Rolf came up the inside passageway, stepping onto the bridge.
“Pop, they're getting ready to take the Scorpion out,” Rolf said.
Captain Hertzog stepped out onto the catwalk to watch.
“Happy sailing, Bill,” he said from his lofty perch.
“Thanks, Klaus. When are you going for a ride?” Bill asked.
“As long as my ships sail steadily on top of the water, I have no desire to see the bottom. No captain does.”
“That makes perfect sense, Klaus,” Bill said before going down the ladder to get into the Scorpion.
Logan eased himself into the passenger seat and the bubble top closed. In another minute the pod moved away from the side of the Horizon and Logan filmed the ship with Clay and Dylan waving from the deck and Captain Hertzog stood above it all on the catwalk. Bill explained the functions of the pod as they began to submerge a few feet every few seconds. Logan wasn't sure this would give him the effect he was after, but he filmed it anyway. He'd make sure he got film of it submerging while he was standing on the deck. Some combination of shots from the pod and shots from the deck might deliver what he was after. He'd wait and see.
For a couple of minutes it was more cloudy than clear, but the visibility vastly improved once the pod was completely beneath the water and Logan was impressed. It was better than he thought it would be. They encountered dozens of fish on the trip to the bottom. The craft went down faster than it moved forward. Bill had it pointed toward the reef. Once the reef came into view, Logan thought that it looked like a coral castle surrounded by colorful finned subjects.
“This is beautiful, Bill,” he said, almost forgetting to put that camera up to his eye.
He definitely wanted to capture this in all its glory.
The pod gave Logan an amazing platform to film from. It was nothing like he'd done before. Filming in SCUBA gear gave you a lot to think about besides photography. In the pod he only needed to point and shoot and he couldn't wait to see the results. It was dramatic.
Logan filmed underwater before but not with the feeling of being in control. He'd been in the water and among whatever creatures were in the water with him. Being in the Scorpion was unique. He was in the water while being separated from what was in the water with him. His vision was spectacular and he used the motion picture camera with ease. He didn't miss a thing. This is what he came to do only he didn't know it would be like this.
If these creatures were endangered he needed to get them on film before they disappeared. The underwater world on a reef in the mid Pacific was dynamic. There was activity all around him. There were more shapes and colors than he could capture. It was like filming a ballet and there was beauty in each motion.
No one could imagine the sea creatures he was seeing. It was an amazing cross section of life forms. They were large and small and Logan imagined even more might be microscopic. How could he ever capture anything that small on film? He wanted to photograph it all.
Once he stopped photographing he sat with the camera in his lap. What was there to say. He looked at Bill as Bill's focus was on one corner of the reef. Logan wasn't sure what to watch because there was so much activity surrounding them. It was mesmerizing.
As Bill was captivated by the activity, Logan picked up his camera and began to shoot Bill's face. He was too preoccupied to see that Logan was filming him and his expression was priceless. He had a child's wonder in his eyes. This was a man who related to this world.
After they were there for a few minutes, sea creatures filled in most of the available space between the Scorpion and the reef. The sea creatures had forgotten they were there but not all of them. Some swam up to the bubble to look in at strange creatures inside.
“I've never seen so much color, Bill,” Logan finally said.
“Brilliant isn't it? The primary colors stand out like this was where primary colors originally came from,” Bill said. “Nature certainly knew what she was doing when it came to beauty.”
“But who would know that?” Logan asked.
“No one was able to spend any time underwater until recently. This world was invisible to ordinary men for thousands of years. The best people could do was to see things that came out of the sea. They never experienced sea creatures where they lived,” Logan said.
“Not entirely true. Deep sea divers could try to do justice to what they saw while in those clumsy diving suits with large brass bells enclosing their heads and obscuring their vision. They were underwater and I'm sure it was amazing at the time as limiting as those heavy diving suits were.”
“I've never seen a deep sea diver?” Logan said.
“Nor are you likely to see one these days. You might find a deep sea diver's suit at the Smithsonian in DC. There was a movie, Beneath the 12-Mile Reef, circa 1950s. Sponge divers used what they called diving suits,” Bill said.
