Chapter 27: Recon and Discovery, Part 2

I'm ready for the cave adventure!!!

I'm trying to guess where this is going. I think you're going to surprise us brother. Great job!

Quiet before the storm?

As if reciting from memory, she quoted the Carmelite Rule of Saint Albert: “On Sundays also, or on other days when there is reason, you shall discuss the preservation of the Order and salvation of souls, and at this time the excesses and faults of the brothers, if revealed in anyone, should be corrected by means of love.”

The chapter house was the simplest to clear, and Colonel Larkin led the way. Once their sweep of the monastery was complete, the team returned to the refectory for a brief rest. Afterward, they gathered their spelunking gear and retrieved the mini-MALP, a compact version of the standard SGC probe designed for tighter spaces where a full-sized MALP wouldn’t fit. After double-checking their equipment, SG-24 secured the monastery, exited through the village, and set out toward the cave, ready to begin their reconnaissance mission.

When they finished clearing the dormitory, Helena examined the next building thoughtfully. “This is probably the monastery’s workshop and infirmary,” she speculated aloud. “The workshop would have been where the monks or nuns made wares to sell for the monastery’s income. The infirmary would have provided a place for the sick to recover in peace.”

This time, Bjornson led the team through the building, which took some time due to its layout. Once cleared, the team approached the final structure.

“This looks like the chapter house,” Helena said, her voice tinged with both reverence and familiarity. “This is where the monastery’s important business would have been conducted—especially on Sundays or other significant days.”

Sister Helena’s brow furrowed in curiosity. “Atlantis? You mean it’s real? I always thought it was just a myth.”

Fairbairn chuckled. “Oh, it’s real, Sister. Hopefully, you’ll get the chance to see it one day.”

“You’ll learn about it in the training videos Dr. Jackson and Cate put together,” Colonel Larkin assured her before addressing the team. “Standard clearing procedures. Fairbairn, you’re on point.”

“Aye, Colonel. Gentlemen, and lady, follow me,” Fairbairn replied crisply, her P90 at the ready. The trio of soldiers moved methodically through the dormitory, clearing each room with practiced precision, while Sister Helena sketched floor plans and made meticulous notes in her notebook.