The Mother of All Read online

  As I waited for my father to make his way outside, I could see that some of the group had started to arrive at Abdi’s. It was always a surprise to see who would come along on these trips. There were usually at least a handful of L.R.R. employees that made the trek. The jungle could be a dangerous place, so we all found strength in numbers.

  “And we are clear for takeoff!” yelled my father with excitement, as he closed the door to our home. I shook my fists in the air with excitement.

  “It looks like Donald is already there and ready to go. That is super convenient,” said my father as we made our way to Adbi’s.

  Donald Runcka was the pilot and aviation expert on campus. Donald was a short, plump middle-aged man with a thick mustache. He always volunteered to come along on the trips. He wasn't married and didn't have any children. I often felt Donald just enjoyed the company of others. Everyone always called him “The Captain of the Sky.”

  We greeted Donald and Abdi with hugs. I started to load the helicopter with my luggage. As I was maneuvering the bags in the helicopter, a research vehicle approached Abdi’s home and parked next to the helicopter. The tinted windows from the vehicle prevented me from seeing who it was inside.

  “Is Dr. Gruver coming along?” I asked my father, a bit puzzled.

  “No, she is up to her shoulders with work,” said my father as he and Donald both waved to greet the vehicle.

  Exiting the vehicle was Dr. Marina Chukwuemeka. Marina was the global expert in ecology and marine biology. However, she did not live on the L.R.R. campus. Marina spent months at a time working with the four Latin Provinces and other countries across the world. She was raised in the Eastern Province of the L.R.R. as a child. Marina graduated at the head of her class from the top university in Spain and later was offered her dream job of the Chief Scientist for the Alliance of African Affairs. There she would study the safari and jungles of what was formerly the Congo area. Marina was in her 30’s and was always so informative about anything and everything. I always enjoyed exploring the jungle with her. She was always so enlightening, sharing details about all the species and their roles in life.

  I was so excited to realize I would not be the only girl on the trip. Marina was like an older cousin to me.

  “Well, well, well! What a pleasant surprise. What are you doing here?” asked my father as he hugged Marina.

  “I just returned from the Southern Province. I have spent the last week studying the Orcas. I came to the campus to analyze some data and use the resources of the campus. I was scheduled to be in the office, but Dr. Gruver insisted I join you guys on the maintenance checks. Let’s just say she did not have to twist my arm,” said Marina as she greeted Abdi and Donald with hugs.

  “Hey, girl. How's it going, Layka?” Marina asked as she walked towards me and gave me a big hug.

  “I'm good, can’t complain. Excited to get up in the air and see the jungle,” I answered.

  “Yeah same here. It's going to be a blast. I was expecting to spend the rest of the week actually working,” said Marina as she did a little dance full of excitement. Marina then proceeded to talk with Abdi, Donald and my father. I couldn’t quite hear what their conversation was about. It was just really nice to see them all smiling and laughing together.

  “Well, if everyone is here, let's get the hell out of here,” yelled Donald as he made his way towards the cockpit of the chopper.

  We all let out a variation of cheers. Abdi threw the last few packs into the chopper and hopped inside. Donald walked around the helicopter one last time to make sure everything looked okay. He then proceeded to start the chopper and radio back to base that we were ready for takeoff. Once Donald received the green light, he locked the doors of the chopper.

  “Keep your seatbelts fastened, it's a little windy, so it may get choppy!” he yelled as we made our way up in the air.

  We began to make our way higher and higher into the air. I was beginning to get an entire aerial view of the campus. It was fun to try and locate our house. My mother always stood outside to light a flare, waving it back and forth. It was a cute goodbye. She always did this when my father would leave for work outside of the campus. My father always called her his “lighthouse.”

  I really enjoyed seeing the research towers. Each of them was made from the recycled plastic found in Earth's oceans. There were seven of them scattered all around the Latin Research Resurgence. The towers were roughly 1,000 miles apart from each other. They stood an astonishing 300 feet high. They were used for research and as a shelter in case research had to be conducted for weeks or even months.

