((Thanks to Angeleyes99110, Sara, Kiddo, Teresa, Cadnobach, and anyone else
I missed for reviewing the last chapter. I love all these reviews, good or
bad, so please feel free to keep writing. ^_^ Thank you.))
General disclaimers apply. Ya'll know what they are.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Five
"We discovered it the year Samantha was sent to Berkley," Shawn began, spooning some pudding into his mouth. "At first we thought it was an elaborate ruin of a slave burial site, but certain things have cropped up since then that have forced us to change our theory."
The others at the circular table had helped themselves to the plentiful food of the long buffet table nestled between the Ming Dynasty, and the Medieval era. All were dressed in their best. The UEO crew present wore dress uniforms, while the civilians darned gowns of mostly white and black. Kristen adjusted the thick light blue shoulder strap of her gown absently while she listened.
"What made you change your mind, Doctor?" captain Bridger asked.
"For the last four years, we've been uncovering still more and more of the structure. We soon realized it was a labyrinth--intricately complicated with more ins and outs than we'd expected, and we still don't think we've hit the end of the line yet. It goes beneath the surface far deeper than even the Pyramids of Giza."
"That's simply amazing. I assume it was a pyramid structure." Kristen smiled from her seat next to the captain. Tim sat beside her fully enthralled, Commander Ford to his left picking at his food, two empty seats were next, then around to Shawn, Samantha, and back to the captain.
Miguel and Ben had abandoned their seats long ago, choosing to stay by the finger foods table.
"Interestingly, no," Shawn pushed the rim of his glasses up. "Topographic maps show it as more of a Nautilus. We decided to give the entire excavation that name."
"Given the nature of the Goddess Marakuteta served, that makes sense," Tim voiced. "There were reports made of a possible burial site of a God, and one even said to have discovered the tomb of Bastet, but that was quickly bunked. What evidence do you have that this indeed is the tomb of Marakuteta? Or even Naunet" Tim asked, taking a bite of a Caesar salad.
"How about you see for yourself, Lt. O'Neill," It was the delightful grin that caught Tim as the older scientist stood. "Excuse me, captain," Shawn nodded, then moved to the front of the room. Tim followed.
Samantha knew her father was ready to show off--the conversation had been the beginning--so she busied herself with the task of memorizing the layout of the room.
The Isis ball room at the Alexandria Grand Hotel was extravagant to begin with. Flying buttresses topped the columns around the room, and the floor was a rich dark maple that shone with the reflection of the hand carved stone tiled high ceiling.
The Archeological Society had a way with parties.
For decades, they would emulate a Hollywood red carpet premiere out of conventions. Dignitaries would show for the one night of speeches, presentations, and mainly to view the artifacts up close. This had made security tight at all times, but there was still the threat of someone trying to steal the priceless antiques. A few attempts have been made, but since the A.S had begun employing psychics three years ago after an attempt on King Tutunkaman's headdress, there hasn't been a single theft report.
The two psychics involved this year mingled with the crowd unnoticed. No one could tell the difference between the guests and security, so they were confident in their safety.
For this occasion, the room had been decorated like the inside of an ancient Egyptian arboretum. It was filled with people seated at round tables clustered throughout the room. Lining the edges of the room were various discoveries from all over the world, separated into galleries of their respective countries. The Egyptian setting was the most prominent, occupying the upper portion of the room on a platform. A great number were the saved remnants of the ancient Alexandria library. The most recent artifacts had been set at the front of the room, flanking a speech podium etched with the all-seeing eye. A small band had been set in the corner. Their music drifted through the room on winds and piano and strings, igniting the atmosphere with calming ease to a piano waltz.
The air was cool despite the humidity, and tasted of salt from the breeze that filtered through a wide open window to the east.
