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    The Lost Continent
    The Lost Continent
    The Lost Continent
    Ebook247 pages4 hours

    The Lost Continent

    By Robert C. Waggoner

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    About this ebook

    This novel is one author's vision of the future of Earth and mankind. It's everyone's dream that hope for a reasonable future is ahead of us. To believe we are alone in this vast universe is not logical. To think we are the most advanced beings, is also not being realistic. In my novel you'll see optimism is always in the forefront. It's always possible an alien world is benevolent regardless of our propensity for destruction. Take a chance. Enjoy

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRobert C. Waggoner
    Release dateMay 12, 2013
    ISBN9781301181872
    The Lost Continent
    Author

    Robert C. Waggoner

    I now reside in the USA in Eastern Oregon. Due to health reasons, I don't write much anymore. I'll continue with a few short stories and all will be free to my readers. I'm privileged to have had thousands of readers download my stories. I thank you all. Happy reading and sure hope you have and will enjoy my writing. Robert [Bob] Waggoner

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      Book preview

      The Lost Continent - Robert C. Waggoner

      The Lost Continent

      by Robert C. Waggoner

      Smashwords Edition

      Copyright 2013 Robert C. Waggoner

      The Lost Continent

      Chapter One

      Dr. Matt Holmes stood on the transom of his yacht putting on his diving gear. His significant one, Dr. Gwen Sharlott was doing the same thing. Both looked up at the same time when they heard the distinct rumble of an earthquake. Lord have mercy. We're experiencing another earthquake Gwen, he said while staring at the coast some two miles distant.

      We're in no danger here Matt, she said with some concern in her voice. I wonder if it will create a tsunami as it appears to be an underwater quake.

      There's very little we can do about it Gwen. I just hope it didn't cover up our survey site we're working on.

      I think we should give it up for today. The sea will be cloudy with sediment; don't you think?

      Indeed Gwen. Let's pack away our gear and return to port to see what damage has occurred and where exactly was the location of the quake. I hope our work hasn't been in vain.

      Both Gwen and Matt were archeologists researching the ancient mystery of Atlantis. They'd met years ago while she was in graduate school at UCLA. Both had discovered that they had a mutual fascination about the fabled city or the lost continent of Atlantis. They also discovered a mutual attraction to each other, resulting in a long term relationship.

      Matt Holmes came from a wealthy background and the reverse was true for Gwen Sharlott. She'd come up the hard way: work and holding down two jobs to pursue her educational dream. Her dream was to discover what came before and then give a reasonable account of what was coming next for mankind. Gwen held no allusions that she had a crystal ball showing the future, but she felt confident knowing she had more information than most other people did. Her mother asked her one time why she needed to know all those things she studied. Her answer was: Mom, it makes me sleep better.

      Gwen met Matt while doing her research in Italy. Her quest for affirming or denying Atlantis was the belief that possibly the language spoken in Atlantis was Latin.

      She was at the Sapienza University of Rome sitting at a window table with the sun streaming through the glass when Matt Holmes stormed through the aisles disturbing her concentration. She'd chosen this library as it adhered to the old policy of silence. Now, here comes this guy racing through the aisles like he owns the place. Looking at her watch he was close to lunch time. She done a fair amount of work that morning and was looking forward to a nice sidewalk lunch under a big shady tree. It took her a few minutes to pack up her things and she'd almost forgotten the rude man when she heard a voice from the back say, Look, I know that book on Atlantis was here the last time I was in Rome. Now you say it's not been checked out, but it's not here. Well, then, where is it?

      As Gwen stood up, it dawned on her that maybe this guy was looking for the book she had laying on the table. She smiled thinking; 'the better for you' shouldered her bag, and started walking to the exit.

      Matt was fuming as he had traveled a long distance to check some passages in that book. Now it appeared the library had lost it. He too, made for the exit. He was caught up in his thoughts as he left the way he came, on a mission that few could keep up with his long strides. As he turned the last corner, Gwen was directly in his path. He dodged her, but took a spill trying to keep from bowling her over. He went down hard and let out a groan of escaped air.

