Atlantis: Resurgence

By Tim Garner

Originally the idea for the novel stems out an animated Disney movie.

This particular work has been a lifelong unique ‘baby’, project, work-in-progress, from its inception a long time ago in a galaxy far far away—heading to its current state of progress, IN a galaxy far far far away – it truly is neverending, though despite its plot/ nonplot -centered surprises, takes an interestingly circuitous, if expanded route to its comforting ultimate message.

Sci-fantasy adventure readers will (likelier) attach or more thoroughly, enjoy the array of groupings of characters, both temporary and more permanent, while similar others will find relaxation and enjoyment in the mega- farout -ness of the voyage, story points within sub-stories and the hows of(the vivid, lurid, prismatic parts of) their sub-tellings along the way. For instance, some may even be curious as to distinguish and strain the intermittent sci-fact from sci-fi.

Buckle up and prepare for adventure on a grand scale !

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669806967

Book preview

Copyright © 2022 by Tim Garner.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 02/22/2022

Xlibris

844-714-8691

www.Xlibris.com

835039

Contents

BOOK I

Acknowledgements:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

Chapter 72

Chapter 73

Chapter 74

Chapter 75

Chapter 76

Chapter 77

Chapter 78

Chapter 79

Chapter 80

Chapter 81

Chapter 82

Chapter 83

Chapter 84

Chapter 85

Chapter 86

Chapter 87

Chapter 88

Chapter 89

Chapter 90

Chapter 91

Chapter 92

Chapter 93

Chapter 94

Chapter 95

Chapter 96

Chapter 97

Chapter 98

Chapter 99

Chapter 100

Chapter 101

Chapter 102

Chapter 103

Chapter 104

Chapter 105

Chapter 106

Chapter 107

Chapter 108

Chapter 109

Chapter 110

Chapter 111

Chapter 112

Chapter 113

Chapter 114

Chapter 115

Chapter 116

Chapter 117

Chapter 118

Chapter 119

Chapter 120

Chapter 121

Chapter 122

Chapter 123

Chapter 124

Chapter 125

Chapter 126

Chapter 127

Chapter 128

Chapter 129

Chapter 130

Chapter 131

Chapter 132

Chapter 133

Chapter 134

Chapter 135

Chapter 136

Chapter 137

Chapter 138

Chapter 139

Chapter 140

Chapter 141

Chapter 142

Chapter 143

Chapter 144

Chapter 145

Chapter 146

Chapter 147

Chapter 148

Chapter 149

Chapter 150

Chapter 151

Chapter 152

Chapter 153

Chapter 154

Chapter 155

Chapter 156

Chapter 157

Chapter 158

Chapter 159

Chapter 160

Chapter 161

Chapter 162

Chapter 163

Chapter 164

Chapter 165

Chapter 166

Chapter 167

Chapter 168

Chapter 169

Chapter 170

Chapter 171

Chapter 172

Chapter 173

Chapter 174

Chapter 175

Chapter 176

Chapter 177

Chapter 178

Chapter 179

Chapter 180

Chapter 181

Chapter 182

Chapter 183

Chapter 184

Chapter 185

Chapter 186

Chapter 187

Chapter 188

Chapter 189

Chapter 190

Chapter 191

Chapter 192

Chapter 193

Chapter 194

BOOK I

The author is a highly imaginative and creative craftsman who has been called a ‘wordsmith’ by Ed, an elder fellow writer from a decades-long creative writing group. As well as ‘a great storyteller’ by Tim, another old wise friend.

While perhaps actually even done to most degrees, the message of the novel includes life IS out there and we just need to travel and seek it. The author relates and is highly motivated by astronomy, having seen the ring nebula, Jupiter and Andromeda, telescopically speaking.

The author has 3 poems published in an anthology, The Poetry Table, in 2017. It is a high caliber group of active poets (and a painter!). He is an art reviewer, artblogger of titled ‘Artblogspot Nova4Baza’ inspired by an artist friend (, Dasha Bazanova.) He wrote poetry, prose since adolescence, true to life journals-logs of his trips abroad, and enjoyed doing analytical English essays as a teen in school, and had a published short French piece in a high school publication. Another published high school piece was done in English. He has numerous (~250?) short, non/ poetry works written over the last decade and a half from Creative Writing Group led by Columbia students in NYC. He assembled a book of poets and artists posthumously, The Diamond Lens, for 2 of its 7 poets. He submitted an original article on Notre Dame, on fire in April 2019, to Time recently, thanks to encouragement from his fiancée, Nancy.

Acknowledgements:

'For The Noah's:' the ever talented Noah F., and my beloved Nancy's grandson Noah B.

To aunt Elizabeth, Nancy, Julius, Anna, mom and dad Francoise & Irving, Karen, Richard and the Abrahamses, and

In heaven: dear priceless aunt Elizabeth, uncle Jean, uncles Marty, David, aunt Renee, Glen Alleton, and unforgettable Grandpa Jacob, Grandma Berthe,

& to Nancy's bro & sis Lance and Barbara. Thanks to Lee Brownlee and a nod to Garrett Buhl Robinson. Thanks' to Nina and Randy for your literary efforts, pursuits, knowledge, talents, and support, & to Randy for participation.

Thanks to Heather for my cats: Heather and Summer, and Lin for Ludwig, Christy for Gummy and Bunkling, for accompanying me during endless ongoing writing days.

Thanks for you all, and whatever inspiration you had on me.

Chapter 1

(**Begin type 9/8/09 -08/-09 Pm)

I KNEW there was someone home that night. Indeed, a fine outline illuminated the window. Whatever doubt was cast by my misperceptions of what may have been taking place beyond that window certainly may eventually be judged or weighed; for now we must simply wait and see. It was truly that exquisite manner by which the figure being mentioned was outlined, incredulously still yet alive; it was a compelling motionlessness really that drew one’s attention. The sheer anonymity turned to a curious affinity- I would make it my goal to learn what was silhouetted in that window.

