Adam sat in his special "bed" in the Radar On Wheels, his computer in his lap, cell phone in hand. He was on the phone with Michael Cole. Adam put it on speaker so Dean could hear as well.
"No, Cole. Triple our premium. That thing almost killed us. You do realize, that tornado was less than two thousand yards from our bumper? Dean was tossed like a salad in a cement mixer. Cole, no one else has this film, three twisters at once? The moment they connect? Plus a hit with the rocket probes. Now that I think about it, five over premium. Cole, you know it's worth it, plus the stills also at five over premium. You know you're gonna sell them for six or seven over. You are going to make a profit off our near deaths. Now don't you feel bad about your lousy offer of two over? You know, maybe it's time for me to find a new broker..."
Cole sputtered as he interrupted Adam. "No, Adam. Come on man, we've done business for the last five, going on six years. Chris before I met you. I appreciate how dangerous it is, and those are incredible shots. Haven't seen anything like it since Chris. I'll tell you what, five over premium for the video, four and half over for the stills. If you can show the probe going into the actual storm, I'll give you eight for it…."
Adam interrupted this time. "Ten over for a direct probe hit and a data package to go with it. Plus all the material is available to University students for free. No discussion on that, yes or no?" Adam looked at Dean. The young college student looked worried.
There was a bit of a pause, then a sigh from Cole. "Okay, deal. Who gets paid?" Cole knew he'd been out dealt once again. Adam was just too good at negotiations.
Dean poked Adam with a sharp look. Adam nodded. "The usual account. We need the money for tires. Dean Ambrose gets chyron credit." Adam stated firmly.
"You got it. Seriously, they are incredible pictures. I'm very glad you got out safely. Money will be in the account in an hour, two at the most. Talk to you soon. Adam, stay safe." There was a faint click as Cole ended the call.
Adam put his cell phone back in his pocket as Dean gushed. "Wow, I thought you'd pushed him too hard for a moment. Ten over premium, I've never made money like that before. I'm glad we got it though, we'll need it for the new tires on the Rover. Guess we'd better sort the stills now. We should option the best." He had a bright smile on his face.
Dean sat where he could see the computer in Adam's lap. They went through hundreds of potential pictures of yesterday's storm to send to Cole. Adam also had a file of potential pictures for his annual weather calendar. There was also another separate file for the magazine. Being laid up gave Adam a chance to do the much needed sorting. Dean was also content to be Adam's gopher and helper. It meant that Chris could really concentrate on their work.
Chris and Seth first worked on the next forecast. They had to know where they were going. "I hate these types of forecasts. Two choices and your have to pick. Nine times out of ten, you pick the wrong one. Sometimes it's not a problem. We have time to get from one to the other, but not this time. There is one in the panhandle of Oklahoma, one over in New Mexico." Chris sighed.
This was only the eleventh day of the chase season. So far, it had been proven to be a problem from the start. Odd front movement, rogue storms, and then that three funnel twister yesterday. Chris looked over at his husband.
"Kitten, can I show you something? I don't want to bother you." Chris asked with confusion in his voice.
Adam patted his leg. "You're not bothering me. What can I do for you?" Adam asked with a smile. Dean moved to go speak to Seth to let the married couple speak in private.
Chris handed Adam his handwritten forecast. "Where should we go, New Mexico or Oklahoma?" Sometimes Chris let Adam pick. Adam chose by photographic potential. Usually, it actually led them to the right storm area.
Adam took Chris' question seriously. He looked at the maps Chris had drawn. Over the years, Adam had gotten better and better at forecasting himself. Before Adam first rode with Chris, Vince had Adam take a crash course in weather. Nothing, however was better than hands on experience.
"I'd vote for Guymon, Oklahoma. It think it sits better for the cold air from Colorado. I think the air is just too dry in New Mexico. They do get some tornadoes, but not as much. For a good lightening show, I'd pick New Mexico, but for a tornado, I will always pick Oklahoma!" Adam sort of sang the last word, like the musical, but bless him, the beautiful blond couldn't even carry a tune in a bucket.
