Synarchy Book 2: The Ascension Page 13

  Amadeo blinked, and then he bristled. He shot to his feet, pressing his palms into the conference table. “Excuse me?”

  Simone barely contained a grin at the furious expression on Amadeo’s face. Asking Christopher to assume control of the military had been her idea.

  Isabella flicked a disapproving glance at Amadeo. “Sit down, Amadeo. For the duration of this exercise, given your obvious reluctance to participate in it, you will accept a temporary demotion to Lieutenant General. Christopher—”

  “Will gladly take control of our military,” Christopher said, watching Amadeo with hard eyes.

  Amadeo’s neck turned red, but he swallowed down the biting retort, tipped his head in the elder Terenzios’ directions, and sat back down in his chair.

  “Thank you Aunt Isabella, Uncle Christopher,” Vasco said. “Olivia, we see no reason why you can’t keep control of your SVT office, but you’ll be reporting directly to Lucien.”

  “How wonderful.” Olivia’s voice dripped with sarcasm, and she refused to even look at Lucien.

  Vasco continued: “We’ll be using Loyalty a great deal over the coming months. Nicholas, get with Simone.”

  Nicholas nodded. “Of course.”

  “Agata, your days will continue as normal. Keep the company moving.” Vasco gave her a small smile.

  Agata nodded. “That’s what I do.”

  “Are Robert and the Think Tank involved?” Kayla asked.

  Simone nodded. “Yes. That’s why he’s not here. Our geek squad is in the process of building a device that will make our jobs easier. Well, my job, at least.”

  “Which is?” Olivia asked.

  “Need to know,” Vasco said. “For security reasons.”

  Olivia frowned. “You want us to help you take on the powers that control the whole fucking world, but you won’t tell us how?”

  Lucien threw up his hands. “You don’t even want to help, but you want to know how? Make up your fucking mind.”

  “Enough,” Christopher interrupted. “We’ve always been a need-to-know family. That’s nothing new.”

  “And you three—” Isabella eyed the triplets. “—will keep me in the direct loop of your activities. I will not fish around, nor come hunt you down for answers. Understood?”

  Simone’s mouth twitched. “Crystal clear.”

  There was a faint curve to Vasco’s mouth. Isabella was so much like her mother. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “You will be the most in-the-know member of this family.” Lucien gave Isabella a little salute.

  “We’ve got a lot to do and not a lot of time, so everyone keep their phones on, please.” Vasco looked around the table. “This meeting is adjourned. Aunt Isabella and Uncle Christopher, please stay. We have a few things to go over with you.”

  Chapter 9

  "The absence of darkness in a person does not suggest an abundance of light, for to know the light you must have known the darkness."

  -Anonymous

  June 20, 2012 - 11:11 PM

  Vatican City

  Catacombs

  What is ours we take tonight; As ring of fire burning bright; We stand behind the burning light; and cast no shadows in the night.”

  The golden blade of the knife was stained red. Crimson crawled down metal, dripping soundlessly onto the stone slab. The chant continued around him, a hypnotizing melody that fed the dark energy of the ritual sacrifice.

  Tony stared down into the face of the dead child. The boy could have been no more than eight or nine, and so closely resembled his nephew that Tony couldn’t stop the tremble that ran down his spine and made his hand shake. He was one of them, now. A blood brother. He was one of the privileged few that would rule over the slaves of Earth and worship the great gods, the Anunnaki.

  Catacombs intertwined under the world’s Holy Empire, where this darker secret laid in wait. The air was thick and heavy with the lowly vibrating energy that crawled through it. Candle light flickered off the old walls, and Tony closed his eyes, seemingly to draw in the energy of the moment. In truth, it was to control his tears. No one would believe that such atrocities could be committed, especially not underneath the Vatican, with the Pope sitting on a stone throne watching over the ritual.

