Legend of the White Dragon: The Newborn

By Albert James

Sheena and Tish would have never believed that they’d be principle players in the destiny of mankind, but when their covers are blown, and they’re detained and interrogated in Jerusalem, everything changes.
Tish’s world is shattered in a single night, but later learns that things may not be as they appear, while questioning the motives of all humanity.
When they’re captured by the US, life becomes perilous in a country that’s obsessed with brutality in the shadows of corruption, where money can buy anything regardless of how atrocious, if you’ve got it, and if you don’t, then God help you.
Sheena thought it was more than Tish’s grace, charm and pure beauty that kept everyone spellbound with her, especially Sheena. It was her vibrant innocence that Tish brought into the most hostile environments that drove everyone crazy. She was like a ray of sunlight in a world of darkness, but that’s also why the Emperor wanted to possess her so badly.
Conrad had chased Tishia all over the planet and she was still running from him. What was it about her that made him want her so desperately and why couldn’t he get anything right with her? He’d never felt this before.
With prices on their heads, the infamous terrorists have on-site execution orders in a New World Order that governs by fear. The Armagon has been deployed and is in the control of a tyrant that rules the world from the Temple of Solomon.
They’re running for their very lives in a world ravaged by war, that’s gone mad with illusions to a climax that’s incredible— no one knows what’s really going on.
Get ready for the thrill of a lifetime because here at last is a book that grabs you quick, and is truly hard to lay down.
Don’t miss the exciting prequel, “EVE’S TRIAL, The Curse” by Albert James

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Apr 2, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466918146

Albert James

Albert James lives in North Carolina and owns a Voice and Data Communications company. He attended Marshall University, the University of California at Irvine, and the University, as well as several Technical Institutes. He served in the US Marine Corps for eight years and in the Department of Defense for ten.

Book preview

Chapter 1

T ish was acting as if she were on the way to her own execution, and it was Sheena who was forcing her to go, but suspected that Tish was more angry than afraid. She had never heard the wicked stories about the Emperor like Sheena had.

Temple whores gave Sheena firsthand accounts of the many atrocities to innocent people that the Emperor was behind, which made her anxiety grow about their trip to the Temple of Solomon.

Since Sheena had tied a dainty green veil on Tish’s flawless face this morning, Tish had not spoken one word to her, but if she was going to make a scene, Sheena wanted it to be in the privacy of Veleda.

Now the veils on some of the women at Tish’s presentation party in London came back to haunt her as Sheena, Tish and Krista flew low over Jerusalem in an Aerosport Classic Eluder.

The ACE or Eluder was a state of the art hovercraft that kept descending as the golden Temple of Solomon came into view amidst all the other synagogues, churches, mosques and skyscrapers.

Sheena was terrified to think that Tishia Bach, the alleged deceased terrorist was to dance at a command performance as Cherry Sheldon for the Emperor of the Imperial World.

Tish as Cherry Sheldon, the prima ballerina and star of EVE’S TRIAL was going to be in high demand, and get them in a lot of trouble because the media was still running news reels of how much damage Tishia Bach had done sabotaging Atlantis. It was shocking to see how much debris was floating around in space because of Tish, and yet, here she was preparing to dance tonight for the world’s elite, with many Atlantis investors attending.

For days technicians had been working on the stage and equipment preparing for Tish’s command performance that Sheena and Tish were not even aware of.

Everyone could feel the horrors to come, but no one could prevent this mandatory appearance at the Temple.

Vigdor said that they had not been previously informed about the performance to make their stay in London less stressful. Sheena could see the truth in his words. Had she known about the command performance, she would not have enjoyed EVE’S TRIAL as much for dreading this trip to Jerusalem.

For centuries Jerusalem had been dubbed ‘The Golden City’ because there was a golden hue on the yellowish stone buildings that comprised many of the oldest sections of the city.

