Lost Continent

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  They were married the next year and Matt Junior was born in the mid 1970s. Both his father and mother were tall and a handsome couple they were. Matt senior and Maria were constant companions enjoying the fruits of their labor: cattle ranching. For as long as Matt Junior could remember, his father loved flying. He had a dirt airport at the home ranch. It was just more convenient to fly rather than spend hours or days traveling by vehicle.

  Matt Senior was a stickler for flying safely He had a full time mechanic on duty to take care of his twin engine Cessna. However, weather takes precedence over maintenance. Matt Junior was seventeen years old when his parents taking a holiday to Chile crashed in the Andes Mountains. Even a seasoned pilot knows icing problems. Matt Senior had sent a May Day saying the icing on his wings were taking them down. His last words were, "We had a wonderful life and leave the world our son who will make his own mark in history."

  Matt's father had a ranch manager whose family had been with the Holmes for many years. Matt's grandmother came to Argentina even though she was over eighty years old. She left the ranch in the manager's hands, hired a local lawyer to oversee the operation, loaded up Matt Junior in an airplane for England.

  Consequently Matt Junior grew up quickly. Led by his powerful grandmother Matt excelled at Oxford. The day after his graduation, his grandmother passed on. However, Matt was never alone as he had his memories that gave him comfort when needed. That and Gwen was as much that anyone could wish for.

  One never knows about the weather in England. According to the calendar it was spring time. However, nature has its own idea about what will happen on any day of the year. Only JB was a little surprised that it was pouring down rain and if had worn a hat, well, only a rookie to England would wear a hat on a blustery day. Barry was spot on waiting for Matt and Gwen to arrive. He was a little surprised to see an old man with them, but shrugged his shoulders loading in the van too many bags. Barry had expected a younger man.

  Once all were inside and wipers beating the rain with high speed fury, Matt introduced JB to Barry. It took awhile, but finally Barry put two and two together and came up with Gwen and JB from UCLA. Barry smacked the side of his head not recognizing JB Wallace as 'The' man of archeology fame. Matt looked at Barry from the passenger seat and said, "What's with the self flagellation Barry?"

  "It just dawned on me who's in the back seat with Gwen. Do you suppose Matt, he would give me his autograph," he said laughing.

  "Never mind Barry JB. He's always cracking jokes and that's the only reason we keep him around. Well, that's not all he does. He's good for running errands and driving us around. His coffee making was so bad; we had to hire Liz just to stop quivering after one cup of his brew."

  Gwen was laughing hard now. It was good to be back around Barry and soon Liz would join the conversation. She looked at JB and saw him chuckling at the humor. She prayed he would look and feel twenty years younger in a few short weeks being around active quick thinking young people.

  Gwen loved the loft. In its four corners were bedrooms with bathrooms. In the center was the kitchen. Office space was near one large window facing the river. Next to the big window a series of smaller windows ran the length of the wall connected by the two corner bedrooms. A wood table, much like a shuffle board table connected to each bedroom just under the windows. Equally spaced were desk chairs facing an array of computers and printers. The completely wooden loft had more space than was needed. Each wooden structural post had shelves holding ancient artifacts that Matt had acquired over the years.

  Other spaces were taken up by a large oak wood conference table against the back wall that faced a dismal office building. Nearby the kitchen with a small eating area saw little action as both Liz and Barry ate at their computers. Between two bedrooms was the elevator. Lighting was discreetly placed to provide efficiency not being offensive.

  Matt had down a rough floor plan and an interior designer company did the rest. Gwen loved the place and wished they could spend more time here, but for now they were field scientists, not desk jockeys. Near the master bedroom Matt had space reserved for an off spring. Gwen was chosen to deliver the goods when they decided to have children.

