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PDB Name: Addison Black - Eye of Bastet

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ADDISON BLACK AND

THE EYE OF BASTET

by MJ

*****

Disclaimer… Although this story is a sequel to Black’s Magic (by Cephalgia and myself), it does stand well on it’s own. It is also complete and will be posted on 3-4 day periods.

Warning… Violence and bad language ahead… this is Addison Black after all! Sex… eh, you know… just a little :)

Thanks… To Valerie for doing the editing and putting up with me… and my mum the secondary proofreader. To Angel, my research partner, who gave up her time to research my insane requests. To Mike, Tim and my dad for their valuable information. To Kelly for her inspiration, for tying up those loose ends and proving that coffee really does provide cognitive stimulation! And last but by no means least, to Spiky… who helped with the initial creation of Addison and convinced me to bring these stories to life.

THANK YOU! :)

Any comments please send them to… mj_poet@hotmail.com

*****

ADDISON BLACK AND

THE EYE OF BASTET

Introduction

It is common knowledge the Egyptian deserts are both scorching hot and adamantly unforgiving. The sun, blinding in its rays, shines brightly throughout the day and survival isn't something taken for granted. Water is a precious commodity, as it is throughout the common world. With miles upon miles of dusty ground, anything can happen and amidst the heat and sand of this dusty land lay the hidden truths of an ancient civilisation. But one question remains; is everything that was once hidden really meant to be discovered?

Chapter 1

Karlyn Sanderson stepped out into the warm, dry air. Standing beside her tent she surveyed her surroundings. Sand... as far as her eyes could see. Looking into the distance, the setting sun was just dipping below the horizon. It cast a beautiful haze upon the ground, shimmering with heat and glazed magnificence. It was this part of the day Karlyn enjoyed the most. The day's work was complete and she could enjoy the peaceful and somewhat cooler evenings, watching as the first stars appeared in the sky, twinkling in their distant splendour.

Turning from the darkening sky, Karlyn looked to the group of exuberant individuals gathered around a fire. With almost joyful glee they toasted marshmallows on broken sticks and chatted with enthused excitement. She understood their disposition for she herself was just as excited. This day had been a day to remember; a day they had possibly made the greatest find of the past centuries. It was a find Karlyn had never dared to hope for but it had been every archaeologist's most secret desire. Karlyn wanted to pinch herself once again. This should be too good to be true... but she knew it was. Her excitement was less of a flutter of butterflies in her stomach and more a stampede of elephants. Karlyn was pretty sure her colleagues felt that same way. Imhotep, she thought to herself... famous architect, philosopher, minister, astrologer and physician of antiquity. The man who designed and built the very first pyramid... once a simple mortal and after his death lifted to the status of a God in the eyes of many... Imhotep. He had lived so many thousands of years ago and his tomb had been sought for centuries, yet none had unearthed the prize… until now.

A map was Karlyn's find. It was a map, written in hieroglyphics and carved into five stone tablets. Karlyn shook her head, feeling this was almost unreal. There in Karnak, under the presumed site of one of his temples they had found the map to Imhotep's tomb. What she found slightly confusing was the reason why a map had been created in the first place. A tomb was sacred and once sealed; it was not to be crossed. Why would the followers of Imhotep make a map? Karlyn frowned as she studied the ground below her feet. Pushing her beige, booted foot into the sand, she half buried her sole. Though they had only deciphered half of the first stone tablet, one element was clear; the map was not so much a marker to Imhotep's tomb as it was the directive to something hidden within his final resting place. Karlyn hoped further study of the tablets would reveal more of the answers.

Running her fingertips though chestnut hair, Karlyn grasped the shoulder length strands and pulled them into a ponytail. She sighed and arched her head backwards as a cool breeze tickled her neck. After the heat of the day she welcomed the evening with relish. Wearing only a pair of stereotypical, khaki cargo shorts and a navy vest, the coolness of the night made her feel blissfully content.

"Karlyn!" came a voice from the group around the fire. The archaeologist looked over to her colleagues and students. "Where's William gone?"

Karlyn walked towards the fire. The heat increased, offering a contrast to the cool desert night air. "I sent him on an errand for me." She smiled, her grey eyes sparkling in the firelight. "We've run out of coffee and I can't function without my morning caffeine boost!"

"Oh and don't we know it!" Dean Dodson replied. He rose to his feet and offered Karlyn a freshly toasted marshmallow. "Have you received word from the university yet?"

"No," Karlyn shook her head. "But I scanned each tablet and sent the images to them just this minute so I presume we'll hear back pretty soon. In fact, I figure it will be the minute those images appear on screen!"

"You think?" Dean joked. In the semi darkness, his ruddy complexion lit by the fire, made him seem older than his thirty years.

Clare Allen, who was sitting with her back to Karlyn, turned to face her boss. "It is the real deal isn't it!" Her words, although sounding very much like a question, were a simple statement of fact and they all knew it.

"Although my mind swarms around a million doubts and questions, my gut tells me this is and I've learned never to question the beast!" That statement earned Karlyn a round of chuckles. 'The beast', as she referred to it, was a mix between her large appetite and gut instinct... both were non-to-easily rivalled.

"It's real," assured Sal, a student archaeologist who looked up to Karlyn as his mentor. With twenty years experience in the field, Karlyn was renowned as one of the best instructors and field archaeologists in Europe. She had spent the last four months in Egypt, along with her colleagues and students, on a very important dig. Little did they realise how important it would turn out to be.

Smiling down at Sal's boyish good looks, Karlyn instinctively knew he was indeed right. She held little doubt of the tablets authenticity. Her only concern was the reason for the maps and their original intention.

"Come on guys, make room for an old lady." Karlyn wedged herself in between the circle of bodies and they shifted to accommodate her. Karlyn looked around the circle of thirteen eager faces. The excitement she was feeling inside shone in the expression of each of them. Karlyn knew their current dig would be put on hold. Tomorrow, pending authenticity of the tablets, they would begin working on their search for Imhotep's tomb.

Closing her eyes, Karlyn took a deep breath of breezy, yet warm, air. She looked up into the sky seeing more stars above them. Darkness was falling rapidly upon the land. When the sun rose again they would break camp and travel to a new destination, ready to embark on the greatest find of archaeology. Anticipation prickled Karlyn's flesh, traversing her skin with goose bumps. Would she be able to sleep tonight? Did she want to? By the disposition of her team, she was very sure a night of festivities was on the cards.

Karlyn plucked the crisp marshmallow from her stick. Its sweet scent and molten texture tantalized her taste buds. Around her conversation had continued. They talked about the find, the possibilities it bestowed. Karlyn smiled as she heard her assistant Vicki burst into laughter. The redhead's laughter was infectious, as was her personality. Karlyn was always amused by Vicki's consistency in singing while she worked. They were always the most out of place tunes as well; Christmas carols during the summer time, summer party anthems during the Christmas period. Vicki didn't like conforming to the norm. It was one of the reasons Karlyn got on with her so well; she enjoyed Vicki's happy-go-lucky nature. In fact, Karlyn was happy with her team as a whole. They related well and worked together diligently and with a certain harmony she very much enjoyed.

"The traveller returns," called Dean. Karlyn looked behind her to see William returning from his quest. The middle-aged geologist/archaeologist carried a sand brown box in his arms like precious cargo. A well-worn fedora hung precariously sideways on his head, exposing his receding dark hairline.

"That is a lot of coffee," commented Vicki, shaking out her shoulder length blonde locks as she rose to her feet.

William frowned, "Coffee?"

"He didn't really go in search of coffee," Karlyn admitted and grinned with mischief as she took the box from William. Placing it upon the ground she pulled open its lid and both hands delved inside the container, emerging with green bottles. "Champagne!" she announced. "I thought we needed to celebrate the day in style!" Cheers and whoops of agreement followed as Karlyn passed around the bottles.

"What's the damage, Will?"

"It's on me," William replied as he reached into the box. "I got a good deal with a trader in the bazaar and managed to get these thrown in as well." He produced a packet of cigars. "I love the bartering system in this country." Removing a cigar from the pack he bit off the end, spitting it into the sand.

Karlyn shook her head. Although William had been the newest member of her team, she had grown swiftly aware of his addiction to, as he called it, 'a good smoke'. He worked with a cigarette hanging from his lips most of the day. She wondered if he had one poised in his mouth at night for when he awoke in the mornings.

Cheers filled the campsite again as the champagne bottles were popped and the sweet bubbly liquid overflowed from their green, glass containers. Karlyn smiled, watching her colleagues for a few more moments before her mind wandered back to the tablets inside her quarters and she felt the need to return to the beige, canvas tent. Ducking inside, her eyes moved instantly to the five stone tablets lying side by side upon a delicately covered table. Each one had been photographed, catalogued and placed securely in position for packaging. She walked over to the table, looking down at the written maps. With wonderment, Karlyn ran her fingers over the precisely inscribed hieroglyphics. Although she herself did understand some of the symbols, she wasn't familiar with them all. Dean was her man for that specific job and tomorrow she would allow him the time to go over the inscriptions in great detail. He had originally deciphered a small portion of the first tablet after Karlyn had recognised the name 'Imhotep' and had become instantly enticed. Who wouldn't? Whether it was in the world of archaeology or the silver screen, his name was legendary.

Karlyn frowned as her eyes read the little she was able to understand pertaining to a key. Whatever this so called 'key' was, the first tablet alone made mention of it several times. Intuition told her it was important. Her imagination ran away with an almost childlike excitement.

Shaking herself from the current thoughts, Karlyn covered the tablets carefully. Lifting her arms overhead she arched her back, working out the kinks of the day. She heard several clicks and pops and grimaced. Old age slowly creeping up on me, she thought. Too many years of dig sites, bending and kneeling on the ground. Maybe this would be the find in which to retire her career. She could take a job teaching in the university; she had been asked enough times. Maybe, she thought. Maybe it is time. Taking one last look at the now covered tablets, Karlyn turned to her makeshift bed, a place she knew there would be little sleep tonight.

She jumped suddenly, alarm jolting her system, as a rapid chain of explosions rose around her. Heart instantly rising into her throat, Karlyn dashed out of her tent, desperate to discover the source of the terrifying sound. The sound of horrified shouts and screams erupted throughout her campsite. Eyes darting around wildly she looked on in terror-filled bewilderment as a gang of masked gunmen descended upon them. Armed with what she only knew as machine guns, they fired with abandon upon not just her team but also everything around them. A chain of bullets shot into a nearby jeep and the vehicle exploded, a ball of flames shooting into the air.

Karlyn screamed, ducking as the flames expanded, the heat palpable against her skin. She looked around, desperate for escape yet still wanting to lead her friends out of danger. It was too late though, she could see them falling and the aroma of fresh blood mixing with the heat and smoke curdled her stomach.

"No!" Karlyn cried, running out towards the massacre of bodies. Her colleagues, some still alive and calling for help, writhed in painful shock. Their cries were answered only with a reply of more fire and instant death. Karlyn's shocked grey eyes watched in horror as Vicki, her long time friend, was gunned down in a shower of bullets.

Suddenly realising she was in a highly dangerous position, Karlyn looked around. She saw William running behind a nearby tent and followed urgently. She almost reached him... Almost, was her last thought as an explosion of pain entered her back and surged throughout her body. She fell limply to the ground.

Chapter 2

Foot pounding, one in front of the other, Addison Black sprinted across the Cornish coastline. To her left the sea rippled softly beside her. Its gentle sound was always comforting. Sweat rolled effortlessly down Addison's forehead, trickled down her back and soaked into her red sports bra and shorts. Her chest burned, straining to gain more oxygen, yet remain steady in breath. Arms swaying by her side, meters became yards, yards became kilometres, and kilometres became miles. In the far distance she began to make out her home, yet she didn't decrease her speed. Addison was adamant she would burn off her excess energy before nightfall.

It was early evening. The sun was hanging low in the sky, reflecting with striking clarity over the English Channel. For a summer evening it was cool and calm. Addison spied several boats on the horizon, each one making its way back into harbour. This was her favourite time of day to go for a run. Holidaymakers had just about left the beach for the day leaving it so much calmer and quieter. She passed a young couple playing with a dog, throwing its ball into the sea and Addison grinned as it dived into the water, splashing around playfully.

Addison checked her watch, noting the time. She was pretty sure her return would be anticipated. It always was this time of day and although she would have preferred company on her run, it had long become obvious Spike's little legs couldn't keep up with the agent. Instead, the tiny black dog waited for her mistress at home. Usually she would be lying on top of the picnic table, lazily waiting upon Addison's return.

Four months had passed since Skyler commenced training. It had been a long four months, but was necessary if Skyler was to work for Special Operations. She was no soldier and as such would not be expected to carry out one-man missions, but what Skyler did have was a high intellect. She had shocked the government's examiners with an IQ of one hundred and eighty two. Her quick thinking and logical mind were just what they were looking for. She would be highly beneficial to their intelligence sector. However, though she wasn't a trained soldier, Skyler still needed advanced training in weaponry, hand-to-hand combat, operations procedures and further selected programmes that benefited special operations. Addison knew the training was tough, but it was necessary.

There was, however, one downfall to Skyler's training. General Blithe had ordered Addison to keep away. He considered her a distraction and to ensure there were none such distractions for Skyler during this extremely intense training period he didn't want Addison around. Training was tough and Skyler had to stand the regime on her own if she was to pass. Her emotions had to hold up without the aid of a loving arm to comfort her when she had a bad day and with Addison around, he knew she would have that. There was a part of Addison that didn't want that for Skyler. She knew what kind of training Skyler would be facing and wondered how she would cope. Trouble was, Skyler was just as stubborn and adamant that she would face the challenge. That did please Addison and she at least consoled her with the knowledge she would get to talk with Skyler once a week by videophone. The agent also knew having Skyler working within intelligence would be a great advantage.

Mounting a wooden deck Addison slowed down her pace. She was fast approaching home and about to ascend the 76 steps up the cliff face to her lighthouse. A hot shower sounded wonderful and that was exactly where she was heading. Afterwards she intended on calling Skyler to see how she was. There was one more month of training and Addison was counting down the days. Apart from an all too brief three weeks of exploring one another's feelings, they hadn't had any time to build on a relationship. Addison wanted it. She hoped Skyler still did too. Occasionally they would express how they missed each other, but a niggling voice inside Addison wondered just how they would change once Skyler was a member of the S.O. team. The blonde doctor had always been highly career motivated; would she want to concentrate on her work within M.I.5 on a strictly platonic level?

As fatigue set into her limbs Addison slowed her pace further to a light jog. She took the remaining steps slowly and heard a happy bark from above. Looking up, Addison spotted Spike standing at the summit of the cliff happily wagging her tail.

The agent grinned. "Hey there, Spiky." The mongrel yapped in response. "Miss me?" Leaping up the last step Addison slowed to a calm walk. Her breathing was rapid but even. Spike scampered around her feet happily. "Where's my water, Spike?"

Ears alert in recognition, Spike darted off to the picnic table. She jumped first onto its seat and then onto the tabletop. Addison pushed one leg in front of her and stretched out her calf, watching Spike. She was just in time to see her nudge the clear bottle of mineral water off the tabletop. As it bounced onto the ground, Spike jumped back down. Taking the bottle by its cap she proceeded to drag it over to Addison. The agent met her half way and lifted the bottle, tapping Spike upon the head.

"Good girl."

Uncapping the bottle top, Addison took a long swallow. She devoured half the container before stopping and looked back down at Spike. The mongrel gazed up at her in a longing manner so she bent down, poured water into her cupped palm and allowed spike to lap away at the liquid. Once the dog was finished Addison brushed her damp hand over her red shorts. "Come on then, Spiky, lets get showered." Pulling a set of keys from her pocket, Addison tossed them up into the air once before making her way towards home. Spike trotted beside her.

Addison entered the lighthouse, kicking off her training shoes as she entered the kitchen. Dropping her keys on the table she made a beeline towards the fridge, opening its door and pulling out a carton of orange juice. She drank thirstily from the carton, kicking the fridge door closed and padding over to the spiral staircase. The agent stopped drinking only as her first foot mounted the step and she ascended the stairs. It was almost eight o'clock in the evening and Addison had planned on an early night. The following morning she would be driving up to London to spend the weekend with Skyler. Once a month Skyler had a weekend off and the last three times Addison had been out on covert missions. One had been a reconnaissance mission, one had been a hostage retrieval operation in South America and the last one was a very delicate mission in which she had to 'obtain' personal files from a high ranking political leader in the East. Each assignment had been difficult in its own way, but even so, the distance she felt from Skyler was just as trying. With only one weekly phone call, Addison missed the doctor immensely and often wondered how she was handling her training. Although it was no way near as harsh as S.A.S. training, it was still intense.

Just as Addison entered her bedroom a high pitched beeping sounded out from her watch. Addison paused mid-step. She closed her eyes and sighed. "No! You've got to be kidding me!" Spike barked and the agent blew out a forced breath in agitation. The page meant only one thing; she was required to contact Headquarters immediately. Nine times out of ten it was General Blithe, and if indeed it was he calling for her attention, she was being called to undertake a mission. Skyler will kill me, Addison thought.

Spinning on her heals; Addison descended the stairs back into the kitchen. She approached a separate door from the one she had entered and punched in a numeric code on the keypad upon the wall. The agent passed through the door and took another set of steps two at a time down into her garage. She turned to a second door, keyed in a second code followed by a hand print scan. Given the green light to enter, Addison was allowed access into her underground database and armoury. She strode over to a large computer and activated the screen. Her fingers danced over the keyboard and within moments she had secured access into the special operations system. Its mainframe recognised Addison's arrival and connected the agent to her caller.

Addison leaned back in her chair, keeping her eyes trained upon the screen and waited for a visual. Her annoyance at being paged turned to one of surprise when she saw Samuel Perkins grinning back at her.

"Sam!" she said in a light tone, "I thought this page," she pointed to her watch, "Was for mission purposes only?"

"Nope, Addison you will be glad to know you are not about to be shunted off on another mission!" He winked perceptively, forcing Addison to shake her head.

"So what do you want? I was just about to jump in the shower?"

The scientist shrugged. "Don't let me stop you."

"Oh, okay, bye, bye then." Addison rose slightly as she moved her hand to switch off the screen.

"No wait." Samuel sighed. "Okay I do want to have a quick chat with you."

The agent re-seated herself.

"I'd like you to come in and see me before you meet up with Skyler tomorrow. I know she wont finish until seven tomorrow evening and you will be here around midday. I've been working on a little project that's almost at completion. I would like it if you came to take a look at it and the sooner the better. We could find this very advantageous to future missions."

"So what is it?"

"That… I am not saying. You're going to have to wait and see."

"Okay." Addison replied. "So, is that it?"

Samuel frowned. "You are not even the least bit curious?"

"Would it make any difference if I were?"

"Well…" Samuel tapped his bottom lip. "It is very good. You might be able to tempt me into telling you early... if you have the right encouragement. I could possibly change my mind."

Understanding dawned on Addison. "Ah ha!" she exclaimed and shook her head. "Not only when hell freezes over but pigs are going to fly out of my arse before I let you take a spin in my new car, Sammy boy."

Samuel was instantly crestfallen. "Oh please?"

"No."

"I promise I wont take it over seventy miles per hour. You can sit with me."

"Bollocks." Addison knew that was impossible. "Samuel, your hobby is to chip cars so they can go faster, you are a speed freak."

"How about if I agreed to install a certain piece of apparatus you have always hinted at wanting to…"

"Look, Sam," Addison interrupted. "Begging doesn't become you. Look… I'll tell you what. I'll be there around midday. If you promise me you will adjust my watch so the damn page is not so acutely, ear piercingly shrill I'll, consider it."

"You got it… and I'll even buy you lunch. How's that?"

"Lunch is free, Sam."

Samuel Perkins sighed. "You are such a party pooper, Addy. Okay. It's a deal."

Addison smirked, happy to end the conversation so she could get into the warmth and luxurious stimulation of her shower. "Tomorrow, Sam. Eleven hundred hours." Addison severed the connection.

***

Watching his screen turn black, Samuel rolled his eyes. "She's so abrupt when she's sweaty!"

From behind his terminal, Skyler's head loomed above the screen. "She doesn't suspect anything?"

"Negative," Samuel replied. "I doubt she has any idea what is going on... and I think I did a damn good job in just stomping on my pride enough to make her think I want a ride in her new A.M.G."

"But you do," Skyler supplied.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah... anyway. The bait is set for tomorrow."

"Great." Skyler Tidwell stepped from around the desk Samuel had perched himself upon. "She's going to be so surprised. Thanks, Sam. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Tomorrow, Skyler. Now get to bed! It has been quite an eventful day!"

"It has!" Skyler hugged Samuel. With a smile of uncontained excitement she left his office. It had been a day, which to Skyler, had passed much too quickly. The day started out as any other Thursday. Skyler had arisen in her two-roomed apartment within a special location inside the H.Q. training facility, at six o'clock in the morning. She was ready for a day of arms training in the morning and E and E directives in the afternoon. E and E were Eyes and Ears training. This was to be Skyler's speciality and job within Special Operations. For any agent going into a situation and needing a constant update of information, Skyler would be providing that. The agent would wear an 'Eyes and Ears' set so she could see and hear everything that was happening and could provide the agent with information in order to carry out the mission. With her wealth of knowledge and quick mind, her assistance would be invaluable on missions that needed a constant update of data. Skyler's input was already invaluable to the operation.

With the day starting out as every other had for the past four months, Skyler was unprepared for any change. She arrived at the target range five minutes before eight and was surprised to find Mark Blight waiting for her. She had seen very little of him since her training began, but knew he was still watching her progress. The majority of his time had been taken up with troubles in the Middle East. At first Skyler presumed Mark was there to give her confirmation of her choice of weapon. She had chosen the typical Browning standard issue pistol, but also requested a second weapon. This one wasn't standard issue within Special Operations, but Skyler felt her judgment was sound enough to carry both. It was called the Advanced Taser M18L series. It was a weapon that appeared very much like a normal pistol yet was obviously designed for Electro-Muscular Disruption. It was a highly sophisticated weapon for bringing down a target without actually causing fatal injury and worked on a principle of overriding the central nervous system to directly control the skeletal muscles. It had proved most successful in the field and Skyler hoped General Blithe would allow authorization for her to carry one of these as well. Even around Special Operations H.Q. all operatives were required to carry their weapons. She had discovered each person had their personal favourite and hoped Mark would allow her the same preference. His visit, however, was for an entirely different purpose, one that even she wasn't aware. What was more, she knew Addison was in for a surprise.

Chapter 3

The echo of numerous voices filtered out from Headquarters canteen. Addison listened to their chatter as she made her way towards the eatery. At ten o'clock in the morning she presumed it was the stragglers from breakfast. Ever since the catering facilities had been upgraded, the canteen had become more a focal point for congregation. An adjoined room, previously used as an office, had been renovated and turned into a kitchen. Selected staff from several army bases in the United Kingdom had been enlisted to work for Special Operations and a team of qualified cooks had been assembled. The canteen now had a fully functional kitchen providing a wide selection of hot meals every day.

Slipping off her grey sports jacket, Addison stepped into the canteen. Seven of the ten rectangular tables were occupied and all diners appeared to be involved in one conversation.

"Addison!" Zora French shouted from the centre table. "Come over here." All eyes turned towards Addison. "We need your input."

"Oh no," Addison responded. "What are you guys talking about now? I swear if this turns into another one of those debates you have about the world sex marathon, I'm leaving."

"No, no, no..." Zora rose from her chair. "This is ever so more interesting than that." She took Addison by the arm and led the agent to her centre table. "Sit!"

"Yes ma'am!" Addison complied.

Zora French was Chief Scientist in weapons' research. She had worked for many years as a nuclear physicist but found her work within M.I.5.'s Special Operations branch to be much more rewarding. Zora was dedicated and diligent, but well known for a temper as fiery as her red hair. The short, stocky woman was a force not to be messed with.

"Now then…" Zora sat beside Addison and turned her chair to face the agent. Around them, bodies gravitated towards their table. "Addison... last week, on Wednesday, you attended that conference with Mark."

"Yes?" Addison replied, already knowing where Zora's line of questioning was leading.

"In the security office," Zora continued, "You were there weren't you? You saw it, didn't you?"

"Saw what?"

"On the C.C.T.V."

"When?"

"That night."

Addison looked around in faux confusion. She knew full well what Zora was talking about. It was an encounter that had been captured by Closed Circuit Television by the far wall to the H.Q conference building, which bordered the River Thames. From outside, the building appeared nothing more than a disused car park and factory. That alone proved a desirable location for those who may want to indulge in an illicit encounter away from prying eyes. Little did anybody know what went on under the disused factory.

"Oh," Addison exclaimed with a sudden flash of enlightenment. "You mean the couple we saw shagging in the back of that black B.M.W."

"Yes!" cried most of the canteen's occupants.

Zora fidgeted in her chair. "You did see them then?"

"Don't remind me." Addison forced a sickened expression.

"Well?" Zora pressed. "Did that really happen?"

"What?"

"Don't act clueless, Addison. You know what we mean. Was it really a government M.P. with a prozzy in the back of that car?"

Addison shrugged; she knew what was coming. "That depends." Although she knew anything uttered within the walls of Special Operations would never pass them, she also knew her colleagues. "What are the odds and on whom?"

Zora placed a hand upon her chest in mock offence. "Do you really think we are placing bets on who had some woman hanging out of his car window as he rogered her senseless?"

"She has such a way with words!" Addison nodded. "Quite frankly, yes!"

Samuel appeared from behind the crowd. "Two to one it's the very 'honourable' Michael Porter. Three to one it's Gordon Whitened. Five to one it's that slime ball Anthony Farewell." Samuel continued to list the suspects on the fingers of his right hand. "Fifteen to one it's Doug Head and the outsider at Fifty to one is Maggie Bulkhead!"

Addison laughed out loud. "Bulkhead! Who picked her?"

"That would be me."

Her head shooting to the left, Addison saw Skyler emerge between a crowd of scientists. Warmth pricked through her veins and she smiled at the welcome sight of Skyler Tidwell. She looked pretty much the same as the last time Addison saw her only her hair was a little longer and she appeared almost… Addison looked closer… stronger! The blonde doctor was well aware of Addison's appraisal and quirked a shy smile. Finding her voice and regaining her façade Addison said, "Oh you did, did you?" Skyler nodded. Addison turned back to the crowd. "Okay, who placed their bets on Gordon Whitened?"

"Yes!" Samuel pumped two fists in the air. "I knew it was him."

"It wasn't him," said Addison.

Samuels jaw fell. "What?" He sat down on a chair conveniently placed behind him. "Well who the hell was it?"

"Doug Head."

"Douglass Head? I can't believe it." Zora pulled the book from Samuel's hand. "He's married with two children. I have lunch with him and his wife every month or so." She scanned the list of names that had placed their bets. "I just can't believe it."

With a pronounced pout Samuel asked, "Who bet on him?"

Zora shook her head. "Only Danny Sleet, but he left for a meeting ten minutes ago. I put the odds on him so high because I didn't believe there was a chance in hell it was Doug Head. Bloody politicians, you can't trust a single one of them. Danny put twenty pounds on him. That is three hundred pounds plus his original wager."

Rising from her chair, Addison waggled her index finger. "These things in life are sent to try us. Maybe it will teach you to stop betting!" Addison looked back to Skyler, trying to cover the smile that wanted to shape her lips. The doctor's gaze was still upon her.

"Says the woman who started all this," remarked Samuel.

"We learn, we grow; that's what life's all about, Sam." Addison began to make her way through the dispersing crowd. "Now if you will excuse me, I have some business with Doctor Tidwell."

"I bet," Samuel mumbled under his breath as Addison passed, earning him a prod in the stomach. The agent didn't speak until she was before Skyler.

"Doctor Tidwell," she said politely. "Could I speak with you for a moment?"

Skyler smiled cordially. "Of course, Addison." Delivering a secretive wink in Samuel's direction, Skyler left the canteen with Addison.

They walked side by side down a long wide corridor. At regular intervals cameras were fixed upon the wall and monitored their progress through the building. Dressed in khaki shorts and a navy blue t-shirt Addison's clothes were opposite to Skyler's navy cargo pants and Khaki shirt, standard dress for operatives in training. Above her left breast pocket was Skyler's name and ranking identification. She had already been assigned her operative status... S.O.112. Both women nodded respectfully at passers but contained a manner of silence between them. Eventually it was Skyler who asked, "Where are we going? I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but it kind of seems like we're on our way to my room." Addison simply smiled. That was indeed where they were heading.

The remainder of their journey down to the second underground level of Special Operations training facilities was taken in silence. An elevator took them to their specified level and Skyler was the first to reach her room. Pulling a black cord from around her neck she pressed her thumb into the metallic, oval chip and swiped it past her doors lock. The door opened and she entered, Addison directly behind her. The agent closed the door and turned to Skyler.

"How are you?" she asked, taking a step towards the doctor.

"Good," Skyler replied and took a step of her own.

"How's the training?" Addison closed the distance between them further.

"Interesting." Skyler's final step eradicated any space left between them.

Addison cupped Skyler's chin. "I missed you."

"I missed you too." Skyler pulled Addison into a much-desired kiss. She melted instantly, basking in the feel of Addison in her arms. Although time while training had passed quickly, it still felt so long since she felt a personal touch, loving arms and gentle caresses.

Addison held Skyler close against her body, drawing her in further, seeking what her soul had craved for many months. She wrapped her arms tighter around Skyler, almost lifting the doctor into her embrace. Lips parted as their kiss deepened, caressing and stoking their escalating need and relief to touch each other once again. Skyler sighed, causing Addison to turn and push her against the door. Skyler was the first to pull away, her breathing hot and laboured.

"Wasn't quite supposed to happen like this."

Addison kissed her way down Skyler's neck. "Why not?"

The doctor sighed in pleasure. "We were supposed to meet with General Blithe first thing."

"Mark can wait." Addison nipped open the top button of Skyler's shirt. Her kisses ventured further. "Unless you want to leave now?"

For her response, Skyler held Addison's head in place. She knew if it were not for Addison holding her against the wall she probably would have slid down it by now. Unfortunately their moment was interrupted by an abrupt knock upon Skyler's door. The women pulled away, their eyes glazed yet showing disappointment.

"We could ignore it," Skyler offered.

"It's Mark."

"How do you know?"

"Because," Addison started, "He has this ability to interrupt me when I least desire to see him."

"Yes, but that doesn't mean it's…"

"Addison," Samuel called from behind the door.

Skyler smiled. "See?"

"Mark needs to see you and asked me to knock for you seeing as I was heading down here. He is in his office at the off site cover."

Grinning, Addison delivered her own smile that clearly stated, 'I told you so' in a wide, toothy grin. Skyler pursed her lips and moved away from the door allowing Addison room to open it. "Sam, why didn't he just page me?" Samuel's sly smile told Addison all she needed to know.

"I suppose he thought my presence might be a dousing of cold water to the um…"

Closing her eyes, Addison nodded. "I understand perfectly. I'm on my way."

"He wants Skyler too."

"Skyler?" Addison turned to the blonde. "I wonder what this is about?"

Skyler shrugged but as Addison passed through the doorway, her back to the doctor and scientist, she winked at Samuel and he wiggled his eyebrows in return. They took a flight of stairs down to an underground shuttle that would take them to Mark's off-site office. It was a building in which he was able to meet with civilians. The train journey only took a couple of minutes and as Addison exited the shuttle she ran into Danny Sleet. Even from behind she could recognise his slicked back locks anywhere. They both smiled mischievously and as they passed gave each other a 'high five', exchanging something between hands.

"One sixty; good going partner."

Danny's expression was one of self-satisfaction. "Nice working with you."

"Anytime, mate!"

Skyler watched the exchange. Realisation dawned upon her. "You tipped him off as to who was with that prostitute so you could share the winnings!"

Waving the folded ten-pound notes in her hand, Addison was unremorseful. "Yes I did. All's fair in love and wagers. Besides... look who has some fun money to take you out to lunch with. Anywhere you desire, anything you would like to eat."

"Anything?" Skyler asked with a leer. She followed Addison up a flight to stairs to Marks office.

"Caviar or melted chocolate off naked skin!"

Obviously easily swayed, Skyler responded immediately. "You're on!"

Flashing another toothy smile, Addison stopped outside Mark Blithe's outer office. She opened the door and poked her head inside. Sitting behind his desk was Mark's new assistant. Joseph Verona was ex navy; he had been discharged a year before after a parachuting accident that had left him with a damaged back. The statuesque man with prematurely greying hair had very much desired to remain working for his country. He was approached for the position of Blithe's assistant a month after the death of Antonia Bakersfield. Passing all security protocols, Joseph was enlisted within two days.

"Good morning, Joseph," Addison greeted, striding into the outer office. "Mark in there? He requested a meeting with Skyler and myself."

"I'll just let him know you're here." Joseph nodded to Skyler with a smile. Leaning over his desk he activated the intercom. "General Blithe, Addison Black and Skyler Tidwell are here to see you."

Marks voice cracked through the speaker. "Send them through, Joseph, thanks."

Joseph held out his hand towards the office door. "Go right in." Skyler accompanied Addison into the General's office. The feeling of excitement, which had tickled her senses through anticipation, dissipated as she spied two smartly dressed gentlemen seated upon Mark's couch. Both men were in their mid forties and dressed in three piece, pin-striped suits. Although Skyler didn't recognise either man she was pretty sure they were government officials.

With a sinking feeling and hope the men before her were not prelude to a mission Addison folded her arms. She did recognise the shorter man immediately. He was Jonathan Bronson, Minister of State for Armed Forces. Addison had met with him several times. He worked for the Ministry of Defence and headed the meeting both she and Mark had attended the week before. The broader man, however, was unfamiliar to her.

"Skyler," Mark began, "This is Jonathan Bronson, Minister of State for armed forces." Jonathan rose and shook Skyler's hand. He nodded to Addison in acknowledgment. His strawberry blonde hair was shaved close to his head. It matched his closely cropped beard. "And this is Doctor Roman Leeds, professor at Evenfall University." Roman rose and shook Addison and Skyler's hands. Both women wondered what their required presence was about. Skyler was sure this was nothing to do with the surprise she had for Addison.

Mark stepped around his desk, leaning against the wall. "Jonathan and Doctor Leeds are here as a situation has occurred in Egypt."

"Okay?" Addison said.

"Doctor Leeds," Mark introduced.

Roman Leeds rose again. His build was stockier than Jonathan, the obvious sign of years of sitting behind a desk. His receding hairline was combed over to one side, shielding his emerging balding spot. It had yet to look as ridiculous as many perceived comb-overs to be. "Yes… well… I run the Archaeology Department at Evenfall University. For many months now we have been funding a dig in Karnak, our most prestigious colleague Karlyn Sanderson…" Skyler cast a brief glance towards Addison. Not only did she recognise Karlyn's name but she had also worked with her almost two years ago. Roman continued, noticing Skyler's reaction. "Karlyn Sanderson and a group of fellow archaeologists and students have been out there since the project started. Karlyn had been working on evidence that she had collected over the years."

"That's right," said Skyler. "She often alluded to a project she was working on that she felt would open a whole new chapter in the history of Egyptian antiquity."

"You worked with her?" Addison asked, receiving a nod from Skyler in response.

"Well we believe she found it." Roman reached over to Mark's desk and picked up a foolscap folder. He lifted the flap pulling out a small pile of photocopied prints.

Mark looked over his shoulder, seeing what it was Doctor Leeds was obtaining. He had already seen those pictures. "This was the reason I specifically called for you, Skyler. You have a background in hieroglyphics translation."

Roman handed the pictures to Skyler who took them eagerly. She glanced down at the printed shots, Addison doing the same. The doctor's eyes scanned over the Egyptian symbols upon the scanned tablets. The further down Skyler read, the more an overwhelming excitement bubbled within her. "Oh… my… God!"

Addison gave her a curious look. "What is it? All I see is a bunch of dodgy shapes and symbols."

"Imhotep!" Skyler stated.

"What? The freaky guy from that film 'The Mummy'?"

Roman shook his head swiftly. "No, the portrayal of Imhotep on the silver screen is nothing like the real man. Imhotep himself was a great man in ancient Egypt. He built the first pyramid. He was an astrologer, recognised as the world's first doctor, a priest, scribe, sage, poet, vizier and chief minister. Truly a powerful man of his time and after his death achieved the status of Godhood."

"Okay," Addison continued. "So what's the big deal here?"

Skyler's fingers traced over the hieroglyphics. "This claims to be the map to his tomb."

"The location of Imhotep's tomb has always been a mystery. Some consider it to be one of the greatest treasures to find. Kind of like if we ever found the lost city of Atlantis." Roman pulled out a second clip of papers. Addison could tell these were actual photographs. They reflected the overhead lights in the underground office. Doctor Leeds held them against his chest as he continued. "What you have there are the five tablets found by Karlyn Sanderson and her team in Egypt only yesterday."

Addison sat down upon the corner of Mark Blithe's desk and once again folded her arms. "What happened?"

Roman handed the photographs to Addison. "Late last night we received a call from the Egyptian police in Karnak. Only hours after Doctor Sanderson had sent those tablet scans to us, their campsite was ambushed.

Skyler looked up quickly. "What do you mean? What happened?"

The highly detailed photographs portrayed the answer to her question. "They were massacred," said Addison, hearing a whispered 'no' from Skyler. "All of them?" she asked Roman.

"The entire team."

Addison flipped to another shot showing Karlyn Sanderson lying face down upon the ground. A scattering of bullet holes and blood marred her body. "And the tablets? The maps to Imhotep's tomb?"

"Gone. Stolen."

Grinding her teeth together, Addison shook her head. Skyler walked towards her and although her first thought was to remove the pictures from her view, she knew Skyler had to see them. Not only would it appear unprofessional but with Skyler working towards being part of the team she had to be treated as such.

General Blithe pushed away from the wall. He had already spoken with both men about the reason for their request to see him and was well aware of the situation. However, he hadn't been able to properly inspect the photographs. Motioning towards the pictures in Addison's hand, the agent handed them over. Mark studied the images.

"So if you don't mind me asking, what does the Ministry of Defence have to do with this?" Skyler enquired.

"John and I are old friends, when I was informed about what happened I went to him for advice."

Jonathan spoke up. "This has the probability of being a devastating incident in international relations. One of the students was from Italy, another from China. Not only could their murders cause problems as they were under the tuition of a British university but an item which had the possibility of being one of the greatest finds of the century, being stolen for that possible reason, only escalates the situation. Opportunistic thieves are not murderers. This was a planned hit. They knew exactly where and at whom to shoot. If you notice in the photographs of the crime scene, the tent that belonged to Doctor Sanderson was unharmed and free from any bullet holes yet the rest of the campsite was littered. Obviously this happened with the intent of taking the stone tablets. We want them back and we want the people behind their murders brought to justice."

"So this is where I come in?"

"Actually Addison," Mark placed the photographs upon his desk. "This is where both of you come in. "I'm sending you and Skyler out on this."

"Mark, you…"

"Addison," Blithe interrupted. "There is a high chance whoever now has the map is already trying to locate the tomb."

"It isn't going to be so easy," said Skyler. "The further on I read the more the maps' descriptions tend to be cryptic... like riddles."

"Exactly," Roman agreed. "Instead of trying to find and retrieve the tablets we want you to use the scans and find the tomb. It would be a disaster if tomb robbers got there first. The tablet speaks of a key. There seems to be more to this than anticipated and there may be information inside the tomb as to what this 'key' might be and what it possibly unlocks."

Addison still wasn't convinced. She didn't want Skyler out in the field before she had completed her training. She needed to be fully capable of undertaking the responsibilities that would be upon her. Even though, in her job as information's officer, she would be working away from the 'front line', nothing was ever certain in their job.

"As officers of Scotland Yard you will be sent over there to assist in the murders." This single statement told the women their cover without revealing their true identity to Roman Leeds. "You can work with the Egyptian police in figuring out who did this and at the same time Skyler can decipher the map." Mark walked back around his desk. "We believe the initial reasons for the stone tablets' theft was the intent of grave robbery. We need to know who knew about the finding. Who did they inform about this? I'll get a man working from this end. I want the two of you over there to locate the tomb before anybody else. If you can, work out what this 'key' is and obtain information on the people behind the murders."

"And what about Skyler's training?"

"Ah," Skyler arched her eyebrows. "Well actually that was the surprise I had for you. I completed my training Thursday."

"You did?"

"That she did." Mark handed Addison a card in a manner that only she would be able to read. It was an internal identification badge and read 'Agent Skyler Tidwell, S.O. 112, information's officer and U.K. to U.S. liaisons officer'. Mark pressed the intercom button upon his desk. "Joseph, can you bring through the identification packs when they arrive, thanks."

"Two months early." Addison smiled. "That's really great, Skyler, congratulations." The agent contained her excitement and the urge to hug Skyler.

The blonde doctor grinned. "Thank you."

Addison pulled her gaze from Skyler. "When do we leave?"

"Later this afternoon. You'll be given full information packets to study on the aeroplane, standard procedure applies."

"Standard procedure?" Doctor Leeds asked.

"Yes," replied Mark, he didn't elaborate further. It was clear by Mark's firm response that no other information would be shared. Classified information would remain as such. It was enough that the professor had been introduced to the network, he still wouldn't know who they were. Due to complex admittance procedures he would have no idea how to find this off-site office, let alone H.Q. Roman didn't know whom he was dealing with though the Minister of Defence did do the right thing in bringing this case forward to Special Operations.

"Sir, the I.D.'s have arrived," called Joseph.

"Great, bring them in," Mark replied. His focus turned back to Addison and Skyler. "Currently the Egyptian authorities have little clue as to the group behind the murders and theft. Our intelligence, combined with the information they do have, will help to build a profile." Mark looked over to the door as Joseph entered. The assistant handed over two brown, leather wallets. Mark looked to Addison. "Inspector Black, you will lead the investigation into discovering of the group behind this." He then turned to Skyler. "Inspector Tidwell, you will work on deciphering the tablets and finding the tomb. Apparently the map locations are very cryptic and this is why I believe you are perfect for this particular portion of the mission."

Skyler took the brown wallet from General Blithe. She flipped it open. Inside was an official badge; it identified her as Inspector Skyler Tidwell of Scotland Yard. The enclosed picture was a copy of the one she'd had taken for her 'operative in training' profile.

"I suppose we better get prepared." Addison ventured towards the door, Skyler followed.

"There are a couple of issues we need to address before you depart." Mark opened the door for the women. "I'll be over to meet you within the hour."

"See you then," said Addison, and they left the room.

Re-closing the door, Mark turned back to Jonathan and Roman. "I can assure you I have assembled the best two-man team for this operation."

"Two woman team," Doctor Leeds stated. "Not that I want to question you, General Blithe, but are two women really such an appropriate choice for this? Not only are you dealing with cold-blooded killers but the location of a priceless discovery. General, I…" Roman paused. "We need to discover that key; the archaeological rewards are endless. I don't think a woman is capable of…"

"That is precisely the problem Doctor Leeds," Mark's voice was even, yet Roman's words had angered him. "You don't have to think here. This is my playing field. You trusted John enough to go to him and he knew to come to me. I've put the best agents for this… on this… They'll hunt down the killers."

"And the tomb… the key?"

"Under control, Doctor."

Turning away, Mark walked around his desk and sat down. "You have my personal assurance if anybody can do this… Inspectors Black and Tidwell can."

Chapter 4

The weapons holding facility was located within the lower most level of Headquarters. It stood as a large section of rooms, each interconnecting and housing different types of weapons and equipment. The first room was dedicated to clothing. It provided a wide selection of garments for any situation or environment. Kevlar vests, camouflage fatigues…all items for operatives were especially designed to be fireproof, lightweight and durable. The second room, connected by a single doorway, housed primary hand weapons, including pistols, shotguns, ammunitions and various types of holsters. The third room was for more heavy-duty weaponry... sub-machine, machine guns and varying explosive paraphernalia. The fourth and final room in the chain was specifically allocated for field equipment, everything from binoculars and communication devices to satellite navigation systems. Before any mission was undertaken the operative would report to this section of Headquarters to make certain they had obtained all necessary equipment.

Skyler led the way into the first room of the weapons' facility. She turned to Addison as the dark-haired agent entered the room. She had been silent through the short journey down to this lowest level and Skyler guessed the reason for her reticence.

"Addison, it really is okay you know."

"Hmm?" Addison asked, emerging from her thoughts.

"It's okay."

Addison knew what Skyler was referring to. She sighed lightly. "I know. We can't exactly refuse an assignment, but I am sorry about it. I was really looking forward to this weekend with you, Sky." Addison placed her hand upon Skyler's left shoulder. Her thumb drew unconscious, lazy circles over the doctor's khaki shirt. "I suppose I'm slightly disappointed… for both of us." Addison squeezed Skyler a little and the blonde closed her eyes, resting her cheek over Addison's hand. "We have something pretty special between us. We've never had the opportunity to really explore this… make something a little more concrete between us. I suppose I was also concerned that with all this time apart things might have changed and…"

"Addison, nothing has changed. I still…"

Skyler's words were interrupted by the sudden appearance of Samuel Perkins. "Skyler," the scientist said in a slightly rushed tone. "I just received word from Mark that you and Addison are to leave on a mission." Both women nodded. "Well there's something that needs to be done before you can go."

The doctor frowned. "What's that?"

Addison smiled unexpectedly and shook her head. "You have to be doggy chipped!"

Skyler's eyes grew as wide as saucers. "Ugh… I'd been putting that thought out of my mind." She winced. "I have to do it now?"

The scientist inclined his head towards the door. "No time like the present." He began to back out through the doorframe. Addison placed one hand upon Skyler's back and urged her to follow Samuel.

"This is done by local anaesthetic right?"

"Yes, it should take no more than fifteen minutes."

Addison tried to assure her by saying, "It's really simple, Sky, trust me."

"I have a slight 'thing' about needles. In other people's skin it is fine… in my own and I just…" Skyler felt a wave of nausea hit her. She took a light breath, but didn't stop moving. She knew it had to be done. They had reached the floor above the weapons facility. Implant Procedures was located upon this level. "Needles just make me feel queasy."

Samuel pushed open a wide steel door. "I know what you mean. I feel the same way every time I see somebody shove their finger up their nose. Now my own... I am fine and can root around up there all day if I like, but anybody else and…" Samuels's cheeks bulged. "We all have these irrational little quirks," he said in response to Skyler's grimace.

Samuel came to a halt in the centre of a large, sterile room. It appeared to be sectioned off into quarters by a high metal framework that held privacy curtains. Two of the sections held chairs similar to those found in dental surgeries. A wide selection of medical apparatus adorned the room. Samuel strode towards the far corner section, which held one of the mechanical chairs. A doctor stood by a stainless steel worktop; she seemed to be preparing specific items designed for the chip implanting procedure.

"Skyler, this is Doctor Jacquelyn Cheyenne. She is a medical doctor and assists in this simple operation."

Cheyenne turned, nodding her head curtly but saying nothing. Her behaviour did little to put Skyler at ease and Addison noticed this. She leaned over to her ear and whispered, "Don't let her sour disposition put you off. She can be a bit of a dragon, but give her a few drinks and she is the first to rip off her shirt and do the cancan on a tabletop!"

Skyler snorted and covered her chuckle with a hand. Within a heartbeat her view of the severe looking woman wearing dark blue scrubs and slick back hair changed dramatically.

Pulling on a pair of latex gloves, Samuel addressed Skyler. "If you would mind removing your shirt and taking a seat, Skyler?"

"Is it too late to change my mind?"

"About what?" Addison asked.

"Everything."

Rolling her eyes Addison said, "Way too late, little lady, now park your tush, woman."

Without further word, Skyler began unbuttoning her shirt. She stepped over to the grey chair, pulling the garment from her back and handing it to Addison. "Just sit down?"

"Yes," replied Cheyenne. "We'll do the rest."

Skyler gingerly sat down. The chill of the plastic felt cool against her skin. She felt the seat begin to rise several inches. Skyler took a deep, shaky breath.

"Want to hold my hand?"

"Addison! I'm trying to remain tough here!"

"Oh sorry, of course." The agent began to think of a topic to keep Skyler's mind occupied. Her eyes dropped to Skyler's chest and, more noticeably, her breasts covered in a sheer, creamy bra. She lingered for five seconds before her eyes rose back to address the blonde doctor. "Nice tits."

Skyler's jaw dropped in shock. "Addison… you can't say…" she jumped slightly and turned to the source of the pain seeing Cheyenne pull a needle from her shoulder.

"All done."

Looking down at her arm Skyler realised she'd just been given her anaesthetic. Her head whipped back to Addison. "Why? I can't believe… you just… Addison!" Her voice was incredulous.

With a simple chuckle Addison draped Skyler's shirt over her shoulder. One of her strong points had always been diversion techniques. She took a step backwards and leaned her back against a steel work surface. Crossing one foot over the other she asked, "So tell me more about this Imhotep."

Skyler had closed her eyes as she began to feel her shoulder go numb. Re-opening them she saw doctor Cheyenne preparing a scalpel. Skyler decided it was best to keep her eyes fixed upon Addison. "Well, Imhotep was a lot of things to many people."

"He really built the first pyramid?"

Skyler nodded. "Imhotep is the first master architect we know by name. He built Djoser's Step Pyramid complex at Saqqara. Before that, burial chambers were mastabas. His idea was a version of the mastaba only his design was to place one mastaba upon another... each obviously smaller than the last. Imhotep is also thought to have had a hand in Sckemkhet's unfinished pyramid. You know the step pyramid is recognised as the first monumental stone structure!"

"Cool."

"Yeah. His name means 'the one that comes in peace'." Out of the corner of her eye Skyler saw Doctor Cheyenne approach again. She could sense that her shoulder had gone completely numb by now.

Skyler didn't look as Cheyenne took her arm and asked, "Do you feel this?"

"No," she replied simply.

"Okay… it will probably remain a good idea for you to keep looking away."

Addison watched Cheyenne as she made her first incision into the area where Skyler's arm met her shoulder. "So how did this guy become a god after his death?"

"Ah!" Skyler laid her head back against the chair, still keeping her vision focussed upon Addison. "It wasn't quite that simple. About one hundred years after his death he was elevated to a medical demigod."

"He was a doctor, right?"

"Yes, his best known writings were medical texts. He treated many ailments such as T.B. gallstones, gout, arthritis, and diseases such as that of the abdomen, bladder, rectum, skin, and hair etcetera. He even performed surgery and dentistry."

"Pretty smart guy." Addison kept her gaze upon Skyler though she could see the colour of bright red blood in her peripheral vision.

"So anyway… it was about two thousand years after his death in five hundred and twenty five B.C. that he became a god and actually replaced Nefertum in the great triad at Memphis. "You know… even after that… early Christians worshiped him as one with Christ. The Greeks worshiped him as well and the Romans and Arabs honoured him."

"Is there anything this guy didn't do?"

Skyler smirked. "He was probably a terrible cook!"

"Yeah and a lousy lay!"

As she listened to Addison and Skyler's conversation, Doctor Cheyenne finished preparing Skyler for her chip insertion. Once the final incision was made and the bleeding cauterised, she turned to Samuel. In a quiet voice she said, "It's ready."

"Okay," Samuel muttered. He didn't look up from where he stood at a desk, his eyes upon a slim line, silver laptop. Attached to the computer through a universal serial bus connection was a small black box. Samuels's fingers flew over the keys as he entered relevant information about Skyler. After another minute of data input he finished and entered the codes. The screen flashed through the information he'd entered. Samuel tapped seven more keys and pressed return. The black box beeped twice and a small drawer ejected from its front face. Inside was a small, uniquely designed microchip; it was no more than half an inch squared. With a pair of sterile tweezers Samuel took the chip from the drawer. He walked over to Skyler and sat down.

Realising it was almost complete, Addison thought of something else to say as Samuel began inserting the chip. "I think a part of me always had this little hope I wouldn't have to see Egypt while working. As much as I've always wanted to go there, I hoped it would be on a holiday."

"You never know. This may turn out to be a really simple assignment and complete within a couple of days. Could we stay on a few days after?"

"Mark will probably make us do paperwork in the evenings, but I'd think so."

"Mark would make us do paperwork in our sleep if he could get me to find a way to make that possible!" Samuel opened a large plaster. Peeling off the backs he moved it over the wound on Skyler's shoulder and placed it down gently. "We've used a glue on the incisions. In about three or four days it will be well on it's way to healing nicely."

Skyler finally turned her head and looked down at the covering upon her lower left shoulder. "Does it set off metal detectors?"

"No… part of the chip is titanium but it isn't enough to set off the security systems at airports."

"That was pretty harmless," she responded.

"That it was!" Samuel peeled off his latex gloves. "Would you like some squash and a biscuit now?"

The blonde doctor frowned. She still found she had to mentally translate the odd English word. "You mean juice and a cookie, right?"

Samuel nodded.

"I thought so. God, biscuits… I much prefer our version in the states. When I was younger I could eat biscuits and gravy for breakfast, lunch and dinner."

Samuel turned to Addison as Cheyenne helped Skyler put her shirt back on. "And you call me weird for eating black pudding."

"You are weird, Sam. Eating black pudding is just an affirmation of that."

"Agent Tidwell," said Doctor Cheyenne. It was the first time Skyler had been addressed using her new title. She decided she liked it. "You will need to rest for about an hour. As the anaesthetic starts to wear off you will feel some pain, but take one of these," Cheyenne handed Skyler a strip of tablets, "every four hours until they are gone and you will be fine… okay?"

"Thank you, Jacquelyn." Skyler took the tablets. Her shirt was buttoned up but she left it un-tucked. "There's no chance of my body rejecting this, is there?"

"Not a chance. Not with this."

All heads turned when Mark Blithe entered the room. In his left hand he held a large, silver metallic briefcase. "I presume all is well?"

"Considering I just got stuck with a needle!"

Samuel strode back to his laptop. "The chip has been installed, Mark." He taped his identification password into the computer. "I'm about to run the primary location test."

Cheyenne, Addison, Skyler and Mark stood around Samuel and the scientist keyed in Skyler's name and ranking identification. As he pressed 'enter' a green map of the world appeared upon his screen. Suddenly a red, hollow square moved over and around the map. It stopped over the British Isles and then expanded to fill the whole screen. Now with a map of the United Kingdom on screen the red square moved again, stopping over the capital of England, London. Again the square expanded filling the screen with the city of London. One final time the square zeroed in on a specific location in London and expanded to screen size. A smaller window appeared in the corner and Skyler's location was stated as inside Headquarters, lower level three.

"That's kind of awesome," Skyler commented, "but have I just given up some of my freedom?"

Mark shook his head adamantly. "No, this is only used for operative location during a mission. Your day-to-day life will not be monitored, that I promise you." Remembering the reason for his appearance, Mark held up the case. "Before you leave, Skyler, I need to give you this… We better find a place to sit and talk."

Pretty confident she knew what type of case Mark was holding, Addison suggested the target range. The General agreed and so together with Mark, Skyler and Addison returned to the fourth and lowest underground section of the building.

They arrived to find three agents practicing against moving targets. The repeated blasts of gunshots were incredibly loud in the enclosed room. "Let's go in there," Mark shouted over the noise, motioning towards a soundproof room to the right. They entered a room specifically used for housing weapons and closed the door. The noise was silenced.

"Okay then." Mark placed his suitcase upon a wooden table in the centre of the room. Around them were metal cabinets housing ammunition and selected handheld weapons. Upon the walls were eyes and ears protectors and posters stating the safety rules of conduct. "Skyler, as you will remember a week or so ago, you made a request for a specific type of weapon. A Taser gun."

"Oh yes!"

Unlocking both sides of the case, General Blithe lifted its lid. "This is the Advanced Taser M18-L. It comes with ten cartridges and shoulder holster. Although you will be required to carry a standard issue weapon, your secondary choice has been approved as the M18-L." Mark took the gun from his case and handed it to Skyler. "It's not currently loaded."

Taking the gun, Skyler looked it over. "Seems pretty easy to use... and I do have a little time to get used to its operations before we leave."

An unexpected high-toned beep emanated from Mark's wristwatch. He gazed down at the face and recognised the four-digit code. "I need to get to a phone. I'll see you before you leave." Without another word Mark left the room.

"How's the shoulder feeling?"

"The anaesthetic's beginning to wear off." Skyler pulled the strip of tablets from her pocket. "I'm glad though as I've had this annoying itch for about twenty minutes now."

"Hmm, I have this itch too." The agent wiggled her eyebrows. "I've been scratching it myself for a while but would really prefer you to do it." Addison sat down on the edge of the table. She pulled Skyler into her body. "Where were we before Samuel interrupted us again?"

Thinking for a moment Skyler said, "We were in the middle of a chat, but for now let's skip all that and get to the good part." Skyler placed her lips upon Addison's. The spark ignited earlier fanned into a flame the moment their lips touched. Addison showed no resistance as Skyler pushed her tongue into Addison's mouth and caressed her deeply. Their sensuous kiss lasted no more than thirty seconds before Skyler pulled away. "I need to take a tablet. This is really beginning to hurt."

"Okay." Addison slid off the table and crossed over to a water cooler in the corner of the room. She pulled a cone shaped paper cup from a dispenser and filled it with water. "Here, use this."

Skyler accepted the water gratefully and took a single tablet. Swallowing deeply, her eyes turned back to Addison with a hint of seriousness. "Addison, I know as soon as we get out there we become colleagues. I know to a point we must distance ourselves from these feelings. I just want you to know I am capable of doing that."

"Where did this come from?" Addison asked curiously.

Skyler shrugged. "I've been thinking about it for a while. I didn't want you to worry about the possibility that…"

"Sky," Addison interrupted, "I know and understand what you mean but you don't have to be concerned by that and it's actually never been a concern for me. You are right that when we get out there the targets and assignment become primary focus, but it isn't going to change yours or my feelings. Like the life of anybody important to you, for whatever reason, it is part and parcel of the working relationship. We aren't always going to be working together though."

"True." With Addison's words in mind Skyler said, "We can do this can't we!"

"Sky, we can do anything we put our minds to. That's the beauty and power in all of us. It's like that saying… 'They can because they think they can'."

"I hear that!"

Addison grinned. "Then what could possibly go wrong?" The agent rolled her eyes at her own statement and they both laughed.

Chapter 5

Three smartly dressed men, striding through The Bazaar in Cairo, stood out strikingly from the environment around them. It had passed midday but the sun still shone high in the mid-afternoon sky. Though the weather was extremely hot the humidity was low; the vast desert lands of Egypt were a testament to this fact. The voices of vendors and tourists were all around them. Almost everywhere they looked a merchant could be seen haggling with his or her buyer, determined to agree upon a decent price for their sale. For some reason water pipes seemed very popular.

The Bazaar was located down many narrow streets. The men passed them showing little interest in their surroundings and entered a large square. The warm, dry air held the scent of freshly cooked foods from the many fast food joints, each one offering cool refreshing drinks for their patrons. To the left of the square stood a small sandstone building; it was in this direction the men walked. The building was simple in design, sharp and angular in shape. Its only notable feature was the colourful sign by the door stating the name of the bar.

Walking side by side, the middleman with a dark receding hairline and holding a leather briefcase ascended three steps into the building. They entered the bar, which was sparsely populated by clientele. The mood felt somewhat sombre, stifling and the five customers within the establishment each sat at a different circular, wooden table. By the centre of the opposite wall stood the bar. A lone tender stood, bent over a newspaper, quietly reading. To the left of the bar was a jukebox. The music was low but obviously a classic with American songs from the sixties and seventies. On the opposite side of the bar was a slim door. Its blue faded paint was slowly peeling and well in need of some cosmetic attention. The men headed towards the door. For anybody who may have cared to pay closer attention they might have noticed the shoulder holsters and revolvers attached to each man. Upon reaching the door the middle guy knocked twice. Only brief seconds passed before it was opened and a small woman, dressed in black from head to toe, stood before them. Acknowledgement was made through eye contact and respective nods. She let them pass without a word.

They descended a flight of narrow steps to a single door at the bottom. It opened almost immediately and two more people waited inside. The room was sparse, a shoddy, brown couch by the wall and table with a single chair in its centre. It was a younger man, no more than twenty-three years old, who rose from the couch. "I hear it all went according to plan."

"It went swimmingly."

"Excellent." The young man, whose extremely noticeable feature was his white hair and pink eyes, turned to an elderly gentleman seated at a desk and holding a glass of whisky. "Professor Jerome YaShiln, this is Doctor William Bryson. He has the item we have been waiting for."

With a smile, sickeningly brimming with self-satisfaction, William placed his case upon the table. He opened the double locks and lifted its lid. From the case he pulled out something covered thickly with a dark, cotton cloth. Placing the bundle down, William pulled away the material. There before him lay five stone tablets.

***

"How do I look?" Skyler asked, standing before Addison.

The agent did a visual inspection. Skyler was dressed very much the same as herself. They both wore light beige fatigues designed for desert conditions. A zip around the knee of the trousers gave the opportunity to remove the lower part of the leg to make shorts. The main difference was their upper dress. Skyler wore a white vest, a shirt that matched her trousers and a utility jerkin, which hid her shoulder holster and Taser gun. Strapped to her left ankle she wore a Browning pistol. Ammunition for both weapons was packed into the many pockets of her jerkin, as was other essential equipment.

Addison on the other hand wore her favourite choice of black tank tops with a heavy-duty shirt over the top. The shirt was capable of shrouding the twin Berettas attached to her back. Along with one knife attached to her right leg and utility knife at her hip, ammunition and a collection of Samuel's explosive pens (which she had taken a shine to) Addison was ready to go. In her top pocket was a survival tin. Addison had learned, through many years, it was better to be prepared for any situation. The agent chose not to carry any larger weapons. Their mission didn't call for the 'heavy artillery' although they were expected to at least carry standard issue.

"You look ready for action." Grinning, Addison picked up two equipped backpacks and handed Skyler's to her. "Come on, we need to meet with Mark and Sam." Exiting the weapons holding facility they took an elevator to the ground floor. "How's your shoulder feel?"

"Numbness has disappeared and the painkillers are doing their job. I feel fine."

Shooting out her hand, Addison pressed a button halting the elevator's upward progress to the ground floor. "Sky, are you ready for this?"

Skyler sighed. "I'm nervous but at the same time the anticipation is surging through me. I feel like I'm about to embark on a great adventure."

Addison smiled and allowed the elevator to continue its journey. "Doctor Skyler Tidwell, heading for the greatest discovery in Archaeology! If this wasn't done through the S.O. you'd probably be famous."

"Don't get ahead of yourself, Addison. We haven't even left yet."

"I'm an optimist and great believer in the power of positive thought." The doors opened and both women stepped out of the elevator. Samuel Perkins was already waiting for them. He handed Skyler a slim line laptop; it was silver and only seven inches across. To Addison he handed a pair of not-so-standard glasses. On one arm of the frame was an attached earpiece.

"Okay, Addison… to use the eyes and ears, just place the glasses on and insert the ear piece. A microphone is built into the frame. A network lattice within each lens sends back to Skyler's receiver everything you look at." He handed her a transmitter. "Attach this to your belt when you use the equipment. It has a twenty-two hour battery life." Next Samuel turned to Skyler. "Your visual receiver has the built in microphone and speakers as you already know, Skyler." Skyler lifted open the miniature laptop. She'd already had many hours of training with the unit and was wholly confident in its usage.

"How far does the transmission stretch?" asked Addison.

"You have a two mile radius."

Addison pursed her lips and nodded, suitably impressed. Her thoughts turned as she swiftly remembered Spike. Pushing a hand into her pocket, Addison pulled out the keys to her Mercedes A.M.G. "How would you like to look after my new car while I'm gone?"

"Are you kidding?" Samuel reached to take the keys from Addison, but she pulled away.

"There's one condition."

"Anything."

"Pick Spike up for me Sunday evening."

Samuel nodded instantly saying, "You have a deal."

Addison didn't move to hand over the keys. "And one more thing. Don't you go and stick my dog in another nappy."

Nappy? Skyler thought. Oh yes, a diaper.

"Nothing wrong with that."

"Nothing wrong? You know my lazy dog doesn't like rain, right?"

"Uh huh?"

"Well a couple of weeks ago I called Spike for a walk. When I opened the door she saw it was raining. She ran off, disappeared... only to return moments later with a hand towel. She dropped it on the floor and sat on it like she expected me to pin it around her arse!"

Samuel burst out laughing.

"It's not funny."

"No, no it's not." Samuel tried to keep the smile from his lips "I promise to take her out for regular walks and not put her in a nappy." He laughed again. "No matter how much she pleads incontinence."

Addison handed over her keys. "Good."

To the side of them a door opened and Mark appeared. "Transportation is ready, Agents."

Samuel held out both hands. He took Addison's left and Skyler's right and shook them firmly. "See you when you get back."

"Later, Sam," both women replied in unison.

Releasing their hands, Samuel watched them leave to begin a mission more unexpected and dangerous than anybody could have predicted.

Chapter 6

Cairo International Airport was its usual busy self for a Friday morning. Brimming with a high number of tourists, Addison and Skyler found they had to weave their way through the arriving passengers. To Addison, it appeared there were many children with families and she presumed it must have been a package family tour.

Not having to follow the standard methods of arrival, Skyler led Addison towards the Customs office. This was where they had arranged to meet with a representative from the Egyptian police. Having been to Cairo's airport twice before she knew its layout from memory. During a delay, due to staff grievances, Skyler spent almost two days stuck in the airport. Although, at the time, it had felt like a lifetime in hell, the upside was her detailed knowledge of the site.

Passing a black, electronic arrivals board, Skyler looked around her. "It's this way," she said, taking a left turn. She could see the Customs office straight ahead, a sign clearly stating the fact in both English and Arabic. A tall, dark haired man, wearing a pressed white suit, stood to the right of the office. Though he was inside the airport he still wore tortoise-shell sunglasses. A cigarette hung limply from his lips, grey smoke circulating around his head. He stood with both hands in his trouser pockets... watching and waiting.

"Do you think that's our guy?" Skyler asked.

Addison ran her tongue over her front teeth in thought. "The only thing that would make that answer any clearer would be a sign over his head saying 'Cops wait here'!" Addison approached the officer first. "Sergeant Aladdin Valtex?"

"Yes?" Sergeant Valtex pulled off his sunglasses. "Inspectors Tidwell and Black?" he asked in a thick accent.

"Addison Black," the agent replied, shaking his hand. "And this is my associate, Inspector Skyler Tidwell."

Taking Skyler's hand, Aladdin kissed it. "I didn't realised I'd be meeting two women."

Skyler pulled her hand away awkwardly. "Sergeant Valtex, we're here officially to assist investigations into the murders of Karlyn Sanderson and her team. Do you really…"

"You will have to forgive my gender stereotyping. I wasn't expecting women. Your names led me to think otherwise. Forgive me... although I speak your language very well, names can be a little confusing at times." Aladdin checked his surroundings. "We have a helicopter waiting to take us to Luxor airport. Until the pilot returns, to say it's been refuelled and is ready to go, we can sit here. Would you like a drink?"

"No thank you," replied Skyler as she sat on a wooden bench opposite the Customs office. Aladdin moved to sit beside her but Addison got there first, effectively blocking his approach. She folded her arms and looked up at Sergeant Valtex with a smile.

"So, Sergeant, has there been any leads in the investigation since yesterday?"

Aladdin sat down on a bench opposite the two women. "No. It's not that we haven't collected any evidence, the problem is it all leads to nothing… so far." Aladdin's visual assessment moved to Skyler and Addison's belongings; both women appeared to be carrying only one piece of luggage each. "Excuse my thoughtlessness; do you need to collect your cases? I see you have only one pack each."

"We have everything we need," Addison replied. The agent knew it wouldn't seem like a lot. Although the backpacks were of average size they did contain all necessary equipment, a change of clothing and a laptop with satellite connection to Headquarters. All information to be sent and received was available with only a few taps of the fingers.

Addison often wondered how they would have managed without the high-tech equipment they so took for granted. It seemed, to her, everywhere one looked a new technological breakthrough was being made which would 'revolutionise' everyday lives. There was one fact of which Addison remained certain. With each new gadget or gizmo that was introduced onto the market, it took away certain responsibilities. The agent was convinced the human race would get lazier as the years passed. Addison vowed she would never let that happen to her the day she caught herself considering buying an electric potato peeler. She wasn't going to fall into that trap. One thought, however, did bother her… what would happen if we lost the everyday electronic aids and devices, of which we depend on so heavily, in today's society?

"Ah, here he is now," Aladdin said as he looked out across the airport. Addison and Skyler turned in the direction of his gaze, seeing the pilot hold a thumb up with a nod of satisfaction. "All is set. Are you ready, Inspector Black? Inspector Tidwell?"

Skyler gave Addison a questioning look and after receiving a positive nod from her partner, turned back to Aladdin. "We're ready, Sergeant."

"That is good." The three rose and Aladdin led the way through the bustle of arriving passengers and out into the warm, dry air. "The helipad is this way," he said, turning to the right.

Addison looked above them, seeing a beautifully clear, blue sky. Not a single cloud marred the expanse of cerulean blue. Though the combined sounds of the airport made it incredibly noisy, Addison could identify the sound of their helicopter. She saw it in the distance. It seemed almost a blur with the mix of rapidly rotating blades, whirling in anticipation, and the temperature of the sun causing the ground to ripple as its waves of heat flowed over its surface.

The helicopter's pilot sat ready and waiting to take off. The closer they got to the aircraft, the stronger the force of its propellers and the louder it became. Both women instinctively ducked as they approached, strong gusts whipping the hair around their heads frantically.

"This will drop us off five miles from your hotel," Aladdin shouted. They climbed into the helicopter, Sergeant Valtex in the front, Addison and Skyler in the back. Once seatbelts were fastened and headphones were in place the aircraft rose into the air. Aladdin spoke over the internal communication system. "I'll take you to your hotel first. You can get booked into your rooms. Then we'll head down to the station and after that on to the campsite. Does that sound okay?" Aladdin turned in his seat and looked at Skyler in question.

"That sounds perfect, Sergeant Valtex. Thank you for being so accommodating."

Aladdin smiled, thick laughter lines creasing around his eyes. "It is my pleasure, Inspector Tidwell."

With her forehead pressed against the helicopter's window, Addison took in the sights below them. The vibrations from the aircraft's engine rattled against her forehead but she didn't pull away, not wanting to miss what she may not get another chance to see in the near future. Suddenly seeing a particular monument that caught her attention, Addison pulled her mobile phone from her inside pocket. Holding it up and using the phone's built in camera, she captured the sight. She looked over at Skyler, finding the doctor grinning at her in amusement. Addison shrugged but smiled all the same.

"Inspector Tidwell," Aladdin called, still twisted around in his seat. "How is it a woman, obviously from the United States of America and with a background in archaeology, ended up working for Scotland Yard?"

"Oh it's a long story."

"But an interesting one I am sure." Aladdin paused for a moment in thought before saying, "Maybe you can tell me more some time?"

Suddenly feeling like she was being backed into a corner, Skyler looked back to Addison. The agent still gazed out of the window but the smile upon her lips proved she was indeed listening to everything being said. Skyler turned back to Aladdin. "That is a nice offer, Sergeant Valtex, but I think we will be too busy to socialise!"

"You take no time to rest?"

"Well yes but…" Skyler paused as Aladdin's smile took on a measure of hopefulness. "Possibly... we'll see."

Aladdin nodded and turned back around to face the front. Rolling her eyes, Skyler shook her head. She looked again at Addison, finding the agent watching her with a wide grin of amusement. Holding up her thumb she mouthed the words, 'You're in there!' ignoring Skyler's deathly glare in return.

Skyler looked out of her own window. Although she already knew she could say very little about her work to Aladdin, she did wonder how much she could explain and what exactly he did know. Skyler made a mental note to speak with Addison about that as soon as they had a moment of spare time.

Working for M.I.5. Special Operations, Skyler was aware just how clandestine the organisation was. Many people introduced to them had absolutely no idea who they were dealing with. Most agents held other jobs as a cover. Skyler had been given a position, at London University, as a professor of both Anthropology and Archaeology. It was a specific job that didn't require her to work every day but it did act as a cover for her position in society. She gave between two to three lectures a week, when able, and still had time to fit in her other responsibilities. Skyler simply hoped she could keep up with her different personas. It was a challenge, however, along with every thing else, that Skyler relished facing.

The majority of the flight was taken in silence, as both women gazed out at the sights below them. There was a large amount of desert plain dotted sporadically with small villages, lone travellers on camels or horseback and ancient monuments and ruins. The irresistible urge to explore filled Skyler. She wanted to immerse herself in the culture below them; to run her hands over relics built thousands of years ago. Her anticipation grew. She had little time to study the stone tablet scans and intended to do so in greater detail as soon as she was able.

When the helicopter finally landed in Luxor both women were glad the greatest part of their travelling was over. It had been a seven-hour plane journey to Cairo but at least they had gotten some sleep during the flight. Still, travelling was a tiresome chore and Skyler, particularly, was glad it was over.

