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CHAPTER ONE A strong glare penetrated through the partially closed blinds and began to invade the crevices of slumberous eyes. The annoying sounds of shrieks from the alarm clock pulsated as he lay flat on his back seemingly unaffected. In fact, he had not even noticed the shrieks until well after his eyes opened and engaged in a soporific stare. The glare became unbearable. He reached for his pulchritudinous one, realizing she must have gotten up early. He smelt the aroma of sizzling pork, and something unidentifiable baking in the oven. Compelled by the scent, he reached over to rid himself of that godforsaken shriek that never did stop pulsating. While heading for the master bathroom for a badly needed shower, he realized his odor from the film that enriched his mouth and the garlic smell that precipitated from the deep forest of his armpits. A bathing was certainly needed. Besides, he had to impress the investors. This meeting had been on his mind most of the time for the last couple of weeks, and even while making love to his wife the night before. It had taunted his mind with the fear that he would squander the chance of a lifetime. Never before was anyone able to amass this many investors or this amount of capital. Richard could afford to put up some resources to support the venture himself, but for obvious reasons preferred not to. A simple plan to capitalize is what loomed foremost in his brain day in and day out. Richard squinted a little upon entering the hot water. The first limbs he washed were arms, legs, and neck. He washed his crotch thoroughly, including applying an overdose of Pert Plus to his pubic hairs, and combed every strand like a cosmetologist. He thought to himself that his presentation needed to go well. They could not resist a vacation tour of the site, mixed with the hype of a tropical getaway. He had even purchased tickets and reserved rooms for each of the investors. His bulletproof plan included a tour of the construction site and a dinner banquet. “Mr. Neuheisil, you see I have plans to corner the Western hemisphere’s export/import industry by building a state-of-the-art shipyard, but of course we must place it in a strategic location.” He went on rambling while the water became lukewarm. “You see, the Amazon is easily navigable and has multiple branches that connect to different parts of South America. Using the Amazon along with a few manmade lakes or canals to connect two key branches of this amazing river, we could reach sixty percent of the continent just by boat passage alone. This will allow the Southeastern tip of Brazil to be properly distributed.” A voice veered from the crack of the bathroom door. “Hey you and your friend in there, breakfast is ready.” Snapping out of his rehearsal, he turned the water off, completely immune to the fact the water had chilled severely. Richard was running late, so he quickly dried off and dressed himself in a fine suit accompanied with one of the brightest white shirts ever seen. Blazer cuffed in one hand, brief case in the other, he descends the stairs to prepare to scarf down a quick meal. “Oohh, Mommy! I like the way you cook your eggs — they’re so fluffy. Mom, they look like blubber. There good.” There was a great deal of excitement on the little girl’s face, especially when her father joined them. “Mom! Are eggs good for you?” “They have their good and bad points. “Good and bad, Mommy?” cried the little one with a puzzled tone. “Just eat. Well! Look who’s decided to join us? About time, your eggs are about to get cold.” “Yeah Daddy, eat your eggs, they’re delicious.” “OK, Dear!” He took a few bites and then seemed to hurry from his seat, but he was certain to get a kiss from the women he loved. Jetting out of the door, he figured to leave the ladies to their business. He had serious business of his own that needed its own special attention. Jumping in the automobile that allowed him the smoothest departure, without hesitation the car was in reverse and nearly beat the electronic gate open. The sound of fresh rubber screeched from the sudden pressure administered to the throttle, and off he went. Following a smooth and swift ride, Richard pulled up at a splendid suburban office park embellished in white marble walls and blue stained-glass windows that were extraordinarily large. A huge sign greeted visitors, Dickenson Consulting Inc., preceding a physical address. After parking in his usual reserved space close to the entrance, he jumped out briskly. As he entered the building, his mild mannered receptionist and several others, who casually passed, greeted him immediately. “Some one needs to fix this elevator, he thought. It’s only five floors, jeeze…” Ding! One of the elevator doors opened, and he entered with a sense of relief. He did not particularly