by Alan, Mark
"The two men don't know each other. They are working together, because each one has something to gain for the resources they bring to this arrangement”. Aven expressed during the subsequent brief. "Neither of them is pulling the strings either, I believe that is the role of our super-powered monk acquaintance”. Aven continued gesturing to Hoyt. "I recommend we, inadvertently leave a phone in Vasily's vicinity. Delay the network feed by a few minutes and see what our tech-boy decides to search".
"Leave them alone together?" Hoyt questioned.
"No separate them. The movement will sell the accidental presence of the device. Leave one for Suttikul as well... what could it hurt? May be interesting to see whom he reaches out to as well".
There was a scuffle in the transferring of the two captives. Vasily lunged at one of the smaller guards, hurling both of them to the ground. The drive down was hard and continued in a short lived tussle. The others took the opportunity to move the Colonel to an alternate location. The smaller guard rolled free as he bashed the still bound Captain into the corner wall. The guard stood, his cracked phone lying in the corner. He waved his hand in the air as a gesture of victory, turned and exited the room... mission accomplished.
Laying on the ground, "licking his wounds" and verifying whether the blow to the head was actually going to knock him out, Vasily noticed the phone. Sitting up and turning to face the corner, he grabbed the phone and powered it up.
"Ubitsya broom!"
Nothing on the screen, but opening the back and making a few adjustments, Vasily had the phone operational. He acted as though he was resting his head in the nest of the corner, as he worked, supposing this to be a believable shield should the room be wired with cameras. He logged into what appeared to be a random.ru site and entered a pass code. No one watching the feed was a true expert in Russian, but the next screen was clearly a launch sequence display requesting target plots on a global map.
"Let's see what coordinates he keys in. How long is the delay to the actual network?" Command requested.
"2 minutes" came the reply, "Long enough we can stop him, but short enough as not to raise his suspicion".
Vasily filled the first box, and the map outline on screen went dark. He filled the second and a halo formed around South America. Aven watched Vasily's slight motions compared to the changes on the screen.
"His body appears to be twitching at the same time the feed is filling the launch boxes. Did we account for the damage done to the device and Vasily's work around to power up the phone?" Aven demanded an answer.
"Sir, Mr. Antipater is correct the feed is live, no delay!" The tech affirmed.
"Cut the hard line NOW!" ordered the Commander.
Vasily's screen froze. His shielded body movements became more exaggerated. Frustrated, he slammed the phone against the wall.
"Will we be able to retrieve any further info entered by Vasily?" asked the commander, seeing the damaged phone bounce off the wall.
"Unlikely, Sir”.
"Forward the South American intel onto Langley, then”. The Commander requested disappointedly.
"Already on it, Sir”.
Aven found the new intel disturbing. Although, he knew many of the pieces of this puzzle were missing, he felt like this piece was outside the border of the image that had started to materialize from the pieces already in place.
Another two days passed before the Colonel found and attempted to use his planted phone. Suttikul dialed out to a local number, describing his captivity and the current ruse functioning within the Government House. The Commander had brainstormed prior with the team, and they had all agreed that they had, "worn out their welcome" at the GH (their nickname for their present digs) and any open communication the Colonel may have while giving up their position could prove valuable in him divulging further info updating his trusted contacts. Their gamble paid off. His next call was in Khmer, the official language of Cambodia. The translation software revealed his ally was in route to Italy, to remove any obstructions impeding their progress.
Hoyt looked across the room towards Aven. The two had become close in their short time together and Aven had expressed his desire to reconnect with his girlfriend in Italy. Hoyt was beginning to believe less and less in pure coincidence. "Our super-powered monk friend?"
"For sure" Aven replied, excusing himself to make a phone call.
328 B.C.
A year had passed since Antipater's victory and he had not competed since. His name had faded in the minds of the people, but his status with the Consulship was in good standing. Nearchus had sailed Alexander north on a campaign to Samarkand, far from the Italian coast. Antipater remained abreast of Alexander's exploits via Calvinus, but the likelihood of him posing a threat to their safety seemed a remote possibility.
