Trees Hold Up the Sky 7 William James Johnson

Arriving with Gonzalo and his wife Theresita in the black Mercedes, the Americans stepped into the portico of the government mansion led by their host. Standing in the main foyer was the Secretary of the Interior, Fernandez Obispo and his wife Margo. Gonzalo made the introductions and Obispo gave the mandatory reply, smiling as he sized up the foreigners.

"We are very pleased to welcome you to our country and my wife Margo and I are delighted you could join us for dinner this evening."

Henry Newton acted as spokesman for the visitors. "On behalf of my government and my associates, I wish to thank you for all the co-operation we have enjoyed since coming to your beautiful country."

Waiting in the adjoining parlour was a group of fifteen young students, nine men and six women, from eighteen to twenty-two, selected by Gonzalo to accompany them on Project Atabapo. Everyone wore formal dress for this state dinner in the Secretary's mansion.

"That's a fine looking group you've selected Gonzalo," said Newton.

"Mestizo are known for their delicate features. Indians and whites have given us a very fine racial mix."

"The ladies are absolutely beautiful," said Jess.

"And the men. So handsome," added Laura.

"It's not their appearance that matters," said Gonzalo. "These are some of the brightest students I've ever had. I'm sure you will find them outstanding in their work."

"From the looks of their clothing, I would think they also have privileged backgrounds," said Jess.

"That's true. But in Colombia, one does not merely accept the wealth of his family. One must earn through hard work the right to enjoy a good life. It is a matter of honour. Many of these young people have spent time with natives, helping them develop more sanitary conditions to reduce infant mortality. These men and women are like the youth who joined your American Peace Corps."

A steward passed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres as the guests mingled. Gonzalo had selected students who were completely bilingual. Their English was so good, Jess found it difficult to believe they were Colombian.

"I'm surprised your vocabulary is so idiomatic," said Jess, speaking with Henriquez de Cordoba.

"Partly it's because my mother was an American, and I spent many of my early years in New Mexico. My father was a geologist. He died in the United States when a mine caved in."

"And these other people. Have they got some American in their background too?"

"Some do Dr. Martin, but most of us consider the English language to be the language of the future. For that reason, we have all worked at being proficient in it."

"What about your background in archaeology?"

"I have had some experience along the west coast with the mountain people. When I was asked to join Project Atabapo, I was honoured. It will give me the chance to go into the rain forests, and see the natives in their natural environment. We all consider this opportunity a great blessing."

"Blessing? I don't understand why you would say blessing."

"I'm sorry Sir. I must be using the wrong word?"

"I think of blessing as something religious, unless you mean it's an answer to your prayers."

"Please allow me to correct myself. I meant to say privilege. Being chosen to study with such a famous group, is a privilege."

As the Americans mixed with the students, Gonzalo and Obispo subtly moved away from the others. "What have you told the Americans?" asked the Secretary.

"Only that you have used your good offices to obtain a flight for them, and that tonight they would get to meet my students."

"Good. And Miss Garvas has been briefed?"

"Thoroughly, Sir. You can trust her to do what we want."

"I would think so, if she ever expects to see her father again."

"May I suggest, Mr. Secretary, that we appear very open. Americans have the habit of assuming they are friends from the moment they meet a person. Dr. Martin is suspicious of me I think, and I wouldn't want to add to his suspicion because he might think we are trying to hide something from him."

"What makes you think he's suspicious?" asked Obispo.

"He saw me leave in the middle of the night for our meeting. He questioned me at breakfast the next morning. I managed to change the subject by telling him you were going to get a plane for them. He is a man who does not let much get past him."

"Our Miss Garvas will keep him busy."

"If she can get next to him."

"What are you trying to tell me?"

"Dr. Mason also seems interested in our scientist. We may be creating a triangle without realizing it."

"That's even better...Come let's get back to the others."

Laura was speaking to Theresita and Margo as their husbands returned.

"And so Dr. Mason, why would such a beautiful woman want to trek in the steamy jungles of our rain forest?" asked Obispo.

"Adventure fascinates me. The possibility of discovering something which might help us understand our origins is exciting work."

"You realize, of course, the risks in the wilds of Colombia are real."

"What risks, Mr. Secretary?"

"Wild animals. Jaguars, pumas, bears. There's an abundance of reptiles along the river basin, snakes and lizards. And I've not mentioned hostile natives. This is a vast country."

