Beyond Tears: The Point of No Return

Beyond Tears

The Point of No Return

Copyright © 2005 by Terry Umphenour

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Contents

Chapter I      A Mysterious Encounter

Chapter 2     The Amazon Rainforest

Chapter 3     A Desperate Plan

Chapter 4     Bluebird Lost

Chapter 5     Stranded

Chapter 6     Survival

Chapter 7    Escape And Evasion

Chapter 8     Against All Odds

Chapter 9     Beyond The Point Of No Return

Chapter 10   Responsible Solutions

Epilogue

This book is dedicated to the Missouri Botanical Gardens, the St. Louis Zoo, the Gifted Resource Council of Missouri, the Jatun Sacha Foundation of Ecuador, and the teachers and students that participated in the Amazon Rainforest Research Project. It was an honor and privilege to lead such exceptional teachers and students into the Amazon. Their enthusiasm and commitment toward helping the rainforest made this book possible.

Radiant sun filtering through cloud-filled skies,

High above ageless towering kapok trees,

Past glories are remembered with mournful sighs,

And restless spirits tremble, yearning to be free.

The sky above, the mud below, and all the luscious green,

Are now plundered and endangered by the relentless foe.

Mighty jaguar and great anaconda may never more be seen,

Slash and burn have left them nowhere else to go.

Where does responsibility lie in a land so far away?

From those within or those without, oh, where to place blame?

Can harm already done be made right again someday?

Or must we all forevermore hang our heads in shame?

Crying does no good, for tears cannot erase the pain,

It is time to learn and time to act, time to make a stand.

Gather here and gather there; strength in numbers must be gained,

To ebb destruction’s fateful march and save an endangered land.

-Terry Umphenour

CHAPTER I

A MYSTERIOUS ENCOUNTER

Oh no! Not now! Karina sharply banked the sleek blue and white two-seat ultralight airplane and felt it slipping into the turn, tighter and tighter, like a spinning ride in an amusement park. Her right leg trembled, straining from constant pressure on the rudder pedals. She pushed hard from the hip and felt the centripetal force tugging at her. Obviously, she was not fully convalesced. The damage from the rattlesnake bite wouldn’t go away. Almost three months had passed since that fateful incident, and she still walked with a horrid limp. Her leg muscles cramped without warning, and, all too often, she ended up on her rear. Now she was in serious trouble. She had drifted below a safe altitude.

Karina, ease up on the rudder, Martin said firmly. Karina detected a hint of agitation in his normally calm voice. Get control and take her down. You’re cleared for landing. Just watch out for those trees.

Roger. Landing. She didn’t blame Martin. Her slow progress disappointed her even more than her instructor. As headmaster of Blue Horizons—an alternative school for troubled youth, located in the state of New York—Martin placed himself in jeopardy every time he allowed her to fly again. After all, most fourteen-year-olds weren’t even allowed to pilot an airplane, much less fly above the Amazon rainforest. Only a few months prior, she had crashed an ultralight airplane during an impulsive, unauthorized rescue attempt.

Karina had come to Blue Horizons less than a year earlier. A juvenile judge had sent her to the school because he determined that her aunt and uncle were not able to care for her. At the age of eight, Karina had survived an airplane crash that had seriously injured her and killed her mother and father. Since the fatal crash, she had been angry and defiant. The judge decided that Blue Horizons and its curriculum that centered on flying ultralight airplanes might help her deal with both her anger and her fears.

Beneath her, dense foliage spread for mile upon endless mile, broken only by meandering rivers and streams. This part of Ecuador had few towns, and those appeared as small islands surrounded by the encroaching forest. Piloting from the front seat of the two-seat ultralight gave Karina a splendid view of the rainforest. Directly ahead, Karina spied the small field and little white hut that served as an airport. Two-seat ultralight airplanes had dual controls: one set of controls for the front seat and a second set of controls for the back seat. Sitting behind her, Karina knew that Martin scrutinized her every move, waiting for her to make a mistake. If she made another mistake, he would take control away from her, land the ultralight, and revoke her flight status.

Give it more power, Karina, or we’re going to be landing in the canopy.

Roger. Power. Mentally, she kicked herself for not watching her altimeter. Applying power to the throttle and gentle backpressure on the control stick, she gained the necessary altitude for landing. Clearing the trees, she aimed the plane at the narrow runway and completed a less- than-perfect landing, bouncing twice before bringing the small airplane to a stop.

Okay, Karina. Martin patted her left shoulder. Get out and have Sally rub that leg down. I’ll do the post-flight inspection for you, and we’ll discuss your flight after dinner.

Yes, sir, Karina said.

Biting her lip to keep from crying, Karina unlatched the small airplane’s canopy door and raised it, allowing a hot, muggy breeze into the cockpit’s narrow confines. Martin easily climbed out of the cockpit ahead of her. Even though he was a small man, only four inches taller than Karina’s five-foot four-in height, she respected Martin and tried hard to please him. After he departed, she hoisted herself over the side, careful not to put too much pressure on the sailcloth that served as the airplane’s outer covering. Special cloth, instead of metal, covered the aluminum frame of ultralight airplanes.

