Free Tomb of Zeus (Atlantis) by Christopher David Petersen Page B

inspector for them,” she replied, now producing a wide smile.
    Jack noticed her perfect white teeth and the softness of her hand as they shook and he was suddenly reminded of Selena Arista. He felt a bit guilty that he found her attractive.
    “So Helena, what exactly d id you mean when you said my news spot was only effective to a certain degree?”
    She let go of Jack’s hand and answered the question: “Well, Mr. Arista, as you probably know, there’s only so many permits we’re allowed to give out. Unfortunately, there aren’t any more permits we can approve for this year.”
    Javi’s face sank with disappointment.
    “Bummer, I guess I thought you were here to give us approval,” Jack said, saying the words that Javi was thinking.
    “Fortunately, we’ve developed a workaround. As long as everything checks out and all the protocols are met, I’m authorized to approve temporary permits.”
    “Temporary… what ex actly is temporary?” Jack asked suspiciously.
    “Basically, I can write you temporary permits lasting for three months at a time. Upon their expiration, you can apply for new permits and as long as you convince me that good progress is being made ; that future work will maintain proper excavation protocols and that everything is fully documented; I will consider approving the new temporary permits.”
     
    “You’ll consider?” Javi responded in surprise. “That’s kind of disappointing. I was hoping for something more certain, more defined than vague and improbable.”
     
    “You must remember, these temporary permits are highly unusual. This typically isn’t done, even for projects such as these. There are those at the D.O.T that are sticklers for procedure and would just as soon prohibit any further permits, if they thought they weren’t necessary.”
    “So what defines “necessary” in these matters?” Javi asked.
    “Very simply… results. Without good results, I’m afraid your case will weaken and quite possibly be cancelled.”
    “Miss Galanos, what exactly is your background… what I mean to say is, has your tenure at the Department been only administrative or do you have field experience too,” Javi asked.
    “Administrative only,” Helena responded, becoming slightly defensive.
    “With all due respect, I hope you understand that excavating finds like these could take years. It’s doubtful we’ll see much results in three months. In fact, the Poseidon search has been ongoing for years and we’re still finding new and exciting breakthroughs. To limit us to three month searches, contingent upon finding important discoveries, seems awfully absurd don’t you think?” Javi retorted, now growing visibly anxious.
    “Mr. Arista, I can appreciate your position and your passion to change my mind, but my hands are tied. More powerful people than me will be reviewing your progress in three months. Even if I approve you for another three-month permit, they could easily overrule me and cancel the project.”
    “So that’s it then. You’re basically saying we either produce something or we’re fired, right?” Jack asked bluntly.
    “I’m sorry Jack, but that’s just the way this works,” she responded sympathetically.
    Javier glanced at his watch.
    “Well, I guess we better get started then,” he said in resignation.
    “Yes, we better,” Helena quickly responded.
    Duni looked at both Jack and Javi. He saw the same expression on each of their faces.
    “Wh at do you mean, ‘we’?” he asked suspiciously.
    “My job requires me to monitor your progress, so I’ll be joining you during the excavation,” she replied. “Don’t look at this as a negative. Think of it as a positive: you gained another archeologist free of charge.”
    “I guess we could always use someone to get us coffee,” Jack joked, elbowing Javi for greater effect.
    Helena glared at both Jack and Javi. She felt insulted, much the same way Karl Sita and Christian Laikos made her feel. She