It reminded Samantha of the first event she had attended in Alexandria. Her father was a guest speaker about the Valley of the Kings burial circle then, but unlike this one, he had taken every opportunity to show off his ten year old daughter. Or rather her mind. Her father was proud of her to the point of making her sick. He wanted her to be everything he was--a miniature Shawn Kinkade--but she had fought it. Oh she would put on a show for the big wigs, all the high brows, and the people issuing grants. She would recite bits of information her father had told her verbatim, smile and curtsy, then dance with the rich kids. She'd often wondered if she were born a boy, her father might dress her exactly like himself. It was a frightening thought.
She listened to the music, letting her mind wander with the laziness of her gaze. It wasn't long before she caught herself thinking about Lucas. He would be on the plane right now, probably buried in his lap top and ignoring the world. This place wouldn't have appealed to him. He would be as bored as she was.
The light caught her dolphin ring for a fraction of a second, but was enough to bring a powerful sense of miss and distance that forced her fist closed to push it back.
From the corner of her eye, she caught a blond woman watching her and swirling a glass of wine. A moment later, an older man in a tuxedo joined her, whispering with eye flicks to Samantha. The blond set her drink down, grabbed the man's hand, and pulled him away.
~Those have to be the psycics,~ Samantha thought. Hardly anyone else had looked at her that night, and none for that long.
"What is it, Sam?" Bridger asked.
Samantha looked up, then quickly pushed her long bangs out of the way. "Nothing. I was just thinking about Darwin. I didn't say good-bye to him."
"Yes you did," Kristin pointed out. "I was in the moonpool when you came in."
"I could have sworn...," Samantha paused. Why did she think she hadn't? It was so insignificant, but the questioning of her own memory worried her. Other things had been clouding her mind all night. "Right. I did. You're right." Everyone had the table had turned to her, and she could feel all their eyes. "I need some fresh air. Excuse me."
Bridger wasn't concerned with her leaving, but he was about the abrupt, curious nature in which she did it. Samantha's eyes had shifted to her lap as she scooted away from the table, and then walked across to the balcony without making eye contact with anyone. He set his fork down and stood.
"Nathan," Kristin looked up, stopping him with a hand on his arm.
"I know," Bridger simply nodded, understanding that Kristin meant for him to be careful in his words. He moved through the meandering high dressed crowd like weaving through traffic.
Samantha exhaled and stared out over the sparkling night lights of Alexandria, taking in the panoramic scene. The city was gorgeous at night. It glowed and glittered with a thousand multi-colored gems almost as if she could reach out and touch it. She absently brushed at the side of her long vanilla satin gown and shivered. For a moment she wished she'd brought a small coat to cover the three spaghetti straps over her shoulders and down to the nape of her back in a criss cross pattern. It flattered her figure, and the small jade orb pendant her father gave her right before accented perfectly, but nothing could hide the butterflies of anxiety that fluttered in her stomach.
She nearly jumped when a hand laid itself on her shoulder.
"A little jumpy tonight," Bridger commented lightly as he stood beside her.
She brushed back the stands of hair that fell to the side of her face from her partially don-up hair. "This frilly-froo-froo stuff was never my style."
"You look gorgeous," Bridger smiled, hoping his compliment would make the young woman smile.
It worked.
"Thank you."
"Something on your mind?"
"Too much. I just can't keep my mind focused tonight," she sighed.
"Would Lucas happen to be a part of that?"
"Some," Samantha gave. "He's on his way to Australia. I was certain we'd go back to normal if apart, but I think he was the one really missing Darwin."
Bridger stuffed his hands in his pockets. "If you'd like my opinion, I don't think crossing the globe will make a difference."
Samantha stared at the city.
"As for what you can do, just try to enjoy yourself and remember you're on leave. You have no obligations."
"Aye, it's nice to just relax for a while."
She was thoughtful for a moment, then looked up at the captain. In his eyes, she found something she could trust and depend on. She leaned heavily on the thick, marble balcony rail. "Four years of my life were spent here. Did you know that?"
Nathan shook his head no.
"We moved constantly from one excavation to the other, never staying in one place for more than two months. Most of the time my father home schooled me, but I never got use to living out there," her green eyes drifted to the horizon. "Now I'm back, and something about this whole thing seems wrong."
