SUNGLASESS AND ROCKETS Part 2: The Machine

ZONE OF DANGER

Just like that?

I turned around all excited and walked a few steps toward the edge of the mound. I strained my eyes looking for the greenish luminosity of the ship. Impossible to see. It didn't matter. A good outcry among that silence would be easily detected by my fellow travelers.

I took a deep breath and cupped my hands around my mouth.

"Gordo!" the doctor called. I looked from the corner of my eye. "Do not scream!"

After all the scandal that we had caused in the middle of the jungle!

I let the air go and turned round. The doctor remained posted to the telephone.

"There are at least five igloos," he informed. He put his hand on the microphone and pointed out with his elbow. "Use the mike on the helmet!"

Good idea. I picked up the helmet that the doctor had thrown to me before and put it on.

Besides my own respiration, only a buzz could be heard through the headphones. Still, I tried to get through.

"Darwin! Vanessa! Can you hear me?"

Nothing.

"Darwin! Vanessa!"

The headphones were dead.

Watching the doctor through the muddy visor, I pointed out the headphones, indicating that they didn't work. The doctor nodded. Without loosing the phone, he bent down to pick up the helmet that Felix was using as a flashlight. I loosened my helmet and walked toward him. Still lighting up his partner, the doctor examined the inside of the other helmet.

Suddenly, he let it go, covered the phone's microphone one more time, and turned around a bit.

"It doesn't work either," he informed. He looked at his watch. "Go get Darwin and Melissa." I tucked my helmet under my arm getting ready to leave. "The colonel's chopper will be here soon," he added.

"Got it."

I headed toward the edge of the platform. I lit up the path and walked down the stairs. Suddenly, a doubt struck me: What if the Guardians found us first? They were also looking for us in a helicopter...

I stopped. I turned around and raced up the stairs. I showed my head right at the platform's level.

"Doctor! How are we going to recognize Croft's chopper?"

The doctor didn't answer. He was talking on the phone, putting his hand on his ear. I moved slightly on the same tread toward Felix, who kept an eye on the handle of the antenna.

"The Guardians are flying a chopper too," I insisted. "Aren't they? How will we recognize Croft?"

The doctor's partner looked at his watch and turned the handle slowly.

"If there are gunshots, then it isn't Croft."

Of course.

I turned around and went down a couple of steps. But because of the emergency, I decided to approach the ramp-like platform between the stairs. I lit it up. A thick layer of moss lined it from the base. I went up resolutely. I slipped at once; I managed to grasp the helmet and slid down precipitately. I fell on my side and into a pond.

"Gordo?"

It was the doctor's voice. I got up immediately, pointing the helmet toward the top of the mound. I searched. The doctor's beard was illuminated.

"Go to the pyramid behind the square at once!"

"Which square?" I inquired.

"Croft will pick us up there!" he continued. "It's the tallest pyramid!"