by Erinn Price
“I need to check your wound.” Matthew said, “Though thankfully, I think it is just a flesh wound. It does not seem to have bled much.”
“Wound, what wound?” I asked, not following him.
I saw Matthew turn and stare at me in disbelief, “Morgan, you were shot.”
“What, when?” I began, then remembered the sharp pain in my arm and the sharp pain on my chest. “Oh, wait something happened to the necklace.”
I lifted my hands and pulled my top down to look at the necklace. The iron from my necklace seemed to have moved and linked and twisted with my mother’s necklace.
“Well. It would seem the necklaces are more important than we thought.” Matthew said. “We can consider it later, now let me look at your arm.”
With that, Matthew pushed the sleeve up to get to my wound, only there was no wound. “You healed the wound? I know you were shot, I saw you get hit and there is blood and a hole in your top.”
“I must have, but I cannot remember doing it, or really feeling it. I must have done it automatically.” I replied. “It should not have healed this quickly though.” I knew the capabilities of my nanos and no matter what, they should not have been able to heal me this quickly.
“More questions to ask.” Matthew said.
“Ask who?” I queried.
“Whoever is behind all this. It is obvious now, that there is something bigger behind this, than just an ancient book. Your changing necklace is not natural, neither is your quick-healing wound. What about that passageway just suddenly appearing?”
I sighed at Matthew’s questions, as I had no answers. “You need to tell me about what happened back there Matthew. What you did, was not normal.”
“Only if you tell me about your nanos.” Matthew said.
“Deal.” It was only fair, and I had decided to trust Matthew. “I just want to clean myself up and then we can have that heart to heart.”
“Oh, you are finally going to admit you love him?” Scarlet suddenly interrupted.
Rolling my eyes and making Matthew smile, I replied, “Yes, Scarlet. That is exactly what I meant.”
“I knew it!” Scarlet exclaimed. “I need to go tell Toby, he did not believe me.”
“Sometimes, she seems so old and wise and other times, she acts exactly like a teenager.” Matthew said.
“I want to tell Kharim and Sara.” I said. At his look, I clarified, “About the necklace and what we think, not about you or my nanos.”
“And what do we think?” Matthew asked.
“That an advanced civilisation may have set this all up. That this could be some kind of treasure hunt, not only leading us to something, but also testing us?” I said.
“If that is true then do you think the snakes and scorpions mentioned in the myth, are real?” Matthew asked.
“I do not know if it will be scorpions and snakes, but something will be guarding the Book.” I said. “I think we are meant to find it and you will fight the guardian.”
“Except, if the myth is true, there is no way I can defeat it. You will have to kill it.” Matthew said.
“No, that somehow seems wrong. You are the fighter and killer and not me. It does not make sense that I will be the one to kill it.” I said.
“Guess we will have to wait and see when we get there.” Matthew said. He sounded completely confident that the two of us would find the book.
We stopped talking as the taxi reached the Taher’s house and after paying the man, Matthew helped me out the car.
We walked to the gate and rang the bell. “You don’t think it was dangerous taking that taxi? We could have led them straight to this house.” I asked, as the gate opened for us.
“No, they have no way to trace us and our appearance and casual attitude will have thrown them off. We appeared like every other tourist in Egypt, we did nothing to make ourselves stand out. The taxi driver suspected nothing and with the divide up, he would not have heard anything we said. There was also no one else close, so they will not only have lost trace of their men, but us as well.” Matthew told me.
Sara smiled at us as we entered the room, but then seeing the look on our faces said, “I will get Kharim.”
We made our way to the informal lounge and sat down on one of the couches, while we waited for Kharim and Sara to join us.
“Morgan was shot today, and we did find a clue at the Pyramid of Khufu.” Matthew said without any warning. I was going to tell Scarlet to change his title to Mr Big, Dumb and Blunt. He really had no tact or sense of timing.
“What! Are you alright? Do you need medical attention?” Sara asked, making to move towards me.
“No, no. I am okay, we have taken care of it.” I said, glaring at Matthew.
Kharim stared at Matthew and then at me, before nodding and saying, “You found a clue?”
I nodded and standing up moved towards Sara and Kharim, pulling down my top as I did. “The iron part of my necklace changed while we were in the Throne room. It seems to have begun to fuse with my mother’s necklace. I can only assume that the other two materials will also fuse and form one single necklace.”
“Wait, throne room?” Kharim asked, confused, while Sara asked at the same time, “These are the necklaces left by your grandfather?”
“Oh, yes Matthew left that part out, along with everything else.” I said, glaring at Matthew again. “And, yes. These are the necklaces my grandfather gave to my mother and I.”
“We found the Iron Throne of Khufu, because a passageway suddenly appeared in a previously solid wall.” I told Kharim. “The room was directly above the room where Khufu’s sarcophagus originally was.”
“Interesting, so not only does a passage appear where before there wasn’t one, but your necklace also begins to change without any visible manipulation.” Kharim says, “Seems it has to be magic, or technology.”
“With the myth saying the book holds the knowledge of the universe, magic is not far-fetched. However, I am more leaning towards it being something easier explained, nanos.” I said.