      Gwen looked down upon him with her mouth hanging open. She heard him groan and wondered if he was badly injured or just had the wind knocked out of him. She watched him raise up on his hands and knees pointed mostly away from her. He was wearing Levi jeans showing a rather nice backside when she realized that was not germane to the situation. Slowly he rose to his feet showing his above average height. Gwen looked up at him while his face was scowling back at her. She cocked her head to the side showing a puzzled look on her face while she crossed her arms across her chest in defiance of his demeanor.

      Matt opened his mouth to say something and then thought better of it from the look on her face told him to shut his trap. He licked his lips, rubbed his shoulder and said, Sorry bout that, but I'm more sorry for myself as obviously you escaped my wrath. Well, I see no harm has befallen you so what say we find a sidewalk café and have something to calm our nerves.

      I don't see why not. Obviously someone as uncoordinated as you wouldn't put me in any danger, she replied with a nice smile.

      He threw his head back and gave off a pleasant laugh. His first thought, as he lowered his head to look at what was really in front of him; this lady is not your ordinary blonde that those sick jokes used to be heard around the world. He turned to the librarian who was standing observing the altercation and said, If you find that book I'm looking for please hold it for me.

      Without turning her head Gwen said, You'll find it on that table by the window.

      Now I feel like a fool, he said. It goes to show you us guys are really not as smart as we look.

      It was Gwen's turn to laugh and after the librarian hurried to fetch the book, they left to find something to eat and drink. Not far a busy sidewalk café had a table under a large leafy tree. No conversation had occurred until they sat down and looked each other over. What piqued her interest was this guy was researching the same stuff she was. She decided to let him open the conversation first and then she would see where it led.

      As Matt opened his mouth a waiter stepped up wanting their order. He was the nervous type looking back and forth at the two foreigners waiting impatiently for their order. Matt looked at Gwen and said, Coffee good with you?

      Yes and salami on rye if you please.

      Damn, sounds good. Make it two and a bottle of your best white Chardonnay. Gwen nodded her head in agreement.

      After the waiter scurried away Matt held out his hand to introduce himself. Gwen noticed he had large hands with long fingers and neatly trimmed nails. His hand was warm and dry, while her hand was a little damp from the humid day.

      Introductions out of the way, Matt jumped in with both feet asking her about her research. Gwen gave him an overview of her studies and in return he did the same. He skirted the part where he was independently well off so as not to appear phony or vain.

      While they sipped the strong coffee both were taking stock of what was in front of each other. By the end of the day, both were satisfied with what developed.

      Gwen asked, Do you have a particular agenda about Atlantis Matt?

      From what history tells us Atlantis was a developed society. How developed is what I'd like to know. Also I'm curious as why there were no descendants that would have possessed at least an oral account. I find it hard to believe an advanced society would just totally disappear without a trace.

      I agree with you Matt. It seems to me even Plato played up the fable or did he really know what he was talking about?

      We both know that any tale or fable has a grain or two of truth. I'm just having some fun and who knows, I might get lucky. He looked at her while the nervous waiter sat down a real honest to goodness Italian salami on homemade rye bread. The whole thing reeked of onion and dripped of olive oil.

      After the waiter left, Matt added, Maybe I already got lucky? Gwen caught the drift and demurely held his gaze for a moment while trying to decide how to eat this giant sub.

      The rest is not an uncommon story. They hit it off and soon they were both scuba diving off his yacht seeking a lost treasure. All of that was two years in the past and with any luck the site where they were investigating held promise. Unfortunately the earthquake spoiled the dive, but what they found afterwards far surpassed their expectations revealing some factual insight into a lost civilization.

      Gwen was entering their daily diary, like all good archeologists do, when Matt came back from town to report on the earthquake damage and its location. He said, It's another one on the Alhama Fault line. I think we can continue tomorrow. I'll make sure our gear is ready while you are busy. By the way, I picked up two salami sandwiches from our new favorite shop in town. I realize it's not the real deal from Italy, but not bad.