All manner of sights and sounds were aflutter in that springtime of ’99. I had recently returned from an exporting/ research/ hiking venture amid the mountains of the North Andes. I yearned and begged to reconnect and find Troy Benson, John Bartis & Phil to seek out the real changes of a day in the life. Phil’s kids were in high school and college now, so we’d have more time to wax about future plans, a topic we had rarely let out into the open due to previous constraints. I would relish that moment together.

Overall those sights amounted to a lofty pile of stimuli. Between the Memorial Day parade, a new International Carnival Day of sorts, the Mayor’s Ball, several block parties and a wedding, I had at least two kids’ birthdays I didn’t miss. Don’t leave out the dog walking/ rare breed puppy show and the usual rock &jazz concerts by the sea and babysitting for the Simms. It was as if a new speed skating and rollerblading sensation has begun, there were scores of youngsters out replete with their elbowguards on.

The honesty I was missing and vehemently searching for may have been found a number of ways. That comfort of simple discovery of who you are amongst the throngs and observation of movements; enjoyment of urban rhythm; gatherings set to music; observation out of the window of a bus ‘in rhythm.’ This is when she appeared to me.

WAKING up I realized that things were going slow and adding up fast. There was a lot that happened before I had gone and hit me in the past day, where I felt as if I’d left something unfinished behind and it was missing.

The gnawing that puzzled me finally revealed itself during breakfast with John- we took a sunny seat by the window and I began with what happened before I left for the Andes. I mentioned my failed bid for the bridge project and the fire and being witness to a relative’s miscarriage, the habitual disappointments. Nothing out of the ordinary for certain, then I chuckled, flittingly glancing out the window; and catching a sunray, back at John. He ordered and then simply poured on and on how he had it with this and that and his job and his stepsisters who wouldn’t stop hounding him to get it together and find someone. I could tell how he would be sick of them yet it nagged me and I had to tell him maybe he was letting them get to him and they had a point he ought to go on his own. We toasted then to a point well-made and well taken. He had worked hard at the magazine and had saved anyway, it was his time, for his talent, and to move south.

After carving and delving awhile I could begin to untangle how I came to where I was in my life- There was no commitment, or emotional tie. This vast of freedom which I thought would carry me far in fact led me back to the same place.

Chapter 2

I knew the world was changing before my very eyes; I also felt I needed to take more time to understand it, so I could blend with it. I was beginning to see the outline in the window a tad clearer now; it took on the form of a dark figure with a white halo of sorts around it; he appeared over and over several times. Then I knew it had to represent, someone who was no longer there. Was the silhouette a shadow or a construct of my imagination? A real person’s outline or time under the bridge? Was it someone in particular or was it none of my business, a figure that would integrally aid me in figuring out the answer of my own that I needed, or was he random? The main question I posed now was not what nor how, but who. To partially allay the questioning I had, I decided to let it go for now. Whomever it was would need to wait for me for a change.

John and I both talked a while longer gulping coffee and taking in eager impassioned short stories about my recent trip while we looked at each other and out the window, at the same time wondering what was on the other’s mind. Y’know, I’ve really taken all I can, that’s it, he suddenly piped.

Suddenly, something important struck me at that moment. If he was going to start over, why not start again together? I had to let him finish:

I just don’t know, (Darrel). I mean I work at a good job, I try and try, I serve on the citizen’s advisory board, Church/ Baptist Hospital Cancer Research Board, and I’m making it with side commissions for my better hi profile longtime friends, but Darrel- you know that thing eating at you that just won’t go away?

Do I?, I mirrored with a hinting gleam in my eye. I have a proposition for you, as a matter of fact. Which actually by this point on this day, several were swimming through my mind.

"There’s an expedition I have to share with you that’s been long overdue. I mean, one that needs you to make it a complete fait accompli. Care to listen to more?"

"You do have my attention. Are you sure you want me? I’m intrigued, I am, but am I your man?"

I hesitated, because I hadn’t contacted Phil yet, but it clicked on John because after all, he was the one complaining about looking for a new life, new situation and all.

You are for the best part, my man. Let me introduce my big plan/ gambit: Don’t tremble or start squawking to everyone you know. For our sake, this ought to be kept out of the press’ sight for now, Capeesh? He kind of nodded with a slight look of half interest. I went on. We’re on a mission to uncover the ancient lost island of Thera. I choose this because there is a true tie I have to that land, and I could use you for a number of real good reasons. Not to mention Thera may lead us to other places…So, what do ya say, you’ll think about it won’t you?

‘Just think about it… from Thera which I understand was submerged by a (catastrophic) tidal wave, we move onto other mighty sites… Corsica, Petra, Angkor Wat, Rock-Cut temples in China, other locales all over the Greek Isles, even Anatolia, the Western part of Turkey that once was the fortified city of Troy. Who can predict where the adventure will eventually lead us? I believe there was a common thread to these lost cultures which could yield treasures worth of fantastic discoveries and insights into the nature and bettering of our world. Take a breath. I know it’s a lot to handle.

Too much, in fact. I don’t know, I’m planning to change a few things, but …this may be a lot more than what I had in mind. In any event, I need some time.

Take all the time you need. When you’ve decided, contact me here at this number: 717 555-2547

‘Will do. Y’know you drive a hard one. If there’s a way, I’d see to it I’d go. I’ve little family, or support and that has a give and take anyways, and so like I could be game. I’m curious one thing though- how did this all come about?’

It’s been brewing beneath my surface awhile, y’know-. I’d been mainly researching like looking at all sorts of sources, even doing flips in my head about what I could do when it just strikes me that what I need is a great grand voyage of learning adventure as far as I can spiritually and mentally. I mean away from the in-out daily humdrum grind, yes? Right, I thought. Bingo! This makes a whole hill of sense which is a whole lot more than the senselessness that wasn’t there before.

‘Ha, y’know Darrel you have a way of putting that insinuates funny and integrates with fresh perspective that adds up to being convincing. I may just join you on that wild ride of yours.’

‘Great, see you a week from tomorrow at the old pier by the brick boathouse.’

