by S V Hurn
Athena looked at Hugo with new-found respect. “Awesome.”
Hugo thought to himself while he scratched his head, What the hell am I getting myself into? He placed the wide-brimmed Stetson back on his head and said, “Okay, you folks get back to the jet. I’ll swing by to pick up my things from the hotel and meet you there pronto.”
Alex held out his hand. “Thanks, mate. It’s good . . . thanks . . . right . . . see you in a bit.”
Hugo departed with his usual long stride, his handcrafted boots striking the concrete with a strident beat. Alex said, “That is a big man . . .”
Athena interjected, “With a big heart.”
Stuart observed to no one in particular, “Most likely packing big guns.”
Over an hour ticked by as they waited patiently for Hugo’s arrival. Hendrik appeared from the cockpit and announced Hugo was about to board and that he would open the cargo hatch and assist with his luggage. The group was stunned at Hugo’s appearance when he boarded the jet. Alex reacted to it saying, “Shit you weren’t kidding when you said you had military ties!”
“Thought I’d go the extra yard and put on my uniform. It might get us a little further through the door at CERN.”
Stuart shook his head. “Sir, you are full of surprises today . . . Green Beret?”
“Army likes to call us Special Forces.”
Stuart held out his hand. “Thank you for your service. For what it’s worth, I’m glad you’re coming along. I think I can speak for us all when I say that we all feel a little bit safer with you on board.”
Athena stood, head cocked to one side and arms crossed and a small smirk on her face while she examined him head to toe. “I’ve always loved men in uniform.”
Hugo laughed his usual roar. “This old guy still got it.”
CHAPTER 24
With a late start, the sun was just peeking up over the mountains, casting a shadowy red glow upon the snow-covered peaks as they made their final descent into Geneva. Athena stared out the window as she did all through the night. Alex sat beside her and leaned in to kiss the top of her head. “My darling girl, we will get to the bottom of this conspiracy. I don’t want you to worry; we’ll find out what has happened to your mom and, with Hugo’s help, stop what has been set in motion.”
Athena eyed him with an intent look. “Mom must have known about my grandfather’s involvement with the Illuminati. How could she not know given the fact she named me Athena? My name is the very essence of the Illuminati . . . the Owl of Athena . . . just a coincidence? She donated billions of dollars to the cause! Merely a write-off, or was it a way to advance this New World Order?”
Alex leaned back and responded to the pain and confusion in her eyes. “I have a hard time believing your mother would have kept that kind of secret from me. We openly shared every thought, every feeling without hesitation. If she was involved and there was foul play, then she obviously had been opposed to their beliefs. Sweetheart, your mom’s very essence was about bettering mankind and exploring the universe, therefore I have to think she contributed to the cause and not the effect.”
Athena sighed heavily. She straightened in her seat, twisting her neck so it cracked to relieve the strain from hours of deliberating on the future, her future, and its ominous veil of uncertainty. Alex rested his hand on her shoulder to comfort her. He could feel she felt she was bearing the weight of the world. “Think I’ll get the guys up. Hugo sounds like a rabid wild boar straight out of the Outback and he has obviously slept well.”
As they disembarked Athena felt a lingering chill in air scented of fresh snow. Hugo was already down, freeing a very large case from the cargo hold. He hefted it without difficulty and placed it in the back of an SUV that had been sent to meet them.
Athena’s curiosity got the best of her as the group climbed into the back seat. “Hugo that case of your looks a bit suspect . . . to say the least.”
“Darlin’, ya didn’t think I’d come out here to a gunfight holdin’ a knife, did ya? Besides, I know you can handle yourself, you did quite well when you and your mother joined me at the gun club all those times.”
Stuart let out a distressed moan. “You can’t bring guns into a foreign country. How do you expect to get them through . . . ?”
Hugo cut him off before he could finish the question. “Diplomatic Immunity. This is a government mission and you are part of my team.”
