Chapter 21: Chapter 21

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Quazum and Ben were sitting in the old pirogue boat floating in the swamp. The sun was beginning to rise as Quazum cast out his rod. Ben sat watching with a bamboo pole and his cork floating in the water.

“How come you got the rod and reel? And you get to cast it out?” asked Ben. “I want to use that one.”

Quazum looked up at Ben and remembered being in the same position with his Grandfather, Gabriel. “It’s something that my Grandpa taught me. You must first master the art of snagging a fish with a pole.”

“I can cast out a rod,” answered Ben. “What’s the big deal?”

“Before you cast out into the swamp, you have to know how to snag the fish. Not just know how to reel it in. All those skills come from experience.”

Ben yawned and was hardly paying attention when his cork started to bounce in the water. Quazum noticed and immediately began giving instruction. “Now tug your line. You can snag it! Look at your cork.”

“What?” Ben wildly tugged his line like an amateur. “I didn’t feel anything. What do I do?” Ben finally lifted his line showing a clean hook. “And I just had a new worm. I don’t know what happened to it.”

“You’ve got to keep your eyes on the cork. Concentrate. When you see any motion, you can snag the fish with one simple tug,” answered Quazum. “But it’s going to take concentration.”

“I was concentrating. I think these fish just don’t like me,” mumbled Ben as he dropped his clean hook back into the water.

“You gotta put a new worm back on your line now. Fish aren’t going to go after a clean hook.”

“Here.” Ben lifted his line out and hung his hook in front of Quazum. “Put on a new worm. I know I can catch the next fish.”

Quazum grabbed the hook and then stopped. “No, you first have to learn to bait your own hook.”

“I don’t want to do that. It’s gross. I thought you liked playing with those worms.”

“This is another thing you need to learn how to do.” Quazum slid over the jar of worms and continued, “My Grandpa used to say, ‘Give someone a fish, and he’ll eat for a day. Teach him to fish, and he’ll eat for a lifetime’.”

Ben looked confused and carelessly grabbed the small can of worms. “If Gabriel Meaux said it, it must be true. I’ll give you that.”

Quazum nervously watched Ben carelessly unscrewing the jar of worms. “Careful! Open the can slowly. Not too fast.”

“I got it. It’s not a big deal.”

“You understand the danger of ‘opening a can of worms’, hunh?”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that. But what does that even mean?” asked Ben as he unscrewed the jar. “You have to open the can to get a worm out anyway. Right? It’s the only way.”

“It’s advising the use of caution for the most simple operation. It’s just another thing my Grandpa said. It just means you have to be careful.”

Ben carelessly opened the jar. “How else can you get a worm out without opening the can?” He then tried to pull out a single worm as a group of worms began crawling out over the sides. Ben then struggled to put them back in before knocking over the jar.

Quazum immediately leaned over to help Ben pick up worms and try to get them back in, but worms continue climbing out.

“You’ve got to use extreme caution when you open that can of worms,” instructed Quazum. “If just one worm can escape, more worms can climb out as you try to capture the first. Getting them all back in can be impossible.”

Quazum continued picking up worms and trying to return them before finally closing the jar. When Ben noticed worms crawling around his feet, he said, “Now will you put one of these escaped worms on my hook?”

“That’s just something you also need to learn. Pick up a worm and slide him onto the small hook.” Again, Quazum watched. “And you can’t waste half a worm.”

“Why? We’ve got enough extra worms to use a whole one.”

“No, it’s not that.”

Ben uncomfortably tried to break the worm. “Maybe we should just buy smaller worms.”

“When you have a worm hanging off, the fish will eat only the exposed part, and you won’t catch any fish. Just break the worm in half, and you can use those later so you don’t have to open the jar again.”

Ben then broke off the worm and reluctantly dropped the half worm down next to a few other worms. Ben finally asked, “Have you begun calculating the hibernation cycle of life on Quazmopolis?”

Quazum continued carefully reeling in the rod before answering, “I examined it a little with the Science Exploration satellite program.”

“Yeah? Well, Dr. Palmer is counting on your calculations for the next mission. And he’s counting on you to handle all the research.”

“I believe much life is surviving under the rock. I’ll have it all laid out by the end of the week, and I’ll forward all calculations.” Quazum reeled in slowly.

Ben lowered his pole back into the water. “Dr. Palmer is going to want a full explanation of all motion detected. Is that something you feel you can measure?”

“I can measure weight and size surrounding the heavier rock and document all measurements of motion.”

“Oh! I think I got something. This is a big one!” Quazum began quickly tugging and reeling in the fish. “Get the net!”

Ben looked amazed. “How did you do that? Looks easy. I wanna use a rod like that.”