"We expect to spend most of our time in one location, studying the ancient symbols. That should reduce the risks we must face."

"You are a very brave woman senorita Laura," said Theresita.

"Not really Theresita. Things like this always seem more exciting in retrospect."

Obispo and Gonzalo laughed at her remark. "You mean viewed through the eyes of memory," said Gonzalo.

"And imagination," added Laura. "We mustn't forget imagination."

A butler announced dinner was served and requested everyone proceed to the dining room. Jess and Laura were astounded by the splendour of this magnificent room. Sculpted wall coverings in shimmering damask formed a luxurious background to the massive dining table, set with exquisite china and sterling silver. Candelabrum provided the light, the sweet odour of melting wax merging with the aroma of Spanish spices.

Jess sat next to Margo Obispo. Laura was seated on the right of the Secretary. Henry Newton couldn't get the Cheshire cat grin off his face, as he watched his two associates being overwhelmed by the luxury of the occasion.

"Are you a native Colombian, Mrs. Obispo?" asked Jess.

"No, Doctor. I met Fernandez in Boston when we were in College. He was studying International Politics, and I was majoring in Art. I was unable to deny his smooth Latin manner. We were married shortly after he graduated, and he was ordered back to Bogota to take his place in the family business."

"What business is that?"

Obispo interrupted his wife before she could answer. "Import and export Doctor. A family business that goes back many generations."

"The Secretary is too modest," said Gonzalo. "It is due almost entirely to his hard work, that the defense forces of Colombia are second to none in South America."

"You're in the arms business then?"

"Among other things. But that is enough about me. What about you Dr. Martin?"

"What about me? I'm just a hard working academic who has an aptitude for decoding."

"Decoding...Sounds like cloak and dagger work," said Obispo.

"The kind of decoding I do, is more concerned with ancient symbols rather than spying."

"But it is a form of spying is it not. You are spying on the secrets of the past."

"I guess you could say so," said Jess, annoyed by his oversimplification of their work.

"Like the marks on cave walls and things like that?" asked the Secretary.

"That's right. Things like that."

"And this...what is it you call it, 'Project Atabapo', the purpose is to decode the markings on our cave?"

"Me and Laura...That is, Dr. Mason and I will try to decode the symbols, if we can come to some agreement."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Today, in your Antiquities Museum, we had a debate about the idol in the cellar."

"You must mean Mamou, the fertility god?" asked Obispo.

"Is that what it was?"

"That's what we call it. It means great mother. It was found by missionaries in the jungle over two hundred years ago. They wanted to destroy it because of its pagan origins, but a teacher who was with them saved it. I find it quite incredible that today that same ancient idol has caused two renown scientists to debate over its meaning."

"More than incredible," said Laura. "I said it was a deity and Jess challenged me on it. He says we're often too quick to give religious interpretations to our findings because our culture gets in the way of our objectivity."

"If I may be permitted to speak," said Estrelle Garvas, a lovely young woman opposite Jess, mid-way along the large table. "I would be inclined to agree with Dr. Martin."

"Why is that Estrelle?" asked Gonzalo, sounding very much like a professor, challenging one of his students.

"Culture is the fabric of life. Until we identify with it, we do not belong. Once we discover who we are, all our judgments about our perceptions are forever tainted. We look at life through the eyes of our past generations."

"That's a wonderful explanation of cultural bias Miss Garvas," said Jess.

"If that's the case Dr. Martin, how then does a scientist arrive at truth?" asked Obispo.

"By doing whatever he can to neutralize this bias before making his judgment."

"And how does he do that?"

"Awareness. Knowing he is under the influence of his past. The scientist must be willing to let his imagination provide him with other options."

"I can see where this is leading us," said Laura, smiling.

"Tell us about it Laura," asked Hank, trying to keep the discussion from becoming too heated.

"It happened when Jess and I were looking at the carved arch that is in the room next to Mamou. The figures show a creator dividing man in two. That's when Jess said..."

"I said I thought they could be figures from outer space. What's wrong with that?"

"Outer space?" laughed Obispo. "Outer space? Aliens?"

"Right. I was suggesting another option. Why must we always go back to the creation story when trying to explain these ancient carvings."

"But outer space...really Dr. Martin," said Obispo sarcastically.

Beautiful Estrelle came to his defense again, right on cue.

"I think Dr. Martin has just demonstrated his method of discounting cultural bias when making a scientific judgment," smiling approvingly at Jess.

