Eyes in Atlantis

By Gerald M. Givens

A journalist in Washington, D.C. is plagued by dreams of tsunamis and earthquakes. Off the coast of Cyprus, an American scientist discovers artifacts from a civilization long lost. In the heart of an ancient city, a princess has visions of strangers and destruction. As fate draws them together, they must fight to save their worlds and their lives.

Part one of the Diluvians Series, Eyes in Atlantis is a suspenseful fantasy/adventure blending the modern world and Greek Mythology in race against time and the destructive will of Gods.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gerald M. Givens
• Release date: Jun 14, 2011
• ISBN: 9780615500966

Gerald M. Givens

I grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan where from an early age my interests in history and storytelling were built through frequenting museums with my mother. At age eight, I wrote my first story, Tim, Tom & Sam, a children's tale about a dog, a cat, and a mouse that became friends and lived together. In high school, my interest in writing grew through the study of poetry. Inspired by the poems of Edgar Allen Poe, I began writing poetry and eventually self-published an anthology of my work. At Western Michigan University, I wrote my first novel, Eyes in Atlantis, and I've been writing ever since. --- My writing infuses the influences of renowned authors Michael Crichton (Jurassic Park), J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter), J.R.R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings), George R.R. Martin (A Song of Ice and Fire) and Dan Brown (The DaVinci Code). Primarily interested in all things fiction, I gravitate toward Science Fiction and Fantasy as my reads of choice. My favorite novels include: - The Lost World by Michael Crichton - Siddhartha by Herman Hesse - A Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R.R. Martin

Book preview

Book I: The Journey

Chapter I: The Assignment

Sean sat on a shore, staring out at the sea. He wasn’t sure where he was, but that didn’t seem to matter. For all he knew, he could have been there for hours watching the waves crash into one another. The more the waves came, the harder they crashed and the darker the sky became. His clothes, which didn’t look like anything that he would ever wear, were flailing in the wind as its speed grew more and more intense. A storm brewed on the horizon.

Erin sat to his left and they were alone on a strange beach. She said something to him and they both smiled. Her long black hair was blowing in the wind and he took her hand in his.

Their reverie was broken by a deep rumble of thunder in the distance and they glanced out over the sea. Another crack of thunder hit, but this time the earth below them shook violently. They tried to stand, but were instantly knocked back down. They attempted to rise once again, and this time succeeded. With a glance at each other, they moved inland as quickly as possible.

Not far from the shore, they were blocked by a fifteen-foot bluff. Moving on instinct, Sean and Erin ascended without hesitation. Upon reaching the top, the sky reached its darkest point, broken only by sporadic streaks of lightning. From this vantage point, Sean looked back out over the sea as the shore began to recede back into itself. Stunned, Erin pulled him away from the sight and they broke off into a sprint inland, for they both knew what was coming. Miles of open grassy plain stretched out ahead, providing no nearby shelter. Looking back, Sean saw a wall of water racing toward them. He yelled to Erin and they ran on faster.

Fatigue swiftly overtook them as their adrenaline wore off. They’d been running for forever, it seemed, but the water kept coming. The earth trembled beneath them once more and knocked them forcefully to the ground. Sean grabbed Erin’s hand as the water came crashing down.

Sean Henry woke in a cold sweat, breathing heavy. Sitting up in bed, he tried to take stock of reality. He was alone in his Washington, D.C. apartment. Looking over at the clock, it was only 3:30 a.m. The light from the streets below illuminated the walls and ceiling. He took a deep breath. His heart was still racing. It was the same dream again. Racing water… earthquakes…and Erin. He sighed heavily and lay back down, eventually falling back to sleep.

Sean arrived for work at the Science Global Magazine Headquarters the next morning. For four years he had worked for SG as a field journalist, pretty much straight out of college. That day he arrived a few minutes early, not to get a head start on his current article about the extinction of the North American buffalo, but to talk to Erin Andrews, one of the newer hires and the girl of his dreams, literally.

Erin, one of the new editors, had only been with the company for a few months, but Sean was already crazy about her. With her beautiful long black hair and stunning legs, she was no doubt one of the most gorgeous women he’d ever seen. It was no shock to Sean that she’d shown up in his dream.

Sean was just getting off of the elevator when Erin ran up to him and pushed him back inside, the doors closing behind them. Good morning, Erin? he said, not protesting.

