Dark Dig - A New Day

A New Day

The morning sun squeezed through the gap in the shabby curtains and slapped Carol on her face. A scowling frown flashed briefly until she reached out and felt the presence of Marcus next to her. Then the frown was instantly replaced by a smile that spread across her face like a wild fire. In half sleep, she snuggled her softness against his muscular body and kissed him in a passionate attempt to rouse him from his deep sleep. Marcus rewarded her kiss in an equally passionate response. Blankets and sheets dropped to the floor as the two lovers vented their passions.

In time, Marcus moaned. His spent body fell limp on the bed and with great effort; he managed to move his arm to check his watch. His watch warned him the morning was almost history. He knew the day’s agenda held many time-consuming events. Already the morning sun was flooding the room. The air was hot and heavy with the smell of sex and sweaty bodies. “Hey! Time to get up!” Marcus exclaimed in Carol’s ear.

“What time is it?” Carol inquired, with a pout distorting her face.

“It’s Time for us to get going before the day passes us by. I really want to show you the ‘DIG’,” Marcus explained as he rushed into the shower so he could get the first crack at the hot water.

“You better not use up all the hot water,” Carol shouted after him.

“Just pack what you need for a few days. We have showers at the site, but they are very primitive. I thought you might like to come back to ‘CIVILIZATION’ once in a while to take a good hot shower and sleep in something more comfortable than a cot,” Marcus replied from the shower.

“Are you trying to say we will be living in a ‘SPARTIN ENVIRONMENT’?” Carol responded but could not avoid laughing at her little joke.

“Very funny, nothing like some Historical Greek humor to start the day out right,” quipped Marcus.

While Marcus showered, Carol took the opportunity to sort out some clean clothes and packed them in a small backpack. U.S. Army Desert BDUs were the preferred attire. She packed enough to last a few days. This would provide her a good excuse to return to the hotel for a good hot shower.

She felt cold water dripping on her back and jerked up with shock. Marcus grabbed her from behind. They paused for a kiss before he slapped her ass and said, “Better get showered and dressed. The clock is ticking. Is this bag everything you think you will need? I’ll take it down to the car while you finish up. We can have a quick breakfast together before we hit the road.”

The sound of the rushing water in the small stall almost drown her voice when Carol said, “yes the small bag is all I need. You did say we will be coming back here often, right?” No answer came, so Carol was not sure if her last comment was heard.

Marcus was visibly surprised to see Carol completely dressed and doing the final touches on her makeup when he returned to check on her. Her desert tan cargo pants and matching jacket made her look more like a fugitive from an “Indiana Jones” movie than the sweet college girl he was used to seeing.

“Wow, you've finished already! Great, come on we can talk over breakfast,” Marcus said as he took her by the hand.

The Buffett looked exactly as it did the day before. The two filled their plates and took mugs of hot coffee to a table in the corner, where they had a clear view of the room.

“I’m very excited about showing you the site, but I still worry about the danger,” Marcus said between sips of coffee.

“But you said the police and INTERPOL and even the FBI are all there. Surely that should be enough protection,” Carol protested.

“I just can’t understand the reasoning behind this attack. I mean terrorists normally attack big targets to get the most impact. There is no political issue here so the “Pontic Greeks” would have nothing to gain. There is talk about pirates, but I just don’t see what they would have gained, other than perhaps holding the 12 women for some sort of ransom. Last time I talked to the police they did not mention any type of ransom demanded. So, I really am concerned,” Marcus explained further as they finished eating.

Carol sat quietly listening to Marcus. She could tell the attack hit him hard and his emotions were boiling. “Well, maybe the inspectors will have more information by the time we get there,” Carol injected in hopes of brightening the mood.

Marcus nervously glanced at his watch and said, “I hope you are right about that. We need to get a move on. We can’t do anything here. The sooner we get to the site the sooner we can find out what they have learned.”

On the way out, Marcus looked over his shoulder and said, “οικογένεια, σόι, γένος “. The clerk waved a friendly hand in response to the departing couple.

Marcus warned about the long drive and told her about the rough terrain. To help pass the time Carol enquired about the dig. Eager to learn more about the status, she asked if there were any new discoveries. Marcus readily shared all the details he could. He made it clear there was much he still did not know about the nature of the site. Was it a temple or some fancy summer retreat for a rich business person?