Stuart clearly lacked any confidence that being considered a diplomat would save him from trouble. “Great . . . I feel safer already,” he said, just a little sarcastically.
After they had checked into the hotel and had scattered to their assigned rooms, Alex stood on his balcony remembering how he held Dorathy close while admiring the view. Where the sun had been shining then it was now replaced by the frosty gray pall of a late season storm that obscured the sky. Athena joined him, pulling her coat collar up around her ears to protect against the wind whipping up from the lake. Alex stood frozen, white-knuckled hands clutching the guardrail. “It doesn’t seem that long ago that your mother and I stood in this very spot talking about what a wonderful future mankind was realizing with the advent of this new technology of space travel. I don’t know if I’m as hopeful as I once was.”
“Mom believed that technology would move us forward, that in time we would work together as one with the purpose of bettering ourselves. That we would finally abandon our pettiness and replace war with aspirations for the common good of mankind.”
Alex turned to look into his stepdaughter’s eyes. “Then perhaps what they are trying to stop is the natural progression of disasters to come. Maybe instead what they are trying to do is only the first step towards a global unification.”
Athena thought about what he was saying. “When you put it that way, it sounds brilliant. Think of how much more we could accomplish if we weren’t all wasting time on spiritual, political and racial differences. No lines, no borders, and no boundaries!”
Alex, disappointed, said with a heavy sigh, “Unfortunately, I think we are a long way off, and I’m not sure the Illuminati have a grasp of what the ramifications will prove to be. Perhaps not one giant leap for mankind . . .”
Athena sighed as she too looked out over the lake. Both stood quietly in deep thought; the only sound was that of the wind howling. Trying to control the dark strands of hair blowing across her young face with one hand, she reached for Alex’s hand with the other and squeezed. “We should go, the others will be waiting.”
Lucca Venturini was sitting at a desk in his usual secure location at CERN. “It seems our secret is out.”
“Just as well,” Hans responded. “If they decide to go public with our mission, the team will be well on their way before anyone can investigate. We only need to delay their efforts.”
Lucca continued, “Certainly. But in the end my hope is that Athena will come to understand the importance of this mission and the significance of her bloodline. It might give her a greater understanding of the order of things.”
Lucca thought of his old friend John going to the grave never having known the depravity of his old friend, Simon, and how his mind had been co-opted by a lunatic that would stop at nothing to destroy all John and their brotherhood had accomplished in their determination to change the world. “I know our adversary has not figured out the importance of the Amulet and what part Dorathy is to play.”
Hans replied, “It would be prudent though for us to assume that at some point he will recognize its significance.”
“Yes,” Lucca agreed, “Simon or shall we say what is left of Simon, will eventually learn its secret, but only Dorathy can wield its power. Dorathy is out of danger and eventually she will discover the rest of her kind. Together with our crew they will find the path and not to worry, the Amulet will find its way back to its rightful owner and their mission will be completed.”
Hans looked into Lucca’s wise old eyes and together they felt that familiar anguish over the loss of their frien
d John Rosen so many years ago. Having recited his promise dozens of times over the years, Hans repeated it now, “We made a vow to protect the Rosen heirs.”
Lucca sadly conveyed what Hans already knew, “John was my mentor; therefore, I take responsibility for Dorathy’s safety. Her life cut short here on Earth so she can know the life she was destined to live. Perhaps someday she will make that realization.”
His thoughts turned to earlier years. “Dorathy knew of her father’s involvement and had been supportive of his many quests over the years, but she withdrew after John was found murdered. She distanced herself from the fear that she would be unable to protect her daughter from our opposing faction.” He leaned back in his chair. “It saddens me, for her life had taken such a turn towards true happiness and we have stripped it away. An unfortunate, untimely death of such a brilliant young woman. One day Dorathy will have the chance to finish what her father started many years ago, and Athena will continue our efforts when she realizes it was her grandfather’s wish that she take her position amongst us.”