‘Hey wait a sec. Just like that. You need to fill in a few details,’

‘Right. Well aside from don’t forget goggles and a decent size fanny pack, guess I’ll be seeing you, say 9:30 sharp? Gotta go now, bye.’

‘Yep--- guess…I’ll….be there!! See you then"

Chapter 3

I saw at a distance a slim figure appear in the window by the old fountain off the square. It appeared instantaneously and then as quickly as it appeared, disappeared as an apparition would.

I’d quite a stack of work to do, a feat by no means made simpler by a brush with John. Blartis was the kind of friend you know would be there, but couldn’t always trust to keep it together. He once had to be rushed to the hospital after being hit by a van in broad daylight, and things randomly happened to him that didn’t make for smooth-sailing adventure.

First off I simply HAD to track down Phil Drasch. Last time I was near being on his trail, I was dumbstruck by how many locales he was actually in or how many hotels he had been listed as staying at in a short time, say a year and 2 months; 71 hotels in 19 countries, 25 hotels in 18 states, 53 in 41 cities, the statistics continued. While implausible that this was all actually Phil himself, I realized that certain assignments had brought him down these various paths to where he would be led, in a nutshell higgledy-piggledy, here there & everywhere.

While I hadn’t seen Phil in the flesh for a solid five years, I believed I might have luck tracking him via his wife, who last time appeared to have been staying at an in-laws for some reason or other that wasn’t that revealing, she was the private type who revealed anything with a short smile on a need-to-know basis. Why there would be a need here was clear: Phil had invested hugely in the transatlantic shipping industry greatly in the fifties and early eighties, had amassed a sizeable fortune and was poised to provide a sincere amount of resources through his latest venture company, DSS/ PD Worldwide. With at least twenty Cargo Loaders, midsize ship carriers and three or so small cruise-style passenger ships, Phil could ‘Pull his own weight.’ where I needed to. Besides there was one critical question that I really needed answered. This involved subsea explorations.

Getting his wife on the phone proved easier than I expected yet was compensated by getting through to get her to talk about Phil’s contact info which was much more difficult. While we were bantering, Mrs. Drasch explained that among her problems with her ‘declining health’ and not finding the proper care for her sister-in-law, Phil was seeming more distant, almost as if he was preoccupied with something. She seemed to feel it was mostly work, but maybe he was getting too caught up in the ships themselves, or being at sea too often. She sounded worried, in fact. Then the big Why do you want Phil after catching up for so many hours it felt like oh what’s going on this, how are you that, etc.

Yes, a long time has passed, I half droned.

"And what pray have you been up to? No more staying out. And that last lady you were seeing? She was nice for a change. I remember when you were first seeing one another. She’d broke it off with her ex-Navy partner.

So, any news from your latest trip?

Oh, yes we made out okay and went to the Bahamas for a spell before she had to get back to work. You know, once that bell starts to ring there’s just not time to lie on a beach.

Right you are these days. I went to Florida and Georgia for not even five days before someone back home needed…., ya de ya de yaa.

So we caught up, and finally there it was in the open and I led into my exploratory nature, how my last business venture tanked and I needed a solid footing and Phil was really able to help me, no offense that Phil seems to be gently going to sea too often and I could help her keep tabs on him...?

None taken, I was indeed surprised. The old hubby gave up staying around the house much less in one place that day Eisenhower appeared on television with the fireplace in back. I remember Phil’s reaction: Let’s never, never, ever, ever be like him." What I remember is that within the year we had more money to buy as many fireplaces as we ever could and I had no idea how. Phil was happy because we never watched another fireside chat again. Although we enjoyed our own living room, OUR OWN fireplace and several others also, many years thereafter.

After listening to her for awhile, at which it was time for me to set the plans in motion, she proposed a method by which I could contact him. I would go to the pier at dawn by the Long Wharf and find the schedule there- the SS Winsmoor pulled in at an average of once every 2 months and he was the chief officer on it, I would notice the off-white and deep blue cap.

My deepest, deepest gratitude for putting me in Phil’s reach again….

Oh, if you do get hold of him, let him know I really miss him…. She blurted, nearly in tears.

Handkerchief? I will, I Will, Miss Drasch! !

I wanted to console this woman who evidently had been waiting to see him a good long while. I promise, I will tell him that you need to see him as soon as he can, in fact. I meant it, if to the extent that I understood his sense of adventure.

You’re a darling, she murmured with a sniff, then shockingly reached out and put her arms around me briefly.

The best of luck in everything We both rose and she led me to the door, half heartbroken and delicate, then we waved and parted. I could see her heavily walk upstairs, as if resigned to some prolonged solitude or exile.

The next morning I was up early tallying some noted with the expedition in mind, especially what essentially I needed for equipment and crew-wise when the phone rang. It was Bartis:

Hi, Darrel? It’s me. I have some very good news. I’ve rounded up two more old buddies of ours who I’m sure you’d agree would go great with our adventure… I’m sure you’ll be happily surprised when you find out who I requisitioned…

Hi John. Lay it on me- who, then?

"First, I got Alex Johnsonette. He was MIA for the past year until someone phoned in to the hotel they thought he’d been staying at and finally after awhile they led him to a club of some sort out in the mountains, the Poconos or the Eastern Mountain Driving Range Club, anyways you remember Alex the geographer/ amateur paleontologist who missed his PhD. In Minnesota but wrote for National Geographic sometime in the early ‘80s?

Yeah, right. How’d he sound? Ready for adventure, and come what may?

Sure, wait to hear about more of the gang. Remember Janice GoFarchy? How about Sara Makowski? And Kathy Christiansen. And who could forget the unforgettable, unstoppable, inimitable, unparalleled not to mention undeniably attractive Stephania de la Rocca? She had to be the smartest, most driven lovely human being ever to have a degree in oceanography anyone could daydream about if there way imaginativeness left in the world.

And of course you grabbed hold of all of these former flings ‘n things by the throat, arm or phone?

"You know it. And Darrel, you’re not going to believe what’s next.

