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墨書 Inktalez
The result was unsatisfactory to One Commander, Second-in-Command, and all the Commanders. In fact, this reflected the military's stance. We were quite pleased, even happy. This meant that the confidentiality level of the project would be significantly lowered, and we would soon emerge from this shadow.
The unit's Commander did not let our excitement last long before proposing a new plan: to continue digging downwards on the existing layer, aiming for some results by the end of the year.
Thus, new conflicts arose. The three Archaeology team leaders represented the Archaeology team and strongly opposed the unit's Commander. Captain Song Guilong was the most intense, even threatening with his life. On this issue, the Materials Scientist also stood with us, showing a firm attitude despite not being as aggressive. Consequently, the unit's Commander felt the pressure. He had the power to override all opposing forces and proceed with a separate deep excavation of this Excavation Pit. However, if he wanted to carry out this project on a large scale and in an organized manner, he had to cooperate with us. Such a significant project could only prolong if it relied on rough excavation methods.
In terms of selecting Archaeology personnel, at least domestically, he could not find another team with more experience in Desert Archaeology than ours. Most of this Archaeology team essentially represented our country's strength in Desert Archaeology.
The meeting proceeded amid disputes and debates, reflecting both the military's and academia's attitudes toward this matter. As dinner time approached, neither side yielded, and no conclusion was reached. The meeting was paused for dinner. After dinner, we were informed that discussions would continue but with significantly reduced participants. The three team leaders from the Archaeology team, two group leaders from the Materials Scientist, and the unit's Commander continued negotiations while others awaited the outcome. The Archaeological Activity was temporarily halted.
I anticipated that this would be a challenging negotiation; changing decisions in powerful departments required not only patience but also courage. However, the ultimate direction of this negotiation remained uncertain and elusive. I initially thought that since the command center requested to continue meeting that evening, they must have confidence in persuading both sides' expert representatives or obtaining coercive support from local superiors through strong measures. Yet things did not go as smoothly as I imagined; it seemed that local government and military had not reached a consensus on this issue, causing delays.
During that period, members of the Archaeology team had nothing to do and couldn't leave, creating a gloomy atmosphere. I was somewhat better off because I was one of the main participants and actual responsible persons for discovering the ancient site of Test Pit, so I primarily wrote this Archaeological Report. Having specific tasks made time pass more quickly and kept me from feeling bored. The three team leaders mobilized all human resources to protect this site, appealing to superiors and all departments where they could lodge complaints. Undoubtedly, the fact that this site had not been immediately destroyed was closely tied to their efforts.
As long as this matter dragged on, the site would not be damaged in a short time. As we approached the end of the year, when the command center's Commander saw there was indeed no time left for destructive excavation, he reluctantly began preparing for evacuation. However, before we received evacuation orders, we were met with an early arrival of a Black Sandstorm.
That morning was still sunny. We learned from Captain Zhou that plans for destructive excavation would not be implemented within the year; thus, evacuation notices would soon follow. I even felt a sense of great relief wash over me. Some people had already begun preparing for evacuation.
By noon, everyone was having lunch in the cafeteria; those who finished eating did not leave but sat together chatting—such a rare good mood! At that moment, an ear-piercing alarm rang throughout the base.
We were bewildered when a fully armed squad of soldiers rushed into the cafeteria. Upon entering, they dispersed; some ran into the kitchen to inform the cooking team while others headed directly toward department heads shouting orders. One soldier held a loudspeaker and repeatedly announced: “A Sandstorm is approaching from the north; all personnel must evacuate within twenty minutes towards Bunker One.”
I had been part of this Desert Archaeology Team for some time now and had been fortunate enough to make significant discoveries. Although much credit belonged to Captain Song Guilong, my achievements were enough to place me among the forefront of Desert Archaeology. However, I had never experienced such harsh desert conditions; everything I knew came from casual conversations with other Archaeology team members. Therefore, my feelings at that moment were more curious and even slightly excited. In contrast, those who had spent years in Desert Archaeology displayed a straightforward demeanor—serious expressions but no panic.
Captain Zhou was also dining in the restaurant, and he quickly gathered the Archaeology team around him. "Return to the dormitory and organize your essential items. We will assemble for departure in ten minutes." He then specifically addressed me, "Zhang has no experience in this area, Xiao Team, you take him along."
Xiao Guolin nodded, "Alright, Zhang, follow me." With that, he patted my shoulder and swiftly headed outside.
I followed closely behind Xiao Guolin, excitement written all over my face. "Xiao Team, is it really that terrifying? I've never seen a real Sandstorm before."
"Want to see?" Xiao Guolin replied as we walked. "You can, but don't take too long."
The Construction Site and Living Area were both situated under a massive Camouflage Net. Peering through the sparse gaps in the netting, the sky appeared a brilliant blue, with the sun resembling a giant fireball. Even walking under the scattered shadows created by the Camouflage Net felt like being inside an oven. The air was thick with the acrid smell of burning welding, and there wasn't a hint of wind; the pungent odor lingered in this vast open space without dissipating at all.
I looked up but saw no signs of an impending Sandstorm. "The Calm Before the Storm?" I murmured to myself.
"You got it wrong," Xiao Guolin corrected me. "It's more accurately the silence before a major Sandstorm arrives. But the meaning is similar."
Xiao Guolin accompanied me to my room. "Only take what you absolutely need," he emphasized.
I first grabbed the Archaeological Report and dragged a suitcase from the closet, tossing in clothes and personal items.
Xiao Guolin abruptly closed the suitcase. "This stuff isn't important. Don't you want to see the Black Sandstorm? If we wait any longer, it will be too late."
I looked at him in confusion. "After a Sandstorm hits, many things will be lost forever. Aren't you going to organize your things?"
Xiao Guolin pointed to himself with his right index finger. "What I need to take is just me."
Xiao Guolin ignored my confusion and continued, "Remember, when the Black Sandstorm arrives, do not let anything hold you back. Greed is the greatest reason for those who are consumed by the Black Sandstorm. If you want to outrun the Sandstorm, you must learn to let go."
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