  Liz greeted all as they entered the spacious loft. Matt introduced JB and Gwen could see by his eyes it was a pleasure for him to meet an attractive girl. He would also find that behind that hidden beauty intelligence beyond most that age. At first glance one might think Liz plain and reserved in her demeanor and looks. She wore heavy rimmed black glasses that hid her pewter eyes. Her hair was tightly wrapped in an old fashion bun behind her head. With her hair swept back it accentuated her large forehead. The rest of her face was typical English with a rather sharp nose and thin lips.

  Barry showed JB his bedroom. Barry had done some shopping for the 'Old Timer', as he called JB. Gwen had sent a picture and gave an approximate size to Barry. He had purchased only items to make his stay comfortable. Such as a bathrobe, towels, shampoo and so on. Barry included some sweat pants and shirts in case he felt like lounging around. Barry said, "JB if you need something just let me know. I'll put your bag on the stand so you can easily find what you want without bending over so far. If you need a nap, go for it. I'm sure Matt and Gwen have some things to share with Liz and I, so take your time and relax."

  "Thanks Barry. I'm a little jet lagged for sure. I'm going to shower and take a rest. I hate to miss a meal so call me if you guys eat something." Barry chuckled and told him that for sure he would alert him to dinner later.

  Matt asked Liz and Barry to have a seat and proceeded to fill them in on what had transpired since they last had more than a brief phone call or sent e-mail.

  "Here is what we know for a fact or facts. We discovered off the coast of Spain a metal box containing a leather bound book written in Old Latin." He went on to describe the metal box about how well manufactured it was. Also it was dated to roughly 12 thousand BP. The fact that another life form was plainly described, rocked the two young graduate students just enough to show they were human enough to react to the news. A half hour later all were up to speed on the past, present and future things to do.

  Barry said, "You know the dating coincides with some theories of an advanced highly intelligent human race about nine thousand five hundred years BC. I'm also a bit of an Edgar Cayce fan and his take fits that scenario as well."

  Liz said, "I can't read Old Latin very well, so Gwen have you had a chance to make a copy of the writing in English?"

  "No, not yet Liz. It's on my list of things to do, but later I'll give both of you an overview of what it says. Mostly it speaks of a land of contentment and harmony with each other and the environment. Additionally it speaks of some Athenians being transferred to another galaxy. It's enough to shake up the world we live in that's for sure."

  "In the text or on the first page is a code or a riddle to solve. If we can solve the riddle or break the code, then we can somehow send our off-world friends a sign," said Matt.

  "I've no doubt that some severe headaches will come out of trying to break the code," said Gwen "I'll make copies for you and guard them with your very lives. I'm thinking we need to make four squares of the cover page with neither of us carrying the full picture of four squares. Or something like that. I'm open for ideas."

  "Not a bad idea my love," said Matt. Let's think about that and now Barry and Liz how about doing a back ground on our British Museum friend and our astronomer lady whom JB has recommended. At the museum are a Dr. Alex McFadden and our astronomer Dr. Alice Winslow." Matt looked at his watch and said, "I need a shower and some good old English fish and chips would suit me fine. How about you guys?" Affirmatives were heard and Gwen followed Matt to their room. Barry check on JB finding him snoring lightly and quietly closed the door.

  Barry took the museum guy and Liz took Alice. However, before they began, Liz said, "Barry do you know what this discovery will mean for human kind?"

  "Of course I know Liz. Or at least I think I do.
I can see adverse affects and I see damn little benefits coming out of this discovery. Mankind is not ready to greet or accept advanced life forms from another galaxy. What do you think?"

  "I'd like to think positive, but like you, feel a heavy weight upon the world's shoulders when this news breaks. Now how long can we keep this under wraps is a good question. Eyes and ears are everywhere these days. They say even Lincoln's ghost keeps his eye on the White House and makes sure the president doesn't get out of line."

