Garrett straightened as the Admiral neared the Huey, and got out of the cockpit before the Admiral got within speaking range. "Admiral Thompson, what a pleasure it is to see you here," Garrett said, the sarcasm dripping off the words. Admiral Greg Thompson ignored his comment, but stopped walking and turned to Garrett.

Thompson looked Garrett in the eye. "You know why I am here," he said. Garrett did, and he hated having this discussion. Overtime the head of the Elite Command's Navy division showed up, he had to endure a lecture about safeguarding the ancient artifacts. This was going to be just like the rest.

"You want me to secure the artifact and hide it away in our secret facility in Alaska, don't you?" Garrett said, more of a statement than a question.

Thompson shook his head. This surprised Garrett, and he raised a questioning eyebrow.

"I want you to destroy it," Thompson said, his face stoic but his eyes betraying his willingness to do whatever it took to take care of the trident.

Garrett shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I can't do that. Not without the approval of the Bureau. Biermann wouldn't allow it."

Thompson finally let his emotions out. "Biermann be damned! That artifact is too dangerous to be kept intact! One slight mistake with it and the entire world is going to be drowning in tropical storms like civilization has never seen."

Garrett didn't back down. "We don't even know if it can be destroyed. For all we know, the trident is made of a neutronium alloy, just like that gauntlet that we found last year. Besides, if we destroy it without properly studying it first, we might just unleash the same horrors as if we didn't. No, not this time, Admiral. Too much is at stake."

Thompson was furious, but he tried to get his anger control. That much was obvious to Garrett. When Thompson spoke again, his voice was more level, but still had a level of irritation in it. "You owe me, Foster. I'm calling in the favor."

Garrett was worried this was going to happen. "No, I'm afraid I can't this time," he stated, standing his ground. When Thompson didn't respond, Garrett determined he needed to explain why. "Listen, we've worked together a long time. We've helped each other out in dire situations. But, the Bureau needs a chance to study this artifact before we decide its fate. If used right, we could do good with it. All we need is a chance to prove it."

Thompson didn't speak for a long time. When he finally did, it was in a doleful tone. "I see. Well, then, Mr. Foster. It seems like you have made up your mind. I will be in the area if you change your mind. This is a device not left in the hands of ordinary men. Remember that."

Garrett grinned slightly. "We're anything but ordinary, Greg."

Thompson's mood seemed to lighten slightly. "Indeed, you are. Very well. If you need anything, give me a call. But, don't expect backup when the trident unleashes its fury on the unsuspecting." Thompson turned around briskly and walked away, headed off to a distant V-22 Osprey helicopter that sat waiting for his return. Garrett watched as the Admiral boarded the helicopter and flew off, its giant rotors kicking up dust and leaves as it took off. Garrett turned around to see the passengers of his helicopter standing behind him.

"What are you waiting for? Let's get going!" Garrett led the way to the facility, the others close behind him. He approached Captain Farris. "What's the status of the facility?" he asked. He waited for Farris to respond.