The Descent

Looking out of large helicopter window, James tightened the straps to his 85.7 pound backpack. They were nearing the predetermined drop-off point where they would lower a metal cord into the impenetrable forest canopy and zip down the team of 6 men. For now he and the others gazed upon the luster of the rich emerald green tree tops mixing with the rising mist that veiled the ominous beauty.

“Isn’t it marvelous?” he said to himself. “Hey, Cole!”  shouting above the whir of the chopper, “How’s it feel to take a trip to where you’re lost on the first day?”
He gave a teasing smirk while he waited for Eli Cole to throw back another clever response.

“Well,” Cole said laughing at his interpretation of the moment, “being lost first thing on a trip sounds scary, but then again if we’re trying to explore new regions, then knowing  where we are might be just as bad.”

James chuckled at the remark while looking back towards the window until from behind, Mark, the Survival Guide, leaned forward to join in and reminded, “While that may be true, getting actually lost is still highly dangerous. Stay close with everybody else.”

“Don't you worry,” they both promised.

“Also,” he mentioned, “drop-off should be soon, so let’s get ready.”

Mark then slapped the sides of their seats as he sat back into his. A rush of excitement zipped up James' spine. This was it. His first exploration mission where none of seen or touched. The time was soon. Just then the pilot started speaking, “Everyone make sure to put on your helmets, tighten your harnesses one last time, and get ready for deployment. Security get into position to be sent down first.”
As James and the others fastened on their helmets, Joe Hickman, Team Security, quickly secured all his equipment and picked up his gun.
The chopper was now lowering towards the top of the forest. Flocks of tropical birds flew away from beneath. Now that they were low enough, the two guys in charge of the zipline stood and hooked Joe up. At the signal they released him to plunge down to the bottom of the forest floor. Once he gave the all-clear to continue, the same two man began sending everyone else down repeating the same few reminder instructions each time. Next they sent the first-aid guy, also known as “The Doc”, before bringing James as the Scout up next. 
Hooking him up to the fancy cord they said, “Okay, keep your head up and body straight at all times. If an emergency happens for evacuation you know to turn the switch on your harness to put it to reverse. Now ready?”
James nodded and suddenly, swoosh! he was being sent down. Next he was diving into the trees and being immersed with the sounds of the jungle. Apart from the drone of the propellers, birds were chirping and squealing all around, and howler monkeys were calling loudly. As he got lower, more monkeys followed until finally their sounds faded from above and the high pitched noises from various bugs echoed past. Quickly from there the auto-sensors slowed the descent and he was brought to a smooth landing. The Doc helped him loose while Joe watched.
It wasn’t long before the whole crew was down. Cole sent a signal and the chopper flew away.
“Wow,” James said, “This is it.”

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