The Strange Fossil by Chipka
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Description
The Agaran National Museum of Archaeology, in Pekkur, holds the richest and most diverse collection of ancient technological wonders the world-at-large has yet to see. Indeed, its only rival (in terms of anomalous archaeology) is the Museum of Cultural History in Ükür. Historians have long hypothesized that Agara and Ükür are cultural cousins, separated by a series of unrecorded historical events that, if uncovered, could radically shift the accepted picture of European (and world) history we recognize today. It would seem that a deeper study of a single archaeological artifact, found in Agara, is the very key to unlocking numerous chapters of unwritten, unremembered history.
Among the countless and doubtlessly-anomalous treasures contained within the Agaran National Museum of Archaeology are the remains of a complex scientific object preserved from deep antiquity. Corroded from more than 2000 years in moist, swampy soil, this fragmented device with its complex array of gear-wheels, dials, and inscribed plates presents the historian with a daunting problem. Because of this single machine, known simply as The Agaran Device, we may have to revise our estimates of ancient Agaran science. At least 100 gears, fly-wheels, and other mechanisms have been preserved, including a stunningly sophisticated array of differential gear systems and what appear to be piston-driven hinges, connecting now-lost components of the device. Much of the machine is irrevocably-lost to advanced decay, and indeed, archaeologists believe that what remains is representative of only 10% to 15% of the original device.
We know of nothing comparable to this machine; no references of so sophisticated an apparatus exist anywhere but in the oral folklore of Agara, and the myths of Ükür. Even in looking at the oral traditions and the mythologies of these two countries, we find no references (overt or otherwise) to anything even remotely like is device, though we know that the ancient cultures of Agara and Ükür possessed at least glancing familiarity with concepts of advanced and even exotic mathematics. How such knowledge relates to a mechanical tool remains beyond the understanding of historians and archaeologists.
Perhaps some clue to the purpose of the Agaran Device might lie in the fact that many contemporary Agarans maintain that the very land on which they live is mechanical in nature. The well-known globe-tipped obelisks (the Agaran Zodiological Lights) lend credence to this belief as they are little more than the visible components of a vast, subterranean mechanism of incredible, bewildering complexity. Bearing this in mine, it is not unlikely that the corroded fragments of the Agaran Device are part of a precursor-mechanism, or simply out-dated and thus abandoned components of the known, contemporary machine.
In time, we will learn more of this mysterious contraption, but until then, we have fragments of a mystery, encased in glass in the bowels of The Agaran National Museum of Archaeology. Patience—the most valued of all Agaran virtues—is what we must express in our search for the meaning and the purpose of the fragments (and the mystery) of this device….
***
Okay, the image with this text isn’t an Agaran machine…not unless you believe that Agarans invented rusty tow trucks in a particular truck yard on the south side of Chicago. I captured this image, because I was intrigued by the rust, the corrosion, and a metallic green fly that didn’t stick around long enough to be photographed. As I looked at this image, I couldn’t resist dipping back into the story of Agara, and so the text-accompaniment was born. I know that the mysterious Agaran Device isn’t a tow-truck engine, but it’s nice to know that in seeing bits and pieces of one could spark so shifty a mystery.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you’re all having a great week.
Comments (32)
NefariousDrO
I love these kinds of stories, and you have an unbelievable knack for choosing excellent images to go with your stories. Wonderful stuff. So wonderful, in fact, that the archeological nerd in me wants desperately to go to Agara and see these wonders for myself!
Tholian
Creative description of a (non-existent) history of a device remnant which the photograph does not hide but does embellish with its PoV. Nicely done and a great shot.
tamburro
Dear friend, I really hoped that this picture was some mysterious device of a lost civilization ... love this stuff! Stay really impressed with your creativity and with this sensational photo! Congratulations on posting! * Thanks for your comment! Big hug!
KatesFriend
I often wonder what future historians and archaeologists will make of the oft disposed technology of our age. Little bits and pieces of cell phones, MP3 players, Tammy Fae Baker LPs. etc. As always, a compelling sense of history cloaked in a seemly impenetrable mystery. The reader is left wondering if we will be able to comprehend these machines even if we did know more about them. One thing for certain, the ancient Agarans were a powerful people that built things to last (when they want them too) as the Zodiological Lights demonstrate. I love these glimpses into Agara
geirla
Great picture to go with the story. Or is the other way around? Excellent work, either way.
