The door opened and the president’s secretary entered and handed him a communiqué.
As the men in the room watched, he crumbled the paper and tossed it onto the coffee table, almost smiling at the way things were developing.
“The Russians are claiming they have downed a U.S. Air Force 777 cargo-conversion aircraft in their airspace.” He looked up with red eyes. “They claim they have some of the wreckage in their possession and proof that the aircraft was attempting to use the Audio Wave against their nation.”
“Impossible! The air force didn’t—”
The president glared at the air-force chief of staff. “It doesn’t matter, General. Whoever this Coalition is, they just outplayed our move.”
Niles looked down, knowing that the Coalition might finally have severed any chance they had at ending this thing peacefully.
THE DMZ
(THE BORDER BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH KOREA)
Major General Ton Shi Quang had relieved the previous commander after the artillery exchange between the Americans and the forward shock troops. As he sat in his command bunker, he saw that his troop and tank buildup was nearly complete. He saw that overwhelmingly he outnumbered the two armies gathering to the south and knew he could crush them within two days without help from the American naval and air forces. He outgunned the Americans five to one in tanks. The deciding factor would be as it always was—the ground soldier. In that arena, he had a fifteen-to-one superiority, and unless the United States and their southern lackeys did the unthinkable, he would be in Seoul having lunch on the second day of battle.
“Intelligence report from Pyongyang,” his orderly said stiffly.
The general did not like to have his thoughts disturbed and gave the colonel a stern look as he reached for the flimsy paper.
American defensive troops of the Second U.S. Infantry Division appear to be falling back from frontal positions. The South Korean army, after initial hesitation, has also begun what seems a possible withdrawal. Stand down from all offensive operations until tactic can be analyzed.
The lead military-council member of the Great Leader’s inner circle had signed the message.
“Analyzed? This is obviously a trick by the imperialists! What are they thinking in Pyongyang? Are those old fools falling for this? They only wish us to believe they are falling back. This is obviously a ruse to create more time to bring up what I suspect will be a preemptive strike on our People’s Army by nuclear forces!”
The colonel shot a worried look at his commanding general; the horror of what he was saying was clearly etched on the man’s sharp features.
“I’m sure the council has taken that into consider—”
“I will not allow the Americans a first-strike opportunity here.” The general looked at his watch. “Inform command that we are in receipt of the message.”
The colonel hesitated before departing with his orders.
“Go!”
“That is all, General? Pyongyang will want to know how you plan to deploy for defensive purposes.”
The general slapped the large map table in front of him, knocking several of the small models from their positions.
“Defensive positions?” the general said loudly. “That particular word has no meaning for me. Now send off the message that we are in receipt of the new orders, and that is all!”
The general watched him go. If the American forces were actually moving back from the lines, it would give his armor a running start and thus be unstoppable. He placed the disturbed models back onto the table and they formed a three-tank regiment spearheaded right at the American and South Korean lines. If the Americans did not start this, he would.
HOTEL DE PALAZZO
ROME, ITALY
One of the oldest and finest hotels in Italy was emptied of guests upon the Coalition’s arrival; in the small print of several international contracts, they owned it outright. They also owned most of the local police, and that, coupled with the ties they had with certain people in the Vatican hierarchy and the Italian government, allowed them a free hand in running their illicit operations.
William Tomlinson stared out the window at the Coliseum only six blocks away. Their Group had its roots not far from that ancient and revered place. The Juliai had learned early on in that wealth was power, the only true power on earth.
“How excited you must be, William—finally, the Atlantean Key within reach,” Dame Lilith said from her chair in the main parlor of the suite.
Tomlinson turned from the window and his view of the Coliseum. He smiled politely and took in the woman’s lovely features.
“Yes, of course. I was just lost in thought. The thing that is most exciting to me is the knowledge that we will soon be stepping fifteen thousand years into the past, our past and no one else’s. To the place our ancestors once dwelled and where our blood was born.”
“It’s so sad that there are not many pure-bloods left in the Coalition. We have been watered down so. At least those that remain will have this opportunity, all because of your foresight, William.”
“Too kind, Lilith,” he said as he turned and walked to the bar.
“Something far more pressing is troubling you. Tell me?”
“It’s Dahlia’s report. I received the full text this morning just as we landed. The plate map was not recovered,” he said, turning to Dame Lilith. He held up a hand when she suddenly sat up in her chair. “Calm, calm … Dahlia recovered something far better and less time-consuming than the plate map. We have a true map. A map made by the very man the plate was sent to. However, you are right—I am troubled. The American government recovered the plate. It is now in the possession of the same group of people that have sheltered Laughlin and Rothman.”
“William, this is indeed serious. They will come after the Key. How soon is Dahlia arriving in Africa?”
“Soon, very soon,” he said as he poured Lilith and himself a drink. “We may have an opportunity here. The people of this secret group that have become such a troublesome lot will undoubtedly lead the charge to Africa for the diamond. As a matter of fact, Dahlia has virtually guaranteed it,” he said as he turned and offered Lilith her drink.
