Chapter 41

Posted by Indiana Jerico from proxy1.cbu.skyinet.net on August 13, 1999 at 01:25:11:

CHAPTER 41

“Are you sure the room is clean?” a man’s voice on the other line asked.
“Yes,” Krede said. “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 cellphone.
“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 know 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 a 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 has 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 said 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 too….principled, if you know what I mean.”
“You are in no position to think 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. Zaryncki, 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. Tessa 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. Zaryncki? 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 in her fingers?!” Nobody shouted. At this, some of his men who have been standing by started to finger their sub-machine guns.
Krede immediately smiled. He already knew what to say in case this particular scene happens.
“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 in her finger? If you’re hiding something from me…..!”
“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 Tessa 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 of 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 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.”
“Aragorn….!” 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 has 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 FILE….PLEASE WAIT…..”
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 FILE…..PLEASE WAIT…..”
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 FILE…..PLEASE WAIT…..”
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.”
“This…Aragorn,” 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 ears 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 alright, 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. Just…to 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 news he was hearing was a surprise after the other.
“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?? Everytime someone reads it, the Dark Lord will know 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 the Order to 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.-Moritz….wherever the hell that is.”
“Where is it in 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 and 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 if 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 mistress, or something.”
Aragorn sighed and pointed at a south-eastern 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.
“Then…how…?” James asked.
“I’ve memorized the map of the world,” Aragorn said simply. “Every major city….and 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. More….calm.
Brett and James looked at each other. Both of their faces reflect the same question.
What’s happening to Aragorn?

The Fiddler saw them walk out of the five-star hotel they were staying. He saw Brett’s face and his blood boiled. He also saw his brother, James. And that agent who watched over him in the shed back in Poland. What was his name? Aragorn.
Eversince he arrived from the airport just hours ago, he had been staking out the hotel they were staying in. He’s got 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’s 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 was 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, sewage…everything,” 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 lay-out 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 each floor,” Michaelson answered. “Each in 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 spotted you and started firing, 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 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, gauge out 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 is monotonous, implying 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.”
“I…I’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 what 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 SONUVA…!!!” 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 on 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 squeeze….”
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 glared 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.”
“Weeell…..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 when 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 just this morning, and now he was 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 had a purpose, he thought. Unlike me, who has no idea what I will do next.. He found a bench and sat.
Going back into the Dark World Order was out of the question. He’d be signing his death warrant if he’ll do so. On the other hand, if he’ll go 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 can talk to, and have a drink in a bar or a restaurant? Forget 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 him that he was no longer needed to 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 scenery….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 scenery. The live ones, in fact. For the past three hours, he had been giving some teenage girls the eye and the smile, 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 to….” 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 always, he waited.

Goodsport was reclining on the couch in the Phoenix Elite’s VIP lounge. The book that Jerico found in the library in Poland was in his right hand. Goodsport yawned, brought down the book for a few minutes and massaged his temple for a few minutes.
For the past 10 hours, he had been reading the book, trying to find any clues as to the location of And·ril and Valinor that Tolkien might have unknowingly included. So far, he had come up with nothing. His mind had been swirling with images of the history of Elves and Dwarves, and the evolution of Middle-earth to the Earth that was today.
He let loose his mind for a little while and thought about what happened since they arrived here today. Indy, Meg and a couple of Micah’s SWAT teams had flown to Chicago on a covert mission to save Tessa and the Ring. Jerico had gone on a lone wolf mission to save his partner in Switzerland. And he’s here trying to dig up clues on the location of Aragorn’s Sword and Valinor in a book. He grinned to himself. Why do I get the feeling I’m missing out on the action?
He loosened his tie and lay down on the couch. I’m going to get a little sleep, he thought. Maybe my mind’ll be more alert after I caught a few shut-eyes

Darkness. Like an encompassing void filled with tangible nothingness. Then, a swirl of white strands. A vortex of something out of nothing. The vortex formed an image. The image formed a figure. And the figure is that of a wizened old man, garbed in white. The old man was wearing a pointed hat. His snow-white beard and his equally white bushy eyebrows formed a face both wise and powerful.
Gandalf?
“Goodsport, valiant Vanguard of Valinor…”
In my dream? Why? Is this some sort of subconscious image?
“No, Vanguard.”
Then…why in my dream? Why didn’t you show when I am awake a while ago?
“My grip on your world, is slowly weakening, Vanguard. If truth be told, this will be my last call and conversation to you. In the field of dreams where I still hold power.”
Wha-what do you mean??? Gandalf??? What do you mean, ‘last call’???
“Time has diminished the strong bond between our world and yours. The Dark Lord had already found the One he seeks, Vanguard. And he already has his dark Eye set on him. Bring Aragorn to Valinor, where he will receive the knowledge needed to finally end the Dark Lord’s existence. Bring him here, Vanguard. For the sake of your world, and mine.”
But….where is Valinor, Gandalf?
“Remember that Valinor lies beyond the Sea that surrounds Middle-earth, Vanguard. The formation of your Earth is alien to me, so I cannot help you much. The Sea is our link, Vanguard. The Sea.”
We only need one more key, Gandalf. And·ril, Aragorn’s Sword. Faramir’s Ring and ThÈoden’s Spear we already found.
“No, Vanguard. The ring that you thought found is not Faramir’s. I put it there, in the lady’s pocket, to confound our enemy. Seek Faramir’s Ring still, Goodsport. Never give up hope. It is the only weapon that stays still. Remember too, Goodsport, that not all allies are friends, and not all enemies are evil. Learn to use your heart in conjunction with your head, Vanguard. And you will succeed.”
But….my ring reacted to it, Gandalf! It showed where she would be going!
“I have incanted magic on it, Vanguard, so as to imitate the real Ring of Faramir. Everything is alike, except the real thing the matters. The truth of it being one. Now I see that it has helped save her life, as well.”
Gandalf, I need more information…..I need help……please…..
“Fare thee well, Vanguard. Until we meet in Valinor….”
No…! Gandalf! Don’t go! Not yet! Questions….questions……

