I continued looking forward as I drove, I hadn't noticed but I was clenching the wheel pretty hard as I thought about it; this could be it, this could one find could change the world.
I've been researching this artifact for years; biding my time. I had no way of looking into it myself, not with out the proper funds and equipment. So I had been saving up for years; slowly gaining some of the things I needed, but there was always something that needed more attention at the time.
College was the closest I had gotten to my goal in a long time, that is until a few months ago when I was brought here. I thank my professor for giving me this chance, and Maria for signing me on full-time; even though I'm not qualified.
"When you say, you think you found something. What do you mean?"
"Well... it took a while to find anything that seemed like we were in the right place, the search team had spent two weeks looking for anything resembling the architecture you described. It was the last day for them; before the deadline given, and that's when they stumbled onto something.
There was a sword and shield that was found close by the area, it resembled some of the things from the civilization in your notes. They sent them back to us and stayed a few days longer to look around that area. Apparently one of them accidentally stumbled upon a hidden lever that opened an entrance to a cave nearby."
I kept looking forward as I took everything in, a sword and shield with engravings on it that resembled my notes. That by itself is all I need, to know I was right.
No words were spoken as I drove into the parking lot of the restaurant. She thanked me as I opened the door to let her out, the place was small but it was nice.
The servers were nice, the food was amazing, and no one ever made a fuss about anything here. Not once has there ever been a problem when I've gone here, I enjoyed the peace, which is why I came here often.
"Ah Michael it's good to see you again, oh, and you've brought a guest. This a date or just business."
The lady teased as we walked up to the counter, I smiled at her as she walked around to give me a small hug. I'd been here so often that'd I'd even stayed to help with the closing when I stayed to work on my assignments late.
Everyone knew me well here, and would come talk to me if they had the time. The lady behind the counter is the owner, and a sweet woman; whom could definitely break a neck or two if need be.
"Just business."
I smiled back at her, she chuckled to herself as she walked us to a table away from others. As we walked there her and Maria spoke a bit; introducing one another.
After she sat us down she took our order and left us to ourselves, we sat there without a word as Maria took in the view of her surroundings; I guess this was her first time here.
"So... what happens now?"
She looked back at me as I spoke, taking a sip of some water she leaned back in her seat and cleared her throat.
"Well, now we wait. Once the items come in you and I will study them together while we wait for the verdict on the official expedition."
Getting to study something like this, and from so long ago wasn't something that happened often. To add that I was the one to point them in the right direction, this was all I could hope for. The icing on the cake would be if they actually found the real artifact I was looking for, "The Book of Eden".
That book holds some of our lost history, and could be my biggest clue to finding out why so much of our lost history speaks of god like beings, and the existence of real angels and demons that used to roam this world.
"Which comes down to the real reason I asked you here."
"More like dragged, but go on."
She tried to ignore the comment but I could see it on her face, although a little annoyed by my interruption she thought it was a little funny.
"The expedition, I want you to go. Well go is the short form, I want you to lead the expedition. We've got a small team set up, I've already got permission from the board, we just need you to sign some things and agree to it."
"Deal."
Her eyes widened as a smile appeared on her face:
"Well that was easy, I expect at least a little back and forth. If I had known it would be this easy, I wouldn't have asked you to lunch."
"Firstly, I'm paying so you asking me is kinda null. Second, are you kidding me, I've been waiting my whole life for this; well most of my life but you get it.
You're telling me there's a chance we can find something I've been studying for years, and I get to lead the charge, sign me up."
By this time the owner had made it back with our food and drinks, she had heard the tail end of the conversation and decided to congratulate me. She wanted to give us a complimentary wine bottle but I declined, of course Maria accepted it anyway; claiming I shouldn't decline gifts, especially ones that taste good.
We took a moment to thank her and enjoy the food, but of course there was always more to a story:
"There is one thing though."
Stopped for a second to look up at her, still chewing but paying attention:
"In order for us to be able to go through with this with you as lead, one of our partners requested they had one of their researchers join in. Seeing as you're young and not exactly certified yet, they wanted to take an extra precaution; just to make sure nothing was overlooked."
I swallowed and drank some of my drink, I nodded as I listened waiting to give my answer. This was a big moment for me, I don't really care what conditions they had, as long as I was apart of it I was fine.
"That's fine, I don't mind."
"Good, then I'll make the call. While we wait for the expedition, she'll come work with us on the sword and shield when they get here until then. They'll both be here in two days, and we've got a few weeks till then, so play nice."
"Copy that, as long as she doesn't bother me too much it'll be fine."
She just smiled and shook her head at me, after that was done we just made small talk as we ate, talking about some of the work we'd done, and the funny things we'd seen.
After, we left and headed back to the parking garage, once there we said our goodbyes after she dropped me off by my car; before pulling off.
After she left I got into my car and sat down looking at my phone for a bit, looking up I started my car; realizing I had scrolled for far too long.
It was pretty dark with a few lights shining here and there so I didn't notice till my headlights shined on the wall infront of me that there was an envelope sticking out from my wipers.
I hesitated at first; looking around before getting out. Once out I walked up and grabbed it, I looked around once more before getting back into my car.
Setting the note to the side, I decided it would be better to read it in the privacy and safety of my home. I'd rather not be out in the open; just in case.
Heading up the stairs to my apartment, I threw my bag on my back and took the envelope my pocket; I didn't look at it until I got to my front door and locked it behind me.
Walking in I headed towards my room throwing my bag on my bag and headed into the restroom, once there I looked at my tired eyes in the mirror then washed my hands.
I held my hair back as I placed a bonnet over it and put away all of my belongings. Walking over to my desk I placed the note down. And checked my computer for any updates from Maria on the expedition.
After I few moments I just sat there looking at the envelope, flipping it over constantly as I let my mind wonder about what could possibly be written on it and who from.
A few minutes went passed, breathing deeply I opened it and took out the paper:
[Dear Dr.Sun
You don't know me, but I know you, and your work. I am quite fond of your research and was even lucky enough to get my hands a few copies of your notes.
I sincerely hope that whenever we do meet you would welcome me with opens arms, and that we can soon enjoy working together.
You'll soon get to see the fruits of your labor come into fruition, and I couldn't be happier for you. But I will say, do watch yourself and the people whom you surround yourself with. There are quite a few snakes in your garden, and I'd hate for you to get bit.
Safe travels Doctor.
Sincerely, yours truly.
Shadow.]