Hans reminded Lucca, “Athena will not be turned easily, not if she is made aware of what happened to her mother. Not even if she were to believe it was all part of a plan to keep her and her abilities safe from the grasp of our poor, tortured soul Simon.”
Hans was tired and wanted desperately to put this phase of the mission behind him. He pressed to change the subject. “If your theory is correct her capsule will arrive well after our team’s arrival.”
Lucca rubbed his eyes, weary. The science was still untested. “That is our prediction, although we are unsure of the time slippage. Dorathy’s interpretation of the discovery was to create a small rip in the fabric of space-time through which to slip, but our team saw it quite differently.”
“The ship has extraordinary capabilities and either way gets them to the destination, but I cannot help to think what kind of world they will be coming back to . . . if they come back.”
“The world we leave behind for them is now up to us to fashion. That, above all else, is the essence of this mission’s success. They will do what they have set out to do; we must also do what we have set out to do, what we started so many years ago. We may not see the fruit of our labors, but our children’s children might.” Lucca gazed down at the gold ring that had been handed down to him by his grandfather. He ran his finger over the small owl perched on a book and said, “Yes, generations of men and women have carried the burden of continuing in our ancestors’ footsteps so that one day we might finally be able to achieve our goal of global contribution, our One World Order . . . our New World Order.
“Well said, my friend, Hans said to reassure Lucca. “We will be ready to launch within the day. I believe Athena and her friends have likely found our location; there have been far too many people searching.”
Lucca took a sip of the tea that had grown cold and said, “Yes, this charade of ours to keep Simon away and out of our secret plan has gone on far too long and I am not sure how much longer we can keep him from discovering this facility. He has grown powerful, but fortunately Dorathy gave up most of the Foundation’s wealth to our project before Simon had a chance to react. I will keep you apprised of what transpires and now I think it’s time for a little tour.”
Hans was feeling like an old man and rose from his seat to stretch tired muscles. “Yes, I think a tour is in order.” Hans thought about Dorathy and the power within her DNA. A heavy burden to bear, but he felt at ease, confident that Dorathy could face her challenges and success would be theirs.
CHAPTER 25
After unpacking and getting a bite to eat, the group was on their way to CERN. Hugo, seated in the front seat of the black SUV, turned and said, “I took the liberty of arranging a meeting with the directors of the establishment. Seems to me our arrival is no surprise; they are practically rolling out the red carpet for us.”
Athena sat back in her seat. “We can only hope they come clean with what they’ve been up to.”
Stuart, focused on his driving, interjected, “I don’t think honesty is one of their virtues.” Alex was deep in thought trying desperately to make sense of everything,
Athena sighed and fidgeted in her seat. It was all too much and was beginning to take its toll. “I don’t know what to think anymore. Mom had been suffering from headaches for about a year or more, so maybe someone was dosing her gradually with something that caused her to have an aneurism?”
Hugo shifted in his seat. “Everyone has enemies. Who has been the greatest enemy of the Illuminati through the centuries?” The only reactions to Hugo’s question were blank expressions.
Stuart said, “Up until recent events I thought the Illuminati were an ancient myth.”
“It’s easy really,” Hugo said calmly, “The Vatican.” Raising a bushy eyebrow, he continued, “Maybe not the Vatican directly but possibly a rogue agent. The Illuminati are a powerful group as I’ve already noted so someone from an equally powerful group.”
Athena looked directly into Hugo’s eyes. “There is something you’re not telling me.”
Hugo replied, “Yes, I have my own theory regarding the mystery of your grandfather’s death. The investigation has never been conclusive. The Vatican was the enemy of the Illuminati centuries ago, but that’s far too obvious. I believe it to be a radicalized individual with Vatican ties. John Rosen was killed in Switzerland during a Bilderberg meeting. I found an underground society operating in Switzerland. They claim they are the descendants of the Knights Templar that escaped persecution and they renamed themselves ‘The Knights of Christ.’ They are firm in their belief of religion over science. The Vatican and religious beliefs have been losing appeal over the last few decades while people embrace advancements in technology. When the Vatican and the Knights caught wind of what CERN had discovered and then the Rosen donation to the advancement of that technology, someone decided to put a stop to it.”
