Canyon Trek

The next morning C.J. and Hitomi had packed lightly and were ready to go. Buck had gotten them clearance to join a government sponsored dig in Arizona. He had been working on getting clearance for them for a couple of months, and word had finally gotten back that it was a go.
Buck handed the clearance papers to the two women, “Enjoy it, girls. I don’t know what they’ve been digging up, aside from just ‘ruins’, but I know you enjoy this sort of thing just as much as I do.”
“Thanks, Buck. We appreciate it.”
He waved off their thanks with a harrumph and gave them both rough bear hugs. “Ring me up when you land, and if you have any troubles with the military overseers. The general in charge is a bit of a hard ass.”
“Will do. We’re not there to make trouble. Right, Hitomi?”
“Of course not.” She glanced at C.J. “Perfect angels.”
Buck gave a hearty laugh and embraced them one last time before heading back to his office. Alana walked up and embraced them after. “Be careful, but enjoy yourselves. And don’t worry about me.” She looked directly at Hitomi, who grumbled quietly. Siege and Alana shared a smirk. She gave them a last quick hug and waved as she saw them off.
They walked out to the waiting van and settled in the back for the quick drive the the airport. “You’re blushing.”
“What? I am not.”
C.J. rolled her eyes and grinned, “My mistake.” That just made Hitomi blush more.
                                                 # # #
The small helicopter landed at Grand Canyon National Park Airport, dropping the two women off before returning to Phoenix. They were met by a guide who told them that they were being escorted to the canyon floor before hiking deeper in for the dig.
“We didn’t know the dig was in the canyon,” Siege looked surprised.
The guide, who despite not wearing a uniform, looked like a military man, shrugged. “I don’t know what you’ve been told, ma’am, just to escort you down. Now, if you’ll follow me?” Hitomi shrugged at C.J.’s look and they fell in behind the guide.
They rode mules down the canyon trail, and made camp for the night. The next day, they traveled through the canyon, and by nightfall they were at the dig site. They were greeted by a more obvious soldier and a man in civilian clothes, who was joined by their guide.
“You Miss Onoe and Miss McCormick?” They nodded and shook the man’s hand. “Welcome,” he was cut off by the soldier who looked at the man apologetically.
“I’m sorry, could I confirm your clearance?” They handed him their IDs, he looked them over then nodded. “I’m sorry, orders.”
The civilian shrugged, “Sorry, we’re trying to keep a tight lid on this for now. I’m Doctor Mitchell Carroll. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to your tents.”

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