Quest for the Unforgotten
Cassius "Cass" Hale grew up in a house filled with ancient relics, books, and the kind of stories most people only dream of. His parents, Dr. Samuel Hale and Amelia Hale, were both immersed in the world of exploration, uncovering hidden cultures, and reporting on world-changing discoveries. From the moment Cass could walk, he was swept into a world of maps, ancient texts, and thrilling stories of lost treasures. His father, a scholarly man, was always buried in ancient manuscripts, while his mother, Amelia, a journalist, was off on thrilling assignments, uncovering hidden truths in war-torn countries. Their lives were filled with adventure, and Cass couldn’t help but be swept into it all. But that excitement came with a cost… his parents were often absent, leaving Cass to navigate his childhood alone. It was in these quiet moments that he turned to books and dreams of his own adventures.
When Cass was just ten, his mother vanished during an investigation in the Peruvian Andes. Amelia had been investigating the expedition of an ancient Incan burial site, but she never returned. Her disappearance left Cass with more questions than answers, a deep emotional wound, and a growing distance from his father, whose obsession with the search for her only made things worse. It was then that Cass became determined to uncover the mysteries of the world, believing that the answers to his mother’s fate lay somewhere in the past.
Despite his father’s insistence on a more academic life, he appeased his father by attending Harvard … Alas, it was during university, Cass met Elena Vasquez, a brilliant archaeologist who would become both a romantic interest and a professional rival. Their early years together were marked by intellectual debate and fierce competition. Though their connection was undeniable, the differences in their approaches to archaeology kept them at odds. Elena was disciplined, patient, and meticulous, while Cass was driven by a raw passion for field’s mysteries, its treasures, and its promise of discovery, often rushing into dangerous situations without fully considering the consequences. Their relationship grew complicated, torn between mutual respect and unspoken romantic tension.
His first major expedition took him to the Middle East, where he encountered both his first true enemies and the hard truth that the world of archaeology was driven as much by greed as it was by knowledge. Along the way, he built lasting relationships, none more important than with Zeke Armstrong, a former soldier-turned guide who became his closest ally. Zeke’s steady presence kept Cass from diving into danger without thinking.
Now in his 30s, Cass’s career has flourished, but the mystery of his mother’s disappearance continues to haunt him. His search for answers has grown more obsessive, and the discovery of ancient relics with potential supernatural significance became his focus. But nothing seemed to bring him any closer to truth of what life verily is, than the whispers of Atlantis… and Miami.
Cass’s latest lead, of seven basic leads, for Atlantis… one that ties into the Bermuda Triangle and ancient myth… has brought him to the city. The pull of the mysteries beneath the waves, and fate, it seems, is about to introduce him to someone who might change everything. Dr. Alison Jones, the granddaughter of the legendary Indiana Jones, has her own path of discovery, and their journeys will soon intersect. Together, they will face the legends of the past… and the dangerous truths that come with them.
Atlantis, a city of opulence, power, and divine favor… also holds dark secrets, political intrigue, and the ever-present tension between the gods and mortals. It is both blessed and cursed by its own greatness, offering endless possibilities for quests involving ancient artifacts, hidden knowledge, divine wrath, and the struggle for control of a city that once one of, if not the greatest city of that stretched across the ocean like a vision made flesh, with marble and gold spires rising from the waters, gleaming in the sunlight as though they themselves were touched by the gods. Heralded as a masterpiece of civilization, where technology, magic, and divine favor intertwined in perfect harmony. Bridges of shining crystal connected the floating districts, while canals gleamed with the reflections of the sun and the moon, their waters so clear one could see the golden fish that swam through them like living jewels. Its people, once said to be descended from gods themselves, were supposedly to be tall and fair, their skin kissed by the sun, their eyes gleaming with intelligence, and their hearts driven by an insatiable desire to understand the universe’s deepest secrets… gifted in every craft… artists, engineers, scholars, warriors, and mages alike, each contributing to the city’s boundless prosperity. Their home, a city, unlike any other, standing proudly at the crossroads of the world’s oceans, where powerful fleets of ships set sail toward every corner of the earth.
Though the location of Atlantis has been the subject of debate and speculation for centuries, and while its existence is still considered a myth, various theories have been proposed across the millennia.
A more speculative theory that Cass finds more defining, locates Atlantis in the Caribbean Sea, in or near the Bermuda Triangle… which itself has been the subject of numerous myths and mysteries, which some tie to the legends of Atlantis.
Cass stepped out of the dusty old bookstore in downtown Miami, the weight of the strange artifact in his hand dragging his thoughts back to the puzzle he was piecing together. He wasn’t sure what it all meant yet, but the map he'd found, the one linking the artifacts to a single location, seemed to pull him toward the Bermuda Triangle. He shook his head, adjusting his jacket. Miami felt different today. The air was thick, humid, but something in the ocean breeze made his pulse quicken… a premonition that something important was about to happen.
Cass’s eyes scanned the crowded street, searching for any sign of the woman he’d heard about… the one reportedly following the same trail. He wasn’t sure what it was about her that felt... different.
Sensitive to odd occurrences, the moment his glancing eyes caught a figure waiting for a table in a nearby outdoor café… he turned and saw her. Doctor Alison Jones, a name tied to a legend he knew well. The granddaughter of Doctor Professor Indiana Jones, someone who had infamously walked a similar path to his. A path full of danger, lost cities, and hidden knowledge. She was tall, her posture confident, but there was something in her eyes… a spark of curiosity and the same drive that had carried him through so many places he should have never been.
When she was led to a table and sat down, he walked to the café, dodging people slowly, and made his way to her table by the time she had finished ordering… Quiet and giving sparse separation, he cleared his throat to gain her attention… When she looked up, he smiled and spoke softly… “I guess we’re both chasing the same thing,” Cass muttered, adjusting the map in his hand before stepping forward to meet her.
There was no time to waste. Atlantis was out there, and with her expertise, maybe… just maybe… they could figure out the pieces together. But only time would tell if they’d be able to trust each other. Extending his hand out toward her, he speaks in a low bass-baritone voice… “Doctor Jones, I am Cassius Jamison Hale of New Orleans, but you can call me Cass…”
Ali always knew she wanted to follow in her grandfather's famous footsteps. Who wouldn't, when you grew up listening to the adventures of Dr. Indiana Jones firsthand? As a young child, she remembered hiding out in his study, wearing his old beloved hat. She used to jump from his desk to his overstuffed chair, pretending that a massive boulder was chasing her before she'd jump onto a pile of pillows below just in time.
Then, when she was 7 years old, both of her parents died in a car crash, and so Ali was raised by the only person left she loved. In school, she was bored and struggled to focus on her lessons, instead wanting to learn more about the different lands Indy had been to and the history behind his many artifacts cluttered around his study. As she grew, so did her love and talent of linguistics and photography. Once she graduated high school, her grandfather gifted her her own version of his favorite whip and took her to Brazil on an excursion through the Amazon. It was exploring an underwater cave that Ali found out she in fact, did NOT like dark, enclosed spaces. At least it was less embarrassing than Indy's disgust with snakes.
After Ali graduated from Hunter College, she took a position as a museum curator and translator. Which brings her to today. She was browsing around Indy's old journals and came across one she hadn't read since she was a child. A journal from an archaeologist from over 200 years ago, writing about his theories of the Lost City known as Atlantis. Upon his travels scuba diving near Puerto Rico, right on the corner of the Bermuda Triangle, he came across a token with an unknown dialect. His theories led him to believe this token was from Atlantis, and had something to do with the supernatural happenings of the City. Only problem was that he had no way of translating it. Now, Ali was always fascinated with Atlantis as a child, and Indy never discouraged her or her ideas, however wild they may seem.
Now here she was in Miami, on hiatus from work at the museum. The token and an old map safely tucked into her bag as she finally secured a table at the cafe. She was dressed as a local, not a scientist; her maxi dress hitting her ankles with every burst of wind coming in from the ocean. She had just ordered her lunch when a man came up to her table claiming they were looking for the same thing. "Excuse me?" she asked, wary of this stranger. It was then he introduced himself and she noticed the map in his other hand. Ali gestured to the empty seat in front of her. "Alright, Cass, enlighten me."
Then, when she was 7 years old, both of her parents died in a car crash, and so Ali was raised by the only person left she loved. In school, she was bored and struggled to focus on her lessons, instead wanting to learn more about the different lands Indy had been to and the history behind his many artifacts cluttered around his study. As she grew, so did her love and talent of linguistics and photography. Once she graduated high school, her grandfather gifted her her own version of his favorite whip and took her to Brazil on an excursion through the Amazon. It was exploring an underwater cave that Ali found out she in fact, did NOT like dark, enclosed spaces. At least it was less embarrassing than Indy's disgust with snakes.
After Ali graduated from Hunter College, she took a position as a museum curator and translator. Which brings her to today. She was browsing around Indy's old journals and came across one she hadn't read since she was a child. A journal from an archaeologist from over 200 years ago, writing about his theories of the Lost City known as Atlantis. Upon his travels scuba diving near Puerto Rico, right on the corner of the Bermuda Triangle, he came across a token with an unknown dialect. His theories led him to believe this token was from Atlantis, and had something to do with the supernatural happenings of the City. Only problem was that he had no way of translating it. Now, Ali was always fascinated with Atlantis as a child, and Indy never discouraged her or her ideas, however wild they may seem.
Now here she was in Miami, on hiatus from work at the museum. The token and an old map safely tucked into her bag as she finally secured a table at the cafe. She was dressed as a local, not a scientist; her maxi dress hitting her ankles with every burst of wind coming in from the ocean. She had just ordered her lunch when a man came up to her table claiming they were looking for the same thing. "Excuse me?" she asked, wary of this stranger. It was then he introduced himself and she noticed the map in his other hand. Ali gestured to the empty seat in front of her. "Alright, Cass, enlighten me."
Cass had noticed her vane of incognito… and smiled watching the ocean breeze tousle the hem of the woman’s maxi dress. Though verily, she looked like she belonged here… natural, grounded… yet something about her posture told him she wasn’t quite as relaxed as she appeared. His eyes scanned the scene, the sea of people lost in their own worlds, but when he saw her… Dr. Alison Jones… his instincts kicked in. She had the look of someone who knew something, someone who was chasing a mystery.
Before this, Cass had spent the last few days in Miami, piecing together the final parts of a puzzle that had been haunting him for years. The map he carried, tucked carefully in his jacket, pointed to something far greater than a mere legend. Atlantis. He’d followed a trail of cryptic messages, ancient tokens, and clues scattered across the globe, but now it all pointed here… to Miami… one step closer… then to his amazement, to find THIS particular woman, simply sitting alone at a café table, Her bag… most likely, holding the very same key to the mystery he’d been chasing. What were the chances, eh?
