Free Tomb of Zeus (Atlantis) by Christopher David Petersen

out a plan. I’m sure I don’t need to remind you of its importance,” he said, cryptically.
    Helena nodded once more.
    “For you the plan is very simple: you’ll be tasked to monitor the progress of Zeus’ excavation,” he stated flatly.
    “That’s what I’ve been doing already,” she responded eagerly. “I plan on disguising myself as a tourist. That should get me close enough to the action where I can start asking questions. I’m sure I’ll be able to keep Karl up to date with the most recent info, way faster than if we’re just depending on the news to report it.”
    Christian smirked in condescension.
    “You’re response is spectacularly naïve. I’m guessing you really don’t know what Arae is capable of, do you? Suffice it to say, you’re about to get... as the saying goes, a crash course.”
    He scanned the area around him, insuring no one was close by, then slipped a manila envelope across the table.
    “Inside this is your new identity, as well as other related documents: passport, driver’s license, some cash, etcetera. We’ll be employing your archeology degree, as well as your other “assets”.”
    “What do you mean, “other assets”? What do you want me to do?” she asked suspiciously.
    “I won’t comment on the plan outside of your role, but in a nut shell: you’ll be adopting a new identity. You’re new name will be Helena Galanos. We kept it close to your original name so you wouldn’t get confused,” he said, in insulting tone. “You’ll be employed by the Department of Tourism as an inspector of antiquities. Starting tomorrow, you’ll be hand delivering temporary permits to Javier Arista with the threat of pulling them at any time. This will keep them “motivated”, if you understand my meaning.”
    Helena ignored the earlier insult and smirked in understanding.
    “We’ve just learned that Mr. Arista has brought back a close friend: one Jack Roberts. Jack was instrumental in helping Mr. Arista locate the great pyramid and Poseidon’s tomb. They were inseparable at the time of their search. We suspect they’ll have the same relationship this time as well. This is where we’ll employ your “other assets”. We expect you to seduce Jack. With you holding both, the temporary permits and his emotions, we’re quite certain he’ll be free with information, allowing us to walk in and take the scepter.”
    Helena was stunned. She hadn’t expected the twist in the plan.
    “So you want me to be a whore?” she blurted angrily.
    Christian quickly scanned the area, insuring Helena’s outburst hadn’t drawn attention. Satisfied no one heard, he gave her a one word answer:
    “Yes.”
    Helena felt outraged. Although she really didn’t have a problem with the society’s request, it was their insulting image of her that pained her the most. There was no question now of their opinion of her. With Christian watching her, she forced an unaffected expression across her face and stared back.
    “No problem,” she said simply.
    Christian nodded.
    “Good. Get to work, then. Tomorrow night we’ll be expecting our first update. Call me at this number.”
    He slid his business card across the table. She picked it up and read it. Suddenly, a look of understanding crossed her face.
    “Christian Laikos, Director, Department of Tourism,” she said aloud. “Now I know why you seem so familiar. I’ve seen you on TV. You’re the big man at the D.O.T., aren’t you? How convenient.”
    He stared back coldly and responded:
    “Nothing we do at the Society is by chance or coincidence. Everything is by design. That’s what makes us superior.”
    Helena only nodded. She glanced over her shoulder at the great pyramid, far west of her position. She felt eager to get started.
    “You know, I was thinking. Why don’t I just start today? I’m here. Why wait?”
    “Let’s just say, your position is currently filled.” His eyes suddenly turned cold and he continued, “but tomorrow,