Cover Up

Cover Up

I was once asked a philosophical question by one of my graduate students. She asked if there was ever an instance when telling a lie was a better option than revealing the truth. My mind instantly thought of several instances in history where political leaders chose to cover up the truth. Later the leaders justified the tactile advantage of a cover up which would lead to a more favorable diplomatic situation in the long run.

After mulling this over for several minutes, my answer was a definite maybe that left me some wiggle room. After my experience in the field of oceanography, I had crossed the Rubicon, no longer able to plead my innocence.

The story you are about to hear was what I based my answer on. First let me introduce myself; I am Dr. Albert Weissmuller, Science Dean at University of California Berkeley. I was once in charge of the Mariana Trench Research Project that took place about three years ago.

Much of the research from that project has been buried as deep as the Trench is itself. There were reasons for the cover up that now lay heavy on my conscience as I prepare for my retirement.

In my career, I have uncovered many secrets hidden in the deepest parts of the ocean, many discoveries of which I am proud to have been a part of, but there was one that haunts me to this day. I only share this with you so you will understand the torment I have endured over the past three years.

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“Ladies and gentlemen, today we go forth to explore one of the most mysterious corners of our world.” Dr. Ronard Happseegan spoke into the microphone at the podium addressing a crowd of esteemed colleagues, “I will be aboard the Bathysphere Eurybia to explore the recently discovered opening in the Mariana Trench. According to our research, this opening could lead to answers to questions about the origins of Earth. We are excited to have this unprecedented opportunity.”

There was a polite applause from the distinguished audience assembled at the Oceanic Research at Manilla. Assembled were some of the top researchers in oceanography.

“Our goal is to sample diverse geological features such as concave and convex faults, slopes, and abyssal plains. We will eventually lay the groundwork for one of the most comprehensive ecological databases we have ever had.”

A woman in the front row raised her hand.

“Doctor Vyning, you have a question.” Dr. Happseegan pointed to the woman with her hand raised.

“Yes Doctor, there are rumors that there is life that exists down in one of the faults that has never been identified or classified. Do you believe that’s true?” She asked, holding her notebook close to her chest.

“This is why we are going to explore this region in our Bathysphere. Since we are now able to reach depths of over five thousand meters, we will have access to what we suspect is there, but up until now, have only had dark, fuzzy images to confirm our hypotheses.” He shrugged,

Another hand was raised.

“Dr. Kumar.” He pointed to a man in the back of the group.

“We have heard stories of creatures down there that may have been the basis of ancient mythological sea monsters.” Dr. Kumar smiled as he spoke.

“You mean like the Kraken?” He chuckled.

There was a smattering of laughter in response to Dr. Happseegar’s remark.

“I suppose.” Dr. Kumar was not laughing, “Or creatures who have isolated will now be exposed to our science. Do you think this is wise?”

It was no secret that Dr. Kumar, a graduate from Oxford, was sympathetic to ecological concerns such as climate change. He was not afraid to raise concerns about fragile biomes that could be compromised by intrusion from outside factors.

“We will take this into consideration.” He smiled, but the doctors in the front could tell Happseegar’s smile was forced. Everyone understood there was no professional love loss between the two. I rose out of my chair behind the podium and with a nod stood at the microphone.

“Most of you know me as I am no stranger to the research we have done over the past few years.” I paused glancing at Dr. Kumar who still had a sour expression on his face, “In six days we will set sail from my laboratory on Mariana Island on the barge that will carry the Bathysphere. Once we are over the deepest part of the trench, we will put the Eurybia into the ocean where a three-man crew consisting of Dr. Happseegar, Dr. Haavard, and Dr. Goenner will man the craft. We have planned to have the Eurybia land on the convex fault known as Poseidon's Mouth. I must admit, I am not excited about the name of the landing zone, but I am thrilled about the possible discoveries. I will be in the control room on the barge in constant communication with the Bathysphere. Are there any further questions?”

I saw no one had their hand raised.

In that case, refreshments will be served in the other conference room. Good day.” I concluded

A week later under crystal blue skies, the four of us sat in chairs on the deck next to the Bathysphere. The Seoir lolled in the gentle waves as the Norwegian crew checked all of the settings as we readied for a launch in the morning.

Captain Lars Bakken reported, “Just a word.”

“Yes, captain?” I responded.

“We will be entering the drop zone in six hours.” He announced.

“Right on time.” I glanced at my watch.

“All is ready.” Captain Bakken spoke without much of an accent even though some of his crew did not speak any English.

“I’ll be glad to get underway.” Dr. Happseegar nodded.

“Me too.” Dr. Haavard seconded.

“You could not ask for better weather, eh?” Dr. Goenner let the breeze blow through his long hair.

