The Project 05 - The Tesla Secret

list of building materials. The dots are numbers, how many units of stone, that kind of thing. I think some pages may be missing. Usually the first page praises the king and dates the record by his rule, glorifies his achievements. Like the Egyptian obelisks."
    "How long will it take you to translate?" Elizabeth asked.
    "I'm not sure. Mayan is one of the most documented of all the ancient languages but early variants like this aren't well understood. I'll need Steph to help me. I'll compare this with known texts and look for similarities and speed it up with the computers."
    "Like you did with the Minoan."
    "Exactly."
    "Then you'd better get started."
    "Come on, Selena." Stephanie stood. "Let's go talk to Freddy."
    Nick watched them leave. "Steph acts like those computers were people."
    "Just don't say anything bad about them when she's around," Elizabeth said. "They're like a family to her." She picked up her pen. "Any ideas about Portugal?"
    "Only a question. Why the Russians?" Nick said. "I don't think they were regular forces or Spetsnaz. Their armor was inferior. They were careless. Special Ops people wouldn't have done what they did. Besides, their uniforms had a red patch on them I'd never seen before."
    "I think Ogorov sent them."
    "AEON?"
    "It's the only thing that makes sense. The question is whether or not this is sanctioned by the Federation government."
    "You think the Kremlin would cooperate with AEON? Foxworth?"
    "No, but we need to find out exactly what we're up against. It makes a big difference if we're taking on the Federation."
    "How are you going to find out?" Ronnie said.
    "The old fashioned way. Ask. I think it's time for me to reach out and touch someone."

    Part Two

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

    General Alexei Ivanovich Vysotsky ran Department S, one of eight specialized departments within the Sluzhba Vneshney Razvedki , Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service. Department S included the Special Operations Group called Zaslon, a group that did not officially exist.
    Foreign Minister Ogorov had been playing SVR and FSB against each other and Alexei was determined to find out why. The Federal'naya Sluzhba Bezopasnosti handled all internal security. The struggle for power between internal and foreign security dated back to when they had been directorates of the old KGB. Now they were separate organizations. The rivalry was worse than ever.
    Ever since Vysotsky had found a way to eliminate the criminal Gelashvili, FSB had been in what the Americans called a snit. Vysotsky loved American slang. It was almost as good as Russian slang, except for the insults. No foreigner would ever match the essence or subtlety of the Russian insult.
    Alexei had survived purges, plots and the transition to the new so-called democracy. He'd kept his deepest ambitions concealed, which was one reason he held his position of power. Few things took him by surprise anymore. Even so, he was surprised when his encrypted satellite phone signaled a call from Elizabeth Harker.
    This will be interesting. What could she possibly want?
    Vysotsky opened a drawer and activated an unapproved and unofficial security system that blanketed his office from every kind of electronic surveillance. He assumed the room was bugged in ways he had not discovered. It wasn't personal, he knew, just the nature of the business. Especially in Russia. Whatever Harker had to say, he didn't want anyone else to hear it.
    Alliance with her in the past had resulted in the end of a threat to the Motherland and confusion to the CIA. A satisfactory conclusion, but Alexei was wary of pressing his luck. Cooperation with Americans could easily be seen as treason. He didn't trust Harker. But he had to admit he enjoyed and appreciated her sharp decisiveness.
    "Vysotsky."
    "General. This is Director Harker." Her voice was clear over the satellite link. He pictured her in his mind. Probably dressed in black and white. Every picture he'd seen of her showed her in black and white.
    "Director. How delightful to hear from you."
    "General, there is something I would like to discuss with you."
    "Please do."
    "It might be better if we met in person."
    Alexei was intrigued. Major Korov had given him a detailed briefing about Harker. Vysotsky's files on her were extensive. Briefings and files were a poor substitute for direct impressions.
    Harker was a serious woman. Vysotsky respected seriousness. She kept her word. She was unafraid to do what needed to be done. They'd crossed