Tridas

by Alan, Mark

  "I'll check in with the boys downstairs. The sooner we end this thing, the sooner we get our lives back”. Aven returned, still disappointed that his time with Kava was cut short.

  Stepping back into the hall, Hoyt called out from down the way, "Good timing. I was just coming to disturb your alone time, with some breaking intelligence”.

  "Kava's sisters already took care of the disturbing... Whatcha got?"

  "New keywords from the code as well as confirmed activity in the Andaman Sea" Hoyt reported. "Our diligent hackers at Langley have two new sequences solved, revealing SRIHARIKOTA and KOLA BOREHOLE. Sriharikota is an island in the Bay of Bengal. It houses the Satish Dhawan Space Centre Launch Pad. The Chikyu is currently on course for this destination. The station has feed lines for liquid propellants and high pressure gases”.

  "Rocket fuel to inject into the earth's core”. Aven stated and questioned at the same time.

  "Exactly”. Hoyt answered, as they rounded the corner to join the team.

  Aven froze in his steps upon entering the room. Projected on the wall was an ancient Mesopotamian character. Aven knew what it symbolized, but he was sure it had been lost for millennia.

  "And of course there is this”. Hoyt continued, gesturing to the projected symbol. "It recently came across the transmitters, from none other than Colonel Suttikul to your attention”.

  "What does it mean?" Aven asked, attempting to ferret out any known information.

  "We were hoping you might shed some light on that”, offered the Commander. "It appears to be absent from any of our data banks. The origin is also not clear, but the team at Langley believes it to be old rather than new, perhaps influenced by its intended audience and your expertise in antiquities”.

  Aven stepped forward and took a closer look. A spiral was enclosed by three circular bands. The spiral centered around a staff with a single serpent wrapped around it.

  "The staff with one serpent wrapped around it, is the symbol of modern medicine”. Aven recited. It also reminded him of the Maya Vision Serpent, the Nagas guarding Angkor and the Semitic Nehushtan, but he was unwilling to present this information quite yet.

  "What about the series of black and white dots at the compass points?", asked the commander.

  "It looks like some type of ancient Morse Code”. Proposed Hoyt

  Aven starred blank face at Hoyt, "A code perhaps... but in ancient pictographs sequences at the 4 points of a sphere were usually the potential outcomes for an unpredictable series of events”. Aven failed to explain that the one positioned at top was most likely, as the one at the bottom was least probable, while the two side positions had equal possibilities. Aven perceived the symbol as an invitation from the Colonel to negotiate terms for his assistance against Sihamuni. The notion was very attractive considering the mouthpiece of delivery. He obviously had ancient knowledge relevant to the situation. "Was there any more to the transmission?"

  "Come alone”. The Commander revealed reluctantly. "How did you know?"

  "Ancient protocol... An Invitation of sorts”. Aven clarified.

  "We gotta go!" Hoyt exclaimed.

  "What is unclear about ALONE?" Aven repeated, with the same blank stare.

  "Well, we will be close. Letting the Chikyu port at Sriharikota, not an option”. Hoyt declared, as if he were in charge of assignments.

  "Sir, it's Sihamuni!" blurted the transmission specialist loudly. "He's in the court, Navona at the Fountain. It's very close”.

  The team immediately broke into action, but with precision in each movement. The caliber of their tactical training at the expert level, Aven stepped into their movements naturally. He broke off to convey the intel to Kavani.

  "Sihamuni is nearby in Piazza Navona at the Fountain of the Four Rivers”. Aven announced upon entering the suite. "The unit is casting their net around him as we speak, but we both know your presence is needed”.

  The Piazza was full of people, but there was one cluster amongst the crowds that stood out, perhaps it was all the stripped jerseys. The Argentinean Soccer team was signing autographs, and their fans had come out in droves. The players had wanted to indulge in the nightlife Rome had to offer, but their admirers, many in full kits, had other plans. Amongst the fashionable athletes and the sea of blue, was the saffron robe of Sihamuni.