“Sponge divers?” Logan asked.
“I believe the movie was set in Key West. They spent some time photographing men getting into those diving suits and going down to pick sponges off the bottom. It seems to me there was a war over sponges and the different sponge divers were fighting over the places where the best sponges were found. It seems to me that's the plot and I believe one group of sponge divers was proudly Greek. You might ask Greek if he knows anything about it. He could know more than I know.”
“Is there anything men won't fight over?” Logan asked.
“Not if there's money in it. There seems to be more and more greedy men all the time. That's an opinion. I haven't done a study. I've been too busy trying to save the earth from men who only know how to take.”
Logan saw a big sea creature moving in their direction. He put the camera up to his eye to film whatever it was. As it seemed to be aiming itself directly at Logan's seat, the camera came down in a hurry as Logan ducked.
Bill laughed.
As Logan Warren was busy filming everything he saw, he got a sudden surprise as the biggest fish he'd ever seen up close swam directly at the Scorpion and seemingly at him. The flinch was instinctive but he had to laugh when he realized he was looking at Tangle. The porpoise gave the Scorpion another slight bump as he hesitated to get a closeup of Logan. The porpoise knew who he was.
Logan laughed.
“He must have been watching you climb into the Scorpion,” Bill said. “He did the same thing this morning when he saw Clay.”
“I hadn't seen him in a couple of days. I thought we out ran him,” Logan said, aware of the Tangle sightings since the rescue.
“They have a sophisticated sonar system. I'm sure he could hear the Horizon even if we were miles ahead. He was honing in on us after the rescue. The Horizon, with those four engines running at the same time must make a distinctive racket in the water.
“You think he might be following us?” Logan asked, not thinking for a minute that a big fish could do that.
“I think there's no doubt about it. He's adopted the Horizon for whatever reason. He was here this morning when we took the Scorpion out. He knew one of his rescuers was on board,” Bill said.
“How could a fish reason that out?” Logan asked.
“Tangle is a mammal. He's not a fish. We don't know their capabilities. We share the planet with some extraordinary creatures. Man is caught up in the belief that he has dominion over everything. We can't conceive of smarter creatures than we are right here on earth. Because man thinks of himself superior to all other creatures, attempts at communication are therefore extremely limited. Some of us, and I include you in this group, attempt to interact as best we can with such creatures. Because of our arrogance, we aren't able to appreciate other forms of intelligence, which makes us ignorant in my book. Ignorant to a truth that doesn't fit with man's narrow interpretation of the world.” Coming face to face with Tangle, Logan laughed at the idea Tangle recognized him. He knew Tangle and he wasn't so sure Tangle didn't know him.
“Your public has found you,” Bill said after the porpoise bumped the Scorpion lightly before swimming away. “He just said hello.”
“He was off the starboard bow watching you guys get into the Scorpion this morning. I filmed him sitting in the water facing the Horizon. I didn't know it was Tangle. I didn't give it a thought.”
“He visited us on the first trip today. I think we've been adopted,” Bill said. “Clay knows him because the net marked him.”
“Have you heard of it before, Bill?”
“They're highly intelligent. Since we have no way to communicate with them, we can't measure how smart they are. Tangle obviously recognizes you. He feels a connection to us. If we put a space race size effort into it, we might be able to develop a way to communicate better,” Bill said.
“We don't know how,” Logan said.
“There's a lot we don't know because we consider ourselves so much smarter than the creatures we encounter. Maybe we aren't as brilliant as we think we are.”
“We can do anything we put our minds to doing. We put a man on the moon,” Bill said.
“We are very fascinated by outer space, probably because they made it a space race to capture the imagination of ordinary people. Americans love their games and they made a game out of it. We've got to beat those Ruskies,” Logan said.
“You could be on to something there,” Bill said. “I never considered what the race was all about.”
“We intend to look for and communicate with whatever life form we come across in the outer reaches of our universe. We're deluding ourselves if we think we'll spend a lot of time to develop communications with space aliens,” Logan said.
“Why wouldn't we. People would love to interact with creatures in outer space. It's exciting,” Bill said, sounding excited.
