Daughter of Ra

by M. Sasinowski

  “We can give it a shot, but don’t expect too much right now. Most of the data hasn’t been indexed properly.” He switched to another screen and opened up a console window.

  “Can you run a search for ‘Hybrid female’ or ‘Hybrid woman’?”

  “Hybrid woman?” Clay asked, drawing his eyebrows together.

  “Perhaps it might be helpful if you shared with us what you heard at the meeting,” Renley offered.

  Alyssa stretched her memory. “It all happened so quickly. They’re confused and on edge about what happened in Cairo, and they’re worried about potential implications. They bickered, then one of them mentioned something about genes from a Hybrid female.”

  “I can run a query on the term.” Clay’s fingers tapped on the keyboard. A few moments later, several files came up.

  Alyssa studied the display. “What’s that?” she asked, pointing at a series of image icons.

  “Looks like image files.” Clay typed in another command. “Interesting. They all appear to have been taken on the same day.”

  “Perhaps an event?” Renley offered.

  “Or surveillance,” Alyssa said. She clicked on one of the files, and a scrambled image filled the screen. It appeared to show two individuals, perhaps a man and a woman, but the photograph was too jumbled to make out any details. She clicked through the other files with the same results.

  “Is this it?” she asked.

  “Hang on.” Clay brought up a Google map. “Looks like the images are geo-tagged.”

  “Geo-tagged? To where?”

  “Nepal,” Clay replied and zoomed in. “Cambay, to be exact.”

  “Cambay?” Alyssa gasped. “That’s where my mom traveled right before we lost her.” A cold shiver ran down her spine. “My God, what if somehow, this Hybrid woman is… my mom, and…”

  “And she’s alive and involved with the Society?” Clay cocked an eyebrow, leaving the implication hanging.

  “Why would she not have attempted to reach out to you,” Renley interjected, “or your father?”

  Alyssa’s mind swam. It raced through a dozen scenarios, her gaze flashing from Clay to Renley.

  “The Society wants Hybrid blood above anything else. What if she’s trying to protect me and my dad? Or they are holding her captive? Maybe that’s why she hasn’t been able to contact us.”

  Clay glanced at Renley.

  Alyssa caught the exchange and bristled. “You think I’m crazy, trying to hold on to hope that my mom might still be alive.”

  Clay shook his head. “That’s not it,” he said. “It’s just, we are all gutted about what happened to Paul.” His face caved at his own words. “I think we’re all looking for something to hold on to. I just don’t want you to be disappointed.”

  Renley put a calming hand on her arm. “We should keep our minds open to any and all possibilities—however improbable they may seem.”

  Alyssa pressed her hands to her eyes. The pain threatened to surface. She breathed in deeply, pushing it back down. Deeper.

  Renley pulled up a chair, and she sank into it, rubbing her temples, trying to control her emotions. She stared at the pin in the center of the satellite image.

  “They talked about this woman like she was still alive. Even if it’s not my mom, it’s the best lead I’ve had since starting this. I need to go to Cambay. Perhaps I can find information that will lead me to Hybrids.”

  Renley deliberated for several moments before speaking. “Miss Morgan, I have learned that once you have made up your mind, any attempt to dissuade you is futile, so I shall spare us all that particular exercise.” He gave a small bow. “My resources are at your disposal.”

  “Thank you, Lord Renley,” Alyssa said.

  He studied the monitor. “The location is remote. It may not be in your best interest to travel alone.” He glanced to Clay.

  Clay lifted his hands. “Oh, no… I’m not cut out for this field agent stuff. I’m more of an idea guy.”

  Renley smiled. “I believe Mr. Obono’s assessment of his strength is accurate. Regrettably, I believe my own company on this journey would prove more of a liability to you than an asset.” He hesitated and studied Alyssa with a curious expression.

  What’s that about?

  A long pause stretched, as if he was weighing what to say. When he spoke, his words were carefully measured. “I have a suggestion for a travel companion, but I’m not certain my choice will meet with your approval.”

