The Whale Song Translation: A Voyage of Discovery To Neptune and Beyond (28 page)

“I challenge Professor McPinsky’s wild assertions,” interrupted Reverend Ricks. “Religion is universally embraced by all races and cultures. It is not just an aberration of group psychology. All of these systems share the same value: that mankind is related to the Creator and is cast in His image. I don’t see any evidence to the contrary on our planet.”

“No evidence has been found because we’ve not asked the right questions,” said McPinsky. “Maybe because it strokes our egos to be the earth’s top dog, we don’t bother to ask these tough questions in the search for other intellects.”

“Where is the evidence of other advanced intellects?” asked Ricks. “We’ve lived on the earth for thousands of years, and there’s no sign of civilization other than our own. As far as most of us are concerned, Professor McPinsky notwithstanding, we are the guardians of the planet with dominion over all creatures.”

“Ah-hah.” Thomas Abrams, with his ruddy complexion and bushy, salt-and-pepper beard, projected the iconic image of a sea captain. “Yes, we are the guardians, but that doesn’t justify planetary and species exploitation. The mission of our organization is to end the slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans. Not to mention the disruption of their habitats caused by anthropogenic, meaning human-produced, noise. The list is long: underwater explosions used in seismic surveys, seabed drilling by oil companies, military and commercial sonars, and ship traffic. It’s an unending onslaught upon their health, and it interferes with their normal behavior. I’m urging all of your viewers to log onto the
CetaceanRights.org
website and sign the ‘Cetacean Bill of Rights.’ Our fellow big-brained creatures should be entitled to the same rights we humans cherish: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Reyes smiled. “Is there really such a website?”

“Absolutely,” roared Abrams.

Reyes didn’t appear intimidated. “The Sea Guardians’ tactics are extremely controversial,” she said. “Your attempts to damage Japanese whaling vessels have been condemned by Greenpeace and recently by His Holiness, Lama Dawa Cham.”

“We need to fight fire with fire,” replied Abrams. “Our actions are intended to incapacitate equipment, not to endanger people. Greenpeace’s limited protest activities have not deterred the whaling nations from butchering whales.”

“But Lama Dawa Cham said—”

“Just to set the record straight,” interrupted Abrams, “His Holiness has consistently supported our organization’s goal of preventing whalers from harming the giant sea mammals. His Holiness’s recent quote about our nonviolent, anti-whaling protests was a politically correct attempt to appease his hosts during a recent tour of Japan.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” replied Reyes, whose peevish tone was directed at the guest who’d interrupted her. “So what’s your organization’s position on the PICES communication experiment?”

Captain Thomas Abrams was not easily intimidated. His voice energized by passion, he declared, “Your broadcast of the protests in Maui confirms that this is a controversial subject, even amongst members of the ecology community. However, we all agree that the whales should be protected from mistreatment by commercial interests. To some of us, therefore, this also includes the potentially intrusive consequences of experimentation.”

“We aren’t ever going to know if there are other intellectual civilizations unless we break the codes of their language,” countered McPinsky. “It’s our species’ responsibility to try for a breakthrough, and I cheer the PICES organization for attempting it. Anything less is an abrogation of our obligation as the dominant species on earth. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain if we discover other intelligent companions.”

“Reverend Ricks,” interjected Cristina Reyes, “you’re known as a leading advocate of the theory of intelligent design. How would the members of your congregation react to a significant communication breakthrough with creatures on our own planet?”

“We of the faith believe the Grand Designer of intelligent creatures is the God of Christianity. Since humans are created in God’s image, we should therefore assume our rightful role in the scheme of things.”

“I don’t hear any answer to Ms. Reyes’s question,” Abrams said. “Instead, I hear the familiar anthropocentric strains of the ‘human exceptionalism’
argument. It’s an excuse for powerful organizations to play God with the rights of individuals and other species in order to justify commercial exploitation of the environment and the abuse of fragile ecosystems.”