"Is it your father? He seems rather proud of you."
"Partially. Because of his love for the desert, we never really got along. Now he's treating me like his little lost princess. He wants something from me, I just can't figure out what."
Nathan glanced back at Shawn and Tim near the recent Egyptian artifacts display. Both were deeply engrossed in conversation. To his eyes it seemed harmless. Tim was thoroughly enjoying himself explaining all he knew to the Egyptologist. He turned his attention back to Samantha. "I'm sure he's just happy to see you."
The captain was probably right. Samantha turned to watch them for a moment. "I know my dad, and he's only this happy when he wants something. But I hope you're right."
It was then she caught sight of a scantily clad blond woman swaying through the crowd in a flowing black sequin dress with a large diamond pendant clipped just between her tanned breasts.
"Samantha, darling. How lovely it is to see you again. I'd assumed you wouldn't be coming, what with your oceanographic work and all. Shawn told me you'd moved from Caicos," the woman glided across the hard wood floor to where the captain and Samantha stood.
Samantha wanted to puke at the cordiality, but pasted on a smile anyway. "Diana Riggs. I didn't know you were still following my father around."
"Well, it is tedious work, but the rewards are exceptional," she shifted ice blue eyes to the captain and scanned him from head to toe. "And who is this handsome gentleman, might I ask?" she extended one black satin gloved hand.
The captain courteously accepted it with a kiss to her knuckles. "Captain Nathan Bridger of the SeaQuest DSV, ma'am. You're on Dr. Kinkade's team?"
"Dr. Diana Riggs," Diana smiled with red painted lips. "I'm his key assistant, captain. He trusts me with everything."
The glint in her eye caused a stirring of anger in Samantha. She was glad her acting was up to par.
Kristin on the other hand, was watching them from across the room like a hawk.
"So, you're the captain of the famous SeaQuest. Fascinating. For a submariner, you keep up a nice tan," she kept the smile of a Cheshire cat.
Samantha wanted to gag.
"I've heard of the work you've done, especially regarding the Library of Alexandria. You weren't among the favorites of the world governments for a time after that," she chuckled.
"Sometimes one needs to take drastic measures to ensure peace, Doctor." As a diplomat, Nathan could be kind.
"hm," Diana hummed. "Indeed. One must do what is necessary to ensure victory." She slid a tempestuous glance to Samantha. "By the way, Samantha, I hear you're going to the site tomorrow morning. Seems Shawn has some work for you. I suggest you prepare yourself for a long ride." she studied Samantha briefly, then placed two fingers near her face in a gesture made famous by Audrie Hepburn. "Do wear some sunblock, dear. You're as pale as your dress. Your father wouldn't like it if you died of third degree burns."
The anger bubbled deep and hard inside Samantha, and she glared behind her fake smile. "We wouldn't want that, now would we? Shouldn't you be off smiting someone?"
"Oh," Diana laughed, "you always were one for jokes."
~Wait until I really get started,~ Samantha thought.
Diana turned back to the captain. "I assume you're coming, captain. You wouldn't want to miss this." She flicked the captain a vixen eyelash bat, then took the sway of her hips to the end of the room where Shawn and Tim were talking over a large hieroglyphic pot. With smooth grace, she slipped her arm through Shawn's as if staking a claim.
"That woman makes me sick," Samantha growled once Diana was clear of earshot.
"Bad blood between you?" asked Bridger.
"You could say that. She's been after my dad's position for years." she said and looked back at her father. "She thinks she can claim the glory, but truth is, she's always been one step behind, and she knows it. We're a constant reminder of what she'll never achieve."
"Does your mother know?"
"My mother doesn't care. She trusts my father. She just doesn't trust Diana. And neither do I."
Bridger nodded and watched the trio. He was sure if he hadn't been with Samantha just then, the fur would have flown, and flown far.
Elsewhere across the city on his way to the hotel, Lucas Wolenczak had to force back the sudden urge to smash something into an unrecognizable pulp.