  There were five floors in each tower, along with some storage space. Each floor had four windows that allowed scientists to observe different levels of the rainforest. These levels consist of the forest floor, understory, canopy, and emergent areas of the forest. This engineering allowed for the scientists to collect data without animal species even knowing humans were present. It also was a base for scientists that wanted to monitor the ecosystems, migration patterns, astronomy, and climate change.

  The towers from a distance resembled a tree. The base of each tower was brown and made of a rubber-like substance while the top of the tower was one enormous solar panel. It was also a landing and charging spot for the L.R.R. helicopters.

  The solar panel landing spots were able to be extended into the air an additional 1,000 feet if need be. The growth rate of jungle required the towers to be engineered and designed to keep up with the emergence of tree species like the Ceiba and Guaymi, which were capable of growing 25 feet a year. The architecture of the towers was modern day art. They were breathtaking to say the least.

  “So, are we doing our normal course?” asked Marina.

  “Sure are, starting with the Solar tower. Then knocking out the Pachanga, Aurora, Neuro, Ion, Energy and finishing up with the Reina tower as we make our way back home,” answered Donald.

  The Reina tower was the tower that was closest to campus. The team always wanted to do the maintenance on this one last. It was just more logical to cover more distance in the air, which is why we always started with the Solar tower.

  I remained calm and quiet in my seat gazing outside. Clouds covered the tops of the trees. I tried to spot as many animals as I could along the way. The majority of the animals I spotted were species of birds. I did spot the occasional rest stop, miniature landing spots that didn't possess the resources of the towers but were used for purifying the air, energy ports, and emergency landings.

  “So, what do you guys make of C.O.C.A.’s recent moves?” asked Marina, trying to spark conversation inside the helicopter. There were a few short seconds of silence.

  “Truthfully, Marina, I don't know what to think. A part of me just hopes there is peace. I am tired of people hurting and dying. I try not to get too worked up about it or overthink it. I know it sounds so cliché, but I just want peace. I just want to be able to live my life, continue doing my research, and watch my family grow,” said my father in a calm voice as he gazed out at the jungle with a slight smile.

  “I know one thing, if C.O.C.A. tries taking me out of the L.R.R. or placing that damn thing in my arm, there is going to be a price to pay!” said Donald. He began to raise his voice as he held both of his fists in the air.

  “Donald! Donald! Please pay attention to the chopper, my friend,” said Abdi.

  Abdi seemed to be a little scared of the turbulence that was caused by the strong winds.

  “Oh, Abdi, I can fly this thing with my eyes closed,” said Donald.

  Donald’s words were not reassuring to Abdi, as he remained sitting, grasping the sides of his seat.

  “So how have you been, Marina?” asked my father.

  “I have been okay. Just busy, it seems like I have been on the road and away from home for years. I know it's only been three weeks, but I really do miss C.C. I am excited to get back to the Congo next week,” answered Marina.

  “I am sure, Marina. That's understandable.
I am sure C.C misses you as well. How is the Alliance of African Affairs?” asked my father.

  “The Alliance is great. Our jungles are thriving, as well. C.C. is just afraid that if we continue to let our civil differences drag down the alliance, that it will make us vulnerable to C.O.C.A.,” answered Marina.

  C.C. was Marina’s husband, his name was Chibuzo Chukwuemeka, but everyone referred to him as C.C. I had only met him a few times, but I could tell Marina was really happy with him. Chibuzo was an anthropologist for the Alliance of African Affairs. He studied fossils of ancient hominids all across the Alliance of African Affairs. Once a year, my father would go visit Marina and C.C. and explore the jungles and caves of Africa. The stories my father returned home with about the caves in The Alliance of African Affairs were so interesting. He would tell me about fossils C.C would show him that were found in old burial sites for ancient hominids, deep inside caves. I can recall drunken chatter where C.C and my father would stay up until midnight talking about fossils and our human ancestors by the fire. Their stories and theories would always stimulate my imagination. Both of them were extremely knowledgeable.

