The Project 01 - White Jade

Minoan. Paintings similar to this were found in a Minoan burial chamber in Northern Crete . The women in the chariot are probably goddesses , maybe escorts to guide the soul to the afterlife. "
    " Then the Minoans were here, after all. "
    " It looks like it. This style of mosaic art is unique to the Aegean . Either the Minoans or someone who had contact with them had to have done it. Finding this in Tibet is incredible. " She took out her camera.
    They came to the edge of the square. The walls of the building at the heart of the complex were eroded from the endless winds, the ancient stone dark and stained. Narrow openings were set along the lower walls and in the roof .
    " This is an early style of Vedic temple architecture, " said Selena. " The pyramid roof was typical. I ' d guess around 1800 BCE. Maybe a little later. "
    " It was a temple? "
    " I t must have been. This entire complex is laid out like a mandala, with entrances to the center from the four directions. "
    " What ' s a mandala? " Ronnie rubbed his face with his glove.
    " It ' s a tool, a picture to help focus your mind. By looking at the picture and meditating on it you develop the ability to enter a spiritual dimension. "
    " You believe that? " he said.
    " I t seems to work for the people who practice with it. "
    Carter looked around the broad square, thinking what it must have been like when there were people here.
    " This place was a mandala for real? " He rubbed his ear.
    " That would have been the idea. Everything constructed to remind people of their spiritual nature and the transience of life. "
    " Then why are we here looking for something to make you immortal? "
    " Immortality is the payoff in a lot of religions. It just takes different forms for different people. In the East, you get enlightened . I n effect you become immortal. In the West, you live forever in heaven. "
    " Or hell, " he said.
    " I don ' t believe that, " said Selena.
    For the most part, the square was free of debris. They walked toward the building, stopped and stared at the structure.
    Two massive columns held up an arched entry. Above the arch, a great, fierce bird was hewn into the stone. Still visible on each column was the sign of the labrys, the double headed axe of ancient Crete .

Chapter Thirty- Nine

    Senior Investigator Yao waited in the antechamber of the Minister of State Security. H e was nervous. It was n't a good sign to be kept waiting this long. Unsmiling guards in dress uniform, assault rifles carried at port arms, stood rigid sentry at the entrance to the Minister's office .
    Yao reassured himself. His investigation of General Yang was thorough. You didn ' t make accusations against someone as powerful as Yang without good reason and better facts. It was a foregone conclusion his report would be difficult to receive and subject to the closest scrutiny. Yao had faith in the system, but this was explosive.
    The Minister ' s secretary emerged from within. He beckoned Yao forward.
    " The Minister will see you now. "
    Yao read nothing in the secretary ' s tone. Ah, well, the tile was cast. Soon he would know the Minister ' s thoughts.
    Minister Deng sat behind his desk, writing. The secretary led Yao to the front of the desk and took a seat at a smaller table off to the side. Deng continued writing. Yao stood at attention and forced himself to remain calm. Finally the Minister of State Security for the People ' s Republic of China capped his pen, set it down and looked up.
    He was not smiling.
    " Senior Investigator Yao . I have read your report. " Deng held up a folder on his desk. " You have made serious accusations against General Yang. " He looked at Yao as if expecting him to admit this had all been a foolish error.
    " Yes, Minister. "
    " General Yang is one of the bulwarks of our military. He has served the people well for many years. You are sure you do not wish to withdraw this report? "
    Yao took a deep breath. " Yes, Minister. "
    " I have reviewed your record. You also have distinguished yourself in service to the Party and the people. Whom should I believe in this matter, you or General Yang, if I ask him? "
    " Minister, you should believe me! "
    Deng looked surprised at the boldness of the response. It wasn ' t often that anyone addressed one of the most powerful men in China with such directness.
    Yao went on. " General Yang is corrupt. More, he is hatching a plot involving the Americans, with the assistance of the Black Societies there. "
    " So