"It's okay, Kitten, I get the point. Today is Wednesday..." Chris paused and counted mentally. "… Friday, we need to be in Guymon. It's only one hundred twenty two miles further up the road." Chris stated firmly, it it was good enough for Adam, it was good enough for him. With a kiss to Adam's sweet lips, Chris went back over to his computer. Dean kissed Seth and went back over to work with Adam again.
"Seth, can you put thermal over… no, of course not. Damn, I wish we had an army of those thermal cameras..." Chris was angry and he tossed his pencil in frustration.
Seth looked at his boss. "Where, over the tornado, after it forms? I'm sorry, but I just don't have the footage for that." He knew what Chris meant, but Roman had not filmed that part. And even if he had, it wouldn't have been at the same point of view.
Dean looked at the picture he'd pulled up to look at on Adam's laptop. "Why don't you just reverse the exposure. It's not thermal, but you'd get close to it." Dean spoke casually as he looked at the next picture Adam had pulled up.
It took a moment for Dean's words to sink in. When they did, Seth made a few adjustments. Now, on the computer was an odd looking shot of the tornado. It looked a bit like the thermal footage, without the colors. It resembled an X-ray.
"What the hell… how did you… that's good, Seth, really good. Is it… will it? Seth you are a genius! Well done!" Chris was pleased with what Seth had done.
Adam looked up from his computer. "Chris, it was my Padawan who made the suggestion. So I'd be thanking Dean." Adam liked Seth, but he wanted Dean to get the credit he deserved. Adam made sure he would stand up for Dean.
Seth nodded. "Adam is right, Chris. I was gonna tell you. Dean suggested reversing the exposure. I'll tweak with it a bit. See if I can get more contrast to the colors..." He was interrupted by Dean.
"Don't forget though, everything is reverse. Left is right, and right is left. That can't be changed. Maybe you can work it out." Dean gave Seth a wink. Seth gave Dean a pretty smile.
Seth went on to explain to Chris how Dean's idea would work. "Like Dean said, you have to remember this is reversed. Now, unlike the thermal footage, light and dark don't mean warm and cold, it's all light. We can assume, that where there is light, there is warmth. If I can work color into the reverse exposure, we may be fairly close." He gave a shrug.
Chris looked at Seth. "Just do your best. I want you to concentrate on doing the thermal we have first. Then you can experiment and fill in. I want to know why it exploded so fast." Chris kept an eye on the footage of the twisters when they joined together.
Shawn returned from shopping. He'd felt bad that Adam would be left alone while the others worked. Shawn had bought Adam some puzzle magazines to keep him busy. He was shocked to find Adam wasn't in his bed. The nurse gave bit of a low growl. Adam was going to wind up in a walking cast if he didn't stay off his ankle.
Shawn could see that the radar was up and running, so he went to the Radar On Wheels, ready to chastise his patient. When he went up the steps to the office, he nearly ran into Dean.
"Oh sorry, Shawn. I didn't know you were back. I was just on my way to the ice machine. Adam needs a refill." Dean held up the ice bag. Shawn stepped out of the younger man's way.
Shawn laughed when he saw Adam was being good. As a matter of fact, his ankle was propped up higher that it was in the bed, which was much better.
"Adam, I'm sorry. I thought you were being a bad boy. This is a clever set up, actually better than the bed. Dean will be back with your ice pack. Need any aspirin?" Shawn asked with a grin. Sometimes, Adam surprised him.
Adam smirked. "I can be a good boy. Chris even carried me out here. No, I brought the bottle of aspirin with me, just in case. It feels better, but I am minding. I do not wanna go to the hospital. Yes, there is something. Could you please bring me my art case?" His brow arched in question.
"You know I will. Chris, Seth you need anything? I'm your waiter for the day." Shawn gave a bow from the waist.
Chris laughed. "You don't have to do that, Shawn. But, if you're offering, we could use some coffee. You can put the awning up if you want, we will be here all day." Chris pointed to the computers as he spoke.