  Kavani's attention was on the fountain. Time stopped as she took in the details of Bernini's masterpiece, in light of her experience at the Trevi. The jagged travertine stones, created by geothermal springs from deep within the earth's surface, radiated with energy. Each of the images of the four rivers surrounding the Egyptian obelisk, were full of symbolism, but the Rio de la Plata spoke to her the most.

  The unit closed in around Sihamuni to prevent his escape, while the Commander coordinated with the local authorities to actually seize him. Sihamuni put up no resistance as the Carabinieri dismounted and shackled his arms behind his back. He looked across the Piazza, his eyes meeting Aven's, the familiar smirk returning to his face as a young sharply dressed man addressed the officer.

  "Excuse me Sir, I am Nicolas Franco, the foreign ambassador for our Argentinean Football Club. May I ask what my father has done?" The man asked calmly in Italian, but with a tone insisting an answer.

  "We are not at liberty to discuss the details, but he is connected with an international conspiracy”. The officer reported.

  "My diplomatic documents have been presented to your chief of state. Please contact your foreign ministry to corroborate, but at this time, I am considered an officer of your host government as well as my own. Upon your confirmation, I will be taking my father in to my personal custody under this authority”. Mr. Franco continued.

  Aven could barely believe his ears, as the officer verified the ambassador's credentials and diplomatic protocol. "You are asserting diplomatic immunity!?" Aven lunged towards the monk, but Hoyt restrained him.

  "As you can witness, my resources are far from exhausted”. Sihamuni laughed in the face of his adversary.

  The Command called back the team, as the officer released Sihamuni into his son's guardianship. Aven was struggling to control his emotion.

  "This is the same protocol that gives us power here”. Hoyt reminded Aven.

  "I understand the code of behavior”. Aven submitted. "This was a ploy. He wanted us here. He knew we couldn't touch him. What I can't figure is why”.

  As the Argentineans were escorted out of the Piazza, at the ambassador's request, Sihamuni brushed closely up against Kavani, who was still entranced at the fountain.

  "Know... Magic is not my only source to accomplish what has been appointed”. Sihamuni whispered.

  Kavani did not acknowledge his presence, but the chill of his statement burnt.

  Aven approached Kava halting her trance. "We need to go to Argentina”, were her first words. "This fountain represents the great waterways of the world- The Nile of Africa, the Ganges of Asia, the Danube of Europe and the Plata of the Americas. The sculptures in each of the pools are symbolic as well. The River God of Plata represents the wealth of the west. The Plata is also the widest river bordering Argentina and opening into the ocean in course to ZavodovskiIsland. There is much more. What the Angkor monk meant was a display of his untouchability, which has proven to be a further revelation of my role in this event as well as its outcome. Sihamuni is under estimating my sway”.

  Kava tended to chatter when she was energized. Aven loved her talkative trait. "I have been sent a notable invitation to Thailand from Colonel Suttikul that is also hard to write off”.

  "When?" Kava demanded.

  "Just prior to us, spotting the monk here at the fountain”. Aven explained, knowing Kava hated when she didn't have all the details. She operated on a need to know basis... another endearing trait. "He transmitted a symbol to my attention. It was an ancient Sumerian pictograph that has been lost for millennia. He has more knowledge than I thought, from our first encounter. Plus, it could be a supplication to bargain fo
r assistance against Sihamuni. The players on their side seem to be strangers brought together by a common goal. Loyalties may be swayed. I'll show you the image when we return to the hotel. Perhaps you will have a connection”.

  Aven drew the symbol from memory, Citlalli and Malin could barely believe their eyes.

  "This invitation requires your attention”. Citlalli stated matter-of-factly to Aven.

  "I agree, but Kavani's visions are directing us in the complete opposite direction”, Aven backhandedly concurred.

  "Directing her in the opposite direction”, Malin quickly corrected. "There is a reason that both of you are a part of this plot. You must be careful not to acquiesce your roles”.

  "Malin is right", Kava confirmed. "As much as I hate leaving you, I must follow Sihamuni to Argentina".

  "And this symbol came with only one request... come alone”, Aven admitted.