* * * *
((Here you go. :o) The next part will have more Lucas, so don't touch that dial! Please R&R.))
General disclaimers apply. Ya'll know what they are.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Five
"We discovered it the year Samantha was sent to Berkley," Shawn began, spooning some pudding into his mouth. "At first we thought it was an elaborate ruin of a slave burial site, but certain things have cropped up since then that have forced us to change our theory."
The others at the circular table had helped themselves to the plentiful food of the long buffet table nestled between the Ming Dynasty, and the Medieval era. All were dressed in their best. The UEO crew present wore dress uniforms, while the civilians darned gowns of mostly white and black. Kristen adjusted the thick light blue shoulder strap of her gown absently while she listened.
"What made you change your mind, Doctor?" captain Bridger asked.
"For the last four years, we've been uncovering still more and more of the structure. We soon realized it was a labyrinth--intricately complicated with more ins and outs than we'd expected, and we still don't think we've hit the end of the line yet. It goes beneath the surface far deeper than even the Pyramids of Giza."
"That's simply amazing. I assume it was a pyramid structure." Kristen smiled from her seat next to the captain. Tim sat beside her fully enthralled, Commander Ford to his left picking at his food, two empty seats were next, then around to Shawn, Samantha, and back to the captain.
Miguel and Ben had abandoned their seats long ago, choosing to stay by the finger foods table.
"Interestingly, no," Shawn pushed the rim of his glasses up. "Topographic maps show it as more of a Nautilus. We decided to give the entire excavation that name."
"Given the nature of the Goddess Marakuteta served, that makes sense," Tim voiced. "There were reports made of a possible burial site of a God, and one even said to have discovered the tomb of Bastet, but that was quickly bunked. What evidence do you have that this indeed is the tomb of Marakuteta? Or even Naunet" Tim asked, taking a bite of a Caesar salad.
"How about you see for yourself, Lt. O'Neill," It was the delightful grin that caught Tim as the older scientist stood. "Excuse me, captain," Shawn nodded, then moved to the front of the room. Tim followed.
Samantha knew her father was ready to show off--the conversation had been the beginning--so she busied herself with the task of memorizing the layout of the room.
The Isis ball room at the Alexandria Grand Hotel was extravagant to begin with. Flying buttresses topped the columns around the room, and the floor was a rich dark maple that shone with the reflection of the hand carved stone tiled high ceiling.
The Archeological Society had a way with parties.
For decades, they would emulate a Hollywood red carpet premiere out of conventions. Dignitaries would show for the one night of speeches, presentations, and mainly to view the artifacts up close. This had made security tight at all times, but there was still the threat of someone trying to steal the priceless antiques. A few attempts have been made, but since the A.S had begun employing psychics three years ago after an attempt on King Tutunkaman's headdress, there hasn't been a single theft report.
The two psychics involved this year mingled with the crowd unnoticed. No one could tell the difference between the guests and security, so they were confident in their safety.
For this occasion, the room had been decorated like the inside of an ancient Egyptian arboretum. It was filled with people seated at round tables clustered throughout the room. Lining the edges of the room were various discoveries from all over the world, separated into galleries of their respective countries. The Egyptian setting was the most prominent, occupying the upper portion of the room on a platform. A great number were the saved remnants of the ancient Alexandria library. The most recent artifacts had been set at the front of the room, flanking a speech podium etched with the all-seeing eye. A small band had been set in the corner. Their music drifted through the room on winds and piano and strings, igniting the atmosphere with calming ease to a piano waltz.
The air was cool despite the humidity, and tasted of salt from the breeze that filtered through a wide open window to the east.
It reminded Samantha of the first event she had attended in Alexandria. Her father was a guest speaker about the Valley of the Kings burial circle then, but unlike this one, he had taken every opportunity to show off his ten year old daughter. Or rather her mind. Her father was proud of her to the point of making her sick. He wanted her to be everything he was--a miniature Shawn Kinkade--but she had fought it. Oh she would put on a show for the big wigs, all the high brows, and the people issuing grants. She would recite bits of information her father had told her verbatim, smile and curtsy, then dance with the rich kids. She'd often wondered if she were born a boy, her father might dress her exactly like himself. It was a frightening thought.
