Chapter 9
“What is this place? It smells of chemicals and
death.” Formaci asked, sounding kind of ill.
“This is what’s left of the Deepwater Horizon.
It was what they call an ultra-deep-water oil rig. There was what
they called a blow out and it exploded, killing eleven men and
causing millions and millions of gallons of oil to spill into the
ocean. It took what seemed like forever to get the drill area
plugged up and they are still trying to clean this mess up. It
killed tons of fish and birds and fucked up the beach areas... it
was a serious disaster, and when all was said and done and an
investigation was completed, they discovered that it was a simple
case of a multibillion dollar company wanting to save a few bucks.”
Foster explained.
Formaci snarled, “I hope they paid with their
lives.”
There was no way Foster could hold back his
scoff. “Are you kidding me? Originally the government was going
after the people responsible with a vengeance, but it was all just
a diversion. They were giving the people time to move on and… I
don’t want to say forget, but not feel the outrage as much. So
instead of people going to jail they were let off and the companies
had to pay out about five billion dollars, which might sound like a
lot, but to a company that’s worth hundreds of billions of dollars
that’s not even a drop in a bucket.”
“But... but that’s insane!” Formaci said,
looking around, “Look at this destruction! Look at the wasted sea
bed.”
“I know, but like I said it’s all about the
money. Politicians and oil go hand in hand. It sucks, but that’s
how it is.” Foster explained.
After Formaci looked around, he said, “I would
like to see more.”
Foster told Polaris where he wanted to go and it
didn’t take long before Formaci rasped, “Stop! For the love of all
the gods, stop!”
Everyone did as Formaci asked, and Forest looked
at the squid, “Is there a problem?”
“Is there a... are you fucking with me? What is
that obnoxious smell?” Formaci rasped, “I’m struggling to even
breathe.”
“Ahhh. That is what they call toxic algae
blooms. We’re in Florida waters. Scientists believe it’s because a
company was allowed to dump their crap into a lake as well as all
the runoff from farm fertilizers causing a serious increase in
nitrogen and phosphorus. Add to that the rise in temperatures
because of global warming and this is what you get.” Foster
explained.
Formaci gasped, “Surely these people were held
accountable?”
Shaking his head, Foster responded with, “What
did they do wrong? No one did anything illegal... at least, not
according to the government standards. Companies have tried to
offer assistance, but have been turned down because the government
doesn’t want to release more chemicals into the water.”
“Humans are barbaric!’ Formaci snarled.
Shaking his head, Foster replied, “Not all of
them. As with any species in the world you have the good and you
have the bad. Somehow Poseidon knew that humans were a danger to
his water and those that live in it. He wanted you to be kept safe,
Formaci. He couldn’t protect them all, but he could protect you. If
I could find a way to get a tablet or something I would show you
videos of the humans that dissect your kind, and others they are
trying to study, because those videos do exist. I mean I highly
doubt you would want to find one of the scientists and discover the
truth for yourself.”
“No. I do not. I believe you surface dweller and
accept what you say. It’s just so hard to have no one but
ourselves. It gets...lonely.” Formaci replied sadly.
Foster understood what he was saying, and gave a
small smile, “I bet if you would take the time to talk to Jabari or
Polaris you guys could come up with a way to have interactions with
others. You just can’t attack and eat them.”
Formaci sighed, “You are right, surface dweller.
If they are willing to talk, then I am willing to compromise.”
“We can do that....”
Jabari’s words faded as Foster felt exhausted,
like he had never felt since going into Atlantis. His breathing
became difficult and he thought he might pass out.
“Foster? Foster, what’s wrong?” Jabari asked
anxiously.
Shaking his head, Foster replied, “I... I don’t
know. I’m not feeling well.”
His bones began to ache to the point Foster
whimpered, then his world went black.
* * * *
Foster slowly started coming to, hearing a
stranger speaking. “I’m sorry I don’t have better news. The cancer
has spread and there is nothing I can do.”
“How long does he have?”
Oh that was Jabari. Why did he sound so sad?
“I can’t tell you exactly how long, but I can
tell you it won’t be long maybe three... four weeks and understand
that’s just a guess. The cancer has spread throughout his bones and
it’s only a matter of time it goes into his brain. I’m truly sorry.
I wish I had better news.”
That must be a doctor and from the sounds of
things Foster’s time was just about up. Sadness filled him thinking
that his time with Jabari was coming to an end. He hadn’t realized
that he was crying until he heard Jabari, “Shhhh. It’s okay, my
love. I’ve got you.”
