by B. C. CHASE
His superior slouched, “You had me interested with the frozen dinosaurs, but now I'm at a loss again. How in the world could DNA possibly help?”
“Have you heard of the duck-billed platypus?” Doctor Ming-Zhen asked him.
He replied impatiently, “Of course I have. But I don't see what relevance—“
Doctor Ming-Zhen pressed his palms on the desk and stood, “When you have it figured out, give me a call.”
And, turning on his heels, he walked out the door.
Paradeisia
“Certainly not the most expensive, Mr. Potter,” Jinkins countered.
“How much was it?”
“Oh, it's all in the balance sheets. The important thing is that our guests will be comfortable and get where they're going with ease.”
“The important thing,” Henry said loudly, “Is that the balance sheets are not balanced at all.”
“How can you quibble about cost when you're riding on the most extraordinary transport system in the world?” Jinkins exclaimed jovially. “There are no wheels here—the tracks and the couplings above us are electromagnetic so they never touch! At any rate, costs such as these were not borne by the company itself. They were subsidized by all of our developers collectively.”
“I see,” Henry said, not impressed. “And how many developers do we have?”
Jinkins puffed his chest, “Thousands—from all over the world.”
“Fantastic, that means thousands of lawsuits if we don't open,” Henry said glumly.
Jinkins seemed to not hear the comment, “The developers were responsible for all the different tourist areas. Paradeisia has thirteen unique locales, planned and designed mostly by us but built by the developers. Since our developers are from all over the world, we gave many of the locales an international flair.” Jinkins was so enthusiastic that he had to wipe his brow of a sweat that had broken out, “Each area has hotels, restaurants, even rides—the locales are attractions of their own. Nothing, of course, compared to what brought us here in the first place!”
Aubrey marveled at the beauty of rich green forest that was sometimes beneath and sometimes surrounding the gondola's glass walls as it rose ever higher along the curving ridge. The voice began again, "Now visible to your left, beyond the valley, is Paradeisia's Greece." A cluster of white buildings with blue trim could be seen tucked onto a hillside in the distance by the shore. “The Greek Holiday Hotel—a StarLine resort—offers visitors an authentic Greek travel experience, featuring the finest in Greek cuisine, hospitality, and entertainment. The Olympia restaurant presents a magnificent display of Greek folk dancing several times daily. Adjacent to the Greek Holiday Hotel is Homer's Greece, a delightful entertainment, shopping, and dining district featuring a five-star Hotel and spa. At the Athena Theater, the story of the Trojan War is told nightly through brilliant theatrics and special effects. On special nights, Homer's Odyssey illuminates the stage with all the original splendor of ancient Greek drama. Whether touring modern Greece or taking a trip back in time to the Greece of old, your visit to Paradeisia would not be complete without a journey to the heart of Greek Culture and civilization: Paradeisia's Greece. Get show times or make dinner reservations on your phone. To reach Paradeisia's Greece, take Parrot Path from the FlyRail Hub."
Aubrey noticed that the more the voice spoke, the more fidgety Henry became.
The voice continued anyway, "Coming next year to the area is Paradeisia's Rome. A life-size recreation of the Coliseum will be the staging area for spectacular sporting events, shows and fireworks displays unlike anything you've ever seen.”
Jinkins giggled gleefully, “After the Italians heard the Greeks had come, they just had to have their piece of the pie.”
“Beyond Paradeisia's Greece is Escape from Atlantis featuring five spectacularly themed restaurants and five award-winning StarLine resorts. Poseidon's Platter, created by world renowned chef Cenon Kyriakou, invites you to dine surrounded by the beauty of the ocean. You might spot a dolphin, a stingray, or even a shark through the glass as you enjoy course after course of delicious seafood.
“Any boaters in the family? Atlantis Bay offers every vessel imaginable from two-seaters to fully staffed yachts. Every night, the bay comes alive with the 'Tale of Atlantis' told through music, special effects, and fireworks including one very special surprise you're guaranteed never to forget. Viewable from the many restaurants, hotels, and walkways that line the bay, 'Tale of Atlantis' is a story you'll be telling your friends about for years to come! Don't forget to obtain show times and make dinner reservations online, at your hotel's desk or at one of the many Information Centers located throughout Paradeisia. To reach Escape from Atlantis, take Parrot Path from the FlyRail Hub."
