by BSmith
Praise for the Novels of DCS
Synarchy Book 1: The Awakening
“There's just something about the way that DCS writes that allows the eyes to flow over the page, lifting the story into the air. The descriptions and especially display of emotions were so vivid that one could really see the story.”
-A Journey of Books
“In a world where every idea has been done and redone, it’s refreshing to read something that hasn’t been done quite like this before.”
-Morbid Romantic Book Reviewer
“Fast paced, never a page without some action – twists and drama galore carry the reader though this book like reading a hint of what is to come. This book requires your close attention, but it will grab it and keep it from the very first pages. It is absolutely impossible to put down!”
-BCF Book Reviews
SYNARCHY
Book 2: The Ascension
A Novel By
DCS
Smashwords Edition
Copyright © 2009 DCS
Cover Illustration by Jesse Matthew Elliot www.idyllwerx.com
All rights reserved. Published in the United States by SVT Publishing. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Author’s Note:
The second installment of the Synarchy Series follows in its predecessor’s footsteps as being a blend of fact and fiction. But, just as exciting (at least to me), there are portions of the book that are a fabulous co-creation between myself and two other writers.
I have marked these sections with an asterisk to give proper credit where it is due; something I should have done with the first book. I wish to take a moment to sincerely thank Jessica Gerson, a perplexing anomaly of a young woman who is not only a great writer, but a human encyclopedia. Carissa Terenzio is her creation. I must also send my extreme thanks and gratitude to Sara Hendrickson, the mind behind Marilyn Pearl and Liliana Terenzio, whom readers of Book One will know the character of Simone Terenzio to be based off of. Sara is also my editor and will be the primary author behind Synarchy Book 4: The Black Widow. I remain one of Sara’s biggest fans; her writing skill is phenomenal, and I cannot wait to sit down and write the fourth book with her.
I cannot express my thanks enough to these two women. Without their contributions, both creatively and administratively, this novel would not be nearly as good as it is.
Acknowledgments
As always to my family, who tolerates my insane world views and still encourages me to speak my truth. Mom, Daddy JB, Margaret, Tara, Mamma Bologna, Daddy Bologna and Leigh, I love you all more than I can say.
To my brother, Keith, another round of heartfelt thanks for your artistic eyeballing of the book cover, constructive criticism of my fight scenes, and for helping me keep things as realistic as one can get when dabbling in science fiction. When we finally turn this into a video game, it’s so going to rock. I love you.
To The Clackers my biggest fans, I cannot wait for you to read this! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your support of my work.
To Julie, I cannot thank you enough for the unique perspective you provided and your invaluable feedback of my work. Great things are coming for you chica! And where are my minions…
To Jesse Matthew Elliot an amazing artist and lightworker. The book cover is absolutely stunning, thank you so much for designing it!
To Grey Cross, you are one of the most important people in my life, and still one who inspires. I am often envious of your utterly amazing creativity and talent. It’s been such fun sharing this journey with you. I love you.
To Shawn, I’m terribly proud of you for finding the courage and strength to go on your own adventure. You’re going to do magical things in the world, I cannot wait to be witness to them. JT is your creation, I hope I have done him justice. Love you! Aj too!
To Russ, my Jedi man friend, you are the one you’ve been waiting for. I want you to know that I think the world of you and cannot wait to watch your powers of co-creation manifest.
To Sarah, my words are almost inadequate. Thank you, for being another vital editor for this novel, for the life you breathed into Cleona, for always inspiring me to evolve and grow into the best that I am. The last ten years have been absolutely amazing. Sing more. I love yah.
To Scott, in a very short time, you have touched me in such a profound way. It is terrifying and exhilarating and I want more of it. Where ever this journey is taking us, I’m in. I love you.
To you. Yes, you, the one reading these words:
May this book be the catalyst that propels you forward on your journey of discovery;
About the power of you.
Love, Courage, and Co-Creation
DCS
Cast of Characters:
Vasco Terenzio: Co-President of the Dion Corporation, an empire run by the Terenzio family. First-born triplet. Siblings are Simone and Lucien. Vasco recently learned that in a previous life (aka reincarnation, or past life) he was Stefano Vasco Terenzio, the mastermind behind his family’s plot to destroy the Anunnaki and the Brotherhood, and free Earth. Vasco will do whatever is necessary to stop the Anunnaki and Brotherhood’s plans.
Simone Terenzio: Co-President of the Dion Corporation. Second-born triplet. Siblings are Vasco and Lucien. Simone recently learned that in a previous life she was Liliana Terenzio, sister to Stefano Terenzio, also known as the Black Widow because of her habit for murdering her husbands. Liliana stopped killing husbands when she married Alcyone Island AF General Kyle Zhane. Simone will do whatever is necessary to stop the Anunnaki and Brotherhood’s plans.