Mosques, churches, chapels and shrines all compete with modern businesses on the crowded streets. Many boasted gold and brass architecture, increasing the golden luster of the city.

If gold were the means of measure, the Temple of Solomon would be the most beautiful building in the world. The Temple was heavily adorned with golden relics from ancient times and its walls were sprayed with paint made of pure gold. The Holy Temple glittered brightly in the center of Jerusalem on the original Temple Mount, exactly where the actual historical ‘Temple of Solomon’ stood over two thousand years ago. Now it was the capitol building of the world and headquarters for the New World Order and home of the European Common Market.

Sheena wished that they were going anywhere on Earth but the Temple. She had to go because she was Dr. Beckenstein’s mistress, though she was still having trouble with this job description because she was in love with Vigdor.

They were to meet at Mustafa Rahmat’s home close to the West Bank, and were to have Palestinian guards as well as the WSI to protect them.

Much of the city resembled other metros, with skyscrapers and thousands of city buses, taxis, compact cars and scooters, along with City Police and military patrols. Constant street celebrations were performed for the wealthy tourists who swarmed the city, as the locals catered to their every need for a price, while con artists tried to dupe as many tourists as they could. She felt guilty about veiling Tish, though the silky green facial veil was sheer, covering the tip of her nose to below her chin in the traditional Middle Eastern style. She had not said a word, and only glared at Sheena from time to time, speaking volumes with her eyes.

Stubbornly sticking right to her word, Tish refused to touch the facial veil, swearing that she’d never touch one again as long as she lived.

Sheena also made her wear a matching green scarf pinned to the top of her head that was merely symbolic for a veil because it did nothing to conceal her long curly blonde hair.

Sheena would have never believed that veiling Tish would be so hard, but she agreed to do it herself feeling that it was in the best interest of all, now she was not so sure. She had convinced herself that Tish would be safer from the audience and the Emperor behind a veil.

Another mistake Sheena had made was letting Tish choose her own wardrobe for the trip, because now she was flaunting herself after Calista advised her to dress modestly.

She was wearing a triangular mint-green body shift that exposed her smooth creamy hips, with only three sheer layers of translucent panels, just long enough to make it legal. There were hints of pink running all through it, and along with it came a tight matching blouse revealing a lot of cleavage. She wore six-inch heels identical to the ones that were ruined when they were kidnapped at Veleda. The only thing that made the shift remotely modest was the long silky robe covering it and bringing the outfit together.

Tish had always dressed modestly on travel days and the sexy garment was in protest, yet she looked quite stunning, resembling a beautiful harem girl in it.

Sheena wore her royal blue sequined mini dress trying to distract from Tish a little, knowing it was not going to work, and anyone who saw them would think they were professional call girls who took their jobs seriously.

It seemed like the only good decision she’d made lately was having the interior of a baby jumper lined with medicine for Krista instead of the white gown she usually wore. She curled her lips at her precious daughter who seemed to like the jumper as she tried to stand with the aid of the seat.

Try as she might, Sheena could not keep her eyes off Tish. She was bewitching behind the veil, which made her look like a tempting seductress, with captivating emerald eyes.

Do you know what Yomana is doing? Sheena plied trying to get Tish to talk to her, He was very vague last night.

The ACE descended slowly bringing them closer to the city streets and deeper into the West Bank. This part of the city had all the looks of a slum.

The inhabitants of the city made it unique from other ghettos of the world, and it would have appeared that they had stepped back in time, had it not been for the modern uniforms on the soldiers.

Most of the men wore a traditional head-dress called a kaffeyeh, which was a piece of cloth covering their heads while hanging down their back, and tied back by two cords. Hair veils were common on local women wearing long black dresses, some with facial veils, but few, most just wore scarves. Tourist were easy to spot.

Sheena silently slid next to Tish, and when she made no response Sheena took her hand in hers. Still ignoring Sheena, Tish continued to stare at the monitor in front of her, but Sheena wouldn’t give up and kept looking right at her.