The darkness of the place was broken by the various torches placed on the pillars on either side of the large, medieval hall. The whole place was made of rough-hewn stones. On the other end of the large hall, a ten-step dais formed an altar. On the wall, on that end, was a huge sculpture of a red Eye. The Eye of the Dark Lord. Two massive torches were on either side of the sculpture.
Facing that altar, on the top of the dais, is a large man wearing a skeletal animal mask. He was garbed in flowing robes, patterned with a kaleidoscope of dark colors. His hands were outstretched to the sculpture.
Krede entered the hall and passed on the middle. He stopped when he reached the step of the dais and fell on his knee. Krede was wearing a hooded brown cloak.
Finally, the man in the altar turned and looked at Krede. “Rise, Elder.”
Krede rose.
“You have something important to tell me?”
“Yes, Chosen,” Krede said. “It is about the second key. The Ring of Faramir of Ithilien.”
The Chosen took off his skeletal mask. It revealed a bald man with a tattooed face, giving him a more menacing, almost devilish, look. “The Ring of Faramir?”
“Yes, Chosen,” Krede answered. “It is here.” He took out a velvet box, with a glass top. Inside it was the ring he took from Tessa.
The Chosen stepped down, his robes flowing although there is no wind. Krede offered the box with both hands, and bowed his head. The Chosen took the box.
“Also, Chosen,” Krede said. “I have found the One. The One our Dark Lord has chosen as the King of the Ringwraiths.”
“Who is he?” The Chosen asked.
“An enemy of ours. He goes by the name of the Enemy of our Dark Lord in the Third Age. The King of Gondor, the Elessar, the heir of the Ring of Isilduer. Aragorn, son of Arathorn.”
“Where is he, now?” The Chosen asked.
“I…I still have to find out, Chosen,” Krede said.
“See that you do, Elder,” The Chosen said. “Or our Dark Lord will cast you in the Mountain of Doom itself, to be unmade, as the One Ring was unmade.”
Krede bowed. “Yes, Chosen.”
The Chosen then opened the velvet box and took out the Ring. He felt it, looked at it, as if weighing it. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Then, suddenly, he opened his eyes. And it was not friendly.
“THIS IS NOT THE RING!!!”
Krede looked up, surprised. “W-what?!”
“This Ring….is incanted…but this is NOT the Ring of Faramir!!!” The Chosen growled. “This is not the key, Elder!”
Krede looked at the ring in disbelief.
“But…but I….”
The Chosen looked at Krede, his eyes burning and poring into his. Krede immediately fell down and humbled himself in front of him.
“My apologies, Chosen One! My apologies!”
“Find the Ring, Elder. Or our Dark Lord shall be displeased, and I do not think his patience is like mine.”
“Thank you, Chosen, oh thank you!”
Krede stood up and backed away. When he was a few meters from the Chosen, he turned and headed for the door. All the while, his eyes were burning in anger.
“Mitos!”

“The Fiddler here.”
“Yes?” Deirdre said. “What developments have there been?”
“We are on the outskirts of Switzerland,” The Fiddler said. “I think I know now where they are going. They are heading due south-east. There are only two major towns here. Davos, and St.-Moritz Both are situated in mountains. We are approaching Davos now.”
“Good,” Deirdre said. “Just keep tailing them. Hold on….”
Deirdre turned to Nobody, who was talking with Krede.
“Sir, The Fiddler already has a bead on where the Lamberts and Micah’s agent are going.”
“Very good,” Nobody said. “Tell him to mobilize our forces in Switzerland.”
“Which agent is with the Lamberts?” Krede asked Deirdre.
“The one they call Aragorn,” Deirdre replied.
Krede’s pulse quickened. He turned to Nobody. “It would be a good prize indeed to capture them, my friend. They might prove useful.”
Nobody turned to Deirdre. “Tell the Fiddler to capture them at all costs. Alive.”
Deirdre nodded. She turned to the phone again. “Have our troops there in Switzerland mobilized to help you out.”
“I don’t need their help!” Fiddler said.
“The Boss’ orders,” Deirdre said simply. “And capture them alive.”
“Yeah, you already said that remember?” the Fiddler said.
“This time it’s official,” Deirdre answered. She closed her cellphone and faced Nobody.
“Have my private jet ready, Deirdre,” Nobody said. “Krede and I will go to Switzerland and pay our friends a little visit. Krede here told me that Aragorn might be vital in finding the other keys. We can’t afford to pass this chance up in capturing him. At the same time, it would be a crippling blow to Micah’s Phoenix Elite to have one of his elite captured.”
“Yes sir,” Deirdre said. “What about Tessa?”
“I am tasking you to guard her,” Nobody said. “We can’t afford to lose her as well. I don’t know if Micah already knows we have her. Just to be safe, guard her well.”
“Don’t worry, sir,” Deirdre said. “She’ll be guarded well.”

“Want to go with me, Shorty?” Goodsport asked.
“Where to, chief?” Shorty asked.
“To the Library of Congress,” Goodsport said. “We’ll see if we can dig up some important facts about what we’re searching. Who knows, maybe we’d get lucky, like Jerico, and find a book that’ll help us sort out this mess.”
“Sure,” Shorty said. “Beats doing nothing but play games on their computers here.”
Goodsport took his coat and he and Short Round went out of the room.

The Man with the Hat smiled warmly as he went out of his hotel. His suits were newly pressed and he felt like a new man. He suddenly realized how he sorely missed being a normal citizen for a while. He took in a deep breath and started walking.
“I wonder if good ol’ Joe still hangs out there?” He muttered to himself. “Ah, well. Might as well give the old place a visit.”
He reached out his hand and hailed a taxi. The taxi stopped in front of him and he stepped in the back.
“The Library of Congress, please,” The Man with the Hat said.
The driver stepped on the accelerator, looked out for incoming traffic, and rode off.

Just as I thought, The Fiddler thought. St.-Moritz. Those jack-asses actually have a studio here???
He saw Brett step out of their car in front of a store. He was obviously asking for directions. The old man looked at the paper Brett help and pointed his finger upwards, to the mountains. Brett talked with him for a while. Then, he returned to the car and drove on.
The Fiddler stepped out of his car and walked to where the old man was cleaning his store.
“Good morning,” the Fiddler said in German.
The old man looked at him and greeted him as well.
“Police. Where are those people going?” the Fiddler asked. He flashed an official looking badge and put it away before the old man could get a good look at it.
“They were inquiring about that building in the mountains,” the old man answered. “It can be traversed by car. Just follow this road, and when you’ve gone about a kilometer or so, take the side road that veers to the left. When you’ve gone about a hundred meters, you’ll see a trail. You’ll have to travel by foot after that. The trail isn’t big enough for a car.”
“Thank you,” the Fiddler said.
The old man nodded as the Fiddler went to his car. He started the engine and followed the directions the man gave him.

