Work Text:
Angela stands proud in the exhibition hall, ready to open the new exhibit. The crowd in front of her dressed in their best. Her collaborators for the paper, colleagues, donors, international press, everyone waiting to hear what she has to say. “Thank you all for coming to the opening of this exhibit. 3 years ago, archaeologists on Llullaillaco found 2 cold mummies. Children ages 8 and 10. I worked with esteemed archaeologists, anthropologists, and Indigenous people in Argentina and Peru to bring you the lives and deaths of these children.”
“In Inca culture, family was everything. People lived in large family groups, including aunts, uncles, cousins, everyone. Religion was not separated from the government like it is here. Ish.” The crowd chuckles. “Religion dominated every aspect of daily life. The priests decided what you ate, what you could wear, and how you’d die. Offerings were made to the gods frequently. To make a sacrifice was to make something sacred. Children were sometimes sacrificed. They were chosen for purity. They’d represent their people to the gods for eternity.”
“Two children were chosen to join the gods about 500 years ago. A 10-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy. These two could have been offered to the priests by their parents. They considered it an honor for their child to live with the gods. The children were brought to the capital Cuzco in Peru. They were presented to priests and the emperor. The children were dressed in fine textiles, unlike those they would have known. According to Dr. Christian Vitry of the Museum of High Altitude Museum in Argentina, the children were not allowed to have their feet touch the ground. They were carried in liters for 9 months to Llullaillaco. Priests went on the journey with them. Can you imagine the muscles on those priests? The Inca had a great arm day training routine.” More laughs. Angela grins and continues. “It is thought perhaps even their parents were there, to keep their children happy and calm. In every village on the journey, the children were given offerings. Food, dolls, carvings of llamas, textiles, anything to please the gods.”
Angela turned to dark exhibit space. “This is the 10-year-old girl, Muñeca, meaning doll.” The exhibit lights up with the image of an indigenous girl, wearing fine violet clothing and a white feather headdress. “Violet was a sacred color, associated with divinity. Many dolls were found with her. She is thought to be a special sacrifice. The dolls were wearing priestly clothing and carrying tools of shaman. The girl wore a necklace with silver bells and gold charms. “
She walked over to another dark exhibit space. “This is the boy, Pibe, about 8." His exhibit shows a young boy with a cape of some kind draped over him. "He was dressed in red and yellow clothing, colors associated with men. This robe was likely woven by the sacred virgins of the Sun house for his ascension to the divine. He had many toy warriors and llamas found with him.”
Booth couldn’t pay attention anymore. Children. Look at them. Parker was his age. How could anyone give up their son? Did someone play catch with him? Did anyone sing to him when he fell and hurt himself?
Brennan notices Booth not paying attention anymore. She sees him staring at Pibe. She tries to help. “He didn’t feel it Booth. The isotope analysis shows the children were given coca leaves and high proof alcohol daily on their pilgrimage. The children just fell asleep.”
Booth turns. “That doesn’t help. How could someone drug their child and bury them?”
Brennan is confused. “Didn’t god require Abraham sacrifice his son Issac to prove his faith?”
Booth snaps out, “Isaac lived.”
Brennan points out, “These people believed their children would live with the gods for eternity. They were the best of their people Booth.”
Booth stares at Pibe again. “He was just a boy.”
“He was honored Booth. Every village they passed through gave him food, toys, blankets. They believed he was sacred, about to become a god. He was loved Booth. Even if no one knew his name.”
Booth just looked at Pibe’s face.
They were startled by applause. It seems Angela’s speech was over. The people around them checked their phones, chattering about Angela’s speech. Some walked over to the exhibits to read more about the Inca civilization.
Booth tried to pull himself out of it. He straightened his jacket and shook his head.
Brennan was across the room hugging Angela. “You did wonderfully. Your speech gave great information on the culture. The children look alive Ange.”
“Thanks Brennan. I’m not used to being the one speaking in front of the crowd like that. At most I talk to a few dozen in a courtroom.”
“You should be. Your skills are extraordinary.”
Hodgins comes over and wraps his arm around Angela’s waist. “I’m so proud of you. Getting involved in international scientific teams. Getting to present at your home institution. Showing the world how talented you are.” He kissed her cheek, smiling gently.
Booth says nothing. He’s happy for Angela, she’s always been the most normal. But still, kids.
Cam comes over. “Congratulations Angela. The board members I’ve spoken to are thrilled. Some of our patrons making noise about starting an apprenticeship program, similar to the Squinterns. There is always a need for talented artists who can communicate scientific information.”
“Wow, Cam. That would be great. My own Squintern.” Angela is giddy. People responded well to her speech and now the board was noticing her. Art really can make science her bitch.
Booth pipes up. “How would they choose her Squintern? Would there be a drawing contest or a computer contest?”
“Good question Booth.” Cam smiles.” It’s just a thought right now, so why don’t we talk about it when we have some time?”
“Congrats Angela. You deserve it. Your drawings and renderings are great. You’ve always been a huge help in catching the murderers.” Booth hugs her.
“Aww, thanks Booth. It means a lot that you’re here.”
Booth smiles for the first time that night. “This is important to you. You get your name in a scientific paper. I learned from Bones here how important that is.”
“Well, don’t tell the papers I animated a scene where Pibe had his warriors riding llamas with Muñeca’s dolls.” Everyone laughed at this, even the people standing near them. Cam covered her mouth while giggling.
“Oh, you’ve gotta show me that! It should be on one of the screens!” Booth got excited.
Brennan says, “That could be historically accurate. The children had 9 months of time. No one in the villages could look at them directly due to their impending ascension. The children had to keep themselves entertained.”
“Bones! You think these kids played with their soldiers and dollies?”
“Of course, Booth. Children are children, no matter where in time or geography they are born.”