Adam spoke up. "Shawn, go ahead and set up outside first. They need their coffee, the art case can wait." He was sincere. Adam wished he could wait on Chris, but he had to leave it to Shawn. To Adam, his husband came first.
Shawn did as Adam suggested. First he set up the awning next to the ROW. It was like a tent, with no sides. There was a net that could be let down, but it was never used. With Dean's help, he and Shawn set up the table that stored in the back of the ROW where the mini fridge sat. They also put out a few comfortable folding lawn chairs.
Shawn ran an electric cord out from the solar powered generator that ran the computers while the semi's engine was off. Into that, Shawn hooked up the large coffee pot and set it to brew. He set out some cups and snacks. Later he could make sandwiches as people grew hungry. It was a comfortable set up. Shawn even had a fan, it was hot, and stirring the air felt good.
Adam was content when Shawn brought his art supply bag. "Now, Dean. I'll show you how to hand color sepia prints." It wasn't often he had time to do the art work, and Adam intended to take advantage of it.
While Adam decided which picture he was going to work on, Dean got out his own art supplies. If Adam was willing to teach, Dean vowed he would learn.
Shawn poured two cups of coffee. One with sugar for Chris, one with sugar and milk for Seth. Shawn used travel mugs with tight lids. Now was not the time to spill coffee on the computers. Shawn then settled into a chair and read some of the new hunting magazines he'd picked up along with the puzzle ones for Adam.
Seth had all the footage from the day before synced up. He laid Roman's thermal footage with the drone footage, Roman had also taken. Seth then laid Shawn's very steady thermal footage over the film Roman had taken on the normal camera, after the drone had been landed. That was the easiest place for Seth to start.
"Well, nothing abnormal. Warm air rising, cold air aloft." Chris had his eyes close to the computer and gave a squint as he looked at the images on the screen.
Adam rolled his eyes. "Christopher Keith, put your glasses on. Remember what the Ophthalmologist said. I'd really rather you didn't go blind. You're the one person that still thinks I'm pretty. You have to be able to tell me that once in a while, my ego needs it."
Chris chuckled and pulled out his glasses and put them on. He blew Adam a kiss.
"You aren't pretty, you're beautiful." A voice muttered under its breath.
Adam looked up, ready to smile at his husband, but Chris was talking to Seth. Adam looked at Dean, the younger man intently worked on the picture he'd chosen to color… too intently. Dean also had a very slight flush on his cheeks.
Adam was a bit shocked, did Dean have a crush on him? It wasn't good if he dead. That could cause all kinds of unneeded drama. What should he do? Mention it or say nothing? Adam was quite flustered.
Dean dared to keep his head down, but he moved his eyes to look at Adam. He could tell Adam was flustered about something. Dean suddenly flushed even more, had he spoken out loud? He hadn't meant to. Now what did he do? He did think Adam was beautiful, but not in any romantic way. He meant Adam's heart and kindness.
Dean pondered what to do. Did he mention it or let it go? He didn't want any drama, he loved Seth and Roman and wanted nothing to damage that.
"Adam" "Dean" Both men spoke each others names at the same time. For once, Adam used his head. "Go ahead." He nodded to Dean. Maybe there was a simple story.
Dean swallowed then continued. "You are beautiful, but I meant on the inside. You've been so kind and patient with me. Anytime anyone tried to teach me anything, they got angry if I didn't get it or if I screwed up. You don't. You explain it again or you let me screw up, then figure it out for myself. So while you are beautiful on the outside, I love my boys. I just… it was a way of thanking you for being such a good… Obi-Wan." Dean finished with a laugh, to hopefully avoid a drama.
Adam was relieved, and was very glad, that for once, he listened before he reacted. He'd been so sure it was a crush on the teacher thing, and been about to lecture Dean. Instead he smiled. He spoke happily.