like elevators. He always complained about this one, which was too slow for him. The door closed after pressing button five — what was routine now seemed dilatory and extremely repugnant. Every thing now seemed to move slowly, especially as the time rapidly approached for the decision for the project. “Ding!” He exited, ardently hooking a sharp left and using long and graceful strides to reach his office in no time. “John, let me see you a minute,” he said toward John’s open office door just before he entered his own. “Sure, I’ll be right there!” Richard approached his coffee maker to make a cup, creamed down, and sweetened like hot cocoa. This was how he always made it, and he always enjoyed it kicked back in a plush maroon leather seat that resembled an expensive lazy boy. “Yes, Mr. Dickenson.” “Are those reports and maps ready for my presentation?” “Yes sir, it’s all right here. I figured that would be the first thing you would ask for.” “Good observation, which is why you’re my right-hand man. OK, that is all.” Rudely excused, John turned, appearing to snub Richard’s comments, and walked off silently. Before John could escape the confines of Richard’s office, he said, “John, please contact me immediately when those investors arrive.” “Absolutely!” The door shut and John felt as if he had escaped a lion’s den. “Hello, Suzie! How are you doing today?” “Fine, What about yourself? You look like you were just chewed out.” “No, I’m fine.” It’s just that the boss isn’t himself. I need you to get on the phone with that client. I think he’s a little on edge because this project.” “Of course, I’ll get right on it.” Suzie looked curious, but questioned nothing and continued with her normal duties. The sounds of phones rang, the strokes of keys be struck echoed, and moderate conversations filled the background — the typical office environment. John decided it would be a good idea to hang around the front office to get a first glance at the investors to see if they lived up to their billing. Indeed, his plan worked, and he greeted five men and notified Richard via the receptionist’s phone. After informing his boss of their arrival, he waited there, staring at these men and marveling at their appearance. In his mind, he thought exuberantly, “Hmm, those sure are some lovely alligator shoes that slender one is wearing. Gee, look at that watch.” It nearly blinded him when the wearer waved his arm casually. The ice that surrounded the face, not to mention the ones that made up the Roman numerals, was the essence of that hypnotic glare. It was almost as if that watch had mystic powers: because of its the beauty and richness, you couldn’t help but want one. He also noticed that the other two men were also quite wealthy, and he could now see why boss was on such edge. This had to be important! “Ding,” softly sounded from around the corner, preceding sounds of hard bottomed shoes utilized aggressively. “Hello, Gentlemen! So glad you could make it,” Rich said, approaching the men with the keenest posture and the readiness of a news anchor. He greeted the men each in turn, saying, “I appreciate you giving us this opportunity! Mr. Winterlin, Countenance, Neuhesil, Caviling, and Mr. Palanas. Welcome to my base of operations, and I hope that you find your stay here enjoyable. My assistants will show you to our conference room, where you will find refreshments and seating for my presentation. I’ll be there shortly.” John immediately directed the men down a hallway. “This way gentlemen.” The sounds of their shoes clattering on the marble floors echoed, but this time the sound was not as aggressive. It was more smoothly this time almost in a rhythm. Deep voices vaguely clouded the halls as the gentlemen conversed on various topics. “Here we are gentlemen.” John said, pointing rigorously while panting quietly. “You may sit wherever you feel most comfortable.” John exited quickly, knowing that one wrong look from one of those guys could mean his job. The men wasted no time devouring the donuts and bagels, and each one was invited to make themselves some coffee tailored to their specifications. Each investor sat in a seat and looked as if there was no room for small talk. Richard Dickenson entered the room. “Good afternoon gentlemen,” he said boldly while closing the door behind him. “The reason I have gathered you here today, as you know, is to offer you the opportunity to embark on a project that will allow us to strategically dominate a whole hemisphere.” Mr. Countenance curled up in his seat with a look of intrigue. The other men continued to listen. Richard held a large detailed map of South America’s geological make up, especially the rivers and forests of Brazilian, which was, in fact, strategically chosen. “You see gentlemen! This is the mouth of the Amazon. As you pass these islands, the river splits in