Violett
Interesting. I have read about ancient machinery, and it is amazing to understand what the ancients were capable of. I agree about the interest of this rust and corrosion, as the years pass by, they certainly leave their mark on everything.
jocko500
great story. i know they find gears of long ago. and even drill holes in rocks that must been drilled with devices that is 500 times faster than ours drills today. wonderful shot
tennesseecowgirl
Excellent... and a great read. Thanks for sharing.
bmac62
Having studied some archaeology myself on a journey long ago and far away, I'd hazard a guess that this artifact was designed to dissipate heat in some way for some now unknown purpose. It is all about those little fin thingies:) At any rate Chip, I've enjoyed your ability to take an obscure metallic something and generate an entire short story from it. Your narrator sounds like a skilled observer of these sorts of phenomena and is highly professional in witholding speculation as to what its' purpose might be... Well done my friend and the up close pic is just enough to wet my appetite to know more about it.
MrsLubner
I really like machinery. It is very poetic in its precision. Stellar shot.
auntietk
I thought this was Agaran when I first saw the image. The lighting at the National is so well done, isn't it? You did a great job capturing the textures on this treasure. It makes sense to me that this represents only 10 to 15% of the whole. If there were much more, we would probably forget we'd seen it. (Now why did I say that? Huh. Part of the mystery, no doubt. I'm not sure ...)
beachzz
I was just about to write a very involved, detailed comment when a spider crawled across my glasses. That pretty much scared the heck outta me and I totally forgot what I was going to say. So, anyway, a great story and wonderful foto!!
kgb224
Outstanding capture and story my friend.
prutzworks
1th thought after seeing the thumb: Pratt & Wittney lol cool story
blinkings
Just don't let Steve Jobs get his hands on any of that 'kit'! A great yarn with your unique stamp all over it!!!!
helanker
Excellent capture CHip. I wish I had time to read it too, but it must be later.
lick.a.witch
Beguiling story - fabulous image. As for the true history of this glorious planet - we don't know the half of it and nine tenths of what we think we know is wrong.... ^=^
Meisiekind
LOL @ Marilyn! My excuse for not writing a long meaningful comments is much less exciting! I am sitting at work ducking and diving and commenting in between!!! I thoroughly enjoyed the read and the accompanying image! Although I am not fascinated by old machinery, you just have the ability in both word and image to tickle the imagination! Excellent work dear Chip!
anaber
Fabulous as always, Chip. Your close up is magnificent. And here it is a piece that worth to be seen. Thank you, for this and for all your work! Have a GREAT DAY!:)
lucindawind
fascinating history .. there is so much that we dont know from ancient antiquity ! its one of my fav subjects..excellent shot
jmb007
bonne photo!
durleybeachbum
What a tale! and a great pic. I want a brain like yours. I hope your birthday is memorable for all the very best reasons! Andrea
Hendesse
This is a fantastic shot. Excellent DOF, great details and perfect light. Thanks for the informations too.
MrsRatbag
I love this; reminds me a bit of "Engine Summer" by John Crowley, my first introduction into alternate/future world fiction. Gears and rust are so fascinating!
mermaid
what a fascinating shot, Chip, and wishing you the Happiest of Birthdays possible...smile
CrownPrince
Wow! You had me all aught up in ancient mysteries and wonders with that story! Hey! Did you hear that they have found new and unpublished Kafka writings? Bet that will get YOUR imagination well oiled and started up!!! LOL!
redchilicat
Fantastic shot and you had me going with that story!
myrrhluz
Fascinating find and capture! Great crop, emphasizing the progression from light colors and narrow fins to darker and wider fins. There is wonderful balance with the light on the bottom left counterbalanced by the strip of light on the top right, and the bright orange on the top right bringing the eye back to the rusty red center at bottom left. Excellent textures and detail! Terrific fun to go back to Agara. The narrator is very calm and matter of fact in his presentation, yet there is a current of suppressed excitement and longing for more knowledge. I think he is compelled to come back to learn more of Agara again and again. Terrific read and image!
gonedigital
WOW! You so totally had me going there. I was ready to launch the ultimate search for more information on ancient machines. =-) It is a great photo! I love the textures and complexity. Wonderful and thanks for sharing.
minos_6
Initially I wasn't sure what I was looking at here. The different textures and the lighting are superb, as is the detail. I REALLY like this capture! The background/history that you're creating for your Agaran writing is what makes it so compelling, and this example goes perfectly with the image. Excellent, everything!