“Will you be staying on site, Ms. Simon?� Jessica asked, looking slightly down at the woman who was a little shorter.
“No, but I will be in town, Ms. Carter.� she replied in her best authoritative tone and handed Jessica her business card with her cell phone number on it. “Please call me if anything should occur. Which brings up the question about your visitor last evening?�
“Yes, most unexpected.� Jessica answered.
“You didn’t know this man?â€� Ms. Simon asked as she smoothed her dark brown hair from her well made up black/brown eyes. Meredith was an attractive woman, not beautiful but fit enough with short hair and pleasing features.
“No.� Jessica replied “And I will fill out the forms this morning.�
“Please see that I get a copy.â€� Ms. Simon’s tone was commanding and irritating, she could see in Jessica’s eyes it had little effect.
“I’m sure Captain Curtis will provide you with the proper copies.â€� Jessica’s manner was dry; she had more important matters on her mind than filling out forms for the FBI. Jessica folded the form and stuffed it into her breast pocket as she walked away to attend to those matters.
Xerxes watched the arrival of the FBI agent from the fishing boat out on the lake. He hoped to avoid this occurrence but Xerxes’ agents were equipped to monitor and deflect problems such as Ms. Simon and the FBI.
He had no doubts of Jessica’s abilities to deal with the woman. With a sigh, he returned to the marina on the south side of the lake and drove back to West Palm Beach, boarded his personal yacht-sub and returned to Atlantis.
Chapter Seven
Rabbi Ben Levi’s ceremony was short and he, too, was more than convinced, though amazed, that the sad souls in the mass grave were Hebrew slaves. Jessica gave instructions for the construction crew to recover the grave and they efficiently and respectfully completed the job.
“Thank you for coming over, Rabbi.” Jessica said politely to David’s father. “I am sorry Bruce couldn’t be here. He had to finish his thesis for his Master’s degree.”
“I fully understand. He explained he might not be here. But Ms. Carter, you look like you need to get a bit more rest. Has this project been that stressful for you?” The Rabbi asked, fatherly concern clearly in his voice.
“Yes, Bruce mentioned you had not been sleeping and he was concerned about you,” David interjected.
“No it hasn’t been the project sir. I’ve had a reoccurring dream,” Jessica paused, a little embarrassed to talk about such things with a stranger and a man of God she didn’t know. “It started back up just a day or so before I found the Pyramid.”
“You know Ms. Carter, dreams mirror the subconscious,” the Rabbi said with some authority, “perhaps it is telling you something you should pay closer attention to. You say it started just before you found this?” He motioned toward the Pyramid.
“Yes, about three days before.” Jessica told him.
“It is possible, Ms. Carter, you were ordained to find this.” Ben Levi hypothesized, indicating the dig site with a sweep of his hand.
“Well sir, I would not argue with that,” Jessica told him.
“Call us again, Jessica,” David said, “should you need us.”
“I will, David, but I hope we don’t find anymore graves,” Jessica told him sincerely.
“We do too. But Jessica, that wasn’t exactly what I meant. There is an old legend in my family about…” He looked around for listening ears, “About how our family came to Florida. Stop by sometime and I will relate it to you. It is a story I would only tell someone like you. I feel you were fated to find this. Remember my dear the Kabala tells us many mysteries.â€� The Rabbi smiled a knowing smile. “Tell Bruce hello for us when he returns.” David and his father drove back to West Palm Beach.
Jessica pondered what the man of God told her, he was extremely mysterious and she wondered if he knew more of this mystery than he would acknowledge. She hoped time would allow her to stop by with Bruce and learn of the mystery he spoke of.
Jessica went about filling out the necessary forms for the security breach the night before. Mr. Kallias did not come back the next day, or the next. Jessica moved on with the business of archaeology. She wrote him off as a reporter who found out little. Jessica’s subconscious, however, would not as easily dismiss Xerxes as she conclusively did in the forms she filled out, and she found her dreams further haunted by his enigmatic presence.