“At the moment, we haven’t many clues. Unfortunately, it seems each new clue only results in more questions. Thus, the exact nature of this place is still a mystery,” Marcus pointed out.

Her talking seemed to make the drive less stressful. In an attempt to impress Marcus with her grasp of the history of Eros, Carol explained what she learned from her research. “According to Hesiod, one of the most ancient of all Greek sources, Eros was the fourth god to come into existence, coming after Chaos, Gaia, and Tartarus.

Carol paused to take a breath before continuing. “Homer does not mention Eros. However, Parmenides, one of the pre-Socratic philosophers make Eros the first of all the gods to come into existence.” Carol recited. “The Orphic and Eleusinian Mysteries featured Eros as a very original god, but not quite primordial, since he was the child of Night. So, there might still be some sort of fringe group who still worship these old MYTHICAL GODS”

Carol noticed Marcus was not really listening to her. Rather he seemed to be giving his attention to the radio news. She remained silent until the music resumed. Carol considered the possibility she was annoying him with all these “FACTS” he must already know. Now she feared she sounded like some silly schoolgirl trying to impress her teacher by blabbering about the obvious.

Before she could ask, Marcus spoke, “well it seems we got lucky. There was a bomb in a French train station yesterday and that is all the news programs are talking about. The inspector must have devised a cover story that made our tragedy seems small in comparison. At any rate, we should not see many reporters screaming for an interview”.

“Oh Marcus, I understand how you want things to get back to normal, but someone else’s suffering can’t be considered luck. I agree the way the media covers the ‘NEWS’ is a joke. Reporters act like vultures jumping from one pile of carnage to the next, never really helping anyone. They are just eager to be on the air first even if everything they say is nothing more than whispered lies on the wind, with no real evidence to support their accusations. I do see your relief that they have gone away chasing the next tragic event,” Carol replied.

“Yes, I realize tragedy is not a joyous event, but I knew you would understand what I meant. Maybe I will get really lucky and the Gestapo will be gone,” mused Marcus as he pulled off the main road onto the small dirt path leading to the dig.

Bad News – Good News

A few hundred yards up the rutted path, a police guard stopped them at a checkpoint. Marcus identified himself and Carol to the guard. The guard was happy to explain how all the reporters vanished overnight. Then he used his communicator to advise the inspector of Marcus’ arrival,

Marcus was unhappy to see there was still police at the site. He did note the number of intruders was greatly reduced. He escorted Carol to his office, only to find it commandeered by the team of international investigators.

“Oh Dr. Atonasis, I’m glad to see you. We are about to pack up and take all of the evidence we collected back to the Athens crime lab. We will set up a joint command there. You have our numbers if you need anything. I’m very happy to report our American colleges from the FBI have been very helpful in tracking the cell phones. They have a much better network than we have. They were also able to provide some very incredible photos taken on that night. Now we can clearly see there were 30 people approaching from three different directions. Even though it was a cloudy, overcast night with no moon,” intoned Inspector Campus.

Ben Farley, the FBI agent, interrupted, “you can use the info, but the photos must be burned as they ‘do not exist’. You must say, you gathered the info by being the best inspectors in the world.”

Inspector Borga coughed to clear his voice as if to push the FBI and their SPOOK INTEL aside and stated, “there were two groups of seven and one group of 16. This indicates a high level of military sophistication. We learned there are 12 girls missing. Along with the 3 Americans, 2 British and one French girl there are 6 Greek girls who worked in the kitchen. They are local girls and normally go home when not working. As of yet, we have heard nothing from any of the usual terror groups. This is very strange as they often try to take credit for attacks they really aren’t involved with. Oh, The Americans have also been very helpful in tracking the cell phones. We are closing in on their locations. Seems there are only three phones still working. That means the other phones must be destroyed. The FBI informed us even if the phones were turned off, they could access them. The real issue is, all three of the phones are moving in different directions at different speeds. We should have units in place to intercept them by nightfall. That is about the only change since you left. Ah! So, this is the person you were in such a hurry to pick up? Now I can see why you were in such a rush,” he concluded.

