Atlantis Gold

Epilogue

“And with that, ladies and gentlemen, please — enjoy our museum’s most spectacular exhibit to date — Atlantis Found!” The proud museum curator stepped down from a podium as a sea of flashbulbs exploded from a gaggle of media cameras. Behind him, an entire large hall beckoned with an astounding display of treasures, artifacts and antiquities that were meticulously arranged in various tamper-proof display cases. Interpretive signage and interactive modules informed visitors as to what they were looking at. Actual video of the sites Hunt, Jayden and Maddy had discovered played on massive plasma screens around the room.

In the weeks that followed their amazing finds, Hunt, Jayden and Maddy had met with countless archaeological, anthropological, historical, and even geological experts the world over who had corroborated their story as well as shed new light on certain details. The net result of this discourse was that the treasures and artifacts located were deemed to be credible, meaning that the very existence of Atlantis itself was found to be credible, rewriting human history in the process. The original sites found by Hunt were now under international guard by neutral parties, including the United Nations, among others. The exact locations were closely guarded and kept under wraps, but the treasures uncovered were now on long-term display for public enjoyment, enlightenment and edification, and would be moved from major museum to museum around the world. Following this debut exhibit in New York, it would travel to London, then to Paris, then Munich, Moscow, Tokyo, Shanghai, and others.

The three explorers, now dressed in formal evening attire, stepped aside to allow the visitors to enter the exhibit first. They’d been consulted extensively in its construction, and had already been privy to the final exhibit design.

Jayden grinned at Hunt. “One helluva vacation we had, right?”

Hunt nodded, turning serious. “Fun enough that I think I’ve found my next career after the service, Jayden: Treasure hunting. Returning artifacts thought to be lost to the ages to the public at large. Righting past wrongs. I have the funds thanks to the inheritance from my grandfather. And now I have the reputation thanks to our little vacation. But I need experienced partners I can trust with my life. You’ve more than proven yourself. Are you in?” Jayden nodded, his expression, for once, one of complete seriousness.

“What are you going to call it, your treasure hunting company? Since Treasure, Inc. is already taken, I mean.”

Hunt grimaced at the mention of Deadalus’ outfit. “I was thinking of calling it ‘Omega’.”

Jayden pointed to Hunt’s timepiece. “What, after your fancy watch? Although I admit it did come in handy during our dives.”

Hunt nodded, acknowledging that fact. “No, I was thinking more along the lines of how, in physics and electrical engineering, omega is a unit of resistance. My group will be a unit of resistance against those who would deny others the privilege of experiencing the riches of human history.”

Jayden plucked a truffle from the tray of a passing server and popped it into his mouth. “Works for me.”

Then Hunt turned to Maddy, who had watched the conversation with interest. “How about you, are you in?”

She glanced down at the floor for a second before meeting Hunt’s gaze. “I’d like to be, Carter, and I certainly commend you for your vision. But I need my career — my own work — it’s important to me. But let’s just say that I’ll be your number one consultant.”

Hunt beamed. “I think I have something I may need to consult you on tonight.”

As the audience oohed and ahhed over the golden, glittering finds on display, Jayden chatted with an attractive female server offering pomegranate martinis while Hunt and Maddy strolled through the grand entrance of the museum toward the exit that led out to the street. It was crowded, and although Hunt did his best to lead Maddy smoothly through the crowd, he nevertheless bumped into a tall, dark-haired man with a swarthy complexion who was on his way into the exhibit.

“Pardon me, I’m so sorry,” the man said, causing Hunt to look over at him. He was about to say excuse me, when he saw that the man was Daedalus, dressed sharply in a tuxedo and bow tie. Maddy was looking away from him, and Hunt continued walking, for he had nothing to say to the man.

“How was the exhibit, I can’t wait to see it myself!” Daedalus said, pretending to make innocuous conversation with a stranger. Hunt ignored him and led Maddy out. They walked out into the crisp New York night and hailed a taxi. The two of them got in and Hunt told the driver to take them to the Ritz Carlton.

“You have good taste, Mr. Hunt, I’ll say that,” Maddy said.

In spite of the kaleidoscopic array of sights outside the cab window, Hunt maintained direct eye contact with her.

“Thank you, Dr. Chambers. The Ritz might not be as fancy as Atlantis, but it’ll have to do for tonight.”