“What are you suggesting?”
“Without the risk of losing the Key, I want these men eliminated. Dahlia is of the same opinion.” Tomlinson sipped his drink and then smiled, embarrassed for what he was about to say. “You’ve known me since I was a child, Lilith. I have never shown fear in any arena. However, these men that have been in the way since Ethiopia … well, I fear them. It’s like they have been placed here just to stop me.”
“I’ve never thought you a mystical person, William. These men just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. A chain of events allowed them to become very lucky people. That is all.”
“Thank you for easing my mind, but I would still feel better having them out of the way. Dahlia believes an ambush could be set up without endangering the diamond. As you know, I am an opportunist. This is one of those—”
A knock sounded at the door, interrupting Tomlinson. He placed his drink on the sideboard and straightened his suit jacket. He composed himself and answered the door.
Caretaker half bowed in greeting. August Nelson was behind him and looked very much agitated over something.
“Gentlemen, we were just discussing the plans for the recovery of the Key. Come in, please.”
Caretaker entered, followed by Nelson. He bowed and smiled at Lilith and then turned to Tomlinson. Before he could say anything, August Nelson blurted out a stream of words.
“The American president has done the unexpected, William. He is—”
“Please, Mr. Nelson, calm yourself. I will inform Mr. Tomlinson of the facts. There is no need to be so emotional.”
Tomlinson looked from the red-faced Nelson to the calm demeanor of Caretaker, a man he had never once seen flustered.
“It seems the American president has withdrawn his forces from the disputed
line in Korea, sir.”
“Impossible! He would never allow the North Koreans into the South; the United Nations and South Korea would crucify him.”
“It seems to be gaining a widening support base in the United Nations. It is seen as a sign of nonaggression by the Americans.”
“The plan banks on a conflict, William. This is serious, very serious.”
Tomlinson looked almost sadly at Nelson. The man was not as strong as he had hoped. He would have to deal with that issue another time.
“Gentlemen, please sit down and have a drink.” He gestured to the bar, and Nelson made a beeline to it. Caretaker sat in a chair.
“There is some rather good news: it seems the Russians have bought into the ruse you created with the Wave aircraft. They were nowhere near the UN council chambers today.”
“You see, Nelson, you have gains and then losses, but the market always settles.” Tomlinson retrieved his drink from the sidebar and then glanced at August Nelson. The man would have to be replaced with another true-blood, one who had a little more intestinal fortitude. Reactions like his worked like a plague around other members of the Coalition.
“William, this is not the stock market. We are dealing with dangerous nations here who have armies under their command. I wish now that—”
“I think it’s the right time to allow you into the world of intelligence. Both you and Caretaker have been most patient.”
Caretaker sensed a shade of patronization in Tomlinson’s tone but decided not to comment.
“The war in Korea will start very, very soon, gentlemen. It will happen regardless of what the American administration does or does not do. They are helpless in the matter. North Korea will attack.”
“You have an assurance of this?” Caretaker asked.
“I have more than that, my dear Caretaker. I have the general in command of all North Korean forces, Major General Ton Shi Quang.”
Caretaker leaned forward in his chair, a surprised look on his face.
“I am rarely, if ever, surprised in this position, Mr. Tomlinson. However, in this case I am happy to say I did not see that statement coming. Someday I would like to learn how you gained access to a closed society and purchased the services of this man. Please, if there is anything else?”
Tomlinson looked at Dame Lilith and wondered if he should impart the knowledge he had confessed to her about Dahlia’s ambush plans. Lilith saw his look and shook her head almost imperceptively.
“No, Caretaker, I believe you are now up to date on everything in my bag of tricks.” Tomlinson smiled and once again walked to the bar. “Now please, Caretaker, toast the recovery of what we have sought for thousands of years, the Atlantean Key.”
“For that item alone, Mr. Tomlinson, I will indeed have a drink.”
“Imagine no more country-versus-country nonsense. Only one system to govern, a new reich that the people can call whatever they choose, and everyone working together to fulfill a destiny that was cut short fifteen thousand years ago.” He handed Caretaker his drink.
“To Atlantis,” they toasted.
13
EVENT GROUP CENTER
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, NEVADA
Ryan had pulled the shift security from the complex and ordered a full detail to meet Jack and Carl at the airfield. Twenty heavily armed men accompanied the two men and their very valuable cargo. The large group took no chances as they entered the massive, dilapidated hangar of the main gate for the complex.
Ryan and Mendenhall met the colonel and captain at the elevator. The two men and their security looked small in the cavernous lift used for the transport of large artifacts into the underground facility.
“Lieutenant,” Jack said as he stepped from the lift.
“Colonel, Captain, exciting trip, I understand?”
“It seems it was mission standard for us anymore,” Everett said as he spied Virginia Pollock exiting the elevator from the complex below.
“Glad to have you two back in one piece. You had us worried, as usual,” she said, approaching the men.
