Page 71 of Johan. (Van Den Bosch #8)
Hannah
The Museum of Archaeology buzzes with anticipation.
The grand hall, adorned with ancient artifacts and illuminated by the soft glow of strategically placed spotlights, feels like stepping into a time capsule.
Rows of chairs are set up for the select guests and press, with the front row reserved for special attendees.
Journalists, historians, and distinguished guests fill the space, their murmurs blending into a low hum of excitement.
The air is thick with the scent of old parchment and polished wood, mingling with the faint aroma of fresh flowers arranged around the podium.
I sit in the front row next to Oma Margaret, who beams with pride.
Johan had personally invited us, making sure we had the best seat in the house.
The Star of Ubar, the most important artifact from the lost civilization, sits in a glass case beside the podium, its intricate carvings shimmering under the lights.
On the podium, a long table is set with nameplates for the key figures of the expedition.
Johan sits at the center, flanked by Dr. Angela on his right and my great-aunt on his left.
Lukas manages the visuals from the side of the stage, ready to project images of the excavation site and the artifact onto a large screen behind them.
Rachid, representing the Omani government’s support for the expedition, sits at the far end, his presence a reminder of the international collaboration behind the discovery.
Johan steps up to the podium, his presence commanding the room.
He’s dressed impeccably in a tailored navy suit that hugs his athletic frame.
The crisp white shirt beneath contrasts sharply, its top button undone, adding a touch of casual elegance to his formal attire.
His hair is neatly combed back, emphasizing his sharp jawline and intense blue eyes that scan the room with confidence and poise.
His open collar gives him a relaxed yet authoritative air as he gestures passionately while speaking about the Star of Ubar.
“Ladies and gentlemen, today we unveil a remarkable discovery that sheds light on the lost civilization of Ubar, located in current Oman. The Star of Ubar, a relic of immense historical significance, is a testament to the rich cultural heritage we are only beginning to understand,” he begins, his voice clear and resonant.
As Johan speaks, Dr. Angela and Amelia sit on either side of him, their faces radiating pride and excitement.
Lukas handles the visuals from the side of the stage, skillfully projecting images of the excavation site and the artifact onto a large screen behind them.
Rachid, representing the Omani government, maintains a composed demeanor, prepared to address any inquiries about the international collaboration.
The audience is captivated. Cameras flash, capturing every word and image. Johan’s passion for the subject is evident, his eyes alight with enthusiasm. I feel a surge of pride, knowing how hard he’s worked for this moment.
As the press conference continues, the room opens up for questions. Hands shoot up, and a reporter from The Times gets the first question. “Mr. Bentinck, can you elaborate on the significance of the Star of Ubar in understanding the civilization of Ubar?”
Johan nods, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as he steps closer to the podium.
“The Star of Ubar, this beautifully crafted scepter, is an invaluable key to unlocking the mysteries of Ubar. Its intricate carvings and precious materials offer us numerous insights into the society that created it.” He pauses for a moment, gesturing towards the scepter encased beside him.
“Firstly, the scepter likely served as a symbol of power and authority. This tells us that Ubar had a structured, possibly hierarchical society with a ruling class or monarch. The presence of such a symbol suggests a sophisticated level of governance and political organization.” Johan’s eyes scan the room, ensuring he has everyone's attention.
“The iconography on the scepter is equally revealing. The carvings might depict deities, mythological scenes, or religious symbols, offering us a window into the spiritual and religious beliefs of the Ubar people. If this scepter was used in religious ceremonies, it underscores the importance of religion in their daily lives.”
I can see my great-aunt and the rest of the team, nodding in agreement at his words. Then, some silence ensues before another reporter, this one from National Geographic, asks, “What challenges did you face during the excavation?”
Dr. Angela steps in to answer. “The terrain was incredibly harsh, with extreme temperatures and shifting sands. We also had to ensure that the excavation was conducted with the utmost care to preserve the site’s integrity.
Despite these challenges, our team’s dedication and the support from the Omani government were crucial in making this discovery possible. ”
A journalist from BBC raises their hand. “Amelia, there have been rumors about your kidnapping years ago. Can you confirm this, and how was it to be back on the excavation twenty-two years later?”