Sorry, Sean, she said quickly. I’ve been waiting for you to get here. We have to go see Hayes right away.

Okay. What’s he want?

I’ll have to let him explain, she answered. John Hayes was the head of the Journalism Department at SG and was both Erin and Sean’s boss.

The elevator dinged and the doors opened. They treaded down the usual path past the cubicles and stopped in front of a small quiet woman working at a desk.

Mr. Hayes is waiting for you, said the woman. Go on in.

Thanks, Marsha, replied Erin.

They walked past her and into a large office where a short, middle-age man with round glasses sat staring at a computer screen. With their entrance, he looked up in delight.

Good, you’re both here, he stated, staring at them. Sean wasn’t sure what to expect. It wasn’t everyday that he was called into his boss’s office. I have a new assignment for you, Henry, he stated and motioned for Sean and Erin to have a seat. Sean hated it when people called him by his last name.

But sir, I’m still not finished with my current assignment, he stated. The one about the extinction of buffalos…

Sean was cut off. Forget the buffalos, Sean. They’ll still be there when you’re done. Right now I have a new area for you to venture.

But I’ve been working on that for weeks, he protested. Indeed, Sean had just spent two weeks between Utah and Iowa interviewing several scientists and animal rights activists.

Sean, just listen, said Erin as she gave him an apologetic look.

Yesterday I received a call from a public relations firm running out of London, he began. "They told me that an American scientist named Vincent Sanders has been at work in Cyprus, looking for the lost continent of Atlantis. He and his team call themselves the ‘Cyprus Project’. Last year he obtained side scan images of the Cyprus Arc, an area of the Mediterranean seafloor near Cyprus, and claimed that he has indeed found the lost island. The firm told me that he has been working with specialists at the International Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as well as other geophysicists and oceanographers to obtain the most accurate data about the eastern Mediterranean seafloor. The firm is offering to pay us to run a story about his work in order to gain publicity of his findings.

Now Henry, I’ve already talked this over with Ms. Andrews, and I want to send you both to Cyprus to cover this story. I highly doubt that this nut has actually found Atlantis, but if Sanders has truly found it, it will be the greatest archaeological find since the Great Sphinx, and we’ll be on the front line. And if his findings are wrong…we still get paid, and he still gets his publicity. Sean didn’t like Hayes’ take on their work. Hayes tended to think that the world could be bought. Getting paid was everything to him, and if they happen to break with an out-of-this-world story at the same time, then so much the better.

How do you know the firm only called you, John? he asked Hayes hastily. You’d think if he was looking for publicity, he would have contacted other news agencies, as well as us.

Hayes shot him an apathetic look. That’s not the point, Henry. Who cares if he called someone else? We just need to get the best damn story possible. That’s why I’m sending you. You were good in Antarctica and great in Egypt. I want you to go over there and get hard, indisputable facts. This could turn into a series of stories. Talk about Sanders, the myth of Atlantis, and such stuff as that. Find out how his mind works and why he’s obsessed with the legend.

When are you planning on us leaving, John? asked Erin.

Today is the twenty-fifth; I want you both in Cyprus in one week. I have already arranged your flight. I suggest you both finish up any immediate business that you might have here in the States, because there is no telling how long you’ll be over there.

So we leave next Wednesday? Sean asked.

Not quite, Henry. You leave Monday morning. It will take you a day to get there, and you have to stop in Spain for one night to refuel and to pick up another researcher.

Another researcher? he asked on impulse. Who? Sean had been under the assumption and hope that he and Erin were going to be working on this story alone; his anticipation shattered.

American geologist turned archeologist, Dr. Samuel Knight, answered John. Sean felt a sudden rush of excitement. Samuel Knight had been his best friend and roommate in college. When Sean graduated and went off to become a journalist at SG, Sam stayed behind in graduate school and eventually got his masters in both geology and archeology.

John could tell that Sean was pleased with the appointment.

We have one additional researcher for your team, continued John. "Oceanographer, Dr. Allison Moore. Luckily for us, she’s working out of Washington right now and seemed pleased to be brought on board. She has agreed to assist us with our research both here at home and in the field. I have a meeting scheduled for the four of you tomorrow morning.

Now Henry, you and Ms. Andrews need to spend the next five days planning this assignment. Gather a list of questions, and complete some background research. You know the drill.

When Sean and Erin left, they both headed to Erin’s desk. So, began Sean, what did you and John talk about earlier before I arrived?