Ms. Simon presented a constant source of irritation. She proved to be Jessica’s shadow, she also proved to know little about archaeology, contrary to what General Grill had alleged. She smugly declined Jessica’s offer of several books on the subject. Jessica shrugged, and continued her job of cataloging and documenting their finds, along with the Pyramid’s many irregularities. Jessica found it was easiest to answer Ms. Simon’s many questions as she would a student’s questions. This attitude seemed to irritate Ms. Simon, but Jessica didn’t care. She had precious little time to spend on the woman’s ego. As far as Jessica knew, there were no security leaks from her end since Jessica saw few outside people, Jessica felt the woman’s efforts were better spent elsewhere.
Jessica had retained her custom to take daily bike rides that averaged twenty miles or more, out and back on the Levy trail. Ms. Simon tried to put an end to these, but Jessica would not allow it.
“If you are concerned I am talking to someone,� Jessica told her smiling sweetly “you are more than welcome to get a bike and come with me.�
“Very well,� Ms. Simon accepted the challenge, “I will.�
Waiting next to a new bicycle she had purchased at a local department store earlier in the day, Ms. Simon joined Jessica that afternoon when she mounted her Cannondale and road off. Little was said between them, and it soon became obvious that Ms. Simon was not a cyclist when, after the first five miles, she had to stop.
“You don’t do this much, do you?â€� Jessica asked, hiding her amusement.
“No.â€� Ms. Simon answered in a piqued manner, “I run five miles three times a week, but since coming to Florida, I haven’t had the time. I don’t like the heat either.â€� She gasped, trying to catch her breath.
“Okay, let’s go back.â€� Jessica turned around and they road back. “When we get back to camp, I will take you to the bike shop and you can get a pair of padded shorts and a jersey. That way you will be cooler tomorrow, and you never start a ride without a water bottle, you can pick up one of those too.â€�
“Tomorrow? There will be no tomorrow!� Ms. Simon exclaimed.
“Oh? You’re not going to ride with me?â€� Jessica said in her best-disappointed manner, but the mocking smile betrayed her.
“You aren’t going to ride either.â€� Ms. Simon assured Jessica firmly.
“Oh yes, I am. Now if you want to stay at the dig, that is fine, but I ride. Got that?� Jessica looked at her confidently, her brown eyes turning a slightly redder brown with her ire. Ms. Simon got the idea. Jessica would do as she pleased.
It was the end of June, and Bruce returned from Gainesville that afternoon. He was waiting when they returned. Jessica introduced him to Meredith Simon, FBI, and Bruce could feel the tension between the two women as he gave Jessica a hug and a short kiss. He knew if Jessica had taken such a strong dislike to Meredith, there were going to be problems.
“You go for an early ride, Jess?� Bruce asked as the three walked back to the dig.
“No, we cut it short the trail was, ah, crowded.� Jessica explained, not wishing to embarrass Ms. Simon.
“Oh.� Bruce said, as he understood. Ms. Simon was out of shape, not that she looked out of shape to Bruce, her shape look fine to him.
“We are going into town to the bike shop.â€� Jessica announced. “Aren’t we, Ms. Simon?â€
� Jessica turned to Bruce. “Care to go with us, Bruce?�
“Sure, I’ll go. Give me a minute to put my gear up.â€� Bruce put his work gear and his Trek bike in Jessica’s tent.
“So you also ride, Mr. Lance?� Ms. Simon asked.
“Yes, I was hoping to get here in time to go with Jessica today.â€� He said as they got into Jessica’s jeep.
Captain Curtis watched the three drive away together, glad for a respite from the FBI agent. He handled Ms. Simon in a typically efficient Marine fashion. Captain Curtis made sure she had only the necessary information required and nothing more. His dispassionate neutral attitude had made immediate points with Jessica on the Marine Captain’s first encounter with the Federal agent. She had stood in the command tent watching Captain Curtis politely shuffle Ms. Simon out of the tent with only the information he was required to give her. As the woman bustled out, Captain Curtis smiled at Jessica behind the agent’s back and Jessica had smirked back at him in amusement at Ms. Simon’s exasperation. Jessica and the Captain understood each other well.
