Frederick looked puzzled at first, but quickly realised what he was looking at. ‘At first we thought it was some new type of rock formation until we got near to it. My research team then came across the metal.’ Kirov indicated to the piece Frederick had handed to Chambers. ‘It was strewn all over the place for miles. From initial research I believe that the structure or craft must have been anywhere between eight to one thousand feet in diameter. I believe that whoever was piloting this craft attempted to execute some sort of emergency landing but failed resulting in a critical failure within its engine. This picture is part of the Hull. When we acquired knowledge regarding the Roswell crash we were able to make great strides with our research project. One of our lead scientists Doctor Anna Vilenko came up with the hypothesis that the craft exploded before it was able to touch down.’
A little taken back with what Kirov was revealing Frederick pressed on. ‘You’re saying that some sort of explosion caused this devastation. I find it hard to imagine that an explosion of that magnitude could have occurred in 1908.’
Kirov nodded. ‘I can understand your reluctance to believe such a hypothesis. I myself was sceptical that anything could be so powerful. However I started to think about our efforts to create powerful explosions through atomic research. The Soviets have accelerated their nuclear program, and are working on new advancements including the yields of which our bombs are capable. New research into hydrogen bomb detonation is taking place now and the Soviet government is eager to demonstrate to the world that they are leaders in nuclear weapons development.’
Frederick shrugged. ‘So what does Soviet nuclear weapons research have to do with the Tunguska event?’
Kirov drew a deep breath and looked at the other man. ‘Your Nobel Prize was awarded to you because of your theory on Antimatter was it not?’
Frederick nodded slowly. ‘It’s widely accepted by physicists as the opposite to ordinary matter. Capable of yielding tremendous bursts of energy when the two elements collide. My theory suggests that if harnessed this type of energy could end our reliance on fossil fuels.’ Frederick paused mulling Kirov’s words. ‘Are you suggesting that what happened at Tunguska was the result of an antimatter explosion?’
Before Kirov could answer Ian Morgan held up his hand. ‘I’m sorry to break up your little science seminar here gentlemen, but not all of us were born inside a laboratory. Why don’t we get back to more practical questions shall we, such as why Mr Kirov decided to come to us with this information and not the Americans?’
Kirov swallowed. ‘I believe that all mankind should benefit from this technology. Both the Americans and the Soviets are working on top secret research projects to develop the technology taken from grounded flying saucers and adapt it for their own purposes. The Americans are developing extreme altitude aircraft capable of flying to the edge of space, way beyond the distance of Soviet radar and rockets. We also know that the Americans are using the United Kingdom as a testing ground for one of these aircraft. The Soviets have also conducted similar experiments, but they believe the key lies in the conquest of space itself which will determine who has dominance on this planet.’
What do you mean by that?’ Lord Chambers asked.
‘The Soviet government believe that whoever can launch the first artificial satellite into Earth orbit would be seen as the dominant force on this planet to any other species capable of space travel.’ A short uncomfortable silence followed as the other four men considered what Lakatos had just said. ‘Right now at a place called Kazakh located in the Soviet Socialist Republic, scientists are working on the first artificial satellite, which they hope will be ready to launch within three to four years.’
‘I must say Mr Kirov, you have taken a huge risk to come here and reveal this information to us.’ Stanford remarked.
‘Risks are part of life Mr Stanford.’
Chambers drew a deep breath. ‘Well it seems that you have much to offer.’
‘And much more I can assure you.’
‘We’ll find a safe place for you Mr Kirov but until then you are a guest of her majesty I’m afraid.’ Chambers nodded at the guard who stepped forward.
‘I understand, I hope you find the information I have provided helpful.’ He stood up and was escorted out of the room.
Frederick continued to look at the photographs. ‘Well this is a turn up for the books.’
‘It is.’ Stanford said thoughtfully.
‘What did you make of all that about the Russians efforts to reach space before the Americans?’ Asked Morgan.
‘It’s highly possible they could have some sort of program in operation.’ Frederick suggested. ‘The question is do we tell the Yanks about this.’
‘No.’ Chambers said abruptly. ‘They’ve been keeping secrets from us for years, so I suggest we don’t get too friendly. In time we will let them know about this Kirov fellow but for now we keep everything under wraps and see what else he has to offer.’
Chapter 70
Backlash
The Kremlin – Moscow - Soviet Union – 4:56pm
Saturday 18th July 1953
Igor Lakatos swallowed hard realising the situation he was in. He had been summoned to the Kremlin only hours earlier and had been guarded by four Soviet Soldiers while he waited for an audience with Nikolai Bulganin and Ivan Volkart.
Both Bulganin and Volkart stared intensely at Lakatos. ‘We have heard from comrade Modin concerning the defector.’ Bulganin explained.
‘Defector?’ Lakatos questioned.
‘Dmitri Kirov.’ Volkart replied.
Lakatos took a deep breath. ‘I have heard rumours, but I never thought they were true.’
‘Well these rumours you heard are true comrade Lakatos, which begs the question, why didn’t you suspect this man would defect?’
‘I assure you gentlemen I had no idea.’ Lakatos said.
