Chapter 42 of Tessa and The Stranger in the Plane

Posted by Goodsport from adsl-216-102-199-185.dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net on October 10, 1999 at 01:06:11:

: Chapter 42 [Comings and Goings] (written by Indiana Jerico)

: "Are you sure the room is clean?" the man's voice on the other line asked.
: "Yes," Krede answered. "I sense no anomalies in my surroundings."
: "Don't know if I believe in your magical mumbo-jumbo stuff," the man said. "But it's your life, not mine."
: "They have the key now, you know," Krede said, choosing to ignore the remark. He was growling a little and gripping the cell phone.
: "I know, I know," the man said.
: "But the leader of the other side has Tessa now, so the other keys are as good as ours," Krede said. "In fact, Tessa and the leader they call Nobody is on the other side of the room as we speak."
: "Do you really think this woman knows where the other keys are?" the man asked. "I doubt her."
: "It is not for you to doubt her or not," Krede said. "Your task is to monitor the Vanguards, and whoever this group is that they've allied with. Besides, she knew about the Spear. She must know about the Ring and the Sword."
: "What if The Man with the Hat is wrong in his assumption about this woman knowing the location of the Ring?" the man asked again. There was definite doubt on his voice. "He even thought she may be wearing it already! Seems a bit farfetched, if I may say so myself!"
: "Mitos was right about the Spear, remember?" Krede said. "And he was right about his suspicions that this Dark World Order also had an interest in Valinor. That was why he was perfect as our 'plant man'. I have no reason to doubt his beliefs."
: "Okay, okay," the man replied in surrender. "He is your man, after all. What happened to him, anyhow?"
: "He is still in Poland," Krede said. "As of now, he is on hold. Besides, he deserves the rest. He is one of my Order's best disciples."
: "Look, Krede," the man said. "I don't want to meddle with your Order's affairs, but I do not trust The Man with the Hat. He is just tooÖ. principled, if you know what I mean."
: "You are in no position to question who is to be trusted in my Order or not," Krede said. "Seeing as how you are not to be trusted as well. This conversation has ended."
: Krede snapped close his phone, his eyes flashing. Then, breathing deeply, he adjusted his tie and started to walk into the other room."

: - - -

: "I told you it was just a product of my imagination!!!" Tessa shouted. "Why can't you get it inside that bald head of yours?!?!"
: Nobody signaled for Mack again. And again, Mack slapped Tessa with the back of his hand. Deirdre grinned maniacally upon seeing Tessa flinch. Tessa wanted to just crumple and fall, but she was being held by one of Nobody's men.
: Nobody's face showed mock sadness. "If only you would cooperate with us, Ms. Zarycki, you wouldn't have to endure much pain."
: "You can put me in a pot of boiling oil for all I care," Tessa said, breathing heavily. "And still I cannot tell you what you want. I told you, I don't know about any Valinor!"
: It was at this point that Krede entered the room. He approached Tessa. She looked at him angrily, her eyes bristling angrily like a cat's.
: "Tsk, tsk," Krede said. "Such a pretty face. Pity it had to be manhandled. Why don't you tell them, Ms. Zarycki? Why don't you tell us what we need to know?"
: "Do I have to deal with another thick-headed numbskull like you?" Tessa answered. Already, she could taste the coppery taste of blood. "The answer is still 'I don't know'!"
: Krede suddenly took Tessa's hand and looked at the fingers. There, just as The Man with the Hat said, was a ring made of gold. Krede slipped it off her fingers and looked at it. He immediately put it in his pocket.
: "What the hell was that?!" Nobody said suspiciously. He had noticed Krede's eyes gleam.
: "Oh, do not worry, my friend," Krede said soothingly. "Do you mean this?" He held up the ring. "This is the ring of my Order."
: "What the hell is it doing on her finger?!" Nobody shouted. At this, some of his men who have been standing by started to finger their submachine guns.
: Krede immediately smiled. He already knew what to say in case this particular scene happened.
: "Don't you see, Nobody?" Krede said. "This ring already proves that she is lying! She knows about Valinor! That was why she was wearing this ring."
: "You still haven't answered my question, Krede!" Nobody said. "What was it doing on her finger? If you're hiding something from meÖ..!"
: "Hasty hasty," Krede said, as if admonishing a child. "She must've killed a disciple of my Order and kept the ring as a memento. See, she knew about our existence. She must also know about Valinor."
: Krede looked at Tessa and smiled at her. "She must've been a great fighter too, to have killed a disciple of the Order of the Ringwraiths."
: "You're lying!!!" Tessa cried, her eyes burning and slitting in fury. She turned to Nobody. "Can't you see??? This man is lying!!!! He is planning to double-cross you!!! I've never heard of their Order!!!"
: Krede shook his head calmly. "Tsk, tsk. What some people would do to create dissension among allies." He turned to Nobody. "Pathetic, don't you think?"
: Nobody turned to Mack and signaled him again. Mack slapped Tessa ,and she stopped screaming.
: "Lead her away," Nobody said. "We'll interrogate her again, later. And guard her well. Make sure she doesn't escape."
: Three men took Tessa away from the room. Tessa flailed her arms and legs, trying to scratch them and kick them, but it was to no avail.
: Nobody turned to Deirdre. "Take a rest, my dear. You deserve it."
: "Thank you, Sir," Deirdre said, bowing a little. "I will take my leave."
: When Deirdre and Mack left the room, Krede turned again to Nobody. "Now my friend, tell me what else do you know about Valinor? Maybe I could supply you with any information."
: They walked towards the large glass window and looked at the city. Then Nobody spoke. "I know that we need the Aztec Spear to get into Valinor. Something about it being the key."
: "Where did you know about Valinor, my friend?" Krede asked with guarded emotion.
: "I found some scrolls from an old monastery in England," Nobody answered. "Three years ago. They weren't complete, but what I read told me enough to know what I needed to know. They told of the existence of Valinor, and about the Spear being the key."