  “At this point I’ll work with anybody who can help me get to the bottom of this,” Alyssa said.

  Renley stood. “I’m glad you feel this way. Please follow me.”

  They exited the house into the courtyard and entered the stables. Alyssa spotted a woman, her back to them, grooming a horse.

  “I have been looking for an appropriate time to reacquaint the two of you,” Renley said.

  The young woman turned at his voice. Alyssa froze and gaped into her violet eyes. Her head spun.

  “I thought you were—”

  “Dead?” Tasha asked.

  Yuri Korzo ran his hands through his hair, his gaze fixed to the screen displaying the countdown sequence and the vital signs for both of his subjects. He peered through the two-way mirror into the adjoining room, scrutinizing the two men who lay sedated and strapped to the bed.

  The countdown gave a soft chirp as it reached zero. Yuri leaned forward.

  Slowly, the steady beeping of the heart rate monitor increased for one of the subjects, and the temperature reading rose. The man stirred and moaned.

  The door opened behind Yuri. He let an annoyed sigh escape his nostrils. “I said not to be disturbed,” he grunted, keeping his eyes on the monitors.

  “The girl has surfaced.”

  Yuri’s irritation evaporated at the sound of the voice. He took a moment to collect himself before swiveling the chair and rising.

  “I am pleased that your plan is working as you had predicted,” he responded, striving to keep his voice even.

  The woman approached the two-way mirror. “Your progress has been encouraging,” she said. “But can you guarantee that my men will be safe?”

  Yuri swallowed then pointed to the subjects. The man on the right maintained his steady breathing, and his vital sign monitor continued displaying readings in the normal range. The other man moaned again and gave a wheezing cough. His monitor gave a warning chirp as his temperature and heart rate kept rising.

  “Both men have been injected with the ancient bioweapon that was encased inside the smallpox envelope,” Yuri explained. “However, prior to the injections, I administered the smallpox vaccine to the subject on the right, but not to the other one.”

  Nephthys stepped closer to the two-way mirror.

  Yuri pulled in a deep breath. “Because the ancient weapon is completely enveloped by the smallpox virus, the smallpox vaccine protected the vaccinated subject. The other, unvaccinated subject is susceptible to smallpox, and hence afflicted by the ancient weapon.”

  Nephthys studied the two men. “Fascinating,” she said. “And the timing of the onset of the symptoms?”

  “The molecular timer is working as expected,” Yuri replied. “The ancient bioweapon remains encapsulated and inactive until the countdown reaches zero, at which point it is released into the bloodstream.”

  The woman nodded, satisfied.

  Yuri hesitated. “We still need to ensure it spreads between individuals as expected. I need additional… volunteers.” He swallowed again. “If not calibrated—”

  “You shall have additional volunteers,” the woman interrupted, her voice cold. “There must be no missteps. And remember, no harm must come to the girl.” She moved to the door and glanced back over her shoulder. “I shall hold you personally responsible for any losses.”

  Tasha studied the other girl and George. Alyssa’s face was pale and stricken. She stood still as a statue at the entrance to the stable, glaring.

  The filly tossed her head, se
nsing the tension, and Tasha offered a calming pat on the animal’s neck. She had known this meeting was inevitable, but it didn’t make it any easier.

  “I was as good as dead,” she finally said. “If it wasn’t for George, I would have never made it out of the hall alive.”

  Alyssa turned as if to bolt out then stopped and glared at George. “She shot Paul!” Her head snapped to Tasha, nostrils flaring. “He’s dead, anyway, but what do you care!”

  Tasha’s chest tightened. “I’m truly sorry for what I did. And I can’t tell you how sorry I am for what happened to Paul on the ship.”

  “Whatever!” Alyssa spat. She pointed her finger at George. “You are unbelievable, you know that, right?”

  “I have already apologized for my lapse in judgment, Miss Morgan,” he replied calmly. “And be that as it may, Tasha is the best resource we currently have for following this particular lead.”

  Tasha stepped forward. “We got caught up in the Society’s scheme, and things just spiraled out of control.”

