The Cylon Curse: James Acton Thrillers, #22

By J. Robert Kennedy

*** FROM USA TODAY & MILLION COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR J. ROBERT KENNEDY ***
 

IN 632 BC, ONE MAN ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE BIRTH OF DEMOCRACY.
 AND TODAY, THE INNOCENT WILL PAY ONCE AGAIN FOR HIS ACTIONS.

When the Oracle of Delphi urges Olympic hero Cylon to stage a coup and seize control of Athens, he immediately attempts to fulfill her prophecy, but as history has recorded, not all went according to plan.

Almost three thousand years later, Archaeology Professor James Acton and his wife, Laura Palmer, are invited to one of the greatest discoveries in decades, an ancient burial mound outside Athens, Greece. But their invitation is issued under false pretenses, and they soon find themselves embroiled in a mystery that quickly erupts into catastrophic violence, leaving an even deeper puzzle that must be solved before more innocent lives are lost.

From USA Today and million copy bestselling author J. Robert Kennedy comes The Cylon Curse, the latest installment in the action-packed globe-spanning James Acton Thrillers series, certain to leave you burning through the pages until the exciting conclusion. If you enjoy fast-paced adventures in the style of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, and James Rollins, then you'll love this thrilling tale of archaeological intrigue. 

Get The Cylon Curse today, and discover the history behind one of the most famous names from Ancient Greece, and how his actions still have consequences millennia later. 

About the James Acton Thrillers:

★★★★★ "James Acton: A little bit of Jack Bauer and Indiana Jones!"

Though this book is part of the James Acton Thrillers series, it is written as a standalone novel and can be enjoyed without having read any of the previous installments.

★★★★★ "Non-stop action that is impossible to put down."

The James Acton Thrillers series and its spin-offs, the Special Agent Dylan Kane Thrillers and the Delta Force Unleashed Thrillers, have sold over one million copies. If you love non-stop action and intrigue with a healthy dose of humor, try James Acton today!

★★★★★ "A great blend of history and current headlines."

• Language: English
• Publisher: UnderMill Press
• Release date: Jul 28, 2018
• ISBN: 9781540152480

J. Robert Kennedy

With millions of books sold, award-winning and USA Today bestselling author J. Robert Kennedy has been ranked by Amazon as the #1 Bestselling Action Adventure novelist based upon combined sales. He is a full-time writer and the author of over seventy international bestsellers including the smash hit James Acton Thrillers.

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Award winning and USA Today bestselling author J. Robert Kennedy has sold over one million books, and is now giving some away for free! Join The Insider’s Club to be notified when new books are released, and as a thank you, get his 5 book Starter Library for free along with other bonus materials available nowhere else!

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BOOKS BY J. ROBERT KENNEDY

* Also available in audio

The Templar Detective Thrillers

The Templar Detective

The Templar Detective and the Parisian Adulteress

The Templar Detective and the Sergeant's Secret

The Templar Detective and the Unholy Exorcist

The Templar Detective and the Code Breaker

The Templar Detective and the Black Scourge

The James Acton Thrillers

The Protocol *

Brass Monkey *

Broken Dove

The Templar’s Relic

Flags of Sin

The Arab Fall

The Circle of Eight

The Venice Code

Pompeii’s Ghosts

Amazon Burning

The Riddle

Blood Relics

Sins of the Titanic

Saint Peter’s Soldiers

The Thirteenth Legion

Raging Sun

Wages of Sin

Wrath of the Gods

The Templar’s Revenge

The Nazi’s Engineer

Atlantis Lost

The Cylon Curse

The Viking Deception

Keepers of the Lost Ark

The Tomb of Genghis Khan

The Manila Deception

The Fourth Bible

Embassy of the Empire

The Special Agent Dylan Kane Thrillers

Rogue Operator

Containment Failure

Cold Warriors

Death to America

Black Widow

The Agenda

Retribution

State Sanctioned

Extraordinary Rendition

The Delta Force Unleashed Thrillers

Payback

Infidels

The Lazarus Moment

Kill Chain

Forgotten

The Detective Shakespeare Mysteries

Depraved Difference

Tick Tock

The Redeemer

The Kriminalinspektor Wolfgang Vogel Mysteries

The Colonel’s Wife

Sins of the Child

Zander Varga, Vampire Detective Series

The Turned

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

The Novel

Author's Note

Preface

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

Chapter 72

Chapter 73

Chapter 74

Chapter 75

Chapter 76

Chapter 77

Chapter 78

Acknowledgments

Sample of Next Book

Don't Miss Out!