: "The scrolls didn't tell you what else there is that you needed to know," Krede said.
: "What do you mean???" Nobody asked.
: "The Spear is just one of the keys of Valinor," Krede said.
: "Do you mean to say there is more than one???" Nobody asked, looking at Krede for a moment.
: "There are actually two," Krede said. "ThÈoden's Spear, or the Aztec Spear as you call it, and Aragorn's Sword."
: "AragornÖ.!" Nobody exclaimed.
: "You haven't read Tolkien's Lord of the Rings?" Krede asked incredulously. "Aragorn, son of Arathorn, heir to the Ring of Isilduer. His sword, And·ril, is the second key to the gates of Valinor. And that is what we need to find, and we have to find it fast. Our enemies already have the Spear."
: "Of course I've read about the book!" Nobody said. "I would have you know that I've been educated by the best schools in Europe and the States. But what you said brings back something. You did say Aragorn?"
: Krede looked at him, his face registering a question. Nobody motioned him to follow him to his private quarters. Krede did so.
: When they were inside the office, Nobody closed the door. He touched a panel and the mahogany bookcase on the left side of the wall parted, revealing a large monitor.
: "File No. 365-768-PX," Nobody said. Immediately, the screen blinked and came on.
: "ACCESSING FILEÖ. PLEASE WAITÖ.."
: They waited. Presently, a surveillance photograph appeared. The view was three-fourths overhead, in what seemed like a department store. It showed two men walking. One was garbed all in black, with a black trenchcoat. He was wearing sunglasses. The other was a contrast to the first, garbed in a white suit and pants. He wasn't wearing any sunglasses. Instead of a trenchcoat, he was wearing a white medieval-style cloak.
: "These two are the top agents of the Phoenix Enigma, a secret elite government agency," Nobody said. "They are being led by Micah Johnson and headed by Michaelson Cross, a retired five-star general."
: "Why should this interest me, ally?" Krede asked.
: "Because they are the group whom your sworn enemy has allied with now," Nobody said. "You see, Krede, our enemies have allied with themselves, too."
: Krede nodded his head, a growing interest in his eyes.
: "I just thought you'd like to know," Nobody said.
: "Who are these two?" Krede asked, looking closely at the two men in the picture.
: "Access File No. 657-777-CJ," Nobody said.
: "ACCESSING FILEÖ.. PLEASE WAITÖ.."
: A photograph appeared. It showed the young man garbed in black. The photo was from another surveillance shot.
: "This is Jerico Gamotin II. Codename, Indiana Jerico. Age, 21. Asian. Personal background is unknown. Assumed to have lived with his late grandfather, who was a WWII veteran. No known relatives."
: "And the other?" Krede asked.
: "Access File No. 756-008-AE," Nobody said again.
: "ACCESSING FILEÖ..PLEASE WAITÖ.."
: The picture of the man in white appeared.
: "This is Matthew Newland. Codename, Aragorn. Age, 20. Personal background is likewise unknown. Joined the Phoenix Elite five years ago, where our record of him started."
: Krede took an unusual interest on Aragorn. "Why is there no record of his life?"
: "Same thing as with Indiana Jerico," Nobody answered. "All public records of them were erased and deleted. Officially, they do not exist."
: "ThisÖAragorn," Krede said, looking at Aragorn's eyes. "Where is he now?"
: "With his group, I presume," Nobody said. "They are inseparable. Why?"
: "Nothing," Krede answered. "Nothing at all."
: In his mind, Krede was euphoric. It's him, he thought. Aragorn. He is the One.

: - - -

: "Where have you been, Muppet???" Goodsport asked, holding his ear close to the phone to keep the noise of the computers in the room from drowning out the voice on the other end. "I was waiting for you at the airport! You did not show up!"
: "I am sorry Goodsport," Muppet replied. "But something came up. I'm sorry I didn't get to meet with you. Paperwork."
: "It's all right, Muppet," Goodsport said. "I am in Washington, with the Phoenix group."
: "Is it really ThÈoden's Spear, Goodsport?" Muppet asked.
: "Yes," Goodsport said. "We have the first key, Muppet. All we need to find now is Faramir's Ring, and Aragorn's Sword."
: "But we know where Faramir's key is," Muppet said. "Tessa has it."
: "I know," Goodsport replied. "I felt its pull on my ring, too. That's why I know they're in Chicago. Fortunately, they were still near enough for my ring to detect it."
: There was silence for a second.
: "Maybe you should take the Spear and let the Vanguards keep it, Goodsport," Muppet said. "Not that I do not trust that group you've allied ourselves with. JustÖto be on the safe side, if you know what I mean."
: Goodsport let out a deep breath. "Muppet, I already told them about us."
: "What?!" Muppet practically shouted. "You told them about US???"
: "Look, I trust them, Muppet," Goodsport said. "I figured it's about time we tell them who we really are! They have connections, and believe me, they've got the means to help us find the other key! Besides, one of their top agents is the One."
: "Look, how can you be so sure???" Muppet said. "The Order of the Ringwraiths has been looking for 'the One' for millennia. What makes you think this is the one?"
: "Because Gandalf said it, Muppet," Goodsport replied. "Besides, he's the one who's inexplicably connected to the Ancient Book!"
: "You found the Ancient Book???" Muppet asked again, incredulous. It seemed as if every bit of news he heard was one surprise after another.
: "I forgot to tell you?" Goodsport said. "Yes. The Book. It was found in Poland. And get this, Muppet. The Spear was found in the Book, too!"
: "Damn it, Goodsport!" Muppet said. "You know very well what the Book can do, don't you?? Every time someone reads it, the Dark Lord konws where the One is!"
: "That's just it!" Goodsport pointed. "Everytime someone read it, Aragorn just falls and faints, writhes as if in a bad dream! I tell you, Muppet! He is the One!"
: "Okay, okay," Muppet said. "Just keep Aragorn out of harm's way. We can't afford to let the Order get a hold of him."
: "Too late about keeping him out of harm's way, Muppet," Goodsport said, his voice tightening. "We don't have him anymore. He's in Switzerland!"

