The memories of my past lingered, a reminder of my futile attempt to fill the void I felt. I even entertained myself through force, indulging in illicit activities. The fun was fleeting, and I was left alone once more.
The downpour had ceased, and the sun now shone brightly in the sky. Smith gathered his belongings and departed, seeking refuge in a nearby restaurant. Over a meal of pepper soup and two bottles of beer, Smith savoured the flavours, his mind momentarily at ease.
Just then, Smith's phone buzzed, signalling an incoming email from Steven. Smith retrieved the message and read it aloud to himself: "All preparations are done, so get ready by tomorrow. A car will pick you up, and also, I'll send you the list of information later. Read them and get schooled. We'll be watching from nearby."
Smith gritted his teeth, correcting Steven's error. "Educated, not schooled..." The monotony of life weighed heavily on Smith, a feeling that perhaps only he experienced. Yet, as the saying goes, everyone is born unique.
With a sense of resignation, Smith stood up, paid the bill, and left for home. After a brief rest, Smith delved into the documents, preparing himself for the challenges ahead.
The next day, Smith's alarm blared to life at 6 am. Smith silenced it, stretched his back, and began his morning routine. A jog, a shower, and a hearty breakfast later, Smith was ready to face the day. A car arrived promptly, which he boarded to the company. Arriving there, he got out of the car and headed for the main building.
As Smith stepped into the building, a poised young lady approached him, her eyes locked onto his. "Are you Smith Charles?" she asked, her voice crisp and professional.
Smith nodded curtly. "Yes, that's me."
The young lady smiled, her expression warm and welcoming. "Follow me, please."
She led Smith to a department on a higher floor, the elevator gliding smoothly to a stop. As they stepped out, the manager convened the team, their faces a blur of curiosity and interest.
Smith's gaze swept across the room, taking in the unfamiliar faces. A sense of trepidation settled in the pit of his stomach. He knew he had just embarked on a new journey, one that would test his limits and push him out of his comfort zone.
"A phase 2 of the problem," he thought to himself, his mind racing with the challenges ahead. "I keep having this feeling that things are gonna stir up nicely in here."
But Smith was all too aware of his limitations. He wasn't the social type, and navigating this new world would require him to adapt and evolve. "That's gonna be a major problem," he thought, his eyes narrowing in determination. "So, I'm gonna have to work that out first."
YEARS LATER.....
The excavation site was a hive of activity, a symphony of sounds and movements that seemed to reverberate through every molecule of air. The sun beat down relentlessly, casting a golden glow over the sprawling landscape. The air was thick with the smell of damp earth and the distant tang of machinery.
As the team worked tirelessly, the sound of pickaxes striking stone, the rumble of tractors, and the chatter of workers created a cacophony that was both chaotic and mesmerizing. The ground beneath their feet was dry and cracked, a testament to the harsh desert climate that surrounded them.
Amidst the chaos, a middle-aged man in a formal suit stood out, his eyes scrutinizing the commodities laid out before him. His sunglasses and gloves added an air of mystery to his demeanour, and the way he stood, feet shoulder-width apart, exuded an aura of quiet confidence. Beside him, a lady supervisor expertly arranged the antiques, her hands moving with precision as she carefully dusted off the relics.
Suddenly, a man in his early 40s, dressed in casual attire, rushed towards the suited man, his footsteps kicking up small clouds of dust. "Director," he called out, addressing the man.
The director turned to face him, removing his gloves as he did so. The sunlight glinted off his watch, casting a tiny spark of light that seemed to dance across the ground. "The tractors have been dispatched to headquarters," the man, Henry, reported.
The director nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly as he gazed out at the vast expanse of the excavation site. "We still have a day left to wrap up this project," he said, his voice firm and commanding. "Headquarters has sent a site staff to finalize the recordings of the first team's deposit."
Henry nodded, his eyes wide with understanding. "All documenting, sir?"
The director's jaw clenched slightly, his expression intense. "Description, drawing, measuring, collectable, conserving, and list. All of it."
Henry nodded briskly. "Okay, sir."
As Henry turned to leave, the director called out, "Wait." Henry stopped, turning back to face the director. "Get the second team to conclude the scrutiny for the day."
Henry nodded, his voice firm. "Yes, sir." He scurried away, disappearing into the vast expanse of the excavation site.
The second team, meanwhile, had been dispatched to a deep excavated hole, its sheer scale awe-inspiring. The hole stretched over 700 feet deep and 1,500 feet wide, a massive cavern that could swallow a 150-story skyscraper whole. The air around the hole shimmered with heat, creating a mirage-like effect that seemed to dance across the ground.
As the archaeologist dispatch descended into the depths of the hole, the air was alive with the flash of cameras and the murmur of hushed conversations. The team of 15 splits into smaller groups, each member tasked with unravelling the secrets hidden within the ancient walls.
The hole, once excavated in 1990, had lain dormant for 32 years, its mysteries locked beneath the earth. But despite the passing of time, the enigmatic hole remained a source of fascination, its inability to hold water a phenomenon that continued to baffle experts.
Amidst the bustle of activity, a woman stood out, her striking features and effortless poise commanding attention. Abigail, a lady in her mid-30s, with a petite frame, curvy hips, and a wild mane of hair, was a vision in black. Her trousers and the long-sleeved top seemed to mould to her body, accentuating every curve. As she dropped her bag and slipped on her gloves, her eyes sparkled with excitement.