“It will be wonderful if this weather holds out.” I took a deep breath of the briny air.

“I doubt I will sleep tonight.” Haavard confessed.

“Me either.” Goenner squinted at his colleague.

“We must rest, gentlemen. We have a lot to do in the morning.” Dr. Happseegar patted both of them on the shoulder. “Perhaps we’d better get to our bunks.”

“Perhaps.” Haavard agreed with a nod.

“See in the morning, dear.” Goenner patted the Bathysphere as he followed the others below deck to the sleeping quarters. From the bridge, Captain Bakker waved as they all went down the hatch.

I sat there for a moment enjoying the orange red sun as it dipped into the sea.

“Are you alright?” Captain Bakken asked.

“I’m fine. Just having a peaceful moment.”

“Ack, there are many peaceful moments out in these waters.”

I agreed with him as he lit his pipe.

The next morning, I watched the three of them enter Eurybia, a Greek goddess of water and daughter of Poseidon.

The crew would spend the better part of an hour checking out all the instruments. Once they started their descent, the pressure would increase until they reached their destination in the blackness of the Mariana Trench.

Most of my professional life I studied strange species found in the deepest depths where the darkness was complete and total. Some of the lifeforms I had seen possessed phosphorescent attachments that helped them see their prey.

“Roger, we are ready for launch.” Dr. Happseegar's voice sounded through the radio static.

I heard the crane being operated by a couple of the captain’s crew. The Eurybia with a slow grinding growl was lifted off the deck. A couple of the crew had unhooked the chains that kept the craft secured to the deck. I watched as the crane shifted to the starboard side with the Bathysphere. With a slow methodical movement, the craft was lowered into the water. A gentle breeze ruffled the waves as if wishing the Eurybia “Bon Voyage.”

“All clear.” I heard Dr. Happseegar say through the radio as the bubbles surfaced from the submerging Bathysphere.

“Nice view.” Dr. Haavard added. In less than ten minutes the Eurybia had disappeared into the blue ocean.

I sent an email back to my laboratory with the news of the launch. There was an immediate email response. “Congratulations.”

It would take them about three hours to reach their destination. I predicted it would take about three hours for Eurybia to reach her destination at Poseidon's Mouth. These next two hours would be very tense for me. I decided to go above deck and take a walk to reduce some of my tension.

“It will be okay, no?” Captain Bakken was smoking his pipe as he approached me.

“So far so good.” I nodded as his smoke cloud was carried out over the water.

“We have all kinds of sailor’s prayers that go back to our Viking days.” He winked.

“I have said quite a few this morning already.” I sighed.

“So far all our instruments are reading positive.” He slapped me on the back.

“How long have you been out here?” I asked, trying to strike up a conversation to relieve my anxiety.

“I came out with you.” He gave me an odd look.

“No, I mean how many years have you sailed the seas?”

“All my life.” He closed one eye as he blew the smoke from his pipe into the salty air. “I was just fourteen when I signed onto the merchant marines. I came up on some Russian and Chinese trawlers who were spying out here when I was still a puke-boot. Now I just take a job every now and then as I am semi-retired.”

“Good for you.” I nodded, “I am thinking about retirement.”

“It is good.” He smiled, “But my wife finds too many things for me to do around the house, so I sign on for another voyage.”

We both laughed. It was good sharing a laugh as I waited anxiously on deck.

“Ack, I has to go.” He nudged me as he turned his head toward the bridge.

Glancing at my watch, I decided it was time to go into my closet that served as my office. It was where my computer was monitoring their progress. I would like to say that there was a lot of excitement for the next few hours to keep the tension high, but the truth was it was not at all exciting in the least. The only noise I heard was the shifting of the waves on the rusty rig and the sound of the wind creaking through some of the rigging.

I heard some radio chatter, but nothing that really meant anything. It was all routine so far.

“Captoon wans to know if you wish lunch?” Asked Lars, the chief galley cook.

“Nei.” I shook my head.

“Ja.” He smiled as he closed my door. I wished he would have left it open since the conversations, even in Norwegian, would be a welcome distraction.

“Dr. Happseegar.” I heard Dr. Haavard’s voice sounded excited.

“What do you have?” Haavard answered.

“I’m not sure.” Dr. Haavard sounded out of breath.

“This is Doctor Weissmuller.” I picked up the microphone, “What’s going on?”

“I’m not sure.” Haavard’s voice was strained.

“Looks like we have company.” Dr. Happseegar answered.

“Is there any way you could send me a visual?” I felt my heart begin to race.

“Negative.” Dr. Happseegar's raspy voice answered.

“Is the Eurybia in any danger?” I asked.

