Return of the Inca?

Chapter 1

"Dad, do we have to go on another of Estella's digs? It's the last week of summer and Hadj and I wanted to get some surfing in." Jonny moaned. "They said the waves are supposed to be slammin'."

"Speak for yourself, Jonny. I would rather enjoy being one of the first in thousands of years to see the inside of this tomb." Hadji replied.

"Don't forget, Estella wants us there so Dr. Quest can check out some strange things happening at the dig site. It's not going to be a vacation," Race commented.

"Why do we have to go? We can take care of ourselves," Jonny pleaded.

Race answered, "Every time we leave any of you home by yourselves for too long, something bad always happens. For all we know, Julia and Lorenzo could have already broken out of prison and be on their way here by now, or Zin could show up."

"When do we leave?" Jonny sighed.

"1 hour," came Dr. Quest's voice unexpectedly. He had walked into the room in order to make sure that everyone was getting ready. "Race and I are already packed, so you and Hadji need to get started."

"Got it, Dad." Jonny replied, rushing up the stairs.

An hour later, everyone was piling into Questor, stowing their luggage, and taking their seats. "Everyone set?" Race asked from his seat at the cockpit.

"It looks like it," Dr. Quest observed, glancing at his sons. His gaze paused at Jonny, who was obviously still disappointed at being forced to go along.

On the way, Dr. Quest explained the history of the ruins that were being excavated.

"These ruins, which are deep in the Amazon Basin, seem to show the Incas were expanding outside of what is known to be their empire, a few hundred years before the arrival of the Spaniards, meaning it predates any other settlements we've found."

Upon their arrival in Rio Branco, Brazil, the group was met by a slightly muscular, local man who was probably about 25.

"Hola. I am Roberto. Senora Velasquez sent me to drive you all to the site," the guide instructed.

"Hola, Roberto. I'm Dr. Benton Quest. This is Race Bannon and my sons Jonny and Hadji."

"It is a pleasure to meet you all." Roberto replied as they walked out to a large jeep. Everyone piled in with their luggage and it was time to head out.

After a few miles of paved road, they turned off onto a dirt path that led through dense foliage Apparently, the region around the ruins had been deserted for a long time. During the drive, everyone was somewhat quiet, except for Roberto's occasional comments about the current surroundings. At one point, after a few minutes of quiet, Roberto brought up the subject all had been thinking about.

"I am sure Senora Velasquez has told you of the strange events that have been happening." he half commented, half-inquired.

"She mentioned some strange lights, things disappearing or being moved, stuff like that." Race replied.

"Then she did not tell you of the Incan warriors, voices, or shifting positions of the mummies in the tomb we found?" Roberto asked.

Jonny perked up at this. He may not be able to get to the beach before school starts, but at least there'd be some excitement.

Dr. Quest considered these occurrences for a few seconds, before saying, "Interesting. Is there anyone who has been opposed to the dig and may wish to scare off the dig crew?"