The Vilcabamba Prophecy: A Nick Randall Novel

by Robert Rapoza

  Randall realized that his options were limited. “Okay, Dumond, what do you want from me?”

  “It’s very simple. I need you to tell me how to use this key.”

  Randall nodded his agreement.

  Turning to George, Dumond said, “Mr. Walker, glad you could join us as well. Looks like you can finally help us finish our little project.”

  The group marched forward between the giant columns that guarded the entrance to the map room structure. There were no doors in sight. Randall searched the wall and found what he was looking for: strange symbols, arranged in neat rows, glowing with a blue light.

  “Sam, do you have my book?”

  Dumond nodded to his guard, who released Sam.

  “Here you go.”

  Randall opened his book searching for the correct section. He fanned through many pages, scanning as he flipped.

  “We’re waiting, Dr. Randall.”

  He finally found the page he was looking for, then began tapping the symbols on the wall. Without a sound, a door opened in the wall, exposing the room hidden within.

  “That’s a neat trick,” George said.

  In the outer chamber, there were large, rectangular panels with smaller grids filled with text and symbols inlaid into the wall. The panels were arranged in linear fashion, almost like a comic strip in the Sunday paper. Randall walked to the panel on the far left and stopped.

  After a few moments, Randall began mentally translating the inscription, without divulging any information to the group. The countdown to the event horizon was almost up. The eruption or whatever cataclysmic event that was going to take place would happen in about an hour. Randall also discovered they were missing part of the key and without it, the system wouldn’t work. In fact, using the medallion alone would cause harm to the user. A safety feature installed by the designers of the system to prevent outsiders from accessing the engine.

  After a few moments, Dumond spoke. “Dr. Randall, in case you’ve forgotten, I want this power source and I believe you’re stalling. If you are, your daughter will pay with her life.”

  Without looking at him, Randall said, “This isn’t like reading a magazine, this is a previously unknown language. Besides, there are new symbols that I’ve never seen. These things take time.” Randall continued reading.

  A few minutes later, Randall said, “I know where we need to go.”

  They walked further into the main building. At first, something seemed odd to Sam, but then she realized what it was. “These rooms are lighted, but I don’t see any wires or switches.”

  “Sam, I’m disappointed in you. As a woman of science, I thought it would be clear to you that this energy source doesn’t follow the constraints of our own simple technology,” Dumond said.

  “What do you mean?” Sam asked.

  “The energy is projected through the air, through a transfer of electrons vibrating at the proper harmonious frequency. Haven’t you noticed that your phone hasn’t lost its charge since you’ve been here? And what about your flashlights? Still as bright as they were when you first arrived, I imagine?” Dumond said.

  “Of course! Why hadn’t I thought of that?” George said.

  “You see, Dr. Randall,” Dumond said, “I’ve been looking for this place almost as long as you have, except I needed your medallion to confirm the theory. Now, I’m happy to say that we understand how to interface the power source with our own technology, to utilize it in a matter that will make me a rich and powerful man. All thanks to you and your daughter.”

  “That could explain why Paititi hadn’t been discovered. The power source must have created some sort of electronic interference that blocked the city’s view from the air,” Sam said.

  “I’ve heard about research the military is doing into cloaking tanks and other equipment on the battlefield. From what I understand, they’ve been able to electronically bend light around objects to create the illusion that they aren’t there for extremely short periods of time. But the energy needed to do it, even for less than a second, is tremendous,” George added. “This energy source must be incredibly powerful.”

  The thought of Dumond harnessing and using the energy source sent a shiver down his spine. Worst of all, he was the one that Dumond expected to make it all work. There was no way he could let that happen.

  The group moved through the building into a room in the center of the structure. The tablet room. Sam moved forward examining the stone slabs.

  “The tablets are all here, Dad, none of them are missing.”

  Randall once again moved to the far left tablet and began to read. It was an instruction manual for the operation of the power system.

  “Well, Professor?”

  “It’s not here.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “This isn’t the control panel where we use the key. The control panel is at the center of the city inside the dome structure. That’s the actual power plant for this place, this is just a side terminal.”

  Dumond walked over to Sam, grabbed her forcefully by the arm, and placed a pistol to her head. “Dr. Randall, I’m losing my patience.” He cocked the trigger.

  “This isn’t the control panel! Look, do you see any openings for the medallion? It’s the key to the system, but we have to use it at the power plant. Listen to me Dumond, this room is an informational depository. A library if you will. Did you see the other panels in the wall as we walked in here? Those are like computer banks with keys that operate systems within the city. This is like the server room for a fully interconnected, citywide system. But they realized that their relatives out in the jungle city might be the ones to have to operate this system. They’re a group that split off from the main community more than a thousand years ago, and they don’t have the same technology. The tablets and wall inscriptions are here to explain to them how to operate the power system.”

  “For what?”

  Randall hesitated, realizing that the genie was out of the bottle now. “For the great reunification. The moment when the Paititi tribe and the Vilcabamba tribe are reunited.”

  For the briefest moment, Dumond flinched, but quickly regained his composure. Ackers on the other hand fumed.

