Tridas

by Alan, Mark

  "Bumpy, but fast". Hoyt offered up as they came to a gradual stop.

  "Just like you like it huh?" Kava quipped. Hoyt looked a little shocked.

  "What? You think you are the only one with a sense of humor".

  Stepping towards the jet way, the air was even more crisp than Kava had imagined. A shiver shot through her body.

  "What did you expect? We are arguably in the most southerly city of the world, after you". Hoyt gestured for her to go ahead.

  "Always the consummate gentleman when it comes to ushering a poor girl out into the frigid cold I see".

  "Trained in the masterful arts. I appreciate you noticing". Hoyt puffed up.

  "You are lucky Aven isn't here. Where are our coats?"

  "Parkas to the left, full-on snow suits to the right". Hoyt always the jester.

  Kava lifted the safety handle on the compartment to the left and was pleased if not completely elated to actually see Parkas, fur lined hoods and all. She donned the coat, raised the hood over her head and quickly zipped in the warmth.

  "It's not like we are trekking to Antarctica". Hoyt laughed.

  "Night time temps go below 20, might as well be Antarctica for my Seattle blood. Point me towards the Starbucks".

  "We will grab some coffee and then ride sleds to the helicopter landing pad". Hoyt said still smiling.

  "Coffee and sleds, add some Fireball and it sounds like my family winters." Kava said under her breath. Hoyt completely missed it.

  The helicopter was relatively close by sled, but the blades were stirring up the snow creating a raging blizzard. There was not a moment of hesitation as Kava brought the sled to an abrupt stop and shot into the chopper. They were airborne immediately. She grabbed the headset to muffle the noise. The earpieces as well as the compact quarters held heat nicely. What might have felt like confined quarters, suddenly felt cozy.

  The coms went live, as the pilot spoke into the microphone, "Naval Station Mayport, this is Iroquois 1. I am in possession of the pearl and her escort. We are in the sky, please advise on final coordinates for warship drop”.

  "This is Rear Admiral Alliance, Southern Command for the U.S. Fourth Fleet. The USS Ronald Reagan and Carrier Strike Group Nine are deployed in your area on loan from the Third Fleet. The USS Fletcher has been dismissed from destroyer squadron five, is off the Tierra del Fuego coastline at 54 S 72 W and waiting your arrival".

  Kava de-pressed the button on her headset, so only Hoyt could hear her comments, "Good work pulling this little trip together so quickly. Sounds like you carry some weight in your circles".

  "Anything to save the world", Hoyt replied back in his cynical tone.

  "If I'm the pearl, does that make you the clam?" Almost snorting she was laughing so hard. Hoyt had no comeback.

  The flight to the destroyer was short. It would carry them to international water near the Sandwich Islands coastline. The chopper would be refueled and ready for aerial exploration of Zavodovski Island at first light.

  Kava studied the images she had saved to her computer of recent sonar maps identifying the biological hotpots on the island. The scientific implications of the discovery of these huge volcanoes rising from the seafloor were intriguing, but she ultimately believed the real truth would come from a spiritual connection once she touched foot on the surface of the island. She checked the bars on her cell – only one. She sent what would likely be the last text to Aven.

  KAVA: I miss you. Hearing you sigh as I lay next to you and falling into your arms makes me feel so safe. You are the safe place for me to land.

  AVEN: I will never deserve you, but I am so thankful you love me. Please rest today. You are my world. I need you to be safe. I hope my love leaves you a little more refreshed this morning.

  The island was completely barren, except for the huge colony of chin strap penguins. They surveyed all six points of the island, flying over the large crater in multiple sweeps. It was decided Acrid Point was the safest landing spot to begin the exploration of the hotspots. Kava and Hoyt would set up a base camp at the foot of the main basin. Kava believed the cavity itself might be her true point of connection. Descending, the air became pungent and upon opening the helicopter doors the fumes became, even more bitter. They had prepared themselves with masks, but the stench was more noxious than anticipated.

  "This place Reeks”. Hoyt proclaimed, muffled by his mask.