Their schedule had been moved up a few hours because of a call from Dr. Yomana, who had choreographed a difficult stunt that Tish needed to rehearse a few times, but Sheena still wanted to wait until late in the day to go and planned to be back at Veleda by dawn.

Tish shook her head after a tearful glance, and then looked straight back at the monitor.

Sheena could see tears streaming down her face, but they were quickly absorbed by the veil’s lacy trim, and only now could Sheena see how deeply Tish was hurt, but no matter how much she wanted, there was nothing Sheena could do about it. The Emperor had ordered her to be veiled while in the Temple and the Holy city even though Tish liked nothing about veiling or what it represented. She had been forced to veil herself as a child and unlike Sheena, who had an intriguing but remarkable afternoon doing it, Tish completely detested the very idea of it.

They tried to watch a film on the rebirth of Israel, which happened over a century ago, but Sheena had to turn it off because it made Tish sick to see what went on in concentration camps throughout World War II. So Sheena watched the movie alone after her morning brief, while Tish and Krista slept.

What the movie did, besides make Sheena aware of Israel’s history, was to let her know after a few carefully asked questions how ignorant Tish was about war in general. Outside of naming the American participated wars, she found out that Tish knew nothing about them. She understood war only as it affected the world of dance, which was minimal as world history goes.

Jerusalem was actually torn in two from numerous wars, just like the whole country of Israel, which the State of Palestine now partially owned. There was also a heavy Christian presence as well, but it was the Israelis and Palestinians who constantly fought for the tiny strip of land. The sacred land had been sold to the Jews to create the state of Israel after World War II. The land, however, already had Palestinians living on it and that put a huge damper on God’s promise to Israel to be restored to their homeland. The West Bank was occupied by Palestine, but they’ve had continuous border wars for centuries until the world at large came to expect it from the two countries.

All of that was brought to a halt several years ago by the Emperor through a treaty with Israel, and he became the Unified Imperial leader of the world after making a pact with the countries that controlled the European Common Market. Both Israel and Palestine felt betrayed as the Emperor’s plan unfolded. He did not keep his promise to either country. As if by a trickster’s card, he rebuilt the Temple of Solomon over another temple or ‘mosque’, called the ‘Dome of the Rock’ or the ‘Mosque of Omar.’ In Islamic tradition this was also where Mohammed ascended to Heaven on a white lightening horse, and Christians and Jews believed that Abraham intended to sacrifice his son Isaac in this same spot.

It all sounded so far-fetched and ridiculous to Sheena, except for the possibility of it being the old Temple sight of King Solomon. It seemed very odd that all of those things were supposed to have happened at that exact same geographic location.

Sheena was worried about this Temple being held sacred by so many powerful religions, and with diverse beliefs such as Islam, Judaism and Christianity. One thing that they all seemed to enjoy was commerce in the Temple, which was abundantly active.

The new Temple of Solomon was many times larger than the original one, with a replica of the ancient temple within its walls.

The Emperor ruled the world from the holy Temple, with minor states paying a planetary tax for any transaction. It was a World Trade Center that could bring a country to its knees in days if they went against the Common Market.

The ACE banked steep enough for Krista to lose her balance and topple backward on the black carpet as Skeet turned down a narrow and shadowed street.

They were heading toward a garage door that opened upward, where they were met on each side of the door by two khaki clad guards baring miniature automatic weapons. More guards could be seen at strategic points along the dimly lit war-battered street. The plain square block building was only two stories and about thirty yards long utilizing little architectural imagination. A few small windows could be seen with the popular gold paint creating a dark yellowish-brown color in the shadowing light, but the masonry seemed quite solid. Fluorescent lights lit the garage making it plain that there were only two other cars parked in this facility, but they were economy cars, and one was a black sedan, but looking worn out.

