In a soft tone, Razk replied,
“Thank you. That is all I wanted to hear.”
A silent moment passed and Santo thought it was either because Razk was evaluating his denial or wondering how to bring up the next subject. Finally Razk said,
“I would like to ask one thing of you. Several years ago we believe you stole documentation from us detailing an unlawful Vatican conquest of an old empire once ruled by King Rhymen.”
Santo scoffed and asked,
“What makes you think my House was responsible for that?”
“Well, for one thing our security cameras caught you and who I believe to be the Head of the House of the Nazarene security team, Waldorf Hismanal breaking into the vault. A few days later, a document of ownership and proof of our ancient and illegal raid on the king’s treasury was presented to the Pope. Not wanting to go to the World Court with proof that the king’s treasury was actually stolen, as opposed to the Vatican’s claim that it was a possession by right of conquest, our Pope voluntarily returned that land and treasure to the ancestor of that king. I believe this new king’s name is Krassimir Rhymen.”
Suddenly Santo did not like where this conversation was going. Why was Razk suddenly talking about a king who had given the House of the Nazarene territory for their new base? Thinking fast, he admitted to the theft.
“Yes, well that was one of Gustav’s many mandates, returning wealth and property to old kingdoms.”
Razk took another casual sip of espresso and continued,
“A small matter. What happened after you two left the vault is of the greater concern. Apparently some form of radiation contaminated the treasure and valuable documents, in effect freezing a great amount of our assets, resources that are now greatly needed to rebuild.”
Trying to project an air of false innocence, Santo looked out over the scenic lake. Razk continued.
“Then there is the matter of your help in eliminating a mutual enemy, the Black Coats. While doing so, we believe that you personally also contaminated our biggest vault with the same radiation. Because we could not identify the contaminate, we believe it must be a peculiar concoction of the House of the Nazarene. In effect, your House has again frozen approximately two billion Euros in gold and treasure in that vault alone.”
After the accusation, Razk looked long and hard at Santo. Before Santo could deny or defend the accusation, Razk added,
“Oh, I do not deny that both corruptions were brilliant and well executed. Of course I understand that they were acts of hostility at a time when we of the Vatican and your House were less than congenial to each other. However, and thankfully, with current events in mind, those days are now far behind us.”
Santo interjected,
“As it should be.”
“Yes, of course. However, now that we have paved a road to peace and neutrality, wounds of the past nevertheless remain. There is no doubt that both of our organizations will require rebuilding.”
Suddenly Santo understood what Razk was getting at. Razk continued,
“As a sign of good faith, I would ask if you could somehow neutralize the radioactive contaminate allowing us to retrieve much needed rebuilding capitol. It would help us greatly in this dire time of need.”
Santo was pleased that the conversation no longer touched on King Rhyman. Because Gustav’s plan to bankrupt the Vatican was now a thing of the past, he smiled and said,
“I will send you the formula as soon as I get back. It will only take a few days for the radiation to neutralize.”
Razk breathed a great sigh of relief. Understanding the purpose of the meeting had concluded, Santo stood and prepared to get back to The Three Sisters. Standing face to face, an awkward moment passed between them. Finally Razk slowly extended his hand and had difficulty saying,
“I wish to thank you for your help. It will not be forgotten.” Santo accepted the offer of friendship, shook hands and said with a chuckle,
“I will make sure of that Tony.”
Commander Razk stood by a railing safeguarding against an accidental plummet to the lake far below. He was soaking in the pleasing view as well as reveling in a successful meeting. He then turned to see Santo walk down the narrow path. Knowing that a D-wing was concealed by Nazarene technology on the ancient roof of the building he had just walked into, Razk looked skyward hoping to see it rise. However, a few minutes later he gave up and returned to his espresso. Apparently prayers are sometimes answered.
Chapter 51
In Bulgaria, a few days later, all D-wings were still busy transporting Nazarene security equipment to the many houses throughout the Greenwood estate. The buzz in the village was that a multinational conglomerate had purchased the King’s game reserve. The Private airport was busy bringing in scientists from around the world who got busy setting up their laboratory in an assigned house. Much of the furnishings and heavy equipment came from ships docking at their private pier and trucked to the Greenwood estate. From the small coastal village of Pirnan, it was only a short drive along a winding road through the hill country.
One morning a car left the airport, drove the narrow road, and eventually approached the main mansion’s large iron gates. An ancient key opened the rustic lock and Santo, with Maria holding tight to Belle, stood in front of their new home. It was a large majestic three hundred year old mansion once owned by King Rhymen’s grandfather. Belle was the first to comment,
“It looks creepy.”
Secretly agreeing, Maria commented,
“It’s old and a little Gothic but holds a lot of fascination with history.”