As was their routine, early the next morning Bruce and Jessica were inside the Pyramid working. Ms. Simon was in her office in town, out of the way at present. Captain Curtis and his men were as always, just outside when the two found another door. Captain Curtis popped in just as Jessica called Bruce over to look at the unusual markings. He stood in the doorway and obscured the natural light, hindering them when he could, without appearing to do so. At the time, Jessica had shrugged it off to his natural curiosity.
“Bruce,� Jessica called out. “Look at these symbols!� Bruce stopped what he was doing.
“Captain Curtis, could you come in or out we need the light.� Bruce requested and Captain Curtis moved in.
“Never seen an entrance described quite like that, but I think that’s what it means.â€� Bruce agreed and began filming to document the discovery as had become their procedure.
“Here goes.� Jessica touched the symbols, after explaining her actions for the camera, and waited in anticipation until the door slid open.
Pericles watched with interest too. He appreciated every new discovery the two made, though it brought them closer to fully exposing the hidden entrance. Each discovery brought Xerxes’ plan closer to enactment, but Pericles knew that was only a matter of time, and timing before that would happen anyway. It would also provide Councilor Marcus the final nails for Jessica and Bruce’s coffins, though he knew Xerxes would never use them.
The pair of young scientists’ meticulous documentation of their project provided yet another tape Pericles would confiscate when the time came. Atlantis would have a well-documented account of their discovery thanks to Jessica and Bruce’s efforts. However, the upper-world would attribute the legend of this dig to a mystery. Pericles stood and watched silently but closely, trying hard to keep a straight, military face. What he really wanted to do was laugh, his natural sense of humor strained against the unnatural restraint.
Jessica and Bruce were enthralled with the new find, but neither understood the danger of their discovery. A room, dedicated as a three-dimensional planetarium at the time the Pyramid was built now gave them a more accurate estimated date of twenty-three thousand B.C. In Egypt at that time, Pyramids had just begun construction, but this one was small and symmetrically perfect. The Artisans who designed this chamber had taken masterful care to represent the gods and goddess of Egypt in the constellations. They brought the gems and gold that adorned the sky with them from Egypt, or as Pericles remembered, the old myths, the lords of Atlantis furnished them.
It was high noon, and Jessica, Bruce, and Pericles stood in the exact center of the room gazing in wonder at the ingenious workmanship of the ancients who built this marvel. Light poured in through various points that represented significant stars and gave the room’s occupants the allusion of standing free among the stars. The effect was holographic, and well beyond the technological abilities of the Egyptians at that time. Pericles, who expected such technology, was impressed, but also deeply saddened that such art was doomed to destruction and only the filmed record of Bruce’s camera would remain in the archives of Atlantis’ library.
To Pericles’ chagrin, General Grill and Ms. Simon felt it necessary to inform the President about the incredible discoveries that concerned the dig. Impressed, this time he scheduled a visit. With his busy schedule and the security that would be necessary, his visit would not take place for two weeks. In that period, Pericles knew Xerxes would conclude this situation. Pericles watched Ms. Simon’s attitude change, as she relished the publicity and prestige, his visit would afford her career. She didn’t hesitate to show her over-inflated self-esteem over her good fortune at what no doubt had been considered a mundane assignment for a junior agent.
However, Pericles could tell Jessica and Bruce saw no reason for his visit. Both were pleased, as was he, it would take that long to schedule the visit. He knew they were dedicated scientists that would rather work on the project than to publicize it. Jessica and Bruce shrugged it off and continued with their work. They figured after his visit, the press would be difficult to avoid, both had voiced this to Pericles, he smiled knowingly and went on about the business of security leaving them to wonder after him.