  For anyone who understood how to condition a human mind—how the deepest layers of cult programming worked—this was a simple means to an end. Part of the Brotherhood’s success over the centuries, despite the occasional leak, was because of this conditioned loyalty. The killing of another human adult could be easily justified in a target’s mind. They could rationalize that he deserved death, for numerous reasons, or simply dismiss it as their right over a slave. But to kill an innocent child, especially one chosen to look like the initiate’s own child or close relative was a lot harder.

  The ritual was proven to produce trauma and an almost mind-numbing denial in those who witnessed it, even if it wasn’t their first time. It brought fear, and fear was what They wanted. It brought about a slow decrease for the love of one’s self. Self-worth and self-esteem were reduced to nearly nothing, replaced by group think. After doing something so horrible, where would the participants be without the group? Who would they be without the support of their brothers? Humans were just as afraid of their darkness as they were their own light, because they knew that they were capable of both. A human was not born either good or evil; they simply were. Time and their own lives would thrust them into the game of duality. An imbalanced society would make them choose.

  “We welcome our Brother with perfect love and perfect trust,” the Grand Master said.

  Tony opened his eyes, slowly turned and placed the bloody knife back on the red velvet sash. He knelt down in front of the Grand Master so the final rites could be recited, and he could get the fuck out of there. Lifting his eyes to the Roshaniya’s, he kept his expression both humble and reverent and let his thoughts keep him sane. I really can’t wait until we kill you.

  §

  June 20, 2012 - 11:11 PM

  Alcyone Island

  Dion Corporation Headquarters

  “Our Agents were about to enter Amadeo’s house when they realized someone was in there.”

  The triplets, Isabella, and Christopher set their eyes on Caleb, who stood in front of the conference table. “Who?” Vasco asked.

  Caleb shook his head. “We have no idea. Our Agent was able to get a picture of him, and we’re running it through our facial recognition software. What they told me was a little odd, though. They reported that he was blinking in and out of existence. They also reported he was holding a long golden rod with a diamond-shaped crystal attached to the top of it.”

  The triplets looked at each other. Simone frowned. “Maybe two people got away from whatever happened underneath the Antarctica?”

  Christopher arched a brow, looking between the three. “Care to fill us in?”

  “Long story. The cliff notes are that Atlanteans use to live underneath Antarctica. The scientists at the Think Tank found a guy named Menes, who was carrying a gold rod with a crystal attached to the top,” Lucien said.

  “For every hero there is also a villain,” Isabella mused.

  “All right. So, we’ve got nothing on Amadeo.” Vasco clucked his tongue. “What about Olivia’s flat in New York?”

  “That’s done. Her office here, as well,” Caleb said.

  “One out of the two isn’t bad,” Simone said.

  “Amadeo, Olivia and their guest left the island right after the meeting. Do you want us to try it again?” Caleb asked.

  Vasco shook his head. “No. If he’s got aliens, for lack of a better word, around his property, we don’t know their capabilities. We might have already been made. Do we know where they’ve gone?”

  “Sort of.” Caleb looked over at Vasco. “Worthington trailed them to Loyalty's airport. They used Nicholas to screw with their flight manifest, but he says their destination was Rome.”

  A wry smile touched Lucien’s mouth. “Gone to meet
with The Brotherhood to tell them what we’ve done.”

  Simone glanced at her brothers. “Think any of the DeMarcos will be able to give us a heads up about what goes on in that meeting?”

  “Possibly,” Vasco said. “When you talk to Xavier, Simone, find out,”

  “Caleb, there is a security center underneath the mansion, in a chamber off the cellar. All information collected from those bugs goes directly there,” Isabella ordered.

  Caleb nodded. “Yes, ma’am. Backups make the same flight to the compound?” Twice a month all information collected at Phoenix Isle was taken, by hand, to the compound where the triplets had had their past life session. Leone Vaughn, chief of the island’s military police, made those secretive trips.

  Isabella nodded. “Absolutely.”

  “You know, if it wasn’t for those fuckin’ mooks, I could be playing poker with a hot redhead in my lap right now.” Lucien sighed wistfully.