‘It seems to us comrade Lakatos that you are not in control of your own staff.’ Volkart said.
Lakatos glared at Volkart. ‘Kirov kept his deception hidden very well. I make sure all my team are regularly scrutinised for signs of betrayal.’
‘Well I suggest you find out how this man managed to defect to the west taking with him valuable information regarding the Tunguska event.’ Bulganin stated in a sharp tone. ‘You are to make contact with comrade Modin in Great Britain and find out where they have comrade Kirov so that we can deal with this situation.’ Bulganin picked up a glass of vodka and swigged it down.’
Lakatos stood. ‘I will proceed immediately comrade.’
Chapter 71
Rosemary’s Child
Vallance Road – Bethnal Green – London – 11:23am
Monday 9th August 1953
Frederick looked down the narrow street at a group of children playing football. At the end of the street lay a derelict landscape of bombed out buildings on which more children were playing amongst the ruins.
‘I don’t know if this is the right place.’ Frederick said.
‘The information which your Professor Wilks pulled off the Roswell device is pretty accurate.’ Agent Frank Cones said. ‘I guess we’ll have to start knocking on doors.’
Frederick looked at the American. ‘Let me do all the talking will you Mr Cones. The people who live in this part of London can be very wary of outsiders, especially if they’re foreign. Just remember our cover story.’
‘Don’t worry Professor you won’t know I’m here, besides I know what these people are like. I grew up in Brooklyn.’ Cones replied.
Both men got out of the car and started to walk down the street. The group of children playing football stopped and watched as the two strangers approached them. A young boy ran into one of the terraced houses. Frederick glanced from side to side noting twitching curtains as people stared out of the window. A door to one of the terraced houses opened and a woman stepped out with two young men. Frederick glanced at them as they approached noting they were twins.
‘Hey you t
wo.’ The woman said loudly and in a broad cockney accent. ‘If you’re looking for my husband you’re out of luck he’s been dead ten years.’
‘I beg your pardon madam.’ Frederick said innocently.
‘Oh don’t come over all shy, you’re from the war office still chasing after my Charlie for not signing up.’
‘Well actually.’ Frederick said before the woman cut him off.
She folded her arms and smirked at Frederick. ‘Oh I know, you’re here to see fanny adams on the end there.’ The woman said indicating to the end terrace house. ‘I hope you’re here to evict her, filthy trollop up the poke again. Probably another dock worker, she gets about you know.’
Frederick and Cones glanced at each other. ‘Do you have a name for this woman?’ Frederick asked.
‘Rosemary Smith.’ The woman replied. ‘If you need a hand just give my door a knock, my boys are pretty handy.’ She indicated to the two young men flanking her.
‘I’m sure they are, thank you Mrs?’
‘Violet, Violet Kray.’
‘Thank you Mrs Kray.’ Frederick tipped his hat politely, the two young men glared back menacingly as Frederick and Cones continued to walk down the street.
Both men stood in front of the door of the end house and looked back up the street. The woman they had just talked to had been joined by other street residents. ‘If what that woman said is true this should be the right address.’ Cones commented.
Frederick knocked on the door.
The door eventually opened to reveal a short blonde haired woman wrapped in a black shawl. ‘Yes can I help you?’
‘Good morning madam.’ Frederick greeted. ‘We’re from the ministry of health, we’re in the area conducting a survey on the effects of living near bombsites.’
‘I see.’ The woman replied, glancing up the street at the crowd of people who stared back gossiping amongst themselves. ‘You better come in.’ she offered.
Frederick did his best to ignore the smell of dirty nappies, which were piled up in a small basket in the tiny kitchen. A young boy of about ten years old ran down the stairs towards the front door. ‘Don’t go too far Johnny.’ His mother warned. ‘And stay away from those Kray brothers, they’ll do nothing but get you into trouble.’ The young woman’s Irish accent was clear, but soft. Two other children, another boy of about six and a little girl of about two stood at the top of the stairs, looking down at the two strangers their mother had invited in.
Frederick and Cones were led through to a small sitting room which was sparsely furnished. Both men sat next to each other on an old sofa which had been salvaged from the bombsite. Frederick noted the woman’s pregnancy. ‘When’s the baby due?’
The woman looked down at her bump, shaking her head. ‘I don’t know.’
‘Well you must be pretty close now.’
‘I guess so.’
‘Is your husband around?’
‘No, he was killed during the war.’
‘I see.’ Frederick said. ‘So may I enquire who the father is?’
The woman continued to stare at her bump, she started to sob.
‘I’m sorry.’ Frederick said pulling a handkerchief out of his pocket and getting up. ‘I didn’t mean to be nosy, it’s just unmarried mothers are so rare in this day and age.’
The woman blew her nose. ‘I’m sorry.’ She sobbed. ‘The truth is I don’t know who the father is. I know it sounds ridiculous but it’s like I woke up pregnant one day.’
Frederick and Cones exchanged glances. ‘Well I think we can help.’
The woman looked up. ‘How?’
‘It’s obvious you cannot live in these surroundings so I shall contact my superiors tonight and have you moved to more suitable accommodation.’
‘What about my children?’
‘They will be accompanying you.’