"Thanks, Dean. It's nice to know I'm doing a good job teaching you. When Chris first told me about you three, I was worried. I thought great, how do I teach a know it all student… you know what I mean. I must say, you have been a dream to teach. You actually listen to me and then apply my help and advice to your skills. I let you screw up, because that's how you learn. So, thank you, Dean. And, I think you're pretty handsome… my Padawan." Adam gave Dean a friendly hug.
Chris and Seth looked at their lovers with a smile. The had overheard the conversation between Dean and Adam. It had been sweet and charming. To Seth, it was a sign that Dean was truly getting better.
Adam continued to show Dean how to apply the colored chalk to the sepia tone picture. They had both chosen a picture from the day Adam twisted his ankle at the old windmill. Dean had followed Adam's instructions on developing and they had turned out perfectly.
"Now, blow constantly and let the color go where it will. That works really well for clouds." Adam demonstrated the technique as he taught Dean.
Dean tried it. After a couple of false starts, he finally made a beautifully shaded cloud. Adam was as proud as a new father.
Shawn stayed busy and was content taking care of everyone. He kept coffee cups filled as well as Adam's ice bag. Shawn was about to start making lunch when a strange, white Range Rover parked next to them.
Roman stepped out from the drivers side of the white car and Hunter got out of the passenger side. They began to unload bags of food from Sonic.
Adam heard all the commotion. Dean helped Adam come down to the "picnic" area Shawn had set up. Dean led Adam to a chair in near silence, so they wouldn't disturb Hunter as he spoke.
"… so aside from the new tires, the are doing the brakes and repairing some underneath things that got damaged. We nearly poked a hole in the gas tank, so they are replacing that as well. The best part is, it's not costing anything. They spoke to the insurance company. Because all the damage occurred during a chase, it's covered. I'll admit Chris, I thought that extremely expensive extra coverage was a waste of money, but it just paid for itself. It was around five thousand, all covered. So, I bought lunch to celebrate. Our car will be ready tomorrow. I hope that's okay, but not much choice. This is covered too." Hunter finished with a nod to the rental car from the dealer.
Chris nodded. "It's fine. We go to Guymon, Oklahoma next. We can leave anytime before Friday. Good job, Hunt. Well, I have to admit, I was against the extra warranty insurance too, but someone insisted that his baby get all the insurance possible." Chris gave Adam a smile, and handed his husband a foot long chili cheese cony and a box of chili cheese fries. Hunter knew all their favorite foods.
"Sometimes, I do something right. I'm just glad it paid off...well… no.. I'd rather not have been through yesterday, but I am glad it was there to fall back on. Thanks for the food." Adam gave Hunter a nod and took a huge bite of chili cheese cony.
The group happily chatted during their lunch break. Seth's mind constantly churned. He worked on a theory and he hoped to prove it. It would help Roman as much as the University.
Seth suddenly blurted out a really random question. "Roman, what kind of picture did the Shuttle get of the Elves?"
Roman was in mid bite of his tenderloin sandwich. He put the food down. "Just a kind of flash… I can pull it up online, why?" He looked at Seth, his head cocked in curiosity.
Everyone looked at Seth. The computer whiz had an odd look on his face. He nodded thoughtfully as he chewed his own bite of hamburger. "Okay, when you're done eating." Seth spoke through his full mouth. Roman nodded with a shrug.
Adam had his own thought. "Dean, we need to develop pictures from yesterday. We may have something useful. Shawn, I will sit, I promise." He knew he had to sit, but he also had to supervise Dean, it was too important.
"I'll wrap your ankle, but stay seated. Adam, I'm serious. I know you have to work, but still." Shawn gave Adam a near death glare. So did Chris.
Dean chipped in. "Don't worry, I'll sit on him. But, it's too important for me to do alone. I just don't have Adam's expert experience."
"I'll hold you to that." Chris gave a firm voiced nod to Dean, and Adam.
