Forum: Lost Stories

I remember reading a story here about a Professor of Anthropology and his students who discovers a lost item that leads him on a goose chase to various sites, Machu Picchu, Egypt, etc. looking for more "parts" to the first mysterious item. As I recall there are bad guys who also want these items for the power that all together they will give. I believe they were items from a long ago visit from aliens. Anyway, the ending was at a place with lots of pillars where they find the final item just ahead of the bad guys. I wish I had more clues to give but it has been a while and this is all I remember, other than it was a great story till the end where the ending seemed a little rushed. Does anyone remember this story?

If I am thinking of the right story they find the last item in egypt in secret passageways under the sphynx don't they? weren't they alien artifacts?

Edit - sadly my searches have come up empty

Might be "once upon an alien by MisguidedChild"

https://storiesonline.net/s/75558/once-upon-an-alien
https://storiesonline.net/a/MisguidedChild

Very long shot "portals by Alan C Zumwalt"
https://storiesonline.net/s/52753/portals
https://storiesonline.net/a/Alan_C_Zumwalt

YES!!! Once-upon-an-alien is it. Thank you all very much. I could tell it was it from the very first chapter. I remember thoroughly enjoying this story, although as I previously stated, the ending seemed a little rushed. I'm still going to enjoy it again thanks to you all.

OK, I just finished rereading "Once-Upon-An Alien" and this was definitely the story I was looking for. Thank you skyview and sunseeker. Rereading it I was pleased to discover that the ending was not as rushed or abrupt as I remembered. It is actually a good ending and a great story. I guess the first time I read it I was hoping it would continue because it is so good and I was sad to see it end. For anyone else reading this note, I highly recommend this story.