  Alyssa scrubbed her hands over her face, as if to wash away the frustration. “That’s the best you can do? Things spiraled out of control?”

  “Miss Morgan,” George said. “I do not believe the current conversation is to anyone’s advantage. I understand your anger, but the ultimate question remains, are you willing to accept Tasha’s help?”

  “How can I ever trust you? Either of you?”

  “I will not deceive you again,” Tasha said, her eyes locked on Alyssa’s.

  Alyssa’s shoulders slumped. “Do I even have a choice?” she asked, dejected.

  “Why don’t we take some time to process all this,” Renley offered. “In the meantime, I shall make several calls.”

  Alyssa nodded and stormed out. Tasha glanced to George.

  “Well, that went better than expected,” he said.

  “She hates me.”

  “She will come around.”

  “She still doesn’t know that I…” she trailed off.

  “Shot her with a sniper rifle in the back?” he asked.

  “Yes.”

  “No, she does not. And it appears to be in your best interest that she never finds out.”

  11 Kathmandu, Nepal

  The midday sun hung high in an achingly blue sky when Alyssa stepped out of the Tribhuvan Airport arrivals terminal. She stretched the kinks in her neck and inhaled deeply, savoring the crisp air. The view of the snowcapped mountain ranges glistening in the distance and the smell of fresh pine almost made her forget the twelve-hour flight. She shaded her eyes against the sun’s glare and surveyed the sidewalk across the terminal building.

  A middle-aged man holding a sign for “A. Morgan” waved at them. His sunburnt face was a tangled web of deep wrinkles, but his smile sparked with youthful vigor.

  “Namaste. You must be Miss Alyssa and Miss Tasha. Welcome to Nepal,” he said in heavily accented English as he offered a leathery handshake. He gave them a grin that revealed a gap in his front teeth. “I am Maansa. I have had the pleasure of serving as Sherpa for Lord Renley during his numerous visits.”

  “Thank you,” Alyssa said. She found it easy to return the smile. Tasha appraised the man, who either didn’t notice or didn’t mind the probing look. Instead, he pointed to their small backpacks, his grin fading.

  “The rest of your luggage? It got lost in travel?”

  Alyssa shook her head. “That’s all we have.”

  “We like to travel light,” Tasha added. “Were you able to arrange for the equipment we requested?”

  Maansa nodded. “The time was short, but with Lord Renley’s resources, we obtained all items necessary for your excursion,” he replied. “The car is nearby.” He motioned them to follow him.

  They arrived at a gray Mercedes Geländewagen. Alyssa scrutinized the imposing SUV and its huge off-road tires. Leave it to Renley.

  Maansa led them to the rear of the vehicle and opened the tailgate. The interior was loaded with three deep aluminum shell containers. He pointed to the one on the left.

  “This bin for your equipment.” He lifted the lid and pointed at two portable GPS units. “Satellite navigation in the car, plus two portable GPS with three battery packs each. Enough for one week. Also, headlamps with spare batteries, medical provisions, Diamox for altitude sickness.”

  He lifted the lid of the middle container. “This bin for expedition gear.”

  Alyssa picked up one of the thermal jackets and tried it on. It was a bit loose, but would do. She looked at the sleeping bags and tent then examined the step-in crampons and rest of the climbing gear. She nodded in approval.

  Maansa pointed at the container on the right. “And water and food rations for one week.”

  “What about the special requisition?” Tasha asked.

  “Ah, yes,” Maansa lowered his voice and leaned over the left container. He pointed at two pairs of night vision goggles, a pair of high-powered binoculars, and military-spec communications equipment. “Lord Renley’s money is welcome at Nepalese military.” He flipped open a hidden compartment in the box. “Two Ruger pistols with one hundred rounds ammunition each.” He reached into his pocket and handed her two documents. “Weapon permits in your names. Very important. Do not lose. Penalty for carrying weapon with no license in Nepal is very big.”

  Tasha smiled approvingly. Alyssa shot her a glance. She seemed as comfortable with these transactions as she was buying a Coke from a vending machine.