“That's an illusion.”
“It's not, Logan. Think of it as exploration. Like sending ships all over the world using the seven seas to discover new lands,” Bill said.
“What did we do when we came across new lands, different people and encounter the cultural differences. What happened to the people the Europeans found in the new lands they discovered. Lands that belonged to someone else,” Logan said.
Bill became quiet. He began to see where Logan was heading. “There was a lot of adventure and new discoveries. The original explorers stole anything of value that wasn't hidden from them,” Logan said. “They couldn't communicate but the Europeans had developed a unique way of communicating with anyone they found. Europeans developed incredibly deadly weapons of war to kill each other and plunder throughout Europe. They became very good at killing each other and stealing the resources that came with victory.”
“That's not exactly history the way I learned it,” Bill said.
“No, Europeans call themselves great explorers and adventurers. They overwhelmed cultures they found, stealing anything of value to carry back to their kings and queens of Europe,” Logan said.
“Does cast a different light on things,” Bill said.
“The indigenous people were savages and had no right to their own land. Christian explorers were justified in slaughtering those who had objections and those who didn't object were turned into slaves. It turned out quite well for Europeans but there was little adventure in it for the indigenous people who were being discovered, but that's civilization for you.”
“We were talking about the space race. How'd we get back to the Middle Ages?” Bill asked. “I'm confused.”
“We were talking about finding and communicating with space aliens. We were talking about communication. I am pointing out that we have experience with discovering aliens right here on earth.”
“My word,” Bill said. “Here I am about to show you one of the wonders of the world, and you've discovered a way to educate me on history I've never heard it described quite that way before.”
“We have trouble getting along with each other here on earth. We don't like each other all that much, Bill. Our differences in color and cultural and religious behaviors can get you killed. Not unlike it could get you killed five hundred years ago.”
“I'm not getting the correlation,” Bill said.
“We go to space. We find space aliens. What happens?”
“We communicate with them,” Bill said.
“No, we won't. Once we find such life, we'll live War of the Worlds,” Logan said. “We'll see whatever we find as a threat to earth. We'll kill it if it doesn't kill us first.”
“Very cynical, Mr. Warren,” Bill said. “Another very scary 1950's movie. Anyone my age has seen War of the Worlds. I remember seeing it while I was still in school. One of the best science fiction movies ever made. Quite realistic for the time period. They only showed tiny glimpses of the space creatures. Just enough to be scary as hell. Somehow, man managed to survive in the end.” “All I'm saying is, what if aliens are chartreuse dudes who see out of their butt hole. How long do you think one would last, once he bent over so he can see the first men he encounters,” Logan said.
“We don't cotton to no chartreuse dudes in these here parts,” Bill said in a hillbilly voice. “Exactly!” Logan said realizing Bill knew what he was saying.
They both laughed. The truth hurt at times.
The Scorpion remained invisible to the sea life. A few more curious species came up to the bubble to inspect it. Whatever they saw didn't startle them. After swimming up they swam casually away.
Both men watched the incredible life forms. The colors and shapes were breathtaking in design. If you didn't have a submersible or weren't a SCUBA diver, you'd not know this world existed.
As with all dives in the Scorpion, the end came far too quickly. They could sit there for longer but it was time to return to the Horizon and actually do some work. The underwater world wasn't going anywhere and these two would be back. It would be impossible to stay away.
Bill lifted the pod off the bottom and backed away from the reef until he was far enough away not to cause a disturbance. He allowed the Scorpion to continue to rise before putting it into gear and circling around to make the trip back to the Horizon.
Only Dolf was there to greet them. After an hour he usually stayed close to where the pod would return to. It was his responsibility to secure the Scorpion and if it was the last dive of today, he needed to prepare it to go back into its compartment. The submersible didn't stay in the water at night. It was too valuable to risk a sudden storm that could damage it.
Bill and Logan scrambled up to the deck after thanking Dolf. They'd left the ship after three and it was after four. The next time they'd be together would be at dinner. They both wanted to take a break to ponder what they'd seen and consider the implications.
A trip in the pod was no big deal to Bill, but it was a very big deal to men who didn't have access to a submersible.
