The grad students decided that Hannah should be the first student to descend into the dome, since she was by far the lightest and could be pulled up in a pinch. While she helped Dr. Rogers catalogue the art down below, Melissa, John and Kevin would set up the winch that would allow easier access to the chamber.
Hannah's eyes went wide when she saw the colorful frescoes. "It has to be a prank," she said. "No ancient art looks this realistic."
"Someone went to a lot of trouble to place all of this under an intact five thousand year old ruin," Rogers replied. "And the smell. This room hasn't known fresh air in millennia."
Hannah nodded, accepting her professor's verdict. "I wonder what went on that podium," she said.
Rogers' hand went to the bulge under his shirt. "Probably some votive figure," he said. "I'll bet this chamber was looted soon after it was sealed." He hoped he didn't sound as nervous as he felt. Palming the idol was a foolish move. He was going to catalogue it and give it to the university museum, wasn't he?
Just then he noticed Hannah looking at him strangely. She was smiling for the first time since he met her a year ago.
"I just wanted to thank you for giving me this opportunity," she said. Was she blushing? "This is a moment I'll always remember."
"Um, thank you," Rogers said awkwardly. "I value your help."
Hannah took a step closer to him. "I really admire your work. And I look forward to working closely with you in the coming years. Very, very closely."
She took another step forward, until their bodies were nearly touching.
"It will take them at least an hour to set the winch up," the petite Asian added.