“Oh my GOD! This just keeps getting worse. Twelve young women, all my responsibility, are missing and you still have no idea of who the perpetrators are. Well, thank you all for the update,” Marcus growled.

“I see there are some introductions in order. This is Carol Dunmore. She will be working directly with me as deputy director. Now my only question is when can I get back to work?” Marcus said in a voice straining to remain polite.

Carol extended her hand to shake each as they were introduced. She fought to avoid laughing out loud when Marcus’ graphic characterizations of how the inspectors resembled TV characters flashed through her mind.

“I look forward to working with all of you and I hope you can resolve this terrible situation quickly. We are really very concerned about the safety and well-being of everyone associated with this project. I trust you can see how distressing it is to see the amount of damage done to the area and the need for the research to continue as soon as possible. You will be able to reach me at the numbers already provided. Please feel free to call as soon as you have any new information or if you need any more assistance from us,” Carol asserted.

“We will be packed up and out of your hair within the hour. We may need to send people back to check on details later. Unless something breaks, you can expect daily updates,” concluded Inspector Campus. As the group packed up their documents, Ben Farley moved close to Marcus and whispered.

“May I have a minute with you in private?” Farley asked.

Marcus nodded and walked outside the small mobile office before he responded, “So, what do you have to tell me that’s so important the others shouldn’t know?”

Farley cleared his throat and stated, “I am here to assist the senior field agent because I speak Greek. I learned Greek from my mother and I even studied Greek culture in college. When I learned about your dig, I was very interested. For these reasons, I had the agency do a full spectrum scan of the area. Yes, we have eyes that see things no one knows we can see.”

Marcus studied the agent carefully and replied, “I did notice you spoke Greek with the dialect of a person from a small town or village, not the shit they serve up in most college classrooms. So, what is it that you feel important enough to tell me and not the others?”

Again, the young man nervously cleared his throat and preceded, “let me show you, it will be easier to explain. Look at these images; taken with very sensitive highly classified systems, called ground-penetrating radar. Notice how they clearly show there are some underground chambers just outside your current area of concentration. I thought this might help you in your work and you would accept this input as a way for me to apologize for the disruption we have caused you. You cannot let anyone know how you found those chambers. That is why I did not want to let the other inspectors know.”

Marcus bent over the printouts and studied them carefully. He was amazed at how clearly defined details of the area were. He turned his attention to the shadowy images pointed out by the agent. The images confirmed his hypothesis of the area being some temple dedicated to a minor Greek God.

Before returning the charts to the agent, Marcus looked around the Dig Site, to visualize the location of the underground chambers and how best to gain access. He took several minutes to make sure he could remember the key landscape markers. He would get a team together and show them how to set up the new dig grid.

“Thank you very much for this data. I do think you sincerely want to show you care. I know this will help out a lot in finding more information regarding this area,” Marcus replied while pumping Ben’s hand vigorously.

Marcus returned to the office just as Carol escorted the Inspectors to their cars. She hurried back to the office to share the last bits of information the inspectors told her. When she entered, she found Marcus, deep in thought. He did not notice her approach from behind him.

“Marcus, you look so serious, you should be relieved to see the police left the area. What is your plan now?” Carol asked as she slipped her arms around his waist.

Marcus jerked at Carol’s touch and turned to face her before answering, “Oh, I did not see you come in. Yes, I’m very happy the police are packing up. I need to call a meeting and let everyone know as much about the events as I can tell them. I think they have a right to know so they can decide if they want to stay or go. I need to tell them we might be expanding the area where we are digging so I will know how many people will be here to help.”

Carol stood on her toes and kissed Marcus, before telling him, “Great to see you are back in the normal mode again. You can count on me. After all, I’m the Deputy DIGGER now.”

“I need to make a PA announcement to let everyone know there will be a GENERAL MEETING after breakfast tomorrow morning. Then this afternoon you and I can go over the administrative paperwork, or did you think you are just here as a pretty face?” Marcus said.