      I'm starving and I'll get the wine while you're gone. I'm about finished here anyway. I'm really anxious to see what the site looks like after the earthquake. Gwen took out a Spanish made Chardonnay from the special wine refer Matt had installed some years ago. She expertly pulled the cork and set it on the table to breathe.

      Matt did a quick check on their scuba gear and hustled back to change into boating shorts and shoes. His dark complexion led many to think he was of Spanish origin, but in fact he was more Italian than anything else. Regardless of where he was from, Gwen loved his body, but loved his brain more. If anything, Matt was oblivious to his tall muscular frame and was totally dedicated to his work. Walking down the street Gwen noticed Matt turned heads and well as she did the same with the opposite sex. Her friends told her they were the most beautiful couple they'd ever seen.

      The wine poured he toasted her saying, To the love of my life. They both took a sip and she turned a little red with embarrassment. It was true that they were deeply in love and it was true they considered marriage, but so far nothing had been planned. Their work took precedence over any religious binding.

      Gwen said, "I've a feeling we're about to find something important Tall Man. It was early on in their relationship when she tagged him with his nickname. They were in a hotel located high in the Alps making love in a bed way too short for his tall frame. After a bout of making love, his feet dangled over the foot of the bed while his head rubbed the headboard. He complained vociferous and they made haste to a five star hotel that not only had a king size bed, but lots of elbow room.

      I like it when you have that female intuition, he said while taking a giant bite of his sandwich. I've come to trust your feelings so can you tell me anymore than just a suspected find?

      Gwen took a small bite, brushed her blonde hair out of her eyes and said, I had a crazy dream last night. As most dreams are sketchy, this one was even sketchier. Both you and I were sitting at a table with a table lamp that had a green shade. We were reading a very thick old book written in Old Latin. I've no idea what it said or where we were. That's it, she said while munching another bite of her sandwich.

      Yes, that's rather bizarre, he said while sipping the wine. He sat back thinking and then continued, You said Old Latin, right?

      Yes, I don’t' like to use the term Vulgar, but rather use the Old Latin for its name of a lovely language. I could vividly see the writing, but for the life of me can't recall what any of it said.

      Let's see what develops. We've waited a long time and tomorrow will be her soon enough. I'm in need of a nap, how about you?

      You can't fool me Tall Man. I know all you want is to jump my bones. I'll make an exception in the name of science just this one time, she replied picking up the plates and wine glasses. Matt corked the wine and drew the curtains. Anybody who knew about boats knew what closed curtains meant.

      Giggling like a couple school kids, they tore off their clothes then jumped onto the special made long bed. Actually, Matt had the yacht built for just him without regard to any other passengers. The result was never banging his head; or not often.

      After a nap and then a shower, they went to dinner in town. Cadiz was an ideal place to dock. The harbor protected any storms that might pass by. Additionally, great eating places were had any place you looked. The evening smell drew the customers like flies including our two Atlantis hunters.

      Senor Sid welcomed them back as usual. His smile was infectious and his humor knew no bounds. He spoke many languages as tourists from around the world visited this lovely location. It was his job to recognize right away where you were from and then say hello in your language. It worked most of the time; additionally, the food was excellent.

      It was early spring time and not so hot yet. With Cadiz being on the west coast the ocean kept the port cool. Both decided to sit outdoors and enjoy the evening watching people come and go. Gwen said, while drinking some stout red wine, I'm feeling a little apprehensive about tomorrow's dive Matt.

      He frowned and replied, Are you saying we will suffer some accident while diving?

      No not that kind of fear. I can't describe it, but it's not really a fear, but a wondrous feeling that has some far reaching side effects. I have a sense of being overwhelmed by people interfering in our lives.

      Well, if that's all it is, we'll just sail away to some deserted island and make love naked on the white sand beach.

      Don't be flippant Tall Man. I'm serious here. I feel or sense a great change coming, that's all.

      Dinner came ending that conversation. Once you were a regular customer, ordering off the menu was not allowed. Sid always had a surprise for his valued customers and tonight was no exception. Gwen could tell it was fish, but what kind was anyone's guess. It was smothered in some spicy sauce and tasted wonderful. The red wine disappeared and a white wine followed the tasty fish to its resting place.