  “You will be fine without guide?” Maansa asked. “The terrain is difficult, unpredictable, especially in monsoon season.”

  Alyssa smiled at him. “We have a lot of experience.”

  “Many dangers on road,” he said.

  “That is why I travel with a personal bodyguard.”

  “Oh,” Maansa said, pressing his hand to his heart. “I did not see.” He glanced around. “Where is he?”

  “She is already here,” Alyssa said, pointing at Tasha.

  Maansa opened his mouth and blinked several times. Tasha met his gaze calmly. He scratched at his temple then shook his head and closed the tailgate.

  He handed the keys to Alyssa and extended his hand. “Please do be careful.”

  “Thank you for your help, Maansa,” Alyssa said.

  “My number in satellite phone,” Maansa added. “Call if you need anything.”

  Alyssa nodded and climbed into the driver’s seat. She glanced around the dashboard, familiarizing herself with the car as Tasha exchanged goodbyes with Maansa. Alyssa pressed the starter, and the powerful engine growled to life.

  “Ah, the sweet sound of a V8 twin turbo,” Alyssa said as Tasha hopped in.

  Tasha shot her a glance. “Personal bodyguard, huh?”

  “The poor man seemed concerned,” Alyssa said innocently, waving at Maansa as they rolled out of the parking lot. “I was just trying to put his mind at ease.” She paused for a moment before they both cracked a smile.

  Maansa watched the two girls exit the parking lot and take the east road into the mountains. He whistled contently as he cut across the parking lot to the trail that would take him home. If he was careful with the money, the latest payment from Lord Renley should last him through the end of the year. The expedite bonus alone was more than he usually made in three months. It was a good day.

  He spotted the tall man across the street, and his merry tune withered. The stranger was dressed in a dark coat with the hood over his face. Maansa’s skin prickled. He sped up. The man increased his pace to keep up. Maansa darted into the next alley and zigzagged through the narrow back streets before ducking behind a garbage bin. He held his breath, his heart pounding. He crouched motionlessly for several minutes, listening for any noises, then lifted his head. Maansa breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the alleyway empty. He stood and turned.

  He staggered and crumpled to the ground at the sight looming before him.

  Lakhey.

  Though never seen, he knew the truth.
r />   Mountain demon.

  He crabbed backward, fear robbing him of his voice, until his back hit the rough wall behind him. He gasped for air as the Lakhey moved forward. Maansa closed his eyes and screamed.

  Alyssa followed the main highway out of the city for thirty minutes before turning off and continuing on an unpaved road that led them into the highlands. Tasha reached into her backpack and pulled out the laptop. She hooked it up to the satellite phone and dialed out. A few moments later Renley’s face appeared on the screen.

  “How are you?” he asked.

  “So far, so good,” Tasha replied. “We picked up the car and are on our way.”

  “Thanks for the ride,” Alyssa chimed in. “Nice touch.”

  “I’m glad it is to your liking,” Renley said.

  Clay squeezed into the frame next to Renley. “It is just over one hundred miles to Kodari. Most of the ride will be dirt road, but there may be some tough spots.”

  “How long from Kodari to our destination?” Alyssa asked.

  “After you reach the village, it’s a seven-mile trek.”

  “That doesn’t sound so bad,” Alyssa said.

  “That doesn’t include the six-thousand-foot vertical ascent,” Clay continued. “I grabbed the latest geospatial data and mapped out the safest route. Sending you the route and GPS markers now.”

  Alyssa shot a quick glance at the screen as a red line superimposed on the map.

  “In this terrain, you’re looking at about an eight-hour hike,” Clay continued. “You’ll be trekking through the forest for most of the way. Once you get above the tree line, you should be right on top of the site. The satellite images show a large clearing before a mountain face. There seem to be some regular structures that could be man-made, but the resolution isn’t high enough for any details. The good news is that you seemed to have lucked out with the weather. The next couple of days are forecasted to be clear.”

  Alyssa processed the information. “Anything else you were able to find out from the data?” she asked.