Atlantis Gold

Chapter 19

The sleek mega-yacht plowed along at a sedate pace across the azure waters. With state-of-the-art automation permitting a crew that would have been considered skeletal only a decade earlier, the few passengers who were aboard enjoyed extreme privacy and plenty of luxurious space while at sea.

Daedalus lounged by a swimming pool — one of two aboard — that overlooked the diving platform off the ship’s stern. A thirty-six foot speedboat hung from davits over the stern rail, and above, forward of the pool, a small passenger helicopter sat waiting on a pad. Having just emerged from the pool, Daedalus reclined in a chaise lounge wearing a plush robe with the stylized letter ‘H’, short for the yacht’s name, the Historica.

In his hands he held a tablet computer that allowed him to see the ship’s navigation information — its current position on a chart — as well as to communicate with the crew and captain, and even to control the ship directly if need be. Presently another man, also of Greek descent, walked over to Daedalus but remained standing. Phillipo, carrying a tablet identical to the one his older brother used, removed his Costa del Mar sunglasses in order to make eye contact with Daedalus.

“The thieves’ exact location is unknown at this time, but we have strong reason to believe they are somewhere on or near the Bimini Road formation. Do you want me to take up the helicopter?”

Daedalus looked up from his tablet and frowned. “No, it will be too obvious. We don’t want to spook them into running. Let us do some work, and perhaps, as with in the Azores, we can be on hand to reap the spoils.”

“I will instruct the Captain to continue course for Bimini Road then.”

Daedalus nodded. “Yes, but tell him to maintain distance. We want to be nearby, not on the site or again, they will become suspicious. Have him take us within striking distance.”

“Agreed.” Phillipo paused, obviously struggling with some thoughts, before speaking again. “Daedalus, I have to ask: our company is spending a lot of money in pursuit of these people, all for the Atlantis myth. Do you think it to be worthwhile? There are other less fantastic, but much more concrete, treasures — the kind that have allowed us to build our fortune in the first place. There is a war going on in Syria right now, for example. We could—”

Daedalus’ face flushed red. “Enough, Phillipo! These people, especially this Carter Hunt-have somehow stumbled across a trail of finds that could lead to one of the most exciting archaeological discoveries of the millennium. Atlantis!” He leaned up in his lounger and spread his arms wide. “Can you imagine it? The precious metals — the gold? The unknown artifacts awaiting discovery? It would be the find of a lifetime, brother. A lifetime.”

Phillipo’s mouth turned down at the corners. “If it is even real, Daedalus. Meanwhile, there are plenty of other treasures whose existence is not debatable. While we float around out here, literally burning money by the minute to keep this ship running, other artifact seekers are making moves on solid pieces that, until now, have always been our bread and butter.”

Daedalus scowled and rose from his lounger. “If the accomplishments of our company are insufficient for you, dear brother, then please, feel free to go your own way. You should be more than comfortable from this point on. Unless, that is, your penchant for gambling has gotten the better of you. Down on your luck in Monte Carlo on your last visit, were you?”

An awkward silence passed while the two brothers stared one another down, then Daedalus continued.

“At any rate, I myself am driven by a genuine interest in humanity’s past, not avarice.” He waved his arm about the opulent yacht. “I feel I have done well enough for myself to this point to be able to indulge in a little hobby. But again, Phillipo, if you disagree, you are free to resign your position with Treasure, Inc., and we will go our own separate ways. Professionally, of course. I do still hope I’d be invited to your next family gathering.”

At length, Philppo replied. “For now I am happy in my role with the company. And who knows, maybe our treasure hunting friends will find us something of value, even if it turns out not to be from Atlantis. A profit is a profit is a profit, am I right?”

Daedalus gave a slow nod. “Of course.”

“I will visit the bridge personally to convey the orders to the Captain.”

“Do that. And Phillipo?”

“Yes?”

“Do not make suggestions about our company’s direction again. Until, that is, we are dining in the Hall of Poseidia, walking the golden streets of Atlantis. Then, I will hear you out. Until such time, the strategic course for Treasure, Inc. has been set and is no longer a matter of discussion. Is that clear?”

Phillipo stood there holding the tablet, staring at his brother with a slack jawed look.

“Is it clear?”

Phillipo let the hand holding the tablet drop down to his side. “Yes, it is clear.” Then he turned and strode away toward the staircase that led to the bridge.