The Coming of Kalki

by Poulomi Sanyal

  “Okay. Say, I was to agree with your argument, but what then? A static voltage across the pyramid walls is of little use to us, unless this electricity can be conducted somehow…” Wolfgang murmured, although he was starting to sound more convinced than before.

  “Anyone interested in Egyptian history has heard the theory that the river Nile once flowed right next to the pyramids,” said Amon.

  “That is neither here nor there,” said Alejandro.

  “But it is,” Chris corrected. “Archaeologists have found from subterranean imaging that underneath some of these pyramids, there are elaborate networks of duct-like structures that look like they could have been waterpipes. Saline water is an electrolyte and carries electricity.”

  “The Nile is a river Chris, there is no salt in that water and more importantly, even if these ducts were fed by the Nile thousands of years ago, now the river has moved too far out for that to be possible,” said Wolfgang, shaking his head.

  “True. But maybe the salt is stored in the ducts already and the Nile simply provided the water back in those days.”

  “Even then, this theory would not hold today. Where is the Nile now?”

  “The Nile may have moved out, but water may still be trapped in there.”

  “For thousands of years? That area is a dessert, for your information. I do not believe this theory.”

  “Okay. Even if we trash the water conduction theory. There is another one I can think of.”

  “Let’s hear it, then.”

  “What if the voltage created by sound waves in a piezoelectric material could excite a gain medium inside its walls and produce light. This light under the right circumstances could get amplified and produce a great electro-magnetic wave. Like a laser.”

  “You lost us again,” said Zoya.

  “Oh, sorry about that. I forgot that not everyone here knows how a laser works. Usually, in a laser, there is a core material that can be excited with a voltage. When the material in the core gets excited, it emits light and under the right circumstances this light can get highly amplified producing a high-power energy beam of a unique wavelength. But for this to happen the right kind of material has to be used as a gain medium.”

  “Like certain crystals containing traces of rare-earth metal ions!” said Dr. Müller. “And you think the pyramid walls are made of such material? This is a crazy idea.”

  “It might sound crazy, Wolfgang, but there are so many things that we still don’t know, don’t you agree?” asked Amon, finally breaking his silence.

  “Every day we are discovering new elements in the periodic table. Not compounds mind you, elements, which are the most fundamental substances. I believe we are underestimating the wisdom behind the construction of the pyramids by assuming that we have already discovered everything that there is to discover in the various branches of science,” Chris concluded.

  “I agree,” said Amon. “Did you know that even the mere positioning of the great pyramids was done scientifically, forming a Fibonacci spiral?”

  “Yes, I heard about that one,” said Wolfgang. “This whole theory sounds preposterous,” he added. “But I am on board with testing it out. I am beginning to see a hint of merit in the arguments presented today, and at this time, like it was pointed out earlier, we have no better alternative. I will make all the arrangements for us to travel there at the prophesized hour. Stay tuned for instructions,” Dr. Müller said with an air of finality in his voice.

  CHAPTER thirty

  It was April 22nd and the day had finally arrived for the Hekameses to travel to Egypt. Wolfgang had planned everything as promised. It wasn’t easy, because Egypt was still embroiled in a bitter civil war, which made access to and from the country precarious at best and outright deadly, at worst. Although Dr. Weilhammer had informed Chris that his crew was going to launch the missile from Iceland, it was estimated to affect a wide geographic area covering most of the European continent and parts of Northern Africa. So their attempt to counter it from Egypt seemed viable. That evening, in Athens, Dr. Cobb stood alone on the deck of the FRV Ulysses, a Greek fisheries research vessel that Wolfgang had arranged to transport the Hekameses to Alexandria in time for their critical mission. He lit his pipe and took in a deep puff. His phone rang.

  “Father,” said the voice on the other end.

  “How did you find my phone number?” Dr. Cobb growled.

  “I have my ways.”

  “What do you want, this time?”

  “I cannot protect them anymore…your folks. They will find them and kill them all. You are fighting a losing battle.”