She listened to the music, letting her mind wander with the laziness of her gaze. It wasn't long before she caught herself thinking about Lucas. He would be on the plane right now, probably buried in his lap top and ignoring the world. This place wouldn't have appealed to him. He would be as bored as she was.
The light caught her dolphin ring for a fraction of a second, but was enough to bring a powerful sense of miss and distance that forced her fist closed to push it back.
From the corner of her eye, she caught a blond woman watching her and swirling a glass of wine. A moment later, an older man in a tuxedo joined her, whispering with eye flicks to Samantha. The blond set her drink down, grabbed the man's hand, and pulled him away.
~Those have to be the psycics,~ Samantha thought. Hardly anyone else had looked at her that night, and none for that long.
"What is it, Sam?" Bridger asked.
Samantha looked up, then quickly pushed her long bangs out of the way. "Nothing. I was just thinking about Darwin. I didn't say good-bye to him."
"Yes you did," Kristin pointed out. "I was in the moonpool when you came in."
"I could have sworn...," Samantha paused. Why did she think she hadn't? It was so insignificant, but the questioning of her own memory worried her. Other things had been clouding her mind all night. "Right. I did. You're right." Everyone had the table had turned to her, and she could feel all their eyes. "I need some fresh air. Excuse me."
Bridger wasn't concerned with her leaving, but he was about the abrupt, curious nature in which she did it. Samantha's eyes had shifted to her lap as she scooted away from the table, and then walked across to the balcony without making eye contact with anyone. He set his fork down and stood.
"Nathan," Kristin looked up, stopping him with a hand on his arm.
"I know," Bridger simply nodded, understanding that Kristin meant for him to be careful in his words. He moved through the meandering high dressed crowd like weaving through traffic.
Samantha exhaled and stared out over the sparkling night lights of Alexandria, taking in the panoramic scene. The city was gorgeous at night. It glowed and glittered with a thousand multi-colored gems almost as if she could reach out and touch it. She absently brushed at the side of her long vanilla satin gown and shivered. For a moment she wished she'd brought a small coat to cover the three spaghetti straps over her shoulders and down to the nape of her back in a criss cross pattern. It flattered her figure, and the small jade orb pendant her father gave her right before accented perfectly, but nothing could hide the butterflies of anxiety that fluttered in her stomach.
She nearly jumped when a hand laid itself on her shoulder.
"A little jumpy tonight," Bridger commented lightly as he stood beside her.
She brushed back the stands of hair that fell to the side of her face from her partially don-up hair. "This frilly-froo-froo stuff was never my style."
"You look gorgeous," Bridger smiled, hoping his compliment would make the young woman smile.
It worked.
"Thank you."
"Something on your mind?"
"Too much. I just can't keep my mind focused tonight," she sighed.
"Would Lucas happen to be a part of that?"
"Some," Samantha gave. "He's on his way to Australia. I was certain we'd go back to normal if apart, but I think he was the one really missing Darwin."
Bridger stuffed his hands in his pockets. "If you'd like my opinion, I don't think crossing the globe will make a difference."
Samantha stared at the city.
"As for what you can do, just try to enjoy yourself and remember you're on leave. You have no obligations."
"Aye, it's nice to just relax for a while."
She was thoughtful for a moment, then looked up at the captain. In his eyes, she found something she could trust and depend on. She leaned heavily on the thick, marble balcony rail. "Four years of my life were spent here. Did you know that?"
Nathan shook his head no.
"We moved constantly from one excavation to the other, never staying in one place for more than two months. Most of the time my father home schooled me, but I never got use to living out there," her green eyes drifted to the horizon. "Now I'm back, and something about this whole thing seems wrong."
"Is it your father? He seems rather proud of you."
