Curse of Atlantis Read online

  “Burt’s talking to the head of Culture and Tourism as we speak. Let’s hope after tomorrow we won’t have to think about doing anything illegal,” Javier replied, his tone ominous.

  “He’s been saying that for months now. We can’t keep waiting. You heard those guys this morning. We’ve got a month,” Jack replied, feeling exasperated.

  “I know, Jack. I know. You don’t have to remind me. I just can’t take that kind of risk with Serena’s life. If any of those guys at the Department of Culture and Tourism knew what we were up to, they’d lock this place down forever,” Javier shot back. “No Jack, we have to play it safe… for now.”

  “And what happens if the deadline comes and we still don’t have approval?”

  “I think we need to look at the bigger picture. Even if I do find the pyramid and the Greeks do approve our permits, will the Russians have the patience to sit through a long, protracted excavation? You heard them, ‘The Boss’ loses patience quickly. Excavating something the size of a pyramid could take years. Do you really think he’s going to wait that long?”

  “So what are we going to do?”

  “I don’t know Jack. More than anything else, that’s the piece of the puzzle that’s been worrying me the most,” Javier said, anxiously. “I guess we’ll climb that mountain when we get there.”

  “That’s not acceptable to me,” he said, now frustrated.

  “Jack, there’s nothing we can do. Excavations take time and the Russians have no patience for it.”

  Maybe so, but I’ve think I know of a way to keep the wolf interested as long as we need to,” Jack said, slyly.

  “You have a plan?”

  “I have a ploy,” he said with a wily grin.

  ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

  Hours later:

  Jack and Darrien hiked back up to the mountain top as Javier set up his equipment for another test. Having tested the soil in various locations lower on the mountain, they now headed back up to discuss their findings.

  “Javi, good news,” Jack announced excitedly.

  “Do the soil samples match?” he asked with anticipation.

  “Not an exact match, but they’re really close,” Jack said, his voice sounding encouraging. “Here’s the data.”

  Javier examined the card with the information, then opened the Munsell Color Test notebook and compared the findings.

  Nodding his head approvingly, he said, “Good work, you guys. It’s not conclusive evidence, mind you, but it sure looks like data supports the claim that a tsunami could have reached these heights.”

  “Awesome,” Jack replied simply.

  Handing the info back to Jack, he bent over and attached a final wheel to the three-wheeled platform that supported the Ground Penetrating Radar. With a nervous grin, he switched on the device.

  “Ok guys, let’s see what lies beneath.”

  “Sounds like a horror movie,” Darrien joked.

  “It is,” Javier replied grimly.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it,” Darrien responded apologetically.

  Javier nodded simply.

  “So how’s this test work?” Jack cut in, now watching the readout on the radar device.

  “It’s a pretty simple test, really. I’ll be pushing this across the mountain in a rectangular pattern. As the device travels back and forth, the transmitter will send a signal into the ground. When the signal finds an object, it’ll be reflected back to the sensors, which then in turn, are processed and converted to data on the radargram,” Javier explained.

  “What’s a radargram?” Darrien asked.

  “It’s basically the readout on the unit. It shows you exactly what you’re seeing beneath the ground,” Jack cut in, answering for Javier.

  “Sorry, Jack. I guess I sort of forgotten you made a GPR unit yourself. I didn’t mean to bore you,” Javi said.

  “I was the one who asked... Remember, engineering’s my forte. I live for this kind of stuff,” he said, now examining the readout. “How deep does this one penetrate?”

  “Most of the mountains in this region are made up of limestone, so we can see pretty deep… almost three hundred feet below the surface,”

  “Wow, that much, huh?”

  “Yeah, if we can get a good signal, we should be able to detect nearly the entire height of the pyramid,” Javier replied.

  “I can see why you wouldn’t want to waste your time with mine. I’m not sure if it could read deeper than twenty feet,” Jack said.

