James Rodriguez

I scanning constantly, Emily documented everything with her camera.

David practically vibrated with excitement at each new plant species.

Robert and Sarah remained focused on the path ahead, but maintained perimeter awareness, turning frequently to Checker 6.

The scientific explanation had provided comfort, but not enough to fully dispel the tension.

Something about Eugier Island had changed us all in less than 24 hours.

And as I followed my team deeper into the jungle,

I couldn't shake the memory of Clara's face or the feeling that we were being watched by something that knew exactly what we feared most.

The jungle path opened into a natural clearing after 37 minutes of hiking overhead.

The canopy framed a perfect circle of blue sky.

The clearing measured roughly off the cross with packed earth instead of the rich loam we trudged through.

What stopped us wasn't the clearing itself, but what occupied it.

Dome structures rose from the ground in deliberate formations, not buildings, but arrangements too precise to be natural.

Seven stone pillars, each approximately four feet tall, formed a wide arc across the northern edge.

At the centre stood a flat, altar-like slab, eight feet long and waist high.

Emily moved forward, camera already documenting the too ceremonial sight has to be.

Robert set down his equipment case, wiping sweat from his forehead.

Good drainage here.

Elevated six inches above the surrounding terrain.

Solid ground for base camp.

We established a perimeter off to back from the nearest stone structures.