  "That says a lot, coming from you". Kava had become comfortable with Hoyt, like a lost brother, enjoying his company, but in controlled spurts. They gathered the rest of their supplies quickly and the helicopter was airborne again before any ice damage could set in. They could alert the chopper by flare, but there was no set time in play for their return. Kava didn't know how long it would take to gather the information she needed.

  Hoyt and Kava began setting up the base camp, a traditional system for any summit exploration. They were traveling lean, but their equipment was designed for the harsh conditions. The igloo like tent was built to withstand merciless conditions in the Himalayas. Hoyt hoped it could simply buffer the strong smell. The cold was actually more bearable.

  "Let's start the ascent". Kava eagerly instructed. The strato volcano Mount Asphyxia was only 1,808 feet, but except for a handful of boulders, the face was a sheer cliff of tephra making the hike a bit more strenuous.

  Hoyt pulled out a launcher and a grappling hook straight out of Flash Gordon. "Ready when you are".

  "This isn't much higher than Little Si, a trail I run back in Seattle. Do you think that is really necessary?"

  Gesturing to the volcano, Hoyt replied, "Is your little hike straight up?"

  "Actually it is switchback, straight up the mountainside. But I know, boys with their toys..."

  Hoyt fired the hook, good way up the slope. Although the tephra had some natural terraces in the wall from the lava flow, Kava did appreciate the taunt rope to leverage and maintain her balance. Even just a few minutes in they could feel the temperature increase as they neared the crater mouth. Temptation to remove the fire retardant garb was high, but random spews of smoke from the volcano made the discomfort somehow more acceptable. The snow started to feel mushy and the melt was actually creating a rather slick yet soft surface. They kicked off their crampons, to opt for the traction of their boots. Visibility was limited by the thickness of their masks, but the fumes would be suffocating without.

  "There is a strong spiritual presence as we climb higher". Kava explained over the com link in her helmet. "Wait here. I will complete the final summit solo".

  Hoyt fell back onto the snow placing his arms behind his neck, striking the pose of lounging on the beach, "Go get what you came for Sweetie".

  Kava had a gesture for her guardian companion, but it was lost in her high terrain lobster mittens. Hoyt still got the point as his boisterous laugh filled her earpiece. "Make yourself comfortable".

  Proceeding to the crater edge, she could feel the now common trance opening her consciousness to a greater world. Kava could see images of the end game, of Sihamuni and Captain Vasily. Suddenly everything went dark. She felt herself falling towards the mouth of the crater. Quickly spinning, incorporating falling techniques she had learned from a tumbling class, Kava tucked and hooked her legs. She landed hard, partially dangling, but more shocking was the sight of Hoyt recoiling from striking her with the butt end of his launcher. He tossed the device to the side and came at her switchblade in hand. Assuming her unconscious behind the mask, he did not expect her foot to his chest as he attempted to deliver his fatal stab. She used his weight against him as the momentum flipped him to the ground. She pulled herself to her feet. Hoyt was winded. He had not expected a struggle and the surprise had given him little time to brace his fall, but he was a trained professional. Hoyt departmentalized the pain and Kava used the extra moment to separate herself from her recent enemy. Her adrenaline was pumping and in this place her natural powers were at full capacity. She was ready. Hoyt had missed his opportunity an
d now he would pay for it, but not until she fully understood this turn of events.

  326 B.C.

  Kavani had spent the last few months giving herself minute doses of the aconite nectar, unbeknownst to Antipater, in an attempt to build immunity, similar to the Irpini Tribe. The life giving potential captivated her mind. She carefully saturated thorns of the medicinal acacia shrub with the nectar and then pricked her skin with the thorn. She believed the healing condensed tannins of the acacia would counter the toxin, yet still enter her bloodstream and the thorn proved the perfect instrument for injection. She apparently was right, since she had not seen any ill effects from months of increased exposure.

  She knew the toxin alone would not produce the result she was seeking. An incantation combined with the strongest, but still safe portion of aconite was necessary to preserve life. Pouring over manuscripts from Babylon, Greece and Egypt she believed an answer would be revealed.