After lunch, Chris and Seth went back into the ROW. It was cooler inside as the air conditioner worked to keep the massive computer and radar systems cool. Roman and Hunter sat under the awning with the fan. They worked on getting the three recovered rocket probes ready to be reloaded. Shawn wrapped Adam's ankle tightly, then joined his spouse and Roman. Dean and Adam went into the Jericho's hotel room to develop their film. Adam sat on the closed toilet seat in the bathroom and directed Dean in what to do.
With the rocket probes, Shawn deftly removed all the data chips and sealed them in small bags. He labeled them with the the date of the launch. Seth would check later to make sure he had all the data from the chips.
Roman cleaned the probes and gently hammered out any little dings or dents. He had a very small rubber mallet. It was actually a Doctor's plexor, the instrument used to check a person's reflexes. Shawn had bought it at a medical suppl store, along with other things Hunter used to build and repair probes.
Hunter took the probe and inspected it. He used a jewelers loupe to look for any hairline cracks that would prevent the probe from launching safely. If it was damaged too much, he would have to pull out a new probe. Hunter only had three extras. He'd hoped to get more built, but they were time consuming and expensive. That's why he worked so hard to keep the old ones flying as long as safely possible.
If the probe passed the inspection, he loaded it with new data chips. Lastly, before he loaded them back into the launcher, he would fill them with the fuel and gunpowder they would need. Without their Range Rover, it would have to wait.
"Oh, I think this one is a goner, Hunt." Shawn stated as he worked on the last rocket. He'd found a hairline crack in one of the fins on the side of the probe.
While the three outside worked on the probes, Seth studied the pictures Roman had pulled up online. Something nagged at him. He just couldn't put a finger on it. He'd watched the video data several times. He let out a deep sigh.
"Okay, kid. I've watched you for the last hour. What is the problem? Can I help?" Chris finally asked the younger man. Frankly he was getting annoyed with Seth's constant sighing.
Seth looked at his boss. "Sorry, Chris. Guess I'm being annoying. See this picture of the Elves, from the Space Shuttle?" He held the grainy picture out for Chris to see. Seth had printed it out, so he wouldn't have to keep switching computer screens. He'd been able to enlarge the printed picture to a better quality. Adam had let Seth use his portable photo printer.
"Yeah, you showed me; a few times. What are you looking for?" Chris was confused. He had no idea what his apprentice looked for in the picture.
Seth pointed to a flash in the printed picture. The Elves looked like a huge, fiery doughnut or an older style vinyl record. It was white hot, yet the hole in the center was cold. It was odd and beautiful at the same time.
"That's the Elves, right? Well, I've been searching all the footage for anything that looks remotely like it, but I've found nothing." Seth let out another sigh.
Chris had to stop the eye roll before he hurt Seth's feelings. "Hum, well, maybe Roman's guess was just that. Wait… Seth… are we both stupid..." Chris stopped when Seth slapped his own forehead so hard his glasses nearly slid off his nose.
Seth spoke. "The GoPro footage. How did I forget? Even though the angles will be different, I should be able to loop the thermal footage over it. Thanks, Chris. My mind was too cluttered." He gave his mentor a smile and a nod. Both Seth and Chris went back to work.
Outside, Hunter frowned. "You're right, babe. This one is past it. Roman, will you get the box with the new probes out of the lock box, please?" He dug the key out of his pocket.
Roman took the keys to the lock box of the Scout truck. "You want the whole box or just one probe?" He politely asked his elder.
Hunter rubbed his chin. "The box, please. I need to see what condition they are in too." He gave Roman a nod.
In the bathroom of the Jericho's hotel room, Dean began the most difficult part of the photo development. He had to get the spool of film into the developing tank. If one shred of light accidentally got into the room, every single photo would be ruined. Dean moved quickly. While he worked, dean knew Adam held his breath. It had happened before to many photographers. A sudden electrical surge could make the lights flicker, even if they were off. Someone could suddenly open the door. No photographer breathed until the lid of the developing tank was tightly sealed.
Once the lid was on, Adam and Dean breathed. Dean then turned off the special red work light and turned on the over head light. Dean slowly added the liquid developer to the tank. Now began the tedious part.