"But Miss Garvas, science and imagination are two different things. Like oil and water, they seldom mix," said Gonzalo

"Forgive me Professor," she continued. "To speculate about outer space creatures a hundred years ago would have resulted in academic ostracism. Modern man has been in space himself. He's even planning to establish a colony on Mars before the end of this century. It is no longer mere speculation that our ancestors may have come from another planet. It is well within reason that this is a more likely explanation of our origins than the creation theory with which our culture has burdened us," said Garvas.

Pushing back his chair, Jess stood up and began applauding the young woman.

"Bravo...Now there's a thinking person for you."

Obispo joined in the applause. He was content they had chosen the right person to make an impression on the American.

"I had no idea Miss Garvas you were such a revolutionary," said Obispo.

The other students began to loosen up when they saw Gonzalo and Obispo showing their approval of Estrelle's willingness to speak out with these foreigners. As they filed out of the dining room to the pool area for after dinner drinks, Estrelle Garvas took the initiative to speak with Jess.

"I hope you were not offended Dr. Martin at my remarks."

"On the contrary. You expressed yourself brilliantly. It's difficult for me to believe English is not your native tongue."

"Thank you sir for the compliment. I speak French and German too. I have a...how do you Americans say...a knack for languages."

"You also strike me as a person with an open mind. That's essential in the kind of work we're going to be doing."

Laura saw how Garvas had attached herself to Jess. She normally wasn't a jealous person, but there was something about this young woman that sent up warning signals.

"I'm very interested in developing my skills to decode ancient symbols Doctor. If you would permit me, I would be very honoured to work closely with you when we go to the cave."

Laura overheard her request and interrupted them. "You can work with me Miss Garvas. I too have a knack about certain things, if you know what I mean."

"Certainly Dr. Mason. I was only trying to explain to Dr. Martin how I would be willing to help him in any way he might need me."

"Of course you would. And I'm sure he appreciates your sincere wish to do your best. Now if you would excuse us for a few minutes."

"Yes...Of course. Please excuse me."

Jess had a big grin on his face.

"Now was that nice?"

"No little half-breed's gonna steal my man."

"You have to admit, she sure is a bright young thing."

"And she's got the hots for you."

"The hots...now that's what I call a real scientific appraisal. She's only a kid. Give her a chance."

"I agree she's very good at expressing herself, but that was all a cover to get next to you. Haven't you heard about women's intuition?"

"Look...I'm old enough to be her father. She's only interested in my mind."

"Oh sure...That's why she said she would do whatever you need. I thought we agreed I'm the one you call on in the case of urgent need."

Hank Newton joined them. "Fernandez wants to talk to us. Let's go inside."

They all gathered in the large parlour where a comfortable fire took the chill off the evening air. Miss Garvas located herself as far away as she could from Jess, not wanting to risk Laura's criticism in front of her countrymen. Obispo stood beside the mantle, a drink in one hand and a folded paper in the other.

"First ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank all of you for coming to our home this evening. It has been a joyous occasion and my wife and I trust you have had a pleasant time. I have here the authorization from the Minister of Transport to provide you with a flight to San Fernando de Atabapo, leaving Bogota International airport at 10 A.M. Monday. I know you all were hoping to fly instead of having to travel by boat. Not only will it save you time, but in the long run it is safer for all concerned.

"For the benefit of our visitors, I would like to point out a few of the problems you may encounter. As you know, Colombia has an international reputation as the world's main supplier of illegal cocaine. We in the government have been doing everything possible to smash the rings which thrive on this evil drug. But it would seem that when one group is destroyed, five others spring up. Therefore I wish to warn you, that you may find in your travels, hidden in the secret recesses of the jungle, whole communities involved in this despicable trade. These drug warlords are a law unto themselves. Some of them have armies larger than the force which protects our great city. My advice to you, is to avoid this kind of encounter at any cost. These cruel men would kill you the same as they swat a mosquito. They are inhuman in their pursuit of money, and they will let nothing stop them.

"I was telling Dr. Mason before dinner, that we also have a variety of dangerous animals in our jungle. Be on guard. The silent stalking of a hungry jaguar in the quiet of the night can cost you a life, and I want all of you to return to Bogota safe and sound when your work is completed.