His heart beat with a familiar mix of excitement and suspicion. She looked up from her menu, her expression shifting from curiosity to caution. She asked her question with a tone that suggested more disbelief than inquiry, and Cass couldn't help but smile slightly.
“Excuse me?” Her voice was wary, but it was the kind of wary that came with intelligence, the kind that made him curious.
Cass lowered himself into the seat across from her without hesitation, nor invitation, pulling the map from under his jacket. He placed it on the table between them, leaning forward slightly, his eyes meeting hers with a glimmer… sated recognition. Not a coincidence. He could feel it.
His voice smooth, but with an undercurrent of urgency. He gestured to the map, letting her absorb the details for a moment. “I think we’re both after the same thing.” He paused, looked around for people paying more attention than they should, then watching her reactions closely, he speaks even softer. “You’re chasing Atlantis, aren’t you?”
The words hung in the air, a quiet challenge, a dare almost. He could see the flicker of something in her eyes… recognition… disbelief. She had to know it was no coincidence they were both here, that fate had placed them in the same café, with the same goal in mind.
Cass leaned back slightly, his hand brushing over the map, waiting for her to make the first move. He wasn’t about to rush her, not yet. She’d been looking for answers, just like him. He could sense it.
“Alright, Cass, enlighten me,” she said, her voice now more curious than wary.
He smirked, leaning forward just a little more, excitement creeping into his voice. “You’ve got something I’ve been searching for… a token, right? … or a symbol, maybe? Looks like a foreign dialect, something that didn’t belong in this world.” He paused and breathed to vacate his excitement… “Well, it belongs to Atlantis, or at least, that’s the… the deduction I have… um... the theory. But it’s not just about the city. It’s about what happened there… what it was before it sank. What the gods left behind.”
He watched her, gauging her response, waiting for the next step in this unexpected partnership.
Before this, Cass had spent the last few days in Miami, piecing together the final parts of a puzzle that had been haunting him for years. The map he carried, tucked carefully in his jacket, pointed to something far greater than a mere legend. Atlantis. He’d followed a trail of cryptic messages, ancient tokens, and clues scattered across the globe, but now it all pointed here… to Miami… one step closer… then to his amazement, to find THIS particular woman, simply sitting alone at a café table, Her bag… most likely, holding the very same key to the mystery he’d been chasing. What were the chances, eh?
His heart beat with a familiar mix of excitement and suspicion. She looked up from her menu, her expression shifting from curiosity to caution. She asked her question with a tone that suggested more disbelief than inquiry, and Cass couldn't help but smile slightly.
“Excuse me?” Her voice was wary, but it was the kind of wary that came with intelligence, the kind that made him curious.
Cass lowered himself into the seat across from her without hesitation, nor invitation, pulling the map from under his jacket. He placed it on the table between them, leaning forward slightly, his eyes meeting hers with a glimmer… sated recognition. Not a coincidence. He could feel it.
His voice smooth, but with an undercurrent of urgency. He gestured to the map, letting her absorb the details for a moment. “I think we’re both after the same thing.” He paused, looked around for people paying more attention than they should, then watching her reactions closely, he speaks even softer. “You’re chasing Atlantis, aren’t you?”
The words hung in the air, a quiet challenge, a dare almost. He could see the flicker of something in her eyes… recognition… disbelief. She had to know it was no coincidence they were both here, that fate had placed them in the same café, with the same goal in mind.
Cass leaned back slightly, his hand brushing over the map, waiting for her to make the first move. He wasn’t about to rush her, not yet. She’d been looking for answers, just like him. He could sense it.
“Alright, Cass, enlighten me,” she said, her voice now more curious than wary.
He smirked, leaning forward just a little more, excitement creeping into his voice. “You’ve got something I’ve been searching for… a token, right? … or a symbol, maybe? Looks like a foreign dialect, something that didn’t belong in this world.” He paused and breathed to vacate his excitement… “Well, it belongs to Atlantis, or at least, that’s the… the deduction I have… um... the theory. But it’s not just about the city. It’s about what happened there… what it was before it sank. What the gods left behind.”
He watched her, gauging her response, waiting for the next step in this unexpected partnership.
Alison eyed this stranger in front of her, this Cassius, as he sat down and voiced words she certainly wasn't expecting to hear out loud. About Atlantis. The very place she had planned and theorized endlessly over the past few months, ever since she found that journal. "How did you--" she started before she caught herself. Her hand twitched towards her bag containing the token and journal, the clues to help guide her. How did he know about that?
As he presented the map, she hesitated slightly before finally reaching for it. Her curiosity definitely got the best of her in this moment. If what Cass said was true...if this map was legit, then not only was this whole trip actually evidence that she wasn't insane, but it also meant Cass was after the same thing. What were the odds of that? Ali began to unfold the map, pausing only to press it against her when the waiter came back to the table to drop off her coffee before he left. She gave Cass a small smile as she continued her careful handling of the map. "Can I ask where you found it?" she asked softly, her eyes finally gazing upon it.
As he presented the map, she hesitated slightly before finally reaching for it. Her curiosity definitely got the best of her in this moment. If what Cass said was true...if this map was legit, then not only was this whole trip actually evidence that she wasn't insane, but it also meant Cass was after the same thing. What were the odds of that? Ali began to unfold the map, pausing only to press it against her when the waiter came back to the table to drop off her coffee before he left. She gave Cass a small smile as she continued her careful handling of the map. "Can I ask where you found it?" she asked softly, her eyes finally gazing upon it.
Cass leaned back in his chair, watching Alison closely as she carefully unfolded the map, her fingers grazing its edges with tentative curiosity. He could see her mind working… shifting between disbelief and excitement. He’d known she wouldn’t expect this. He didn’t expect it either, but sometimes the pieces of a mystery fall into place, whether you’re ready or not.
Her question caught him off guard, though. “How did you...? Can I ask where you found it?" she asked, her voice trailing off. Cass could sense the hesitation in her, the flicker of doubt mixed with intrigue. She was already trying to piece things together, wondering how he knew so much.
He could feel her hand move toward her bag instinctively, as if she were checking for the token and journal he knew she kept close. He smiled inwardly. Of course, she was protective of them… those artifacts were her breadcrumbs, her guide through the mystery. But the way she handled the map... that was something else. She wasn’t just looking at it. She was feeling it, sensing the significance.
Cass watched as the waiter dropped off her coffee, his eyes never leaving her as she continued with her careful handling of the map. The air between them was thick with the weight of their shared purpose. He could tell she wasn’t sure whether to trust him yet, but her curiosity had already pulled her in, the same way it always did for him. This was the moment when things would either click or break apart.
When she asked where he’d found the map, Cass took a slow breath. Where did he begin? He could tell her the whole truth… the map was from the London Museum, hidden away in a backroom where only a handful of people had even seen it. But saying that would open a whole new world of questions, and he didn’t want to seem like some shadow lurking just behind her, watching her every move.
Instead, he leaned in just slightly, his voice lowering as if the story was one that could only be shared in trust. “I found it in London,” he began, eyes scanning hers for any sign of recognition. “It was tucked away in a collection, all but forgotten, along with some... other artifacts. It didn’t belong with the rest of the museum’s collection, so I knew there had to be something more. Something no one wanted to talk about.”
The truth, though... Cass thought, …is that I saw you there, too. But not in a way that makes me sound like a stalker. He left that part out for now.
“I’m guessing you’ve been looking for the same answers I’ve been chasing,” he continued, keeping his tone even, careful. “Atlantis... it’s more than just a legend. It’s something real. And the question is…. what really happened to it?” He paused, watching her expression as she digested his words. “I think we both know the myths are just the surface. We’re both after what lies beneath.”
To test her trust… he proffered a bit more information…
He wanted to give her more… tell her about the strange artifact he'd discovered, about the strange power connected to it… but it felt too soon. She was still figuring out if he was just another treasure hunter or if they were on the same side. Cass waited for her to speak, knowing that the next words between them would be crucial.
Cass watched as Alison’s eyes flicked over the old map he’d acquired. She moved with precision, almost like she was solving a puzzle, the way her gaze moved from one detail to another. There was a sharpness to her that he hadn’t fully appreciated before, a natural intellect that matched his own instincts for discovery. She might be smarter than I thought, he mused, but there was something else in her… something he couldn't quite put his finger on. It was more than just academic curiosity; it was a fire in her eyes that mirrored his own obsession.
He noticed the subtle shift in her expression when her fingers landed on a particular line of coordinates on the map… and he put his finger on the map… near a place where the shipwrecks had been concentrated, just beyond the edges of the Bermuda Triangle. He smirked, watching her process the information.
“Here… This is it,” he said, his voice steady, but his heart was pounding in his chest. “This is the path. We’re not just chasing ghosts here. Atlantis is real... and it’s waiting for us to find it. We just need to find the area where the shipwrecks are… but which particular shipwreck… is the question.”
His words hung in the air, heavier than they seemed, and he felt that familiar pull in his gut, the feeling of something bigger at play. Destiny, or perhaps just sheer determination, had a way of leading him to moments like these.
Cass leaned forward, tapping the blueprint with his finger as he continued. “We need to head to Puerto Rico. Just off the coast. It’s the closest landmass near where the ruins are supposed to be. I’ve pinpointed a shipwreck near the coordinates…. the one that should have the key to everything. There’s a wreck out there… The Valkyrie… and it sank right around the time Atlantis was believed to have disappeared. It could be where we start.”
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle between them. This was it. The beginning of a journey neither of them could predict, but one that would change everything.
Cass glanced up, meeting her eyes, but there was a flicker of skepticism there, and it made him chuckle softly. “I know you probably think I’m full of it. Believe me, I’m used to the doubt. But look at the map. We have a lead. And this? This isn’t some wild goose chase. We’re onto something real.”
He leaned back, his gaze steady. “I’ll admit… this isn’t a solo mission. We’re partners in this now. So, what do you say?” He let the question hang in the air, knowing that whatever her answer was, it would push them both forward into the unknown.
“Ready to dive into the unknown?” The emphasis on Dive… Cass added with a grin, knowing full well that the real adventure was only just beginning… and they needed to dive… “I will need to contact my guide in San Juan... Zeke Armstrong… he has a boat…”
Her question caught him off guard, though. “How did you...? Can I ask where you found it?" she asked, her voice trailing off. Cass could sense the hesitation in her, the flicker of doubt mixed with intrigue. She was already trying to piece things together, wondering how he knew so much.