“Bring me down!!!” Jerico shouted to the pilot, pointing downwards.
The pilot of the helicopter nodded. He brought the chopper down and landed on a clearing.
Jerico got out of the helicopter, his trenchcoat and hair blown away by the force of the rotors. He slapped the window two times and signaled “Thanks” to the pilot. The pilot nodded and started to lift off.
Jerico ran towards the main road which led to St.-Moritz. He saw a sign which said, “Sankt Moritz 100m”.
He started walking.

“Excuse me,” Jerico said in perfect German. The old man who was asked directions by Brett and Fiddler looked up.
“Have you see any new faces here, aside from me, for the last…uhm…five days or so?” Jerico said.
“Oh, yes,” the man replied. “Many tourists. Our place attracts tourists, you know.”
“How about this man?” Jerico said, producing a picture of Brett. “Or this?” He produced a picture of Aragorn. “Have you seen them?”
The man looked at Aragorn. Then at Brett. “Yes, I’ve seen this one! He was here less than an hour ago, asking for directions.”
Jerico’s face showed excitement. “Yes! Uhm, could you tell me where they went?”
The old man gave him the same directions he gave the Fiddler.
“Thank you very much!” Jerico said. He went outside.
The old man also went outside and looked at where Jerico went. He shook his head. That place is attracting tourists! he thought. He shook his head again and went to his shop.

The Fiddler hid on a boulder on the side of the rocky road which led to a big, modern-looking house. The architecture was obviously new, like those one would expect studios in the United States would look like. The whole building was painted beige.
The Fiddler took out his binoculars and followed Brett, James and Aragorn. Brett and James were obviously excited, like kids who were given new toys. Aragorn calmly followed them a few steps back.
“I found the place,” the Fiddler said
“Good,” Deirdre replied. “Boss Nobody is on his way there right now. Until then, hold your position.”
Suddenly, the Fiddler saw something.
“Wait…! I see someone sneak into the building’s perimeter. He’s wearing black….”
“Who…?” Deirdre asked.
“I’ll adjust my binoculars….”the Fiddler said. “It’s that other agent! Indiana Jerico!!!”
“This is better than we expected!” Deirdre exclaimed. “Now, two of Micah’s best agents are ours! Update me, Fiddler. And don’t let them get away!”

They stalked the roof of the building like cats in the night. There were six of them, all garbed in black, which made them virtually undetectable in the night. Everyone was wearing goggles in their heads that were both thermal visors and night vision goggles. Their movements were precise and calculated.
The lead stopped on the ledge of the building. In front of them, on the other of the street was Nobody’s building. He adjusted his scope and scanned the roof of the building on the other side.
“Clear,” Indy said.
Another one of the agents ran to the ledge. By the curves, one could distinctly define that it was a female. She attached a claw-like contraption on the side of the concrete shed and pushed a button. The claws whirred and bore themselves on the concrete, offering a solid grip. She looked at the LCD on its side. It showed “1 ton”.
“Ready,” Meg said. “Load 1 ton.”
“Fire when ready,” Indy said.
Meg adjusted the little screen on the side of the contraption and aimed it at a shed of the other building that housed the building’s ventilation. She pushed a button. A silent “THWAP!” was heard which was followed by a distinctive “TCHINK” as a projectile carrying a wire imbedded itself on the concrete shed on the other side. A wire now connected the two buildings. Automatically, the contraption whirred as it pulled the line to the correct tautness.
“Line ready,” Meg said. “It’ll hold.”
“Move!” Indy said. In clockwork fashion, their companions attached a pulley on the wire and they slid to the other side.
“Ladies first,” Indy said.
“Chivalric,” Meg said. She attached her pulley and she slid across the street like a spider sliding on a web. Indy soon followed.
As soon as they were on the other side, they ran to the edge on the north side. Indy took out a machine, which looked like a high-tech bomb detonator. There was a long roll of wire attached on it. Indy placed it a few feet from the edge of the building and screwed it down to the roof.
Meg and two others also took out theirs. They put their machines beside Indy’s.
The other two served as guards.
“Adjust length 30 feet,” Indy said. He pushed a button and a panel opened. He inputted “30” on the LCD. The others did so.
“Adjust release 30 seconds after length is achieved,” Indy said.
The others complied.
“Okay,” Indy said. “Let’s do it.”
They sat down and strapped their respective ankles together with specialized Velcro straps. Next, they took the wires on their machines. On each wire’s end is a claw. They pushed a button and the claw opened wide. They placed it on the straps on their ankles and pushed another button. It snapped shut.
They, then, stood up on the very edge of the building, tottering 400 feet off the ground. They raised their hands sideways and jumped like bungee jumpers.

Meg felt the adrenaline rush through nubile body as the great force of the wind kissed her face. For while, she wished that this fall would never end.
20 feet….
25….
30…and snap! Almost immediately, she placed suction cups on the glass window, stopping her inertia. She’s got to work fast. She’s only got 30 seconds until the machine will release the grip on her strap. She’s hanging upside-down.
She got out a square-shaped board with suction cups on each of the corners and placed it on the window in front of her. She pushed a button and almost immediately, a whirring blade made of diamond lined the edges of the board and started cutting through the glass in silence. After three seconds, she pulled back and the board with the glass in it went loose. She, then, attached the board on the claw, which held her straps. Then, without missing a beat, she took out a rod and pushed it through the large square hole. She pushed another button and the end of the rod snapped sideways, forming a ‘T’. It shot sideways and attached itself on either wall. The entire process took less than thirty seconds. In exactly thirty, the claw snapped open and Meg fell. The rod held her, however, and it was just a small matter to just climb into the hole and inside the building. She landed, catlike, on the floor of the building. Beside her was Indy and her other teammates.