  "You two need your space". Citlalli again, stating the obvious grabbed Malin's hand as they left.

  The suite felt different with just the two of them present. There was a warmth between them that had been ignored amongst all the chaos. Aven reached across the table and kissed Kavani. The awkward position was lost as their lips locked for a long moment.

  "I've missed that!" Kava shared with pacified excitement. The moment needed them to find rest in one another, not more energy. Her statement and expression were exactly what Aven needed.

  "You are my world!" Aven vowed, as he grabbed her hand and led her around the table into the bedroom. Kava melted into his arms as they fell into bed in the comfort of their bubble. Morning felt like an eternity away as they enjoyed the security of each other's presence close.

  Aven awoke to a call from Hoyt. Reaching for his phone, he switched it to speaker.

  "What's your plan? Are you returning to Thailand? Do you think Sihamuni poses a serious threat in South America?"

  "Easy Champ. Good morning to you too”, Aven interrupted. "Yes, I'm heading back to Thailand. Kava is going to pursue Sihamuni to Argentina. Remember, the halo around South America, when Vasily accessed his launch site... too much of a coincidence to ignore”. Aven was not willing to share Kava's vision details yet, even with Hoyt.

  "Kava can't pursue Sihamuni alone”. Hoyt contended. "May be I should escort her. I'll review assignments with the Commander. A team is likely dispatching to intercept the Chikyu. You can hitch a ride with them to the east and if I coordinate with Kava, we can travel military to get a jump on Sihamuni as well”.

  "I appreciate your chivalry Hoyt”. Kava cut in. "The military escort would give us a time buffer, but couldn't I be accompanied by any member of the team? Your talents may be better utilized in the Andaman Sea?"

  "Hoyt is the right choice”. Aven offered, but in more of a tone that the discussion was closed.

  Kavani looked deep into Aven's eyes, "I appreciate your passion surrounding my safety, but in this case, it's your well being that is of a concern”. Aven knew she was right. He wasn't sure he liked it, but he knew she was right. Hoyt was laughing over the speaker.

  "Whatever feels right to you, I trust your intuition". This was Aven's response. "Let's get some inputs from the Commander”.

  Kava knew Hoyt would be her escort. It would calm Aven during their separation and allow him to focus on his role with the Colonel. The Commander echoed this opinion, and arrangements were set in motion for the departure plans.

  Aven's flight needed to be set up by the Colonel. Transmissions were underway to relay Aven's acceptance of "the invitation".

  Hoyt and Kavani were immediately shuttled to a flight for Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, to rendezvous with a clandestine retired Air France Concorde jet to Ushuaia International Airport Malvinas Argentinas. Sihamuni would be traveling to Buenos Aires. By flying far south, they would literally be days ahead of the monk to coordinate helicopter lifts to the island.

  The opportunity to fly supersonic was too good to miss, but the whirlwind decisions and quick good bye to Aven left Kavani feeling cold. Hoyt was funny and kept conversation light, but she could not get the gravity of the situation to move far from her mind. She was concerned about Aven traveling back to Thailand alone, as well as the details surrounding her own mission... Would her sisters join her on the island? What would they discover there? Was Sihamuni also seeing visions of his role in this prophecy? So many questions.

  The trip across the Atlantic was long, but the first class accommodations as well as the reduced flight time softened the ten hour timeframe.

  Hoyt looked across the aisle to Kavani, "What are your plans when we touch down?"

  "Find the first recognizable espresso cafe for a chai tea latte”. Kava quipped. "And let you do your magic, and coordinate the rest of our trip out to the island”.

  Smiling, Hoyt replied, "You got me... but since you brought it up, this magic or spiritual thing or whatever you want to call it has me a bit freaked out".

  "We all tend to fear what we don't understand".

  "You sound like Aven". Hoyt interrupted.

  "Or maybe better stated in your case, what you can't control", Kava continued. "You come from a strict world in which weapons and tactics garner a predictable outcome. In this case, we are dealing with something that no one has encountered for thousands of years. It is a blend of past and present culminating in an exceedingly dramatic event".