A dark-eyed officer wearing a khaki uniform and a neatly pressed military pill box hat stood beside a Palestinian man wearing a traditional loose fitting robe and kaffeyeh, reminding Sheena of an aging sheik. Six younger guards stood behind them as they all watched, waiting for the ACE to idle down.

Drexler, Garshnek, and Miranda piled out of the middle compartment carefully surveying the area along with the two white armor clad Atlantian guards. Buffy got out of the cockpit with Skeet, and both of them gaped at all of the security.

Sheena donned her spectras and recognized the man from her brief was Mustafa Rahmat, a man Vigdor said he trusted with his life. She also remembered seeing him at EVE’S TRIAL, yet they never spoke. Sheena had never seen the man who stood next to Mustafa, but two stars on each collar identified him as a general.

The Atlantian guards in their white-shielded armor looked like they were indeed from outer space, and commanded a lot of attention from the Palestinian soldiers. Except for the General and Mustafa, all the soldiers bore the mark on their foreheads. Once she was satisfied, she slipped her spectras back into her purse and stepped out of the ACE.

All the men gaped at her in the bold skintight dress with genuine lust, causing Sheena to blush, knowing that they interpreted her as an expensive whore. Attention to Sheena ended when Tish slowly stepped out of the ACE but stayed behind her.

The men leered at Tish in astonishment no matter how hard they tried not to, and when none of their security staff approached the two Palestinians, Sheena awkwardly stepped forward feeling the weight of her responsibility.

She shook the men’s hands introducing herself and Tish, with her following closely. The men exchanged peculiar glances at her; then at her and Tish, who would not offer her hand.

Calista explained on Sheena’s PTC that Tish was acting like Sheena’s Muslim wife, causing Sheena’s heart to pound as she spun around and tried to pull Tish up beside her, but she cringed away as if Sheena would hit her. Sheena could see how willing Tish was to fight her, so she let her stay where she was.

It’s not how it looks, she’s frightened, Sheena explained wanting to wring Tish’s neck.

Yes, Palestine is not America, the General chuckled as he eyed the girls, but Mustafa spoke in his own language. The words, Doctor Beckenstein, were all Sheena could make out, but according to Calista the General was being reprimanded, and his smile disappeared.

Please forgive General Azar, Mustafa pleaded sincerely, I’m afraid he is blinded by your beauty and that of Cherry’s.

Mr. Rahmat, I apologize for our ill mannered behavior, and thank you for your kind words.

She is stubborn? the General asked completely swept away as he kept looking Tish over, and Tish just meekly acknowledged Mustafa when it was his turn, making Sheena glad to see that she was willing to talk modestly to others from behind her veil.

She is timid and shy, the General added obviously having never seen EVE’S TRIAL.

In that, Sheena laughed thinking that they must have different ideas of what timid and shy are in this region.

Come, we must go, Mustafa urged though Sheena sensed trouble from the General.

She was sure that Mustafa had the wrong impression of them as Tish continued to follow her in the same embarrassing manner. She carried Krista on her hip, like a good little wife, infuriating Sheena, as they were led between the black sedan and the dingy yellow faded wall.

We must take the lift to get to your quarters, Mustafa calmly explained as the General commanded the soldiers to push the car forward.

At first there appeared to be nothing beneath the car except for the dirty cement floor, but then a white crack developed in the cement, becoming a large rectangular platform to step on, surrounded by a frosted white light.

Everyone except Tish and the enlisted soldiers stepped onto the lift. When Sheena tried to coax her, she refused to get on it shaking her head while still holding Krista.

Sheena stepped off of the platform and reached for Krista, but Tish took her hand as she brought it up and stepped out onto the lift as if holding Sheena’s hand was all the reassurance she needed. She refused to let go of Sheena’s hand once they were on the platform, and Sheena was beginning to believe that Tish really was afraid.

They continued to descend down the well-lit shaft.

Thank you for receiving us Mr. Rahmat, Sheena stated sensing that she was going to have to do all of the talking for them since Tish continued to pout.

