Nothing new under the su.., p.18
Nothing New Under the Sun, page 18
Again, he paused for a moment as if to make sure he wanted to proceed. “I work for a top-secret government agency which officially does not exist. I’m not even allowed to give you the name at this stage. It appears on no government documents, and we report directly to the President of the United States. Our funding comes out of the discretionary top-secret black ops budget. If you come to work for us, expect to see a lot of documents with ‘eyes only’ printed on them and hear the words ‘does not officially exist’ used on a regular basis.”
Carter smiled. He was well aware of the fact that archeologists were used in years past as a cover for covert operations.
“Let me lift part of the veil for you,” Rhodes started his explanation. “It might sound crazy at first, but please hear me out. We investigate unexplained archeological phenomena, conspiracy theories, and ooparts. There are so many wild ideas and strange beliefs out there it makes my head swim. I’m talking ancient astronauts, aliens, Star gates, time travel, Atlantis, the lost continent of Mu, or UFOs. You’ve probably heard about all of them and many more.
“Crazy as some of those ideas might be, for reasons that might become obvious to you momentarily, our government can’t afford to ignore any of them. You’ve unearthed a few history-changing places yourself. You hold very unconventional, and in some circles unpopular, views about human history, just like Will did. But in the end, you were right. Right about the underground city, right about the desert ruins housing giants, and I’m sure you will continue to prove yourself right again in the future.
“This is why the federal government employs us. The U.S. government can’t afford to let some unknown technology, which could be employed for devious purposes, land in the hands of our enemies. No government can afford to do so if they want to survive.”
Carter nodded. He understood all of that.
“The problem is,” Rhodes continued, “no one wants to be tasked with doing this sort of work. Congress won’t have anything to do with it – afraid it would be seen as wasting the budget on crazy conspiracy theories. It could look very bad come election time.
“Be that as it may. We know politics and reality often have very little in common. I don’t have to tell you the consequences of what could happen if some ancient technology we don’t understand fell into the hands of terrorists. What happens if some lunatic gets hold of a star gate, a death ray weapon, et cetera? Can you imagine what might take place if extremists got their head-chopping hands on the Glocke, that Nazi super weapon? For all we know some kind of rail gun might be hidden under a Mayan ruin. What about some super virus stored in a mound on the tundra? Perhaps the Byzantine’s Greek fire was even more deadly than they claimed. The rumors about ancient nuclear explosions abound.”
“And these are the sort of things my grandfather was employed to look into?” Carter asked.
Rhodes nodded without replying.
“And I guess you’re not telling me more until I sign up?”
“You summed it up,” Rhodes confirmed. “Think of it this way, Carter. You unearthed a city under a mountain, which had no reference in written history. You were among the first people, in who knows how many thousands of years, to walk in a city built by giants. Those two discoveries of yours pushed human history back by 50,000 years. The existence of those places was never recorded anywhere, not even in myths and folklore. You know the level of technology both of those civilizations possessed, and we didn’t even know it existed. To this day, no one has figured out where the electricity in the City of Lights comes from and how it is conducted. Those giants were using advanced technologies that we can’t even begin to explain. To date, no written record left by them has been found. How can we be sure they, or another unknown civilization, didn’t create a weapon so powerful it could wipe us all off the face of the earth?”
The implications of what Rhodes was saying hit Carter hard. “No,” he whispered, “we can’t be sure.”
“Well, that’s why I’m here today, Carter. We need your help. I’m not sure if you realize it, but you’re currently the world’s leading expert on lost civilizations.”
Carter was a bit startled. He didn’t answer immediately; he stared at his empty coffee cup for a while and then looked at Rhodes. “Okay, I have a two-week recess coming up next week. My family and I are flying up to Freydis, and I will think this through. I trust that’s okay with you?”
“I understand. We are in a hurry to bring in Will’s replacement, but this is not a decision to be made on the spur of the moment. I’ll be waiting for your answer when you return.”
“You know I’ll never be able to hide this from Mackenzie? She didn’t fall off a turnip truck.”
“I understand that. However, for your family’s sake, it should go no further. There are people’s lives at stake Carter. There are a lot of power hungry lunatics out there who would go to extreme lengths to get their hands on some of these things if they existed. People could be killed. That’s why we work in a world of shadows. If you should decide to come on board with us, we’ll need to talk again about what you can and cannot share with her.”
“I won’t tell her anything for now,” Carter said. “I have a lot of thinking and soul-searching to do before I talk to her or make any decision.”
“Agreed. It is the best approach for now. But as I have said, you are free to go ahead and tell her what you know now if and when you feel it’s necessary.”
Rhodes stood and shook Carter’s hand, “Would you mind hanging back for a few minutes before you leave?”
“Why … what …” Carter stuttered as he looked at him in surprise at the strange request. Then he remembered Rhodes’ words. ‘We work in a world of shadows.’ This was Covert 101. That’s why he picked this seat, back to the wall so he can see everything, close to the back door for a quick escape, the dark eyes constantly scanning the room. The man is a real spook. Probably packing a gun as well.
