By Roger Todd

The dig at the north London archaeological site had been in full swing for nearly two months. The team had located a rich deposit of ancient relics some ten metres below ground level. The deep gash of the excavation had been gently angled to make a smooth ramp to the bottom of the pit. It was now late in the afternoon and only two of the team remained on the site. A discovery just made by one of them was provoking a fierce discussion.

"Norton, this is positive proof that Fiat's theory of pre-evolution is correct." said the smaller of the two in a determined manner.

"Nuts!" said Norton with equal determination. "That, Daimler, is nothing but a primitive recording media that has suffered severe distortion due to prolonged chemical action. Anyone can see that such a being could not survive in a normal world. Its shape is wrong, it protective covering seem to be very inadequate, and its has no obvious method of locomotion."

"Perhaps it didn't need to move," said Daimler stubbornly. "and", he continued glaring at Norton, "I have seen you without protective coverings."

"Well yes," flustered Norton, "but that's different. In such cases I have been in an internal environment and not need protection. That, "Daimler waved at the offending object, "that is clearly showing an outside location."

"If it is so distorted, as you stated only a moment ago, it could easily be an internal location." countered Daimler with a gleam in his viewers.

Norton, clearly unhappy at the way the discussion was progressing turned and moved to a low bench.

"Daimler, this is what I call clear evidence of evolution and intelligent life." He pointed to the archaeological finds laid in neat rows on the bench.

"This is without question the remains of a primitive form of intelligent life." He indicated the barely discernible remains of what was once a supermarket trolley. "So don't let Fiat confuse you with his carbon-based-life theories.

Daimler did not answer. He slowly swivelled, picked up his find in a slender flexible metal claw and deposited it into a small metal container. Closing its lid he flushed the interior with nitrogen, to prevent further deterioration of his find. He moved over to Norton and patting him on the arm, with a resounding clank, he quietly said, "Norton you are probably right."

Applying power to his tracks he turned and headed for the ramp. Clasping the container, which now held the only surviving copy of Volume 2, Issue 27 of Tit Bits, Daimler disappeared into the gently descending, late afternoon, clouds of sulphur dioxide.