The Mother of All

by Dana S Reiner

  As I arrived at my seat, I could feel the nervousness setting in. My stomach was entirely full of butterflies.

  I always loved listening to my father speak publicly; it came naturally to him. He had such a way with words that always left you wanting to master public speaking.

  "I’m so nervous, sweetheart," my mother said. She held my hand as we waited for my father to take the stage. This was the largest crowd I had ever seen on campus.

  "Look at all the people, mother," I said as I did my best owl impression by turning my neck to get a full view. I could hear a few people discussing the State of the Planet speech.

  “This campus is amazing,” said a tall gentleman with a thick beard, seated a few rows ahead of me.

  “I want to work here so badly,” said a young gal who looked to be in her early 20’s.

  There had to be at least 1,000 people in the audience. Before I could grab my phone to take a video, the overhead light shut off and the spotlight was turned to center stage. It was Dr. Janet Gruver, dressed in her unique and bright dressy clothes, with her white fluffy hair. "Thank you for coming. L.R.R.'s research mission has always been to produce knowledge and foster the understanding of the past, present, and future of life on earth. Human impact has affected mankind in various ways, from climate, ecology, and many more fields, which you all just heard about during our “State of the Planet'' presentation. Our team of scholars and leaders have been on the front lines of groundbreaking research in zoology, geology, biotechnology, chemistry, and medicine. Please forgive me if I forgot your field but for the sake of time, I'll keep it short. They say if you love your job, you'll never work a day in your life. I am thankful to say I have never in all of my years at L.R.R. worked a day in my life and it's due to the culture and team that we have built here at L.R.R. Please, without further ado, help me welcome my colleague and lifelong friend, Dr. Craigio Matthews."

  A loud roar of applause filled the gymnasium as my father approached the podium.

  "He looks so handsome," my mother said to me as we both sat nervously awaiting.

  I rarely ever saw my father in a suit but when I did, he sure did do it justice. He was always so coordinated with his tie, socks, and pocket squares.

  Once the crowd noise started to decline, my father began to speak.

  “Thank you, thank you. Wow, I heard there was going to be a crowd, but I wasn't expecting this many people. For those of you who don’t know, I am Dr. Craigio Matthews. I have been doing research on the grounds of L.R.R. for the last 30 years. It's my pleasure to be speaking in front of you all. Since I can remember, I have been fascinated with science. Evolution, Darwin, and the age-old question of which came first -- the chicken or the egg?

  “It’s been my life's work not only to advance science in the aspect of medicine but to connect the dots of human evolution. For centuries, scientists have tried to complete the incomplete history of human evolution, trying to link the past to the present. Needless to say, we have come so close, yet we are so far away.

  “Throughout history, we have made extraordinary discoveries throughout the world, touching many corners of the earth. Our greatest discoveries when considering human evolution have been linked to the African Alliance in countries such as Ethiopia, Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, Chad, and most recently Morocco. Then shift to Asia, Australia, then of course the Americas.

  “When taking into consideration these remarkable discoveries, it leaves without question a burning desire for more...desire for more discoveries, desire for more understanding, desire for more theories. Which brings me to my latest discovery,” he said, chuckling a bit before he continued. “This could arguably be the biggest earth-shattering discovery to date. With new discoveries come new theories and new theories stimulate new ideas, which is why you have all come.” The crowd laughed. “Taking into consideration what we know about evolution and mankind now has contributed to the idea of a distant relative. We must take one thing into consideration: that some of the earth's greatest treasures may never be discovered. After all, most of the species that have lived on earth are now extinct. I often think about all the records that have been recorded when considering places like El Dorado, Atlantis, and ancient cities where a monkey god was allegedly worshiped right here in the jungles of the L.R.R. of the past. Taking into account the small amount of evidence that any of these places ever existed is puzzling. The one thing that is so puzzling to me is why would anyone document anything or share their experience if their experience was false? To maybe get a rise out of people, sure, but countless stories and alleged sighting after sighting, lead me to a deeper thought.

  “The discovery that was uncovered proposes so many ideas. Obviously, the cranium capacity is extraordinary, leaving me to my current idea. What if all the sightings proposed by the Indigenous tribes in which they stated that they saw giant sloths or bigfoot-like creatures were actually this creature or the monkey god that was worshiped by many Indigenous tribes? This skull isn’t that old, relatively speaking. The collection of fossils that science has found collectively range from all types of bipedal creatures, each possessing characteristics that helped aid their survival. From one of the biggest discoveries in Africa with Lucy and its ability to have the mental awareness to walk upright to us -- the modern humans and our ability to engineer sewage systems, vaccines, and other great innovative inventions. We have always shown progression and intellect. Which leads me to this particular skull that our team of experts have unearthed.

  “If Neanderthals were able to survive by developing organized ways of life that also aided their survival -- like the ability to control fire -- we could argue that our ancestors perhaps owe this developed lifestyle to them. Many scientists believe Neanderthals were killed off by a group of people that were better communicators and hunters. It just shows how important critical thinking can be for the long haul of survival of life on Earth for any species. Also taking into consideration it could have been illness

  and immune systems, as well, that killed off the Neanderthals, but for the sake of time that is neither here nor there. My focus rests solely on the mind of any species.

