Algorithm - Book 1 - The Medallion

Chapter 10

After waiting for a response from Adam, and getting no more than a dull stare, Ben continued. "The subconscious mind. It would appear that there is something in our biochemistry that cannot accept certain facts. When confronted with hard evidence, we dismiss it, ignore it, and ultimately, we forget about it."

"Hard evidence?  What kind of hard evidence?"

"Well an example might be evidence of intelligent life existing on Earth before we think it should have. I'm not just talking about lost civilizations. Specifically, I'm talking about anything that goes beyond that. For example, if I were to claim your artifact is of extraterrestrial origin, what is your first reaction?"

Adam thought about the analysis he and George conducted. Clearly, the technology was beyond even present day standards. It was a given that the artifact appeared to come from a time before man could possibly have existed.  A feeling of disbelief and an overwhelming emotional compulsion to come up with an alternative explanation were high on his list.  Perhaps it would be easier to avoid thinking too much about it.

"I definitely would have a hard time accepting that explanation."

"That's my point. When we begin thinking about the ramifications of such an object, both scientifically and sociologically, I am convinced that the shock to our brain kicks it into action making it work feverishly to deflect our attention, to suggest countless other interpretations, however  unlikely. We know that the brain is capable of blocking thought when it comes to trauma, playing a kind of protective role … probably something we picked up through evolution to help us cope with horrific events. It's a kind of survival mechanism."

"Do you have any proof this is happening?  I mean, it's only a little medallion."

"Well, Adam, in a sense, you are the proof. You discovered an artifact that falls into the category I've just described."

"But I had it in my possession for years …"

Adam's voice faded away as he thought about the discovery so many years ago, and then the recent developments.

Ben picked up the thread. "And you've lost it just recently. And, what compelled you to come to this mine?"

Adam quickly related the major events responsible, starting with the lab analysis, the visit to Ben's place, and ending with Hedda, her artifact and the chase leading here. They were about a hundred feet from the three-story colliery north of the office when Adam's cell phone rang.

 The conversation was whispered, but intense, and ended with a shrug. The group halted before a small stand of trees that lay between them and an open field leading to the colliery.

"I can't believe it. That was George, the fellow who ran the analyses on my medallion. He was calling from a Scranton police station. It appears the police discovered his prints on the remains of a lecture bottle of butane, the very bottle identified as the reason for the explosion at the lab. George was adamant that no such bottle had been present in the lab. He can't explain it. There's no way that he could have done such a thing on purpose, just no way."

Ben quietly replied, "No way, indeed."

"There's more. Apparently, the police are looking for person of interest.  I guess George mentioned I was there as well."

In the silence that followed, Adam added, "Which means they're looking for me."

***

Herman's eyes fluttered open. He swung his head forward, snapping his mouth shut. He kicked away the chair he was using as a footstool. Footsteps scraping gravel approached the backdoor. Still peeved by the poor performance of his henchmen earlier in the day, he had, in fact, been considering corrective action. However, all would be forgiven if they returned with the artifacts. The door creaked open and two figures outlined by the early evening sun at their backs entered the office.