“Negative.” He confirmed. “We are nearing our destination.”

“Poseidon's Mouth?”

“Yup, I can see it on my screen.”

“Any problems?”

“Negatory.” He paused, “We have touchdown.”

I felt as if I could breathe once again and so I did.

“I am switching the light on.” He spoke. I could hear him flick the switch. “My God, what a landscape. Hard to imagine this place has never seen a light since creation.”

I remember the first time I saw the Trench; I felt like Neil Armstrong taking his first step on the Lunar landscape. Now it was his turn to see it.

“Amazing, isn’t it?” I whispered into the microphone.

“It most certainly is.” I heard him whisper back.

Once again there was a pause, but then I heard him say, “I think Dr. Haavard just thought he saw something, but I am going to confirm there is nothing on the radar.”

“Good to know.” I sighed.

For the next three hours, I listened to them talk to each other once they had moved into their position. The convex formation seemed empty, nothing more than a deep void. I nodded off a couple of times as I sat at my desk. I heard Dr. Happseegar tell the others that he was going to go into the rest area to catch a nap and Dr. Haavard should come in to relieve him in a couple of hours. Everyone agreed about the sleeping schedule. I heard him close the door to the rest area.

All was going well. With the light they were able to get a couple of photographs of some of the life floating by. Suddenly I heard Dr. Haavard cry out to Dr. Goenner, “What is that?”

“How should I know?” He answered.

Upon hearing their apprehension, my eyes opened. I picked up the microphone, “Don’t wake him yet. Do you have a visual?”

“Yes doctor, we do.” I could hear Dr. Haavard gasp.

A black shape moved toward the Bathysphere. The unidentified form was huge and took up the entire screen at one point.

“Can anyone identify?” Dr. Goenner asked.

“Not I.” I mumbled, “I have no idea what it is.”

“Shall we begin our ascent?” Dr. Haavard asked.

“I don’t think-”

Then the creature opened its eyes. Big yellow eyes.

“Holy Christ, I’ve never seen anything like it.” I blurted out. “I am going to begin your ascent now.”

I pressed the button. If the Bathysphere rose too quickly the life support systems on board might be damaged which would doom the crew to a watery grave, but as the ship ascended, the creature encapsulated the entire ship.

I heard both of them scream.

It would be the last time I would hear their voices.

The sound of metal being shredded was one of the worst sounds I have ever heard.

And then nothing but static silence.

I sat there for almost twenty minutes unable to move or speak.

“Are you alright, doctor?” I heard Captain Bakker knock on my door. When I did not answer, I heard him open the door. “Oh doctor.”

Was all he could say when he saw my white ghost-like face.

He and one of his crewmen took me to the infirmary they had set up. A crewman named Liam put a bag of ice over my forehead.

A week later, I was on a flight to Washington D.C. for an inquest into the disappearance of the Eurybia. Some of the things I had heard were deeply disturbing.

“Dr. Weissmuller, three vessels have disappeared in the same area.” One of my associates told me while I recovered from the awful experience in the hospital.

“What?”

“It seems whatever got to the Bathysphere has come to the surface. Many are calling it Kraken Two.” She shook her head.

“Melody, do you think there is any chance that creature followed us?” I closed my eyes as the sunlight was making me blind.

“Possible.” She mused. “What do you think?”

“I am afraid it is more than possible.” I kept my eyes closed, but the horrid visual I saw down there was haunting me.

So, I was standing in a briefing room in the Pentagon with over fifty reporters. They were all eager to hear what had happened to the Eurybia but due to my connections, I had all of the visual evidence deep-sixed. Still as I looked into each of their faces, I knew I would be covered in a flop sweat before the end of the conference.

“Dr. Weissmuller, can you tell us exactly what happened to the Eurybia?” Asked a reporter in the front row.

Putting both hands on the podium and squeezing it until my fingers turned white, I put my lips near the microphone, “At this time all evidence suggests there was a terrible accident as the Bathysphere life support systems malfunctioned.”

“What do you believe the cause of this was?” Another reporter asked.

“I have no idea. We are still investigating the matter.” I felt my voice waver a bit.

“Some of us have heard rumors that some sort of creature may have had something to do with this.” Another reporter shouted out.

“I can assure you that nothing like this happened.” I shook my head.

As it turned out, lying wasn’t as hard as I imagined it would be, especially when somewhere out there the real danger was still swimming looking for his next victim. It felt good to end the briefing. I just wanted to get on the next plane back to my laboratory. I am not a good liar, but I had no choice. If I had told the truth, the panic would become dire. That I was absolutely sure would happen.

I closed my eyes but all I could see were those hideous yellow eyes staring at me.