He could feel her hand move toward her bag instinctively, as if she were checking for the token and journal he knew she kept close. He smiled inwardly. Of course, she was protective of them… those artifacts were her breadcrumbs, her guide through the mystery. But the way she handled the map... that was something else. She wasn’t just looking at it. She was feeling it, sensing the significance.
Cass watched as the waiter dropped off her coffee, his eyes never leaving her as she continued with her careful handling of the map. The air between them was thick with the weight of their shared purpose. He could tell she wasn’t sure whether to trust him yet, but her curiosity had already pulled her in, the same way it always did for him. This was the moment when things would either click or break apart.
When she asked where he’d found the map, Cass took a slow breath. Where did he begin? He could tell her the whole truth… the map was from the London Museum, hidden away in a backroom where only a handful of people had even seen it. But saying that would open a whole new world of questions, and he didn’t want to seem like some shadow lurking just behind her, watching her every move.
Instead, he leaned in just slightly, his voice lowering as if the story was one that could only be shared in trust. “I found it in London,” he began, eyes scanning hers for any sign of recognition. “It was tucked away in a collection, all but forgotten, along with some... other artifacts. It didn’t belong with the rest of the museum’s collection, so I knew there had to be something more. Something no one wanted to talk about.”
The truth, though... Cass thought, …is that I saw you there, too. But not in a way that makes me sound like a stalker. He left that part out for now.
“I’m guessing you’ve been looking for the same answers I’ve been chasing,” he continued, keeping his tone even, careful. “Atlantis... it’s more than just a legend. It’s something real. And the question is…. what really happened to it?” He paused, watching her expression as she digested his words. “I think we both know the myths are just the surface. We’re both after what lies beneath.”
To test her trust… he proffered a bit more information…
He wanted to give her more… tell her about the strange artifact he'd discovered, about the strange power connected to it… but it felt too soon. She was still figuring out if he was just another treasure hunter or if they were on the same side. Cass waited for her to speak, knowing that the next words between them would be crucial.
Cass watched as Alison’s eyes flicked over the old map he’d acquired. She moved with precision, almost like she was solving a puzzle, the way her gaze moved from one detail to another. There was a sharpness to her that he hadn’t fully appreciated before, a natural intellect that matched his own instincts for discovery. She might be smarter than I thought, he mused, but there was something else in her… something he couldn't quite put his finger on. It was more than just academic curiosity; it was a fire in her eyes that mirrored his own obsession.
He noticed the subtle shift in her expression when her fingers landed on a particular line of coordinates on the map… and he put his finger on the map… near a place where the shipwrecks had been concentrated, just beyond the edges of the Bermuda Triangle. He smirked, watching her process the information.
“Here… This is it,” he said, his voice steady, but his heart was pounding in his chest. “This is the path. We’re not just chasing ghosts here. Atlantis is real... and it’s waiting for us to find it. We just need to find the area where the shipwrecks are… but which particular shipwreck… is the question.”
His words hung in the air, heavier than they seemed, and he felt that familiar pull in his gut, the feeling of something bigger at play. Destiny, or perhaps just sheer determination, had a way of leading him to moments like these.
Cass leaned forward, tapping the blueprint with his finger as he continued. “We need to head to Puerto Rico. Just off the coast. It’s the closest landmass near where the ruins are supposed to be. I’ve pinpointed a shipwreck near the coordinates…. the one that should have the key to everything. There’s a wreck out there… The Valkyrie… and it sank right around the time Atlantis was believed to have disappeared. It could be where we start.”
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle between them. This was it. The beginning of a journey neither of them could predict, but one that would change everything.
Cass glanced up, meeting her eyes, but there was a flicker of skepticism there, and it made him chuckle softly. “I know you probably think I’m full of it. Believe me, I’m used to the doubt. But look at the map. We have a lead. And this? This isn’t some wild goose chase. We’re onto something real.”
He leaned back, his gaze steady. “I’ll admit… this isn’t a solo mission. We’re partners in this now. So, what do you say?” He let the question hang in the air, knowing that whatever her answer was, it would push them both forward into the unknown.
“Ready to dive into the unknown?” The emphasis on Dive… Cass added with a grin, knowing full well that the real adventure was only just beginning… and they needed to dive… “I will need to contact my guide in San Juan... Zeke Armstrong… he has a boat…”
Ali kept her eyes glued to the map, gingerly following some lines and coordinates that stood out. When Cass mentioned London, her eyes flicked up to meet his in surprise before she continued to study the map. She tested the paper between her fingers, every faded and worn out area of interest, the edges that curled with age. Ali had spent her whole life around maps, around artifacts both real and claiming to be real. This map here was authentic.
When Cass verified the shipwreck, the very one mentioned in that journal she kept on her person, a feeling of validation spread through Ali. She knew it. "Shit..." she whispered. Her smile widened slowly as it all sunk in. This wasn't some wild goose chase. Eventually, Ali carefully handed the map back to Cass, albeit with a tiny bit of hesitation to give it up. To keep her thoughts from spinning, she reached for her coffee, letting the slightly sweetened liquid ground her. "Partners, hmm?" she muttered softly. Once again her eyes were on Cass. He seemed trustworthy and that he wasn't in this adventure to gain fame or money. In fact, he seemed just as obsessed as she was.
Ali reached for her phone, and after waiting for it to ring, she sat up as the person the other line answered. She quickly spoke in Spanish to the other line, sending Cass a reassuring smile. If he knew Spanish, or even just a couple words, he'd recognize the words "amigo" "avion" "San Juan" and "ahora mismo". It took only a couple minutes before she hung up and leaned in towards the table. An excited twinkle appeared in her eyes as she announced: "We have a ride to San Juan...need to be at the airway within the hour for our flight. Ready, partner?"
When Cass verified the shipwreck, the very one mentioned in that journal she kept on her person, a feeling of validation spread through Ali. She knew it. "Shit..." she whispered. Her smile widened slowly as it all sunk in. This wasn't some wild goose chase. Eventually, Ali carefully handed the map back to Cass, albeit with a tiny bit of hesitation to give it up. To keep her thoughts from spinning, she reached for her coffee, letting the slightly sweetened liquid ground her. "Partners, hmm?" she muttered softly. Once again her eyes were on Cass. He seemed trustworthy and that he wasn't in this adventure to gain fame or money. In fact, he seemed just as obsessed as she was.
Ali reached for her phone, and after waiting for it to ring, she sat up as the person the other line answered. She quickly spoke in Spanish to the other line, sending Cass a reassuring smile. If he knew Spanish, or even just a couple words, he'd recognize the words "amigo" "avion" "San Juan" and "ahora mismo". It took only a couple minutes before she hung up and leaned in towards the table. An excited twinkle appeared in her eyes as she announced: "We have a ride to San Juan...need to be at the airway within the hour for our flight. Ready, partner?"
Cass watched Alison closely as she processed the map, her eyes flicking from the lines and coordinates to him, and he could see it… the recognition. She had found it too, the same connection he'd seen between the shipwreck and the journal. The pieces were falling into place.
Her reaction… a whispered "Shit"… made him smile, a quiet confirmation that she was just as hooked as he was. This wasn’t some wild goose chase. It was the pursuit of something that had eluded scholars and adventurers for centuries… Atlantis. And it was right there, within their grasp.
As Alison handed the map back to him, Cass carefully folded it and tucked it into his jacket. He noticed the hesitation in her fingers, the reluctance to let go of something that had become her obsession as much as his. A small gesture, but it was enough. He understood that feeling too well… it wasn’t just a map; it was the key to everything.
Her smile widened, and he saw the shift in her, the resolve taking root. "Partners, hmm?" she muttered softly, her eyes meeting his with a new energy. Cass didn’t respond immediately, instead letting the weight of the word hang between them. This was more than just a partnership for the journey ahead; it was the beginning of something bigger, something neither of them could walk away from. They were both chasing the same thing, not for fame or fortune, but for the truth.
Cass watched as Alison picked up her phone and spoke in Spanish. He didn’t need to understand the conversation… but yeah, he did though… speaking the language, as well as 7, maybe eight other languages as well as 6 ancient and dead languages… but he pretended, for the moment... not to know that she was making plans… he could hear the urgency in her voice. His pulse quickened; this wasn’t just idle chatter. This was real.
She hung up, and with a twinkle in her eye, she leaned forward. "We have a ride to San Juan… " she said, excitement bubbling just beneath the surface. "… need to be at the airway within the hour for our flight. Ready, partner?"
Cass’s grin spread wide across his face, matching her excitement. This was it. The chase was on, and they weren’t turning back. “Always ready,” he replied, his voice calm but carrying the thrill of anticipation. “Let’s get to San Juan, partner. Atlantis isn’t going to wait for us.”
The drive to the airport was quick. As they settled into a taxi, Cass’s mind started to race ahead. This wasn’t just about getting on a plane. This was about what came next. Reaching into his satchel, he pulled out his satellite phone, his fingers brushing the worn leather as he dialed the number he knew all too well. The phone hummed to life, and as he leaned back, his thoughts shifted to Zeke.
The call rang a few times before Zeke’s gravelly voice came through, grounding him immediately. “Yeah?” Zeke’s voice crackled, always familiar, always steady.
“It’s me,” Cass replied, keeping his tone authoritative. But Zeke only responded “Duh… who else calls from this unlisted number…” “Yeah right! Listen, we’ve got a flight to San Juan. Private aircraft. Be there in less than two hours.” He paused, giving Zeke a moment to process before continuing. “You need to get the boat, diving gear, and supplies ready. We’re heading out...”
Zeke’s silence on the other end of the line was telling, but Cass wasn’t about to elaborate further. He knew better. Zeke didn’t need the full story over the phone, not yet. “Keep it tight,” Zeke responded. “Fill me in when ya get here. But trust me, it’ll get done.” Zeke’s grunted words on the other end was unmistakable. The soldier knew better than to ask questions, especially when Cass was calling on him to prepare for something big. Cass could already hear the sound of him moving in the background.
Cass smiled, hanging up. He tucked the phone back into his bag and glanced at Alison, who was already packing her things with determination. There was no hesitation in her movements, no second thoughts. They were both in this. And Cass knew, without a doubt, that they were on the right track.
As they neared the airport, Cass’s thoughts shifted again, this time to the broader picture. Fortune hunters. Greed. It was inevitable. They weren’t the only ones chasing Atlantis. Others would be following, watching, tracking their every move. It wasn’t just about uncovering the secrets of the lost city anymore. It was about keeping it out of the wrong hands.
The streetlights flickered as the taxi pulled into the airport. Cass’s gaze flicked briefly to the street cameras positioned at strategic corners. The game’s changed, he thought. They don’t just follow you on foot anymore... They track your every move.
