Trees Hold Up the Sky 11 William James Johnson

Newton's report on Peter's condition came as a shock to the others, taking the edge off a memorable evening. Jess and Laura had just met the geologist, and except for some tenseness about Eric's death, he appeared fine. Now there was the alarming news he may die of radiation sickness. For some reason or other, the Commandante actually seemed relieved to hear what happened. Sympathizing with their plight, he proposed they consider resigning from the project, and return to their country before they too were injured.

"There's no reason to give up. Now that we know about the radio activity, we can protect ourselves. It's unfortunate Eric and Peter had no idea of the dangers involved," said Hank.

"What about all those other risks you're going to have to face?"

"What other risks?" asked Laura.

"Life in the jungle is a constant struggle; giant snakes that can squeeze the life out of you, hostile natives with poisoned darts, a host of insects whose bite can kill you, or make you deathly ill, quick sand covered in jungle foliage which can suck you under as fast as I tell you about it. It would take more than the pursuit of knowledge to get me to go into such a dangerous world."

"But you do go into it. In fact you have to face all those risks you have just told us about, and the dangers of confronting drug warlords on their own territory," said Jess.

"But in the Drug Brigade, I'm dealing with the predictable behaviour of my native people. We generally use our helicopters to carry us to the trouble spots so that we can avoid the dangers of the jungle. It's the unpredictability of the natural wildness which is so threatening. You never know when something might happen."

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm getting a distinct impression you're trying to scare us off," said Jess.

"If it will spare you the anguish which lies ahead, I will do anything, or say anything, to get you to change your mind. I look at beautiful Doctor Laura and I fear for her safety. The jungle is not like one of your zoos. There are no fences or moats to protect you, while you study nature. This is the real world of the untamed, where the jaguar stalks his prey for days if necessary. It is extremely dangerous my friends. I am not saying these things just to frighten you. I am truly concerned about your safety."

"You don't seem to understand our plan Arturo. We expect to stay only long enough to record the cave symbols. Once we have it all documented, we can return home to do the detailed analysis."

"Just a moment Jess. That's the plan we expected to follow until I got Peter's message. If the symbols in the cave are really a map like he says, we'll probably have to do a more extensive search of the area. Who knows how long that would take."

"A map!" Arturo was surprised by Hank's statement. "A map of what?"

"Peter thinks the cave message was intended to lead us to something else. He thinks it must be very important, or the creatures would not have gone to all that trouble inscribing the walls of the cave."

"I don't understand. Why would these creatures, want to leave a message, and why would they put it in a cave in the first place?" asked Arturo.

"That's the mystery we're going to try to solve. Peter thinks there's something far more important than the cave writing, because who ever put it there, wanted to be sure it would last until it was discovered. The cave was used to protect the message from the ravages of time. With your torrential rains, carvings on the exterior walls of a hill or mountain would probably be long gone. Our labs estimate it was inscribed there, over 500,000 years ago."

"So long ago! How can they be so sure of its age?"

"It's only an estimate. Allowing a ten percent error either way, we're still talking about the oldest communication ever discovered on earth," replied Newton.

"What value could such a message have for us?" asked the Captain.

"No one knows for certain. We hope that if Jess and Laura can decode it, we may learn something about our origins."

"Origins! Doesn't everyone believe life began in the Garden of Eden?"

"Many civilizations believe in some kind of creation story," said Laura. "Some even believe our ancestors may have come from another planet. It's our hope, the cave message may give us a clue to our beginnings."

"But you're taking such risks. You've already lost two of your men. How can you continue like this when there's no guarantee it will be of any value?"

"There's no guarantee in any scientific search. The nature of our profession is to pursue truth wherever it may lead," said Newton.

"What if this project produces evidence there is no God? Are you prepared to accept that possibility as well?" asked Arturo.

"Yes. Even that."

"And you Doctor Laura, do you believe in God?"

"If you mean a Supreme Being who exists somewhere, keeping records on man's moral life, I'd have to say no."

"So as far as you're concerned there's no explanation for the existence of our world?"

"That's not what I said Arturo. I find it very difficult to allow ancient myths to dictate how I will live. This does not mean that I have no beliefs. Only a fool would look at nature and deny how organized it is. If I believe in anything, it is that nature functions within a regulated system. How that system came about, I don't really know. What I do know, is that there are natural laws, and if man expects to survive, he must live in harmony with those laws. Whether or not a supreme being created those laws is beyond me. I'm a scientist, not a theologian."

"But as a scientist, you make pronouncements with the same authority as a theologian," taunted Arturo.

"Not really Captain. Scientists are willing to change if new evidence justifies it. The nature of theology results in beliefs being carved in stone. Scientists bend, but theologians are rigid."

"Then it would seem Doctor Laura, that scientific truth is relative, and theological truth is absolute."

"There is a scientific truth which I believe is absolute."

"And what might that be?"