Indy motioned with his hand and they activated their thermal visions. There, in front of them, lasers showed themselves like threads of red silk. Indy signaled the others.

Tessa’s room is beyond the corner of this corridor, Meg read Indy’s signal. She nodded. Now, it was a matter of disarming the laser alarms. The alarm panel was on the other side of the room, just before the corner.
She took out his bag and pulled out a small flat remote-controlled robot. It looked more like a mini-skateboard than a robot, with a square body. A small multi-rotational camera was placed on its front.
Meg maneuvered the robot, passing just inches below the lasers. She held her breath, concentrating on the path she’d taken, looking at the screen. Just a few more feet, she thought.
Suddenly, voices were heard just beyond the right corner of the hall. Meg stopped the robot and looked at Indy in panic. Indy’s jaw tightened, his mind wondering. They weren’t supposed to pass this way in another thirty minutes!
“Look, I knew I left it here!” a voice said.
“Aw, c’mon Clark!” another voice answered. This is higher pitched than the first. “We already passed by here thirty minutes ago! You didn’t leave it here! Maybe Bruce has it!”
“Barry,” Clark said. “You know I’d never let that bastard borrow my magazine! Last time I did, he tore out the centerfold!”
“Christ Clark!” Barry answered. “Just few minutes, okay?”
“Okay okay,” Clark said. Then footsteps drew nearer. From the light on the corner hall, Clark’s shadow grew bigger and bigger. Indy and the others gripped their silenced H&K’s.
Finally, they saw the tip of his submachine gum show on the corner. Indy, Meg and the others raised their submachine guns, hands on the trigger, their breaths held.
However, it stopped. “Damn it! Who put it in the trash can?!” Clark shouted.
“Don’t look at me!” Barry said. “Who cares? Just get it out and let’s continue our rounds. Miss Deirdre’s gonna kill us if she knew we deviated from our course.”
Clark cursed and walked away, His shadow became smaller and smaller until it was gone. When they were sure that the voices had gone, they let out their breaths.
“That was close,” Meg said. “C’mon, let’s hurry and finish this up! We’re a few minutes behind as it is.”
Meg continued to control the robot. Finally, it was below the panel. Meg pushed another button and a pole extended out of its body. It rose until it was level with the panel. Meg maneuvered the point of the pole until it found a circular lock. It connected.
She got out a notebook and attached it to the base of the remote control. She flicked on the switch and the notebook came to life. Then, hacking into the panel, she accessed the mainframe and disabled all the lasers on their floor. She packed up the notebook and placed it into her bag.
“Okay,” Meg said. “We’ve got five minutes.”
They ran, weapons on ready. When they reached the corner. They flattened themselves on the wall on either side. Indy motioned the men in front of him. In clockwork-precision, they simultaneously faced each of the corner; Indy and Meg on the left where Tessa’s room was, and their two companions on the right to stand guard.
The two men who were standing guard on Tessa’s door looked in surprise. They raised their submachine guns at Indy and Meg but they never did get the chance to fire them. With muffled “PMFT! PMFT!”, Indy and Meg pumped three bullets on each of the guards.
Meg knelt in front of the door and looked at the lock. Sure enough, as Michaelson said, it was electronic. Meg took out her notebook again and connected a cable with a disk on the lock’s slot, and connected the other end to her notebook. In a few minutes, she hacked the opening codes of the lock. The LED of the panel turned green.
Meg looked up at Indy and smiled. “Got it!”
Her smile, however, was short-lived. Immediately after, the alarm blared. “INTRUDER ALERT! INTRUDER ALERT!”
“Damn it!” Meg cursed. “They must have installed a separate alarm system on this one! Not connected to the mainframe!”
“We’ve gotta get her out and get the hell out of here!” Indy cried.
Meg punched the panel and the door opened. There, on the bed sat a woman. Her knees were drawn up to her chest. She looked up at Meg and Indy in surprise.
“Tessa?” Meg asked.
“Yes, who…” Tessa said.
“No time for that!” Meg said. “We’ve gotta get out!”

“Emergency evac! Emergency evac! Phoenix One!” Indy said to his microphone. “Contingency plan B Extraction needed!”
“Copy Phoenix Two,” a voice answered. “Chopper on her way!”
“Let’s get the hell outta here!” Meg cried.
From the other end of the room, soldiers started pouring in. Indy let loose a few rounds. The lead soldiers fell down. On the other side, their two teammates were holding the fort.
“Fall back!” Indy shouted amidst the roar of gunfire. “Into the corridor!!!”
Meg and Tessa ran to corridor where they came from. Indy fired another round and followed them. Their two teammates started to follow two. However, one flew back, his body riddled with armor-piercing bullets.
Meg started to run towards her fallen teammate but Indy held her back. “There’s nothing you can do!”
Meg looked at Indy, then at the dead teammate. And she nodded. They ran to the end of the corridor.
At this point, a headlight flooded the whole corridor, and with it, the sound of a helicopter.
“Phoenix Two,” a voice said. “Extraction ready!”
“Shoot the windows!” Indy cried to the microphone.
“Affirmative!”
Indy looked at Meg and Tessa and shouted, “Flat on the wall!!!!” At the same time, he did what he said. Their other teammate did so.
On the other side, Tessa and Meg did what Indy shouted.
On the other end of the corridor, the soldiers started coming.
Suddenly, the deafening sound of a mini-gun shattered the windows, shredding the soldiers who poured in. For a full two-minutes, the shooting did not stop. And when it did, the end of the corridor was littered with bodies of shredded soldiers. The wall was full of bullet-holes.
Indy jumped across the window and into the chopper. He got hold of the landing bar and pulled himself up into the chopper. Then, he started to throw the rope ladder across to where Meg and Tessa and the remaining teammate were. There were still the occasional burst of submachine guns, but those were just merely futile attempts at consolation.