The gondola steadily moved up to the top of the ridge. On the right side was an enormous forested plain stretching to the coast. The voice spoke again, "Paradeisia is home to two incredible water parks, visible to your right. High Seas Cove recalls the noble (and not-so-noble) seamen of old through six swashbuckling restaurants and three exciting hotels as well as rides and attractions. Captain's Orders is bound to be a favorite with the little pirates in the family as a cast of hilarious sailors show you what life on the High Seas of Hilarity are like through song, dance, and acrobatics. The second water park, Ocean South, celebrates the wonders of life under the sea. At Whalebreach Restaurant, you'll join a school of Orcas on an incredible journey across the ocean as you dine. Also featured at Ocean South is the terrific Ocean Speed roller coaster. You're sure to get wet as this ride sends you soaring like a bird and swimming like a fish through loops and a breathtaking two hundred-foot drop. And don't miss a dip in the world's largest wave-pool: Tidal Beach. Ocean South and High Seas Cove are accessible via Sparrow Speedway."
The gondola continued its ascent up the ridge and the view expanded. "Now visible in the valley to the right is Out of Africa, Paradeisia's authentic African savannah—”
Henry interrupted the voice in exasperation, “Authentic African savannah!?”
Jinkins sing-song laughed to himself and said, “Wondrous isn't it? Just listen!”
The voice: “Stay at any of the three StarLine resorts in Out of Africa, and you could find a giraffe standing just outside your balcony when you wake up. Enjoy breakfast at one of four wildly themed restaurants. During the morning, take an African Safari through countless acres of lush African plains where animals roam freely all around you... In the afternoon, learn about conservation up close and personally with the furriest animals at the Cuddle Club. As the sun sets, hear ancestral African lore told around the mysterious beauty of a campfire... And to close the evening, gaze at the stars from your very own watchtower, surrounded by the beauty of the African savannah... There's no end to the fun and adventure at Out of Africa, so don't leave Paradeisia without taking a walk on the wild side. To reach Out of Africa, take Sparrow Speedway from the FlyRail Hub."
The voice paused. "Visible on the coast are India Explorer and Fiesta Mexicana!. These exciting destinations are home to some of the best rides, shopping, and dining options at Paradeisia and have a total of five terrific StarLine resorts. India Explorer boasts the fastest roller coaster in the world, the White Tiger, which attains speeds of nearly 150 miles an hour in six point four seconds. At Fiesta Mexicana!, you'll find the fantastic Mercado Plaza, an open-air shopping and dining experience that immerses you in Latin American cultures and tastes. To reach India Explorer or Fiesta Mexicana!, take Leopard Line from the FlyRail Hub."
Henry spoke again, “How much of this is actually complete?”
Jinkins clapped his hands together and answered, “Oh, only all of it, Mr. Potter! Our developers are already receiving customers at these attractions—mostly yachters who pull in at Atlantis Bay, the occasional cruise ship and so forth….”
The gondola rose yet further along the ridge revealing a spellbinding view. A cluster of tall buildings could be seen on the opposite coast as well as a magnificent statue: an eleg
ant female figure draped in a tunic with her arms stretched skyward and her back curving gracefully. A blue sash wound its way up her figure to form a huge arch above her head. "The statue you see in the distance is called the Paradeisia Angel. Designed by the renowned artist Andreas Nikolovski, she was constructed over a period of five years at a cost exceeding seventy million euros.”
Henry slapped his forehead with his hand.
“The tallest statue in the world, she dwarfs the Statue of Liberty at a height of one thousand feet. A platform at the crown of her head offers a magnificent view from her eyes—made especially memorable by the nightly CelestiaSky fireworks spectacular." The music climaxed and the voice continued, "The Paradeisia Angel is not the only hot spot in Paradeisia's centerpiece resort area, Living Paradise. Also featured are the Eden Grand StarLine Hotel, the Novae StarLine Hotel, and the Paradise Regal StarLine Hotel, all of which offer heavenly, five-star accommodations.
