Connexion : The Atlantis Project, Book.1 Read Online Free PDF Page A

learned to swim,
and for good reason –”
    “Yes, because of fear!” Jacques interrupted,
a little sharply. “If I remember rightly, you were the one who
refused to stick at it. Michel had kindly offered to teach us in
the city pools but our initiation never made it past the changing
rooms, because you were so afraid of exhibiting yourself, or of
sinking like a stone. You didn’t even try, so don’t go complaining
to me now. It’s too late.”
    “I don’t feel too good at all, Jacques. Are
you feeling hot, too?” Charlie loosened his shirt collar in a
rough, clumsy gesture. Then Jacques realized that his brother was
in urgent need of reassurance, which he offered in his own way.
    “Calm down, Charlie! Let’s trust our lucky
star. It won’t let us down now, after all we’ve been through
together. Remember the day when we slipped in the bath? I had my
head under water and you were in a panic. It took you over a minute
to decide to act. You were squealing like a stuck pig, rather than
thinking about how to get me out of there. If I survived that,
trust me, we are going to survive this little boat trip. Just enjoy
the salt air – get a good lungful!”
    Charlie said nothing, but followed this
advice, a little sheepishly. After a few minutes’ sailing, they
came to a large, metallic buoy, partially submerged in the waves.
The soldiers moored the barge to it then one of them approached the
jeep.
    “You may get out now. Take your personal
belongings and go stand at the bow. Someone will be along to pick
you up in a moment.”
    “Who will pick us up, and where will they
take us?” asked Jacques.
    “You’re expected on the sub-marine base of
Mataiva, situated just below your feet. They’ll be surfacing in a
moment to collect you.”
    “Look!” cried Clementine.
    A second, metallic sphere, had just surfaced
near the barge. It was slightly larger than the mooring buoy, and
resembled an enormous, steel ball. It was metallic gray, and fitted
with several, especially thick, portholes. A heavy door opened,
revealing a small passenger compartment.
    “Climb aboard. There is only enough room for
the three of you. They are expecting you below. It only takes a few
minutes to reach the base.”
    The ball plunged straight down, pulled into
the depths by a long cable, which seemed interminable. The twins
and Clementine were speechless, their eyes riveted on the
unbelievable sight before them. After a few seconds’ descent into
the deep, night fell. Only a small point of light remained visible,
directly below the bathyscaphe. The light approached very rapidly
until the point of contact. Finally the sphere penetrated a
vertical tunnel dug in the rock which lined the ocean floor. A few
seconds later it came to a halt, and the heavy door opened in the
midst of an enormous chamber. A crowd of people were bustling in
all directions and, facing them, stood an elderly man with white
hair.
     

 
    4 MEETING GIUSEPPE

     
    He was an elderly gentleman in a blue lab
coat. His snowy-white, shoulder-length hair was slightly tousled.
He addressed them in a warm, friendly voice, with a pronounced
Italian accent.
    “Hello, Gentlemen, I have been looking
forward to meeting you!” The old man seemed extremely pleased, and
so eager to meet the twins that he did not even notice the presence
of Clementine. His accent gave him a jovial, reassuring air.
    “Your trip must have been tiring. I will show
you to your room so you can have some refreshments and rest for a
few hours. We will talk when you wake up.” He turned briskly and
walked toward the vehicle parked in front of the door to the
bathyscaphe.
    “That’s very kind of you, but I highly doubt
that sleep is our priority right at this moment?” answered Jacques.
“Perhaps you could start by telling us who you are, and above all,
what we’re doing here?”
    “Ah! Yes, you are right. I didn’t introduce
myself. I am Professor Giuseppe Milan. I am in charge of the
N.H.I., or Non