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“The symbolism, Mister Hitler. Seven scrolls, seven seals of the apocalypse. One of the scrolls talking about the final battle between good and evil, and now you’re about to give me a jar with thirteen books, one each for Jesus and his twelve apostles—” “I wouldn’t put too much weight into symbolism, Doctor,” Halstead shot out from the far side of the boulder, from beyond sight. After he reappeared on the other side of the rock, he continued with “It was seven scrolls you found, not seven seals on a scroll. And thirteen doesn’t necessarily mean bad luck.” Halstead smiled as he approached in a completion of his circle. “After all, your country has done quite well, and it started off with thirteen colonies.” “Still—” “Are you ready, Mister Williams?” Williams nodded over his camera and tripod. “I am.” “Good.” Then, “Rudi, hand me the trowel.” Halstead reached up with his hands to catch the small shovel that was tossed in his direction, and turned back to the boulder to consider his first scoop. “Mister Hitler, I have to object to this. If this is an archeological expedition, and if what you tell me is true, then just sticking a shovel in the ground is not only unethical, it is illegal without the proper license from the Antiquities Service—” “Doctor?” “Yes?” “Shut up.” Halstead slid the blade of the trowel just underneath the surface of the soil. Williams’s color camera clicked away in the hushed silence. “Are you filming, Rudi?” |