HELLO?

Like a Bad Penny

"How is the new lab member working out, Gordon?" Malcolm studied his lead scientist over his half frame glasses. Ever since the episode of Lily's amazing route of the alien cubes, Malcolm's office had been inundated with calls and visits from everyone from the Whitehouse to the local minister, as well as around the globe.

"She loves it. Loves the magic of science, if you can imagine." He chuckled. "I think we've spent more time studying her than our regular work."

"Don't be making a habit of that." Malcolm shuffled some papers on his desk. "Speaking of work, I've had some reports from some city managers in towns in the Appellations with regard to mysterious events in and around the Smokies." He selected a sheet and passed it to Gordon. "I want this investigated. In light of what we just went through, I don't want to ignore any potential problems. I know they get these all the time, still . . ."

"Gather round folks." Gordon announced as he entered the lab. "Because of our," and he waved a hand pointedly at Lily, "success with Pipaluk and the cubes, it has fallen to us to investigate another possibly paranormal event."

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"What beautiful country!" Lily stared out at the incredible vista from the Blue Ridge parkway.

"Magnificent isn't it. In the fall it's dazzling." Gordon reminisced.

"Where is this Thomas Divide exactly?" Ortega fussed with his phone map.

"Under a place called Clingman's Dome. Before 1935 a trail ran parallel to a segment of the Newfound Gap Road. When the Dome road was built, the trail had to be moved, and became a tunnel underneath to keep hikers and others from having to cross the road."

"And it's this tunnel we are investigating?"

"Yes. In the 60s there was another road reconfiguration and the tunnel was abandoned - unnecessary anymore."

"Let me get this straight. This tunnel just went under a road? What is that, 30 feet?"

"I know it sounds ridiculous, but Malcom had a number of reports about strange sounds and lights coming from the tunnel. The Smoky Mountains are full of myths. This is probably just another. At any rate, we'll soon see, there's the road to Clingmans Dome."

The group climbed out of the car and stretched, teasing Victoria, who had slept a good portion of the way.

"Okay, we hike from here. It's about a quarter of a mile to a bridge, where we climb down to the tunnel. Got everything?" Gordon asked, looking at everyone. "Leave the camping gear for now, and be careful of those instruments."

There was a patient eyeroll as the group trekked up the road. Lily kept being amazed by the scenery and Ortega grinned constantly at her exclamations.

"There's the bridge. We climb down over there." Gordon led the way, admonishing all to be careful.

When they reached the bottom, they stood staring at the old stone arch that formed the tunnel entrance. They could see daylight at the other end and the sign of a lot of growth. The tunnel itself seemed quite sturdy and safe, and they entered as a group, moving through slowly, examining the stone walls and the floor area. Exiting the far side, they were faced with a cliff and a spectacular view.

"Wow! No wonder people like finding this place." Victoria ventured closer to the cliff, brushing aside some bushes. When she turned backed she froze, and a big smile broke out on her face. "We have a spectator." She pointed. "And one who isn't concerned with our intrusion apparently."