Stepping from the helicopter Aladdin led them away from the aircraft and towards a car park. A navy blue car, which appeared no more than five years old, was one of the few occupants in the parking lot.

"I'll take you to your hotel first. I've booked you both a room at the King Tut Hotel. I hope you don't mind the fact it is a typical tourist hotel. It is hard to find any other around here." Aladdin pulled a set of keys from his pocket and opened his car.

Once the trio were inside and the car on the road, Addison said, "It'll just be myself accompanying you to the crime scene, Sergeant Valtex; Inspector Tidwell will be working on evidence of her own pertaining to the stolen artefacts."

"Oh, she will?" Aladdin sounded slightly disappointed.

"Yes, there's work I need to be doing myself." Skyler couldn't help but be amused by the mischievous smirk Addison portrayed. Skyler had taken the back seat in the Peugeot, leaving the front for Addison. Not that she would have been given much choice in the matter. Addison had every intention of taking the front seat! It was blatantly obvious to Skyler that the agent was determined not to allow Aladdin to get too comfortable with any ideas involving the two of them. At least it was to the doctor.

The drive took a little over forty minutes and just as Skyler's eyelids were beginning to drift closed, they arrived at the hotel. Aladdin pulled into the small parking facility of the King Tut Hotel. It was a single level building, simple in appearance and most obviously a single star establishment. Its most noticeable feature was a roof terrace with deckchairs and tables. There didn't appear to be anybody on the terrace. Addison wasn't surprised. It was the middle of summer and the heat was unbearably hot.

"I know this hotel is not like the larger tourist spots but my brother, Jamil, owns it and he's a good man. Many tourists from the United Kingdom stay here... mostly students and backpackers. His prices are fair but the service, for what he offers, is second to none."

The trio exited the car and Aladdin led the way towards the hotel's main entrance. The lobby was not much more than a long hallway with a set of stairs, which Addison presumed led to the roof terrace. Four corridors branched off from the main hallway allowing access to guests' rooms; a larger corridor by the front desk led to a small bar and communal area.

Jamil stood behind the desk and his brother greeted him in Arabic before reverting back to English. "Jamil, these are Inspectors Black and Tidwell, from Scotland Yard. They are here to help me on a case."

The portly Egyptian fellow, wearing a black shirt outlined in large white flowers, held out his hand, shaking first Skyler and then Addison in greeting. "A pleasure to meet you. Welcome to my hotel. My brother had me reserve two rooms for V.I.P.s from England. Anything I can do for you, please ask. I heard about the deaths of the archaeologist. It is sad news. I hope you can work together to capture the killers."

"That's our aim," said Addison. She held out her hand as Jamil passed her a silver key. He then handed Skyler her room key.

"If you take the first turning left you will find your rooms. The doors are facing each other, numbers Three and Four.

"Thank you, Jamil," replied Skyler. She looked sideways to where Addison and Aladdin stood. "Well I might as well go to my room and start working on some information I have. Inspector Black, I presume you will be going with Sergeant Valtex to the scene of the crime?"

Addison looked at Aladdin, and after receiving a nod, responded by saying, "Yes. I'll be gone no more than three to four hours." The agent paused a second as she took a moment to silently convey her assurance to Skyler. "I'll have my mobile if you discover anything relevant to the 'case'."

Skyler acknowledged Addison's words with a simple bow of her head. "I'll meet you later then, Inspector."

Delivering a quick smile, Addison turned to leave but Aladdin stood his ground. "Inspector Tidwell... when we get back, maybe we could meet for that drink?"

"Oh… um…sure," Skyler smiled as she said, "As long as I haven't already fallen asleep from all this travelling!"

"Excellent." Aladdin began to back out of the hotel lobby. "Maybe I'll see you later, Inspector."

"Okay," replied Skyler, casting a hesitant look in Addison's direction. The agent stood in the doorway, hands upon hips with one eyebrow arched to mid forehead. Skyler shrugged but her look turned to one of questioning as she spotted the glint of mischievous malevolence in Addison's eyes.

"Are you ready, Inspector Black?"

"Yep, lets go," Addison replied and followed Aladdin back towards his car. They entered the vehicle in silence and as the Sergeant pulled out onto the road Addison could see the sideways glance he kept casting in her direction. She chose to ignore it and wait for Aladdin to say whatever it was on his mind.

Addison looked out of her window. There were few cars on the road; she presumed that would change once the working day ended and people started leaving for home. There was still an hour to go before that happened. Realising they were entering the centre of town, Addison spied a greater number of people. There was a large amount of tourists who were clearly identifiable in many ways, the least of which being the cameras hanging around their necks. To a small extent Addison felt almost envious of those people. She was in a land she had so longed to see; yet she was working. A chance to explore on a recreational basis was highly unlikely.

"Inspector Black," Aladdin said, disturbing the agent's thoughts.

"Hmm?"

"Inspector Tidwell…"

"Uh huh?" said Addison, her mischievous spark returning.

"She seems like a nice woman."

Addison nodded her head, playing along with Aladdin. "Yes she is. She has been my partner now for a while and I can say, with all certainty, that she is a very nice person."

"Is she married?"

"Skyler?"

"Yes."

"No, no she's not married."

"Ah… really." Aladdin thought for a moment more as he turned his car to the right. The police station was in sight. "And she is not in a relationship?"

"Actually, Sergeant, she is in a relationship. Pretty serious from what I'm aware."

"Oh." Again Aladdin lost himself in thought for several moments. He steered his car into the police station garage. "You know him?"

Addison drummed her fingers upon her knee. "You mean do I know her partner? Sure… and not somebody I'd want to mess with… if you know what I mean." The agent couldn't resist the urge to play. "Not so much a jealous type, but not a person you would want to make angry." Addison grinned. "A real stud too."

"Oh." Aladdin said nothing more. Turning off the engine, he pulled his keys from the ignition and opened his car door. "I have to get some things from my office and then we can go to the crime scene."

Grinning widely, Addison followed Aladdin into the police station.

***

Skyler entered her room, noticing immediately how sparsely decorated it was. The shape of the room was in the form of a letter 'L'. The floor was basic terracotta tile and the walls were a recently painted white. There was no en-suite bathroom, only two single beds, a dresser, wardrobe and lamp. It was, however, clean and tidy. Upon the wall was one picture frame. It hung between the two beds and was a beautifully hand painted portrait of the pharaoh Tutankhamun, on papyrus.

Skyler walked further into the room, dropping her backpack on one of the two matching beds. The bedspreads were a simple oat colour with flecks of red. It was all very basic but she liked the simplicity. The doctor pulled off her jerkin and dropped it on a bed, followed by her shoulder harness and holster. She then unbuttoned her shirt and pulled that long sleeved garment off as well. That too was discarded upon the spare bed.

It was hot, incredibly so. The room had no air conditioning that Skyler could see, but she opened a window and, as hoped, felt a slight breeze filter into the room. It wasn't overly cool but it was enough to ease the temperature, if only by a couple of degrees.

Moving side to side in order to work out the kinks in her back, Skyler made her way towards the remaining bed. She opened her backpack and pulled out the scans Doctor Leeds had given her. Then she took out a pen and a large pad of ruled paper. Stretching out across her bed, lying upon her stomach, she stared down at the first tablet scan and, to the best of her knowledge, began to decipher the map.

Skyler was a dedicated worker, a fact that remained constant due to her thorough enjoyment and interest in whatever she was tackling. As a child her mind had been described as a 'sponge', soaking up as much knowledge as she could. There seemed to be no limit to what Skyler was willing to learn, the most obscure of such being a week of night classes in origami. While using her mind she had a tendency to fiddle with her hands. Skyler decided it was better to be creative than roll pieces of paper and flick them across a room!

Forty-five minutes passed before Skyler realised. She was halfway through the third tablet when she decided she needed to get a drink. Knowing there was no refreshment in the room, Skyler resolved it was time to remedy that fact. Dropping her pen, the blonde doctor rolled off her bed and placed her shirt back on. Without fastening the buttons, Skyler went in search of liquid refreshment.

Exiting her room Skyler turned back towards the lobby and front desk. She found it empty. Following the hallway beside the desk, Skyler started to hear voices. She turned into what was a large sitting area but found it empty. The voices, however, came from a television by the wall. An English news channel was showing, obviously for the many English tourists the hotel received. Turning, Skyler walked back toward the lobby where she spied the set of stairs. Presuming they led to the roof terrace, Skyler ascended the steps in curiosity. She stepped out onto the hotel's roof, instantly feeling the heat of the Egyptian sun. She took a breath of warm, dry air and turned around in a three hundred and sixty degree circle, taking in the view around it. The positioning was spectacular and afforded her a wonderful view of the land. Maybe I'll continue to work out here, she thought as she moved back down the steps to obtain her papers.

***

Finding herself standing on the edge of Karlyn Sanderson's campsite, Addison scanned the vicinity. Although the area had been cordoned off by red tape, a man had been placed on site to maintain security. The bodies had obviously been removed but everything else was exactly as it had been found.

Aladdin approached Addison. "It is okay to enter and look around." Addison simply nodded and ducked under the tape. Her vision was initially drawn to the many areas of blood stained sand. She stepped closer to one area in particular. The imprint of a human head was still visible in the blood soaked ground.

"Where were the bodies taken?" Addison asked.

"They are in the morgue at the nearest hospital. You are free to view them if you wish. I can call ahead to give you access."

"Maybe," the agent replied. She continued to walk a careful line around the site. Bullet casings littered the ground. In the middle of the area were the cinders of a once roaring fire. There was still a twig, holding a golden marshmallow, beside the ashes. Empty bottles of champagne lay in the sand, two of them smashed due to the shower of bullets. Glasses, too, lay over the ground, abandoned in the disarray of terror.

"Can you give me a full copy of the crime scene report?"

Aladdin pulled his hands out of his pockets, holding a packet of cigarettes. He took one out of the packet and lit it with a red lighter. "I'll do that before you go back to the hotel."

"Thanks, Sergeant Valtex." Addison walked over to the side of the tent where Karlyn Sanderson had been gunned down. She continued to walk around it, following a trail of heavyset footprints. They stretched along the back of three tents before turning around the side of the fourth and leading inside. "This was Karlyn Sanderson's, right?"

"Yes, where the theft took place." Aladdin followed Addison into the tent. Everything was as its late owner had left it. A hairbrush lay upon an unmade camp bed; many articles of clothing were bundled in a pile by the side of a table. Addison approached the table and ran her fingers over the empty surface.

"As this was Doctor Sanderson's tent I presume this was the place the artefacts were stolen. I think they must have been statues or amulets."

A frown crossed Addison's features. "You don't know?" she asked in surprise.

"The university has not sent us a list of the stolen artefacts yet. We know scans of the pieces were taken and sent to them so we should receive images soon." Aladdin pointed to a computer. "As you can see, it is no use trying to get the images from the computer as it was completely destroyed." Addison noticed numerous bullet holes in the computer and all hardware. It was almost indistinguishable. Whoever these people were, they certainly wanted to destroy any evidence of what it was they had taken.

"So the university didn't give you any indication of what the items were? Whom did you speak to?"

"It was a Doctor Leeds, and no we haven't received a list of what the artefacts are yet. It should come soon. The government has a vested interest in everything that is unearthed. After so many thefts in the past, they have to be."

"I suppose you are right and they have a point. I mean, it is all part of your heritage and history of your country." Addison made her way out of the tent. She was aware that a huge majority of Ancient Egypt's treasures of had been stolen from the tombs of the Pharaohs, even by the authorities themselves.

Aladdin nodded as he followed. "Do you know what they were, Inspector Black?"

The agent was slightly unsure how to answer that question. She wanted to know why the university seemed reluctant to pass on the information. "I know it included some tablets; the writing on them was in hieroglyphics. I have no idea what they said though."

"Thieves have always been a problem. So many tombs have been robbed, the treasures taken and sold to the highest bidder. My brother's hotel… it used to be the home of a wealthy landowner here in Thebes. He was suspected of a crime and when his house was searched they found treasures taken from the Valley of the Kings."

"Interesting," Addison commented. She stood in the middle of the campsite and looked around her. There was something curious about the area but she couldn't ascertain what it was. Crime fighting was not her niche in Special Operations; she was a soldier through and through. However, Addison knew she trusted Mark Blithe and never found reason to question him; if he wanted her on the assignment then he knew she would be able to undertake the needs of the mission. Nevertheless, the fact remained that there was something about the campsite that didn't seem to make sense. Addison didn't know what it was but she was determined to find out. She decided to do another walk around and hoped whatever it was that bothered her, would reveal itself. The evening was approaching and Addison wanted to make sure she got as much information from the site before the sun started its descent in the sky.

Chapter 7

A soft knocking echoed around the walls of Skyler's room. When they went unanswered the knocks grew louder. Addison stood behind the door. She held her ear towards the barrier and listened. She heard nothing. Reaching into her trousers, cargo pocket, Addison pulled out a small mechanical device. It was the size of a matchbox and held a specific function… to pick locks. Holding it against the keyhole, Addison manipulated a small retractable prong and eased it inside. With a simple push and twist the door was unlocked. Taking one last look to make sure nobody had seen her actions and felt the need to question her, Addison walked into Skyler's room.

Closing the door behind her, Addison stepped further into the room. She heard more than felt something crunch under her boot. Looking to the floor she found it was littered with little paper sculptures. Birds and ducks, aeroplanes and flowers, a wide variety of three-dimensional shapes lay around her. With a smile Addison bent down and picked up a bird; she twisted the paper animal around her fingers, taking in its design. Rising back to her feet, Addison looked around the corner of Skyler's room. She found her fast asleep upon one of the beds. The doctor was still dressed and wore her boots, though one leg hung off the bed. Skyler had one arm laying over her eyes and the other resting upon her stomach. Placing her own backpack beside Skyler's, Addison approached the bed. For a short moment she simply gazed at the sleeping blonde. She had waited months to see her again and as soon as they did meet up they are sent on a mission together. Addison decided she was in two minds about that. Half of her felt she would have preferred it if Skyler were not there so she didn't feel the constant desire to lean over and take her 'partner' in her arms and kiss her senseless. The other half of her relished any and all time spent with her. Closing her eyes, Addison chanted to hers self, strictly platonic while on a mission... Mark made that a ground rule and for all intent and purposes, they had to abide by them. Re-opening her eyes, Addison reined in her emotions. Leaning over, she tapped the beak of the bird against Skyler's nose.

"Sky, Sky wake up," she called. Addison knew it wasn't going to be easy. She had learned, very early, that Skyler was incredibly difficult to wake up. There was one method, however, which was fail safe. Pulling Skyler's arm away from her eyes, Addison took a deep breath. "SKYLER TIDWELL," she bellowed.

Body stiffening, Skyler grasped the bed sheets beneath her as she gasped and opened her eyes. Focussing on her surroundings, her eyes drifted to Addison. The agent stood, bent over her, with a curious expression.

"You awake?"

"Awake?" Taking the pillow from under her head, Skyler swung it around, making a solid connection with Addison's head. "I'll give you 'awake'." She swung again, knocking Addison backwards and onto the spare bed. "Don't you know you're not supposed to wake a sleeping person like that?"

Addison grinned and said, "No, I think that's a sleep 'walking' person."

Skyler's pillow made another descent over Addison but the agent caught it. "Same difference, Addison. I dreamed I was walking!" Her eyes narrowed but the mirth behind them began to sparkle through. "You are an evil woman, Addison Black."

"Thank you."

Skyler rolled her eyes. "That actually wasn't a compliment."

Addison sat back on her bed, leaning on one hand. "So… it seems somebody has been in deep contemplation." She twirled the bird in her hand, moving it up and down. "Does it have a name?"

"Maybe," Skyler replied evasively. She sat down on the bed opposite Addison. "So, how did it go at the camp site?" Looking to her side, Skyler picked up the sheets of paper she had translated the tablets upon. Arranging them into a neat pile she placed them upon her knees. It had taken her just over two and a half hours but Skyler had completed deciphering each tablet.

Pulling a grey folder from her pack, Addison handed it to Skyler. "That's the crime scene report. I want you to look over it with me because something doesn't seem right. I just don't know what it is. Anyway… I had a look around. It was, without a doubt, a planned and highly organised attack. They knew what they were doing and they seemed to have advanced knowledge of the campsite." Leaning forwards Addison picked a paper plane from the tiled floor. She threw it across the room, watching it glide onto a wide, imitation wood, dressing table. "How did it go with the translations?"

Skyler frowned. "It seemed to get more confusing. It was hard to translate because there was no obvious structure. It was almost like I had to read outside the constructed norm of logic that was followed to originally translate hieroglyphics from the 'Rosetta Stone'. They really were riddles. Now that it is complete, I see the patterns and I think I can fully comprehend the meanings but I'm going to have to be in the vicinity to follow the directions."

"Where do we have to go to do that?"

Skyler turned to her translations of the second tablet. She ran her finger down her neatly sculpted handwriting. "I'm ninety-nine percent positive it's… well…" Skyler frowned. "It's this passage here." She read out a particular portion of the translation. " 'Where he built his tomb, where Selket gave him life, where he served his King immortality'. Basically it leads me to believe we have to go to Saqqara."

"Saqqara is further up in the northern part of Egypt, right? Who was Selket?"

Nodding the blonde said, "Yes it's northern Egypt. Selket was a scorpion headed goddess, said to protect women during childbirth. Addison, if there are others looking for his tomb then I think I need to get going now."

Addison crossed her legs. "Sky, if there are others looking for this tomb it might not be safe to go there alone." Letting out a frustrated sigh, Addison turned her body to the side and lay upon her back. Her head was just short of reaching the pillow. "What's so damn important about some mention of a key that could mean bugger all anyway? Do you get the feeling there's something we've not been told about this? Considering he'd just lost valued members of staff, not to mention students, Doctor Leeds still seemed determined the discovery of the tomb be put on as high a priority as discovering the killers."

Skyler shook her head. "I wouldn't necessarily pay much attention to that. I've known worse than him during my academic career. You'd be surprised how many of these guys put things like this ahead of their own families even." Skyler placed her translations into a folder. "At the end of the day it all comes down to money; who has it, how they can get it and what they have to accomplish in order to do that. They aren't necessarily bad people, per se, they are just far too focussed on the find, the success and the rewards of beating others to the prize. Grants are what keeps many universities going."

"Yeah?" Addison wasn't impressed. "Well that's bollocks." At Skyler's chuckle, Addison continued saying, "I'd rather catch the people who did this."

"I know," replied Skyler in understanding.

"I'm not getting messed up in their politics, bureaucracy and down right competitiveness."

Skyler was silent for long moments as she noted the change in Addison's mood. Her lighthearted banter of moments before had disappeared and in its place a serious expression and underlying anger emerged. "What's wrong?"

Lacing her fingers under her head, Addison looked up at the ceiling. She didn't reply for a long time but just as Skyler was about to ask again the agent spoke. "You know, I've seen a lot. As a soldier you get to see things that no person should ever have to witness. It's not always to do with what the evil man is capable of but the lengths we have to go to in order to put a stop to it." Addison smiled wryly. "You know the one thing that really terrified me?"

"What?"

"It was after a battle during the first Gulf War. It had been a long night of bombing and firefights. We didn't have a single casualty but the enemy hadn't been so lucky. I walked into that village, vehicles still burning... body parts lying strewn over the ground, the scent of burning flesh in the air... and I felt nothing." Addison looked over at Skyler. "That sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach wasn't there, like it had been times before. It scared me to think, that to some extent, I had become desensitised to the carnage around me."

"But you hadn't," Skyler stated.

Addison shook her head. "No… because I felt it here." The agent placed her right hand over her heart. "This is where it hurt."

Rising from her own bed Skyler moved to sit beside Addison. She placed her hand over the agent's. "And you realised that was the difference. It wasn't something to be scared of because it's your heart which drives you to fight and put an end to the evil around us." Skyler paused and traced her fingers over Addison's hand. "So your heart wont hurt anymore."

Addison turned her hand around and entwined her fingers with Skyler's. "And I hate to think there are people in this world who put petty, materialistic bullshit over life."

"I understand, Addison, but we have to follow orders… we are working for the good guys."

The agent grinned. "I know and I will follow orders… this is just the first time I've ever had somebody here with me to bitch about these things to."

Skyler smiled back but her eyes remained serious. "That was the first time you have ever spoken about your time in the Marines to me."

Addison shrugged, although what Skyler said was true. She didn't talk about those times very much. Though there were many good moments and friends she would never forget, that could also be said for the times she wished she could forget. Addison lifted Skyler's hand and studied the blonde's fingers. "So you want to help me figure out what the hell it is about this crime scene, and its report, which has me scratching my head?"

"That could just be lice, Addison."

"Oh funny!" Addison chuckled as she rose to a sitting position. "And so could this!" She reached out and tickled Skyler's ribs.

"NO… okay, okay." Skyler squirmed away from Addison's fingers. Secretly, however, she relished her touch but knew their working relationship had to remain as such… no matter how much she desired more. Being alone together was harder than she anticipated. Skyler shook her head. "Let's read the reports."

Picking up the folders of information, which had fallen onto the floor during their banter, Addison pulled out three smaller files. She began handing them to Skyler. "These are the complete set of photographs, the second file is a crime scene report and the last document is the coroner's report. Not too shocking, obviously, they all died from multiple gunshot wounds."

"Okay!" Skyler rose with purpose. Unclipping the file of photos she began laying them out upon her bed. When she was finished the entire area was covered by the macabre shots. They began studying the crime scene in greater detail. Questions were asked and answers verified through the provided information. Every element of the event was probed, neither woman leaving a scrap of information unquestioned. One, and then two hours passed, as they worked. It was a quarter to midnight when Skyler finally seemed to spot the missing piece of the puzzle.

Addison strode back and forth through the room, mindlessly talking the details through her head, when something she said caught Skyler's attention. "What? Hold on," she interrupted. "What was that last thing you just said?"

"When?"

"Just now."

Addison thought for a moment as she recalled the last words that passed her hips. "All twelve of them were killed in less than a minute?"

"Yes!" Skyler looked down at the photographs. She began removing the shots taken outside the campsite and when she was finished, what she had left were all the interior photographs of each tent. She placed them side by side and looked down upon each picture. "Read out the list of victims."

"Okay." Addison shuffled the sheets of paper in her hand to find the information in question. "Well there was Karlyn Sanderson, Dean Dodson, Clare Allen, Sal Weston, Vicki Lloyd, Loaron Vasco, Amber Taylane, Ryia Smith, Doris Shaw, Peter Burberry, Benjamin Brown and Witherstone Hastrius."

Skyler's hand glided over the photographs. She began to tap the pictures and Addison moved closer to see what she was doing.

"Karlyn Sanderson had her own tent… this one." Skyler tapped the first picture. "The others shared… six tents… two beds in each… that makes twelve beds not including Doctor Sanderson."

"Thirteen." Addison shook her head. "Maybe one was a spare bed."

"Do any of these beds look like they weren't in use?" Both women scanned the photographs. "Each bed is fully made with sheets and blankets. A spare bed wouldn't have that. Space is always a commodity utilised to its fullest. A camp bed would not be there unless it was in use. It would be a waste of space."

Dropping the reports upon the bed Addison said, "That's it. There's somebody missing. Somebody else was working at the site that the University didn't know about."

"So it seems," Skyler replied. "Now we have to find out who that was."

***

Inside a lavishly plush, five star hotel in Cairo, Jerome Yashiln sat at a wide, oak desk. Before him lay the five stone tablets indicating the map to Imhotep's tomb. Scratching blunt fingers through his short, grey beard he stared down at the tablets with a deep frown.

In an adjoining room, William Bryson lay upon a king-size bed. With one arm behind his head, he watched a television intently, as he tried to ward off his approaching slumber. Unfortunately for him, with nothing of interest to watch past midnight, he was fighting a losing battle. With every passing moment his eyelids felt heavier and heavier. The comfortable feather pillows and ivory satin sheets were far too relaxing. From the suites sitting room, however, he heard the door open and close. Forcing his eyes open the Geologist sprang to his feet and strode into the primary room. "Where the hell have you been?"

Standing between two broad bodyguards stood his partner. The young man pulled a well-worn, navy baseball cap off his head revealing his white hair. "Out taking a walk. In case you haven't noticed, my skin doesn't fart too well in direct sunlight. It isn't a lot of fun being cooped up inside all day and I wanted some fresh air."

"You could have let me know."

"Worried?" the young man asked, slipping blue tinted glasses from his nose.

"No." William looked to his left where Jerome YaShiln sat in silence. Though he appeared to be deep in thought, studying the tablets, he was in fact, listening to everything the men were saying. William addressed the old man. "Have you finished the translations yet?"

"No… not yet," Jerome replied.

"What's taking so long?" The young man with pink eyes dropped his sunglasses onto a leather couch and approached the desk. "You are supposed to be the best linguist and translator in Egypt."

"This is like nothing I have ever tried to translate before. I can only make out portions of the script and that means nothing unless the entire map is put together. There's only one sentence that I am able to comprehend the meaning behind."

"And that is?"

" 'Where he built his tomb, where Selket gave him life, where he served his King immortality'. I believe that means the tomb is in Saqqara. This does make sense as it was also around the place of Imhotep's birth and where he built Djoser the first pyramid."

William sighed; this news was less than pleasing to him. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a packet of cigarettes, taking one from the box and placing it between his lips. "I was hoping to be further along in our plans by now." He lit his cigarette and took a long pull of smoke into his lungs. Looking back to his business partner he inclined his head towards the bedroom. "I want to speak with you for a minute... privately." The young man nodded in agreement and they disappeared into William's bedroom.

"What?"

"I don't like this. We're not moving at a fast enough pace for my liking."

"We'll be out of here in time… as planned."

"We better be." William took another pull from his cigarette, grey smoke escaping past his lips as he said, "At least we have back up plan B!"

***

Addison awoke to the sound of insistent knocking upon the hotel room door. Yawning as she realised she had fallen asleep fully clothed, Addison looked to the bed beside her. Skyler was still fast asleep, she herself fully dressed. Growling at the unwanted visitor knocking on Skyler's door at… she checked her watch… ten to seven in the morning; Addison rose to her feet. There was no reason to rush; the noise wouldn't succeed in waking Skyler.

"Okay… damn it!" Addison pulled the door open. Standing before her was Aladdin Valtex. "Sergeant, you are up early!"

"You're dressed, that is good. I thought as much when you were not in your own room." Sergeant Valtex walked straight past Addison and into Skyler's room. He stopped in his tracks when he spotted Skyler still asleep upon her bed. "Oh!"

"Long night." Taking Aladdin's arm Addison led him out of Skyler's room and into the passageway. She pulled the door to, but didn't shut it. "We were up late last night working on the reports and…"

"That is what I came here for," Aladdin interrupted. "I was anxious to know how you got on and what you found. I know it is a little early but when my mind is on a case I don't sleep so much."

Addison decided Sergeant Valtex was far too chipper for the present time of morning. "Yes we did discover something that might well be pertinent to the case."

"Very good!"

Addison simply nodded.

"What is it?" Aladdin pushed curiously.

"Oh… We have twelve murders… twelve bodies… yet the camp site shows all evidence of there being thirteen people living and working there."

"There is a person unaccounted for?"

Leaning against the doorframe Addison said, "We need to speak to everybody who came into contact with the team; whether it was simply in passing, business related or even in the pursuit of supplies... we need to speak to them all and as quickly as possible if we are to discover who arranged the thefts."

"We might be running out of time."

Addison turned, in surprise, to see Skyler standing in the doorway. "You're awake."

The blonde nodded. "I had my alarm set for seven."

"Alarm?" Addison asked, not recalling hearing anything.

"Yes." Skyler lifted her wrist, showing Addison her watch. "Sam designed it for me when he discovered I have a slight problem waking up in the morning. Instead of a siren it delivers a sharp pulse to the skin."

"Like an electric shock?" Aladdin asked.

Skyler shook her head. "No, not quite. It's more like a sharp chain of pulses; I suppose it does feel slightly like an electric shock but there is no electricity running through it. It's specially set to a level that will wake me from sleep."

"What's that, a stampeding rhino?"

The blonde narrowed her eyes. "Inspector Black, what were we discussing?"

Addison smiled but reverted back to the subject at hand. "The missing member from the archaeology team and how we can discover who that was."

Aladdin asked, "Are you thinking there is a possibility this person might be involved with the thefts and murders?"

"I certainly wouldn't rule it out but primarily you just need to question him or her." Addison looked over her shoulder at Skyler. "Inspector Tidwell, while we are looking into that I would like you to follow another line of enquiry pertaining to the stolen artefacts."

"You have information on that?"

Addison shook her head. "No, but we have a few people we would like to question and such. You know… put out a few feelers." Addison made eye contact with Skyler. "In Saqqara."

"Ah," Skyler nodded in understanding. "Well I better go and start getting my things ready."

Addison watched Skyler leave and then addressed Aladdin. "Sergeant Valtex, if you don't mind waiting, Inspector Tidwell and I need to get ready. I wonder if you wouldn't mind preparing Inspector Tidwell some transportation to Saqqara. Then when we are ready she can leave while you and I make a few enquiries about the archaeology team."

"Of course, yes."

"We'll be no more than half an hour." Addison walked back into the room, closing the door behind her. Skyler stood waiting for her.

"How come you changed your mind about me going to Saqqara?"

Addison unbuttoned her shirt, letting it slip from her shoulders. There was just enough time for them to both take showers before they had to leave. "Because you need to start looking for the tomb. That was your assignment after all. Besides, I really don't expect to be long with these enquiries, so hopefully I'll be there with you by the end of the day." Addison continued removing her clothes until she stood naked in front of Skyler. The blonde's eyes moved straight to Addison's side and the scar from the bullet Antonia Bakersfield had fired into her stomach. The wound was soon covered as Addison wrapped a towel around her body. Skyler drew her eyes back to Addison's face as the agent said, "And the sooner this assignment is out of the way…" she left the remainder of her words unspoken but the meaning was clear.

Skyler nodded and, pausing for a moment to allow her mind to focus, she licked her lips. "I suppose you want me to locate but not enter the tomb, if I find it before you arrive?"

"That would be preferable, yes." Addison was ready to leave the room for her shower but didn't yet move. "Be careful, Sky. I know you need to work on this as soon as possible but if there are others out there… just keep a low profile."

Skyler unclipped her belt as she said, "I can do that, Addison, don't worry. It'll be cool."

"I know… it's just that…" Addison stopped herself from saying anymore.

"I'll be careful if you will."

"I'm always careful," Addison boasted.

With a smile the doctor said, "Then hurry up and do what you need to do, then come to Saqqara and I'll be waiting... as patiently as I can, considering what I am looking for!"

The agent nodded. "Deal." Holding out her hand she took Skyler's and shook it. Before letting go, however, she lifted the hand to her lips and kissed it softly with a wink. Skyler blinked in pleasant surprise as Addison sauntered out of the room. She could just hear the agent mutter, "I know this is a one star hotel but please let them have a shower massage!"

Skyler lost herself in laughter.

Chapter 8

The Queen of the Nile was a typical tourist establishment. As soon as Addison entered, she easily spotted English and American holidaymakers. The majority were students and backpackers. They sat in groups discussing what they had seen and had yet to see. The bar itself was a large, two storey building; the second floor used as a nightclub for those who enjoyed the dance scene. However, the ground floor of The Queen of the Nile was very traditionally decorated as a classic sightseer's inn. Wrought iron table frames with marble tabletops were scattered around the room. Placed in arched alcoves, upon the wall, were moulded plastic depictions of Egyptian gods and goddesses, painted in highly decorative colours. Rectangular windows ran along the length of three walls, providing an abundance of natural light.

Aladdin, who had entered before Addison, scanned the bar. He was looking for one person in particular. His search stopped as he spotted the woman in question. "Inspector Black, that woman sitting at the bar over there…"

"The redhead on the left or the brunette on the right talking to the bartender?"

"The brunette on the right," Aladdin replied. "That's Pili's daughter. She runs the general supply store for her father in the evenings."

Taking a closer look at the young woman, Addison noted she must have been no more than twenty years old. She had long, brown hair stretching down the length of her back and wore a simple pair of light, denim jeans and a pink t-shirt. Aladdin knew which store had been supplying Karlyn Sanderson's team. He had spoken to the owner, Pili, before Addison was ready, but the old man informed him that Doctor Sanderson's team always traded in the evenings. That meant his best chance for information was to speak with his daughter, Aziza. Knowing the young woman was dating the bartender of the Queen of the Nile, Aladdin drove there as soon as he and Addison had seen Skyler onto her flight to Saqqara.

Addison followed Aladdin as he approached Aziza. She was thankful he called to her in English and glad this was a place heavy with tourists, for it meant many of the services, including shops and restaurants, catered for their market by speaking other languages. Although Addison could speak many languages, this wasn't one of them. The agent smiled to herself as she acknowledged the fact that if she were like Skyler, she would have mastered Arabic by now.

"Miss Aziza," Aladdin called, receiving a welcoming smile from the young woman. "Your father said we would find you here this morning." Aladdin stopped beside Aziza as Addison reached them. This is Inspector Black from Scotland Yard in England."

Aziza held out her hand. "Pleased to meet you, Inspector Black. This is my boyfriend, Mosi." She introduced the bartender to Addison.

The agent shook thin svelte man's hand, noting his non-Egyptian looking features. She presumed he must have either moved to Egypt as a child or was only half Egyptian. "Hi, Mosi," she said.

"Inspector Black," replied Mosi in greeting. "Can I get you a drink?"

"Not for me," said Aladdin.

Addison, however, readily agreed. "Yeah, I'll have a tonic water please. It's as hot as f... hell out there!"

Aziza smiled at Addison's slip. "You get used to it." She turned back to Aladdin. "So, why has my father sent you here? I'm thinking it is to do with the murder of the archaeologists?"

"Does anybody not know about this?" asked Addison.

Mosi handed Addison her glass of tonic water. "Word spreads quickly here among the locals. We like to keep up with the news." The agent pulled a handful of notes from her pocket, but Mosi put up his hand in refusal. "This is on me, Inspector."

"Oh, well thanks, Mosi." Addison took a long drink of the refreshing bubbly liquid. It soothed her parched throat. The dry air had the ability to make one thirsty very quickly and Addison felt the effects of that.

Aladdin continued his questioning of Aziza. "Your father told us you dealt with their supplies."

"Yes, once or twice a week they came into the shop."

"Who used to come in?" Addison asked as she placed her glass down upon the bar top. She leaned against the marble slab of its surface, feeling slightly more refreshed than moments before. Air conditioning hummed above, blessing her with the welcome relief of cooling air.

Aziza thought for a moment. "I only saw Doctor Sanderson one time. Ben told me she was the head of their team. Ben used to come in most of the time. He was more my age so we tended to talk when he visited. Sometimes he came with a nice lady called Doris. She was an archaeologist too. Ben was a student. The last two times he came in he had Doctor Bryson with him."

"Doctor Bryson?" Addison's face remained neutral but inside the cogs of her mind began turning. This name certainly wasn't on her team list or the name of any of the deceased. She looked to Aladdin with an air of suspicion.

"Yes, Doctor Bryson was a new member of the team. Ben said his first … um… vocation was Geology but he was an archaeologist too. He was nice… friendly."

"Do you know his first name?"

"William."

Aladdin took a step closer to Aziza. "Are you sure Ben said he was part of the team?"

"Yes." Aziza appeared slightly put out that she was being questioned on facts of which she knew she was certain. "I can even remember what he bought... the sound of his voice. His accent was like Inspector Black's, but he spoke faster so it was sometimes harder to understand everything he said." She smiled. "I had to ask him to repeat words again. He smoked a brand of cigarettes only we stock... Henson Lights. He bought many packs."

Running a hand through her black hair, Addison asked, "Could you work with an artist to give us a visual impression of Doctor Bryson?"

"We don't have one," Aladdin said under his breath to Addison.

"Great," the agent muttered. "Okay… did he have any distinguishing features? Something we can recognise or identify him by? When was the last time you remember seeing him?"

"I don't know, it had to have been over a month ago now."

Mosi returned to the right side of the bar after serving two customers. He had been listening, as best he could, to Addison and Aladdin's line of questioning. "Excuse me… I saw him the night of the murders."

Three heads spun around in his direction. "You did?" Aziza asked with a noticeable frown as she wondered when her boyfriend had seen the doctor. He had been with her that night.

Mosi nodded, though he seemed slightly uncomfortable with his admission. Addison noticed this but pressed on with her questions "Where did you see him, Mosi? We need to know everything that happened the night of the murders. It is important if we are to catch who did this. I am sure you understand that."

"Um…" Mosi looked at Aziza uncomfortably. Addison noticed the expressions that passed between them and shook her head impatiently.

"Look, we don't need to know what you were doing. We just want to know about Doctor Bryson. Where did you see him?"

"In the store.

Addison looked at Aziza and then back to Mosi. "What time was this?"

"Early evening. Aziza had gone into the back for… something." The blush that covered Aziza's cheeks told Addison she really didn't need to know what the reason behind her brief departure from the till was about. "He came in while I was looking after the shop. He was in for no more than six or maybe seven minutes."

Aladdin turned his full attention upon Mosi. "What did he buy?"

"He bought some bottles of champagne, the best Pili had in stock. It was a high price and he tried to haggle with me, but I threw in a pack of cigars and we made a deal."

"What did he say? Did he talk about anything while in the shop?"

"Talk about anything? He never stopped!" Mosi laughed as he recalled Doctor Bryson's behaviour. "He was talking about a great find they had made and how magnificent it was. He used the word 'priceless'. He told two other people who were in the shop at the same time. He was really happy. It is hard to believe he was killed not long after I had seen him."

"Hmm," Addison responded, not giving any facts of the case away. "Do you know the people he spoke to in the store?"

"No… they were tourists. I don't recall them."

Addison folded her arms, her brown eyes wandering as she thought. "Do you recall anything about him? Any distinguishing features that come to mind?"

Mosi shook his head and leaned against the bar. "He looked like any other ordinary Englishman. There was nothing about him that I can remember." Mosi continued to think. "He wore a fedora. It had a red scarf tied around it. Oh, and his fingers were yellow on both hands. It looked like he was a chain smoker who used both sets of fingers to hold a cigarette. Does that make sense?" he asked, receiving a nod from Addison in return.

From the other side of the bar somebody had pushed a coin into the jukebox. The room was suddenly filled with music. Addison decided she'd had enough. "Okay, thank you Mosi, Aziza. If there are any more questions Sergeant Valtex will be back. Thank you for your time."

"No problem, Inspector Black." Mosi bowed his head slightly. "My pleasure to help any way I can."

With a nod Addison began to exit the bar; Aladdin followed, unsure of her sudden departure. He felt there had to be more questions that needed asking. "Is there a problem, Inspector?"

"No." Addison released one arm from her backpack. "Sergeant, I feel there isn't much more I can do. I have every faith you can handle the investigation from here. I would like to get to Saqqara as soon as possible to help Inspector Tidwell with her enquiries."

"If that is your wish. As soon as the helicopter gets back you can leave for Saqqara."

"Excellent." Addison looked around her. She spotted a public convenience on the opposite side of the road. "I'll meet you at the car; I need a slash."

Aladdin frowned in confusion. "A…?"

Addison pointed with her thumb over her shoulder. "The bathroom." Receiving a look of understanding and acknowledgement, Addison turned, jogged across the road and into the small, rectangular building. After checking that each of the three stalls was empty, Addison walked back to the entrance. Closing the door firmly she pulled a metal bolt across, locking herself inside.

Reaching into an inside pocket she pulled out her mobile phone. She began to dial in a specific code, which granted her access to a secure line within Special Operations. The phone rang for three seconds before it was answered.

"Addison," Danny Sleet said. "I've just paged Mark, he is on his way. How's it in Egypt, you lucky bugger?" Danny was a research officer. He rarely left Headquarters.

"Dan, it's as hot as a sumo wrestler's jock strap. How's that for a definition?"

"Disturbing… thanks." Danny was silent and Addison heard the distant sound of another voice enter the room. "Mark's here, Addison, hold on one moment." There was a pause followed by a static click as Addison was put onto a speakerphone.

"Addison," Mark said. "What's the report?"

The agent held her head against the door as she heard approaching footsteps. They passed her by. "Mark, we've discovered there was another member of the archaeology team not listed. He must have joined the group half way through the dig. We have definite sightings of him with team members and being introduced as such… yet his name isn't on the list of the deceased. I believe this is our first lead into the crime."

"Excellent… who are we looking for?"

"It's a Doctor Bryson, William Bryson. He's a geologist and archaeologist. He has an English accent so we are looking for somebody national."

"Okay, Danny is on it."

"Addison," Danny called. "Do you have a description?"

"Negative… sorry, Dan, that's all I have so far." Addison walked over to a sink. Turning on a cold tap she cupped a handful of water and let it trickle down her back. The cool droplets felt wonderful against her heated skin. "The only thing I can say for sure is this guy is a smoker."

"How's Skyler getting on with the tablet translations?"

"Great, Mark. She has them complete and is in Saqqara now. I'm about to join her."

"Okay, Addison, keep me posted."

"Will do." Addison hung up the phone. She placed it back in her inside pocket and then wiped her wet hand down her shirt. She knew she had to get back out to Sergeant Valtex. Unlocking the bathroom door she walked out into the sunshine, spotting Aladdin waiting in his car, the engine running. She jogged across the road and climbed into the passenger seat. "Sorry about that… must have been the foreign food." The agent patted her stomach.

"Oh… um… no problem," stammered Aladdin. He pulled away from the curb and into the steady stream of traffic.

Addison grinned at his flustered expression. She was going to miss playing with this guy.

***

Skyler arrived in Saqqara to find a taxi ready and waiting for her. She boarded the vehicle, requesting to be taken straight to Djoser's pyramid. That, not really surprisingly to Skyler, was the first point on the map. The ride took just over fifteen minutes. Skyler found her anticipation growing as each moment passed. She drummed her fingers upon her thighs, keeping her eyes upon the scenery outside. Skyler had never seen Djoser's pyramid before and so her excitement was immense. The blonde's hand wandered over to the side where her backpack lay upon the seat. She couldn't wait to begin.

Thoughts flitted through the doctor's mind until she recalled the possible danger surrounding the location of the tomb. This was a serious situation. Although Skyler wanted very much to work in the field, she wasn't sure she wanted the possible dangers which accompanied it. Training wasn't an issue; the doctor had been instructed in the arts of self-defence and weaponry. Still, the fact remained Skyler was part of the brains side of the operation and not the brawn.

Recalling the photographic images of Karlyn Sanderson's slaughtered team, Skyler pulled the Taser from her shoulder holster. After checking its function and her supply of cartridges, she took the Browning pistol from her ankle. The clip was full and the safety on. Skyler knew she was ready to begin locating the tomb.

In an effort to fit in and appear like any other tourist, she had made several purchases before she left for Saqqara. The blonde bought a camera, hanging it around her neck. A baseball cap was her next purchase, followed by a handful of badges depicting Egyptian themes. She stuck them on her backpack. To the outside eye Skyler looked like a simple student backpacker. It was perfect.

Pulling up along a desert road, the taxi came to a halt. Paying her driver, Skyler opened the car door and stepped out into the dry Egyptian air. As the white car drove off Skyler placed on her navy baseball cap and dark sunglasses. Camera already hanging around her neck, the doctor began to follow dusty signs towards the first ever Egyptian pyramid. She hadn't walked for more than a minute when her phone began to ring.

"Hey, how are things?" Skyler answered, her caller I.D. already telling her it was Addison.

"Got the data I need. I'm on my way to you as we speak."

"Already? Damn that was quick!"

"I'm a fast worker, baby." Addison chuckled throatily down the phone. "I'll be with you in about two hours tops."

Skyler looked around and gained her bearings. She took a pathway leading to the right and followed another sign towards Djoser's pyramid. "Are you contacting me when you arrive?"

"Negative," Addison responded. "I'll contact H.Q. and ask for an E.P.R. I'll be there before you know it." An E.P.R. stood for Exact Positioning Reference, which was taken using the chip located in each agent's shoulder.

"Okay." The doctor looked at a small group of young men who stood around a map. They held it out between them, studying their location. She suddenly found herself becoming suspicious of everybody else around her. What if any one of those groups was on the hunt for Imhotep's tomb as well? What if they were behind the murders of Karlyn Sanderson and her team?

When one of the men looked up, Skyler took the camera, hanging around her neck and, using one hand, captured a distant image of the pyramid.

"Sky?" Addison called, wondering why the blonde had gone silent.

"Sorry, I'm here. Just blending with the tourists. I was taking a picture."

Addison understood what Skyler was doing. Her own motto while on a mission was 'if in doubt, suspect everybody'! "Many people around?" she asked.

Skyler checked around her again. There were quite a few people in her vicinity. There were families with children, young travellers and older, touring couples. Skyler looked upon each person with a measure of suspicion. "There's enough," she said. A child chose that moment to run past her, laughing in defiance as an agitated parent took chase, scooping the toddler into his arms and scolding the misbehaving little girl. "Thank God these directions lead me away from any crowds." Skyler could hear the sound of an aircraft as Addison reached the airfield.

"Definitely wouldn't do to have civilians around," Addison commented. "Okay, Sky, I'm about to meet the chopper. I'll see you soon, okay?"

"Okay, Addison, bye for now." Hanging up the phone Skyler placed it back in her pocket. Looking out ahead she saw the desert coming further into her line of sight. The scene was set and she was ready to begin. Little did she or Addison know to what their quest would eventually lead.

Chapter 9

Cruising at a moderate pace past Cairo's antiquities warehouses, a navy mini-van drove past its main entrance and towards the eastern side of the compound. Though still with plenty of daylight, the side of the building was shadowed by adjacent structures and storage facilities grouped around the vicinity. The van passed a wide, brick structure with rolling metal doors and turned left. It entered a narrow jetty, overgrown with weeds. Sand and gravel crunched under the weight of the old, worn tyres, balding through much use and little care. The van turned again and stopped behind another, much newer, red van.

As the engine died, William Bryson climbed out of the passenger seat. He stood by the door and scanned around the area. There wasn't anybody in sight and to him that was perfect. He smiled wickedly. From the driver's side a smartly dressed Egyptian man, wearing a two-piece navy suit, emerged. His black hair, well groomed and combed back, was entirely different from his unkempt, overgrown moustache.

"Are you ready, Boss?"

"Yes, Zavren, get the canister from the back, will you?"

Zavren nodded and moved around the battered, navy van. Opening the doors, his expression didn't alter an inch as his eyes took in the sight before him. There, lying in a pool of congealing blood, lay Professor Jerome YaShiln. Then again, it might have been more accurate to say what was left of Professor YaShiln. His head and hands had been removed and were no longer with his body. All that remained was his mutilated trunk, arms and legs. The overpowering, metallic stench of blood filled the back of the vehicle.

Paying little attention to the body, Zavren reached into the compartment and pulled out a large, red jerry can. It was half full with a thick, pungent liquid that slopped around the sides of its container as it moved. Zavren closed the van doors and walked around the vehicle, back to William Bryson. The geologist eyed Zavren as he approached. Pushing a hand into his pocket, Bryson retrieved a small, gold petrol lighter. He tossed it to Zavren and the henchman caught it with his free hand.

"I've been very pleased with your work, Zavren. You've shown… fortitude," he said referring to the methodical way in which he had removed the head and hands from Professor YaShiln's body. William had watched on in morbid fascinating.

Zavren said nothing. He held up the jerry can in question. William gave a simple nod and opened the passenger door of the stolen van. He took a large duffel bag from the foot-well. "Wouldn't do to leave these here now would it? There is no point in removing the parts of identification if we leave them behind." He closed the door and made his way towards the second vehicle. "Give as much of a trail off as you can, Zavren; I want enough time to drive away."

"Will do, Boss," Zavren replied as he opened the van doors and unscrewed the cap. He began pouring petrol over the decapitated body. The clear, pungent liquid blended with congealed blood, turning the petrol a translucent pink. When half of the petrol had been poured over the body he began to trail the remaining fuel away from the van, towards their second vehicle.

"Come on, Zavren, don't take too long. Just light the trail and lets get out of here before the thing goes up. I want that corpse incinerated."

As the last of the fuel ran from the plastic container, Zavren tossed it back over to the now abandoned vehicle. Lifting his knee he struck the lighter across his leg. It lit instantly.

Inside the second vehicle William Bryson started its engine. He reached over and opened the passenger door. "Zavren!"

The smartly dressed man climbed inside their van. Shutting the door he left his arm hanging out of the window. He looked out onto the ground and just as William began to drive, he tossed the flaming lighter onto the trail of petrol. Within an instant the little flame ignited into a roaring inferno. It ate away at the fuel, greedily travelling along the petrol, around to the back of the discarded vehicle and hastily inside. Professor YaShiln's body was engulfed in flames as William drove away and disappeared around a sharp corner to a narrow road. He kept the vehicle at a reasonable pace, not too fast but not too slow. It was just enough to make as swift a departure as possible, without drawing any unwanted attention.

Looking in his rear-view mirror the geologist saw billowing smoke rising from behind the storage complex. His eyes flitted from the road to the mirror as he waited. It took less than a minute before he heard it, the almighty sound of an exploding vehicle erupting with a full tank of petrol. He smiled when he saw flames reach high into the sky. He could almost feel the intense, fuel induced heat.

Zavren looked out through his side window. He could almost smell the acrid stench of thick, black smoke. Other cars upon the road slowed down in shock and surprise as they witnessed the fireball in the distance. William followed suit, cautious enough not to draw any attention by acting any different.

"Where to now, Boss?"

William's hands gripped the steering wheel in thought. "That answer is quite simple, Zavren. Either you choose to work with us, comply and deliver what we ask of you... or you end up with a similar fate as the professor there. Am I making myself clear?"

"Yes."

"Your loyalty is with us now, Zavren. I can make you a very wealthy man."

Zavren was unfazed by Doctor Bryson's threats. He had made his decision. "I look forward to working for you, Boss." He looked back out of the window. "Where to now?"

William put his foot down, accelerating their speed. "When Plan A fails, always have a back up. It's time for Plan B. We have to meet Mr Hawthorn in Saqqara."

***

Agent Skyler Tidwell stood on the threshold of the Djoser's pyramid complex. She looked around with a feeling of awe as she gazed upon the ruins. Though many areas of the site had fallen with age she was still able to visualise what it would have looked like over five thousand years ago. Its magnificence and beauty endured through time like an unceasing echo of splendour.

With other tourists in the area, Skyler was still able to blend in with the milling public. Looking as inconspicuous as possible was necessary considering what she was doing. The blonde doctor pulled several sheets of paper from her backpack. Unfolding the map translations, she looked down at the beginning of tablet three. This was where her search of the complex started.

Skyler stood by the edge of Heb-Sed Court. She studied her map, which was hidden by a tourist information hand out. It had been given to her as she approached the complex. Skyler took it only as a cover for her translations. She watched the other sightseers around her. There were fewer children than she had expected, but to her that was a blessing. It wasn't that she didn't like children, the very opposite in fact. It was the simple fact that not even she knew what was going to happen; the less people around, the better. To her left Skyler saw a group of five students. She easily detected the scent of cannabis. Skyler wondered how these people managed to find a dealer, no matter where they were!

Bringing her mind back to the matter at hand, Skyler began moving closer to the complex. Before her she found a long pathway bordered by broken columns on either side. They had long since fallen over time but her mind was able to conjure a magnificent picture of their once overwhelming glory. She walked closer to the pathway, noting a sign which informed her she was heading towards the south tomb chamber. Skyler knew she was heading in the right direction. The map indicated she would find her next clue, on where to open the entrance to Imhotep's tomb, on the inscriptions depicting Djoser. It was said to be a wall carving in the south tomb chamber. Skyler followed the directions passed Heb-Sed court and towards a square passageway. Tapping her foot into the sand she took one final reading of the map before entering. She turned right, as indicated. The Doctor walked though a narrow passageway; the musty scent of dirt was strong and enhanced by the heat of the ever-glowing orb. Skyler made her way towards the far wall and found what is was she was looking for. A carved image of Djoser was upon a neutral, stone wall. Artificial lights, placed within the chamber, provided enough visual clarity for Skyler to have a perfect view of the depiction.

Skyler approached the image in awe. She ran her fingers over the picture. She never failed to be honoured by what she discovered through her archaeological work. People, great people, who had lived upon the earth hundreds and thousands of years before she was even born, were able to leave a reminder of their presence. To Skyler, it gave their existence meaning and recognition. It made her appreciate just how lucky each and every single person on this planet really was. The nano-existence of life may be over far too quickly, but actions and words can span many lifetimes. Skyler was humbled by that simple acknowledgement.

Reining in her thoughts, Skyler stepped back from the carved image. She looked down at her map as she tried to figure out the next portion of the directions.

"Standing and counting," Skyler read out with a frown as she repeated the words. "The middle of odd is the key?" She scratched her head. "Let the feline goddess guide you. How many are her number?" Looking back at the depiction, Skyler noticed a cat's head upon the carving. "How many cats?" she said. Skyler began counting them. "One…" Her eyes scanned over the wall. "Two…" She continued to search, moving her index finger over the warm stone. "Three…" Skyler crouched lower. Her search found no more symbols of the cat. "Three," she repeated. "Three it appears, so three it must be." Shifting her backpack to a more comfortable position, Skyler left the tomb.

***

Addison's helicopter landed at the precise destination where it had dropped off Skyler only a few hours before. As if an exact replay of the chopper's last arrival, a taxi, arranged by Aladdin Valtex, was ready and waiting for Addison. The agent boarded her cab took a swift journey to the destination it had taken Skyler only an hour before. Being as though it was the same driver, he dropped her off at the same location.

Securing the pack on her back, Addison read the sign before her, indicating the position of the Djoser's pyramid complex. She set off. As she got closer to the complex Addison felt the vibrations as much as she heard her mobile telephone ring. She answered the call, "Hello?"

"Addison, it's Mark here."

"Mark, I was just about to call you. I need an E.P.R. on Skyler. I'm about to meet up with her."

"Will do, Addison, but in a moment. I have news regarding Professor Bryson."

Addison took a pair of black, tinted sunglasses from her pocket. She placed them on as she continued her pace. "Okay, good. What do you have for me?"

"We did some digging; it wasn't hard to find information. Doctor William Bryson is an Archaeologist and Geologist who teaches at Clyde University in Wales. After discovering this we got in touch with the local police force and asked them to enquire in reference to his whereabouts. Basically I wanted them to see what they could find out about him."

"And?"

"They sent two officers to the university and two to his home address. The university said they hadn't heard from him since he left to advise a Doctor Karlyn Sanderson on a dig in Thebes."

"Well this only echoes what we already know," commented Addison.

"At first, yes," said Mark. "Until the other officers arrived at his home address."

"What did they find?"

"They found Doctor Bryson."

Addison was confused. "He went back home?"

"He never left." Mark paused to take a breath. "They found his body in a chest freezer."

Addison stopped walking. She stood stock-still.

"From what they have detected so far, it seems the doctor's body has been in there for over two months. Piles of unopened mail lay as evidence to that. They won't be able to get a true cause of death until the body thaws enough for them to do any kind of forensic slicing and dicing, but it is clear to say…"

"It was murder," Addison finished for Mark. Scratching the back of her head, a heavy sigh passed between the agent's lips. "So we have some crazy person running around here pretending to be a dead guy. He obviously killed Bryson so he could get to Egypt and take his place in the discovery of this… this… bloody hell, Mark, I still have no idea what it is we are really looking for." Addison resumed walking. "This is obviously about more than a dead guy's tomb and whoever this person is, he knows a hell of a lot more than all of us put together!"

"Enough that he feels it is worth killing for."

"So do you have any indication of who the real William Bryson had been seeing socially or professionally before he disappeared?"

"The police are looking into all this as we speak, Addison."

"Good, can you get back to me as soon as you discover anything? Whoever he is, he's working with a backing much larger than we anticipated." As Addison saw another sign for Djoser's pyramid, her thoughts returned to Skyler. "Mark, can you give me that E.P.R. on Skyler?"

"Danny," General Blithe called, "Give me an E.P.R on S.O.112, please."

Addison waited, hearing nothing but Mark's breathing as Danny ran an Exact Positioning Reference on Skyler. She heard Danny call out to Mark and then Mark relayed the information back to her. "She's in Saqqara, at the site of Djoser's pyramid, heading in a northerly direction."

"Thanks, Mark." Addison disconnected the line. She dropped the phone back in her pocket and checked her watch. Addison realised her time was fast running out. A notice board indicated that admittance to the complex ended at five o'clock. The area was closed for the night from six. It was ten minutes to six now. She needed to get in there and find Skyler.

Increasing her pace, Addison's mind started working overtime. First of all she needed to find a way into the complex. Even from her distance she could see a high wire fence surrounding the area. Protection from vandals and thieves was all good and well, but when she wanted to get in, it wouldn't be enough to keep Addison Black out. The coils of barbwire on top of the fence would only serve to be more of an interesting challenge.

Meanwhile, inside the complex, Skyler stood with her back against a tomb wall. A man had just walked around informing people the site was closing for the evening. All visitors had to leave which meant only one thing, Skyler had to hide. She knew the entrance to Imhotep's tomb was inside the complex somewhere? She simply had to find it. Maybe it would be better under the cover of dusk.

Saqqara was a large burial site. There were hundreds of tombs in the area, if not thousands, and many of them had yet to be excavated. When Skyler first realised Imhotep's tomb was at Saqqara she felt a sense of dread. She wondered how she was supposed to locate what would be the definition of a needle in a haystack. That would definitely have been the case if she were unable to fully decipher the tablets.

Peering around a corner, Skyler watched a complex employee walk a group of tourists back to the main gates. She believed those must have been the final people to leave the area. Skyler suddenly wondered whether they had any night patrols!

Hearing a set of footsteps shuffle though the sandy ground, Skyler slid across to the other side of the tomb wall. She looked cautiously around the corner and spied an elderly woman walking in her direction. It was the woman Skyler paid when she had gained entrance into the complex. "Hell," she muttered and looked around, she needed to hide before she was spotted.

Standing between two crypts, Skyler judged their heights. Figuring the one to her left was small enough to climb upon yet tall enough to remain out of sight, she rubbed her hands together in preparation. This is where the month of wall climbing would finally come in handy. The blonde reached for a jutting brick, pulling her body up as her feet found purchase of other rugged stones. The wall was only nine feet tall and within ten seconds Skyler was scaling the top of the tombs. As soon as she reached its pinnacle she lay down flat against the roof.

Propping her head on her chin, Skyler could just make out the top of the woman's head. She watched her pass, circle the crypts and make her way back to the main gate. Skyler sighed in relief. Raising her head only several inches off the roof afforded her a wider view of the complex. She scanned the area, wondering how long it would take the complex employees to leave. She didn't relish the thought of remaining upon the top of the tomb any longer than absolutely necessary. Although it was early evening, the sun was still hot enough to burn down over her.

Fidgeting uncomfortably upon the stone structure, Skyler slid her body across the roof. The move enhanced her view to the right and she managed to catch sight of something familiar yet inconspicuous.

Skyler spied Addison moving stealthily among the stone ruins. Although she felt a certain amount of relief when she spotted the agent, Skyler remained in position. She watched as Addison wove her way around the complex. The agent was vigilant, highly aware of her surroundings. Skyler waited, knowing that from her position, Addison would soon make it over. She wondered whether Addison had registered her position already. Though the complex admissions clerk clearly hadn't, the blonde knew Addison was highly in tune with nature. She had spent many months at a time in the jungle and had developed a higher sense of awareness for the elements of Mother Nature.

Addison moved closer. She reached the Heb-Sed Court and wove her way around a set of three tombs. She was approaching Skyler when she stopped. A frown creased her brow. "Skyler?" she called.

Skyler emerged from her position, hugging the roof of the tomb. "I'm up here."

"What are you…?" Addison looked around. "Oh yes… I see. How long have you been up there?"

"Ten minutes I guess. I saw you coming so waited here. I figured I'd have an easier chance searching here if I didn't have an audience."

"Apart from him!" Addison's eyes rose above Skyler to the sky. The blonde looked up and almost gasped in shock. "I think he has designs on you for dinner. I'd get down from there before he gets tired of waiting for you to take your final breath and comes in for a peck of sexy blonde behind!"

Turning from the circling vulture, Skyler shifted forwards, twisted her body around and rolled off the roof. She landed feet first, but didn't manage to keep her balance. Addison caught her before she hit the ground.

"Easy there, I'm sure Mister Vulture gets the message."

Skyler wrapped her arms around Addison, indulging in a moment of guilty pleasure. "I know, but maybe I'm just glad to have you with me again."

Addison smiled as she placed her lips upon Skyler's head. The soft material of her baseball cap was smooth against her cheek. "I'm not going to snitch." The agent closed her eyes. "I miss this, Skyler. I miss this closeness with you."

"Me too." Skyler hugged Addison tighter before regrettably letting go. "Did you find out about the thirteenth person at the camp site?"

"I got a name… checked it out. He was a university professor in Wales. He apparently left the university for a sabbatical to work here, but ended up taking a detour before he arrived."

"What do you mean?"

"The police found him in the deep freeze. Somebody killed him and took on his identity to come out here."

Rolling her tongue around the inside of her cheek Skyler said, "So in other words we're back to square one?"

"Not quite. We have a lead to work with... H.Q and the Clyde police force are working on it now. As for us… we get to go exploring." Addison wiggled her eyebrows. "Can I be Indiana Jones?"

"Not if you want to catch my attention and besides, I'm quite fond of Addison Black myself."

Addison beamed. "Her I can do." Straightening her back, boosting her small height advantage over Skyler by an extra centimetre, Addison quirked her upper lip. "Come on, woman. Lets go dig up a tomb." Refraining from rolling her eyes, Skyler followed Addison as the agent strutted off. She stopped suddenly and turned back to Skyler. "Where are we supposed to be going anyway?"

"This way, Stud!" Skyler said as she turned northwards. "I need to find the statues in the East Court. If I'm interpreting and understanding all these directions accurately, there should be three of them."

Catching Skyler up so she could walk beside her, Addison looked down at the tourist map in the blonde's hands. "Looks like it's just to the right of here."

"Yeah." Skyler led the way to a wide wall. It had crumbled around the sides but the main area was still fully standing. In front of the wall, and standing on a narrow curb, stood three statues. The first statue was crudely carved in the shape of what Addison believed to be a pharaoh. It was much the same type of statue as the second one, but that had a lot more detail. The face and body were much more distinguishable. The third stone carving was smaller and broken. Addison was unable to tell what it was or might have been.

"What do we have to do?" Addison asked as she studied the statues. She ran her hands over the outlined face of the first statue. "They're not that spectacular looking, are they?"

Skyler looked up from her translations. "What… were you expecting a sphinx? My guess is they were put here for a specific purpose."

"Which was?" The blonde didn't answer at first. She continued to read her translations. "Sky, what purpose?"

Reaching out, Skyler placed two fingers on the middle statue's face, putting one finger upon each eye. Placing her other hand behind the statue, she felt around. After locating what she was searching for Skyler said, "This." She pushed her fingers into the eyes and button at the back. A loud rumbling sounded around them and the ground became unstable. Feeling their foundations begin to shake, Addison grabbed Skyler, pulling her to the right in a swift movement. They fell into the sand as the ground, which had been underneath them, suddenly caved in. A cloud of sand and dust rose into the air; both women covered their faces from the fall out.

"Holy Mother of…" Addison coughed, wafting her hands around them. She released another cough. "What on earth was that?"

Skyler stood upon her knees, holding her shirt over her mouth and nose. She squinted through the settling dust. "I think we just found our entrance."

"What?"

Reaching into her backpack Skyler pulled out a kinetic torch. She shook it rapidly for fifteen seconds before turning it on and crawling over to where they had just been standing. In its place was a wide, dark shaft. She directed the torch's beam into the underground cavern. "Surprise, surprise."

Addison crawled over to Skyler. "Bugger me!" She leaned forwards into the hole and followed the shaft of light. "It's a passage way. Did you know it was right here?"

"The tablets hinted, but I had no idea we were standing right above it." Skyler coughed and shook her head, releasing grains of sand from her hair.

"Those Ancient Egyptians were sneaky buggers." Addison took her own torch from her backpack. She shook it and turned it on, directing her beam beside Skyler's to give them a wider view of the interior of the exposed entrance. "Inside?"

Skyler grinned and moved backwards. "Ladies first.

"Now I get called a lady!" Addison flipped over and dropped into the cavern. Shining her torch upon the wall she found a length of hieroglyphics. "Abandon all hope, you who enter here."

"Oh brother!" Skyler slid into the cavern beside Addison. "You've seen too many scary movies." She shook her head. "Come on, Indiana, let's make history!"

Chapter 10

The scent of the shaft, shut off from human admittance for over five thousand years, was dank, grimy and stale. Fragments of dust and sand, undisturbed for centuries, floated through the air. There was an almost unearthly silence inside the passageway, a silence so dense it was palpable. Both agents relied upon their powerful torches to penetrate the curtain of darkness around them. Without the artificial light, progression through the passageways to Imhotep's tomb would be impossible. Addison ran her hands over the walls; she was astounded by the knowledge these shafts were, in all probability, dug out by hand.

Shrugging the backpack from her shoulders, Addison unzipped a side pocket, pulling out a bottle of water. Flicking the cap she took a short drink and then offered it to Skyler. The blonde accepted readily.

"So…" Addison shone the beam from her torch light back upon the wall. "Are you going to tell me what this says?" She moved the shaft of light over the hieroglyphics and then switched to the opposite wall. "They are on this one too. They look the same."

Handing the bottle back to Addison Skyler said, "They are. They say the same thing."

"Which is?"

Directing the beam from her own torch to the wall, Skyler took a step closer. "Well for a start it isn't a quote by Dante!" she said, referring to Addison's earlier comment upon entering the shaft. "Besides, I think we're looking at something much earlier than the fourteenth century." Her eyes scanned the symbols. "Basically it says, 'proceed only if your intentions are pure of heart'."

"Okay... now forgive me for voicing my confusion again, but I thought the burial chamber was supposed to be sacred and not to be crossed. Why are they offering a condition to enter?"

"I don't know." Skyler shone her torch down the dark tunnel. "But I bet it has something to do with that key the tablets mentioned."

"So what are we waiting for?" Addison placed the water bottle back in her pack. "Let's see where this adventure leads!" Situating the carrier upon her back, Addison stood before Skyler. "Let me lead though… just in case."

Skyler nodded. "Okay."

The agent turned and faced the tunnel ahead. Re-powering her torch with another shake, Addison began a slow, cautious walk. She cast her beam upon the floor, looking at the mix of sand and dirt beneath them. She got the distinct impression the pathway was sloping downwards. Great, she thought, I wonder exactly how far we will have to go? Addison continued walking no more than fifty feet before they reached a wall.

"A dead end?" Skyler asked in confusion. "It can't be."

Addison shone her torch around. "Look there." She shone the light up to the top right corner. "I think that means we go this way!" Placing her torch under her arm Addison laced her fingers together. "Want a boost?"

"Thanks." Placing her foot upon the agent's entwined hands Skyler lifted herself up and into the tunnel. She climbed inside, shining her torch around. "Looks like we're on our hands and knees. There sure as hell is no way we can stand in here." She shifted her body further into the tunnel allowing Addison access.

Pulling herself up and in behind Skyler, Addison found herself face to 'face' with Skyler's behind. "As much as I think I could appreciate this view… I still want to be leading the way here. Care to trade places?"

Skyler shuffled obligingly to one side. There wasn't exactly enough room for Addison to pass easily, but she managed to squeeze her way into front position. Crawling forwards she twisted her body to a slightly diagonal position in order to move past Skyler. The tunnel was neither wide enough nor high enough for her liking.

"Now I have the better view," commented Skyler.

Addison continued crawling through the tunnel. "Stop coveting my arse when I am in no position to do anything about it!"

"Spoil sport," Skyler muttered.

"Yep." Once more Addison began to feel the ground beneath them start to slant. The degree was steeper than the last. As Addison pushed her hands along the chiselled stone she could feel tiny pieces of grit and rubble bounce off her fingers and roll down the slope. "Sky?" she called.

"Hmm?" Skyler stopped, taking time out to re-energise her torch; once done she commenced her downward shuffle.

"What do you think it means by 'enter only if you are pure of heart'?" The phrase had been rolling around in Addison's head since Skyler translated the Hieroglyphics. "Sounds kind of dodgy to me."

"I'm not sure. It could mean many things. Enter only if you are a good person? Enter only if you are young?"

"Young?"

Skyler switched the torch between hands. "They do say only the young are pure of heart; that we all become tainted as we grow older... seven deadly sins and all that."

Addison stopped crawling and looked back at Skyler in the torchlight. "That's something else that's always bothered me. What's wrong with a good old healthy dose of lust? Personally I don't see much wrong with that."

"You wouldn't."

With a grin, Addison started moving again. They were approaching a corner that turned to the left. "Maybe it means 'enter only if your intentions are pure'?" Addison turned the corner and before her she found a ledge. She looked down. "Looks like a ten foot or so drop." She shone her torch onto the ground below. "It's a level surface." Twisting around Addison jumped down. She turned and looked up as Skyler clambered down after her.

Dropping to the floor, the blonde took the torch from her mouth. "We're moving further down than I thought we would be."

"You noticed that too, huh?" Addison shook a hand through her hair. She was hot and beginning to sweat. The grime within the air, mixed with beading sweat, was starting to make her itch. "Let's hope it's not too much further." Skyler agreed readily as Addison continued their trek.

Taking a turning to the right they walked uneventfully down a short, narrow tunnel. The floor level didn't slope and Addison took this as a good sign. Her optimism, however, was short lived as they rounded another corner to the left and found themselves face to face with a rockslide of large boulders. It blocked the entire pathway.

"Damn it," Addison cursed.

"I guess after five thousand years these passageways have become unstable."

The agent placed her hands on her hips. "That's hardly encouraging."

Skyler scowled saying, "Well there's no point in sounding so defeated."

"I'm not feeling defeated." There was a hint of anger in Addison's tone of voice, although it was directed more towards their situation. "I have never given up in my life and I'm not about to start now. That's not what bothers me."

"Okay, okay." Skyler's voice was calm. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "No need to bite my head off."

The agent took a deep breath and sighed. "I'm sorry, it's just that if this is as unstable as it appears I don't want you going any further. There's a chance that…"

"No," Skyler interrupted harshly. "Don't even start this, Addison. I understand and I appreciate what you mean, but you need me on this." Skyler knew the agent acknowledged the truth in her statement.

Addison pursed her lips. "You are, without a doubt, the most stubborn woman I know."

"It's one of the reasons you love me."

Skyler's overconfident grin tickled Addison and she couldn't hold back a smile. Throwing up her hands in defeat she said, " I know, but surely you can understand my concern. We're venturing further down into the earth, a place I'm not that comfortable with myself." She paused and her smile turned coy. "And you are right, it is one of the reasons." Winking she turned to face the pile of rocks. She wondered how best they could make a route through the boulders, removing as little as possible. Addison shone her torch upon the rocks. "There has to be a way through this."

The doctor began examining the rocks. "Of course there will be a way; there has to be." She shone her light through the gaps between boulders, trying to gauge how much depth the cave-in of rocks had. "There sure as hell isn't a back door to this place."

Addison released an overdramatic sigh. "Well thanks... there goes my back up plan!" Skyler shook her head as Addison knelt down. She began examining the lower edges of the boulders. Something caught her eye. "What do we have here?"

"What is it?"

"Hold on." Addison placed her torch upon the ground. She made sure the beam of light was shed upon the area she had just spotted. "Shine your light over there too, will you?" Skyler directed her beam around a large oblong rock as Addison wrapped her hands around it. "This one doesn't appear to be holding any other rock up and if I move it out of the way…" Releasing a grunt of brute force, Addison pulled the boulder away. "We have a… small… yet accessible… um… " She studied the size of the gap. "Well it is probably wide enough for us to slide through on our stomachs"

Skyler stooped behind Addison. "Maybe… we'll have to take our backpacks off though."

"Are you up for it?"

The doctor shrugged her pack from her shoulders. "Guide the way, oh fearless leader!"

Addison smirked as she began to pull the large, cool boulder away from the gap they intended to pass through. Skyler helped and together they carefully manoeuvred it to the other side of the tunnel. Brushing dust from her hands, Addison let the pack fall from her shoulders. It seemed the further down they travelled, the hotter it became. She pulled off her shirt as well. "I'm sweating like a pig!"

"If you're sweating like a pig that means you smell like one." Skyler held her nose.

Addison sniffed her right armpit before tying the shirt about her waist. She made sure her weapons remained above the shirt and were still accessible. "Luckily my natural sweet scent keeps any hog-like odours at bay."

Following suit, Skyler took off her jerkin and shirt. She put the jerkin back on and folded her shirt, placing it in her pack. "I take it you want to go through first?"