  "Legio's skills are increasingly impressive". Antipater stated proudly as he burst into Kavani's tranquil quarters. Covered in sweat and exhausted from the sparring matches, he collapsed onto a chaise.

  "Are there any other soldiers who can offer him a challenge or is the training exclusively between the two of you?" Kavani asked as she stepped away to grab them water.

  Antipater quickly grabbed one of the thorns from her table and stabbed his arm. He had been doing this for weeks outside of Kavani's watch. "None can match his natural abilities, but dueling others has proven positive for his mimicking fighting styles. Trying something unnatural leaves him vulnerable as he stretches his technique, but soon, nothing will surprise him and every muscle will be at his disposal, especially his mind”.

  Kavani returned with fresh, cold skins of water. "I'm still nervous for Alexander's arrival. It is only days away now. Do you fear someone in the crowd will recognize Legio and raise suspicion?"

  "His helmet will serve as a mask. Besides, Legio is unknown in Rome and my identity is more a name than a countenance. What about your contingent plan, how goes the experiments?"

  "Still some missing ingredients”. Kavani answered vaguely.

  "So no chance of turning Legio into a wolf man?" Antipater replied almost maliciously.

  "I think you might be a little jealous". Kavani snapped back. "And perhaps justly... with Legio's fighting prowess, if I was able to give him an edge – Rome might have a new champion. A new wolf to cheer on".

  Antipater was purposefully downplaying her role in hopes of her not discovering him exposing himself to the aconite, but her words genuinely hurt. He knew his earlier tone deserved her cutting remarks, but any rift between them for any reason left Antipater unsettled.

  "Don't be discouraged, Alexander will not discover me here".

  Kavani embraced Antipater, his body still hard from the training. His blood was already pulsing through his body, but no matter, her touch made his heart speed up. The scent of oils on her skin filled the space between them with arousal.

  "I believe your plan has been well thought out. I just have a sense that the encounter will lead to more than just a simple meeting". Kavani whispered into Antipater's ear as they gave into the temptation of each other.

  The cuts up Kavani's dress provided ample access as Antipater lifted the material to reveal her skin. Her legs straddled his already nearly bare body. As they connected the force between them grew incredibly strong. Their passion continued to unite them even longer than normal. Entangled in one another, their attachment was more than physical, more than emotional. It was spiritual as well. As they moved, the motion was exhilarating, invigorating their bodies to lift and stimulate one another. Thrilled with the sex, they were enlivened. The moon had risen, but the light across their naked bodies was almost fully coming from an amulet on Kavani's table. The jeweled piece bathed the couple in a soft blue light. Its rejuvenating aura was not of this world. It refreshed and energized allowing them to enjoy each other when normal exhaustion would have left them motionless.

  "Don't stop”, Kavani repeated and Antipater obeyed her command.

  Before sunrise the two released their embrace. Lying in the darkness their senses were strong, The evening's activity had not drained them at all. Kavani noticed the pale blue light shining from the amulet. "I think we were just given the missing ingredients”.

  "Happy to help with your experiments anytime", Antipater smiled and kissed her claret lips.

  A few moments later, Antipater confessed, "I have been sticking myself with your aconite thorns for weeks".

  "How could you expose yourself to that uncalculated risk?" Kavani questioned.

  "I knew you needed a test subject beyond the field mice and bats. They seemed to be making healthy progress and I trust your instincts".

  "I have also been taking injections from the thorns", Kavani confessed.

  "Why would you take such a risk?" Antipater questioned unable to restrain his concern.

  "For us. If I were to lose you, my world would not be the same. You just said you trust my instincts".

  Antipater was silent.

  "And for Legio", Kavani continued. "He is choosing to risk his life out of respect for you and he doesn't even know all the details. Just that he can protect a man he esteems and it is his honor to do so".

  "Yes protecting Legio is honorable, but not at your expense". Antipater was unwavering.

  "Nor at yours", Kavani was equally unwavering.

  The sunrise beams began to shine into the room and the amulet returned to normal. Kavani and Antipater would never be the same.

  Each pain makes you more strong and each betrayal more intelligent, every disappointment more skillful & each experience more wise.

