The Encounter by Donal Myrick

Author:Donal Myrick [Myrick, Donal]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-06-29T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 26

Ropes are on the Way

Shortly after Max arrived at the top of the pit and was disengaged from the shield, the shield and NMI rope were lowered once again to the bottom where Jim, Bufford, and Ted were anxiously awaiting its return. They quickly hauled the shield into a dry area in the tunnel and reactivated communications with the top.

Jim asked, “Did Max make it up okay?”

Sam replied, “Just like a martini, shook and stirred, but he is just fine. He says that the ride up is really rough, but no damage. Stand by, we need to get Max topside, then I’ll get back with you. Give us a couple of hours.”

“Okay, I’m glad he made it okay, none of us knew what to expect. We will be standing by. Don’t forget us.”

Jim motioned to Ted and Bufford to turn off their coms so that they could talk freely.

Then, Jim said to Ted, “I think I need to stay here in communications range. Why don’t you go back with Bufford, and when he is safely on the bottom of the Aliens’ chamber, you can drop the four-fifty. I know that you wanted to go down with Bufford, but I think you need to stay with me so we can back each other up until we can get more rope down here.”

Ted sadly said, “I think you are right. That is a better plan. Well, Bufford, are you ready to head back?”

Bufford replied, “Let’s do it. I know the girls will be anxious, and Peggy will want to know that Max made to the top okay.”

Jim said, “Spider will want to know that also.”

“Yeah, but Peggy will really want to know. She worries about Max.”

With that, Ted and Bufford set off on their trek back to the Aliens’ chamber, and Jim turned his com back on and then found a comfortable place to rest while waiting for Sam or someone topside to call.

Three and a half hours later, Sam’s voice came booming over the com, “Hello down there. Is anyone listening?”

Jim replied, “Yeah, I’m listening. Where have you been? You said two hours, and it has been well over three.”

“Well, we had a lot of questions for Max, and things are a bit messy up here, as you know. The good news is that you need to stand by for the receipt of a bunch of rope. I’m sending down all that we have on hand. Scott indicated that if we need more, he will see if we can procure some locally.”

“We are standing by, send it on down. We also need bolts and hangers. Are you sending them also?”

“Max didn’t mention that, but I’ll see what I can do.”

“Sounds good, and while you are at it, how about sending down some cold beer and some of Miguel’s nachos?”

“In your dreams! Now you are just getting greedy. Be happy with the rope I’m sending. Reality is a bitch, you know.”

“A find friend you are. I’ll remember this.”

“The way Max tells it, you all are having a tough time pushing the passage down there.

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