CHAPTER TWO
Mike's Blog:
Ugh, so boring! I hate flights like this, where it goes on forever, and Kelsey will not be quiet. If she takes one more picture of me, UGH! I'll just scream.
The only good part about taking this long flight is that the man leading us across the desert is sitting beside me on the flight, showing me pictures of a dig site that is an old dig site. The story is this: an archaeological dig occurred in early 1886, but they were scared off by something mysterious. Now, the current archaeologists are stuck trying to figure out what caused them to leave. All Vlamir knows (that's his name) is that something else strange is happening in the area in the way of seismic activity. The possibilities are endless as to what's causing the burst of activity, but Vlamir is confident that he and his boss, Kareem, and can figure it out before anyone else does. Maybe I could be of some help, or maybe I can be the one who figures out the mysteries. This is going to be great!
"Kelsey!" Mike groaned just after another camera flash filled the space. "Stop taking pictures! Save it for the trip!"
"Why when we're having so much fun here?" she asked with a cocky smile on her face. Mike sighed and looked back to Vlamir, who was reading a mythology book from Egypt, the group's final destination.
"Vlamir, can you show me the map again? I want to burn it into my brain," Mike smiled with confidence. Vlamir laughed.
"You will if you keep looking at it," Vlamir smiled. "Remember the country names, also. You have a satellite phone, correct?"
"I do," Kelsey piped in. "Everyone has extra batteries in their bag in case they die out and I lose my pack. Everyone has put some of their things in everyone else's bags, just in case, and everyone has a first aid kit in their pocket, and their cell phones, and…we have a lot crammed into our pockets, just in case the packs go too."
"You are all prepared," Vlamir nodded. "This trip may go very well, but we shall see. When we get to the airport, I will call the dig site and see what to expect weather-wise. You will not go if a dust storm is brewing."
"We know," Kelsey smiled. "We already have plans for bad weather, if we catch it soon enough. Hey, what happens if they don't respond to your call?"
"Someone will, I know it. Everyone there has a radio, so they will answer, I know it," Vlamir repeated. The group felt as confident as him as the plane landed. Everyone got their luggage and walked into the hanger area, where a Jeep was waiting to take them to the first stop on the trail.
Before they did anything, the group stood closely around Vlamir. The leaders of the group were Vlamir, Mike, and Kelsey. Kelsey's best friend Amelia and her boyfriend Peter stood beside Kelsey. Peter brought along a mutual friend of him and Mike, Aaron, a history major. He brought his brother, an archaeology enthusiast, named Daniel, who brought his professor, Madam Jennifer Fredrick. The group also agreed to bring a friend named Angelica Parker, who was their medical friend. She would take care of them medically, her and her husband Kevin.
"Digger one, please come in," Vlamir called into the radio. He waited a few seconds before trying again, but no response was ever made. "Digger one, this is Vlamir. Is it okay to bring in the Europeans, over? Digger one!"
"Why aren't they answering?" Mike whispered. Vlamir shrugged and walked up to a man sitting in the corner of the hanger. They began speaking in Arabic and the group could not follow the conversation. Vlamir returned shortly after holding a yellow piece of paper.
"What is it?" Kelsey asked.
"A message from the dig site. 'We have encountered a problem. A massive explosion sent sand everywhere, and we heard a rushing sound. We evacuated the area, but if you go north about six kilometers, you will avoid it. The site is very close to the epicenter of the explosion, but the group can navigate the area carefully. If you do choose to go to the site, know it is dangerous. Another explosion could occur, and lives could be lost. Use caution. Sincerely, Abraham," Vlamir read. The group looked to each other quietly.
"Let's take a vote," Mike said sternly. "If you wish to not go to the dig site, say I."
"I," Kelsey said. "What? It's dangerous according to this Abraham fellow, and I think we should take the safe route. Come on, who else is with me?"
"We're prepared," Angelica whispered. Mike nodded.
"I take that everyone else wants to go?" he asked. The group nodded. "Well, Kelsey, you need to choose. You either go with us, or go back to Europe. What's your pick?"
"I've done too much planning not to go with everyone. So, let's go. Can the Jeep fit all of us?" Kelsey asked. Vlamir nodded.
"Put your back against the sides and put your pack in front. Whoever sits by the back door must help keep it closed, and Mike has shotgun. Let's go," Vlamir said enthusiastically. The group let out cheers of joy as they entered the Jeep and began their trek into the Sahara. No one wished to express their true feeling, which was fear. All of them were scared to death.