  "You know Liz, every since man discovered how to make fire he's been burning up resources like there's no tomorrow. I'll not preach here or be a dooms day Sayer, but look at the recent climate anomaly's of the past couple of years. It's hard to imagine that in Denver, Colorado last winter there wasn't hardly enough snow to ski. Okay there are other folks who say we are just changing one age for another age. We're both young enough to see who's right about human impact on the planet earth."

  "So, Barry are you suggesting help may come from outside our galaxy. If you are, then you're saying mankind is on the brink of extinction brought on by himself. Then it must be said that the second coming is an alien and not the son of God?"

  "I'm not sure what I'm saying Liz. It would appear that we don't know what's going on and it would appear we have no idea where this is going to lead. It seems strange to me that we are searching for a secret code to contact beings outside of our solar system to save us. We're supposed to be intelligent human beings and responsible to ourselves and others. There're religious laws set forth by the one God; laws set forth by governments; laws set forth for international purposes and those laws are broken ever day of the week. Let's assume for a minute that life outside our world is coming, in one form or another, to set forth more laws? I'm sorry Liz, nobody can help us but ourselves and no beings from another world can change mankind mindset. Mankind is everything antithetical of good."

  "I'm in this for the knowledge Barry and I think we're of like mind when it comes to the future of human kind. However, I for one will not give up hope for us. It all started with the search for the 'Fountain of Youth', alone with all the utopian novels. Now it could all end with the arrival of our keepers."

  JB walked out with a big yawn to break off the discourse of the two young scientists. Barry said, "JB how are you feeling?"

  "Not bad. It almost feels like a hangover. I'll be fine in a day or so. Once we get or set our teeth into something intellectually stimulating, our brains take over dragging our bodies with it. When we're younger, it was hell bent for election, now I have to pace myself to make the daily grind. I'm like a dog with a bone, give me a bone to chew on and I'm wide awake enjoying the taste of knowledge. Well, enough of that dribble. What are you two young knowledge seekers doing?"

  Liz said, "We're doing a background check on the two experts you are going to visit soon." JB walked to the window and looked out at a grey day and a brown river with a few boats coming and going. For a brief moment he thought about what a long history this river had of mankind's use. Here he stood on the sixth floor overlooking a famous river from an overpriced space built for human comfort. JB thought it rather strange that people dreamed of living in a space like this. To pay for it, the residents would have to work hard to say they lived in an apartment overlooking the Thames River. He realized that if this were his place of residence, standing here looking out at the river wouldn't happen more than once a week.

  He turned around to see the two young people busy on the computer. JB thought it was about time for him to get his feet wet and walked to an unused computer with a new chair still showing the plastic covering on it. While waiting for it to boot up, he looked around wondering if he had made the right decision. He silently asked his wife Helen if he was doing the right thing. He asked for a sign to comfort him while he waited for his turn to be called.

  Checking his mail he ignored most and saw where his daughter Emily sent him a message. He smiled thinking how much like her mother his daughter was. He scanned it quickly then went back to read it more intently. She wrote: "Dad, I hope this finds you well and happy. I know mom would have agreed with you making the decision to 'move your old butt' out of your university chair and do something worthwhile." JB shook his head smiling as he read on with Emily saying she was doing fine and his two grandkids were a handful. Chuck, her husband, was a vice-principal of a high school. Emily was a RN at the local hospital in rural Wyoming.

  JB hit reply and sent off a note saying she made his day. That he was quite comfortable in London and ready to sink his teeth into a new project. He promised to write often and sent it off. JB recognized he wasn't the best father in the world or the best grandfather either. However, he did the best he could for who he was.

  JB went back to his inbox and saw a mail from someone he didn't recognize. His curiosity got the best of him and he opened the mail. As he was at first shocked, then a little bewildered, he read it word for word.

  "Dear Professor Wallace,

  I can't identify myself, but please take this message seriously. You and your new team of archeologists are being watched. At this point I'm not sure if there is any danger or not. I will try and keep you informed as time goes on."