"Partially. Because of his love for the desert, we never really got along. Now he's treating me like his little lost princess. He wants something from me, I just can't figure out what."
Nathan glanced back at Shawn and Tim near the recent Egyptian artifacts display. Both were deeply engrossed in conversation. To his eyes it seemed harmless. Tim was thoroughly enjoying himself explaining all he knew to the Egyptologist. He turned his attention back to Samantha. "I'm sure he's just happy to see you."
The captain was probably right. Samantha turned to watch them for a moment. "I know my dad, and he's only this happy when he wants something. But I hope you're right."
It was then she caught sight of a scantily clad blond woman swaying through the crowd in a flowing black sequin dress with a large diamond pendant clipped just between her tanned breasts.
"Samantha, darling. How lovely it is to see you again. I'd assumed you wouldn't be coming, what with your oceanographic work and all. Shawn told me you'd moved from Caicos," the woman glided across the hard wood floor to where the captain and Samantha stood.
Samantha wanted to puke at the cordiality, but pasted on a smile anyway. "Diana Riggs. I didn't know you were still following my father around."
"Well, it is tedious work, but the rewards are exceptional," she shifted ice blue eyes to the captain and scanned him from head to toe. "And who is this handsome gentleman, might I ask?" she extended one black satin gloved hand.
The captain courteously accepted it with a kiss to her knuckles. "Captain Nathan Bridger of the SeaQuest DSV, ma'am. You're on Dr. Kinkade's team?"
"Dr. Diana Riggs," Diana smiled with red painted lips. "I'm his key assistant, captain. He trusts me with everything."
The glint in her eye caused a stirring of anger in Samantha. She was glad her acting was up to par.
Kristin on the other hand, was watching them from across the room like a hawk.
"So, you're the captain of the famous SeaQuest. Fascinating. For a submariner, you keep up a nice tan," she kept the smile of a Cheshire cat.
Samantha wanted to gag.
"I've heard of the work you've done, especially regarding the Library of Alexandria. You weren't among the favorites of the world governments for a time after that," she chuckled.
"Sometimes one needs to take drastic measures to ensure peace, Doctor." As a diplomat, Nathan could be kind.
"hm," Diana hummed. "Indeed. One must do what is necessary to ensure victory." She slid a tempestuous glance to Samantha. "By the way, Samantha, I hear you're going to the site tomorrow morning. Seems Shawn has some work for you. I suggest you prepare yourself for a long ride." she studied Samantha briefly, then placed two fingers near her face in a gesture made famous by Audrie Hepburn. "Do wear some sunblock, dear. You're as pale as your dress. Your father wouldn't like it if you died of third degree burns."
The anger bubbled deep and hard inside Samantha, and she glared behind her fake smile. "We wouldn't want that, now would we? Shouldn't you be off smiting someone?"
"Oh," Diana laughed, "you always were one for jokes."
~Wait until I really get started,~ Samantha thought.
Diana turned back to the captain. "I assume you're coming, captain. You wouldn't want to miss this." She flicked the captain a vixen eyelash bat, then took the sway of her hips to the end of the room where Shawn and Tim were talking over a large hieroglyphic pot. With smooth grace, she slipped her arm through Shawn's as if staking a claim.
"That woman makes me sick," Samantha growled once Diana was clear of earshot.
"Bad blood between you?" asked Bridger.
"You could say that. She's been after my dad's position for years." she said and looked back at her father. "She thinks she can claim the glory, but truth is, she's always been one step behind, and she knows it. We're a constant reminder of what she'll never achieve."
"Does your mother know?"
"My mother doesn't care. She trusts my father. She just doesn't trust Diana. And neither do I."
Bridger nodded and watched the trio. He was sure if he hadn't been with Samantha just then, the fur would have flown, and flown far.
Elsewhere across the city on his way to the hotel, Lucas Wolenczak had to force back the sudden urge to smash something into an unrecognizable pulp.
* * * *
((Here you go. :o) The next part will have more Lucas, so don't touch that dial! Please R&R.))