  “Some of our research team believes the skull that we unearthed belongs to our closest ancestor. We are still waiting on a second opinion from another team of scientists in North America that also work with us here at L.R.R. I always like to reference my dad, who would always reference his colleagues and say that the timeline of any creature lies in their blood and DNA. I know it is said that we have evolved from apes but let us not forget that we could argue that apes evolved from man. We believe the skull that we found dates back to a period that would have been roughly 200,000 - 30,500 years ago, which is obviously interesting when taking into consideration not only that period of time, but the physical characteristics of the skull itself. The size of the cranium is similar to that of a Neanderthal, when taking into consideration the size of the skull and the density of the bone itself. Here at L.R.R. we are and have become accustomed to the warm tropical temperature of our lovely environment, which is surprising when taking into consideration this discovery of this alleged common ancestor. In most cases, when we have backtracked and looked at fossils of the past, we would see a direct correlation with larger bones and colder temperatures and their environments. This particular skull possessed very distinct characteristics that I feel could close the gap between the human and variation of animal minds. Characteristics that could include capabilities of language, foresight, and mind reading,” said my father.

  My father then began to display a series of photos, charts, and graphs, comparing the skull to many other animal species, including the human skull. At approximately 12:25, my father finished his lecture. The entire crowd rose to their feet, giving my father a standing ovation. My mother looked at me with an enormous smile on her face. She quickly hugged me and blew a kiss to my father.

  Chapter 19

  The Briefing

  As the lecture ended, everyone in the a
udience remained on their feet, inspired and engaged in conversations amongst themselves. I could see Dr. Gruver having a few words with my father. They both were smiling from ear to ear.

  It wasn’t long before half a dozen C.O.C.A. officials were shaking my father’s hand, whispering something in his ear. I immediately felt nervous for him.

  Flocks of guests exited the field house. I could see them being guided to their aircraft, while other guests headed to the conference rooms for the luncheon portion of the day.

  The luncheon allowed the guests to interact with each other and share their own insight, resumes, and scientific research, all while enjoying a cocktail or two. As my mother and I entered the conference room, the smell of food quickly watered our taste buds. Tables were scattered throughout the room and almost looked as if we were at a wedding reception.

  It wasn’t long before Dr. Gruver, my father, and C.O.C.A. officials all sat at a long table that faced the crowd. My father spotted my mother and blew her a kiss as we searched for a place to sit.

  As I scanned the area, I spotted Abdi waving at us from a table near the front of the room. He was joined by Donald and they both signaled for us to join them at their table.

  Seeing Abdi and Donald reminded me of Marina's absence. If I calculated everything correctly, Marina should have been touching down in the Alliance of Africa any moment. I began to wonder with all the deviations of protocol if C.O.C.A. or the L.R.R. would ever let her step foot on this soil ever again. Especially if they found out Marina took a piece of the discovery with her without the approval of anyone.

  The energy and commotion in the room began to rise with excitement as my mother and I were seated. The tabletop was covered with salad bowls, bread, tortilla chips, and some ceviche. I couldn’t help but indulge in all the appetizers.

  As we exchanged our thoughts and feedback about the presentation, the room suddenly fell silent. All I could hear was Donald’s breathing. Dozens of heads began to turn and draw their attention to the back of the room.

  From the back, six more C.O.C.A. officials walked in, followed by Olga Petrovich herself. The impeccable physical characteristics that Olga and her officials displayed caught the attention of everyone in the room. My anxiety skyrocketed. This was the first time I had ever encountered President Olga Petrovich on campus and her power was immediately felt.

  Olga and her officials approached the head table. Olga’s lead official whispered something in the ear of Dr. Gruver, leaving a startled look on her face. Dr. Gruver wiped her mouth with a napkin and nodded her head as she stared at Olga. Once Dr. Gruver rose from her seat, she immediately went to have a word with my father. From my seat I could see the three of them were very attentive in conversation.

  The guests at the surrounding tables could all be heard whispering.

  After a brief 15 minutes, the three of them returned to the table. Dr. Gruver grabbed one of the microphones and handed it to Olga. A wave of silence immediately filled the room.

  “Good afternoon everyone,” Olga began. “At approximately 08:23 this morning, a team of my scientists informed me of an enormous increase in the seismic activity throughout parts of the western hemisphere and many parts of the Pacific Ocean. We have observed volcanic activity in parts of what was formerly North America, the Islands of the Pacific and Indonesia. According to the calculations and algorithms of our research teams, we do believe that these events can and probably will have extremely fatal consequences. It is believed that if the seismic activity continues to rise at the current geographical locations at which they are being observed, the potential earthquake would be the greatest that earth has ever felt, triggering a series of catastrophic events that would include devastating tsunamis. If what our team is predicting stands to be correct, many islands will never stand a chance, including the Western and Eastern provinces of the Latin Research Resurgence. It is vital that we develop a proactive approach to these potential natural disasters.

