Dark Dig

Brewing Turmoil

Mid-summer days are long and hot. As a result, everyone working, in the tight confines of the admin office, chose to shed the heavy khaki jackets and opted for lightweight T-Shirts. The long hot days also resulted in sudden storms. Marcus observed the ominous clouds gathering along the horizon. Clearly the storm was approaching fast, growing in strength. The gusty wind was pungent with the sweet smell of rain on hot dust.

Caught out in the open, a blast of wind grabbed Carol’s hair and tossed it high in the air. Out of the corner of her vision, she glimpsed bright flashes, of distant lightening. The flickering lightning gave the dark ominous clouds a surreal quality. The deep rumble of thunder made conversation nearly impossible. Carol grabbed Marcus by the arm and hurried to reach the office before the storm hit.

“Oh my, it looks like the gods are raging war. The atmosphere feels charged with some strange supernatural force,” Carol muttered not knowing if Marcus actually heard her over the thunder.

Carol tried to hide in Marcus’ wind shadow but was unable to avoid being drenched by a torrent of rain whipped by the gusting winds. The summer rain was warm, like a refreshing shower. Her thin, white cotton T- Shirt became translucent and clung to her body, making clear her wardrobe choices did not include bras. Marcus was too fixated on contacting the police to appreciate the exquisite view of Carol’s anatomy.

Marcus jumped on a chair in front of the computer and hammered the keys to establish a video conference call, to the number provided by Inspector Campus. To prevent getting a chill from the breeze from the A/C Carol slipped into her heavy BDU jacket. This also covered her wet T-Shirt clad figure from the view of whoever was on the video. Impatiently Marcus drummed his fingers on the edge of the keyboard.

“καλό απόγευμα, Dr. Atonasis, I assume you are looking for an update,” A faceless voice proclaimed, before the video feed resolved into the face of Inspector Campus.

“καλό απόγευμα inspector Campus Yes and I would like to get your thoughts on how we can improve security at the site,” Marcus replied.

Inspector Campus looked down and appeared to shuffle papers then looked directly into the camera and said.

“I’m sorry to report we have not made much progress. When the cell phone lead turned out to be a dead end, we went back to the lab to see what they have found. They are still going over all the evidence collected. I’m afraid it will take some time, they collected over 300 shell casings from three different types of weapons (AK 47’s, UZES, AR 15’ assault rifles). They think at least 20 weapons were used. They won’t be sure until they examine all the casings. One thing they pointed out was the lack of blood. My colleges were talking about this even before the lab mentioned it. With that much gunfire, you would expect injuries. The lab is saying the lack of blood indicates they were using the gunfire to keep people confused and make them run to find some sort of shelter. Thus, preventing anyone from seeing what was really going on. We are also trying to figure out why they would attack some remote area. Terrorists like to attack crowds like airports, sporting events, or tourist attractions. Then make a public announcement taking credit for the attack. Pirates would be after money and send a ransom demand, but so far, we have heard nothing. All this has everyone here perplexed. We are now seeking more information from the lab and looking at all of the photos the FBI can supply to get this solved quickly,” Inspector Campus concluded as a scow distorted his face.

Marcus banged his fist on the table and raged.

“That is really not much! You have no idea how upset I am at this moment! I just finished telling my crew everything possible is being done to find the missing people. Now, all you can tell me is there was a lot of gunfire! GOD DAMN IT, MAN, try telling me something I don’t already know! Oh, well enough of that. Please, tell me you can assist in finding a security team to protect the people who are still willing to work for me! Carol said she sent information about two agencies to you for consideration. Can you tell us which one is best?”

“Believe me when I say I share your frustration. We are gathering as much evidence and going over all the items we have. The FBI has some additional photos that are being evaluated as we speak. In fact, I think Mr. Farley wants to go over some of the imagery, but to answer your question about what security team would be best, I know both agencies very well and they both supply excellent service. They have very different security perspective. One is more BODYGUARD the other (CYBER-EYE) is more in line with what you seek. They can establish a secure perimeter, individual access control and even video drones to patrol the area. Their office is only a few blocks from our HQ. If you are going to meet with them you might want to check in with us to see firsthand what is really being done,” retorted Inspector Campus.

“Thanks for pointing out the differences. I think we need the CYBER-EYE ground security. I’ll contact them and set up a meeting. Then I would love to see what you have to show me while I’m in Athens. We could be at your location shortly after noon tomorrow. I hope you will accept my apologies, for being so upset, but this is the first time I have ever had to deal with anything like this and my people are concerned about their safety.” Marcus replied.

