Depths of Paradise

by Vance Albright

  “Max, we are departing soon,” Okada’s voice said, bringing Max back to reality.

  “Right. I’m ready when everyone else is.” Okada stared at the memorials of the U.S. Arizona and Missouri for a moment. He sat down next to Max, which Max found surprising.

  “Strange, isn’t it?” Okada said.

  “What is?” Max asked, having no idea what Okada was talking about.

  “Nearly a century ago on this very spot, our ancestors fought one another, and here we stand as allies united against a common enemy,” Okada said with a slight hint of wonder in his voice.

  “Your grandfather was stationed aboard the Akagi. Correct?” Max asked, slightly curious. To this point, neither man had ever shared any stories of what their grandfathers had done during the Great War. Max knew from the photos in Okada’s office that his grandfather was aboard the Akagi, but he had never found the courage to ask what his story was. Okada’s face showed no sign of strain when he responded.

  “Yes, he was stationed on the Akagi. He piloted a torpedo bomber. Once the Akagi was sunk, he was stationed aboard the Jun’yō. What about your grandfather? Did he fight in the Great War?” Okada asked with genuine interest. Max took a moment to think. It had been quite a while since he had accessed these memories. Towards the end of his life, his grandfather had told him about his experiences during World War II. Max had recorded the tales and kept his grandfather’s personal war time journal.

  “Yes, he was in the war, but he fought the Germans, not the Japanese. He was the gunner of a tank crew. His first combat mission was storming the beaches of Normandy on D-day. He was the second tank to make landfall.”

  “The second tank?” Okada said, amazed. “Did he survive the war?”

  “I wouldn’t be here if he didn’t,” Max answered jokingly.

  “True,” Okada replied, sounding like he took the statement more as a fact than as a joke. “After the Germans were defeated, why did he not go to the Pacific to fight?”

  “He was in training for the Pacific, but the war ended before his training was finished. I have his complete war story in a journal if you would like to read it.”

  “I would. It sounds like a very interesting read,” Okada replied.

  “Hey, you two. Ride’s here,” Liz shouted from the hill above them.

  “Duty calls,” Okada said, getting up.

  Chapter 32

  5:56 PM 04/17/2021 HST

  Governor David Fatu was in the middle of a phone conversation regarding a new civil law when his secretary entered the room. The governor’s office was a large square room. Beautiful wood coverings enclosed the walls. Further adding to the walls’ splendor was the many pictures of Hawaiian landmarks. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor’s desks were placed on opposite sides of the room. A large wooden table had been placed between the desks in preparation for the meeting.

  “Yes, Ms. Kelemen?” he said, covering the speaker.

  “Governor Fatu, your guests have arrived.” He motioned for her to wait, spoke to the person on the other line for a few moments, and ended the call.

  “Send them in,” he replied, pleased they were here. Okada was the first to enter. Governor Fatu stood up. He was a slightly overweight Hawaiian native in his late fifties. He had light brown skin and short balding brown hair. A small beard and mustache covered his face.

  “Governor Fatu. Thank you for having us,” Okada said, extending his hand.

  Governor Fatu shook it and said, “Thank you for helping us with our problem.” After Okada introduced the members of his team, everyone sat down. Governor Fatu was the first to speak.

  “I wanted to start this meeting off by thanking the Japanese government and each of you for helping us solve this mystery. As you can imagine, many people living on Maui are becoming concerned about the growing number of deaths that have occurred around the island.”

  “Thank you for your help and cooperation. Remember this creature’s first attack was on a Japanese fishing vessel. Your government’s assistance in that matter was truly helpful,” Okada replied. Both men’s faces signaled a sign of respect.

  “To this point, we’ve managed to keep feeding the media cover stories, but I don’t know how much longer people will buy them,” Governor Fatu said, slightly concerned. “I only know that an undiscovered animal is behind these attacks. Your team has been investigating this creature since the first attack, so I’m curious to know what your team has learned.”

  “We have a pretty good idea of what this creature is and what it might be capable of. Governor, if I may present our findings?” Max asked.

  “Yes, please,” Governor Fatu replied. The wall mounted TV was turned on. Liz turned off the lights. Ashly played the video of the water panther and showed slides of the information the team had gathered. As the slides were shown, Max and Samuel explained the information, as well as their theories on the water panther. After the presentation was over, the lights were turned back on. Governor Fatu sat motionless for a moment, trying to comprehend the information he just received.

  “I just can’t believe it. An actual sea monster swimming in the Maui waters.” His voice was filled with disbelief. “Do you believe other Hawaiian islands are at risk, and is it possible this water panther might come ashore?”

  Max was about to speak when Samuel said confidently, “No, it cannot come ashore. The water panther is a purely aquatic creature.”

  “Looking at the current attack patterns, it seems this creature’s primary territory is around Maui. However, I feel it’s very possible that attacks might also occur around the islands of Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe,” Max said.

  “Mr. Varian, during the presentation, you mentioned you believed the water panther has some form of intelligence. Are you saying that it can speak or build weapons?” Governor Fatu asked nervously. Max tried not to laugh at the ridiculousness of the statement.

