Lok picked the other three up by 7 a.m., stuffing their duffel bags into his trunk.

“Hope there’s no breakables in there or they’ve already broken,” he laughed. Ten minutes later they pulled up outside of the archeology building to see a caravan made up of a 6-passenger ATV, a large panel van set up with laboratory and satellite communications equipment, and a heavy duty military truck (on loan from the Egyptian Armed Forces) into which the following equipment was being loaded:
topographic maps
screens – including graduated ones
shovels – variety
ladders
cutting edge technology mapping device
trowels – variety of shapes
deep testing soils equipment
coal scoops
dust pans
electronic water screening device
flotation device
drying racks
calipers
cotton gloves
weighing and measuring devices
cataloguing equipment
laptops to archive finds in database
large military tent (on loan) for on-site headquarters
50 gallon drums of water
military rations
emergency medical kit
hard hats with lights
various sizes of lamps
six revolvers with ammo
two long rifles with ammo

image link

“I thought we’d be leaving right away. I see it’s going to be awhile,” said Morrie, who looked sleep-deprived. Morrie had had disturbing dreams all night, of being burned at the stake by dark-robed figures. He remembered their chanting and looking up to see the silhouette of a giant owl against the moon. His alarm had gone off just as the flames were reaching his shoes…

“Don’t worry, we’ll be there soon enough! Go to the student cafeteria and have some breakfast. Be back in an hour sharp,” said Professor Sadek, who then went back to directing the facilities management people in organizing the truck with the equipment.

Bonibel said, “Funk dat! Cafeteria food will have us puking on the bumpy ride once we get out of town. Let’s hit up Rosalyn’s Cafe.”

They all piled back into Lok’s car. The other 3 chipped in and bought Lok’s breakfast for him.

The Professor and they will be in the ATV, Miss Martha will be driving the panel van, and Corporal Hicks (on loan from the Egyptian Armed Forces) will be driving the truck.

At 8:30 a.m. The caravan set out for Luxor (where the ancient city of Thebes is located) which is 313 miles (504 km) away. They expect to reach the hotel by dusk…

Tourmaline’s 2022 Halloween Challenge

To read this story from the beginning, start here and follow #tshalloweenchallenge tag to find the other parts.