“I’m not surprised Mr. Ricks sidestepped your question, Ms. Reyes,” said McPinsky. “It’s a bad enough blow to the human ego to admit there could be intelligent creatures on other worlds. Imagine the future shock, however, if we were to discover they exist on our very own planet but hadn’t been smart enough to detect it sooner. By the way, the notion that man is created in God’s image reminds me—”

“I’m sorry to cut you short, Professor,” said Reyes, “but our time has expired. I want to thank all of our distinguished panelists for a stimulating discussion. Stay tuned to
Headline News
for updates on the situation in Maui. This is Cristina Reyes of
Urgent Assignment
wishing you all a good night.”

Dmitri turned off the TV. “I thought it went pretty well. That ‘intelligent design’ sophistry espoused by Ricks is a ruse. It’s an end run around court rulings that prohibit the teaching of creationism as science.”

“How ironically Darwinian,” replied Greg, “that creationism itself needs to evolve in order to ensure its survival.”

“Brilliant deduction, Greg,” replied Dmitri. “Now, if only Prescott had evolved beyond the Neanderthal stage, we’d be home free.”

“Ouch.” Greg slapped his forehead “We definitely know where you stand with
that
guy.”

Dmitri turned to address the group. “Okay, I’ve got to make some phone calls, so let’s take a thirty-minute break and then reconvene in the conference room.”

Half an hour later, the Research in Paradise team had regrouped to discuss the inventory of supplies for the pending launch.

“Yikes.” Andrew jumped to his feet. A loud bang just outside the building startled the entire team.

Hawkins dashed into the lobby and everyone followed. He lifted a corner section of the window blinds. As Dmitri peeked out, he saw chanting protestors marching in circles in front of the PICES offices.

“There’s Chris,” shouted Hawkins.

Through the window, Dmitri saw Gorman struggling to shove his way through the crowd. Hawkins cracked the door open. Gorman staggered through, slammed the door shut, and locked it. He dripped with perspiration. “I’m okay.” He wiped his face with the souvenir PICES handkerchief provided by his assistant, Shelley.

The team followed Gorman back into in the conference room. Dmitri tried to be upbeat. “That was an excellent presentation, Chris. You made the case for the PICES organization and the legitimacy of its research program.”

“I guess so. Nevertheless, whoever pulled this media stunt is probably laughing. They’ve unleashed the mobs upon us. Did you see how I had to bulldoze my way through that throng just to get in here? It’s a zoo out there. Let’s forget about the experiment. Right now I’m more concerned for our safety.”

“Not only that.” Hawkins sounded grim. “Our naturalists had to cancel all of today’s whale-watch tours. The tourists are afraid to get anywhere near the dock.”

Shelley opened the door. “Hey, everybody, turn the TV back on. All hell is breaking loose.”

Hawkins grabbed the remote and hit the power button.

“This is Michael Johnson back on the boat docks in Kihei, Maui, on a lovely afternoon. During the past hour, clashes have intensified between those who support and those who oppose the controversial PICES experiment. Police are arresting individuals who’ve escalated their protests to the level of physical violence. Some of these incidents are allegedly fueled by the consumption of alcohol and drugs. I’ve got a Maui peace officer with me. Sir, will you impose a curfew to quell the disturbances?”

“Not really,” replied the officer. “There aren’t enough cells on the island to handle arrests due to curfew violations. We’ll deal with the worst of the lot, and then I’m sure it’ll all simmer down by tomorrow. After all, this is laid-back Maui. We want to assure everyone that it’s still safe to visit our island paradise.” He smiled for the camera.

“Thank you for the update, officer. It’s taken a very nasty turn out here, and there doesn’t seem to be any relief in sight. Now back to our Atlanta studios.”

“That just sucks.” Andrew paced with his hands in his pockets. “This has nothing to do with the experiment. Bringing in the TV cameras is a calling card for all the loons who want their fifteen minutes of fame.”

Gorman shook his head. “The game’s over. It’s just too dangerous out there. I’ve decided to suspend our experiment indefinitely. We’ll resume if and when the passions die down.”

“You can’t do that.” Lila rose, looking furious. “That’s just what they want.”

Another sharp bang against the side wall of the building stopped the conversation. A fusillade of thumps and booms reverberated throughout the conference room.

