1. “DID YOU MANAGE to learn anything from your investigation, Professor?” They’d climbed in silence and were almost back at the intersection where they’d come across the three connecting tunnels. Having taken almost twice as long to make their way up as down, it was difficult to assess the passage of time. “I believe so. The monolith is undoubtedly some form of technology, and I might have worked out how to activate it, although to what ends, I cannot yet say. I also believe…” The ground trembled; a vibration felt though the soles of their feet. “Earthquake?” Although Folkard asked, the man’s tone suggested that the captain no more believed that than Nathaniel did. “Unlikely. It…” Another rumble, this time closer. Nathaniel had to cling to the wall. He had no clue as to what might be causing seismic activity. When the movement ceased, he said; “I suggest we hurry.” Folkard agreed and they quickened their pace. They’d not taken more than a hundred steps when they came to the entrance of the tunnel.