two.” “Em hum. Yes, I see, uttered Dick, along with similar acknowledgements from the others. “Go ahead, Mr. Dickenson. I think I know where you’re going with this.” All of these men dabbled in the shipping business, distribution, or export/import of some sort. They were all on the same page. Richard continued! “We will build a huge shipyard! Right here where the river splits in two. I mean a huge state of the art facility. I want service yard, trucking depots etc. — I want the whole nine yards.” Mr. Caviling began scuffing his chin replying, “And how might this allow the kind of dominance you speak off?” “Oh! Simple! You see the Amazon River is very navigable. It has multiple branches that connect to different parts of South America, as you see here. You can reach most of the continent by boat alone. Bu utilizing a few manmade lakes or canals, depending on recommendations from contractors, we could centralize the Americas. Look!” Pointing forcefully at the map, he by now had his projection screen out and many other maps displayed. His pointer moved briskly, as did his lips for the proceeding comments. “You see, right here at Cuiaba’, if we deploy a manmade canal here, or even hydro damn it, and again about one hundred miles Northeast, we can connect two key integrals, and with trucking depots, we can supply the entire southern tip of Brazil. The territories of Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo, and also over here, Moto Grosso, are some of the countless other places that will be under our shipping control. And we won’t have to worry about the northern part of Brazil and into Peru, Bolivia, and Columbia, as you can see.” Richard began to point even more fiercely, taking his excitement completely out on the projection screen. “The rivers many branches extend over the territory we need. Think of the coffee from Columbia or sugar from Northern Brazil. With respect to South America, we can ship externally and internally.” He was now pointing again. “Boa Vista, Manaus, Rio Branco, and Porta Velho, all have their own ports. So then! We can be their source and conduit to the North and East portions of the globe.” “Excuse me,” uttered Mr. Caviling. “It appears to me that the Southern tip wouldn’t get adequate coverage. As you see! As you like to say, the rivers don’t reach that far. See!” The man was pointing even more aggressively than Richard had been, and it was definitely noticeable. “Those cities on the coast, right there.” He pointed at the area in question continuously and waited for a response. “Yes sir, good observation! As you know, there are always pros and cons to any endeavor, but that is why we concentrate our truck depots at these two manmade canal sights.” Richard was pointing now as if it had became a competition. “Due to the dense population in Southern Brazil, there are sufficient roads to make it easy to create a reliable transport system to and from these two spots. Cuiaba is the future sight of shipyard two, but for now, we will have just trucking stops at the end of each of these four rivers. Branching our distribution outwards, besides a factory, shipyard, or even a trucking depot, would be inexpensive due to the cheap labor. If really necessary, we could use this route.” He is now pointing at the project site and dragging his pointer towards the mouth of the Amazon with a graceful passion. He followed along the shores of Brazil until reaching the city of Pelutas. “You see, the land is purchased already. All we’re waiting on is to begin the construction process.” George sat back with a look of eagerness, while Neuheisil asked the rest what they thought so far. Tony Palanas remained silent the whole time, assimilating information exponentially. Mr. Caviling blurted, “Isn’t this in the middle of a forest.” Dick interrupted him anxiously. “Yes, and not your typical forest. In fact, a thick rainforest.” In a combative tone, Richard exclaimed, “Gentlemen! We are losing sight of the big picture, which is big enterprise, and of course this will be a task in the amount of deforestation required, but with our cooperative effort, it will not be as painful as if only one or a few of us were to take on this project. If necessary, however, I will forge ahead myself, a lone soldier. But I warn you, companies are lined waiting to cut down that blasted jungle, to make something civilized.” The investors were pretty much sold, but at this point, he wanted to take it an extra step. He wanted to be assured that there would be no back outs. “Gentlemen, I invite you to have a living experience of what I have in store for this project. We will also enjoy some celebration festivities. He pulled his brief case out and reached for an envelope. Handing them all airline tickets to his private jet, which was parked at a reserved spot at the international airport. In addition to