Neos_Helios by Robin_Anderson

Author:Robin_Anderson [Dawn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

"I take it all meets with your approval?" asked Torsten, his broad face breaking into a wide grin.

"That's being a tad modest, Torsten," laughed

Robert, "when you know it's all fucking fabulous!" "Even better than I imagined," added Rick, as the

three stood looking up at the vast metal and glass dome

above them.

"And, as for the house itself," continued Robert, "all

is exactly as I envisaged it—a series of giant ripples." He

turned to Rick. "Those curved walls are sheer genius, Rick,

and the way you've managed to cast them, Torsten, is pure

magic. The two of you are to be seriously congratulated.

Talk about team work!"

"And let's not forget Hokusai and his little input,"

reminded Rick, his reference being to the famous Japanese

artist and his woodcarving The Wave. He gave Robert a

playful nudge. "Nor a certain Robert Barton for his genius

in finishing the walls with a striated effect, carried out in

acrylic paints, so as to give that underwater look and which

will be even further enhanced once the lake is filled." Rick

gave a small exclamation of delight. "Added to which there

will be the additional wave effects created by the shadows

of passing fish. It'll be like being inside a giant kaleidoscope. Neptune, eat your heart out!" He looked at his two companions. "And finally those unique Barton

Williams touches; I can hardly wait!"

"Nor can the terrible Timothy," said Torsten

sardonically. He pointed toward the main entrance to the

house. "Follow me and brace yourselves for a bit of a

shock! It had to be delivered before the final panels to the

dome were installed and, furthermore, Tremble insisted the

wretched thing be assembled." Looking back at the two

walking behind, he added with a twisted smile,

"Gentlemen, you're about to meet the aquarium to end all

aquariums, Timothy Tremble's answer to Atlantis." Giving

another smile, Torsten couldn't help adding, "Though I

must say, he's obviously paid to attention to what you must

have said because, as with everything else associated with

Elagabalus, it's faultless. In fact, it's bloody fantastic!" "Wow!" exclaimed Rick as they entered the lofty

main reception area. "Well done us." He gestured towards

the massive tank. "Those faux coral formations look terrific

but…" Frowning, Rick turned to stunned Robert and a

bemused Torsten. "Please tell me my eyes are deceiving me

or is that what I think it is?"

"Aha!" cried Torsten, "I was right and I thought as

much; neither you nor Robert would have included such a

bizarre intruder. I didn't dare say anything when it was

delivered a few days ago by Paul, Tremble's driver." "I've heard of ego trips, but on this occasion Queen

Neptune has excelled herself with this little display of

arrogance," quipped Robert as the three stood surveying the

elaborately carved, gilded throne placed centrally inside the

empty aquarium.

"Maybe the old cunt's having a replica of the

hideous Timothy Tremble made so he can literally sit

inside his underwater kingdom, ruling all she surveys!"

camped Rick, not to be outdone.

"David Reynolds!" cried Robert. "He's a sculptor I

met once with Timothy. In fact it was on our so-called first

date at the ballet where I also met the divine Monika." He

gave a light laugh. "Reynolds' work is heavily influenced

by that German guy who held several exhibitions here a

few years back.

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