The woman managed a smile. ‘You won’t be taking my children away from me.’
Frederick shook his head. ‘No, in fact we feel it’s important for you to remain as a family. I want you to pack as much as you can and we will be back tomorrow to pick you up.’
Both men stood and said their goodbyes.
Whitehall – London
3:45pm
‘Are you sure this woman is who we’re looking for?’ Chambers asked.
‘She says she cannot remember how she became pregnant, and her story bares resemblance to Edith Jones last year. Plus the information from the Roswell device is very accurate.’
‘We have a number of safe houses, there’s one in Surrey, it’s quiet, no one will bother her.’
I believe she’s only weeks away from giving birth, we’ll have to send a doctor to examine her.’
Chambers took a deep breath. ‘I’ll send Alan to keep an eye on her, although he’s not Dr Lloyd.
Frederick nodded. ‘I take it we’re not thinking of replacing Arthur just yet.’
Chambers shook his head.
‘I’ll start making the arrangements for moving Rosemary Smith.’ Frederick got to his feet.
Chambers nodded. ‘Ok Ralph this is your show, but remember this, if this woman turns out to be some floozy from the East End then back she goes.’
Chapter 72
New Players
Vallance Road - Bethnal Green – London – 9:39am
Tuesday 10th August 1953
‘Huh, you’re too late gents someone’s already beaten you to it.’ Violet Kray called out from her front door.
Frederick and Cones looked down the street towards a large black Daimler Empress which was parked outside the house of Rosemary Smith.
The two men quickened their pace and spotted a man dressed in priest’s robes exiting the front door with some bags. Mrs Smith’s three children were sat in the back of the car crying.
‘What’s going on here?’ Frederick demanded to know.
The priest looked at him as he threw the bags in the boot of the car. ‘And who might you be?’ He asked slamming down the boot.
‘I asked first.’
Rosemary Smith appeared at the front door with two men dressed in black cassocks with red sashes around their waists and rosaries hung around their necks with red cloth caps. The young woman was crying, as the two men led her out of her house. Frederick blocked their path. ‘Where are you taking this woman?’
‘That is none of your concern, now clear the way!’ The priest ordered.
‘I demand to know where you’re taking her.’ Frederick fired back.
‘This woman is now in the custody of the church and will remain there until her child is born, now get out of my way or I’ll send for the police.’
Frederick reluctantly stepped aside and looked on as Rosemary and her children were driven away. ‘I don’t understand, who were those men?’
Agent Cones looked on as the car turned a corner. ‘If I were to hazard a guess Professor I’d say they were Vatican officials.’
‘What an earth would they want with Rosemary Smith and her children?’
‘That’s what we need to find out.’
Whitehall – London – 2:43pm
Thursday 12th August 1953
‘It took a couple of days of digging around but you’re not going to like it.’ Morris Stanford said.
Frederick and Cones were sat at either ends of a large Queen Ann sofa.
‘On Monday intelligence got wind of two high ranking Vatican officials passing through Heathrow.’
‘But they didn’t raise any flags.’ Frederick commented.
Stanford shook his head. ‘We saw no reason to suspect them of anything, besides it’s Russian operatives we’re on the lookout for.’
Frederick nodded.
‘Anyway, they passed through Heathrow again early yesterday but this time they had a young woman in tow. Their flight was bound for Rome.’ Stanford revealed.
‘And still our boys didn’t detain them.’ Frederick stated.
Again Stanford shook his head.
Frederick shrug
ged. ‘So where are the children?’
‘There were no other children.’ Stanford revealed. ‘Just the woman and the Vatican chaps.’
‘It would seem we have a new player on the field.’ Cones said. ‘The Vatican may be aware of what’s happening to these people.’
‘Well whatever the Vatican is up to, it certainly adds depth to the whole flying saucer mystery.’ Frederick commented.
The Vatican – Rome – 2:01pm
Friday 13th August 1953
Cardinal Michael Portis knelt down in front of Pope Pius kissing his hand.
‘I take it your recent assignment was a success.’
‘Yes your Holiness, the woman is now in our care. We await the birth of her child.’
‘And her other children?’
‘We have taken care of her other children.’ Portis hesitated before continuing. ‘While in London I encountered Professor Frederick.’
The Pope closed his eyes in brief prayer for a moment.
‘The prophecy is starting to play out, Agent Cones was with him.’
Pius nodded. ‘We must gather the Brotherhood and discuss these latest developments. The fact that Professor Frederick and Agent Cones have been introduced to each other demonstrates that events are about to unfold. They will face many challenges before the prophecy comes to pass.’
‘And the Dark Ones?’ Portis questioned.
‘You must continue to infiltrate the Collective, find out if they are aware that Frederick and Cones are working together. The Dark Ones have yet to reveal themselves. Frederick is yet to encounter the creatures which threaten our world. I will instruct the Brotherhood to keep an eye on the obelisk under the Temple mount.’
Portis nodded. ‘I will travel to Spain and meet up with Akon Khan of the Collective to see if I can find any useful information.’
‘Be careful, Khan is a dangerous individual.’
Codename Angel (The Angel Chronicles Book 1) Page 24