: - - -

: "Okay," Indiana James said to Brett. They were on an elevator on the way down from their hotel room. "Where did you say our studio was?"
: Brett looked at the map of Switzerland he bought. "Uh, the lawyer said that it's located in St.-MoritzÖ.wherever the hell that is!"
: "Where is it on the map?" Indiana James asked, looking at the map.
: "I dunno!" Brett said. He looked at the criss-cross of roads and the various names of unfamiliar cities. His mind whirled
: "Here, lemme take a look!" Indiana James said. He took away the map and flattened it out. He tried looking for St.-Moritz. He smacked his finger in Bern, where they were currently located. It stayed there. "Uh, did the lawyer say whether it's a big or small town, Brett?"
: "He didn't," Brett answered sheepishly. "I guess we'll just have to search every inch of this map for St.-Moritz."
: "Are you crazy?!" James said. "You search for it. Better yet, call that damn lawyer and have 'im just give us the damn directions!"
: "I already gave him a ring five times, Jimmy," Brett said. "And still, no answer. Guess he's making time with one of his mistresses, or something."
: Aragorn sighed and pointed at a southeastern part in the map. "St.-Moritz is here."
: Brett and James looked at where Aragorn casually pointed. Sure enough, it was there. St.-Moritz
: "H-how'd you know it was there, Aragorn?" James asked. "You didn't even glance at the map for long."
: "Have you been there already, Rag?" Brett asked.
: "No," Aragorn replied, taking his hands off the map and placing them in his pockets.
: "ThenÖhowÖ?" James asked.
: "I've memorized the map of the world," Aragorn said simply. "Every major cityÖ.and then some. Come, we're wasting time."
: Aragorn walked away, out of the hotel, and went to the valet, who promptly hailed a taxi for them. Aragorn stood there, hands in his pockets, waiting. His eyes seemed to be closed and he seemed changed, somehow. More thoughtful. Silent. MoreÖ.calm.
: Brett and James looked at each other. Both of their faces reflected the same question.
: What's happening to Aragorn?

: - - -

: The Fiddler saw them walk out of the five-star hotel they were staying in. He saw Brett's face, and his blood boiled. He also saw his brother James, as well as that agent who watched over him in the shed back in Poland. What was his name? Aragorn.
: Ever since he arrived from the airport just hours ago, he had been staking out the hotel they were staying in. Since he had contacts in Switzerland (and almost every country, for that matter), it had been an easy task of calling them and supplying them with the descriptions. The Fiddler's rings of informants were experts. Of course, the few hundred francs or so helped, too. His informants had also been very thorough. In less than an hour, he already knew the number of the taxi they took from the airport; the number of times they changed taxis (as well as the number of each of the taxi they rode in); what was inside their baggage; and the hotel they were staying. That's how he knew that the Lamberts were not armed. Only Aragorn had a weapon---his trusty customized Magnum, hidden in an x-ray proof briefcase.
: The Fiddler waited until the taxi his quarry were riding started to run. Then, he folded the newspaper he was pretending to read, gave it to an old man, and went into his Mercedes-Benz. He started the engine of his car and followed them.

: - - -

: "Our intelligence already has a layout of the whole building. Its ventilation, sewageÖeverything," Michaelson said. He was pointing a laser pointer at a large electronic board, which showed an isometric view of a high-rise tower. "We also have a detailed layout of all their security measures; cameras, laser trip wires, and such."
: "The number of guards on each floor?" Indy asked, looking at the three-dimensional isometric building skeleton.
: "They have ten to fifteen guards on each floor," Michaelson answered. "Each working a three-hour shift."
: "Equipment and accessories?" Meg asked.
: "Each guard is equipped with an H&K 9mm MP-5 SD submachine gun," Michaelson replied. "So it's a safe bet that once any of the guards spot you and start firing, that you don't have to worry about tripping any laser alarms. Bottom line is, get in and get the target out as quickly as possible, all the while maintaining stealth."
: Indy, Meg, and the rest of the six-man team nodded silently.
: "Each of you will be outfitted with thermal and night vision goggles, kevlar jackets, and radio-earphones. But, as much as possible, maintain radio silence. Talk only when you have to. Our pick-up team will be on stand-by once the mission is accomplished."
: Michaelson stopped to see if there are any questions. Not receiving any feedback, he continued.
: "You will be dropped off here, in a building one block away from the objective. From there, you will---"
: At this point, the door opened and Jerico stepped in. Michaelson stopped, and the others turned around and looked. Meg tried to see his eyes to gauge his emotions, but his sunglasses made a pretty good job of hiding them.
: "Jerico, I'm glad you're here," Michaelson said. "Listen, I was just about to brief them on what to do. I want you---"
: "I want the money wired on Zurich," Jerico said, interrupting his superior officer. His voice was monotonous, implying that he didn't want any arguments. "Everything else I will need, I will ask our contact there."
: "Zurich???" Michaelson asked, as if not comprehending what Jerico just said.
: "I will go to Switzerland, Michaelson." Jerico said, starting to turn away. "I will look for Aragorn. If he's in trouble, I'll get him out of there."
: "IÖI'll go with you," Meg blurted out. She half-stood from her chair.
: "I work alone," Jerico replied.
: "Listen, Jerico," Michaelson said, his voice even. Jerico stopped, his back still turned from the group. "I know how worried you are about Aragorn. Believe me, I am too. But I can't just let you go after him! It's dangerous! Who will get you out?!"
: "That's why I have to go," Jerico replied. "You said so yourself. It's dangerous. Aragorn needs help."
: "That's it! I just had about enough of this!" Indy growled. He strode towards Jerico and angrily faced him. "Why don't you get off your damn high chair, Mr. High and Mighty?! You're acting as if you're the only reason this Agency exists! There's us, too, you bastard! Why don't you make yourself helpful and actually do something for the group?!"
: Jerico didn't reply. He just looked at Indy, devoid of emotions.
: "Frankly speaking, I'm fed up with you. You're acting like a total asshole, you know that? You don't care about teamwork, you don't care about your teammates, you don't care about anyone but yourself! You're so damn selfish! Hell, you don't even care about the only person in this damn room who actually cares for you! Look at Meg! LOOK AT HER, YOU BASTARD!!! She took a bullet for you, and what do you do to repay her? YOU MADE HER CRY, YOU SONUVABITCH! It would've been better if she cared for me half as much as she cared for you! Then, I would've known how to respond, and I would've given her the love that was due her! But you're so DAMN selfish, you don't even KNOW that!"
: Still, Jerico didn't respond. He stood there like a statue in black. Then, after a few seconds, he spoke. "Get out of my way, if you don't want to wake up with half of your teeth missing."
: "WHY YOU SONUVAÖ!!!" Indy shouted. He took out his .45 S&W and aimed it at Jerico's face. "I'd do the world a great service the moment I pull this trigger!"
: "Indy! No!" Meg shouted. "Please!"
: "How could you care for this unfeeling bastard, Meg?!" Indy asked angrily, his eyes flashing in rage.
: With amazing speed, Jerico took out his black twin .45 Colts. He aimed them both at Indy's head.
: "You really think you can kill me, rookie?" Jerico asked, his voice low and flat.
: "You may be a legend," Indy said, "but I'm sure a bullet in your head can kill you."
: "I'm sure it can," Jerico replied in the same monotonous voice, "if it hits me. I know those eyes of yours. Rookie's eyes. You don't have the guts to do it."
: "Don't tempt me," Indy threatened, gritting his teeth. His hands gripped his pistol tighter. "Just one squeezeÖ."
: Jerico's guns didn't so much as waver. They were aimed straight and true at Indy's head. His face remained calm, almost passive. As if this was a normal occurrence for him.
: "Your hands are shaking, rookie," Jerico said. "You might miss your mark."
: "Shut up!" Indy hissed.
: "Jerico! Indy! Stop this nonsense! NOW!" Michaelson growled. "THAT'S AN ORDER!"
: Still, Jerico's aim didn't flinch. Indy didn't lower his weapon, either. Meg looked at them. First to Jerico. Then, to Indy. Then, back to Jerico. Finally, she ran towards Indy and embraced him, lowering his arm with her left.
: "Please Indy," she said, her voice on the verge of breaking down. "Just, put it down, please."
: Indy didn't respond for a while, his eyes still glareing at Jerico, who just calmly stared back, his guns still at Indy's head. Then, Indy slowly lowered his gun and grudgingly put it back to its holster.
: Jerico returned his guns to its holsters as well. Then, without a word, he walked out of the room.