It is my honor, Mustafa chuckled already enjoying their company, especially Cherry’s, and just Mustafa, please.

Tish made a fleeting glance at the Palestinian, and looked back at the floor as she eased timidly behind Sheena again.

You have a most enchanting daughter, the General added still gaping at Tish, making Sheena uneasy.

Thank you General Azar, you are very kind, she acknowledged evenly as the lift descended into an open room, and all the way around them were numerous dark corridors next to each other with no distinguishing marks to identify them.

The floor and many tunnels appeared to be identical and solid black, but the lift remained brightly lit until they had all stepped off; then it disappeared impressing her with their display of technology.

The circular room was illuminated just enough for them to make out their surroundings.

Buffy’s eyes were wide with fear and Sheena winked at her knowing that it would calm her. She was satisfied when the pert young girl blushed brightly.

Pick one, Azar challenged proudly and Sheena detected that this was another part of their elaborate security system.

I’m sure I don’t know which one, Sheena replied but a glance at Tish made her think that Tish knew something that she didn’t, which the General noticed as well.

What’s wrong my little ‘Cherry’? Azar asked taken by her meek, gentle nature.

Tish looked unsure at Sheena and waited, and only after a nod from her did Tish turn back to the general smiling with her eyes, not missing the General’s possessive comment regarding Tish.

The floor moves, Tish whispered dipping her head meekly.

Did you hear that? Azar asked Mustafa in astonishment, No one has ever felt it before, and yes Cherry, the floor moves constantly to change the entrance codes.

Another heart was lost to Tish’s extraordinary charms, and Sheena realized that Tish was going to use the veil to her advantage since she was being forced to wear it.

General, should I remind you that this girl is the property of Dr. Beckenstein? Mustafa bluntly stated perturbed by the General’s smitten attitude that was unbecoming for a Palestinian officer.

Their own guards never uttered a sound, and were on alert for any danger to their wards.

Sheena exchanged a hard glance with Tish at the word ‘property’. She had not told Tish about the agreement with Vigdor for the ownership of both of them, only for three days, and entirely for their protection. He would never take advantage of her trust in him to protect them from lives as Temple whores.

My apologies, the General smiled then bowed, This way please. He led them down one of the tunnels on the right.

Miranda moved close to Tish as they made their way through a dimly lit passageway with no other corridors in sight.

This is like my back door, Mustafa explained glancing over his shoulder, and it was not long before they arrived at a nicely appointed private suite. An on-duty Officer with a distinct grim-faced alertness met them. Garshnek and Miranda had similar demeanors, and she couldn’t help wondering what their briefs for this trip had contained.

They entered into a modestly decorated room on a worn beige carpet, a nice looking boy and four women stood there posed as if they were getting their photograph taken, as the General nodded politely and made a quiet exit.

Cherry may remove her veil here, Mustafa informed Sheena, and then nodded toward Cherry, but Tish made no move to remove the veil so Sheena quickly made an excuse.

I’ve forbidden her to touch veils. Only I put them on her or remove them, she rapidly explained, enjoying how wide Tish’s eyes grew before she recovered.

They were led to a larger, more elegant room where introductions were made with his son and four wives, who were dying to meet ‘Cherry’. She thanked them for their hospitality, and bowed gracefully showing the poise that made her famous all over the world.

They were ecstatic because of her mere presence in their home, but Sheena sensed that their excitement was controlled.

A few servants hovered in the background as the family and guests exchanged pleasantries.

Master Yomana wants me at the Temple in a few hours for a rehearsal, Tish announced, and I want to go somewhere first.

Sheena saw looks of empathy from Mustafa’s wives as Tish never bothered to explain why she called Yomana ‘Master’, and Sheena found herself doing it a lot.

We’ll talk about it later, Sheena countered agitated with Tish, and when things settled down, Mustafa showed them to their room.

We’re property now? Tish blasted as soon as they were alone, What are you trying to do to us? she angrily added as she set Krista on the floor.