Carter walked around the table and took Rhodes’ empty seat; he wanted to observe him as he left. Rhodes went to the counter, paid for the coffee, and walked out without looking back. Carter noticed how he paused for a second before he stepped out. He could see how Rhodes scanned the street to the left and right and across from him in that brief moment before he let his body appear outside. Yet all his movements looked natural. No casual observer would have been able to pick up that transitory moment of observation.
Being aware now of what Rhodes did for a living, Carter paid close attention and was surprised to see how the man moved and conducted himself. He didn’t look military. He had a casual style of walking - his head was not pivoting to observe his environment, yet it was certain he knew exactly what was going on around him. Out on the street he could have passed as any middle-aged office worker on his way back to his cubicle after lunch. No one would give him a second look.
Carter smiled. I’m sure he knows everything about every car and person within 100 yards of his position. He probably registered their faces, clothing, movements, and intentions.
***
On the way back to his office, Carter’s eye caught another story about the destruction of ancient monuments in the Middle East. It took every bit of self-control for him not to send the newspaper flying into the streets. This time, radical Islamists destroyed an entire ancient temple complex because it violated their sense of historical precedence. Once again, they piled explosives up around it and detonated the entire structure, bringing it down in one hideous explosion.
“They have to be stopped,” Carter mumbled as he looked at the paper. “Something has to be done. This is becoming worse than the destruction of the Library of Alexandria.”
Chapter 23
His decision was made
The two-week break from school allowed Carter and his family the opportunity to travel to Freydis. It gave him the chance to think about all the things Jim Rhodes told him about his grandfather. Carter made up his mind to talk to Ahote. If anyone of Will’s friends knew about the undercover work, it would be Ahote.
The next morning Carter and Ahote rode out on horseback. Carter was hopeful that given their close friendship, Will had confided in Ahote.
About an hour into the trek, Ahote turned to Carter and asked the question on his mind since Carter’s arrival. “What’s up, Carter? Something is bothering you my friend. I can tell.”
“You know me too well,” Carter laughed. He turned to watch a vulture soar in the sky, its broad wings riding the up draughts. At that very moment, he envied the carrion bird, as it had none of his responsibilities.
“How many years have I known you, Carter? You are like a brother to me.”
“Remember that man, James Rhodes, from our wedding and grandpa’s memorial service?”
“Yes, I do.” Ahote said. “What about him?”
“I was hoping you would be able to tell me more about him.” Carter didn’t want to be too direct. “At the memorial service he told me he had been a friend of grandpa for many years. What bugs me is I always thought I knew all of his friends, and now it seems Rhodes was the exception.”
Ahote pulled his horse up, turned in his saddle and looked at Carter with a big grin on his face. “Carter, quit beating around the bush. I know you well enough to see that you are fishing for something. Out with it.”
“Okay,” Carter sighed. Ahote was not going to make it easy for him. “Have you seen James Rhodes on any occasion other than our wedding and the memorial service?”
“No, never. I have been just as perplexed about him as you are. It’s obvious the trouble in your mind is somehow connected to this man. Care to talk about it?”
“I’m in a bit of an awkward position at the moment Ahote. I can tell you some of it, but not all. I am sorry my friend; I would like to be able to confide in you, and would do so without hesitation if I had not given my word. Please understand.” He almost begged.
“No problem Carter. A man’s word is precious. If you have given your word not to divulge certain information, I respect that. Tell me what you feel comfortable sharing, and I will fill in the blanks for myself.”
“Thanks for that Ahote. I appreciate that. Grandpa always held you in high regard, and I hold the same view.”
Ahote bowed his head in acknowledgement of the compliment and smiled.
Carter told Ahote about the meeting with Rhodes and the fact that Grandpa Will did some sensitive work for the U.S. government. He skirted around the details of the type of work and ended with the request from Rhodes to take Will’s place.
“To take your Grandfather’s place? I’m not surprised. It’s a great honor, Carter.”
“Yes, indeed it is, but I have to think about my family as well. And I don’t know to what extent James Rhodes can be trusted.”
“I can understand about your family,” Ahote said. “As for trusting Rhodes, you have Will’s word that he was a friend. I’m sure if Rhodes was not a trustworthy guy, Will would not have invited him to your wedding, and he would have warned you.”
“Yes, I guess you’re right about that.”
“Have you talked with Mackenzie about this?”
“No I haven’t, but she will have to know if I decide to proceed with this.”
“Why don’t we go through Will’s papers later and see if there is something we can learn? He might have left something in his desk or books that might tell us what he was doing all those years.”
Carter felt it was a good idea, and they rode on in silence. For the time being there was nothing more to say. They continued their ride checking the property for any signs of the wolf pack, which had grown over the years. As the day drew to a close, they finished it by inspecting and cleaning around Will’s grave before returning to the house.