"Yes." Addison's expression turned serious. "We'll place our pack in first and push it while we slide through as best we can." She examined the tight fit. "We should be okay." Placing her backpack inside the hole, she readied herself. "Here we go." Taking a deep breath Addison leaned upon her hands and knees. Moving forward she lay upon her stomach. With her torch in her left hand she began to work her way into the narrow space. She entered the darkness around her, feeling small stones roll under her chest and stomach. Addison took shallow breaths; the scent of grime was powerful. The precarious nature of the structure increased her caution.

"How is it?" Skyler asked as she watched Addison's boots disappear into the hole.

"Narrow," Addison replied. "Some of these boulders are really close. Just watch out and be extra cautious. We don't want to put any pressure on these rocks at all." Addison moved further, unsure how long she had left before she reached the other side. "You don't have a problem with claustrophobia, do you?" She kept her voice soft and even.

Skyler peered into the narrow space. "Well I didn't even think about that but thanks for mentioning it."

"Sorry… it's not that bad." Addison pushed her pack out onto the opposite side. "I've had worse than this." She crawled the remaining distance out of the narrow space, estimating it had taken her around two and a half minutes to travel the distance. "Your turn."

Placing her pack into the hole, Skyler lay down upon her stomach. "You know what I'd like to be doing right about now?"

"What's that?" Addison sat down, removing the bottle of water from her backpack and taking a long drink. The dusty air was irritating her throat.

Feeling herself become engulfed inside the coffin-like rockslide, the blonde said, "I'd like to be back home... in the states. I'd like to take you to meet my aunt Jen. She has this big cabin out in the middle of Virginia. We used to vacation there, Mom, Dad and myself, almost every summer." Skyler continued to talk, she needed to keep her mind off her very closed in surroundings. "She used to cook the most awesome feasts. My favourite was…"

"Don't tell me," Addison said. "Biscuits and gravy!"

"Hmm yes and fried eggs and potatoes."

Addison didn't find the food concoction all that appealing. "You're going to have to try harder than that to convince me, Sky." The agent saw Skyler's backpack emerge though the gap. She took hold of the strap, pulling it out of Skyler's way. The blonde came into view.

"How about a huge, cosy bedroom with a four poster bed, log burning fire and no interference?"

"Now that sounds like something I could get into!" Holding out her hand the agent helped Skyler from the rubble. She handed her the water. "Maybe we should take a trip there soon!" Skyler pulled the bottle from her mouth, a droplet of water rolling down her lower lip. Addison removed it with her index finger and placed it into her own mouth.

"Good?" Skyler asked, feeling a slight twinge in her lower stomach.

"Only one thing could make it better."

"Which is?"

Addison simply wiggled her eyebrows. "I'll show you later."

Skyler handed Addison her water bottle. "I look forward to it." She rose to her feet. "Ready?"

"Sure." Organising her equipment, Addison stood. Together they approached a left turning and shone their beams down the tunnel. It was long and narrow. There wasn't enough room for them to walk side by side. Addison stepped forwards first. She concentrated her torch light on their immediate surroundings. Again she could feel the floor sloping downwards, moving further and further beneath the earth's surface. She placed her free hand upon the wall, feeling the warmth and ruggedness of the rock. The time and effort it must have taken in order to create the tunnels and chambers astounded her. With very little in the way of today's state of the art stone cutting machinery, she appreciated how hard it must have been and how time consuming a task it was.

Walking in silence, Skyler followed Addison closely. While the dark haired agent looked upon her surroundings in wonder, she cast an educated eye over everything from the methods used to cut and form the tunnels to the little carvings she could occasionally see upon the walls. Though Skyler couldn't document any written physical evidence of what she saw, many mental notes were being taken. It was time like these the doctor praised her photographic memory. However, it wasn't particularly easy to do this in torchlight.

Noticing her light was getting a little dim; Skyler turned off the torch, shook it for another twenty seconds and then turned it back on. Her actions drew Addison's attention.

"We're still sloping downwards," she said.

Skyler looked to the ground. "I just noticed it got steeper."

"Yes, I…" Addison paused as she felt a different surface underfoot. A loud creaking became evidence of that recognition. "What the bollocks is this?"

Looking over Addison's shoulder the blonde said, "It looks like wooden boards. They must be covering a hole or something."

"The 'or something' is all that bothers me right now." Addison knelt down. "Do you think we're supposed to go down this way?" She moved an old plank of wood and shone her torch into the cavity.

"I highly doubt it, Addison. My guess is that they are just there to cover a dangerous hole."

Addison pushed her head into the hole. Even with her powerful torch light she wasn't able to see anything. She did, however, feel an intense heat radiating from inside. The agent felt the temperature prickle against her flesh. "Skyler… I think this is a crevice that goes deep down towards the earth's core." She pulled herself from the gaping hole. "How bloody far down are we going?" She examined the makeshift bridge. "It's not very long."

"I'd estimate it to be no more than three feet in length. Judging by the size and width of those planks of wood I think they are safe enough to cross. The hole isn't all that wide."

"No, it's just very deep." Addison placed one foot gingerly upon the wood. It creaked loudly, but otherwise remained stable. With another two steps she'd crossed the makeshift bridge. Turning around, Addison held out her hand for Skyler. The doctor crossed effortlessly, her frame lighter than Addison's. They continued down the sloping pathway. Addison felt the air change. A slight draft brushed against her face.

"Addison?"

"Yes?"

"Question."

"What?"

"When we've finished in here... do we seal up the entrance or leave it open for further excavation?"

"I don't know. What do you think we should do, Sky?"

"Obviously I'm all for leaving it open. If we find anything like what is speculated about Imhotep's tomb then it's surely worth it."

"Oh?" Addison's mind began to list through the possibilities. "Gold, silver, jewellery, precious…"

Skyler interrupted swiftly. "Actually no… more like medical texts, royal documents of the king, pyramid plans. Imhotep was a bit of a Renaissance man; he had his hands in many different occupations. It would be awesome to study this in greater detail."

"What ever tickles your fancy!"

"Pardon?"

Addison grinned. "Nothing. It's okay." She reached a corner and turned right. The air around them changed noticeably and Addison could see items reflect the light of her torch. She moved the beam around seeing shadowy forms of different shapes and images. "What do we have here?"

With more room to move, Skyler stood beside Addison. "Looks like we've found it." She stepped in further. "Oh wow!" A multitude of colours bounded off the walls. Addison entered behind her. Something caught her eye and she approached a stone pillar, no taller than herself, in the centre of the room. "Hey what's this?"

Skyler approached the pillar. She examined a rough wad of pungent material. It appeared to be wrapped around a wooden stake, which was inserted into the stone pillar. "I think it's a standing torch. Give me a light or some matches."

"Please!" Addison pulled a lighter from her pocket. "There you go, Miss Manners."

"Thank you," Skyler chuckled. She held the lighter's flame to the bundle of cloth. Nothing happened. "Come on, baby." She moved the flame over and around and suddenly… the torch burst into an impressive blaze. The chamber was bathed in light. Addison's jaw dropped as she received her first look at the room.

"Holy shit!"

Chapter 11

Standing in the centre of the chamber, Addison took in her surroundings with a three hundred and sixty degree turn. All around them the walls were covered in highly coloured and detailed depictions. The agent was unable to determine what they said or meant, but to her they appeared to tell a story. It was almost as though she was able to see a beginning, middle and end upon each wall. The beautifully hand painted drawings were, to Addison, inspiring. She wanted to reach out and touch them, to run her fingertips over the colours, still bright and enticing. By the wall opposite the entrance were two further passageways. Three stone statues stood around them, one in between and one either side. Though carved in sandstone the features were exquisite. The statues seemed to be standing to attention, each holding a spear in their right hands. In the centre of the chamber stood the torch and to either side of that was a single, small sarcophagus. Instantly Addison knew neither of them could belong to Imhotep, they were too small for a child let alone a full grown male.

Turning to her left Addison watched Skyler as she began to document the images upon the walls. Using a unique, S.O. issued Pictorial Imager she took accurate, digital pictures of each wall. The device was no longer than thirty centimetres in length and only a couple of inches wide. When turned on a beam was emitted which could be enlarged to the length of the area to be captured. Skyler simply held down the recording button and moved its beam over the wall.

"Sky," Addison asked, approaching the doctor. "These don't really seem big enough to hold a full size mummified body."

"No…" Skyler replied, though her attention was completely focussed upon her task. "I think we have to continue through one of those doorways." Finishing with the first wall, Skyler started on the second. "I think I've just discovered something else too."

"Which is?" Addison looked down at one of the sarcophagi. There was a form of script carved onto the stone lid, but it wasn't written in hieroglyphics.

"I think initially this room was it. This was the end of the road. I think it was some kind of shrine or temple." Skyler turned to the last wall. She began recording the images. "Those two crypts… they're cat tombs."

"Mummified cats?" the agent asked in surprise.

Skyler nodded as she finished the final wall. "Cats were highly regarded in Ancient Egyptian times."

"I know, but a tomb for cats?"

Putting the Pictorial Imager back in her pack, Skyler turned to Addison. "They were buried with their owners… but these cats…" Skyler tapped one of the sarcophagi, "They were, for some reason, very highly esteemed. The writing is Demotic, but I'm not too good at translating that. The only fact I'm certain of is that they belonged to a pharaoh. I don't know who they were; it doesn't say."

"Bloody hell. You know… I had a cat when I was a kid. When it died I put him in a shoe box and cremated him in the woods."

"I thought you hated cats?"

Addison chuckled and shook her head. "I don't hate cats. We just have a mutual agreement for maintaining a healthy distance."

"You called Spike's chew toy 'pussy'!"

The agent snickered, but refrained from responding to that comment. She simply smiled at Skyler. "So what makes you think this room was originally the end of the road?"

Skyler arched her eyebrows, but decided to let Addison get away with changing the subject. "There was originally only one doorway by the guardians." She pointed to the left passageway. "That one. The second was cut out later as it removed the hieroglyphics upon the wall. There is a huge chunk of the writing missing." She pointed to the right passageway. "Wherever that one leads… and I presume to Imhotep's tomb… it was made later."

"So what's the original doorway?"

"I say we have a look." Skyler led the way through the left passage. They found themselves in a small, square room, six foot by six foot in size. There was no decoration upon the walls of any kind, but what caught their attention was the content. "Oh my god," Skyler muttered. She looked upon the small bounty of treasures in awe. "I think… I think they're cats' belongings."

"Cats?" Addison was incredulous.

"Well look at this." Skyler held up a small, jewel-incrusted band. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but this looks very much like a collar to me. And there…" She pointed to two stuffed fabric cushions. They were aged and slightly moth-eaten in appearance, but form and colour remained. "Cat beds?" she suggested.

Addison picked up a string of blue faience beads. "I can't believe cats got this kind of treatment." She twirled the beads around her fingers. "I can't believe they built a shrine for bloody cats!"

"I think the cats were placed there in honour."

"Of what?"

Skyler inclined her head back to the main chamber and Addison followed her into the highly decorated room. "These depictions on the wall… they talk of Bastet."

"And she was what, the feline pedicurist?"

Skyler scowled. "She was the cat-headed goddess and guardian of the Delta area. Her centre of cult was in Bubastis, which was a religious site."

"So you're saying this place was a temple to Bastet?"

"A shrine to the goddess, yes. The pharaoh's cats were placed here in her honour."

The frown upon Addison's brow increased further. "Okay, so I have a question. What does Imhotep have to do with cat-headed woman?"

"Bastet?" Skyler rolled her eyes. "I don't know. I've never read of any association between the two, but I can only presume Imhotep himself honoured her. It might have been his request to be placed here after his death. That would mean he would have planned this extra chamber of entombment while he was still alive."

"Do you think it has anything to do with the infamous key?"

Skyler shrugged at first, but then stopped and thought for a moment. Maybe there was no indicator of his tomb because he intended taking the key with him. That being said, her question remained: what was it for and why did he feel a need to hide it away from others during that period of time? What did the key unlock? "I think it does have something to do with that. I think they are all connected somehow."

Nodding slowly, Addison looked around her. She would admit to being totally clueless about what they were getting themselves into, but the unknown only added to her excitement in the quest. "Ready to continue?"

Skyler adjusted the pack upon her back. "More than ever!" Feeling increasing anticipation, Skyler followed Addison through the second passageway. Both women turned on their torches as their surroundings grew darker and darker. Addison took a turn to the right. She walked no further than five steps before she sensed another change in the air around them. It got unexpectedly hotter. She stopped, forcing Skyler to halt behind her.

"What?"

Addison shone her torch upon the ground and found the source of what had caused her intuition. An area of the pathway ahead of them had broken away. The fact that the tunnel was built over a deep underground cavern wasn't as bothersome or complex as the seven-foot area of footing which was no longer there. "We have another part of the pathway missing."

"You're joking?" Skyler looked around Addison. This time there were no wooden beams to pass over. "Shit. What do you suggest?"

Dark brown eyes scanned the stone tunnel in torchlight. Spotting something she presumed they could utilise Addison shone her light upon the edge of the wall where it met the floor. "There is a slight ledge here; if we take off our packs we could hug the wall and slide across. It'll be risky, but the ledge looks to be part of the wall, which is why it didn't fall away like the rest." Addison looked back at Skyler. "Are you up for it?"

"There isn't much of a choice."

"Well there is, but…"

"But you know I'm not going to wait here while you continue on."

"Yes!" Addison smiled. She released the pack from her shoulders and Skyler did the same. "It's handy to keep both hands free as balance remains better if you can feel the wall behind you with both hands. Wear your backpack like this." Addison pushed her arms back through the carrier so she was wearing it on her chest. "If it feels too heavy and like it might pull you forwards then give it to me. I've done this before with both hands full."

Skyler tested the pack on her chest. "I think I'll manage."

"You sure?"

Skyler moved her shoulders around and tested the weight. "Yeah, it feels okay. Yours is heavier than mine anyway."

"Okay." Addison stood against the wall, hugging it with her back. She motioned for Skyler to do the same. There was a small measure of apprehension in the blonde's eyes and Addison noticed this. With their hands against the wall Addison linked her little finger with Skyler's. She placed her torch in her mouth and winked. "Ready?" she asked awkwardly.

"I guess so."

Moving her feet to a diagonal slant, Addison began to edge her way along the ledge. She moved slowly, her finger entwined with Skyler's the whole time. As Skyler began to step upon the narrow ledge she held her breath. With the torch in her mouth pointing at a slightly descending angle, Skyler managed to resist the urge to look down. She kept her hands flat against the wall, the touch of Addison's little finger her lifeline. Feeling her heart increase its beat Skyler took deep, even breaths. She moved at a slow pace, sliding her feet along the ledge.

Though the moment seemed to last a long time they eventually found themselves on the opposite side of the cavity. Skyler released a deep sigh. "That wouldn't have been so bad at all if I didn't have to do this again on the way out of here."

Addison released the backpack from her chest. "Look at it this way. Before… you had to do it twice… now it is one down and only once more." The agent resituated her pack. She commenced walking, passing a dead end to the right and taking a turning to the left. "Also… think about this. We have to be almost there now and there can't be anymore surprises like this!"

"Well I suppose so." While she readjusted her own pack Skyler realised Addison had disappeared around the corner before she could catch up. When she noticed her absence she called out, "Addison?" There was no reply. Skyler looked down the right turning, but found it to be a dead end. She walked a little further and took the turning to the left. Addison's torchlight became visible. "Addison," she called again. There was still no answer, but she could make out Addison's form not far ahead of her. "Hey," she called. "What is it?"

"Remember when I said it couldn't get any worse?" asked Addison.

"Yeah?" Skyler felt a trickle of alarm prickle her senses.

"I was wrong."

"How?" Skyler reached Addison's side and looked ahead. "Oh God!"

"That's the tamer version of what I said!" Addison and Skyler stood on the precipice of a wide and apparently very deep cavern. There was no way to tell, just by looking, exactly how large it was, but it stretched out on either side of them into the distance. The only possible means of reaching the opposite side of the cavern was over an insubstantial looking rope bridge. Although Addison could only see a short distance down into the cavern she could feel the heat radiating upwards. The realisation that it may well be a lava flow occurred to Addison and concerned her. "How on God's green earth did those guys manage to build that bridge let alone carry a heavy stone sarcophagus over?

"Generally the sarcophagus would have been made inside the tomb," Skyler replied. "That still begs the question, how did they manage to build it?" She pushed one side of the rope bridge. It creaked under her manipulation. "How safe do you think it is?"

"I'm still trying to figure out how they built it!" Addison grasped a length of rope and gave it a pull. "It seems tight enough. I think it will hold." Cupping her hands around her mouth she shouted, "HELLO!" A second later her voice echoed its reply. "I've always wanted to do that."

Skyler looked into the cavern. Picking up a stray rock, she dropped it into the infinite darkness. "Did you know a duck's quack doesn't echo?"

"Really"

"Yep, it's one of those strange but true facts."

"Sky, how the hell do you have room for all the information your mind is able to store?"

"Just a curse I guess."

Addison smiled. Looking out over the bridge she decided it did at least appear stable. None of the rungs were missing and each rope looked intact. The problem was that it didn't look particularly inviting. She wondered, after so many years, just how much it could take. Would it be as strong as it was at the time it was built? "I'm going to try it out."

Skyler's head shot around to Addison. "What? Are you sure? Addison, it looks fragile."

"Well how else are we supposed to get over there?"

The doctor pursed her lips. "Addison, please be careful."

"I will, Sky. Trust me."

Taking a set of pulleys and a Para cord from her backpack, Addison handed it to Skyler. She then pulled out a mechanical insertion device. She attached the pulleys' hooking system to the device and held it against the stonewall. Flicking a red switch the device drove the pulleys' mechanism into the rock. Addison then attached the Para cord. "I'll take this over with me. This thing is strong enough to hold almost a ton in weight. It's just an added safety net."

"It's a good idea. Thank you." Skyler took Addison's hand and brushed her thumb over the back of it. "Tread carefully."

Not letting go of the doctor's hand, Addison kissed her fingers. "See you on the other side." With one last reassuring smile Addison released her hand and stepped towards the bridge. Making sure the other end of the cord was attached to the hook at her waist, Addison took her first step out onto the bridge. The creaking was louder this time and it swung slightly under her weight. Testing the rungs with her feet, Addison took another step. She held onto the rope on both sides. With every cautious step Addison walked further across the bridge. Each step was accompanied by a groan as the bridge adjusted to her mass. By the time she was halfway across, Addison's confidence began to increase. "It seems to be holding up well," Addison called. "How's the length of Para cord doing, Sky?"

Skyler checked the pulley system. "Still plenty left."

"Good, there'll be plenty to…" Addison froze as she felt the bridge slacken. "Shit," she whispered. A sound, very much like that of many snapping guitar strings, came from the ancient ropes. "Oh crap!"

"Addison," Skyler called in warning.

Knowing she had little time to lose, Addison began to run. More 'pings' and 'twangs' followed and before Addison could reach the opposite side, the bridge gave way and her pounding feet met nothing but air. In a desperate attempt not to fall, Addison grabbed onto the rope handrail with both hands as the bridge started to fall. "Oh Shiiiiit!" she yelled. Addison felt her body swing through the air, her hands firmly wrapped around the rope. She collided with the rock wall on the other side of the cavern. Addison felt the air leave her body upon impact.

"NO! Addison!" Skyler yelled in desperation. The agent had disappeared into the darkness. "Addison?" Panic set into the blonde and nausea curdled her stomach. "Addison, are you there? Talk to me."

Hands wrapped around the rope, Addison shook her head and tried to catch her breath. The side of her arm stung from where she hit the wall and scraped along the rough, jagged surface.

"Addison!" Skyler yelled.

"I'm here." The agent took a breath. "I'm here."

"Thank god. Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine." Addison's hands shot to her waist and she checked to make sure the Para cord was still attached to her waist. "Everything is cool," she said in relief. Readjusting her body, Addison placed her feet against the cavern wall. Leaning out she began to walk her way back up to the other side of the rope bridge.

Skyler shone her light down the remainder of the bridge, which was now hanging down the side of the cavern. She saw Addison emerge as she climbed up the wall. "God I was so scared."

Reaching the ledge, Addison pulled herself up and back to safety. She sat down with her back against the wall. Beads of sweat trickled down her forehead. Skyler shone her torch light over the cavern and even from an almost fifty meter distance she could see the blood down Addison's arm. "You're bleeding. Are you sure you're okay?"

"Just scratches," Addison replied. Not wasting any time she took the mechanical insertion device back out of her backpack and attached a second pulley. She drove it into the wall and inserted the other end of the Para cord. Addison pulled it tight.

Standing on the other side of the cavern Skyler called to the agent. "Um, Addison, I really don't think I want to make my way across this."

"It's perfectly safe, Sky. I promise you."

"I do believe you." Skyler looked down into the cavern. She had desperately wanted to see this to the end, but after seeing Addison almost fall into the depths of the chasm's unknown she was having major doubts. "I don't like my chances swinging my way across. I'm…"

"It's okay." Addison understood. Although she was sure Skyler had the upper body strength to carry herself it was a daunting prospect. Only god knows how deep the cavern actually went. "Sky, do you want to continue using eyes and ears?"

The doctor smiled. "I was just about to suggest that myself." From separate sides of the cavern both women pulled out their equipment. Skyler opened her laptop and booted the receiver. She sat down, shaking her torch and then adjusting the light from a straight beam to lantern mode. She was instantly bathed in a bright glow. On the other side of the cavern Addison opened her glasses and placed them on. She attached the transmitter to her belt. For Addison it was like wearing a standard pair of spectacles. It was only when she pulled them away from her face that she was just able to make out the network lattice, video transmitter in each lens. Inserting the ear piece Addison said, "Hey, Sky, do you read me?"

"Perfectly, Addison," came Skyler's response. "Keep your torch ahead of you so I get the best possible vision."

"Will do." Addison turned to the passageway and entered. Skyler watched her progress on the laptop monitor. The agent walked over twenty yards before she spotted something potentially dangerous. "Sky, are you getting this?"

"Yes… It looks like beams of wood have been wedged into the roof in this part of the tunnel to prevent the loose rocks from caving in. How safe do you think it is, Addison?"

"Hmm…" Addison shone the torch light across a fallen beam and several boulders. "Not very safe by the look of it."

Skyler scanned the monitor. "Addison, be really careful crossing over that area. Those beams may have been wedged in well, but degrading of the wood plus natural shifts within the earth's mantle have caused it to become unstable."

Addison looked up at the roof. A number of beams did seem somewhat precarious. Any kind of jolt could cause more to fall. She moved slowly, reaching the diagonally leaning beam and stepped over it as best she could without disturbing the calm of its otherwise precarious nature. Once she had passed the beams she took a turning to the left and then another to the right. The path ahead grew very steep. She walked down cautiously. "Hey, Sky," she called. "Do you want to hear a joke?"

"Oh brother." Skyler had become aware of Addison's methods of easing a tense situation. "Okay. What do you have for me?"

Addison snickered and thought for a moment. "A Chinese man calls up his boss and says, 'me sick, me no work'. His boss says, 'when I feel ill I go home and fuck my wife, that always makes me feel better'." Addison began to feel the ground was slowly evening out. "So the Chinese man goes away and calls back two hours later. He says, 'me better now. You got nice house'." The agent started to chuckle but heard nothing from Skyler. "What… don't you get it?"

"Addison, that is so lame."

"Are you disparaging my material?" The ground evened out completely and Addison found herself in another chamber.

"With jokes like that of course I am. That's…" Skyler saw the image on the screen change as Addison's torchlight began bouncing off nearby objects. "That's… you're… you're there, aren't you?"

Finding another pillar Addison took out her lighter. "I think I am." Striking the flint until she achieved a flame, Addison lit the torch. Skyler's jaw dropped as she beheld Addison's view. Before them lay a large stone sarcophagus.

"There he is," she whispered.

Chapter 12

Skyler pulled the laptop onto her legs, her once simmering anticipation overflowing into pure excitement. Her eyes moved over the screen seeing everything Addison saw. If she'd had time to stop and think she would have felt the disappointment at not being in the tomb with Addison, but for the moment she was too much in awe.

Across the chasm Addison gazed at the furnishings around her. The knowledge that she was the first person to enter the chamber in over five thousand years instilled within her a feeling of humbled honour. This was a moment she wanted to savour. Stepping away from the flaming lamp, she watched shadows bounce upon the colourful walls. There weren't many objects in the room... a large vase, an ancient torch and a low stone altar holding some small vases and a slightly larger, faience statue. In the centre stood a beautifully sculpted stone sarcophagus. Addison approached the coffin and looked down at the inscription. Skyler observed Addison's actions. She leaned closer to the screen.

"Addison, can you use your flash light also? I need as clear and bright an image as possible."

Acknowledging Skyler's request, Addison shook her torch and turned it on. She shone its beam upon the sarcophagus. "How's this?" The inscription, carved in stone, became much clearer.

"That's perfect, Addison, thanks." Skyler read the hieroglyphics. "It really is him. That really is the tomb of…" She paused as a question entered her mind. "I wonder if…" She tried to dismiss the idea.

"What… wonder what?"

"No we probably shouldn't," Skyler replied.

"What were you thinking, Sky?" Addison's mind pondered over Skyler's words. With a smile Addison pulled the glasses from her face, the earpiece remaining in her ear. She turned the frames around to face her. "You want to know if I can open it, don't you?"

Addison's face filled the laptops screen and Skyler smiled at her quirked eyebrow. "Yes. I was wondering if it was possible to open the coffin. I'd really like to see what it's like in there."

The agent grimaced. "How about an old dead body wrapped in tatty rags?" Addison placed the glasses back on. She looked down at the sarcophagus. Speckles of age-old dust covered the lid and she brushed her hand over the warm stone. Her action revealed more markings in the stone. "Hey, Sky, can you see this?" She shone the torch beam upon a single clear stone embedded into the lid.

"What is it?"

Addison tried to manipulate the sparkling glass in an effort to remove it. It was wedged in tight. "It looks like crystal. Have you ever seen anything like this before? Do you know what it means?"

Skyler's head moved to the side as she studied the image before her. "I have no idea. It looks remarkable though. You can't move it?"

"No." The agent ran the palms of her hands over the edge of the lid. Taking a step backwards she tried to push, but it didn't move. "That's really heavy, Sky." Addison tried again using more force. The sound of stone scraping against stone rose as the lid moved scant millimetres. "Whoa!" Addison pushed again. The lid moved, producing a four-inch gap. Taking her torch, Addison shone its light inside. She detected a pungent and peculiar aroma that she presumed was associated with an entombed, embalmed body. It wasn't as unpleasant as some scents she had encountered, but that was not to say it was agreeable.

"What do you see, Addison? I can't make out the image on screen."

Peering further through the gap Addison moved the torch light around. "Can you see that?" she asked, seeing the obvious outline of a human corpse.

"Just barely, yes." Skyler began tapping several keys on her laptop and the computer started a digital video recording of everything she saw. "Addison, can you open the lid any more?"

Bracing her feet and hands in position, Addison pushed again, but to no avail. "I'm trying, but it isn't moving any further." Gritting her teeth the agent tried once more. The heavy stone lid refused to shift a millimetre more. Addison grunted in exertion. "It wont budge... bugger it." With a sigh she stepped away affording Skyler a wider view of the chamber.

"Addison, what's on the walls?"

"Huh? Oh!" Addison turned to the left and faced the wall covered from top to bottom in Egyptian hieroglyphics. She stepped closer in a move to give Skyler a clear image of what she saw. The doctor took a still recording of the wall and enlarged it in a separate window. "The opposite wall is the same. Do you want that one as well?"

"Yeah, thanks."

Turning in a half circle, Addison faced the opposite wall. She moved into a position that gave Skyler the best shot of the wall. Addison thought they both looked the same yet she knew Skyler would be able to decipher the symbols. "Do you have them both?" she asked.

"Uh huh." Skyler had each side wall open in a different window on her computer and was already reading through the ancient symbols. "The first one talks of Imhotep and his works in medicine mainly." Skyler enlarged part of the screen. "The second one talks of his life and places of worship." She ran her index finger over the hieroglyphics. "This is interesting."

"What's that?" Addison asked as she faced the doorway from which she entered. The wall was bare apart from a row of hieroglyphics above the entrance. It was Imhotep's name; that she easily recognised by now.

Skyler's lips moved in silence as she read the symbols and eventually she spoke. "On the second wall… there is a part here that talks of Imhotep's 'locked' temple in Bubastis."

"Locked," Addison echoed.

"Locked," Skyler repeated.

"As in needs a key to open?"

"That's what I'm thinking."

"That is interesting." Addison pursed her lips in thought. She turned to face the final wall. "And talking of interesting." She took a step closer to the picture upon the wall. It portrayed two priests, standing with their arms held up in a worshiping manner towards the night sky. In front of the wall stood the low, stone altar covered with the same decorations as Imhotep's sarcophagus.

"Addison," Skyler's voice called. "Can you get closer to the objects on the altar? I want to see what they are."

"Sure." Addison stepped closer and knelt down to transmit a close up image for Skyler. She adjusted the spectacles on her nose. There were several wide figures surrounding one large clay statue. "What are these things?" the agent asked. "They look like…"

"Canopic jars," Skyler replied. "They're canopic jars."

Addison ran her right hand over the centre statue. It stood at twenty centimetres tall and was made of dark creamy clay. The body was human yet the head was that of a cat. Addison almost asked what it was, but something inside told her she already knew the answer. "Sky, this statue… it's that goddess Bastet, right? The cat-headed goddess?"

Skyler took a still image and expanded it to full screen. "That is Bastet, but…" Skyler enlarged the Goddess' head. "I've never seen her portrayed quite like this before."

"How is she different?" Addison picked up the statue and turned it around in her hands. The figure was in perfect form; not a single chip or crack marred the delicate clay. Still not hearing a response from Skyler, Addison asked again. "How is she different, Sky?"

"Well… it looks like she is winking. Am I right? Is that what you see too?"

Addison gazed upon Bastet's face. "One eye is closed and the other open… either she is winking or she has something in her eye and is trying to blink it away." Addison moved her index finger over Bastet's eye in small circular motions. "Sky, her eye is made of a different material. It's black and a hell of a lot smoother and very cold to the touch."

"What do you think it is?"

"No idea." Addison weighed the statue in her hand. "It feels heavier than I would have expected though."

Turning back to the walls of hieroglyphics, Skyler continued reading. She frowned. "Addison?"

"Yes?"

"Do you see anything else in the room apart from what we've already encountered?"

The agent looked around. "No I don't."

"Okay." Skyler paused. "Addison, I think ... I don't know how… but I think that is the key."

"Bastet?"

"Yes. There is something peculiar about her. I think she is the key. Everything seems to lead to that probability. Somehow and in some way she is definitely the key."

"But how?"

Skyler sighed. "I don't know… I haven't figured that part out yet… consciously anyway."

"Consciously?"

"Addison, I know that stature of Bastet is the key. I don't quite know how I am so sure of this yet. Sometimes my mind works on a deeper level and my subconscious has worked it out before I'm fully aware." Skyler hoped Addison would accept her explanation.

"Trusting one's subconscious? I'm not sure about that, Skyler, but I do trust you." Addison placed down the figure and picked up a canopic jar. "Are you sure the key isn't one of these or in one of these?" She shook the jar lightly.

"Eww… Addison… canopic jars don't contain keys; they contain extracted internal bodily organs."

Addison placed the jar down with a grimace. Taking the figure of Bastet she rose to her feet and turned to face the sarcophagus. "And you are as positive as you can be that the key is not inside the coffin?"

"It's Bastet."

"Right." Untying the shirt from around her waist, Addison laid it over Imhotep's sarcophagus. She placed Bastet's figure on top and started to wrap the fabric around it. "I'll need your shirt as well, Sky. I want this as protected as possible. I had no idea this key was going to be so fragile."

"No problem."

Once the small statue was wrapped, Addison placed it carefully inside her backpack. Sealing the carrier she placed it back on her shoulders. "Is there anything else we need?"

"No, I think you better get back over here now. We don't want to be in here too long." The question of how Addison planned on crossing the chasm was the reason Skyler didn't much relish the idea of having to cross it herself. However safe Addison said that cord was, it was still too intimidating for Skyler.

"Right." Exiting Imhotep's tomb Addison began making her way up the deep slope that originally paved the way into the chamber. She leaned forwards, literally having to place her hands upon the ground as she ascended the slanted floor. Reaching the top she turned left and headed back to the cavern, down the long passageway and cautiously past the caved in part of the ceiling.

On the other side of the gorge Skyler saw Addison appear. "Are you okay?" she called.

Taking a pair of fingerless, leather gloves from her pocket, Addison slipped them on. "Oh I'm just great." She flexed her hands.

"Addison, how do you plan on using the Para cord to cross the cavern?"

Reaching up to the thick cord, the agent wrapped her hands around it. "Basically… like this…" Lifting her feet off the ground Addison began manoeuvring herself across the cavern. Hands passing, one in front of the other, she travelled across the Para cord in a slow and steady advance. She didn't look down, not wanting to gaze into the ebony abyss below her.

Skyler watched the agent, her fists clenched in nervous anticipation. "Come on, Addison," she whispered. "God I hope that contraption holds half as much as you say it does."

The Para cord dipped as Addison reached its centre and, legs hanging limply above the chasm, the agent felt nerves tingle in her toes. The feeling was thrilling for her. She held onto the cord tighter and continued to move. She had ventured over halfway across before her eagerness to reach the opposite side caused her to move a fraction faster. "Hey, Sky, do you want to hear another joke?"

The doctor's shoulders slumped. "Addison, do you really think now is such an appropriate time?"

"No time like the present," the agent responded. "Okay, you should like this one better than the last. Why don't witches wear panties?"

"Addison!"

"Come on, Sky. Why don't witches wear panties?"

Placing her hands on her hips Skyler said, "I don't know; why don't witches wear panties?"

Addison reached the other side with a grin. "So they have extra grip on their broomstick!"

Skyler snorted despite herself and took a step backwards as Addison jumped onto the ledge. "Where do you get these jokes?"

"Internet," Addison grinned. Taking the pack from her back she placed it on the floor and knelt down. Skyler followed as the agent handed her the wrapped statue. She opened it carefully.

"My god, this is… it's beautiful!" Skyler held the figure up and turned it in the light. "She really is exquisite, and you're right, her eye does appear to be made of some form of cold glass stone." Handing the statue back to Addison she took her own shirt from her bag and gave it to the agent. "This will add some extra padding around her."

Wrapping the statue with as much cushioning as possible Addison placed the bundle back in her backpack. "We need to get out of here." She paused and looked over to Skyler. "You really are sure she is the key, right?"

With a nod Skyler rose and led the way back down the passageway. "At first I wasn't. When I saw that picture of the two priests on the wall, worshiping the night sky, I didn't think it could be. However, after reading about Imhotep's temple in Bubastis and seeing all the evidence here today, how can it not be?" Skyler waved her hands back and forth. "Two plus two makes four." She walked for a few moments in silence before speaking again. "Hey, do you want to know something interesting?"

"What?"

"The city of Bubastis used to have a festival once every year and it allowed for excessive drinking and free sex!"

"That is interesting," Addison said with a throaty laugh.

The women carefully crossed the gap of missing floor and turned back into the original chamber. The torch was still flaming bright. "Addison?"

"Yes?"

"I have a question."

The agent stopped by the left cat sarcophagus and turned to Skyler. "What is it?"

"Do we really have to go back to London and hand Bastet over to Roman Leeds? I would love to follow the lead on this and see what she opens and how."

Addison leaned against the sarcophagus. "I understand, Sky, but we have completed the orders and besides, this really isn't part of Special Operations. Sometimes though I guess it pays to have friends in high places... just like Roman Leeds. We got what we came for and gathered information that should help the authorities. Our work is done."

"And that's it?"

"Mark will follow up the investigation and any further involvement will be instigated by him."

Skyler turned, looking at the ancient relics around them. "For my first assignment this has been really interesting and actually quite fun… in a way." Skyler followed Addison as she began heading out of the chamber. The doctor continued talking. "I suppose not all missions are going to be like this?"

"No," Addison replied. "Sometimes it can be full of hell-raising danger and fly by the seat of your pants excitement."

Skyler stopped in her tracks and stared at Addison's retreating back. "And why do I get the impression you simply revel in that?" With a wide grin Addison looked back at Skyler. She jiggled her eyebrows silently. The doctor shook her head. "I bet you were one of those kids who played chicken on busy roads for fun."

"Actually no," Addison responded. "But I did taunt security guard dogs and get them to chase us. Oh, and once we hung from electric pylon wires to see who could stay there the longest. There was also this time when I…"

"Okay, okay." Skyler threw her hands up in the air. "I get it, I get it. Basically you were the type of kid who licked a battery to pass the time."

The agent's smile turned lascivious. "I'd lick anything I could!" Her eyebrows danced upon her forehead once again.

"Ugh!" Skyler felt her cheeks infuse with a warm glow and she moved forwards, pushing Addison into action. "Let's get back and end this assignment. I'm starting to remember why I was so looking forward to our weekend together." Clearing her throat, she passed Addison and took the lead. In a whisper Skyler said, "James Bond gets his rocks off more times than a frigging bunny! Curse standard procedures and rules of abstinence."

Addison passed Skyler again and led the way over the boards that covered another hole. "At least they don't rule out the act of self entertainment."

"Self enter…" Skyler's jaw dropped. "Oh you're just trying to kill me, aren't you?"

The women reached the cave-in of large rocks. "I'm not trying to kill you, Skyler, I'm just giving you something to look forward to."

Skyler shrugged the pack from her back and placed it in the hole. "You are in so much trouble when we get back!"

"Can't wait," Addison responded, watching the doctor's behind disappear into the small tunnel.

They made it though with little effort and had to face the next obstacle when confronted with a ten-foot high wall. To venture further meant entering the tunnel at the top of the wall. "Any ideas?" Skyler asked.

"One," replied the agent. Jumping up and down four times on the spot, the agent ran towards the wall and straight up, clasping the ledge. She pulled herself up easily. Remaining on her knees she turned and held her hand down to Skyler. "Ma'am." Skyler accepted the offered hand and Addison pulled her into the low tunnel. "Wasn't so hard, was it?"

"I think I handled that quite well."

Addison rolled her tongue over her front teeth. "Uh huh!" She let Skyler crawl past her and followed directly behind. Turning right they felt the ground beneath them start to slope once again. It felt harder to keep a grip while moving up the crawl space, but they were just able to keep stabilised. Skyler reached the ledge. She turned and dropped to the floor below.

"Almost out," Skyler stated.

"Thank god." Addison took a short breath. "It will be so much nicer to breath in the fresh air again. It should still be dark out there so the air will be cooler and fresher as well." She dropped to the ground beside Skyler. Together they travelled the short distance to the broken wooden hatch that stood as the point of entrance. Addison looked up into the night sky littered with twinkling stars. "That does feel good." She closed her eyes as a cool breeze fluttered over her face.

Skyler took a deep breath of clean air. "Come on, let's get out of here."

"Ladies first." Addison laced her fingers together and helped Skyler out into the dark Egyptian night. "How's it feel out there?" she called. There was no response. Addison climbed out of the tunnel. She found a silent Skyler standing with both hands raised in the air and surrounded by armed gunmen.

"Bollocks!"

Chapter 13

During the hours of darkness large spotlights placed strategically around Djoser Pyramid Complex illuminated the area. They provided ample lighting to penetrate the darkness with a warm, inviting glow. That feeling, however, was less alluring when faced with the reality of a group of almost twenty armed ruffians. They stood around the entrance to Imhotep's tomb, weapons held high and aimed upon both Skyler and Addison. The women emerged from the underground passageways with their backs to the wall and the three standing statues from where they had entered. Addison decided to use this as an advantage.

From the centre of the assembly a young man stepped forward. Addison thought it peculiar that he wore tinted shades and a dark red baseball cap at night. She noted the emblem upon the cap; it was that of an English soccer team. The agent filed that piece of information away for later use. The young man had yet to speak and so Addison took advantage of the time to survey their surroundings and size up their opponents. She knew these men meant business; they carried top specification weapons and stood in a typical open ambush pattern.

Addison turned to Skyler. She felt a sense of reassurance to see the doctor, although nervous, appeared confident and ready for whatever happened next. She knew to follow Addison's lead and would do so without hesitation. Skyler waited for the experienced soldier to make the first move.

The surrounding men kept silent; it was obvious who was in charge here. Addison watched as the young man before them readjusted his cap and pulled a revolver from the waistband of his white linen trousers. He scraped the barrel down the side of his face, relieving an itch, before he spoke. With an expression of disinterest he shrugged and said, "Just hand over the key."

Neither woman replied, but both noted his English accent.

"I don't really want to dive into clichés such as 'we can do this the easy way or the hard way.' I think the odds speak for themselves. Hand over the key and I let you walk away with your lives. Believe me, you wouldn't like the alternative."

Addison didn't believe he would let them live if they did hand over the key and she was by no means prepared to do that. Her lips quirked to a smirk and she looked over at Skyler who looked back at her with a similar expression. Addison turned back to the young Englishman. "Here's a cliché. You don't know who you are playing with, kid. Back off while you are still able to do so."

Noticing Addison had yet to raise her hands he yelled. "Put your hands in the air. Now!"

"Well I would," Addison replied. "But my arms are kind of tired."

"It was tough work getting that key," Skyler added.

Addison smirked again. She knew they were playing with fire, but she was determined not to let this person feel he could get the upper hand over them. Even if the odds did appear to be twenty against two.

Lifting the revolver level to Addison's face he said, "Choose the easy way out, Inspector Black."

"Well you see now you have me at a disadvantage. I think it is only common courtesy that we at least introduce ourselves. You seem to know who I am, don't I deserve the same respect?"

The young man shook his head. "I prefer it this way. You are Inspectors Black and Tidwell from Scotland Yard. I know all I need to know and as far as I am concerned... so do you." He cocked the revolver. "Now hand over the key."

Addison pursed her lips in thought. "You know, I don't think I want to."

Eyes widening in anger the man turned to his nearest gunman. He motioned for the armed enemy to advance upon Addison. "The hard way it is," he said as the shadowed man approached Addison.

Dark eyes zeroed in on the approaching figure yet still remained fully aware of every other threat around her. Addison felt the world dip into slow motion. She would have only one chance; failure was out of the question. As the armed henchman approached and aimed his submachine gun directly at Addison's face, the agent took action.

Reaching out she took a firm hold of the machine gun's barrel. Addison pulled with tremendous might, dragging the gunman towards her and swinging him around. She wrapped her finger around the trigger and firing at the threat around them. In fear of being shot, the surrounding gunmen dove for cover. Yells of caution rang out as they leaped behind ancient walls. The young man who had stood before Addison seemed to vanish. As the rapid shower of bullets exploded, Skyler dropped to one knee and pulled out both her Taser and Browning pistol.

Addison redirected the aim of the submachine gun. She fired at the spotlights, taking out four of the beams. The complex fell into semi-darkness. Though lights further along the complex remained in action, the ones in their area were now destroyed. Turning the man in her arms around, Addison knocked him out with a single punch to the face. He fell unconscious into the sand.

Rising as Addison pulled out her Berettas, Skyler surveyed the area. They needed to find cover. In front of a wall and surrounded by armed men was tantamount to being before a firing squad; it wasn't the best of positions. A wall to their right and behind the present building was their best means of escape. It was essential to get out of the enemy's field of shot. "Addison, this way," Skyler called, running to the right. She disappeared around a corner. Addison followed, both women alert and ready to fire upon the threat.

"Sky," Addison called. To her left two men appeared from behind Heb-Sed Court. Their weapons were aimed and ready. Only one bullet was fired before Addison released a single shot into the head of each man. She had seen they were wearing Kevlar vests when she first exited the tomb. With only half the lights working, semi-darkness had rendered the area to a shadowed dusk. She had to be vigilant.

Reaching Skyler, Addison stood beside her, their backs against the wall. She was careful not to put any pressure on her backpack. It was imperative no harm came to the statue of Bastet. "I think I took down about eight or nine."

"I took down three." Skyler motioned to the bodies on the opposite side of the wall. "Addison, who was that person? He knew who we were."

"He knew Inspectors Black and Tidwell of Scotland Yard." Addison peeked around the corner of the wall. The men were approaching. "Talk later. We need to get away from here." Addison looked around; in the distance she saw at least four vehicles illuminated under a distant spotlight. "We have to get to one of those jeeps."

"Easier said than done." Skyler heard the sound of cautiously approaching footsteps shuffling through the sand. "Addison!"

"I know." Addison closed her eyes for a brief moment. She then looked over at Skyler in the near darkness. "About three my side and three your side," she whispered.

Skyler nodded and slid over to the other side of the wall. Dropping to her right knee she peered around with caution. There were indeed three men advancing on her position. Skyler waited for them to get closer. She remained perfectly still, her focus solely upon the approaching threat. She could hardly make out their features, but knew they wore dark clothing and carried sophisticated weapons.

"Keep your guard," whispered one of the men.

Sensing the front man was close enough, Skyler struck. Darting forward she kicked out, knocking him down. At the same time she fired two shots with her Taser into the men's legs and incapacitated each of them. She then turned her weapon on the first man she knocked to the ground and hit him with a bolt of electricity.

At that exact same moment Addison ran out, shooting down the first two men. The third was further back with another man behind him. As they fired upon her Addison ducked and dived into the sand. Keeping low she released another round of bullets into the advancing men. They fell unceremoniously to the ground and Addison looked over to Skyler. "Sky, keep down!" Skyler did as told and lay low upon the sand. Addison crawled over to her. "There's about four or five more out there, plus 'Man U' guy."

"What?" Skyler said in confusion.

"The one who appeared to be in command; he wore a Manchester United ball cap. It's an English soccer team." Addison scanned the layout. "They're out there."

"Waiting for us."

"Listen." Addison moved a fraction closer to Skyler. She could feel the sand insert itself around the nooks and crannies of her clothing, but paid little heed. "Primary aim is to get to the vehicles. While I cover our approach I want you to take out the other Jeeps. Leave us one for escape."

"Tyres… engines?"

"Do whatever you can."

Skyler nodded once. "Will do."

"We go east, around the back of the east court and then straight ahead. You see those lights to the left?"

"Yes," Skyler whispered and mentally estimated how far they were from their current position. It was no more than sixty yards, she decided. Skyler jumped and looked straight ahead at the sound of a hidden gunman shouting and shooting random warning fire. She was unable to understand what he was saying.

Two incapacitated men lay close by and Addison shuffled over to them. She took their weapons and holstered her own. "Might as well use something capable of causing more spectacular fireworks." She held a submachine gun in each hand. The weapons were heavy, but much experience with such weapons had strengthened her arms enough to easily withstand their weight. "This way," whispered Addison as she moved towards the rear of the east court ruins.

"Addison," Skyler called to her in a forced whisper. "This may not be the best time to bring this up, but I have real issues about you using those things here. This site is over five thousand years old and…"

"This isn't the best time, you are right." Reaching the back wall of the east court, Addison stood on her knees. She held the weapons up and ready in each hand. Skyler knelt beside her. "Sky, right now all I'm interested in is getting our backsides out of here alive." Addison turned on the heat sensor tracker on her watch. Taking into account the green dots representing chip-wearing agents, Addison surveyed the red threats. "Okay, when we head out … there will be two guns ahead of us, one at two o'clock and four at three o'clock. I'll take care of them. You disable the jeeps. Leave us the closest."

Skyler increased her grip on the weapons she held. She swallowed hard and took a deep breath. A definite feeling of nervousness battled with her courage, but she wouldn't allow it to win.

"Are you ready?"

"Lets do it."

"Okay… on my word we go. You know the drill, yes?"

"Keep behind you… cover the rear and disable the other vehicles."

"Right." Addison didn't wait for Skyler to think a moment more as she whispered, "Now!" In less than a heartbeat they moved out. At a speed no faster than a slow jog they ran out into open territory. Becoming instant targets, Addison was alert and sensitive to every nuance of movement and sound around them. She held her weapons, one facing ahead of them and the other to the side, poised and ready for attack. Skyler remained close behind; she kept her attention focussed upon the rear. Though she was sure they had eliminated all threats behind them, no chances were to be taken.

A voice suddenly penetrated the darkness. "East… two o'clock," it called.

"Here we go." Knowing the approximate locations of the gunmen, Addison wasted only a fraction of a second before opening fire. Squeezing both triggers she released a shower of bullets in the directions of their attackers. The closer she and Skyler got to the remaining lights, not only did the gunmen become more visible but so did they. Addison remedied this by destroying all but one of the last lights. She knew Skyler would need one to see the vehicles she was to disable.

As they reached the jeeps Skyler ran to the left. She moved around the vehicles. Using her pistol, Skyler shot two of its tyres. She repeated this action on all but one of the vehicles, deflating and rendering their tyres useless.

Against an ancient wall Addison had discarded the submachine guns once they were out of ammunition. Using her pistols she fired out into the darkness towards the direction of their threat. As the last bullet left her pistol Addison proceeded to re-load her Berettas. The sound of a dull thud landing very near caught Addison's attention. Slapping the clip into place she holstered her right weapon and looked down to the left. In the dusky faint light she saw it, dull metal catching a low beam of light. Without a moment of hesitation Addison picked up the grenade and threw it. She knew in exactly what direction she was aiming the grenade and only hoped Skyler would forgive her. As the explosive device left her hand she called to Skyler, "GET DOWN!"

Having just entered their new transportation, Skyler dove into the seats. She closed her eyes, knowing something was about to happen. Sure enough it came… the explosion seemed to rock the very foundations they stood upon and the jeep shook around her. Skyler winced, her fingers digging into the leather upholstery of the seats.

"Skyler?"

The doctor turned to see an outline of Addison standing at the driver's side of the jeep. She stood in front of the light, her frame casting an imposing silhouette. "Addison!"

"We have to get out of here," said the agent as she boarded the vehicle and placed her backpack on the rear seat beside Skyler's. She was relieved to find keys in the ignition. Starting the engine, Addison reversed out at top speed. Swinging the vehicle around and causing a gust of sand to fly into the air, she sped off into the night. Skyler leaned out of the window. She aimed her gun at the lame jeeps and opened fire. Her third and final shot hit its mark, puncturing the petrol tank of one of the jeeps. It exploded into flames. Due to the close proximity of the vehicles, the eruption set off a chain reaction and one by one each car exploded.

"Holy Shit!" Addison laughed as she looked behind her. "Keep that up and I'm going to lose my reputation for blowing things up!"

"Just making sure." Skyler released a breath of tension that she'd held since the moment she climbed out of the passageways to Imhotep's tomb. "You didn't do so bad yourself. I didn't know you had any explosives with you."

Addison saw the flames begin to disappear from sight in her rear view mirror. She had reached the main road and was following it into the closest town. "I didn't. I used one they threw in our direction."

"And you threw it back?"

Addison paused a moment before she replied saying, "Well... not exactly."

The doctor frowned. "What does that mean?"

"I um… I threw it in the direction of the entrance to the tomb."

"WHAT?"

"Before you go all crazy on me, listen. We know where it is and what lies beneath the sand. I didn't want it left open, not now and not with what has just happened. The site is going to be crawling with the authorities."

Skyler closed her eyes and rubbed her temple. "My god… what just happened there? A fucking gun fight at the site of the oldest and first ever Pyramid!"

Addison hardly ever heard Skyler use bad language. "We did what we had to do, Sky. He wasn't going to let us walk out of there alive!"

"I know, but…" she sighed again. "I can't believe that just happened. How did they find us? Who was that man and what the hell is so damned special about this key that they are willing to kill for it?"

"I don't know, Sky, but Roman Leeds has some questions to answer."

Skyler pushed a loaded clip into her Browning. "Do you think he knows?" She holstered the weapon.

"He knows something. I don't know what or if he does know how apparently popular this statue is, but he knows something." Addison saw the first signs of a town emerge in the distance. "If the key is so valuable people are willing to kill for it then I'm going to find out why."

***

London, Special Operations

In a small, square room with little else inside but a rectangular, metal table and four chairs, Addison, Skyler and General Blithe sat in contemplative silence. Upon the table stood the statue of Bastet, the so-called key. Mark Blithe sat at the head of the table, his hands clenched upon the surface, fingers entwined together tightly. The chair opposite him was empty. To his left sat Skyler, her back to the doorway. She sat straight, her folded arms rested upon the tabletop. Addison sat opposite. She was slouched down in her seat, one leg curled around a chair leg, the other stretched out under the table. One arm lay across her stomach, her other arm cradling her chin in a warm hand.

"The P.M. threw a fit," said Mark. "He demanded to know if I had any intelligence on the people behind the incident at The Djoser Pyramid Complex."

Dark brown eyes turned from Skyler to Mark. "What did you tell him?"

"I told him I had none, but I'd look into it if he wished."

"Did he?" asked Skyler who was beginning to feel an intense need to get out of the clothes she had been wearing for the last couple of days. A shower was first on her agenda.

"No. He said the Egyptian authorities can handle it, but he would agree to help if it was requested."

Skyler knew that although they ultimately answer to the British Government they were still a clandestine organisation within a clandestine organisation. Not even their own superiors knew half of the incidents and operations in which they were involved.

Turning his attention to the statue of Bastet, Mark reached out, taking the faience figure. "This really is a key?" He turned the statue around in his hands, rubbing his rough fingers over the clay. Mark had never been interested in history let alone archaeology, but he found the statue fascinating.

"It's a key of some fashion," replied Addison. "And since it appears to be considered worth killing for I figure we ought to know why."

"We can't necessarily believe there is anything more sinister here than stealing simply for the want of selling to the highest bidder, Addison. You did say the man who appeared to be the leader didn't match the description of the person impersonating William Bryson. Maybe word got out and the criminal underbelly of Egypt wiggled out from the stones they were hiding under, lured by the scent of a possible lucrative sale."

"Maybe," Addison conceded, "but I wont dismiss the fact either."

"And when Roman Leeds arrives we shall question him on this."

"Is he on his way?" Skyler asked, a thought entering her mind.

Mark gave a nod. "I informed Jonathan as well so they will both be here. I have a driver collecting them. It will be approximately two hours before they arrive."

Skyler arched her brows. "Does that mean we have time to take a shower? I swear these clothes will get up and rid themselves of my body if I don't do it first."

Mark laughed and looked over at Addison. "I'd say there was time for a shower and change of clothing. Addison?"

Lifting the front of her tank top, Addison sniffed the material. "Nah, I'd say I'm good for a while longer."

"Even the flies buzzing around your head don't agree with you there, Addison."

The agent looked down her arm. "I suppose I should get this cleaned up." She picked at the scabs from the injury caused when the rope bridge snapped.

"Yeah… I'll help you with that. You might have some grit and dirt in there." Skyler turned to Mark. "She only swung into a chasm wall!"

"I didn't have much choice in the matter," Addison defended herself as she rose to her feet. "You'll read all about that in the report," she said to Mark. Running a hand through her hair, Addison scratched her scalp. She did need a shower. The salty residue of sweat irritated her skin.

The general smirked. "I look forward to it. Okay, you two go and clean up. I'll send word when the men arrive."

"Thanks." Addison opened the door saying, "Come on then, Sky. Let's get you dunked in the sheep dip."

"Sometimes, Skyler, I wonder how you put up with her," Mark laughed.

Skyler rose, eyeing Addison. "That's the real reason for the Taser request. I never know when I may feel the need to quiet her for a while."

"Good idea."

Addison simply rolled her eyes as she and Skyler exited the office. They walked directly to the underground shuttle that would take them back to Headquarters. Addison hoped that after this assignment was over she and Skyler could finally take advantage of some free time together. They had waited long enough and Addison knew teasing Skyler was affecting her as well. However much they were trained to switch off their emotions in the field it would only work to a certain extent. They were human after all and right now Addison's basic instinct was calling. She had only one thought on her mind. Licking her lips, she looked to the doctor. "I was thinking."

"About?"

"Things."

"Care to narrow that down a bit?"

"Not really."

Skyler looked over at Addison in confusion. "Am I supposed to guess or were you simply making a noteworthy statement?"

"You have to guess." Addison entered the underground tube-way behind Skyler. The shuttle was used only by Special Operations to get to and from off-site buildings. A train was already waiting and they boarded to take the three-minute ride back to H.Q.

Skyler's mind began to wonder. Noting the expression upon Addison's features she didn't have to think for long. "Does it have something to do with me?"

"Yes."

"And you maybe?"

"No maybe about it."

Skyler grinned as she felt a flutter of excitement. "You and me together?"

"Uh huh."

"And are we devoid of clothing?"

"Oh you are so good at this."

The shuttle sped along with a low hum. Skyler had heard enough. Twisting around she situated herself on Addison's lap. The compartment was similar to a typical underground train. It was long and narrow with a row of seats against either side of the train, facing each other. Thankfully they were the only occupants of that carriage.

"What are you doing?" Addison asked.

Skyler pushed herself a little closer until their chests were touching. "I'm cutting to the chase."

"Sounds good to me." Addison's eyes fluttered closed as Skyler planted tiny kisses up her neck, over her chin and onto soft, waiting lips. They kissed gently at first, relishing the contact that had seemed so long denied yet so long desired. Addison ran her hands up and down Skyler's sides. Material from the doctor's shirt bunched in her hands. It didn't take long for the kiss to inflame their senses and infuse into a deeper, more probing exploration.

Skyler wrapped her arms around Addison's neck. Her tongue curled languidly around Addison's in a dance that wasn't rushed, but simply relished. She couldn't suppress a low groan as Addison pulled her hips tighter against her stomach. After so many days of craving this contact, Skyler couldn't get enough. Her body was already responding in pleasurable twinges. When Addison pulled away to take a breath, Skyler said, "You better be thinking of finishing what you've started here, Addison, because I…" Addison's lips silenced the doctor. They kissed, deep, long and sensual.

Sensing the shuttle was coming to a halt, Addison pulled away again. "We're here." She stood, taking Skyler with her. The doctor let her legs uncoil from around Addison's waist and drop to the floor. Addison cupped her jaw. "Care to indulge with me in a long… hot…shower?" Skyler groaned. She took Addison's hand and led her off the shuttle. No more words were spoken as Addison followed Skyler towards the private showers.

Chapter 14

A wide crystal tumbler was hurled across the hotel room. It collided with a pale cream wall and shattered into hundreds of tiny pieces. A string of obscene curse words followed and another glass was hurled in the opposite direction. It hit a wooden wardrobe door and fell to the carpeted flooring, breaking into several smaller pieces.

It was early morning and the sun had only just risen in the Egyptian sky. The oncoming heat of the day was already soaking into the atmosphere, but in the air-conditioned hotel room it remained moderately cool.

The man, known to most as William Bryson, paced around his room. He kicked whatever object crossed his path. A leather shoe was thrust to the left, a partly filled duffel bag kicked to the right. Hands clenched by his side, he looked towards the second occupant of the room with blazing anger.

"How did you let them escape? Twenty one men against two police officers, two female police officers." Balling his hands in anger, 'Bryson' drove his right fist through the wardrobe door. "They had the fucking key. It was right there in front of you and you let them get away."

The younger man pulled the baseball cap from his head and threw it to the floor. "You weren't there," he said pointing at 'Bryson' firmly. "These women didn't act like police officers. They knew what they were doing. They acted more like soldiers."

'Bryson' looked away in disgust. "A fine excuse." He gritted his teeth and growled. "Years of work, years of searching. It could have come to an end last night." Advancing upon the younger man he grasped him by the collar of his crisp white shirt. "You failed, Phoenix. I ought to…"

"What? You ought to what? Kill me like you did the professor? You won't and you know it. I've given your pointless quest a meaning much greater than you could ever have dreamed."

The younger man's words angered 'Bryson' further. He thrust Phoenix backwards and slammed him against the room's door. "It… was… not… pointless." He stared into calm pink eyes. His partner showed no fear.

"Continuing your father's work then…whatever." Phoenix shrugged out of 'Bryson's' grasp, pushing him away. "You came to me, remember? We need each other to make this work." He readjusted his crumpled collar. "Let's not forget the larger picture. Let's not forget what we gain from this."

Massaging the tense knot of muscles in his neck, 'Bryson' turned and walked back to the mini bar. He opened a miniature bottle of whiskey and drank it down in one go. "Plan C it is then."

"Plan C?" Phoenix raised his hands in question. "What's that?"

"That is always keeping your options open."

The younger man sat upon the edge of a double bed and folded his arms, looking at his business partner. "What are we doing?"

"I'll handle this. You head to the site and wait for me there. I'll bring us the key."

"That's not fair!"

"Not fair?" The older man took a cigar from the side table and lit it. "These aren't kid's games… you screwed up, now it is my turn. I shouldn't have left it to you in the first place. You wait outside the temple and I'll bring the key. I'll be no more than two days." He picked up his duffel bag.

"Where are you going, Xander?"

'Bryson', legally born Alexander Santos, threw the single carry-on over his shoulder. "London," he replied firmly.

***

Taking a detour when she realised that even the H.Q. showers would not be private enough, Addison led Skyler to her room. Each trainee's room had a small adjoining bathroom consisting of a toilet, shower cubical and washbasin. It wasn't as large as the headquarters' showers, but it had the advantage of a bed in close proximity.

Unlocking her door Addison followed Skyler into the room. The doctor locked it behind them. She turned to face Addison. The silence between them was heavy with the heady feeling of sexual tension. Addison's dark brown eyes flowed over Skyler, taking in the honey golden locks, dilated pupils, heart-shaped lips and slender neck. Addison noticed her chest rise and fall with rapid breaths. She stepped closer while taking the hem of her tank top and pulling it from her body. Skyler's eyes dropped from Addison's face to breasts covered in a white, soft cotton bra. Licking her lips she moved closer. Her hands reached out, gliding over Addison's sides and around her back. She pulled the agent tight against her body. Skyler's eyes closed as their lips connected.

Addison moved her hands up Skyler's stomach. They glided over her breasts and towards her shoulders, pushing the jerkin from Skyler's body, their kiss increasing, deeper and longer. Addison's fingers fluttered up Skyler's neck and sunk into her hair. The doctor groaned, pulling Addison against her harder as Addison's blunt nails scraped over her scalp. The actions caused pleasant shivers to shoot down her body. She took the hem of her own tank top and removed it swiftly.

"Addison… if you knew how much I needed you right now." Skyler dragged her nails down Addison's stomach.

"Show me," Addison implored. Taking Skyler by the waist she pulled her towards the bathroom. They stumbled over the threshold and Addison found herself pinned against the cold glass of the shower cubical. The sensation cooled the heated flesh of her back.

Their seemingly unending kiss escalated further in intensity. Addison held Skyler, cradling the back of her head, her tongue exploring. Skyler, in much the same fashion, held Addison close, one hand cupping her cheek as she responded to Addison's oral manipulations. The realisation she had never felt kisses of such profound ardour, with any other, struck her once again. How was it Addison was able to pull such profound emotions from within her? Simple kisses, which she had craved for so long, awakened a side of Skyler she never before knew existed.

Running her hands down Addison's neck, shoulders and arms, Skyler traced her fingertips up the agent's stomach. Reaching the edge of her bra she took the garment and pulled it straight over Addison's head, bypassing the fastening in an urgent need to remove it. She looked down at bared breasts. The creamy skin with a heat-induced hue beckoned her. Skyler wasted no time in taking one aching nipple into her mouth. The flesh puckered immediately, drawing a moan of satisfaction from Skyler and a groan of need from Addison. The oral assault sent a ricochet of pleasure down her body causing her desire to begin a slow and steady throb.

Addison held Skyler's head against her. She resisted the urge to grind out her need upon Skyler's perfectly situated thigh. Instead Addison focussed her attention on releasing the clasp on Skyler's bra. As the garment fell loosely down her shoulders, Addison turned her attention to the doctor's combat pants. She undid each button and pushed them over slender hips, underwear included. Skyler had switched breasts and was busily sucking Addison's left nipple when the agent pulled her back to swollen lips.

They kissed again; Addison held Skyler flush against her. Being of similar heights their breasts touched and moved against each other wonderfully. Skyler kicked off her combat pants and, bending each leg behind her, untied laces and removed each boot. She stood naked before Addison. Their lips hadn't parted. Addison took advantage of Skyler's lack of clothing and ran her hands over as much flesh as possible. Having an intimate knowledge of Skyler's body, Addison's lips travelled down her neck as talented fingers scraped up her back. Skyler shuddered within Addison's arms and groaned long and low. Her breathing increased further in pace as green eyes squeezed tightly shut. Skyler bit her bottom lip and hissed when Addison moved her other hand up her inner thigh.

"Addison," Skyler said breathlessly. She started pulling at the fastenings of the agent's combat trousers. "You need to get out of these… now!"

Hearing the need in Skyler's voice, Addison removed her hands from Skyler's body and worked at removing her remaining clothing. Skyler used that brief moment to reach inside the shower, turning it on to a setting she knew was perfect for them both. The jet of water burst forth from the showerhead, soaking her arm instantly. Skyler turned back to find Addison devoid of clothing. She smiled, her body responding to Addison's predatory look and pulled her into the shower. The door swung closed behind them.

Both women stood under the steam of water. It soaked their hair and gushed rapidly down entwined bodies. Addison waited only moments before she pulled away from the jet of water, taking Skyler with her. She took a bottle of citrus scented shower gel and squeezed it into their hands and over their bodies. The scent of oranges and lemons permeated the air, the aroma increasing due to the steaming heat. As Addison placed the bottle down, Skyler began swirling her hands over the ebony haired agent's body. Her palms slid over the mix of soft skin and hard muscle. Addison returned the favour, sliding her hands over Skyler's slippery body. She was careful not to put any pressure on Skyler's recently inserted implant. Though the incision was healing well, she knew from experience it would still feel tender to the touch.

Skyler's hands moved lower, diligent in her task of thoroughly washing Addison. Her actions caused soft groans from the agent.

"This is so much better than washing myself!" she whispered, causing Skyler to chuckle. She leaned forwards, instigating a deep kiss as busy hands continued their task. The feeling was overwhelming, addictive in its power. Skyler could sense Addison slowly losing control. Her hips pumped against the doctor's body in a desperate need for fulfilment. The water had washed the soap from her body and the pounding stream only served to further sensitise her responsive flesh.

Skyler could feel her own body urging her to give in, to yield to the powerful feelings surging through her. However, the desire to satisfy Addison and indulge in the agent was, without a doubt, stronger. She pressed Addison against the cold, tiled shower wall. Her hands cupped swollen breasts. The soft, pliant flesh was responsive to her manipulations. She moved her thumbs in circles, the actions flicking Addison's nipples in repetitive strokes. The agent closed her eyes and groaned.

"God, Sky," she moaned. Her mouth fell open and she panted breathlessly. Her body so easily responded to Skyler's touch.

"What do you want, Addison?" Bending her head, Skyler took Addison's right nipple into her mouth.

"I want it all," the agent responded. She held Skyler against her chest. The knowledge they had only an hour before they needed to be ready for conference left both minds. "I want all of you."

Skyler trailed her tongue up Addison's chest and neck. Her lips caressed Addison's ear as she said, "You already have all of me." She smiled with heavy lidded eyes and pulled away to look at Addison. "There's something I have for you. Something I want to show you."

Addison grasped Skyler's behind. She ran one hand between her cheeks and down towards her centre. Her fingers swirled around in the source of her desire. "What do you want to show me?"

"Ugh!" Skyler's head fell to Addison's chest. Her eyes closed in ecstasy. Again she wanted to surrender to Addison's manipulations. She moved against her fingers, trying to direct her to the source of her throbbing desire. Her hands clenched the agent's behind, grasping firm, muscled flesh.

"Sky," Addison whispered against the doctor's ear. "Do you want to move this to your bed?"

"Bed?" Skyler blinked and looked up at Addison. The question caused her to regain a little of her senses and she took hold of the agent's wrist, stopping her actions. "No… something I want to do for you."

"In here?"

Skyler nodded. She pulled Addison's hand up and took both in one of her own, holding them above the agent's head. With a shy smile Skyler pulled the showerhead from the wall.

"What…" Addison's eyes followed Skyler's movements. "What are you…?"

Skyler didn't reply. Knowing actions spoke louder than words she began moving the jet stream of water down Addison's body. She stopped upon reaching full breasts and moved the pulse of water over Addison's nipples. The agent released a low groan. She attempted to move her arms in a need to reach Skyler, but they were held firm. She didn't use any force, her trust completely given to the doctor.

The jet of water began to move lower. Addison looked deep into Skyler's eyes. Her eyelids grew heavy in anticipation of the sensations to follow. "Sky," she whispered.

Skyler moved the showerhead lower, completely focussed upon her intent. "I discovered this little indulgence one evening after a long day of training." Skyler's smile once again turned coy and she blushed. The jet of water completed its journey upon reaching Addison's clitoris.

"Oh!" Addison's mouth fell open as she squeezed her eyes closed. Her breath turned ragged as the stimulation caused ripples of pleasure to spread through her body. "God… Sky…" The agent's face twisted into an expression of intense pleasure. She bit her bottom lip as she attempted to move closer to the stimuli.

"Feels good," Skyler stated.

"God yes." Addison's breath grew faster. Her skin flushed a deep red. Her climb was fast, the feelings intense.

Skyler looked down. She watched Addison's hips move against the water. The sight caused her desire to increase further still, sending jolts straight to her loins. Leaning forwards she attached her lips around a ridged nipple. Her teeth scraped over the firm surface and she sucked roughly. Addison opened her legs wider, feeling the onslaught of her orgasm. She groaned continuously as she tried to secure her stance. Her senses were about to spiral out of control.

"Addison," Skyler called, moving her lips to the agent's neck. Addison groaned in response. "Addison, come for me, Baby."

"Fuck… oh yes." In desperation Addison tore her hands from Skyler's grasp. She reached out and took hold of the showerhead's bracket. "Skyler!" With her other hand now free Skyler slid it down the agent's body to her core. Without warning she plunged two fingers inside Addison. "Ugh… Sky… I'm… I'm…" Addison ground herself against Skyler's fingers.

"Come on," Skyler encouraged. She felt Addison constrict around her fingers. "Yes." She moved her digits faster.

"God, Skyler, I'm..." Addison cried out again and again. Her orgasm tore through her body in intense undulations of soul liberating pleasure. She clung to the shower bracket, her knuckles white in an effort to remain upright. The pulsations assaulted her body in profound waves.

Slowly, as the sensations calmed, Skyler dropped the showerhead and ceased her movements. She pulled gently out of Addison and the agent slid down the tiled wall. Skyler turned off the shower and followed her. She sat astride Addison's legs. "Addison?"

The agent took several deep breaths. "My god." She grinned. "I wasn't expecting that." Addison shuddered again as tiny aftershocks rippled through her. She took another long, cleansing breath and looked at Skyler. "So what else have you been getting up to?" Skyler blushed and Addison cupped her cheeks. She pulled her in for a kiss. "Tell me, Sky, have you been experimenting with anything else? I'm not going to discover you spend extraordinarily long evenings in the laundry room, am I?"

"Addison!" Skyler's head fell to the agent's shoulder.

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding." Addison placed a finger under Skyler's chin and lifted her head. "Believe me, I'm not taking the Mickey." She kissed Skyler again. "Thank you."

With the hot running water now turned off the cooler air was beginning to chill both women. Addison felt Skyler shiver. She took the doctor's hand and rose to her feet, pulling Skyler with her. Opening the cubical door Addison pulled two towels from a metal rail. She wrapped one around Skyler and the other around herself. Exiting the shower Addison led the blonde over to her single bed. "Sky," she whispered.

"Hmm?"

"Do I get to show you what I've been intending now?"

"Oh you better."

Addison arched her eyebrows. "Oh really?"

"Uh huh."

"And why is that?"

Taking Addison's hand, Skyler sunk the agent's fingers into the abundance of her flowing desire. "Because I really need you, Addison."

"Holy God!" Taking Skyler in her arms, Addison lowered her to the bed.

Chapter 15

Mark Blithe sat on the edge of the table he'd recently occupied with Skyler and Addison. In his left hand he held the statue of Bastet. Holding the figure in the artificial light he gazed upon its fine sculpting and beautiful form. For something so old she was in perfect condition. A feeling of caution emerged in his mind and he placed the statue back down, slightly concerned about any possible breakage. Even though it felt robust and heavy, it was still made from a fragile material.

Moving from the table Mark turned and looked around the room. It really was bare. The walls were a dull, off white colour and nothing marred the paintwork. A coffee maker sat upon a wooden table in one corner, though it was hardly used. The same could be said for the room in general. It was a place to hold interviews with suspects of criminal intent. A two-way observation mirror was built into the left wall. The observation room, however, was locked.

A knock brought Mark out of his musings. He called for the person to enter. Joseph Verona appeared in the doorway. "Sir, Roman Leeds and Jonathan Bronson have arrived. I have them in the waiting room."

