companions, he stretched his arms towards the bartender and shouted in a loud voice, "Beer for Captain Jose Barbarosa and his friends. And hurry. We are dying of thirst," followed by a raucous laugh, and the sound of flesh against wood as he slammed his beefy hand on the bar.

"Your rooms are upstairs in the rear. I thought you would prefer a quiet area, away from the noise of the bar. Sometimes it can get rather rowdy. When Jose is here, anything can happen. Be assured you will not be disturbed. You can hear nothing from your back rooms. If there's anything you need, just call the office."

"Thank you Arturo. I shall tell Mr. Obispo how well you looked after us," said Hank.

"It is with great pleasure I wish to serve you. Until dinner. Adios."

Ascending the stairs, Jess saw the fat man in the bar with his arm around the zambo, holding his head as he poured beer over the victim's tight curls, laughing wildly at the man's dilemma.

"Look at that fat bastard," said Jess. "I'll feel a lot better when I know he's left."

"Sometimes I'm sure I can hear splashing when he moves," said Hank. "The guy's a walking beer barrel. He can be damn mean, given half a chance."

"Why do they let him start drinking if he's so wild?" asked Laura.

"Who's going to stop him?"

They walked along the perimeter corridor on the second floor to their rooms at the rear of the hotel. Not until they checked the bathroom doors, did they realize they had been given adjoining rooms, with a shared bath.

"How handy. Do you think Verez is trying to tell us something?" asked Jess.

"I'm glad you're going to be close by," said Laura. "He might be small, but I don't trust el Commandante. Not with those bedroom eyes."

"Not exactly subtle was he?"

"I wish you would help me tonight Jess."

"Sure. What do you want me to do?"

"Pay attention to me. Make sure Verez has no doubt we care for each other. It might make him back off."

"In the words of the Commandant himself, 'It is with great pleasure I wish to serve you.'"

Laura put her arms around him and held him closely.

"If I weren't so tired, I could go for a little service right now."

"Keep that thought. I'll remind you about it tonight. Now who's going to use the tub first?"

"You go ahead. I want to get out of these things and get some rest. I'll use it when I wake up."

Jess kissed her. Holding her at arm's length, he studied her lovely face.

"Something strange is happening Laura."

"What do you mean?"

"Standing here with you, I've just had a flashback. Sort of deja vu. We haven't done this before have we, you know, in an earlier life?"

"I have no idea what you're trying to say. We've been going at a pretty hectic pace since we left Washington. What we both need now, is a good rest."

"I guess you're right. That trip took a lot out of me... Now I remember what it was...Standing here... alone with you, reminded me of my teenage days. That's what you do to me Laura. You make me feel young again."

"Have a nice sleep darling."

He kissed her and gave her a gentle squeeze. "You too sweetie."

She closed the door to her room and Jess turned on the water in the tub. The pipes banged several times followed by a dense orangey liquid splashing off the bottom. Disappointed, he sat on the edge taking off his clothes while he waited for the water to clear. Rinsing the residue down the drain, he finished undressing, while the steaming water filled the tub. Bending over to test the temperature, he was suddenly shocked to feel a hand grabbing his testicles from behind.

"What the hell!"

"Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you," said Laura.

"It's not every day a guy has someone grab his balls like that."

She stood naked in the narrow space between the sink and the tub. Her sensuous body, exuded a soft yielding, femininity. The well trimmed curly black triangle of her mons left no doubt this woman took pride in her sexuality. This was the first time Jess had seen her unclothed.

"I guess I wasn't as tired as I thought," said Laura, teasing.

"Now that you're here, you can wash my back."

"It's not your back I'm interested in."

Her remark went directly to his libido centre and he could feel the blood begin to surge in his groin, making it throb in anticipation. Laura smiled as she gently caressed his erection, stroking it carefully, letting the dark helmet stretch with each thrust. She let the underside of her tongue titillate the tiny sensory endings that formed a necklace at the base of the glans, each caress making the nerves rigid as diamond shards.

"You look good enough to eat."

"You sure know the right things to say."