  ~ Aristotle ~

  Kava reached out with her mind, channeling the natural forces and engaging her surroundings. She pushed the air around them into the crater, quickly creating a high altitude environment. The cold air was already more difficult on the lungs, but lack of oxygen would be too much in his winded state. Hoyt's size would work against him again and his mask although inhibiting the stench of the fumes, made breathing even harder. Kava would be able to withstand in her meditative state and once Hoyt was out she could secure him for interrogation.

  Hoyt collapsed quickly, but she would not fall prey to her own trick, a potential charade behind the mask. She held out for a few more minutes then took a gasp of air as she released her restriction on the oxygen in the air.

  "That should be long enough". She thought to herself. Without any weapons of her own, she spied Hoyt's knife. Its black blade was a stark contrast to the ice and snow. She, stealth fully reached for the knife, half expecting Hoyt to block her path. Possession of the weapon might look intimidating, but she was not sure it would be of much use against an expert in close contact combat. The fact that she had it, meant Hoyt didn't – that was the most reassuring. Kava was still in a bit of shock at the thought of her new assailant. "Hoyt had proven so helpful". She thought as she fastened his hands and feet with paracord. Once secured, she slid off his mask. When he did come to, the fumes would serve as an unrelenting torture device. Kava wanted answers and she was determined to get them.

  ****

  Aven had arrived in Malaysia. With no contact from Kavani for so long, was wearing on him. A delayed response from the Colonel was not helping either. "This can't be a sham. His knowledge of the ancient image is too compelling". Aven reassured himself. His thoughts were interrupted by a text, "Finally!" Aven slid the screen of his phone. It was not a message from the Colonel, but a note from an old friend. He was announcing the birth of their daughter, "Lizzy Jane... I like it. Sounds fitting". Aven was lost for a moment, dreaming of the life he enjoyed with Kavani. Kids were definitely in their future. They had even thought of names... Elianna Marie and Ace. When this was all over, the two of them would focus more on the truly important pieces of life.

  Aven was lost in his own thoughts for quite a while. A welcome distraction, when he was approached by milit
ary personnel - two men, one in Royal Malaysian Navy uniform, and the other marked with the insignia of Thailand.

  "Mr. Antipater?" The Malaysian officer asked. "We are here to escort you to the Kek Lok Si Temple".

  "Where Colonel Suttikul awaits your audience". The second officer added.

  "Seems a fitting location", Aven replied. "Lead the way". The men ushered Aven out of the Plaza

  Premium Lounge into the Rolls Royce waiting curbside. The masses ascending into the temple changed Aven's view of the holy site, as did the many shops lining the hallways. It seemed more like a mall than a place of worship. Sensing Aven's hesitation, his escorts redirected his attention. "We are meeting the Colonel in the main pagoda, away from the temple visitors."

  "In the middle tier prayer rooms", the Thai soldier emphasized. Aven looked up, noticing the towering pagoda was designed in three sections. The lowest level representing, classic Chinese styles, the mid section Thai architecture and crowned with Burmese.

  "The island symbol of diversity, I see". Aven said with a smirk.

  "Acceptance", the Malaysian officer corrected firmly.

  They climbed the flights of stairs and the crowds began to thin, when Aven recognized the Colonel standing aside an alabaster Buddha. "I thought you would appreciate the meeting location".

  "I would have chosen the Snake Temple". Aven answered. "But this is supreme bliss".

  "The reputation is familiar to you”. Suttikul affirmed, moving towards Aven, hands pressed together in a welcoming gesture.

  "Feng shui is lost on me", Aven said under his breath as he returned the wai gesture out of respect. "Your message was intriguing. What does the symbol mean?"

  "You are so direct Mr. Antipater. It is impolite to discuss business before becoming acquainted. Please, join me in a meal. I respect your powerful connections, but I need to be sure I can trust you. After all, our first encounter got us off to a negative start".

  Aven knew negotiations in Thailand were lengthy. He also knew time was of the essence to stop Sihamuni, but in this scenario Suttikul controlled the process. Positive influence was Aven's best bet for keeping discussions moving from small talk to the real reason he had returned to Southeast Asia.