Kavani and Antipater now spent much of their time in their home south on the Amalfi Coast. The memory of their first Italian beach escapade, had always been a draw. The nutrients from the aged volcanic soil grew robust, fragrant grapes. Their vineyard had become the envy of the other providences. They parted with some of their grapes in trade, but Aven's winemaking technique made all the imitators pale in comparison. Some even described the effects of the wine as enchanting. There was truth in the statement. The "potion" captivated its user.
The bastion nestled in the cliffs and overlooking that original, private beach was Kavani's masterpiece. A hobble of a fort that under her guidance and master builders' skills had been transformed into a stronghold of beauty. Incorporating details from Rhodes and displaying her personal style, their home reminded Antipater of his Love, everywhere he gazed. Kavani had also grown in her knowledge of the supernatural as well as her ability to direct it. Encompassing Greek, Egyptian, Celtic, Persian and Roman arts, the secrets she understood gave her energy with a pull that attracted everyone. Eager for knowledge to carry out the role fate had implemented into their destinies, Kavani's power overshadowed Antipater. He was happy to be her lesser, and she was satisfied to be held strongly in his arms. They were in their prime.
The public bathes in the Neapolitan cities had become very popular. The exuberance of the gods rested with these cities. Playfulness saturated the mood and filled the streets with music, dance, and exhibition. Artists and philosophers flocked to the lighthearted communities. The provocative ruled over the cautious, as qualms became old-fashioned. Avant-garde in convention, but traditional at their souls, Kavani and Antipater often chose private over public. Modeling the public pools, Kavani had installed a series of bathes in a waterfall-like design the height of the cliff from their home to their beach. Kavani was relaxing in one in the cool of the Mediterranean breeze.
"Can I join you? I have a skin of wine." Antipater asked as he scaled the cliff to her location wearing absolutely nothing.
"The wine is not necessary to sweeten the deal. You are all I want”. Kavani's quiet response, still echoing to the waves below, "But the thought is much appreciated. You know just what I need”.
A couple of sips of wine and the drink was abandoned, as they entangled under the warm water. Their desire for each other, further heated the pool. Kavani arched her back to run her long dark locks under the waterfall cascading between the bathes. The silhouette of her breasts elevated and protruding in the cool of the evening air made Antipater even harder. The moonlight reflecting on her bare skin and casting erotic shadows along the cliff walls, gave their sensual play an even larger stage. They would be leaving for a short trip to Rome tomorrow. The nights before their travels were always special.
Antipater's meetings with Calvinus and the ruling counsel had piqued Kavani's interest in law. Her elevated position in Rhodes paired with the recent years of travel exposing her to the more common of life, gave her a unique perspective on how law affected the entire population. Her insight, more than once, triggered new thought patterns for Antipater, that in turned influenced decisions for the whole of the Roman territories. The Greeks had actually originated the idea of democracy,
but the Romans seemed to be the current proponents of the practice. Drawing from this background, Antipater's thoughts regarding execution of change impressed the other Statesmen. Combined with Kavani's idea to initiate a petition process for the common people, providing a platform for all to speak, the two were on track to change the world.
Rome was a beautiful city, but the underlying military presence was daunting for Kavani. Antipater never noticed, it was a commonplace to his warrior fiber. The Kingdom of Etruria had just been annexed and Antipater had been invited to Rome to discuss the annexation of his new homeland Campania. There had been little conflict amongst the providences for years. The protection of Rome seemed to be a help for all of Campania, as the early alert from Naples of attackers from the south, would be strategically advantageous for Rome. For the most part, there would be little change to the regions themselves, the cities would simply be unified rather than independent. The annexation settlement was completed and the governor of Etruria requested a sampling of Antipater's coveted wine as spoils for any unforeseen concessions.