With an unbridled display of dissatisfaction, Marcus hammered a key on the keyboard, terminating the link. Taking a deep breath, he leaned back in the chair and slowly sighed.

“I’m so frustrated. All I get are non-answers. Every time I talk to inspector Campus, he reminds me of some character of a barn owl blinking blindly caught in the headlights of an oncoming car,” Marcus hissed between tightly clenched teeth

This action visibly released the stress and frustration building up inside. Suddenly, he spun around, and was caught off guard at the sight of Carol perched on the corner of a desk, the view of her lithe body mesmerized him.

Carol saw the flicker of primeval lust in his glaring eyes and slid onto his lap. Her mouth instantly pressed on his and their tongues engaged in the tango of passion.

While the two lovers were lost in a private universe, a blinding flash flooded the office accompanied immediately with an explosion of thunder that actually shook the building.

Startled, they pulled apart attempting to see what was going on. Looking out the window, they observed an eerie pale green glow covering everything. Curiosity trumped fear and they move closer to the window to get a better view. Suddenly three bolts of lightning crashed into the small hill just meters away.

The instantaneous thunder was deafening. Shaking with fear, Carol gasped and wrapped herself around Marcus. The echoing thunder still reverberated in the room; when they saw a bright orb of pure white light materializes from the spot where the lightning struck. In awe-struck wonderment, they stared at the mysterious orb.

The blazing ball of light danced and careened across the open field in random zigzagging movements. Suddenly the orb raised high in the air and spun rapidly on its axis then spontaneously exploded with an earsplitting bang near the area Marcus and his survey crew cleared earlier in the day.

Instantly, a shimmering green light bathed everything. Carol shivered and her skin tingled as if electrically charged. Deep within her existence, she felt her secret self, raging out of control. The beast within was fighting to be set free and Carol struggled to retain control of her emotions.

Marcus’ touch sent miniature bolts of lightning showering Carol with flashing sparks. A strangely erotic thrill flashed through her body giving her a deep multidimensional shock. Carol’s jacket hung open exposing the thin wet T-Shirt that failed to cancel her visibly aroused nipples.

“My GOD what the hell was that! I have never seen any storm like this,” exclaimed Carol.

Looking directly into Carol’s eyes, Marcus smiled and whispered, “I’m really not sure what is going on around here anymore. This is really a strange storm. I think we just experienced a very rare case of ‘ball lightning’ and that green haze is, ‘St. Elmo’s Fire.”

Distant thunder rumbled and the rain splashed wildly on the window making it difficult to see anything clearly. The supercharged atmosphere seemed to crackle in the small office. Carol could no longer restrain the force, within, fighting to be free. The look in Marcus’ eyes acknowledged the presence of a kindred spirits.

Spontaneously they both moved in unison. Groping and clawing at each other’s bodies. Their lips mashed together in unbridled passion.

The presence of unknown beings released in the magic of the mystery storm dominated the ensuing events. Marcus and Carol like pieces on a chessboard, participants, yet not in control.

Swept up in a frenzy of passion they were moved by forces they knew nothing of. The storm of erotic lust exploded with a force equal to the raging storm outside. A barrage of lightning bolts flooded the area and thunder rocked and shook the building while the rain fell like a waterfall against the windows. In time, the blaze of passion diminished as did the storms fury. The limp bodies of the two lovers lay crumpled on the floor, like toys tossed aside by a petulant child who became tired of the game.

After breaths were recaptured and motion returned too tired limbs, startled yet meaningful looks were exchanged. Unable to formulate words, they hastily dressed in total silence. Carol reached out with a trembling hand to help Marcus with his jacket.

“I’m really not sure what happened last night, but it was nothing like anything I ever experienced before in my entire life,” Carol whispered in Marcus’ ear as she brushed past him.

“I must agree, but if my sister was here, I’m sure she would be able to explain how the Gods must be angry and they are using their power over nature to drive us away,” Marcus replied.

“Oh! So, your sister is into the spirit world beliefs. I have many friends who think ghosts haunt places. I really try to keep my mind open to see what evidence is available as to what role Gods play in our daily lives,” Carol explained.

“Well, I’m sure you would have fun talking with my sister, but now we need to get going before we have to make up some excuse to explain why we are in the office so early. I know I need some strong coffee before we head to Athens to get that security team and find out what disappointment the three AMIGOS have for us today,” Marcus commented while dragging Carol out to get breakfast.