“Additionally, Living Paradise claims one of the three exciting nightlife districts located on the island. Additionally, a stunning lineup of fifteen fantastic thrill-rides challenge only the bravest visitors. And finally, the Living Paradise dining and shopping district features some of the largest restaurants and stores anywhere including the planet's largest McDonald's as well as nightly performances by world-famous artists. With this much to see and do, a visit to Living Paradise is sure to be at the top of everyone's Paradeisia to-do list. To reach Living Paradise, take Leopard Line from the FlyRail Hub."
“This is indeed a nightmare,” Henry said, rubbing his temples.
Jinkins was not dissuaded from his enthusiasm. “I don't understand how you could say such a thing about such marvels. You must admit that this is the grandest place on earth, even without the main attraction!”
Lady Shrewsbury interjected, “Our money has certainly been exploited to grand effect and I'm sure we all appreciate the magnificence of the place.... But Henry is here to ascertain if Paradeisia can be profitable.”
“And profitable it will be,” Jinkins crowed, “once we open the doors!”
The gondola was now nearing the crown of the tallest peak. Jagged stone outcroppings projected up over the greenery to form a sharp summit. Several miles downward from the top, between the two mountains, was a gigantic glass building. Shaped like a triangle with one vertical side, the structure was 320 feet tall, 340 feet wide, and 280 feet long. It was made of shining glass supported by huge columns of rose colored stones dwarfing the palm trees planted beside it. Five FlyRail tracks serviced the rear of the structure on five concrete levels. A stream flowed from under the glass in the front and down towards a precipice where it dropped hundreds of feet down to a misty pool below.
The voice began, "We are now nearing the FlyRail Hub. Please remember your personal belongings as you exit, and have a wonderful stay in Paradeisia: Eden on Earth." The gondola slowed as it moved underneath a cement floor on the rear of the structure. Sliding glass doors could be seen twenty feet away on the docking platform. Slowing to a stop, the gondola's glass doors lifted open. "Please allow those needing special assistance to exit first. Keep your personal belongings with you at all times."
Everyone stepped onto the platform and through the sliding doors. Inside, the FlyRail Hub was expansive and light. Signs with FlyRail track names and icons lined the ceiling. Glass elevators overlooked an open plaza containing shops and quick dining options ringing a giant waterfall.
They took an elevator to the ground floor. Their shoes squeaked on the new floor as they walked through sliding doors that read, "Parrot Path" and had an icon of the creature. Once outside on a platform, it was only seconds until a gondola pulled up.
As they boarded, Henry, looking very grumpy now, asked "And how much did this FlyRail Hub cost?"
"All in the balance sheets!" Jinkins smiled. “Not to worry, I'm sure you'll have a look at them in good order.”
“Couldn't we have a look at them now?”
“All in good time, Mr. Potter,” Jinkins reassured. “All in good time.”
Aubrey heard Henry say under his breath, “And by 'good time,' I suppose he means 'at the last possible moment.'”
Greenery sped by as the gondola emerged from the building. Soaring by the second peak and down a foliage-covered ridge, they moved at the same speed going downhill as they had coming up. The green steel beams that supported the rails above were so high that the coach was above the trees most of the time. Ahead, on a sandy coastline isolated by two forested ridges was a sleek, angular glass tower that stepped up to a sharp, tall spire. The design was inspiring, as if the building itself was reaching for the sky. The voice spoke, "The building you see ahead is The StarLine Paradeisia Hotel. Paradeisia's flagship resort, it is one of the largest and tallest hotels in the world, rising to a height of 1,776 feet. The StarLine Paradeisia Hotel also boasts the largest pool and the most valuable room on earth, the Presidential StarSuite.”
The gondola moved over the forest to the colossal building. As the track dipped through openings in the walls, Aubrey gawked up with starry eyes, amazed. Inside, an open atrium rose from the ground floor to the glass-topped roof the full height of the building above. Glass balustrades from each of the 130 floors half-circled the open space. Transparent elevators shaped like vertical tildes serviced every floor on either side of a glass wall that rose from the floor to the roof, providing a view of the perfect turquoise water in the beach outside.