Adam spoke. "Now, a hundred shots takes twenty minutes. We want high contrast so shake it every minute. I'll help." He set the timer on his developing kit. They continued to work together.
Seth's fingers flew over the keyboard so fast, Chris would not have been surprised to see smoke bellow up. He wanted to ask Seth a question, but he didn't want to interrupt so he quietly got up and went outside. Roman would know the answer better than Seth anyway.
Chris came out of the ROW and blinked several times as he closed the door to keep the ROW cool. It was blistering hot and humid outside. Roman, Hunter and Shawn sat comfortably under the awning and fan. The three men were looking at the probes. Chris filled his coffee cup he'd brought out with him. He sat at the table and waited for a chance to speak.
When they noticed Chris had sat down, Shawn, Hunter and Roman greeted Chris. Chris smiled. "Roman, can I ask you a question or are you too busy?"
"No, ask anything you want." Roman responded with a smile. He hoped it was something he could answer.
"Thanks. I looked at that picture of the Elf. I found some others. A lot of them had this… red… jelly fish like looking thing in the center of the Elf ring. Those are red sprites, right?" Chris asked in a curious voice.
Roman gave a smile. "First, it's not Elf, it's E-L-V-E-S; Emission of Light and Very Low Frequency. We just say Elves. Yes, red sprites often occur within an Elves. The usually occur at the same time as positive cloud to ground strikes. They are often described as jelly fish. You can only see them at night, the light is very dim and very fast. Takes a special camera and a fast snap to catch one. Despite their red color, they are actually cold plasma's. No one filmed one until nineteen eighty nine, they are that fast. That makes them very hard to study. However, I would think that much of a plasma in the atmosphere must do something. Maybe storms with sprites cause tornadoes, or maybe they prevent them." Roman gave a shrug. So much went on, lightening wise during a storm. No one knew their exact effect, if any, on a storm. That was what he hoped to do in future years to come.
Chris, Hunter and Shawn stared at Roman. Roman wasn't sure where to look. Why were they staring? Had he said something stupid?
"The mind of a genius. Roman, son, why haven't you expressed your theories more? You're not a driver and mechanic, you're a Scientist. We, in all our years of studying our data, have never once, considered the affects of lightening on the formation of tornadoes. You have given us a whole new area to study. Roman, I want you to lead the study. As your Professor, I would like you to make it part of your Thesis, if you want. That way, a lot of your work will get done this summer. Of course, most of our work comes after the season, in the lab during data analysis. We never have much time during the season, this is a rare stopover. So what do you say, Roman? Would you like to lead the lightening theory study?" Chris spoke as the University Dean he was. He'd never been more serious. Roman had an excellent theory and he deserved the chance.
Roman was stunned. He'd been asked to be a part of the chase because of his Thesis and excellent grade, but his job was as the driver and mechanic. This was an honor and he wasn't sure he deserved it.
"Chris, I don't know what to say. I'm honored, I really am. Are you sure… I mean… using Jericho data for my Doctoral Thesis?" Roman wanted to be sure it wasn't a dream.
The Doctor of Meteorology smiled. "Absolutely sure. You're part of the Jericho team. Any articles on lightening and the effect of tornadoes would have you're name on them as well. Do you know how hard it is to get journal publication? You know it's a requirement to be published to finalize your Doctorate. You'll probably have it locked and done in your first year. So will you take the lead?" Chris again spoke in a serious voice with a stone face.
Roman looked with equal firmness at the University Dean. "Yes, I will. Thank you, so much. I can't wait to tell my dad. I also need to hit him up. There are some things I'll need. A camera, tripod, low speed film, and a shutter release. I can't take Dean's and he's the only one of us three with the right gear. I also want another GoPro, that I can put on Scout, that I can aim just at the prime lightening locations. It's about time Grandfather's inheritance went to work for me. Doctor Jericho, thank you. I promise, I will do you, Jericho Storm Chase and the University proud. I will work my fucking ass off." He shook Chris' hand firmly.