The familiar prickle of danger ran down his spine, but he didn’t voice his thoughts. There was no need to alarm Alison. Yet. But the shadowy figures lurking behind technology… the fortune hunters, the corporations, the greedy opportunists… were always a step behind, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Cass would have to stay ahead, protect the truth, and keep his eyes open.
The taxi came to a halt, and he opened the door for Alison, his thoughts focused on what lay ahead. This wasn’t just about Atlantis anymore. It never had been. It was about keeping it safe. And that, Cass knew, would be the hardest part of all.
Her reaction… a whispered "Shit"… made him smile, a quiet confirmation that she was just as hooked as he was. This wasn’t some wild goose chase. It was the pursuit of something that had eluded scholars and adventurers for centuries… Atlantis. And it was right there, within their grasp.
As Alison handed the map back to him, Cass carefully folded it and tucked it into his jacket. He noticed the hesitation in her fingers, the reluctance to let go of something that had become her obsession as much as his. A small gesture, but it was enough. He understood that feeling too well… it wasn’t just a map; it was the key to everything.
Her smile widened, and he saw the shift in her, the resolve taking root. "Partners, hmm?" she muttered softly, her eyes meeting his with a new energy. Cass didn’t respond immediately, instead letting the weight of the word hang between them. This was more than just a partnership for the journey ahead; it was the beginning of something bigger, something neither of them could walk away from. They were both chasing the same thing, not for fame or fortune, but for the truth.
Cass watched as Alison picked up her phone and spoke in Spanish. He didn’t need to understand the conversation… but yeah, he did though… speaking the language, as well as 7, maybe eight other languages as well as 6 ancient and dead languages… but he pretended, for the moment... not to know that she was making plans… he could hear the urgency in her voice. His pulse quickened; this wasn’t just idle chatter. This was real.
She hung up, and with a twinkle in her eye, she leaned forward. "We have a ride to San Juan… " she said, excitement bubbling just beneath the surface. "… need to be at the airway within the hour for our flight. Ready, partner?"
Cass’s grin spread wide across his face, matching her excitement. This was it. The chase was on, and they weren’t turning back. “Always ready,” he replied, his voice calm but carrying the thrill of anticipation. “Let’s get to San Juan, partner. Atlantis isn’t going to wait for us.”
The drive to the airport was quick. As they settled into a taxi, Cass’s mind started to race ahead. This wasn’t just about getting on a plane. This was about what came next. Reaching into his satchel, he pulled out his satellite phone, his fingers brushing the worn leather as he dialed the number he knew all too well. The phone hummed to life, and as he leaned back, his thoughts shifted to Zeke.
The call rang a few times before Zeke’s gravelly voice came through, grounding him immediately. “Yeah?” Zeke’s voice crackled, always familiar, always steady.
“It’s me,” Cass replied, keeping his tone authoritative. But Zeke only responded “Duh… who else calls from this unlisted number…” “Yeah right! Listen, we’ve got a flight to San Juan. Private aircraft. Be there in less than two hours.” He paused, giving Zeke a moment to process before continuing. “You need to get the boat, diving gear, and supplies ready. We’re heading out...”
Zeke’s silence on the other end of the line was telling, but Cass wasn’t about to elaborate further. He knew better. Zeke didn’t need the full story over the phone, not yet. “Keep it tight,” Zeke responded. “Fill me in when ya get here. But trust me, it’ll get done.” Zeke’s grunted words on the other end was unmistakable. The soldier knew better than to ask questions, especially when Cass was calling on him to prepare for something big. Cass could already hear the sound of him moving in the background.
Cass smiled, hanging up. He tucked the phone back into his bag and glanced at Alison, who was already packing her things with determination. There was no hesitation in her movements, no second thoughts. They were both in this. And Cass knew, without a doubt, that they were on the right track.
As they neared the airport, Cass’s thoughts shifted again, this time to the broader picture. Fortune hunters. Greed. It was inevitable. They weren’t the only ones chasing Atlantis. Others would be following, watching, tracking their every move. It wasn’t just about uncovering the secrets of the lost city anymore. It was about keeping it out of the wrong hands.
The streetlights flickered as the taxi pulled into the airport. Cass’s gaze flicked briefly to the street cameras positioned at strategic corners. The game’s changed, he thought. They don’t just follow you on foot anymore... They track your every move.
The familiar prickle of danger ran down his spine, but he didn’t voice his thoughts. There was no need to alarm Alison. Yet. But the shadowy figures lurking behind technology… the fortune hunters, the corporations, the greedy opportunists… were always a step behind, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Cass would have to stay ahead, protect the truth, and keep his eyes open.
The taxi came to a halt, and he opened the door for Alison, his thoughts focused on what lay ahead. This wasn’t just about Atlantis anymore. It never had been. It was about keeping it safe. And that, Cass knew, would be the hardest part of all.
Throughout packing all her supplies and bags, Ali's mind was in a buzz with excitement. She still couldn't believe the odds of being at the right place, the same exact location where another explorer had found her, who had plans to go on the same exact adventure as she had. While she could, she took a quick moment to change out of the brightly colored dress and sandals into something more fitting and comfortable for trekking through Puerto Rico; pants with pockets a plenty, and a loose tank top in a pretty blue color. Around her waist was a large flannel shirt. On her feet were dependable sneakers.
She packed the taxi with her supplies, but decided to keep her camera bag on her person. Ali's fingers drummed slightly on the bag as they headed to the airport. She had tried not to eavesdrop too much on Cass's phone conversation with his colleague on the other line, but had to let out a smirk or two. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye curiously. If they were to be partners in this trip, she'd have to get to know who Cass and Zeke are, and trust them without a doubt...and they'd have to do the same with her.
Once at the airport, Ali gave Cass a smile when he opened the door for her. "Thanks," she said before she turned her attention to the waiting pilot standing next to his jet, a small aircraft with faded yellow and black stripes. "Andres!" After gathering all their things, Ali made the introductions. "Andres, this is Cass Hale. Cass," she turned to her partner. "This is Andres Moreno. I've known him forever...and this," she gave the jet a fond pat. "...is Avispa." Andres nodded his head to Cass before muttering a question in Spanish to Ali, which made her sputter and quickly reach over to nudge her elbow into his side. "No!" she answered, exasperated, which just made the pilot chuckle.
Alison rolled her eyes and looked at Cass. "Ignore him. Let's get out of here..." She gently packed her things into the cargo of the jet, once again, opting to keep her camera bag with her. As they settled into the cramped seats and adjusted the headpieces, she gave Cass a grin. "Let's go!"
She packed the taxi with her supplies, but decided to keep her camera bag on her person. Ali's fingers drummed slightly on the bag as they headed to the airport. She had tried not to eavesdrop too much on Cass's phone conversation with his colleague on the other line, but had to let out a smirk or two. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye curiously. If they were to be partners in this trip, she'd have to get to know who Cass and Zeke are, and trust them without a doubt...and they'd have to do the same with her.
Once at the airport, Ali gave Cass a smile when he opened the door for her. "Thanks," she said before she turned her attention to the waiting pilot standing next to his jet, a small aircraft with faded yellow and black stripes. "Andres!" After gathering all their things, Ali made the introductions. "Andres, this is Cass Hale. Cass," she turned to her partner. "This is Andres Moreno. I've known him forever...and this," she gave the jet a fond pat. "...is Avispa." Andres nodded his head to Cass before muttering a question in Spanish to Ali, which made her sputter and quickly reach over to nudge her elbow into his side. "No!" she answered, exasperated, which just made the pilot chuckle.
Alison rolled her eyes and looked at Cass. "Ignore him. Let's get out of here..." She gently packed her things into the cargo of the jet, once again, opting to keep her camera bag with her. As they settled into the cramped seats and adjusted the headpieces, she gave Cass a grin. "Let's go!"
Cass watched Alison move with an air of excitement, the kind of enthusiasm that was contagious even to someone as practiced in adventure as he was. As she changed into something more practical for the trek ahead, Cass couldn’t help but glance at her camera bag, his curiosity piqued. He’d already suspected she was no stranger to the field but seeing her so prepared reinforced that she was ready for this … maybe even more so than he was. He could already tell this wouldn’t be another casual partnership; Alison was a force to be reckoned with, just like her grandfather. The idea of sharing this adventure, however, felt oddly comforting.
As they loaded their gear into the taxi, Cass’s attention drifted back to the phone conversation with Zeke. He didn’t want to make it seem like he was hiding things from Alison, but some things were just better left unspoken for now. It wasn’t a matter of trust … not exactly … but the fewer people knew too much, the better. He could feel her eyes on him every so often, the curiosity in them clear. She was already trying to figure him out, just as he was doing with her.
Once they arrived at the airport, Cass opened the door for Alison, offering her a smile. “Anytime,” he said, his gaze shifting to the plane they were about to board. The small aircraft looked old, but Cass didn’t mind, he had been on worse … and that brought an unwarranted smile … it was a means to an end, and right now, the goal was to get to Puerto Rico.
When Alison greeted Andres, Cass raised an eyebrow at the casual familiarity. The pilot was older, with a rugged look about him that told Cass he’d been flying these kinds of trips for years. The introduction was warm, and Cass shook Andres’ hand. But it wasn’t long before he realized the two of them shared a history that went beyond just professional. Alison’s reaction to the pilot’s question… exasperated, yet amused… made him chuckle inwardly. The dynamics between the two of them were already clear: Alison had a sharp wit and a deep, comfortable connection with those she trusted. She was clearly used to people like Andres teasing her, and the ease between them made Cass feel like an outsider in the best way.
“Avispa, huh?” Cass said, glancing at the plane with mild amusement. “Looks like she’s seen a few years, but I’ve flown in worse.”
Alison rolled her eyes, but Cass couldn’t help but grin. “Ignore him. Let’s get out of here…” she said, and Cass followed her lead, lugging their gear toward the cargo hold. He noticed she kept the camera bag close, which made sense … if there was one thing Cass understood, it was the importance of the right tools when you’re chasing history.
As the engines roared to life, the plane started down the runway, and its eventual ascent, and Cass glanced over at Alison. “So,” he began, keeping his voice low to cut through the engine’s hum, “we’re not just looking for a lost city, right? It’s more than that. We both know it.”
He let that hang between them for a moment, his eyes fixed ahead. “You’ve been at this longer than I have. What’s driving you, Alison? Beyond the obvious … because I know it’s not just the history. You don’t just show up for some fame and fortune.” He was trying to get a read on her, of course, but also feeling the pull of their shared obsession. He needed to know … could she be trusted with the things he was about to uncover?