: - - -

: "Jenny?" Jerico asked, as he stopped by the secretary's desk.
: "Yes, Mr. Jerico?" Jenny asked. She was a pretty, blond-haired woman in her early twenties.
: "Give me the file of Mr. Brett Lambert, will you please?" Jerico asked. "I need every information about him."
: "Uhm, you know it's against policy to take out files, Mr. Jerico," Jenny said, blue eyes looking at him.
: "Please, Jenny," Jerico said. "I'll only need printouts. It's imperative. Aragorn's life hangs in the balance."
: "WeeellÖ..okay," Jenny said, after a little hesitation. "But I don't think the boss is gonna like this."
: "You just let me handle him, Jenny," Jerico assured her.
: In a little while, Jerico went out of the building, the necessary files in a silver briefcase. He opened the door of his Lamborghini Diablo, revved up the engine, and sped off into the airport.
: : On the plane, Jerico went through Brett's files, looking for any clue as to where he might've gone in Switzerland. He read about Brett's family history, which curiously did not include James. It was not long before he read about a certain family relative who recently died in Switzerland. Taking out his Staedtler pen, he traced the paragraph. He stopped, tapped the paper once, then encircled the word 'St.-Moritz'.

: - - -

: The Man with the Hat walked along the busy sidewalks of Warsaw, his fedora pulled low over his face. He turned his collar against the cold wind and tucked his hands deeply into his pockets. He had checked out of his hotel that morning and was now aimlessly walking, without any direction or purpose. He was glad his wound had slowly started to heal. There was still the stinging feeling in it, and the numbness, but otherwise he was sure he'd live.
: He watched the people in their daily routine. At least they have a purpose, he thought. Unlike me, who has no idea what I will do next.. He found a bench and sat down.
: Going back into the Dark World Order was out of the question. He'd be signing his death warrant if he did so. On the other hand, if he went back to the Order's main haven, what would he do next? Nothing, except maybe wait for further instructions.
: He sighed to himself. Ah, Mitos. Is this really what you want to do? Wait, wait, wait? Wouldn't it be wonderful, for a change, to visit a friend, or someone who you can talk to and have a drink in a bar or a restaurant with? Forget about being a Disciple for once, and actually live?
: The Man with the Hat smiled. Yeah, he thought. Why not do just that? After all, Krede told me that I was no longer needed on the case!
: He stood up, renewed. Now he has a purpose. He'd visit a friend and have a chat , or a drink or two.
: He'd go to Washington, D.C.

: - - -

: "Ahhh," Indiana James said, stretching in his seat and looking out at the snow-covered Swiss mountains. The train's speed was moderate, giving him a wonderful chance to admire the scenery. "This is the life, isn't it, Brett? Wonderful train, wonderful sceneryÖ. I'd choose this over finding Valinor or being shot at by agents any day!"
: "You can say that again, Jimmy," Brett agreed. He, however, was looking at some other sceneryÖ the live ones, in fact. For the past three hours, he had been giving the eye and the smile to some teenage girls, who giggled back at him.
: "What do you think, Rag?" James asked. "Aren't you glad you decided to run away with us?"
: Aragorn remained silent, his eyes closed, sinking deeper against his seat. His arms were crossed, and his legs were stretched out in front of him. He didn't seem to hear what James said. Or he wouldn't.
: "Helloooo!!!!" James nudged him. "Earth to Aragorn! Earth to Aragorn!"
: "Do not disturb me, James," Aragorn said, his voice low. "You have done quite enough convincing me to go with you. Please, I need to be alone with my thoughts."
: "What's with this guy?" James asked Brett.
: "I dunno," Brett replied. "But I sure am asking those three cute girls out later! Who knows, maybe I could get one of them toÖ." Brett grinned, licking his lips at his thought.
: James craned his neck and looked back to where Brett was looking. He saw the three girls. He sat back and grinned at Brett. "Hey, not bad, bro! D'ya think maybe they'd like one more company?"
: Brett grinned mischievously. "Why not? Three against two seemed like good odds! All we'd have to worry about is the space!"
: James and Brett laughed, exchanging high-fives. Aragorn seemed oblivious of them, however, and seemed to have sunk deeper into his state.

: - - -

: The Fiddler's eyes never left his quarry. He was sitting on the other side of the car, his blond hair hidden by the green beret he was wearing. He knew he couldn't afford to show his hair, since Brett would almost quickly recognize it. He was wearing a trenchcoat and a scarf, completing his pseudo-disguise. His eyes were hidden by a pair of Calvin Klein sunglasses.
: And as always, he waited.

