The Unearthing Read Free

grids set up on the unexposed sides; thirty square meters of half-meter squares. Then we’ll do Doppler seismography to get an approximation of the site after the geosurvey cores are taken.” James nodded and began relaying the information to Peter who was leading a small convoy of three cube vans and a mini-bus of equipment and crew to the site. Echohawk started down into the work pit and approached the pyramid. Though only two sides were exposed and then only four meters of the structure it was already impressive, imposing. Its golden surface reflected the sunlight brilliantly. The pyramid was nearly perfectly smooth; there was hardly any sign of weathering on its surface: a few scuffs or scratches and almost no dents or pockmarks. Given the tools the locals were using Echohawk had expected there to be some significant scoring on its surface, but there was none. It was almost too smooth. He knelt beside the pyramid, running a hand over its surface.
     
    “Excuse me professor,” Santino said, “But I was wondering: you’d mentioned doing a geological survey of the land. May I ask why?” Echohawk stood up, looking around the work pit. Shovels and pickaxes, yet no damage to the pyramid
     
    “A geological survey will allow us to establish, roughly, about how long the structure’s been buried,” Echohawk explained, “As time passes, the ground, surface dust and natural debris changes. Each new surface layer preserves the one underneath. Each layer of earth will be characteristic of a different geological era. Certain types of seed found mixed in the earth could be extinct in the present era or be the progenitor of a current plant. Soil metallurgy changes too, as time goes on. One layer of earth might have a relatively high amount of salt from when this was once an ocean floor. Another could contain high quantities particleized iron or other materials indicative of a nearby meteor impact. The pyramid’s position relative to the local geological history and how the earth around the pyramid settled will tell us how long it’s been here and then hopefully help us figure out who put it here and more importantly, when.” Echohawk became aware that several pairs of eyes were focused on him; some faces suspicious, some hopeful, all expectant.
     
    “Hello, ladies and gentlemen,” he began, “I want to start off by thanking you one and all for the effort you’ve made so far in digging up the pyramid behind me.” And Echohawk was very aware of the pyramid behind him. The Mayan and Incan civilizations had worshipped at pyramids and he easily imagined this object being used as the source of veneration. He wondered when there had last been an elder preaching as a crowd gathered around him to listen. Though he admitted, the smooth lines owed more to Egyptian styling than South American.
     
    “My crew and I were sent here based on the pictures your band council sent to the World Aboriginal Anthropological Society. I can tell you that the discovery of this pyramid is an important one, not just from an archaeological point of view but also as a societal one for us and for all Aboriginal Peoples in the Americas. Because of the need to gather as much information as possible and because of the need to protect the structure, we will have to temporarily cease excavation.” Grumbles and disappointed moans greeted Echohawk’s words. He raised his hands in a stopping motion, calling for silence.
     
    “Folks, please…I said temporarily!” Echohawk called, “This is necessary, because we have to run certain tests in order to properly date the find, study the soil composition and to determine the height of the structure itself. In order to do that, unfortunately, we have to stop digging for a while. I promise that as soon as we are ready to resume digging any and all of you who are still interested in working on the dig will be rehired. And when you are rehired you’ll be working for the WAAS and being paid according to their