“Well, here’s what the hubbub was about.” Carl handed her a large case.
She accepted the case and then looked at the two officers. “All those deaths for this …” She handed the case to Mendenhall. “Will, make sure Pete Golding gets this right away down on level eighteen, lab six; he’s waiting on it.”
Mendenhall took the case and Ryan made his exit with him.
“The president has placed a lot of emphasis on making sure the Coalition doesn’t get their hands on the diamond. Niles wants us to get it and has promised you all the support you need.”
Jack nodded and started for the elevator. “So the president has bought in fully to the theory of the quakes?”
Virginia pushed the Down button on the pneumatic elevator for level seven. She then related the horrid facts of the Tomlinson raid.
Jack and Carl were silent as they stepped into the elevator. Virginia followed and the doors closed.
“The Russians downed what they believe is a U.S. Air Force aircraft carrying strange equipment. They say it was transmitting the same type of audio signal as the tape in the Sea of Japan.”
“These people are still a step ahead of us, maybe even two or three,” Everett said as the elevator arrived at level seven.
“Mr. Everett, get with Ryan and give me a duty roster and pick a strike team ready to leave as soon as the science teams get this plate thing figured out. Virginia, what archaeologist and experienced dig people can you afford to part with?”
“Well, I think we’ll send the same people that were just there, Sandra Leekie and her team.”
“That’s fine, but cut it to bare bones, Doctor. I don’t want any kids on this trip.”
“Do you expect the Coalition to find you, Jack?”
Collins had started to turn and leave for the security offices but stopped short.
“Ask the FBI if these unconscionable bastards do the unexpected. Yes, Virginia, they will be there waiting for us. They failed once getting access to that diamond; I don’t think they will stop now.”
The fifteen-thousand-year-old bronze plate, centered on the lab table in the middle of the room, was a mystery to the brilliant minds studying it. Several technicians from the Archaeological Studies, Forensics, and Mathematical Engineering departments surrounded the amazing find, mystified by its workings.
The plate itself was unremarkable in its design. It was comprised of two sheets of thinly plated bronze sandwiching a thinly shaved quartz crystal. A 3-D image supplied by Europa was projected onto a wall screen, and all the other departments, including Mechanical Engineering and Nuclear Sciences, were studying the strange plate from their own labs.
Linguistics experts were poring over the symbols etched into the bronze facing of the plate, while engineers examined a small clamshell-like protuberance in the exact center of the object. The clamshell bulge was on both sides of the plate and was three inches in diameter.
Pete Golding and Sarah McIntire had stopped by the lab to see the amazing find brought back by Jack and Carl. They were taking a break from leading the scroll search with one hundred others. They stayed back and out of the way as the other qualified scientists assigned to the plate map studied it and spoke quietly among themselves.
Pete stepped back farther to get a look at the strange design. What little hair he had was askew and he was chewing on a pencil. He was just getting ready to turn away and retrieve Sarah when a thought struck him out of nowhere. He turned slowly and looked closer at the clamshell centerpiece. He cleared his throat.
Martha and Carmichael were there, too. They were studying a linguistics report of the strange symbols when they heard Pete trying to get everyone’s attention.
“The centerpiece of the object—have you, ladies and gentlemen, formed an opinion on this?”
Virginia Pollock, who was sitting next to the two Ancients, turned toward the director of the computer center.
“As with the other symbols on the facing of the object, the conclusion is it’s a three-D symbol for the sun. If you look closely at the etched portions of the plate, the exact match is the sun, which is clearly next to that of the quarter moon. The lines at the center of the sun may just be artwork placed there by the whoever etched the symbols.”
“Clamshell,” Pete mumbled, still chewing on his pencil.
“Excuse me?” one of the design engineers asked from his spot next to the map.
Not all those in attendance inside the lab understood what Pete had said.
Sarah tapped Pete on the shoulder and pointed to the pencil in his mouth.
Pete slowly understood and removed the pencil. “The sun, as you’ve deemed it, in the center of the plate—it resembles a clamshell aperture.”
Martha glanced at the strange-looking director of the computer center and then tapped Carmichael on the arm to get his attention.
“Professor Golding, your science is an exact one, but sometimes ancient technologies are not. If you would step closer to the plate, you will see that the etched lines on the depiction of the sun are perfectly matched. No one in antiquity could get separate sections of metal to match so perfectly that there is no discernible separation between the two. Believe me, Professor: the lines are etched into the bronze.”
Pete looked at the scientist from the Mechanical Engineering Department and then stepped closer to the plate. Sarah bit her lip, knowing that the Golding was overstepping his territory. She looked at Virginia and gave her an uneasy smile.
Pete looked very closely at the bulge and then at the symbol for the sun at the bottom of the large plate. He stepped to the opposite side of the lab table and looked at the bulge from that side and then at the bottom of the plate. There were no symbols there. There were, however, two small points of bronze protruding from each of the plate’s lower corners.
Ancients: An Event Group Thriller Page 29