"If it is wine you seek, a vacation to the South is in your future”. Antipater stated in laughter.
"My vintners fancy your wine, but may consider it betrayal that I walk in your vineyards”. The Governor spoke equally jovial.
"We are now one. There can be no duplicity amongst equals”. Antipater persisted. The banter continued, as others added to the merry mood, commemorating their solidarity.
That evening, as Antipater replayed the discussions for Kavani, she interrupted during the news of Etruria. "I've heard much of the city of Volterra, in northern Etruria. The theatre attracts the greatest actors from across the world. It is a spectacle. There is none grandeur! We must travel there to enjoy the entertainment and observe their sites and the cathedrals of Pisa as well. The towers are said to evoke a different perspective”. An opportunity to expand her knowledge was a compulsion for Kavani. A craving Antipater obsessed to satisfy. Antipater continued to describe the humorous concluding remarks. They both broke into laughter, realizing in retelling the event, that it wasn't actually funny.
They spent a month touring the "Kingdom" of Etruria, which was now simply a region of Rome, but Kavani preferred referring to it as such. They had taken in much and made new friends. Every culture has knowledge, unique to its people. Kavani had become an expert at seeing what so many others miss. One of the newly appointed officials had even given them a gift - a golden statue in the form of a wolf. Seems not everyone had forgotten the feats of the Grand Champion of Rome.
Calvinus greeted the couple as they entered his outer courtyard, "How was your time to the north?"
"The people are gracious. Artisans of all kinds of works, and the rolling lands are a palette of greens accented with red wild flowers. The lakes nestled in the valleys, and the sun-bronzed villas on the hilltops”. Kavani gushed over the experience.
"The area is promising for vineyards”, Antipater added. "The leather workers and town artists appeared unequalled in their skills”.
"A fine acquisition indeed!" Calvinus responded proud of his role to annex the region. "News from another region has reached my ears as well”. He continued, completely changing the subject. "Alexander has killed Cleitus the Black at Samarkand”. It was a pointed fact to reveal and he was curious to watch Antipater's reaction.
Caught a bit by surprise, Antipater questioned back, "Is this distant act of concern to Rome?"
"Alexander's actions grow more unpredictable with age." Calvinus explained. "Cleitus had saved Alexander's life at the Battle of the Granicus, and now in a drunken quarrel he takes his life? Alexander seems to be steadily killing off those in leadership under his father King Philip”.
"A threat to his power, he cannot let stand, I imagine is the thought of a God”. Antipater replied with some amount of jest.
"The text reports Cleitus questioned his legitimacy as king and further stated Alexander's accomplishments were those of his father and not of his own accord. Alexander called for his guards, but they were afraid to intervene amongst friends. The conflict ended with a javelin through Cleitus' heart”.
"Rumors of Alexander's temper are as renowned as those of his splendor”, Antipater stated. "He tramples all in his path. Do you fear your work towards democracy in Rome is a challenge to his power?"
Calvinus was slower to respond, "Our Oligarchy is striving to be more open to the needs and desires of our fellow Romans. The memories of the Latin War are still fresh, but our recent expansion to the north, is an expression of our influence. As we continue to unify the Italian city states, we could risk drawing attention from Alexander. In truth, our positions close to home are tentative at best. Our territory in Cales to the south continues to be contested by the Samnites and the Greek colony of Tarentum is not an ally."
"Prudence suggests we focus our collective concentration on territories in disputed areas”. Antipater offered, "We have a vested interest in keeping Neapolis loyal to Rome”.
Kavani realized that their home to the south, may not be as safe as they had once considered.
The blood of a goat will shatter a diamond.
~ Aristotle ~
Aven and Kavani had been texting (most of the time sexting) and communicating via cute subjected emails over the distance. The phone call from Aven was a pleasant surprise.
"Talking on the phone isn't your favorite. To what do I owe the novelty?" Kavani instantly joked.