Later that evening Carter told Mackenzie about his meeting with Rhodes. She listened quietly to everything. When he was done, she said, “I have faith in your decisions, Carter. I know you’ll do the right thing for both Liam and me. If you feel this is the right path to take, go ahead – you have my support.”
“Thank you, Mackie. I love you. No man could ever hope to have a better wife than I have.”
“Carter Devereux, secret agent,” she laughed. “As far as I am concerned, if that is what Will was involved in, then whatever they want you to do is all right with me. I never knew him to do anything that wasn’t honest and good for everyone. We can check through your grandfather’s papers in the morning. For now, why don’t we turn in early?” She said leading him down the hall to their bedroom.
Carter and Mackenzie walked into the storage room the next morning and looked at all the boxes stacked on skids to keep them off the floor and dry. They were organized by the date compiled and stacked in the best order possible at the time they moved them.
“It’s strange seeing a man’s life packed away in such a fashion,” Carter said. “Where do we begin? I can’t even think where to start?”
“At the beginning,” Mackenzie laughed. “We just start with the first one we can reach and go through them one by one.”
“Hmm… forever logical! That’s my Mackie.” He gave her a hug.
They spent the morning going through all the boxes. They would open one, check through it, and place it to one side if it contained nothing of interest. Most of them were full of old bill receipts, which his grandfather was meticulous about keeping, in the days before digital storage.
After lunch, Bly and Ahote joined them and helped go through even more boxes. By early evening Carter despaired, he would never find anything in them that might help him make his decision. It was obvious Will Devereux kept nothing at Freydis relating to his government work.
Just as they were about to stop for the day, Mackenzie opened a small box containing the contents of the bedside table in Will’s bedroom. She found his personal Bible on top of the items and held it up.
“How lovely; this was given to your grandfather by his mother when he went off to college. It’s a leather bound red-letter edition - an original King James Version. What an incredibly wonderful gift.” She read the inscription on the inside cover aloud. “To my dear son William, may you find wisdom and comfort in this book all the days of your life. Let this be the lamp unto your feet. Your loving Mother. 18 July 1950.”
They both had tears in their eyes as Mackenzie flipped through the Bible. Suddenly, her fingers found a single sheet of folded paper inside the pages. She took it out, noticing the name “Carter” handwritten on it and handed it to Carter.
Carter took the paper, unfolded it, and with shaking hands read:
To my dear Carter
In Psalm 103:15 the psalmist says, “The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.”’
The sand in my hourglass is at its end. I look back at my life and, with the wisdom of hindsight, there are things that I would have done differently. If I got a second chance, there is also much I would not want to change.
God blessed me beyond description when He gave you to me as my grandson and my friend for 38 years. God’s blessing went far beyond my wildest dreams when He also granted my desire to meet my wonderful daughter-in-law and my great-grandson. I am at peace when I leave this place to meet my Maker.
Nothing gives me more joy than the knowledge that you, Mackenzie, and Liam are happy and that you love and respect each other.
There remains but one matter that I never spoke to you about. That is about the work I did with my friend James Rhodes. You will never know how desperately and for how long I have wanted to share it with you.
I took pride in the work I did with him. I have no regrets. I don’t have to go into the details here; James will no doubt contact you at some stage after I’m gone and will tell you all about it. You can trust and believe him.
For some time now, James has wanted you to step into my place, and as far as I’m concerned, there’s no one better or more capable of doing so than you. Still, every time I saw you and your family, I wanted time to stretch further, to hold you all close, and so I have delayed the moment. Alas, I have held on for too long.
James was a true friend and I can assure you he will be for you. It doesn’t matter what your decision is – he will remain a loyal and trustworthy friend just like Ahote, Bly and my other friends you have met.
Nonetheless, as James will tell you, it is dangerous work - sometimes more so than you can imagine. There is your young and growing family to consider. Therefore, I ask you to think carefully before taking my place.
You have always made me so proud. You, Mackie, and Liam have filled my life with joy – you made it a life worth living.
It's time to say goodbye my son. Never forget I will always be somewhere nearby.
Your loving grandfather.
William Devereux
Carter’s eyes filled with tears and his hands shook when he gave the letter to Mackenzie to read. When she finished reading it, she passed it on to Ahote and Bly.
Mackenzie hugged her husband and cried for a long time. Later, Carter walked outside and listened to the sound of the wind in the trees. In the distance, he could see Mackenzie’s wolf friends watching him.
His decision was made.
Chapter 24
They had a lot to discuss
South Eastern Syria, close to the Iraqi border
Hassan Al-Suleiman stood and looked around the room that was now his office, admiring its size and symmetry. The tiled floor and high arched windows pleased him. He'd decided to move into the building a year ago, as he believed it was time to improve his public image.
He spent most of the morning listening to various complaints from his commanders in the field about what the official Syrian government was attempting to do now. Hassan did not give a flea-bitten donkey for the official government or the clan who ran it. They did not fit into his plans – he would deal with them in due time.