  “No, nothing like that,” Max replied, managing to keep a serious tone. “It seems to be learning how to more effectively use its natural weapons to sink ships. In time it may also learn naval patterns like shipping lanes or when beaches are most active.”

  “Is this type of intelligence common in the animal kingdom?” Governor Fatu replied.

  “Very common. In fact, if our theories are correct, this creature is by no means the smartest creature in existence.” Max smiled a satisfied smile when he said, “Our dolphins appear to be much smarter.” Governor Fatu closed the folder Ashly had given him containing the information the team had gathered on the creature.

  “Each of you has certainly done a good job gathering information on this creature. Now I would like to move on to the subject of destroying it.” He looked towards Okada. “Commander Takahashi, when we spoke over the phone, you mentioned using underwater mines. Do you think that is still a viable option?”

  “Yes, that is currently our first plan of attack,” Okada replied.

  “Well, that would certainly be an effective option.” Governor Fatu spoke in an unsure voice when he said, “However, I must admit I’m concerned about the dangers a mine field may pose to vessels that travel the Maui waters.” Ashly explained in great detail the plan she had laid out in Tokyo. How she would be able to remotely detonate the mines, so they posed no threat to local ships. Hearing her plan brought Governor Fatu’s mind at ease.

  “Ms. Cross, you seem confident in your plan and you managed to convince me.”

  “Well, thank you,” Ashly said proudly.

  “I will authorize you to deploy a mine field to destroy the creature. Where do you plan on deploying the mines?”

  “The plan is to place the mine field near the creature’s lair once we locate it,” Max said.

  “Do you have any idea where that is?” Governor Fatu asked.

  “Our research shows that it’s very possible the creature has a lair near Molokini crater. Tomorrow we plan on conducting a reconnaissance mission of the area,” Ashly added.

  “Now, I don’t m
ean to play devil’s advocate, but if the mine field should fail, do you have a backup plan?” Governor Fatu inquired.

  “Our secondary plan is using the attack dolphins armed with hypodermic lances,” Max continued. Since she had not spoken yet, Max let Liz explain the process of what the hypodermic lances were and what type of explosives they would be using. Governor Fatu shook his head in an amused way.

  “I never imagined when I signed the agreement allowing the Japanese government to train attack dolphins on Niihau that they might one day be used to destroy a sea monster.” He looked towards Okada and Liz. “How soon can the mine operation be ready? As you can imagine, I want this creature dealt with as soon as possible.”

  “We plan on conducting operations in several weeks,” Okada answered.

  “Several weeks!” Governor Fatu said in a shocked, surprised voice. “I’m sorry; that timeframe is unacceptable. Attacks from this creature have been occurring almost daily. In two weeks, fourteen new attacks may occur.” He paused for a moment, then said softly. “God knows how many people will be killed.”

  “Based on new information we gathered from the submarine, I highly doubt there will be any new attacks for at least several weeks,” Max said.

  “What new information is that?” Governor Fatu asked, looking pleased and slightly confused at the same time.

  “The submarine had fifty-one passengers on board. Based on this creature’s size, I doubt it will need to hunt for some time. I believe the creature is either storing food for later or, like a snake, eating a large amount of food at one time and then becoming less active until the food is digested.”

  “An interesting theory, but what evidence do you have to support it?”

  “The fact that no bodies were recovered; they just didn’t disappear into thin air,” Liz cut in. Even though Liz’s comments were crude, they managed to convince Governor Fatu.

  He said, “I understand your need for planning, and I agree to a two-week planning phase for the operation. However, if attacks from this monster continue, you will have to conduct immediate counter operations.”

  “We can agree to that. Once the creature is destroyed, we plan on taking the remains to Niihau for future study,” Okada replied.

  “I honestly don’t care what is done with the body. I just want this creature out of my waters.” A buzzing sound broke the current conversation. Governor Fatu picked up the phone to see what his secretary wanted.

  “Do you think this meeting will end soon?” Liz whispered to Max in a bored voice.

  “I’m guessing we’re nearing the end of it,” Max replied softly. Governor Fatu put the phone down.

  “The final topic we need to address is what cover story do we tell the public? If the existence of this creature goes mainstream, it will cause a mass panic that the tourist industry will never recover from,” Governor Fatu said, alarmed.

  “Are you going to tell the surviving victim the same thing?” Max added, thinking of Mya.

  Liz looked at him and said, “Speaking of Mya. During your meeting with her, you came up with a great cover story. The escaped salt water crocodile.” Governor Fatu snapped his finger and smiled.

  “That’s a brilliant idea!” He stretched his hand out in an excited manner. It was obvious by his facial expression, he was visualizing the newspaper heading in front of him when he said, “The cover story will be a salt water crocodile escaped from a private collector and is responsible for most of the attacks. The other events are unfortunate coincidences.” He looked at everyone else. “What do you think?”

  “I think it will work,” Liz replied. Everyone nodded in agreement. “Is that all the information you needed from us?” Liz asked, wanting to get the meeting over with.

  “Yes, you have given me more than enough information to think about. I must again congratulate each of you for discovering so much information about this creature in so short of time, and on top of that coming up with a plan to destroy it.”