Foster slowly opened his eyes, sniffling as
Jabari gently wiped at his tears, “I hate knowing that I have to
leave you, Jabari. I love you so much.”
“I love you too and you will never leave me. We
are one, no matter if you are in front of me like this or
surrounding me with your essence.” Jabari said, his voice thick
with emotion.
“I... I wanted... I wanted to do so... so much
mo... more with you. No... not end my.... my tim.... time in a
hos... hospital.” Foster said haltingly because the tears just
wouldn’t stop.
Jabari stood, “I agree. You will not be spending
any more time in this place. My parents have offered us a place in
their home and we are going there.”
Foster’s eyes widened, “Yo... your parents?”
Jabari gave a wobbly smile, “Yes, of course.
Where else would two people retire, but Florida. Now let me get you
dressed and get your discharge papers. We are leaving this
place.”
It didn’t take Jabari an hour to have Foster in
an Uber and sitting in front of a really sweet one-story home along
the Florida shoreline. His door opened and Foster made his way out
feeling nervous as hell. “This place is lovely.”
Smiling, Jabari replied, “Thanks. My mom fell in
love with it at first sight and they bought it outright.”
It took a bit of time, since Foster moved so
slow right now, but Jabari didn’t try and do anything to hasten
their movement. Before they made it to the front door, it flew open
and a tall woman with long black hair came rushing out with her
arms wide, “Jabari! Oh my precious boy, I’ve missed you.”
Jabari’s mom hugged him close and then turned to
Foster, lightly running the back of her hand down Foster’s cheek,
her eyes as gentle as her voice, “You must be Foster. Welcome,
son.”
“Thank you.” Foster said, feeling a bit
inadequate.
“Hey, Dad.” Jabari said, and Foster looked
up.
“Holy cow! You didn’t tell me you were your
dad’s twin.” Foster gasped.
Jabari’s dad walked closer to them, saying, “I
like him.”
Foster couldn’t look away as the man got closer
to Jabari. They were the same height, weight, muscle build....
hell, they both had the short black hair and even the dark
navy-blue eyes. The only distinction was the telling elder style
way Jabari’s father held himself. You could tell the man was
experienced in life.
“Welcome to our home, Foster. How about we get
you two inside. Calista has been cooking nonstop since you called
us, son.”
Foster didn’t know if he could eat a thing. His
appetite had retreated from him severely once again, and just the
thought of eating had Foster’s stomach turning.
Thankfully Jabari saved him. “I think it might
be best if I get Foster settled in. He’s really tired from the long
ride, and I’m sure he wants to shower off the hospital smells.”
“Of course! Noran you should know that Foster
needs his rest. Any food can be brought to him once he’s settled.”
Calista said, with a light slap to her husband’s chest.
It took a bit, but Foster was able to make it
inside and couldn’t help but notice the inside was just as
beautiful as the outside. The furnishings were elegant, but looked
really comfortable. The dining area had a long oakwood table with
six chairs and a hutch filled with sea shells and what looked like
driftwood pieces. Double glass doors opened to a swimming pool with
a hot tub, and just beyond that was the most beautiful sight Foster
could ever remember seeing. “Oh wow!”
“Magnificent isn’t it?” Calista softly said.
Nodding, Foster replied, “The ocean has always
called to me in one way or another. Until I chartered that fishing
boat I never had been able to be near one, and the second I saw it
for the first time... the smell of the salt water, the sounds of
the seagulls mixed with waves slapping on the shoreline, and when I
walked out a bit and looked around, I realized at that moment just
how small we really are in the scheme of life.”
“Are you ready to go get that shower?” Jabari
asked.
Nodding, Foster followed his mate into their
bedroom. Jabari had already put out some sleep pants, “These are
mine. My mom bought them for me a while back. They were a bit too
small for me, but with the drawstring they should fit alright.”
“It’s good. Thank you.” Foster replied.
Jabari kissed Foster and left him to shower.
* * * *
Foster didn’t take a lot of time to shower.
First off he had learned a long time ago that bathing was
exhausting in itself, and secondly, he needed to be with Jabari.
The idea of spending even this short amount of time without the man
was unacceptable.
Hearing voices in the kitchen, he made his way
there, only to stop. The sound of sobbing froze Foster where he
was.
“What am I going to do, Mom. I don’t know what
to do. I can’t lose him. I just can’t.”
Foster listened to Jabari’s soul-deep cries and
his heart broke.