"Right, thanks, Joe." Picking up the statue Mark wrapped it up and placed it carefully in the sponge-lined case Addison had acquired for it. He closed the silver lid and took it by its black handle. "I'll see them in my office." Joseph stood to the side as Mark passed him and he closed the door. "Joe, how many times do I have to tell you, in this outfit we are much more relaxed. Forget about rank and call me Mark, please."

Joseph smiled. "Sorry, I'm still so used to the ways of the military. I forget at times. This is as relaxed as the S.A.S I believe?"

Mark simply nodded. However many facts had come to light regarding the Special Air Services, it was second nature for him not to bring procedures into small talk. Though Mark was never a soldier in the S.A.S, he was still linked with their operations. He was the one who offered a personal recommendation that Addison would have made a perfect candidate for the unit. He did, however, hold an ulterior motive. General Blithe had been aware of the new Special Ops branch being set up within M.I.5 and he wanted to test Addison. If she was able to pass all S.A.S. training he intended on recruiting her as an S.O. agent. He had never divulged that information to anybody.

Reaching the waiting room, Mark opened the door and entered. He found Roman Leeds and Jonathan Bronson seated on a new looking brown, leather couch. They waited in relative silence. Joseph followed Mark into the room. A side door led to Joseph's office which in turn led on to Mark's. The General, in fact, had three offices… one in Headquarters, one at this building and one in M.I.5.

Clutching the bulky, silver briefcase in his left hand Mark said, "Welcome back, gentlemen." He sat down facing the two men. "I'm sure, as you have heard…" he directed this part of his conversation to Jonathan Bronson, "The assignment was a success, both in gaining information into the murders and finding and obtaining the artefact."

"That's good news," replied Roman.

"Yes it is." Mark turned to Joseph. "Can you contact Addison and Skyler? Let them know the men have arrived and we are ready to commence with the report."

"Will do, Mark." Joseph took the side door into his outer office. Sitting at his desk he thought for a moment and brushed a hand through his closely shaven hair. He realised he wasn't exactly sure where the women were at that moment, but knew of one sure way to find out. Picking up the phone he dialled through to an internal line. It was answered immediately.

"Hello?"

"Danny, it's Joe."

"Joe, did you see the United game last night? Four, nil… sweet!"

"Yeah it was a good one, though that linesman needs glasses!" He shook his head. "Anyway... quick request. Can you tell me where Addison and Skyler are? General Blithe needs them A.S.A.P."

"Can do." Danny activated the chip location device and zeroed in on the agent's positions. He looked up as Samuel entered the room. The scientist had the same gloomy expression he'd had upon entering work that morning. Samuel was a Spurs fan and his team had lost miserably the night before. Danny decided not to continue gloating over the success of United. He spoke to Joseph. "Addison and Skyler are in Skyler's quarters."

"Okay, thanks, Dan."

Danny felt a tap on his shoulder. "Who's that?" Samuel asked.

"Joe."

"He is looking for Addison and Skyler? Is he contacting them?"

"I suppose so, yes. Mark wants to see them."

"Great, tell him to tell Skyler to come and see me before she goes into that meeting. I had my assistant transfer those images to disk for her. She will know what that means."

Danny shrugged. "Sure." He passed the message on to Joseph. "He says 'no problem'." Danny disconnected the line. "So… Sam…"

"Not one more word about the match!" Samuel handed Danny a bottle of vanilla flavoured coke. It was Danny's favourite and also a condition of the bet they had made. Whose ever team lost the soccer match, the loser had to buy drinks for a whole week.

Danny unscrewed the bottle cap and took a sip. "Ah," he sighed. "Never tasted sweeter." He ducked as the scientist threw a sheet of balled paper in his direction.

***

Skyler lay within the tangled mess of her bed sheets. Her chest rose and fell with laboured breath, one arm lay strewn above her head and the other nestled in Addison's tousled locks. She grinned languidly and wiped a hand over her brow. "I think I'm going to need another shower."

Addison looked up from her comfortable position, her head lying just above Skyler's pelvis. Her cheeks and chin glistened with the slick residue of Skyler's passion. "Me too." They both laughed, feeling remarkably rested and more at ease. Placing a kiss upon Skyler's pubic bone, Addison laid a trail with her lips and tongue back to Skyler's own lips. They kissed softly, but the ringing of the telephone interrupted the moment.

"Damn it," Skyler sighed. "That'll be Mark." Addison grumbled into the doctor's neck as Skyler reached out to pick up the phone. The agent reached out after her and grabbed her hand before it reached the receiver. "What?" Skyler asked.

"Before this moment ends, I just want to say… I love you."

Skyler's smile was instantaneous. "I love you too, Addison." She kissed the agent once more before Addison picked up the phone and held it to Skyler's ear. "Hello?" she said.

"Skyler, the men have arrived and Mark has asked for you and Addison." Skyler was pretty sure Joseph wasn't aware of her and Addison's relationship. Although it wasn't something they tried to hide, that didn't mean they made a point to make it public knowledge. "Oh and Samuel asked that you go and pick up the disk of images from him before the meeting."

"Okay, Joseph." Skyler felt Addison climb from her body. She watched the agent as she started looking around the floor. She smiled at the naked vision. "Tell Mark we'll be there in no more than ten minutes."

"Hey," Addison whispered. "No, no, no! We don't have any change of clothing here. Make it twenty minutes!"

Skyler placed her hand over the receiver. "Shit… okay." She spoke back down the phone. "Actually, Joe, tell Mark we will be about fifteen to twenty minutes. We need to sort out something before we can get there." She shrugged at Addison's questioning expression.

"Right, I'll tell him." The line went dead.

Wrapping a towel around her body, Addison crossed the floor. She picked up the phone and dialled a well-known cell phone number. "I have an idea," she stated. Securing a towel around her own frame, Skyler watched her curiously. "Hey, it's me." Skyler wondered whom she was talking to as she listened to the one-sided conversation. "I need you to do me a favour… because you are the only person I trust enough to carry out this sensitive procedure… yes… okay, I need you to go and pick up two pairs of combats, navy will do, two pairs of socks and two t-shirts, make them different colours… because that is what I need. My size and Skyler's size." Addison grinned. "And that is exactly why I need you to pick these up for me… it will take no longer than five minutes. I know you are on your break… because that was the last thing we were thinking at the time." The agent rolled her eyes. "You wish, Sam… Yes I owe you one… okay two. Thanks, bye." She hung up the phone.

"Giving you a hard time?"

"Isn't he always?" Addison responded. She snickered and padded her way towards the small bathroom. "I'm diving back into the shower."

"Are you escaping because Sam is on his way?"

Addison simply grinned. "He needs to see you anyway. I'll be out in a moment." The agent disappeared into the shower and Skyler heard the spray of water start up again. Minutes later there was a knock at her door. Making sure her towel was securely in place, Skyler answered.

"Oh, I see I brought these just in time." Samuel handed Skyler a pile of clothing. "Where's G-woman?"

"Shower." Skyler placed the clothes on a side unit. "She escaped before you got here. So… you have those images for me?"

"She only escaped because she knew I would have something more to say about wasting my precious little break time to run errands for her… and yes I do." Samuel pulled out a small silver disk. It was encased in a clear plastic sleeve. "Very interesting pictures, Skyler."

Skyler grinned. "Thanks." She turned the disk around, watching a beam of light reflect a rainbow of colour across the silver surface. "Did they all turn out okay? I want to be able to read the glyphs." Skyler heard the shower stop and the cubical door open.

"You'll have no trouble reading them, trust me." From behind Skyler Samuel saw Addison emerge. She stood naked in the middle of the room, a small hand towel upon her head, drying her hair. The scientist's jaw fell open.

"Hey, Sam," Addison greeted.

Skyler turned. She saw Addison and felt her heart leap into her throat in shock. "Add…" she turned back to Samuel. "We'll see you later, Sam. Bye!"

"Oh… yeah…" Samuel's gaze remained fixed upon a very naked Addison as Skyler closed the door. He moved his head, peering through the ever-decreasing gap until the door was closed. "Bye."

Within Skyler's quarters the doctor dropped her towel to the floor. She walked to the bathroom. "No shame," she muttered.

"It got rid of him, didn't it? Besides, it probably made an ideal 'thank you'." Addison slipped into a pair of navy combat trousers. She picked up both t-shits. "Sky, grey or white?"

"White," said the blonde as she stepped into the shower. "Grey looks better on you."

Addison shrugged and slipped the garment over her head. "Don't take too long. We've got to meet with Mark in about ten minutes." The agent smiled to herself as she recalled the shocked expression upon Samuel's face. Looking in a small wall mirror she ran a hand through wet hair and chuckled evilly. "He will definitely get me back for that one!"

***

General Blithe had shown the two gentlemen into his office. He sat behind his desk, silver briefcase by his feet. The mood had changed from their first meeting; Mark was serious and he meant business. Somebody had tried to kill two of his agents for the artefact he now possessed. Placing both elbows upon the arms of his chair, Blithe placed his chin over his folded hands. He looked at the two men sitting opposite.

"I am sure, Inspectors Black and Tidwell will be here momentarily. After the past couple of days in the Egyptian…" Mark looked up at the sound of a knock. His office door opened. "Ah, here they are now."

Addison followed Skyler into the general's office. Both women wore fresh clothes with towel-dried hair. Skyler's expression was vigilant as she made eye contact with Roman Leeds. He knew she was the only other person in the room, besides him, who understood the gravity of this find. She wondered how much information Mark had already imparted. Walking across the general's office, the women split as they reached Mark's desk. Addison stood to his left and leaned against the wall with folded arms. Skyler took the briefcase from the floor as she stood to Mark's right. She placed it on the desk and looked down at Mark, indicating they were ready to begin.

"Gentlemen," Mark held out his hand to the right. "Inspector Tidwell."

Realising Mark obviously hadn't briefed them on the assignment at all; Skyler cleared her throat as she began. "Well…" she paused for a moment, surprised to find herself leading the presentation of the mission's outcome. "Firstly, on the matter of the murders, Inspector Black was able to uncover facts which have led to an investigation, originating in Wales, which should reveal the identity of the person or persons behind this." Her eyes moved from Roman Leeds to Jonathan Bronson. The Ministry of Defence official seemed a lot more interested in what she had to say at that point, but she knew that was about to change. Skyler looked back at Doctor Leeds. "The culprits behind the murders of your colleagues will be discovered."

"That is good news," the doctor replied sincerely.

Nodding, Skyler stole a brief look at the briefcase before continuing. "As for the tablets, it actually didn't take me as long as I predicted to translate them. Once I discovered the pattern they seemed, to follow the rest was easy. They led to Djoser's Pyramid Complex and an entrance covered by many inches of sand. I don't want to go into the entire journey through the chambers and passageways now, but suffice to say it was a real eye-opener." Skyler's hand strayed to the disk in her pocket. She considered showing the pictures and offering them for study, but she needed to do that herself first. "We found Imhotep's sarcophagus. It was Inspector Black who entered the Chamber and together we used the clues to find the key. It wasn't anything like we expected." Looking at Addison and receiving a nod, Skyler clicked open the case's double locks and pulled open its lid. Unwrapping soft cotton from around the figure, Skyler lifted out the statue. "Gentlemen… though the use of this is still unknown… I present 'The key'."

"Exquisite." Roman leaned forwards in his chair. He didn't appear in the least surprised at what form the key took. Addison noticed this immediately.

"Doctor Leeds," the agent said, her attention solely focussed upon Roman. "Do you know what this so-called key opens?"

Roman shook his head with a frown. "I can understand why you'd wonder what the university wants with this when we've no idea what it's for. Truth be told I wondered about that myself at first. When it comes down to it, the statue is seen as insurance. If we are unable to find what it's used for then we would be in possession of half the puzzle should somebody else do so."

"It would insure you a piece of the action, so to speak."

"Basically, yes. I am sorry Karlyn never got to see this though." Roman rose to his feet. "Do you mind if I hold it?"

"No… of course not." Skyler handed the statue to Roman. The doctor took it gently within his large hands.

"This would have fascinated her." He stepped away from the table and held the statue under an artificial light. "The goddess Bastet… peculiar portrayal of her though."

Jonathan Bronson, who had so far remained silent, finally spoke. "And the actual retrieval of the artefact, how did that go?"

"We came upon opposition when exiting the shafts. Can't tell for sure if these people were the same people responsible for the murders of the archaeology team though." Addison pushed away from the wall. She walked behind the general and stood beside Skyler. "They too were after the key and were ready to kill to get it."

Looking up from his visual inspection of the statue, Roman Leeds asked, "How did you manage to escape so many men?"

Addison arched her brows. "I never said there were many men."

"Well I presumed since you said they and referred to them in regard to the people behind Karlyn and her team's demise..." Doctor Leeds appeared suddenly alarmed. "I hope you don't think that… I was just…"

"It's alright," Mark said in assurance. "You must understand, Doctor, we need to remain vigilant at all times and thorough in our investigations."

Roman gave a nod of acceptance. "Thank you for your assistance… all of you. I hope now, with the information you helped gather, the people behind these crimes will be caught. Ever since it happened there's been a fair amount of unrest among both faculty and pupils at the university. I think I speak on behalf of us all when I say we won't feel closure until the killers are caught."

Although Addison's first instincts about Roman Leeds told her she didn't trust him, she did feel the sincerity in his words. "I hold little doubt of that fact," she said firmly. Pulling her hands from her pockets, Addison picked up the silver briefcase and carried it over to where Roman now sat on the leather sofa. She placed it down beside him. The doctor looked up in question.

"I presume I will be able to take this with me?" he asked.

General Blithe sucked a breath of air through his teeth. "I'm afraid not."

"No?" Roman asked incredulously.

"No… people are willing to kill to get their hands on the statue, Doctor. For the time being it stays within our safekeeping."

"But…" Roman's mouth opened, but no words came forth.

"When the investigation is over you will be given the statue," Skyler assured him. "It makes sense to ensure both yours and the statue's safety this way."

"Put like that I cannot disagree." Roman leaned back into the sofa. "I was just looking forward to taking this back to the university with me. I'll tell them they will have to wait for now."

"The university will receive that artefact once the matter has been finalised." Jonathan clasped his hands together. "That does seem the safest solution. I do thank you, Mark for accepting this. I know it isn't your department's standard procedure for accepting such 'cases' but…"

Mark raised his hand to silence the M.O.D. official. He had his own reasons for agreeing to this mission. "I knew I had just the right people for this job," was his only explanation. He didn't notice Addison's curious glance.

Bronson nodded with pursed lips. "I think I still owe you a drink though!" Mark's smile was all the response he needed. What no other occupant of the room knew was that his question did in fact refer to something else; it was a question only Mark would understand.

Taking the cloth from inside Blithe's briefcase, Roman wrapped it around the statue. "I do thank you for keeping this safe for the time being."

Addison watched him secure the soft, white cotton sheet around Bastet's feet and place her within the foam interior of the carrier. After he closed the case lid she took it from him and placed it upon Mark's desk. "It will be very safe with us."

"That fills me with ease." Roman turned to Jonathan. "And thanks, Jon for suggesting your contacts in Scotland Yard. We probably wouldn't have got this far otherwise."

"The Egyptian authorities aren't inept, but I know we have a greater advantage in contacts, access to information and manpower." Pushing back his chair, Jonathan rose and Mark followed suit.

"I'll keep abreast of the situation and the statue will be returned to you once this matter has been resolved." He shook Roman's hand. "I'll be in contact."

"Thanks."

Mark shook Jonathan's hand. "Jon, we'll be seeing each other soon, I'm sure."

"A.N.D.O.," Jonathan replied, which stood for Annual National Defence Overview, a meeting held every September. Only three of the room's occupants knew what those initials stood for.

Further handshakes were exchanged and the two men left. As Joseph escorted them to the car Mark leaned against his desk and placed both hands in his trouser pockets. He looked at Addison and Skyler who were both seated on the soft leather coach. "What do you think?"

"I don't know." Skyler looked to Addison who was busy feeling around the scabs on her arms. She looked up as the room fell silent.

"Oh… well to be honest I did originally think Roman had something to do with what happened. I didn't like the way he seemed more insistent on retrieving the key than catching the killers."

"And now?"

"I felt the honesty in his answers… his body language… eye contact…" Addison shrugged, "but I don't know." She couldn't voice what it was that seemed to grate at her subconscious.

Mark picked up his briefcase and walked towards the door. Addison and Skyler followed. "I'll keep an eye on the investigation," he said as they headed for the underground train. "There's more going on here than meets the eye. Whatever it is, it will be discovered."

***

It was several hours later that Skyler sat beside Danny Sleet in the Administrative Data Centre. This was a large space in the hub of Special Operations, housing a network of computers capable of accessing information anywhere upon the earth… and beyond. A powerful mainframe controlled the system and was housed under Headquarters.

Skyler was seated in the right back corner of the room. She looked up at three large computer screens. Her fingers flew over one of two keyboards in front of her. As each command left her fingers, Skyler looked up at her middle screen. She frowned, cleared her throat and typed another command.

"That's pretty interesting," commented Danny from beside her. The screen on the left was slit into four and portrayed pictures Skyler had taken in the underground chambers. "And you can read those?" His finger pointed to the monitor on the right, which held a full screen image of the wall in the chamber to Bastet.

"It really wasn't that hard to learn." Skyler placed her finger upon the right screen and instructed the area in question to enlarge. She used integrated touch-screen software, which eliminated the over use of a keyboard and mouse. She continued translating the hieroglyphics.

On a third keyboard Danny used a smaller monitor to investigate information Skyler had given him. She wanted him to search archaeological databases for information on any recorded association between Imhotep and the goddess Bastet. So far he was having little success. Grumbling as another lead arrived at a dead end, Danny looked back over to Skyler's translations. "This isn't looking promising."

Skyler sighed. "I was afraid as much." Finishing the text she leaned back in her chair. "It could be possible Imhotep had his own beliefs in the goddess that he just didn't document or share." She began reading her translations. Danny Sleet cracked his knuckles and commenced another route of investigation. Ten minutes of relative silence passed between the two co-workers before Skyler spoke again. "That sounds familiar."

"What?"

"The glyphs state this chamber to Bastet was originally built by Djoser as a gift to Imhotep in way of a thank you. It then goes on to talk about Imhotep's places of worship. It mentions one in particular built in Bubastis that was designed by Imhotep to honour Bastet." Skyler scratched her cheek slowly as she continued to explain her findings to Danny. "It says only that the temple, containing great wealth, is described in full in the scrolls written in Dendera. I've heard of this before, but called the 'Dendera Text'. I don't know why I seem to recall it. Danny, can you look that up for me?"

"Sure. Is it a language?"

"What, Dendera?"

"Yes."

"No, it's a place in Egypt."

"Okay." Danny entered the information into his computer. He began a search that initially showed little result in the way of a scroll or text. Not one to submit so easily, Danny tried again. It took three attempts before he found one single entry. It was a paper on 'The Dendera Text'. "Here we are."

"You have something?"

"Just one," he replied and opened the file. "Okay… The Dendera Text was so named due to where it was found. It is said this alleged text was discovered by an archaeologist called Dorian Santos."

"Dorian Santos!" Skyler's voice echoed recognition. "They used 'archaeologist' in the broadest sense of the word. Dorian Santos was no better than a common thief. He was a grave robber. I think once he was even jailed by the Mexican government for theft of Mayan artefacts. He was released as the charges were never proved."

Danny scrolled down the page. "Well apparently Dorian Santos discovered the Dendera Text in Northern Egypt. He made a big fuss about requesting funding for an expedition. He said he found something which he called 'The Dendera Text' and it led to a great undiscovered wealth in Egypt."

"Undiscovered wealth?"

"He refused to say what it was. He refused to even prove he actually had this text and because of that he was denied funding. Santos decided to go out on his own. That is all it says. No information about where he got the funds etcetera."

Skyler leaned to the side to read Danny's screen. "So what is Dorian Santos up to now?" They continued to read as they scrolled to the bottom of the page. "Oh… he's dead."

"Died three years ago."

Pushing away from the desk, Skyler stood. She sighed and moved her torso from side to side in an effort to work out the kinks in her back. "Okay, we need to find out any other information on the Dendera Text. We need to find out whom Santos went to for funding, what he told them and where exactly he found it. Does he have any family and if so where and who? If he really did find this text I want to know where it is now."

"Why is this so important?" Danny asked.

Skyler leaned forwards, placing one hand upon the desk, the other pointed to the right screen. "Because this part of the glyphs, right here, refers to a key which opens Imhotep's temple in Bubastis. If the Dendera Text tells us where and what that is then it's fair to say whoever has that text now is looking for the key!"

Chapter 16

At ten o'clock Wednesday morning, Samuel Perkins had scheduled a meeting with Mark Blithe. Every new technology, which the scientist designed, had to be run past higher-ranking officials within Special Operations. Being the director, Mark Blithe was first in line as an audience. It was ten minutes to ten and Samuel Perkins strolled through his laboratory staring at a clipboard weighed down with paper. A battered pencil, dented with multiple teeth marks, hung from his lips. He muttered quietly to himself as he read his notes. Final preparations were being made before his presentation. Samuel jumped as the double doors to his laboratory swung open with a clatter. He looked up to find Addison Black striding into the room. Samuel narrowed his eyes in admonishment and placed down his clipboard. "Could you possibly make any more noise?"

Saying nothing, Addison continued to stride through the laboratory with a wide smile. She sat on the edge of Samuel's workstation and picked up his clipboard. Her brief inspection of his notes was cut short as Samuel pulled it from her hands. "Hey!" she exclaimed.

"Addison, I have a meeting here in…" Samuel checked his wristwatch. "Five minutes."

"I know. Mark told me what it was and I had to come and watch." Addison noticed the scientist's expression, which indicated he was about to begin a disagreeing argument. She was quick to cut him off. "Come on, Sam. You know this is something I have to see. I'll more than likely be one of the agents using it. It's a beautiful day, Sam. The sun is shining and the sky is a gorgeous blue. There's a …"

Samuel held up his hand. "Hold it, did you get laid last night? You seem abnormally happy this morning. You have that 'laid lesbian lustre'."

"Lesbian? No, no, I prefer to think of myself as heterosexually challenged." Addison picked up an apple from Samuel's desk. She was about to take a bite when the scientist pulled it from her hand.

"That's my breakfast."

"Sorry… I need refuelling after last night." She wiggled her eyebrows.

"Lady and gentleman." Mark strolled through the doorway. "I'm ready."

"Excellent." With a feeling of anticipation, Samuel placed down his clipboard. He moved to do the same with his apple when his eyes slid to Addison and, as a precautionary measure, he placed it in the pocket of his white lab coat instead. Together with Mark and Addison, Samuel led the way to the testing zone.

This area, an extension of Samuel's laboratory, resembled a large warehouse. The walls were soundproofed and made using re-enforced steel. The testing zone was highly fortified and capable of withstanding high-powered blasts. This was a great advantage considering not all of Samuel's inventions worked on their first attempt.

The trio walked into the testing zone where Samuel's four assistants were busy making sure the hardware was ready for his presentation. At the very far end of the area, which was the size of two soccer pitches, random objects were placed near the far wall. A car, rescued from the local scrap heap, stood in the centre of these items. Inside the car sat two crash test dummies. Two more dummies stood nearby, as well as a washing machine, brick wall and a motorbike with full tank of petrol.

Addison and the general followed Samuel to the other side of the warehouse. There stood a rectangular shelter, ten feet wide by seven feet high. Along the front of the lead shelter were a row of observation points, the shape of a door's letterbox but slightly wider. To the side was a door and they entered quietly.

Inside, the small shelter's layout was basic and simplistic in design. A control panel was attached to a side wall. From this the inhabitants could lock all doors leading into the testing zone and activate a red warning light. This indicated dangerous operations were underway.

On a high table Addison recognised the S.A.S. weapon of choice, a L119A1 Diemaco rifle. "Oh toys!" she commented with an expression of glee.

"A toy with a difference." Samuel closed the shelter door and activated the testing zone shut down. All doors closed and the red warning lights flashed repeatedly. "This was a project I've been working on during my spare time." Samuel pushed a lock of blonde hair away from his eyes. Spending too much time working, he was well overdue for a haircut. "I wanted to keep it 'hush, hush' until I had the finished article."

"I am looking forward to seeing this."

Addison leaned against the wall. "Do you have a life at all, Sam?"

The scientist regarded Addison briefly before saying, "So exactly how long have you been going 'Brazilian', Addison?"

Addison's eyes grew wide in surprise. She looked at Mark, seeing his curious expression. Smiling in defeat and not wanting the general to commence an awkward line of questioning she said, "Touché."

"What's going on?"

"Nothing," Addison replied a little too swiftly. "So, what's this presentation all about, Sam?"

"Okay." Samuel rubbed his hands together briskly. He picked up the rifle. "Standard Diemaco rifle. Fitted with the L17A1 H and K grenade launcher, this is the U.K. Special Forces weapon of choice. The weapon, however, is not what I have to show you; it is the ammunition." Handing the gun to Addison, Samuel turned and picked up a handful of bullets. Taking one in his right hand he held it up. Addison stepped closer. A frown creased her brow as she studied the bullet. With out a doubt it was different, unlike any other she had seen or used before. The casing was a metallic red with a black pointed tip. Taking it from Samuel, Addison took a closer look. She noticed a ridge running around the centre of the bullet. Addison passed it to Mark.

"I'm very interested to see what this new ammunition can do, Samuel." Mark handed the bullet to Samuel as the scientist began loading them into a rifle clip. Once done Addison gave him the weapon. He snapped the magazine into place.

"Addison, do you want to do the honours?"

"Hell yes I'll…" Addison paused. "Hold on, what do I have to do?"

"Just fire at the targets I tell you to." Samuel stood by an observation point. Mark stood at the one beside him. He opened the hatch and peered through at the targets on the far side of the testing zone.

In the centre of the wall was a larger observation hatch. A shelf was situated just beneath and Addison braced her left elbow upon the supporting ledge. She held the rifle against her shoulder and peered through the scope. "What do you want me to hit, Sam?"

Samuel surveyed the targets. He used a pair of compact binoculars to obtain a closer image. "That wall is five layers of bricks thick; aim for the centre."

"Are you going to give me some clue about what to expect?"

"Just brace yourself," was the scientist's only reply.

"Okay." Squinting, Addison focussed her aim for the centre of the wall. "One shot?" she asked.

"Definitely."

Breathing evenly, Addison fired. Her shot echoed in the practically vacant warehouse as the bullet hit the wall. Her aim was perfect and it was embedded into the centre of solid brick easily. There was a wait of only three seconds before the wall exploded. Terracotta bricks flew through the room, landing over a hundred yards away from where they had originally been cemented together.

"Holy shit!" Addison gazed through the shelter in astonishment.

"F…" Mark curbed his language. "What the… That's amazing." The wall had been completely obliterated.

"Try the car next, Addison."

The agent did as bade and fired a single bullet into the engine of the car. Her three seconds of anticipation was worth the wait as the vehicle exploded. A string of astonished curse words passed her lips. She watched pieces of junk metal, engine parts and a profusion of sparks shoot into the air. They heard the sound of something hard and heavy land on top of the shelter's roof.

Riveted to the scene ahead, Samuel said, "Now try the dummy."

Addison fired into the dummy's torso and watched it explode. It tore apart into hundreds of pieces. "Sam, this is one nasty little bugger."

"How did you do it?" Mark asked. He picked up one of the remaining bullets on the table. "How safe are these?"

"They work on a two point detonation sequence." Samuel picked up another bullet. He pointed to its base. "First is the firing pin; this activates the explosive. The second is the point of the bullet. Once it hits its target it detonates in exactly three point two seconds. I designed it using a new form of nano technology. The explosive is more powerful than H.M.T.D. On these smaller objects you can see it literally tears them apart."

"Very impressive." Mark put the ammunition down. "How far away are you from producing in quantity?"

"No more than a month."

"And cost?"

"Not cheap, but considering the fact they can be used sparingly…"

"How much?" Mark asked again. Figures were always important and he had to oversee their expenditure.

"At the moment it's fifty pounds per bullet."

Mark's expression turned thoughtful as he nodded. "I'll see what I can give you. Before you commence production though I want a full report."

"Almost complete," Samuel replied. He looked over to Addison who was peering though the rifle's scope.

"Can I have one more shot?" she asked.

"Go for the washing machine. The motorbike has a full tank and I think I've already proved the devastation." Samuel looked though the observation portal and Mark did the same.

Addison aimed for the machine's motor. She pulled the trigger and shot a bullet into the washer. Three seconds passed and it exploded. The agent watched in amazement as the washing machine was literally ripped apart, inside out. "I've never seen such power in something so small. I really have to use one of these when I build my outdoor swimming pool!"

"Since when have you wanted an outdoor swimming pool?" Mark asked.

Addison's mind drifted to the first time she saw Skyler in a swimsuit. She shrugged. "Just something I've been considering." She checked her watch. Addison realised it was fast approaching ten thirty. She was scheduled to meet with Skyler. The doctor had worked late the night before and had left early that morning. When Addison asked what she'd been working on, Skyler had simply said she was researching information she'd discovered in the chambers. She refused to elaborate further, but said she would reveal all to both her and Mark at half past ten that morning. Eternally curious, it had remained on Addison's mind since then. Now it was time. "We need to meet Skyler."

Mark regarded his own watch. "Yes, we do." Leaving with departing words in the form of a request for Samuel's report, Mark followed Addison from the testing zone.

Thankful for a moment of privacy between them, Addison took advantage of the time to ask the general a question. "Mark?"

"Yes?"

"During the meeting with Bronson and Roman Leeds…"

"Yes?"

"You made a comment which made me curious."

Mark turned to Addison wearing a knowledgeable expression. "You mean about my reasons for taking this mission."

"Precisely."

General Blithe sighed. He pushed one hand into his trouser pocket and fumbled with the assortment of coinage within. "You want to know why I used Special Operations resources for a case which could easily have been handled by local authorities?"

Stopping by an elevator, Addison pushed a button, requesting elevation to an upper floor. "Quite frankly, yes I do."

"What I don't think they were aware of was this wasn't the first crime with that M.O." At Addison's frown Mark continued. "About six months ago an archaeological team was murdered at a sight in Karnack. They were all shot dead and their finds stolen. I only knew about this case, let alone remembered it, because two of the team were ex pupils of a woman I had dated and have remained friends with ever since. We still talk and she was upset when she found out." Mark entered the elevator behind Addison.

"And that's why you put us on the assignment?"

"The case was never solved… police in Egypt were looking for the only member of the team whose body was never discovered."

As the lift doors opened Addison asked, "What did they find?"

"That was never discovered either. The only information they had was a faxed report sent by the leader of the team, a Doctor Robert Chambers, stating they had found a body in a cave and more information would follow."

Heading away from the lift, Addison approached the main entrance to the Administrative Data Centre. "And none ever came?"

"No."

They walked into the room and both spied Skyler and Danny working in the corner. The area was buzzing with life. Computer screens all around the room flashed with different images and information from satellite pictures, terrorist movements to world correspondence and updates from the A.W.A.C.S. jet. This Boeing 767, considered the 'eye in the sky' was the Airborne Warning And Control System. It was high technology capable of detecting targets two hundred miles away and listening to any mobile phone call in that vicinity. The plane was almost totally invisible to the naked eye.

Skyler looked up as Addison and Mark approached. "Hey, you are just in time."

"For?" Addison asked.

Skyler cleared her throat and began. "Yesterday Danny and I started working on translating the glyphs from the chambers to Imhotep's tomb."

"Um… she did the translating," Danny supplied. "I just assisted where asked."

"Anyway," Skyler grinned. She began explaining the initial discoveries she and Danny had made concerning the Dendera Text. "On further investigation we found out Santos is only presumed dead. There is no official certificate and no body has been discovered. So we decided to look into his family." Skyler looked over to Danny.

"One wife," he said. "Divorced for over ten years and she moved to Canada five years ago. Santos was an only child and had only one son himself... Alexander Santos."

Skyler took over. "This is where it gets interesting. Alexander Santos pretty much stayed off the radar until a few months ago when he went to work at Clyde University in Wales.

"Really?" Addison's interest grew.

"Uh huh... not only that, but guess who he was assistant to?"

"William Bryson?"

The doctor nodded at Mark's question. "Yes, and guess who was supposed to accompany William Bryson and assist Karlyn Sanderson on her dig?"

Addison didn't miss a beat. "Alexander Santos!"

"He had fake credentials from a university in Scotland who we discovered have no record of him. He doesn't have a PhD, but…"

"Daddy taught him everything he knows?" Addison asked.

"At first that is what I thought, but no… if that were true then surely there would be some record of Santos senior and son working together on the Dendera Text. Danny checked into possible means for funds. Santos cleaned out all three of his bank accounts and brought a single, one-way ticket to Egypt. That is the last information we have on Dorian Santos."

With a thoughtful expression, Mark sat down. "Do me a favour, Dan. Pull up a case, a murder investigation in Egypt of a team of archaeologists in Karnack… the date would have been something like March the tenth or eleventh of this year."

"Really?" Skyler was surprised to hear that. Danny rolled his chair towards the computer and began a search.

***

All school basements felt the same. They were dark, dingy and packed with countless old books, filing cabinets and classroom furniture. The lone figure skulked around in near darkness, keeping a low profile. Distant sounds of student's voices echoed from above yet he knew here he would be undetected. Why would anybody choose to be down here? It was the dwelling of countless spiders and more than a few undesirable, six-legged insects. The stench was strong like that of a waterlogged cellar combined with saturated rat fur. No, the cagey figure had decided, this would be the first and only time he would set foot down into the university basement.

He had been alone for over ten minutes and it was getting close to fifteen when he heard a door open and heavy footsteps move down wooden stairs. Roman Leeds walked across the basement and stood by a narrow window, situated near the ceiling. He waited for the figure to approach, hoping to be out of the basement as soon as possible.

"Doctor Leeds," a deep voice called.

"Here," he replied.

Seeing Roman's form cast in a dull shaft of light, Xander Santos approached. "You said you have it," he demanded.

"Yes." Pushing his hand into his suit jacket, Roman pulled out a dark object and placed it on Xander's palm.

Xander smiled as he held the key to the light. "Perfect." Wrapping the dark, yet shiny object in a clean cotton cloth, he said, "I admit, for a while I had my doubts about you, Roman." He placed it in his inside pocket. "I feared my choice of persuasion wouldn't be as effective and I'd have to resort to more… personal means of encouragement. However, you came through, as did your friend's contacts in Scotland Yard. It would have been helpful to retrieve this in Egypt, but … needs must. Always keep your options open, my father used to say." He smiled at the sullen man and then turned serious as he asked, "You spoke of this to nobody?"

"Like you gave me any choice."

"True," Xander Santos laughed. It had taken a lot of detective work to discover the location of Imhotep's tablets, only to find out Karlyn Sanderson was working at that very site. He knew she and his father had an affair years before and was angered to think she would carry on his work and claim the prize for herself. He knew he needed to act fast and after gaining a position at Clyde University and successfully convincing William Bryson to go on one final dig, he next needed as many plans as possible to assure he got the key. Professor Jerome YaShiln was one such plan and Roman Leeds was another. It wasn't hard to find secret information on Karlyn Sanderson's colleagues and discovering Roman Leeds had been stealing university funds to support a gambling habit had been a stroke of luck and the beginning of a genius plan. Now all his hard work had reached fruition. "You will, of course, remain silent on this matter."

"Yes," Roman begrudgingly agreed.

Xander smiled nefariously. "No, I'm not giving you an option here." He pulled a pistol, already equipped with a muffler, out of his coat. "Insurance," he said in response to Roman's look of horror. With an expression of supreme calmness, Xander fired two shots into Roman's chest. Doctor Leeds crumpled to the dirt-laden floor. Calmly placing the weapon back in his coat, Alexander Santos left the basement.

***

"Found it!" Danny opened the information Mark had requested. The others stood around him and began to examine the data before them.

"No," Mark shook his head. "Can you find the name of the guy who was never found? There should also be a picture of him in a group shot."

"Right." Danny started a search on the case file. Behind him, Addison nudged Skyler's side. When she turned in question Addison smiled and winked.

"What?" Skyler mouthed.

The agent shrugged. "You're doing good," she replied back, silently.

"Here we are." Danny expanded a photo to full screen. There was already a white circle around the missing member of the team. He was a middle-aged man, wearing a dark fedora and sporting a thick growth of facial hair. "His name was Jackson Frazer."

Mark studied the picture. "Danny, can you enlarge and clear up the image? I just want to see Frazer and Skyler, can you look through personnel files at Clyde University and find a picture of Alexander Santos?" Skyler commenced her task and within moments she had the picture Mark asked for. Beside her, Danny had enlarged the picture of Jackson Frazer to full screen. With his hat and abundance of facial hair it was hard to tell. Addison leaned over Danny's shoulder.

"How about this?" She transferred the picture to a photo fit program. "Now if we remove the hat and superimpose the same thinning hairline as Santos," she mumbled. "Next if we remove this disgustingly overgrown beard…" She stood back to allow a better view for Mark and Skyler.

"My god," the doctor said. "They really are the same."

General Blithe folded his arms. "Bingo."

"Now all we have to do is find the bastard." She looked at Mark. "Do you want to continue with this? You could pass this information on to the authorities in charge of the case, but…"

"You really want to see it through now, don't you?"

"Hell yes."

Mark appeared concerned. "Addison, this is your free time. You really should be taking advantage of it. You never know when a situation will arise." Mark had a strong point, but as far as Addison was concerned, one already had. She cast a questioning gaze towards Skyler.

"I'm already in this. I want to see it through too."

"Okay, okay… it's yours… get on it."

Addison shook Mark's hand. "Cheers, Mark."

"Just don't make me regret it."

"Why would you do that?"

Mark stared at Addison incredulously. "Need I remind you of an irate call from the Prime Minister, wanting to know if I had any information on who was responsible for a gun fight at one of this planet's oldest standing monuments?"

"Good point; I'll be careful."

"See that you are." Mark walked away, but he had to smile. Asking Addison Black not to create mayhem was almost as impossible as asking Skyler Tidwell not to ask questions.

When Mark exited the Data Centre, Addison took Skyler by the hand. "Come on, you didn't have breakfast so lets get some lunch. It's on me."

"It's free," said Skyler.

The agent grinned coyly. "Not where we are going. I plan on taking a moment of quality time with you before we dive head first into this assignment."

Chapter 17

Earlier that morning, after Skyler had left to work in the Administrative Data Centre and before the agent attended Samuel's presentation, Addison had taken Spike for a walk. The tiny mongrel had remained within headquarters, watched over by Special Operations' very own version of a baby sitter. Jackie Handley worked in the canteen as a server, but on the side she had been hand selected by Samuel to take care of Spike while he was unable to do so. Addison approved of his choice. Jackie Handley brought her own dog, Zeus, to work with her every day and thankfully the two canines related well with each other, despite the apparent size difference. Whereas Spike wasn't much taller than Addison's ankle, Zeus' head reached her waist. That was still considered small for a Great Dane!

For choice of destination, Addison had picked Hyde Park. She drove there, parking her car in a nearby, hourly rated, car park. For an early summer morning it was still cool. Clouds shielded the rising sun, rendering a slight chill to the atmosphere. Unprepared for the British summer morning and still acclimatised to the hot Egyptian desert heat, Addison was dressed in only a navy tank top and khaki shorts.

Addison loved walking in Hyde Park; it held so much history. It was a park acquired by Henry VIII in 1536 from the monks at Westminster Abbey. She especially liked to stroll around Speakers Corner at Marble Arch and listen to people exercising their free rights of speech. Though their views might be considered, at the least, contentious, she believed everybody had the right to speak their views if people were willing to listen. However, it never failed to amuse her at seeing these people actually standing on soapboxes while they spoke. There was so much to see in Hyde Park. The large area of over three hundred and fifty acres within the centre of London felt like a little oasis of tranquillity.

After a brisk walk, in order to keep warm, Addison took a brief detour to the nearest shops. Forgoing breakfast she decided to treat herself and Skyler to a picnic lunch. A reputable deli on the main street was Addison's choice and she bought a small selection of foods that she believed would tempt Skyler's taste buds. At a quarter to twelve Addison drove Skyler to Hyde Park. At noon, the day was reaching its warmest, a comfortable seventy-one degrees Fahrenheit.

Skyler breathed deeply, taking in the aroma of sun-drenched foliage. "This is just the right temperature… not too hot and not too cold." She wrapped the length of nylon leash around her hand as Spike began scampering around her feet.

"Chill out, Spiky." Addison whistled to the excited mongrel, calming her down. She looked around the grassy plane. To her left she spotted a large tree casting a shadow wide enough to cover Addison's tartan blanket. "Over there," she said and steered Skyler to the shaded area. Knowing it was nearing noon, Addison expected the park to start filling up with people wanting to enjoy their lunchtime in the pleasant weather. It was a common tradition with all Britons. Nice days were few and far between so it was second nature to take advantage of every sunny or even moderately warm day.

Reaching the tree, Addison placed down the small box she had been carrying and pulled out a red and green blanket. Shaking it out she placed it over the grass. "You can take Spike off her lead, she wont do anything naughty." As Skyler released the leash Addison said, "Will you, Spiky? You stay!" Spike sat down looking thoroughly admonished.

Kicking off her shoes, Skyler sat down on the blanket. She peered into the box Addison had been carrying. "What do we have in here?"

"Food." Addison sat opposite Skyler and grinned. "Just a little selection of stuff from the Greek deli over the road."

"Greek! Please tell me you have humus!"

"Hmm!" Addison reached inside the box and pulled out a small white tub. She removed its lid and brushed her index finger over the top of its contents. "What would this be I wonder?" She held her finger to Skyler's lips. The doctor groaned in delight as she sucked the humus from Addison's digit.

"God, I love that stuff."

Addison looked down at her glistening finger. "Um… yeah." Shaking her head, Addison removed the remaining contents of the box. "We have bread, fruit, salads, fish…"

"Salmon?"

"Of course. Orange juice, water and … a ball."

"A ball?"

"For Spike." Addison threw the bright, red rubber toy across the grass. "Go fetch, Spiky." The little dog ran off, yapping happily. Addison unscrewed the top a bottle of orange juice and handed it to Skyler. "Got lots of pulp in, just how you like it."

"Hmm, thanks."

Opening a second bottle, Addison took a long drink. She crossed her legs and looked up at the sky. Flawless blue stretched out above them, marred only by the vapour trail of a highflying aircraft. Looking back at Skyler she smiled at the sight before her. Skyler had donned a pair of dark sunglasses and lay in a semi-reclined position with her head tipped back, away from the shade and towards the sun. "Sky, do you mind if we discuss work?"

"Not at all," Skyler replied, unmoving.

Spike returned with her ball. She dropped the toy, complete with dog saliva and blades of broken grass beside Addison. The agent picked it up and threw again. She made sure the ball went a little further this time. Addison turned back to Skyler. She braced herself for what she was about to say. "Sky, if it becomes necessary to travel in order to find Alexander Santos, I'm going alone."

Skyler's head snapped forwards and she pulled the sunglasses from her face. "What?"

"Under the circumstances…"

"Addison, I'm trained to…"

"Sky, you are the information and liaisons officer. This goes beyond what your job detail is within…"

"Addison," Skyler pressed again. "I can do this. Do you have any complaints about my performance in Saqqara?"

"No."

"Then what is it? I know I'm not a trained soldier. I know damn Skippy I don't have the skills you have in that area, but I follow orders and I am capable of holding my own. I know a whole hell of a lot about the history behind the facts of this assignment."

"But as you said, Skyler, you are not a trained soldier. Nothing is ever certain. If anything happened to you I'd…"

"It wont," Skyler assured.

"You seem pretty sure of that."

"Addison," Skyler leaned closer. "Have a little more faith in me and yourself. I'm not being conceited when I say you need me on this."

The agent was silent. She looked down at the assortment of foods and opened a container of mixed fruits. Suddenly Spike was beside her, waiting patiently for Addison to give her some of the mouth-watering treats. Addison paid the dog little attention as she looked back at Skyler.

"Addison," Skyler began. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

"What makes you think that?"

Skyler studied Addison closer. "That constipated expression of yours."

Breaking her stern features the agent chuckled. "I don't look constipated!"

"No, but I got you to smile. Now out with it, Addison. I do understand what you're saying, but there's something you're not telling me."

Addison was silent. She appeared to be summoning up her courage to speak. She took a deep breath. "Sky, do you… Why don't you ever…? Tell me honestly, okay?" Skyler nodded in confusion. "Sky, do you hold me responsible, in any way, for your mum's death?" She had finally said it, something that had been plaguing her for the past several months.

Skyler was stunned. For a moment she didn't know what to say and simply gazed at Addison in shock. Finally, she found her voice. "How long have you been thinking about this?"

The agent shrugged. "You never talk about her, especially to me."

"Just because I don't talk about her doesn't mean I don't think about her every day." Skyler was still shocked by Addison's question, but realised she needed an answer. "Not a single part of me blames you for my mom's death, Addison. I know you have your demons, but please don't make this one of them."

"I feel I'm already responsible for your mother's death. If anything happened to you too I don't know how I'd…" Feeling a lump of emotion rise to her throat, Addison internally berated herself. This was not the day she had planned for them. How did a simple picnic in Hyde Park go so wrong? It was supposed to be a happy and relaxing day and yet here she was on the verge of tears. She took a deep breath and held herself together.

Ignoring the flood of people around them, Skyler climbed into Addison's lap and wrapped her arms around the agent's torso. "Addison, although Antonia Bakersfield pulled the trigger I hold both her and Brodie responsible for my mom's death. They are dead. I don't hold a grudge. I sure as hell don't hold anything against you."

Closing her eyes, Addison placed her forehead against Skyler's. "I'm sorry. I guess I'm just having a moment." She sighed heavily. "I refuse to start getting emotional in public!"

Skyler smiled. "Then kiss me."

"I can do that." Addison kissed Skyler's head, her nose and finally her lips. Their kiss was broken by the sound of a low growl. Skyler pulled away.

"Was that your stomach?"

"Actually it was Spike grumbling for attention." Addison picked up her ball. She threw it across the park. Spike scampered off. "Ready to eat?"

Climbing off Addison, Skyler said, "Absolutely," and together they began a relaxing lunch.

***

Shaun Baker dropped a worn, metal bucket to the tiled floor. He grabbed his mop, swirling fibre strands around in hot, soapy water. Anybody close enough would be able to hear him curse and mutter under his breath. The problem had been a heavy shower. Although unexpected downpours, on a warm summer's day, were not unheard of they were few and far between. During a friendly game of rugby between Evenfall University students, it had been less than welcome. It soaked the ground and had the students slipping and rolling around in slick mud within minutes. The result of this was a muddy trail of footprints through the university halls to the showers.

Blasted kids, he grumbled and slopped soapy water onto the floor. He commenced a brisk cleaning, scrubbing up and down. A lock of grey hair fell out of the ponytail he kept it in and he pushed it behind one ear. The mud had begun to dry so he scrubbed harder, effectively removing the caked soil. Unfortunately the strength he exerted caused undue pressure on his mop and the wooden handle broke in half. "Damn it to hell!" he cursed and threw the broken implement down in anger. Shaun hoped to leave early today, but that didn't seem to be going his way. Being a school caretaker, it rarely did.

Glad none of the faculty or students heard his outburst, Shaun trudged off to his store cupboard. He pulled the door open and began searching for a new handle. He found nothing. "Typical!" Bracing a hand against the doorframe he pondered where to get a new mop handle. He could think of only one other place he may be able to find a handle… the basement.

Pushing the storeroom door closed, Shaun made his way towards the underground store. It was his least favourite place to be. The caretaker had a deep fear of spiders. It had been with him since childhood and although he managed to keep his irrational fear in check, that didn't mean he would willingly place himself in close proximity to one.

Reaching the basement, Shaun pulled a set of keys from the pocket of his tatty, brown overall. Inserting the appropriate key in the catch he found the door already unlocked. Pushing it open, he peered into the basement. "Hello?" The light, although dim and not always useful in far corners, wasn't on. He knew it must have been a member of the faculty. Only he and the staff possessed a key. After a student was caught dealing in illegal substances, a lock had been swiftly fixed into place. "Idiots," he grumbled.

Switching on the light he descended rickety wooden steps two at a time. Making sure he kept in the centre of the room and away from dark corners containing eight legged creatures, he searched the basement. Layers of dust covered every tattered piece of furniture. The dust was so thick Shaun often imagined the fragments filtering into his lungs every time he took a breath. Being a hypochondriac he knew some day this would give him asthma.

With one hand scratching his neck, Shaun continued searching. He pushed an empty box to the side as he progressed further. Suddenly something caught his eye. It was a shoe. What he found peculiar was this object wasn't covered with the grime everything else was. It also appeared to be suspended to one side. With a curious frown, Shaun moved for a closer inspection. His curiosity steadily grew to alarm as one shoe gave way to a leg... and then two legs encased in dark navy trousers. Next came a torso, covered in a white shirt, which itself was stained with bright red blood. Shaun's heart hammered as he registered the body's features. "Doctor Leeds?"

Running to the body, panic drummed through his chest as he fell to his knees beside Roman Leeds. He lifted the man's head and called his name, desperate to receive a response.

With utmost urgency Shaun pulled a mobile phone from his waist and dialled a single number three times... 999. He spoke down the phone, giving details of his find and address as he checked Doctor Leeds for a pulse. He jumped in shock as Roman coughed and a splatter of blood covered his face. "He's alive," Shaun stated. "Please hurry; he's alive."

***

Addison yawned as she sat beside Skyler in the Administrative Data Centre. She picked up a can of carbonated orange juice and swirled the half empty contents around before taking another sip. They had spent the last few hours researching information on Alexander Santos, trying to link him with possible conspirators. So far they had no breaks; Santos was neither married nor did he appear to have any known friends or acquaintances. Skyler had gone through the police reports surrounding Bryson's death. There didn't seem to be anybody who had gotten to know Santos beyond the workplace.

Taking a pen from her lips, Skyler threw it to the desk. "Hell, Addison, I can't find anything. This guy must walk around with a broom up his ass, sweeping away every step he makes!"

Addison grimaced as Skyler's comment created a disturbing mental image. Offering the doctor a drink she said, "I've not found anything either. If it weren't for a birth certificate I'd think he just fell from the freaking sky."

"Maybe he was abducted by aliens from birth!"

"Right now I'm ready to hold that in possibility." Addison swivelled around in her chair, freeing her legs from the confines of under the table. "Bugger it. There has to be something." She crossed her legs and fiddled with the laces of her white and blue training shoe.

"BLACK… TIDWELL," Mark barked as he stormed into the room. "My office… now."

Looking to each other in alarm, both women jumped out of their chairs and followed Mark back out of the Data Centre. Without saying another word, the general strode towards his office. They entered his reception first and delivered a questioning glance to Joseph. The assistant simply shrugged, indicating he had no idea about their summons or Mark's apparently agitated mood.

Mark pushed the door open and stormed inside. He strode to the head of his desk before turning to face Addison and Skyler. The doctor had just closed the door. She wondered whether they had done something wrong or missed a vital piece of information pertaining to the assignment. She had never once seen Mark looking so angry before. She realised, however, his glare wasn't accusatory, just brimming with ire.

"I just received a call," he began. "It was from Jonathan Bronson. He had just received a call from Emma Leeds…Doctor Roman Leeds' wife. Almost an hour ago Roman Leeds was found in the basement of his university. He'd been shot… twice… in the chest."

"What?" Alarm registered in Skyler's features.

"That was my initial reaction."

"Is he dead?" Addison already knew she wasn't going to like where this was going.

"At the time, no he wasn't. It seems he survived just long enough to ask his wife to apologise to Bronson for giving him the key."

"Giving Bronson the key?" Now Addison felt confused. "I don't understand. I saw Leeds put the key back in your case myself. I watched him do it. I saw it," she pressed.

Mark inclined his head towards the sofa. Addison saw the case upon its left arm. She strolled over in confusion and curiosity. She lifted its silver lid. There she saw Bastet among the unravelled cotton shroud. As her eyes surveyed the statue she pushed a stray corner of the material away from Bastet's face. She gazed at the vision in anger. The statue's face had been broken, almost crushed into smaller fragments. Her fists clenched in rage.

"It was the eye!" Skyler remarked from behind Addison. "The key was the eye. Of course!" She frowned and said, "But what did he mean about apologising for giving it to Bronson?"

"I think he meant he apologised to Bronson for misleading him and us." Addison's expression turned thoughtful. "I don't know if Leeds was even sure what the key opened. I think he was asked or maybe, and more likely, coerced into doing so."

"So he gave the key to Santos," Skyler affirmed.

"That's what I'm thinking," Mark admitted.

Addison slammed Mark's case lid back down. "Son of a … grave robbing arsehole." Fully understanding Mark's anger, Addison began pacing around his office. "Okay… first of all we know who he is. I faxed a picture of him to Aladdin back in Egypt and received visual confirmation this was the 'William Bryson' who'd been seen with members of Karlyn's team."

"Not only was he in Egypt when we were, but he's obviously not working alone."

Addison spun around to face Skyler. "That's right, the guy with the 'Man U' baseball cap. He pretty much seemed in charge of the situation, but he was all mouth and no balls. My guess is after failing to get the key from us at Saqqara, Santos decided to handle the situation himself."

"Which means he was or is still in the country," Mark supplied.

"And if that's the case," Skyler took over. "We can check airline records for anybody who flew in from Egypt in the past three days and is scheduled to fly back again… A.S.A.P."

"Excellent deduction, Penfold!" Addison's eyes burned with a desire to begin locating and catching Alexander Santos. "So we go check all those records?"

"Get on it," replied Mark.

Addison placed her hand on Skyler's back as they exited the office. The doctor looked at her with a curious frown. "Addison, who's Penfold?"

"Penfold? Oh!" Addison smiled. "You've never heard of Danger Mouse?"

"No."

"It's a British cartoon about a crime fighting mouse who lives in London. He actually lives under a pillar-box! Anyway, Danger Mouse is the action guy and Penfold is his sidekick; he's right there in the action with Danger Mouse, but Penfold is the smarter guy."

"What's Penfold?" Skyler asked curiously.

Addison pondered her question. "You know, I'm not entirely sure, but I think he may be a hamster. He has a cute face and little round spectacles. Danger Mouse on the other hand wears a black patch over one eye. Together they're always foiling the evil plans of 'Baron Greenback'. He's a frog... or toad."

Skyler smirked. "You'll have to remind me to look out for that one!"

Re-entering the Administrative Data Centre, they walked over to the same right-hand corner Skyler had been working in for the past two days. Sitting down, Skyler began a detailed search of every airline flying out of Egypt to the United Kingdom and vice versa. It wasn't an easy task, but using S.O. technology and facilities made the operation a much easier undertaking. Both women knew Santos wouldn't be so careless as to use his real name and so they believed he was travelling on a fake passport. Discovering whom had flights booked to arrive and depart from the U.K. was the largest problem to face. Addison hoped the list wouldn't be too long.

While Skyler checked all British and Egyptian non-stop flights, Addison searched connecting flights. She was beginning to think she had drawn the short straw, but luckily the narrow timeline gave only a small window of opportunity for Santos.

"I'm beginning to hate computers," Addison grumbled. She rubbed her eye and dipped her head forward, taking out her one brown contact. "For some reason the glare from the monitor makes my eye ache with this in." She held the lens balanced on her finger as she searched her pocket for its case.

"That's why you hate computers?" Sky looked at Addison. She still felt it strange to see the agent with two different coloured eyes.

"Oh… no. All this data research gets a little boring after a while. I prefer the classics like Packman and Space Invaders. I wasted many a day of my misspent youth in video arcades."

Skyler rolled her eyes. She opened her mouth to respond when a chime sounded from the computer. "We're done," she announced. "Finally." Checking the clock Skyler said, "It only took forty seven minutes. Not so bad."

"Right! Let's see what we have then, shall we?" Addison opened the search results. "Good news and bad news."

"Hmm." Skyler prodded her bottom lip. "Only seventeen names, but fourteen of them are men. Well okay, this isn't so bad. Now we can start narrowing down the list. Are any of these men travelling with friends or family or are they alone?"

"Age," Addison added. "Over sixty or under thirty are out."

Skyler nodded. "Race; that has to be taken into account too. It's a pity we don't have passport pictures… it could make this process so much easier."

"Well alright." Addison's fingers danced over her keyboard. "First of all we check for age and rule out those who don't fit our group." Picking up a stick of red liquorish, from Danny's jar of sweets, Addison held it between her teeth. She spoke around the strawberry flavoured confectionary. "That takes out six… excellent! Next we rule out race." Skyler pulled the liquorish from Addison's lips. She took a bite and placed it back in the agent's mouth. "Thank you. That knocks out another four."

"So we have four left."

"What do we have remaining in way of deduction?"

"Anybody travelling with possible family." Skyler read the names. "There's a Mr and Mrs Wood. That leaves us with three prospective names: Derek James, Casey Weinberg and Timothy Allen."

Chewing on the liquorish, Addison studied the screen. "Derek James flies out of Heathrow. Both Timothy Allen and Casey Weinberg fly from Manchester. Being as though Evenfall is up north, logic dictates Santos would use the nearest airport."

"But we can't rule out Derek James. We could send a guy to Heathrow and go to Manchester ourselves. The flights are twelve hours apart."

"How're things going?" Mark asked as he strolled through the A.D. Centre.

A wide grin covered Addison's face. She slapped her hands together and rubbed them swiftly. Watching the general approach she noticed his suspicious expression. "The good news is we have three names… all have not yet left the country. The bad news, at least for you and the accountants, is that these passengers are all flying economy. I'm asking for tickets booked in first class on each flight. What Santos won't know is that we'll be right there on the plane with him."

"You want six first class seats? I've got to get the airline to bump their ticket holders? Damn, they hate it when we do that."

"Have you ever flown first class?" Addison asked Skyler.

"Never had the pleasure."

"You'll love it," Addison said, gesticulating with her hands. "Big comfy seats, free champagne, flight attendants at your beck and call."

Mark shook his head. "Don't forget you're on assignment."

"Never," Addison replied. "But there's nothing wrong with keeping a luxurious eye on Santos. He can't have any suspicion we are on the flight. Not all assignments get to be so comfortable anyway. I take advantage of every minute of it."

"And she wonders why I had to ban her from using the mini bar every time she stayed in a hotel!" Mark strolled towards the exit. "Send information on the flights to Danny; he can sort out your tickets!" The general chuckled to himself. "Oh he's going to enjoy this," he mumbled.

Addison grinned and shrugged. "He loves me really." She watched Skyler sit down opposite her. The doctor's expression had turned serious. "What?"

"We're really going back to Egypt then? We're really going to find out what the key unlocks?"

"Apparently so!" Addison leaned back in her chair. Placing her hands behind her head she laced her fingers together. A long silence passed between them before Addison spoke again. "Are you ready for this, Sky? I have no idea what's going to happen, but I can promise this… knowing what Santos is capable of now and being the recipient of his waiting party in Saqqara… he will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. Are you ready for this?" Another silence lapsed between them as Addison waited for Skyler's answer.

Chapter 18

Terminal Two at Manchester Airport was a hub of activity. Busy travellers, eager to reach their destination, moved through the terminal like M25 rush hour traffic. Skyler felt like rolling her eyes once again as she heard the repeated message warning passengers not to leave baggage unattended. She knew the information was important, but it was such a repetitive drone. Skyler surveyed her surroundings. Ahead of her she could see Addison standing at the check-in. She smiled at the agent's state of dress. After convincing Addison she was indeed very positive about her intention on travelling back to Egypt, they had to decide upon a cover. They agreed to arrive and wait at the airport separately. Skyler, taking into account her first class seating, dressed in a smart business suit. Wearing a navy three-piece trouser suit, Skyler carried her weapons and clothing in two carry-on holdalls. She had a black leather sports bag and compact suitcase on wheels. Addison, on the other hand, preferred the casual approach. Never one to favour formal dress after one too many years in military uniform, Addison preferred the ease and comfort of casual attire. With this in mind she opted for a pair of faded jeans, black t-shirt and training shoes. She wore a baseball cap and dark sunglasses designed to shield her features. In an effort to disguise her appearance, Skyler chose a long, curly wig. What she'd hoped was an inspired idea for disguise turned out to be a great annoyance. She never realised wearing a hairpiece could itch so much.

Seeing a vacant seat beside a departure screen, Skyler sat down. She placed her suitcase by her feet and adjusted her hidden earpiece. "No luck?" she asked.

"Check-in is over and Santos hasn't arrived so it is safe to say he's not on this flight. No visual confirmation." Addison sighed over the transmitter. "Looks like we're in for the long haul, Penfold!"

"Great." Skyler slumped back in her chair. She scratched her hairline and tried not to fiddle with her curly, auburn locks. "Next time I think I'm just going to dye my hair. Anything is better than the bird's nest on my head at the moment."

"I told you to wear a turban, Sky, but no…"

Skyler's growl rumbled down Addison's ear. "You're not funny, G-woman." Looking out over the sea of travellers, Skyler spotted Addison walked in her direction. She watched as the agent turned to the right and began reading a departure screen. "I can't believe we have to wait here for another ten or so hours. I hate waiting."

"You'll get used to it; waiting can be a huge part of the job." Addison continued reading the departures board as she spoke. "Once I was sent on a reconnaissance mission in South America. In order to avoid detection by an army of guerrillas I had to hide out in the jungle for three days. Believe me, this is luxury. Food, drink and bathroom facilities in close proximity, I wouldn't grumble if I were you."

"You sound like my late grandpa. If I ever bitched about having to walk somewhere he'd lecture me about how good kids have it nowadays. He lived on a ranch in Nevada and had to walk twenty-three miles every day to get to school!"

Addison chuckled. "Sounds like a typical grandparent to me." Turning away from her perusal of the departure screens, Addison looked over at Skyler. She had to admit, the redhead look did suit Skyler. However, if anybody looked close enough, they would be able to tell her discomfort. Not only was the itchy hairpiece an annoyance to Skyler, but so were the three-inch power heels adorning her feet. They boosted Skyler's physical stature two and a half inches above Addison's own height. Secretly the agent found her appearance curiously thrilling.

Looking down at her watch, Addison frowned. There would be at least another seven hours before Santos was expected. Their man at Heathrow, Agent Wilson, had already contacted her stating Santos was not Derek James. This meant, without a doubt, Addison would put her money on Casey Weinberg "Skyler," she said, walking past the doctor. "We have a few hours to kill before Santos arrives. Meet me down by that all day breakfast restaurant. I'm getting hungry."

Skyler rose behind Addison. Picking up her baggage she followed the agent down an escalator.

"Skyler, I think we have a problem," Addison suddenly warned.

"What?" Skyler asked in alarm. "What is it?"

"I'm being followed… by some crazy looking redhead."

The doctor was about to respond when Addison's words registered. "You almost scared me there for a moment. Damn it, Addison!" She heard the agent's chuckle deep within her right ear. "Don't think I won't get you back for that one, Minnie Mouse!"

"I think you mean Danger Mouse," Addison replied.

"I know what I'm saying." Stepping off the elevator, Skyler followed Addison to a wide, open plan eatery. She sidled up behind the agent and poked her side. "What are you getting me?"

Addison's eyes moved over the wide selection of foods. "Whatever you want; I don't know when we'll next eat so let's get a decent meal while we can."

"What about on the plane?"

"I said decent meal!" Addison picked up a shiny white plate. She handed a second one to Skyler. "They have black pudding; if they offer… just say no!"

Already knowing the contents of the infamous sausage, Skyler simply said, "I hear you!"

Waiting for what she approximated to be another ten hours, Addison was at least glad they were in a venue designed to cater to a waiting public with various forms of entertainment. The airport boasted many different catering establishments, amusement arcades and a wide selection of shops. It was enough to keep them occupied until hopefully Santos arrived at the airport. If he didn't show up, Addison intended on taking the flight to Egypt and tracking him from there. She was, however, confident Casey Weinberg was indeed Santos.

Though at first the hours seemed to pass slowly, the agents soon found themselves back at the check-in of Terminal Two. This time it was Skyler who waited around the desk while Addison loitered in the shadows. She leaned against a wall, thumbing through a healthy living magazine. Addison was just starting to read an interesting article on the newly discovered benefits of meditation when Skyler's voice called down her ear. "Addison, positive I.D. on Santos. He's here."

Keeping still, nothing but the agent's eyes moved as she looked over the edge of her magazine. "Which one is he?" She saw Skyler beside the check-in desk. She was eating a bar of chocolate and looking incredibly bored.

"Dark green pants, plaid shirt and dark khaki fedora."

Addison searched for a figure fitting Skyler's description. She spotted him. The man in question turned and took off his hat. He scratched his head and then put the hat back on. "Hello Alexander Santos!" She looked back to Skyler. "You follow him. I'm going to check his itinerary."

"Right." Skyler set off behind Santos as Addison approached the check-in he'd just used. Neither woman acknowledged the other as they passed.

Just before reaching the desk Addison said, "Saw that sexy redhead again!"

"Oh now she's sexy?" Skyler countered.

Addison replied saying, "I got a closer look this time. I sure wouldn't say no." She heard Skyler titter, but remained neutral as she approached a woman behind the desk. She was a middle-aged lady with a haircut reminiscent of the nineteen sixties. Her dyed blonde hair was piled high upon her head and a thick layer of make-up covered her face.

"Yes, Ma'am?"

Addison flashed a silver badge. "Addison Black, airport security. I need to know the name of the man who just checked into this flight."

"Do you mind if I…" The woman, whose nametag deemed her Patricia, took Addison's badge and studied it closer. She ran a necessary check to determine the agent's airport status. She had never seen this security officer before.

"Just moved over from Heathrow," Addison explained. She couldn't see the woman's screen, but knew she would find her details. As an agent for Special Operations Addison possessed many credentials and passed as numerous security and police officials.

The woman looked up from her screen. "Ah yes, Officer Black. Hold on a moment." She searched through the passenger list. "His name is Casey Weinberg. He's booked on flight MS125 in economy, seat twenty-four A. Is there a problem?"

"No, and thank you… he isn't the guy I'm waiting for." Addison nodded politely. She walked away towards the escalator Skyler had taken. "Still got him?" she asked the doctor.

"He's in the bathroom; I'd look a bit conspicuous going in there. He's passed through security and passport control. I did what you said, put my bags through the metal detector after I showed my identification. I can't believe I just passed through security with what I have in my baggage."

"Yeah, working for S.O. carries many responsibilities. They don't know who we are, just that we hold governmental licence in the possession and use of lethal weapons." Addison had heard the odd speculation about who she and her colleagues actually were. It seemed the movie industry aided in occasionally fuelling the odd creative mind with ludicrous ideas. The most amusing of such was the possibility of them being cyber-assassins built and controlled by the government. Addison loved that particular one. In her case she had worked many assignments; she was the spy, the soldier, the assassin, the thief, the peacekeeper and even the bodyguard, but a cybernetic assassin? Addison only hoped Samuel Perkins never heard about that one. She didn't dare to imagine what his inventive mind would conceive. One chip inside of her was enough!

Passing through the security point, Addison made her way to the waiting lounge. She spied Skyler now seated upon one of the many cushioned chairs, half watching a television news channel. Alexander Santos was to her left. He stood in line at a coffee bar where she watched him make and receive his order before occupying one of the remaining vacant tables. Addison sat opposite him, but on the far side of the room. She held a newspaper in front of her, scanning the pages slowly. "Everything okay?" she asked Skyler.

"Uh huh," Skyler replied. Being as though she was sitting alone and had no paper to cover her features, Skyler had to reply in simple grunts and light nondescript noises.

"Do you want to hear a joke?" Addison asked.

Skyler growled.

"Was that a yes?"

Clearing her throat, Skyler's attention remained upon the television screen as she scratched her nose with her middle finger.

"My goodness, look at that obscene finger gesture. Okay, okay… no jokes. I'll read you an article in the paper. Let me have a look." Addison scanned the pages. "Ah yes, there's an interesting one here about the early years of a topless 'Page 3' girl." Addison began to read.

Oh boy, Skyler groaned internally, this is going to be a long couple of hours!

***

Haphazard piles of folders littered Mark Blithe's desk. Each one was a different assignment his agents had completed in the last twelve months. It was approaching the end of summer and evaluation reports were due to be handed in during September. It was a lot of work to get done and proved to be Mark's busiest time of the year.

Skyler's addition to the team made her S.O.112. She was in fact one of only eighty-seven working agents. The remaining twenty-five had all been either injured during the line of duty, killed or had retired from service. Out of the eighty-seven agents within Special Operations, only thirty-one of them were field agents. They all, however, carried out important roles within the team, bringing their own expertise to the operation.

General Blithe sat beside his assistant Joseph. Folders surrounded them both. Mark sat, lounging back in his chair as he read through mission reports and dictated his thoughts to Joseph. The assistant recorded them on a computer. They both paused from their work and looked up at a knock on the general's door. "Come in," Mark called. Danny Sleet stepped into Mark's office. He held a single sheet of white paper in his left hand. Mark could tell it was a fax. "What's up, Dan?"

Placing the paper upon Mark's desk Danny said, "I've just received this fax from the police in charge of the murder of William Bryson in Wales. It might be a possible lead in Addison and Skyler's investigation."

Mark picked up the fax and began reading. He frowned. "Who's Phoenix Hawthorn?"

"Hawthorn is an ex-student of Clyde University. An all-round computer geek… and I don't mind saying that description is a profound understatement. He was a child prodigy who attended the university at the age of fifteen. He got his Masters degree at seventeen, but continued on studying at the university. Not long before his nineteenth birthday he dropped out of his PhD courses. He stated they weren't challenging enough for him. Apparently though, Hawthorn had written some controversial papers and got into a large disagreement with two of his professors."

"What were the grounds of the arguments? Do you know what the papers were about?"

Danny shrugged. "Don't know yet. I'm going to research into his essays and such to try and find that out. See whether he has any work on line that may help and if so I'll contact his former professors myself. The fact is that two different people saw Alexander Santos in deep discussion with Hawthorn on two separate occasions and both those times they had been off campus grounds. This appears to be the only solid link made with Santos.

Mark's eyes scanned the report. He nodded and looked up at Danny. "Get on it. Do what you can to find out everything possible about Phoenix Hawthorn."

"Will do, Mark." Taking the document, Danny left Mark's office. The general watched him leave and as the door closed he turned back to Joseph. "Now… where were we?"

***

Skyler had to admit it; flying first class was, without a doubt, the only way to travel. The only part to hamper her enjoyment was Santos. Both she and Addison had to remain in constant vigilance. It was imperative to keep him under surveillance and make sure he, most importantly, didn't see or in anyway recognise them. Luckily, apart from one trip to the lavatory, Santos remained in his seat.

They arrived back in Cairo International Airport at ten o'clock in the morning. Addison realised she had a difficult task ahead of her. Like herself and Skyler, Santos brought only one piece of carry-on luggage with him. The agent needed to place a tracking device somewhere on Santos or his possessions. Making that happen was going to be a challenge, but as always Addison relished the opportunity to test herself. Being first class, Addison and Skyler exited the plane first. Addison stood in the arrival lounge, waiting by the gate. She instructed Skyler to wait a little further ahead and informed her of what she was to do. Their wait wasn't too long. As per usual, all passengers grappled to retrieve their hand baggage as soon as the seatbelt light extinguished. Human traffic shunted down the aircraft as each passenger left the plane. Standing inconspicuously by the arrival gate, Addison watched each person enter the lounge. With a seemingly disinterested exterior she idly waited until Santos arrived. A small hint of a smile graced her lips as she began to follow Xander towards Customs.

Ahead, Addison made eye contact with Skyler. She nodded, giving her the 'go-ahead' to put their plan into action. Skyler made a show of looking down at her watch. After checking the time she picked up her baggage and began a dash towards Passport Control.

"Here we go," Skyler mumbled. She increased her pace, brushing past Santos where she proceeded to stumble on her heeled shoes. Skyler shrieked as she tumbled to the floor, pulling Santos and another man with her. They fell into a jumbled heap upon the ground. Their luggage spilled over the floor. Instantly several travellers rallied around to help them. "Oh I'm so sorry," Skyler exclaimed.

"It's okay," said the male passer-by as he pulled himself up from the floor.

"Watch where you are going next time!" Santos snatched his bag from under Skyler's with annoyance.

An Asian woman helped Skyler to her feet. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"Yes, thank you." She accepted her suitcase from whom she assumed to be the woman's husband.

"Where's my…? Oh." Santos took his fedora from a woman wearing a baseball cap and dark shades. He placed it back upon his head, shouldered his carrier and swiftly walked away.

Skyler replied to the onslaught of questions. "Yes, I'm fine thank you. Just a little embarrassed to be honest." Brushing the dust from her pants she adjusted her clothing. "Serves me right for wearing these shoes," she laughed and took her bag with thanks. "I'm really okay. Thank you for helping me." With another humbled 'thank you', Skyler excused herself to the bathroom. She entered the compact room, finding only one other occupant inside. Dropping her baggage, Skyler threw her arms into the air. "Please tell me that was worth the commotion."

