The Project 05 - The Tesla Secret

There hasn't been much of that since then."
    "It's a tradition you and I might revive," Elizabeth said. "Things are more dangerous now than ever. Conversation is always preferable to the alternatives. It's refreshing to bypass the usual obstacles."
    "Let us be candid, Director. You would not have called me if you didn't need my cooperation. I admit, my curiosity is aroused. You mentioned Ogorov. What is it about him that requires this meeting?"
    "You are aware Ogorov is part of AEON's leadership."
    "I have only your word for that."
    "I have no reason to mislead you. If you are unwilling to take my word, coming here was a mistake."
    "You are talking about one of my government's leaders."
    "I'm talking about a man who is part of an organization that respects no government. Not yours. Not mine. Ogorov has been creating problems for you with the FSB. If you didn't think something was suspicious you would not have come."
    I surprised him with that. Good. Let him wonder how I know.
    "You are well informed. Is this what you wish to talk about? Something in those folders, perhaps?"
    "I believe AEON is doing something on Russian soil that may threaten both our nations. If they are, Ogorov is involved."
    She slid the first folder across to him. He opened it and looked at the satellite picture on top. The resolution of their satellites is better than ours. He filed the thought away for future consideration.
    "Your infrared spy satellites have been busy."
    "Always, General. As are yours."
    Vysotsky looked at the notation on the photograph.
    "Irtysh? There's nothing there but an old air base."
    "There is now. Look at the next sequence."
    He turned the page. After a few seconds he frowned. Elizabeth watched him. Did he already know about Irtysh? Vysotsky turned to the next picture and the next. His face set into hard lines. He looked up.
    "This is obviously an official project. Why do you believe AEON is involved?"
    "Because someone is building a pyramid."
    "A pyramid?"
    "Look near the river. You can see a canal has been cut from the river to a square shape picked up by the infrared. That is the base of a pyramid. It's well camouflaged and hidden from direct view."
    "Certainly there is something there. Why do you say it is a pyramid?"
    "I've included pictures of several pyramids buried in the sands of Egypt. Notice the shape. The Irtysh image is identical, don't you think?"
    He shuffled through the pictures. "How does this involve Ogorov?"
    She gave him the second folder. "It will save time if you read this. It will take a few minutes."
    The folder contained a copy of Selena's research on the Codex and a detailed action report about Mafra. Harker was taking a huge gamble. If Vysotsky was in some way involved, she had just handed her enemies everything they needed.
    She was unable to do anything about such a large and secret project located in the heart of Russia. But Vysotsky could. She needed him, just as he had needed her to operate in America not long before. The game was on his turf.
    Vysotsky read the brief. When he looked up, his face was expressionless.
    "Director. This assessment of the Mexican pyramid strains belief."
    She nodded. "Yes. However, the scientific principles are well understood. If someone could harness and amplify the Telluric energies, it would provide a source of inexhaustible power. Power that could be put to many uses. I believe that is what Ogorov is doing."
    "Your accusation of Ogorov is based on identification of him as a member of AEON's leadership. That information was provided by an anonymous source."
    "That's true. Do I need to point out that the source was accurate regarding the Demeter and Black Harvest plan to attack the Federation?"
    "Minister Ogorov is a strong voice for our place in the world."
    "Minister Ogorov is a man who has a higher priority than the welfare of Russia."
    "So you say." Vysotsky emptied his coffee. He signaled the waiter over. "Vodka. Bring the bottle, your best quality."
    He looked at Harker. "Two glasses."

CHAPTER THIRTY- SIX

    Selena had learned a lot since she'd joined the Project. She wasn't a rookie any more. But walking in the Yucatan jungle with three former Special Forces veterans was a new experience. It showed her how little she knew. It made her feel like she was starting all over again.
    For one thing, they were silent. More than once, she stepped on something that made noise, only to get a look of disapproval from Lamont or Nick. Ronnie was on the point. He