This is the thirtieth of thirty entries for #BlogFlash2012.
I've chosen to link the prompts into a single story. Each episode will be 100 words or less, as per the guidelines. The prompt for each day will appear below the picture and be capitalized in the story.
The Genesis Project – Day Thirty
Philomena Valetta stands at the lectern, a rare smile lighting her face. “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to the Genesis Project. Let me begin by saying that directors Jeremy and Emmaline Walsh are so invested in the project that they recently staged a public breakdown in order to save it from a hostile takeover. I want to assure you that Emmaline is absolutely sound in mind and spirit. The best way to do that is bring the Walshes up on stage. Please help me welcome them.”
A rousing cheer echoes across the convention center. Remy grins like a cat in the canary seat as he takes over the lectern. “Thank you! I’d love to do the introductions, but since my wife just had her personal and professional reputation trampled to preserve Genesis, I’m going to turn the presentation over to her.”
Emmaline steps up to the mic looking every bit the chic, bright, confident scientist. “The Genesis Project is a groundbreaking archeological experience in which children between the ages of six and eighteen will participate in week-long digs in one of a dozen locations, both here in the states and abroad. These locales have been designated for student exploration and either planted with relic remnants or delegated as remnant sites, meaning articles of significant value have already been extracted. Each year, we’ll be introducing hundreds of young people to the exciting world of archeology!”
Remy comes to stand beside her, slides his arm around her waist and says, “And now, it’s our pleasure to introduce you to Team Genesis. Come up here on the platform as I call your names, please.
This seasoned fellow in the fedora is Hans Jarles, archeology enthusiast, philanthropist and head of Wakefield Systems, which is very generously absorbing participant costs.
The all-American chap with the dimples is Dr. Joseph Rasmussen, a highly regarded psychoanalyst, who, along with his assistant Paulina Klein, will be vetting the VSC archeology teams and civilian participants.
Our interns, John Capshaw and Nailah Saddawi, will be adding community liaison and archeology poster children to their list of duties.
Here we have our fair-haired boy-wonder, Colin Parker, a tech-junkie and phenomenal mole who is wonderfully qualified to supervise the more ambitious digs.
And finally, this intense fellow in the snazzy suit is Benjamin Hubert, legendary publisher, and by his scowl, I can see I’d better remind each of you to pick up a copy of our new book on your way out.
What’s that?! The title?! ‘Cooperative Archeology: Putting Our Past, Present and Future in the Hands of Our Children.’
And finally, as thanks for your support, VSC has prepared a luncheon in the south wing and we invite you to join us there for a more personal reception.”
Philomena excuses herself from the podium after telling the Walshes that she'll rejoin them shortly, and heads across the facility to the north wing, hoping for a few minutes alone in her sumptuously appointed office to luxuriate in the thrill of victory, but when she pushes through the double doors, a man is seated at her desk.
She sighs. “How many times have I told you to keep your boots off my desk, Taggert?”
“WINNING doesn’t come cheap, Philly.”
"No, it doesn’t. That new Cadillac in the parking lot yours?”
“Yes, thanks to your banker's expedience. Nice as it is, though, it hasn’t taken the edge off my ruined winning streak.”
“So you’re here to blackmail me for more?”
“Blackmail is such an ugly word. Let’s just say that if you don’t capitulate, Team Genesis will find out you hired me to shake them down to determine the depth of their devotion to the project.”
“Fine. Dinner tonight. My place. Eight sharp. And bring a bottle of that 2004 Chablis Grand Cru you’re so fond of.”
“You’re forgetting I have precious little patience. Seven fifteen or no deal.”
She strides across the room and stops short at his chair. “You are an insufferable bastard.”
He pulls her into his lap. “And you, my conniving vixen, would have made a magnificent lawyer, if only you hadn’t had such a propensity for science.”
( 699 words)
Day One: THINKING
Day Two: FURRY FRIEND
Day Three: COLOR
Day Four: BUSY
Day Five: FRUSTRATION
Day Six: READING
Day Seven: SUNSET
Day Eight: RELAXING
Day Nine: JOURNEY
Day Ten: SUCCESS
Day Eleven: GREED
Day Twelve: CELEBRATION
Day Thirteen: FOREST
Day Fourteen: CHILDREN
Day Fifteen: BOOKS
Day Sixteen: DIFFERENT WORLD
Day Seventeen: GRAVEYARD
Day Eighteen: WILD AT HEART
Day Nineteen: FIREWORKS
Day Twenty: SPORTS
Day Twenty-One: NIGHT
Day Twenty-Two: ON HOLIDAY
Day Twenty-Three: COOKING
Day Twenty-Four: IN THE WOODS
Day Twenty-Five: BLUE
Whoop whoop, and it all comes together! Loved Emmaline's breakdown that was a flash of genius. Fantastic writing, can't wait to meet the cast!
*stands and applauds*
Loved the rollercoaster suspense, thank you x.
http://unfinisheduntitled.blogspot.co.uk/p/blogflash2012.html
Brilliantly done! You've kept us all on the edge of our seats right till the end. I applaude you! Thank you for a great ride!
Looking forward to meeting the cast tomorrow!
Right on!!! You kept up the intrigue and stellar characters all the way through. So, I shall run back tomorrow to see what you have in store
Love it! I've really enjoyed this series! You've created a wonderfully intriging story with memorable characters. I'm sad the BlogFlash is over, but I'm excited to see what you have in store for us tomorrow!
What a fantastic way to bring everything together, Ruth. You weaved a brilliant story that kept me guessing throughout the month. Thank you so much once again for taking part!
So much fun! I agree with all the commenters before me, this story is absolutely brilliant. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what the mystery was and I'll be looking foward to meeting your characters. Well done, my friend!