"I believe that when man breaks the laws of nature, knowingly or in ignorance, he has to pay a great price, even his life in some situations."

"Most interesting Doctor."

"An example of what I mean, is the explosion of the nuclear reactor at Chernobyl. Because of man's mistake, the world will suffer the result of the fallout for generations. No one knows for certain the genetic damage that will occur. What is certain, is that nature is unforgiving."

"Maybe you Americans made a mistake when you led the world into the nuclear age," said Arturo.

"The discovery of nuclear physics was inevitable. The fact that it was linked to the production of a weapon of war was unfortunate," said Newton.

"Still you have to admit Hank, many scientific discoveries are made in the first place, because of their military application. As much as we all despise war, it's probably the single most important activity that motivates man," said Jess.

"Why would you say that Doctor Martin?"

"May I answer that Jess?" asked Laura.

"Go ahead."

"I think it's because military activity is based on man's strongest instinct."

"Which is?"

"Survival... Of all of man's efforts to progress, underlying the total structure, is the need to continue. War is the outward manifestation of man's efforts to survive as a tribe, or a nation against those forces which interrupt his progress."

"I must agree," said Verez. "The political powers of my country order me to fight the drug war, and yet I'm told I must not use too much force," said the Captain.

"The same problem our country experienced in Viet Nam."

Their conversation continued for several hours. Verez was enjoying this exchange. Obviously starving for intellectual debate, he didn't want it to end. It had been a tedious day getting to San Fernando de Atabapo. At the risk of appearing rude, Newton concluded their stimulating discussion.

It was almost two in the morning, before they left his sumptuous quarters and returned to their rooms. Passing the bar, they could still hear the bellowing of Barbarosa, intimidating one and all. The fat man caught a glimpse of Laura as she started up the stairs.

"Ole'... Senorita Marsh." He staggered out to the lobby. "Please Senorita, come and have a drink with Jose'. Please...beautiful lady. It would be a great honour to have a drink with you."

"It's late Jose'," said Hank. "We leave early in the morning. Doctor Marsh is very tired."

"One drink. Just one drink. Please Senorita."

"Thank you Mr. Barbarosa. Some other time. Thank you," said Laura, as she continued up the stairs. The obese Barbarosa drooled into the matted hair of his chest, his shirt front ripped open in one of his forays in the bar.

"Some other time...you say some other time." He lumbered away, disappointed.

Laura hurried to the top of the stairs, and ran with Jess to the safety of her room.

"My God. I can't stand that man."

"I wonder how he can keep going like that," said Jess.

"He's absolutely grotesque."

"You heard what Hank said. He can be real mean. We're just going to have to avoid him that's all. Everyone seems terrified of the guy."

"I don't know if I can sleep knowing he's down there."

"Do you want me to stay with you?" asked Jess.

"Leave the door to the bathroom open so you can hear me if I need you. That should be enough. Good night Jess."

He kissed her gently and went to his room through the adjoining bath.

She dropped her clothes beside the bed, shivering as the cold air from the open window wafted over her naked body. Hurrying to get under the protection of the blankets, she pulled them up over her head. Lying there in the stillness, she could hear the beating of her heart. She pulled the cover off her face and stared at the rustic ceiling, afraid to close her eyes. Outside her window was the humming sound of a tree toad, its low vibrations masking the other distant noises from the surrounding jungle. Tossing and turning, she wanted to sleep, but the picture of the awesome Jose', slobbering over her hand with his purplish liver lips sent chills through her weary body.

As her tenseness subsided, she remembered the exciting afternoon with Jess. Putting her hand between her thighs, she rubbed softly, flicking her pleasure nub with her middle finger, until it was firm. She continued enjoying herself until a warm surge of release flowed throughout her body. Using her own method of tranquilization, which always worked, she turned on her side, tucking her knees under her breasts in a secure foetal position, and fell asleep.

While they slept, Verez went to the small radio room behind the reception desk. He slapped the sleeping operator on the back, and ordered him to contact Obispo in Bogota. Tapping his fingers on the edge of the transmitter, he waited impatiently while the signaller tried to get through the intermittent noise. Suddenly, the clear, authoritarian voice of Obsipo came through the speaker.

"This is Obispo, over."

Verez pushed the operator out of the room and closed the door, taking a seat in front of the radio.

"Mr. Secretary, Captain Verez here. Do you hear me, over?"

"Coming in clear Verez. What do you have to report?"

"I've tried like you suggested Sir, but our visitors insist on continuing with their project. They do not scare easily."

"Even after they heard from their geologist?"

"Even that Sir. In fact their geologist told them he thinks the symbols in the cave are a map, and Newton is saying they will have to make an extensive search of the area."

"We have to stop them some how. You disappoint me Verez."

"Please tell me what you want me to do Mr. Secretary. I will do whatever you say."

"Try again to frighten them. I thought Valenzuela's crash landing would've done that. They must not be given the chance to see how extensive our processing operations are."