Probably not. Try me.

"All of them, each and every name in the category listed above is interested in your deepsea voyage- so enthusiastic are they in fact, that they’ll climb aboard your vessel- FOR FREE. That’s right, just for the asking.

Well that’s good to hear. Quite a relief considering I could essentially hardly cover them, even for the price of food over several weeks. Y’know…

"I hear ya, how sad. I mean, how wonderful. What a godsend that they’re all willing to lend their respective talents to this endeavor deepsea-wise, and otherwise.

"Right. We’ll see to it each and every one not only has a welcome place aboard the USS Exploress, but lives to tell the tale too, that meaning be assured they’ll be well provided for. Let’s get this show on the road!

Alex was a long haired self-abducted hermit who nobody had spoken of since the days when people gave a darn about family, afterschool activities and partying at Carnevale. Who knew he’d show up at the minute we needed him most? Unpredictability, the only thing we have that‘s predictable, mostly.

Otherwise, Janice GoFlarchy was the kind of gal who wouldn’t open her mouth for weeks and weeks and weeks and finally when you were tired of waiting she’d give you this big news like she discovered a lost island not on the map or that she figured out what year precisely Atlantis sank. When she smiled butterflies would start fluttering, I’d start stuttering, and it’d be like I hadn’t taken my eyes off her like in ninth grade when we did science homework together.

Sara and Kathy were friends ever since nineteen years ago when they met on a retreat into the woods for outdoors types who a had a penchant for exploring nature’s bounty and environmental friendliness. They vowed to save the earth from its environmental enemies and created a division of their local rotary club together in addition to lobbying and marching in Washington together when they had a rare sunny weekend. Kathy had three lovely children, Sara was divorced, although her ex left her a huge summer house in central Oregon and when the temps were mild enough. Sara would bring the kids there for some nature appreciation and immersion. And homemade pie, among other things, like a nuclear family.

Sara’s sister, Breanna had troubles with her relationships and though herself was credentialed, highly respected as a professor of paranormal/ environmental sociology in Eugene, also couldn’t seem to relate well to Sara. It was a bit the rivalry with Kathy that fueled the whole threesome- making things uneasy.

If we’d backtrack to Kathy, we would enjoy some moments together, that is where Kathy and I spent moments together that defined our days as young activists pursuing a cause that had some chance of making a splash or making something worth what could be interpreted as passion, a budding desire to improve things. Then, like everything temporal spatial, we drifted apart like two wavelengths at the end of a spectrum. And thanks to Bartis, here she was again, within reach. You could taste it, feel her energy flowing through you as you got things done on the national stage.

What a day it was. I’d really gotten some hope moving things forward in the direction I’d wanted. How they all somehow managed to agree to join us on a vivid journey for so little in return I have as yet to discover- for now I know what my mission will be- to track and smack down Phil Drasch, the most elusive hombre this side of the Mississippi.

Chapter 4

The need to hunt down Phil was growing more urgent than ever. I had an entire boatful of scientific underwater researchers – a whole team of scientists –without a boat to move them through the water. Fitting I should still be searching for the ex-Captain Phil. What greatness spurred me on traveled from the rear of my mind to the phone in about nine seconds.

Yes, Darrel here.

Of course. This is Jerrold DuRemieux, second in command to our Hon. Capt. Philip Drasch of the USS Intrepid- Mary reporting. How the heck are you doing out there, Commander??!

Why, fine… I think. How did you find me so quick? And who told you… to get in touch with me.?

Zat would be ze monsieur’s wife who eez responsible for zat, monsieur. I am simply ze messenger for ze captain of ze ship, Monsieur…..

"Yes, yes we know who ze Monsieur is. Well. Am I relieved to hear from all of you. So I believe we all must be in this together, there is much to accomplish in a limited time. Incidentally, what was your position aboard ship?"

"I am second class Officer Lt. Admiral DuRumieux, monsieur aboard USS Intrepid- Mary. I am to understand zat you have the honor of being an old friend of ze Capitaine?"

That’s right. Phil and I go all the way back to early college days. We seeminglyhave come a long way since then.

Yes, eet eez nice to see such long ago close friends reunite een a gesture of zolidareety.

"What was zat, officer. Eh, repetez, s’il vous plait ?"

Eh, oui, I zimply said s o l i d a r i t y.

"Oh, right of course. Yes, well we sure have major plans ahead. That much I can tell you.

"Zat eez to imply there eez quite a large part zat you are not able to tell me, oui?

"Eh, yes. I’d better not divulge too many details of our subsea exploratory voyage until when I can finally get the details in a coherent order- it would be misleading otherwise. Besides being both not to mention Federal rated US © classified, and we cannot possibly have any idea where the mission will lead, officer Rumieux."

I’m sure you’re aware of the risks, dangers and hazards one faces as it is, yet it would be prudent to have the necessary preparations in place before talking too much about half-baked news prior to being fully ready.

Yes, I am aware of zees, sir.

Certainly sir, you are aware of the new regulations for C-Class subsea vessels under sustained deepsea voyage.

Eh, I... certainly do know zees.

And excuse me, but I believe there are several new procedures which must be followed before an assembled crew enters ze vessel and climbs aboard, you know particularly safety…

Yes, yes why as a matter of fact…

Anyhow, I am sure you would be, monsieur.

Right….. Let’s just say I need Phil Drasch and his….. expertise and professional opinion just as soon as possible. Honestly, it would behoove me not only to discuss this thoroughly beforehand but also to let’s say, cover the extent of my itinerary.

Alors, you will need ze captain amongst his peers as well. Will you not? I shall zee to it zat you shall receive ze guidance and meeting of ze minds you require, monsieur. Rest azzured zat all will be taken care of by me and my ztaff of highly trained professionals, ok?

Fine by me, Rumieux, and thank you from ze bottom of my heart. I need all your cooperation. Of course I don’t want to be too much trouble. Darrel joyfully punctuated.

Zat, au contraire, is what we are ‘ere for.