Thank You!

About the Author

Also by the Author

For Malcolm Stone.

You will be missed.

Lordship for many is no good thing. Let there be one ruler, one king, to whom the son of devious-devising Kronos gives the scepter and right of judgement, to watch over his people.

Homer’s Iliad 2.118-206

It has been said that Democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.

Winston Churchill, 1947

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Cylon of Athens is an actual figure from history, and is where the inspiration for this novel came from, not the television series Battlestar Galactica created by Glen A. Larson, inspired, I assume, by the same source material.

PREFACE

What we now refer to as Ancient Greece, during the time of Cylon, was, in fact, the city-state of Athens. Nations did not exist, and it was the city or town that exerted control over an area.

Many of these cities were ruled by tyrants. What one must remember, however, is that the definition of tyrant was quite different from today. Today, a tyrant is thought of as someone evil, leading with an iron fist, ignoring the will of the people. In ancient times, a tyrant was someone who usurped control in what we might now call a coup d’état. Yes, often they ruled with an iron fist, though these were different times, and applying our values to events of millennia ago, would be perhaps misguided.

In 632 BC, when the historical events of this novel take place, Athens was experimenting with the first forms of democracy, while city states surrounding them were led by unelected rulers, including the tyrant of Megara, Theagenes, the father-in-law of an Olympic hero and aristocrat, Cylon of Athens.

It was with Theagenes’ encouragement that Cylon began an undertaking he was certain was for the good of the city he loved.

And to fulfill a prophecy, as most tend to be, too vague to interpret with certainty.

Description: Chapter Header 1 |

Phaleron Delta Necropolis

Athens, Greece

Two days from now

Archaeology Professor Laura Palmer sprinted toward the screams of terror and the rattle of gunfire as her husband ushered their two young companions to safety. She couldn’t see what was going on, the dig site deep enough that anything beyond its edge was out of sight, but what she heard suggested an attack at the main gate.

An attack fiercely resisted by the newly arrived security team she was funding.

These were her people, and if anything happened to them, she’d be responsible.

Though that notion was foolish.

She rushed up the ramp leading to the parking area and the main gate, staring toward the gunfire. Several of the security team were writhing on the ground, the attackers obviously taking her team by surprise, the others continuing to resist valiantly.

Bile filled her mouth as she spotted one who couldn’t possibly be alive, but she had to know. She made for his still form when small bursts of sand and stone tore toward her and she froze for a moment, the scene unfolding as if in slow motion.

Move!

Somebody shoved her from behind and she hit the ground hard, the impact bringing her back to reality. She rolled out of the way then cried out as the bullets meant for her tore into the man who had just saved her life. He fell down the ramp and out of sight, and she scrambled toward the open pit to check on him when more gunfire cut off her foolishness. She pushed to her feet and leaped behind a car, using the wheel as cover.

Professor! Are you okay?

She glanced over and spotted one of the security team taking cover behind the next car. Yes. She held out her hand. Gun!

He tossed her a Glock and three magazines. You know how to use that?

She ignored the question, instead checking the weapon then taking up a prone firing position under the car. She opened fire on anything moving near the front gate, wondering what she must have done in a previous life to deserve this.

Why can’t we go anywhere without something going wrong?

Description: Chapter Header 2 |

Temple of Apollo

Delphi, Ancient Greece

632 BC

Cylon’s heart hammered as he climbed the last few steps after waiting all day. He couldn’t recall feeling so ill at ease, even when in the thick of Olympic competition in the races. The pressure to win had been tremendous, the relief felt after crossing the finish line victorious, orgasmic.

But this wasn’t the Olympics. This wasn’t a race against his fellow citizens. This was an audience with Pythia, the high priestess of the Temple of Apollo, known in the whispered halls of Athens as the Oracle of Delphi.

The mystery shrouding her and those who had preceded her was something he had always dismissed as superstition, but as each step brought him closer, the heavy fog billowing out of the ground, the flickering flame that took only the edge off the darkness, and the full moon that lit the night sky, all contributed to his uneasiness.

For what was said in the following moments could change his destiny.

He took the final step and suppressed a gasp at the sight of a woman, covered in the finest cloths, prone on an altar in the center of the temple. A gentle breeze blowing across the hilltop had the shimmering layers she wore fluttering, obscuring her form and features, and he dared not judge whether she was beautiful lest he offend Apollo himself, whose choice in whom to speak for him was no doubt wise.

