Harry Potter and the Great Old Ones

Chapter 822

“You don’t want to believe me,” Tiera sighed softly. “Of course, I understand, but this will expose you to many inexplicable dangers. Alas.”

“Thank you for your concern, Mr. Lockhart.” Jonathan Hadley seemed to be getting a little impatient. “We are all professional scientists. This expedition team consists of the top geologists, astronomers, climatologists and biologists in all of Australia. Please trust our expertise.”

According to Jonathan Hadley, although Tierra's concern for their safety was entirely well-intentioned, this goodwill offended Jonathan Hadley's professionalism, which is why he spoke with unusual firmness.

"Alright, alright, since you've thought it through, I won't interfere any further. After all, all I need to know is that the money I spent has been used effectively," Tiera said with a light laugh and a nod.

After that came an awkward and long silence, during which Jonathan Hadley avoided making a sound as much as possible, except for taking messages from other vehicles on the walkie-talkie.

And Tiera
He closed his eyes again and began to doze off.

The convoy continued its journey in silence.

Amidst the raging sandstorm, the only sounds seemed to be the hissing of walkie-talkies.

After about another hour and a half of driving, Jonathan Hadley gently shook Tierra.

“Mr. Lockhart,” Jonathan Hadley called softly, “we’ve arrived.”

"We've arrived?" Tiera opened her eyes.

"Yes, we have reached the low-lying area on the western side of the George Crater. Our vehicle cannot proceed here; we will need to climb over the rock face to enter the inner area of ​​the George Crater. Would you like to wait for us in the car, or..."

“Of course I’ll be waiting for you in the car.” Tiera smiled. “I’m not like you. I’m not a professional expedition member. I don’t have the stamina to hike into the crater area in this kind of weather.”

“Very well, Mr. Lockhart,” Jonathan Hadley replied. “We may be staying here for a day or two, as you see.”

“No problem.” Tierra nodded. “As I said, I’m only responsible for supervising whether my money is being spent effectively. How to implement it, how to operate it, and how to achieve results are up to you professionals.”

“Alright! Thank you, Mr. Lockhart!” Jonathan Hadley’s opinion of Tierra improved once again.

After all, who doesn't like an investor who doesn't talk nonsense or meddle in other people's business?
“It’s getting late. Let’s rest here for a bit and see if the sandstorm will subside in the morning before we move on. Is that alright?” Jonathan Hadley asked again.

“I’ve said it before, everything related to the scientific expedition is up to you,” Tierra said. “I will follow your arrangements.”

“Okay, then I’ll pass on the notification.” Jonathan Hadley picked up the walkie-talkie and began arranging the camp setup.

They certainly couldn't spend the night in the car.

The temperature difference between day and night in the desert is extreme. Spending the night in a metal shell like an off-road jeep can easily make people sick from the cold. Therefore, it is necessary to use a tent made of thick wool felt to spend the night.

But the sandstorms outside are raging again.

Therefore, Jonathan Hadley ordered the drivers of the other vehicles to form a circle around Tierra's car, creating a temporary protective barrier.

Tiera looked out the window and could see the figures of the expedition team members blurred and distorted in the sandstorm.

Dust lashed against the car windows, making a whooshing sound mixed with fine sand. Although the sandstorm brought considerable difficulties to the scientific expedition team's work, the team members did not slow down for a moment.

They moved with the efficiency and skill of machines. Jonathan Hadley also joined in the camp-building effort, deftly manipulating the ropes and tent frames, his movements almost effortless as he completed each knot.

Soon, tents sprang up like mushrooms within the convoy's protective perimeter.

In the cold wind, the team members' figures finally disappeared temporarily into the afterglow of the sunset after the tents were set up.

Now they can finally take a short rest and prepare for tomorrow's exploration work.

As night fell completely, the crackling sound of the wind and sand was gradually shut out by the thick wool felt.

At this moment, bonfires were already burning in the newly set up camp, illuminating everyone's faces.

Unlike other places, the desert experiences extreme temperature differences between day and night, with the cold of the night contrasting sharply with the heat of the day. However, the heavy wool felt tents and the campfire in the camp provided the expedition team members with the necessary warmth.

“Mr. Lockhart.” As soon as the campsite was set up, he knocked on the door of the SUV that Tierra was in. “The campsite is set up. Would you like to get out and say a few words? Or would you like to get out and walk around? Dinner has just started cooking and may not be ready for a while.”

Logically speaking, in these kinds of field expeditions, regardless of whether you're a prince or princess at home, once you're in the wild, unless you've lost an arm or a leg, you all have to work. There's no situation where anyone can be left idle. But—

Who told Tierra to be the big spender?

When Jonathan Hadley was directing everyone to set up camp, he deliberately skipped over Tierra.

As for the other members of the expedition team, they weren't so oblivious as to assume that their benefactor, Tierra, didn't need to do any work.

That's why Jonathan Hadley asked Tierra if she needed to go out for a walk and get some fresh air after finishing her work.

“It would be my pleasure if it were not too much trouble,” Tiera said politely after a moment’s thought.

These people are all prospective members of my future secret society.

We should get to know each other more.

“No trouble at all, no trouble at all!” Jonathan Hadley hurriedly opened the car door for Tierra.

“Mr. Lockhart, this way. The sandstorm is blocked, but be careful.” He led Tiera obsequiously toward the nearest campfire.

There were about ten people sitting around the campfire, mostly young people.

There were only two girls; the rest were boys.

“Mr. Lockhart, this way please.” Jonathan Hadley pulled Thiella down to sit.

“This is my student, a PhD student, Fabien Kahn,” Jonathan Hadley said, pointing to a tall, muscular young man with a tanned complexion and slightly curly hair. “He has already published three core papers and received an offer from the Netherlands Space Agency. He has finished up his work and will be able to take up the position after graduating at the end of this year!”

“Hello, Mr. Lockhart, I’m a big fan of your novels.” Fabien Kahn extended his hand with neither servility nor arrogance, and shook hands with Tyella.

He was well aware of his mentor's intention: introducing this patron to him was a way of indirectly building connections for him.