The gondola followed the rails behind a waterfall that was surging from the tenth floor balcony into a crystalline pond below. The floor of the lobby was planted with a veritable forest of tropical flora, offset by marble walkways and seating areas. The water from the waterfall flowed a meandering route through the lobby under several bridges until it collected in a shell shaped pool edged by beach chairs and a bar. The waterway continued from there to the outdoors where there were waterslides.
Henry shot Jinkins an unhappy glance, then shook his head and said, “I'm not even going to ask how much this cost...”
“Developers, my dear Mr. Potter! The developers shoulder the heaviest cost.”
Lady Shrewsbury said somewhat pathetically, “And yet all our money is gone...”
The now-familiar voice encouraged the guests to exit carefully and enjoy a pleasant stay at The StarLine Paradeisia Hotel as the gondola stopped.
As they disembarked, Jinkins explained, “Now I realize Mr. Potter is heading to China, but those of you not joining him will be staying here. Luggage is sorted and delivered to the rooms of all guests automatically, whether they arrive by cruise or air. The perimeter FlyRail track, Elephant Express, services every hotel on the island. Luggage is scanned and loaded onto cargo gondolas at the transit points. Amazing isn't it?”
“Expensive, wasn't it?” Henry said, looking like he was about to blow a fuse.
Suddenly, a yapping chirp echoed in the atrium, and when Aubrey looked over she saw a woman cradling a small, brown creature with the face of a Chihuahua—except for small round ears—and the body of a monkey. It jumped down to bound for Jinkins. Its stance was like a gorilla's; hopping on its knuckles, though it was no larger than a kitten. Jinkins knelt down to receive it as it leaped onto his neck. It lathered his face with licks and he laughed, “Now, now, Lucy! Now, now!”
Henry, his face disgusted, asked, “What, may I ask, is that?”
“It's a—now now Lucy—it's a kinkajou. They're from Central America, make the most wonderful pets,” Jinkins said jovially. “If you'd like I could have one procured for you, Mr.—” then he frowned as the creature had clamped down on his thumb with its little teeth. “No biting, Lucy,” Jinkins scolded. The creature furrowed its little brows as it tightened its jaws, grappling with Jinkins' entire arm as if in a death-match. “Now, now, Lucy!” Jinkins said as he struggled with the little beast. “They do like to fight,” he explained.
A man in a white shirt and slacks stepped forward with a tray of freshly cut fruit on toothpicks. Jinkin
s took a pineapple and offered it to the creature, which greedily gripped it with both hands and bit into it. As it munched voraciously, it stared at Henry as if sizing him up as a potential opponent. The man with the tray offered fruit to everyone else as Jinkins said, “I was saying, Mr. Potter, that I could have one procured for you, if you'd like. They do make wonderful pets.”
“No, no. That won't be necessary,” Henry said, watching impatiently as the creature finished the fruit and grew restless, eagerly searching for more by crawling all over Jinkins.
Henry looked Jinkins in the eye, “Well, it's been an interesting tour, but I'm sad to say the fun is over and the tough choices now begin.” Then he cleared his throat and said, “From this moment on, Jinkins, you are here as a subject matter expert only. This means that if I ask you a question, I expect an answer. If you don't have an answer, either find one or find new employment. Is this clear?”
Jinkins' face had gone from bright to overcast in seconds. Even his kinkajou sensed the mood change and stared at Henry in total quiet. “Well, Mr. Potter, I thought that—“
Henry interrupted, “Whatever you thought was wrong. 'Build it and they will come' is one of the most idiotic ideas conceived by man. But I see here you've employed it to its full disastrous potential. Clearly, a new modus operandi is required. That is why I'm here—to save you from complete and total ruin, and the sooner you come to grips with that, the better.”
When Jinkins stood there in bruised horror, Henry cajoled, “Look, man, frankly I'm making you a generous offer by allowing you to stay on, so either accept it with dignity, or get the hell out of my way.”