I was busy in my office trying to take account of the situation at hand- more calls, beginning contacts and accounts with vendors and suppliers, also polishing any government brass on or near the knuckles wherever I had left a stone unturned the past few months. Just to inform, its key that my DOD clearance had run out in two sectors, yet were somehow remaining alive in another three.

As I was making like the fifth necessary call to a supplier of oversized extra efficient diesel motors, which came after two jet propulsion device overseas manufacturers, I received a call regarding the mooring of my vessel, the USS Exploress, and its whereabouts on the far Eastern coast of North Carolina, nearer to Durham but not far from Greenville.

I was instructed that I must have my mooring permit within 30 days of departing and to secure a renewal upon return on or around 30 days of it, as the case may be. To enjoy the benefits the office of Mooring and Ports Authority must have a record on file. The benefits may not be outstanding, but the ladies on the phone seemed to be having a good time.

Remember, we have a date set for the paperwork, doll. Now, I need to ask you a few things-

I sensed gum being chewed, perhaps dates or raisins.

First, the length of the vessel.

Would make it an underwa—

The length, captain, I’ll get to that one in a moment, all in due time. ‘kay?

Yes, ‘course. 717 feet 6 inches.

…Six …inches. Got it. Now the big one. What type of vessel and for what purpose?

Long-range subsea Class F Steel Alloy Italian manufactured Decevecchi all electronic propulsion model C-Z41AA01-7A hydroelectric diesel backup power exploration vessel.

Ahh, that’d mean hydroelectric power….. And the purpose of the voyage is deepsea exploration, yes?

That’s correct…There’s a bit more to it, but solely limited to deepsea as such, I—

That should do fine for now. Save all the finery for later on in the afternoon in case I feel like working after lunchtime. We’ll be in touch I’m sure, Mr… Anyhow, what did you say your name was…?

Darrel…And yours?

Rosanna…We’ll contact you when it’s time for you know, the big horn to blow. Bye now.

The problem was that the diesel motors had been recently sent into the plants for reinspection and overhauling, based on a faultily designed switchplug involving hydrothrusting.

Needless to say I was peeved as this could be a foreseen delay in the larger enigma of planning a voyage to parts relatively unknown if not even existent as we know it currently. As far as I can fathom and according to reports, estimates and research, I have at this moment an approximate 3-4% chance of discovering a quasi-subterranean, nearly undetectable with standard radar half-eroded undersea world with current modes and advances in Naval technology. If the underwater pressure enables the vessel to climb through, I can count on fuel problems and hosts of other underwater menaces like undersea volcanoes to be in the way. Nothing is for certain, we simply ought to roll the dice in such a way that the pressure of the undercurrent traps us in a vortex. Being October as it was, we could have the ship ready by mid-April and have it in gear by May. I had to get on the phone with several suppliers to iron out some deficiencies and inconsistencies- one being the steering connections, and the mighty task was the midsea radar apparati, a central system of three apparati that had to be calibrated properly for optimum sensory capability. The other part I need to iron out was my head and its creating a navigable journey through the water. There were chats about global warming trends in the upper mid-Atlantic that attempted to spark cautionary concern or instill preventative measures to explorers. The nature of exploration being to conserve all mindful resources available, there seemed no reason for red flags. The ship was a later model C24, meaning the fuel discharge and recycling mechanism was advanced so as not to trouble the underwater ecosystem.

While I was thinking about GPS navigation and typing into my Pocket PC, who but Kathy was calling. I was sure it was Phil, but how unlikely is it for a sea captain to phone right off on an early Saturday afternoon. Hello, Darrel? Hi. Its Kathy, you remember me of course. Kathy Christiansen!

‘Yes, yes Kathy hi, no need to re-introduce. How on earthy have you been?"

"Y’know, not too shabby. I could complain, but then I might give away just how good I really am."

Sure, what’s new? Last I heard you had some rugrats that had no business being under your lovely roof? I shuddered a bit, perhaps at having been blunt in a way I hoped could recant if needed. Luckily, Kathy was amused.

Very suave, but actually they aren’t mine. I just love kids, actually. They get to be quite a handful as you might realize. Who knows, maybe someday….

I couldn’t quite listen to the end of that sentence, so I invented an ending in my left brain to the tune of…. ‘We could think about raising a few of our own. If you wouldn’t mind, Kathy lets slow this a hair before we both…

"…..You could join us at the home in Eugene. We’ve fresh fruits, strawberries, oj, milk, eggs, all shipped daily from a nearby farm. The air is gorgeous. There’s a warm breeze kicking in from the sound that has a constant evenness, We’re not even far from town where we like to go into the local scene. There are events for kids all the time, too, even a themed ski area with sports, relaxation, fireplaces, books…

Ehh, that’s great Kathy. But you might know that at the very moment I have an undersea exploration to plan and it’s not easy to get it all to up and happen.

I’m sorry, I was getting carried away. Of course, Darrel, you know I’m always game for some adventure. I could feel her large, gorgeous tantalizing smile taking a stab at my mind, poking jabs of wild sunrays all through my skin and pores, slightly calming my heartbeat yet at the same time elevating it….."

She smiled right through the phone-

"I’d love to be your first mate or however it works. Perhaps there’s a job that you don’t realize yet for me…Darrel, I could man or woman the periscope. Better yet I could be captain scuba diver… The scuba leader, if you will.

Kathy, I don’t know if a woman would be…

Suited for man’s work? Is that it? Is that all you have to say? Because let me inform you mister, if you think this gal doesn’t pack some muscle you’ve got another thing coming.

No, Kathy I didn’t mean-

I know Darrel, I know you didn’t mean anything by it. But you implied it, yet it feels. What I’m getting at is that I’m not going to be reduced in stature to some phone-answering, secretarial, half-wit nobody that can’t saddle her own boots and not talk when spoken and not walk when it’s time to bring out the heavy fishing gear.