: -----

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: : Chapter 42 [Comings and Goings] (written by Indiana Jerico)

: : "Are you sure the room is clean?" the man's voice on the other line asked.
: : "Yes," Krede answered. "I sense no anomalies in my surroundings."
: : "Don't know if I believe in your magical mumbo-jumbo stuff," the man said. "But it's your life, not mine."
: : "They have the key now, you know," Krede said, choosing to ignore the remark. He was growling a little and gripping the cell phone.
: : "I know, I know," the man said.
: : "But the leader of the other side has Tessa now, so the other keys are as good as ours," Krede said. "In fact, Tessa and the leader they call Nobody is on the other side of the room as we speak."
: : "Do you really think this woman knows where the other keys are?" the man asked. "I doubt her."
: : "It is not for you to doubt her or not," Krede said. "Your task is to monitor the Vanguards, and whoever this group is that they've allied with. Besides, she knew about the Spear. She must know about the Ring and the Sword."
: : "What if The Man with the Hat is wrong in his assumption about this woman knowing the location of the Ring?" the man asked again. There was definite doubt on his voice. "He even thought she may be wearing it already! Seems a bit farfetched, if I may say so myself!"
: : "Mitos was right about the Spear, remember?" Krede said. "And he was right about his suspicions that this Dark World Order also had an interest in Valinor. That was why he was perfect as our 'plant man'. I have no reason to doubt his beliefs."
: : "Okay, okay," the man replied in surrender. "He is your man, after all. What happened to him, anyhow?"
: : "He is still in Poland," Krede said. "As of now, he is on hold. Besides, he deserves the rest. He is one of my Order's best disciples."
: : "Look, Krede," the man said. "I don't want to meddle with your Order's affairs, but I do not trust The Man with the Hat. He is just tooÖ. principled, if you know what I mean."
: : "You are in no position to question who is to be trusted in my Order or not," Krede said. "Seeing as how you are not to be trusted as well. This conversation has ended."
: : Krede snapped close his phone, his eyes flashing. Then, breathing deeply, he adjusted his tie and started to walk into the other room."

: : - - -

: : "I told you it was just a product of my imagination!!!" Tessa shouted. "Why can't you get it inside that bald head of yours?!?!"
: : Nobody signaled for Mack again. And again, Mack slapped Tessa with the back of his hand. Deirdre grinned maniacally upon seeing Tessa flinch. Tessa wanted to just crumple and fall, but she was being held by one of Nobody's men.
: : Nobody's face showed mock sadness. "If only you would cooperate with us, Ms. Zarycki, you wouldn't have to endure much pain."
: : "You can put me in a pot of boiling oil for all I care," Tessa said, breathing heavily. "And still I cannot tell you what you want. I told you, I don't know about any Valinor!"
: : It was at this point that Krede entered the room. He approached Tessa. She looked at him angrily, her eyes bristling angrily like a cat's.
: : "Tsk, tsk," Krede said. "Such a pretty face. Pity it had to be manhandled. Why don't you tell them, Ms. Zarycki? Why don't you tell us what we need to know?"
: : "Do I have to deal with another thick-headed numbskull like you?" Tessa answered. Already, she could taste the coppery taste of blood. "The answer is still 'I don't know'!"
: : Krede suddenly took Tessa's hand and looked at the fingers. There, just as The Man with the Hat said, was a ring made of gold. Krede slipped it off her fingers and looked at it. He immediately put it in his pocket.
: : "What the hell was that?!" Nobody said suspiciously. He had noticed Krede's eyes gleam.
: : "Oh, do not worry, my friend," Krede said soothingly. "Do you mean this?" He held up the ring. "This is the ring of my Order."
: : "What the hell is it doing on her finger?!" Nobody shouted. At this, some of his men who have been standing by started to finger their submachine guns.
: : Krede immediately smiled. He already knew what to say in case this particular scene happened.
: : "Don't you see, Nobody?" Krede said. "This ring already proves that she is lying! She knows about Valinor! That was why she was wearing this ring."
: : "You still haven't answered my question, Krede!" Nobody said. "What was it doing on her finger? If you're hiding something from meÖ..!"
: : "Hasty hasty," Krede said, as if admonishing a child. "She must've killed a disciple of my Order and kept the ring as a memento. See, she knew about our existence. She must also know about Valinor."
: : Krede looked at Tessa and smiled at her. "She must've been a great fighter too, to have killed a disciple of the Order of the Ringwraiths."
: : "You're lying!!!" Tessa cried, her eyes burning and slitting in fury. She turned to Nobody. "Can't you see??? This man is lying!!!! He is planning to double-cross you!!! I've never heard of their Order!!!"
: : Krede shook his head calmly. "Tsk, tsk. What some people would do to create dissension among allies." He turned to Nobody. "Pathetic, don't you think?"
: : Nobody turned to Mack and signaled him again. Mack slapped Tessa ,and she stopped screaming.
: : "Lead her away," Nobody said. "We'll interrogate her again, later. And guard her well. Make sure she doesn't escape."
: : Three men took Tessa away from the room. Tessa flailed her arms and legs, trying to scratch them and kick them, but it was to no avail.
: : Nobody turned to Deirdre. "Take a rest, my dear. You deserve it."
: : "Thank you, Sir," Deirdre said, bowing a little. "I will take my leave."
: : When Deirdre and Mack left the room, Krede turned again to Nobody. "Now my friend, tell me what else do you know about Valinor? Maybe I could supply you with any information."
: : They walked towards the large glass window and looked at the city. Then Nobody spoke. "I know that we need the Aztec Spear to get into Valinor. Something about it being the key."
: : "Where did you know about Valinor, my friend?" Krede asked with guarded emotion.
: : "I found some scrolls from an old monastery in England," Nobody answered. "Three years ago. They weren't complete, but what I read told me enough to know what I needed to know. They told of the existence of Valinor, and about the Spear being the key."