"I will do whatever it takes Sir."

"Thank you Verez. If you can succeed in making the Americans give up this project, you can come back to your family. This I promise you."

"I will do my best Sir. You can trust me."

"I know I can. Obispo, over and out."

Verez' hands trembled as he turned down the volume and asked the operator to return to his post. Standing alone, behind the reception desk, he had no idea what to do to get the Americans to give up this project.

The silence of the hotel was broken by the loud laughter of Barbarosa, still going strong. Entering the bar, he caught the fat man's attention, and invited him outside.

"You want to see me Commandante?"

"I have a job for you Jose'."

"Whatever you wish Captain," he said, attempting to salute.

"The lady Doctor..."

"What a beautiful woman. She is a goddess," interrupted Jose'.

"Would you like to hold her in your arms?"

He crossed his heart with his fat finger. "As God is my judge, I would kill to have just a few minutes with that marvelous woman."

"There'll be no killing. Do you understand. You are not to hurt her."

"What is it my Commandante wants of Jose'?"

"Scare her. I want her to think you're going to rape her, but if you harm her, I promise you, I will have my men shoot you. Do I make myself clear?"

"It will be most difficult for Jose' to have that jewel in his arms and not split her up the middle..."

"None of that. You can hold her. Rip off her clothing. Even kiss her. But she's not to be hurt."

"Oh Commandante...you have no idea what a wonderful gift you are giving me. I will always be in your debt."

"Then say after me...I Jose'."

"I Jose'."

"Promise only to frighten Dr. Marsh."

"Promise only to frighten Dr. Marsh."

"Not to hurt her."

"Not to hurt her...I won't hurt the woman Commandante. Now can I go?"

"She's in room 2B, upstairs, in the far corner."

Barbarosa gasped for air as he struggled to lift his three hundred pound plus sack of blubber up the stairs. Staggering along the quiet corridor, his enormous body careened off the walls. His heavy breathing, and grunting as he waddled, sounded like the background of a "B" grade movie.

Pausing outside Laura's room, he waited until he got the pounding in his chest under control. Pressing his greasy head against her door, he listened, then tapped lightly. No response. Turning the knob, he tried to open the door, but it wouldn't move. One hard smash with the palm of his hand and the wooden jamb shattered like match sticks, and he stumbled into her bedroom.

Terror stricken by the crashing sounds of this drunken lout, Laura bolted upright in bed, frantically tugging the blankets to cover her nakedness. Before she could sound the alarm, he suffocated her screams with his grimy hand, and crushed her into the mattress with his massive body. The stark fear in her eyes as he pressed his bloated face against hers started the blood surging in his groin. His drooling tongue traced spittle tracks across her trembling cheeks.

Tearing the blankets from her, he bared her taut body, as she fought for her life in the dim light from the corridor. Her futile squirming under him, rubbing against his pulsing erection, aggravated his desire to plow deeply into her vulnerable cleft. He had already forgotten his promise to Verez. The sound of his zipper as he tried to unleash his weapon, gave Laura a tremendous surge of energy. Forcing her hand free from under her, she grabbed his testicles in a vice like grip, intent on bursting them. The fat man's baleful bellowing awakened Jess, startled by the sounds coming from Laura's room.

Wearing only a pair of jockey shorts he dashed through the bath to her room, where he was stunned by the sight of the sweaty slob, bearing down on his lovely naked Laura, intent on ripping her apart. Her screams shocked him into action. Grabbing the chair beside the desk, he swung it at the head of this beast, with all the strength he could muster, missing its target and glancing across the wide expanse of his back, shattering it into several pieces.

Undeterred, Jose' pressed on with his rape, ignoring Jess' futile efforts. From under his enormous gut, jutted forth an organ as massive as the rest of the ponderous beast, darting back and forth at the smooth limbs of his struggling victim, intent on burying itself deep inside her. Jess swung again with the leg of the chair, catching Jose' squarely on the temple. This got the fat man's attention. Releasing Laura, he came for Jess, who took a powerful swing which sunk into Jose's enormous belly. Grabbing him in his mighty arms, Jose' began to give him a deadly bear hug, designed to unhinge all his internal organs.

A blanket barely covering her, Laura charged past the struggling men, and banged on Hank's door down the hall. Without needing any explanation, Hank ran ahead of her back to the struggle, his pistol in his hand. Jose' was kneeling over Jess, pounding his head on the floor.

"Stop it Jose', or I'll shoot."

The fat man grabbed the rug, and pulled it out from under Hank, sending him and his weapon into the air, crashing his skull on the corner of a bureau. Laura dropped her blanket and grabbed the gun. Standing naked in the doorway of her room, she emptied the six shots into the trembling corpulence of her attacker. He bled just like any other man. Both her partners lay unconscious on the floor. She hardly noticed the comforting arms of Verez on her naked shoulders as he led her back to her bed, where she sat in all her vulnerability, her head buried in her hands and cried.