  “I knew they were withholding information. I say we kill them now. I don’t trust this piece of shit for a minute,” Ackers said.

  George stepped forward. “He’s telling the truth, Mr. Dumond, this doesn’t look like a power panel. Think about the control room of one of your nuclear reactors. There’s no monitoring system to keep track of critical systems. This is a workstation tied into the mainframe. We need to go where Dr. Randall says. That’s where we’ll find the main panel,” he said.

  Dumond thought for a moment and released Sam’s arm. “Colonel, while I appreciate your enthusiasm, I’m going to allow Dr. Randall one final indulgence. If you are wrong, Professor, or if I find that you are lying to me, your daughter will pay with her life.”

  Dumond holstered his pistol. “After you, Dr. Randall and Mr. Walker.”

  The group began the long walk to the center of the city. Again they walked in silence.

  “Are you okay?” Randall asked his daughter.

  “Been better, but yeah, I’m alright.”

  Almost as if experiencing a sixth sense, Randall felt that the group was not alone in the cavern. He tried casually looking about the cavern for signs of life, but saw none. His actions didn’t go unnoticed.

  “Is something bothering you, Dr. Randall?”

  “Well, Dumond, if you must know, being held prisoner and having my daughter held at gunpoint tends to make a father tense. I don’t suppose you would have any idea what that feels like, though.”

  “In my experience, fathers are overrated. The best thing my father ever did for me was to force me to grow up and become both physically and mentally strong,” Dumond said.

  It was the first sign of weakness Dumond had shown. Sensing that he had finally hit a nerve with their captor, Randall decided to
press further. “Sounds like you and your dad didn’t get along. That’s a shame. My experience has been that kids who don’t have a positive father figure in their lives usually grow up to be nervous and insecure. Some hide it better than others by acting like tough guys and intimidating people. But under the surface, they’re just scared little kids. I see it all the time at school.”

  It appeared to work. Dumond lunged at Randall, taking his pistol from its holster and placing it at his throat. “Careful, Professor, my generosity has its limits. I don’t think you’re in a position to be lecturing me about who has the power right now.”

  “Mr. Dumond!” one of the soldiers yelled.

  Dumond removed the gun from Randall’s throat and resumed his normal demeanor. “Well, Professor, I guess we’ll soon see if you were right or if you die.” Dumond walked away from Randall joining the soldier who had called to him.

  “Bright move, pissing off a guy who’s got a gun to your kid’s head,” Ackers said.

  Without missing a beat and without looking him in the eye, Randall replied, “What’s it like being a lackey for a complete psychopath?”

  In a quick movement, Ackers raised his gun and struck the professor between the shoulder blades, knocking him to the ground. Then he grabbed him by his collar and jerked him to his feet.

  “I’m going to enjoy offing you, you piece of shit,” Ackers said.

  “I can see why you enjoy working for him, you’re a complete psychopath, too,” Randall replied.

  Another blow, this time to the stomach.

  “Stop it! Why are you doing that to him?” Sam ran to her father’s side.

  Catching his breath, Randall said, “It’s alright Sam, he didn’t hurt me.”

  Before he could strike another blow to Randall, Ackers’s radio crackled: “We’re here.”

  Chapter thirty-three

  Volcano Disaster Assistance Program Director Tom Reinsdorf stared intently at the map before him. By all indications, El Misti was ready to erupt at any moment. Evacuation routes had been established and local authorities were in the process of relocating local residents in anticipation of the eruption. Decisions were based on computer simulations of which areas would be most impacted. The problem with the process was twofold. First, computer simulations of eruption patterns were useful, but there was no way of actually knowing how and where the eruption would occur. Second, no matter how hard they tried, there was never any way to reach everyone who would be impacted by the eruption. These facts tugged at Tom’s mind and left him feeling like he needed to do more.

  “Tom, the helicopter’s here.”

  “Thanks, Keith. I want you and Theresa to continue coordinating the evacuation and monitoring from here.”

  “Are you sure it’s a good idea to take that bird up around the mountain in these conditions?”

  “We’ve been through this before. There are several small villages near the base of Misti and I want to do a sweep of the area to make sure we’ve gotten folks out of the main blast area. The best way to do that is by air.”

  Keith sighed.

  “I appreciate your concern, buddy, but I’ll be fine. I’ll have my radio with me if you need to reach me,” Tom said.

  “Be careful up there, boss.”

  “Will do.”

  Tom ducked under the rotating helicopter blades and entered into the passenger side of the craft. Strapping himself in, he turned to the pilot.

  “I’m Tom Reinsdorf, nice to meet you.”

  “Jesse Jones. Have you been near a volcano this close to eruption before?”

  “Yes, twice before, but I appreciate you taking me up there,” Tom said, pointing in the direction of Misti.

  Jesse nodded and increased the throttle causing the Sikorsky to lurch into the sky. Tom sat back and contemplated the situation, hoping Misti would hold off her eruption long enough for them to get back safely.