Dream's End

Follow Ups:

Another Spectacular chapter!!!!! NM Meg 21:26:20 8/14/99 (0)
Wow! :) ... Goodsport 10:47:45 8/13/99 (1)
- I'm going to write a short little 42! (nim) Indiana James (Lambert) 15:21:19 8/13/99 (0)

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: 
: CHAPTER 41

: 
: “Are you sure the room is clean?” a man’s voice on the other line asked.
: “Yes,” Krede said. “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 cellphone.
: “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 know 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 a 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 has 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 said 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 too….principled, if you know what I mean.”
: “You are in no position to think 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. Zaryncki, 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. Tessa 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. Zaryncki? 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 in her fingers?!” Nobody shouted. At this, some of his men who have been standing by started to finger their sub-machine guns.
: Krede immediately smiled. He already knew what to say in case this particular scene happens.
: “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 in her finger? If you’re hiding something from me…..!”
: “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 Tessa 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 of 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 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.”
: “Aragorn….!” 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 has 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 FILE….PLEASE WAIT…..”
: 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 FILE…..PLEASE WAIT…..”
: 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 FILE…..PLEASE WAIT…..”
: 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.”
: “This…Aragorn,” 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 ears 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 alright, 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. Just…to 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 news he was hearing was a surprise after the other.
: “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?? Everytime someone reads it, the Dark Lord will know 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 the Order to 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.-Moritz….wherever the hell that is.” 
: “Where is it in 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 and 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 if 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 mistress, or something.”
: Aragorn sighed and pointed at a south-eastern 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.
: “Then…how…?” James asked.
: “I’ve memorized the map of the world,” Aragorn said simply. “Every major city….and 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. More….calm.
: Brett and James looked at each other. Both of their faces reflect the same question. 
: What’s happening to Aragorn?

: 
: The Fiddler saw them walk out of the five-star hotel they were staying. He saw Brett’s face and his blood boiled. He also saw his brother, James. And that agent who watched over him in the shed back in Poland. What was his name? Aragorn. 
: Eversince he arrived from the airport just hours ago, he had been staking out the hotel they were staying in. He’s got 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’s 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 was 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, sewage…everything,” 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 lay-out 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 each floor,” Michaelson answered. “Each in 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 spotted you and started firing, 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 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, gauge out 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 is monotonous, implying 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.”
: “I…I’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 what 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 SONUVA…!!!” 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 on 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 squeeze….”
: 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 glared 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.”
: “Weeell…..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 when 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 just this morning, and now he was 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 had a purpose, he thought. Unlike me, who has no idea what I will do next.. He found a bench and sat.
: Going back into the Dark World Order was out of the question. He’d be signing his death warrant if he’ll do so. On the other hand, if he’ll go 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 can talk to, and have a drink in a bar or a restaurant? Forget 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 him that he was no longer needed to 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 scenery….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 scenery. The live ones, in fact. For the past three hours, he had been giving some teenage girls the eye and the smile, 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 to….” 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 always, he waited.

: 
: Goodsport was reclining on the couch in the Phoenix Elite’s VIP lounge. The book that Jerico found in the library in Poland was in his right hand. Goodsport yawned, brought down the book for a few minutes and massaged his temple for a few minutes. 
: For the past 10 hours, he had been reading the book, trying to find any clues as to the location of And·ril and Valinor that Tolkien might have unknowingly included. So far, he had come up with nothing. His mind had been swirling with images of the history of Elves and Dwarves, and the evolution of Middle-earth to the Earth that was today.
: He let loose his mind for a little while and thought about what happened since they arrived here today. Indy, Meg and a couple of Micah’s SWAT teams had flown to Chicago on a covert mission to save Tessa and the Ring. Jerico had gone on a lone wolf mission to save his partner in Switzerland. And he’s here trying to dig up clues on the location of Aragorn’s Sword and Valinor in a book. He grinned to himself. Why do I get the feeling I’m missing out on the action?
: He loosened his tie and lay down on the couch. I’m going to get a little sleep, he thought. Maybe my mind’ll be more alert after I caught a few shut-eyes

: Darkness. Like an encompassing void filled with tangible nothingness. Then, a swirl of white strands. A vortex of something out of nothing. The vortex formed an image. The image formed a figure. And the figure is that of a wizened old man, garbed in white. The old man was wearing a pointed hat. His snow-white beard and his equally white bushy eyebrows formed a face both wise and powerful.
: Gandalf?
: “Goodsport, valiant Vanguard of Valinor…”
: In my dream? Why? Is this some sort of subconscious image?
: “No, Vanguard.”
: Then…why in my dream? Why didn’t you show when I am awake a while ago?
: “My grip on your world, is slowly weakening, Vanguard. If truth be told, this will be my last call and conversation to you. In the field of dreams where I still hold power.”
: Wha-what do you mean??? Gandalf??? What do you mean, ‘last call’???
: “Time has diminished the strong bond between our world and yours. The Dark Lord had already found the One he seeks, Vanguard. And he already has his dark Eye set on him. Bring Aragorn to Valinor, where he will receive the knowledge needed to finally end the Dark Lord’s existence. Bring him here, Vanguard. For the sake of your world, and mine.”
: But….where is Valinor, Gandalf?
: “Remember that Valinor lies beyond the Sea that surrounds Middle-earth, Vanguard. The formation of your Earth is alien to me, so I cannot help you much. The Sea is our link, Vanguard. The Sea.”
: We only need one more key, Gandalf. And·ril, Aragorn’s Sword. Faramir’s Ring and ThÈoden’s Spear we already found.
: “No, Vanguard. The ring that you thought found is not Faramir’s. I put it there, in the lady’s pocket, to confound our enemy. Seek Faramir’s Ring still, Goodsport. Never give up hope. It is the only weapon that stays still. Remember too, Goodsport, that not all allies are friends, and not all enemies are evil. Learn to use your heart in conjunction with your head, Vanguard. And you will succeed.”
: But….my ring reacted to it, Gandalf! It showed where she would be going!
: “I have incanted magic on it, Vanguard, so as to imitate the real Ring of Faramir. Everything is alike, except the real thing the matters. The truth of it being one. Now I see that it has helped save her life, as well.”
: Gandalf, I need more information…..I need help……please…..
: “Fare thee well, Vanguard. Until we meet in Valinor….”
: No…! Gandalf! Don’t go! Not yet! Questions….questions……