  “On the mountain I surveyed yesterday, the entire structure was a nearly solid block of limestone, covered with a layer of soil. As I passed from one side of the mountain top to the other, very little changed in the readout. There were some minor anomalies at various depths, and the soil depths did change periodically, but for the most part, there was nothing that suggested it was anything other than a large bed of limestone.”

  Javier stared off at the distant mountain, then turned back to Jack and continued:

  “On this mountain, I’ll be doing the same thing. I’ll be making sweeping passes along grid lines I’ve established, looking for reflections that could indicate stacks of blocks at the higher elevations or simply a consistent down-sloping grade that shapes the pyramid at lower elevations.”

  “I suppose you can tell pretty quickly if it’s a pyramid or a lump of limestone, right?” Jack said.

  “Here’s where it gets a bit more challenging. If the readout shows a structure under the ground with constant-sloping walls, I’m fairly sure we’ll have our pyramid. But, there’s going to be a lot of material covering the pyramid that might make it hard to detect. It may appear just as yesterday’s mountain appeared… like a large mound of limestone with variations in its structure at various depths,” Javier said.

  “I’m confused… if we can’t determine what’s under the ground, are you saying that the GPR unit is useless?” Jack asked, now somewhat confused.

  “Not at all. It’s just one component of the analysis we use to solve the puzzle. We’ll need to take readings at various positions and elevations. After that, I’ll use the other devices like the Electromagnetic Conductivity Meter and Electrical Resistance meter, as well as the Magnetometer to refine my findings further. Eventually, I’ll have enough data at different depths and at different angles to understand what I’m looking at.”

  “You know, maybe you should show me how to use the other equipment and we both can run tests at the same time. We can get done twice as fast,” Jack suggested.

  “You’re whistling my tune,” Javier said with a smile. “Why don’t you and Darrien follow alongside of me and watch how I take the readings. Next, I’ll have you set up the ECM device at specific points I obtained from the readout on this GPR unit. I use the other two devices from time to time, but the main two I depend on are the GPR and ECM units. If you can run those two, we’ll have this mountain mapped and analyzed in no time.”

  “Well, let’s get this party started,” Jack joked once more.

  Javier looked at the rows of parallel grid lines he had marked in the soil with spray paint. With the device sitting at the first row, he began to push the GPR unit along its path. Halfway along its course, as he watched the display, he began to frown.

  “Hmm, nothing’s ever easy,” he said out loud.

  “What’s the matter, Javi?” Darrien asked.

  “We’re not seeing any real definition… just a lot of noise,” Jack said.

  “I don’t hear any noise.” Darrien said, now somewhat confused.

  “Not audible noise, Darrien. Jack is talking about generalized deflections in the readout caused by the varying densities of the substructure that create minor waves in the readout. The objects that cause the minor distortions are called background noise,” Javier explained.

  “Ahh, I get it. No pyramid, right?” Darrien guessed.

  “Not exactly. There could be one down there, but we’ll need to run many more tests to make a clear distinction. Like he said�
� nothing’s ever easy,” Jack replied.

  As Darrien nodded in understanding, Javier kept moving forward. Reaching the end of the first pass, he turned and moved to the next row several feet away. Like before, he lined up the device with the new path and began to push the unit once more, paralleling his first course in the opposite direction. As they moved along, Javier pointed out the larger deflections on the readout. Using a can of spray paint, he marked the location of the anomaly in the grass and dirt.

  “We’ll come back to this point later and use the ECM to see if we can better define what’s down there,” Javier said.

  As the two nodded simply, he continued to push the radar unit along the ground. Minutes later, he reversed his course and continued in the opposite direction, marking any points of interest as he followed his new line.

  Nearly an hour had passed and the three had covered most of the mountain top. With several targets to investigate further, they set out with the ECM device to take further readings.

  Jack picked up the ECM unit by its carrying strap and held a small computer in front of him. Guided by Javier, the two walked slowly over one of the points of interest with Darrien trailing behind. Suspended from the strap was a three-foot long rectangular beam that contained transmitters and receivers. Suspended inches above the ground, Jack watched the computer for fluctuations that signaled objects below the surface.