hotel accommodations, the gentlemen accepted with intrigue showing on their faces. Dick blurted out, “I could use a little rest and leisure.” Richard said his goodbyes to the men as they departed, and then he returned to his office to enjoy the moment. While flopping back in his plush seats, a grin of enthusiasm covered his face as checked his messages. They included unimportant ones that could be disregarded. His relaxed mode would have to impress the investors even better during their vacation. He reached for the phone and pressed one button. “Yes!” “John,” shouted Richard. “Come to my office please.” Richard waited while using crumbled pieces of paper as tools to improve his jump shot. John peeked around his door and before he entered completely, Richard declared, “I will be leaving soon. Make sure those reports are finalized. Has Judy secured Data Inc.?” “No sir, not yet.” “Hey, just because this project is about to change everything doesn’t mean we get complacent. We are still who we are.” “Consider it done, sir!” As John closed the door, Richard Dickenson followed right behind, eager to get home to his wife after a long and eventful day. Arriving home with excitement, he entered, finding his family’s feelings were mutual. It was not because they had a good day at the office, but because the man of the house was home. “Daddy,” shouted the little one. That was followed by warm greetings from his wife. He accepted the welcomes like a king, for there was a sense of the untouchable and cockiness in his demeanor. He wasted no time in telling her of the vacation in a smooth and enthusiastic manner. “Pack your things, Dear. We’re going to South America.” “What? On such short notice?” “I told you.” “Yeah, this morning. I didn’t know it would be so soon.” “I’ve invited the investors for a vacation.” “What? Just out of the blue — let’s go on a vacation?” “I’ve pretty much got them convinced. I just want them to get a feel, and then there will be no second thoughts later.” “OK ay!” With the slightest hesitation and a smile upon her face, she proceeded to say, “What about Boo, and when, where, and how long?” “Well Dear, we’re going to Macapa, to allow us to get that feel like I talked about. There’s going to be a dinner party, but most of the time will be spent in the hotel with me.” She got close to him and uttered, “That’s sounding a little better.” “At least the first day. You see, originally I had planned a three-day trip, but there is nothing spectacular about Macapa. Most of the time will be spent in the hotel.” “Great Sweetie, when do we leave?” “Tomorrow morning.” “Well, I’ll go get my things ready and make arrangements for our baby.” Chapter two Meanwhile, somewhere at a prestigious University, Professor Julian Akbar was doing what he loved best. That was of course the study of ancient cultures and indigenous tribes. He was just about to call a recess in one of his advanced history classes, when suddenly a student blurted, “What do you suppose the reason was? I mean, do you know why they were left behind?” “Well Amy! Civilizations usually sprout where the environment is beneficial, and I suspect that some of these people were isolated from these areas of civilization growth.” “How, then, did they survive?” “Remember, some of these ancient people knew nature better than we do today.” “Dr. Akbar, how could that be true? When they believed their gods were the elements and vice versa.” “Well let me ask you! Who is your god?” There was silence from the student and Julian continued. “Some of those stories were passed down for centuries and were believed to be true.” “You don’t believe so, do you?” “What I believe is irrelevant.” He began to read the homework assignment, effectively cutting the conversation short. “OK class, I’ll see you next week, and don’t forget your essays on the Mayans. Class adjourned!” The students raced through the door like the gates of the Kentucky derby had been opened. Each student represented a prize thoroughbred galloping frantically. This was an understatement because obviously this metaphorical race was really happening, except for the professor, and from where he stood, he anticipated the impending emptiness of the classroom. The silence filled the room thereafter, and a sense of loneliness loomed. It was a perfect setting for the professor, because that he was. His wife had left him not long before, and so had the student with whom he had an affair. She just played the role for improved grades. It wasn’t secret information, but the professor disregarded her ulterior motives. He had no one, nothing, nothing but his knowledge. His knowledge of people, people who did not even exist anymore, was vast. What use is a language that no one uses anymore? Obsessed with this edifying endeavor, however, he ran his only true love away, and he had killed all chances of