: 
: The darkness of the place was broken by the various torches placed on the pillars on either side of the large, medieval hall. The whole place was made of rough-hewn stones. On the other end of the large hall, a ten-step dais formed an altar. On the wall, on that end, was a huge sculpture of a red Eye. The Eye of the Dark Lord. Two massive torches were on either side of the sculpture.
: Facing that altar, on the top of the dais, is a large man wearing a skeletal animal mask. He was garbed in flowing robes, patterned with a kaleidoscope of dark colors. His hands were outstretched to the sculpture.
: Krede entered the hall and passed on the middle. He stopped when he reached the step of the dais and fell on his knee. Krede was wearing a hooded brown cloak.
: Finally, the man in the altar turned and looked at Krede. “Rise, Elder.”
: Krede rose. 
: “You have something important to tell me?”
: “Yes, Chosen,” Krede said. “It is about the second key. The Ring of Faramir of Ithilien.”
: The Chosen took off his skeletal mask. It revealed a bald man with a tattooed face, giving him a more menacing, almost devilish, look. “The Ring of Faramir?”
: “Yes, Chosen,” Krede answered. “It is here.” He took out a velvet box, with a glass top. Inside it was the ring he took from Tessa.
: The Chosen stepped down, his robes flowing although there is no wind. Krede offered the box with both hands, and bowed his head. The Chosen took the box.
: “Also, Chosen,” Krede said. “I have found the One. The One our Dark Lord has chosen as the King of the Ringwraiths.”
: “Who is he?” The Chosen asked.
: “An enemy of ours. He goes by the name of the Enemy of our Dark Lord in the Third Age. The King of Gondor, the Elessar, the heir of the Ring of Isilduer. Aragorn, son of Arathorn.”
: “Where is he, now?” The Chosen asked.
: “I…I still have to find out, Chosen,” Krede said.
: “See that you do, Elder,” The Chosen said. “Or our Dark Lord will cast you in the Mountain of Doom itself, to be unmade, as the One Ring was unmade.”
: Krede bowed. “Yes,  Chosen.”
: The Chosen then opened the velvet box and took out the Ring. He felt it, looked at it, as if weighing it. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Then, suddenly, he opened his eyes. And it was not friendly.
: “THIS IS NOT THE RING!!!” 
: Krede looked up, surprised. “W-what?!”
: “This Ring….is incanted…but this is NOT the Ring of Faramir!!!” The Chosen growled. “This is not the key, Elder!”
: Krede looked at the ring in disbelief. 
: “But…but I….”
: The Chosen looked at Krede, his eyes burning and poring into his. Krede immediately fell down and humbled himself in front of him.
: “My apologies, Chosen One! My apologies!”
: “Find the Ring, Elder. Or our Dark Lord shall be displeased, and I do not think his patience is like mine.”
: “Thank you, Chosen, oh thank you!”
: Krede stood up and backed away. When he was a few meters from the Chosen, he turned and headed for the door. All the while, his eyes were burning in anger.
: “Mitos!”

: 
: “The Fiddler here.”
: “Yes?” Deirdre said. “What developments have there been?”
: “We are on the outskirts of Switzerland,” The Fiddler said. “I think I know now where they are going. They are heading due south-east. There are only two major towns here. Davos, and St.-Moritz Both are situated in mountains. We are approaching Davos now.”
: “Good,” Deirdre said. “Just keep tailing them. Hold on….”
: Deirdre turned to Nobody, who was talking with Krede.
: “Sir, The Fiddler already has a bead on where the Lamberts and Micah’s agent are going.”
: “Very good,” Nobody said. “Tell him to mobilize our forces in Switzerland.”
: “Which agent is with the Lamberts?” Krede asked Deirdre.
: “The one they call Aragorn,” Deirdre replied.
: Krede’s pulse quickened. He turned to Nobody. “It would be a good prize indeed to capture them, my friend. They might prove useful.”
: Nobody turned to Deirdre. “Tell the Fiddler to capture them at all costs. Alive.”
: Deirdre nodded. She turned to the phone again. “Have our troops there in Switzerland mobilized to help you out.”
: “I don’t need their help!” Fiddler said.
: “The Boss’ orders,” Deirdre said simply. “And capture them alive.”
: “Yeah, you already said that remember?” the Fiddler said.
: “This time it’s official,” Deirdre answered. She closed her cellphone and faced Nobody.
: “Have my private jet ready, Deirdre,” Nobody said. “Krede and I will go to Switzerland and pay our friends a little visit. Krede here told me that Aragorn might be vital in finding the other keys. We can’t afford to pass this chance up in capturing him. At the same time, it would be a crippling blow to Micah’s Phoenix Elite to have one of his elite captured.”
: “Yes sir,” Deirdre said. “What about Tessa?”
: “I am tasking you to guard her,” Nobody said. “We can’t afford to lose her as well. I don’t know if Micah already knows we have her. Just to be safe, guard her well.”
: “Don’t worry, sir,” Deirdre said. “She’ll be guarded well.”

: 
: “Want to go with me, Shorty?” Goodsport asked.
: “Where to, chief?” Shorty asked.
: “To the Library of Congress,” Goodsport said. “We’ll see if we can dig up some important facts about what we’re searching. Who knows, maybe we’d get lucky, like Jerico, and find a book that’ll help us sort out this mess.”
: “Sure,” Shorty said. “Beats  doing nothing but play games on their computers here.”
: Goodsport took his coat and he and Short Round went out of the room.

: 
: The Man with the Hat smiled warmly as he went out of his hotel. His suits were newly pressed and he felt like a new man. He suddenly realized how he sorely missed being a normal citizen for a while. He took in a deep breath and started walking.
: “I wonder if good ol’ Joe still hangs out there?” He muttered to himself. “Ah, well. Might as well give the old place a visit.” 
: He reached out his hand and hailed a taxi. The taxi stopped in front of him and he stepped in the back.
: “The Library of Congress, please,” The Man with the Hat said.
: The driver stepped on the accelerator, looked out for incoming traffic, and rode off.