Athena was becoming weary. “If the Vatican or these Knights of Christ killed my grandfather, do you think they killed my mom as well?” Athena’s patience was wearing thin. “So, what I’m hearing is that they, whoever they are, want to turn me against the Illuminati, and the Illuminati want what, my loyalty?” Athena began to sob, “I wish we never accumulated all this wealth. I have spent my entire life looking over my shoulder, questioning the intentions of everyone I have ever met, trying to prove to others that I was worthy, and never knowing if my friendships were genuine. My mother suffered the same consequences, and for the first time in her life she finally found happiness, only to have possibly been murdered because of it!”
Alex put his arm around Athena and pulled her close as she cried. “Oh, my poor girl, I’m so sorry, I promise we will get to the bottom of this.”
Athena sobbed uncontrollably, heaving and gasping, “I want my mother back and I’m tired of being strong.”
Alex kissed the top of her head and wiped the tears from her face. His emotions were stretched thin as well. “We have each other now and we’ll get through this together.”
Hugo stared out of the windshield. Snow had begun to fall, flurries drifting against the glass as it collected in mounds of slush. “Athena darlin,’ we will get to the bottom of this. Me and Alex and Stu here, we won’t let anything happen to you—they gotta get through us first.”
Athena reached into her purse for a tissue. “I don’t know what I’d do without you guys, I’m sorry for breaking down.”
Hugo tuned to face Athena. “You are exactly like your mother, strong and spirited.”
“Yes, and I’m extremely stubborn.”
Alex chuckled. “I loved that about your mom.”
Hugo laughed. “Ha, you have no idea . . .”
Stuart announced, “Guys we’re almost there, so what’s the game plan?”
Hugo reached into his briefcase and pulled out diplomatic passes. He handed one to Stu and then passed the rest into the back seat. “They’re expecting us, so may I suggest we keep our
cool and our wits about us. Athena, can you reach the case from where you are?”
Athena turned to kneel on her seat and reached into the back for the case. When she flipped it open, she let out a huff. “Holy shit, Hugo, you weren’t kidding. You do like your guns.”
“Hand me the Glock, and you take the others.”
Stuart craned his neck to investigate the back. “What do you have for me in there, an AK?”
“Don’t be ridiculous Stu,” Alex said as he cocked his head to see what was in the case, “that leaves you with a semi-automatic.”
“Cool, I always wanted to shoot one of those.”
“On second thought,” Hugo said, “Athena, you take the semi and give Stu the smallest one . . . over on the right. And Athena, make sure Stu doesn’t shoot his damn self by accident.”
“Hey, I’ve fired a gun once,” Stu announced.
“Yah, amigo, and what kinda gun was that, a bb gun?”
“The group started to laugh at Stuart’s expense and defending his dignity he responded, “No man, a double-barreled shotgun.”
Hugo couldn’t stop himself. “Knocked ya on your ass didn’t it?”
“Ah . . . well yeah, it sure did. In my defense though, I was left unsupervised.”
“Athena, take the ammo outa his gun will ya?”
The group concealed their weapons and draped their government-issued IDs around their necks. As they approached the building, Lucca Venturini was already walking towards them. “Welcome, I trust you had a nice uneventful flight. It can get a little bumpy up there with an approaching storm.”
Lucca didn’t waste any more time. “Ah, Dr. Kern, I see you made it home safely and with your memory intact.”
“Yes, how fortunate for me that one of your team members wanted the world to know what you are planning on doing here.”
Lucca replied with a small smile, “It’s unavoidable my friend. The truth about our existence on this small planet will no doubt be out in due time. I must personally thank you for your involvement.”