  As Donald, Marina, and my father continued their conversation, I started to get a little sleepy. I glanced over at Abdi and noticed he was already asleep. I proceeded to play some classical music and put on my headphones.

  “Please be sure to wake me if you guys see any animals, papa. I am going to take a nap,” I said.

  I began to think about C.O.C.A. They seemed as if they would now be unstoppable. They controlled so much of planet earth. I wondered if I would be fortunate enough to chase my passion and future career in chemistry or if they would make me do some other occupation that I would hate or make me become a soldier. My experience with them in the past was always great but that was because the Americans kept a close eye on C.O.C.A. whenever they were present in the L.R.R. I began to fall asleep trying not to stir up any anxiety.

  Chapter 4

  The Solar Tower Part 1

  I woke to Marina shaking my leg and pointing outside of the chopper’s window. It was the first tower, the Solar Tower. Its enormous size and presence immediately sent chills down my spine. I bit my lip as I took a deep breath.

  The gigantic cylinder piece of modern architecture could be seen emerging from the treetops. Its dark brown color covered by patches of black solar panels locked eyes with everyone from inside the chopper, resembling a natural skyscraper that blended with the jungle. I used to believe that placing the towers into the jungle was unethical when it came to bioethics, but decades of research and positive data quickly changed my mind. It was actually quite difficult trying to imagine the L.R.R. jungle without them.

  Strong winds made the treetops look like enormous green waves were heading our way, flowing in every direction.

  The Mohs mountain region in the Solar territory divided this jungle into three separate zones. Each zone possessing unique plants, animals and organisms.

  “When was the last time you saw the towers, Abdi?” asked Marina.

  “Honestly, it has been a few years. I think the last time I saw them was with you and C.C.”

  Before Marina could reply, rough turbulence caused by the winds shook the helicopter.

  “Keep your seatbelts fastened and hang the hell on. We will be landing here shortly,” yelled Donald. It was a quick reminder that the jungle can be a dangerous place and that we should never get too comfortable.

  When we finally landed, Donald shut off the helicopter’s engine and let out a small sigh of relief. Some of us let out a variation of cheers, while others, including myself, did a little dance as we remained fastened to our seats.

  “Nice job, Donald. My apologies if I came off rude earlier, mi amigo,” said Abdi softly.

  “No worries, Brother. I just want you to know that they don’t call me ‘Captain of the Sky’ for nothing. You are in good hands with me,” replied Donald as he gave Abdi a fist bump and looked him straight in the eyes.

  We all unfastened our seatbelts and grabbed our electronics. The thick jungle and vegetation continued to resemble a sea of green waves ahead of us, as the wind was still strong. I basked in its beauty.

  My deep thoughts were quickly interrupted by my father.

  “Team, I know we are all adults here, but the jungle can be a dangerous place. I know I don't need to remind any of you. Please keep your eyes peeled at all times and try to stay on your toes.”

  We all nodded in confirmation, trying to hold back our excitement.

  “Let's have some fun!” said my father as he then proceeded to unlock the doors of the helicopter.

  I grabbed my pack and began to hand the other packs to their rightful owners from inside the chopper. It was so nice actually being here. The jungle was so refreshing, it just had an energy that was nourishing to the mind, body and soul.

  After what seemed like an eternity, Abdi, Marina, and myself were the first to exit the helicopter. The three of us walked towards the tower’s edge, while Donald and my father discussed something inside the helicopter. Being so high on top of the Solar tower made me feel very vulnerable to mother nature, especially with the strong winds.

  The jungle’s beauty silenced the three of us.

  After a few short minutes, my father and Donald exited the chopper.

  My father helped Donald carry out the generator as we all then began to make our way towards the tower’s entrance. Using a series of numbers, my father unlocked the door on the roof of the tower. We all then made our way down the first set of stairs; a very earthy smell filled the air inside the tower.