*****
At the lunch table there was always banter. As the passengers became better acquainted with each other. After a week together their comfort level rose. Some of them did more of the talking than others. Everyone contributed something, and the Greek's meals were a great reason to gather in the galley. None of the new passengers knew what to expect in the way of food. The Greek was a nice surprise.
As busy as everyone was, they looked forward to mealtime.
“I was raised on Mama's cooking. I wasn't looking forward to food cooked by anyone else. The Greek's a great cook,” Dylan said.
“I heard that,” Greek said. “And you haven't experienced my lemon meringue pie. Fit for the Gods. Mere mortals swoon. I don't know if I can't be arrested for serving it to someone so young.”
“I'm not a kid,” Dylan objected.
“Of course you aren't,” Greek said without missing a beat. “You simply have young taste buds.”
Greek's voice echoed from deep in the kitchen.
Dylan laughed.
“Eat with the Greek,” Dylan said. “Don't tell Mama I said that.”
“We'll dive in the morning,” Clay said. “Are you diving with us, Logan?”
“Bill mentioned that it,” Logan said. “I'll be tagging along. I need to use the new camera underwater in order to see how it performs.”
Bill listened to Clay talk to Logan. There was no edge in Clay's voice any longer. Nothing like working together in an emergency situation to bring men together. Bill smiled at his associates. This was more like what Bill had in mind for this year’s research trip. The best marine biologist he knew and the filmmaker he wanted to film this summer's research trip were finally on the same page.
“When are we going to get a submersible, Dad?” Dylan asked.
“Save your pennies, Dylan. I don't see one in our near future. It would never fit on the Sea Lab.”
“How old is Sea Lab? I suspect a replacement has already been the topic of at least one conversation for Harry. Something big enough to manage the Scorpion, once she's available,” Bill said. “We'll replace this after five years,” Bill said. “As fast as technology is advancing, the university will be in the market for the latest thing in pods in a couple of years. Harry will consider buying this one if the university decides to sell it to mitigate cost, which they are likely going to do. You'll need to bid on it though. I don't know who else might want a submersible but you never know.”
“Then all I'd need is a bigger boat to carry the pod into the Gulf of Mexico with me,” Clay said. “That's a lot of buying.”
“Can't have something too large to be practical, Bill,” Clay said.
“The fishing trawlers are a hundred feet long. I don't think they're too large for the cove. I'd need to anchor the Horizon in the Gulf but you can anchor a pretty large boat beside Popov's trawler. I see a better version of Sea Lab in your future, Clayton.”
“The Sea Lab is perfect for me. It has everything I need on board and I have a full laboratory once I'm back on shore,” Clay said.
“The Scorpion cost a little north of a hundred thousand in 1980. I imagine in two
years the university might let it go for $50,000, and Harry hasn't been out on it yet. He's
already asked me to bring the Horizon into the Gulf so he can get a ride on it. If it goes on
the market, I know Harry will be sniffing around it,” Bill said.
“That's $49,000 more than I have in my bank account and Dylan's college years aren't that
far in his future,” Clay said.
“A lot further than you think,” Dylan said in response.
“Don't get your mouth out ahead of your brain, young man,” Clay shot back.
“Yes, sir,” Dylan said.
His mind was on the depths and the importance of his father's work. He wouldn't rule college out, once he'd done what he planned to do and that might require several years of filming in the Gulf.
The Greek appeared with four bowls of ambrosia as the four people at the table finished the last of lunch.
He stood back a couple of feet before waiting for someone to sample his latest concoction.
“Greek,” Logan said. “Where'd this exquisiteness come from?”
“It's Greek. Nectar of the Gods. You eat in lofty company, Mr. Warren.”
“It is delicious,” Clay said.
The Greek walked away laughing. He'd done what he came to do.
Clay was looking for a way to say what he had to say to Logan. He wanted to do it in front of these people. When he was wrong, and he knew it, there was humble pie to be eaten. After eating Greek's ambrosia, it would be bitter pie to swallow.