Santo replied,
“I had a good look at it yesterday. It’s huge and will serve our purpose well.”
She had one request.
“We are going to have to change the name of the mansion though.”
Santo understood that the Bulgarian name for the vast forested estate translated to Greenwood. However, when translating the Bulgarian name for the mansion, it left a lot to be desired. Even he did not like the translated name, ‘Witch of the Manor’. It made one wonder who the Great Grandfather had married. Knowing Bulgarian dark legends, he was not keen on researching the reason. He did however recognize that it was not indicative of a pleasant family residence and so added,
“It is very difficult to change established traditional names in a place so steeped in history. However, I agree and will initiate paperwork lobbying for a change.”
As Maria pushed the large front door open, a rustic creak welcomed its new owners. With Belle in hand, they stood in the massive ‘Grand Hall’ looking at a beautiful wide staircase and a gigantic high chandelier. Belle shivered and commented on a premonition that was probably true.
“Many people have died here.”
Suddenly Maria felt icicles run up and down her spine. She tried to dispel the disturbing statement by quickly adding,
“It will look different with curtains and nice furniture.”
Santo added,
“Regardless, for now this is our new home.”
Santo pointed to the top of the staircase and said,
“Upstairs to the left will be our private quarters. It is huge and self-contained.”
Pointing to the opposite end of the hall, he added,
“With your approval, that will be Waldorf and Helga’s quarters.”
After Maria indicated her approval, Santo continued,
“At the back of the manor is a large atrium, perfect for your laboratory. Have a look at it and let me know what you think.”
As Maria smiled, Belle snapped a startled look over her shoulder. Whatever she thought she saw had quickly disappeared.
Three weeks later, Maria was correct. With curtains and furniture, the Manor now looked like a majestic and comfortable home. Santo was also correct about the large atrium at the back. It turned out to be a perfect place for her laboratory. Her only concern about the manor was noticing that Belle had taken to talking to herself lately.
When mentioning it to Santo, he brushed it off, saying,
“I suppose it is not unusual for a child to have invisible friends.”
Maria thought it unusual for the new servants to perform their duties without smiling. They always looked so stern and nervous. She thought that perhaps it was because they were new or perhaps it was the tradition of the land that they know their place in a royal residence. As hard as she tried to change that, it was a rare occurrence to get a smile from them. She grew even more determined to push the paperwork changing the name ‘Witch of the Manor’ to ‘Lady of the House’.
One day a new guest arrived at the Manor. Maria and her family gathered at the front door to greet her. When Waldorf and Helga appeared at the door, Maria was the first to run up to give her a great big hug. Waldorf, now proudly walking without his cane said,
“Be careful, she is still healing.”
Caring little for the pain, Helga gladly accepted the hug. After Santo and Belle had also warmly greeted her, everybody turned and walked into the main lobby.
As they sat, Belle continued to stare at the open door. Helga noticed the attention, smiled and said to her,
“He is a bit shy. Just call and he will come in.”
“Without seeing who it was, Belle called,
“Don’t be shy. Come in.”
From behind the door appeared a very timid five-year-old boy, Belle’s best friend Robert.
Belle ran to the door, grabbed his hand and practically dragged him into the lobby. A very sad and strangely withdrawn Robert said to Belle,
“I don’t have a mom and dad anymore.”
Hugging him, Belle said,
“I know. Don’t worry. I’ll share my mom and dad with you okay.”
“No, that’s okay. Helga said that they will be my new mom and dad now.”
Hearing that, Santo and Maria cast eyes to Helga and Waldorf who were holding hands and sitting proud. From the waters of death and the fires of destruction came seeds for a future. Finally, after all the years of wanting a child, Waldorf and Helga’s dream came true. Taking Robert’s hand, Belle led him upstairs and said,
“Do you want to talk to my pet cat?”
Surprised, Santo looked to Maria and whispered,
“She has a cat?”
All he got was a look of confusion and shrugged shoulders. She offered,
“Like some of her friends in this manor, it must be an invisible cat.”
Chapter 52
With a lull in the hectic pace of setting up new headquarters for the House of the Nazarene, Santo and Maria took advantage of the break and drove down to the village for a quiet moment together. Their favorite quaint coffee shop was on the shore of the Black Sea. As they sat at a window watching people across the street leisurely strolling on the long pier, Maria soaked up the relaxing ambiance. It took her a long time to develop a taste for the much stronger Turkish-style coffee but eventually it became tolerable.
There was no doubt that the people of the village were glad to see a multi-national corporation move their headquarters to their village. Much needed prosperity was on the way. Many locals were hired as domestic help and of course, the small shops greatly benefited as well. The proprietor of this coffee shop was very friendly but could never get used to Santo coming to his café only to order an orange juice.