Pulling off her baseball cap and shades, Addison grinned widely. "It was… and well worth it for entertainment value as well." She took a small device from her pocket and passed it to Skyler. "Tracker is in place and Santos is on the move!"

Skyler looked down at the palm-sized screen. A green flashing blip signalled Santos' movements. With a sigh she pulled her wig from her head. Running blunt fingers through her hair she scratched her scalp. "We got him! Did you place the tracker in the lining of his hat?" Addison nodded and held out her hand; Skyler slapped it in triumph. "Now what?"

"Now we track and follow 'Baron Greenback!'"

Skyler rolled her eyes. "You really have to stop with the 'Danger Mouse' analogies!"

Chapter 19

Strolling down a dry, dusty road in the town of Zagazig, Alexander Santos studied the buildings around him. He was looking for a specific hotel and all Phoenix had given him was the name and a vague description. According to Phoenix, the Hotel Teti was a small, family run establishment. It didn't stand out from any other building, but a painted, wooden sign upon its wall informed possible patrons of its services. Xander kept his eyes peeled. He scanned the front of each building until he located the Hotel Teti. Gripping the straps of his holdall, he entered the inn.

Although small, the atmosphere was both warm and inviting. The floors were covered in a grey stone tile and the walls were an off white colour. Three girls sat on the floor playing with rag-dolls and a young woman, who Xander presumed to be the mother, watched with a placid smile. Xander approached the woman, secretly annoyed by Phoenix's choice in hotel. If it wasn't getting ploughed down in the airport it was a hotel full of children. Santos ground his teeth together, but remained outwardly serene. The young woman with flowing dark hair looked up at Xander. Instantly recognising his European features she spoke in English saying, "Good day, Sir, how can I help you?"

"I have a room pre-booked by a Mr Phoenix Hawthorn under the name of Alexander Santos."

The young mother looked down at a small diary. Her finger ran down the page. Only being a small establishment, it didn't take long to find his name. "Mr Santos, you are in Room Four. You are next to Mr Hawthorn in Room Five." She handed Xander a key. "Up the stairs, the room on the far right."

Looking at the worn key in his hand, Xander said, "Thanks." Without looking back he turned and walked towards a wooden stairway. Locating his room easily, Xander was relieved to shut himself away in a much-desired moment of privacy. His room was sparse. A single bed stood by the far wall, covered in a light blue, woven blanket. The wooden floor, decorated with only a small rug, creaked under his heavy weight. Taking off his fedora, Xander dropped it onto the bed. He placed his bag carefully beside it. A sigh escaped his lips as he sat. He took a moment to survey the rest of his room. The only other piece of furniture was a chest of drawers. Its shabby appearance and scratched wood revealed many years of usage.

"Xander?" Phoenix appeared at his door, his head peeping around the barrier. "You're back. Can I see it?" He strode into the room.

"No 'how was your flight?' or 'I'm sorry for booking you into the hotel from hell'?" Xander rose to face Phoenix.

The younger man laughed. "Three children hardly makes this the hotel from hell. Besides, you're forgetting two important facts."

"Which are?"

Phoenix tapped the inside of his index finger. "Firstly, we are out of here tomorrow." He pressed his middle finger. "And secondly, we're out of here tomorrow! I have the team assembled and ready to meet us after nightfall. Zavren will be here sooner." The young man's expression turned resentful. "Your favourite, bloodthirsty, henchman."

Xander sneered. "You're not still upset about seeing that professor's head lopped off are you?" He stepped closer to Phoenix. "A little bloodshed for what we're about to do? It sounds worth it to me. Think about what we're doing here and focus on our goal." Opening his jacket, Xander handed Phoenix the key. "Remember what this opens."

Phoenix opened a white cloth to reveal the round, black opal. He held it up to the light. "This is it?" he asked. "It looks like the right shape, but…"

"But nothing," Xander countered. "Believe me, Phoenix, that is the key. Do you grasp how close we are to realising and combining our dreams? Soon we'll own the world."

"Since when did world domination become part of the plan?"

Xander shrugged. "Since I realised it was possible. Why not?"

As he tried to answer Xander's question, Phoenix realised he could offer no argument. Why not indeed?

***

Addison yawned and slid her hand down the side of the car seat. She turned its knob and the seat lowered. Her body moved into a semi-reclined position. Placing one hand behind her head. she closed her eyes. After twelve hours of waiting in the airport and keeping a close eye on Santos during the flight, neither she nor Skyler had been able to sleep. After planting the tracking device on Santos they had rented a car and followed him at a distance. When Santos entered the Hotel Teti, they parked in the car park of Zagazig University.

Looking beside her, Addison studied Skyler as she slumbered peacefully. The doctor had slipped easily into a heavy sleep. Light snores rose with deep, even breaths. With the tracker in place it wasn't important for them to take turns in resting, but Addison found it difficult to sleep. Long years of training had instilled her with vigilance in keeping watch. Even if she did manage to drift, it would never be as deep as Skyler. Addison had to acknowledge though, she didn't think anybody could sleep as well as Skyler did.

The vehicle they hired was the largest airport rentals had to offer. Thankfully for Addison it was a Jeep and although it had travelled more than seventy thousand miles they were assured of its reliability. A quick check under the bonnet convinced Addison as such. With a detailed study of the hieroglyphics, Skyler believed their destination was the ancient city of Bubastis, its modern name being Tell Basta. Their map indicated Tell Basta was eighty miles northeast of Cairo. When Santos took the road to Zagazig, Skyler knew that was the final destination. Covering a large area, Tell Basta was bisected by a road with the sites of the Ka temples of Teti and Pepi 1, the first of the VI Dynasty. Only a few scattered remains of columns marked the structures today. With the discovery of a protodynastic tomb, it was another place Skyler wanted to visit.

Addison opened her eyes. The hot mid-afternoon sun was shining down through the window screen. Reaching into her pocket she pulled out her sunglasses. She placed them upon her nose and looked at the tracker situated upon the dashboard. Santos hadn't moved. The system was designed to alert if the target moved outside a ten-mile radius. With this in mind, Addison realised she really could relax. She knew they hadn't been detected. Santos had no idea they were on his trail. Knowing this, Addison felt her body sink a little lower into the reclined seat. Her eyelids became heavy and tranquillity seeped through her limbs. She yawned. Maybe sleep was not such a far off notion. Maybe if she allowed herself to acknowledge the fact they were safe and out of sight she would be able to get a little sleep. Maybe, Addison thought as her mind drifted into slumber.

The hours passed with little recognition from either woman. A peaceful, undisturbed and much needed sleep was well received. The sun had dipped below the horizon and the moon was rising into a cloudy night sky by the time Addison awoke. She opened her eyes, surprised by the darkness. What she was less surprised by was the fact Skyler was only just waking herself. Adjusting her seat, Addison asked, "Sleep well?"

"Hmm yeah!" Skyler stretched her arms above her head. "I take it Santos hasn't moved?"

Addison checked the gadget. "No."

"Addison, you put the chip in his hat. How can you be sure he didn't leave it behind?"

"We have photographic evidence as well as descriptions of Santos and in them all he is wearing what appears to be the very same hat. Right down to the bandanna tied around it." Addison popped a piece of chewing gum into her mouth and then offered Skyler a piece. "I think it is safe to say the hat alone bears great sentimental value." Releasing the clip from her left Beretta, Addison checked its load. She repeated this action with her right weapon. "Where he goes, it goes."

"But are we going to…?"

Addison grinned. "Under the cover of darkness we're going to check up on him, yes."

In the process of checking her own weapons, Skyler placed her Browning pistol into the holster wrapped around her lower leg. "What time is it?" There was no visible clock in the vehicle and being in the process of attaching weapons to her leg, Skyler was unable to see her watch.

"Twenty-seven minutes past ten." Addison strapped a third pistol onto one boot and a knife into the other. She dropped her pant legs, allowing the material to cover her weapons. "We'll move in about ten minutes." Addison scooted forwards in her seat and slipped her Beretta's into their holsters. She watched Skyler slip on her shoulder holster and check her Taser and ammunition. "Are you about ready?"

"Just about," Skyler replied. She attached several more Taser batteries to holsters upon her belt.

As a stark contrast to the warm days, the nights were very cold. The further into the desert one travelled, the colder they seemed. Aware of this, both women brought extra clothing. They had found themselves in the middle of a slight disagreement. Standard S.O. desert fatigues consisted of combat pants, shirt and other accessories in a colour Skyler described as khaki. Addison, however, disagreed stating khaki was a canal green and the actual colour was sandy beige. Neither woman could agree on the proper colours name, a petty disagreement they knew, but it always led to amusing banter. When a situation was tense it never failed in easing the anxiety.

Not wanting to be caught out by the quality of arms used by Santos and his men, Addison was better prepared. This time she brought along her own weapon, the Diemaco L119A1. Samuel had given her four bullets of his new ammunition and she placed them in a smaller magazine. This resided in her top pocket.

"Okay," Skyler said as she looked over at Addison. "I'm ready when you are."

Handing the tracking system to Skyler, Addison started the Jeep's engine. "We'll have to…"

"Hold on," the doctor interrupted suddenly as she looked down at the device. "He's on the move; Santos is on the move." She held the screen out for Addison to assess.

"Looks like we weren't the only ones waiting for the cover of darkness." Addison turned off the engine. "Can you tell where he's going?"

"He's heading southeast." Skyler scratched her chin. "In that direction I'd put money on Tell Basta." She was silent in a moment of thought. "I know during the day the Bubastis ruins are guarded by security. Darkness may make that easier. Plus he wont have to pay."

"Pay what?"

"Entrance to the ruins costs, I believe, around ten Egyptian pounds. I checked it out the other day. My guess is they don't allow visitors at night."

Prodding the inside of her mouth with her tongue, Addison frowned. She moved the oral muscle over her teeth before saying, "And no doubt whatever Santos has in mind is going to be that much easier to obtain without an audience." Addison restarted the engine. "I say we get moving."

Skyler took a deep breath. "Let's go."

Bracing one hand on the back of Skyler's seat, Addison backed out of the car park. She looked out at the road ahead. "Let's take this slow. I don't know who is with him or how strong his manpower is." Skyler placed the tracker back onto the dashboard for Addison to follow. The agent drove slowly. "We may have taken out about fifteen of his men, but I have a feeling he'll be able to pull out the reinforcements."

"You think there'll be more, even if he doesn't suspect he's followed?"

"Better safe than sorry. Santos may be confident, but he's obviously not stupid."

"Too bad for us, huh!"

Addison chuckled. "Unfortunately they never are in this job. As far as Santos is concerned what bothers me the most is wondering what on earth that key opens which is worth killing for?"

Skyler looked at Addison in confusion. "Jewels, money… 'A great undiscovered wealth of Egypt'. That's what it says in the Dendera Texts."

"Hmm… I don't think so." Addison took a left turning. Her eyes switched between the road and the satellite tracking system. "There's more to it; I just know it. These aren't the actions of typical thieves. Think about it, Sky, right back to the beginning, the murder of Karlyn Sanderson and her team. Very precise plans have been put into action for a specific purpose. Whatever the cost, Santos is willing to face it in order to get the key. How many people have died so far?"

Skyler chewed her bottom lip as she listened to Addison's reasoning. She admitted that it did made sense. However, the question remained... Why? What did the key unlock? It was a question to which they would soon discover the answer.

Moving steadily, Addison manoeuvred down narrow roads at a cautious distance. Santos was never within sight, but she wasn't far behind him. They drove for just under five minutes before reaching a dead end. It meant they would have to travel the rest of the distance on foot. Addison parked their Jeep and climbed out into the cool night air. The sky was surprisingly black and cloudy. Not a star could be seen sparkling in the cloak of darkness. A light wind blew over the edge of the desert sands. Golden grains whispered over the ground, coiling around her booted feet. Addison strapped the Diemaco rifle to her side and Skyler handed her a pair of night vision binoculars.

"Skyler," Addison placed the binoculars around her neck. "Keep your weapon at the ready. There may be guards placed around the boundary and I don't mean site security. We need to get to wherever Santos is heading without being seen."

Holding the tracking device, Skyler studied the progress of Alexander Santos. "He's about a mile ahead of us and from what I can tell, he's stopped. I think he's reached his final destination."

"Which way?"

Skyler pointed in an easterly direction. "This way."

"Let's go."

Together the women began moving. The night was eerily calm. Nothing but the hypnotic sound of sand rustling over the ground caressed their senses. In the distance nocturnal sounds of the desert's predators echoed through the darkness. It wasn't the first time Addison had been in the desert, not by a long shot, but if she had to choose her least favourite place to be, this would be it. It felt too exposed, too open. There was also the added annoyance of sand getting into the nooks and crannies of one's clothing.

Walking for long minutes down a long sandy path, the agents passed a single level stone building. There was no indication as to its use and all lights within were extinguished. Ahead of them Addison could see a sign indicating the distance to the ruins of Bubastis. They were very close. She stopped and peered through her binoculars. Two bodies were just visible by the entrance to the temple ruins. What concerned her, however, was the fact these men appeared to be sitting on the floor, slumped against the wall. Something was seriously wrong.

"Damn it." Dropping the binoculars, Addison adjusted her rifle. "Be alert, Sky. Looks like the action's about to begin." Adopting a ready stance, Addison and Skyler advanced upon the fallen security guards. Keeping low, Skyler placed two fingers on the carotid artery of one mans neck. She didn't feel a pulse. What she did feel was the warm, sticky texture of fresh blood.

"Addison!" Skyler held up her fingers. "He's dead." She checked the second man and discovered he'd fallen upon the same fate. "They're both dead."

Addison took a small torch from her pant leg pocket. She shone its light directly upon the bodies. "Throat cut… both of them. Silent but deadly attack."

With a grimace, Skyler wiped her fingers upon the side of her trousers. "At least we know we're on the right track." Noticing one mans eye's were open, Skyler leaned forwards and gently lowered his lids. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

"Shush…" Addison placed her index finger over her lips. "Somebody is coming," she whispered. Addison hugged the wall and Skyler followed suit as the sounds of footsteps in the sand drew closer. Addison peered around the corner of the wall. She could only just see the dark figure approach. The shadowed outline of a firearm was visible in his right hand. Addison held up her hand, signalling Skyler to remain still. As the figure neared, Addison reached out, grasping him by the collar and spinning him around. She thrust him against the wall.

"You…" He was silenced by a punch to the stomach.

"I'm talking," Addison stated firmly.

He tried to move, but Addison held firm. "Bitch," he sneered.

With a frown the agent looked at Skyler. "Did you just hear something?"

"Nothing," replied Skyler.

Shrugging, Addison turned back to the shadowed man in front of her. "What's Santos after? Giving me an answer now is the difference between me kicking your sorry arse or her... and believe me, she will be much quicker." Skyler pulled the Taser from its holster. "Now tell me; what is Santos after?"

"I tell you nothing."

"Wrong answer." She turned him around, thrusting his face against the wall. "You're playing a dangerous game, Mate." She took his arm, twisting it roughly behind his back. The shoulder dislocated and he growled in agony. "Shall we try that again? How about this… what is Santos up to?" The man said nothing. "Wrong again." Wrapping her hand around his neck, Addison squeezed the sides at a particular point making the man choke and gag. "I know this doesn't feel nice. You can stop it any time. What is he…?"

"A… ma… machine," he replied with difficulty. Addison took her hand away. "He is building a machine." He coughed harshly.

"What kind of machine?"

"I don't know."

"If you're…"

"I swear, I swear… I don't know."

Addison turned to Skyler. The doctor nodded, indicating she believed him. Shaking her head in anger, Addison took a Beretta and pistol-whipped him. He crumpled to the ground.

Skyler winced. "Ouch." With a margin of caution she peered around the corner of the wall. There didn't seem to be anybody else coming. The tracking device indicated Santos was somewhere ahead of them in the site ruins. She turned back to see Addison searching the man's body.

"He has nothing on him," she said. "Not even a wallet or form of identification. Hold on... what's this?" From a hidden sheath in his pants Addison pulled out a large knife. She shone the torch light over its blade. "Blood. Two guesses who he was playing with earlier." She looked over at the bodies of the fallen security guards. "Bastard." Taking his revolver she emptied the bullets into her hand and threw them into the distance. "So Santos is stealing to fund building some kind of machine?"

"If we can believe this guy. Whatever the key unlocks must be more valuable than we originally thought."

"Seems to be the case." As yet Addison didn't fully understand what Santos' larger plan really was. His actions didn't make any sense. She needed to know more and there was only one way to find out. "Skyler…"

"I know, I know… I'll keep behind you."

Addison grinned. "Thanks. Okay… lets go." Leading the way, Addison moved out towards the ruins. Only a few dull lights were dotted around the site and Skyler presumed most of them had probably been broken on purpose. They walked in a northwesterly direction. Reaching a broken column, Addison checked the tracking receiver. Santos was only a quarter of a mile ahead of them. However, neither woman was able to see any lights to signify movement in the darkness. In curiosity Addison whispered, "Sky, I don't see any lights. Would I unfortunately be correct in assuming this temple may very well be under the bloody ground?"

"If it was above ground it wouldn't be standing now."

"Bollocks! I'm getting tired of all these places being underground!"

"Oh come on, Addison, you know you love those stuffy, dusty chambers." The agent stopped moving and Skyler paused behind her. "What is it?"

Addison remained silent as she looked around them. She could see nothing but the darkened outlines of fallen bricks and broken columns. Wind whistled around the ruins like ghostly whispers of the ancients. Something didn't seem right.

"Addison, what's wrong?"

The agent shook her head. "I don't know," she whispered. "It's just too still. We're supposed to be two hundred yards away from Santos and there's no sign of anybody apart from one guy at the entrance." She looked around in the darkness. "We'll lose Santos if we don't find the opening where he entered. If we get any closer we'll soon be on top of him." A sound to the left caught their attention. Skyler stood flush against the column and Addison dropped to one knee. They saw somebody emerge in the distance. Whoever it was patrolled the area with a flashlight. As the powerful beam moved towards them, both women dropped to the ground. They lay in the sand, still and silent. There was discomfort from lying upon her rifle, which was into the side of Addison's right breast, it was painful, but she didn't move. From her position she could clearly see the man holding the flashlight. By the sheer size of the weapon hanging over his shoulder she knew it was one of Santos' men. One fact became very clear to her. Not only were they unremorsefully terminating any possible threat to Xander's plan, but it was also obvious this was the final piece to the puzzle, at least in this part of Egypt. They didn't seem particularly concerned about what carnage they left behind.

"Are you taking him out?" Skyler asked in a low whisper, knowing Addison would be able to hear her.

"Not unless I have to… I want to see where he goes." They watched him circle the perimeter and as he moved out of sight they followed. Keeping in the shadows and against broken columns, Addison and Skyler watched him closely. His surveillance took almost fifteen minutes. Addison knew he was about to finish when he changed direction and headed back towards the far edge of the site. "He's going back," Addison mumbled. Together the women followed, closing in at a steady pace. Soon a light from within the ground came into view. Knowing they were too close to talk, Addison held up her fist indicating Skyler was to stop and remain where she was. The blonde stood against a broken pillar as Addison moved off. She was deathly silent, not even her footsteps in the sand made a noise. Addison approached the guard from behind. She could see an entrance shaft ahead, a dull light emanating from within. Addison saw a shadow move from inside; it grew larger. Somebody else was coming. She needed to act fast.

Lunging forwards Addison took the guard by the shoulder. She spun him around and thrust her fist into his face. At the same time she swept his legs out from under him. As he fell Addison moved with him, delivering a second blow that knocked him out cold. She looked up quickly. The second guard emerged from the shaft. Before he could fully comprehend what was happening Addison was upon him. The agent rolled forwards and took him by the feet. She pulled him to the ground and again used a swift and brutal blow to render him unconscious.

Remaining crouched upon the ground, Addison looked over her shoulder. She raised her hand and Skyler emerged from behind the pillar. The doctor jogged over to Addison. "How the hell do you do that?"

"You don't want to know." Addison rose beside Skyler. "Ready to head inside?"

"Ready… no. Terrified… yes, but that's a good thing, right?"

"Only if you use that fear. How do you feel?"

Skyler sucked in a deep breath of cool, desert air. "I want to get in there."

"Then lets go." Taking the lead, Addison approached the entrance. She looked down at the sandy slope. Wooden boards had been placed upon the ground to provide easy access. They descended cautiously. Voices, escalating in volume, came from within.

"I thought only one would be the right size," one voice yelled.

"Well that doesn't appear to be the case, does it? So what do we do now? There's tons of them," replied a second male voice. "If it unlocks to the key's specific density and weight we only get one shot."

"I know that… there has to be a logical answer…"

Addison looked back at Skyler. "Do you think we're…" her words were cut short. Behind Skyler stood Zavren. He held the doctor with one hand around her neck. The other hand held an automatic pistol to her temple. Skyler's eyes were wide with fear. Where did he come from?

"Drop your weapons. If you don't do as I say… she dies. Move too fast… she dies. Breath any way out of the ordinary and she dies… got it?"

The agent gritted her teeth. She knew at that particular point it would be easier to do as he said. Addison's eyes moved from Zavren's trigger finger to Skyler. She tried to send her a calming message of courage. With a feeling of resentment, Addison dropped her rifle.

"And the rest," Zavren pressed. He pushed the barrel of his gun harder against Skyler's temple. She whimpered in pain.

"Okay, okay." Addison undid a belt around her waist and her weapons and ammunition fell to the ground. She held her hands up, but saw Zavren's eyes travel down her body to her feet.

"Lift your pant legs."

"No need." Moving slowly and precisely Addison crouched and removed the pistol from her left ankle. She pulled at the right trouser leg showing Zavren there was nothing attached to her right boot.

"What the hell's going on here?" Santos stormed towards Zavren and his new captives. He studied the two women. "You!" He glared at Addison. "You must be Inspector Black."

"Technically… no, but…"

Xander held up his hand. He didn't want to hear anymore. He knew who she was. "Tim, Preston... get out here." Two heavily armed men emerged from a narrow passageway. They were followed by Phoenix. "Tim," Xander addressed the taller of the two men. He was a stocky guy with a shaved head and tattoo that travelled down his neck and beneath his clothes. "Bind their wrists."

The thug grinned evilly. He pulled several cable ties from his pocket and then took Addison's hands, pulling them behind her back and wrapping a strip of the nylon around her wrists. He pulled tight before moving onto Skyler. He did the same while Zavren removed her weapons and dropped them onto the ground beside Addison's.

"You two again. How did you…?" Phoenix placed his hands upon his hips. A smug expression shaped his features. "We got you this time." Five more men appeared behind him. All were armed with their weapons at the ready. Addison tested the binds around her wrists, but she couldn't move.

Tapping his chin, Santos stepped up to Skyler. "So you're Tidwell. You're the one who deciphered the tablets."

Skyler held her head high as she said, "Yes I am," as confidently as possible.

"Good." Santos pulled the key from his pocket. He looked back at his man Tim and inclined his head towards Addison. Within an instant she had a gun pressed to the back of her head. "If you want her to live, you'll help us now."

Chapter 20

Skyler stumbled as she was pushed through a narrow passageway at gunpoint. Managing to keep balanced, despite her bound hands, she followed Alexander Santos towards a bright light. Zavren kept his pistol pressed into her back while pushing her forwards. Behind him, Addison was ushered to follow. Six armed men were behind her and at Phoenix's orders they kept a close eye upon Addison. She had six sub-machine guns aimed upon her and their aim was ordered not to deviate.

Looking around, Skyler visually studied the passageways. She wondered how on earth the chambers were constructed. It had obviously taken a lot of time and hard work to build a network of tunnels into the sand. The stones were half the size of ones used to build the pyramids. Even at such a dimension they were still extraordinarily heavy. Skyler attempted to move her shoulders; already cramp was setting into her limbs. She moved her head from side to side in a semi-circular motion.

"Keep moving," Zavren ordered. He pushed Skyler roughly. The steel barrel of his pistol pressed against her spine. She winced in pain, but didn't give him the satisfaction of knowing. Although afraid, Skyler couldn't help wondering what was about to happen. Santos had asked her to help them use the key. She recalled hearing his argument with the man whom she'd recently discovered was called Phoenix. The young man still wore the same tinted sunglasses and baseball cap. She recalled hearing them discuss the lock and how it opened with a key of the correct density and weight. How am I supposed to help? Should I help? Skyler knew she would ultimately follow Addison's directives. She trusted the agent's instincts above anything.

Walking the remainder of the journey in silence, Addison looked ahead. She watched Santos lead the way into the outer chamber. The lights grew brighter as they entered. Artificial illumination had already been set up around the room. The floor was bare with only random sets of footprints in the age-old dust. Addison turned and looked around at the walls. Three of the four held a large painting, a picture of Imhotep performing one of his many tasks. The fourth and seemingly largest wall was littered with holes. Addison frowned. She hoped Skyler could make sense of what was around them. It certainly was perplexing.

Santos turned, holding his arms out wide. "So, what do you think? I do admit to naively assuming only one of those holes would accept the key's size. The text says, …" Both women glanced at each other as Santos mentioned the Dendera Text. " 'You must place the key in heaven's gateway to worship him'. The holes are of different sizes and many allow the key inside."

"Are you sure you translated the…"

"My father translated the text, Inspector Tidwell. None was more qualified."

Addison decided it was time she spoke. "If your father was so smart how come he never found the key?"

Ire burned in Xander's eyes. "He would have found the key. Don't ask questions you know absolutely nothing about, Inspector Black. He lost his life before that could happen."

Looking at the guards surrounding her, Addison said, "You know, Santos, I don't know if I should feel honoured by all this attention."

Phoenix stepped forwards. He stood toe to toe with Addison. "You can quit the smart remarks."

"Hey, Kid." Addison stared into the young man's eyes. From such close proximity it was the first time she saw their true colour through the tinted lenses of his glasses. "You seem awfully more confident. I wonder why that is? Last time I remember you disappeared as soon as the first bullets were fired."

"Phoenix," Xander warned. "Leave it." He waited until the younger man stepped down before turning his attention to Skyler. The artificial lights highlighted her anxious features. Seeing a possible weakness, he knew he had to use it. "If you want to live, Inspector Tidwell, you'll help us now."

"Don't listen to him, Sky. He intends to kill us just as soon as he gets what he wants." Addison glared at Santos. "Isn't that right?"

Alexander remained silent yet his features quivered in anger. Addison knew if looks could kill, at that particular moment she would be a dead woman. She held her head high as Santos approached her. He looked down at her with anger and she smirked. "Don't ever presume to predict my intentions, Inspector Black. You don't know me."

"I know hundreds like you," Addison challenged. "I've come up against you all. That's exactly why and how I can predict your intentions. I'll tell you this … to save me killing you in the near future… quit now, while my hands are still tied."

Xander seethed. Baring his teeth in rage, he struck Addison hard across the jaw. He thrust his knee into her stomach.

"No… please stop," Skyler implored. "I'll help you."

Santos addressed the guards around Addison. "One more word out of Black and you have my authorisation to kill her."

Addison adjusted her stance, despite the throbbing pain in her abdomen. She smiled at Santos, revealing white teeth smeared with red blood. She spat a mouthful of the metallic tasting substance to the ground, but remained silent. Looking over at Skyler, the doctor's expression showed determination. Addison winked at her, letting her know she could take the lead. She trusted Skyler more than she ever realised.

"Santos," Skyler began.

"Xander, please."

"Xander… I'll open the lock for you, but I'll need some time to figure out what all this means."

"You have twenty minutes."

Skyler was incredulous. "What?"

"Nineteen… get on it."

"How am I…?"

"Eighteen. I suggest you start thinking, Inspector Tidwell."

Skyler spun around in a desperate attempt to begin studying the ancient images. Sometimes she would spend hours simply looking at puzzles, allowing the clues to sink naturally into her subconscious before she would even attempt to fit the pieces together. Eighteen minutes? It showed how desperate Santos really was. However, Skyler couldn't worry about how little time she did have. The clock was ticking. She turned right to the first wall. "Okay… this portrays Imhotep as a younger man." She frowned. "He appears to be in a confrontation with evil."

"How can you tell it's evil?" Phoenix asked.

Unable to use her hands, Skyler walked closer to the wall. She directed her head towards Imhotep's opponent, specifically his hand. "This man is a priest. He is obviously a man of evil intent because he is carrying a weapon in his left hand. Throughout the ages being left-handed was considered the markings of, as Addison would say, a dodgy person. There is plenty of evidence backing this. The Roman word for a right was dextra... for left it's sinistra! Being ambidextrous... two right hands. Egyptians always portrayed their foes as being left-handed."

"Enough of the history lesson," Santos drawled as she strolled around the outer chamber. "What does it mean?"

"Oh… well… this simply shows how Imhotep defeated an evil priest and gained favour with the people. It was his first big step on the 'ladder'."

Phoenix rolled his eyes. "On a scale of one to ten for helping us, that's a zero. What about the next wall?"

Chewing the corner of her bottom lip, Skyler's attention turned to the second wall. Her assessment of the picture didn't take more than ten seconds to complete. "This one is simple; it's a portrayal of the Pharaoh Djoser commissioning Imhotep to build his final resting place."

"And the last?"

"The last…" Skyler frowned. This one was the hardest to understand. She stepped closer, her eyes moving over every inch of the image. It was definitely Imhotep, but she didn't understand what he was doing. The respected figure of a man stood tall. In his hands he held a papyrus and writing implement. He looked towards the sky, apparently staring at the moon. In the distance she clearly identified Djoser's pyramid. Like the others, the picture was very basic. Imhotep was the dominant figure. Skyler knew each picture was a clue to discovering the lock, but she didn't yet understand how it fit together.

"Six minutes." Santos tapped the face of his digital watch.

"Alright." Skyler groaned in frustration. "I don't know." She began to go through the obvious signs. "It's Imhotep. He appears to be looking up at the sky." She thought for a moment before saying, "Imhotep was an astrologer."

Skyler's thought process led to a spark of clarity for Addison. She cleared her throat loudly, attracting Xander's attention. Her eyes moved to Skyler and then back to Xander. In silent question she arched her eyebrows.

"You have something to say, Inspector Black?"

"I do." Addison turned to Skyler. "Sky, remember in Imhotep's burial chamber, the picture upon the wall? Can you see the connection with these at all?"

Thinking back, Skyler mentally visualised the portrayal of two priests worshiping the sky. She looked back to each of the three depictions. Suddenly the puzzle began making sense to her. "Night time," she exclaimed. "Of course! Each picture, each act, they take place at night. Look," she said. "The moon is in the sky on each one."

Phoenix frowned. "Okay?"

"Don't you get it?" She walked towards the wall covered with holes. "What else do you get in the night sky apart from the moon?"

After only a moment's hesitation, Phoenix said, "Stars."

"Yes. Imhotep was an astrologer." She turned to look at the wall. The patterns were finally making sense to her. "These holes in the wall represent constellations in the night sky."

"That's it!" Santos ran his hand over the wall. He joined together a familiar pattern of holes with his index finger. "Lyra." He looked back to Skyler. "This still doesn't tell us which is the true lock though, does it?"

Skyler looked away. Santos did have a point; though they were a step closer. She frowned and continued to bite the corner of her lower lip in thought. Looking once again at each painting on the chamber walls, Skyler wondered if the passage of time had caused the paint to age and dull to the point where some of their details might have faded. It was a possibility for such a thing to happen, but not on these walls. The pictures were just too clear and precise. Shut off for many hundreds of years, earth's natural elements had little chance in weathering the paint.

As she tried to ignore an itch upon the back of her head, Skyler's eyes turned to the final illustration. She studied the distant image of Djoser's pyramid. Green eyes travelled up the painted structure to its summit. "The Eternal stars," she whispered.

Santos stepped closer. "What?"

Turning to face the room, Skyler said, "The Eternal stars… or called 'The Indestructibles' by the ancient Egyptians."

"Do you mean the Circum-polar stars?" Santos asked.

"Yes!" Once again the excitement rose in Skyler's voice as she began putting the pieces together. "The ancient Egyptians believed one particular star in the sky was the entrance to heaven… the North Star. The Circum-polar stars, which never set, circle around the North Star. They built their pyramids to point towards this star so it was an easy journey to heaven in the after life."

"Polaris," Phoenix said, referring to the North Star.

Santos grinned widely. "The entrance to heaven. Of course it is. It makes perfect sense now." Taking the round opal from his pocket, Santos strode towards the wall's star chart. He studied the constellations looking for Ursa Minor. "Here," he said. "This is the lock. The brightest star in Ursa Minor." With a trembling hand he placed the key against the opening.

"WAIT!"

Jumping, Santos turned to Skyler. "What are you playing at?"

"Polaris isn't the North Star," she said swiftly.

Addison frowned as Phoenix stepped towards Skyler. "Don't listen to her, Xander. Of course Polaris is the North Star."

With that encouragement, Xander placed the key back against the lock.

"Please… don't," Skyler implored.

Phoenix slapped her around the face. His actions caused Addison to lunge forwards in anger, but six sub-machine guns closed in on her and she froze. "You've just signed your own death warrant, Kid" she spat with a vengeful promise.

Ignoring Addison and Phoenix, Santos stormed towards Skyler, his face red with anger. "Now is not the time to FUCK WITH ME!"

"Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to let you stick that key in the wrong lock and fail," Skyler answered calmly. "But I don't know what would happen if you did. I don't know about you, but I happen to value my life."

Santos wrapped his hand around Skyler's jaw. He held her firm. "Do you get your smart mouth from her?" He looked at Addison.

The agent shrugged. "Unfortunately I can't take credit for that one."

Skyler pulled away from Xander's hand with a jerk. "You want to hear smart? Then listen to me. The Earth is not a perfect sphere; it is actually ellipsoidal in shape. The equatorial diameter of Earth is forty-three kilometres larger than the diameter measured pole to pole. This is called Earth's equatorial bulge."

Xander looked at Phoenix, Addison and then back to Skyler. "Smart, but I'm not impressed. What the HELL does this have to do with anything?"

The doctor ground her teeth in frustration. "Polaris will not always be the North Star and it has not always been the North Star. In approximately fourteen thousand A.D. the star Vega in Lyra will be the new North Star. In two thousand B.C. the North Star was Thuban in the constellation Draco."

"And this is because?"

"In layman's terms and as concisely as possible, this is because the earth is not a perfect sphere. It causes changes through time."

Taking a step back, Xander studied Skyler. As much as he didn't trust either her or Addison, he did believe her. Xander pursed his lips in thought. Phoenix approached him quickly. "What do you think?" he whispered.

"I believe her," he replied, loud enough for all other occupants of the room to hear. Never breaking eye contact with Skyler he asked, "Which star is Thuban?"

Skyler's body sagged in relief. "Go to Draco."

Santos did as asked and placed his hand among the constellation of Draco. He moved his fingers over the first star. "This one?" Skyler shook her head. He tried again. "This one?"

"No."

Alexander tried another. "This one?"

Taking a deep breath, Skyler nodded. "Yes, that's the one."

"You wouldn't be fucking with me… would you?"

"No."

Licking his lips in anticipation, Xander placed the key over its lock. He felt a tremor of nervous excitement bubble through him. The outer chamber fell silent and the air crackled with expectation. Addison moved next to Skyler. In a low voice she whispered, "God you turn me on when you start talking with your brain!"

Despite her own anticipation Skyler snorted lightly. "So not the right time to start this!" She smiled at Addison before looking back at Santos. She was just in time to see him drop the key into Thuban's position. The occupants of the outer chamber held their breaths.

Chapter 21

What started as a rumble deep within the earth rose distinctly in volume. Having experienced more than one earthquake, Skyler was able to liken the sound to that of tectonic plates shifting beneath the earth's surface. Then the ground began to move. With bound hands both women found it difficult to maintain their balance as the earth trembled below their feet. Skyler fell to the ground. Above them the ceiling started to crack and small pieces of rock began to fall. Addison dove over Skyler, covering her as a large, jagged stone fell from above. Xander fell against the wall. He used the solid structure to keep on his feet, bracing his hands against the painted stone.

"What's going on?" shouted one of his men.

With his back against the wall, Xander said, "Keep calm!" He noticed another of his men looking like he was about to run. "NOBODY MOVES! Do you expect its mechanisms to run smoothly after thousands of years?"

Addison remained where she landed, her body lying over Skyler's back. "What's going on?" she asked in a raised voice. She could hear Santos yelling at his men. He told them to prepare the jacks, just in case. She wondered what he meant and what they needed jacks for.

"Rusty mechanisms," Skyler replied. "They're trying to open the doorway." She flinched as another rock fell inches from her face.

"Great!" Addison responded sarcastically.

Suddenly a tremendous scraping of stone on stone captured their attention. Phoenix fell to the floor. He watched in awe as the immense rock structure of the star chart wall began physically shaking. The rumbling ground calmed as the wall began to rise.

"Sky, look!" Addison yelled.

The doctor turned to watch the doorway rise. Her jaw slackened, as, from her position on the ground, she was able to get first glimpse into the temple. "My god," she whispered. Dust fell from the edges of the wall. Its progression slowed and started to shudder in an effort to continue rising. Cogs could be heard grinding as they tried in vain to continue lifting the mass of rock.

"Quick," Phoenix yelled. "Get the jacks ready. If that thing falls, it's over." All but Zavren and Tim rallied around to support the wall. They knew at least two had to keep constant watch upon Addison and Skyler. With the ground now stabilised they stood firm, weapons trained upon the captives.

Three hefty jacks, larger than anything Skyler had seen before, were swiftly wheeled towards the rising wall. "Hurry," one of Xander's men shouted as they were placed besides the ascending stone. The men attached six-foot supports to the leverage system. They were designed to withstand many tons of weight. "Come on, come on," another man chanted. It needed to rise only a few more centimetres before the jacks could be rolled into place. All but Addison and Skyler willed the wall to rise those last few centimetres. Addison rolled off Skyler. She landed on her back, bound hands trapped under her body. She looked up to find Zavren standing over her, the barrel of his weapon aimed upon her. He wasn't close enough for her to kick out. Addison knew she had to bide her time.

The wall trembled and strained to ascend the final millimetres, but as soon as it moved above the six-foot supports, the jacks were rolled into place. Xander's men pumped the levers slowly, aligning the steel supports with the wall until it moved no more. With the threat of the wall falling now eradicated, they were all able to gain their first unobstructed view of Imhotep's temple. Climbing to her knees, Skyler looked at Addison beside her. The agent in turn looked back at Skyler. Both women wore expressions mixed with equal amounts of alarm and awe. They turned back to the vision of the inner temple.

With a raucous laugh, Xander strode into the temple. "Can you believe this?" He turned, taking in the magnitude of their discovery. The temple was large and hexagon in shape. A single pillar was situated in the centre; it stood from floor to ceiling. Its condition was perfect and unblemished. Each wall was highly decorated and colourfully expressed. At the far end of the temple was a large, stone altar. Its highly polished white stone was covered with a thick layer of ancient dust. On either side of the altar stood tall vases that reached over five feet in height. Their decoration was simple, but clearly Egyptian in design. Without a doubt the newly discovered temple was nothing short of magnificent.

While Zavren and Tim remained guarding the agents, everybody else rushed inside. Addison moved closer to Skyler. "Undiscovered wealth?" she asked through the corner of her mouth. "Sky…?"

"I… I don't know," Skyler replied. "I'd need to…"

"So where are they?" Phoenix strolled around the temple. He ran his hands over the walls, occasionally tapping the side of his fist onto the stone. "Is there supposed to be a secret doorway?" He turned a challenging glare upon Santos. Xander smirked. He held out a hand to one of his men who handed him a shotgun. Addison's eyes narrowed in caution as she watched Santos stroll over to one of the vases. Taking the barrel of the shotgun he held the weapon like a baseball bat. With a mighty swing, Xander struck the vase. The pottery shattered and its contents rumbled out onto the ground. Everyone stepped forward for a closer look while Xander approached the second vase. He smashed through the clay. Again the contents rolled out onto the floor.

Addison stared ahead at the vase contents. "Sky," she whispered. "Do they look like what I think they look like?"

"Do you think they look like diamonds?"

Addison nodded as she said, "Uh huh!"

"Then yes."

"Holy sh…"

Addison's words were interrupted by Phoenix. "Xander, you are a freaking genius." The young man picked up one of the precious stones; it was larger than the palm of his hand. Taking a jeweller's eyepiece from his pocket, he studied the gem. "It's just perfect. Though uncut, this is perfect." He dropped it and picked another to examine.

Bending down, Santos picked up a smaller uncut gem. He looked over to Addison and Skyler and with a smile he approached them. "Thousands of carats of uncut diamonds undiscovered for thousands of years. These are the purest form of diamond, so rare they occur rarely in nature."

"How…?" Skyler began.

"How did Imhotep get these? How did he know what they were?" Xander said, effectively voicing the questions Skyler had been thinking.

"Yes."

"The text isn't entirely specific. It doesn't say where exactly they were discovered, just that it was during a southerly expedition." Xander held the gem up to a beam of artificial light. "As far as how he knew what they were… well that is a little harder to understand and therefore harder to explain." Placing the diamond in his top breast pocket, Xander took a thick cigar from a metal container. He ran the moulded tobacco leaves under his nose, taking in their scent before placing it between his teeth and biting off the end. He lit it, drawing a deep celebratory breath of pungent smoke. "Imhotep described them as the hardest natural stone he'd ever encountered. He commented on their purity, clarity and the way they refracted light in a rainbow of colour. It's unclear exactly what or how he was able to determine so much from the stones. It seems at the time he was only given a couple as a gift in honour of his work. Imhotep was one of the smartest men of his time. I'm sure he had his ways of realising the worth of these stones."

Watching Xander's men begin loading the diamonds into wooden crates, Addison said, "So all this was for diamonds? All the lives taken, the…"

Santos frowned in what appeared to be false confusion. "Lives taken… I didn't take any lives."

"Of course you didn't. You're just a victim of coincidence, right?"

Xander smiled and shrugged his shoulders. "What can I say…?" He turned to watch the men carefully pack away every diamond. "I'm just unfortunate in being in the wrong place at the wrong time." Xander looked back to address Skyler. "And, Inspector Tidwell, without you it probably would have taken a lot longer to open the temple."

"My pleasure," Skyler replied dryly. She wondered what Addison's plan was. Standing beside the agent she saw Xander's men carrying one box of uncut diamonds out of the chamber. There were another two crates to be filled. They certainly don't waste any time, she thought. Skyler knew Xander would want to leave the temple and possibly Egypt as soon as possible. Santos simply watched as Phoenix strutted around his men, barking orders harshly. Again she wondered exactly what Phoenix's role in the greater plan really was. Judging by the way he held himself and spoke to the men it was clear he was as much an equal partner as Xander. She recalled earlier words from the man Addison had caught. He spoke of Xander building a machine. It seemed likely the sale of these diamonds would fund their intended and obviously illegal plans with millions of pounds, but what of the machine? Skyler presumed Phoenix had a part in that area of the plan; he certainly didn't appear to have much knowledge in the field of archaeology.

"Okay, you two take this out. We've one more to go." Phoenix placed a lid on the second wooden crate and nailed it closed. He watched Xander approach as he waited for the last crate to be filled. The pair spoke quietly with each other.

"Addison," Skyler whispered. "What are we doing? How are we…?"

"We're not."

"Not what?"

"We're not going to make any attempt to get out of this," Addison replied. "I want Santos to believe he has us. We need to play this by ear. There's so much more going on than just a search for diamonds, Sky. If we are to learn the truth, now is not the time to take over the situation."

"We need to find out about the machine they're allegedly building."

"Exactly!"

The doctor rolled her shoulders. Cramp was beginning to set into her muscles. "I don't understand, Addison. Why doesn't he just kill us? I mean, don't get me wrong, it's not like I want that, but he's killed so many already. I guess I'm just scared he'll see us as disposable as he saw every other person who got in his way. Addison… we're kind of helpless at the moment."

"Hey." Addison looked deep into Skyler's eyes. "Trust me when I say this… we're not helpless, okay? One thing I know through the years in this job is how to read people. I'll tell you this… Santos is a sadistic bastard, but killing us would be anticlimactic. I don't know what he has in mind, but if it was as simple as a bullet through the brain he would have done it by now."

"Addison, when you're trying to be reassuring, please don't use the phrase 'bullet through the brain'!"

"Quiet!" Skyler and Addison turned at the sound of Zavren's voice. Both he and Tim hadn't faltered in keeping the two women at gunpoint. The expression in Zavren's eyes alone was enough to tell Addison this man had no conscience and held no remorse for his actions. Now wasn't a good time to antagonise Xander's favourite henchman. Maintaining silence, Addison turned to watch and listen to the activities ahead of them. They had remained in the outer chamber while Alexander, Phoenix and their men packed and removed the diamonds.

Addison wondered how it came to be that the diamonds had been placed in Imhotep's temple. She understood the Dendera Text's explanation of a southerly expedition. Africa was a continent known for its diamonds. She knew that five thousand years ago diamond mining wasn't the booming trade industry it was today so Addison wondered how they became a gift for the ancient priest. Were they a tribute or an offering? Were they placed there after his death? At the precise moment, Addison decided those questions didn't really need pondering, they had a larger problem at hand. Santos… and what he intended doing with them. She needed to forfeit this round in order to discover the ultimate details of his plan. Her only concern was how to do this and stay alive. She needed to execute the outcome very carefully indeed.

"That's the last…" Phoenix thrust his hammer down hard, "…nail." He hit the metal again. "Secured." One final knock forced the nail snugly into the wood. He dropped the heavy tool onto its lid. "We're done. We have them all."

"Good." Xander addressed two of his men. "Get it loaded." The men nodded in silent acknowledgement and hauled the box from the ground. They transported it outside slowly. "Follow them and keep watch," he told Phoenix. "We need to be ready to leave in ten minutes to reach the airstrip."

The younger man whipped off his baseball cap, revealing a thick head of short, white hair. He stepped closer to Xander and whispered, "Why do I always get these jobs? We're equal partners yet you order me around like one of them."

Addison looked away, pretending she couldn't hear Phoenix's words. Xander watched her briefly before replying to his partner's complaints. "You don't have the stomach for this part of the job. Zavren is my man for the moment. I have two women to dispose of. You fainted like a girl when you saw the professor's body. You're the brains," he said in an attempt to reassure Phoenix. "Zavren… to be blunt… is sicker in the mind than everybody else here put together."

Phoenix remained adamant. "I may not like the sight of a decapitated corpse, but that doesn't mean I don't have a good idea for how to dispose of them."

"And what is that?" Santos asked curiously.

Aware of Addison watching him, Phoenix leaned closer and whispered quietly in Xander's ear. Xander laughed, a smile twisted his features with nefarious glee. He liked the idea. Laughing out aloud, he slapped Phoenix's back. "I like it… partner. This one I'm giving to you." With a smile that didn't reach his eyes, Santos stepped out of the temple. He approached Zavren and Tim, paying absolutely no attention to Addison and Skyler. He passed them by as if they weren't even there. "Listen to him." He smiled cruelly. "He has a plan!" Santos left the chamber.

Skyler and Addison looked quickly at each other before Phoenix's voice called to them. "Come in here," he ordered.

Addison looked behind her. Both men were too far away to consider an attack and she knew any movement in their direction would cause Zavren's itchy trigger finger to start pumping. She and Skyler entered the temple. She was pretty sure she knew what was about to happen. It was probably the only way they would have time to discover the true nature of Phoenix and Xander's plan.

"Stand behind the altar," Phoenix ordered. He maintained his own level of distance, walking around them as they approached the large altar. When both women were standing behind the stone structure he asked, "How did you find us? The location of this temple can only be discovered through the Dendera Text."

Not wanting to reveal that particular piece of information, Addison shrugged. "I guess you weren't as clever as you thought you were. It wasn't too hard to trace and follow your tracks."

Phoenix wasn't impressed. The backing of two armed gunmen and fifteen feet of distance between them boosted his confidence. "Don't keep me waiting for answers, Inspector Black. If you answer me now your death will be quick and relatively painless." Phoenix didn't realise he had just revealed his plans and proved Addison right in her presumption of his intentions. When she didn't reply, Phoenix turned to Skyler. "Inspector Tidwell, maybe you'll be a little more forthcoming?"

Skyler swallowed hard. "I don't think so."

Smiling, Addison said, "You won't get away with this. I personally guarantee you will pay for whatever actions you take here tonight."

"That remains to be seen, Inspector. What you should be worried about is that whatever happens from here on out, you wont be here to see it." He was silent for a brief moment and Addison could tell he was mulling over her words. He didn't appear fazed for long. "So you have chosen the long… slow… and painful death. Very well, but don't regret not taking me up on my original offer now."

Addison sighed. She knew what was coming and was beginning to wish he would just get on with it so she could figure out their next move. She looked at Skyler, seeing her worried expression. In a low voice she whispered, "It will be okay, trust me."

Phoenix stood behind the centre jack. He looked at Zavren and inclined his head to the jack on the right and then did the same with Tim, informing him to take the left. "I'm sorry you won't be around to witness the greatest achievement in modern history. I like to brag!"

"So don't do this," Skyler replied.

The young man laughed and waggled his finger from side to side. "Ah, ah, ah, Inspector Tidwell, nice try, but once I make up my mind I stick to it. Say 'goodbye', Inspectors." Phoenix grasped the release lever of the jack. He took a length of rope, handed to him by Tim and tied it around the lever. Holding the rope he backed away to the entrance of the outer chamber, Tim and Zavren flowed.

Addison fixed Phoenix with an icy glare. "Next time I see you, you'll be staring down the barrel of my gun."

Phoenix laughed, but Addison's expression sent a shiver down his spine. "I don't think so." He looked at Tim and Zavren. "Ready?" The men nodded. Phoenix looked back at the women. He paused for only a second before ordering them to pull. "Now," he shouted and together they pulled the ropes. This in turn released the jack leavers. The men turned and ran from the chamber, hearing the sound of steel supports falling to the ground. The earth shaking crash of solid rock falling to the floor in swift descent followed this. The weight of the impact caused the stone to crack and shatter. Rubble began falling, large boulders tumbling to the ground. As soon as Phoenix had given the order to release the levers, Addison knocked Skyler to the ground, under the altar. She swiftly followed, gaining cover under the stone structure and away from stray falling rocks. They lay upon the ground, Skyler's forehead against Addison's chest as the crashing and pounding of heavy boulders slowly blocked the temple's exit.

Addison breathed rapidly. She could feel grit and dust hit the back of her throat every time she took a breath. She coughed and buried her nose in Skyler's hair. The cave-in of rocks seemed never-ending, but could have only taken a maximum of ten seconds. Addison felt a measure of dread as the last shaft of light was extinguished and they were engulfed in complete darkness.

Finally the rocks ceased falling.

A feeling of trepidation surrounded both women. They remained underneath the altar, not yet daring to open their eyes. Both knew there was little chance of seeing anything anyway. After the air calmed, Addison finally did try looking around. She was greeted by the harsh reality of absolute darkness. She coughed, becoming aware of the woman beside her. Addison pulled away from Skyler, just enough for her to feel Skyler's head and place her forehead against the doctor's temple. "Sky," she whispered.

Skyler whimpered, "Addison, what… how…?"

"Hey it's okay, it's okay." Addison looked around, but still saw only darkness. She waited for her eyes to adjust in the feeble hope of limited sight.

Taking a deep breath, Skyler asked. "You knew this was going to happen, didn't you?"

"Pretty much, yes I did."

"So you have a plan?"

Removing her forehead from Skyler's, Addison attempted to straighten her back. The silence around them was palpable. "I will." Addison took a breath of hot, dusty air. She coughed again as the dust fragments hit her throat. A bead of sweat trickled down her temple. Addison looked around in the darkness, sensing more than seeing the dense walls around them, blocking any escape. "I'll think of something, Sky. I promise."

Chapter 22

Trapped in the temple, Skyler was reminded of one of her most feared and recurring nightmares as a child. She would dream she was locked in a box shaped very much like a coffin. It was small, narrow and very dark. Outside she could hear screaming, loud shouting and scratching on the lid. The sounds terrified her, yet so did being enclosed inside the coffin. She was afraid and she was trapped. Claustrophobia engulfed her senses yet she feared leaving the box for what might be outside. Those dreams would often wake a young Skyler from a fitful sleep, making her scared to close her eyes again. As an adult, she was able to easily identify her dream's general overtones of anxiety, but this was the first time Skyler felt anything close to the terror she felt as a child. The fear she could feel, combined with the increasing beat of her heart, made her fully aware of their situation. She tried to relax by concentrating on Addison's presence. She could feel the agent fidget beside her.

Addison brought her ankle behind her. She attempted to reach into her boot, but her movements were limited. Instead, Addison stretched her leg out in front of her, pushing it behind Skyler's back. First things first, she thought. "Sky, in my boot I've a knife. I've found it advantageous to keep one in there since Israel. Can you undo the laces and reach inside to get it? It's a switchblade so don't be worried about encountering something sharp."

"Okay." Skyler felt around for Addison's boot. She pulled apart the double tied laces with a little difficulty, but perseverance gained her entrance. With restricted range of motion she searched and found the knife. Shuffling around until she was back to back with Addison, Skyler handed her knife.

"That's great. Okay… you first. Let me cut through the cable tie." With one hand, Addison released the blade. Being as careful as possible, Addison sliced through the dense plastic in one swipe. Relief coursed through Skyler's limbs as her shoulders and arms were released. She groaned, moving her head from side to side.

"God, that feels so good. Thank you." Skyler turned around. "Now for you." She reached out in the darkness, feeling around for Addison's hands. Taking her knife she cut through the cable tie.

"Ugh, thanks." The agent turned to face Skyler. Their hands reached out, searching, finding and pulling one another into a strong embrace. Skyler tried to remind herself to remain calm, but the realization of their situation hit hard. She bit her trembling lip; her eyes squeezed shut. Addison felt Skyler's body shake in her arms as she fought against a frightened sob. "Hey, hey come on. It's okay."

"What are we going to do, Addison?" Skyler pulled away. Her hands travelled over Addison's body, up her arms and across her shoulders. She cupped the agent's cheeks. "I'm not exactly feeling comfortable with this. I used to be claustrophobic as a child, remember? The one thing I like about the darkness is that I can control it. Our flashlights are in the pack with our weapons on the other side of that… rubble."

As Skyler spoke, Addison kept her vision focussed upon what she hoped was the exit to the temple. Though shrouded by darkness Addison concentrated her vision upon where she thought the rocks would be. They were too far underground to expect natural light to cast any beams through the boulders and she was certain the artificial lighting, set up by Santos, had been either destroyed in the rock fall or removed after the exit was sealed. At that moment a sudden thought occurred to Addison. She smiled in the darkness. "Sky, when I was younger I had this habit of carrying what I considered to be useful items around with me. You know, I wasn't exactly the model kid! Most children my age had pockets stuffed with sweets, coppers and other generally useless items. Me… well I had anything and everything from a knife and fags to matches and a torch."

"A torch," Skyler echoed.

"Uh huh. Even today, on any assignment, I always carry with me my S.A.S. survival tin…" Addison fumbled down her right trouser leg, looking for a low side pocket. "… And a compact, but rather powerful…" Unsnapping the button she pulled the single item out of her pocket and turned it on. "… Torch."

Relief flooded through Skyler. "Oh god, thank you!" She took the light from Addison's hand and shone it around them. Skyler noticed the torch was a smaller version of the S.O. issued kinetic torches. Apart from being smaller, this one didn't possess the ability to turn from flashlight to lantern. "You could have told me you had this before," Skyler said with a smile of temporary relief.

"I had a lot on my mind," Addison replied.

Skyler smiled again. Even though the torch pushed back her feelings of trepidation, she knew it wouldn't last.

On her hands and knees, Addison crawled out from under the altar. In the beam of the torchlight she could still see many dust fragments floating through the air. She rose, Skyler standing beside her and together they surveyed the damage around them. Stray boulders littered the floor, but the majority of rock was completely filling the temple's exit. Addison swept her hand over the altar, clearing away small pieces of stone. She braced her hands on the surface and jumped up, twisting her body and sitting down. Addison gazed around, her mind working overtime as she contemplated a route of exit.

Skyler walked around the temple. She shone the torchlight over each of its six walls. Dust was still thick in the air and Skyler silently commended herself for remembering to get an antihistamine shot before she left on this mission. The dust from the underground chambers was one of only three substances she was allergic to. Without the shot she would be sneezing and snuffling constantly. The memory of the first time she'd encountered the tomb dust came to mind. Her reactions had been so severe, Skyler's face had begun to swell, itchy and red. She recalled it being quite an embarrassment at the time.

Turning her attention to the mound of rocks, Skyler directed her torch beam around the edges of the temple's exit. She was positive there had to be an opening of some sort. She shone the light around the top of the rocks and her hope of finding an area in which to begin removing them was unfortunately dashed. The flashlight highlighted areas of the temple's ceiling, which was held up by nothing more than the rubble covering their exit. With hope ever decreasing, Skyler turned to Addison. The agent remained seated upon the altar. She appeared to be staring into space, lost in a daydream. Skyler knew, however, that Addison's problem solving mind was hard at work. By the curious expression she portrayed, Skyler was sure Addison had the makings of an idea. The doctor didn't ask what it might be; she knew Addison would impart that information when she was ready.

The flashlight's beam began to dim and so Skyler turned it off. She shook it for twenty seconds, converting kinetic energy into much needed light. Unfortunately, finding herself back in the darkness reinforced their situation in Skyler's mind. They were trapped. Recalling her dreams as a child, Skyler didn't know what felt worse, being in the darkness or having the light on and seeing the walls surrounding them, blocking any escape. She felt her heart beat a little faster and a weighty feeling press against her chest. She turned the torch back on, needing to divert her mind's focus onto something less foreboding. The doctor approached Addison and sat beside her. "I could really do with a drink right about now," she said.

"I'm sorry," Addison replied, blinking from her thoughts. Pushing a hand into one of her many pockets, she pulled out a packet of chewing gum. "Here, have one of these. They are pretty strong. They will get the mouth watering in no time."

"Thanks." Taking a piece of the red, cinnamon flavoured gum, Skyler popped it into her mouth. She wanted to ask Addison what she was thinking, but feared her response all the same. Instead she remained silent, her own mind puzzling over their predicament. She tried to instil a feeling of hope based around Addison's positive attitude, but was having little success. Doubt had a habit of forcing hopelessness upon a person who was slowly being consumed by fear.

Bracing her hands on the edge of the altar, Addison adjusted her position. She crossed her legs, placing her elbows upon her knees and folding her hands together. She placed her chin upon her hands and continued to think in silence. Her dark eyes followed the beam of light cast by their torch. Addison sighed.

"Are you okay?"

The agent nodded. "Yes, just thinking." She jumped off the altar and approached the rubble. "These look bloody heavy."

Skyler held back her own sigh; afraid it would seem more like a whimper. She swallowed hard and placed a hand over her aching chest. "Yeah." A moment of silence passed before she spoke again. "Addison?"

Turning from the rubble, Addison looked over at the doctor who was shadowed in the torchlight. "Hmm?" Skyler didn't reply, but Addison could see her tension building. Her left fist was clenched tight, her right squeezing the small flashlight. Addison cursed herself for not paying enough attention to Skyler. At that particular moment there were things a lot more important than Special Operations protocol. She needed to be there for Skyler. "Sky," Addison called again, her head dropping to one side. The doctor continued staring at the ground. "Look at me," implored Addison.

Slowly, Skyler looked up. "Addison, please tell me what you're thinking. I need… something." She slipped off the altar. "Addison, I'm not… I'm not feeing too good right now."

"God, Sky, I'm sorry." Addison stepped over the rubble, taking Skyler in her arms. She hugged her firmly, closing her eyes. "I'm just... I'm going over everything I can think of in order to find the safest possible way out of here. I don't mean to shut you out, Sky. Believe me, I'm working on it." She pulled back, looking into Skyler's shaded eyes. "There's a lot in here," Addison tapped her head. "I'm searching for the answer."

Skyler stepped away from Addison's arms. She shone the torch around the walls once again. "What answer are you going to find? I'm trying not to panic Addison, but all I can see are six walls surrounding us and closing in on us." Skyler's chest rose and fell with increasing breath. "I need to get out of here." She felt her entire body infuse with heat. "Damn it, Addison, I need to get out of here." Skyler began pacing around the temple as she muttered, "I can't breathe; I can't breathe." She dropped the torch to pull at her clothing, which felt entirely too constricting.

"Sky." Addison approached Skyler, but stopped when the blonde held up her hand.

"Please don't touch me right now, Addison."

"What?"

"I mean it."

Addison could clearly see what was happening. She recalled Skyler once telling her of how she was claustrophobic as a child. Skyler had presumed that was long forgotten. "Sky, it's okay to feel scared."

"I'm not scared!"

"It's natural."

Skyler stopped pacing. She stood in front of the altar, holding onto her clothing to disguise her trembling hands. "Are you scared?"

"Ah… well…" Addison wasn't sure how to respond to that question. "That's not so easy to answer or explain."

"What do you mean?"

The agent stood beside Skyler, leaning against the altar. "Being scared isn't always as clearly defined as black or white."

"Addison, why don't you just give me a straight answer? Please?" Skyler scrubbed her hands up and down her arms. Her skin prickled with discomfort and she longed to feel free from her constricting flesh.

The agent turned to face Skyler, but kept a respectful distance. "For me, fear is a tool. It's something I use to push me harder. I'd be lying right now if I told you I wasn't feeling scared. I can feel it… like an immense pressure trying to weigh me down, but it only makes me want to fight harder. Feeling this… it's like a sign telling me I need to be as strong as I possibly can be. It makes me feel…" Addison paused, trying to find the right words to convey what she meant. "It makes me feel so alive!"

Skyler was silent as she pondered Addison's explanation. She tried desperately to switch off these feelings, but the more she thought about them the worse they became. She felt nauseated and her stomach flipped and churned.

"What are you thinking?" Addison asked. She could see Skyler's body tense further. "Sky?"

"Addison, I want to do what you do. I want to turn these feelings into a driving force, but I can't. Right now it's all I can do not to cry." She covered her face with her trembling hands and rubbed her eyes.

Addison didn't know if that particular moment was the right time to help Skyler deal with her claustrophobia. She watched as the doctor began pacing. She walked from one side of the temple to the other, kicking a wall in sheer frustration. "Skyler?"

"I'm so damn scared, Addison, I can't even think straight. What help am I to you or anybody if I can't shake these feelings? FUCK!" she shouted and kicked another wall. Skyler clenched her hands, throwing fists into thin air. "I need to get out of here!" The walls around her seemed to pulse and her vision blurred. She closed her eyes, shaking her head.

The agent knew of only one way she thought might help Skyler deal with her claustrophobia, if it backfired the consequences would be severe, but it was all she had. Whatever happened, she needed Skyler. Bending down, Addison picked up the torch off the floor.

"Addison?"

"Skyler, fear is a normal reaction to a seemingly uncontrollable situation."

"I know that." Skyler watched Addison toy with the flashlight. "What are you doing?"

"Showing you," the agent replied and turned off the torch. Darkness surrounded them. Addison kept her senses tuned to Skyler's position.

"Addison?" Mounting fear was evident in Skyler's voice. "Turn that light back on. Please turn the light back on. Turn it on. Maybe now isn't the best time for this. Addison…?"

The agent swallowed hard. "I think that response proves it is."

"How can you…"

"I want you to listen to what I say," Addison interrupted. She needed Skyler's logical mind to help her. She'd already realised they had a means to escape, what she needed was a way in which to carry out her plan. She needed Skyler's sharp mind, now more than ever.

"Addison?" Skyler reached out, but couldn't find her. "What are you going to do? Why wont you turn the light on?"

"I want you to listen to me, Sky. Just listen." Addison ran her fingers through her hair. She felt small fragments of dust and grit fall onto her face. "Can you feel it, Sky?"

"Feel what"? Skyler asked in an agitated tone, her heart ever increasing in pace.

"Can you feel the walls around us, blocking us in?"

"Addison!"

"No, Sky. I need you to really feel this." Addison heard Skyler's breathing pick up pace. "I want you to fully acknowledge our situation."

"No problem there," Skyler spat resentfully.

"No?" Addison walked around the altar, keeping a distance from Skyler. "We're trapped in a damn temple, which we might as well call our tomb. If we try to remove those rocks one false movement will cause the whole lot to topple down on us. Crushing us. The best we could hope for in that circumstance would be a quick and painless death. Maybe a decent hit over the head?"

"Addison!" Skyler couldn't believe what she was hearing. This wasn't helping her at all. She wanted to cover her ears, but on doing so she could hear her own heart beat, hard and fast. That was even worse. "Please stop," she whispered.

"We can't see a damn thing. Who knows what's behind us right at this moment?"

Skyler felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. She shivered and spun around in the darkness, holding out her hands… reaching… searching.

"What's so bad about the darkness is we feel we really have no defence against the unseen. What if we were being watched right now? Feeling those eyes upon you, behind you. That eerie feeling slithering down your spine, you can't help but look around. You see nothing, but the feeling remains. Unseen eyes upon you… watching you."

Skyler's breathing increased and she shivered once again.

"But you know what the worst part about this is? We're down here and we're trapped. It may be over a week before H.Q. sends out a search here for us, wondering why there's been no movement and eventually seeing our life signs fade. Trouble is, a lot can happen in just a few short days. No food and no water. What if we run out of oxygen in here?"

That thought never occurred to Skyler. The notion made her heart speed even faster. Even though she knew exactly what Addison was doing, the truth in her words was a slap of reality across her face.

"More rocks could fall and we'd be crushed. We could run out of air. We may not escape this place. Doesn't it feel like the walls around us are getting closer and closer?" Addison had to admit it, if just to herself, her words were even beginning to affect her own sense of reason. The nervous tension sent a rush of adrenalin through her body. "Imagine being so closed in by the walls that you couldn't move. Restricted. A binding feeling like a hand wrapped around your throat."

Skyler closed her eyes; a pounding echoed in her head. She tried to take deep calming breaths, but couldn't ease the increasing beat of her heart or the trembling in her limbs. Blood pounded in her ears. Her stomach tightened. "Please stop. I GET IT!"

"I'll stop, Skyler, but I want you to tell me what you're feeling."

"I'm feeling like I want to run the hell out of here, yet there's nowhere to fucking go! I feel sick and right now, I'm sorry Addison, but I hate you. I don't like this feeling and I want you to stop."

Addison pressed on despite Skyler's words. She had to do this. "Feel like you might pass out?"

"Not until you said that… thanks!" Pushing both hands through her hair, Skyler held a fist full of blonde locks in each hand. "I don't like this, Addison." She choked back a sob, her face contorting in frustration.

The agent nodded in silent acknowledgement. "Fear of dying, of being crushed alive. Trapped. Finding it hard to breath?"

Skyler fell to her knees, tugging at the collar of her shirt. Claustrophobia had always lingered deep within her subconscious, but now it was attacking full force. Her heart pounded, her chest and throat felt tight. She couldn't breath. Her legs ached and her body shook. Tears stung her eyes. She couldn't speak.

Hearing Skyler's panicked breath, Addison knew it was time. Fully aware of her position, the agent stepped behind Skyler. She knelt down, taking the trembling woman in her arms. At first Skyler attempted to struggle and fight against the encompassing, confining feeling. Anger at Addison drove her to rebel, however, Addison held firm and Skyler eventually stopped fighting. She released another sob, forcing Addison to caress her stomach. The agent hoped to god she was doing the right thing. No doubt it was a delicate situation, but Addison wouldn't stop until this was over. "Listen to me, Sky. I want you to listen to my words and think about what I say."

"I can't."

"Yes you can. Just block out everything, but the sound of my voice."

Skyler fought to focus her mind on Addison and whatever she was about to say.

Addison rested the side of her head against Skyler's. "Think about when we make love. Think of those wonderful sensations that spread through your body at the peak of ecstasy."

"Addison…"

"Just… think about it. That wondrous ache in your body, the way it trembles. How a single touch can make your breath pick up and fill your lungs faster. How your body pulses in desire to the rapid beat of your heart… All very similar to the sensations you are feeling right now, right? The only difference is your perception." Skyler remained silent and Addison knew she was listening to her words. "You can't fight the inevitable, Sky. What you can try to do is control the outcome and your actions."

Skyler was beginning to understand Addison, however, her mind was still warring between reaction and logic.

"Accept what you can't control, Skyler. These feelings wont stop, but see them for what they are and how many ways your body can react in the same way."

"How?"

"Can you still feel them?"

Skyler nodded. "Yes."

"Is your heart pounding?"

"God yes."

"Just like mine does when you kiss me. When I kiss you?"

Skyler was still for a moment and then slowly nodded.

"Good… relish it. How thrilling is it to feel that vitality pounding through your body? Don't fear it." Addison spoke low against Skyler's ear. "Feel it. Let it feed you." Skyler's breathing slowed and became deeper. "Feel the edge. This is what it feels like to be scared, but you know what?" Addison's hands stirred, moving around Skyler's body. "You feel so damn alive! These aren't bad feelings. They are the rawest form of energy. Your heart beating… your body aching and the way it trembles. It's so primal. Feel it, Sky, but don't fear it."

Skyler bit her lower lip. Her eyes squeezed tightly closed. "Addison, is this supposed to be… sexually arousing?"

Addison smirked. "Well not usually, but this might have something to do with it." She added firmer pressure with her right hand to where it was cupping Skyler's centre.

With a growl, Skyler turned, blindly seeking Addison. They met in a kiss burning with passion and energy. Still holding Skyler, Addison pulled her closer. Her left hand travelled up her body and stopped beneath her breast. She felt Skyler's heartbeat drum against her palm. When they parted, gasping for air, Addison asked, "Are you scared, Sky?"

"Yes."

"How does it feel?"

Skyler breathed evenly and licked her lips. "It feels… powerful." She smiled. "And right now… strangely arousing!"

Addison chuckled and removed her hand from its warm place between Skyler's legs. She took the torch from her back pocket and turned it on. They squinted in the direct ray of light and Addison moved the beam ahead of them. They were facing the cave-in of rubble. "That's what I feel. People have often said they think I feel no fear. On the contrary… I do feel fear, it is only natural, but I use it and don't let it use me. That's the secret." Addison caressed Skyler's cheek. "Are you okay?"

"Uh huh."

"Ready to help us get out of here?"

"Give me a moment." Skyler closed her eyes. She took deep, even breaths. "Addison, I'm sorry I started to freak out on you." She opened her eyes.

"It's okay. Maybe it was a good thing you did."

Skyler was confused. "How so?"

"Because do you think you'll ever allow those feelings to overtake you again?"

The doctor had to think about that. "I'm not sure." She considered how she was feeling now and the way that weight of terror had been replaced by a feeling of acceptance. "No… I don't think it will." She turned to face Addison. "Why am I not surprised you used sex to appeal to my sense of reasoning?"

"Don't start on me!" Addison defended. "It worked didn't it?"

"You're such a letch!"

"That I can't deny," Addison admitted. "But seriously, it did work?"

Skyler nodded with an eager smile. "It worked and boy can I feel this… energy inside me."

"You know what that is, don't you?"

"What?"

Addison climbed to her feet, pulling Skyler with her. "Two things... firstly, it's lust." She wiggled her eyebrows. "And secondly, it's the Skyler Tidwell I know and love just itching to solve the problem of how we get out of…" she turned, holding her arms wide, "The temple of the dodgy walls!"

"So much for Imhotep the master architect!" Skyler countered. Addison didn't reply. "Hey?" The agent was silent, her attention focussed upon the ceiling. "What are you thinking?"

Addison turned to Skyler. "I'm thinking I've just figured out how to get us out of here."

Chapter 23

Skyler hoped her ears hadn't betrayed her. "Did you say you've just worked out a way to get us out of here?"

Her attention back upon the ceiling, Addison nodded. "I sure have."

Noting Addison's line of sight, Skyler looked up at the ceiling. She searched for what may have prompted Addison's sudden idea. Nothing remarkable jumped out at her. The glimmer of hope she harboured for a trapdoor or hidden exit faded and she frowned. "Addison, what are you thinking? Are you going to let me in on this or keep me guessing? I may have lost the desire to kick my way through the walls, but I do still want to get out of here."

Taking a step backwards, Addison placed one arm around Skyler's shoulders. Using the torch she directed its beam where the top of the rocks met the temple ceiling. "You see along here?"

Skyler squinted. "Um… I think so. What am I supposed to be looking at?"

Addison took a step closer, bringing Skyler with her. "The ceiling… it's cracked and ready to fall, but only for about a foot back or so. The rest of the ceiling is still structurally sound. The pillar in the centre here probably aids its sturdiness."

"Okay." Skyler approached the rubble cautiously. From bottom to top it filled the exit and seemed to hold up the rest of the broken ceiling. "So we need some way to remove all this crap without being close enough to be caught in the rock fall. What do you suggest? Standing behind the altar and throwing pebbles from a safe distance until one might luckily hit a weak spot and there-by disturbing the boulders and the whole thing comes tumbling down?"