“I’m getting scared.” Seema’s voice sounded small and tentative. “Where are the police?”

A blast of shattering glass and a woman’s chilling scream jolted everyone at the table.

“Shelley’s out there.” Gorman leapt to his feet and rushed out the door. Dmitri followed him into the lobby, shocked by the grisly scene. The front window had been demolished, and the blinds swayed in the breeze. A large rock lay in the middle of the glass-littered floor. Shelley cowered beneath the desk. Her whimpering drew the rest of the team into the room and Gorman to her side.

“Maui police! Open up!”

Hawkins unlocked the door, and four cops poured into the lobby. An officer with a sergeant’s badge approached Gorman. “I’m sorry we weren’t here to stop this. Is everyone all right?”

Gorman helped Shelley to her feet. Despite her tan, her face appeared bleached of its vitality.

“Oh, no!” cried Lila.

Slivers of glass covered Shelley’s blood-stained arms and clothing. Remarkably, her face had been spared.

The sergeant motioned to two of his men. “We’ll escort you to the hospital, ma’am.” As she left, trembling but subdued, the sergeant faced Gorman and said, “Looks like she’s in shock. Fortunately, her wounds appear minor.”

“Hey, check this out.” Andrew held the rock in his hands. “There’s a note attached.” Before the cops could react, he untied the string and unfolded the paper. “Uh-oh,” he moaned.

“Lemme see that.” The sergeant grasped the edge of the note between his thumb and forefinger. “This is evidence. Take it to the lab, Garza.” He handed the page to one of his assistants. “I just got another emergency call, so I’m leaving one of my officers to guard your building. In the meantime, I suggest you contact Maui Glass to fix this window. If you need anything else, here’s my card.”

After the police left, the team moved back to the conference room. After they’d all exchanged anxious stares, Gorman cleared his throat. “Andrew, what did the note say?”

Andrew looked confused, his eyes darting around the table. “Death,” he murmured. Seema gasped.

“That does it.” Gorman’s bold tones tolled like a command. “It’s just too risky to proceed.”

“You can’t wimp out on the whales, Chris!” Lila snarled. “Everything is ready to go! We can prove once and for all that the humpbacks deserve humanity’s respect. Now is the time to strike.”

Dmitri fully expected Gorman to lose his cool and lash back at his young researcher’s impetuous remarks. Instead, the PICES director sagged back into the chair and stared at the ceiling. When he finally spoke, Dmitri strained to hear his muted voice. “It’s killing me, Lila. Don’t for a minute think I wouldn’t risk my life to save even a single endangered humpback. But I also have the perspective of leading others into battle . . . bearing the life-long burden of lives lost under my command . . . experiencing a family’s grief as I delivered the news.” Gorman paused. His eyes glistened. “It took me years to make peace with those decisions. As a Navy officer, I’d issue those same orders again. But as a civilian, I’ve no right to endanger your lives.”

Lila walked over and placed a consoling hand on her boss’s shoulder. “I had no idea, Chris.”

“How could you?”

Lila paused and gazed into her supervisor’s eyes before speaking. “Please don’t take this the wrong way, but new lives are at stake. Since you’re the director of PICES, I truly believe you need to honor your commitment to protect and preserve the cetaceans.”

Gorman stood. “I agree, but not at the risk of human life. I’m sorry, but my mind is made up.” He left the room, Hawkins trailing behind him.

Although Dmitri was shocked by Lila’s outburst, he agreed with her. But what could
he
do? After all, this was Gorman’s organization, and it stood in the crosshairs of a national media assault. Dmitri sensed, however, that Lila wouldn’t let it rest.

“You know I’m right.” Lila’s face was flushed. “This is an occasion that comes along once in a lifetime. We’ve worked hard, and we’re ready to launch. If we miss the opportunity, it could be years before the stars are in perfect alignment again.” Lila approached Dmitri, hovering over him. “Dr. Dmitri, your mentor said it more eloquently than I ever could. It’s not about us. It’s about the existential redemption of the human race and the survival of the cetaceans. Dr. Dmitri, I implore you to follow through on your inspiration and—”