“You will,” answered Quazum as he pulled the fish from the pond. “You just gotta learn to snag the fish with a floating cork.”

Quazum then carefully detached the fish from the hook as Ben looked on. “What are we going to do with that fish?”

“We’ll fry him up with some hushpuppies and dirty rice,” answered Quazum as he dropped the fish into the basket.

“Dirty rice?”

“Maybe I’ll make a jambalaya,” answered Quazum as he puts clean bait onto his fishing line. “That will be our dinner tonight.”

“I think I had Lacy’s jambalaya before. Your Mom was truly a great cook. I can attest to that,” remembered Ben as he watched Quazum’s expertise with baiting a hook. Ben’s own cork floated motionless in the water.

Quazum was cooking in the old Meaux kitchen while Ben was sitting at a new hi-tech large screen computer with video and photos flashing that were taken from satellites revolving over the Quazmopolis moon.

Computer began speaking out, “Unapproved requests for streaming are being examined but are not approved. Please try again later.”

“So why is it blocking my access to the live video?” asked Ben as he touched icons on the computer screen and typed on the keyboard.

“It’s not blocking anything. You just have to give fingerprints and an eye photo to gain access to the new SEA video taken from satellite.”

“Why? Palmer said we could access all live and recorded Quazmopolis video directly. We’re supposed to have more unaltered access than full time employees at Science Exploration Headquarters.”

“We have access,” replied Quazum as he walked over to the computer. “You just have to verify prints and iris recognition.” Quazum touched the screen leaving hand image, fingerprints and eye retina in boxes on screen.

The computer spoke out again, “Quazum Meaux has been identified. You now have complete access to all Science Exploration information. Thank you.”

“How come my fingerprint and eye recognition isn’t enough?

“You just haven’t registered properly,” answered Quazum. “We both have complete access. You just have to register and provide picture samples.”

Ben noticed the registration button but ignored it and continued. “I just don’t feel safe giving that kind of information,” said Ben as he continued scanning live video and examining photo images. He then continued typing information. “Why does this all have to be top secret anyway?”

“Dr. Palmer wants to avoid all leaks and unauthorized access to confidential Quazmopolis files. It can be as dangerous as opening a can of worms.” Quazum then walked back into the kitchen and continued chopping onions and stirring roux in a pan.

Ben looked over, then continued typing information. “You know? Dr. Palmer will be checking our progress and all documentation we discover of possible life on Quazmopolis. We’ve got to keep all these files up to date.”

Quazum was hardly listening as he continued in the kitchen. “I’m not worried. I’ve got it all laid out. I’ve got measurements of all element formations of rock and documentation of movement across the Quazmopolis moon.”

“You think this moon is covered with natural life, just like you?” Ben studied the slight movement and continued, “With a proper filter, I can see motion around all the rock on the hillside. It’s incredible!”

“I believe Quazmopolis life moves across the moon and into salt water before entering the hole in the hard rock mountain side mornings and afternoon when temperatures are between 0 and 100 Farenheit.”

“Can you follow any of their motions?”

“It’s almost as if they disappear when the camera zooms into close-up shots. It’s like they know when the video is being shot.”

Ben continued touching the screen and zooming in on colored rock around the Quazmopolis moon. “So you think Dr. Palmer wants to communicate with the species?”

“I don’t know how much Science Exploration can really do. There’s nothing to prove with a solid composite base with surviving cacti plants.” answered Quazum.

“I think Palmer’s preparing for another mission. He wants you and other scientists to go on a top secret exploration. With no media coverage.”

Quazum is stirring the roux cooking on the stove. “Hmmm... Quazmopolis does not belong to Dr. Palmer. I think he knows that.”

“Palmer just wants to make peace with the natural inhabitants. He doesn’t want to start a war.”

“I’m not interested in an invasion.” Quazum continued stirring the roux and didn't look up.

“Well, it’s something you don’t have to do until you’re ready. It’s just something you should start thinking about.”

“I wish I could just own this property, right here in the swamps,” replied Quazum. “As an only son, I should be inheriting the full rights to this property owned by the Meaux family.”

“We’ve been through this! There was no Meaux family registered to inherit a full possession. I think Palmer might own it now. And with just the simple study of life on Quazmopolis, you are making payments to own this property. So you are becoming the legal owner of the Back Bayou swampland.”

“I guess I’ll be the legal owner in your eyes,” replied Quazum. “Just not in the eyes of the government.”

“That’s all just on paper. It doesn’t really matter whose name is on it. It’s still your property.”

Suddenly, Ben and Quazum heard the sound of a car driving up outside on the dirt road.

“Honk! Honk!”

Ben jumped up and rushed over to the window and looked out to see an old yellow taxi pulling up through the bumpy dirt road. “Who is this?” yelled Ben.

