Algorithm - Book 1 - The Medallion

Chapter 9

Adam responded, "Ben. I think we understand. But there're some crazies out there looking for us, probably looking for my medallion, and you haven't come to the point yet. And you're not exactly coming across any more rational than they seem to be."

Linda jabbed Adam in the ribs.

Wincing, Adam clarified, "What I mean is … Ben, how come you're not dead and what's the point of telling us all about your obsession?"

Linda punched Adam in the shoulder and drew herself away saying, "Adam. Don't be so rude. I'm sure Ben has a reason."

Apparently, unaffected by Adam's impatience, Ben continued, "Before 'I come to the point,' I am going to tell you a little story."

Adam's shoulders dropped and he slouched back into this seat in clear disappointment.  Ben forged on. "In my meanderings I did come across a handful of really interesting items. And I'm not talking about pottery and nails and other so-called modern odds and ends found in archeologically embarrassing locations. No, it's not the stuff that seems a bit out of place that caught my eye."

"It's the stuff that is outrageously out of place that really demands attention.  I can deal with a nail found in a piece of quartz or a metal cup found deep in some rock strata. It's possible that our ancestors were around a bit earlier than we currently believe, and that even these early versions were very capable in creating technological wonders. No, that's not the stuff that creeps me out."

Ben looked down at the dirt floor, placed his hands deep within his pockets and began pacing. "I sent you the news clipping describing the Mrs. Culp find. I assume you got that?"

Ben returned Adam's nod with quick dip of his head. "What did you think of that story?"

"It shook me up a bit. As you know, it was very similar to my own find."

"And why did it shake you up?"

"Mrs. Culp found a gold chain in coal—coal that was estimated to be at least a hundred million years old. That's hard to conceive of."

"Yes, it is. You're shook up because of the age. It's one thing to consider archeological finds reflecting intelligence on the order of hundreds of thousands of years, and it's quite another to consider objects that might be hundreds of millions of years old. In the latter case, well, that could be a simple misconception about ancient man's abilities, however, in the former case, well it's obvious that man wasn't around when these objects were left behind."

Adam found himself nodding in agreement.

Left behind?

His own findings went even further as they strongly suggested a technology which not only pre-dated mankind, but had yet to be achieved in the present day. Of course, that was a conclusion drawn on lab analysis.

Adam said, "Maybe these conundrums were the result of a limited understanding of evolution on this planet, or how long it took for coal to form, or maybe they're just fraud."