Well, as a matter of fact, Kath I had much, much more bountiful ideas in mind for our adventuresome voyage into the blue…For instance, you could be the charge of the fishing trawlers, maybe even the shrimp trappers and lobster catchers. Of course we need to provide fresh food and drink every so often, and since you mention the wonderful fresh food on your property that you seem to handle so well, you could… I could sense that my crewmember would not be an easy sell, or even easy to dole ouit positions on my ship. Just having Kathy there’d be all the adventure you could hope for, really. She behaved herself.

Well, I don’t know, I’ll think about it…But you think twice, mister Captain, sir. This lady might have to haul a few trawlers and might have to make it through the dangerous parts of the voyage or else might be tempted to throw her captain overboard. I sensed a warm chuckle suddenly.

It will feel so darn good to have you on board y’know?! The unstoppable biker, hiker, triathlete, rancher, surrogate aunt Kathy.

Don’t forget how lucky you are. I just also completed deepsea diver certificate training, and came back from a short two- week mission, all off Puget Sound.

I don’t think I will …forget…

Chapter 5

Suddenly it struck me as I was longingly staring out the window of my study, looking at the vast greenery stretching like water and the immense yellowish blue of the sky that I had a serious crew to cherish, direct, shape and that each miniscule or macro interconnection between one and other would decide the fate of the long, arduous sinuous complex voyage that lay before us. For posterity’s sake, I should addendum that the adventure should aim toward discovery, to science and geography, and to the inquisitive and rich, lovingly eager young minds everywhere, waiting for a seashell on the beach, a treasure from the sea, a dolphin or humpback whale’s tail to be spotted from afar. For science, it is needless to say the impact of the unearthing of an entire underwater lost civilization.

Speaking of the crew, I honestly needed an assistant planning director to sit with me in order I should direct planning efforts like grease conducts electricity along a wire- like a funnel guides water into a bottle- like wax glides skis down a mountain- okay already. So it wasn’t without reason I had been in touch with Jordana Whibblesblythe, who had not only served as coordinator and organizing genius before on several key occasions, but had been right there as well serving as moral support.

She’d found her way to me, literally one day just when the grand scheme of how to arrive from the middle north coordinates to the west, rather eastern middle coordinates with Exploress III had about taken shape- The movements she’d achieved after the east middle were still formulating as the undercurrents were severe near Gibraltar, and I had to anticipate ramping it up or Plan B would have to kick in. Anyway, my steady gaze out my better window in the productive part of my study was without fruit interrupted as a loud rap on the door came five times. I opened up welcomingly.

Jordana, what in heavens name brings you here. I motioned her in.

She buoyantly flew past me and seemed to be on autopilot as there was no stop, pause, even for breath-

…Whoa, you cannot imagine the traffic Darrel, or even the quality of the scenery here, spoiled by it. It was tough to think about the trip we’re taking on the way here, Darrel. Anyhow, how ARE you… She lurched over with an oversize hug and kiss, falling back.

"Yessir, anyhow… onto business. What we need in a voyage of this importance and magnitude is to really be taken seriously, we’re talking maybe 15-20 reporters doing their best coverage, and then a committee.

Whoa, hold right there, Jordana. You’re crazy- first, no reporters second- I thought you’d do the honors of being my committee.

Okay, fine, fine, we knew that was out. So let’s do this. She sat down together with me in the study on a leatherback chair. We need a two group system. Pairs of crewmembers aligned for efficiency and specialty. Now who do we have and what -Sara-, Kathy- diver/ seafood harvester, looks like a team. Pair 1. John, bounty hunter of sorts- Alex, geography expert/ paleontologist. Pair 2. Phil, that’s going to be your biggest, most painful headache. He needs the head leadership role, and I don’t want that to interfere with your role in any way. You need complementary roles. Like he’s right brain and you’re left, like president and VP. 2 talents, 2 mutual checks and balances, 1 master navigator, 1 head planner you get it, call it what you will.

Essentially, you’ll be bouncing off one another.

Or bouncing Exploress III into a coral reef.

That really won’t happen. We don’t need a navigational expert, do we? If so, I can recommend… a Navy pilot who…

GPS expert would be handy to consult with. Maybe on the ex-Navy side of the equation. There’s someone who has time to tell us the latest up-to-date technology and has enough patience to familiarize us with what we need to get this voyage where it needs to go.

‘…Ok. I wasn’t finished. We have also; Janice and Stephania, archaeologist and linguist, Matt LaWilammette and Cecilia DiNuncio, oceanographer illustré/ navigator and marine biologist, whom you were both close with, and finally Robert and Richard, engineer and doctor/ scientist. In an offhand manner, Jordana expressed By the way, how do Sara and Kathy get along around one another?"

Fine, as far as I know. Kathy’s great with Sara’s kids.

"The key is to see if they can work together during a sea voyage, But seeing as they’ve spent enough time together in close quarters all should work out. Now, I’d hazard to say we have the majority of the crew accounted for. Now onto planning that boat out into the great blue sea.

We have a journey of stages, After initial liftoff so to speak from the port at Fort Wadsworth, at about 2 meridians east we hit Atlantic time. 2 more until Greenwich time. Then things heat up. We’ll be transferred down the sixth northward crosscurrent at which point the channel southward waters sweep us to Rome time, central North Mediterranean. Three important stages, thus far with me?

Check.

Good. Now we have to manage past the warm waters which although highly navigable cause currents that are exceedingly slow. At least we’re of the dark mid-deep and into brighter pastures, but not for too long. Because by the Adriatic waters, we have to begin the descent to stage IV. This lasts for a time until it really gets tricky. The descent will be ultra-fuel conscious also due to major turning radii that we have to anticipate. Still there?

Let me hazard a guess. Stage V is when it starts to get really tricky, yes?

"You know it. Upon leaving the Adriatic will be crosscurrent and downward current causing not only turbulence but major acceleration and piloting issues… followed by sharp increases in water pressure, lowered visibility and severe temperature changes as the descent forges on…

I was soaking in the implications of Jordana’s story when it occurred to me that the implications actually were beginning to set me completely free: Instead of the Nobel Prize or government licenses, on my mind, was paid more to matters of the soul. She was a prize, that subsea torpedo.