With that, she knelt between his legs as he supported himself on the edge of the tub, his organ thrust firmly upward. She continued to lick it tenderly, her warm breath sending shivers up his naked spine. Watching her delicate lips caress the pulsing organ, Jess was certain it would burst into a thousand pieces. Her mouth opened wide, consuming him, taking it all into the deep hole at the back of her throat. Her breasts rested against his knees, tamping gently up and down with each movement of her head. Suddenly her rhythmic pumping went out of control, jacking up and down so rapidly, he felt for a moment he had lost consciousness. All his energy was focused on that moist cavity deep inside this woman's magnificent face, gorging herself on his rigid penis. Suddenly he could take no more. The end of his organ now had a life of its own, exploding into her mouth, spasms shaking his entire body.

"Christ woman...I'll have a heart attack you keep this up."

"Was it good my darling?"

"Need you ask? Can't you see how I'm shaking. My God, I had no idea sex could be this good. I've never gone off so completely in my whole life. It was fantastic. You're fantastic, you goddamn sex machine. If I'm going to die, this is the way I want to go."

"You're not going to die. I have so much more I want to do with you."

"Be my guest. As you can see, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

As he spoke, she continued toying with his penis, licking the end, and placing it between her wonderful breasts, pressing them together to make them feel like a firm vagina. Jess didn't know where it came from, but somewhere deep in his bowels surged the blood to make him as rigid as steel again.

"See. You thought you were through. When you're with me love, you're through when I say you're through."

"You're part witch, you know that," said Jess, thrilled with the spell she was weaving.

"Now I want you to do something for me darling."

"Anything. Name it. I'll do anything."

"I want you to probe my rear end, until I can feel that beautiful erection way up inside me."

"Oh come on Laura, I've never done anything like that before."

"So there's a first time for everything. Please Jess. I really want to feel it stretching me until I rip apart."

"This is crazy, you know that. I might hurt you."

"I've had it that way before my darling. It's you who might be hurt. You better soap it well. I'm awfully tight back there. That's why I want you to do it. I want to feel you are violating me. I want you to rape me Jess. Shove it in until I can't stand it anymore."

"My God, your really weird. I don't know if I can do it."

Turning away from him, she bent over, gripping the seat of the toilet. He saw her hand reach between her legs, with a bar of soap moving vigorously up and down the pink crevasse, getting it ready for him. No man could've refused her request after watching her push her own finger into the light brown opening, forcing the lips to draw it in, as she skilfully tightened and released the sphincter.

"Please Jess...Don't make me beg. Shove it in darling. All the way. Hurt me Jess. I love the hurt."

He couldn't stand it any longer. Sudsing his throbbing organ he guided the end of it to the tiny tight lips that waited to kiss it. Laura pushed backwards against him, making him stab her in that vital opening, forcing it deep into her secret love channel. She trembled all over as he inched further and further into her tender body, a mixture of pain, and intense pleasure as it disappeared into her round softness. She continued pressing in and out, moaning with delight as he impaled her, his penis getting harder and stronger with every surge. He knew now why she had brought him to orgasm before. It prepared him to have more control in this onslaught. Looking at the flexing of her muscular buttocks, and hearing the moans of delight made him feel dizzy. This marvelous woman had the power to make him a love addict, and he was a willing victim.

"Oh...Ooh, Ah. Wonderful. Just wonderful Jess. All the way. I want it all...Oh God. You're bigger than I thought. It almost feels like I might never be able to get it out. Wouldn't that be fantastic. Dying together, fused like this. Me mounted on your delicious cock."

"I can't hold out any longer darling. Oh! I'm coming Laura."

"Me too dearest. Reach around and rub me between the legs. You know where. With your middle finger, move my clitoris from side to side...Oh Jess! Jess...Oh God...God. I'm coming. Right from my finger tips, down to my toes. Oh my sweet lover. The pain is gone, just the pleasure is left. You wonderful, wonderful man. It was out of this world."

He sat back on the edge of the tub, his organ still stuck in her round behind, his hands caressing her breasts.

"You're the best Jess. Really the best. My God, you know I can still feel my rear twitching."

"So can I. You're unreal Laura. Even in my wildest fantasies I could never have imagined how tremendous I feel."

As she stood up, his limp penis practically fell out of her, a bright red wrinkled appendage.

"Oh you poor little thing," said Laura, kissing it, and stroking it softly.

"Give it a rest. I couldn't get it to stand up now, to save my life."

"I know if I give it mouth to mouth, I'll have it like new in just a couple of minutes."

"What do you mean mouth to mouth?"

"Look closely at the end of it. See that precious little mouth. Surely you've seen those tiny lips before."

"Can't say that I ever gave it much notice."