  “That is none of your concern! You have chosen your path and I mine.”

  “Is that so? Then let me tell you this. I know where you are and where you are headed. You are finished. They are waiting for you in Alexandria. Join us before it’s too late. Only we can save you now.”

  Dr. Cobb felt a chill run down his spine. For a long while, he moved his lips but the words refused to come out.

  “Father! Still there?” his son boomed.

  “Yes.”

  “So? What do you choose?”

  “Where are you?” Dr. Cobb responded feebly.

  “I cannot reveal that. But if you arrive at the location I tell you at nine-thirty tonight then someone will meet you there and bring you to me.”

  “What location?”

  “The Novotel. Should we expect you then?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good. When they ask, the code word is Faiyum. Remember that.” With this he hung up.

  * * *

  Chris came running to Dr. Müller, who was still standing on the shore, to deliver the news that Dr. Cobb had to leave in a hurry.

  “What are you saying?” asked Wolfgang in a panic.

  “Yes, he left. He said that his son was in grave danger and he had to leave. He had no choice. I couldn’t stop him.”

  “His son? That cannot be. Albert’s only son went missing more than a decade ago.”

  “I dunno,” said Chris, still panting from his run. “We should probably tell the others.”

  “Yes, let’s go quickly.”

  “We are now short by one person. The prophecy said seven people would need to chant in order to make this work. Maybe we need to have Nirmala join after all,” said Chris as they jogged on board and hurried towards the rest of their group.

  “I don’t think Alejandro would agree with that. But perhaps the six of us will be enough.”

  “I have my doubts though. There must be a reason why the prophecy specifically asks for seven individuals. I think it might have something to do with the amount of sound energy that will be needed to trigger the system. There might be some sort of a lower threshold that we need to cross. Having one person less would mean, we would generate less energy and hence never cross that threshold, which in turn, could make our entire project fail.”

  “Good point. Alejandro, there you are! We need to talk immediately,” said Dr. Müller as Alejandro came into view. He was standing at the deck with Zoya and the others waiting for Wolfgang to board.

  “Sure, what’s up?” asked Alejandro as he ran up to meet them.

  “Albert mysteriously took off.”

  “What, no way! Is he coming back?”

  “I don’t think so,” said Chris.

  “Do you think he could have been compromised all along?” Alejandro asked, turning to Wolfgang.

  “I don’t know, but right now we have something more important to worry about. How do we make up for his absence? We need seven people to chant that day. I suggest we include Nirmala.”

  “No, I will not allow that. She nearly died during her first encounter with the Aifra. We have to remember that she is not a Hekameses and this mission is too dangerous for her. She will just be a liability for whoever volunteers to protect her.”

  “She did quite remarkably that time, I say. She worked the Bluetooth lock in her captor’s car with her mind all by herself. She is
learning fast. I think she should join. Without her, we may not be able to generate enough sound energy to trigger the system.”

  “Then we will have to chant louder,” was Alejandro’s stubborn response. “I have a small microphone I could use.”

  “Your stubbornness will be the death of us, Alejandro!” Dr. Müller yelled. At this point, Wanda walked up to join the conversation. She had heard what they were talking about by reading their minds.

  “I heard the ruckus from the distance and thought I should come over to inform you of my take on this situation,” she said.

  “Yes, Wanda, what do you think we should do?” Alejandro asked.

  “I agree with Alejandro.”

  “Why on earth would you do that?” Dr. Müller questioned.

  “I have my reasons. I hope this matter is now resolved,” she added firmly before leaving to join Nirmala, Zoya and Amon in the distance.

  * * *

  Nearly twenty-four hours had passed since the Hekameses set sail from Athens, and now they were almost at the port of Alexandria. In order to avoid drawing any attention to themselves, Dr. Müller arranged for them to disembark the vessel when they were about an hour’s distance from the shore and travel the remaining distance by motor boats. There would be three boats in total, each carrying two Hekameses, their weapons and provisions. Nirmala was asked to stay behind. It was for her own safety, according to Alejandro.

