Intent #
Introduce Dr. Parrini and the external pressure on the dig, while showing Ulysses' deteriorating health.
Narrative #
Ulysses felt the familiar tightening in his chest. It started as a pressure behind the sternum, then radiated outward. Shit, not now, he thought. Tight chest. Tunnel light. He forced himself to breathe.
"We run a tight grid," Dr. Parrini said, checking his watch with exaggerated patience. "We'll need final findings by next Friday."
"Of course," Ulysses managed to say, his voice sounding hollow to his own ears. "We're nearly there. Just keep it together."
"Impressive setup, Dr. Parrini," a visiting official muttered as they walked away, dismissing the site with a glance.
Nearly there, my ass, Ulysses thought bitterly as he watched them leave. Can't leave empty-handed. Not again. Like always.