"There is also in the south east of our country, a legendary race of creatures who have lived alone for thousands of years. I can only surmise that if by chance you should encounter them, a struggle will ensue. But remember, I stress the fact that this threat is based on legend only. There has never been any evidence they actually exist. I just want to make certain you are told of the hazards of Project Atabapo before you set out on this great adventure. Now, are there any questions?"

"This legendary race fascinates me," said Jess. "Have you any other information about them which I could have?"

"I'll answer this one if I may Mr. Secretary," said Gonzalo. "Natives on the Orinoco river which forms the boundary between our country and Venezuela, in the region south of San Fernando de Atabapo have a rich collection of stories of man like animals which inhabit the jungles in the Amazon basin. These creatures apparently have on occasion, captured a native hunter who has wandered into their region, and in every instance, the body of the native has been found without its heart."

"Without its heart?" repeated Jess, shocked by his statement.

"So the legend says."

"And how far from our cave is this place?"

"It is about a hundred miles or so from your base in San Fernando."

"What has the government done about them?" asked Newton.

"So far nothing," replied Obispo. "Our searches have been unsuccessful. We suspect that the natives of the village may have invented the tale to cover up their method of ridding themselves of malcontents. There is absolutely no evidence that there is such a tribe of monsters."

"I would think the bodies without their hearts is credible evidence," said Laura.

"I would agree Dr. Mason, if this were something ordinary men were incapable of doing. But as I've said, the thinking now is that the legend is a contrivance of the natives to cover up their own method of dealing with troublemakers in their closed society."

"Well I for one am not looking forward to an encounter with legendary creatures. We're going to have enough problems coping with the ordinary hazards of jungle living," said Jess.

"I have nothing further to add," said Obispo. "If there are no further questions, I invite you to get to know one another."

At his invitation the gathering mixed easily. Newton spoke with Gonzalo about the preparations for their departure. Laura was acting like a wife as she tried to keep the beautiful mestizos away from Jess. There was an innocence about him that made him extremely attractive. Obispo went outside with Miss Garvas where they could speak privately.

"Let me compliment you my dear. Continue doing as you are told, and your father will be released."

"I will do anything you ask, but you must promise you will not harm him."

"He wouldn't be in this mess if he had agreed to keep quiet."

"Please Mr. Secretary, he could not lie about the drugs. That is his job after all."

"His job is to inspect our shipments of arms, not to take the equipment apart."

"But it was his dog who made him suspicious. You are the one who gave him the animal."

"I did that to enhance my image as a fighter of crime. I had no idea your father would use the animal like that. If it hadn't been for the dog, he would not have torn apart that equipment."

"Now you treat him like a common criminal. He was only doing his job."

"I am grateful he came to me first. If he had gone to anyone else, our lucrative traffic would be over."

"Because he trusted you."

"And I thought he would be a loyal Colombian and keep our secret."

"He told me everything. If the Americans realized you were smuggling drugs inside the panels of their equipment, it could cause a war. My father didn't know it was being done on your authority. He felt that you of all people would want to know."

"We send a shipment of military supplies every week back to a base in Florida for maintenance. Our Cuban ally looks after the merchandise at his end. No one suspects the military connection. Your father's interference could have destroyed our movement, and stopped the flow of money we desperately need. He had to be put away. The risk is too great."

"My father never told me of a movement. What is it you are saying?"

"Our Russian friends are waiting for us to invite them into our country so that we can liberate the masses. A civil war is needed to prepare the people. You have no idea the tremendous amounts of money it takes to win."

"But Mr. Secretary, you are doing this on the evil drug trade which you say is so despicable."

"What I say Miss Garvas, and what I do are two different things."

"Are you telling me then that I cannot trust you?"

"You have no choice. I want you to keep on top of the good doctor, and pass on to me whatever discovery he makes. If it turns out to be as great as Newton says, we may not have to wait for a revolution to change our ways. Maybe the secrets contained in the cave message will do that for us, and we can stop the drug trade, and you and your father will be free to do whatever you wish. This I promise you."

Jess and Laura came outdoors to say goodnight and thank the Secretary for a most enjoyable evening. "It was an outstanding beginning," said Jess.

"I'm glad you had a good time," replied Obispo.

"And I would like to say how nice it has been meeting you Miss Garvas."

"Thank you Doctor. I am looking forward to working with you and Dr. Mason."

The black Mercedes was waiting out front. Obispo and Margo shook hands as they waved when the limousine turned out of the front yard.