To protect us! Sheena snapped back just as hot because of the way Tish had been acting, There are four guards outside this door right now, and you should know that Vigdor offered to let us go anywhere we wanted the day before yesterday, and to set us up as we were before he came into our lives on Delta. All we would have had to do is make some slight identity changes so we could once again blend into everyday life, because there are ten billion people that know what we look like as we are! But I knew that neither you nor I could ever live that way again, not after what he’s given us, and why the hell are you giving these people the wrong impressions about us?

I could, Tish huffed but clearly backing off as she checked the modest little room out that the three of them were to stay in. There was a single doublewide bed with a wooden finish, a matching dresser with a mirror in the center, and a small white crib against the wall.

It’s cute, Tish mumbled trying to change the subject because she knew that Dr. Beckenstein would never take advantage of them.

Then let’s get out if it isn’t what you want, Sheena flared still hot, and she was not about to let Tish off that easy after what she had just put her through, You have a direct line to him, just tell him that you want out!

I didn’t want this! Tish protested over her shoulder so against being here, but couldn’t keep eye contact with Shee for very long when she was this mad.

Sheena breathed a sigh of relief when she freed her swollen breasts of the tight bra and pulled her dress down to her waist exposing her breast and began to massage them blissfully.

Na na! Krista exclaimed gleefully thoroughly enjoying her milk, and was always ready for it.

Tish turned away, though Sheena already knew that she was jealous of Krista, but too angry to care right now.

That’s what I thought, Sheena proclaimed when it was clear that Tish was not going to answer her as she checked out the closet briefly, and then plopped onto the bed doing the same, testing it for comfort.

Sheena squinted in pain with both of her nipples blistered and bruised from Krista’s eagerness, but the relief she felt in her breast was worth the soreness Krista inflicted.

"I hope they let me go to the Via Dolorosa before I have to go to the Temple," Tish muttered still sulking.

What’s that and how come I’ve not been told about it? Sheena inquired not letting Tish’s evasiveness go this time.

That’s where Jesus took his last steps on Earth carrying his cross, and it is right next to the Temple.

Is it safe? Sheena asked knowing that Calista was already connected to the security system at Mustafa’s, Shadow’s are growing long, but the sun’s still high enough to be dangerous.

The whole of Jerusalem will be safer for Cherry and her virginity than the Temple will be, and the sun is setting as we speak, Calista answered through the bedroom speakers.

What do you mean by that? Tish asked still brooding.

Cherry the whole world knows you’re a virgin. Remember that Dr. Beckenstein sent invitations to the guests of EVE’S TRIAL. These will be the Emperor’s guests not Dr. Vigdor’s.

That’s enough! Sheena cut in, and I hope you’re not implying that her virginity is in danger, or she’ll be raped by anyone.

I can’t say that, but I would keep an eye on the Emperor. Most will offer to buy you from Dr. Beckenstein or trade several women for you.

Sheena was unnerved at how calmly everyone was suggesting that all hell was about to break loose, but no one could do anything about it.

Before long it was getting dark and Mustafa’s whole family walked with them down the Via Delorosa, station-by-station, though it still felt like daylight with all the city lights. The North Temple wall was the most impressive thing Sheena had seen in Jerusalem as it loomed above them.

Now the road was lined with stores and open-air shops with thousands of peddlers selling souvenirs of that fateful walk.

All the women in their group wore veils, including Buffy, who begged to go. They had to borrow clothes from Mustafa’s wives to blend in. They were eager to help, but also to get themselves invited with Tish asking Mustafa.

Anwar, Mustafa’s son, carried himself down the street as if he owned all of them staying just in front of Tish, but fooling few besides tourists. They had made sure that Tish had the loveliest outfit, though she could hardly be seen behind the green tunic or ‘hashimi’. The garment could also be lowered to cover her entire face, and Sheena put a diamond-studded veil on Tish that went well with the mint-green silk. She still couldn’t get over her dazzling eyes, commanding far more attention than the rest of them with her eyes alone.