: 
: Just as I thought, The Fiddler thought. St.-Moritz. Those jack-asses actually have a studio here???
: He saw Brett step out of their car in front of a store. He was obviously asking for directions. The old man looked at the paper Brett help and pointed his finger upwards, to the mountains. Brett talked with him for a while. Then, he returned to the car and drove on.
: The Fiddler stepped out of his car and walked to where the old man was cleaning his store.
: “Good morning,” the Fiddler said in German. 
: The old man looked at him and greeted him as well.
: “Police. Where are those people going?” the Fiddler asked. He flashed an official looking badge and put it away before the old man could get a good look at it.
: “They were inquiring about that building in the mountains,” the old man answered. “It can be traversed by car. Just follow this road, and when you’ve gone about a kilometer or so, take the side road that veers to the left. When you’ve gone about a hundred meters, you’ll see a trail. You’ll have to travel by foot after that. The trail isn’t big enough for a car.”
: “Thank you,” the Fiddler said.
: The old man nodded as the Fiddler went to his car. He started the engine and followed the directions the man gave him.

: 
: “Bring me down!!!” Jerico shouted to the pilot, pointing downwards.
: The pilot of the helicopter nodded. He brought the chopper down and landed on a clearing. 
: Jerico got out of the helicopter, his trenchcoat and hair blown away by the force of the rotors. He slapped the window two times and signaled “Thanks” to the pilot. The pilot nodded and started to lift off.
: Jerico ran towards the main road which led to St.-Moritz. He saw a sign which said, “Sankt Moritz 100m”. 
: He started walking.

: 
: “Excuse me,” Jerico said in perfect German. The old man who was asked directions by Brett and Fiddler looked up.
: “Have you see any new faces here, aside from me, for the last…uhm…five days or so?” Jerico said.
: “Oh, yes,” the man replied. “Many tourists. Our place attracts tourists, you know.”
: “How about this man?” Jerico said, producing a picture of Brett. “Or this?” He produced a picture of Aragorn. “Have you seen them?”
: The man looked at Aragorn. Then at Brett. “Yes, I’ve seen this one! He was here less than an hour ago, asking for directions.”
: Jerico’s face showed excitement. “Yes! Uhm, could you tell me where they went?”
: The old man gave him the same directions he gave the Fiddler.
: “Thank you very much!” Jerico said. He went outside.
: The old man also went outside and looked at where Jerico went. He shook his head. That place is attracting tourists! he thought. He shook his head again and went to his shop.

: 
: The Fiddler hid on a boulder on the side of the rocky road which led to a big, modern-looking house. The architecture was obviously new, like those one would expect studios in the United States would look like. The whole building was painted beige.
: The Fiddler took out his binoculars and followed Brett, James and Aragorn. Brett and James were obviously excited, like kids who were given new toys. Aragorn calmly followed them a few steps back.
: “I found the place,” the Fiddler said 
: “Good,” Deirdre replied. “Boss Nobody is on his way there right now. Until then, hold your position.”
: Suddenly, the Fiddler saw something.
: “Wait…! I see someone sneak into the building’s perimeter. He’s wearing black….”
: “Who…?” Deirdre asked.
: “I’ll adjust my binoculars….”the Fiddler said. “It’s that other agent! Indiana Jerico!!!”
: “This is better than we expected!” Deirdre exclaimed. “Now, two of Micah’s best agents are ours! Update me, Fiddler. And don’t let them get away!”

: 
: They stalked the roof of the building like cats in the night. There were six of them, all garbed in black, which made them virtually undetectable in the night.  Everyone was wearing goggles in their heads that were both thermal visors and night vision goggles. Their movements were precise and calculated.
: The lead stopped on the ledge of the building. In front of them, on the other of the street was Nobody’s building. He adjusted his scope and scanned the roof of the building on the other side.
: “Clear,” Indy said.
: Another one of the agents ran to the ledge. By the curves, one could distinctly define that it was a female. She attached a claw-like contraption on the side of the concrete shed and pushed a button. The claws whirred and bore themselves on the concrete, offering a solid grip. She looked at the LCD on its side. It showed “1 ton”. 
: “Ready,” Meg said. “Load 1 ton.”
: “Fire when ready,” Indy said.
: Meg adjusted the little screen on the side of the contraption and aimed it at a shed of the other building that housed the building’s ventilation. She pushed a button. A silent “THWAP!” was heard which was followed by a distinctive “TCHINK” as a projectile carrying a wire imbedded itself on the concrete shed on the other side. A wire now connected the two buildings. Automatically, the contraption whirred as it pulled the line to the correct tautness.
: “Line ready,” Meg said. “It’ll hold.”
: “Move!” Indy said. In clockwork fashion, their companions attached a pulley on the wire and they slid to the other side. 
: “Ladies first,” Indy said.
: “Chivalric,” Meg said. She attached her pulley and she slid across the street like a spider sliding on a web. Indy soon followed. 
: As soon as they were on the other side, they ran to the edge on the north side. Indy took out a machine, which looked like a high-tech bomb detonator. There was a long roll of wire attached on it. Indy placed it a few feet from the edge of the building and screwed it down to the roof. 
: Meg and two others also took out theirs. They put their machines beside Indy’s. 
: The other two served as guards.
: “Adjust length 30 feet,” Indy said. He pushed a button and a panel opened. He inputted “30” on the LCD. The others did so. 
: “Adjust release 30 seconds after length is achieved,” Indy said.
: The others complied.
: “Okay,” Indy said. “Let’s do it.”
: They sat down and strapped their respective ankles together with specialized Velcro straps. Next, they took the wires on their machines. On each wire’s end is a claw. They pushed a button and the claw opened wide. They placed it on the straps on their ankles and pushed another button. It snapped shut.
: They, then, stood up on the very edge of the building, tottering 400 feet off the ground. They raised their hands sideways and jumped like bungee jumpers.

: 
: Meg felt the adrenaline rush through nubile body as the great force of the wind kissed her face. For while, she wished that this fall would never end. 
: 20 feet….
: 25….
: 30…and snap! Almost immediately, she placed suction cups on the glass window, stopping her inertia. She’s got to work fast. She’s only got 30 seconds until the machine will release the grip on her strap. She’s hanging upside-down.
: She got out a square-shaped board with suction cups on each of the corners and placed it on the window in front of her. She pushed a button and almost immediately, a whirring blade made of diamond lined the edges of the board and started cutting through the glass in silence. After three seconds, she pulled back and the board with the glass in it went loose. She, then, attached the board on the claw, which held her straps. Then, without missing a beat, she took out a rod and pushed it through the large square hole. She pushed another button and the end of the rod snapped sideways, forming a ‘T’. It shot sideways and attached itself on either wall. The entire process took less than thirty seconds. In exactly thirty, the claw snapped open and Meg fell. The rod held her, however, and it was just a small matter to just climb into the hole and inside the building. She landed, catlike, on the floor of the building. Beside her was Indy and her other teammates.