Takeoff seemed to last forever, and it lurched upward, figuring the pilot had pulled back on the yoke hard to gain required altitude. And the flight was adventurous as he had expected… and yes, a bit cramped, but Cass didn’t mind. He settled into his seat, adjusting the headgear with a quiet sigh. It wasn’t the comfort he was after.
Cass could see the subtle play of thoughts in her expression as she settled in, and as the plane continued its climb toward the sky, the world outside felt vast, full of possibility. They were heading into the unknown, into something that wasn’t just part of history … it was something alive. He could feel it deep in his bones. “Tell me something I don’t know, Alison,” Cass added, his voice softer now, almost thoughtful. “What’s the one thing you’re hoping to find when we reach the site?” He was after answers … about her.
As they loaded their gear into the taxi, Cass’s attention drifted back to the phone conversation with Zeke. He didn’t want to make it seem like he was hiding things from Alison, but some things were just better left unspoken for now. It wasn’t a matter of trust … not exactly … but the fewer people knew too much, the better. He could feel her eyes on him every so often, the curiosity in them clear. She was already trying to figure him out, just as he was doing with her.
Once they arrived at the airport, Cass opened the door for Alison, offering her a smile. “Anytime,” he said, his gaze shifting to the plane they were about to board. The small aircraft looked old, but Cass didn’t mind, he had been on worse … and that brought an unwarranted smile … it was a means to an end, and right now, the goal was to get to Puerto Rico.
When Alison greeted Andres, Cass raised an eyebrow at the casual familiarity. The pilot was older, with a rugged look about him that told Cass he’d been flying these kinds of trips for years. The introduction was warm, and Cass shook Andres’ hand. But it wasn’t long before he realized the two of them shared a history that went beyond just professional. Alison’s reaction to the pilot’s question… exasperated, yet amused… made him chuckle inwardly. The dynamics between the two of them were already clear: Alison had a sharp wit and a deep, comfortable connection with those she trusted. She was clearly used to people like Andres teasing her, and the ease between them made Cass feel like an outsider in the best way.
“Avispa, huh?” Cass said, glancing at the plane with mild amusement. “Looks like she’s seen a few years, but I’ve flown in worse.”
Alison rolled her eyes, but Cass couldn’t help but grin. “Ignore him. Let’s get out of here…” she said, and Cass followed her lead, lugging their gear toward the cargo hold. He noticed she kept the camera bag close, which made sense … if there was one thing Cass understood, it was the importance of the right tools when you’re chasing history.
As the engines roared to life, the plane started down the runway, and its eventual ascent, and Cass glanced over at Alison. “So,” he began, keeping his voice low to cut through the engine’s hum, “we’re not just looking for a lost city, right? It’s more than that. We both know it.”
He let that hang between them for a moment, his eyes fixed ahead. “You’ve been at this longer than I have. What’s driving you, Alison? Beyond the obvious … because I know it’s not just the history. You don’t just show up for some fame and fortune.” He was trying to get a read on her, of course, but also feeling the pull of their shared obsession. He needed to know … could she be trusted with the things he was about to uncover?
Takeoff seemed to last forever, and it lurched upward, figuring the pilot had pulled back on the yoke hard to gain required altitude. And the flight was adventurous as he had expected… and yes, a bit cramped, but Cass didn’t mind. He settled into his seat, adjusting the headgear with a quiet sigh. It wasn’t the comfort he was after.
Cass could see the subtle play of thoughts in her expression as she settled in, and as the plane continued its climb toward the sky, the world outside felt vast, full of possibility. They were heading into the unknown, into something that wasn’t just part of history … it was something alive. He could feel it deep in his bones. “Tell me something I don’t know, Alison,” Cass added, his voice softer now, almost thoughtful. “What’s the one thing you’re hoping to find when we reach the site?” He was after answers … about her.
Alison settled into her chair and had been listening to the low rumblings of Andres doing his flight checks, when Cass hit her with his questions. She turned her gaze to him as she thought about her answer, because he was completely right. She wasn't just going there for the history or just because she wanted to. Since they were partners now, he needed to know everything. "Yeah. It's more..." Her teeth caught a corner of her lip for a split second before she reached down to her messenger bag. "Can I show you something?" she asked softly. Ali's eyes quickly went towards the cockpit. She trusted Andres with her life and had known the pilot since childhood, but even he didn't know the extent of this trip.
In her bag, she reached inside for the journal. "I found this journal in my grandfather's study." Ali smoothed out the faded leather cover before carefully turning the fragile pages to a spot where she left a ribbon as a bookmark. "It's a journal from an archaeologist from over 200 years ago who found a token with Atlantis' dead language on it, while he went diving." The same wreck Ali and Cass were planning to explore. She leaned in closer and continued softly. "...but something doesn't add up. Look at the entries from when he first began compared to after he found the token...then look here." She flipped the pages until the journal was past its halfway point. The previous pages full of cramped, detailed writings eventually tapered out into what seemed like hurried rambling and scribbles before it ended abruptly. "It just...stops. Something weird happened. He keeps mentioning something supernatural...speaks of prophecies and curses."
Ali let out a deep breath. "Cass. I have that same token. I want to put it back where it belongs before it unleashes whatever powers it has." She passed the journal carefully over to him so he could have a better look at it. "I know it seems crazy. I feel crazy just saying it out loud." A small humorless chuckle came out of her lips before she ran a hand through her hair. "You know my story now...what's yours?"
In her bag, she reached inside for the journal. "I found this journal in my grandfather's study." Ali smoothed out the faded leather cover before carefully turning the fragile pages to a spot where she left a ribbon as a bookmark. "It's a journal from an archaeologist from over 200 years ago who found a token with Atlantis' dead language on it, while he went diving." The same wreck Ali and Cass were planning to explore. She leaned in closer and continued softly. "...but something doesn't add up. Look at the entries from when he first began compared to after he found the token...then look here." She flipped the pages until the journal was past its halfway point. The previous pages full of cramped, detailed writings eventually tapered out into what seemed like hurried rambling and scribbles before it ended abruptly. "It just...stops. Something weird happened. He keeps mentioning something supernatural...speaks of prophecies and curses."
Ali let out a deep breath. "Cass. I have that same token. I want to put it back where it belongs before it unleashes whatever powers it has." She passed the journal carefully over to him so he could have a better look at it. "I know it seems crazy. I feel crazy just saying it out loud." A small humorless chuckle came out of her lips before she ran a hand through her hair. "You know my story now...what's yours?"
Cass could tell by the way Alison shifted in her seat that his question had struck a chord. She was quiet for a moment, her gaze drifting out of the window as though she was weighing her words carefully. He leaned back in his seat, watching her as she processed everything, but the air between them was electric with anticipation. When she spoke, her voice was low and measured, but Cass could hear the weight in her words.
"Yeah. It's more..." she began, a slight hesitation in her voice. Then, almost as if on cue, she reached for her messenger bag, pulling it up to her lap. “Can I show you something?” she asked softly, glancing toward the cockpit as if to ensure Andres was focused on the flight.
Cass raised an eyebrow, intrigued but not surprised. Alison had been holding back, he could sense it. There was something deeper she wasn’t saying, something that wasn’t just about history or adventure. He nodded without hesitation. "Of course," he said, his voice quiet as he leaned in, giving her his full attention.
Ali’s fingers brushed the leather cover of the journal, and for a brief moment, Cass caught a glimpse of her vulnerability. The journal she pulled out seemed worn, its pages fraying with age, but there was something about it that felt important … much more than just an old book. As she carefully flipped through the pages, Cass could see the careful attention she paid to each turn, a reverence that told him this journal meant something more than just words on paper. When she stopped at the bookmarked spot, she leaned in closer, and Cass could feel the tension in the air as she spoke.
“It’s a journal from an archaeologist from over 200 years ago,” she said, her fingers tracing the pages as if the words themselves might reveal the truth. “He found a token with Atlantis’ dead language on it, while he went diving.” Cass’s interest piqued immediately. This wasn’t just another forgotten artifact … it was a direct connection to the very thing they were searching for.
She flipped the pages, showing him the text, the words cramped and meticulous, until the writing started to fall apart … hasty scribbles and rambling thoughts, before the journal abruptly ended. Cass leaned forward, absorbing the shift in the tone. There was no mistaking it. Something had happened … something unsettling. The mention of the supernatural, the curses, the prophecies.
Ali took a deep breath before she continued, her voice thick with urgency. "Cass. I have that same token. I want to put it back where it belongs before it unleashes whatever powers it has."
The gravity of her words hit him. She had it. Cass’s fingers tightened instinctively as he took the journal from her, his eyes scanning the pages once more. He’d known there was more to the story than just a simple lost city. But the journal … this journal … painted an entirely different picture. Whatever secrets this token held, it wasn’t just a relic. It was dangerous.
Ali’s words resonated in his mind as she continued, almost apologetic in tone. "I know it seems crazy. I feel crazy just saying it out loud."
Cass glanced up at her, studying her carefully. She seemed vulnerable for the first time, a crack in the tough exterior she’d built. He could see it in her eyes … this wasn’t just an intellectual pursuit for her anymore. This was personal. And she was scared.
His voice softened. "Crazy? No. I don't think it's crazy at all," he said, offering her a reassuring smile, though his own thoughts were clouded with uncertainty. The weight of the journey ahead was more than just about discovery now. It was about preventing something from being unleashed.
As she looked away, Cass felt the pull to answer her question. He couldn’t keep hiding from his own past. "You know my story now... what's yours?" she had asked.
He exhaled, shifting in his seat, the memories of his mother’s disappearance suddenly coming to the forefront. He had never shared the full truth with anyone … except his closest friend and ally, Zeke. But this was different. Alison had already shown him the depth of her commitment to the truth.
Cass leaned back in his seat, his gaze fixed on the seat in front of him as he chose his words carefully. "I was just a kid when my mother disappeared," he began, his voice quieter now.
"She was an archaeologist, just like us. She supposedly went missing while working in the Peruvian Andes. But no one ever found out what happened to her. My father tried to find her, but... well, you know how that goes." He let out a breath, trying to keep the emotion from creeping into his voice.
"That’s when I knew what I had to do. She was chasing something … something that could explain the world … and I promised I’d finish what she started."
His eyes shifted to her, a flicker of understanding passing between them. "I guess you could say we’re both after the same thing... finding answers. But with the wrong people on our tail... things are going to get more dangerous before they get better."
Cass offered a wry smile. "But like I said … I'm not in this for fame or fortune. I'm in it for the truth. Whatever it costs."