Without warning, Karina’s right leg muscles cramped into a tight knot. Losing her balance and unable to recover, she slipped headfirst toward the ground.

Hang on. I’ve got you, called a welcome voice. Strong arms encircled her waist and rescued her from an ungraceful and possibly painful fall.

When Karina finally righted herself, the voice became a sturdy sixteen- year-old boy with dark hair, strong shoulders, a prominent jaw, and a warm, friendly grin. Joe had been one of the few bright spots in her life during the past few months. He had arrived at Blue Horizons only a few weeks after Karina. Joe had helped her endure those first horrible months at Blue Horizons, and they had become good friends. While learning to deal with her fears, Joe had helped Karina discover a love for flying. As time had passed, their friendship had grown.

She knew Joe wanted to be her steady boyfriend, but the rules and regulations at Blue Horizons discouraged such relationships. Still, they had become very close. In April, when she turned fifteen, she suspected they would become an item, unofficially of course. Painful spasms radiated through her leg and shifted her attention elsewhere.

Oh, put me down. I can’t walk. It hurts!

Tears filled her eyes and she breathed in short, rapid gasps. Agonizing muscle contractions caused by damaged muscle tissue and blood vessels— lingering effects from the rattlesnake venom—tightly knotted the thigh muscles in her right leg. The pain pulsed from her thigh all the way to her hip. She bit her lip, fighting back the urge to scream.

Bad, huh? Joe helped Karina out of her flight suit and guided her to the ground. He knelt beside her and gently pulled her hands from her aching leg. Then he began rubbing her leg muscles in a circular pattern, from the top of her knee to the edge of her denim shorts. It’s a hot, humid day. The cramps shouldn’t last long. Have you been eating your bananas? The potassium should help prevent these cramps.

Oh, yes! she said, wiping away tears with her bandana. I’ve eaten so many bananas that the banana trees run when they see me coming. They don’t help.

Well, it’s good to see that you haven’t lost your sense of humor. Joe changed his massage from a circular pattern to a deeper front-and-back movement. He used the heel of his palm to flatten out the muscle. How did it go up there? You came in awfully low. Jessica went berserk when she saw you skimming the treetops.

Jessica, her best friend in the whole world, had been a faithful companion and teammate ever since Karina had arrived at Blue Horizons. Their past adventure together, an ultralight airplane flight across the United States, had bonded the two fourteen-year-olds closer than sisters. Jessica had even given up her two-week summer vacation to help Karina through painful physical therapy. The plane crash, caused by a vicious rattlesnake bite she had received during an attempt to rescue two children from floodwaters, had almost cost Karina her leg and her life. Jessica had remained a steady fixture at Karina’s hospital bedside.

Martin wasn’t happy about it either, Karina said, studying the top of Joe’s head as he continued massaging her leg. I don’t think I’ll be ready for the aerial survey next week. I think he regrets bringing me along.

I wouldn’t worry about it. Joe finished his massage and helped her stand upright. Martin wouldn’t have brought you to Ecuador with us if he didn’t want you here. Try putting weight on your leg. How’s the pain?

"It still hurts. The pain isn’t as bad as before, but my leg sure hurts when I stand with all of my weight on it. It’s hot here. Help me out of the sun.

Sure, lean on me. Joe pulled Karina’s arm around his shoulder, easing the weight off of her right leg.

With Joe’s support, Karina hobbled away from the airplane toward the small brick and wood building that served as the airport’s ready room. The one-room hut had no radio or electricity, but several wicker chairs sat outside under the eaves of the roof. Martin and Jessica came around from behind the building. Karina saw that Jessica was dressed in a flight suit and helmet. Obviously, she was prepared for her own practice flight.

Are you okay? Jessica rushed over to support Karina’s other side. The leg bothering you again?

Sweat from exertion and the hot, oppressive climate soaked Karina’s T- shirt. Yeah, you’d think this stupid leg would be healed by now. It’s been months.

Karina, that snakebite did so much damage that the doctors wanted to amputate your leg, remember? You’re lucky you still have it. Jessica and Joe guided Karina onto a wicker chair. Your leg looks fantastic considering what it’s been through.

Sally will be here shortly with some ointment, Martin added. After a good rubdown, you’ll feel better. Give it time. With a proper mix of exercise and therapy, you’ll soon be dancing around like new.

"Better than before, I hope, Joe said. The last time we had a school dance, you stomped on my feet all evening."

Joe’s kidding eased Karina’s tension and brought back her sense of humor. The pain diminished as she concentrated on a comeback. If you didn’t have two left feet, dancing with you would be easier.

Two left feet? That’s why I have so much trouble finding shoes that fit! Joe played along, and the lighthearted teasing relaxed Karina.

Yeah, dance lessons wouldn’t hurt you either, added Jessica. Why don’t boys know how to dance to music with a tempo faster than a snail’s pace?

Before Joe could think of a response, Martin interceded. "Enough. Jessica, I want you to go and pre-flight Bluebird. Joe, take care of Karina until Sally gets here. I want Jessica to finish her flight before the rain comes again. I don’t think we have more than a couple of hours."