interest coming from any other. So he stood there, alone in his room of instruction reading his book. He seemed to always read sitting at his desk from which he gave award-winning lectures, fitted in a tight short sleeve dress shirt and solid colored clip on. It appeared he had no regard for fashion. Suddenly, gathering his things in an instant, he made for the door. It seemed someone had activated him with a push of a button and abruptly commanded him to exit the room. Arriving home, he threw his briefcase full of books and research papers on top of all the mess that had already accumulated. He flopped himself on the leather sofa and reached for the remote. Before pressing the on button, he again resorted to his own remote control instincts and darted for the refrigerator. Grabbing a beer, he chugged half of it before returning to his chair. He belches after sitting and presses the power button. “And the Nation….” “Johnny, you know I love you”… “He backs him down, and the shot”… “Giving”… He continued to scan the many different channels with an apparent confusion as to what to watch. Hearing his kitten at the door, he jumped up to let it in, the channel inadvertently remaining on some news program. He walked to the door to greet his cat while the television continued to pulsate. “Scientists have discovered the ozone’s rapid deterioration, and that it may be linked to global warming. We have Dr. Shaynick, the professor for meteorological and geological studies at the University of Berkley. “Thank you! The problem we have is not the human release of toxins into the atmosphere, but the destroying of the Earth’s natural combatants against those harmful toxins. The many projects that cause deforestation. The fewer trees we have the worse off we will be. We also…” “Ring, ring, ring!” Pressing mute on the remote control, the professor picked up the phone. “Hey Julian! How have you been? My buddy ol’ pal.” “Rich, is that you?” “Well of course it is. Who did you think it was? Mitch! Anyway, I called to tell you of my project. “What project, Mitch, I mean Rich? “Yeah, you’re hilarious, but I’m having some investors build a shipyard on the banks of the Amazon.” “How ironic,” replied Dr. Akbar. “I just heard a report on this new channel saying…” He paused shortly. “Some program, a news report talked about rainforests and cutting them down or something. Don’t you have to cut down some forestry to accomplish this?” “Well yes, but that shouldn’t be a problem because we could probably use the lumber anyway.” “No Rich! I mean who owns the land, and if you own it, how did you acquire it?” Richard responded confidently and sarcastically at once. “The provinces were persuaded with a little currency and political influence.” “Well, you always knew how to get your way, even though you dropped out of college.” “Hey man, I wasn’t interested in people in the past, or people who still live in the past. Hell, this is modern times now — capitalization for civilization is my motto.” “You sure seem to know what you want. Hey, good luck. If you need me, just call me.” After terminating the call with the professor, he felt a sudden sleepy urge. Realizing he wanted to call Joe Geshy, his friend for many years, however, he propped himself up. Their wives were friends due to their relationship, and it seemed somewhat forced, but they willingly accepted their husbands’ comradeship. The phone rang several times more than he usually allowed, but the sleepiness caused laziness and he neglected to hang-up. The phone did answer after about twelve rings. “Hello!” responded Joe with a deep and exhausted voice. “Joe!” Richard shouted as he was awakened out of his near sleep with that deep and raucous voice. “Yes, this is Joe! Who is this? Is this Rich?” “What, people don’t know my voice now a days?” “Shit, I was sleep, and it’s not as if you call here frequently anyway. My best friend calls every blue moon.” “You know that I am very busy, besides I have a new project that I’m working on. That is why I called you. To spend a little time with my buddy.” “Oh yeah! What, you need my help?” “Ah…no.” The words dragged out slowly. “I just called to invite you to this vacation in Macapa” “Macapa,” replied Joe with the most confused voice. “What the hell, or should I say, where the hell is that?” “It’s in South America, where I’m starting this big new project. What is Mrs. Geshy doing the next couple of days?” “She’ll be out of town for a few. She’s visiting my in-laws.” “Good! It shouldn’t be a problem then if you give me a little company, especially while entertaining those dull-ass investors.” “Who?” Joe exclaimed. “The investors!” “Oh, sounds like this trip is very important. I guess I’ll go, but in fact, I’m surprised you’d invite me to such a thing. I suspect you already have my ticket.” “I sure do. Therefore, you have to go. We are