Lucien Terenzio: Co-President of the Dion Corporation. Third-born triplet. Siblings are Vasco and Simone. Recently learned that in a previous life he was Julian Terenzio, brother to Stefano Terenzio. Julian was responsible for keeping his brother’s secret, and working as a double agent for the Brotherhood after Stefano’s death. Lucien will do whatever is necessary to stop the Anunnaki and Brotherhood’s plans.
Caleb Kincade: Director of Security for the Dion Corporation. Personal bodyguard for the triplets. Caleb has always known that in a previous life he was Alcyone Island Air Force General Kyle Zhane, and Liliana Terenzio’s husband. He is secretly in love with Simone. Caleb will do anything to protect her, and ensure that she completes her mission to free humanity.
Olivia Terenzio: Director, SVT Securities Eastern Division. Olivia murdered her father, Matteo Terenzio, in order to rise to a position of power within the company and family. She is cousin to Amadeo Terenzio, her partner-in-crime. Olivia doesn’t believe in freeing humanity and is secretly working with the Brotherhood and Anunnaki to make sure the Ascension never happens.
Amadeo Terenzio: General of the Alcyone Island Military. Amadeo murdered his father in order to rise to a position of power within the military and family. He is cousin to Olivia, his partner-in-crime. Amadeo doesn’t believe in freeing humanity, and is secretly working with the Brotherhood and Anunnaki to make sure the Ascension never happens.
Kayla Terenzio-Medicci: CEO Empire Cruise Lines, a Dion Corporation subsidiary. Step-daughter of Marcello Terenzio, deceased head of the Terenzio family. Kayla is a mind-controlled agent of the Broth
erhood, sent to infiltrate the Terenzio family at a young age. Despite her conflicted feelings at times, she has no choice but to do as she is ordered by her masters.
Dominic Terenzio-Fidelio: Retired CEO of the Dion Corporation. Dominic has a few secrets of his own, such as secretly working with the Brotherhood for decades, and will stop at nothing to ensure that the Ascension never happens.
Nicholas Terenzio-Fidelio: Director of the Loyalty Airlines Eastern Sector. Nicholas is a former member of the Brotherhood, now double agent. He turned against the Brotherhood when they let his family die in the attacks on 9/11. Nicholas doesn’t care if the Ascension happens or not, so long as the Brotherhood is destroyed. He also hates his father, Dominic.
Caesar Medicci: Brotherhood Agent. Kayla’s handler. Caesar knows that in a previous life, (aka reincarnation or past lives) he was Roman Moretti, Stefano Terenzio’s greatest enemy. As a result, he hates Vasco. Caesar has infiltrated the Terenzio family as Kayla’s husband. He will stop at nothing to ensure that the Terenzios, especially Vasco, are killed.
Dr. Derek Vaughn III: Director, SVT Think Tank, a Dion Corporation subsidiary. Derek is working with his team to find a mysterious Cave of Creation before the winter solstice. He has a crush on Shirley McDermott, a colleague. Derek and his team are trying to make scientific sense out of a mystical event known as the Ascension.
Dr. Shirley McDermott: Senior Scientist, SVT Think Tank. Shirley is working with Derek and Abe to find a mysterious Cave of Creation before the winter solstice. She is trying to make scientific sense out of a mystical event known as the Ascension. Shirley also secretly has a crush on Derek.
Dr. Abe Donahue: Senior Scientist, SVT Think Tank. Ex-Navy. Abe is working with Derek, and Shirley, to find a mysterious Cave of Creation before the winter solstice. Abe is trying to make scientific sense of a mystical event known as the Ascension, but is very skeptical.
Tony DeMarco II: Works for the Brotherhood, but is a double agent. In past lives Tony has been an ally of the Terenzios. In his current incarnation Tony has infiltrated the Brotherhood to help bring them down. He will do everything in his power to make sure the Terenzios succeed, and the Brotherhood is destroyed.
Alexandro DeMarco II: Director of Homeland Security. Tony’s big brother. In past lives has been an ally of the Terenzios and close, intimate friends of Stefano Terenzio and Stefano’s wife, Cleona. In his current incarnation Alexandro has infiltrated the Brotherhood to help bring them down. He will do everything in his power to make sure the Terenzios succeed, and the Brotherhood is destroyed.
The Brotherhood: 13 human bloodlines that control the world. Also known as the Roshaniya. The Brotherhood worship aliens called the Anunnaki. Together, they keep humanity enslaved in a mundane, thought controlled system, with the illusion of freedom. The Brotherhood will stop at nothing to ensure that the Ascension never happens and that the Terenzios are killed.