She put her mouth between his legs and let her tongue search out the miniature lips, but Jess pushed her gently away.

"Please Laura. Enough is enough. If you want to do something for me, you can wash my back. Will you settle for that?"

"Of course my love. It's the least I can do for a man who has given me such a good ride. It really was something wasn't it Jess?"

"It sure was."

After their bath, they each went to their own rooms. Laura fell asleep instantly. Jess could not get his mind off what had happened. He wasn't sure it had not all been a dream. The tenderness between his legs was proof enough. Completely drained by her voraciousness, he finally fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

It was after seven in the evening when he awoke and joined the other men in the lobby. Captain Verez was wearing his dress uniform, with the gold epaulettes, and patent leather shoes, right out of the pages of the Manual of Military Dress, an outfit usually reserved for state dinners.

Fashionably late, Laura paused at the top of the stairs, and smiled before descending. Radiant in a dark blue mini-cocktail dress, that revealed her athletic limbs, she moved slowly down the stairs like a fashion model, giving them ample opportunity to take in her sensuous, cat-like rhythms.

"Dr. Marsh is truly a splendid woman," said the Captain.

"She's that for sure," agreed Jess.

"It's hard to imagine that anyone who can look like that is also a brilliant scientist," said Hank.

Her magic was working on all the men. Approaching them, she chuckled quietly.

"The way my ears are burning, I would guess someone must be talking about me."

"We were all singing your praises. You look magnificent," said the Captain.

"You look splendid yourself Captain," said Laura, her companions responding with smiles.

"The Captain is right Laura. There's a glow about you this evening."

"That's so nice Henry. Thank you. I had a very good rest."

Jess turned his head to conceal his smile. He wondered what they would have thought if they knew what she was really like. Laura was every man's fantasy. Jess considered himself fortunate to be the person she had chosen to be her sex partner. He felt no guilt about their relationship as long as she kept it primarily physical. He was glad she didn't vow undying love in the throes of their passion.

Verez snapped his fingers and one of his aides approached immediately with a tray of cocktails, and began serving the guests.

"My friends, if I may, I wish to propose a toast," said the Captain, raising his glass. "To the success of Project Atabapo, and the safe return of all of you to your country."

Touching their glasses, they accepted his toast and Hank made a counter toast.

"To all of our friends in this magnificent land. May our friendship and co-operation never end."

"Bravo Henry. On behalf of my government I accept your warm expression of friendship."

Shouts from the bar, followed by a zambo being hurled onto the veranda interrupted their cordiality. The hollow sounds of Barbarosa demanding more beer, sent a shudder through Laura.

"The big man is still at it," said Arturo. "Sometimes he goes like that all night."

"Can't you stop him?" asked Jess.

"Maybe with a bullet. But I'm not sure that would bring him down. He is a wild bull. But do not worry my friends. We do not have to listen to Jose'. Supper will be served in my private suite. Come. Let us go."

Following the Captain down a wide corridor, along the front of the hotel, they entered a double door, into a palatial suite of rooms. Arturo offered a reason for such luxury. "At one time, San Fernando de Atabapo was going to be the seat of government for this region, but the difficulty of constructing roads, made the Venezuelans abandon the project. That was after much of this splendid work had been completed. The gold inlay in the ceilings and archways was done by artists brought from Spain. Many of them lived here for many months, doing the tedious carvings you see in the mouldings."

"It's magnificent Arturo," said Laura.

Her use of his first name thrilled the young Commandant.

"I told you it was at least a four star hotel," said Hank.

Jess was astounded by the opulence of the suite. You live like royalty."

"And why not. The military is the royalty of Colombia. As you Americans would say, it comes with the territory."

Opening French doors, Arturo led them into his private dining room, lit with candelabrum. The rosewood table was covered with brocaded lace, set with exquisite china and sterling silver.

"Please Dr. Laura, sit here on my right. And Henry, you will be on my left. Dr. Martin will sit beside the lady."

As they sat, they were taken aback by Laura's impertinence.

"Is there not a Mrs. Verez?"

"Yes there is. Back in Bogota. Unfortunately I must spend much of my time away from my family."

"You have children then?" she continued.

"Yes indeed. Twin daughters. They are now in school. Carmelita and Conchita. Six years old."

"How long will this tour of duty in San Fernando last?" asked Jess.

"Until the job is finished," said Verez.

"Are you making any headway?" Jess continued.