The PA system crackled and popped in response to Marcus tapping his finger on the old MIC. The noise succeeded in attracting the attention of everyone at the site. After blowing into the mic a few times Marcus said, “Attention everyone. I know you all must have many questions about the events of the past few days as I’m sure you are all too aware of the armed attack. As a result, of that attack, 12 people are missing. Over the past few days, you saw the police forensic team stampeding around our dig. I do not know the extent of the damage, but I know and trust each of you to put forth the effort to get things back on schedule,”

He paused, for effect before he continued, “I have decided to expand our operation 100 meters to the northwest. I have examined an area with some strange outcroppings and I think they may be covering some important passageways. Tomorrow I will introduce a new team member to each of you and go over the plans to expand the operation. I want everyone to think about how we can make changes to improve security. I want you to think of ways to improve the process. At this time, all I can say is I want to thank each and every one of you for your support in this stressful situation. There is nothing to do the rest of the day. I want you all to get rested up and ready for tomorrow.” Marcus announced.

After he turned the PA system off, Marcus showed Carol the computers used in the administration office. He carefully explained how the entire operation was controlled and monitored. He admitted the administration was the heart of the operation. Before going to the museum, each artifact is photographed and cataloged. The payroll of the workers and the supply requests, essential to daily operations, all passed through the admin.

“When you volunteered to join the operation, I checked on your qualifications and saw you were very skilled in computer science and business operations. That is why I want you to be my assistant and take over the admin,” Marcus said to Carol as she fumbled with some manifests on one of the desks and looked around the cramped room.

“Wow, I’m thrilled at the opportunity to help. I see you use standard programs. Yes, even before my formal training in business management I helped my father run his company. I trust you will be able to assist me when I need translations. Now that we have the official briefing behind us, what is on the agenda for the remainder of the day?” Carol inquired with a coy twinkle in her eyes.

Marcus did not directly answer rather he took her hand and lead her to the trailer parked behind the admin building.

“May it be ever so humble, there is no place like home,” Marcus sang as he opened the door and led Carol into what would become their secret sensual sanctuary.

He pulled the door closed, wrapped his arms around Carol and whispered, “I hope we have enough room in this tiny trailer.”

Carol did not speak a word. Her lips were too busy kissing the man she loved. Their bodies rocked and swayed as he slowly maneuvered her back to the bed. Carol felt the surge of power deep within. She knew the spirit of adventure was raging to be set free.

Her lips were busy kissing and her hands were fighting to open all the buttons, zippers and any other clasps or fasteners obstructing her access to the man beneath the clothing. Deftly, Carol writhed and twisted, jettisoning her jacket and pants. She fell back onto the bed, shooting her bra into the corner like a slingshot. She did not have to wait long for Marcus to drop his underpants and join her on the queen-sized bed. Their lips met again and the universe stood still. They were lost in the infinite void between “TICK” and TOCK”. The reality of time was suspended until the morning sun gushed through the dust-caked window the following day.

A New Day A New Challenge

Carol woke early with flames of lust burning her soul. Unable to contain her desires, she shook Marcus until he gave up pretending not to notice her. When he opened his eyes, she lunged at him and mashed her mouth on his lips. In the blink of an eye, she mounted him, savagely taking what her body demanded. Marcus found he was lost in the vortex of Carol’s passion. Finally, the waves of ecstasy crashed over the lovers and they lay motionless

“Oh, God, you know we really do have to get up,” Marcus moaned as he attempted to move.

“Yes, but that does not mean I want to get up,” Carol sighed while stretching her arms high up over her head.

With a shake of his head, Marcus rolled out of bed and staggered to the bathroom. While he adjusted the water temperature, Carol came up behind him.

“Maybe we can save some water by taking a shower together.” Carol crooned.

“Well, if you think you can squeeze into this tiny stall and still have room for water be my guest,” quipped Marcus as he stepped under the hot spray of water.

Realizing the futility of the situation, Carol stood by pouting until Marcus turned the shower over to her.

Checking the time Marcus shouted over his shoulder, “you better get a move on we need to get some things done before the breakfast meeting.”

“Wow, you sure are a grouch before you get your coffee,” replied Carol as she stepped out of the cramped bathroom.

Hastily they both put on their desert tan, cargo pants, and jackets. Much to Marcus’ surprise Carol jumped up and proclaimed, “No need to waste time with makeup. Well, I’m ready to go forth and do great things.”