  "You two are not all that you seem. Why are you and Aven holding out on me? What are you not telling me?"

  "Actually, Aven has confided in you greatly". Kavani countered. "You may not be ready for the answers that present themselves”.

  "I might not believe them, but I am certainly ready to hear them". Hoyt replied in his playful, sarcastic tone that usually calmed down any escalating situation.

  "OK, maybe this will shut you up". Kava prefaced her dialogue. "I believe the volcanic activity on Zavodovski is a channel to the earth's core, divinely revealed and passed on to generations within secret circles. New technology reveals that 4th phase H2O is trapped within the earth's mantle, but constant heat from the core could create enough pressure to release this water in liquid form creating massive tidal waves and submerging the land masses in its wake".

  "I already have that intel".

  "Hold on", Kava reassured him she was far from done. "This location represents a dual war. It is the battle between eastern tradition and western wealth, as well as the ancient conflict between those who see the sun as supreme against those who worship the moon. On another plane, spiritual forces are moving and even intervening into our reality to force this appointed event. The outcome is born around conflict and will end with one side dominating the other or complete desolation".

  Kava paused, "My logically trained mind has seen the eastern side, for lack of a better term, holding the advantage, but with Aven's invitation back to Thailand, who knows, maybe I've missed something".

  "A tidal wave to take out the Americas huh? Sounds like a few movie plots I've seen." Hoyt replied with a bit of bite. "Did you actually see this in a vision?"

  "Yes, some elements are more clear than the others". She snapped back.

  "Are you still able to see Sihamuni in your visions?"

  "That connection is very weak. The images are vague. I wonder if it is a proximity thing?" Kava pondered for a moment.

  "You should reach out to Aven. Once we are on the island, connecting with him will be virtually impossible".

  "We have been texting". Kava said with a smile.

  "Of course you have. Is he airborne yet?"

  "He's flying with the team to intercept the Chikyu. Landing in Malaysia and the Colonel will bring him into Thailand".

  "Malaysia has some great beaches! The Datai Langkawi is beautiful and the food is amazing! If the Colonel is a no show, at least he's in paradise". Hoyt was lost in his memories.

  Kavani semi-ignored Hoyt's statement. She was unwilling to believe Aven was on a wild goose chase, but part of her did wish he was safe in a resort
instead of walking into the unknown alone.

  "Where is Sihamuni now?" Hoyt blurted out of the blue.

  "What?"

  "I just want to know how far ahead of him we are as I coordinate with the helo lift out to our warship off the coast in international waters”. Hoyt justified his question.

  "When I focus on Sihamuni, I simply see flashes of him with the soccer team. No definitive landmarks".

  "So that's how it works, you just focus on your subject and Wa La?"

  "Wa La what?" Kava was now rather agitated.

  "How your clairvoyant, ESP vision quest works”. Hoyt popped, flippant as always.

  "Maybe we should talk about something else”. Kava was growing impatient by the second.

  "I was just curious”, sheepishly.

  "Just make sure all the details are in place, when we land. I don't want any delays out to the island".

  Kava lifted her headphones on and returned to her texts with Aven, blocking out Hoyt as he attended to their travel arrangements.

  KAVA: Scout some nice beaches for us in Malaysia?

  AVEN: The beach with you sounds perfect... what bikini will you be wearing?

  KAVA: I hear the beaches are very private... ;)

  AVEN: No bikini then! I'm liking Malaysia more and more!

  KAVA: Me too! Especially since I am just hours away from the arid, dare I say polar temps of the Patagonia. I thought we agreed no more winter vacations!

  AVEN: Ha Ha Ha... glad to hear you consider these trips as vacations. You be safe. I love you.

  KAVA: No trip is a true vacation without you! You be safe too. Yours forever.

  Kava drifted off to sleep for the remainder of the trip. She was awakened abruptly by the rough landing. Slowing down a jet traveling at 1334 mph takes a couple of hard contacts on the runway before the shoots deploy to even have a chance to slow the aircraft.