Karina and Joe sat side by side watching Jessica and Martin climb into Bluebird, the same ultralight airplane that Karina had flown just a short time earlier. As Jessica guided the small plane skyward, Joe slipped Karina’s hand into his, and her heart fluttered with joy. She even contemplated a quick kiss, but the moment was lost when Sally rounded the building.

Joe released his grip on Karina’s hand. Martin and Jessica are on a practice flight. Karina had another bad muscle cramp.

Liniment will help, said Sally, the only female flight instructor at Blue Horizons. She knelt beside Karina, gave her the small hand-held transceiver radio used for ground-to-air communication, and rubbed thick, white cream into the tightly knotted muscles. How does this feel?

Great, Karina said, as the cool cream quickly warmed and relaxed her tense muscles. The penetrating warmth increased blood flow and siphoned away the debilitating pain. She was grateful for Sally’s care and concern. The pain’s almost gone. I think I’ll be able to walk soon. Where did you park the van?

While Sally continued massaging the muscle cramp, Karina stared at the round, quarter-sized scar on her thigh. A compound fracture of the femur had caused the scar—a constant reminder of an earlier airplane crash, one that had left Karina without parents.

I parked the van about a half mile back down the trail, near the old plantation, her instructor explained. The road is too washed out for me to get any closer. How was your hike in?

Long, Karina said, pushing her right foot toward the ground and then pulling it back as far as possible, trying to stretch her thigh muscles. We must have hiked three miles on that muddy trail. I wasn’t sure I could make it.

You did just fine, Joe said. Next time, you’ll carry the pack and water jug. My pack must have weighed a ton.

Karina stuck her tongue out at Joe. How could a big, strong boy make a poor, little crippled girl do all the work? She feigned being hurt, crossing both arms in front of her chest.

Before Joe could respond in his own defense, Karina’s eyes widened; she stared past him. Look! There are men with guns at the edge of the field. Holding onto the chair with one hand and the radio with her other hand, she awkwardly rose to her feet.

In unison, Sally and Joe turned toward the indicated direction. Across from them, less than a hundred yards away, four men dressed in green camouflage fatigues emerged single-file from the forest at the far end of the field. All carried automatic weapons; however, shoulder straps supported the guns, which were slung upside down with the muzzles pointing at the ground.

Do you think they’re police or bandits? Joe spoke softly, but Karina heard the nervousness in his voice.

There aren’t any bandits in this part of Ecuador, Sally answered. This region is very stable. They must be police or militia on some sort of training exercise. She shaded her eyes with the flat of her hand, peering across the short, sunlit field. I think the tall man with the mustache is their leader. It looks like he has an officer’s emblem on his cap.

We’ll soon find out, Karina interjected. I think they’ve seen us. They’re coming this way.

The sight of the armed men in uniform didn’t overly worry Karina. She knew that the police in many small countries belonged to the national militia and carried military-style rifles and automatic weapons. In fact, upon arriving at the Quito airport, police had greeted them with automatic weapons and dogs. The dogs had sniffed the luggage, searching for any illegal drugs that might be hidden within. The men currently approaching had that same air of authority, not the suspicious gait one might expect from an armed group engaged in mischief or illegal activities.

Joe moved closer to Karina, supporting her with both his physical stature and his concern. How’s the leg? Why don’t you sit back down?

Not yet, Karina said, turning down the volume knob on the small radio until no sound could be heard. She didn’t want whoever was coming to know that they had a means of communicating with others. I think these guys are okay, but if not, I want to be able to move quickly. My muscle cramps are almost gone, so I think I can run if I have to.

Don’t do anything unless I give the order, Sally said. Let’s wait and see what they want.

"Buenas Tardes, Señora." The leader of the armed band greeted Sally as the group halted before them. The officer was a nice-looking young man, and his men all seemed friendly enough. Habla Usted Español?

My Spanish is a little weak. Do you understand English? Sally asked.

Yes, I speak English a little. Please excuse my poor speech. I am Captain Juan Felipe. We are looking for banditos. They have been seen near here. Have you seen anything unusual?

No, nothing, Sally said. We’ve only been here a couple of days. We’re preparing to do an aerial survey for the Jatun Sacha Foundation. They want to upgrade their maps, and we’ve put together some ultralight airplanes that are specially fitted with digital movie cameras.

"So, it was your planes that we’ve spotted flying around the area for the last two days. The captain scratched his chin. We thought the banditos might be working together with a couple of helicopters that have been flying over this area. We discovered that one of the helicopters is from the oil company, but the other has proven itself to be a mystery. It’s good to know that the two small planes are yours. Last night one of our patrols had a skirmish with the banditos about five miles from here."

Was anyone hurt? Joe interrupted.

No, only a few shots were fired. It was dark, and the banditos melted back into the forest. They were not interested in fighting with us, the captain answered, eyeing Joe up and down.

Karina noticed that Joe looked to be about the same age and stature as some of the young soldiers. Not to be left out, she joined the conversation. "Are