  “I came to the L.R.R. to provide an update on the planet, but once I heard of the extraordinary discovery that was found by Dr. Craigio Matthews and his research team, I wanted to address this extraordinary discovery as well. I wish I was here for the sole purpose of giving Dr. Matthews and his team the utmost praise for their discovery. However, I do not want to lie to you.

  “Please return to your homes and prepare yourselves for the worst. I will tell all of you the same thing I told everyone in North America: if you and your family members wish to seek higher ground, C.O.C.A. officials will be made available for the screening process and the arrangements will be made for C.O.C.A. 's chip implant. You have my word that you will be provided food, shelter, and resources. Let us hope an earthquake of this magnitude never presents itself. My understanding is that volcanic activity has been observed all along the equator. Eruptions have been taking place in places volcanoes were thought to be inactive, forcing me to take significant precautions in regard to Earth’s resources.

  “Patterns of tremors have been occurring every 36 hours throughout the world. I have come as a helping hand and feeI that I am professionally obligated to inform everyone in the L.R.R. about what’s at stake.

  “I have instructed many of my officials, along with a few dozen L.R.R. staff volunteers, to assist me with informing the citizens of the surrounding provinces.

  “C.O.C.A. has plenty of higher ground throughout the northern hemisphere that is available to all of you. I promise that you will all be taken care of. You will all just have to trust me on this matter. This is of the utmost urgency. Now, please go back to your families and see what decisions and priorities each of your family’s desire. We must all act quickly and efficiently. Thank you.”

  Olga bowed her head to the crowd before returning to a vacant seat near Dr. Gruver.

  Everyone at the luncheon stood silent for just a second. I could see many people’s eyes fill with tears, trying not to let their emotions get the best of them while other guests could be seen exchanging handshakes, kisses, and hugs as they all prepared for their departures throughout the world.

  The news didn’t seem to bother Donald; he kept eating and drinking as if this was all just the routine daily news. My mother had a concerned look on her face. She kept trying to get my father’s attention, but he was too engaged in conversation with Dr. Gruver.

  Olga quickly whispered something to my father and Dr. Gruver before she and her officials left the room. My father rushed off the stage and moved swiftly toward our table, nearly knocking over my water.

  “Team! Olga wants us to go retrieve the rest of the fossils before it’s too late! She claims that with the seismic activity being as rambunctious as it is, we should head to Chelene cave immediately to try to salvage any fossils we can of this creature,” said my father.

  My mother did not immediately respond. She sat in her seat, shocked at the words that just came out of my father’s mouth.

  It was Donald who was in an uproar.

  “You have got to be out of your damn mind, Craigio!” said Donald as he wiped the tortilla chips from his face.

  “Donald, mi amigo, this is one of the biggest discoveries in human history. If we don’t act now, these fossils could be lost forever,” said my father.

  My mother shook her head and removed her glasses. The two of them argued for a handful of minutes, until my mother stopped and looked at my father square in the eyes. “I’m coming with you,” she said.

  Chapter 20

  Going Back

  As we left Stockrahm Fieldhouse, dozens of helicopters could be seen in the sky, slowly disappearing like migrating flocks of birds, relocating in every possible direction. I tried to empathize with those that were outside of the L.R.R. They had to be filled with fear.

  I wondered how the citizens of the surrounding provinces would handle the news or if any of them would even consider going into the colder areas of C.O.C.A. 's northern hemisphere. Either way, only time would tell.

  My parents and I raced home
to grab a small bagful of belongings as we, too, prepared for departure.

  “Pack lightly, sweetheart. We won’t be gone long,” said my mother.

  I rushed to my room, quickly grabbing a few entertainment items, a small blanket, and my backpack.

  Àna scratched my bedroom door as she let out a light whimper. I quickly met her at the door and raced toward the living room to meet my parents.

  My father had the front door halfway open, anticipating the arrival of my mother and I.

  It wasn’t long before the three of us raced towards the chopper, where I could see Donald doing a safety check. Abdi was jogging lightly towards the aircraft, as well. He quickly greeted everyone with a fist bump and fastened his seat belt.

  The sense of urgency in everyone was something fierce. “Hang the hell on!” said Donald as the chopper became airborne.

  Although my mind seemed to be overwhelmed with chaos, the aerial view of the jungle calmed my nerves. The gray skies were periodically pierced by rays from the sun, complementing the jungle’s beauty.

  My father displayed a digital map of the Pachanga territory and Chelene Cave. His leadership was on full display. He began organizing roles for everyone on the trip. It was decided that my mother, Donald, and myself would all stay back at the entry level of the cave to assist with the monitors. My father calculated it would take Abdi and himself roughly two hours at best to retrieve the fossils.

  Hours quickly passed; we began to prepare for landing. Once we landed, the team rushed to grab a research suit. The entire team was ready to depart the tower in a matter of minutes. My father's voice interrupted an awkward silence. “Let’s make this quick, team!” he said as we exited the tower.

  Our swift steps quickly became a light jog. Donald did his best to maintain the pace of the team.

  Our research suits flickered and chirped different sounds as our pulse rate, blood pressure, and other vital measurements were adjusted.