Chris beamed. "I'll hold you to that. Speak to Adam about cameras. I wish we could buy it for you, but we've already bought around five or six thousand dollars worth and we're not even two weeks fully in. Jericho, Inc will buy one more GoPro, but then that's it for a while. Now, I am going to enjoy my coffee, go tell Seth your news." He gave Roman a wink and took a relaxed sip of coffee.
Roman stood. "Thanks, I mean it, sir. Thank you." The big man hurried up the steps to the ROW. He went inside with a happy smile on his face.
Hunter gave Chris a pat on the back. "You did the right thing, Chris. I know Roman isn't troubled like Dean is or was, but still, for some reason he was afraid to show his intelligence. This is exactly what he needed. Plus, he could be right. All these years and we've just ignored the study of lightening. I'm curious as to his results. When we've been alone, talking, I knew he was smart. He gave me an idea for a new probe, now I know why. He wants one with rods that would draw lightening. Gotta figure out how, without destroying the probe." Hunter's tone had turned thoughtful. He pulled his notebook out of his pocket and started to draw.
Shawn smiled at his husband and his ever present pocket notebook. "I agree with Hunter. You did a very good thing. I think Roman might be on to something about the lightening. You should see him out in the field, when he's watching it. He's like a kid in a candy store, doesn't know where to look first. Chris, I know you like having him here, during a chase, but he needs to be out in the field. It's up to you though. I say, if we get back to Norman, see if the other student is available, or maybe not." Shawn gave a shrug.
Chris shook his head. "He can't finish the season. His brother is getting married in July. The wedding is in England. That's why I didn't accept him in the first place. I like our time and our current arrangement. No need to keep Roman out of the field, and you two get along. I can drive the ROW if needed. But, you are right, if we take on students again, I'll get four." He gave Shawn a smile.
Shawn nodded. "That's right, I remember now about the wedding. Sounds good, if you're happy, that's what matters. I would be hard to break someone in mid-season. Gosh it's hot." Shawn raised his pony tail off his neck to let the fan hit the sweaty skin under his hair.
Chris chuckled. "Yeah it is, but it's also why we get this longer rest. Too hot to storm. Not enough cool air in the atmosphere to mix in." He and Shawn fell quiet as Hunter continued to write, draw and calculate.
In the ROW, Seth's eyes sparkled with pride. "Oh Roman, I am so fucking proud of you. You're going to be a year ahead on the crap work. It's so hard to get journal published. Dean is really gonna struggle with that one, unless Adam can help. We should speak to him about it. Dean's got it in with Professor Jericho, now you'll get a push from Chris. Imagine, three Doctors in our family." He gave Roman a firm kiss on the lips.
Roman held Seth close as the smaller man sat in his lap. "I'm sure Adam will help, especially since his magazine, Nature's Wonders is considered a journal. Well, I'm going to go call dad. I need that equipment. Seth...um… Should I ask Dean to go with me to get the equipment? I don't want him to feel bad. I'll be getting a brand new camera, while his has duct tape. However, I don't want him to think I'm ashamed of him or have him feel left out. The last thing I want to do is hurt Dean in any way. Maybe I'll Shawn… right now he can read our boy better than we can." Roman sighed and kissed Seth's temple.
"You do that, because I have no idea either. We've finally got Dean on the right road, and I don't want to wreck it. Love you, Roman, my Emperor. Now, I have to get back to work, you talk to Shawn." Seth gave Roman a kiss and got up off the bigger man's lap. The young men parted and went back to their own situations.
In the "dark room" Adam and Dean looked at a very odd negative. "What is that?" Dean looked at a negative with a highly arched brow.
Adam had put on his glasses, that he used for close up work or heavy reading. "Did you accidentally touch the film? I've done it a million times. That's what it looks like." He tried to stay positive, and not sound negative or critical.
Dean frowned . "I'm sure I didn't, Adam. I was extra careful. Let's print it, maybe we can tell better then."