  “Yuck! Do you smell that? Smells like earthworms!” said Donald, not pleased as he and my father set down the generator.

  “I think it is rather comforting,” said Abdi as he took a deep breath inhaling the smell.

  There were four windows on each floor of the towers. One window faced north, another east, another west, and one faced south. The windows were tall and thin, reaching from the floor to the ceiling of each floor, not wide but very tall. They actually appeared to be black rectangles from the outside of the towers. This was to prevent various species of birds from flying into the windows and fracturing their necks.

  The fifth floor was where the telescopes were stored along with a variation of parts to the helicopter, in case something needed to be fixed. A small portion of the maintenance at each tower was to make sure inventory was taken on helicopter parts and research equipment.

  The fifth floor was called the Emergent floor. It gave an excellent view for researchers to observe the plant and animal species at this level. This level consists mainly of birds, butterflies, bats, and smaller monkeys. I liked hanging out on this level once the sun went down, only because the bats were very active at night and I rarely saw any around campus.

  All the floors were engineered so that the windows would be eye level with each layer of the rainforest. These layers consisted of four levels.

  The first level was the forest floor level. This level seemed to make up much of the jungle’s plant and animal species, from the tapir, jaguars, ocelots, otters, and much more.

  The second floor consisted of the understory level of the rainforest. The understory was home to a variation of species as well such as butterflies, lizards, monkeys, and a variation of insects.

  The third floor consisted of the canopy level; this was my favorite level. It was home to a variation of sloths, frogs, monkeys, and some of the most beautiful birds on planet earth. I enjoyed pulling up a chair and just staring outside the window to spot as many different species as I could.

  The fourth floor was where we usually slept. It didn't really have too much to do with science. It was the level that had a computer, TV, and a table where everyone would usually play cards or board games. This level was more of a dormitory than anything.

  After what seemed like 20 or 30 minutes, we finally finished bringing in the supplies from the helicopter. Before we had a chance to get comfort
able, my father called for the entire team to huddle quickly prior to our first maintenance check.

  “Hey team, I was hoping that we could be up at 06:00 and maybe be up in the air no later than 07:00 tomorrow. I just think it would be beneficial to knock out two towers tomorrow. If we arrive at the Aurora tower by 16:00, it would leave us plenty of light and time to complete the maintenance,” said my father. He looked around at us, waiting for questions.

  “Doesn't matter what time we leave. As long as I get my damn coffee, I will be good to go! You're the boss, Craigio. The sooner we get home, the better!” said Donald, as he tossed his sleeping bag next to the rest of his belongings.

  “That works for me, Craigio. I will be up at sunrise to stretch, so that works out perfectly,” said Abdi as he unrolled his yoga mat to stretch before we left to do our first maintenance check.

  “Don't you ever get tired of stretching, Abdi? You are always stretching every time I see you. This younger generation and all this damn yoga. I will never get it!” said Donald as he shook his head.

  “I really enjoy it. You should try it, Donald. Studies have proven yoga to be very beneficial. It really just puts my mind at ease; it is very peaceful,” said Abdi, closing his eyes as he began to stretch.

  “It's tempting, Abdi, but I will leave the yoga for the birds! I am just too old!” said Donald as beads of sweat fell off his face from the humidity.

  “I will stretch with you, Abdi. I have always wanted to try it and you say it's beneficial for my Jiu jitsu, so why not!” I said quickly, inviting myself.

  I glanced over at my father as he smirked and shook his head. It was a subtle way of him saying “I love you.”

  “Works for me, Layka,” said Abdi.

  I was thankful we were only doing maintenance on one tower today, knowing that knocking out two towers tomorrow could possibly be physically and emotionally draining. I prepared for the maintenance of the Solar tower by unpacking my camera that I had placed inside my backpack. The rest of the team prepared for departure by using the restroom and consuming a quick snack. I decided to eat some nuts and berries that my mother had packed for me.