Looking out the window, watching the villagers strolling past, Santo suddenly bolted upright. Maria saw him tense so her reflexes also instantly tightened in readiness to whatever had caused the concern. His eyes darted over her shoulder to the door. Filled with trepidation she whispered,
“What is it Santo? What’s the matter?”
Casually, he indicated for her to turn around.
Turning in her chair, she saw Edward enter the coffee shop. Although they were surprised to see a member of the House of the Second Creation in this small village, Edward was clearly not surprised to see them. Coming directly to the table he asked for permission to sit.
After social protocols had run out, Santo was not willing to accept this meeting as a coincidence. He got right to business.
“So, what brings you to our little village?”
Maria, accepting that the social side of the visit was over, added her question,
“How did you even know where to find us?”
After scoffing at the naive question Edward said,
“Oh please. If you are using computers, there are no secrets from my organization.”
He then looked directly at Maria and said,
“I came to talk to you.”
Startled, she curiously looked at Santo. When his shoulders shrugged, she returned her attention back to Edward, who got right to business.
“I came to ask what you will be doing with your life now that there is no longer a House of the Nazarene.”
Maria did not need time to reply to the strange question, strongly replying,
“There is still a House of the Nazarene, just greatly diminished and with a change of direction. I will continue with Gustav’s quest to return our tampered DNA back to that of the intended creation before the Anunnaki interfered with it.”
As if already knowing that, Edward said,
“It is no secret that you are a genius in the field of extra-terrestrial genetics as well as the identification of their DNA codes. We know that you are aware of the Anunnaki plot to populate this planet with their genetics by a fiendish plot you refer to as Passive Genetic Colonization of Earth. Naturally, because one of the many mandates of the House of the Second Creation is to protect all of God’s creations that is something we also would like to prevent.”
Maria could not help but question what had just come to her.
“Does that protection of the creation include giants and fairies?”
Suddenly Edward cast a stern glance at Santo and because he knew why, shrugged and explained,
“She wasn’t hungry and so didn’t eat the food.”
Accepting a slight flaw in the plan, Edward let it pass and said,
“Yes Maria, they were also created by God but too different to be accepted by popular convention.”
Understanding, she looked to Santo and explained,
“According to arrogant ancient leaders of the faith, the human creation had to fit into a specific parameter. As it says in the Bible, God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness.’
Edward contributed,
“So naturally, at least by the reasoning of the church, because giants and elves, as well as many other creations are different than man, then clearly they could not have been created by God and therefore cannot exist. It is also interesting to note that according to your ancient writings, animals were created before Man. In the order of importance of the creation, what does that suggest to you?”
Santo asked,
“I assume that is the reason the Vatican denies the existence of aliens even though we all know they also exist.”
It was Maria who said,
“That is the very reason they are denied existence. It is also the reason they have always denied their involvement with the Sky People. The Vatican cannot possibly admit that the Sky People and the Great Grays at one time sat on the Council as angels. Heaven knows what it would do to the faith if that ever got out.”
It was Edward’s turn to contribute.
“Maria’s quote was accurate. Did you notice that according to the Bible, God said; let ‘US’ make man in ‘OUR’ image, according to ‘OUR’ likeness.”
Santo asked,
“That certainly asks the question, who is ‘us’?”
“Yes it does. We of the Second Creation claim that the divine ‘us’ is in fact the wife of God.”
Maria interjected,
“That phrase is also an interpretation of a Sumerian writing. When the Anunnaki came to them, they said that they came to populate the Earth, to make man in their image. They said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness’.”
She than cast Santo a knowing smile and said,
“Get it?”
Santo did not need a lesson in passive genetic colonization. He said,
“Altering our DNA is how they were going to make man in their image.”
Looking purposefully at Maria, Edward continued,
“I did not come here to discuss Biblical clarification or religious philosophy with you. I came asking you to join us in the struggle to keep the human creation as intended by God and stop the Anunnaki’s attempt to eradicate that creation by re-coding human DNA into their likeness.”
With a sudden serious voice, he said,
“Professor Maria Espinoza, You are an exceptionally gifted woman with talents far beyond the limitations of the First Creation. I have come asking you to join the House of the Second Creation in the war to preserve your likeness.”
With mouth open wide, her eyes bulged. He added,
“I know that Gustav Magnus Laurent lured you to join the House of the Nazarene by offering unlimited research funding. We of the Second Creation would like to make you the same offer. Come over to our House and I will give you practically unlimited computer capacity. I know that with such capability you will be able to preserve the creation and stop the alien genetic takeover.”
As if Santo had the answer, Maria again looked to him. He saw in her eyes the temptation of more powerful computers. She had always said that if only she had bigger computers she could finally locate and decipher the invasive hidden Anunnaki genetic code.
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