  It was around nine o’clock in the evening, and they were nearing that area in the Mediterranean Sea from where they were to travel the remaining distance by motor boat. Wolfgang had worked with his Government connections and recruited a couple of retired admirals of the German Navy to accompany them on board the FRV Ulysses. Their job was to protect the Hekameses on board and later to keep Nirmala safe.

  At the port of Alexandria, there would be a small company of the Egyptian Coast Guard waiting for the Hekameses, to ensure that they received safe passage from the port to their ultimate destination in Dashur. Amon’s connections in Cairo had arranged for this.

  Nirmala checked her watch. It was nine-thirty. She was alone on the deck as her companions were getting ready for their planned disembarkation. There was a gentle breeze blowing and the weather was mostly balmy. A pleasant change from the last few weeks of English weather she had to endure. She looked up into the sky. The dazzling silver face of the waxing moon stared back at her. Normally, this sight would relax her nerves but today was another story. She sighed deeply.

  “You can tell that it’s full moon tomorrow, can’t you?” came a friendly voice from her side. It was Alejandro.

  “Oh, hey! Yeah, it better be. Everything depends on that right now,” she said with a smile.

  “It does. So, at five-thirty-five tomorrow, according to your calculation, correct? That’s when we should start the chant?”

  “Yes. The Indians call it the ‘tithi’ or the exact hour an astronomical event kicks in. The ‘tithi’ of the full moon tomorrow will kick in at that time although the moon won’t actually be in the sky yet. It will be close to sunset but we are following the lead of an Indian prophecy here. So, we should probably calculate the hour as the Indians would have done.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “I better be…or else…” She couldn’t complete the sentence.

  “Hey, don’t think about that.”

  “Trying not to.” She paused. An inadvertent tear slid down her cheek. A minute later, she spoke. “Will I ever see you again?”

  “Of course!” Alejandro assured. “How can you even doubt it?” He reached forward and put his arm around her shoulder, giving her a gentle squeeze.

  “Your optimism is boundless,” Nirmala said, a crooked smile flicking across her lips. “I really wish I could have come though. You are one person short and I have a bad feeling about that.”

  “If Dr. Faraday put her foot down, there’s no changing her mind. Personally, I didn’t want you to come with us either. That is the best way to make sure we will meet again and that all of us will survive this impending debacle.”

  “But I know more about Indian lege—” She was cut-off by the sound of footsteps. The rest of the party had arrived. They were getting ready to lower the boats. The two retired admirals stood behind them fully armed and looking dangerous. One of the crew members rushed over to the edge of the vessel to start getting the motorboats ready.

  “Oh, hello Nirmala. Alejandro, let’s go. We need more men to lower the boats,” said Chris as he walked up to the duo.

  “Stay strong,” said Alejandro as he hurried away.

  “You too,” Nirmala replied but Alejandro was already beyond earshot.

  Nirmala walked over to where all the action was happening and started pitching in with the loading of the boats.

  “So, I vill go first, in the boat with Chris,” said Dr. Müller. “Wanda and Amon will follow.”

  “And Zoya and I will take the rear,” Alejandro completed. “I am not the best swimmer Zoya. You will have to protect me,” he said half-jokingly.

  “You can sure count on Zoya for that,” Chris jumped in. “She is kick-ass athletic. I should know!”

  “Alright, alright, chit-chat’s later,” Wolfgang reprimanded. “Everyone, ready?”

  “Yeah, think so,” Alejandro said. The others nodded in acknowledgement.

  “Come, Chris. Time to go. Everyone, we meet in front of the boat-house on shore. Our guides will await us there. Stick to the plan. Have your whistles ready. Sound them as soon as you see danger. Good luck!” he said in a booming voice before walking towards his boat. Chris followed. Their boat was lowered and off they sped.

  Wanda and Amon were next. Finally, Alejandro and Zoya. They walked over to Nirmala and hugged her goodbye since they were the last of the party to leave.