Adam nodded. "Do the one right before and right after as well. I'm not upset if it is a fingerprint, it happens. If it's not… then I dunno. Let's go eight by ten, get one with a close up on the blob, then one regular image. Looks like a good one of the tornado at any rate." Adam began to take out the things they would need. He still sat, he hadn't forgotten his promise.
Shawn sat and listened to Roman. "…. so, what should I do? Invite him and possibly make him feel bad or not invite him and possibly make him feel bad?" Roman looked at the older man with total, utter confusion.
Shawn could understand Roman's dilemma. He sent Roman to call his parents. If they didn't release the money into Roman's account, it wouldn't matter anyway. He pondered the question with Hunter as he made a fresh pot of coffee.
"That could be tricky. I suppose offering to buy Dean something for his camera wouldn't help?" Hunter looked at Shawn with as much confusion as Roman had.
Shawn gave a laugh that held no humor. "No, that would not be good. I think Roman needs to talk to Dean. Maybe Dean will be so glad for Roman it won't matter. If Dean gets upset, the boys will have to handle it. If they are going to remain together, they have to learn to work things out. A regular relationship is hard enough, but a trio… nearly impossible. However, I think those boys can make it work. They each have a very distinct role." Shawn sighed. Hopefully it would work itself out.
In the bathroom, Adam and Dean stared at the odd photograph. They had a perfect shot of the tornado, but near the ground to left of the storm was a ball of light that looked like a tightly wound spiral. It seemed to float in mid-air. It wasn't in the picture before or the picture after. It was very curious.
Adam held the picture again. In one hand he had the normal photo, in the other a close up of the odd light. "Well, it's not a fingerprint, that's for sure. We'd better finish up. We need to show this to the others. We can develop the rest later." Adam spoke in a voice that relayed the confusion on his face.
Dean nodded and spoke at the same time. "Yeah, we do. Roman might know what it is, if Chris doesn't. I wish Ro could spend more time with the lightening, he is a walking encyclopedia of lightening knowledge." He started to clean up the mess they had made, while Adam carefully packed everything away in the case. He made a mental note of the chemicals he would need to replace, along with photo paper.
When everything in the bathroom was spotless, Dean helped Adam walked out to the ROW. Everyone was around the table. Shawn and Seth fixed an early supper of lunch meat, cheeses, chips and all the condiments. Adam and Dean were warmly welcomed.
Chris fussed over his husband. Adam sat down and Chris gently placed Adam's sprained ankle on a cooler to keep it elevated. He placed a fresh ice pack on it, then kissed Adam softly. He missed having Adam in the cab of the ROW.
Dean kissed Seth and Roman kissed Dean. Seth got Dean a cold cola from the cooler. Dean held the two eight by ten photos in his hand. Adam gave Dean a nod to say it was okay for him to mention the odd picture.
"Well, Adam and I found something. It was from one of the few still camera pictures I was able to take. We think it's either right before or immediately after the first probe launch. After that, I couldn't take still pictures. Shortly after this, the tornado started to chase us. First, before I show the picture, here is the one right before and this is the one right after." Dean held up each picture then laid them on the table.
"Now, this is the picture. Chris, do you know what this is? Or Roman? And no, it isn't a fingerprint." Dean held up the picture with the odd spiral light.
Roman took one glance at the picture. "Oh my God, Dean! You actually, I can't believe it… this picture is… priceless. Dean, Adam, this is Saint Elmo's Fire… it's incredible… fucking incredible… next to the tornado… I want a poster sized copy of this, please. I'll even pay for it." He was in absolute awe.
"That's it! That's it! I saw that! On the film! I just thought it was a lens flare. Oh wow!" Seth vibrated so hard as he spoke, his icy drink splashed out of his cup.
Adam and Dean looked at each other. "Told you Roman would know." Dean gave Adam a wink.
The talk around the table grew excited. Had they found a missing link? Was lightening a determination in the formation of tornadoes? Was the Jericho Storm Team on the verge of a fantastic discovery?