He paused, glancing back at the cockpit. The hum of the engines filled the silence between them. "So, what do you say, partner?" he asked, the word feeling more natural now. "We’ve got a long way to go."
"Yeah. It's more..." she began, a slight hesitation in her voice. Then, almost as if on cue, she reached for her messenger bag, pulling it up to her lap. “Can I show you something?” she asked softly, glancing toward the cockpit as if to ensure Andres was focused on the flight.
Cass raised an eyebrow, intrigued but not surprised. Alison had been holding back, he could sense it. There was something deeper she wasn’t saying, something that wasn’t just about history or adventure. He nodded without hesitation. "Of course," he said, his voice quiet as he leaned in, giving her his full attention.
Ali’s fingers brushed the leather cover of the journal, and for a brief moment, Cass caught a glimpse of her vulnerability. The journal she pulled out seemed worn, its pages fraying with age, but there was something about it that felt important … much more than just an old book. As she carefully flipped through the pages, Cass could see the careful attention she paid to each turn, a reverence that told him this journal meant something more than just words on paper. When she stopped at the bookmarked spot, she leaned in closer, and Cass could feel the tension in the air as she spoke.
“It’s a journal from an archaeologist from over 200 years ago,” she said, her fingers tracing the pages as if the words themselves might reveal the truth. “He found a token with Atlantis’ dead language on it, while he went diving.” Cass’s interest piqued immediately. This wasn’t just another forgotten artifact … it was a direct connection to the very thing they were searching for.
She flipped the pages, showing him the text, the words cramped and meticulous, until the writing started to fall apart … hasty scribbles and rambling thoughts, before the journal abruptly ended. Cass leaned forward, absorbing the shift in the tone. There was no mistaking it. Something had happened … something unsettling. The mention of the supernatural, the curses, the prophecies.
Ali took a deep breath before she continued, her voice thick with urgency. "Cass. I have that same token. I want to put it back where it belongs before it unleashes whatever powers it has."
The gravity of her words hit him. She had it. Cass’s fingers tightened instinctively as he took the journal from her, his eyes scanning the pages once more. He’d known there was more to the story than just a simple lost city. But the journal … this journal … painted an entirely different picture. Whatever secrets this token held, it wasn’t just a relic. It was dangerous.
Ali’s words resonated in his mind as she continued, almost apologetic in tone. "I know it seems crazy. I feel crazy just saying it out loud."
Cass glanced up at her, studying her carefully. She seemed vulnerable for the first time, a crack in the tough exterior she’d built. He could see it in her eyes … this wasn’t just an intellectual pursuit for her anymore. This was personal. And she was scared.
His voice softened. "Crazy? No. I don't think it's crazy at all," he said, offering her a reassuring smile, though his own thoughts were clouded with uncertainty. The weight of the journey ahead was more than just about discovery now. It was about preventing something from being unleashed.
As she looked away, Cass felt the pull to answer her question. He couldn’t keep hiding from his own past. "You know my story now... what's yours?" she had asked.
He exhaled, shifting in his seat, the memories of his mother’s disappearance suddenly coming to the forefront. He had never shared the full truth with anyone … except his closest friend and ally, Zeke. But this was different. Alison had already shown him the depth of her commitment to the truth.
Cass leaned back in his seat, his gaze fixed on the seat in front of him as he chose his words carefully. "I was just a kid when my mother disappeared," he began, his voice quieter now.
"She was an archaeologist, just like us. She supposedly went missing while working in the Peruvian Andes. But no one ever found out what happened to her. My father tried to find her, but... well, you know how that goes." He let out a breath, trying to keep the emotion from creeping into his voice.
"That’s when I knew what I had to do. She was chasing something … something that could explain the world … and I promised I’d finish what she started."
His eyes shifted to her, a flicker of understanding passing between them. "I guess you could say we’re both after the same thing... finding answers. But with the wrong people on our tail... things are going to get more dangerous before they get better."
Cass offered a wry smile. "But like I said … I'm not in this for fame or fortune. I'm in it for the truth. Whatever it costs."
He paused, glancing back at the cockpit. The hum of the engines filled the silence between them. "So, what do you say, partner?" he asked, the word feeling more natural now. "We’ve got a long way to go."
Now that Alison had uttered her plans and fears out loud, to someone she'd just met, she felt a little lighter. Like a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Who could understand more than her grandfather, and her new partner? ...and Ali was grateful that Cass hadn't scoffed at her or shut down her thoughts. He'd listened attentively, reassured her she wasn't insane. She nodded, a small smile on her face and carefully packed the journal away before settling down to listen to Cass' story.
As he spoke quietly, she leaned in. She could tell this was hard for him to explain, they had just met each other, what an hour ago? Ali kept silent as Cass spoke of his mother's disappearance. If they were anywhere other than strapped in to a tiny jet, she'd wrap her arms around him in a hug. She knew what he went through...to an extent. Her own parents died when she was young. His mother disappeared without a trace. They both belonged to a club they never signed up for. Alison gently placed her hand on top of his. "I understand...thank you for telling me," was all she said as her eyes bore into his.
The heaviness of their spoken plans and admissions lifted and Ali smiled once more, now excited to begin for real. "I say...let's drink to Atlantis." Suddenly, she twisted in her small chair, moving piles of stuff cluttered around their feet and behind their chairs. "I know he keeps some around here somewh--Andres! Donde esta...oh! Found it!" She produced a bottle of tequila, a victorious grin spreading on her lips. Ignoring Andres' complaints to finding his stash, she reached over towards the cockpit and found a couple shot glasses, handing one to Cass. "Don't worry, he never drinks while flying. Cheers, partner!" She filled up his shot glass with the strong liquid, clinked her glass with his, and drank.
As he spoke quietly, she leaned in. She could tell this was hard for him to explain, they had just met each other, what an hour ago? Ali kept silent as Cass spoke of his mother's disappearance. If they were anywhere other than strapped in to a tiny jet, she'd wrap her arms around him in a hug. She knew what he went through...to an extent. Her own parents died when she was young. His mother disappeared without a trace. They both belonged to a club they never signed up for. Alison gently placed her hand on top of his. "I understand...thank you for telling me," was all she said as her eyes bore into his.
The heaviness of their spoken plans and admissions lifted and Ali smiled once more, now excited to begin for real. "I say...let's drink to Atlantis." Suddenly, she twisted in her small chair, moving piles of stuff cluttered around their feet and behind their chairs. "I know he keeps some around here somewh--Andres! Donde esta...oh! Found it!" She produced a bottle of tequila, a victorious grin spreading on her lips. Ignoring Andres' complaints to finding his stash, she reached over towards the cockpit and found a couple shot glasses, handing one to Cass. "Don't worry, he never drinks while flying. Cheers, partner!" She filled up his shot glass with the strong liquid, clinked her glass with his, and drank.
Cass felt the tension in the cramped cabin ease as Alison spoke her truth aloud. There was something unburdening about hearing fears and plans voiced, especially to someone new … someone who wasn’t quick to judge or dismiss. He watched the slight smile that tugged at her lips as she tucked the journal away, the way her eyes held a flicker of trust he hadn’t expected so soon. He knew this partnership would be tested, but right now, in this moment, it felt like the start of something real.
As he shared the story of his mother’s disappearance, Cass noticed how Alison leaned in, her silence a quiet support. It wasn’t easy to lay bare parts of yourself, especially to someone you’d only known for an hour. If they weren’t strapped into this tiny jet hurtling toward the unknown, he thought, maybe she’d have offered the kind of comfort that only a hug could bring. Her hand on his was steady, grounding. The shared weight of loss between them wasn’t spoken in words, but it was understood deeply … two souls bound by fate and the shadows of their pasts.
When Alison smiled again and declared a toast to Atlantis, Cass couldn’t help but chuckle softly. The sudden hunt for tequila amid the clutter of gear and bags was a welcome distraction. He watched her dig through the piles with a victorious grin, the lightness in the moment contrasting sharply with the gravity of their quest. Andres’s grumbles from the cockpit only added to the familiarity of the scene … a small rebellion against the seriousness of their mission.
When Alison produced the bottle and handed him a shot glass, Cass accepted it with a slow, appreciative nod. “Cheers, partner,” he said, matching her grin. The sharp burn of the tequila was a grounding warmth in the midst of uncertainty, and as their glasses clinked, Cass felt something rare … a moment of camaraderie that went beyond words.
He looked out the small window at the sprawling city lights fading beneath them and then back at Alison, feeling a flicker of something he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in a long time … hope. Whatever lay ahead, whatever dangers waited in the depths of the Bermuda Triangle, they would face it together.
As he shared the story of his mother’s disappearance, Cass noticed how Alison leaned in, her silence a quiet support. It wasn’t easy to lay bare parts of yourself, especially to someone you’d only known for an hour. If they weren’t strapped into this tiny jet hurtling toward the unknown, he thought, maybe she’d have offered the kind of comfort that only a hug could bring. Her hand on his was steady, grounding. The shared weight of loss between them wasn’t spoken in words, but it was understood deeply … two souls bound by fate and the shadows of their pasts.
When Alison smiled again and declared a toast to Atlantis, Cass couldn’t help but chuckle softly. The sudden hunt for tequila amid the clutter of gear and bags was a welcome distraction. He watched her dig through the piles with a victorious grin, the lightness in the moment contrasting sharply with the gravity of their quest. Andres’s grumbles from the cockpit only added to the familiarity of the scene … a small rebellion against the seriousness of their mission.
When Alison produced the bottle and handed him a shot glass, Cass accepted it with a slow, appreciative nod. “Cheers, partner,” he said, matching her grin. The sharp burn of the tequila was a grounding warmth in the midst of uncertainty, and as their glasses clinked, Cass felt something rare … a moment of camaraderie that went beyond words.
He looked out the small window at the sprawling city lights fading beneath them and then back at Alison, feeling a flicker of something he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in a long time … hope. Whatever lay ahead, whatever dangers waited in the depths of the Bermuda Triangle, they would face it together.
After the shot of tequila, Alison carefully tucked the bottle away where she found it, lest that Andres nag her again. She relaxed in her chair once more, propping her feet up as best she could using a bundled up bag as a footrest. The flight wasn't going to be that long, but Ali was anxious to begin, as she could guess the same for Cass.
She looked at her partner once more, a curious glance. Something he'd mentioned before stuck out. "Hey," she started. "When you said before, something about 'the wrong people on our tail' ...who did you mean?" Ali had her own rivals, as all scientists do. People who didn't care about the history or finding truth, just for how much treasure could be worth and to fill their pockets and status. Cass also mentioned that things would be dangerous. She wondered if whoever he spoke about that could be tailing them would be the dangerous threats, apart from whatever Atlantis had in store for them.