"I love hearing your voice. It is an immediate boost to my energy”, Aven returned.
"Ahhh".
"Our friend from Cambodia is en-route to Italy. My team is scrambling as well, but he is ahead of us. I know you are more than capable of taking care of yourself, but might I suggest you find a strategic place to wait for his approach. Those bright robes make him easily identifiable in a crowd, but his powers are impressive and he is not afraid to act in public. He leveled one of my units and a handful of Thai guards with as little as a look. We are in the process of tracking flight itineraries, so I should have an exact time for his arrival shortly. I'll also text you about our flight schedule, once we are airborne. Amore”.
"I have some allies here as well... And their powers are equally impressive. My Goddess sisters and I will be ready for any encounter. The Druids have welcomed us and the presence of power here amongst the ruins of Venus' Temple drive my link to the supernatural. Not to mention, the bond with my new gizmo”. Kavani reassured Aven.
"Only you would call an ancient staff of power a gizmo. I love who you are!" Aven complimented Kavani and ended the call.
The team had secured Vasily and Suttikul for the trip to Italy. The two men were important pieces to the puzzle. They would be more secure at the U.S. embassy in Rome, where additional resources could be tapped for further interrogation, as the strike team advanced on the Cambodian priest.
The embassy of the United States of America to the Holy See is located on Aventine Hill in the Villa Domizia. In an effort to conserve time based on Aven's input, the Commander requested "specialists" be sent to this chancery from the traditional US embassy situated in the Palazzo Margherita. The Angkor priest was traveling on a commercial flight. A few phone calls to adjust the flight plan, without raising too much suspicion, would also reduce the time gap. A joint effort by all the team to develop a precise sequence to their strike was in the in-flight agenda - No extraneous steps, brainstorming, reviewing intel for the best possible strike points and a shared consciousness that this mission was beyond the bounds of a traditional enemy. The "practice makes permanent" mentality behind their training would need to be leveraged to call upon their instinct as well as their imagination to capture their target.
"The priest is landing at Fiumicino Airport”, Aven texted. "He will likely take the Leo Express to Termini Station. The ride by train lasts approximately 30 minutes. We are landing at the military side of Ciampino Airport and will take the circular motorway around the city. We will have an 8.5 mile lead to
your location. We will have 'eyes on him' once he steps off the gangway”.
The forum was an open locale, with scattered ruins clumped along the hillsides. The team felt like a ground approach from the priest would be too exposed and easily spotted, but he appeared to be working alone and thus his nature seemed brash enough to possibly be just that bold. The likelihood of gun fire or range snipers seemed remote given the previous encounters, but clearing the Palantine Hill was still an agreed necessity. His powers were still a mystery and Aven was persuaded he had yet to unleash the force he commanded.
"The tracking team has the monk on the ground. Customs has an ID of Sihamuni Narendrapong. Should we further detain him?" The signals expert informed the Command.
"No, we are already ahead on the motorway. Let's not delay this encounter any further”, the Command replied.
Aven recognized the name of the monk as ancient Sanskrit. "Lord Lion Sage Dynasty", Aven recalled under his breath, wondering if this name was true or just chosen for the meaning. "Narendrapong is an ancient royal family name”.
"Sihamuni is on the express”. The signals expert updated. "Intel is reporting a buzz among the passengers that the forum areas have been evacuated. Our cover has likely been blown”.
"It could be evacuated for any number of reasons. Let's not bug out yet”. The Command reassured.
Aven texted Kava. "Clearing the forum may have spooked the monk. He is using the name Sihamuni Narendrapong. Keep you posted on his actions”.
"Do you think he is Indra Lord from the royal lineage of Narendrapong?" was Kava's immediate response.
AVEN: "His powers lend credibility... He certainly has sway with the ancient secrets. Plus guardianship over the staff links the Sanskrit and the Buddhist elements”.
KAVA: "We seem to be attracting attention amongst Venus' ruins from the guard posts???"