11

You stand up straight and do your best to project an air of utmost professionalism. "Your army's failures of communication are not my concern," you say brusquely. "I am here strictly to examine the quality of the archaeological work being done. Why has that inscription not been covered up to protect it from the elements?"

"What elements?" asks the officer. "We are in a cave. We were never advised during our briefing that covering inscriptions was standard practice. As you should know, if you were part of our expedition."

His handgun is in his hand now, pointed directly at you.

"I will give you one chance to answer this satisfactorily," he says. "Who are you really, and what are you doing here?"