flying in one of my private jets.” Joe asked for the details of his invitation. Richard advised him of all details and that he would pick him up from the airport just before show-and-tell. Just before the two terminated the call Joe shouted, “Hey Richard! I just remembered I can’t leave at ten like you planned. I would have to leave in the afternoon.” “Oh well, no problem! I’ll just have a separate flight available for you. Hey, your fate is to come with me. You may soon work for me and make a lot more than what you borrow.” “Great!” They both exclaimed in turn. Sitting back like a large couch potato having one too many beers, Richard drifted quickly asleep. His thoughts of all he planned to attain ran through is sleeping mind, and he had a glorious rest, even though he had a crook in his neck. He twisted his neck slowly and aggressively, hoping to hear it crack, but to no avail! “Dear!” he shouted as his fingers scooped the cold build up from his eyelids. Truly an intolerable sight, but his wife had to deal with it for years, and had learned to love him. All things were settled, and they arrived at the boarding gate to meet the gentlemen being entertained. “Hello, Mr. Neuheisil,” Rich said with a tone of joy in his voice. “This is my wife.” Each man said, “I am pleased to meet you, Mrs. Dickenson,” in turn. Richard greeted them all individually and honorably. “I hope you enjoy the flight, gentlemen, and of course my presentation and entertainment.” He began to direct his wife and the gentlemen towards the entrance gates. They were all engaged in their own individual conversation and paid no attention to the intercom, but automatically preceded towards the gates to board the plane when the flight was announced. The entrance ramp was a nippy 62 degrees, but everyone was prepared with their healthy blazers. Rich’s wife sported a thick pearl white cotton turtleneck by Ralph Lauren and a blinding diamond necklace that illuminated her garments and appeared to have a connection with the matching bracelet and watch. Richard’s wife decided to sit in the seat closest to the aisle because she had a thing about planes, especially looking out of the window while ascending miles above, which made her more deathly afraid than simply nervous. Reaching over from the window seat and kissing her valiantly, Rich assured her silently that all would be fine. She smiled, but before she could even savor the moment, the captain was explaining the flight destination and giving a firm statement to fasten their seatbelts until they were informed otherwise. She could feel the massive plane swing around to approach its necessary runway. It then darted the lengthy runway at twice the speed of a well tuned car, streaking the length of many football fields before taking a forty-five degree jolt upward. With its extremely large wingspan, the air allowed Bernoulli’s law to take effect. Richard watched the airport get tiny and the cars resembled matchboxes. Suddenly they even became too small to distinguish, and all you could see were the faded roads and dots protruding along them. Richard continued to gaze through the window, noticing that all manmade things had vanished below and all that was left to see were the tops of trees. These trees were thick and appeared as though that was all the earth was made of, and it seemed nothing could penetrate them. The plane was continuing its ascension; therefore, the trees too fell victim to invisibility. Somehow, the clouds did not appear to gather Richards’s attention as much, leading him to blurt, “Hey, is there any service!?” His wife responded softly, “If you would look on your own plane, you would see the button for service right here.” With a pale look, he pressed the button only to smile gingerly afterwards. “Oh I didn’t see that. “Hello, what can I get you?” “Well, what do you have? I don’t see any menus lying around.” “All we have is beverages and snack items.” “What kind of drinks and snacks do you have?” These words were spoken harshly, and it was obvious that the flight attendant struggled not to become obviously disgruntled. Mrs. Dickenson said, “Please excuse him. He’s just…” But Richard interrupted. “Oh No! Don’t you excuse me. Just get me a Coke and what, ahh… roasted peanuts, and what else, maybe some crackers and cheese. Just get me a variety of your little snacks.” The way the flight attendant walked off indicated what she was thinking: what a rude, obnoxious, and egotistical pig. She returned with a basketful of an assortment of nuts, crackers, and cheeses. It even included smoked beef that resembled jerky, along with a crisp glass of ice and cold canned Coca Cola. Mrs. Dickenson was fine, but Mr. proceeded to devour the insufficient nutrients. The remaining plane ride was smooth, including the landing. Afterwards, they were all escorted to their hotel rooms.