The WSI hung back, on full alert for any act of aggression. Several undercover Palestinians were also watching over them incredulously, and all this on a whim from Tish.

The things they had for sale on this street were ridiculous, but the biggest farce was that pieces of the original cross that Jesus had been crucified on was carved into tiny crucifixes complete with a certificate of authenticity.

Tish was actually offered sandals worn by Jesus for one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Sheena laughed beneath her blue veil when Tish said, Twenty, and got the sandals.

Sheena was amazed at how Jews and Palestinians were cashing in on a man they did not even believe in, taking advantage of people who did. The poor man has been dead for thousands of years now, and they still would not let him rest.

It staggered her considerably when Calista claimed that she could see Jesus herself if she wanted to at Veleda through the eyes of people that actually saw him by means of genetic memory tracing. This sounded more farfetched than the souvenirs they peddled here, but Sheena was suddenly frightened by the possibility of coming face to face with this man, sure that if Veleda was behind it there could be something to it.

They went from booth to booth looking at the memorabilia clerks offered, while they told them what had happened to Jesus at each station. Mustafa’s wives seemed to care little about Tish’s enthusiasm with Jesus, but they loved being out in the city with Cherry Sheldon.

Sheena thought Anwar was going to faint when Tish fastened a gold necklace around his neck, and kissed his cheek, though only her veil touched his skin.

They worked their way to the entrance of the Temple, and it was here that Mustafa drew the line saying that his wives and son had to go home. They all parted at a place called ‘Robinson’s Arch’, named after an American Archeologist who excavated the pedestrian’s causeway on the most southern wall of the ancient Temple.

The group walked up a huge bridge-like ramp structure around the twentieth floor for all vehicles and pedestrians that went straight into an entrance of the Temple, but the guards at the south gate refused them entrance even as the WSI moved closer suspecting a Palestinian plot.

They had to wait nearly an hour at Robinson’s Arch for approval to enter the Temple themselves from the street because the guards were expecting Cherry Sheldon to fly in, not walk in like any commoner coming to worship.

An eerie feeling swept through Sheena as they entered the tunnel-like gate into an artery of the colossal golden Temple of Solomon where hundreds of stores, restaurants, sex bars and gaming casinos created a very festive atmosphere.

Tish and Sheena shopped a little more, though time flew by and when they went to meet Dr. Yomana Tish begged Sheena to leave so it would be a surprise tonight. Sheena reluctantly agreed but started to get ready as soon as she got back to Mustafa’s.

Now Sheena sat at a long banquet table set in tier fashion, in the Emperor’s ballroom as guests started to fill the room, and she felt a little better because she got to briefly see Tish in her dressing room.

She wondered when Vigdor would arrive while his words haunted her because Tish did not go back to Mustafa’s with her after her rehearsal, and Vigdor had warned that they would not let ‘Cherry’ leave once she entered the Temple.

The high priest insisted that Cherry dine with him and would not take ‘No’ for an answer without blatantly insulting him. The only thing that made all this bearable for Sheena was that Tish’s bodyguards were permitted to stay with her.

Tish calmed the rising crisis when she said that she still needed to rehearse some more, so Sheena succumbed to the coerced request, but it still bothered her that Tish had not left the Temple since she had first entered it.

At the conclusion of her performance a reception in Tish’s honor was to be held in this elegant ballroom with lavish gold and ivory walls with paintings depicting beautiful romantic love scenes. The ceiling was forty feet high with four gigantic chandeliers trimmed in gold and ivory matching the wall’s décor. Long immaculate banquet tables made a huge ‘U’ shape at right angles and were set with white Linen, crystal and gold flatware. Gold nameplates were at each setting and flower arrangements were placed every few feet. The dance floor was at the foot of the main table and in between the side tables. It was made of white marble that swirled in intricate patterns, adding more grandeur to the lavish ballroom.

