Oratory Expedition Crew

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Tim Hartnett, Writer

Note: The names and photographs of the members of the OEC have been altered to protect their identities.

 

While trudging through the small town of Blairstown, New Jersey, the Oratory Expedition Crew (OEC) came across a discovery that would change their lives forever. While walking back towards the Blair Academy campus, one OEC member noticed a small cave-like hole covered by a large rock. Upon moving said rock, the group was astounded to find a small pill capsule in the hole of a tree. One of the leaders of the gang cautioned the group to remain calm, as the pill capsule-marked with the symbol “M4” and the words “Do Not Remove-could mean trouble. Within the capsule were two pieces of paper. One was a blank sheet entitled “Log” and the other was a thin strip reading “M5” followed by a series of GPS coordinates. At this point, it was decided that the only possible option was to hunt for the M5 capsule. In the blink of an eye, the OEC had come across yet another unforgettable adventure.

The clear danger of other treasure hunters getting to the M5 capsule first was palpable; time was of the essence. After watching a quick cross country race, the squad darted off into the woods with the coordinates of M5 plugged into an unknown Apple device. Their route was perilous, with treacherous mountain terrain, prickle bushes as far as the eye can see, and near monsoon conditions. It’s truly amazing that no lives were lost in the process. As they finally came to the location of the coordinates, the M5 capsule was nowhere to be found. Many of the OEC members were left scratching their heads. “Where’s the capsule?” they asked. “You sure this is the right location?” some questioned. Then, just as all hope seemed to be lost, one member of the OEC gave a shout as he dug up the coveted M5 capsule from underneath a large wooden platform. The group erupted into cheers and some were even moved to tears as the treasure had been found.

After a long and highly dangerous quest, the OEC could finally open the second pill capsule and solve the mystery. However, their excitement was immediately quelled when the M5 capsule revealed no further coordinates. Instead of simply signing their names on the M5 Log, the men left a scathing letter; demanding that there be an M6 when they return to Blairstown next year.