Chapter 5 The Findings in the Fingers

The remaining two weeks of the Rising Star project flew by for Parker. His unadmitted homesickness had been mitigated by Booth's and Christine's unexpected visit. That surprise had been one of the best of his life, surpassing his parents' gift of a Nintendo DSI the Christmas he was nine. Booth's restricted visitation rights during Parker's early childhood had meant that any time with his father was especially precious to the boy.

Three mornings after their departure, Brennan heard a familiar shout from the cleaning pavilion. Carrying three padded bags of newly retrieved specimens, she hurried to see if Parker had injured himself. Upon seeing that he was healthy and whole, she chided him,

"Parker, why are you yelling? An outburst of that sort is not considered professional in a scientific undertaking like this. It disturbs the concentration of your colleagues."

His excitement undeterred, Parker grinned at her from where he had been brushing dust from pencil-like bone fragments. "Bones, look at what I found. These phalanx segments aren't like any I've seen. I'm not sure. . . .they resemble other finger bones I've cleaned, but there are slight differences I can't account for; like another sub-species, perhaps?"

Brennan donned a pair of gloves and pulled a small magnifying glass from her waist pack. Precisely manufactured to her individual specifications by a German optical firm, approaching the refraction capabilities of the Jeffersonian's magnifying cameras, it allowed her closely to examine skeletal details in the field.

After an extended silent perusal and handling of the fragments, she spoke quietly to her step-son. "This is exceptionally perceptive work, Parker. I believe you have found evidence of cross-species mating between Homo naledi and Australopithecus sediba. These phalanges exhibit characteristics of both hominids, yet they are subtly unique. Let's take these to Dr. Berger for his opinion."

She picked up the stainless steel tray of bones, and they crossed the project campsite. "The six anthropologists bringing the bones out of the cave have posited the existence of a third type of individual among these skeletons. They've observed bones which possess features of both naledi and sediba, and suggest they are offspring of mixed origin."

They found the project director seated at a laptop, typing furiously.

"Your data entry speed is impressive, Dr. Berger. Most scientists seek and tap like chickens," Brennan remarked.

"You mean 'hunt and peck' Dr. Brennan?" Lee Berger chuckled. "I earned my way through university doing any odd jobs I could scrounge, including tabulating laboratory research data for professors and Ph.D. candidates at Georgia Southern and Witwatersrand. I got pretty fast at typing after spending hours creating data bases of experiment results."

"Are you taking those bones for further cleaning? They look thoroughly brushed to me," he asked her.

"No, I'd like you to examine these phalanx fragments. They appear to possess traits of both naledi and sediba, as well as some unique characteristics," Brennan told him. "Use my magnifier if you wish."

"This is a very fine instrument, Temperance. Where did you procure it?" Berger inquired.

"I had it made for my field examinations by Schneider GmbH & Co. KG," Brennan informed her colleague.

The project director repeated Brennan's scrutiny of the bones. "I believe your observations are correct. We've seen some evidence of cross-breeding in the long bones, tibia and fibula, but each example of inter-species traits is important. We need many specimens to confirm the hypothesis that naledi and sediba individuals might have engaged in coitus; producing viable progeny."

"Would you follow me to my trailer in order to study these in greater detail? I have a magnifying camera there which can't be exposed to all the dust around here."

"May I come along, or should I return to my cleaning duties?" Parker asked hesitantly.

"Dr. Berger, this is Parker Booth, the assistant who noticed these anomalies," Brennan said with quiet pride.

"Young man, you are making excellent forensic observations for a neophyte. What university did you attend? Its anthropology program must be first-rate," commented Dr. Berger.

Parker blushed a bit, but demurred. "I earned my undergrad degree at Penn, and I just completed my first year at American University. I was fortunate to have a class under Becca Peixotto. But Bones has taught me the most."

"Bones?" Lee Berger was puzzled.

"Um, sorry, that's what my dad calls her. . . I mean Dr. Brennan," Parker stammered. "She tutored me when I was little, and I went through her Science for Youth program at the Jeffersonian all through my school years."

"Well, if you've studied at the feet of Dr. Temperance Brennan, no wonder you're so well versed in forensic anthropology techniques and protocols," Dr. Berger said. "Nevertheless, your noticing these minute anomalies is impressive. If it fits the timing of your studies, perhaps you could return to participate in our project here next summer, young man. Why don't you contact me next January?"

Parker nodded, momentarily speechless. "Yes, sir, I'll do that; it would be a thrill to assist here again."

"Temperance, your son must have inherited your scientific abilities," Lee Berger declared.

"Parker is my step-son. . . " Brennan began.

"Well, blood relative or not, he's absorbed your knack for accurate examination, astute observation, and dedicated efforts," he maintained.

"Yes, I'm very proud of Parker," Brennan stated, reaching up to hug his shoulder. "He's been coming to the Jeffersonian since he was six years old."

"Son, you are one lucky dude," laughed Lee Berger.

"You have no idea!" Parker agreed heartily.

BBB

As they walked back to the cleaning pavilion, Parker looked at Brennan, his eyes shining.

"Wow. . . .That was amazing. . . . Thanks, Bones, for bringing me on this dig. I can't believe the awesome opportunities you made possible for me. Dad's gonna be blown away. . . "

"It's like this for me every time I come on a dig, Parker. The sense of wonder I feel regarding our human origins never ceases. I am awestruck, humbled, and grateful to the universe for the heritage and opportunities humankind have been granted. It's part of the reason I feel so responsible for this planet and try in my own small way to protect its future. Your dad can't understand why I follow a vegetarian lifestyle; but after observing the realities of wholesale livestock processing practices; I've resolved that, until every animal can be humanely treated, I cannot bring myself to eat meat.

Parker looked at her. "You know Dad would say these are the wonders of Creation, right?"

"Yes, I'm well aware your dad would feel impelled to interject the myths of religion into the conversation," she said wryly, "but whichever viewpoint you espouse; that doesn't alter the grandeur and complexity of our existence, does it?"

"Nope, not in the least."

"One way or the other, Parker, I feel certain you will make your own substantial contribution to our knowledge and understanding of forensic anthropology, much sooner than later, I predict," she assured him fondly.

"I sure hope so, Bones. I do so want to live up to your belief in me."

A/N: I had this whole chapter ready to post, and hit 'don't save' by accident, much to my chagrin. I'm afraid my attempt to recreate it lost something in translation, but I recaptured it as best I could. The first version of an inspiration is usually the best, however. I learned in school to trust my first instinct on test answers. When I started changing them and second-guessing myself, the results were usually not beneficial!

Becca Peixotto is one of the six actual paleoanthropologists hired to bring remains out of the Dinaledi Chamber. Its entrance was only 18 cm wide. Talk about claustrophobia!

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