She looked at her partner once more, a curious glance. Something he'd mentioned before stuck out. "Hey," she started. "When you said before, something about 'the wrong people on our tail' ...who did you mean?" Ali had her own rivals, as all scientists do. People who didn't care about the history or finding truth, just for how much treasure could be worth and to fill their pockets and status. Cass also mentioned that things would be dangerous. She wondered if whoever he spoke about that could be tailing them would be the dangerous threats, apart from whatever Atlantis had in store for them.
Cass leaned back in his seat, letting the hum of the jet fill the space between them for a heartbeat before answering. He caught her curious glance and gave a slow nod, as if weighing how much to reveal and how much to keep for the sake of caution. “The wrong people… they’re everywhere,” he began, his voice low, carrying that quiet authority that made it clear he meant business. “Not your average treasure hunters or amateur collectors … though there are plenty of those too. I’m talking about groups with serious funding, serious tech, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to get what they want.
People who aren’t here for discovery … they’re here for control.”
His eyes flicked briefly toward the clouds beyond the window, as if he could already see them moving in the shadows, always watching. “They’ve been after me and Zeke for a while now. Old scores, unfinished business. You’ve got your own set of rivals too, I imagine, but these… these merged, in a sense. They’ve combined resources, brains, and manpower.
Rich, educated in the ancients, but not quite… like us. They don’t get the why, only the what. They’ll follow our moves, try to intercept us, manipulate, cheat, steal … but they don’t understand the pursuit itself. That’s where we have the edge.”
Cass’s jaw tightened ever so slightly as he met her gaze again. “We’ve got allies on our side, people who believe in preservation and truth, people who won’t let the greed-driven get the upper hand. Governments, museums, benefactors… folks who know enough to help us, but not so much that it compromises the mission.
It’s a game of chess, Ali, and we’re playing three moves ahead.”
He paused, letting the weight of the words settle between them, then leaned slightly forward, a glint of that familiar thrill sparking in his eyes. “So, when I said dangerous… I meant it. And I meant them.
But that’s why we stick together, watch each other’s backs, and never underestimate what they’re capable of.”
People who aren’t here for discovery … they’re here for control.”
His eyes flicked briefly toward the clouds beyond the window, as if he could already see them moving in the shadows, always watching. “They’ve been after me and Zeke for a while now. Old scores, unfinished business. You’ve got your own set of rivals too, I imagine, but these… these merged, in a sense. They’ve combined resources, brains, and manpower.
Rich, educated in the ancients, but not quite… like us. They don’t get the why, only the what. They’ll follow our moves, try to intercept us, manipulate, cheat, steal … but they don’t understand the pursuit itself. That’s where we have the edge.”
Cass’s jaw tightened ever so slightly as he met her gaze again. “We’ve got allies on our side, people who believe in preservation and truth, people who won’t let the greed-driven get the upper hand. Governments, museums, benefactors… folks who know enough to help us, but not so much that it compromises the mission.
It’s a game of chess, Ali, and we’re playing three moves ahead.”
He paused, letting the weight of the words settle between them, then leaned slightly forward, a glint of that familiar thrill sparking in his eyes. “So, when I said dangerous… I meant it. And I meant them.
But that’s why we stick together, watch each other’s backs, and never underestimate what they’re capable of.”
As Cass explained who was potentially planning on interfering with their mission, by whatever forceful and dangerous ways they mean to do it, Alison listened silently. She had her own enemies, that was for sure, and she'd even managed to gain some of her grandfather's enemies as well. People who underestimate her, accuse her, or just hate her for being related to Indiana Jones.
"So, this Zeke that we're meeting up with..." she tilted her head in thought. "You must trust him, then. Where'd you guys meet? Does he know...everything?" Ali wondered how far Cass' trust with Zeke went, and if she should have the same level of trust. Did she have to hide some details around him?
Outside the little window, the clouds lit up with the sun's rays peeking through. Ali took that moment to make sure her camera was cleaned and ready for use. She carefully unpacked the camera, wiped the lens, and pointed the camera towards the window with a click. Since the tester photo satisfied her enough, she raised the camera towards her next subject...Cass. "Say cheese," she smirked.
"So, this Zeke that we're meeting up with..." she tilted her head in thought. "You must trust him, then. Where'd you guys meet? Does he know...everything?" Ali wondered how far Cass' trust with Zeke went, and if she should have the same level of trust. Did she have to hide some details around him?
Outside the little window, the clouds lit up with the sun's rays peeking through. Ali took that moment to make sure her camera was cleaned and ready for use. She carefully unpacked the camera, wiped the lens, and pointed the camera towards the window with a click. Since the tester photo satisfied her enough, she raised the camera towards her next subject...Cass. "Say cheese," she smirked.
Cass shifted slightly in his seat, the hum of Cessna’s engine rhythmic hum resounded in the cabin and the vibration felt faintly through the floorboards beneath them. He followed Alison’s gaze out the window, letting the sunlight slice across the clouds for a long, slow moment before his attention returned to her. Her question about Zeke pulled him in, made him lean back in his chair, fingers lacing over the worn leather of his satchel. Trust wasn’t a word he threw around lightly, but Zeke…. Zeke was different.
“You could say we’ve been at this a long time,” Cass began, voice low, careful, but carrying that firm confidence he always had when speaking about his old friend.
He let his eyes drift for a moment to the horizon, as though drawing strength from it. “Zeke… he’s been in the field longer than anyone I know, and he’s the kind of guy who doesn’t just see danger… he senses it. Before it happens. Before I even realize it. That kind of intuition… well, it’s worth more than any artifact we’ve ever found.”
His gaze flicked to Alison, letting the weight of the statement hang. “We met years ago, on a dig in the Andes. A few mishaps, a couple of storms that nearly flattened us, and… you just know when someone’s going to pull their weight. Or pick up yours when it all goes sideways.”
He leaned slightly forward, resting his elbows on his knees, voice dropping even softer, almost confessional. “As for knowing… yes, he knows. Almost everything. The kinds of things you don’t tell just anyone.
He’s the one person I can count on to not blink if I start talking about some crazy legend or supernatural warning, and he won’t tell anyone else if I need him to keep quiet.
That’s why he’s coming with us. Not just for muscle or smarts, but because I trust him with the pieces of this world I can’t risk anyone else seeing.”
Cass watched Alison lift her camera, the click and whirl of the lens filling the small space between them. He offered a faint grin, shaking his head slightly at her antics. “Cheese, huh? Guess I’ll play along.” He leaned forward just a little, a half-smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, letting her capture the moment, but his mind was already running through contingencies, dangers they might face, and the thought of Zeke waiting at the rendezvous point… steady, reliable, unflinching… grounded him in a way he hadn’t expected.
Cass leaned back slightly, watching Alison’s hands as she flipped through the small digital display. She squinted slightly in the bright light filtering through the window, her fingers tapping and swiping, scanning for the perfect shot. The faint orange-and-gold sun spilling over the clouds painted the cabin in warm tones, softening edges and highlighting the lines of their cramped quarters.
Alison tilted the camera so Cass could glimpse the screen. Leaning in, curious, and caught sight of the image… him, framed by the muted glow of the sun behind him, and somehow… unexplainably… the light seemed to curl around him, bending and twisting through the lens in a way that gave him an almost ethereal aura. A halo, faint but unmistakable, as if the sun itself had reached out to crown him for some small, silent honor. It wasn’t perfect, not in the technical sense, but there was a gravity to it, a presence that made the image feel alive.
Cass blinked, momentarily taken aback. The wariness, the careful planning, and the subtle tension in his muscles… the ever-present alertness of being ready for anything… somehow translated into something softer here, something almost untouchable. He glanced at Alison, noticing the slight hitch in her breath, the way her eyes lingered on the image longer than expected, as if she’d glimpsed something she didn’t fully understand.
“Looks… different,” he said quietly, almost to himself, letting the words hang between them. “Guess the camera sees things we don’t always notice.” He shifted slightly, watching her fingers hover over the buttons as she fiddled with brightness and contrast, adjusting the display. The halo-like glow around him seemed to deepen with each minor tweak, a luminous reminder of this rare quiet moment before the storm of their adventure really began.
Cass allowed himself a faint, almost self-deprecating smirk, leaning back and letting the image sink in. He could feel, without needing to speak it aloud, that whatever energy or chance had captured him here, framed like this, might carry significance… maybe even a kind of luck or omen… for what was to come. And just like that, in the cramped cabin of the Cessna over sunlit clouds, the world outside faded slightly as he and Alison shared a quiet, charged understanding, or confusion, through the lens of a camera.
“The people after us… ” he continued, voice dropping again, “…they’re the sort who see history as a scoreboard. Money, fame, control… doesn’t matter what it costs. And they don’t care about warning signs, curses, prophecies… whatever else comes with this. That’s why Zeke matters. He’s a buffer, and he knows how to move before they even realize what’s coming.” He exhaled, feeling some of the tension leave him as he said it aloud.
“You can trust him, just like I do. If we’re going to get through this, all three of us need that kind of bond. And…” his gaze softened, lingering on Alison, “…that includes you too.”
Cass tilted his head toward her with a subtle nod, a silent acknowledgment of partnership and trust, letting the words sink without pushing. The Cessna rumbled steadily beneath them, the sun climbing higher outside the little window, and for a moment, the danger, the rivals, the weight of history… they all seemed distant, held at bay by the simple, unspoken understanding of who could be counted on.
“You could say we’ve been at this a long time,” Cass began, voice low, careful, but carrying that firm confidence he always had when speaking about his old friend.
He let his eyes drift for a moment to the horizon, as though drawing strength from it. “Zeke… he’s been in the field longer than anyone I know, and he’s the kind of guy who doesn’t just see danger… he senses it. Before it happens. Before I even realize it. That kind of intuition… well, it’s worth more than any artifact we’ve ever found.”
His gaze flicked to Alison, letting the weight of the statement hang. “We met years ago, on a dig in the Andes. A few mishaps, a couple of storms that nearly flattened us, and… you just know when someone’s going to pull their weight. Or pick up yours when it all goes sideways.”
He leaned slightly forward, resting his elbows on his knees, voice dropping even softer, almost confessional. “As for knowing… yes, he knows. Almost everything. The kinds of things you don’t tell just anyone.
He’s the one person I can count on to not blink if I start talking about some crazy legend or supernatural warning, and he won’t tell anyone else if I need him to keep quiet.
That’s why he’s coming with us. Not just for muscle or smarts, but because I trust him with the pieces of this world I can’t risk anyone else seeing.”
