ROD ADVENTURES - THE BEGINNING - PART ONE
Thursday 8th October 1998, Portsmouth Dock
It was a reasonably warm October day when the long awaited ships dock in Portsmouth Harbour. My name is Frank King and I wait anxiously, my years of research and work are potentially to be rewarded or dashed yet again. All dependant on what one particular ship may be carrying and what it may possibly contain.
It was inevitable that it was late in arriving, but after what was close to over 20 years of waiting I guess but I could wait a while longer.
Finally I see the ship come into dock and again wait with patience as the unloading begins. Does the cherished cargo contain the object of my research over so many years. Dare I hope?
And there it is, I check the serial shipping container code carefully.
I read the number out to myself as I checked it in my notebook. "TGHU 759933" and the important last bit "45G1".
"Yes!" I exclaim out aloud inadvertently raising some eyebrows from some of the stevedores.
"It's an important shipment" I mention but no one pays any heed. Yes an important shipment, potentially life changing in all sorts of ways. But I chide myself. I must not get ahead of myself. But at least it is the correct container. There has been many and most not bound for this certain dock. I have been over at the dig and personally arranged for the packing of this particular container.
I was careful not to include any major notable items but I knew at the time that what I might be looking for might possibly be contained most likely in the minor items. After all my years of research has led me to believe that the history behind the artefact I was seeking was kept such a secret and for obvious reasons, even all those thousands of years ago. I watch the container being loaded onto one of the lorries and then set off in my Jaguar for the museum. Portsmouth Museuum.
Thursday 8th October 1998, Guilford
My name is Michelle Reynolds. I am 21 years old and a student at Portsmouth University. I am studying History, Psychology and Languages. I have always had a keen interest in history and ancient civilisations in particular. The study of languages is helpful with the interest of history as ancient languages at times developed as society did and of course early writing was used primarily for record keeping purposes, accounting. How boring!
Psychology is pretty cool too. I like to understand how people think. What makes them tick. I know I am not really a social animal. Very much the nerdy book worm but that's my passion and I am cool with that. I have probably just the one really close friend, Sophie. Sophie is a bubbly vibrant blond, so quite the opposite of me, the shy retiring brunette. Sophie's from a fairly well off family, but they are not around much. Her father works away, some consultant I think and her mum is very much a social bird, a lot like Sophie really.
I love the university campus and can't wait to get back. It will be good to see Sophie again. I am also currently hoping that my application for an internship at the local Portsmouth museum comes off. The extra money will be useful. I also hear they have had or are about to have an important delivery of some ancient Egyptian archaeology relics from a latest dig. Hopefully a lot to look forward to.
Friday 9th October 1998, Portsmouth Museum