: : "The scrolls didn't tell you what else there is that you needed to know," Krede said.
: : "What do you mean???" Nobody asked.
: : "The Spear is just one of the keys of Valinor," Krede said.
: : "Do you mean to say there is more than one???" Nobody asked, looking at Krede for a moment. 
: : "There are actually two," Krede said. "ThÈoden's Spear, or the Aztec Spear as you call it, and Aragorn's Sword."
: : "AragornÖ.!" Nobody exclaimed.
: : "You haven't read Tolkien's Lord of the Rings?" Krede asked incredulously. "Aragorn, son of Arathorn, heir to the Ring of Isilduer. His sword, And·ril, is the second key to the gates of Valinor. And that is what we need to find, and we have to find it fast. Our enemies already have the Spear."
: : "Of course I've read about the book!" Nobody said. "I would have you know that I've been educated by the best schools in Europe and the States. But what you said brings back something. You did say Aragorn?"
: : Krede looked at him, his face registering a question. Nobody motioned him to follow him to his private quarters. Krede did so. 
: : When they were inside the office, Nobody closed the door. He touched a panel and the mahogany bookcase on the left side of the wall parted, revealing a large monitor.
: : "File No. 365-768-PX," Nobody said. Immediately, the screen blinked and came on.
: : "ACCESSING FILEÖ. PLEASE WAITÖ.."
: : They waited. Presently, a surveillance photograph appeared. The view was three-fourths overhead, in what seemed like a department store. It showed two men walking. One was garbed all in black, with a black trenchcoat. He was wearing sunglasses. The other was a contrast to the first, garbed in a white suit and pants. He wasn't wearing any sunglasses. Instead of a trenchcoat, he was wearing a white medieval-style cloak.
: : "These two are the top agents of the Phoenix Enigma, a secret elite government agency," Nobody said. "They are being led by Micah Johnson and headed by Michaelson Cross, a retired five-star general."
: : "Why should this interest me, ally?" Krede asked.
: : "Because they are the group whom your sworn enemy has allied with now," Nobody said. "You see, Krede, our enemies have allied with themselves, too."
: : Krede nodded his head, a growing interest in his eyes.
: : "I just thought you'd like to know," Nobody said. 
: : "Who are these two?" Krede asked, looking closely at the two men in the picture.
: : "Access File No. 657-777-CJ," Nobody said. 
: : "ACCESSING FILEÖ.. PLEASE WAITÖ.."
: : A photograph appeared. It showed the young man garbed in black. The photo was from another surveillance shot.
: : "This is Jerico Gamotin II. Codename, Indiana Jerico. Age, 21. Asian. Personal background is unknown. Assumed to have lived with his late grandfather, who was a WWII veteran. No known relatives."
: : "And the other?" Krede asked.
: : "Access File No. 756-008-AE," Nobody said again.
: : "ACCESSING FILEÖ..PLEASE WAITÖ.."
: : The picture of the man in white appeared.
: : "This is Matthew Newland. Codename, Aragorn. Age, 20. Personal background is likewise unknown. Joined the Phoenix Elite five years ago, where our record of him started."
: : Krede took an unusual interest on Aragorn. "Why is there no record of his life?" 
: : "Same thing as with Indiana Jerico," Nobody answered. "All public records of them were erased and deleted. Officially, they do not exist."
: : "ThisÖAragorn," Krede said, looking at Aragorn's eyes. "Where is he now?"
: : "With his group, I presume," Nobody said. "They are inseparable. Why?"
: : "Nothing," Krede answered. "Nothing at all."
: : In his mind, Krede was euphoric. It's him, he thought. Aragorn. He is the One.

: : - - -

: : "Where have you been, Muppet???" Goodsport asked, holding his ear close to the phone to keep the noise of the computers in the room from drowning out the voice on the other end. "I was waiting for you at the airport! You did not show up!"
: : "I am sorry Goodsport," Muppet replied. "But something came up. I'm sorry I didn't get to meet with you. Paperwork."
: : "It's all right, Muppet," Goodsport said. "I am in Washington, with the Phoenix group."
: : "Is it really ThÈoden's Spear, Goodsport?" Muppet asked. 
: : "Yes," Goodsport said. "We have the first key, Muppet. All we need to find now is Faramir's Ring, and Aragorn's Sword."
: : "But we know where Faramir's key is," Muppet said. "Tessa has it."
: : "I know," Goodsport replied. "I felt its pull on my ring, too. That's why I know they're in Chicago. Fortunately, they were still near enough for my ring to detect it."
: : There was silence for a second.
: : "Maybe you should take the Spear and let the Vanguards keep it, Goodsport," Muppet said. "Not that I do not trust that group you've allied ourselves with. JustÖto be on the safe side, if you know what I mean."
: : Goodsport let out a deep breath. "Muppet, I already told them about us."
: : "What?!" Muppet practically shouted. "You told them about US???"
: : "Look, I trust them, Muppet," Goodsport said. "I figured it's about time we tell them who we really are! They have connections, and believe me, they've got the means to help us find the other key! Besides, one of their top agents is the One."
: : "Look, how can you be so sure???" Muppet said. "The Order of the Ringwraiths has been looking for 'the One' for millennia. What makes you think this is the one?"
: : "Because Gandalf said it, Muppet," Goodsport replied. "Besides, he's the one who's inexplicably connected to the Ancient Book!"
: : "You found the Ancient Book???" Muppet asked again, incredulous. It seemed as if every bit of news he heard was one surprise after another.
: : "I forgot to tell you?" Goodsport said. "Yes. The Book. It was found in Poland. And get this, Muppet. The Spear was found in the Book, too!"
: : "Damn it, Goodsport!" Muppet said. "You know very well what the Book can do, don't you?? Every time someone reads it, the Dark Lord konws where the One is!"
: : "That's just it!" Goodsport pointed. "Everytime someone read it, Aragorn just falls and faints, writhes as if in a bad dream! I tell you, Muppet! He is the One!"
: : "Okay, okay," Muppet said. "Just keep Aragorn out of harm's way. We can't afford to let the Order get a hold of him."
: : "Too late about keeping him out of harm's way, Muppet," Goodsport said, his voice tightening. "We don't have him anymore. He's in Switzerland!"