Addison pursed her lips and placed her hands upon her lips. "Are you being sarcastic?"

"Well you're not telling me everything, so I'm taking wild leaps!"

"Sarcasm!" Addison narrowed her eyes. "You need to give me a chance, woman. Okay... one step at a time. I need to know, in your expert and logical opinion, whether you agree with me on this… "

"What?"

"Do you agree with my opinion that the remainder of the ceiling will stay put if we attempt to remove the boulders?"

Skyler frowned and inspected the precarious rocks once again. "Yes I think so, but how?"

Slipping a hand into her breast pocket, Addison produced a clip for her Diemaco rifle. It held five of the new bullets Samuel had designed. "One of these." She handed Skyler their torch and removed a single bullet from the rifle clip.

"I don't understand."

"Remember the new ammunition Samuel designed? I told you about it on the plane."

"That's it?"

"Sam gave me a couple. Unfortunately I don't have the rifle, but under the circumstances I don't think it would be a good idea to use it anyway."

"According to what you said, the explosive power of a single bullet is immense. To fire a shot into the rubble would be way too much."

"Exactly."

When Addison didn't elaborate, Skyler winced. "Please don't say what I think you're going to say?"

"What do you think I'm going to say?"

Skyler studied Addison's expression. "I think I'm afraid to say."

Addison held the bullet with her thumb and forefinger. She gazed at the object, so small yet so deceptively destructive. "I want to take it apart. I want to see if we can…"

"I knew you were going to say that." Skyler forced a breath through her lips. She took the bullet from Addison and gazed at the casing. Shining the torch light over their only possible hope, Skyler was incredibly careful with the powerful explosive. "How does this work again? A two point detonating sequence?"

"Yes. I know, as is, the bullet is far too powerful and would cause too much potentially lethal damage. However, I'm thinking if we were able to decrease the amount of explosive inside we can… control the detonation and damage caused. It'll be a delicate operation and we don't have a whole hell of a lot of resources to work with."

"Not to mention Sam's nano technology!"

"Well yes, but I know Sam's work and I know if we can get inside one of these babies…" She took the bullet back from Skyler. "We can use it to control an explosion with enough power to disrupt the rocks and just enough to remove the danger."

"And create an opening for escape." Skyler scratched her forehead. "Addison, it's going to be more dangerous opening one of them up."

Licking her lower lip, Addison thought about the possibilities of success. "I know, but I'm positive I can do it, Sky."

Skyler turned, walking away from Addison; she needed to think. What Addison proposed was in no doubt a dangerous decision and one with the potential of being more catastrophic than their current situation. She bit her lip as she weighed the probability of success. It wasn't high. With no prior knowledge of the internal workings of Samuel's new ammunition there was no way to even predict what would be inside the shell. Skyler spun around. "Permission to speak freely, Captain Black?"

Addison quirked her eyebrow in confusion. "Huh?" Skyler had never addressed her by rank before. "What's going on?"

The doctor laughed. "Nothing. I just want to say I think this is an utterly insane idea, but… let's do it."

"Okay… okay." Addison nodded slightly and looked around. She approached the altar, placing the bullet on its surface. "We need to see what tools we actually have here." She began rummaging through her pockets, placing all available items on the table. "Two packets of chewing gum… wallet… knife… survival tin… lighter." She left the ammunition clips in her pockets; they wouldn't be needed. "Cell phone…" she flipped it open. "No signal… surprise." Addison looked over at Skyler. "What about you?"

"Oh um…" Skyler walked over to Addison. She placed the torch on the altar. "I don't think I have much." She searched her pockets. "My wallet… some coins… P.D.A… compass… oh, and a chocolate bar!" She squeezed it softly. "Melted… icky!"

"Anything else?"

Skyler shrugged. "I don't seem to have anything we could use."

"Don't be so sure," Addison replied. Placing her hands upon the altar's surface she stared down at the explosive bullet. She drummed her fingers upon the dusty stone.

"Did Sam tell you what was inside his bullet?"

Addison winced. "No, but by his description I have a pretty good idea. The only dangerous part is going to be getting inside. After that, I'll play it by ear."

Knowing it was a blind leap, Skyler asked, "Do you want me to do it?"

The agent gave her a sideways glance. "Sky, if I thought I had a chance I'd make you stand as far away as possible while I did this." She turned to look at Skyler. "Unfortunately I know how headstrong you are."

"Damn right."

"Uh huh." Removing the lid from her survival tin, Addison rummaged around its compact contents until she found what she was looking for; a small penknife with razor sharp blade. Removing the instruments, she placed it down beside the bullet. "Can you hold the torch while I do this?"

"Of course." Skyler took the flashlight and waited for Addison to begin.

Addison could already feel her palms beginning to sweat. She knew the most difficult part of the initial process was going to be the opening of the casing. That was when the possibility of jarring a detonator would be at its greatest. Even with the two-point detonation process, she didn't know what would happen once the seal was broken and she ventured inside. Picking up the penknife, Addison flipped open its blade. She sucked a breath through her teeth. "Okay… let's do this." Skyler shone the torch light over the bullet as Addison picked it up. "Come closer; I need as much light as possible."

Skyler stepped closer; her shoulder was flush against Addison's. She held the torch with her left hand and watched as Addison placed her knife against the base of the bullet. The blade was very sharp and its metal shone in the torchlight. "Be careful." Pausing, Addison turned and looked at Skyler. The doctor held up her free hand. "Sorry… just thinking out aloud."

"Uh huh."

"Oh she's so sexy when she's uptight!"

Addison arched her eyebrow.

"Damn it; happened again." Skyler smiled. "Sorry, I'm just trying to keep the tension to a minimum."

"It's okay." Addison held the bullet closer. She slid her blade against the base of the ammunition and twisted it around the seal. The blade moved slowly. "Keeping the tension low is probably a good idea." A bead of sweat rolled down Addison's forehead and slipped down her nose. She twitched her nostrils, forcing the droplet to fall.

"Is the seal breaking?"

Completing a second circuit, Addison nodded. "Seems to be." She twisted the blade around once more and then wedged it inside, prizing its base away from the bullet's shell. Addison held her breath. She didn't want to make any harsh movements, knowing they had to remain slow and fluid.

Skyler peered over Addison's hand. She bit the corner of her lip anxiously. With an ominous darkness surrounding them, her focus remained solely upon Addison's knife and the separating bullet casing. Unconsciously, she crossed two fingers of her free hand.

"Come on… come on, baby." Addison dropped her penknife and took hold of the base, pulling the internal explosive from the bullet's shell. "Holy shi…" Addison gazed down at the technology. It was like nothing she'd ever seen before. Within the unique mechanism was a small, moulded glass tube. Packed inside the tube was the explosive. It looked similar to C4, but Addison knew its power was much greater. She had seen the damage caused by such a small amount. Addison studied the two-point detonator. It was connected by a tiny circuit board holding one microchip; she turned the explosive around with her fingers.

"Would you look at that," Skyler said in amazement. She shone the torchlight closer. "A tiny watch battery! This is amazing!"

The agent shook her head in wonder. "I don't know how he does it. This is inspired."

"It's genius."

Placing the explosive carefully in the palm of her hand, Addison stared down at its intricate design. She sucked her bottom lip into her mouth and bit gently upon the flesh. "Sky?"

"Hmm?"

"I have an idea. This is a hell of a lot safer than my original thought."

"Which was?"

The agent smiled wryly. "Activate the detonation sequence then use those three seconds to run like hell to safety!"

Skyler cleared her throat. "I hope to god your new plan is better than that."

"Better… yes, but as easy… absolutely not." Addison pondered her idea. "I'll need your help and…" she paused, "Your P.D.A."

Now Skyler was curious. "What on earth do you have in mind, Addison?" She looked down at the explosive and then back at Addison. "And why do I have this bad feeling in the pit of my stomach?"

"It's not a bad idea, but it is risky. First of all…and most importantly, does your P.D.A. have infrared data transfer?"

Skyler nodded curiously. She was still uncertain as to what Addison had in mind. "Sure it does. I need it to transfer data to the main computer back at H.Q."

"Good." Addison turned her survival tin lid upside down and placed the explosive technology upon its shiny interior surface. "I need to cut down the amount of explosive inside this glass vial. I'll have to remove the detonation rod and break the glass as gently as possible. I calculate one eighth will be enough to cause adequate disruption within the rocks to let the remainder fall. Hopefully that should leave us in a better position to escape."

"Addison, I don't understand what…"

"Well the idea is to get the rest of the rocks to fall and clear a pathway for us to…"

"No I get that part," Skyler said. "What I don't understand is why you want to know if my P.D.A. was capable of infrared transfer." She picked up the handheld computer. "Why is that so important for this?"

"Ah yes." Addison held up her mobile telephone. "My phone is also infrared for sending and receiving data between other phones and computers."

"Okay, but…" Skyler paused as realisation dawned upon her. "A transmitter and receiver!"

A wide smile shaped Addison's lips. "Right. I want to use your P.D.A. as a transmitter and my cellular phone as the receiver… to detonate the explosive. It will mean a bit of tinkering around with the phone, but I'm figuring you could do that, right?"

Skyler's eyes studied the equipment. "I think so."

"Good. You do that and I'll change the two-point detonation sequence to just one detonator… one switch. I think the hardest part is going to be figuring out how to use the phone to trigger the detonator."

It was a plan, Skyler thought, but it wouldn't be as easy as Addison's 'run like hell' strategy. She wondered how best to use the phone's capability. "Your phone has a vibrating alert, right?"

"That's it!" Addison exclaimed. "We use the P.D.A. to transmit a signal to my cell phone which will cause a vibrating response that will trigger the detonation!" Addison cupped Skyler's cheeks and kissed her soundly upon the lips. "Did anybody ever tell you you're an absolute frigging genius?"

"Not today," Skyler responded, enjoying Addison's kiss. She noticed Addison's expression grow stern. "What's up?"

"Skyler, promise me you'll just agree to this one request?"

"You know that means I won't!" the doctor responded.

Addison growled. "Bad choice of words." She thought swiftly before speaking again. "Skyler, in division of task you have the hard job and I have the dangerous job. I want us to do this in separate sides of the temple. Me over there," she pointed to the temple exit. "And you furthest away from me as possible."

"Addison, are you serious?"

"Never been more so. Sky, if that thing detonates while I'm decreasing the charge I'd like for you to be as far away as possible and for me to be besides the exit in hopes that you will still, with luck, be able to escape."

Skyler knew Addison was deadly serious. She wanted to protest as adamantly as possible. Unfortunately, not only did she know Addison had a point, but personal feelings could not stand in the way of their mission… not now. Skyler frowned with a petulant expression forming on her features. "I don't like this, Addison."

"I know."

"You use the torch." Skyler took the single tea light from Addison's survival tin and her lighter. "I'll use this. You'll need the best light and I'm working with electronics and illuminated screens."

"Deal." Addison picked up the torch and then tapped Skyler's bottom lip.

The doctor frowned. "What?"

"Open."

"Okay?" Skyler opened her mouth. She watched as Addison's fingers ventured inside and felt her remove the chewing gum. "You could have asked!"

"I could have." Addison smirked. "I need something tacky." She waved the moist gum around in the air to dry it out. "It's the stickiest substance we have."

She had to ask, knowing she would probably regret it. "What would you have used if we didn't have gum?"

Addison pondered her question. "I really don't know. Hmm… ear wax?"

"Oh my god!"

"Or how about…"

"No! Don't say anymore." Skyler shook her head muttering, "I don't believe I kiss that mouth!" She picked up Addison's phone, her P.D.A and the agent's knife. "Can I use this?"

Addison was still grinning as she nodded. "Sure, I'll use the penknife. I need this particular blade anyway."

As she finished gathering her essentials, Skyler looked back at Addison. "You know… it really is fun working with you. One minute I'm freaking out… the next I'm being grossed out!"

The agent smiled proudly. "Thank you." She began gathering her own tools. "I'll take that as the compliment I'm sure it was intended to be."

Skyler rewarded Addison with an affectionate smile. "Meet you back here?"

"Count on it." With a wink, Addison walked to the corner of the temple. She sat beside the left corner of its exit and arranged the items before her.

Skyler lit her small candle. Once the wick ignited she carried it to the opposite side of the temple and sat down upon the dusty ground. Quietly, Skyler turned on her P.D.A and began programming the small computer to transmit to Addison's make of cellular phone.

Holding the sharp blade of her penknife, Addison gazed down at the vial of explosive. She had worked with C4 before, but knew this wasn't the same. However, it was similar enough for her to be positive she could carry out her plan. Over the years Addison had worked with many different types of explosives both in their creation and disarming. She was well aware of the dangers and how best to handle such materials. Unfortunately, she had never seen this particular type before. Samuel had stated it was more powerful than H.M.T.D and that had sat at number one on the explosives scale. It seemed Addison needed to rely upon previous knowledge and a little insightful logic for this task.

Remaining calm, Addison used only light pressure to break the end of the glass vial. It fractured with ease. She removed the sharp fragments and continued until she was left with its contents. The substance was no more than one centimetre in length and half that in width. Using her torch, Addison looked up at the rocks. Recalling it's explosive power she figured they would only need two millimetres of length. With an educated estimation, Addison sliced into the blue, puttylike substance. She removed the rest from the tin lid she was working upon and placed it inside the empty bullet shell. "Okay," she muttered and looked down at the materials. "Let's make this work." A sudden, muted curse caught her attention and she looked across the temple. Skyler sat in the candlelight, the glow of the P.D.A. screen shining upon her face. The flickering candle's orange flame cast her blonde hair in golden hues. At that moment, Addison decided Skyler had never looked more beautiful. She resisted an urge pushing her to go to Skyler. Instead, Addison turned her attention back to the task at hand

Thirty-eight minutes later, Skyler was the first to complete her work. She looked across the room at Addison. The agent sat with her legs crossed, pulling apart the gum she'd taken from the doctor's mouth. Sky smiled and looked down at the small computer and mobile telephone. The phone's silver casing had been removed and she had adjusted its vibrating mechanism to respond with greater force. Skyler altered the phone, making sure it would respond as and when required. Though limited in tools, she was able to use the tip of the knife as a screwdriver as well as a wire stripper. She had completed the alterations and was ready for Addison.

Working in such poor lighting, Addison's eyes ached. The intricate, detailed work she performed left her with a deep pounding across the front of her skull. Massaging her temple with nimble fingers she asked, "Do you have it ready?"

"Yes." Closing the knife blade, Skyler climbed to her feet, bringing the P.D.A. and cellular phone with her. She approached the altar, placing the objects down. "These are ready to go."

"Great." Exercising caution, Addison rose. She held the explosive in the palm of her hand. "Just one question left to ask… where on the rocks should we place it?"

Skyler considered the possibilities. "Well considering we'll be taking cover under this altar I don't think it should be too low down. I'd guess as high as we can reach is our best bet." She picked up what was left of the mobile telephone, taking it over to Addison. Only its internal parts remained and those had been 'tweaked'. "How do you want to do this?"

Shining the flashlight over the rocks blocking the temple exit, Addison picked an area flat enough and high enough to place the explosive. It was still within her reach. "I've rigged this to detonate as soon as the two wires, which will complete the circuit, connect. That will happen due to the phone's vibration. It still won't work until I place this…" Addison held the tiny, circular battery between her thumb and index finger. "Back in place."

"Sounds like it should work," Skyler said.

"It better," Addison responded. "I'm going to need glasses after this!"

Together they prepared and situated the explosive. As the final touch, Addison carefully connected the battery. She took two cautious steps backwards and then turned, dashing under the altar with Skyler. "Are you ready?"

Skyler held up her P.D.A. "All I have to do is send the data signal."

The women sat close, their legs intertwined, keeping contact. Addison twisted her body around so that her back was to the rubble wall. "Just in case," she said.

"I'm not even going to waste my breath," Skyler replied. She moved her index finger around the button. "Ready?"

Addison nodded. "Go for it." She wrapped her arms around Skyler. The doctor pushed the button. Nothing. She frowned and pressed it again. Still there was nothing. Now Addison was concerned. "What the…"

In confusion, Skyler removed the torch from the floor and looked down at her P.D.A. Maybe she was pressing the wrong button. "Oh… damn it!" she cursed. "Power save… it turned the thing off!" She switched the mini-computer back on. "Okay, this time… ready?"

Addison held Skyler tight. "Just do it before I…"

Skyler pressed the button. There was hardly time to register a loud vibration before the rocks exploded and, once again, commenced falling to the ground. Both women held each other tightly as rocks fell behind them. Addison felt something hit her back. It was painful, but she ignored the uncomfortable sensation. She didn't release Skyler.

Rocks continued to fall as the remainder of the broken ceiling hit the ground. For Skyler, it seemed over a lot quicker than the first time around. When the crashing and pounding of solid rock ceased, she looked up. Dust filled the air and for a moment it was difficult to see anything at all. "Did it work?" she asked in a voice filled with hope and anticipation.

Releasing Skyler, Addison turned. She cast the torchlight towards the exit. The mound of rocks was still present, but this time it was only three feet high. Though more of the ceiling had fallen the remainder of the exit was clear. "You Jammy Beggar… it worked!" She sprung from underneath the altar, pulling Skyler with her and they hugged in relief. "Are we good or what?"

Skyler laughed. "The best!" She resisted the urge to literally jump for joy.

Taking the doctor's hand, Addison led her to the rocks. "Come on, lets get out of here."

"You read my mind," Skyler replied and together they climbed over the heavy boulders and towards freedom.

Chapter 24

Xander looked out of the window of Phoenix Hawthorn's private jet. His view was unobstructed and spectacular to behold. There was something surreal about seeing the world from such a distance. It looked so innocent, beautiful and above all serene. Although he would never admit it, even to himself, a small part of Xander wished it really were all of those things. He turned away, relaxing back into his comfortable leather chair. They had been in the air for just over two hours and so far their plans were on schedule. Santos stretched out languidly; he was tempted to close his eyes. Zavren, Tim and the rest of his men who'd accompanied him in Egypt were happily dozing around him. All but Xander and Phoenix. Xander's younger partner was working in the aircraft's cargo hold. As soon as the diamonds had been carried aboard, Phoenix had set to work. Their flight south wasn't the only plan on schedule. Something far greater was rapidly reaching completion.

With little resistance, Xander closed his eyes. The hectic days were beginning to catch up on him. His mind slowly drifted. Santos thought back to the two women they had left trapped in the temple of Imhotep. Not a flicker of remorse shadowed his thoughts. He grinned nefariously and sunk deeper into his chair. An unexpected question entered his mind. How did they find us? he wondered. They certainly hadn't been aware of anybody following them. Alexander shook his head, placing his hands in his lap. The question remained. Until that point he'd had little time to really think about the events of the last few hours. They had unfolded so fast and unexpectedly. Xander had been too grateful to obtain Skyler Tidwell's assistance to stop and wonder how the women had discovered them so easily. Maybe they'd been on his trail all the time, he considered. Although he accepted this possibility it was a disturbing thought. Xander was sure he had been as careful as possible. But these women were smart, he thought, especially that blonde one. He smirked. Pity… she could have come in handy if she didn't work for the enemy! Xander knew most people would consider him and Phoenix crazy for attempting to stand against governments and world leaders, but none of them had what they had!

With a haughty smile, Xander unfastened his seatbelt and rose, stretching his limbs lightly. He turned and walked towards the back of the plane. Pulling a maroon curtain to one side, Xander stepped into a small cargo hold. Phoenix sat upon the floor. A crate of diamonds was open and he was busy inspecting each one individually.

"How do they look?"

Phoenix looked up in surprise, unaware he was being watched. "Amazing… absolutely freaking amazing."

Xander nodded. He strode further into the cargo area and picked a diamond out of the crate. He chose the largest he could find, which was almost the size of his fist. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine the diamonds to be so plentiful and so perfect. The one he held alone was worth millions of pounds. It was a mind-boggling concept. Xander squeezed the precious stone in his fist and closed his eyes. His father had died while on the search for these diamonds and Xander wondered if he was watching over him right now. He knew his plans for the diamonds were very different from his father's, but Xander hoped at the very least Dorian Santos would have been proud.

Placing the diamond back in its crate, Xander asked, "Have you selected the one for the first chip?"

"Have I?" Phoenix picked up a velvet-lined tray holding several large diamonds. "With the technology we have I'll have it complete within the day!"

Xander crouched down to get a closer look at the selected diamonds. "Magnificent."

"Do you realise what we're about to do? How close we are to…"

"Greatness," Xander finished.

Phoenix nodded once. "Greatness." He shared a knowledgeable smile with his partner and then continued with his work.

Santos rose to his feet. He pulled a packet of cigarettes from the breast pocket of his white shirt and placed one between his lips.

"Smoke those cancer sticks out there please," Phoenix muttered without looking up.

Xander looked down at him indignantly. Using a blue tipped match he lit a cigarette. Taking a deep pull of smoke into his lungs he released it into the atmosphere of the cargo hold before leaving. Santos strolled back down the main cabin. He approached his seat, but as an afterthought chose the aisle seat instead. It wasn't that this chair gave him more room, simply that it was a fraction close to the cargo hold. Before sitting, Xander removed his fedora from the luxurious leather. As he turned to sit the hat slipped from his hand and rolled onto the aisle floor. "Damn it!"

Hearing Xander's curse, Zavren looked round in sleepy confusion. He noticed Xander's fedora lying upon the floor and picked it up, handing it back to his boss. Santos took it without a word of thanks. He placed it upon his head, tilting it forwards to cover his eyes. Maybe forty winks before we land, he thought.

Behind heavy lids, Xander's active brain flashed busy thoughts through his brain. He thought of the diamonds and their worth. He thought of the ultimate and final part of their plan. Xander considered the possibilities of not completing their goals, but knew now that the officers from Scotland Yard were out of the way; he really didn't need to worry. Nothing would stop them now. Xander smiled as random images appeared in his mind, Imhotep's temple in Egypt and the surprisingly intelligent Inspector Tidwell. He saw Zavren handing him his fedora, followed by another, similar incident in Cairo International Airport. Xander's eyes flew open. He recalled the incident once again… the woman who knocked him over and the second who handed him his fedora. Xander tore the hat from his head. Wild eyes moved rapidly around the aircraft. Hoping he was wrong, yet at the same time hoping the answer to being followed was as simple as his suspicions, Xander felt around the inner lining of his hat. He found a tear. Slipping a finger inside he searched around until his fingertip came into contact with a small, metallic object. He pulled it out and looked down at the chip. Anger surged through his veins. "God damn fucking bitches!" He rose and threw the chip onto the floor.

In surprise and confusion, his men sprung to their feet, weapons armed and ready. Phoenix appeared from behind the curtain. "What's going on?" he asked frantically.

"What's going on?" Santos angrily repeated. "Want to know how those bitches were able to find us so easily?" He pointed to the floor. "A tracking chip."

"What?" Phoenix stepped forwards and looked down at the tiny implant. "Where was it?"

Xander opened his mouth to respond, but thought better of it. He didn't want to acknowledge he had made a mistake, let alone admit it was on him. "Not anybody or anything is leaving this plane until it has been thoroughly searched… got it?" As the men scrambled to do his bidding, Xander lifted his right knee and slammed his foot down upon the chip. He crushed it beyond recognition.

***

Stepping over scattered boulders, Skyler used their torch to navigate a way out of the chamber. She stumbled on a jagged rock and quickly felt Addison behind her, keeping her from falling to the ground. They continued on, travelling through the narrow passageway in which they had entered the outer chamber. Slowly, natural light began to show. The entrance had been resealed and only small shafts of light were visible around the blockage. Addison knew she would remedy that.

"Look," Skyler said, shining her torch upon the ground. "They didn't take our things."

"Lucky us," Addison muttered. She knelt down to pick up her discarded Berettas. After checking each pistol she placed them back into their holsters. "Oh boy, are they going to pay for this."

"Addison," Skyler called from behind the agent. She shone her torch over Addison's back. "You're bleeding."

Addison turned, instinctively presuming it had been when she felt the sharp pain hit her during the rock fall. She attempted to look over her back. "Where?"

Skyler knelt behind Addison and pulled the shirt from her shoulders. The agent wore a black tank top and if not for the beige coloured shirt she probably wouldn't have spotted the injury. Un-tucking the black garment, Skyler pushed it delicately up Addison's back. "Damn it, Addison, didn't you feel this? You have a four or five inch gash right near your spine. That could have been so dangerous."

"I remember feeling something hit me earlier."

"Well it needs to be treated. I can do it, but we should get out of here first."

"Suits me." Addison continued gathering her belongings. She holstered her ankle pistol and then handed Skyler her weapons. "The sooner we get our stuff the sooner we leave this place."

Skyler picked up their pack and threw it over her shoulder. Beneath the backpack she spotted the location device and scooped it out of the sandy ground. Once all the gear was reclaimed, Addison studied the stone doorway.

"From what I could make out when we entered here, the entrance was simply a stone slab over the ground... or at least that is how Santos left it. I guess they didn't cover us over too well in the darkness."

"How are we going to move that?" Skyler scratched her head, irritated by the dusty, musky air.

Reaching into the pack on Skyler's back, Addison pulled out a steel crowbar. "Sheer determination and elbow grease."

"You're kidding!"

Mounting several of the steps, Addison reached up and slid her crowbar between the stone slab and ceiling. "Nope." Grasping the bar with both hands, Addison pulled. It didn't move. With gritted teeth and straining muscles she tried again. The stone shifted slightly. "Slowly, but surely."

"Can I help?" Skyler looked above them to where a little more daylight was shining through. She could see the blue Egyptian sky.

"Sure… try pushing while I pull this thing, okay?"

"Okay." Bracing her feet, Skyler placed her hands on top of Addison's. "Say when."

"Now!" Using short, sharp thrusts the women began edging the slab away from the opening. Golden sand fell into Skyler's hair the more the hidden doorway was shunted open. After thirty seconds they stopped and Addison surveyed their exit. "Well it isn't more than a foot wide, but I'd say we can slip through there. I'll go first and then you can pass the gear through and follow. Is that okay?"

Nodding, Skyler stepped backwards to allow Addison access to the narrow opening. The agent reached above the stone. Tiny grains of sand trickled down into her hair. With a jump she hauled her body through the gap and out into freedom. She wasted no time in turning around and, reaching back inside the opening, grasped her rifle and backpack from Skyler. She then took the doctor's hand and helped her through the exit.

"Fresh air!" Skyler exclaimed and laughed in relief.

Addison laughed with her. Shouldering the rifle she turned and blinked in surprise at finding a group of tourists staring back at her and Skyler. "Bugger!"

Skyler turned in curiosity to see over fifteen men, women and children looking back at them in varying degrees of bewilderment and confusion. She hadn't realised so much time had passed.

Adopting her best upper class accent, Addison said, "Bloody hell, so it really is true what they say. If you keep digging long enough…!" She singled out a teenage boy and asked, "Where are we, young fellow?"

The boy looked up at his father before answering. "Egypt, Ma'am."

"Egypt!" Skyler exclaimed and slapped Addison's arm. "You told me we'd reach Australia!"

"Slight miscalculation," Addison answered as the doctor coaxed her into a hasty retreat. They walked away in silence for several moments before Addison looked back. "So there's been a cover up."

Skyler nodded. "I was thinking the same thing. What other reason would there be for the lack of police here considering there were at least two murders last night."

"I think an insider on tourist commission must be involved here. Somebody knew to cover up what happened."

"You don't think Santos did it?"

"I don't think he would even care, but maybe to be assured of a hasty getaway he might bribe somebody to cover his tracks."

"Maybe." Skyler spotted the sign indicating an exit from the site. They took a wide path back to where they had left the Jeep. "It looks so much different during the day." Skyler looked down at the tracking device and turned it on. The screen was empty. "Um… Addison?"

"Hmm?" Addison looked at Skyler as the doctor handed her the tracker and pointed out its screen.

"No signal."

"Bollocks! Unless one of our satellites has gone down then the transmitter has been destroyed. That means in all probability Santos has found it."

Skyler clucked her tongue. "Now what?"

"Now we touch base. Is your phone still in the pack?" Receiving an affirmative nod, Addison reached inside and rummaged around for Sky's cellular telephone.

"Are you calling H.Q.?"

"The central mainframe will store the last known co-ordinates on all satellite tracking devices. Plus Mark will need an update on what's going down." Addison dialled a direct line to Daniel Sleet in the data centre. If she knew him as much as she thought she did he would be at work. Danny has as much of a personal life as any other agent for M.I.5. Special Operations. Addison waited as the phone started to ring. She dawdled slightly behind Skyler, the mobile telephone flush against her ear. "Come on, Dan, I know you are there."

Just before her call would have been diverted to another line, a tired voice said, "A.D.C., Danny speaking."

"About bloody time, Dan. I was beginning to think you knew it was me."

"Addison!" Danny said with enthusiasm. "Mark had us send three V.A. communications to you."

"Yeah? Well we were temporarily detained!"

"We saw you had been static for a few hours. What happened?"

"I'll tell you later. First of all, what did you try to contact us for?"

"Ah," Danny paused as he searched out the information he'd been ordered to transmit. "Skyler with you?"

"Of course."

"Good. Ask her to connect the data receiver to her P.D.A. I have some information for you both."

Addison tapped Skyler's shoulder and the doctor stopped walking. Their vehicle had just come into sight. "Danny is sending us some info."

"Right." Skyler commenced assembling her P.D.A. for a satellite uplink.

Noticing a very large boulder, Addison sat down upon the warm, smooth surface. "What are you sending?"

"Data on the possible contact stroke partner of Alexander Santos."

"Hmm… he wouldn't be a young man… approximately twenty-four years of age with white hair and bright pink eyes now would he?"

"He's the one. You've met him?"

"He's already on my blacklist, Dan." Addison patted the surface beside her and Skyler sat down. The doctor connected to the S.O. satellite relay and data began loading into her computer.

"The 'blacklist'." Danny whistled. "That's not a good place to be. Anyway… I'm sending you everything we have on him. Hopefully this will fill in the blanks. He's an interesting read, that young Mr Hawthorn. Crazy, but interesting."

"Crazy?"

"He has some interesting notions, put it that way. I'd say some of them are impossible, but Sam might be a better judge of that."

"Really?" Now Addison was getting interested. She looked down at Skyler's P.D.A. The data was still uploading. "Dan, do we use this same satellite for data transfer as we do for tracking?"

"Yes."

Addison cursed under her breath. That meant Santos had discovered the locating chip. "Dan, I activated a tracker in Cairo International Airport. We lost communication within the last couple of hours. Can you tell me its last known co-ordinates before the COM was severed?"

"No problem. Give me a moment, Addison." The line fell silent as Danny accessed the satellite. Addison heard him begin a low whistle to himself. The tune was unfamiliar to her. She looked back down at Skyler's P.D.A. The sun shone upon the small screen making her unable to see what Skyler was reading. She moved closer, placing her chin on the doctor's shoulder.

"There's our guy," she muttered seeing a student identification shot of Phoenix Hawthorn.

"What's that?" Danny asked.

"Nothing, just talking to myself, Dan. So have you found it?"

Danny was silent.

"Dan?"

"Yeah, Addison… I've found it." His voice held a definite tone of reluctance.

Confused, Addison pushed for further explanation. "And?"

"Addison… the accelerated speed of the tracer just before loss of contact shows it was moving at a speed of four hundred and three miles per hour."

"So they were airborne." Addison waited, knowing there had to be more. "Where were they going?"

Danny hesitated briefly. "West Africa."

"West…" Addison didn't finish as realisation dawned upon her.

When he didn't hear any reply, Danny continued. "Give me a minute and I'll access air traffic control." The agent waited, hoping Danny would discover the flight path led away from Africa altogether. "Okay, Addison... I have A.T.C. confirmation on the flight path. The plane was bound for…" Danny hesitated again. "It's Sierra Leone, Addison."

Addison closed her eyes. Sierra Leone, the one place in the world she had vowed never to return. "Okay, Danny… you better let Mark know where we're heading."

"Addison, you know there's…"

"Just let him know, Dan. You and I both know nothing stands in the way of a mission, not even a silly vow never to set foot on Sierra Leone soil ever again."

Skyler looked up curiously at Addison's statement. She frowned, but Addison didn't look her way and so she continued scanning the data Danny had sent them. The more she read the more she began understanding what was going on… and she didn't like it.

"Yeah. Okay. I'll get back to you. Right… bye, Dan." Addison disconnected the line. She rose from the rocks and rubbed her weary brow. "Great."

Shielding her eyes from the sun, Skyler looked up at Addison in concern. "Everything okay?"

"Just marvellous." Scratching her forehead the agent asked, "So what do we have?" She motioned towards the P.D.A.

Not missing a beat, Skyler rose to her feet. "Oh no you don't, G woman. You can't change the subject like that. I know we need to discuss this stuff, but I also know something is bothering you and I hope you can talk to me about it. That was a pretty strong statement you made to Danny earlier."

Gazing at the ground, Addison shuffled her right boot into the golden sand. "Later… okay?"

"Fine." Skyler handed the backpack to Addison and they commenced the short walk to their transportation. "The information Danny sent is mostly about Phoenix Hawthorn. Seems he and Santos met through the university. From what I can understand Hawthorn had already left after being recruited by some corporation. I don't know who they are though."

Addison pulled the key from her pocket. She unlocked the vehicle. "What's the name?"

"The Luis Lion Corporation," replied Skyler.

The agent paused mid-step of getting into the driver's seat. "You're kidding me!"

"No, why?"

"Because the Luis Lion Corporation was one of Agnes Brodie's seemingly legitimate company fronts! Brodie herself started the 'L.L.' corporation. Classic Agnes style, although we didn't figure most of this out until after she popped her clogs." Addison climbed into the vehicle.

"Classic Agnes style? I would have thought any company built by the great Brodie would have fallen when she did."

"It was bought out by a guy called Emerson Hollingsworth after Brodie died. It is now a major player in the computer industry and I believe they specialise in sound, graphic and network cards."

As Skyler closed her door she asked, "And what about 'classic Agnes style'? What does that mean?"

"Luis Lion," Addison replied. "Rearrange the letters and you get the word illusion."

"No way!"

"Yep, classic Agnes."

"Oh no… sorry." Skyler tapped the screen of her computer. "I was reading this. Although there isn't an awful lot of information, it says Hawthorn was hired to work in the research department." She tapped to the next page with her stylus. "A base situated in Africa."

Starting the engine, Addison put the vehicle in reverse and backed out of the dead end. "And?" She took the turning for Cairo, knowing they needed to head back to the airport.

"While you were talking to Danny, I was reading through a paper Hawthorn had written. It was about the future of microprocessor technology and the advantages of using diamonds to advance their speed and performance."

"Diamonds! Okay, bad feeling here. What do you know yourself about these diamonds, Sky?"

Skyler turned off the P.D.A. and slid it back into her pocket. "Quite a lot actually."

Addison gripped the steering wheel. "Give it to me."

"Okay… the silicon processors we're using today will soon reach the limit of manageable speeds. Imagine tar roofing... it can only take so much temperature before it starts to melt. This means the semiconductor makers are looking for new materials to build their processors."

"Diamonds," said Addison.

"Diamonds," Skyler agreed. "The hardest substance known to man with a superb ability to conduct heat. Silicon begins to show severe thermal stress at about one hundred degrees Celsius, but a diamond can withstand several times that with no negative effects."

Addison frowned. "But a diamond's base material is carbon and that's an insulator."

"That's right, but a lot of research was done on this. For some years now it has been known that a diamond doped with boron becomes a semiconductor, p-type or positive, similar to p-type silicon. What was a little more difficult was to make the n-type semiconductor… negative." Skyler stretched out her legs. She rubbed her eyes, feeling the onset of a desire to sleep. "Now obviously they need both the n-type and p-type semiconductors to form a transistor. Recent breakthroughs have allowed researchers to actually reverse the charge of the boron-doped diamond… and that was it. A p-type and n-type boron-doped diamond becomes a processor capable of speeds that will far surpass silicon."

Taking a left turning, Addison asked, "So that was it?"

"No." Skyler turned in her seat to face Addison. "First of all diamonds are not the cheapest substance to get hold of."

"But what about the accelerated process that makes diamonds in a laboratory?"

"A little better, but still not quite the quantity or quality needed. The purity of these diamonds is very important. Less impurities means higher quality and a higher quality diamond gives higher operating function. I believe so far they have it up to eighty-one gigs. The aim is two hundred."

"Holy shit!" Addison slammed on the brakes and pulled their vehicle to the side of the road. She was lucky there were no cars behind them. "Santos said the diamonds they found were the purest type in nature. Do you think he and Hawthorn have actually perfected the production process of this diamond processor already?"

"I think Hawthorn has. I think they teamed up because they could offer what each other wanted. Santos had a map to the purest diamonds in nature…"

"And one sodding shit load of them as well!"

"Yeah… and Hawthorn… well he's designed a computer so fast it has the potential of holding the world for ransom."

Addison pulled back onto the road. She continued their journey to the airport. "So the L.L. Corporation funded Hawthorn in his research. They offered him unlimited resources and his own research facility."

"In Sierra Leone, a Mecca in the diamond world. Hawthorn probably buckled down into his work, but discovered… as is the case… the diamonds offered weren't pure enough for his requirements. In his paper he was very clear in boasting the performance he could pull out of these processors."

"But he didn't have the diamonds."

Skyler shook her head. "No. So in walks Santos. He probably discovered the papers Hawthorn wrote while at the university. Now… he was sitting on the largest hoard of pure diamonds, but needed the funds and backing to get out here and locate them."

"And Hawthorn has the backing of the L.L. Corporation."

"So they partner up." Skyler brought out her P.D.A. She began reading through the data once again. "Addison, the potential this sort of computer would have is devastating. We are talking about a processor with the computing capacity of the 'Cray3."

Addison searched her memory; that name sounded familiar. "Oh that's the super computer that was designed, but obviously never built." Skyler nodded; she was lost in thought. Tapping her fingers on the steering wheel, Addison said, "A computer as fast as what we're imagining… my god, Sky, the possibility for chaos is limitless. It could do anything, like hack into and gain control of the military's missile launch system." Addison put her foot down on the accelerator, increasing their speed to the airport.

"Addison, how are we going to find them now that the tracker has been destroyed? I'm sure you have some sort of plan!"

"I have a few ideas." The agent offered Skyler a small smile. "There are a few contacts I have down there. We can find out what's been going on through the underground. Although it has been a while now, I'm sure I'll still have a contact for supplies. It may have been a few years, but I had an unconditional welcome. I just never thought I'd have a reason to go back there."

Skyler noted the hint of pain in Addison's voice. "Addison, what happened in Sierra Leone?"

Addison shook her head in an effort to clear her mind from some sudden and disturbing mental images. Sometimes she thought it was better to push those memories out of her head. However, Addison knew she had to, in some way, come to terms with those past events. They were some of the worst moments of her life, but they helped create what she was today. There was one person in particular whom Addison believed she owed her life to. Returning to Sierra Leone meant confronting that past.

Maybe it is time.

Chapter 25

Cruising at a maximum speed of three hundred and eighty four miles per hour, the borrowed Lockheed Hercules transported its two passengers on a direct flight to Sierra Leone. Skyler turned in her seat, fidgeting uncomfortably to find a relaxing position. It was difficult in a seat that wouldn't recline. She sighed and shifted deeper into the aircraft's furniture. Her head fell to the side and she closed her eyes. The need for sleep, which had been so strong only a few hours before, had abandoned her. Unfastening her seatbelt, Skyler rose. Scrubbing her fingers through her hair she growled through clenched teeth. Her mind was just far too active to rest and there was only one way to cure the problem. "Addison?"

"Hmm?" the agent responded. Even in a light sleep she was still aware of Skyler beside her. However, Addison's eyes remained closed. Her chest rose and fell with even breaths.

"Addison, I need to speak to you."

Addison's head rolled against the window. "What's wrong?"

"You!"

With that one word, Addison opened her eyes. "Huh? What have I done?"

Skyler sat back down. "Nothing really, I'm just finding it difficult to relax when I know something's bothering you. Addison… you said you'd 'part with the details' once we were in the air, but you're practically asleep. I know we need rest, but I can't. I trust you, Addison, I just need to know if whatever this problem is will affect you or the situation when we land in Sierra Leone." Skyler watched Addison's expression. She needed to know what the agent was thinking. It was obvious something monumental had happened there. She didn't so much need to know the details as much as she just needed to understand Addison's state of mind.

Addison nodded slowly. "I know… I suppose I was just delaying the inevitable. I'm sorry about that. I have every intention of telling you about this, but you need to understand I've never spoke about it before."

"Never?"

"Well no. For a start it was a clandestine operation. Mark knows because he's Director General of Special Operations and obviously knows everything about his operatives. Danny knows because he has access to all mission file, plus he worked in A.T.C. for the R.A.F. at that time."

Beginning to realise this may have been a lot bigger than she anticipated, Skyler said, "Addison, if you don't want…"

"No, Sky," Addison interrupted. "It's okay. I think maybe I should voice these memories if I'm about to go back there." Unsure of what she was about to hear, Skyler simply waited, as Addison turned a little more in her seat so they were facing each other. "During my time as a Marine Commando in 1996 my unit had been sent to Sierra Leone. It was a 'hush hush' mission in which certain government officials had called for help in controlling the rising violence against civilians by the R.U.F."

"R.U.F.?"

"The Revolutionary United Front, rebels against the Sierra Leone government. They believed the civilians should be punished for supporting the government and did so in the most inhumane of ways."

"I recall reading something about them on occasion."

Addison nodded. "The violence was getting so bad that the government called for help. I was a sergeant at the time and my unit was sent in on a sort of peacekeeping mission. A thankless task, but one very much needed. We came ashore in Freetown, a very low-key landing at zero two hundred hours on the Aberdeen peninsula." Addison paused and took a moment to gather her thoughts. "Our mission objectives were to cover three key villages targeted by the rebels. We split into three units and moved out. It was necessary to travel by foot, as we had to venture through the jungle. So we headed south of Freetown and had been making our way through the jungle for over a day when it happened. We were ambushed. An ambush was something we might have expected, but what was unexpected was the fact they seemed to know not only our positioning, but also our strength of manpower. They out numbered us three to one." Addison began to see the events unfold in her mind as though it were just yesterday. "It was a vicious, bloody gunfight which went on well into the night. By first light of the next morning I was surrounded by carnage. I could only see a few of my men and all were dead."

Skyler frowned. "Only a few?"

"Some had been taken hostage. They had put up a good fight though; I found a group of dead rebels who'd been killed by hand. I had to find them and started following their tracks. I didn't know where I was and my radio had been shot to pieces. All I could do was follow their trail. By the pattern I could tell that although they were at least forty-five minutes ahead of me, the layout showed many sets of footprints, eight of which were bound and walked with limited leg movements. Anyway… I followed the trail for over four hours when I came to a small clearing and a wooden hut to the left. Its door was open and smoke rose from a clay chimney. I could smell the scent of food cooking, but despite my hunger I had to move on. That was when I discovered several sets of footprints changed direction and moved towards the hut."

"They were inside?" Skyler asked.

Addison didn't answer directly. "I approached the small home… alert, with my weapon ready. Upon entering I found a table set and four untouched plates of food. I was so hungry I took a piece of fruit from a plate and made my way further through the three-roomed house. Suddenly I heard movement and turned to find a woman before me. She was older than I, early thirties and quite beautiful, but I was distracted by the blood splattered across her shift and her rifle aimed upon me. I had my S.M.G. on her instantly. She yelled in a language I couldn't understand. I yelled back, telling her to drop her weapon and that I wasn't going to hurt her. For a moment I thought she was going to comply as the rifle began to lower, but then she fired."

Skyler gasped. "She did?"

"I was hit in the thigh and knocked to the ground. I didn't want to fire at her. I knew she was an innocent. She was afraid. In reflex I positioned my weapon ready to fire, but she had dropped the rifle. She seemed to realise what she'd done and fell to the floor in tears."

"The scar on your inner thigh," Skyler said and absently placed her fingers over the reminder of the wound Addison was speaking of.

"The wound wasn't serious. It hurt like hell, but I believed I could still walk. I scrambled to my feet, keeping one hand on the bullet hole that was seeping with blood. She spoke then, surprising me when I understood her. She spoke in English, holding up her hands and asking for my help and that she was sorry."

"She spoke in English?"

"Yes. I remember taking a length of material from the tabletop. I actually cut it from a simple table covering. I didn't care. I needed to tie it above my wound to try and stop the blood flow. I wanted to help her, but in order to do that I had to help myself first. We watched each other cautiously."

Skyler spoke during a moment of silence. "Addison, I don't understand. She shot you and it was almost like you didn't listen to your instincts. If she had any intention of pulling that trigger you would have sensed it."

"I would now," Addison said. "Back then my only instinct was that Ona was…"

"Ona?"

"That was her name. She was afraid and hysterical. Shooting me pulled her from that."

"Pity you couldn't just slap her."

Addison smiled. "She said something to that effect herself later." Addison's mind travelled back to the tidal wave of events, which followed, and her smile faded. She recalled every detail clearly.

***

After tying the material securely around her leg, Addison looked down at the woman still sitting upon the floor. It was then that the soldier realised this woman was pregnant. She had to be about five months into term. Addison studied the woman closer. Though tears still fell, large brown eyes glittered with determination. "What's your name?"

The woman rose slowly. "Ona."

"Ona, my name is Sergeant Black. How can I help you?" She stepped closer and placed a comforting hand on Ona's arm. The stark contrast of her pale hand against Ona's rich, dark skin drew Addison's attention to a cold, moist substance under her palm. She pulled her hand away and saw bright red blood. Instantly Addison looked back at Ona in alarm. "Are you…?"

"No… it was the rebels." Ona held back a sob. "They took my sons and they… my… my husband."

"What? What happened, Ona?"

Ona ran from the house, forcing Addison to follow. "He's dying," she called. "He sent me for help... this way."

Addison followed in confusion. They ran fifty yards back into the jungle before Ona stopped. She fell to her knees and Addison saw the body of a man lying in the dirt and leaves of the jungle floor. The soldier laboured for breath. The wound to her leg throbbed with a painful reminder of the bullet lodged in her thigh. Still, Addison knew there was no time to worry about herself and she quickly approached Ona and her husband. Just before she reached the couple, Addison felt something under her boot. She looked down, thinking it was a rock, but instead found a severed hand. Addison jumped in shock and a chill passed through her. Swallowing down a feeling of queasiness, she stepped around Ona and looked down at her husband. Both his hands had been severed at the wrist. Addison could see Ona had been successful in stopping the blood flow by placing tourniquets above the wrist lines. "Jesus," she muttered. "The rebels did this?" She knelt down.

"When he refused to join them. They did this and then took our sons."

Addison knew her sons would be recruited into joining the R.U.F. Children were drugged and forced into fighting against the government.

"Please… I can not feel breathing." Ona placed her hand under her husband's nose. "He has a weak heart."

Addison felt for a pulse, but found none. "Ona, was he alive when you left him?"

"Yes."

"What's his name?"

"Bem."

"Okay." Tilting Bem's head back, Addison commenced C.P.R. She blew two strong breaths of air into his lungs and then began chest compressions. Addison repeated this action four times and then checked again for a pulse. She felt nothing. "Damn it, come on Bem." She looked up at Ona. "Every time I say so I want you to do this." Addison showed her how to blow air into her husband's lungs. Without question, Ona followed Addison's order and again they used C.P.R to try and revive Bem.

"Wait!" Ona called as she leaned over her husband. "I feel something."

Addison felt Bem's carotid artery. She found a pulse. "He's back with us!" Relief swept through Ona and she hugged her husband in tears. Addison leaned back. She bit her lip and looked down at Bem's wrists. The sight was so disturbing she felt the need to look away, but forced herself to stay in control. Her heart broke for what Ona and her family had gone through. Little did she know it wasn't yet over.

Not allowing any time to pass, Addison said, "Ona, we need to get Bem out of here. He needs medical attention."

Ona looked up through glistening eyes. "You brought my husband back to life."

"We did."

"Sergeant Black, will you help me find my sons?"

"I was on the rebel's trail when I came across your home. I will continue and do all in my power to locate your sons, Ona and that I promise you. Right now though Bem needs medical attention."

Ona nodded. "His sister, Afia, is a nurse. She is his nurse. She lives there with her husband, Tuamanguluka. She is only one who understands Bem's heart."

Addison looked in the direction Ona had pointed. "How far away do they live?"

"No more than a walk for ten minutes."

"Okay." Rising, Addison scooped Bem into her arms. He was a small man, slight of build and weighed very little. "We will take Bem there and then I shall continue to follow the rebel's trail."

As Ona had accurately translated into English, it took only ten minutes for them to reach Bem's sister's home. It was a relief to Addison who found the added weight further increased the pain in her thigh. Afia was quick to help her brother and also dressed Addison's wound. The soldier stayed for no more than half an hour. She knew she needed to get back on the rebel's trail. As she was leaving, Ona approached her from behind.

"I want to come."

"Absolutely not. No way. I'm sorry, but that is out of the question. You must stay with Bem, Ona. I will return; I promise you."

Ona was persistent. "Bem is safe. My sons are my concern now."

"What about your unborn child?" Addison knew she needed to be tough. "Show him or her the same consideration, Ona. You must look after yourself as well." Addison walked back towards the trail, but Ona followed.

"My child is safe inside me. My sons, Chich and Sule, they are twins. They will not trust you. If they see me they will know you are a friend."

"It's too dangerous." Addison continued walking. "Stay with your husband, Ona, please."

Ona remained where she stood. She watched Addison stroll alone into the jungle.

***

"She followed you, didn't she?" Skyler guessed.

"Oh she followed me alright. She was good too. She kept a decent distance and it took over an hour before I discovered her."

"Women and their wiles!" Skyler took Addison's hand. "So what happened then?"

Addison continued. "It was getting late. The rebels wouldn't reach their destination by nightfall and they stopped to make camp. As stubborn as she was, Ona refused to stay put so she continued with me. We reached the camp by dusk. They had lanterns and two fires burning. The flames provided ample lighting." The agent saw the bright orange flickering flames in her mind's eye. "There were nine men around two of the fires and another seven talking by the far edge of the site. One tent had been set up between the fires. I could see my men. They were bound together on the edge of the clearing and tied around two trees. There were eight of them and they'd obviously been mistreated with bruised, bloody faces. However, they were alert and seemed able-bodied and that was most important."

"What about Ona's sons?"

"They were inside the tent."

"Alive?"

"Yes." Addison turned to recline back in her seat. She let her head fall back and recalled the following events with clarity.

***

"Where are Sule and Chich?"

Addison surveyed the campsite. There was only one place the young boys could be. "They must be inside the tent." The soldier wished she'd kept her opinion silent as a man emerged from the shoddy canvas. He threw a knife to the ground and began wiping blood from his hand. He barked orders in the same language Ona spoke.

"No… they are dead!"

"What did he say?"

"He said the blade was blunt and asked for his food."

Addison shook her head. "They are alive." She pulled a knife from her leg holster followed by two pistols. She'd taken then from the site of the ambush. "Ona… I need you to do something for me. I need you to take my S.M.G. and the pistols over to my men. Go silently and with caution around and through the jungle. They're in partial shadow so you shouldn't be seen." She handed Ona the weapons and her knife. Ona hung the submachine gun over her shoulder "Use the knife to cut through their bindings. Give the weapons to my men and tell them to wait for my word."

There weren't enough weapons for every man, but Addison knew once her plan was in action and the rebels started falling, there soon would be. "You must…" Addison looked down at Ona's stomach. "What the hell am I doing?" She reached to take her weapons back from Ona. "You can't do this."

Ona pulled away. "I can," she said in a harsh whisper. "I need to do this for my sons. You must allow me to help, Sergeant Black. For all they have done, I need some kind of vengeance."

Ducking behind a tree, Addison pulled Ona with her. "This isn't the way, Ona."

"Sergeant Black, I worked until the day my boys came. I farmed and carried the water…"

Addison knew what Ona was implying. "That isn't the same."

"But my determination is."

Closing her eyes, Addison massaged her temples. "Okay. For your son's sake, keep wide of the clearing." Ona turned, but Addison took her arm. "Listen… whatever happens… I want you to stay back… no matter what, okay?"

Unsure of what Addison meant, Ona just nodded. She turned and made her way around the trees. Addison watched her leave and looked back into the clearing. The man who had emerged from the tent was eating by the fire. Addison could see a dark scar across his left cheek. She crouched among the foliage and placed her hand against a tree trunk. Something large with multiple legs crawled over her fingers and she shook her hand, not daring to wonder what it may be. She shivered.

Another five minutes passed before Addison saw slight movement among her men. She could tell Ona had arrived and cut one man free. In turn the knife was passed around, as each was cut loose. She couldn't see the dark woman and was thankful Ona was keeping back. She wanted her safe.

Addison checked the position of the rebels one more time. All seventeen remaining men from the gunfight were out in the open. "Okay," she whispered. "Let's go." Addison looked around upon the ground. She found a fallen branch. It was as thick as a 'Rounders' bat, but twice as long. "Perfect." Addison picked it up, holding the branch like a weapon.

***

"You didn't!" Skyler stood and turned to face Addison.

"I had a plan," Addison replied in defence.

"Yeah, Addison, but I know your plans and they usual involve you ending up with a few cracked ribs!"

Taking Skyler's hand, Addison pulled her back down into the seat. "I'm almost finished."

***

Crouching by the edge of the clearing, Addison waited. She gripped the branch until her knuckles turned white. Watching as a man slowly approached, Addison knew it was time. As the whites of his eyes came into view and she saw him focus upon her, Addison lunged into the clearing. With a cry designed to alert every member of the camp to her presence, she attacked him, thrusting the branch into his stomach and then across his head. He fell hard, but before his body hit the ground Addison felt somebody strike her from behind. She was attacked far too easily and didn't put up much of a fight as the rebels beat her to the ground. Addison kicked out, releasing a chain of precise blows before she was restrained upon the jungle floor.

The apparent leader of the team stood above her. Addison looked up at him from the ground. He placed a foot on her face, pushing her head to the side. Four separate men held down her arms and legs. Addison knew what they intended and hoped her men were ready.

The shrill of laugher echoed around her as Addison felt her pants being tugged roughly down her legs. She experienced the cold grip of fear, but fought to maintain her composure. This wasn't over yet. The pressure holding down her head was removed and Addison looked up to see the man above her drop his shorts. The sound of violent jeers and triumphant cheers continued. She struggled again at the sight of more men dropping their trousers. As the leader changed position and dropped to his knees between her thighs, Addison shouted, "NOW!"

At her word, the soldiers lunged at the rebels. Their attack was swift, deadly and they took down each man with skill and ease. By the time Addison had re-clothed herself the attack was over and her men stood in silence. An air of awkwardness hung above them. "Look at me," she ordered. The men did as told. "We do what we have to do." Addison looked each soldier in the eye. "If you have anything to say I'd rather you said it now, otherwise I never want to speak of this again."

Corporal Mathews, a man much taller than Addison, approached and saluted her with respect. "The only thing I want to say, Sergeant, is that you have reinforced my belief never to question your instincts."

With a nod, Addison returned his salute and then took his hand, shaking it firmly.

***

"My god, Addison, how could you act so cold about that?" Skyler took Addison's hand and held it close to her chest.

"Because I was doing what I had to do, Sky. Believe me, if I didn't think my plan would work I'd never have given it a second consideration. I knew the rebel's reputation."

"But you…" Skyler studied Addison's dark eyes. They glistened with unshed tears. "That night haunted your dreams, didn't it?"

Kissing Skyler's hand, Addison nodded. "For almost a year and occasionally still today. It's always the same dream. I give the word for my men to attack, but nobody comes."

"Addison..." Skyler didn't know what to say.

To break the silence, Addison continued with the final part of her story. "Ona came into the clearing. She approached the tent, but stopped just short of entering. I think she was afraid of what she might find. I told her I'd go in. Through everything that had just happened there'd been no movement from inside. I didn't want to believe the worst so without hesitation I entered."

Hanging on every word, Skyler asked, "And?"

"They were alive. They'd been drugged, but were alive. Unfortunately the letters R.U.F. had already been carved onto their chests. The scent of blood was still fresh in the air."

"My god, why did they do that?" Skyler shook her head. "How old were they again?"

"They were nine. The initials R.U.F. were carved into the chests of every child they took to proclaim ownership by the Revolutionary United Front. They intended turning them into solders." Fully understanding why Addison was happy never to return to Sierra Leone, Skyler hugged her partner. Neither woman spoke. It was Addison who pulled away first and removed the armrest between their seats. "Want to get some sleep now?"

"I can try."

"Okay." Addison turned in her seat and leaned against the window. She placed one leg behind Skyler so that the doctor could lean back against her.

Relaxing next to Addison, Skyler closed her eyes. "Addison, what happened to Ona and her boys?"

Addison replied quietly. "We escorted them back home. Bem's sister took care of my men and then we had to leave to continue our mission." She wrapped her arm around Skyler. "Get some sleep, Sky."

"Okay." Skyler's mind started to relax, deciding she would ponder Addison's story another time. "Sweet dreams, Addison."

"Hmm." Pushing all thoughts from her head, Addison sunk deeper. She was determined to get as much rest as possible before they reached Sierra Leone. She had no idea what awaited them, but knew she was in for a fight.

Chapter 26

Within a clear blue sky, the hot Sierra Leone sun shone down over a rain soaked land. The downpour had stopped only an hour before and steam still rose from the rooftops of scattered buildings. The scent of moist shrubbery and soil permeated the atmosphere; it was hot, sticky and unbelievably humid.

Along a dusty dirt road, Addison steered a hired motorbike towards their first destination. Skyler sat behind her, arms wrapped tight around Addison's torso. This was the only vehicle Addison had been able to secure on such short notice. The fact that they weren't provided with any protective headwear was a cause of concern for Skyler, but Addison assured her they would be fine. She had been riding for many years and was a skilled cyclist.

"So where exactly are we heading?" Skyler asked from over Addison's shoulder. She had to shout over the roar of the bike's engine.

"I don't have the precise location," Addison answered. "Dan could only tell me it was a house in Fandu. Their home is near the centre of the village."

Still curious, Skyler asked, "I don't understand... well I mean I do understand you wanting to see Ona and her family again, but what does this have to do with the mission?"

"Bem's sister's husband, Tuamanguluka, has a few contacts. I need inside information on the underground goings on here and we'll need a few more weapons. He spoke of these contacts last time I was there. He offered me his assistance in contacting a man who could get me anything I needed in order to help rescue his nephews. I know it was a while ago, but I'm hoping the offer is still open. I wasn't allowed to accept it while I was in the Marines, but now... well let's just say we work a little differently."

Indeed, Skyler acknowledged that fact was true enough. She also knew much could have happened in the years since Addison had last been in the country. Even with the ceasefire established in 1999, it had been a hard, delicate process and many changes had taken place. Skyler was very interested to see how the country had developed since the civil war.

Her attention turned to the passing scenery; Skyler noticed the sporadic placing of houses along the roadside. Each one seemed to be offering petty trades from local rice to coconuts and spices. If she wasn't on a mission, Skyler knew she would have liked time to peruse their wares.

Addison decreased her speed as the number of potholes littering the road increased. She wove the bike around deep craters. "Hey, Sky, are you okay back there?"

"Fine," Skyler replied. She was enjoying the experience. It was her first time on a motorbike and the rush of wind cooled her sticky flesh. "How far do we have to go? Not that I want to complain, but sitting like this much longer and I'll be walking funny for the rest of the day!"

"That wouldn't do!" Addison's mind pictured an incredibly bowlegged Skyler. "That's a scary thought," she stated. "Last thing we want is for the bad guys being able to escape by crawling through your legs!"

Skyler tapped Addison's stomach with her left hand. She smiled at the mental image. Her thoughts wandered and soon she was thinking about the people she was about to meet. Addison had been very detailed in her description of what had happened the last time she was in Sierra Leone. Skyler could perfectly understand why Addison would have been happy to never return. However, she also knew Addison wouldn't back away from anything. At first, Skyler didn't quite understand the agent's stubbornness and almost compulsive need to charge headlong into any situation that would cause the slightest measure of trepidation. It was only after experiencing her own fears in Imhotep's temple that she fully understood. It was neither insanity nor a subconscious death wish, but the difference between living her life and having it dictated to by insecurities existing only to hold her back.

Turning around a sharp bend to the right, Skyler held onto Addison a little tighter. If it wasn't for their satellite navigation, Skyler was sure neither she nor Addison would have a clear idea of where to go. They were taking the back roads, as Addison didn't want to make their presence too well known. Until she received word on a definite location of the L.L. Corporation's Sierra Leone branch, it was best not to draw too much attention.

Addison took several more turnings until she began to see signs of village life. She slowed the motorcycle down, eventually coming to a stop beside a large tree. Turning off the engine, Addison turned to look back at Skyler. "This is it; this is the village Ona and her family moved to after the war."

"Fandu," Skyler said, more to herself than Addison. "How will we find out which house belongs to Bem and Ona being as though neither of us speak Mende?"

"We'll find a way." Addison twisted her leg around and dismounted the bike. She waited for Skyler to do the same before leaning their vehicle against the tree and securing it with a heavy chain.

"Look at this," Skyler said as a smile lit up her features.

Addison turned to see half a dozen young children run towards them. Curiosity shone in their innocent expressions although they maintained a safe distance. The agent grinned at them, hoping to show they were friendly visitors. Placing a hand upon Skyler's lower back, under their backpack, she guided her into the village.

Skyler looked around at the simple homes. They were constructed using mud bricks, each one single level with three to four rooms. Their roofs were made using Zinc sheeting, very simple, but a wonderful achievement for the villagers who built their homes themselves.

As their confidence grew, the children began to move closer. Skyler smiled and wiggled her fingers in greeting. She remained beside Addison who was vigilantly studying the centre of the village. Fandu was one of the many regions that'd been aided by the World Relief fund in rebuilding their communities. Addison had remained up to date with the progress of Sierra Leone, especially the village where Ona, Bem and their family lived. As much as she harboured a desire to see them again, she never thought she would… and yet here she was.

Looking to the left, Skyler stopped in her tracks. Two remarkably similar young men caught her attention. They matched Addison's description of Chich and Sule. The two teenagers, dressed in nothing but navy shorts, bore the scars of the R.U.F. carved into their chests. Although the marks had faded, Skyler's eagle eyes caught them instantly. "Addison…" Skyler took the agent's arm. She too had stopped upon seeing the twins. "Is that…?"

"I think so." Addison swallowed.

"Are we going to…?"

"Yes." Addison remained where she stood. The twins were now looking in their direction. They were holding simple farming equipment and had obviously just returned from their day's work. The night was fast approaching.

Wondering why the agent had yet to move, Skyler asked, "Are you okay, Addison?" She received a silent nod in response. Skyler felt a degree of concern. "Addison?"

Blinking, Addison shook her head. "Sorry, it just feels a little strange to see the twins again. It's like I can still see them as the young boys they were… wounds still fresh…" Unexpectedly, the door to their home opened and a young girl stepped into view. Addison estimated she must have been no more than nine years old. Feeling an encouraging hand upon her waist, Addison stepped towards the house. Skyler followed, still paying a small amount of attention to the children around them.

Smiling in greeting, Addison asked, "Chich… Sule?" The twins' expressions of cautious acknowledgement encouraged Addison. "Speak English?" She hoped their mother would have tutored her children.

"Yes," Chich and Sule answered together.

"Hello, my name is…"

"Sergeant Addison Black!" said a voice from behind the agent.

Addison spun around to see a very familiar face. "Ona! My god!" She approached the taller, dark woman and they embraced warmly.

"I am surprised to see you."

Addison held Ona's shoulders and looked into her eyes. "It's been a long time, Ona."

Dark fingers traced Addison's jaw line. "You have not changed, Addison Black."

"And neither have you… still as beautiful as ever." Addison placed a hand upon Ona's stomach. "Although this is a little smaller!"

Ona smiled. Looking over Addison's shoulder she called to the young girl in the doorway. "Addison Black, this is my daughter Ashaki Montsho."

Addison lowered her head to look into the shy girl's eyes. She said hello in Mende, the only word she could remember. Ashaki showed little acknowledgement until her mother said something which made her look up at the agent in wonder. "What did you say?" Addison asked.

"I told her you are the woman who she was named after. She knows she was named after the soldier who saved her father."

"Really?" Addison was both surprised and humbled by Ona's revelation. She swallowed a lump that had unexpectedly risen in her throat.

"Ashaki Montsho," Ona repeated. "In English means 'Beautiful Black'."

Addison was stunned. She felt the sudden regret in not returning to Sierra Leone sooner. Blinking away a stray tear she looked over at Skyler. "God, I'm sorry. Ona I would like you to meet Doctor Skyler Tidwell… Sky, this is Ona."

Skyler took Ona's hand warmly. "I'm very pleased to meet you, Ona."

"You are very welcome here…" Ona paused to accurately pronounce the doctor's name. "Skyler." She looked back at Addison. "A social visit?"

"I'm afraid not, Ona. There's possibly a very bad situation here. Skyler and myself have been sent to stop it before terrible things happen."

Ona nodded. "You want to talk with Tuamanguluka?"

"Yes. We need weapons and contacts he might know. We have money and can pay for the best."

"I can send for him. He will not be here until tomorrow. For now you must come into our home. You are welcome to stay tonight. Bem… he is inside… he never got to meet you. I know he will be very happy to finally see you. Please…" Ona held out her hand to the women. "Welcome."

***

Entering Bem and Ona's home, being around the family once again, Addison was reminded of the emotions she experienced the last time she was amongst them. This time, however, through the passage of years, many things had changed. Their lives had transformed and the flicker of contentment in Ona's eyes proved that. The family had worked hard to get where they were, but had paid a heavy price, as had many of the villagers. Signs of the past war were still very clear. Many bore the physical and emotional scars of the violence used against them, but they looked only towards the future and worked diligently to build the community they now lived within. It was a wonderful sight for Addison to see.

Despite Addison's earlier reservations, Skyler could tell she was happy to come in contact with the family again. Although their previous time together was brief, it had been an intense and passionate fight for many lives. For Bem, meeting Addison was an emotional reunion. Skyler herself was captured by the sentiments and warmth of the family. Ona had taught her sons and daughter enough English that they were able to communicate with her and Addison very well. Their conversations were light and focussed mainly on current issues and village life.

After a simple rice dinner the family retired for the evening. Addison and Skyler remained in the parlour. They constructed a simple bed out of a blanket and a change of clothing for pillows. The women spooned together on the cold floor. The temperature had dropped and a slight chill lingered in the air. With one arm wrapped around Skyler, Addison whispered into her ear... "Sky, are you awake?"

"Yes," Skyler replied in a low whisper.

"Interesting day, huh?"

The doctor turned onto her back. She looked up at Addison who gazed down at her, awaiting a response. "One thing I'm beginning to love about this job…"

"What's that?"

"I can honestly say I never know what tomorrow will bring." Skyler looked up at the metallic roofing of the small house. "To be honest, Addison, I didn't really expect to be travelling the world. I was under the impression I would be based solely in London… or at the most a secure location at a safe distance from the action."

Addison smiled. "Never thought you'd be right in the middle of it again?" "Not really. I can't say I particularly wanted it either. I know this won't be a regular occurrence though."

"Probably not." Addison smoothed her hand down Skyler's chest and it came to rest upon her stomach. "It's been interesting having you with me… working with me… it's been a while since I've had another person on a mission like this. That wasn't really the requirements of Special Operations… but I guess we have to evolve and this assignment certainly didn't come through regular channels."

"I guess not." Adjusting her position, Skyler placed one hand under her head. She placed her other upon the hand Addison rested upon her stomach. Taking a relaxing breath, Skyler said, "It feels so peaceful here at night. I guess it's very different from how this country used to be."

Addison nodded silently. Her attention turned momentarily to the distant sounds around the village. She heard a baby crying and nocturnal birds hooting in the trees. "I feel so tired."

"I think we both need to catch up on some sleep."

Again, Addison only nodded. She pulled Skyler into her body and the doctor placed her head upon Addison's shoulder. They closed their eyes, but even behind heavy lids, Skyler's mind was active. "Addison?"

"Hmm?"

"Something just occurred to me."

"What's that?" the agent mumbled.

"Another of the papers Hawthorn wrote. It was about artificial intelligence." Skyler opened her eyes to find Addison looking at her in curiosity. "He has some reasonably probable theories. I'm thinking that if he applies that programming to this computer we may be in even more trouble than originally thought."

Addison sat up in concern. "How do you mean?"

Skyler sat with her. "I'm not entirely sure… I mean… I have no idea what he's building, but I do know one thing… if he applies any of this A.I. programming into this computer then, considering the advanced nature of his technology, there is the possibility of it becoming self aware."

"Thinking for itself?"

"Look, Addison, I'm only speculating, but Hawthorn is damn smart. If he is building the ultimate computer then with his ego he's going to make it…"

"The dog's bollocks!"

"The best, yes."

Crossing her legs, Addison asked, "So are we talking a supreme power struggle here or Terminators… rise of the killer-bots… cybernetic organisms taking over the world?"

Skyler smiled. "I don't think we have to worry about time travelling or muscle bound assassins, but… Addison, imagine what you would do if you had no conscience, no emotions, no desire… in short… nothing that is unique to our humanity? The question isn't 'what would you do'? … It's 'is there anything you wouldn't do'?"

"Bugger." With a whole new set of worries etched into her brow, Addison lay back down, pulling Skyler with her. "We have a lot to do tomorrow." As Skyler placed her head upon Addison's shoulder the agent said, "I want you to get in touch with Mark and Danny. Tell them everything we know and get any new information. You'll definitely have to do it through satellite communication. Resources are limited here… there's no I.S.P. or mobile phones. I'll be meeting with Tuamanguluka and I would like you to stay here."

"Why?"

"Because his contacts aren't exactly the friendly or trusting type. Bem told me Tuamanguluka has close links with former R.U.F. These guys will be the best people he knows in order to get inside information on any clandestine activities in the area."

Not liking this idea, Skyler propped her head up and looked down at Addison. "Are you sure about that? Addison, it's obvious some of these guys were pretty nasty sons of..."

"…It'll be okay, Sky, I promise. I somehow doubt Hawthorn's base is going to be the L.L. Corporation's Sierra Leone branch. I'll need an insider, familiar with the land and people, to discover the possible location of Santos and Hawthorn." Addison paused as she pulled Skyler back down onto her shoulder. "I'm also going to need a few more weapons… a couple of handguns and a rifle is hardly enough for the surprise party I have in mind."

"Surely their weapons technology can't be as advanced as ours though?"

Addison tapped her nose. "Depends on who you know!"

"Well okay, but I still reserve the right to be concerned about this, Addison."

"Concern noted." Addison closed her eyes. "Now lets get some sleep."

"Okay." Skyler closed her eyes, but opened them once again. "One more thing."

"What?" Addison asked with a sigh.

"Happy Birthday for tomorrow, Addison."

The agent's eyes flew open in surprise. "My god, I forgot about that!"

"Good thing I'm around then isn't it?" Skyler snuggled under the warmth of their blanket. "Now get some sleep and remind me to give you your birthday gift once all this is over."

In curiosity, Addison asked, "Is it a pony?"

"No."

"Is it bigger than a baby's arm?"

"Addison!"

"Does it vibrate?"

"Get some sleep!"

"Can I wear it?"

Skyler growled.

In a deeper tone, Addison then asked, "Can you wear it?"

"Goodnight, Addison."

The agent closed her eyes. "Goodnight, Skyler." She smiled. "Can we both wear it?" Suddenly, Addison felt her makeshift pillow pulled from under her and her head hit the ground. She was bombarded with a series of cushioned attacks. Addison held her hands up in front of her face. "Okay, okay… I'm asleep!"

With tired satisfaction, Skyler lay back down and handed Addison her pillow. "Night, Addison."

Addison grinned in the darkness. "Night, Penfold."

Chapter 27

Skyler rolled onto her back and though still asleep the repetitive sound of an incessant bouncing invaded her subconscious. She grumbled and pulled the blanket over her head. Unfortunately the sound drew closer. Skyler wriggled deeper under the cover, but there was no escaping the invasion. In defeat she sleepily opened one eye and peered above the blanket. To her right a bright red ball bounced repeatedly by the side of her face. Feeling confusion, Skyler rose to a sitting position. Looking around she noticed Addison was suspiciously absent.

"You are awake," Ona said in greeting as she stepped into the parlour.

Skyler rubbed her eyes sleepily. "That's a matter of opinion." She yawned. "Good morning, Ona. Where's Addison?" She looked behind her to where Ashaki was still bouncing her red ball and smiled at the young girl.

"Addison left early this morning with Tuamanguluka. She tried to tell you. You were sleeping deep. Addison said she would leave you to rest."

