The helicopter touched down in the landing without incident though with enough of a bump to jangle what was left of Kraus' nerves. No sooner than the doors were opened, Kraus practically launched himself out, landing hard in the dirt, much to the amusement of Morton and the mix of Belize and British servicemen. Alex jumped out to help up Kraus, who was almost lovingly groping the ground.
While the servicemen split off to their assigned rides, the trio was met by an officer that introduced himself as Col. Gregory Brock of the British 25 Flight Army Air Corps and responsible for security for the site. After the exchange of pleasantries, they hustled into a waiting jeep and drove off down a makeshift roadway with Col. Brock at the wheel. It was only a short drive of a couple of minutes down a fairly bumpy hill when they reached the main camp. The camp was a hive of activity, with one large tent and several smaller tents that ringed the encampment. At the centre were the two cranes, one off to one side with a large boring drill bit and the other with a cage like platform over a large hole, presumably being used as an elevator. As the jeep came to a stop, two people walked over, one of whom Alex immediately recognized.
"Sarah!" exclaimed Alex as he jumped out of the jeep and rushed towards her. "It's so good to see you again!"
Sarah accepted Alex's hug enthusiastically, "It's been too long. It's so good to see you too. I see Tucson is agreeing with you. Oh, good to see you too, John, you're looking well."
A scowl crossed Kraus' face, "No thanks to you."
"Oh baby, you still love me don't you?"
"Why else would I risk certain death by flying down here?" A twinkle entered his eye and his face broke into a broad smile, "We couldn't have done this in Burbank?" For the first time since Alex met him a laugh escaped Kraus' lips. It was nice to know a different a different side of him other than that of the aerophobe. Sarah and Kraus give a quick warm friendly embrace.
"Well," chuckled Col. Brock, "I guess we can keep the introductions short. Col. Price, Dr. Marshall, this is astrophysicist Dr. Alex Boynton, anthropologist Dr. John Kraus, and geologist Prof. Harold Morton. Gentlemen, this is Dr. Sarah Marshall, head of the science team here, and Col. John Price of the BDF and overall commander of our little project here."
"Oh, it's you that needs a talking to!" roared Morton suddenly and angrily at Col. Price. "What is the idea of clear cutting large swaths of this jungle and bringing in such large machinery? Are you aware of the irreparable damage you are doing to this ecosystem? Not to mention drilling into your cave system! Apart from the shear vandalism of it, you're polluting sensitive aquifers!"
"Okay! Calm down!" retorted Col. Price, "I already have APAMO screaming bloody murder over this. Believe me, I have been informed of the consequences of this, but we have clearance from the PMO, and once you know what we're doing here, you will understand why we took such drastic action here! Trust me."
"Trust you…?" began Morton before being interrupted by Col. Brock. "Well on that note, perhaps we should proceed to the briefing. There are three other people waiting patiently for you three to arrive, and find out why everyone is here. Now if everyone can come this way, we can get our little tea party started."