  “Let’s make a few passes over the top of the location we’ve marked. Once we’ve collected the data, we’ll upload it into the computer and map out the substructure of the mountain,” he instructed.

  “Do you have a gut feeling about what’s down there?” Darrien asked.

  “Unfortunately, it’s not looking very good. The general deviations I’m seeing on both devices are consistent with yesterday’s findings,” Jack said, sadly.

  “So you think it’s all dirt under us?” Darrien asked.

  “Rock… limestone to be specific,” Javier said, still watching Jack as he took in the data.

  “What size do you think the blocks are that make up this pyramid?” Darrien asked.

  “Good question, Darrien. The Egyptian pyramids had many different sized blocks, made from limestone. If this pyramid is anything like the Egyptian’s pyramid, I’d say that on average the blocks will probably measure four foot by four foot by seven foot, on average,” Javier explained.

  “Wow, that’s a heavy stone,” Darrien said.

  “Over nine tons, Darrien,” he replied.

  Thinking further about the measurements, he asked, “Where do you think the Atlanteans got all those stones from?”

  “Right here on the island. With all these mountain made up of limestone, they had a very large supply of it readily available,” Javier replied.

  “Huh, I would have guessed they carved them from the sea cliffs,” Darrien responded politely.

  “Why’s that, Darrien?” Javier asked, focusing more on Jack than his answers to Darrien.

  “Well, I don’t see any large ditches in the mountains where they would have carved the blocks from. I just figured they must have carved the blocks from the sea cliffs. They kind of look like they’ve been carved anyway,” Darrien speculated.

  “I’m sure any quarries that had been carved out to make the pyramid were filled in after the tsunami,” Javier responded.

  “Ah, that makes sense… I guess,” Darrien replied, still sounding confused.

  Javier was about to responded, but became distracted. Looking on with Jack, they noticed a larger spike registering on the computer screen.

  “Was this one on the GPR readout?” Jack asked.

  “Not like that,” Javier said, now focusing intently. “Let’s make another pass, a little slower this time.”

  Moving back along the path, Jack slowed his pace at the painted mark that located the spike. Crossing over, once again the readout registered another spike.

  “Hmm, that’s interesting. If you look close, that reflection is only few feet below the surface,” Javier said.

  “You think it could be the top of the pyramid?” Jack said, excitedly.

  “It’s too early to tell, but whatever it is, it’s big… real big. The area it displaces is huge,” Javier said, still focused on the display.

  “A few feet is nothing. Let me dig down and see what’s there,” Jack said, now becoming anxious.

  “Jack, we can’t do that. We’ve been over this already,” Javier responded.

  “I know, but this could be it, Javi. We might be standing on the pyramid right now. We could buy Serena more time,” Jack continued.

  “Patience, Jack. No one wants this more than I do, but finding the pyramid is only the tip of the iceberg. We can’t jeopardize our mission.”

  “Alright, Javi, we’ll wait,” Jack responded with reluctance.

  “Good man,” Javier said.

  As the three turned to their next location, Jack reached into his pocket and pulled out a shiny coin. Tossing it on the ground, he smiled and followed the other two.

  ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

  Many hours later, as the sun began to set, Jack, Javier, and Darrien finished the last of their tests at the lower elevations. Hiking back to the car, Javier’s pace slowed and soon he was trailing behind the two younger men. Looking back, Jack could see the exhaustion on his face as his arms hung low by his side, no longer swinging with his natural gate. His clothes were coated with dust and sweat and his exposed skin had reddened from the sun. Even with his light pack, he could see Javier was struggling under the strain.

  Jack slowed to a stop and waited. With his head hung low and in deep thought, Javier approached, nearly crashing into Jack before he even realized anyone was blocking his path.