  Matt walked out of their bedroom rubbing his stomach. JB said, "Matt please take a look at this e-mail I received. See what you make of it."

  Matt walked up and leaned over reading the message. He turned and looked at JB and then read it again. Gwen walked up behind him wondering what was so interesting on the screen. Matt moved out of the way so she could read without interference. Matt then asked Barry and Liz to view the message. By then JB had moved out of his chair giving plenty of room for everyone to see the message.

  Matt said, "I'm hungry. Anyone for fish and chips?" Everyone stared at him and then Barry jumped in and said:

  "Yes, I'll call and order. We have lots of drinks to choose from so no need of having them bring anything else." Barry went to his desk to make the call. Gwen sat down in the desk chair and stared at the screen. Liz went back to her station while JB and Matt looked at each other.

  Matt said, "We all knew something like this would happen, but not so quickly. Let's all sit at the conference table and talk about it when the food arrives. I'm going to open a bottle of wine. Barry, would you take out some wine glasses please."

  Gwen stood up and gave off a big sigh. She walked over to the conference table and sat down. Liz followed sitting down next to her. JB sat down on the other side of the table. Matt had taken a bottle of wine out of its place on the wine rack, opened it and let it breathe. Barry lined up the glasses on the conference table waiting for Matt to pour. It seemed like the silence was deafening.

  Matt poured as all heard the gurgling sound and seeing the red wine fill the glass one at a time. Matt passed the glasses around and then raised his glass saying, "It was fun while it lasted. Now, here's to us and may the higher spirit keep the wolves away. Cheers my friends." Everyone took a sip as the elevator made a noise that someone was coming. Hunger wins out over bad guys and this was true at that moment in the loft overlooking the river.

  A half hour later there was nothing left but the paper trash glistening with fish grease. Gwen looked around the table and then said, "Well, we knew this was coming, but it's a shocker coming so quickly. Let's go around the table and each one of us express their thoughts. I'll begin. At this point nobody knows exactly what we possess. However, that'll not last long. When the news does break, how do we handle the onslaught of the media; and others who are not so friendly? As I see we have two options. One is go public, with all kinds of repercussions totally unknown to us at this time. The other method is we try to keep this in house; which will necessitate hiring some form of security."

  Matt spoke next saying, "None of us here have any experience with this sort of thing. Before I comment, I'd like to hear from JB who has more experience than all of us combined. If you will JB."

  JB looked around the table, adjusted his heavy black glasses,
gave a soft throat clearing and said, "With a discovery this big nobody has any idea what will happen when the news breaks. If it breaks here in England, this government will want to take charge. If that happens, Spain will protest and soon we have an international dispute. Now that's the public side of things. The private side will see nothing but dollar signs knowing that space exploration will top the agenda of the major economic players. I'd say our best security would be at the British Museum. But first thing we need to do is get that metal box out of Spain. I'd suggest we do a diversion by having the box pretend to be put back onto the yacht when in reality it's smuggled out and flown to London. I'll leave the logistics up to the professionals. I'm sure there're more loose ends but this is a beginning."

  Matt was looking at Barry and it appeared that he wanted to participate. Matt said, "Barry, what do you think?"

  "It's obvious to me we need outside help with the cuneiform and the code. That means we need to include others in our project. For safety I'm with JB and the British Museum. With the e-mail warning and such things none of us needs to be in danger. This is scientific and not private interest."

  Matt nodded at Liz. She said, "This is all moving so fast that's it hard to keep up with. The British Museum is a government facility so that means we are under the British umbrella. I think that is good. I've no idea about Spain and its right of discovery. I guess that would fall under international law. I think we need a solicitor for this discovery."

  Matt said, "First things first. Let's take Liz's advice and contact a law firm. Secondly, let's talk to Dr. Alex McFadden and see what he says. If we're being watched then it might be prudent if he will agree to come and see us here. JB, you're the man I think due to your international reputation to speak to McFadden."