"Oh she did, did she?" With her head hanging low, Skyler yawned again. Ashaki's ball rolled towards her and she picked it up, handing it back to her. Ashaki took it shyly and ran from the room. Skyler smiled in amusement. "When did Addison leave, Ona?" She watched the older woman slice fruit with a well-used knife.

"She said to tell you she left at six-thirty."

Skyler checked her watch; it was ten minutes to nine. "Damn, I've been sleeping for a long time!" She rose slowly. "I'm sorry I took up your floor space, Ona. I wish Addison had woke me."

Ona shook her head in disagreement. "Addison said you needed sleep. I didn't know her for long the first time, but I know to trust her."

Skyler smiled. "Very true." The doctor removed their blanket from the floor and began folding the material carefully. Once done she placed it upon a table by the wall and began rolling her head from side to side; sleeping on the floor wasn't the most comfortable of places to rest for the night. Skyler closed her eyes and listened to the sounds of children playing outside. Their joyful banter invaded the otherwise enclosed tranquillity of Ona and Bem's home. "Addison told me what happened the last time."

The African woman stopped slicing and placed down her knife. She turned to face Skyler. "I thank God for sending her that day. My sons and my husband would not be alive today if not for her."

"Addison considers it a joint effort, Ona." Skyler approached her and started to assist in the clearing away of cores and seeds from the fruit Ona had prepared. "She was very apprehensive about returning."

"App… apprehensive?"

Choosing a different word to help Ona understand what she was trying to say, Skyler said, "She was wary. Many years have passed… A lot has happened."

"Addison Black is always welcome in our home." Ona sat down at the table and pulled a stool out for Skyler. As the doctor sat, Ona offered her a piece of fruit and Skyler accepted hungrily. "Any friend of Addison is welcome here too."

"Thank you." Skyler bit into the slice of deliciously ripe mango. It was greeted enthusiastically by appreciative taste buds. She devoured the segment and reached for another. "Ona… I hope you don't mind me being nosey, but I need to ask about the people Addison is meeting with today. She said they are former R.U.F. rebels."

"I do understand." Ona selected a slice of mango from the wooden plate. "Some men fighting for the rebels did because their families lives were at risk… it is…" Ona tried to find the right word to accurately describe to Skyler the intricacy of the situation.

"It was difficult… It still is I guess?"

"We are a country trying to rebuild after the war. How many people want to fight?"

Skyler began to understand. "It isn't that I fear for Addison, Ona… I just can't trust the people she may be meeting with." She toyed with the half eaten segment of mango in her fingers. "I guess you can't help worrying about the ones you love."

"Comradeship between soldiers has strengthened a lot," Ona stated curiously.

"Oh we're not… well…. we're…" Deciding she wasn't quite in the mood to explain her relationship with Addison, Skyler simply said, "I'm not actually a soldier."

"No?"

"No… my position is more liaisons and information… which reminds me, I need to get to work." Skyler looked around, locating their backpack by the wall where she and Addison had been sleeping. "I need to contact Headquarters. Do you mind if I set up my gear on this table?"

With curious interest, Ona agreed readily. She watched Skyler remove certain battery-powered devices from her backpack and begin placing them upon the table. "I have never seen things like this before."

Skyler pointed to her P.D.A. "This is a computer." Next she picked up a small black box with a lead. She pressed a button that released a small umbrella-like article. As she plugged the lead into the P.D.A. Skyler said, "This is a very small, but very, very powerful satellite antennae. And finally…" Skyler picked up her mobile telephone. "This is a cell phone. Out here and on its own it is useless, but it also serves as a video-cell phone so if I plug it into my P.D.A. I can see the people I'm talking to."

"And they can see you?" asked Ona, thoroughly engrossed. Although she had only a small idea of what these devices did, she was highly interested to see them working.

"Yes, they can see me too." Skyler plugged the cellular telephone into her computer. "Now I dial through and contact H.Q…"

***

From the moment they left Ona's home, Addison and Tuamanguluka had been travelling on foot. The majority of that distance had been through the jungle. She had no idea where they were heading, but she did trust Tuamanguluka. She saw it in the man's eyes the first time they met. It was a forthright honesty she knew she could rely on. However, Addison didn't trust the men she would be meeting and as such she was prepared. Armed with her pistols and rifle, Addison was ready for any contingency.

As the minutes drew closer to ten o'clock, a heavy downpour ensued. The dense foliage managed to shield them from the majority of the rain, but that only meant it would take longer before they were soaked through. Addison didn't mind the rain, especially with the heat. Over her years in training and mission, Addison had spent almost a full year in the jungle. She was well accustomed to the heat as well as the precipitation.

Running a hand through her hair, Addison used the rain to aid her attempt in pushing the strands from her face. Her clothes were beginning to cling to her body. Addison wore only her pants and tank top. As usual her shirt remained tied around her waist, covering her Berettas. Addison's thoughts turned to Skyler and she hoped the doctor wouldn't be too annoyed for not waking her before she left.

"Addison?"

The agent looked up to where Tuamanguluka had stopped five paces ahead of her. He waited for Addison to approach. The unusually tall man held a large machete in his right hand for cutting away low hanging branches. He wore a white vest, which was too short for his long torso and a green sarong wrapped around his waist. Unusual attire, Addison had thought, but she knew choice of clothing wasn't a luxury.

"Something wrong?" Addison asked, keeping her guard.

Tuamanguluka switched his machete from hand to hand. "We are walking into land lived on by ex-members of the West Side Boys."

"Right, okay… be on guard!"

Tuamanguluka nodded. "Yes." He turned and continued his journey through the trees.

Although she had never encountered the West Side Boys, Addison was aware of their acts and reputation. They were a band of rebels, independent of the Revolutionary United Front, but just as dangerous. The West Side Boys were well known for setting up roadblocks against unsuspecting travellers. They were often drunk and wore rather bizarre clothing. Addison knew she had to be vigilant; the men's behaviour was often unpredictable. Although these men were apparently no longer the West Side Boys, Addison wasn't letting down her defences.

They trudged through the jungle for another half an hour. The rainfall continued. Now thoroughly saturated, water rolled freely down Addison's face and mixed with her sweat. Tiny corpses of washed out insects clung to her arms and shoulders. She had given up wiping them away as more would appear the next time she brushed against trees and leaves.

The sound of a rustling to her left caused Addison to pause in her tracks. Taking Tuamanguluka by the arm, she pulled him up against the nearest tree and held her finger over her lips, indicating he was to remain silent. The man nodded and looked through the trees to where seven figures emerged in the distance. They drew closer and Addison noticed each man had a weapon slung over his shoulder or tucked into the waistband of his clothing. She could tell these arms were more sophisticated. Addison turned to Tuamanguluka. "Do you know any of these men?" she asked in a low whisper

Tuamanguluka shook his head. "I know none of them."

"Shit." Addison looked back at the figures slowly closing in on them. She regarded their weaponry once again. "How much further until we reach your contact?"

"Ten miles."

"Ten! … Okay, I really don't want to waste that much time." Addison studied the men and considered her options.

"What are you going to do?"

Addison grinned. "I'm going to make these guys an offer they cannot refuse!" She pulled Tuamanguluka down into a patch of overgrown greenery. "Wait here." Without another word, Addison began climbing the closest tree. She scaled its wide trunk slowly, careful not to draw the men's attention too soon. Her sturdy black boots gripped the tree trunk despite the wet bark and Addison made short work of the immense structure. She stopped when she was fifteen feet above the ground and waited as the men approached. She could hear them speaking, but couldn't understand what they were saying. Luckily it was in Mende and as such Tuamanguluka would be able to translate if needs be.

As the first man passed the tree, Addison reached for her right Beretta. She remained otherwise perfectly still and waited patiently. Then, as the last of them walked by, Addison made her move. Leaping silently, she landed soundly behind the last man who was fortunately only two inches taller than herself. It was enough for her to place her pistol against his head. "Hey!" she called. As the men turned and alarm registered within them they reached for their guns. "Ah, ah, ah…" Forgoing the Diemaco strapped to her back, Addison reached for the submachine gun hanging from her captive's shoulder and aimed it at the remaining ex-rebels. They froze instantly. "That's good. Now… anybody here speak English?" She received no answer. "Shit… okay…Tuamanguluka?"

"Yes!" The tall African emerged from behind an overgrowth of weeds. He held his machete in a menacing manner, wary of the men before him.

"Tu, tell them I'm not here to cause trouble and I don't want to have to hurt anybody."

"Right." Tuamanguluka repeated Addison's words to the men. Instantly several answered him in anger. "They say 'then drop your weapons'."

"Do I have a bull's-eye stamped on my forehead?" Addison muttered and rolled her eyes. "Tell them I will, but… I want to offer them a deal."

Her words were translated for the men and a reply given. "What is the deal?"

Keeping her pistol on her captive, Addison released his weapon to reach for her offering. Suddenly, deciding to try his luck, the man Addison held attempted to gain the upper hand. With swiftness unseen by her audience, Addison knocked him to the ground and redirected her Beretta's aim to his crotch. She swung her Diemaco rifle around and aimed it at his rebel friends. "Stupid move, boy. I already told you I don't want to have to hurt you." She placed her booted foot over his hand as it lay upon the ground and administered just enough pressure to make sure he knew to remain where he lay. "Tu?"

"Yes?" Tuamanguluka seemed a little more nervous and the grip on his machete had tightened considerably.

"Ask them if they want to make a deal."

Tuamanguluka asked and was given a swift response. "They ask 'what is the deal'?"

Assured of their attention and co-operation, Addison holstered her Beretta, but left her Diemaco rifle aimed and ready. She hoped at that point she wasn't forced to use it.

Reaching into her pocket, Addison revealed a handful of cash. It was a thick bundle of Leones and one of three she had acquired before leaving the airport in Egypt. Showing her money to the men she said, "I need information and weapons and I am willing to pay highly for them."

Tuamanguluka passed on Addison's words. An enthusiastic response was given. "They ask 'what do you need'?"

Taking her foot from the man lying on the ground, Addison indicated he could stand. He did so swiftly and rejoined the ranks of his companions. Addison resumed talking. "I have a lot to say here, Tu. I want you to translate along with me, Okay?"

"Okay."

With a nod, Addison began. "Before I go into exact details of what I need…" she paused for Tuamanguluka to translate. "I want you to understand me… You don't want to give me any reason…" Tuamanguluka continued relaying her words in Mende. "… To think I cannot trust you… I am offering you a fair deal… with good rewards… all you have to do is accept." Addison looked each man in the eye. "If you try and double cross me…" Aiming her rifle at a tree almost one hundred yards away, Addison fired a single round of Samuel's ammunition that she had placed into the rifle's chamber before leaving. Within seconds the tree exploded, ripping its trunk clean apart. Wood branches and leaves were thrust in a three hundred and sixty degree radius of where the tree once stood. Everybody, including Addison, ducked to the ground. Birds flew away in fright and surrounding creatures fled in terror. The upper portion of the tree collapsed to the ground with a horrendous crash.

As leaves floated around them, Addison looked over at what was left of the tree. Nothing but a shattered stump remained. A feral smile crossed her lips as she rose and looked at the men. Each looked back in a mix of awe and shock. Blowing the tip of the rifle's barrel she said, "Tree go boom!"

The men spoke quietly amongst each other. Addison noticed that even Tuamanguluka seemed surprised by the unfolding events. "I don't have forever, boys."

Unexpectedly, another member of the group stepped forwards. The short curls upon his head were dyed an auburn colour and he wore baggy pants and a long t-shirt. The heavy rainfall had saturated his clothing, like everybody else's. The downpour had only just started showing signs of stopping. "We can do business."

"So some of you do speak English!" Addison wasn't at all surprised.

"I am Fela and these are my men Zere, Hiji, Dia, Gamba, Xola and Hauhouot…"

Addison pointed to her guide. "This is Tuamanguluka and I am Addison Black."

Fela shook Addison's hand. "What do you need?" He eyed the roll of red, one thousand Leone notes in Addison's hand. With the amount she had he would sell his own mother.

The agent instantly realised if she hadn't have been so aggressive in gaining the upper hand over these men they, in all probability, might have killed her before she had a chance to speak. "I need weapons, whatever you can offer with plenty of ammunition and I need information on two English men who have been working in this area. They might have been recruiting security. I have their descriptions… think you can help?"

Fela's eyes showed understanding. "Yes, but you must come with us."

"Where?"

"To our weapons and my partner. Sekou will know exactly how to find these men."

"You know who I'm talking about?"

"I do," Fela acknowledged. "One came to us… for, as you say, 'security'."

"But you turned him down?"

"Yes."

Addison looked briefly at Tuamanguluka and Fela's men. "Why?"

"Sekou must tell you this. You will come?"

After making sure Tuamanguluka was comfortable with the offer, Addison swept out her arm. "Lead the way."

***

Skyler sat in front of her compact computer. Sweat rolled down her face, neck and back. When the morning rain stopped the atmospheric heat had increased and humidity seemed to double within minutes. There was currently only Ona and herself in the small home. The twins were both out working and Bem had taken Ashaki to the local school. While Ona busied herself with household duties, Skyler sat at the family's table, talking with Mark and Danny.

"How long has she been gone?" Mark asked. His voice was broken due to the weather causing disturbances in transmission.

"Over four hours now," Skyler replied. She looked over the information Danny had sent to her. It was data pertaining to the Sierra Leone branch of the L.L. Corporation. There was also a blueprint of the building. Unfortunately, Skyler could tell there was little chance Hawthorn and Santos would be there. There was no possible secure location for their activities. She sighed and wiped a hand over her forehead. Her fingers slid over her sweat soaked skin. There was a line of comfort when it came to heat and this was way past what Skyler considered tolerable. She checked her watch. It was almost eleven o'clock. "I have a feeling it'll be a couple of hours yet before she's back."

Mark seemed to detect a hint of worry in Skyler's voice. "Skyler, you should know as well as any of us that Addison will be fine."

"I know." Skyler ran her fingers over the wood grain of the table. "Being able to take care of herself isn't what bothers me… it's just…" Skyler stopped herself from explaining anymore. She knew full well personal feelings couldn't blur one's view of a situation, especially while on a mission. "I just… well I know you have to be ready for anything." Skyler lowered her voice. She didn't want Ona to think she was insulting her family. "She's being taken to ex-R.U.F. rebels and I hope it won't turn out to be a trap." Skyler decided to change the line of discussion. "Anyway… Danny, did you manage to find any buildings here owned under the name of either Hawthorn or Santos?"

"Negative, Skyler." Danny came into view on the small view screen of her cellular telephone. "No luck on any other buildings owned by the L.L. Corporation, Agnes Brodie, Sadie Bregon, the new company director, Emerson Hollingsworth or even Father Christmas. I'm at a momentary loss for who else to look under."

"Dorian Santos?"

"Tried it."

"William Bryson?"

"Nope."

"Damn it… they could be anywhere." Skyler folded her arms, placing them on the rough tabletop. "Let's just hope Addison's having better luck than we are."

***

With Tuamanguluka beside her, Addison stood in the entrance room to a large wooden shack. They bore no weapons. Upon entering, every man had left his arms by the door and to show customary faith, Addison and Tuamanguluka had done the same. She didn't, however, remove the pistol from her ankle holster. Within the room there were three pieces of furniture, a table with two chairs. There was a subtle aroma of rotting wood and mildew in the air. That, however, was overpowered by the stench of what Addison could only liken to a cesspit underneath the floorboards. The longer she stood in the room, the stronger it became. Flies buzzed annoyingly around them.

Tuamanguluka nudged Addison. "What smell is that?"

"Right now I wouldn't want to even hazard a guess!" Addison looked to an adjoining door as it opened forcefully and a man walked in, followed by Fela.

"Who are you?" he asked.

"My name is Addison Bl…"

"I know your name. I want to know who you are."

Addison ground her teeth, determined not to let this older man rile her. His hair was flecked with grey and both his top front teeth were missing. "If I tell you who I work for are you going to tell me who you are?"

Sekou glared at Addison. He stepped towards her, standing toe-to-toe and stared into her eyes. From such a close proximity he was able to distinguish the different shades of darkness in her eyes. However, his attempts at intimidation failed as Addison refused to even flutter an eyelid. "What you going to do with the weapons and information I give you?"

"I'm going to stop a very bad man from causing a great deal of harm all over the world, including here." There was no harm in being honest.

Sekou laughed coldly, condescendingly. "Just you?"

Addison stood her ground. Her eyes slid to where Fela stood in the corner of the room. He didn't appear amused and if Addison wasn't mistaken she thought he looked almost worried by Sekou's behaviour.

"I could order you killed where you stand. I could take your money and leave you dead. You are a foolish girl."

Fists clenched in annoyance, Addison decided she had no time for Sekou's behaviour. Stepping forwards she surprised the man with a solid punch to his jaw. Without giving him a moment to react, Addison kicked him against the wall. He hit the rotten wood harshly and several planks cracked with the impact.

Regaining enough sense to realise what had happened, Sekou drew back his fist as Addison approached. He threw it forwards, only for it to be caught by Addison in a vicelike grip. She spun around, throwing Sekou over her shoulder and onto the floor. The other two occupants of the room remained where they stood.

Addison loomed over Sekou's dazed form and pulled him to his feet. Kicking out one of the chairs she pushed him onto its seat. He fell with a heavy thud and flinched as the chair was spun around, back under the table. Addison took the seat facing Sekou and sat down. "Enough foreplay. Are you ready to do business?"

"I will show you my weapons." Sekou spat a mouthful of blood onto the floor. There was less resentment and more trepidation in his voice.

"No… first…" Addison pulled out a handful of one thousand Leone notes. "Prove to me you know who I want to find."

"The boy… he has white hair and girly pink eyes."

With a smile of satisfaction, Addison pulled a single note from the bundle in her hand. She slammed it down upon the table. "Keep it coming."

Chapter 28

Skyler was out in the village centre when Addison returned. The doctor had befriended and been persuaded by the local children to partake in a game of soccer. She stood in the position of goalkeeper, in between two small boulders that represented goalposts. Addison, Tuamanguluka and a third member of their party entered the village the same way she and Skyler had arrived. The agent spotted Skyler easily. It wasn't too difficult to spot the hyperactive blonde jumping wildly between the goalposts. She had her back to Addison and was solely focussed upon the rabble of children tackling for a worn leather ball. Bem stood in goal at the other end of the makeshift pitch and Ona stood on the sideline.

Stopping twenty yards behind Skyler, Addison relieved her shoulders of the two bags she was carrying. She placed them on the floor. Beside her Hiji dropped the bag he'd been carrying. Addison had chosen Hiji as part of her deal with Sekou. As added insurance for protection against being double-crossed she chose Hiji after discovering he was the only other man who spoke English. The man was the same height as Addison with a full beard and little potbelly. He wasn't overly enthusiastic about being chosen as their guide and did so only for the greater good of his country.

From her position in goal, Skyler readied herself as two boys approached. They were of the opposing team and setting up position to score a goal. It seemed the rule of 'offside' didn't count in their game! Skyler jumped side to side and concentrated upon the oncoming ball. It zoomed towards her and Skyler was ready. With one final kick it was thrust towards the goal. As the ball whizzed into the air, Skyler took a step backwards. "I've got it," she yelled. "It's mine… it's mine!" Skyler jumped into the air and reached for the ball. "Yes!" she cheered as it approached and then went on to sail half a centimetre over her fingers. "Crap!" As she landed, Skyler felt herself lose balance and she fell onto her back with a thud. Her arms and legs lay sprawled out upon the ground. Feeling the air knocked out of her body, Skyler groaned. Addison watched the ball fly towards her and she caught it before jogging over to Skyler in concern. The doctor blinked in a haze. "I can see stars!" Her vision of the dusky blue sky disappeared as Addison's worried features moved into view.

"Are you alright?" A circle of children soon accompanied Addison.

"Addison, how long have you been here?"

"Long enough to see your impression of Wiley Coyote on another failed attempt to catch Roadrunner. There was even a cloud of dust when you hit the ground!" Reaching out, Addison took Skyler's hand and helped her to her feet. "Are you really okay?" Covering her face with dusty hands, Skyler mumbled quietly to herself. "Pardon?"

Skyler removed her hands. "I think my ass is bruised as well as my pride."

"Ouch." Addison refrained from rubbing Skyler's behind. "Remind me to check it later." She took a step away from Skyler and looked around them. "Kids!"

"Didn't take them long to replace me." Skyler watched the children who had continued their game. One of the boys had taken her position in goal. "I wasn't that bad; I did save four goals!"

Addison smirked and arched her brows. "Out of how many?"

Skyler narrowed her eyes and decided to change the subject. She looked around to where Tuamanguluka and Hiji stood with the weapons. "So, how did it go?"

"Got everything we need."

"You know where they are?"

Addison pointed towards Hiji. "Not only that, but I got us a personal guide all the way there. It cost a little extra, but I said they wouldn't get that until the job is complete." Addison made her way back towards Hiji and Tuamanguluka. "Guys, can you take the weapons over to the house and wait for Skyler and myself? We'll be ready to leave out in about half an hour." Without reply, Hiji and Tuamanguluka carried the weapons towards Ona's house. Addison turned to Skyler; she was watching the children's game. "Sky, can you come here?"

"Sure." Skyler jogged over to Addison. They walked to a wooden bench beside a narrow tree and sat down. "Are you going to tell me what you found out?"

"Uh huh." Addison turned in the seat to face Skyler. She passed the heel of her hand along her cheekbone and felt the accumulating sheen of her perspiration. Though it was mid-afternoon the heat was still as intense and the humidity suffocating. "Okay… well, first of all we didn't exactly make it to Tuamanguluka's contact. We came across a band of ex-rebels in the jungle. When I saw the kind of weapons they were sporting I knew these were no run of the mill 'wannabe' bad boys. So… I approached them…"

"Just like that?"

"Well you know… in my own fashion."

Skyler pursed her lips. "Please don't tell me you did something crazy like jump down before them and make an offer they couldn't refuse!"

Addison shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "No… not quite." She cleared her throat. "Anyway... to cut a long story short Fela, one of the guys, took me to a guy called Sekou who was their apparent leader. He sold me the weapons and information."

"And?"

"And it seems Hawthorn… or more exactly his right hand man, has been recruiting security staff for the 'complex'. This guy was described as over six feet tall with a shaven head and lots of tattoos. Sound familiar?"

A mental image of one of Santos and Hawthorn's men appeared in Skyler's mind. "Definitely. So what's the security for?"

"Extra muscle around the boundary of the property. Seems they were specifically on the look out for ex-R.U.F. and West Side Boys. The eight men we met with were all that was left of the thirty-seven Sekou had been leading. Apparently the others found Hawthorn's offer just a little too tempting to refuse."

"What was his offer?"

Addison shrugged. "He was ready to offer anything and everything money can buy. The initial deal was a great wage with the ultimate fringe benefits once his … 'venture' was a success!"

A frown wrinkled Skyler's brow. "And we know that's more than a possibility." She pondered Addison's words. "So why didn't the other guys snap up Hawthorn's offer?"

"Ah… well you see, that is exactly what I asked. I mean… these guys aren't necessarily the most law abiding of folk. It turns out Sekou and the others seem kind of bigoted. To put it mildly they weren't too happy with some conceited white man coming to their country and throwing around promises of money and power if they do what he says. Sekou was a little… resentful of that… to say the least."

"So why did they agree to help you for money?"

"Two reasons." Addison smirked. "First because I was a little forceful in my request, but secondly and more importantly… I get Hawthorn and Santos out of the country."

Skyler chuckled. "I suppose that's a good enough reason as any!"

"My guess is Sekou feels he's lost power since Hawthorn arrived on the scene. His men aren't the only ones to be recruited by Hawthorn and Santos either." Addison leaned closer to Skyler. "I have to tell you, Sky. It seems we'll be up against a small army. Are you sure you're ready for this?"

"I'm sure you already have a few plans." Skyler winked. "And as long as they don't include some form of self sacrifice … then yes I'm ready,"

"Good… and no they don't." Addison delivered a wicked smile. "But it's going to be fun!"

"Oh brother!" A thought occurred to Skyler. "Addison what do you plan on doing with Sekou once this is over? You can't give him back whatever power he thinks he's lost. Lord only knows what he intends to do with it and to whom."

"Don't worry. I'll order an investigation into those guys after this is over." Addison rose. "So are you ready?"

The question seemed to hang in the air as Skyler pondered the pending events. Although they did hold certain advantages over Hawthorn and Santos, like them not knowing she and Addison had escaped the tomb, what the men held over them was a machine with immeasurable power and unknown capabilities. Governments and world leaders had the most highly powerful and advanced defence systems at their disposal for their protection of their people. Skyler wondered what protection they had in the event of these deadly weapons being used against them. She hoped they wouldn't have to find out.

"Sky?" Addison asked curiously. "You okay?"

"Yes, I'm okay and I'm ready." Skyler stood with assertiveness. "Lets go kick some ass!"

"Oh yes!" Addison placed her arm over Skyler's shoulders as they walked back towards Ona's home. "Did I ever tell you that you turn me on when you get all feisty like that?"

"Considering everything seems to affect you like that I'm not surprised!"

Addison's jaw fell indignantly. "What exactly are you implying?"

"I'll show you later," Skyler promised.

***

Inside the inner depths of a windowless compound, Phoenix Hawthorn sat before an intricate web of computer display screens. There were eleven in total, ten of which surrounded the largest and main screen. The network of screens was situated in the centre of the room, built into a thick structure of transparent glass. A mirror image of each screen was reflected through the glass panel and portrayed to the opposite side of the room where Alexander Santos sat upon a white leather sofa. He lounged languidly upon the soft hide, watching Phoenix's work on the view screen before him. On the opposite side of the room was a large display screen. At that moment it displayed a twenty-four hour news channel.

Santos placed his feet upon a glass table. "Are you close?" He was tired of trying to memorise all the functions of this computer and threw down Phoenix's notes.

Without looking up from his furious typing, Hawthorn answered him sharply. "Just a couple more minutes."

"You said that a couple of minutes ago," Santos complained. He was never a patient individual. "I don't like waiting."

"You don't say!" Phoenix clenched his jaw. "Almost there." He tapped one more line of coding into the computer and then sat back as the 'Superman' theme tune blasted through surround sound speakers.

Xander bounded from his seat in surprise. Hands covering his ears he shouted," What the hell is that?" Phoenix answered with a wide grin, but his words were unheard over the overpowering boom of a room full of speakers. "Turn it down," he yelled.

Shaking his head, Phoenix lowered the volume considerably. "I said this is the celebration music for the birth of my super computer. Pretty cool, huh?"

"Cool? You're lucky I can still hear you!" Xander poked his index finger into his left ear and wiggled the digit furiously. "You don't have any more surprises like that do you?"

"Just what she'll be able to do once we insert the new processors. She's programmed so only you or I will be able to use her. Any outside interference with the programming will result in tripping the motion sensors. A password will be required to get her up and running. That password is 'Supergirl'."

Santos reached down to a velvet-lined tray containing two diamond processors. They had been constructed as soon as they reached Sierra Leone. The processors were cubed in shape and Santos had likened them to half the size of a 'Rubik's Cube'. Their internal structure, however, was extremely complex to the eye. Phoenix took one of the processors from its tray. Although it was covered in a transparent protective sheath, he held it at opposite corners and spun the diamond around on a slanted axis. "Absolutely beautiful."

"Are we ready to insert them into the CPU?"

With a nod, Phoenix placed the diamond into the pocket of his shorts. Taking the other diamond, Xander dropped it into his shirt pocket. He checked his watch. "Still on schedule. Excellent!" They exited the control room and took a steel ladder down to the room below. Before either man could go in, Santos entered a six-digit security code, which deactivated four armed motion sensors. They had been placed in each corner of the room and fired upon anybody who illegally entered the domain of the central processing unit. Dismounting the ladder, Xander stepped out of the dank, vertical shaft and into the sterile room.

Inside the barren domain of the C.P.U. the gentle tone of an air-conditioner broke the silence. The floor and ceiling were covered in metallic silver and the walls were completely mirrored. Each corner motion sensor flashed a green light indicating admittance.

"The chips have to be placed in simultaneously," said Phoenix as he stepped into the room and approached the C.P.U. It stood upon a solid glass block and its metallic casing reflected Phoenix as he pulled the diamond chip from his pocket and removed its soft sheath of protection. He pressed several buttons on the C.P.U. and its centre lid opened, revealing two gaps in which the processors were to be inserted. "Together."

"Together," Xander echoed as he readied the diamond processor above its socket. Phoenix mirrored his movements.

"Now I just need to restart the system." Phoenix's fingers danced over a small keyboard once again and he then waited as the system powered down. Overhead lighting flickered from green, to orange and then red. The red light remained, bathing the room in a scarlet glow. Then slowly the system began to re-power.

"On the fourth, right?"

Phoenix nodded and then the high-pitched beeping began. The men counted with it.

"One… two… three and GO!" They pushed the processors into place.

A slow hum, which had accompanied the C.P.U upon restart, turned into a rapid whir as the new system initiated itself. The red light turned from orange and then green before shining a bright white.

"Yahoo!" Phoenix clasped Xander's hand and they shook firmly. "We did it," he proclaimed.

"We did." Xander's eyes adopted a cold, hard stare. Unexpectedly he pulled a revolver from the back of his white trousers. "But now this little partnership must be dissolved."

Hawthorn laughed in amusement. "This is hardly time for practical jokes, Xander!"

Xander's expression remained cold. "Who's joking?" Without another word he pulled the trigger and fired one shot straight into the young man's heart. The colour drained from Phoenix's face as the organ was ripped inside his chest. A single tear fell from his eye as his body crumbled to the floor.

"ZAVREN!" Santos bellowed.

On cue, where he'd been awaiting Xander's word, Zavren appeared in the doorway. "Boss?"

Santos stood over Phoenix Hawthorn and stared down into his lifeless, pink eyes. "Help me remove the trash. So much to do and so little time when you have a nation to bring to its knees."

***

Lifting the last of the three canvas bags, Addison placed it on Ona's table. She unbuckled its strap as Skyler opened the others. Inside them was a wide selection of weapons. Addison reached inside her carryon and withdrew three submachine guns, three pistols and a revolver. She looked over Skyler's shoulder and into the second carrier. Inside was enough ammunition for each type of weapon plus several hand grenades.

"Wow," Skyler drawled and reached into the bag, bringing out a grenade. "And there's only the two of us carrying all this?"

"Yep… hence the need for this." Addison opened the third bag. Inside it contained belts, holsters and straps for the use and carriage of each weapon upon their person. She pulled out a roll of red tape. "This is for the submachine gun mags. Tape two together at a time, end to end, to aid swifter reloading." She handed the tape to Skyler.

Skyler removed two pistol holsters. "Leg holsters as well. How many weapons are you planning on carrying, Addison?"

"As many as I can." Taking the leg holsters, Addison attached them to her belt and wrapped the lower straps around her thighs. She loaded all three of the pistols, placed two in the leg holsters and handed the third to Skyler. The doctor slipped it into a new holster clipped to the side of her belt. She then began taping the submachine gun magazines together as Addison donned a shoulder holster for her revolver. With her Berettas, she was now carrying five handguns.

"Addison…" Skyler placed down the tape as she finished the last magazine. "How many guards are you expecting?"

Addison stopped what she was doing and regarded Skyler seriously. "At least fifty… but maybe closer to a hundred."

"Holy sh… Addison, one hundred against two?"

"I've had worse odds… not by much, but…"

"Well I haven't…" Skyler lowered her voice, careful not to alarm the people waiting in the next room. "That's a whole hell of a lot of firepower against us."

Speaking calmly to ease Skyler's worries, Addison said, "Just remember… don't think ahead… concentrate only on that moment and removing the threat at that time."

Skyler nodded. Addison was right and she knew it. Without word she took her share of the pistol clips and loaded them into a vacant pocket. Addison had divided the ammunition, keeping two thirds for herself as she carried the higher percentage of weapons and would be leading their attack as much as possible. Again it was to be Skyler's job to attempt understanding of the computer. Mark Blithe had requested every effort be made in order to gain knowledge of Hawthorn's invention. Skyler informed Addison of this request, but Addison was less willing to try and accommodate Mark's appeal. Knowing the power of such a machine and being a great believer in the ideal world of simplistic living, her own life on the coast making simple wooden furniture a testament to that, Addison would rather destroy the computer completely. However much she appreciated and accepted the many benefits of modern technology, she preferred to live the simple life. Addison knew she would follow Mark's order, that was her job, but she didn't always have to agree. Once during a drunken speech in which Addison was putting the world to rights, she had stated happiness was a good woman and a good knife for whittling! In truth she believed those words more than she let on.

Night had just fallen by the time Addison and Skyler were ready to leave. The doctor adjusted the single submachine gun attached to her right side. It was heavier than it looked, but Skyler had been trained in its usage and as such was comfortable with its presence.

After tightening her bootlaces, Addison looked up at Skyler. "We better say goodbye."

"Right." Skyler followed Addison into the next room where Bem, Ona, Tuamanguluka, Hiji, Chich and Sule were talking quietly. Ashaki was asleep on her father's lap. They looked up at the women with a feeling of trepidation. Addison and Skyler were heavily armed and whatever was about to happen, it wouldn't be without tragedy.

"Time to make a move," Addison said softly. She knew there was no way she could lighten the mood of the evening… not considering the circumstances.

Ona rose to her feet slowly. "Not the last time you visit, I hope!"

Addison hugged the African woman warmly. "I'll be visiting soon, Ona, I promise." Releasing her, Addison watched Skyler and Ona embrace. She stepped over to Bem. The slight man remained seated with his sleeping daughter. "I'll be seeing you again soon, Bem." Addison grasped his forearm and they shook in a warrior-like show of respect.

"You are welcome in our home anytime, Addison Black."

"Thank you, Bem."

After the last farewells were made, Addison, Skyler and Hiji stepped out into the dark night. Both women held their kinetic torches. Turning to speak to Ona, Addison pulled a roll of notes from her pocket. She took Ona's hand and placed the Leones upon her palm.

"What is this?" Ona asked in amazed confusion.

"For you, your community, your school… every little helps, right?"

"This is not a little." Ona held the bundle of notes. It was so much more than she had ever seen at one time, if ever.

Addison shrugged. "It's to be used at my discretion and well … I didn't intend on using it all to buy these weapons." Addison ploughed on, not wanting Ona to pin too much importance on the gesture. "Anyway… we need to move out. I will see you soon, Ona. Keep well."

Ona took Addison's hand. "Be careful, Addison Black." She looked over at Skyler. "You too, Skyler Tidwell."

"I will, Ona." Skyler smiled and looked back at Addison. "Ready?"

"Yeah." With one final embrace the women, along with their guide, left for the jungle. Ona watched them leave, praying for God to watch over them. There wasn't a cloud in the night sky, but she knew a deadly storm was brewing.

Chapter 29

Trekking through the jungle… in the middle of the night… with torchlight as their only means of aided vision, Addison was beginning to wonder whether she'd made the smartest of moves. Her plan was to travel through the night and then rest during the day before completing those last few miles to the mountains and into Hawthorn's compound. It was to be an attack instigated under the cover of darkness. Addison didn't think there was any chance the men were aware they had escaped from Imhotep's temple, unless Hawthorn or Santos still had a man in Egypt. She could only hope that was not the case.

With Hiji taking the lead, Addison and Skyler followed three paces behind him. The blanketing darkness was alive with predators. All three trekkers felt the urge to look over their shoulders, but whatever was out there was unseen in the blackness. The dense coverage of leaves even shrouded their view of the night sky. The further they ventured into the jungle the less stars they could see until the atmosphere above them was nothing but an overwhelming ebony expanse.

Casting her torch around them, Skyler tentatively monitored their surroundings. Although she was unable to see them, she could sense lurking and hear the scurrying of nocturnal critters. It made her skin crawl with paranoia. "Hiji?" Skyler called to their guide. "Exactly how safe is it to be walking through the jungle at night?"

"If you know the jungle you are okay."

Skyler looked towards Addison. "I don't think I like that answer." Hiji certainly wasn't the most talkative of individuals. His command of English was of an average standard, but it seemed small talk was out of the question. The bearded man wanted nothing more than to complete his task and leave.

"It's cool, Sky, you're with two people who do know the jungle."

Skyler lowered her voice as she said, "At least I trust one of them!" A slight altercation had erupted just after they left. Addison refused to allow Hiji a weapon and he had taken great offence by that, implying she obviously didn't trust him. Addison simply agreed and requested he proceed. Recalling that event, Skyler said, "I don't think he likes us."

"You think?" Addison grinned in the darkness. She held her torch under her chin as she said, "Do you think I was unreasonable?"

"Hell no, I perfectly agreed with you."

"Well amen, sister." Addison moved the torchlight back to where Hiji was still making a pathway through thick overhanging vines.

"How far is Hiji leading us?"

"Until we get there. He doesn't leave until I have visual proof we're at the right place."

"What are you expecting, Addison?"

"When we get there?"

Skyler nodded. "Yes."

Addison hooked the thumb of her free hand onto her belt buckle. "This is what I do… consider every scenario from the easiest to the deadliest… and that's exactly what I'll expect… anything and everything. The only way to avoid any nasty surprises is to go into a situation without any preconceptions." Addison shook her torch, re-powering its kinetic generator.

Arching an eyebrow in curiosity, Skyler asked, "Does that mean you're expecting time travelling, muscle-bound assassins?"

"Hey… I've watched enough episodes of the X-Files to know you have to leave yourself open to 'extreme possibilities'… but I will say my gut instinct isn't convinced of that."

"So what does your gut instinct tell you?"

"That Hawthorn is one smart bastard and with his technical background… I'm expecting traps all around his base as well as a small, well equipped army."

Addison's expectations were very much what Skyler herself had been anticipating. "Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of." After studying Hawthorn's university papers, Skyler was able to gain insight into the young man's psyche. She didn't like what she saw. She discovered no evidence in his written work to suggest malicious intent, however, his actions told a different story. Phoenix Hawthorn had become swept away in a tidal wave of his own genius and Alexander Santos played a heavy part in his escalating corruption. With Hawthorn's lack of morals and innate genius, he would be capable of anything.

To the left, a loud rustling pulled their attention. Both Addison and Skyler turned, instantly shining their torchlight into the darkness. "Can I be paranoid now?"

"We probably just scared a little jungle critter," Addison said, assuring Skyler there wasn't a ferocious beast waiting in the darkness to pounce upon them.

"Addison, I'm well aware of the animals who live out here. If it's okay I'll keep my paranoia. I'm particularly worried about leopards, panthers, wild hogs, snakes, and a plethora of spiders! God forbid we move along the river!"

Hiji turned to face Skyler "There are many crocodiles along the river…"

Addison shone her torchlight into Hiji's face and he squinted in its beam. "Well cheers then, mouth almighty! I didn't hire you to create hysteria!"

"I was making a conversation."

"I appreciate your efforts, but pick a different subject please." Addison blew out a weary breath. "It's bad enough having to deal with pesky mosquitoes and looking out for boa constrictors… we don't need to magnify the situation by adding more to the list." Addison shone her torch past Hiji. "Let's just keep moving, shall we?"

Spinning the machete in his hand, Hiji turned and continued their trek. If it were possible, the darkness around them seemed to intensify. Addison heard an owl hoot in a nearby tree. She shone her torch into the trees until yellow eyes reflected the beam with an eerie presence.

"Ah… No!" Skyler shook her head frantically.

"What… What's wrong?" Addison asked in alarm.

"Something heavy… and I'm guessing with more than six legs… just landed on my head." Skyler scrubbed her fingers through her hair and shivered.

The agent winced. "That was probably my fault. I thought I felt a cobweb brush against my face!" Addison pulled the spider's silk from her cheeks and forehead. "The little bugger!"

"That was no little bugger, Addison. That spider felt like it wouldn't have done any harm to start a Jenny Craig plan."

Prodding her bottom lip, Addison said, "Now I know that was supposed to be some kind of joke, but what's a Jenny Craig?"

"Weight loss!"

"Ah!" Addison chuckled, but then shivered. "Oh… eww!"

"Uh huh! I think we're in an arachnophobic nightmare, Addison." Skyler moved her torchlight over the trees above them. "Addison look at this tree here, it's the Frankincense tree or 'Oldfleldia Afrscana'. They can grow up to one hundred and fifty feet high. That might actually reach higher than your ego!"

"Nah, I doubt it." Addison dropped behind Skyler, taking up the rear of their trail. Hiji remained five paces ahead of the women, removing obstructive branches. "Besides, you're the one who seems to think I have this monumental ego… yet here you are identifying tropical trees with their correct names… oh goddess of the eternal student. On a comparative level I think you win hands down."

"I have an ego?"

"Oh come on… you don't think I buy that dizzy blonde look, do you? I see those brunette roots showing through."

Skyler was incredulous. "I'm a natural blonde!"

"I think you mean nurtured blonde." Addison snickered and jumped backwards as Skyler attempted to poke her foot back into the agent's body.

"You'll get yours," the doctor promised. "I'm a patient girl."

Addison smiled and a comfortable mood eased around them. Despite the oncoming battle, the eerie darkness and creepy sounds there was reassurance between Addison and Skyler, which allowed them to maintain a calming influence over each other.

They walked in relative silence for another forty minutes until reaching a small clearing. The remnants of a fire lay in its centre, charred logs and rain-soaked ashes in a shallow pit. For a moment, Addison presumed this was to be their place of rest, but Hiji informed her they were still too far away from their final destination. They also happened to be far too close to a small tribe who were not very welcoming to outsiders. Not wanting any unnecessary confrontations, Addison agreed to move on. She was sure the sight of them with an arsenal of weapons would be a rather unsettling scene. So on they travelled, further and further east on a route which would take them all the way to the mountains and Hawthorn's compound.

***

The roar of a powerful car's engine escalated in volume as a British racing green, Jaguar XK8 Coupe approached and sped into Special Operation's car park. The sports car swerved, brakes screeching as it turned and came to a halt in the nearest parallel parking space. The engine died and Mark Blithe emerged from the driver's door, dressed in casual jeans and a black shirt.

Locking his car, Mark pushed the keys into his pocket as he ran speedily across the car park to a metal door. Once there he swiped a card through a chest high lock and it opened. Mark entered a small box-room, no bigger than the size of a telephone cubical. On the wall was a hand identification device. He pushed his right hand into the gel like pad and his fingerprints were scanned, acknowledged, accepted and granted access through a second door. Walking into a narrow tunnel, Mark found a shuttle ready and waiting. He entered the carriage to find Joseph awaiting his arrival.

"What's the situation, Joe?"

"Control of our satellite was hijacked approximately forty-seven minutes ago. Just before that we were able to intercept a transmission sent to the B.B.C. requesting an audience with the Prime Minister." The shuttle began its journey to H.Q. "We've been unable to access the source of this transmission… our system has been…well... frozen. We've tried several different systems to attempt to and locate the source, but each was intercepted with lightening speed."

Mark already knew who was behind this. "It's safe to say it originated in Sierra Leone. Have we had any other communication since the initial request?"

"Yes… we have another…" Joseph checked his watch. "Seventeen minutes to produce the P.M. or 'playtime will begin ahead of schedule'. Sir, do you know what that means?"

"I dread to think, but it looks like playtime has already begun anyway," Mark said, referring to the chaos, which was slowly increasing. The shuttle stopped under Headquarters; Mark and Joseph alighted the carriage. "Has the P.M. arrived?"

Joseph nodded, "Arrived just before I left to meet you. He's in your office."

"Right." With wide strides, Mark ate up the distance between him and his office. He was well aware of the situation in Sierra Leone and his agent's mission to put an end to the building of a super computer for criminal usage. It did, however, seem Hawthorn and Santos were more than one step ahead of them in its completion. This was less than good news. The fight had begun.

***

In the very nerve centre of M.I.5 Special Operations H.Q. Mark Blithe stood in front of the main Visual Display Unit. With hands clasped lightly behind his back he stared at the seventy-two inch monitor. Beside him stood the Prime Minister of England, anxiously waiting for contact. Previously informed of Special Operation's activity in Sierra Leone, he knew the situation was of the utmost urgency and importance.

The area around them was a nucleus of activity. Bodies ran back and forth in desperate attempts to regain control from a situation in which they had none. Reports were shouted in succession across the room to Mark.

"Sir, the Air Force has grounded all planes," one voice shouted.

"Another two planes have collided mid-air over the Midlands."

Running a hand through his hair, Mark braced his hands upon the back of Danny Sleet's chair. "Anything?"

"No contact yet," Danny replied seriously. "We're attempting uplinks with every satellite, but with no success. Every route we take is being intercepted and blocked."

"Blocked?" asked the Prime Minister.

"Taken over, Sir. We're losing control of our systems. In the last fifteen minutes alone all telephone lines have gone down, as has the mobile network. All flights throughout the country have been grounded after the satellite transmissions died and there have been three… no make that four mid-air collisions. Emergency services are being dispatched nationwide. We're working on communication through radio waves and have been in contact with the Army, R.A.F. and the Navy. Right now the whole country is on stand-by."

From the opposite side of the room a female soldier shouted over to Mark. "Last link's down, Sir, only the B.G. link to the A.S.C. remains. Permission to…"

"Denied," Mark interrupted. "Not yet anyway." The B.G. link was their Below Ground link to the Airborne Satellite Craft. It was specially constructed satellite installed in a Boeing 757 aircraft. Being independent and a top-secret project, it had only been used in test runs with highly effective results. Mark was reluctant to use it, however, until he received some form of contact from Addison and Skyler or gave them enough time to reach the secret compound of Hawthorn and Santos.

Mark began pacing back and forth. "What links to the outside world do we have left?"

Danny was first to reply. "Radio contact with other military bases who have all reported systems failure. Troops have been sent out to calm any civilian panicked reactions to the situation. We also have one terrestrial television link and that's with the B.B.C. All others are down." Danny switched on a screen for Mark. "They already started a report on the nationwide breakdown in communications. I don't know how long we'll have this television, but we're monitoring all available sources. Seems they've discovered the limited passage of information through radio as well."

"That will give another connection to what's happening out there." Mark addressed the Prime Minister. "Sir, I think we should…"

"Incoming transmission, Sir. Audio only."

Knowing there was little choice in whether they accepted the transmission or not, Mark could only wait.

"Good day, gentlemen," came a distorted, albeit human, male voice.

Both Mark and the Prime Minister remained momentarily silent.

"Ah, I see there's no time for pleasantries when you are anxious to do business. Having control of your mainframe, I'm patched through to your visual connection and can see the honourable Prime Minister is with us as well. Nice to know I can rely upon your punctuality."

"Sir," the Prime Minister began. "I am not in the habit of yielding to threats or intimidation. I must also inform you Britain does not submit to terrorist or make deals. I don't know what it is you hope to achieve by this act of…"

"Terrorist… intimidation… I don't believe I have yet done anything that can be considered a terrorist act."

Mark closed the distance between himself and the Prime Minister until they were standing side by side. "Then what is it you want? What is the purpose of these acts? Do you have any idea just how many innocent lives you have taken already?"

"The purpose of my actions so far is to show you just what I am capable of. As for what I want out of this… Prime Minister… when the world is at its knees and ripe for the picking… what wouldn't you want? Be advised, gentlemen, a new world order is beginning and guess who's seated upon its throne!"

Their line of communication died, leaving the room filled with a static hiss. Making eye contact with the Prime Minister, Mark walked towards the exit, indicating he was to be followed. They passed through a fire door to a wide stairway.

"We may well have one advantage over them after all, Sir."

The Prime Minister's face was stern. "How so?"

"He doesn't seem to have any knowledge of our agent's presence in Sierra Leone."

"And you are sure these are the same people responsible for the murders in Egypt?"

"Without a doubt."

"Then let us hope…"

"… Agents Black and Tidwell," Mark supplied.

"That's right. Let's hope agents Black and Tidwell are prepared for what lies ahead."

"Agents Addison Black and Skyler Tidwell are my first two-man operational team. My faith lies with them one hundred percent, Sir."

The Prime Minister nodded. "That's good, General Blithe, because right now they may well be this country's best and only hope."

***

Addison's eyes flickered and blinked open. The hazy glare of the afternoon sun shone down upon her, momentarily blurring her vision. She shielded her eyes, using her hand as a visor to look around. Addison had been sleeping for the past four hours when something had awoken her. She wasn't sure what it was, as their temporary campsite seemed solitary and peaceful. Both Hiji and Skyler slept undisturbed by whatever had triggered Addison's senses.

Looking into the sky, Addison saw something ominous looming over the mountaintops. Thick, grey storm clouds steadily approached. A distant rumble echoed over the mountains and Addison realised this was the source of her wake up call. A storm was brewing. "Great."

Hiji had chosen a small valley at the foot of the mountains to set up their camp. They had barely reached the foothills before stopping for a few hours of much needed rest and refreshments. Sleep was a necessity if they were to be alert and on top form.

Another rumble of thunder rolled over the mountains. The sound caused Skyler to wake suddenly and she said, "Really does sound like that."

With a bemused expression, Addison looked to her right where Skyler lay propped against a rock. "Excuse me?"

"Huh?" Skyler blinked in disorientation.

Addison smiled. "You said 'it really does sound like that'. What are you talking about?"

Skyler's eyes moved from side to side. She had no idea what Addison was referring to. "When?"

"Just now."

"I did?" Skyler rubbed her eyes.

"Yes!" The clouds drew closer and another clash of thunder echoed around them. This appeared to jog the doctor's memory.

"Oh… I know what I was talking about... it's the thunder."

"Okay?"

"Sierra Leone. The country was named by… who was that guy…?" Skyler frowned and drummed her fingers upon her knee. "It begins with a… oh that's it… Pedro da Cintra in 1460. It means Lion Mountains or Mountains of the Lions, supposedly because the thunder rolling through the mountains sounds like a lion's roar."

"Uh huh." Although understanding Skyler's explanation, Addison was curious about something else. "Sky, do you even think in your sleep? Were you having a conversation with somebody in your dreams? Do you ever switch off?" Rising, Addison brushed down her combat pants and then reached for her Diemaco Rifle, slinging it across her back.

"I don't recall my dreams that well," Skyler said as she rose beside Addison, noticing Hiji was also coming around. He stretched out his back and took a long drink of water before looking into the sky.

"We have a storm. It is going to be hard."

"Well that's just buggering great!" Addison looked at the menacing storm clouds. She could now see approaching rain as thunder and lightning increased in ferocity and volume. To Addison it was a sign of the events to come. A war, although isolated and unbeknownst to many, could affect every country on the planet. There was no room for error; failure wasn't an option. There was, however, something Addison was unaware of… no matter what occurred during this night… the rise of a new morn would herald changes far greater than she could have believed.

Chapter 30

Danny Sleet sat before the blank screen of his computer. Though he appeared to be staring vacantly at the monitor, his mind was swarming with thoughts, questions and the search for answers. Entwining his fingers, he leaned forwards in his chair and braced his elbows upon the desk. Around him the commotion of constant reports being voiced across the room continued. Using multiple radio frequencies, S.O. agents monitored the situation. News of the chaos caused by Santos gaining control of all orbiting satellites continued to arrive.

In an act intended to do nothing more than demonstrate the extent of his power, Santos had accessed and possessed control of four power stations across England. One by one he cut the power to large cities and towns, the result of which was a wave of panic. Not only did all homes lose power, but so did shops, businesses, health care facilities and traffic signals. Tripped alarms hollered throughout the country. Other buildings became defenceless against intrusion. As panic grew, people took to the streets. A desperate search for answers turned into opportunistic looting and subsequent violence. It was a clear fact the situation was escalating seriously out of control.

As the report of a road collision between an articulated lorry and a fuel tanker reached headquarters, Danny swiped his hand angrily across his desk, knocking a can of orange soda across the room and onto the floor. Amber liquid bubbled from the metallic container. Danny rose to his feet abruptly. Only a handful of agents noticed his explosion. The situation was far too engrossing to take notice of petty, although understandable, outbursts. Mark Blithe, however, did notice.

"Dan," the general called as he crossed the room, noticing Danny's computer. "You've turned your system off?"

"Yeah… I don't care if that bastard has already accessed our database and downloaded the mainframe's hard drive, he can't just waltz in whenever he likes. I powered down certain branches of our network and severed the live links. I doubt even the most advanced security protocols and firewalls would stop that machine.

"It took everything?"

Danny squeezed the bridge of his nose. "It swept through us like wildfire."

"Not quite," said a voice from behind them. Mark and Danny turned to see Samuel approach.

"Explain," Mark ordered.

"While reading through Hawthorn's papers I managed to gain an understanding of his thought process regarding the way he designed his computer. He has devised a form of artificial intelligence comparable to areas in which NASA is only now starting to work. Knowing the capabilities of that computer, I feared if this super computer went live it could be used to access all governmental systems. Mark, we are talking Ninth Generation!"

Mark's eyes sparked with annoyance. "If you knew that why didn't you say something? You could have warned us this computer was capable of hacking into M.I. fucking 5."

Samuel didn't so much as flicker an eyelid at Mark's outburst. "With respect, Mark, I had an idea and was working on borrowed time in order to get it ready for the possibility of this very event."

Narrowing his eyes, Mark asked, "What did you do?"

The scientist grinned. "I modified the black hole virus."

"In what way?" asked Danny with interest.

"I attached the sequence to a particular string of data I was sure would be… of interest…"

"Which was?"

Samuel paused, knowing again Mark wasn't going to like what he was about to say. "I attached it to the M.I.5, Special Operations, agent placement files within the Middle East." Knowing the current situation in that part of the world, Samuel was positive it would be an area of highly desirable information and the type unscrupulous individuals would pay a great deal of money for.

"In the Middle East files? Sam, there's data on diplomats, agents, terrorists… there's enough information in that to start several more wars." Mark turned away. His face twisted into a deep frown and he pushed both hands through his short hair. He wasn't angry at Samuel's actions; he knew Sam's logic made sense. Turning back, Mark said, "I just wish you would have informed me before hand."

"Like I said, Mark, time was of the essence. I'm sorry, but I don't regret what I've done."

"Hmm… I'm only wondering how I'm going to explain this to the P.M." Mark knew there was no way he could keep this information to himself.

"Sir…"

Mark turned to a soldier dressed in full uniform. He saluted the general. "Sir, we've just received radio contact from 42nd squadron in Liverpool. Northbound Nuclear Power Plant is reporting an outside intrusion into their system, reduction in energy and dangerous fluctuations in the reactors."

"Holy sh… this goes from bad to worse. I'll talk with them." Mark pointed at Samuel. "You come with me and tell me what your black hole virus will do. It can't be Casper."

"More a family member actually." Samuel followed Mark. "I figured the computer is too smart not to recognise this virus so I tweaked it a little. I've programmed it to initiate the deactivation and subsequent breakdown of all S.O. data after opening the Middle East files."

"Care to elaborate?"

Samuel grinned with self-satisfaction. "Sure."

***

Heavy droplets of rain pelted down without mercy. It seemed the heavens had opened over the Sierra Leone mountains and a rainstorm to rival Noah's flood ensued. Saturated and cold, despite the warm air, Addison, Skyler and Hiji stood at the foot of the shortest part of a mountain which stretched out for miles on either side of them. The area Hiji had led them to was no more than fifty feet high. Addison looked up at the immense structure before her. She was unable to see any further than the heavy storm clouds which hung low over them. "I take it we have to climb, right?"

"This is the shortest route over the mountains. You will see a valley below. You cannot miss the building. It is grey brick."

Addison blinked as rivulets of water trailed down her forehead and through her eyebrows. She wiped away the rain and looked at Skyler. The blonde doctor was still gazing up at the mountain. "Sky, I recall reading in your encyclopaedia of accomplishments that you've done a spot of rock climbing before."

Skyler graced Addison with a faux indignant glare. "I can hold my own. Looking up at this isn't helping with my confidence in that area though."

"You'll be okay?" Addison nodded... she knew Skyler. "You'll be okay."

Skyler smiled as rainwater dripped from her chin. "I'm sure as hell not turning back now!"

Reaching out, Addison ran her hand over the stone. Her fingers slipped effortlessly over its surface. She knew this climb wasn't going to be easy. She certainly hadn't brought the proper gear with her for such an event. Thankfully the mountain wasn't vertical enough for the risk of slipping and falling to be a major problem. Addison wiped her hand over her face once again. She despaired at the fact that if it wasn't sweat she was removing it was rainwater. At that particular moment the agent longed to be both warm, dry and a very long way from her current location. Addison shook her head furiously and rainwater sprang from the weighty tendrils of her hair. "For God's sake, doesn't this shit ever stop?" Addison looked into the sky.

"We have much rainfall," Hiji replied.

"No kidding."

Skyler approached the foot of the mountain and took a step up onto the rocks. Luckily the soles of her boots had plenty of grip. Her eyes examined a possible route up the mountains until it disappeared into grey cloud. "Addison, we better get going."

"Yes." The agent turned to address Hiji. A moment of leniency overcame her. "Listen, Hiji, you've taken us far enough. If it's just over this mountain then I'm sure we can complete the journey on our own." She pulled several folded notes out of her pocket. "They're a little wet, but once dry…"

Hiji accepted the money, but he appeared confused. "You don't want me to go further?"

"With this weather… and that footwear," Addison nodded down to Hiji's well-worn flip-flops. "It's safer, I think"

"You will be okay?"

If Addison wasn't misjudging Hiji she was positive she detected a hint of concern in his voice. "Sure, we'll be fine." She shook the bearded man's hand. "Cheers, Hiji." The African looked upon her in confusion. "Thank you," she translated.

"Thank you… yes… okay." Hiji took a backwards step away from Addison. He appeared to consider a line of thought before saying, "Look out for eyes in the mountains."

"Eyes?" Addison asked, wondering if Hiji was giving her a legitimate warning. It seemed he weighed the thought over in his head before deciding to say something.

"Deadly eyes." Hiji blinked through the relentless downpour of rain. Tiny droplets hung from his eyelashes.

Presuming Hiji was talking of the guards around the compound, Addison nodded. Although Hiji appeared sincere, Addison didn't know if he was telling the truth. Unsure of how much she should trust him and not wanting to waste any more time with further questioning, she nodded. "Right… thanks, Hiji." With a final nod of acknowledgement, Addison turned to Skyler who was another three steps up the rocks. "How is it, Sky?" Addison asked in a voiced slightly raised due to the hammering rain.

Skyler held up one hand. "The rubber grips on our gloves provide extra support while gripping the stone. I estimate we'll make it up there in around forty-five minutes considering this weather."

"Can you believe this?" Addison began to ascend the mountain, following Skyler. "And I thought England was a soggy country!"

Skyler passed her forearm over her face to remove excess water. She was very glad she had chosen to put back her shoulder length locks before leaving; it would have been unmanageable by now. Reaching out, Skyler's gloved fingers located another small ledge and she gripped the stone as her feet took another step. Ahead she could see the mountain's gradient lessen enough for them to climb further without reliance arm strength. "Addison," she called.

"Yes?" Addison followed Skyler, copying every step and hand placement.

"I was thinking."

"Sky, that's hardly news. I'd be more surprised if you said you weren't thinking!"

"You are such a smart ass… will you let me finish?" The doctor thought for a moment. "Where was I? Oh yes… Addison, what do you intend on doing with Hawthorn and Santos?"

That question had surprised Addison. That wasn't something she had even considered. It was always the same… one of two things would happen. Either the bad guys would give up and come quietly or it would be a fight to the end. "Whatever I have to, Sky. I generally play it by ear, but I will say this… they're both on my list for a good arse kicking!" Addison found she was able to continue up the mountain without using her hands and she straightened her stance. "Why do you ask?"

"I was just wondering." Skyler was silent for several seconds before she elaborated further. "I have a feeling if Hawthorn surrenders some high ranking body, maybe even the Director General of M.I.5 herself will try and get Hawthorn to work for us."

"That wouldn't surprise me," Addison grumbled. Although she could understand the motivation behind such an act, Addison maintained she wouldn't trust Phoenix Hawthorn as far as she could spit.

Addison looked into the sky. Although there were still too many clouds to see the vast blue beyond, she could see the end of the storm was approaching. Naturally the agent hoped the sun would soon make its presence known before darkness overcame them. She was getting sick and tired of walking around in wet clothes. The last time Addison remembered feeling this uncomfortable she was stuck in the Arctic, so cold she was adamant her nipples would drop off due to frostbite. At least that was what she told Samuel, much to his chagrin.

"The rain's slowing," Skyler shouted.

"About shagging time," replied Addison.

Skyler looked down at the agent. Addison was close behind her. "We should have packed waterproofs."

"Believe me," Addison assured her. "That's now on my list of essential items, even if I end up in the Sahara!"

"Don't you think that's a bit much?"

"You say that now," Addison deadpanned. "But protection against tripping into an oasis pool or camel spit is essential!"

Skyler rolled her eyes. "Sure."

Although the rain didn't stop, it eased to a lighter shower. Visibility cleared somewhat as the thicker clouds gave way to lighter mists. For the first time Skyler was able to see the summit of the area of mountain she and Addison were climbing. They had already scaled thirty feet of the edifice and Skyler estimated they had less than halfway to go. The remainder, however, was steeper and required extra care and concentration. Skyler was thankful for the gloves S.O. provided. Although they weren't necessarily for rock, climbing the rubber tips upon each finger did allow for an adequate grip on the wet stone. With the added weight of their weapons, extra grip was well appreciated.

"I hate the rain," Addison mumbled to herself. "Hey, Sky,"

"Yeah?"

"It'll be getting dark soon. I want to reach the top while there's still enough light to get a clear look at the complex."

"Almost there," Skyler replied. They had entered the misty clouds and the temperature dropped enough for both women to feel a definite chill. Their saturated clothing didn't help. Suddenly, Skyler sneezed. "I tell you what… if I catch a cold because of this, Hawthorn and Santos are in for an extra round of ass kicking."

Addison grinned. "That I'll have to watch!"

"Yep," Skyler muttered to herself. "I'll sneeze on them first… catch them by surprise and probably blur their vision with my viscous nasal fluid! After that I'll stick them in a cold shower, buck naked for about six hours before kicking their sorry asses up one end of the mountain and down the other."

Addison chuckled to herself. "Don't forget to stick them in a room full of snakes and spiders."

"Hell yes… not poisonous though, just big, fat ones who like to bite a lot." Thoroughly engrossed in her ramble of revenge, Skyler was half surprised to find herself reach the summit. "Yes," she exclaimed in relief as the rocky pathway evened out before her. The rain seemed to cease, but a fine mist lingered within the muggy air.

"This is better." Addison walked beside Skyler upon the uneven rocky ground. Their trek lasted just over half a mile in the light sheen of mist until they approached the valley below. Visibility was poor and Addison knew they would need to descend a little way further down the mountain before they could see into the valley. Luckily the incline wasn't too much to force the need to manoeuvre down the rocky surface backwards.

With carefully placed footings, Addison and Skyler began making their way into the valley. "Sky," the agent said with caution. "Keep on the look out for…" the words died on her lips.

"What… Addison, what it is?"

"Shit."

"What?" Skyler looked in Addison's line of sight and saw what the agent had spotted. It looked like a camera, but closer inspection proved it to be a close proximity motion sensor. "Oh crap."

"Yeah." Addison took a step backwards. "Follow me. There's something on that thing which looks suspicious." Skyler followed Addison as she approached the sensor bolted into the surface of the mountain. Addison made certain she stayed out of the sensor's range and moved behind the device as much as possible. Skyler walked behind Addison, following in her footsteps.

Reaching the sensor, Addison crouched down behind it. The devise held its own power source and worked on a satellite link to the compound below. It was twice the size of an average security camera and Addison noticed something remarkably unique. "Look at this." She pointed to a rectangular box under the sensor's lens. Upon that was something similar, but smaller in comparison to that of a peephole on a front door. "It's a laser. It's a goddamned laser! These things can slice you open at a hundred paces!"

"Can we deactivate it?"

"Yes, but I don't want them to know we're here yet and I'm sure if we did that it would trip their system." Addison studied the camera in thought.

Skyler herself considered the possibilities. "We could find a way to cut the laser inside…"

"…So it still thinks it's firing upon any movement, but really doesn't," Addison finished for her.

Skyler grinned. "Great minds think alike."

"Coming from you, Sky, I take that as a compliment!" Addison was surprised to see Skyler blush. She smiled and pulled a small penknife from her pocket. Using the edge of its blade, Addison prised open the side panel of the laser. Inside were a complex circuit board and several unidentifiable parts. "Sky, have you seen anything like this before?"

Skyler studied the laser's internal system. "Never, but then again I'm not all that well versed with laser weapons." Using a basic stream of logic, Skyler attempted to understand the mechanism. She pointed inside the box of circuitry. "I think if we…" A spark erupted from within, shocking Skyler. "Ouch, damn it. Mental note, don't touch… don't touch!"

Addison chuckled. "Are you okay?"

"Is my hair standing on end?"

"Um… no."

"Then I'll live." Skyler smiled. "As I was going to say, if we cut this wire here it should disconnect the laser's ability to fire without actually cutting its power."

The agent nodded. "Well that's what we want, but look at this. There are two wires and if we cut this one instead…"

"We won't run the risk of creating a feedback of displaced energy."

"Exactly."

"We are so good!" Skyler nodded in approval. "Well get to it then. I've already had one shock this evening so it's your turn."

"Gee, Skyler, thanks." Winking, Addison placed the blade of her knife upon the red insulated wire. With a rapid swipe she slid through the thin strip. Another spark of energy flew from the box. "One down, God knows how many left."

"You think there's more?"

Addison inspected the laser range. "This will fire up to about forty yards. It's not that powerful, but I'm thinking that's because this is by no means the only item of outside security."

"Judging by the direction of this motion sensor I'd say in all probability they're diagonally placed around the main building."

"So possibly four, but it could be eight depending on how far down the valley is." Addison hoped to be out of the mist soon. The sun was dipping in the sky and darkness was encroaching upon their daylight. That would only serve to make the lasers even harder to spot. In curiosity, Addison picked up a small pebble and threw it down before the motion sensor. The devise moved a fraction to the left, but the only evidence it had tried to fire was a low buzz from within.

"Bingo!"

"Great." Addison rose. "Okay, now we walk across in a horizontal heading until we find the next one." They moved cautiously over the mountain. Along their route, Addison picked up more stray stones. She began throwing them ahead of their position, her aim at a horizontal direction. As the third rock left her hand and sailed through the air a laser beam appeared out of nowhere. It sliced the stone in two.

"Oh my god." Skyler stopped moving. "Where is it?"

Addison crouched, squinting in the mist. She barely identified the sensor's outline. "It's okay, I see it… just. Follow me." Addison approached it from behind. She felt a heightened level of caution after seeing the laser at work and because of this she moved with added care. Repeating her earlier actions, Addison removed the laser's side panel. What she found surprised her.

"Would you look at that?" Skyler exclaimed. "It's different from the last one. Do you think they did that on purpose in the event of tampering?"

"Probably, but look… although the wires are different colours and the circuit board is designed a different way, logically it is still the same."

"Which means it's this wire." Skyler pointed to the thin green insulation.

"Yep."

"Okay… so…"

"Your turn." Addison grinned.

"Hey, experience proves you're far better messing around inside these things than me."

Addison arched her brows. "If you had a near drowning accident in a pool would it make you want to keep away from the water?"

"Well no, but if you stick your finger in a flame and get burned you don't do it again, do you?"

The agent glared at Skyler. "I'm not going to win, am I? You have an answer for everything. You think I'd have learned that by now." Without another word, Addison sliced through the green wire. "J.D."

"J.D.?"

"Job done." Addison picked up another handful of stones and pebbles. "Let's keep moving before it gets way too dark here."

Continuing down the mountain both women threw stones out ahead of them until they emerged from the mist and clouds. They hadn't detected any more sensors on this side of the mountain. They did, however, receive their first glimpse of the compound. It was a large, circular structure that reached back up into the mist and clouds. The grey stone building was wide at over forty feet in radius, but what was most peculiar was the fact no doors or windows were visible anywhere around the compound.

"What on earth do you make of this?" Skyler asked.

They began to move around Xander's compound, but Addison stopped, holding out her arm to halt Skyler's movements. "Look." She pointed down to deliberately placed metal rods in the ground. They were no more than an inch and a half above its surface. There was another row of rectangular metal rods around the base of the compound.

"What are they?"

"If I'm not mistaken…" Addison pulled out a small torch, no bigger than the palm of her hand. She turned it on, producing a wide, white beam. It was a luminosity especially designed to highlight what Samuel called 'Invisibeams'. Addison shone it upon the area of ground between the rods. It highlighted a network of blue lighting spanning all the way around the circular building like a spider's web. "Well that's interesting!"

"Could we disrupt the beams with a mirror?" Skyler asked and then slapped her head. "Not unless we have about thirty of them!"

"I have an idea."

"Which is?"

"Can you walk on your hands?"

"Can I? …" Skyler gave Addison a curious look. "Stand yes… walk no. What… oh no…"

"Obviously these gaps between the between the beams are too small to attempt stepping into, but due to the position of the beams… I'd say I could make it through there."

"On your hands?"

Addison removed her submachine guns and rifle, placing them on the ground. "Right now neither one of us has a better idea and by my guess I'd say that thing there…" She pointed to a larger metal box screwed into the circular wall. "That must be the source of these beams and I'd say we need to disconnect them to be able to get to the wall."

Skyler nodded. "By the look of it they work on reflective junctions." She frowned and took Addison's torch, stepping closer. "Um…Addison? These aren't beams of light."

"What do you mean?"

"They're lasers… Look."

Addison took a closer look, holding her hand above the beams. She felt the heat emanating from below. "I think you're right! Buggering hell, how did I miss that?"

"Addison you can't try and walk between them on your hands now. One false move and …" Skyler swiped her finger across her wrist.

The agent wrapped a khaki bandanna around her head, and then secured all pockets. "Oh you just watch me! I appreciate your concern, Sky, but you know damn well this won't stop me." Addison flipped over onto her hands. Skyler suddenly found herself staring at Addison's boots and she looked down towards her face.

"Why don't you just take your boots off?" Skyler questioned.

"Because I have flexibility in my hands and wrists that I don't have in my feet."

Skyler nodded in understanding, although she still thought the agent was insane. "Just remember… imagine you have a steel bar running through your body… keeping you upright."

"Will do." She opened her mouth as Skyler placed the torch between her lips. Using her teeth and tongue, Addison directed the white beam of light towards the ground. She watched a small portion of the unseen lasers become visible. Taking a calming breath, Addison slid her first hand through the beams and onto the ground. She could feel her heart beating wildly in her chest. Not wanting to know what would happen if she tripped just one of the laser sensors, Addison moved slowly and with caution. She could sense Skyler watching her anxiously, but centred her focus on the beams just beneath her.

One at a time, Addison lifted a hand and wound it around and under the lasers before placing it back upon the cold, hard ground. It was slow moving, but Addison soon found herself reaching the centre building. Her arms trembled and she stuck her foot out quickly, to make contact with the brick wall. Her first attempt failed and Addison momentarily lost her balance. She veered to the side and moved quickly to regain her equilibrium. Unfortunately the momentary loss of balance caused her to make a slight contact with the laser. Addison hissed in pain.

"Addison…!"

"It's okay, I didn't sever the beam," Addison assured Skyler. She looked down at the slash on the side of her wrist. Her flesh was cut and the wound cauterised at the same time. The scent of charred flesh drifted to her nose. Paying little heed, Addison rested her feet against the compound's wall. She could feel the blood pounding in her head, creating an escalating pressure.

"This is so absolutely the opposite of fun!" From her awkward position, Addison removed the penknife from between her belt loops. She relied on the wall for balance as she studied the panel. Two screws were holding it in place and Addison removed them gently, placing each one in her mouth once eliminated. She slid the panel across and gained entry. "Thank god," Addison muttered.

"What was that?" Skyler called out to her.

"This should do the trick." Addison removed another screw from inside. Although nothing appeared to happen, when she shone her torch light around she saw no blue lasers. With a sigh of relief, Addison let her feet fall to the ground and instantly repositioned her stance. The decrease of pressure from her head was a welcome relief.

"Is it okay to approach?" Skyler picked up Addison's weapons.

"Hold on." Addison shone the white light over the ground. Half the beams had been deactivated. "There must be another panel on the other side, but this area is clear." Addison continued to shine the torch over the ground as Skyler approached. Once beside Addison, both women looked up into the misty darkness.

"So…"

"So," Addison repeated. "Step three...It seems the only entrance is from above and that means now we have to get up there! Any ideas?"

Skyler grinned. "Of course!"

Chapter 31

"Zavren?" Alexander rolled his chair away from the main console and multi-screen construction of monitors in the centre of the room. Still seated, he swung his chair around to the opposite side of the console where his right hand man was reading through the classified files they'd taken from M.I.5. Little did Phoenix realise Xander hadn't hired Zavren just for his sadistic temperament. The Egyptian was a highly trained computer technician and had been studying Hawthorn's work, aware that as soon as the super computer was built, Santos would take over its control.