Much like that time in Ibiza when sand met sea and by that turquoise pearl and orange- vermilion cliff was a two story house that was more than life itself: The rhythm of joy and eternal life could easily be found within its walls. Fiesta for midday and salsa all evening electrified the sweet melody that was the Spanish eye smiling form that paradise sky. I believe as always in paradise on earth which we were on the road to find come early spring. There was a poetry in the paradise of the orange-fire sky. The lazy dust in the breeze matched the desert like impassioned sky, sending waves of motion through my blazing mind. Streaks of purplish orange cut through that orange. It all strangely foretold in my mind of the coral reefs, limitless subsea expanses that were popping through in myriad palettes of oranges, purples, even yellows, greens and reds. Even more strangely it reminded me of a bronze-brown hued lady.

…Opening my eyes I really couldn’t tell if what was before me was in a dream or real. The pathway of my dream to external; consciousness was indistinguishable…

Darrel….. DARREL! It was curt. I heard snapping fingers.

Suddenly, life snapped back into gear at that very moment.

Can we please come back down to earth here? It’s been two hours and I’m dreadfully sorry, but I have a train to make in half an hour.

Yes, Jordana, now will we need to hermetically seal the vessel twofold to make it down during the final stage. I’m asking in effect about the undercurrent pressure suctioning us.

The final stage while of concern, needn’t be a cause to worry. The electronic antigravity polarized pressure control processing unit equipped with this species of vessel is of the highest order. Designed for 85000 M descent capability- ultra heavy duty.

If that’s all Darrel… well I believe my part here’s done. Oh we’ll have to set regimens and chores for the crewmembers. This is best in male-male female-female groups. There won’t be much downtime but we can set aside 45 to an hour every few days…

Great. Jordana, my fullest gratitude. Without you as my assistant, I don’t know if we’d be ready. You’re marvelous in coordinating the subsea exploration effort. Can I invite you aboard, incidentally?

"Right now, Darrel, captain sir. I’ve a tram to catch. Otherwise, I’d be honored to entertain that thought seriously another time later. Tata for now.

Certainly, about two months away now I had to find the Exploress and give her a good, long once over- I was not content merely to let the others have all the fun and action while passively sitting around twiddling my thumbs. I needed to explore that ship of mine.

Roberto, donde estas mi bomba? La bomba submarinaioso? Por favor, hoy, si. I smiled through the receiver to the head marine engineer Dept. of Naval Exploration near Bethesda, MD.

Everything is ok so far. Going as planned, capitane. Except for one small detail, so I must look into it."

Don’t tell me its anything seriously worth sweating over, Roberto…I know since she was commissioned five years ago there’s hardly a scratch.

"Nothing like that, commandante. She’s in perfect condition. No marks, scratches or bruises. Oh she’s fine indeed I assure you. It’s simply I went to double-check the steering mechanism once more, for a final inspection before putting her out into the ocean waters. I am sure you understand me, yes? Surely you want to know your rudders and thrusters are working just as fine.

Yes I do. Better safe now than a one-way ticket later. Yes, Roberto?

I think we understand each other just fine, Darrel. When is it that she takes off. The final countdown, senor?

"We have no longer than two months to complete all final preparations, inspections, clearances before we board the USS Exploress, crew, adventure and all. And boy did we have quite a crew. I don’t think we could ask for more, quite honestly.

I think the hard truth even more honestly was this: we had better spice things up. First we had to round everyone up and foreseeing that in my mind being difficult, I had to put it all aside and let the sparks fly how they may. I gave nearly everyone in the gang a call that same day, for a round table meeting discussion and reconnaissance setting the date for February 15. Only one person, Cecilia the marine biologist objected, claiming there was a major family engagement

She had that day. We had met several days earlier, at a nice café by the water, it having been a warm breezy sunny afternoon, with excellent aromas and smells wafting in and from seaside, sounds of the boats jingling in the breeze.

So, Darrel I hear lots of good things regarding the little excursion of ours, or should I add major journey to discover the secrets of civilization that lie within the deep blue.

Well I couldn’t take all that sitting down. Yes I’m sure you’ve heard quite a bit. But not enough yet. So much lies ahead of us, at least compared to what we have behind us.

"Well I’m sure I’ll understand what that means when the time comes. In the meantime, how are reparations on Exploress coming along? All more or less on schedule?

Y’know, yah, except for the usual snag. For some reason, I didn’t feel I had to let her in on every bit and each and every in and out detail. I had an inkling somehow that approach would wind up catching up with me at some point along the way..." Just this and that. I’m ensuring we’re equipped with safe and adequate electronics and technology which will protect us as we advance. Also, stuff like the engine thrusters being up to snuff,

I guess all the usual up to par spot-checking that’s essential. She smiled, then the music kicked up a notch.

When you’re at this level you can’t leave much to chance. Anyhow, how about on your end? I stared her down disarmingly.

I’m making out ok I guess, but something seems to be…lacking. She paused as if totally elsewhere a minute, I had a big effort with my theses I was completing and the textbooks being finished and all. That was nice, to arrive somewhere after months of research and practically unending work. But we pulled together and finally got it done. Then, I don’t know, I was attending all sorts of dinners and events with colleagues, even the occasional function or two….Then, I snapped- I think it lasted a whole week- I just felt totally unmotivated, partially due to exhaustion from tireless hours at the lab or the computer, but then… then I realized… as I looked at the textbook and remembered the species in the fish tank and at the aquarium where some of the functions were held…that I had to see those beloved species firsthand, in their natural habitat.

And that’s when you know you were headed to the Adriatic on the voyage.

Well not so much right then as when I figured, after my father died recently of a hear-related congenital disease, that if I didn’t tear myself away from the lab I thought was my passion and soul, I just wouldn’t see all that was waiting for me out there, and time would pass…

And you’d miss the boat, figuratively and literally speaking I expressed condolences on her father’s passing.