Enki: Anunnaki Scientist and Magi. Enki does not agree with his family’s treatment of humanity and wants Earth to be set free. He is secretly working against his brother, Enlil, and the Brotherhood. Through the DeMarcos, Enki provides help to the Terenzios.
Enlil: Military Commander of Planet Earth and the Anunnaki. He is unaware of his brother’s split loyalties. Enki will never release humanity from Anunnaki control, and will prevent the Ascension at all costs.
Previously in Synarchy….
(Dear reader: If you have not read Book 1 I would bypass this section. It was included to refresh the memory of those who have read the first novel.)
Marcello stopped fidgeting, covering his granddaughter’s hand in his own. "I must be brief." It was such a rarity to clearly see emotion rolling through those enigmatic eyes. "My Mari is waiting for me." He paused to take another heavy breath. "You have never been to the vault. I have arranged for the plane to take you."
Lucien Terenzio, the youngest by seconds, stood behind his sister and asked curiously, "The vault? What's in the vault?"
"Wrong question, Lucien," Vasco Terenzio said quietly as he slowly walked to their grandfather’s side. "Why?"
Marcello smiled, unmasking his pleasure with Vasco's question. "When you get there you will know." He dropped his head back against the propped up pillows, raising his eyes to the ceiling. "I almost wish I could live to see it. Well, with these eyes at least."
"See it?" Simone asked.
"The Ascension."
§
"I am Menes."
Shirley and Derek looked up simultaneously, eyes widening. Abe was glowing. A gentle green light surrounded him and the man they had "found."
Menes smiled at the other two and began to speak through Abe. It was easier this way; he had not spoken English in several decades. "A great age is upon you. You are closer to the truth than you have ever been." He hesitated, choosing the words carefully. "I warn you that what you uncover will shock you, anger you, and terrify you. It will also soothe your souls, and you will know come to understanding why the knowledge has been withheld from you. You must find the Cave of Creation before the next winter solstice. It is this final step that will bring man into full consciousness. The Ascension must not fail again." He drew in a shaky breath, his energy wavering. He willed it to stay with him a little longer.
“Loki—you must find him. He will alert the Anunnaki, and they will try to stop you. Those you work for have means to protect you, to help you lift the veil so all will know, as above in heaven, so below on Earth. Do what you will. Love is law."
§
"What…what do we do now?" Abe whispered.
Derek swallowed hard and shook his head. He was at a complete loss. "I don't know."
Shirley turned to both of them. "Call Terenzio. As bizarre as this all is, we've still got work to do. And if Menes is right, we're going to need backup."
§
“And we’re going to finish it,” Olivia said firmly. Terenzios were not Robin Hoods; they never had been. For a century now, they had done as they pleased, and more often than not their actions were in no way honorable. The sudden desire to change didn’t make any sense. Why empower the rest of the world when they could control the slaves? Why become equals when they could sit higher up the ladder? Now that the family had the opportunity to align itself with the Powers That Be and reap the real benefits, Olivia thought, fuck the rest of the world. Marcello had lost his mind. Her plans, along with Amadeo’s, would not be compromised, and they were not the only members of the family who thought that way.
“There’s not going to be anything to finish if we don’t get caught up. You heard the Seer last time we were in Denver; the triplets could pull this off.”
“Stop. They won’t. Period. There will be no Ascension.” Olivia held up her hand to emphasize her words. “Now, I want you to lean on Vic. Find out if Leone has mentioned what his brother is working on. Nicholas tracked the triplets to Madeira but lost them after that. Kayla might know something, I’ll find out. If I don’t hear anything by nightfall I’ll go see Marcello myself.”
Amadeo raised a brow at her. “That’s a serious offense if you’re caught, Olivia.”
She sighed at him. “We are way past that now, don’t you think, cousin?”
He opened his mouth to answer her but was forced into silence by the sudden appearance of a man standing in his doorway. Automatically, his hand went for the gun at his side, but his fingers never touched the metal. Seeing the look on his face, Olivia whirled aro-und, and then gasped softly. Their unexpected visitor had long light blonde hair, with random streaks of white. His eyes were a deep indigo that seemed to pulse with a life all their own. Even odder, in his hand he carried a long golden rod with a crystal on top that radiated in quiet power.
Loki smiled at the shocked expression on their faces. Slowly, he spoke in their language. “Do not be afraid. I will help you stop the Ascension.”
§
It was a lot to swallow all at once; to realize that something you didn’t even believe in might be true.
The fact that the memories were in his head so clearly was chewing up at Vasco’s sense of reason. He was positive that if he started searching the shelves he could confirm every event that he’d just felt like he’d lived through a century ago. But did that really prove the existence of past lives?