  “Hold up there, big guy,” Jack said, humorously. “Let me take that from you.”

  Reaching for the straps, Jack pulled the small pack from Javier before he had a chance to protest.

  “Jack, I can handle it. You don’t have to carry my load. You’ve taken too much as it is,” Javier said, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

  “I know I don’t have to take it. I want to take it,” Jack replied firmly. “It’s going to be another half hour or so, hiking around to the other side of this mountain. You’ve got enough to think about without adding exhaustion to the problem.”

  “Thank you, Jack. That’s very thoughtful of you,” Javier smiled.

  As the two started to walk again, Jack asked, “So, what are you thinking about back here all by yourself?”

  “I was wondering about Burt Samuelson. He’s supposed to be here in the morning to help broaden our search. I just hope he makes it,” Javier said, worry on his face. “It would be a bad sign if he didn’t.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “If he doesn’t show up, it’ll be because he ran into problems with the state department. We just can’t afford any more delays,” Javier explained. He became quiet for a moment, then added, “Berta’s been calling daily. The poor woman’s a nervous wreck. It just breaks my heart. I keep hoping to give her some encouraging news, but every day, there’s none to give.”

  Jack nodded simply as they walked. He could see the pain in Javier’s eyes and feel it in his voice. He wanted to offer words of hope, but fell speechless. He reached out and rested his hand on Javier’s shoulder as a consoling gesture.

  Catching up to Darrien, the three men walked silently, only their footsteps could be heard.

  Breaking the quiet, Javier said, “I miss Serena.”

  “I know, me too,” Jack replied, sympathetically.

  “I keep wondering if she’s ok, if they’re hurting her, if they’re feeding her,” he said, his voice cracking slightly as he struggled to hold his emotions in check.

  “In my mind, I see her smiling face. That’s what I concentrate on. It helps keep me strong,” Jack said, in a soft tone. “If I visualize her hurt or scared or somehow mistreated, my mind becomes paralyzed with worry and I can’t do what needs to be done.”

  �
��You’re so strong Jack, mentally. I wish I had your strength,” Javier said.

  “You do, Javi, you just don’t realize it. If I had a daughter who was kidnapped, I’d probably go to pieces, but you’ve held it together. You’re running tests and analyzing data, all the while keeping our mission organized and focused. I’d like to think I’m helping, but it’s you who’s saving Serena’s life,” Jack said, encouraging Javier.

  Javier thought about Jack’s words for a moment. He still felt worry and anxiety for Serena, but Jack’s message made sense and gave him strength.

  “Thanks, Jack, I really needed to hear that,” he responded.

  Jack nodded in simple modesty. Staring straight ahead, he tried to hide the guilt of his hypocrisy. Unbeknownst to the two men beside him, Jack’s mind struggled as Javi’s did, and he hoped he would have the strength to follow his own words.

  ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

  As the three rolled into the shortened driveway of Javier’s and Jack’s rented stone villa, they heard a loud voice shout from the homes front patio.

  “Burning the candle at both ends, I see,” Burt Samuelson shouted over the sound of the car engine.

  With a roof of the car removed, the three easily heard Burt’s call.

  “Burt, you son of a gun, I thought you weren’t coming until tomorrow. Are you bearing good news?” Javier said, smiling with anticipation.

  Burt’s warm smile faded and in its place was a saddened stare.

  “I’m sorry, Javi. I tried to close the deal today, but the person I’m working with just wouldn’t commit. He said he’ll have an answer for me in a couple of months,” Burt responded, grimly.

  “TWO MONTHS? Burt, we don’t have two months. The Russian’s were pretty clear about the timetable. They gave us roughly a month,” Javier responded in panicked tone.

  “I know, Javi. I’m doing my best, but you know it’s near impossible to get a permit without going through the legal process. We’re lucky to know someone who’s even considering doing this outside the law, let alone actually getting it done,” Burt replied.

  “Burt, do you think the permits will eventually be approved?” Jack asked.