“And how did they get back here?” asked Quazum. “I thought we had the entrance blocked off.”

“Just hide,” Ben said nervously. “Take off your clothes, and go into the bedroom! You can hide under the bed. I can handle this.”

Quazum immediately rushed over, took off his hat, and peaked through the window. “Who would drive back here in a cab?”

“Take off your shirt and pants. Just crawl under the couch. I can handle this.”

Quazum immediately removed his clothes and began taking off his shoes and stocks. Ben stared out the window and was confused to see it was Dr. Palmer. He first climbed out of the cab and walked around speaking to Rico, the same taxi driver who drove Palmer around Louisiana before.

“It’s Dr. Palmer,” yelled Ben. “Why would he be driving out to the Back Bayou in the middle of the week? And riding up in a taxi? He could just post a video message.”

Rico, the driver, climbed out of the car and began helping Palmer. They first opened the trunk and began unloading a large box.

“Stay here,” said Ben before he began walking out to the taxi. He closed the front door and moved nervously across the yard and up to the cab. Quazum remained hidden, blending in with the curtain and watching through the window.

Dr. Palmer pulled out, opened a box and began unfolding a metal item. Rico, the driver, reached out trying to help. “Anything I can do?”

“Just wait inside the car,” answered Palmer. “I want to handle this myself.”

Rico nodded before climbing back into the driver's seat.

Palmer then rolled the box over to the other side of the taxi cab as Ben walked up confused.

“Hello Dr. Palmer. Quazum and I are examining and filing video from Quazmopolis right now. Is there anything you’re looking for?”

“I’ve brought something for Quazum,” answered Palmer. “Where is he?”

“You want him to come out? He’s just hiding inside by the window. I can get him.”

Dr. Palmer stared at the window until he could see a slight motion.

“Hello Quazum!” Palmer waved and began opening the back side of the cab door.

Ben watched curiously as Palmer carefully leaned in and unbuckled the seat belt. Quazum remained motionless inside the curtain. “Is there something we can help you with?” asked Ben.

“No, I’ve got it,” answered Dr. Palmer as he lifted the motionless body with bandages around the head into a wheelchair. He then carefully strapped her body in. “I’d like to introduce you to the recovering... Lacy Meaux.”

When Ben saw it was Lacy, he immediately ran over and tried to hug her body. “Lacy, I love you. I’m so glad you made it. Quazum! Come see!”

Lacy remained motionless in the chair, and Ben continued.

“Quazum and I are running things here in the swamps, and he’s teaching me how to fish and how to hunt. He is truly an amazing boy!”

Lacy still showed no emotion as Dr. Palmer began pushing the wheelchair around the cab towards the house.

“Quazum?” yelled Dr. Palmer. “Your Mom’s alive! Come say hello!”

As the wheelchair rolled around the taxi towards the cabin, Quazum saw Lacy and immediately jumped down from the window and put on his cap. He then rushed out of the cabin towards the cab yelling, “Mom! You’re alive! It’s me! Quazum!”

Rico was sitting in the cab and looked around confused, but then continued listening to the radio. Dr. Palmer looked back to see Rico not paying attention, then continued pushing the wheelchair towards the cabin.

Quazum immediately jumped up on Lacy’s lap and hugged her with excitement. “Mom! You’re okay!”

Lacy moved slightly but showed no emotion and no reaction. Quazum looked up at Dr. Palmer and seemed confused.

“Quazum, this is your recovering mother. She has been through major brain surgeries and has part of a new cerebellum. And she’s coming back to live in her home in the Back Bayou.”

“As long as she’s alive,” said Ben.

“Mom, I’m so glad you’re home. I’m making some et tout fe’ for dinner! It’s your Mom’s recipe!”

“Lacy is miraculously recovering from a cerebral bypass,” said Dr. Palmer. “After three neuro-surgeries, she is regaining motion of neural cortex and regaining arteria aneurysm.”

“What does that mean?” asked Ben.

“She is basically in the process of recovery,” answered Palmer. “Her body is accepting function and memory.”

Ben, Quazum, and Dr. Palmer stared at Lacy who seemed unconscious, when she slowly began to lift her head. She looked around at the cabin and the swampland creek. Lacy then looked down at Quazum’s hand, and thought. She then looked up slowly into his eyes.

“Quazum?” asked Lacy. “Is that you?”

“Yeah! Mom, it’s me. I’m here.”

Lacy then stared into Quazum’s eyes and mumbled slowly, “I love you Quazum. It’s good to be home.”

“I love you too, Mom,” answered Quazum. “Welcome home!”

Ben and Dr. Palmer looked at each other and smiled as the sun set over the swamp river.

THE END