“We’ll head that way in the morning,” said Cam. “We’re in Athens but we’ve notified the Prime Minister of what’s going on and he’s requested a meeting with Petros.”
“Alright, we’ll let you know what’s happening here. We’re hoping the storm will subside tomorrow, allowing us to get everyone off the island tomorrow night,” said Frank.
Ending the call, Luke, Cam, Hex, and Eric stared at one another shaking their heads. Two caves. No minerals. No gems. So, why?
“Do we really think Petros is behind all of this?” asked Cam.
“I’m not sure,” said Eric, “but he would be the right place to start. I think we need to try and have a conversation with him even if the Prime Minister doesn’t.”
From their hotel room, they gazed out at the miraculous ruins of ancient Greece. When you’re traveling to other countries in the military, or even on ops for their own company, you’re focused on the mission, not on sightseeing.
“You can almost see the people bustling in the ancient streets, bartering for goods, reading, building, creating the foundations of government,” said Hex. “It’s remarkable that they’ve been able to preserve this. Their entire economy is based on tourism and even that isn’t keeping it alive.”
“They’ve had some challenges in the last few years. Economic breakdown, fires that nearly decimated the country. But they haven’t survived thousands of years to go down without a fight,” said Eric.
“We’ve got the rest of the team arriving soon with Nicolai,” said Cam.
“Who else is coming?” asked Luke.
“Carl, Liffey, Dom, Duncan, Remy, Robbie, and Garrett,” said Hex.
“So, all my annoying brothers will be here,” smirked Luke. “Cool. Maybe I can convince Poseidon to take them.”
“Don’t even joke about that shit, brother,” said Cam. “Those of us who were Navy believe in the power of the sea and if that power is by Poseidon’s hand, I’d like him on our side.”
“Do you think any of that is real?” asked Eric with a questioning gaze. “I mean, look at this skyline. The new mixed with the ancient. Engineering marvels that are as difficult to explain as the pyramids. Did they have divine help? Was there something or someone else at work here?”
“You believe in that?” asked Hex.
“We have ghosts wandering our property that are hundreds of years old. They touch us, hear us, talk to us, hell they eat with us. Matthew is an angel of some sort that provides magical and mystical support when we need it. We have a pond that keeps us all healthy and fit so we can do these damn jobs. And you’re asking me if I believe in this?” he smirked.
“I guess that was a dumb question wasn’t it?” laughed Hex.
“Not dumb,” said Eric. “I don’t question much in this world any longer but I still feel as though something is happening here that we don’t understand. None of it makes sense, especially knowing that the guys found nothing of significance in that cave.”
“Caves,” said Luke. “They found a second, nearly identical cave. Whatever they’re doing they drilling two massive caves.”
“What the shit?” mumbled Cam.
“Look, it’s late but we’re all tired and hungry and we need to wait up for the others. Let’s go grab some food and maybe wander over to the Parthenon and the Acropolis. I’d bet they’re beautiful at night, even with the rain.”
“Feels like it’s letting up a bit,” said Cam opening their hotel room door. “Let’s see what Athens has to offer.”
With a connecting room secured for the rest of the team, they ventured out of their hotel and walked toward the magnificent ruins of the Parthenon.
After a short walk, the men stood in front of the majestic ancient Greek temple, on the Athenian Acropolis. Built for the goddess Athena, symbolizing democracy, western civilization, and Greek triumph, it is renowned for its Doric architecture, intricate sculptures, and engineering marvels.
Dedicated to Athena the virgin, it was built between 447-438 BCE. The entire structure was built of Pentelic marble making it almost seem unreal.
“It’s pretty awe-inspiring,” said Eric staring up at it. “The dimensions, angles, the way it leans into itself are all just mind-boggling.”
“It is amazing,” said Luke.
Taking the long stroll to the Acropolis, the men once again found themselves dumbfounded. They understood the Greek pride and their desire to not fill their skyline with mega-hotels and western tourist influences. Keeping their ancient ways alive was crucial for their survival as a nation but also as a people.
“Well, I can damn sure see why this was important,” said Hex. “You can see the entire city in all directions from up here. Great vantage point for an army.”
“People have lived here since prehistoric times,” said an elderly man behind them.