“Now do you care to speculate about what we’ve found?â€� Bruce asked Jessica again after waiting until Pericles had left them alone. They were out of hearing range of the other military, and Ms. Simon wasn’t around, giving them a rare few moments of privacy.
“No!â€� Jessica said emphatically. “Not until this afternoon’s bike ride and only if our new riding partner Ms. Simon doesn’t join us.”
“Well,â€� Bruce said with a sly smile. â€�After the phone conversation I overheard between General Grill and Ms. Simon a little earlier about our bike rides, I think we’ll have more company than just her.â€�
General Grill greeted both young scientists, as he was present for his weekly visit. “Ms. Carter, Mr. Lance.� he addressed them. “Ms. Simon has expressed her concern about your daily bike rides. She feels you may not be safe alone on these little jaunts.�
“General,� Jessica began firmly, “I ride. So does Mr. Lance. I have invited Ms. Simon to join us. She seemed to have a fitness problem yesterday. I will not give up my daily exercise because she has a problem.�
“I would not expect that of you, ma’am.â€� The General said. “And I have told her as much. She has expressed strong feelings on this subject, so I have assigned two of my Marines to accompany you. Ms. Simon still has some concern about security so she will be joining you also,â€� the General cleared his throat and tried not to smile. “I believe the agent isn’t up to riding the distances you normally ride. She is more of a runner,” he cleared his throat to stifle a laugh. “Actually I think it is admirable you both make it a point to keep fit.”
“Thank you, General,â€� Mr. Lance said, “Your Marines are of course, welcome,â€� he mirrored Jessica’s opinion that they both enjoyed their private time to theorize, but kept it to himself. General Grill left to return to his offices in West Palm Beach having completed his weekly check of the project.
“So, Bruce,� Jessica smirked as the General drove away, “Now what do you think?�
“If what we both think is true,� Bruce said in quiet tones “We both could be in a lot of danger but from who and why?�
“Yes, I know. It would seem the Government thinks so too,â€� Jessica agreed, “That is why I will not say what I think we’ve found, not around the Military or of course, Ms. Simon.â€�
“Do you think General Grill or the others suspect?� Bruce pondered idly.
Jessica looked over at the group of six Marines that seemed to stick together, all the ones directly under Captain Curtis, “They do,â�
�� she said.
“Yes I think you may be correct.â€� Bruce agreed, “Have you ever known a command made up of all officers’?â€�
“No,� Jessica shook her head, and gave the tightly knit group of Marines a suspicious glance. Something was a little out of the ordinary about them.
Going to their temporary on-site tents, they both changed into their bike riding clothing and met outside. As they prepared to start their ride, Captain Curtis and most of his squad observed them. Much to Jessica and Bruce’s surprise, the missing two of the squad appeared beside them on identical Trek Mountain Bikes. Neither had expected the Marines to be so quickly prepared. Moments later Ms. Simon drove up to join them. Instead of the bike, she had ridden the day before, a new Cannondale similar to Jessica’s hung on a new Thule Bike carrier on her car.
“General’s orders, Ms. Carter, Mr. Lance. You are not to ride without escort. Our bikes came today.â€� Lieutenant Merk and Lieutenant Stark wore the traditional padded bike shorts and jerseys of a bike rider. The two buckled on their helmets. Jessica and Bruce looked at each other and shrugged. Ms. Simon joined them atop the Levy.
“Good to see you, Meredith,â€� Jessica addressed the woman using her first name. “I think you will find that’s a better ride.â€� She smiled at her knowingly. Jessica gave Bruce a deliberate look.
Bruce knew that look - it would be a very long ride today. He smirked back. Bruce knew he was capable of a long bike ride and looked forward to it. He wondered about their new partners. The Marines certainly were, he smiled at Jessica and glanced at Meredith, but was she?
“Very well, Lieutenants, Meredith, let’s go,â€� Jessica said, clipped her special shoes into the pedals and began a fifty mile out and back ride that would take just over three hours.
Atlantis Vortex Page 11
