Algorithm - Book 1 - The Medallion

Chapter 2

"Won't that damage the medallion?"

"Don't worry. The x-rays barely penetrate the metal surface and the emitted radiation dies out quickly. The only problem is that I'll need some time to resuscitate my old colleague here and prepare the sample. Why don't you leave this with me, and I'll give you a call either tonight or first thing tomorrow morning."

Adam agreed, though reluctantly. He was leaving behind an old friend. As he left the lab he saw George donning a frayed and discolored lab coat with one hand and clearing off some bench space with the other. When he reached his upstairs office, Adam sequestered himself in the rear of his lab, preparing for the next day's lectures, feeling all the while a bit naked and anxious as thoughts of his good luck charm being pummeled with huge amounts of radiation ran through his mind.

***

The phone rang. A glowing red LCD display announced to Adam's bleary eyes that it was 2:30 a.m. He rolled toward the night stand and answered the phone.

"Huh?"

"Adam. Adam, I couldn't wait. You've got to come down here and see this. It's incredible."

Adam's muddled mind digested the message. He guessed it must be George. "George?  Do you know what time it is?"

"Adam, that artifact of yours is very special. I've got a fix on its composition, and I ran some other analyses. It's like nothing I've ever seen. Like nothing anyone's ever seen."

Adam rubbed his eyes open, threw his bed covers aside and practically leaped out of bed. "I'll be right there."

***

It was about three in the morning when Adam arrived at McArdle Hall. The only lights he saw came from the analytical lab on the first floor. As he ascended the granite steps, the front doors flew open, and there stood George, beaming with an ear-to-ear smile.

"Come on, Adam. I've got lots to show you," George panted, nearly out of breath.

"I can't believe you've been up all night."

Adam struggled to keep up with George who was fast-walking down the hallway to his lab. George either didn't hear the implied question or it failed to engender any interest in a response. When they reached the lab, Adam followed him to the corner, home to the x-ray apparatus, whereupon George turned to him. "Like we discussed yesterday, I ran the x-ray fluorescence analysis."

In a totally unnecessary attempt to heighten the drama, George paused for a moment to gauge Adam's reaction. "And, the data suggest the disk is made of gold."

"But, I thought you said it felt too light."

"I'll explain. Aside from some debris one would naturally find on an old piece like this, the surface is definitely gold, pure gold, that is, one hundred percent pure 24-karat gold."