"Before I answer, may I ask you a question first?"

"Of course. What is it?"

"Is this your first experience with Colombians?"

"Yes it is."

"Then you probably do not realize how poor my people are."

"We saw some small houses coming from the airport. Some seemed quite poor," said Jess.

"That is nothing compared with the poverty of the poor farmer trying to eke out a living in the mountains. This is all changing because of the people of your country."

"I don't understand."

"So many Americans make so much money, they are searching for new adventures in their life. Then they discover cocaine and before they realize it, the drug has captured them. They have no idea how their new master alters the lives of poor mountain farmers in South America. For the first time in their lives, these poor people can afford to feed their families. Anyone, and everyone connected with the growing of coca leaves is involved in this revolution. As Secretary Obispo says himself, we close down one, and five more spring up to take its place. That was a long way to answer your question, but that is the situation. We really are not making much progress, I'm sorry to say."

"If you can't stop them, what good is it having a Drug Brigade?" asked Jess.

"One of our main jobs is to stop our people from killing each other."

"Wouldn't it be better if you didn't interfere, and let them fight it out amongst themselves, and bring their numbers down to a manageable size?" asked Laura.

"There's really only one way to end it all," said Verez.

"What's that?"

"The users must stop using it. When there is no longer a market, it will be over."
As they spoke, their dinner was being served by uniformed army stewards. The first course was a clear puree, meticulously blended with the delicate flavour of saffron. Poached salmon, coated in diced roasted brazil nuts, came with a side serving of lemon butter to refresh the palate.

"I have chosen a native dish of smoked iguana for the main entree. Maybe I should have let you taste it before I told you about it."

"I've never eaten iguana," said Laura. "Although I enjoy eating exotic things."

Her remark almost made Jess choke.

"Then you will love this. It is tender like the finest chicken. My chef marinates it in well-aged brandy. Costa will flambe' it for us."

"You are a man of superb taste Captain," said Laura.

"Please...I am honoured when you call me Arturo."

Jess felt the twinge of jealousy he had experienced when Arturo first showed his interest in Laura. At his age, he didn't want to have to compete with this handsome latino for the loving charms of his companion, not after the wonderful experience they had together that afternoon.

Their dinner was interrupted when one of Arturo's aides entered and asked to speak to Verez. Excusing himself, he went to the living room and returned a few minutes later.

"Please forgive this interruption. Apparently there is an emergency call from Bogota for you Dr. Newton. My aide will take you to our radio room."

"Do you want me to come too Hank?" asked Jess.

"No, no. You and Laura stay with Arturo and finish your supper. I don't expect to be very long."

Hank followed the aide back to the lobby and entered a small room behind the registration desk. Stuart and an army signaller were sitting in front of an old military installation.

"What's up Stu?"

"It's Peter. Sounds serious. Give me a couple of minutes and you can talk to him yourself."

Stu checked the receiver calibration and called the Bogota operator. "Drug Brigade Bogota, this is Atabapo Radio. Do you read over?"

"Atabapo, DBB, five by five over."

"We have Dr. Newton present. Are you ready with your transmission?"

"Roger Atabapo."

Background teletype transmissions faded in and out, as Hank waited.

"Hank, is that you? Over."

"Affirmative. Go ahead Peter."

"I wish you were here so I could tell you what's happened."

"I'm listening Peter. What's the problem?"

"They want to fly me to Bethesda. The doctor here says I've got the same thing as Eric."

"That's terrible news Peter. If that's what your doctor says, you better get to Dr. Khan as soon as possible. He still might be able to help you."

"Before I go Hank, I just had to tell you something you must pass on to Jess and Laura."

"What's that?"

"About the symbols in the cave, I feel like Eric. I'm sure it's some kind of map. I think that the triangle with white at the top is actually a mountain, Ahuntipec, about a hundred miles south of the cave."

"How can you be sure?"

"The pattern of rivers and dense jungle in the symbols coincide perfectly with the real thing. Eric and I checked it against some of the maps left by the Corps of Engineers when they did their Orinoco Expedition. Please Hank believe me. The cave is just the start. There's something out there which is more important than just ancient symbols."

"Thank you Peter for letting me know. I'm sure they'll both be glad to get your message, over."

"What a relief Hank. I couldn't go back to the states without getting this off my chest."

"I'll look after this end. You take real good care of yourself."

"I will Hank. Good luck. Over and out."