Stealth Journeys with the Steam Mapper

Chapter 31: Favorite Book Reveals

On another occasion, the two began to discuss their favorite genre of books.   StLF frequently mentioned the books that Mom and Dad favored, mostly science themed fiction and nonfiction. MYKA was familiar with many classics and would toss in trivia about the authors.   When StLF brought up Mom's favorite book, Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring", MYKA  was aware that President John F. Kennedy was a big fan of her previous books along with his favorite book, Henry David Thoreau's "Cape Cod".  Kennedy loved the sea and sailing and loved to read about the coastal environment.   Carson's books "The Sea Around Us" and "The Edge of the Sea" were part of JFK's favorite book collection.  Kennedy was a supporter of the Massachusetts Audubon Society and as a senator co-sponsored the Cape Cod National Seashore bill.   "Rachel Carson was inspired to write her early books by her good friend William Bebee, the pioneer of undersea exploration with bathyspheres."

"One book I would recommend borrowing from Captain Bill, is the novel Delilah, written by Marcus Goodrich.   It is really three stories in one, all aboard the American destroyer, Delilah, and the novel ends with a April 1917 dispatch announcing that the United States is now at war with Germany.   Marcus Goodrich served in the U.S. Navy during WWI as a naval ensign and in WWII as a lieutenant-commander in charge of amphibious landings in Sicily and Okinawa.  He wrote about what he really knew and observed.  His story about the horrible explosion on a U.S. submarine training in a harbor was so graphic I could barely read it.  He spent a couple of decades writing his book, published it in 1941, and announced he would write more adventures in a second book which he worked on for many decades but never published.   He died in 1991. He was around 96 years old.  He was married five times.   His best known marriage was to Olivia de Havilland, the actress, whose own longevity exceeds his.  I saw her photograph taken when she was 102, looking unbelievably elegant."

MYKA listened patiently and often promised to look into some of the titles that StLF called must-reads.   The marine biologist  preferred science journals and biographies and maritime adventure series.    When pressed to share a secret indulgence pleasure reading topic, MYKA revealed an interest that Stef would not have guessed.   "Well, I guess, aside from all of the nonfiction books by my family and other ocean explorers, I guess I'd have to say that I enjoy books written by magicians.  Surprised?   Yeah, well, I find their abilities fascinating.  And, when they share how they've mastered these illusions, it is very impressive.   Of course, the ones who have been on TV so much, can be watched over and over on You tube."

"One of my favorite magicians is Steve Cohen.   I've been to his apartment in New York where he holds private parties in his parlor.  He has a special tea kettle and all sorts of special effects masterly prepared for his special room to create illusions beyond compare.  He is known as the "Millionaires' Magician".  He's written one of my favorite books, called 'Win the Crowd'.   It has as its subtitle: 'Unlock the Secrets of Influence, Charisma, and Showmanship'.  It is all about the art of building confidence.   I've read it over and over.    He has all sorts of hints I've used.  Ways to appear taller to other people.  Yeah, I realize you could not care less about that, but we shorter people do.   He also shows tricks to remember names and other details.  Ways to control people by standing closer to them.   Ways to practice your control of language by storing useful phrases in your mental file to have at the ready on short notice.   He had tips on how to project an image that draws others to you, through choice of clothing and accessories, tone of voice, posture and positioning of your body, and all sorts of things most people do not realize they are even influenced by.   They cannot even say why they are feeling so attracted to him.   It is an amazing power."

"Cohen quoted Herman Melville of Moby Dick: 'It's better to fail in originality than succeed in imitation'.   Steve said originality is essential to having charisma.    I read his book every year, starting back on my tenth birthday.   An older cousin gave me his copy which he'd purchased when it was first published back in 2005.   I got it autographed back in 2012, when I first saw him perform."

Later, Stef thought of how MYKA appeared while describing Steve Cohen.   A dreamlike trance of devotion and a faraway look.   And then, noticing Stef's surprised expression, MYKA  suddenly changed the subject to comments about the supper meal and ongoing lab experiments.   It was as though a veil had been unintentionally lifted and then dropped as though too much had been divulged.   "Why is this Cousteau such an enigma? Why has so little personal information been shared with the one person onboard who knows the real identity? And when Dad had inquired about the new friendship, I claimed I was sworn to secrecy rather than admit that secretive google searches have gone nowhere."

Much later, Stef thought again of the early introductions.  Recalled seeing MYKA wearing an intricate, hand tooled leather belt with a colorful Neptune and octopus theme, a gold chain with a squid charm having jeweled eyes, designer athletic shoes, and the most glamorous sportsman's watch ever. All pieces were admired by many new acquaintances that night.   And the French accent was just as smooth as any heard on the silver screen.    And the penetrating dark eyes and flash of dimple as if on cue.   The close self-assured stance.   Was it all thought out?  Did it matter?   The friendship was growing, regardless of how it started.   And who was Stef to question motive?   Not when meeting and befriending a Cousteau was a deliberate choice, an act to bolster one's self -worth through association.