      Chapter Two

      Before daylight the 'Lost A' slipped its berth and after leaving the harbor went south along the coast to just off Barbate. Two hours later they were anchored by their marker buoy. Matt kept an eye on Gwen as he was concerned that her premonition of something out of the ordinary would befall them. However, she seemed fine this morning so he never raised the subject.

      The weather was sunny and calm. It was an ideal day for diving. Matt decided to check and triple check their gear. Once they were ready both stepped off the back on the boat into the blue water. Their site was right at the thirty meter mark. It was still a little cloudy, but both could see fairly well. They followed the buoy rope down and then both were shocked to see a very different scene before them. The sea bottom was strewn with rocks almost covering the previous site with debris. Both looked at each other not knowing what to do next. Both were using high intensity underwater light to look the site over.

      Gwen was staring at something that didn't look like it belonged there. Matt saw her light on a square thing and not moving. He shinned his light and they both swam closer. Gwen's heart rate was increasing and the bubbles were in a race rising to burst on the surface. Matt arrived just before Gwen and gave it a close scrutiny; but not touching it. Both realized this square thing wasn't part of the geological structure.

      Gwen was first to reach out and touch it. After she rubbed it a few times she was aware that this square box was way too smooth to be a rock. Matt followed suit and then he reached to his belt and with deft moves had a nylon line tied to the item with a buoy now rising to the surface. Gwen made sure it was clear of any other obstructions and then she swam around looking for any other signs that maybe another civilization lived her thousands of years ago.

      In her mind she knew there was other evidence and that would take some time to expose. This is what she felt and saw in her dream. That square thing contained something man had wanted to see for countless centuries. Either that it was void and contained nothing but stale air. Matt raised his arm to signal time to go up. Gwen followed him to the surface climbing aboard right behind him. Neither one of them said a word as they stripped down out of their wet suits. As both knew the routine the gear was stowed and wet suits lay out to dry.

      After all was complete, Matt looked at Gwen and said, Well, shall we pull it up and see what is what?

      I'm scared a little Matt. However, let's do it.

      Matt took a long gaff hook and pulled the buoy to the boat. He detached the buoy and fed the line to the winch sitting center stern of the yacht. It was electrical powered with the boom long enough to reach over the side of the yacht. With a hand held on and off switch, Matt started the electric wench.

      Gwen looked around as if they were ocean thieves raising sunken treasure. Matt kept his eye on the line. When it broke the surface the side of the yacht tipped down a little. The square thing was heavier than Matt expected. The wench was more than capable of lifting it but Matt worried about the rope. He said, Honey, I'm going to attach a bigger rope around it in case the small rope breaks.

      He walked with purpose and soon was in the water securing the item with a bigger rope. As it turned out, it wasn't needed as the winch and rope did their job. When the square thing sat on the back or stern of the yacht both watched it dripping water. Gwen sat down on the deck cross legged starring at the anomaly before her. Matt took off and returned with a brush and bucket. He set about washing the square box. When Matt was finished they could see a fine seam that might be a door, but they weren't sure as no handle was evident. I'll get a magnifying glass, he said.

      Gwen never took her eyes off the box. She could see the fine line making an outline of a door, but where were the hinges and how to open it was most puzzling. Crazy thoughts were running through her head. The book was one of them, but to survive for thousands of years underwater was not feasible. Maybe it held some artifacts to give a clue as to what, when and the other questions that she could think of. Then she shut down her thinking knowing it was useless to guess. Matt came back and looked like Sherlock Holmes instead of Matt Holmes. With a thin blade knife he traced the line and then sat back totally mystified as to what they were faced with.

      He was thinking out loud and said, I suppose we could X-Ray it, but then we would be letting the cat out of the bag. I'll tell you one thing my love, this box is made out of metal and was expertly made. Do you know any magic words to open this thing up?

      You mean the 'open sesame' in fairy tales?

      "Okay, let's use our fine brains. First where did this metal box come from? Who made it? When was it made? How

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