“You think centuries-old nanos are an easier explanation than magic, to explain all this?” Sara asked.
“Yes. It explains a lot, including the advanced building techniques, curses, traps and other unexplained things surrounding much of the Egyptian history.” I answered. “I think many of the pharaohs and individuals that were written out of history, were to hide this fact, or to try destroy it.”
Kharim and Sara did not say anything, but I could see them giving serious consideration to my words. “If what you say is true, then their technology is way more advanced than ours. I would also think, that if they already had nanos then, that it is even more advanced than our technology now.” Kharim said.
“It could also explain or be the explanation behind many other strange and unknown things in other countries.” Sara said. “If they were hiding clues for future generations to find, it would make sense them doing it in more than one country. If they really wanted humans to eventually solve the clues and find whatever it is they hid, then they would not chance it to just one trail.”
“That makes sense.” I said, “If we had more time I would look at other countries just for interest, but for some reason I have a feeling that we do not have time. That this is critical, and we need to figure it out soon.”
“If that is true then we need to give it our all, even if it does place us in danger.” Kharim said, “Do you think your company would be willing to protect Toby?”
“Of course.” Matthew said. At the same time, I said. “No, we will leave. I do not want to put your family in danger’s way.”
“Like you, I get the feeling that this is important, and I believe you were brought to us for a reason. My wife and I will help in any way we can.” Kharim said.
“I will personally ensure that Toby gets taken to ArcCorp main compound. I can guarantee that he will be safe there.” Matthew said. “If time really is so crucial, we cannot afford to turn down help.”
I sighed as Matthew spoke to me, because I knew he was right. “Okay.” I said. “Where to next?”
“I suggest we go according to the pharaohs you mentioned. It seems you are the key to this, as much as your necklaces.” Sara said.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“It is obvious that your family is somehow directly linked to this. Your mother’s necklace seems to already have undergone a change, as your necklace is linking to it. It also makes sense that your mother’s necklace was converted first, which means your grandfather must have done that section.” Sara said, and Kharim continued, “You named three pharaohs and it seems we need three pharaohs to complete the change and the linking of the necklaces. You may argue, but I feel like you are being guided, that your family was set on the path to find this artefact.”
I noticed that Kharim did not call it the Book of Thoth anymore, “You do not think we will find a book?”
“We might, but I think what we will find, is bigger than that.” Kharim said, “It might have been explained as a book to earlier civilisations, because they could understand that. They may have had their own test, but not the same as this. Maybe theirs was to set things up for the future. Or the trail and test is such, that they did not pass it. Like showing a Neanderthal a computer, he would not know what to do with it. Maybe the “Book of Thoth” is waiting for someone who could understand it.”
“Then we need to go the Valley of the Kings tomorrow. Tutmose I and Akhenaten are said to be buried there.” I said.
“Slight problem. There is no way that the place will not be watched by the Shadow Organisation, and with your nanos taking a break, our disguises are not as complete.” Matthew said.
“I should be fine tomorrow and will be able to disguise us no problem. I tested it a bit today and all looks fine.” I said.
“I should be able to get us a special permit to go where we want.” Kharim said. “Sara and my positions’ allow us unlimited access to any of the sites. We can introduce you as visiting specialists from America.”
“No, make it another country. We need to try to conceal our identities as much as possible.” I said.
“I am not even sure if that will work. They are aware of some of your capabilities, but I suppose it will not hurt.” Matthew said.
“We will make the arrangements tonight and then we can leave early tomorrow morning.” Kharim said.
“I will contact Richard immediately and arrange for them to collect Toby and take him to safety.” Matthew said.
“Already done, slowpoke. Richard has a team already on the way, and Toby has nearly finished packing.” Scarlet said.
“What?” We all exclaimed, at the same time.
“I contacted Richard about five hours ago, when I realised the direction things were heading. No way, would I let my best friend stay in a dangerous environment.” Scarlet said. “I did not know how long it would take you guys to reach that conclusion, but I did not want to take any chances. The quicker Toby is safe the better.”
I did not know whether to be angry or proud that Scarlet had gone ahead and done this without waiting for permission from Toby’s parents. It seemed her protective instincts extended to her friends as well. I looked to Kharim and Sara and saw shocked looks on their faces.
“Mom, Dad! Scarlet says I am going to go stay where she is for a while. I finished packing, when do I leave?” Toby’s exuberant voice broke through the silence that had fallen after Scarlet’s words. Toby rushed to his dad and gave him a hug before running and hugging his mother. “There, now I am ready to go.”
I saw tears in his mother’s eyes as Toby hugged her. “They should be here soon Toby, love. Did you remember to pack your night things?” Initiating physical contact seemed to be a very rare action of Toby’s, which was why it caught his parents off guard.
Toby rolled his eyes and replied, “Yes, mom. I am not a baby, you know.”
“Of course, son. Your mother just knows she always forgets to pack her toothbrush, so she just wanted to make sure you don’t make the same mistake as her.” Kharim said.