Clay wanted to do more than be agreeable. He wanted to thank Logan for what he'd done. He'd won Clay's respect. What Clay wanted to say needed to be said here and in front of these people. They'd heard his criticisms of the young filmmaker and they would hear Clay's apology. It was time to clear the air.
Clay understood where he was and what he was there for. His business was rescuing sea creatures. Logan saw a porpoise in trouble and he put his life at risk to save it. Logan wasn't a marine biologist. He was a passenger on a research trip. He undertook a rescue using the tools he thought would do the trick, because it wasn't his job to know how to rescue a sea creature..
Clay took on the job of rescuing sea creatures because it was what interested him. He learned how to make a difference while leaving the most lasting influence on the people he spoke to. His focus being on the Gulf of Mexico, it was clear his interest extended to protect all creatures whether in the sea, on land, or in the air.
When his efforts weren't enough to save a particular species, he'd do all within his power to make their lives better if he could. His task was colossal. Maybe even impossible but it was Clay's calling. Logan showed Clay something when he took on the rescue by himself. He'd risk his life to do what he thought needed to be done. He wasn't going to ask anyone else to risk his life. His willingness to do that, no matter how foolhardy, was admirable.
“A submersible would be just the ticket to do what you do, Clay. Dylan would love filming you from a pod,” Logan said.
“Yes, he would,” Dylan agreed. “You'd be admired far and wide and I could stay dry while filming you.”
“I've been meaning to mention how admirable your efforts were in trying to save the porpoise. Your actions were admirable, Logan.”
“You've thanked me Clay. I couldn't have done it alone. I found that out when you came to help me do the job,” Logan said.
“Yes, I knew the right equipment to do the job with help from Sidney. It was a team effort that saved Tangle, but you led the way. I have given you more than a little grief the first week and I need to tell you that I'm glad you're the guy teaching Dylan photography. You're the kind of man I want influencing him. You're OK, Logan.”
“I don't know what to say,” Logan said.
“You don't need to say a thing,” Clay said. “I needed to say that.”
“Here, here,” Bill said. “It was a remarkable rescue. Truly what this journey is all about. Makes me proud of the men I'm with.”
“I didn't do anything,” Logan said. “I took a knife to a gun fight.”
“You marked the spot. You took that butcher knife and did your best to free the porpoise. You were heroic in your effort,” Clay said. “I’d be proud for you to teach Dylan what you can so that he'll become the best filmmaker possible.”
“And don't forget guitar player, Dad.”
“I know I've made the trip harder on you than it needed to be, Dylan. I would like to be sure you're learning the right lessons. I want you to have the best, son, and I realize Logan is the right kind of person to teach you the things he knows,” Clay said. “I needed to say that here.”
“I'll do all I can. Dylan is a quick learner. It's a challenge trying to keep up with him. My exposure to such a curious and capable young man is my pleasure. He's going to be a fine filmmaker. He's already made a believer out of me,” Logan said. “I do my best,” Dylan said. “You are plenty smart enough to clear the dishes for Greek,” the Greek said. “Earn your supper, Dylan, and save an old man the wear on his tired old legs.”
Everyone laughed as the Greek acted his role effectively, assuming a limp and a bend in his back that hadn't been there before.
“I don't mind helping,” Dylan said. “I like being useful. And if I'm really lucky, he has these dynamite cookies he gives me for helping.”
“What would your grandmother say?” Clay asked.
“We'll tell her I was helpful to the cook. We won't mention the cookies,” Dylan said conspiratorially.
Dylan was fascinated by the tough old cook. He was one more character among so many of the crew that manned the Horizon. The Greek was like Captain Popov. He was a man of few words with a heart of gold. Captain Popov allowed Dylan to steer the Ajax, his fishing trawler, into the cove on his twelfth birthday. He'd never felt more like a man than he did that day.
That being one of the highlights of his life. Clearing dishes wasn't as big a deal as steering the Ajax but Greek treated Dylan like he was one of the crew, and Dylan liked that too. Logan heard every word Clay said. It was definitely an attempt to make peace with him. The air had been cleared by Clay and Logan felt good about it. He could go on without fearing he might piss off Clay at any minute. He did understand a father's concern for his son.