Basically everything you just heard. He asked me if I would be okay going out into the field so early in my employment and I said ‘yes, I love to travel!’ And not to mention I get to go the Mediterranean. I basically screamed ‘Hell Yes!’ I could barely contain my excitement. She had a gleam in her eye and couldn’t stop grinning.

Although Sean shared her excitement, he couldn’t help but feel slightly upset that he had to leave his current project undone. Erin must have picked up on some his irritation and then said, Sean, I know you hate to leave things half-finished, but this is a bit more exciting.

You’re right, he replied and smiled. After all, you’ll be there and so will Sam.

Samuel Knight, you mean? she asked. Have you met him?

Met him? Sean laughed. I know him better than most people. Believe it or not, we were roommates in college. She seemed impressed. But I haven’t seen him in at least three years; we’ve sort of lost touch. He’s always traveling and so am I.

So will he be a good fit in our research team? she asked.

Definitely, he replied. He has this annoying habit of always looking at things objectively. If anything, he’ll call us out on any biases.

Oh, I’m so excited, Sean. Let’s go to lunch in an hour and we’ll begin discussing our assignment then. Sean agreed, and then went to his desk to make some phone calls.

He laughed to himself when he got there. He’d been at work for two hours and had not yet sat down at his desk. Sprawled out all over were pictures and new articles for his now-shelved project. So much for this, he said to himself and began organizing the data, so that when he returned everything would be in order.

That night Sean woke shortly after falling asleep in a cold sweat. It had been the same dream: the sea, the crashing waves, the panicked sprint inland. Sean calmed himself and made a mental note to call his brother, Pete, a psychologist, as soon as he could. He soon fell into a dreamless sleep.

Sean arrived to work early again, knowing that there was a lot of work to do. As he expected, Erin was waiting at his desk. Ending a conversation, she hung up the phone as he approached.

Morning, Erin. Who was that? he asked.

Sam Knight. He called to move the meeting up to 9:30. Good thing you came in early. She smiled. Dr. Moore will be here shortly, so we should get ready.

What do we know about her, so far? he asked.

Well, she’s been brought on board to help validate the information we obtain from both our research and that of Dr. Sanders, replied Erin. John says that she comes very highly recommended. She’s spent the last two years in the United Kingdom studying the North Atlantic Current, but recently relocated to D.C. I spoke with her on the phone briefly a few minutes ago. She seems eager about the project. The excitement of their project was contagious, it seemed.

Erin was still grinning when Sean had a flash back to his dream: Erin and him sitting on that fearful beach. He took a breath. She noticed something was amiss and was about to say something, but Sean cut her off.

Erin, what do you know about dreams? he asked quickly.

Dreams? Like their meanings? she replied in question.

Yeah, reoccurring dreams to be specific.

I don’t know, Sean, she said. I haven’t ever really thought about it. Are you having trouble sleeping?

I… But Sean was cut off as John Hayes walked up to the pair.

Henry, Andrews, it’s time for your meeting with Knight and Moore, he said. Dr. Moore has just arrived.

Okay, we’re on our way, replied Erin brightly.

Not picking back up their conversation, Sean and Erin grabbed their research materials and headed up to the eighth floor boardroom.

They arrived to find a woman in her early thirties with strawberry-blonde hair seated on the right side of the table wearing a black skirt suit. Her soft blue eyes stared up at them with a smile.

Hello, Dr. Moore, I’m Erin Andrews. We spoke on the phone, she said as she reached for a handshake.

Yes, Ms. Andrews, it’s a pleasure to meet you.

And this is Sean Henry, our team’s journalist, continued Erin, extending the introduction.

It’s a good thing that I was already here in D.C., said Moore. I am thrilled to be a part of this assignment. I only wish to know more about it, but that is all sure to be explained in good time. For now, since we’re going to be on a team, I think we should be on a first name basis. Please, call me Allison, she insisted.

Of course, Allison, agreed Erin. Shall we begin? They all gave a consenting nod and she panned to the flat screen monitor at the end of the table. She dialed for the satellite conference and moments later, Sean saw his old friend appear on the screen.

Hello, Sam, Sean began. Erin suggested that he start the meeting since he and Sam had a history. We’re glad that you could join us today. How are you?

I’m great, Sean. I’m glad that Science Global considered me for this assignment.

Well, we’re happy to have you on board, Sean stated. It’s good to see you again.

You too, Sean, he replied. And who are these lovely ladies?