High Priestess, Cylon of Athens seeks your guidance.

Cylon flinched at the chorus of voices, only now noticing the dozen priestesses surrounding him, positioned between the pillars supporting the roof of the holy temple.

What is his question?

The voice was serpent-like, and he was certain it came from the shadows, or at least echoed from the darkness.

He drew a long, slow breath, calming himself unsuccessfully, then stepped forward. I seek the guidance of Apollo on this most holy of days. Should I follow my father-in-law’s urgings, and seize the reins of power of my great city, and return it to the path of strength and order it has so foolishly forgotten?

The hissed response was almost immediate. Theagenes is wise and strong, and the gods respect the power that he wields on their behalf. Your family is one of honor, you are a hero of the people, and should you act wisely, you will succeed in unifying the citizens of Athens. But be warned. Patience is key. Take action not this day, but on the day that honors Zeus. To not heed this warning will result in a tragedy that will haunt you until the day you depart this plane of existence, and journey on to the next.

His chest swelled with pride as his eyes burned with tears that threatened to rush down his face. He had her blessing, and his. Apollo, the god of light, through his Oracle in this world, had assured him of victory, and with the Olympic celebrations occurring next week, there was little doubt that this was when he was to make his move and usurp power from those who would weaken the city he loved.

He bowed deeply. Thank you for your generous guidance.

Wait, hissed the voice from in front of him, and from the shadows. Give him the token.

A priestess emerged from the darkness with her hands extended in front of her. In her palms, she carried a plush purple pillow with a gold, tear-shaped amulet perched in the center. She stopped in front of him, saying nothing.

Wear this to give you the strength of Apollo. Should you succeed, blessed will be all who wear it. But should you fail, all who possess it shall know nothing but misery.

His hands trembling, he reached out, uncertainly, an internal debate raging on whether he wanted to touch something associated with such a prophecy.

Yet he couldn’t refuse.

No one refused a gift from the Oracle.

He picked up the amulet with both hands, holding it above his head. I thank you, Oracle, for such a generous gift, and will heed your words.

I grow tired. Leave us.

The writhing form in front of him abruptly collapsed onto the altar, all movement ceasing save her heaving chest, the wind that had kept her robes in motion and the flames’ flickering suddenly failing, leaving the curious fog to rise unfettered, enveloping the altar in a shroud of secrecy that had him backing slowly away as the priestesses that had surrounded the proceedings receded into the dark.

He placed the amulet around his neck, rubbing the small token between his thumb and forefinger as he closed his eyes, trying to remember every word that had just been said. He opened his eyes and turned, hurrying down the steps, toward the bottom of the hill and his waiting entourage. And with each step, his confidence grew, and by the time he reached the bottom, he had no doubt that not only was Apollo on his side, but that it was his duty to save his people.

And become Tyrant of Athens.

Description: Chapter Header 3 |

Dimotiki Agora

Athens, Greece

Present Day

Karan Damos watched as the woman in front of him carefully unwrapped what he hoped would be yet another valuable artifact that he could sell to his collectors. She had provided him with several over the past months, all fetching good prices, his commissions helping his bottom line handsomely.

Too bad it was all illegal.

That didn’t bother him, though he suspected it did her. She always seemed uncomfortable, always treated the artifacts with loving care, and always sought assurances from him that they would find a good home.

He, of course, said all the right things to her, even if he couldn’t care less where they ended up.

He wanted the cash they provided, and once in hand, where the artifacts ended up were of no concern to him. Artifacts, iPhones, jewelry, whatever. It was all his business. Some called him a fence, but in his mind, he was simply a purveyor of lost and found goods.

Someone lost something through carelessness, and his suppliers found them.

Then brought their loot to him for their twenty to forty cents on the Euro.

This woman commanded much more, for what she trafficked in was unique. Rare. Priceless in some circles. He had agreed to the unthinkable, taking only a 25% commission on whatever he managed to get.

He could have lied to her, but if he were found out, it could affect his entire business. There was honor among thieves. To a point.

He smiled at the bronze blade in front of him, expertly cleaned, the imperfections of time remaining to add to the authentic feel. No collector wanted truly mint condition. A shiny, perfect blade might as well have been made in a Chinese factory. Something that clearly appeared ancient, however, could command a huge price, especially on the Dark Web auction sites he frequented.