  “No thanks is needed; we are just fulfilling our duties,” Okada said.

  “Not many people could have accomplished this much in such a short timeframe. Now I would be honored if you and your team would be my guests at dinner tonight.”

  “It would be our honor,” Okada replied. When Governor Fatu’s back was turned, Liz made a gun with her finger, pointed it towards her head, and fired.

  Chapter 33

  1:12 PM 04/18/2021 HST

  The Barracuda drifted above the edge of the world at Molokini Crater. Sonar scans conducted earlier in the day had revealed several locations that appeared to be entrances to underwater caves. It was a clear cloudless day with a pleasant temperature of seventy-eight degrees. Ashly tossed the new MSR-2 into the water.

  She walked back into the cabin and said, “Before I take her down. Everyone knows where the four pairs of cable cutters are. Right?”

  “Yes,” Liz replied. The tone of her voice showed she thought Ashly was overreacting.

  “Hey, after what happened the first time, I’m not taking any chances,” Ashly countered. Having the full team with her and a better understanding of what the water panther was overshadowed any feeling of fear that began to surface when she started to control the MSR-2.

  Okada kept a watchful eye on the sonar, Liz was on gunner duty, and Max and Samuel’s screens showed the MSR-2 camera feed. The idea was Ashly would concentrate on the driving while the two of them looked for anything out of the ordinary. Ashly moved the MSR-2 to the first location tagged by the sonar. The building anticipation soon diminished when the MSR-2 lights revealed the area to be nothing more than a large crack in the crater wall. Investigations of the other locations turned out to be nothing more than large holes in the reef’s floors. A feeling of disappointment started to fill every member of the team.

  “I hate to say it, but this trip was a bust,” Ashly said, admitting defeat.

  “Maybe he’s just not home,” Liz suggested.

  “We have not found anything that even looks like it could be the water panther lair,” Max added, shrugging his shoulders. “You sure these were the only possible cave sights the sonar found?”

  “Yes, I checked it over twice,” Ashly said, a little snappy. She sent the information to Max’s computer. “Here’s a copy of the scans if you want to look them over.” Ashly paused for a moment, then said, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be so snappy. I just want to hurry up and find this thing’s lair and get out of here.” Max gave her a look that said no offense was taken.

  “This area is also a tourist hotspot. So, it’s highly unlikely an unknown creature could be living here without more attacks or sightings,” Samuel noted.

  “Are there other areas you suggest we check out?” Okada asked. Max laid back in his chair, closed his eyes, and started to think. He was sure this was the area, but it turned out he was wrong. His thoughts went to his meeting with Mya and her words.

  “Track the creature down to whatever hidden cave system it’s hiding in and kill it.”

  Hidden cave system, hidden cave system, he repeated in his head, trying to figure out why he was focusing on that. Max suddenly opened his eyes when the revelation came to him. “Liz, didn’t you tell me about a cave system around here that was too dangerous to dive in?” Liz eyes grew wide with excitement.

  “Yes, the Five Caves Five Graves cave system!” Liz shouted excitedly.

  “What kind of a name is that?” Ashly asked.

  “The name comes from a local saying: five divers entering the cave will create five new graves. Sort of this area’s haunted house,” Liz replied. Ashly did not seem satisfied with the answer.

  “Five Caves Five Graves is a maze of underwater caverns that connects five different underwater caves’ systems. Due to the silty floor and dark conditions, divers can easily lose visibility and become disoriented,” Max answered.

  “Have these five cave systems ever been explored?” Samuel wondered.

  “If I recall, a few years ago a scientifi
c team conducted a mapping expedition of the cave system,” Max replied. Ashly opened a web browser and pulled up a news article on the expedition. The article read: “two divers tragically lost in mapping operation. Expedition leader claims cave labyrinth too dangerous for any type of diving.”

  “Did they uncover how the divers perished?” Okada asked.

  “Yes. Both bodies were recovered. Cause of death was drowning due to disorientation,” Ashly read.

  “In my book, the cave site is worth looking into,” Samuel suggested. The team unanimously agreed.

  The Five Caves Five Graves site was two miles north of Molokini Crater and three miles west from Maui’s Po‘olenalena Beach Park. While traveling, Ashly tried to locate the cave diagrams the previous mapping expedition had created. Unfortunately, the only information she could locate was that due to the diving accidents, the mapping was never completed. The team had tried to scan the cave system with the Barracuda’s sonar, but could not get any detailed layouts of the cave systems’ connecting tunnels. Ashly held her breath as the MSR-2 once again dove into the depths. She was heading into an unknown cave system with no information whatsoever. Some people would find this exciting; she, on the other hand, hated it. What also worried her was the fact that she never had a chance to add modifications to this new MSR-2. Which meant no sonar or light drones. The MSR-2 was at a depth of seventy feet when it reached the ocean floor. Ashly pushed the joystick forward. Moments later, the MSR-2 approached a rocky outcrop, and the entrance to one of the caves came into view. Against the ragged wall of stone, its appearance was like an open mouth, hiding God knows what horrors on the inside. Ashly opened a small window in the corner of Max’s computer screen.