Sam Knight, I introduce you to our Cyprus team. Sitting across from me is our team oceanographer, Dr. Allison Moore.

Pleasure to meet you, Sam, she said politely. It was then that Sean noticed that she had a slight English accent.

And sitting next to me is SG Editor, Erin Andrews.

They exchanged brief pleasantries, and then Erin took charge of the meeting. Sean could tell that she had the entire meeting planned out, it lasting for several hours, until they broke for lunch.

So, Sean, began Allison as the three sat at the small café down the street from SG, how long have you known Dr. Knight?

I’ve known him for almost ten years, ever since our freshman year of college.

That’s interesting. So this will be like old times for the two of you. Be sure to let us all in on your inside jokes. She laughed. Then she turned her attention to Erin. Erin, I read your resume this morning and I was astonished. It must have been so exciting to tour Europe throughout your studies. Please, tell me about it.

Alright, she acted as if she didn’t know where to begin. I was in the study abroad program and went to France to study art and while I was there I traveled a bit. I went to London, Madrid, Venice and number of other places. It was an invigorating experience.

Oh, I love Europe. I wish I’d never left. She said, as if in a daydream.

They continued to make small talk for the rest of lunch, becoming more familiar with one another, and returned to the office to continue preparations for their trip.

That evening they left late and Sean asked Erin back to his apartment for a well deserved drink. She nonchalantly accepted.

When they arrived, they left work alone and talked about their lives. Sitting next to each other on Sean’s couch that faced the tenth-floor window, they had a perfect view of the half-moon rising over the city.

Why did you move to D.C.? asked Sean. Erin gave him an inquisitive look. I mean, when you graduated from college. You must have had a million other job offers.

There were a few, but when I got my offer from SG, I had to take it. ‘Science Global Magazine!’ How could I refuse? she asked rhetorically. Why do you want to know?

No reason, he answered.

Okay, how about you? Why are you here?

Same reason, really. I knew that with this job that I could travel and see exciting things.

Really? she said as she took a sip from her cocktail. What exciting things have you seen so far?

Well, my first field assignment was to Antarctica to write about Emperor Penguins. There were the Pyramids at Giza, the jungles of India, and…you. Sean felt the drink talking, but he didn’t mind.

She glanced at him quickly and blushed. Me?

Yes. You’re fascinating, Erin. You’re beautiful, intelligent, and talented.

I don’t know what to say, Sean. She seemed unsure.

Sean moved closer to her and looked into her eyes. Not sure what else to do, he leaned in for a kiss.

Sean, I can’t, she said pushing him away slightly. Sean, trust me. I like you too. That’s why I go out to lunch with you all the time. That’s why I wait by your desk and talk, but for the sake of this assignment and for our jobs, our relationship must remain strictly platonic.

Sean understood what she was saying, but he didn’t want to. No one has to know. It can be just between the two of us. C’mon.

Sean, I really just don’t think that’s a good idea right now, she replied.

You do know that whole ‘don’t date people you work with’ rule is just a myth, he stated. Besides, we’re different. Normal couples who work together don’t get to jet-set around the world with one another.

She let out a sigh and failed to conceal a smile.

Sean, let’s just finish this assignment and then we’ll see where things go. Okay?

Okay, but I’ll hold you to it. He shot her a look.

I have to get going, Sean. We have another long day tomorrow. We’re going to be discussing the legend of Atlantis. He was in no mood to talk about work.

Okay, let me at least walk you to your car. She gave a nod. They took the elevator down and he walked her across the parking lot to her convertible.

Good night, Sean and thanks for the drink. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and climbed into her car.

Night! he called to her as she drove out of the parking lot.

Chapter II: The Legend

Sean was finally able to sleep through the night for the first time that week. To his surprise, he woke up earlier than his alarm. Instead of trying to fall back to sleep, he got up and took his time getting ready for the day. After taking a long shower and making himself breakfast, he cleaned up his apartment a little. The empty glasses were still on the coffee table from Erin and him the night before.

As usual, he couldn’t stop thinking about her, but most of all he knew that she liked him in return. He felt giddy like he was back in grade school.

Sean arrived early to work, but when he got off of the elevator, he was a little let down to see that Erin wasn’t waiting around his desk. Instead, there was a note.

Sean,

I went to Archives to gather more information. We connect with Sam at 11:00 a.m. See you soon.

Erin

There was a little