“Oh. My toothbrush, I did forget to pack it. Must be a family trait.” Toby said, as he turned to go pack his toothbrush.
“Thank you, Scarlet.” I heard Sara say, as Toby left.
“No, problem.” Scarlet replied. “The team should be here in about two hours. I will be travelling with Toby, so try to stay out of trouble during that time.”
I heard laughter at her words, she sounded like a mother berating her children. I wondered why Scarlet said she would be travelling with Toby and not available. As an AI, she could just split her programming and be wherever she wanted to be and at as many places as what she wanted to be, at the same time.
I do not know what we ate, but we all ate in silence. We were all caught within our own thoughts. Things were getting serious now. I hated that I was likely putting Kharim and Sara in danger, but I agreed with what had been said. The way everything had gone, we had to have been brought together for a reason.
After dinner, Matthew and I retired to our room, while Sara and Kharim went to spend some time with Toby, before he left.
“I will go first.” Matthew said, as I sat down on my bed. “I am sure that you have noticed that Richard and the ArcCorp board are not exactly normal?”
I nodded my head, because it was one of the first things I had noticed, when I had met the ArcCorp board. Things they had said and the way they had acted, had made me realise that they had abilities. Abilities that helped them grow their company. I never knew exactly what abilities they had, but I did know that they had them. It did not faze me as I knew my family also had abilities. Ours were just easier to explain, or to hide. My thought process, my ability to invent new things and my gut feelings, or instincts, were abilities. Alexis also had abilities, which seemed to include luck and charisma. She also had an ability to inspire those around her. I knew my parents also had abilities, though I had never asked them about it, they would tell me when they were ready.
“Where my brother’s abilities are more mental, mine are physical. I am a Hunter.” Matthew said. “You saw me with those men, they stood no chance. I am stronger, faster and have an instinctive knowledge of where to hit and where to strike someone. I am a predator, built for hunting and killing. It is what makes me so effective out in the field, especially on high-risk missions. I know it disgusts most, my ability to kill so efficiently, but it is the way I was made. It is my nature.”
I realised Matthew was not only explaining, but also asking for my understanding about what he had done and what he was.
“I know, I shocked you and you likely want nothing more to do with me, but just remember those men were going to kill us. I kill for protection or to rescue people. Those men were going to kill us for money or simply because it was their job.” Matthew said.
“I was shocked yes, but you did not disgust me. I understand you had to do it.” I said.
“Then why did you freeze? I thought you were going to faint.” Matthew asked.
I blushed and mumbled, “Um, err I was trying to reform the statues. I was going to animate them and use them to fight the men and distract them, while we escaped. I did not know that you would be so effective in taking care of them.”
I saw Matthews eyes widen, “Damn! I would have loved to see that. Can you imagine the looks on those men’s faces, if the statues suddenly began moving and fighting them?”
I grinned as I realised that Matthew was not cross at me for trying to use my nanos, when I had been meant to be recovering.
“Now, that you know my secret and I know you are not disgusted by what I am, can you tell me about your nanos?” Matthew asked.
“I have two sets of nanos. The normal ones, that I can access and activate like a robot. Then I have ones that are an extension of me. I control and interact with them directly, I do not need to program them. Anything I think they will do immediately. They can also act autonomously in some occ
asions.” I said.
“Like fighting by themselves without input from you, protecting an area and scouting.” Matthew said, as he thought of the things he had seen and what I had said.
“Yes, I am still joined to them, but I do not have to think of the moves they should make. It is like they react instinctively, like I would have, if it was me fighting.”
“You can also infect others and control them, if you should choose to do so.” Matthew said, and I saw his eyes darken as he considered the implications. “This is dangerous, not just your ability to infect others, but all of it.”
I nodded, “It is why I cannot share this technology with anyone, even ArcCorp.”
“Agreed. Not that I do not trust my brother, but even he could not guarantee that your technology won’t fall into the hands of others, if the company got this technology. It is too dangerous.” Matthew said.
On impulse, I got up and hugged Matthew. I felt his arms go around me and him pull me close. My eyes widened as I felt him turn his head, his lips moving towards mine. “Err, no. I was just thanking you for understanding. Sorry, if you thought different, but there is nothing like that between us. It would never work.” I blushed as I spoke and moved back to my bed. I looked at the floor, not ready to look at Matthew.
“You are afraid of me.” Matthew said, when I shook my head, he added, “Then you do not like me.”
“Not like that, no.” I informed him. I was embarrassed by this whole conversation and wished he would just drop the subject. “And anyway, you are the one who does not like me, you were horrible to me when we first met.”
“That was because you did not need me! You took charge and handled everything. I had no way to impress you or to connect with you, I felt useless. I am not used to feeling like that, it annoyed me. I liked you from the beginning and knew there was no way a woman like you would be interested in a guy like me, a killer. I wanted to make you like me, before you realised exactly what I was.” Matthew said. It would explain why he was not upset when I was in my zombie state, it gave him the opportunity to take charge. Matthew was not used to not being the one in charge. Following me and having me be the one arranging everything, including our protection, must have rankled him.