Beautiful.

She nodded. It is, isn’t it? She tapped the hilt. I expect an excellent price for this.

Of course. It will be auctioned tonight. You’ll have your share in the morning as per usual.

Excellent. She paused, staring about the rear of his small appliance repair shop, a front for his illicit dealings. I have a more valuable item.

He grinned. Do you have it with you?

She shook her head. No. It will be difficult to obtain, and I want certain assurances before I do.

Such as?

I want seven figures. Minimum.

His eyebrows rose. It must be quite the item.

It is. Trust me, there will be a bidding war for this item, I assure you.

His grin grew. I like the sound of that, but it might take time.

Her eyes narrowed. Why?

Seven figures is too big for me. I’ll have to make some calls.

How long?

You should know by tomorrow if your minimum can be met.

That’s fine, but no later. Outside people are being brought in, and once they arrive, it might be too late.

Why not stick to the small things? Nobody has noticed so far. We’ve both made a tidy sum. Why risk it on one big score?

She shook her head. "Somebody has noticed. That’s why these outsiders are being called. Her fingers drummed on the table several times before ending in a definitive rap. No. One last item, then I’m done. It will give me all I need."

He frowned. I’m sorry to hear that. But if you want seven figures, I’m going to need to know what it is I’m selling.

She handed him a memory stick and he plugged it into his computer, a series of photos displayed.

What am I looking at?

Proof of who is buried at the tomb.

His eyes widened as he clicked through the photos. You’ve figured it out?

We have.

Who?

And when he heard, he realized seven figures wouldn’t be a problem at all, perhaps even eight.

And that meant a new class of criminal would become involved.

A far more dangerous class than he had ever dealt with.

Description: Chapter Header 4 |

Cylon Residence

City of Athens

632 BC

Cylon lay on a couch, wine in hand, listening to the impassioned debate of his friends. Stimulating conversation was his favorite pastime, even more so than sport, at which he excelled. As a champion of the Olympics, he was hailed a hero by most of Athens’ citizenry, and with his position as a member of one of the aristocratic families, he was shown automatic respect.

But respect with a smile.

The people loved him.

And it was this very reason that started the conversations surrounding the troubles now facing Athens, and the possible solutions he and his friends could bring. He was a public figure, he was loved by the masses, he was handsome, wealthy, and well-married, his father-in-law the tyrant of Megara, a city much better off than it had been before Theagenes’ takeover.

Athens wasn’t suffering. Not yet. But it would if this foolish notion of granting more power to the citizens were to continue unopposed. At one time, it was only the aristocracy that had a say in the affairs of the city-state. After all, it was the aristocracy that defended the city, that paid for everything the citizenry enjoyed. But with the advent of the hoplite soldier, who merely had to provide his own body armor and weapon, and in exchange for fighting for the city was given a say in its affairs, the grip on power people like him had held since time immemorial was slipping away.

And it was well known that the common man was an idiot.

The uneducated masses shouldn’t be allowed to hold sway over the affairs that affected people like him, the privileged few who had made this great city what it was today. To suggest that the unwashed masses could do better was an insult to the countless generations before him that had built what the citizenry took for granted.

This notion of people having a say was insulting. It was selfish. It was ignorant.

And it couldn’t stand.

The archons leading the city into ruin had to be replaced, replaced by people of strength, of good character, and of good standing. People like him.

What will you do now that you have Apollo’s blessing?

Cylon regarded his best friend, Basileios. He had known the man since childhood. They had fought countless battles at each other’s side, and competed as friendly rivals in the Olympics.

They were inseparable.

Among their friends, it was often said they were brothers of another mother, their similarities so numerous.

He didn’t know what he would do without him.

What would you have me do, my friend?

Basileios held up his wine. I would honor the will of the gods. He rose to address those gathered. "My friends, we have been given an opportunity that must not be let to pass. My good friend, my best friend, Cylon, has proven time and again that he loves our great city, that he loves its people. He has proven he is a fine warrior, a champion Olympian, and a skilled administrator, his house one of the greatest in our fair city. Basileios paused, surveying those around him. But he has also shown he is not driven by the ambition that too many who would take power are commanded by. Our good friend here, rather than rush out and seize power, because we urged him to, instead sought the council of Pythia, and was granted a rare audience. He completed the rituals, and passed the tests necessary to actually receive her council, and when asked if he should do that which we have been urging him for months, the Oracle of Apollo herself said yes. And