"Well, I certainly had to count my blessings, I mean I had a wonderful position and great friends who were full of the stories and virtual tomes of knowledge and interesting facts, it simply lacked…pizzazz…I don’t quite know…luster…excitement. That last ingredient that needed icing as if it were a cake.

I smiled inside though without showing it. Here she was admitting our big voyage was to her the ingredient she lacked in her life…pizzazz.

For some reason I was stunned momentarily in disbelief. There was a brief silence, then she continued on. Yeah…I needed some excitement. So I took a trip to the beach, put on my scuba gear, headed with a friend to one of the farthest points near the fisheries, and went for a dive. I hadn’t gotten much more than 125 feet down when that’s really all it took to have something inside me say, Wow, I need to call Darrel soon. So we went down another 25 feet or so, 20 maybe, when we spotted the most colorful blowfish colony. And then I recall a school of large seabass and eel swim right through and around the rocks! Darrel, it was beautiful and eye opening. If you remain by the rocky undertow, on guard for grouper that peep out of nowhere. It happened to me, and luckily I moved out of the way just in time. Anyways, when I got back above water I had my mind made up, that’s basically my story."

Hmm, Cecilia it feels like you really need this. Not just to complement and round out your career. Bu t to sincerely satisfy the neglected region of your soul.

Y’know, Darrel my father bless his heart said to me early on, ‘Darling promise me only one thing. That you’ll follow your tender sound heart wherever it takes you.’ I try not to let either of us down.

I understood at that moment that it meant the same to both of us not to negotiate when it came to matters regarding your heart. Knowing what we shared in common I exclaimed,

I’ll try my best not to let either of us or our crew down, Cecilia. In that sense I agree with both you and your father.

As she looked back at me her face seemed to light up like a Christmas tree. Oh, Darrel, if you only knew… She craned slightly and planted a kiss on my cheek, smiled, turned and strode right out.

Chapter 6

Time was marching steadily onward as I awoke the next morning early. The music was playing too, as I heard the distant sound of drums. It all signified something. That the music was playing, that it was playing so early in the morning. And the fact it was playing in the distance at all. I felt that I’d already missed out on something in those wee hours as the sky itself was still in the process of awakening. The high seas were indeed calling. Yesterday, it was children outside in packs and droves, the day before neighbors, husbands, and wives and lovers shouting, and before partygoers, friends, and soulmates, best friends and classmates sharing ideas and eager simple joys of all sorts throughout the afternoon. Combined with the outdoor markets and vendor’s stalls in the square, fish market activity and street musicians, I realized that there was quite an overall harmonized bit I had been missing. Certainly there had to be a moment I could let up and smell the daisies.

Alas, it was not to be. Not yet, anyhow. Instead there was a knock at the door. I stopped staring out of the rear window by the yard, collected myself and when I arrived at the door I noticed a short dusty gray haired fellow, about my height standing there. When I finally opened up he said as matter-of –factly :

Mr. Darrel. Captain of the USS Exploress? He appeared to have some sort of large envelope in his hand.

Yes? I retorted back, wide eyed.

Message for you, Mr. Captain, He looked right at me. From Phil Drasch, Senior Commander-in-charge, at-sea of the USS Intrepid-Mary. Urgent He began to turn away, then added with a tinge of interest, Extremely urgent! I suggest I let you find out for yourself at once.

Thank you! I shouted. As I did, he had zoomed off in his Lincoln sedan.

This was quite unexpected. Phil and I were scheduled to meet by the piers a few days from now. What could this be about? I prayed his wife didn’t have another baby, or that there were complications in his health. I really wasn’t good with unexpected surprises.

I took out the letter, unfolded it, and began to read in my study, back in the study.

Darrel, if you are reading this this may all be a bit overwhelming at first, but you must trust me. What we are about to embark upon will be a voyage of major significance, not only to our crew but for later generations. Although we have prepared ourselves, nothing can tell us what lies ahead. In store for us are discoveries beyond our wildest dreams, a world beyond both of our imaginations- it is precisely for this reason you have to be aware of each and every last detail. I spell out here to the letter- it will be the key to our success, of this I am sure. You must do several of the following, if not all. What that signified began to make me wonder. I kept on. First you must go to the Library of Congress and search for a manuscript containing information on locations and routes that will take us to the heart of Thera and its civilization. It is known as the book of Tharikki.

Number two. There is a vault underneath the boathouse at pier #3c, south by portside, Coddington’s wharf, Baltimore. We sometimes dock there to refuel and relax. Contained in this vault are key navigation aids, maps, documents that we will need. Sort through them carefully, and make sure that the aqua-lime green page is there.

Three- go to the Bureau of Antiquities, Division of Artifacts, Department of Ancient Treasures, and make sure to find the chief, Dr. Anton Lassky. Dr. Lassky will openly greet you once you mention I sent you. He really is very amenable and friendly. I need you to have in your possession the KEY TO THE SEA- An ancient unique key made for our mission which was recovered by deepsea diving scientists over 100 years ago. Number four- simpler but also of importance. There ought to be a book, an ancient navigation book at the library in the Anthropology and Archaeology Museum at the University. It simply is a copy and is placed on the reserve in classical collections- check with the head librarian.

Finally, good luck and Godspeed. I believe you ‘ll find this all to be worth our while later."

As I digested the gist of this letter, it dawned on me that what I really wanted was that walk out among the daisies for awhile. Then I could fully digest the contents of the letter before attempting to assume command of Exploress.

Chapter 7

Certainly I was slightly absent the next morning though I knew where I was headed to I wasn’t quite sure what would happen or where it would take me, and the anticipation was building inside me like a cannon about to fire. I finally stepped outside before noon and after two blocks was greeted by Richard in front of the bookstore by the side of the mall outlet.

Well if it isn’t Jacques Cousteau himself. He threw me a heartfelt pat on the back, then motioned to go on inside, but I hinted otherwise.

Aww, I understand the captain has a busy schedule. I should have known. So what’s the huge rush? He queried with a giant hearty smile.

"I need to first procure