: :  - - -

: : "Okay," Indiana James said to Brett. They were on an elevator on the way down from their hotel room. "Where did you say our studio was?"
: : Brett looked at the map of Switzerland he bought. "Uh, the lawyer said that it's located in St.-MoritzÖ.wherever the hell that is!" 
: : "Where is it on the map?" Indiana James asked, looking at the map. 
: : "I dunno!" Brett said. He looked at the criss-cross of roads and the various names of unfamiliar cities. His mind whirled
: : "Here, lemme take a look!" Indiana James said. He took away the map and flattened it out. He tried looking for St.-Moritz. He smacked his finger in Bern, where they were currently located. It stayed there. "Uh, did the lawyer say whether it's a big or small town, Brett?"
: : "He didn't," Brett answered sheepishly. "I guess we'll just have to search every inch of this map for St.-Moritz."
: : "Are you crazy?!" James said. "You search for it. Better yet, call that damn lawyer and have 'im just give us the damn directions!"
: : "I already gave him a ring five times, Jimmy," Brett said. "And still, no answer. Guess he's making time with one of his mistresses, or something."
: : Aragorn sighed and pointed at a southeastern part in the map. "St.-Moritz is here."
: : Brett and James looked at where Aragorn casually pointed. Sure enough, it was there. St.-Moritz
: : "H-how'd you know it was there, Aragorn?" James asked. "You didn't even glance at the map for long."
: : "Have you been there already, Rag?" Brett asked.
: : "No," Aragorn replied, taking his hands off the map and placing them in his pockets.
: : "ThenÖhowÖ?" James asked.
: : "I've memorized the map of the world," Aragorn said simply. "Every major cityÖ.and then some. Come, we're wasting time."
: : Aragorn walked away, out of the hotel, and went to the valet, who promptly hailed a taxi for them. Aragorn stood there, hands in his pockets, waiting. His eyes seemed to be closed and he seemed changed, somehow. More thoughtful. Silent. MoreÖ.calm.
: : Brett and James looked at each other. Both of their faces reflected the same question. 
: : What's happening to Aragorn?

: : - - -

: : The Fiddler saw them walk out of the five-star hotel they were staying in. He saw Brett's face, and his blood boiled. He also saw his brother James, as well as that agent who watched over him in the shed back in Poland. What was his name? Aragorn. 
: : Ever since he arrived from the airport just hours ago, he had been staking out the hotel they were staying in.  Since he had contacts in Switzerland (and almost every country, for that matter), it had been an easy task of calling them and supplying them with the descriptions. The Fiddler's rings of informants were experts. Of course, the few hundred francs or so helped, too. His informants had also been very thorough. In less than an hour, he already knew the number of the taxi they took from the airport; the number of times they changed taxis (as well as the number of each of the taxi they rode in); what was inside their baggage; and the hotel they were staying. That's how he knew that the Lamberts were not armed. Only Aragorn had a weapon---his trusty customized Magnum, hidden in an x-ray proof briefcase.
: : The Fiddler waited until the taxi his quarry were riding started to run. Then, he folded the newspaper he was pretending to read, gave it to an old man, and went into his Mercedes-Benz. He started the engine of his car and followed them.

: : - - -

: : "Our intelligence already has a layout of the whole building. Its ventilation, sewageÖeverything," Michaelson said. He was pointing a laser pointer at a large electronic board, which showed an isometric view of a high-rise tower. "We also have a detailed layout of all their security measures; cameras, laser trip wires, and such."
: : "The number of guards on each floor?" Indy asked, looking at the three-dimensional isometric building skeleton.
: : "They have ten to fifteen guards on each floor," Michaelson answered. "Each working a three-hour shift."
: : "Equipment and accessories?" Meg asked.
: : "Each guard is equipped with an H&K 9mm MP-5 SD submachine gun," Michaelson replied. "So it's a safe bet that once any of the guards spot you and start firing, that you don't have to worry about tripping any laser alarms. Bottom line is, get in and get the target out as quickly as possible, all the while maintaining stealth."
: : Indy, Meg, and the rest of the six-man team nodded silently.
: : "Each of you will be outfitted with thermal and night vision goggles, kevlar jackets, and radio-earphones. But, as much as possible, maintain radio silence. Talk only when you have to. Our pick-up team will be on stand-by once the mission is accomplished."
: : Michaelson stopped to see if there are any questions. Not receiving any feedback, he continued.
: : "You will be dropped off here, in a building one block away from the objective. From there, you will---"
: : At this point, the door opened and Jerico stepped in. Michaelson stopped, and the others turned around and looked. Meg tried to see his eyes to gauge his emotions, but his sunglasses made a pretty good job of hiding them.
: : "Jerico, I'm glad you're here," Michaelson said. "Listen, I was just about to brief them on what to do. I want you---"
: : "I want the money wired on Zurich," Jerico said, interrupting his superior officer. His voice was monotonous, implying that he didn't want any arguments. "Everything else I will need, I will ask our contact there."
: : "Zurich???" Michaelson asked, as if not comprehending what Jerico just said.
: : "I will go to Switzerland, Michaelson." Jerico said, starting to turn away. "I will look for Aragorn. If he's in trouble, I'll get him out of there."
: : "IÖI'll go with you," Meg blurted out. She half-stood from her chair.
: : "I work alone," Jerico replied.
: : "Listen, Jerico," Michaelson said, his voice even. Jerico stopped, his back still turned from the group. "I know how worried you are about Aragorn. Believe me, I am too. But I can't just let you go after him! It's dangerous! Who will get you out?!"
: : "That's why I have to go," Jerico replied. "You said so yourself. It's dangerous. Aragorn needs help."
: : "That's it! I just had about enough of this!" Indy growled. He strode towards Jerico and angrily faced him. "Why don't you get off your damn high chair, Mr. High and Mighty?! You're acting as if you're the only reason this Agency exists! There's us, too, you bastard! Why don't you make yourself helpful and actually do something for the group?!"
: : Jerico didn't reply. He just looked at Indy, devoid of emotions.
: : "Frankly speaking, I'm fed up with you. You're acting like a total asshole, you know that? You don't care about teamwork, you don't care about your teammates, you don't care about anyone but yourself! You're so damn selfish! Hell, you don't even care about the only person in this damn room who actually cares for you! Look at Meg! LOOK AT HER, YOU BASTARD!!! She took a bullet for you, and what do you do to repay her? YOU MADE HER CRY, YOU SONUVABITCH! It would've been better if she cared for me half as much as she cared for you! Then, I would've known how to respond, and I would've given her the love that was due her! But you're so DAMN selfish, you don't even KNOW that!"
: : Still, Jerico didn't respond. He stood there like a statue in black. Then, after a few seconds, he spoke. "Get out of my way, if you don't want to wake up with half of your teeth missing."
: : "WHY YOU SONUVAÖ!!!" Indy shouted. He took out his .45 S&W and aimed it at Jerico's face. "I'd do the world a great service the moment I pull this trigger!"
: : "Indy! No!" Meg shouted. "Please!"
: : "How could you care for this unfeeling bastard, Meg?!" Indy asked angrily, his eyes flashing in rage.
: : With amazing speed, Jerico took out his black twin .45 Colts. He aimed them both at Indy's head.
: : "You really think you can kill me, rookie?" Jerico asked, his voice low and flat.
: : "You may be a legend," Indy said, "but I'm sure a bullet in your head can kill you."
: : "I'm sure it can," Jerico replied in the same monotonous voice, "if it hits me. I know those eyes of yours. Rookie's eyes. You don't have the guts to do it."
: : "Don't tempt me," Indy threatened, gritting his teeth. His hands gripped his pistol tighter. "Just one squeezeÖ."
: : Jerico's guns didn't so much as waver. They were aimed straight and true at Indy's head. His face remained calm, almost passive. As if this was a normal occurrence for him.
: : "Your hands are shaking, rookie," Jerico said. "You might miss your mark."
: : "Shut up!" Indy hissed.
: : "Jerico! Indy! Stop this nonsense! NOW!" Michaelson growled. "THAT'S AN ORDER!"
: : Still, Jerico's aim didn't flinch. Indy didn't lower his weapon, either. Meg looked at them. First to Jerico. Then, to Indy. Then, back to Jerico. Finally, she ran towards Indy and embraced him, lowering his arm with her left.
: : "Please Indy," she said, her voice on the verge of breaking down. "Just, put it down, please."
: : Indy didn't respond for a while, his eyes still glareing at Jerico, who just calmly stared back, his guns still at Indy's head. Then, Indy slowly lowered his gun and grudgingly put it back to its holster.
: : Jerico returned his guns to its holsters as well. Then, without a word, he walked out of the room.