: 
: Indy motioned with his hand and they activated their thermal visions. There, in front of them, lasers showed themselves like threads of red silk. Indy signaled the others.

: 
: Tessa’s room is beyond the corner of this corridor, Meg read Indy’s signal. She nodded. Now, it was a matter of disarming the laser alarms. The alarm panel was on the other side of the room, just before the corner.
: She took out his bag and pulled out a small flat remote-controlled robot. It looked more like a mini-skateboard than a robot, with a square body. A small multi-rotational camera was placed on its front.
: Meg maneuvered the robot, passing just inches below the lasers. She held her breath, concentrating on the path she’d taken, looking at the screen. Just a few more feet, she thought. 
: Suddenly, voices were heard just beyond the right corner of the hall. Meg stopped the robot and looked at Indy in panic. Indy’s jaw tightened, his mind wondering. They weren’t supposed to pass this way in another thirty minutes!
: “Look, I knew I left it here!” a voice said.
: “Aw, c’mon Clark!” another voice answered. This is higher pitched than the first. “We already passed by here thirty minutes ago! You didn’t leave it here! Maybe Bruce has it!”
: “Barry,” Clark said. “You know I’d never let that bastard borrow my magazine! Last time I did, he tore out the centerfold!”
: “Christ Clark!” Barry answered. “Just few minutes, okay?”
: “Okay okay,” Clark said. Then footsteps drew nearer. From the light on the corner hall, Clark’s shadow grew bigger and bigger. Indy and the others gripped their silenced H&K’s.
: Finally, they saw the tip of his submachine gum show on the corner. Indy, Meg and the others raised their submachine guns, hands on the trigger, their breaths held.
: However, it stopped. “Damn it! Who put it in the trash can?!” Clark shouted.
: “Don’t look at me!” Barry said. “Who cares? Just get it out and let’s continue our rounds. Miss Deirdre’s gonna kill us if she knew we deviated from our course.”
: Clark cursed and walked away, His shadow became smaller and smaller until it was gone. When they were sure that the voices had gone, they let out their breaths.
: “That was close,” Meg said. “C’mon, let’s hurry and finish this up! We’re a few minutes behind as it is.”
: Meg continued to control the robot. Finally, it was below the panel. Meg pushed another button and a pole extended out of its body. It rose until it was level with the panel. Meg maneuvered the point of the pole until it found a circular lock. It connected.
: She got out a notebook and attached it to the base of the remote control. She flicked on the switch and the notebook came to life. Then, hacking into the panel, she accessed the mainframe and disabled all the lasers on their floor. She packed up the notebook and placed it into her bag.
: “Okay,” Meg said. “We’ve got five minutes.”
: They ran, weapons on ready. When they reached the corner. They flattened themselves on the wall on either side. Indy motioned the men in front of him. In clockwork-precision, they simultaneously faced each of the corner; Indy and Meg on the left where Tessa’s room was, and their two companions on the right to stand guard.
: The two men who were standing guard on Tessa’s door looked in surprise. They raised their submachine guns at Indy and Meg but they never did get the chance to fire them. With muffled “PMFT! PMFT!”, Indy and Meg pumped three bullets on each of the guards.
: Meg knelt in front of the door and looked at the lock. Sure enough, as Michaelson said, it was electronic. Meg took out her notebook again and connected a cable with a disk on the lock’s slot, and connected the other end to her notebook. In a few minutes, she hacked the opening codes of the lock. The LED of the panel turned green.
: Meg looked up at Indy and smiled. “Got it!”
: Her smile, however, was short-lived. Immediately after, the alarm blared. “INTRUDER ALERT! INTRUDER ALERT!”
: “Damn it!” Meg cursed. “They must have installed a separate alarm system on this one! Not connected to the mainframe!”
: “We’ve gotta get her out and get the hell out of here!” Indy cried.
: Meg punched the panel and the door opened. There, on the bed sat a woman. Her knees were drawn up to her chest. She looked up at Meg and Indy in surprise.
: “Tessa?” Meg asked.
: “Yes, who…” Tessa said.
: “No time for that!” Meg said. “We’ve gotta get out!”

: 
: “Emergency evac! Emergency evac! Phoenix One!” Indy said to his microphone. “Contingency plan B Extraction needed!”
: “Copy Phoenix Two,” a voice answered. “Chopper on her way!”
: “Let’s get the hell outta here!” Meg cried.
: From the other end of the room, soldiers started pouring in. Indy let loose a few rounds. The lead soldiers fell down. On the other side, their two teammates were holding the fort.
: “Fall back!” Indy shouted amidst the roar of gunfire. “Into the corridor!!!”
: Meg and Tessa ran to corridor where they came from. Indy fired another round and followed them. Their two teammates started to follow two. However, one flew back, his body riddled with armor-piercing bullets.
: Meg started to run towards her fallen teammate but Indy held her back. “There’s nothing you can do!”
: Meg looked at Indy, then at the dead teammate. And she nodded. They ran to the end of the corridor.
: At this point, a headlight flooded the whole corridor, and with it, the sound of a helicopter.
: “Phoenix Two,” a voice said. “Extraction ready!”
: “Shoot the windows!” Indy cried to the microphone. 
: “Affirmative!”
: Indy looked at Meg and Tessa and shouted, “Flat on the wall!!!!” At the same time, he did what he said. Their other teammate did so.
: On the other side, Tessa and Meg did what Indy shouted.
: On the other end of the corridor, the soldiers started coming.
: Suddenly, the deafening sound of a mini-gun shattered the windows, shredding the soldiers who poured in. For a full two-minutes, the shooting did not stop. And when it did, the end of the corridor was littered with bodies of shredded soldiers. The wall was full of bullet-holes.
: Indy jumped across the window and into the chopper. He got hold of the landing bar and pulled himself up into the chopper. Then, he started to throw the rope ladder across to where Meg and Tessa and the remaining teammate were. There were still the occasional burst of submachine guns, but those were just merely futile attempts at consolation.

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