Marcus laughed out loud while shaking his head. Anxious to get things going he took Carol by her hand and led the way to the office. He quickly went over a list of things she needed to do.

He busied himself on details of what he wanted to tell his crew. Silently they set about the tasks. Marcus was pleasantly impressed at how quickly Carol found her way around the different computer programs. She efficiently provided him with all the charts and data he requested. It was hard to believe this was the same woman, who just a short time ago was giving him remedial sex education.

“Well, I think this will have to suffice. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving,” Marcus proclaimed.

“Yes, I’m starved too. You can go over your speech while we eat.” Carol replied.

Marcus and Carol entered the crowded tent that served as both conference hall and dining facility. Quickly they passed along the serving line filling up their trays with piles of food. With a determined stride, Marcus guided Carol to the table near the podium. Savagely, they both attacked the meal.

They did not say a word until they downed their first cup of coffee. The din of private conversations drowned out their own whispered words. Marcus noticed the level of the background noise was diminishing and there seemed to be an uneasy tension in the air. After he took two more mouthfuls of scrambled eggs, he patted Carol on the hand and moved to the podium.

Tapping nervously on the Mic, Marcus drew a deep breath and said, “Good morning! I hope you all got some rest yesterday. Before I go any further, I want to introduce Carol Dunmore STAND UP. (He gestured with a wave of his arm). Carol will be my personal assistant and will relieve me of many admin duties. So, starting now all admin requests will go to her. I can assure you that will expedite operations, as you will no longer have to wait until I get around to the paperwork (laughter followed that remark). I have more good news. The police have picked up. It looks like they did not do as much damage as I feared. I must say the police actually did some good. While they were collecting evidence, they came across some interesting findings that I think we need to explore. So, I want everyone in the survey group to meet me after this meeting. We need to start laying out the grid for the new area. That gives you about 5 minutes to grab a cup of coffee and your equipment,” Marcus concluded.

Marcus took a long sip of coffee and raised his mug in a toast to the assembly before he returned to his seat. Quickly, he gobbled the last few bites of his breakfast, grabbed the charts Carol printed out for him and told her she should go to the office to get aquatinted with her crew and to see if the police called to update the status of the case.

Carol nodded and gave him a loving squeeze before she said, “Ok, if the police call, I will notify you immediately. While I was getting the documents together this morning, I noticed a few areas I want your staff to brief me on so I can be more effective. You take care of yourself and don’t worry about me.”

Marcus smiled down at Carol as he turned to leave. Taking this as a queue, the members of the survey team jumped up and followed him. They picked up the boxes of equipment they left by the door and scurried to catch up with him. Marcus walked briskly until he stopped at the top of a ridge, turning to the lead surveyor, he pointed out the areas he wanted the team to survey and prepare a grid for the digging crew.

A strong wind blew little clouds of dust across the open plane. The dry dusty hillside was stripped bare where the workers had already unearthed many treasures of antiquity. Marcus led the group to the area he thought might hold the secret of the underground chambers indicated by the FBI imagery.

Briefly, Marcus explained how he thought some of the rock formations did not seem natural and thought they should set up a grid to work on each area to see if there might be some hidden chambers. The day was young but the temperature was already making it hard to work.

The well-trained team set up their equipment and started making a complex grid to establish numbered fields for the digging crews.

As Marcus supervised the team, he took note of the clouds building along the horizon. The wind blew in gusts, whipping little dust devils to drift across the barren plan. Yes, there was a storm brewing. The team saw the evidence of a weather change and worked faster to avoid the approaching storm.

The survey team located a strange outcropping and called Marcus over to evaluate. When Marcus examined the area more closely, he directed the team to mark it as a top priority location. He was so excited; he sent one of the team to summon a group of diggers to start clearing the area.

Just as Marcus finished detailing the new locations for the survey team, a young man from the accounting office ran up waving his arms.

“Carol sent me to tell you the police are on the phone and you should come to the office. They want to set up a video link,” the young man shouted, gasping for breath.

“Ok. Concentrate on finishing the grid. I’ll be back after this video. I really want to get some ground cleared today, if at all possible,” Marcus told the team chief.