Cass watched Alison lift her camera, the click and whirl of the lens filling the small space between them. He offered a faint grin, shaking his head slightly at her antics. “Cheese, huh? Guess I’ll play along.” He leaned forward just a little, a half-smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, letting her capture the moment, but his mind was already running through contingencies, dangers they might face, and the thought of Zeke waiting at the rendezvous point… steady, reliable, unflinching… grounded him in a way he hadn’t expected.
Cass leaned back slightly, watching Alison’s hands as she flipped through the small digital display. She squinted slightly in the bright light filtering through the window, her fingers tapping and swiping, scanning for the perfect shot. The faint orange-and-gold sun spilling over the clouds painted the cabin in warm tones, softening edges and highlighting the lines of their cramped quarters.
Alison tilted the camera so Cass could glimpse the screen. Leaning in, curious, and caught sight of the image… him, framed by the muted glow of the sun behind him, and somehow… unexplainably… the light seemed to curl around him, bending and twisting through the lens in a way that gave him an almost ethereal aura. A halo, faint but unmistakable, as if the sun itself had reached out to crown him for some small, silent honor. It wasn’t perfect, not in the technical sense, but there was a gravity to it, a presence that made the image feel alive.
Cass blinked, momentarily taken aback. The wariness, the careful planning, and the subtle tension in his muscles… the ever-present alertness of being ready for anything… somehow translated into something softer here, something almost untouchable. He glanced at Alison, noticing the slight hitch in her breath, the way her eyes lingered on the image longer than expected, as if she’d glimpsed something she didn’t fully understand.
“Looks… different,” he said quietly, almost to himself, letting the words hang between them. “Guess the camera sees things we don’t always notice.” He shifted slightly, watching her fingers hover over the buttons as she fiddled with brightness and contrast, adjusting the display. The halo-like glow around him seemed to deepen with each minor tweak, a luminous reminder of this rare quiet moment before the storm of their adventure really began.
Cass allowed himself a faint, almost self-deprecating smirk, leaning back and letting the image sink in. He could feel, without needing to speak it aloud, that whatever energy or chance had captured him here, framed like this, might carry significance… maybe even a kind of luck or omen… for what was to come. And just like that, in the cramped cabin of the Cessna over sunlit clouds, the world outside faded slightly as he and Alison shared a quiet, charged understanding, or confusion, through the lens of a camera.
“The people after us… ” he continued, voice dropping again, “…they’re the sort who see history as a scoreboard. Money, fame, control… doesn’t matter what it costs. And they don’t care about warning signs, curses, prophecies… whatever else comes with this. That’s why Zeke matters. He’s a buffer, and he knows how to move before they even realize what’s coming.” He exhaled, feeling some of the tension leave him as he said it aloud.
“You can trust him, just like I do. If we’re going to get through this, all three of us need that kind of bond. And…” his gaze softened, lingering on Alison, “…that includes you too.”
Cass tilted his head toward her with a subtle nod, a silent acknowledgment of partnership and trust, letting the words sink without pushing. The Cessna rumbled steadily beneath them, the sun climbing higher outside the little window, and for a moment, the danger, the rivals, the weight of history… they all seemed distant, held at bay by the simple, unspoken understanding of who could be counted on.
Hearing Cass talk about Zeke and their bond, it captivated Alison. She'd often either head off on her solo adventures, or with a small crew, or even just with her grandfather, years ago. He had to slow down, after all...but Zeke definitely sounded like a godsend to this mission. Alison found herself smiling thoughtfully, thankful and a little touched that Cass was willing to share such information and such a person with her. She found herself just about ready to trust Zeke as much as Cass did.
"Wow," she replied lightly. "He sounds really important to you. I can't wait to meet him..."
The photo she took of Cass did indeed make her pause. It was a glorious photo, the way the sun hit his profile...he looked like an ancient God from the myths and legends she'd always loved to read. It was hard not to keep staring, and she flicked her eyes between the camera and Cass. With a couple adjustments, Ali was finally satisfied with the ending and showed him the result. "That's definitely a keeper. Should get that framed," she chuckled.
Cass was back to business, warning her again about what dangers lie ahead and the types of people that could be after them...but with Zeke there as a buffer, she didn't doubt the team would prevail. Ali leaned in when Cass did, and placed a hand over her heart. "I'm honored. We can do this."
"Wow," she replied lightly. "He sounds really important to you. I can't wait to meet him..."
The photo she took of Cass did indeed make her pause. It was a glorious photo, the way the sun hit his profile...he looked like an ancient God from the myths and legends she'd always loved to read. It was hard not to keep staring, and she flicked her eyes between the camera and Cass. With a couple adjustments, Ali was finally satisfied with the ending and showed him the result. "That's definitely a keeper. Should get that framed," she chuckled.
Cass was back to business, warning her again about what dangers lie ahead and the types of people that could be after them...but with Zeke there as a buffer, she didn't doubt the team would prevail. Ali leaned in when Cass did, and placed a hand over her heart. "I'm honored. We can do this."
Cass watched Alison’s eyes flit between the camera and him, catching that quiet fascination in the way her gaze lingered. There was something almost grounding in her curiosity, a calm certainty that made the chaos outside this little cabin seem distant. He allowed himself a fraction of a smile, one that didn’t quite reach the wariness that still curled along the edges of his mind. Trust was a rare commodity in his world, yet here she was, offering it in a small, unspoken package, her presence steadying the turbulent thoughts of people after them, dangers unseen, and decisions yet to be made.
“That’s… good,” he said finally, voice quiet but firm, nodding toward the camera. His eyes softened as he followed her adjustments on the digital display, noting how she coaxed out the halo of light that had caught him unexpectedly. “Yeah… I like that one. It’s… honest. Not just a picture. Something more.” He leaned back slightly in his seat, allowing the jet’s hum to fill the silence as his mind flickered briefly to Zeke. The thought of his old friend and partner, someone who had earned every ounce of Cass’s confidence, brought a faint ease to his posture. He knew Zeke would handle the unseen threats with the same patience and precision that he himself had cultivated over years in the field. There was a balance there, a kind of symmetry that made the dangerous landscape ahead feel less like a threat and more like a challenge they could meet together.
Turning slightly to meet Alison’s gaze, Cass felt the gravity of what he was about to impart next. “It’s not just that he’s skilled,” he said, letting the words hang in the cabin’s warm, filtered light. “Zeke… he’s one of the few people I’d put my life on the line for, without hesitation. And not because I have to … because he earns it every time. He knows when to push, when to step back, when to question what seems certain. That sort of presence… it’s rare. And we’ll need it.” His fingers drummed lightly against the side of the armrest, a subconscious rhythm to match the pulse of the jet beneath them.
Cass let his words settle, letting Alison draw her own conclusions. He watched the subtle shift in her expression as she leaned in, the way her hand came to her chest, the warmth of her determination bleeding through the cramped cabin. He could feel the weight of their shared intent, the silent acknowledgment that whatever Atlantis … or whoever else … threw their way, they would face it as a team. “That’s good,” he said again, quieter this time, almost to himself. “Because we’re going to need every bit of that focus.” His gaze flicked toward the clouds beyond the window, the sunlight glinting off the aircraft’s metal, painting both of them in a fleeting, golden clarity. In that suspended moment, he allowed himself to imagine the mission ahead … not as a threat, but as a journey where alliances, skill, and trust could turn the tide in their favor.
“That’s… good,” he said finally, voice quiet but firm, nodding toward the camera. His eyes softened as he followed her adjustments on the digital display, noting how she coaxed out the halo of light that had caught him unexpectedly. “Yeah… I like that one. It’s… honest. Not just a picture. Something more.” He leaned back slightly in his seat, allowing the jet’s hum to fill the silence as his mind flickered briefly to Zeke. The thought of his old friend and partner, someone who had earned every ounce of Cass’s confidence, brought a faint ease to his posture. He knew Zeke would handle the unseen threats with the same patience and precision that he himself had cultivated over years in the field. There was a balance there, a kind of symmetry that made the dangerous landscape ahead feel less like a threat and more like a challenge they could meet together.
Turning slightly to meet Alison’s gaze, Cass felt the gravity of what he was about to impart next. “It’s not just that he’s skilled,” he said, letting the words hang in the cabin’s warm, filtered light. “Zeke… he’s one of the few people I’d put my life on the line for, without hesitation. And not because I have to … because he earns it every time. He knows when to push, when to step back, when to question what seems certain. That sort of presence… it’s rare. And we’ll need it.” His fingers drummed lightly against the side of the armrest, a subconscious rhythm to match the pulse of the jet beneath them.
Cass let his words settle, letting Alison draw her own conclusions. He watched the subtle shift in her expression as she leaned in, the way her hand came to her chest, the warmth of her determination bleeding through the cramped cabin. He could feel the weight of their shared intent, the silent acknowledgment that whatever Atlantis … or whoever else … threw their way, they would face it as a team. “That’s good,” he said again, quieter this time, almost to himself. “Because we’re going to need every bit of that focus.” His gaze flicked toward the clouds beyond the window, the sunlight glinting off the aircraft’s metal, painting both of them in a fleeting, golden clarity. In that suspended moment, he allowed himself to imagine the mission ahead … not as a threat, but as a journey where alliances, skill, and trust could turn the tide in their favor.
"I understand," Alison took note of Cass' determination and the importance of not only this mission but to Zeke, and their new bond as a now trio of partners. She knew it'd take her some time to be on that same level of trust the guys had with each other, but she was anxious to prove herself a valuable member. That Cass seeking her out wasn't some kind of mistake he'd made. That this whole trip wasn't some type of fever dream.
She fell into a comfortable silence as she looked out the window. The engines hum lulling Ali into a little doze and she felt her eyelids getting heavier by the second. Who knew when was the last time they'd be able to relax? It shouldn't take too long for them to arrive at their destination in Puerto Rico, and then from there, the adventure is on...and the dangers as well.
A short while later, the plane shifting and Andes' low voice in the headset woke her up. Ali groaned a bit as she tried to stretch out her cramped legs. "Are we about to land?" she asked Cass, still a bit groggy.
She fell into a comfortable silence as she looked out the window. The engines hum lulling Ali into a little doze and she felt her eyelids getting heavier by the second. Who knew when was the last time they'd be able to relax? It shouldn't take too long for them to arrive at their destination in Puerto Rico, and then from there, the adventure is on...and the dangers as well.
A short while later, the plane shifting and Andes' low voice in the headset woke her up. Ali groaned a bit as she tried to stretch out her cramped legs. "Are we about to land?" she asked Cass, still a bit groggy.
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