  Simone smirked. Vasco stifled an eye roll. Isabella smacked Lucien upside the back of his head, and Christopher glared at him. “Glad to see you’ve got your priorities in order. Let’s get to work.”

  §

  June 21, 2012 - 7:11 AM

  Vatican City

  Offices of the Papal Gentlemen

  Religion had been a powerful control mechanism for centuries. More people had been killed in the name of some “God” than in any war fought over politics. It should come as no surprise then, that Vatican City was one of the most powerful places in the world.

  When someone didn’t speak the same language, or understand the symbolism that surrounded them, it was ridiculously easy to hide in plain sight. Cathedral Square was rife with symbolism, and none of it Catholic. The most significant was the huge statue that resembled a pine cone. It was called the Court of the Pine Cone, and in front of the massive statue, an open sarcophagus laid at its base. The statue was a symbol for the pineal gland: the open sarcophagus representative of the journey one took to open up the potential power that lay hidden in the brain. The awakening of the potential of the human mind was often linked to a death, then rebirth, an intense metaphysical transformation brought about by the activation of the pineal gland.

  Standing in one of the Papal Gentleman's offices, Enlil stared out the window, twilight draping itself over his view of the square. He was in full human form, the epitome of an aristocrat; what everyone expected the Vice President of the United States to be. It was the perfect position for an Anunnaki who wanted to keep a close eye on his disciples. Very little attention was paid to the Vice President, and that allowed Enlil the freedom to move about unnoticed. His actions were rarely questioned, and there was little risk of becoming a possible highlight in one ambitious reporter’s news reel. Of course, the Roshaniya controlled the most popular, well-known media outlets. Nothing was shown on any major news channel that didn’t have someone’s stamp of approval. Regardless of that iron-fisted control, Enlil was always careful, especially since the silly spiritual awakening had taken hold of the planet.

  More people questioned instead of blindly accepting. Less people read the newspapers or put their complete faith in mainstream media. The internet was the Roshaniya’s biggest problem, but censoring it would have caused a backlash they wanted to avoid. On the positive side, the internet provided the means to take advantage of the free information the humans gave away. The conspiracy theorists were usually partially correct. If the slaves had ever learned to piece things together from different sources, they might have seen the full, terrifying picture. Even that would have been acceptable, though, provided they bought into the Us versus Them mentality and stayed locked in Duality.

  But they weren’t.

  The humans weren’t arming themselves with weapons or holding onto anger and hate. They were quietly educating themselves and pulling their support –more importantly, their energy—from the thought-controlling systems. They abandoned organized religion, choosing a more direct, personal route to “God”. They became the change they wanted to see in the world, and while certain atrocities angered and saddened their souls, they didn’t cling to such darkness. They loved, they forgave, and they continued on their journey. The problem with that sort of energy was that it didn’t require a majority of the population to be effective, and it riled Enlil’s anger to no end.

  It didn’t matter, though. Their little spiritual revolution wasn’t going to help them anymore than the Galactic Federation was. Earth belonged to the Anunnaki. Period.

  “Sir?” One of Enlil’s Secret Service agents came into the room. He, too, wore a false human skin; one of the Zetas. Centuries ago, the Anunnaki and Zetas formed a treaty. The working class Zetas served the Anunnaki on Earth, while Zeta scientists were allowed to abduct humans in Anunnaki-designated areas for whatever purpose they so chose.

  “Yes?” Enlil didn’t turn from the window.

  “Amadeo and Olivia Terenzio are here.”

  Enlil smiled. “Send them in.”

  §

  After the meeting with the triplets, Dominic pulled Olivia and Amadeo aside and told them they were going to Rome. He didn’t say who they were going to meet with, only that they needed to bring Loki. A car would pick them up.

  Olivia and Amadeo hadn’t been surprised, until they arrived at Vatican City. That surprise grew when they were shown into the suite and saw the Vice President of the United States standing there.

