Who is Ben Brust from Subterranean and what is their importance? Subterranean_(James_Rollins) English & Literature Ben Brust | Subterranean

Ben is described as a wold-renowned cave explorer and is asked to be on the expedition in order to map the extensive cave system and help the team with safety while traveling. Ben is in jail for taking a very rich client into a forbidden cave system when first approached about the job. Ben is lighthearted about many things, but is able to read people easily in many ways. When Ben first sees Ashley he is attracted to her. He continues to try and talk and joke with her, despite many rude comments, and often a refusal to respond. Ben quickly makes friends with Ashely's son Jason.