  “Victory is ours. Don’t you worry,” said Zoya softly. Alejandro said nothing. His face looked flushed and his eyes watery.

  Soon the last motorboat was off and Nirmala stood alone on the deck again, her heart fluttering with anxiety. She could see Alejandro and Zoya waving at her from below. She waved back and then there was a loud noise. Machine gun fire!

  “Down!” shouted the retired admiral, John, as he shoved Nirmala hard on her back, encouraging her to take cover. Nirmala fell on the floor and hid behind a stack of diving gear. The firing grew intense and she could hear a second sound, the chopping sound of helicopter blades. She peeked from her hideout and saw a helicopter hanging low over the water, firing relentlessly at the motorboats. On board, the admirals were running back and forth firing valiantly at the terrorists in the air. Nirmala’s heart raced. She had to help them. But how? She had no weapons. Then, she heard a scream from her right.

  “Got ‘em! Got ‘em! screamed John. “He took a hit. The engine caught fire, look! They are coming down.”

  But their joy was short-lived. Seconds later, his companion screamed out.

  “Oh no! They hit the last boat! It’s sinking!”

  Nirmala jumped up, unable to breathe. She ran as quickly as she could to the edge of the vessel. In the distance she could hear a whistle blowing.

  Must be Alejandro or Zoya.

  Their boat was the size of a matchbox now but Nirmala could clearly make out that they were sinking. Hastily, she pulled out a set of binoculars that Chris had given her earlier that evening. Through them, she saw that the other two boats had turned around and one person from each boat jumped into the water and was swimming to the rescue.

  Alejandro and Zoya were in the water and Zoya seemed to be sinking, like something heavy was pulling her down. Alejandro was struggling to save her, but he also seemed to be sinking.

  He is not the best swimmer, thought Nirmala, feeling helpless.

  “Should we jump in?” She heard one of the admirals say in the background.

  “No, we have strict instructions to not leave the vessel under any circumstance. The attackers might return. We have to cover the boats if they do,” the other ad
miral replied.

  A few minutes went by, every second of it feeling like a decade and weighing Nirmala down like Jupiter’s gravitation. Finally, a couple of faces emerged from the water. They were swimming to the closest boat. A third figure was swimming to the other remaining boat.

  That’s three in the water and two in the boats. Nirmala counted. Oh, my God! Where is Zoya? Her binoculars, trained on the swimmers, could not make out a woman’s frame among them.

  Holy shit! she thought, as realization dawned. She has drowned? No, it cannot be! I have to do something. But what?

  She turned to run for aid when she stumbled against something and fell to the floor. It was the pile of diving gear that she had been hiding behind. Her eyes lit up as she saw it.

  “Wait, I’m a diver, amn’t I? I almost forgot!” she whispered to herself. She picked up the gear closest to her and started unpacking it.

  * * *

  When Alejandro returned to Wolfgang’s boat, he collapsed in tears.

  “No, no, no!” he screamed as Wolfgang fired up the motor. “She was under my care, my care and I failed!” He was hysteric.

  “We all failed,” said Chris, wrapping his arms around his friend as his voice choked up. Wolfgang was silent but looked seriously shaken. The boat sped forward. Amon and Wanda’s boat fired up behind them. The show had to go on.

  “Let’s call the guards on the ship and tell them to go after her. She might still be alive. She had a bag that had gotten wrapped around her ankle that was dragging her down, but she was trying hard to free herself from it. If she managed, then she would float back up,” Alejandro, mumbled through sobs.

  “Yes, we should do that. Good idea! Dr. Müller?” asked Chris, looking at Wolfgang.

  “We can’t. I dropped my two-way-radio in the water when I dived earlier,” Wolfgang said in a sombre voice.

  “Oh, no! Chris, do you have one?” Alejandro asked in a panicked voice.

  “No, only one per boat, unfortunately, to reduce equipment clutter,” Chris sighed.

  No one spoke. The boat sped on. All that could be heard in the serene, moonlit night, were the sounds of the wind blowing and bursts of gurgling sobs.