  The moment that Loki walked across Cathedral Square, he could feel what had happened beneath them. A very dark, heavy energy rolled underneath his feet. He didn’t like sensation, but his options were limited. He could not allow the Ascension. Clutching the crystal in one hand and staring at the Vice President, Loki narrowed his eyes. He could see beyond the disguise to the true form of the Anunnaki underneath.

  “You’ve done well, bringing an Atlantean to me,” Enlil said, his dark eyes on the crystal.

  Olivia smiled. Amadeo nodded. “And in exchange—”

  “Yes, we know what you want. But your acceptance into our folds will come at a higher price than what you’ve brought us. Though, I have heard very good things about you from Kayla.”

  “It is a sad fact that you are the lesser of two evils,” Loki said quietly.

  Enlil’s smile sharpened. “Where is the other crystal, Atlantean?”

  “Destroyed with Rainbow City,” Loki said.

  “How are you so sure?”

  “If one of them had taken it, they could have used it to escape and I would still feel their presence.” Loki paused, his jaw tensing. “I am the last one.”

  A pleased expression slid over Enlil’s face. Even if the Terenzios’ team of scientists found the Cave of Creation, they would not be able to access it without the crystal. Enlil pulled his gaze from Loki and looked at Amadeo and Olivia. “Your family has admitted its wrong doings and wishes to try and stop us?”

  “The stupid ones, yes,” Olivia said.

  Enlil looked briefly amused. “If you can keep your family contained, then perhaps we will hold you in a higher regard than foot soldiers. I have more to speak with you about, but for now, leave us.” He waved his hand.

  Olivia opened her mouth as if to say something but Amadeo grabbed her arm, squeezing tightly, and made her silent. “Yes, sir.” Amadeo tipped his head to¬w¬ards Enlil and Loki and guided Olivia from the room.

  When the door clicked shut, Enlil’s eyes transformed, exposing his true reptilian irises. “It has been a long time since I’ve tasted the blood of an Atlantean.”

  Loki’s shoulders tensed. “That is your intent for me? I can help you stop this Ascension.”

  “I no more need your help than I do that of a human,” Enlil walked closer.

  Setting the crystal carefully aside, Loki stood his ground. “You could not beat us on our own planet, reptile. You will not beat me on this one.” A pale purple light suddenly surrounded his hands.

  “You have blocked yourself by your traitorous actions and the fear that clings to your h
eart,” Enlil hissed, his serpent-like tongue licking out between his human lips. “You are no longer more powerful than I.”

  “We will put that to the test,” Loki snapped, and charged.

  The sounds of their battle were fierce. Waiting in the hallway, Amadeo and Olivia glanced at each other as the walls shook and the lights above them flickered. At intervals, furious animalistic growling and the imposing shout of a man resonated throughout the Holy See. When silence finally reigned, no more Atlanteans lived on Earth.

  §

  July 4, 2012 - 9:12 AM

  Alcyone Island

  Loyalty Airlines International Airport

  Kayla leaned against the sedan as the private jet taxied to a stop. When Caesar emerged from the cabin of the plane, she forced the tension in her body to ease. They had been posing as a happily married couple for the last twenty years, and yet the very sight of him made her uneasy. Fortunately, she was exceptional at hiding what went on inside of her—especially how much she hated it when he touched her; how much it nauseated her and left her on the brink of a panic attack every time he decided to take his “rights” as a husband, but more importantly as her handler, and roughly, often cruelly, fuck her.

  Caesar smiled at Kayla as he walked towards her, despite his lingering agitation with his new set of orders. Patience. He just needed to exercise patience. Before he’d come to Alcyone, he’d brought a group of abducted children to the Chrysthamum Underground laboratory, then removed three ineffective Trainers. Trainers were highly specialized servants that kept the other mind-controlled minions of the Brotherhood in line. Both small assignments had helped take the edge off, but he still wanted Terenzio gone. “Hey, baby.” Bending down, he kissed her, and Kayla returned it as a loving wife who had missed her husband should. Inside, her stomach turned.