  Chapter thirty-four

  The dome that housed the power station was larger than Randall had anticipated. From their view at the Tablet Room, it had appeared small in relation to the other structures in the city, but up close, it was massive. The dome was perfectly smooth and was made from a single piece of metal alloy. There were no perceptible seams or rivets anywhere and it glowed with a familiar bluish-gray hue.

  “Well, Dr. Randall?” Dumond asked.

  Randall walked around the structure until he found the control panel. He recognized several of the symbols and realized that he was becoming more familiar with the strange language. Pressing several buttons in sequence, Randall read a small display embedded in the wall that confirmed his worst fear. Fifty-two minutes until the event horizon swept over them. Making matters worse, he wasn’t exactly sure what would happen. Without realizing it, Randall muttered under his breath, “Shit.”

  “What was that, Dr. Randall?”

  Randall recovered quickly. “There are a few new symbols here that I need to decipher, but I’ll figure them out.”

  Randall punched several more keys and a panel slid open silently in front of them. The group flinched at the sudden movement. The open space now revealed what Randall had been looking for: the ignition switch into which the medallion key would fit to operate system. He stepped to the side, “Here you go, Dumond.”

  Dumond pushed his way past Randall, who took several steps back and moved next to Sam.

  “Very good, Dr. Randall. Colonel, bring me the medallion.”

  Taking the medallion from the container, Dumond turned it over in his hand and smiled. Randall could sense Dumond’s distrust as his gaze shifted between the medallion and Randall’s eyes.

  “Why don’t you do the honors, Professor?” Dumond asked.

  Randall was startled by the offer. “No, Dumond, you’ve won the day, you should do it.”

  Dumond’s smile broadened at Randall’s response. “Did you really think I wouldn’t figure it out?”

  “Figure out what?”

  “I know there’s a reason you want me to use the key instead of you, and I don’t think it has anything to do with allowing me the glory of the moment. There’s a failsafe built into this system, isn’t there? If this isn’t done correctly, the person using the key is injured or killed. Isn’t that the case, Professor?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Ackers, bring her to me,” Dumond said, motioning to Sam.

  Ackers grabbed her by the wrists and violently pulled her toward the control panel. Dumond handed her the medallion. “Take it!” Sam grudgingly complied. “Now use it to engage the system!” Sam’s hand shook as she inched the medallion closer to panel.

  “Wait! Yes, you’re right, there’s a fail-safe, and we don’t have the entire key. There’s a shaft that fits into the back of the medallion that operates the system.”

  “Where’s the rest of the key?”

  Randall hesitated.

  “Tell me or I’ll kill your daughter.”

  “Chief Yupanqui from the jungle tribe has it. When I met him, he had what I thought was a walking stick, but based on what I’ve read here, it must be the rest of the key that’s needed to operate the system.”

  “Colonel, get the Professor’s notes.”

  Dumond reviewed the notes and compared them to the symbols on the screen of the control center. For a moment he seemed confused. Then a grin slowly snaked across his face.

  “So, you were keeping secrets from me. And to think I spared your daughter’s life. Dr. Randall, your services are no longer required.” Dumond turned to Ackers and nodded.

  The Colonel released Sam’s arm and swung his weapon up to shoot her, but instead, he felt a burning sensation in his left arm and squealed in pain. Instinctively looking down at his wounded arm, he saw an arrow projecting through his forearm, the head leaving a ragged, torn flap of skin on the exterior. He looked up just in time to see another arrow arcing through the air. He sidestepped it right before impact, watching it harmlessly strike the side of the
power dome.

  Randall turned to look in the direction from which the arrow had come. Silhouettes of small warriors dotted the courtyard of the Tablet Room above, and arrows rained down on Dumond’s men, striking like venomous serpents protecting their den from intruders. The mercenaries turned to face their attackers.

  In the ensuing commotion, Randall grabbed the medallion, grasped Sam’s arm and pulled her away from the mercenaries. “Run, George!”

  The three ran around the large dome-shaped building, seeking to put as much distance between the raging battle and themselves as they could. Realizing that time was short, Randall knew that they needed to make it to Yupanqui and his men. The only hope of stopping Dumond was to get the medallion to the tribe. Yupanqui already had the shaft. If they could get the medallion to him, he could start the system and complete the reunification before the volcano erupted.

  “We need to get the medallion to the Chief,” Randall said.

  “But we’re running the wrong way!” Sam responded

  “First, we need to put some distance between us and Dumond. This way!”

  Randall made a sharp right turn at the first intersection they reached. His plan was simple enough: lose Dumond and his men in the maze of streets, then zigzag their way back to the Chief at the Tablet room. With a little luck, they could make it to the tribe in time and get their help to escape before the volcano killed them all.

  * * * *

  Ackers ducked for cover inside the open control panel, his left arm throbbing in pain. He cut the arrowhead off with his knife and pushed the shaft out the other side of his arm, letting out a groan of pain. Taking off his shirt and tearing a strip from it, he wrapped the wound tightly to slow the flow of blood. His eyes were wild with rage. His only concern now was finding Randall and killing him painfully and slowly.

  Dumond ducked into the control panel opening. “Ackers, what are you doing, you fool! Get out there with your men and get that medallion!”