: : - - -

: : "Jenny?" Jerico asked, as he stopped by the secretary's desk.
: : "Yes, Mr. Jerico?" Jenny asked. She was a pretty, blond-haired woman in her early twenties.
: : "Give me the file of Mr. Brett Lambert, will you please?" Jerico asked. "I need every information about him."
: : "Uhm, you know it's against policy to take out files, Mr. Jerico," Jenny said, blue eyes looking at him.
: : "Please, Jenny," Jerico said. "I'll only need printouts. It's imperative. Aragorn's life hangs in the balance."
: : "WeeellÖ..okay," Jenny said, after a little hesitation. "But I don't think the boss is gonna like this."
: : "You just let me handle him, Jenny," Jerico assured her. 
: : In a little while, Jerico went out of the building, the necessary files in a silver briefcase. He opened the door of his Lamborghini Diablo, revved up the engine, and sped off into the airport.
: :  : On the plane, Jerico went through Brett's files, looking for any clue as to where he might've gone in Switzerland. He read about Brett's family history, which curiously did not include James. It was not long before he read about a certain family relative who recently died in Switzerland. Taking out his Staedtler pen, he traced the paragraph. He stopped, tapped the paper once, then encircled the word 'St.-Moritz'.

: : - - -

: : The Man with the Hat walked along the busy sidewalks of Warsaw, his fedora pulled low over his face. He turned his collar against the cold wind and tucked his hands deeply into his pockets. He had checked out of his hotel that morning and was now aimlessly walking, without any direction or purpose. He was glad his wound had slowly started to heal. There was still the stinging feeling in it, and the numbness, but otherwise he was sure he'd live.
: : He watched the people in their daily routine. At least they have a purpose, he thought. Unlike me, who has no idea what I will do next.. He found a bench and sat down.
: : Going back into the Dark World Order was out of the question. He'd be signing his death warrant if he did so. On the other hand, if he went back to the Order's main haven, what would he do next? Nothing, except maybe wait for further instructions.
: : He sighed to himself. Ah, Mitos. Is this really what you want to do? Wait, wait, wait? Wouldn't it be wonderful, for a change, to visit a friend, or someone who you can talk to and have a drink in a bar or a restaurant with? Forget about being a Disciple for once, and actually live?
: : The Man with the Hat smiled. Yeah, he thought. Why not do just that? After all, Krede told me that I was no longer needed on the case!
: : He stood up, renewed. Now he has a purpose. He'd visit a friend and have a chat , or a drink or two.
: : He'd go to Washington, D.C.

: : - - -

: : "Ahhh," Indiana James said, stretching in his seat and looking out at the snow-covered Swiss mountains. The train's speed was moderate, giving him a wonderful chance to admire the scenery. "This is the life, isn't it, Brett? Wonderful train, wonderful sceneryÖ. I'd choose this over finding Valinor or being shot at by agents any day!" 
: : "You can say that again, Jimmy," Brett agreed. He, however, was looking at some other sceneryÖ the live ones, in fact. For the past three hours, he had been giving the eye and the smile to some teenage girls, who giggled back at him. 
: : "What do you think, Rag?" James asked. "Aren't you glad you decided to run away with us?"
: : Aragorn remained silent, his eyes closed, sinking deeper against his seat. His arms were crossed, and his legs were stretched out in front of him. He didn't seem to hear what James said. Or he wouldn't.
: : "Helloooo!!!!" James nudged him. "Earth to Aragorn! Earth to Aragorn!"
: : "Do not disturb me, James," Aragorn said, his voice low. "You have done quite enough convincing me to go with you. Please, I need to be alone with my thoughts."
: : "What's with this guy?" James asked Brett.
: : "I dunno," Brett replied. "But I sure am asking those three cute girls out later! Who knows, maybe I could get one of them toÖ." Brett grinned, licking his lips at his thought.
: : James craned his neck and looked back to where Brett was looking. He saw the three girls. He sat back and grinned at Brett. "Hey, not bad, bro! D'ya think maybe they'd like one more company?"
: : Brett grinned mischievously. "Why not? Three against two seemed like good odds! All we'd have to worry about is the space!"
: : James and Brett laughed, exchanging high-fives. Aragorn seemed oblivious of them, however, and seemed to have sunk deeper into his state.

: : - - -

: : The Fiddler's eyes never left his quarry. He was sitting on the other side of the car, his blond hair hidden by the green beret he was wearing. He knew he couldn't afford to show his hair, since Brett would almost quickly recognize it. He was wearing a trenchcoat and a scarf, completing his pseudo-disguise. His eyes were hidden by a pair of Calvin Klein sunglasses.
: : And as always, he waited.

: : -----

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