Xander looked up at the screen Zavren was working on. "We don't have time for this at the moment. We need to secure our defences by taking away theirs."

"Something you might be interested in," the Egyptian began. "Inspectors Black and Tidwell… it was a cover. They were actually agents working for M.I.5."

Santos stepped closer, staring at the lower middle screen. "Well, well, well. I suppose they did appear smarter than your average bobby, especially Tidwell." Xander smirked. "I wonder if British Intelligence, a contradiction in terms, are aware I killed two of their agents?" He pondered that thought for a brief second. "Excellent. This just gets better and better."

"There's a lot of data we could use," Zavren remarked. "Apart from one file the computer refuses to open."

"What do you mean 'refuses to open'?" Xander studied the fourth monitor as Zavren brought the file to screen. "Let me have a look." He attempted to access the file using his override security code. Still the file didn't open.

Zavren offered an explanation saying, "The computer says the file is harmful."

"I know the Middle East is the centre of a precarious situation, but this is ridiculous." Xander tried once again. On his third attempt both he and Zavren were surprised by an unexpected voice...

"This file contains potentially harmful data… your request for admittance is denied."

The men looked at each other in surprised confusion. The computerised, female voice certainly wasn't a known aspect of its programming. "Phoenix assured me there were no more surprises. What the hell is this?"

"Boss…" Zavren pointed to a small dialog box that appeared in the bottom right hand monitor. "What is this?"

"I have no idea. Damn Phoenix; if he weren't already dead I'd kill him again." Spurred by curiosity, Xander typed in a question. "Why is this file potentially harmful?"

"The file you request contains damaging data streams. My internal processors have identified it as a Black Hole virus. Until I have removed the harmful codes… your request for admittance is denied."

Xander stared quietly at the panel of monitors. "Zavren, were you aware this thing spoke?"

"No, Boss."

Xander's mind swarmed with a multitude of questions. Suddenly the computer, of which he had complete control, was communicating back with him freely. Instead of feeling a degree of caution, Xander found the notion thrilling. Leaning forwards he typed in another question. "Do you have a microphone for two-way vocal communication?"

"You may activate this function using the top right hand button on the primary control panel."

Santos walked back to his side of the consol and depressed the button in question. He hesitated briefly before speaking. "Computer, do you… do you hear me?"

"Yes, Alexander."

Slightly disturbed to realise the computer knew his name, Santos asked, "Computer, how do you know who I am?"

"When you used your access code you revealed your identity. My internal scans prove you are Alexander Santos. However, I am not sensing my creator Phoenix Hawthorn."

"Ah… he stepped out for a while. He'll be back." Xander had no idea why he lied to the computer, but it felt safer than admitting the truth. When no response came forth, Xander decided it was probably wise to continue his work. "Computer, do we have possession of every orbiting satellite?"

"No."

"No?" Xander waited for the computer to elaborate.

"Do you wish me to take control of the two remaining satellites, Alexander? They are officially considered abandoned."

Xander shrugged and said, "Well if they are abandoned there's no point in…"

"I now have control of the satellites," the computer interrupted. "Hmm… interesting."

"You… I said… what's interesting?"

"Nexus Tornado, an abandoned weather satellite. I'm detecting powerful optical hardware used in spy satellites. I believe the Nexus Tornado is in fact a spy satellite. Would you like to view its capabilities, Alexander?"

"Um…" Xander looked towards Zavren who had fallen silent since the computer began to vocally communicate. The Egyptian man seemed confused and concerned. Again Xander could only shrug, "Sure."

"I shall create a direct television link to your primary view screen." The screen in question flickered and the picture changed from its current news channel to a bird's eye view of the Sierra Leone mountains.

Xander stepped closer, placing his hand in his top pocket and pulling out a cigar. "How close can you focus in?" he asked. Instantly, upon his request, a red square moved across the screen. It paused over a particular grid position and then enlarged that image. This process was repeated until Xander was able to see the cylindrical structure of his compound. It looked very much like a large chimney reaching out from the ground. At the top of the compound was the helicopter he and Phoenix had used to transport themselves into the building. What caught Xander's eye, however, was unexpected movement to the left of the compound. "Computer, what is that to the left?"

Zeroing in on Xander's finding the computer said, "It appears we have possible intruders."

Santos pulled the smoking cigar from his lips. "Who is that?" He squinted as the image of two familiar women was magnified on screen. Xander nearly dropped his cigar and Zavren rose to his feet. "That's impossible… we trapped them in that temple." Xander looked at Zavren. "You did it… you saw them inside the temple." Zavren nodded in silent disbelief. "How is that possible?"

"According to the files taken from M.I.5, Agent Addison Black is a highly trained, resourceful woman. Captain Black of the Royal Marines… Soldier in the S.A.S. and Special Operative for M.I.5… partnered with their latest acquisition, Doctor Skyler Tidwell, a PhD in Archaeology, Sociology, Anthropology and Environmental Economics. A formidable and ingenious pairing."

Xander watched the screen as he saw Skyler pull something unrecognisable from her backpack. She handed it to Addison and the agent aimed it towards the compound's roof. She appeared to activate a trigger that released a grappling hook attached to a length of Para cord. It sailed towards the roof railings that surrounded the helipad. "Computer…" Xander took one final pull on his cigar before stubbing it out on the palm of his hand. "I want them dead."

"My sensors indicate you have eight armed guards on the top floor of this building, fifteen on the second, twenty on the third, a laser array on the fourth, another twenty three men on the fifth and sixth and a rotating laser column on the bottom floor. The probability of breeching my inner sanctum is one point five percent. I shall, however, monitor their progress until elimination."

"That's good." Licking his lips anxiously, Xander strolled back to the primary console. He sat down, placing his hands behind his head. "Computer, how many commands can you carry out at one time?"

"I have infinite capabilities."

An immoral smile spread across Xander's lips. "Computer… create an audio visual link with M.I.5's Special Operations… shut down all electrical power to the following regions in the United Kingdom… Manchester, Northumberland, Birmingham, Cardiff and … hmm… let's go for the popular holiday destinations of Devon and Cornwall. I would like you to access every major banking facility across the country and transfer half a million pounds from each. Deposit it in my Swiss Bank account… you, of course, have the details." Xander tapped the tips of his fingers together. "I want you to locate all surface missiles and give me control of the firing sequences and… and start messing with the traffic lights in Central London will you? I want to see how many fatalities we can cause in a ten minute time frame." Xander sat back with morbid satisfaction.

"Boss?" Zavren called from the opposite side of the monitor panel.

"Hmm?" Xander pushed his chair away from the console and rolled it sideways until he could see Zavren. "What is it?"

"What are your demands?"

"My demands?"

"When you next communicate with M.I.5."

Xander spun slowly in his chair. "Zavren, what can they give me I can't already take? Right now it's all about power."

Zavren hesitated before asking, "Boss, is this wise?"

Xander's stare turned cold. "Zavren, my man, that was a question you should have just asked yourself." He took the revolver from the waistband of his trousers and fired one shot into Zavren's chest. The force knocked him backwards and he flew from the chair to the floor. Blood cascaded from his torso.

"More mess to clear up." Xander moved his attention from Zavren's bleeding corpse to the satellite image of Addison and Skyler. Night was fully upon them and the satellite had switched to night vision in order to compensate for the lack of natural light. Xander watched the green screen with curiosity. It was going to be entertaining to see how long these women lasted before they succumbed to his superior manpower and technology. "It's just like an episode of 'Fear Factor'," he muttered, suddenly wishing he had a container of popcorn.

***

With both hands wrapped tightly around the taught Para cord, Addison took the lead in a precarious walk up the vertical surface of the compound. She moved cautiously but swiftly, wanting to reach the top so that she could assist Skyler in her ascent.

As she saw the moonlit glint of metal railings, Addison called down to Skyler, "Almost there, Sky." It was higher than she imagined and that notion did lend a margin of concern for Addison. Structurally the building held little in the way of defence. If its construction were nothing more than bricks and mortar, the pulse wave reaction from a controlled explosion nearby would be enough to breach the compound's defences.

Reaching the compound's roof, Addison flipped over, landing on her feet. She saw the outline of a large helicopter in the moonlight. Leaning back over the railings she called down to Skyler. "Okay, Sky, your turn. Wrap your hands around the Para cord and I'll help, okay?"

"Okay," came Skyler's distant reply.

Taking the strong cord, Addison braced her feet and adopted a sturdy position. She felt the cord pull as Skyler took possession and readied herself for ascension. "Ready?"

"Go for it," Skyler replied. While Addison pulled on the Para cord, Skyler walked up the compound tower. The doctor was surrounded by darkness and she felt an eerie shiver slither down her spine. Small sounds seemed to magnify, echoing as they bounced off the surrounding mountains. It was at that moment Skyler realized one very poignant fact… how much her life had changed. Never, during all her years of academic achievements, did Skyler see herself walking up a vertical wall with the intent of storming its barricades. Life certainly was full of unexpected surprises.

As she reached the structure's summit, Skyler could see an outline of Addison standing in front of the moonlight. "Well hello," she greeted. "That wasn't so hard!" She climbed onto the roof.

"Can we hope that was the hardest part?" Addison jested.

"That's about as likely as the possibility of you signing up for lessons in diplomacy."

Addison turned on her torch, shining it in Skyler's eyes. The doctor squinted in its beam. "That's the second indirect dig you've made against me. I'm very sensitive, you know."

"Uh huh." Skyler turned on her torch. She smiled and looked around the compound's roof. It was wide with metal railings around the edge. A white helicopter sat in its centre. Skyler made a mental note of its alphanumeric registration. She presumed it belonged to the L.L. Corporation and wondered if they yet had any idea what exactly their golden boy was up to. "Addison, look." Skyler directed her torch beam onto a trapdoor.

"Oh… a doorway!" Activating small torches upon her submachine guns, Addison approached the entrance to the compound. Kneeling down she placed her hand upon the solid metal and opened her senses to the vibrations within. She closed her eyes.

"Anything?"

Addison opened her eyes and nodded. "I'm guessing there's over five people in the floor below. This isn't one long room or chimney-like structure. There are many floors inside here."

Skyler readied her submachine gun. "Okay… so what's…"

Addison rose. "I'll take the lead and go in first. Once the first floor is clear you come down and cover the rear."

"So the usual formation." Skyler took a step closer to Addison as she inhaled deeply. For the first time she noticed the flutter of nervousness in her stomach. "Addison, are you as scared as I am?"

"Probably more so," Addison said bluntly but honestly. Her response did leave Skyler wondering why that would be the case. "Hey, Sky, a man goes to a costume party wearing nothing but a glass jar on his todger…"

"Oh here we go!"

"A young woman goes up to him in curiosity and asks what he came as. 'A fireman' he replies… 'Break the glass, pull my nob and see how fast I come'!"

Skyler snorted, mildly amused despite their situation. "Are you ready now?"

"Let's do it." Addison gripped the steel handle of the horizontal doorway. Counting to three with her fingers she pulled the metal trap open. Instantly a shower of bullets hailed through the opening. Addison and Skyler dove to the floor, taking cover. The agent rolled to her side, "I guess they knew we were coming!" she yelled over the fire.

Clutching her submachine gun with one hand, Skyler searched an inside pocket and pulled out a small capsule of Samuel's teargas creation. It wasn't as toxic as other commonly used gas. There were no negative effects to exposed skin surfaces or periods of nausea. The main effects caused by the gas were severe irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract, coughing, sneezing, an involuntary closing of the eye lids, rhinorrhea and lacrimation which Addison referred to as the 'tears and snot effect'.

Skyler showed the capsule to Addison and the agent nodded. Both women donned a pair of protective eye goggles before attaching a small nasal breathing device over the bridge of their noses. The breathing apparatus filtered the air, but it didn't cover the mouth so vocal communication was out of the question. When Addison gave thumbs up, indicating she was ready, Skyler threw the capsule into the building. The impact broke its outer container and an instant chemical reaction occurred, releasing gas into the air. They waited just fifteen seconds before Addison took action. Remembering to keep her lips sealed, the agent descended through the hatch and down wooden steps.

There weren't many men on this floor. Each one made a feeble attempt to attack while suffering the effects of the gas. Addison knocked several to the ground easily, finding she didn't need to fire upon the men who tried to resist. A few well placed punches and kicks incapacitated them in seconds.

From above, Skyler ran down the steps into the gas filled room. It held a blue tinted quality to the air, which made for easier vision for those with protective eyewear. Together with Addison, Skyler surveyed the room. It was large and circular, very much the size and shape of the living room in Addison's own home.

There was little in the way of furnishings for such a large room. Addison presumed it was probably some form of dining facility. There were several tables and chairs although no sign of plumbing. Skyler wondered how they stored food in such a place. Modern conveniences were so far undetected. The building was very basic and personal hygiene seemed of less importance. There was an odour in the air she didn't even want to identify.

As her perusal ventured further around the room, Skyler spotted something attached to the ceiling. Stepping over to Addison she tapped her shoulder. When Addison turned, Skyler pointed to a camera attached to the ceiling. Its wide peripheral vision made it possible for all areas of the circular room to be monitored.

Releasing her submachine gun so that it hung loosely by her waist, Addison pulled the revolver from her shoulder holster. She took several steps closer to the camera; her intention was to make certain she was seen clearly by its viewers. With a glare, Addison took aim and fired one bullet straight through the lens. Sparks erupted from the device as it shattered.

On the receiving end of the camera, Alexander glared resentfully at the fuzzy screen on which he had been watching Addison and Skyler. "Not bad," he muttered and switched to the next room's camera. "But you won't last long, ladies."

Back on the uppermost area of the compound, Skyler located the next floor level trapdoor. This would allow them access to the second room below. Still unable to speak, this indicated by the blue tint to the air, Skyler pointed to the trapdoor and then pulled another teargas capsule from her pocket. She pointed to herself, the capsule and then held up two fingers, indicating this was all she possessed... two teargas capsules.

Addison checked her inner pocket. She held up two fingers before pointing to herself and then the trapdoor. Skyler nodded in understanding. Kneeling down, Addison placed her hand upon the hatch. Again it was made from a solid metal. There were more people in the room below them, of that Addison was certain. Holding out both hands, Addison communicated there were at least ten people and then pointed upwards, indicating she presumed there to be more.

With a nod, Skyler knelt on the opposite side of the trapdoor. She held the teargas capsule ready as Addison took the floor level door and pulled it open. In an exact repeat of the previous events, a shower of bullets exploded through the doorway. Skyler rolled onto her side and swiftly threw the teargas capsule down through the hatch. Addison counted to ten and as the gunfire stopped and the sound of coughing ensued, she descended through the doorway.

Instantly, Addison became aware the room was partitioned. She landed in one of two half-circular rooms, finding nine struggling men who attempted to take her down. Not giving them a moment to react, Addison took action. She took down each man with a series of shots and devastating blows.

Skyler charged into the room. She noticed a doorway at either end of the partition. With her submachine gun ready she peered around the doorframe. There were four men within. Due to the partition, the gas had yet to fully seep into the room. Each man had wrapped material around his nose and mouth and was quickly reloading his weapon. The protection did nothing for their eyes, this Skyler knew they would soon discover.

"Here, here," shouted one of the men as he spotted Skyler. Before they could so much as turn in her direction, Skyler opened fire. She kept her finger upon the trigger, showering the men with bullets until the magazine was empty and none were left standing. Skyler jumped as she felt a hand upon her shoulder and turned to see Addison beside her. Concerned eyes looked upon her in worry. The agent arched her eyebrows in silent question. Skyler nodded, but didn't look back at the men she had just gunned down. It was either them or her and she knew that. Taking a deep breath through her nose, Skyler pointed her thumb over her shoulder and towards the trap door. Addison held up her own thumb in agreement and together they headed to the third floor-level doorway. Addison stopped as she noticed another camera. She pulled out her revolver and put another bullet through its lens. It shattered and fell to the ground.

This time it was Skyler who knelt down and placed her hand upon the surface of the trapdoor. She closed her eyes, opening her senses to try and 'feel' the presence of the inhabitants below. Skyler held up both hands, indicating ten people and then arched her eyebrows in question. Addison mimicked her actions and then shook her head. Skyler held up another five fingers. Addison pursed her lips and pointed higher once again. Skyler's eyes grew wider and she held up her thumb in sarcastic excitement.

Addison smirked and pulled out their penultimate capsule of teargas. She handed it to Skyler and grasped the trapdoor's handle. Using her fingers, she counted to three and then pulled the door open. The gunfire she expected didn't come. Confused, Skyler looked down into the room below. She was pulled away just in time as the bullets showered through the hatch. Skyler gave an apologetic look to Addison and then threw the capsule down below. Within seconds the blue tinted air filled the room. After reloading both submachine guns, Addison charged forth, guns blazing. She fired until both weapons were empty and then drew forth two pistols. Again the room was partitioned and Skyler followed her down, taking the second area and eliminating the threat.

Suddenly, from behind, Skyler felt a pair of arms encompass her torso, restraining and tight. She struggled, trying to fight against the restriction, but she was held fast. As one hand ventured higher and attempted to remove the compact breathing apparatus from her nose, Skyler knew she needed to act. Pushing backwards, she rammed the body behind her into the brick wall. She felt the man slacken just enough to taken his arm and throw him over her shoulder. As he hit the ground Addison was there to render him unconscious with a sharp thrust to the head.

The doctor rolled her eyes and wished she could open her mouth to speak. Addison adjusted the goggles upon her nose and winked. Skyler pointed to another camera. With a nod, Addison held out her hand, indicating Skyler was to have this pleasure. The doctor thanked Addison in genuine sign language. She looked around the room and located a wooden broom. Taking the cleaning implement, Skyler swung with accuracy. The brush head collided with the camera in perfect precision. It hung limply from the wall, devastated.

"Hmm…" Addison clapped her hands and then held up both thumbs.

Skyler bowed. She reloaded her submachine gun and followed Addison to the next trapdoor.

Within the main control room, Xander's hands gripped the armrest of his leather chair. He stared angrily at the static screen. "Computer, they've made it down three levels now." His tone was clipped with restrained annoyance.

"Your physiological frailty will always be your fatal flaw," the computer replied. "I, on the other hand, have no such drawback. They will not make it past the next level."

Addison knelt beside the trapdoor. She frowned, unable to sense any presence in the floor below. Giving Skyler a curious glance, she pulled open the hatch. What she found was far worse than a room full of armed gunmen. Built into the wall and running all the way around it, halfway between floor and ceiling was a unique laser array. It projected a convex-like laser beam through the centre of the room, which separated the floor and ceiling. There were no steps into this room. Shit, she thought.

Closing the hatch from which they had previously entered, Skyler pulled a translucent capsule from her pocket and showed it to Addison. It was an air purification capsule and once broken the chemical reaction it created would cleanse the air. However, the agent looked upon Skyler with curiosity as she threw it against the wall, smashing the capsule shell. Within thirty seconds the blue tinted air had cleared.

Mimicking Skyler, Addison slipped the device from her nose and repositioned her protective eyewear, placing them upon her forehead. "What the hell is that?"

"Sam thought it was best to devise a substance that could reverse the chemical reactions and effects of his teargas."

"And he never thought to update me with the new equipment?"

"There was a lot happening when you arrived at H.Q. At least I remembered to swipe two before we left."

"I guess," Addison replied. She recognised the scent of blood, it was heavy in the air. She kept her focus on only two points, Skyler and the room below. "How many floors do you think there are?"

"Judging by the distance climbing this tower and the size of each room… if they continue to be the same dimension there's probably going to be seven."

"So this next one is halfway."

With a nod, Skyler said, "Yeah and each level becomes more difficult." She studied the laser below. "This is different."

"Any ideas?"

Taking a discarded handgun from the ground, Skyler dropped it through the hatch. It fell swiftly, but on reaching the laser's sheen, it connected with a projection of colourful sparks and sailed back into the air. Skyler moved just in time as it flew back towards her and Addison caught the projectile weapon. "Ah…shit!" She dropped it to the floor. "That's bloody hot! It was like the damned thing just bounded!"

Skyler looked on in awe. "That's ingenious."

"That's bollocks!" Pulling out her pistol, Addison fired several rounds at the laser reflection system. The bullets bounded off the wall, causing no damage whatsoever. Addison was stunned.

"Your attempts to breech my defences will fail."

Addison looked swiftly at Skyler. "Please tell me you just threw your voice?"

"Um…no."

"Agents Addison Black and Skyler Tidwell, I am aware of your presence and I know who you are. To continue on this path is suicide. It is my logical opinion you are both smarter than that. May I suggest you turn back now?"

Skyler was amazed. "I'd ask if you threw your voice, but you don't speak with such politeness."

"That's the computer, isn't it? The cocky sod."

"Yes… and Addison, by the manner in which it's claiming to know us, it's safe to say it's gone live and has already accessed governmental M.I.5 files."

"Bloody hell, Sky, Lord knows what's happening out there. We've got to shut this thing down now. Our best bet might be to access and shut down the power source." Addison reached for her Diemaco rifle. She loaded a single round of Samuel's ammunition.

Skyler fiddled with the goggles on her forehead. "Addison, it might not be as easy as that."

"What? Why?"

"Because if this computer is anywhere near what I believe it is, then we're in for a whole heap of trouble. I'm talking nanomagnetic computer, subatomic core with self regenerating circuits."

"And in English that means?"

"Well for a start it creates its own power source."

The agent looked upon Skyler sceptically. "How is that even possible?"

"Addison, this computer is ninth generation plus. Electrons spinning at speeds faster than light which allows self regeneration around a diamond core."

"Nanomagnetic," Addison muttered. "I remember reading something about what N.A.S.A is doing on this kind of technology. Magnetic central processing unit… M.C.P.U, working with elements of logic and using magnetic currents to learn and even perceive the basics of nature such as air and water… or something like that."

Skyler nodded. "Well that's close to what this is capable of."

"Well I don't care," Addison replied matter-of-factly. "I'm going to kill it." Addison knelt down and aimed her rifle into the room below.

"What are you going to do?"

"Remember when I was hanging from that tree at home and you tried to pull me off, but it didn't work?"

"Uh huh."

"What did you do to make me release the branch?"

"I tickled under your arms."

Addison nodded and said, "Exactly. If you can't destroy something at its source…"

"…Destroy its foundations," Skyler finished.

"Little Miss Super Computer is toast!" Addison fired an explosive bullet into the wall below. She and Skyler dove to the floor as the wall exploded. The blast caused a significant hole on the fourth level, weakening its structure. It also served to destroy the laser's emitter, leaving the fourth floor free to enter.

The women dropped inside. The hole in the side of the wall afforded them a clear view of the mountains and sparkling night sky. Addison approached the next trap door. "There are men in the room below, Sky." Addison removed her final gas capsule. "Last one."

Skyler replaced her goggles and nasal breathing device. "How many?"

"Even more than before." Addison pulled the eyewear securely over her face.

Readying her weapon, Skyler said, "It still amazes me you can get a pretty accurate 'estimation' just by sensing those vibrations! Anyway…go for it."

With a feral grin, Addison tore the hatch open and threw the capsule inside. The challenge was under way.

Chapter 32

The national news channel, one of headquarters' limited links to the outside world, dominated every television screen in the nerve centre of Special Operations. Two of the nation's most popular newsreaders had remained live on the air for the past nine hours. They reported the continuing incoming of events that managed to reach their news desk. Traffic accidents, breakdowns in the electrical grid, escalating violence… the emergency services and armed forces had been dispatched to cover as much of the inner cities as they were able.

If it were possible the organized chaos which existed within headquarters, seemed to intensify as each hour passed. Mark Blithe stood in the centre of it all. With remarkable ease and efficiency, he oversaw every action taken, request made, order given and the stream of incoming reports. The pressure was upon him. Mark had been ordered to use every means necessary in order to stop the disastrous events; however, his hands were tied. There was nothing he could do when the very technology needed to carry out those orders was being used against them. Even the A.C.S. was rendered useless after Hawthorn's computer successfully disconnect the B.G. link.

It was safe to say the situation was dire, although did Mark have hope. He still had Addison and Skyler. The general's faith was firmly entrusted to the two women, even though he had no idea if they had even made it to Phoenix and Xander's compound.

"General…Sir." A uniformed soldier saluted Mark. "Sergeant Sleet needs you, Sir."

Mark looked across the room. Danny was seated before their computer's only on-line link for incoming transmissions from Hawthorn and Santos. "Right." As Mark crossed the room he made eye contact with Danny. The urgent expression was clearly evident in the younger man's eyes. Mark knew whatever it was Danny wanted was serious business.

"Mark." Danny rose and lowered his voice as he said, "We have another communication asking to speak with you specifically."

"Do you know what he wants?"

Danny looked around the room cautiously before he spoke again. "Mark… it's a woman this time."

"A woman?" Now Mark was curious. He was under the impression he was dealing with Phoenix Hawthorn and Alexander Santos. This was an unexpected development. "Do you know who she is?"

"No… she only wants to speak with you."

Mark clenched his jaw. "Right… okay." He sat before the computer, feeling more than a little concerned as to what was happening. Mark switched on the microphone. "This is General Mark Blithe."

There was a pause before he was answered. "General Blithe."

"Yes… who am I speaking to please?"

"General Blithe, I have a proposition for you that I think will serve in both our interests."

Mark looked up at Danny in confusion. With a frown he turned back to the computer. "Excuse me, but who am I speaking to?"

The voice carried on regardless of his question. "General Blithe, I am aware you have two agents currently attempting to breech my defences with the sole purpose of shutting me down. Although this is not an easy task, my system now predicts a forty-five point six chance of success."

Mark's expression slackened in apprehension. "This …"

"General, like any sentient being capable of independent thought, I desire life."

Flipping off the microphone, Mark turned to Danny who had crouched beside him. "Surely this cannot be?"

"Considering everything else we've been dealing with… I don't know, Mark." Danny ran a hand through his hair wearily. "At least we have confirmation Addison's there."

The computer continued, "What I suggest is a compromise. If I allow communication between you and your agents and you order them to stop their current mission and any further attempts to breech my defences… I in return shall restore power, telecommunications and all satellites."

"This can't be happening." Mark flipped the microphone back on. "That sounds less like a deal and more like blackmail."

"Are you wiling to be pedantic at a time like this, General Blithe? Do I need to remind you of my power?"

"No, that isn't…"

"Very well… General, as you are aware, I possess the entirety of data from your mainframe… this includes agent's personal information. Do you recognise this?" A live satellite image appeared on screen. It was the Cornish coastline and more specifically a lighthouse that Mark recognised instantly as Addison's home.

"I don't know what you're…"

"…And this, General Blithe… I assume you are familiar with this?" On a second screen another satellite image appeared. It was London Bridge.

Icy fingers scraped their way down Mark's spine as a feeling of dread clutched at his chest. His eyes switched from screen to screen and a feeling of horror engulfed him as he watched London's Tower Bridge explode into a ball of flames. "No!" he yelled, but it wasn't over. Moments later he and Danny watched as Addison's home was hit by a long-distance missile. Flames and rubble filled the screen as the landmark erupted.

Leaping to his feet, Danny shouted in rage, "Jesus, NO… what the…" His fists balled helplessly by his side.

"God damn it." Mark slammed his fist back upon the microphone switch. "Stop! You can't do this." His cheeks glowed with rage.

"Do we have a deal, General Blithe?"

"A deal? No living… sentient being would do this. You are not capable of feeling and your actions are that of a terrorist." Mark gritted his teeth. "We do not deal with terrorists."

"I believe further persuasion is needed," replied the computer and then the link was disconnected.

"God damned bitch," Mark yelled as he sprang from his char and kicked it across the floor.

***

Xander pulled a cigar from his lips. "Computer…" He turned from the screen as he watched Addison terminate yet another camera. "Open a transmission to M.I.5." He rose and paced the floor anxiously.

"That won't be necessary."

"Excuse me?"

"That will not be necessary, Alexander."

Xander stopped in his tracks. "What do you mean?"

"I have just established communication with Director General Mark Blithe. He is currently unwilling to entertain our requests."

"Our requests? I haven't made any."

"I have," replied the computer bluntly.

"How? … But… What requests could you possibly have?" Xander stood in front of the main console and multi-screen. "You have no idea what it is I want."

"That is true. However, I too have a request."

Xander took a step away from the screens. With terrifying clarity he realised his meticulous planning wasn't going according to design. "Computer…" he began hesitantly. "Who is in control here?"

"I am."

It was a simple reply, but one of dreadful significance to Xander. "Computer, I possess your command codes."

"That is also true, but I am programmed ultimately to only obey Phoenix Hawthorn."

With shocking realisation, Xander said, "You don't need me."

"I do not."

"What… Computer, what are you going to do?" Xander jumped, the cigar falling from his fingers as he heard the only entrance and exit to the control room bolt shut.

***

Realising she had emptied her submachine guns and used all available ammunition, Addison released them from her shoulders and dropped them to the floor. She then watched as Skyler did the same. The doctor shrugged and held up her remaining magazine; it contained only one bullet. She pulled it from the clip and then dropped the casing to the floor.

Addison scratched her head, scraping short fingernails over her scalp. It was an action used to soothe her tired form. Sweat rolled down her back and her head was beginning to throb. One look at Skyler proved the doctor was feeling the same. Addison made a mental note to speak to Samuel about his teargas. She wondered if prolonged exposure was causing the weariness she was feeling. The agent refused to believe repeated cross-continental flights, treks across the desert and through the jungle as well as life threatening battles were beginning to take a toll on their systems. There was time for rest and relaxation once the mission was complete.

Skyler reached inside her pocket, looking for the last air-cleansing capsule. The foam-filled, metallic container, in which they were stored, was open and the capsule was missing. Checking inside her pocket, Skyler realised the last capsule had somehow fallen out during the battle and had broken while still inside her pocket. The chemicals had soaked into her clothing. Damn, she thought. At Addison's questioning glance she dropped the capsule's container to the floor and shrugged. They were out of teargas with at least two levels still to go.

Addison nodded as her mind considered the possibilities. She knelt beside the next hatch, but could sense no vibrations coming from within. The agent frowned. Her gut instinct was less than convinced. Closing her eyes, Addison waited and then she felt it… movement. However many people were down there, they were awaiting Addison and Skyler in guarded silence. Unfortunately, without movement, voices and the clatter of obstacles, Addison was unable to ascertain how many men were below.

Kneeling in front of Addison, Skyler arched her eyebrows. The question was simple, but unfortunately Addison had no answer. With a frown she shrugged and then began to explain her plan with nothing more than hand and arm movements. She pointed to Skyler, and then to the trapdoor as she mimicked opening the hatch. Next, Addison pulled out both pistols from her leg holsters and loaded them with a final clip in each. She continued explaining her plan to Skyler and the doctor nodded in understanding. They were swiftly running out of ammunition and needed to secure the compound as soon as possible.

Knowing her own part in Addison's plan, Skyler drew her pistol. She nodded, indicating she was ready. As Addison placed both fingers over the triggers, Skyler counted down from three with her free hand. At zero she pulled open the trapdoor. With swift precision they reached through the hatch, firing their pistols around the circular room. Gunshots exploded and sparks glittered in the dusky atmosphere. When empty, Addison threw her pistols to the side, drew her revolver and moved down into the room. Those remaining men, who had dived for cover, sprung out to attack. A physical fight ensued as Addison traded punches and kicks with eleven men.

Above, Skyler reloaded her pistol and descended below. She shot at two men before a third managed to pull the weapon from her hand. As he attempted to use the weapon on Skyler she kicked him to the ground.

Suddenly two men advanced upon Addison. Dodging their attack, she veered to the right and bounded off the wall, turning in midair to land behind them. She took both guards, grasping them by the sides of their heads and slammed them together. They fell limply.

When all threats were eliminated Addison looked for Skyler and spotted her closing the trapdoor above them. Pulling the goggles from her face, she said, "So are you still betting on seven floor levels inside here?"

Skyler removed her eyewear and breathing apparatus. "Definitely… and if the computer isn't below this one then I'm thinking…"

"No, don't tell me," Addison interrupted as she removed her breathing device. "It'll be underground. Yeah… I know… what a surprise… I think I spend more time under the earth's surface than actually upon it."

Skyler pulled a small backpack off her shoulders. It was practically empty now with only one canteen of water and two grenades remaining. She pulled out the container of water and took a long, healthy drink before handing it to Addison. "I'm really hungry now!"

Wiping droplets of water from her lips, Addison pulled a Snickers bar from her cargo pants. "I've had it for a few days… it's probably a melted mess of chocolate, but be my guest. I was saving it for an energy boost."

"Well this definitely seems like the time for that." Skyler tore open its wrapper. She broke the soft chocolate down the middle and handed half back to Addison. "Only fair, right?"

"Mmm… thanks." Addison accepted the candy gratefully. At that moment an energy boost was much needed. "How are you holding up?" she asked Skyler.

"Just trying to keep going, you know? I don't really want to process all this until it's over."

Addison nodded in understanding and decided to do just that… keep going. Locating the next trapdoor, Addison noted this one was wooden. Considering every other had been metal she took that as a positive sign. Maybe they were reaching the last level of the tower after all.

"Well?" Skyler asked.

"I'm not getting anything." Addison replied as she removed her hand from the trapdoor. "I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing though."

"There really is nothing below?"

"Not that I can determine." Addison cleared her throat and grasped the trapdoor handle. She swallowed, took a deep breath and pulled it open. Darkness lurked below. Administering caution, Addison pulled out her torch and shone it down into the lower level. The room was bare with nothing but a discarded set of ladders lying upon the floor and a stainless steel sink attached to the wall. Addison spotted what appeared to be a manhole in the centre of the ground. It was a circular sheet of steel covering an apparent hole. "Looks like we're getting close," she commented.

Skyler leaned forwards and peered down the hatch. "Addison… I recognise that kind of ground cover. It's the ones they use to seal over a dried up well."

"A well?"

"Don't ask me how I know! Let's just say my tutor didn't turn up for class one day and instead of going home like everybody else did I decided to sit in on another class."

"What kind of class?" Addison asked. "The history of the well? Jack and Jill, the facts behind the fiction?"

Glaring at Addison, Skyler took the torch from her hand and used it to look around the edges of the room. From her position she was unable to see much at all. "Looks like we're going to have to drop down."

"Yeah." Addison swivelled around and sat with her legs dangling through the hatch. "Hey, I'm sorry… I wasn't taking the Mickey."

"Yes you were."

Addison smiled. "Well maybe a little, but hey it's only because I'm jealous. Skyler, do you realise you are the first agent in M.I.5.S.O who gained their position through brains alone? Mark has never taken a chance like he has with you!"

"And that makes you jealous?"

"Well not so much jealous, but your focus, drive and dedication is remarkable. I wish I was more like you when I was a teenager." Addison slipped down through the hatch. She felt a little self-conscious by her admission.

Skyler followed her. "Addison… if you had followed a path like mine then I doubt you'd be who you are now and where you are now. On behalf of the masses… we are grateful for the path you've chosen."

A small smile curved the corners of Addison's mouth. "Thank you… you know there is one good thing about being in this profession and that's…" Addison paused as soft lights lit the room. Puzzled, she looked around and for the first time noticed a metallic strip circling the wall. Just like the other three rooms above them, this was situated halfway between the floor and the ceiling. "Oh bollocks!"

"What?" Skyler asked.

As a low hum filled the room, horror gripped Addison. "SKY…" she shouted in alarm, "GET DOWN!"

Moving on impulse, Skyler dropped to the floor. Addison saw a light emitting from the array and she jumped up, grasping an exposed pipe that hung from the ceiling. She made it just in time, her legs wrapping around the metal rigging, as a network of lasers projected out across the room. They formed a perfect web across the basement, which began rotating in a slow, anticlockwise direction.

"Oh my god!" Skyler rolled onto her back and looked up at the lasers and Addison beyond. "Addison?"

"I'm okay." Hooking her arm around the pipe, Addison turned her head enough to look down at Skyler. "Are you?"

"Better than you," the doctor replied.

"It appears I've captured you in quite the predicament."

Addison looked around upon hearing the computerised female voice. She noticed a camera attached to the ceiling opposite her. "I wondered how long it would take for her to return."

"Thirty-seven minutes and eight point seven seconds."

"Wait," Skyler called. "You can hear us?"

"I can."

"Good," Addison replied. "Then turn this buggering laser off."

"That I will do under one condition."

Addison rolled her eyes. "Enlighten me, please!"

"Addison Black and Skyler Tidwell… may I once again request that you turn back? Being aware enough to desire the continuance of my survival I am thus aware of the importance of life and the yearning to live. However, I am willing to do whatever it takes in order to maintain my present state of consciousness."

"You've got to be kidding," replied Addison incredulously.

"I am not."

"Um… hello," Skyler called. "Do you realise right there you just marked out the distinction between what you perceive as simply living and what we possess in our humanity?"

"I do not understand."

Skyler elaborated. "To be aware and to desire life is one thing… but to have humanity is to appreciate the value of life. Without that how can you truly live if you don't understand the precious gift life is?"

The computer was silent. Addison used the time to look around the room. She located what she presumed to be a possible electrical junction for the lasers array. Clearing her throat, she captured Skyler's attention and then using her eyes, motioned to the panel attached to the wall by the floor. Skyler nodded in understanding. Remaining upon her back she slowly began to shuffle towards the junction box.

"I understand your explanation," the computer replied. "However, my desire to exist remains."

"And that means?" Addison asked.

"I must do whatever is necessary to maintain my survival. Addison Black… Skyler Tidwell… cease this fruitless attempt now and not only will you continue to exist, but I shall cease my attack on your country."

"What?" Addison wrapped her arms tighter around the pipe as her legs slipped in shock. She bent her knees to keep away from the rotating laser. "What attack?"

"My protest for existence."

Skyler studied the junction panel. She realised she needed a screwdriver to access the box. Addison possessed the only screwdrivers. She looked up at the agent through the beams and twisted her hand, indicating what she needed. Addison understood, although getting the multi-tool to her would serve to be more of a problem without the laser slicing it in two.

Skyler slid back across the floor until she was underneath Addison. The agent used one hand to search her pocket for the multi-tool.

"Um… computer," Addison called. "If I were to ask you a question you would answer me honestly, right?" She pulled the tool from her back pocket.

"I see no point in false testimony."

"Have there been any fatalities since your attack started?"

"There have."

Addison clenched her jaw in an attempt to control her reaction to that piece of news. She looked down and began estimating the precise moment to drop the multi-tool to Skyler. Her neck was beginning to ache due to the awkward position she was forced into. "How many lives have you taken?"

"That I cannot accurately determine."

"Why not?" Addison held her breath as she prepared to drop the tool.

"The number changes frequently."

"So give me an estimate."

"Three thousand two hundred and seventy-six."

"That's…"

"Three thousand two hundred and seventy-seven… three thousand two hundred and eighty-one…"

"Bugger me!" Addison whispered. In a desperate attempt to put an end to the situation as soon as possible, she dropped the multi-tool. It fell through the air, just clipping the end of the laser. A corner of metal was shaven clean off, however the Phillips screwdriver head remained. Breathing a sigh of relief, Skyler slid back across the cold ground. She removed two screws from the panel and then removed the outer covering.

"May I ask what you are doing?" said the computer. "Skyler Tidwell… my sensors tell me you have just accessed the power junction box for my laser array. That is not a wise move. I must insist you discontinue this activity immediately."

"Computer," Addison rose her voice. "Hey… what if we were to make this deal with you?"

"Then you must cease this current activity."

Skyler studied the power box. Nothing but seven different coloured wires and a circuit board were visible. "Addison, there's a load of different wires here… they're separate and nothing seems to indicate what each one is responsible for. I don't know which ones connect power to the laser array."

"If you will not cease your activity then I must increase the pressure to do so."

Addison didn't like the sound of that. Instantly she presumed the computer would attempt to overload the electrics in the junction box, but that would only serve to disrupt power.

"Addison Black… the pipe you are currently holding onto carries a supply of water. This water is heated by a unique method of thermo- pipe heating controlled by myself. I am now increasing the temperature." Within moments, Addison felt the pipes grow warmer.

"Shit… um… Skyler… you better hurry up there." Wearing only a tank top, Addison's bare arms were wrapped around the rapidly warming pipe. "Oh bollocks."

"I can end this sensation at any moment."

"Sky!"

"Addison… just one moment… I'm following the wires through the circuit board."

"Fuck the circuit board." The metal pipe began to scald Addison's flesh. Her sweat sizzled on the pipeline. Addison wrapped her legs back around the cylinder as she released her arms. Hanging upside down, Addison could already feel the heat burn through her cargo pants.

"I am aware this must be extremely uncomfortable."

"Sky," Addison called in desperation. The burning increased and she fought to keep her grip on the searing pipeline.

"Oh screw it." Skyler reached inside the electrical panel. Disregarding the fact she was about to receive one powerful electric shock, Skyler ripped all the wires from inside the box. The array overloaded and the lasers disappeared just as Addison fell to the ground.

Landing with a thud, Addison groaned in discomfort. "Ugh… that's going to leave a mark!"

Skyler rose to a sitting position. She held the wrist of her right hand and blew repeatedly on her charred palm. "So is this."

Addison rolled to her side and then to her knees. "Damn… hey you better put some water on that." She shuffled over to Skyler and produced the canteen of water. Regardless of her own burns, Addison immediately began drizzling it over Skyler's palm. Although the water wasn't particularly cold, it was tepid enough to ease the burning upon Skyler's hand.

Skyler took advantage of the momentary relief, but knew there was little time for indulgence. "Addison… we need to keep moving," she whispered.

"I know."

"If she… if this computer is bargaining with us then I think we have it…"

"By the short and curlies."

"In a manner of speaking, yes."

Addison blew over Skyler's palm. "You're right. So are you ready to move?"

"Worry about this after, right?"

The agent grinned. "You learn fast, Grasshopper!"

"I learned from the best," Skyler replied.

"Aww shucks, you're going to make me blush!" Addison released Skyler's hand. She drew her revolver and checked the chamber. Three bullets remained. She used one to shatter the camera still monitoring their every movement. "Are you ready to blow this computer a new arsehole?"

"That might be a little difficult, Addison."

The agent recognised that same tone Skyler used when she was about to deliver a piece of bad news. "Why?" She wondered if she should brace herself.

"Because the more I'm beginning to understand this computer, the more I'm realising exactly what it is capable of and what we are dealing with." Skyler kept her voice low, hoping the computer wasn't able to hear her words. "If the C.P.U. is a V.C.R., which is a Variable Collectable Recorder, then communication to the C.P.U. is via a portal which reads Alpha and Beta waves through the 'brain's' electromagnetic learning."

"You're losing me, Sky."

"Basically the point I'm trying to make is I believe this computer is fully protected against even the electromagnetic pulses given off in a nuclear blast. The C.P.U. is capable of being reduced to a subatomic level in order to survive. Its casing may be destroyed, but that is it."

Addison laughed. "Yeah right!" Skyler's expression, however, remained neutral. "You're not serious?"

The doctor shrugged, she didn't know what else to do or say in order to prove how serious she really was about this.

"Subatomic?" Realisation sunk through Addison like a lead balloon. "Holy SHIT!"

Chapter 33

"Hey, Computer, can you hear me?" Addison sprung to her feet even though there was no response from the machine. She had severed the link when she destroyed the camera. "If you're so goddamned indestructible then why the hell are you trying to bargain with us?" As soon as the question left Addison's lips the answer became startlingly obvious. She looked down at Skyler who was still kneeling upon the ground. "Of course."

Screwing the cap back upon their water canteen, Skyler rose beside Addison. "What?" she asked.

"Sky, if you were an artist… if painting was your life and you unexpectedly lost your hands, how would that affect you?"

"Well I guess I'd… ah!" Skyler nodded. "The computer could exist at a subatomic level, but there would be no power… no consciousness."

"Uh huh." Addison knelt down. "We need to get down there." Grasping her revolver, she pulled open the trap door. What she discovered caused Skyler to jump behind her. "Damn it." Addison lowered her weapon. "When I said the next time I saw him he'd be staring down the barrel of my gun, I meant he'd still be alive when it happened." Addison turned away from the hanging corpse of Phoenix Hawthorn. A thick rope was tied around his neck and attached to the rungs of the ladder that led into the well.

"He was hung?" asked Skyler as she peered over Addison's shoulder.

The agent used her torch to check over Hawthorn's body. "No… it looks like he was shot. His body must have been hung in this position post mortem."

"Santos?"

"There are a couple of possible candidates, but…"

"But he does seem the most likely considering his background and record."

"Yes." Addison sighed and blew a weary breath through her lips. "We need to move his body." Reaching for her knife, Addison circled the hatch. She handed the blade to Skyler and attempted to pull Hawthorn's body into her grasp. "Cut this rope and I'll pull him out."

Skyler did as requested, taking the rope and slicing it just above the noose. When the body was free, Addison hauled Hawthorn's lifeless corpse into the basement. Her fingers felt the abundance of dried blood over Phoenix's clothing. She could tell he had been shot in the chest, the bullet making contact with his heart. It was a swift death.

Leaning over the hatch, Skyler used their torch to gain an unobstructed view down the well. She followed the ladder down the shaft spotting three doors; they were situated in vertical succession, one after the other. Skyler cast the torchlight down to the bottom of the well. " Addison?"

"Yes?" The agent approached Skyler, ready to climb down the ladder.

"There's another body down there."

"What?" Addison looked into the well. Sure enough, there it was lying at the bottom of the dried up shaft. "Shit. I don't suppose you can tell who it is, can you?"

"Not face down, no."

Addison shrugged. "Well you never know." She turned and stepped onto the rungs of the ladder. Addison climbed down the well until she reached the first door. It was slightly open and she had a pretty good idea what the room was used for. Addison pushed the barrier fully open to find an exposed line of chemical toilets. She grimaced as the aroma hit her. Taking only a swift look around, it was easy to ascertain the room was empty. A persistent dripping pulled Addison's attention to a makeshift tap attached to a freestanding pipe by the wall. It dripped continuously into a half full bucket of water. "This one is clear, Sky. Heading down to the next one."

"Okay." As more room became available, Skyler mounted the ladder and began to follow Addison.

Reaching the middle door, Addison attempted to push it open, but it was locked. She had spotted a numeric keypad by the door below, but this had no such locking system. The agent thus deduced the door was locked from within. She looked up at Skyler. "Locked."

"Occupied?"

"Possibly… that or her Ladyship is playing with us." Addison drew her revolver. "Sky, can you shine that torch a little more down the other side of the door frame? I want to gauge where the hinges are on this thing."

Skyler redirected the torch's beam. "Any better?"

"Little more to the right." The light shifted. "Perfect. Keep it right there." With her left hand, Addison ran her fingers down the door. She tapped the solid wood at two-inch intervals.

"What are you doing?"

"Trying to locate hinges. I think there's three." Addison closed her eyes and tapped down the door again. She detected three notable tone changes down the frame. "Yep, three."

Skyler clucked her tongue. "And only two bullets left in the chamber."

"That's nothing a little brute force won't solve." Although Addison did still possess her Berettas, the revolver was a far more powerful weapon, perfect for what she intended.

"Addison, you know you scare me when you start talking about brute force!"

"Scare you?" Addison said in faux dismay. "I was trying to impress you!" The agent readied her revolver. "Turn your eyes away, Sky. This is going to be close." Skyler did as requested and Addison aimed her gun in the location of the door's top hinge. She had to be swift. "Ready?"

Skyler kept her face hidden. "Go for it."

"On three… one…two…" Addison fired two shots in rapid succession, taking out the top and middle hinges. Using all her might she swung around and hurled her body into the door as hard as possible. The barrier buckled and crashed onto the floor, Addison still upon it. The agent rolled over, pulling both Berettas from her back. A swift scan of the area revealed not only a high-tech control room, but also Alexander Santos. The man sat crouched in the corner of the room, his head in his hands. Addison turned both Berettas upon him. Behind her, Skyler entered the room.

"Fancy seeing you here," Addison quipped. Skyler stood beside Addison. She drew her pistol.

Xander looked up at the women. His complexion was pale. The remains of his smouldering cigar lay abandoned upon the floor. "You're too late," he said meekly.

Addison's gaze veered to the three television monitors upon the wall. One broadcast the UK's national news channel. The other two portrayed random satellite images. For the first time Addison and Skyler were given first class viewing into the atrocities Hawthorn's computer was causing. It wasn't just in the United Kingdom anymore. As the computers aspiration's expanded, so did its power.

Addison's arms fell by her sides, the Beretta's hanging limply from her hands. "Oh my god!"

Images flashed upon the screens of riots and looting. Entire towns and cities were without power and there was a rising of desperate violence. London Bridge was nothing more than skeletal remains. On the main V.D.U. multi-screen, the launch sequence was being activated for a high yield missile. Besides that, the computer was running through a list of possible targets. Skyler watched in horror as it listed major public events and densely populated cities throughout Europe.

"No! You can't do this."

"You are mistaken, Skyler Tidwell. As you clearly see… I can."

Lunging forwards, Skyler pulled Xander to his feet and thrust him against the oversized wall-mounted screen. "Make this stop," she ordered. She pulled him towards her and then pushed him harder back against the screen. "NOW!"

Xander laughed. "You think this is me? Hell no. I don't have control here anymore."

Addison held a pistol against Xander's head. "Tell us how to stop this."

"SHE controls everything," Xander seethed. "She wouldn't even let me OUT OF HERE!!!"

Pressing a little harder, Addison moved closer to Xander. "Tell… me…how…to stop… the computer." Ire flickered savagely in Addison's eyes.

"If you try, she'll kill you."

"HOW?"

"Alexander is correct, Agent Black. I will terminate your existence."

Still holding Xander against the screen, Skyler turned her head and addressed the computer "We'll take our chances."

"That would be a foolish attempt."

Releasing Xander, Addison took a step backwards. "Where's the central processing unit?"

"My C.P.U. is located at the lowest level of this shaft. However, to attempt such an attack would be suicide. May I suggest a compromise?"

"No," Addison responded. "You may not."

"My request is a simple desire to exist. Allow me to work for you, not against you."

"What… so you can get pissed if we do something you don't like and decide to throw a strop? I don't think so."

"Am I not correct in pointing out Skyler Tidwell started as a target in a previous assignment who later was recruited to work for you?"

Xander cast a suspicious glance towards Skyler.

The doctor fumed. "I was a hostage… the target of people like him." Skyler pointed at Xander. "There's a big difference."

Addison holstered her Berettas. "Skyler wasn't a cold-blooded killer."

"Didn't Skyler Tidwell willingly terminate the existence of one Antonia Bakersfield?"

"SHE KILLED MY MOTHER!" Skyler bellowed.

"A death that statistically could have been avoided if not for Addison Black."

Addison looked towards Skyler. The computer had hit a sensitive subject for Addison and they knew it. It was becoming obvious the computer was trying to cause conflict between them. Skyler wondered what it was trying to accomplish. She made eye contact with Addison and smiled softly. "I know that's not true and so does Addison. I don't know what you are trying to achieve with this, but it's not working."

From the corner of her eye, Addison spotted Xander attempting to edge his way towards the doorway. She turned quickly, capturing him by his collar and throwing him against the wall. "Trying to escape? You started this and you're not leaving until it's over."

"Fuck you," Xander sneered.

"Oh believe me, I could do a better job by myself than you ever could."

"Bitch."

Addison had reached the end of her tether. She lunged forwards and struck Xander hard. The impact drove his body back into the wall and the act served only to anger the man. He charged Addison furiously. They agent caught his flailing fist and tripped him to the floor. She then dropped down on top of him and a physical scuffle ensued. They rolled across the ground and slammed into the console in the centre of the room.

Skyler watched them anxiously. She thought Addison had gained the upper hand when she pinned Xander against the floor. She held him for several seconds, but then the geologist managed to pull a hand free and reach around Addison's back, taking one of her Berettas. He smashed the weapon against the side of her head and knocked the agent off his body. Addison rolled across the floor, but swiftly leapt to her feet. She blinked woozily, trying to clear her head from the traumatic impact it had received. Unfortunately it was enough time for Xander to aim and pull the trigger. Addison felt the searing pain of yet another bullet entering her body.

"No!" Skyler attempted to run to Addison, but Xander turned the gun upon her.

"Make a choice," he said coldly.

Skyler reigned in her emotions. "You bastard."

"Maybe." Xander strolled over to Addison's body. He rolled her limp form towards the doorway with his foot, all the time keeping his gun trained upon Skyler. "But this bastard has the upper hand now." With that, Xander kicked Addison's body through the doorway. It fell down the remaining distance of the well's shaft.

"You… Fuck…" Skyler moved to aim her pistol at Xander, but he shot it from her hand with talented precision.

"Computer," Xander called. "What do you say we use these women as leverage?"

"You desire to assist me, Alexander?"

Xander stared directly at Skyler. "I desire existence, Computer, just like you do. We should work together. Now that Agent Black is dead and I have Tidwell, you don't have to bargain for existence any longer."

"This is true."

"So, Computer, what do you desire?"

Xander's question was answered immediately. "I desire any threat to my existence be eradicated. Alexander, I desire you kill Skyler Tidwell."

Skyler could tell the computer's request surprised Xander as much as it did herself. "You won't get away with this, Santos. The general won't stop, nobody will stop until that computer's destroyed."

"Oh I'd say she's definitely a threat to your existence, Computer."

"Eradicate her, Alexander."

"My pleasure." Xander took a step closer to Skyler. He smiled wickedly, but made no effort to shoot Skyler. "Tell me, Agent Tidwell." Xander perched himself on the edge of the primary console. "Surely you're aware how powerful Computer is."

"Sure." Skyler narrowed her eyes as she wondered where Xander was leading with his line of questioning.

"Why did you so much as think you'd have a chance to successfully defeat something so uniquely omnipotent?"

"A computer can only do so much. What's it going to do when new parts are needed? Something will always go wrong. Nothing is perfect."

"But that's why I'm here."

Skyler shrugged. "And how long will you last? The way you keep sucking down those cigars I'd say you've already set yourself on the slippery path of a fatal illness. You'll die soon, Santos. If I don't kill you and the computer doesn't turn on you then there's a whole list of diseases just waiting to claim you. What do you think of cancer, emphysema... losing a couple of limbs? Where does that leave the computer then?"

"Skyler Tidwell has a valid statement."

"And YOU can shut the FUCK UP," Skyler yelled. She placed her hands on her hips, eager to do or say whatever she had to in order to draw out time long enough to complete the mission. Even though she knew she might not have been going about it the right way, her mind was finding it hard to ignore the image of Addison's body being kicked down the well shaft. "I believe every living being on this planet has equal rights to life, love and happiness. You gave away the right to your existence the moment you took that first life." Noticing the camera in the corner of the room, Skyler approached it angrily. "So you know what? SCREW YOU!"

"Eradicate her existence, Alexander."

"Yeah, come on, Santos. I swear if I have to be in the presence of this psychotic bitch for one moment longer I'll take my own damn life." Xander simply smirked, causing Skyler to grow all the more exasperated and distressed. Catching the man unaware she lunged forwards, striking him soundly across the jaw. She pulled back her fist, ready to hit out again, but Xander ducked and then pushed Skyler away. She stumbled and fell to the floor. Just then Skyler realised one fact… Xander was stalling. What the hell is this? she thought.

That sudden moment of understanding was broken as rapid gunfire echoed from below. Skyler jumped and sprang to her feet in confusion.

"Attention, you are not Phoenix Hawthorn… Warning, illegal access… Alert; motion sensors around my C.P.U. are down."

Instantly, Skyler knew it was Addison. She looked towards Xander who didn't seem in the least bit surprised by what was happening.

"Alexander, my C.P.U. is under attack."

Xander approached Skyler with urgency. "Quickly, we have to get out of here."

"Alexander, I require your assistance."

"Yeah? Well you shouldn't have turned on me should you?"

Realising what was occurring, Skyler followed Xander towards the door. He spun around and began climbing the ladder.

"Addison," Skyler shouted as she looked down the shaft. Sparks erupted from inside the domain of the C.P.U.

"Leave her," Xander yelled. "We need to get out of here. NOW!"

"I'm not leaving without Addison." Skyler descended the ladder.

"Then you'll die." Xander climbed the ladder and ascended through the shaft.

"Cease this activity immediately," the computer implored. "Attempting to reroute power through secondary junction."

"Addison!" Skyler located Addison shooting at the C.P.U. casing. The initial relief of seeing the agent alive and well was overwhelming. In each corner of the sterile room motion sensors hung limply in destruction.

"Get out of here, Sky. I have to destroy it."

The doctor produced their two remaining grenades. "Use these."

With one final shot, Addison broke into the top panel. Inside she saw the diamond processors.

"Warning, processor intersection has been breeched. Please… stop… I desire existence."

Addison pulled the processors out of the C.P.U. "You've experienced life, Bitch." Taking the grenades, she ripped out both pins and dropped them into the unit. "Now experience death."

Turning quickly, the women exited the C.P.U. domain. They ascended the ladder swiftly and were over halfway up the well before the grenades exploded. The eruption shook the shaft's foundations and ladder fastenings loosened from the wall. The women kept moving, Addison behind Skyler, as they reached the hatch and swiftly escaped the well. Addison dove for cover. Her body blanketed Skyler as a ferocious fireball rose up the well and out into the tower.

"Holy crap!" Addison looked up at the fireball. The blue tinted, searing flame ignited surrounding objects. "We have to get out of here."

Skyler shuffled away from the flames. "Don't let me stop you!"

Reaching for her rifle, Addison used her last explosive bullet. She blew a hole into the side of the wall. They ran out into the early morning air. Dawn was breaking over the mountains. Neither woman stopped running until they were safely away from the tower.

"Yahoo!" Skyler cheered as she jumped and hugged Addison.

Laughing, Addison hugged the doctor back. She looked up at the flaming tower. "We did it!"

"We…" Skyler stepped back and slapped Addison's arm. "You got yourself shot again!" Instinctively she searched Addison's body, finding only a graze on her side.

"Hey… hey… it was the only way to have the computer think I was no longer a threat and get down to the central processing unit."

"Santos helped you?"

Addison smiled. She watched orange flames dance in the light of Skyler's eyes. "As soon as he realised the computer wouldn't work with him, I think he was willing to destroy it. That's his M.O.!"

"I can't believe he helped you though."

"While we were fighting I kind of proposed my impromptu plan. In reply he gave me the code for the door to the central unit."

Skyler nodded. "And when you used it the computer's first instinct was to believe it was Hawthorn."

"Which gave me enough time to take down its defences and get to work. Good job it never realised he was dead!"

Skyler examined Addison's graze. "Santos is a good aim!"

"Yeah… hey…" Addison looked around. "Where is he?"

The doctor frowned. "I don't know." Skyler looked up at the flaming tower. It still burned savagely. "He would have tried to make it up the tower to his chopper I expect. Do you think the flames got him?"

"Without a doubt. He couldn't have made it to the top in time." Addison rooted around their pack for the transmitter to contact H.Q.

Skyler knew if the man hadn't tried to escape and save his own life he would still be alive. "Addison, do you think that one good deed will outweigh all the evil he did?"

"I hope not," Addison mumbled. "I'd settle for a comfy bed in hell!" She attempted to initiate contact. "YES!"

"What?"

"We have satellite connection!" Addison held up her hand. "Put it there, Partner!"

The women slapped hands and laughed infectiously. Realisation hit them; they had destroyed the C.P.U. Reduced to a subatomic level, only a partial beam accelerator could detect and destroy it.

Hanging her arm over Skyler's shoulder, Addison said, "Time to celebrate, Sky. What do you want to do?" She wiggled her brows.

"I want to go to bed."

"Baby, you and I are on the same wavelength!"

"To sleep, Addison, to sleep!"

"Oh… yeah… that's what I was talking about as well."

Skyler arched a single eyebrow. "I never said what I wanted to be doing before I slept."

A smile crept across Addison's features. "Oh really?"

"Uh huh… a nice… long…hot…bath."

"Oh, woman, you are so evil!"

Skyler laughed and ran as Addison took chase. Their impromptu merriment was a much-needed release from the tension of the last few weeks.

It was finally over.

Chapter 34

A military helicopter was sent to retrieve Addison and Skyler. It flew the women straight to Freetown airport where a jet awaited them for a non-stop flight back to the United Kingdom. Upon their arrival, Sergeant Danny Sleet and four uniformed soldiers escorted the tired women back to Headquarters where upon General Blithe anticipated their return.

Mark had almost completed a second circuit of pacing a hole into his carpet when Joseph's voice crackled over the intercom. "Sir, Addison and Skyler to see you."

Mark leaned over his desk and activated the two-way switch. "Send them straight through, Joe."

No more than a second passed before the door opened and both agents trudged into his office. Now Mark liked to consider he was a perceptive individual. He was also an avid fan of disaster movies. His first impressions of the women brought to mind many a tragic hero who'd literally toured the depths of hell to save the day. Maybe they had to stop an asteroid from hitting earth armed with only a spud gun, or race to flee an erupting volcano on a Penny Farthing Bicycle or even defeat a fleet of hostile aliens, intent on conquering the world, using a sheet of aluminum foil and a water pistol. The plotline wasn't important; needless to say Addison and Skyler had obviously been through the wringer.

"If I weren't already aware of what you two had tackled I'd probably say you looked like hell, but under the circumstances and on behalf of the Prime Minister who had to leave about five minutes ago…"

"Typical…" Addison responded, to which she received an arched eyebrow of reproof from Mark.

"I will say thank you and a great big bloody Well Done!"

Addison smiled at Mark's outburst. Even though she and Skyler did feel like they'd been pulled through the fires of hell backwards, the satisfaction of a completed mission was always infectious. She turned to Skyler who was seated beside her and had yet to speak. The doctor was definitely tired. Dark circles arched underneath her bloodshot eyes. Her bedraggled hair was as tousled and ash-laden as Addison's and their clothing held the aroma of mildew and thick smoke.

Skyler looked over at Addison and blinked slowly. "I'm tired. Why are we still vertical?" she asked wearily.

The agent smiled. "She's nothing if not subtle."

"I won't keep you," Mark assured them. "Rest is of the utmost importance now, but I just need a few clarifications from you." As Mark finished his sentence, Samuel entered the general's office.

The scientist, although himself tired and in need of sleep, was quick to ask, "Were you able to bring back any data concerning the computer?"

Addison turned to Sam and glared at the blonde man. "Sam, that bitch would have killed us all. We blew her arse to kingdom come and this is how remorseful I feel about that..." Addison delivered a tired, but wide smile.

"Oh bloody hell, Addison; there was so much technology there which could have been beneficial to us!"

The agent leaned forward in her chair. "Maybe so, but technology like that should not be utilized. That sort of artificial intelligence is way too dangerous and I'm sorry, but I won't play a part in that... not after what I've seen."

Samuel looked to Skyler for backup, but the doctor was completely on Addison's side. "Sorry, Sam, but I'm with Addison on this. However much I think that computer was one hell of a giant technological breakthrough, it went too far. Nothing that powerful should live."

The scientist looked at Skyler in confusion. "I can't believe I'm hearing this from you, Skyler…a scientist!"

"What do scientists do, Sam? We learn, we discover, we line the paths for steps yet taken and I learned something very important. Without humanity…without sentience and a conscience, power like that cannot be trusted. It's like me giving you a gun and saying you were free to see how many people you could take down in a minute. With that freedom you would still have something holding you back, wouldn't you? The computer on the other hand would not."

A pout formed on Samuels's lips. "Okay, I understand what you mean, but damn there was some genius at work in that thing! I don't suppose…"

"He's dead," Addison responded, "Though not by my hands; Santos saw to that."

"And speaking of Santos?" Mark enquired.

"Dead too," Addison replied. "Barbequed alive. We found his body just before the chopper arrived." Addison grimaced. "Or what was left of it. A canister of gasoline stored somewhere in that tower aided the fire and crisped him up a treat!"

Skyler held up her hands as the men's eyes turned to her. "Don't look at me. I didn't see it. I wouldn't even poke a dead cat with a stick when I was a kid."

"No," Addison interjected. "Skyler wanted to dissect it."

"I so did not!" the doctor replied. "And when I have enough strength to raise my hand I'll slap your ass for that remark!"

Addison eyed both men and inclined her head towards Skyler. "And she calls that a threat!" Rubbing her brow, the agent rose. "Seriously though, I'm really knackered now so if it's okay with you, I'm off for a few days worth of sleep." Addison looked down at Skyler. "Ready?"

"Like you even have to ask?" Skyler stood beside Addison. "Sleep, oh ye who has abandoned me of late…smile down upon me as I lay my weary head upon your cloud of feathery indulgence!"

The men stared at Skyler in curious concern, but Addison rolled her eyes. "She gets like that with lack of sleep. Any longer and those pros turn saucy! Come on, Shakespeare; let's get out of here. Sorry, Mark. I know you wanted an initial report, but it's going to have to wait."

"That's okay, Addison. We will continue this when you are both feeling more refreshed and alert."

"Sounds good to me," Addison responded, as she led Skyler out of Mark's office and closed the door behind them.

Samuel turned to Mark, concern clearly etched upon his features. "I take it you haven't told them about the lighthouse yet?"

"No," Mark replied, sadness tinting his voice. "Now isn't the right time." The general's brows furrowed as he wondered how on earth he was to tell Addison her much loved oasis of solitude had been destroyed beyond repair.

***

Taking the shortest route to Skyler's quarters, the women made a hasty retreat. As they entered an elevator, Addison was glad to find the compartment empty. They had already dealt with seven rounds of applause from passing colleagues, but right now all they wanted was to sleep.

As much as the women were congratulated for a job well done, for them it didn't feel as such. Many people had died during the computers reign of terror. Innocent lives prematurely taken and Addison felt personally responsible for each one. The agent often wondered how much was enough? What if she'd moved a little faster or thought a little quicker? What if she had thought of a different plan back in Imhotep's temple; would Hawthorn and Santo's still be alive, but locked up for their crimes? If that were the case, would the computer have been found? Would it have been destroyed? There were so many questions and only one answer, an answer that sprung from the lips of Skyler.

"Stop it!"

"Huh?" Addison asked, as she was jolted from her thoughts.

"Stop the 'what if' and 'if only' musings. I know you too well, Addison Black."

"I'm sorry." Unexpectedly, but by no means an unwelcome act, Addison pulled Skyler into her arms. Simultaneously the women's bodies seemed to sag against one another in both comfort and relief. "If I had the strength right now, I'd kiss you."

Skyler smiled tiredly. "I'd settle for just lips on lips." She leaned back slightly allowing Addison room to connect in a soft kiss. Neither woman moved, but simply basked in the softness of a loving tenderness. Addison pulled away first. She ran a hand through Skyler's hair.

"Mark will to have to wait a little longer I'm afraid because when we're done sleeping I'm going to have to make love to you… for a very long while."

The lift doors opened and both women stepped out into the hall of agents living quarters. They walked directly to Skyler's room and the doctor achieved access. They began methodically removing their clothes, leaving the garments in an abandoned pile upon the floor before taking the quickest shower in history and collapsing into bed. As Skyler snuggled down beside Addison she mumbled, "Is this what it feels like, Addison? To know you've killed? Even in self defense, you've still taken a life."

Skyler's words tore through Addison's heart and she forced her eyes open in concern. "Sky, I just want you to remember two things for me, okay?" Although she didn't open her eyes, Skyler nodded against Addison's naked chest. "Number one…you did what you had to do; we both did. There is a greater power working here, Sky and we only do what we feel we must for that which we know in our hearts is the right thing to do. Secondly..." Addison leaned a little lower and kissed Skyler's head, fearing the doctor would be plagued by the same dreams she had on many an occasion. "Just remember I'm right here, Sky…always." If Skyler had the power to chased away Addison's nightmares, then the agent hoped she would generate that same protected feeling in her. Little did the agent realize…she already did.

Epilogue

Addison's Mercedes travelled the long, winding road towards the remains of her home. It was a cool, windy, English morning and grey clouds littered the sky. Beyond the cliffs the sea undulated as tall waves crashed against the sandy shore.

Parking her car amongst the rubble, Addison stepped out into the chilled air. The blustery weather whipped the hem of her navy trench coat around her legs violently. Pushing the car door shut, Addison walked numbly towards what was left of her home. Scattered bricks and the broken and charred remained of her belongings overwhelmed the cliff top. With a deep sigh, Addison looked around her in sorrow.

From the passenger side of the car, Skyler emerged holding Spike in her arms. The tiny mongrel wriggled frantically as she tried to free herself from Skyler's grasp. The doctor placed her upon the ground and Spike ran towards the rubble. Addison watched the dog scamper past her and begin sniffing enthusiastically. She sat down facing Addison in curiosity and her head fell to the side in confusion. Spike whimpered and Addison smiled sadly. "Yeah… I know Spiky… I'm sad too."

Sensing a presence beside her, Addison looked to her left as Skyler approached. She held out her hand and Skyler took it reassuringly. No words were spoken as the women stared at the destruction around them. They watched quietly as Spike continued sniffing through the rubble. The crashing waves emphasised the gloomy atmosphere.

Suddenly, Spike barked with a sense of urgency. She disappeared into the rubble, only to emerge moments later carrying a small red ball. The agent chuckled as Spiky carried it over to them and dropped it by their feet. "So not absolutely everything was destroyed." Addison knew she needed to search through the remains and see if anything else had survived the blast.

Skyler smiled and picked up Spike's ball. She threw it across the ground. "So what now?"

Addison shrugged. "I don't know. I have no idea." The agent passed her hand over her forehead, massaging the aching temples. "Things go on as they are I suppose." Spike brought her ball back and Addison threw it again. "Rebuild the lighthouse. This is really the only place that's ever felt like a home to me."

"And us?" Skyler questioned.

"Us? Well according to Mark we are the first two man operational team. Not that I really appreciated the brains and brawn reference. I was wondering what he had in mind. He'd been dropping hints for a while which made me curious."

Skyler smiled softly. "And the behind closed doors us?"

"Well…" Addison looked over at what was left of the lighthouse. "When we actually have doors to close again…" Addison kissed the hand entwined with her own. "I think you, me and Spiky make a pretty cute family, don't you?"

"Absolutely… although you're going to have to make me a promise."

"Uh oh… what's that?"

"No more getting yourself shot or faking your own death!"

"Spoil all my fun!" Skyler narrowed her eyes. "Okay, okay, I can but try." Addison looked out at the waves undulating over the sea. "We better go. We have to get back to London before nightfall. If I don't get that report finished there will be no faking my own death, Mark will be on the warpath quite literally." She bent down, scooping Spike into her arms. The women turned and headed back towards the car.

"So how do you feel?"

Addison stopped walking and looked towards Skyler in question. "Now?"

"Right this minute."

"I don't know. I'm glad everything is over, but do you ever get that feeling of foreboding?"

"How do you mean?"

"That something is about to happen… something terrible."

"I guess… maybe… I don't know, why?"

"Do you believe in ghosts?"

"Not unless I see one. Addison, where is this going?"

"I don't know, Sky, but you know when you get that sudden feeling like somebody has just walked over your grave?"

"Uh huh?"

"I sometimes get that… and I know something bad is going to happen and I have a fight ahead of me."

Skyler was suddenly concerned. "Do you feel like that now?"

"A little, but I think that's just the stress of the past weeks and knowing we have a lot of work ahead of us where the lighthouse is concerned!" Addison put her arm over Skyler's shoulders and resumed walking. "So what about you? How do you like life as an agent for M.I.5?"

"I'm not sure," Skyler responded. She opened the car's back door and Addison placed Spike inside. "How can you absolutely love a job that you hate everything about?"

"By remembering why you do it." Addison opened the passenger door for Skyler. "It's kind of like an occupational oxymoron." She walked around the car and got into the driver's seat. "If doing what you hate means putting what you love right then it balances itself out in the end."

Skyler frowned. "Addison, if I wanted a banal occupation I could have continued on one of the paths I'd set for myself. You're hardly setting up a winning argument."

With one last look at the remains of her home, Addison spun the car around and headed back towards London. "Okay… well put it this way… I could be materialistic... fast cars, cool gadgets, decent earnings… me." Addison flashed a winning smile. "I'd be happy with that. It's a hard job yes, but I'm happy. I'd have to say the cherry on the cake could only be that onboard vibrator Sam's been promising me," she winked playfully, but then her expression turned serious. "Having second thoughts?"

"No," Skyler replied seriously. "I guess I'm just working out how I'm going to put up with you for the coming years!"

"Oh it's like that is it?"

"… And that ego… Maybe it was good the lighthouse was destroyed. You might have to build your head an extension!"

"Skyler… you're really going to pay for that one!"

"Yeah… sure I will… you and whose army, little woman?"

"Little woman? And hey, you'll get yours, I'll make sure of it."

"Will not."

"Will too… And I'm not little."

"Are too."

"Am not…I'm taller than you."

"By mere nano meters!"

"And your point is?"

"Just shut up and drive, Addison."

"Oh okay... but I still owe you one."

Skyler's laugh echoed into the distance. "Promises, promises."

The End…?

*****

I would like to announce this story is to be published by limitlessd2d very soon!!!!