Amelia takes a deep breath, her expression somber.
“Yes, the rumors are true. I was kidnapped over two decades ago because I had discovered sensitive information about our expedition’s sponsor, Ludovic.
Returning to the excavation after twenty-two years was both cathartic and challenging.
It brought back many painful memories, but it also gave me a sense of closure and purpose.
Being part of this discovery has been incredibly healing for me. ”
The room falls silent, the weight of her revelation sinking in. Then, slowly, applause fills the air, a gesture of respect and admiration for her courage.
After the presentation, the room erupts into applause.
The ambiance shifts as the formal event concludes.
Guests and press begin to mingle, moving towards an area set up with champagne and hors d'oeuvres.
The atmosphere is lighter, filled with excited conversations and clinking glasses.
A section of the museum is dedicated to an exhibition showcasing the artifacts found in Ubar, drawing the crowd's interest. I linger near the exhibition, admiring the intricate pottery and tools on display. The delicate craftsmanship of each piece tells a story of a civilization lost to time. The soft hum of voices around me blends with the ambient sound of classical music playing in the background. The scent of aged wood and polished marble permeates the air, adding to the museum’s historical ambiance.
Hearing a familiar voice, I turn around, and my gaze spots Johan making his way through the crowd.
Our eyes meet, and his smile widens as he gets closer.
The warmth of his presence and the look in his eyes make my heart thunder in my chest. In that moment, I realize just how deeply I love this man.
He’s not just a brilliant archaeologist; he’s my anchor, my partner in this crazy journey of life.
“Hannah,” he says, reaching out to take my hand and giving it a little squeeze.
“You were amazing up there,” I say, smiling up at him.
“Thank you,” he replies, his gaze warm and affectionate. “Shall we take a stroll around the artifacts?”
“Sure,” I say, glancing around the room. “Have you seen Astrid around? I’m surprised she didn’t show up to make a scene.”
Johan's expression darkens slightly. “Astrid got expelled for her abusive conduct towards me.”
My eyes widen in shock, and I stop in my tracks. “Wow.” I pause, absorbing the news. “I didn’t know the council would go that far.”
“Why wouldn’t they? She’s an abuser, a completely selfish and manipulative person.”
I nod, but a part of me feels conflicted. Despite everything, I wonder if there’s more to her story. To me, her behavior seemed more like that of someone who felt used and betrayed rather than inherently malicious. But I keep this thought to myself.
We walk hand in hand through the exhibition, passing displays of ancient pottery, tools, and sculptures. The ambient light casts a soft glow, highlighting the delicate features of each piece. The scent of aged wood and history fills the air, creating an atmosphere of reverence.
We reach a display where Oma Margaret and her sister stand admiring an ancient vase. Her eyes light up when she sees us.
“There you are!” she exclaims, pulling us into a warm embrace. “This is such a proud moment.”
We take a picture together to mark the occasion, the camera flash momentarily blinding us. The light lingers in my vision, creating a fleeting, dreamlike quality to the moment. As the brightness fades, I see Sir Gregory approaching, his expression warm and proud.
“Congratulations on an outstanding presentation and press conference, Johan,” Sir Gregory begins, his voice filled with admiration. “You’ve really put this discovery on the map.”
“Thank you, Sir Gregory,” Johan replies, the appreciation clear in his voice. He stands a little taller, his shoulders squared with the acknowledgment of his hard work.
Sir Gregory’s expression shifts slightly, becoming more serious.
The jovial atmosphere of the gathering contrasts sharply with the sudden change in his demeanor.
He gently pulls Johan and me a bit away from the crowd, his eyes scanning the surroundings to ensure no one overhears us.
His tone lowers to a confidential whisper, a sense of urgency lacing his words.
“The police have finally arrested Ludovic, and he is being interrogated as we speak,” he reveals, his voice barely audible over the distant chatter of the party.
Johan's brow furrows in confusion. “Where was he?” he asks, his curiosity piqued.