Sheena and Vigdor’s seats were the fourth couple down and to the right of the Emperor’s throne, though the throne was vacant.

Most of the men were not seated at the main table in line with the throne, but nearly every other seat was occupied by richly decked out women, the younger ones in ravishing outfits alluring like nymphs on the prowl.

A constant chatter filled the room of the coming show as lesser-ranked guests stood well behind the banquet tables.

Drexler and Miranda remained with Tish several floors up from where she was to descend onto the dance floor, attached by an invisible wire with which she had practiced repeatedly until she felt comfortable with it.

Sheena nodded smiling beneath her veil at Mustafa, who sat across the room. He had recommended that she wear a half veil when around the Emperor, yet she noticed that not many of the women at the main table wore veils at all.

Mustafa lifted his glass in a private toast, even though he was way down on the left of one of the side tables at a right angle to her.

Sheena had to sip her cocktail through a straw because of her silky blue veil and hated to admit that she felt a certain security behind it right now. Sometimes when men stared openly at her, as many would in this part of the world, it would unnerve her.

Men were dressed in expensive business and political fashions, sheiks clothing, or high ranking brass. It was clear that no one had dressed casually for this occasion.

A long silky gown modestly covered Sheena’s body, and she smiled again when she saw Tassels wink at her from the table at the far end. She was with a man Sheena had never seen before and the recent death of Premiere Korsakov did not seem to bother her at all.

Sheena sat bolt upright when she sensed Tassels was trying to signal her—not just saying hello from a distance. As vague as it was, Sheena could plainly see her forming words. ‘Cherry’s in danger,’ was all she needed to make out, but then trumpets blared signaling the entrance of the Emperor and his lords.

Sheena knew she could not get up without creating a disturbance, so she motioned Garshnek to her, but when all she could tell him was that Cherry was in danger, he frowned more then usual with obvious disappointment because that fact had been established long ago.

After he departed, Sheena thought she would go mad with worry, but then the Emperor entered. He wore a red, blue and gold trimmed robe, and was followed by thirty or so men, one of which was Vigdor.

All the guests stood up for the introductions of the elite men as they bowed, salaamed, or used other traditional greetings.

Vigdor received a remarkable ovation from guests who had attended the ballet and others who were friends or business partners.

Ambassador Funabashi was in this group, but Sheena could tell that Vigdor’s popularity was growing and it was because of Tish. Prior to Tish being in his life Vigdor was only known on inside circles as the Director of Atlantis.

Tish loved all the Temple shops, but her true desire was to go to a place called the Holy of Holies, a very sacred place to the Jews. God is said to reside there in the company of two gigantic golden cherubim in the likeness of fully winged male lions with wings extended, and the Ark of the Covenant sat right in front of them as if they were awesome guards of the Ark. It is thought by many to contain the original Ten Commandments, two tables of stone, written with the finger of God, and given to Moses.

God residing anywhere in this place was preposterous to Sheena, but it was still frightening that Tish wanted to go to a place so sacred to these people. The Temple did boast of a replica of the real Temple’s Holy of Holies near the peak of the Temple, but it was more like a penthouse in this Temple, and no one was admitted in it.

The new Temple was like a huge artificial world that could take months to go through, being the tallest structure in Jerusalem.

They saw the Dome of the Rock, which was protected from intruders by devout followers who scowled at tourists passing by. They felt a great injustice had been done to their shrine of Mohammed’s great leap by building the Jewish Temple around it. The Jews also felt cheated by the Emperor for leaving the Mosque standing at all.

Sheena stood up and let Vigdor re-seat her, after a soft touch of cheeks in greeting.

Yu ist beautiful tonight, Vigdor whispered hoarsely, and just by his demeanor she could tell that something was wrong.

What is it? she pleaded but could tell by the hardened look on his face that he would never tell her. He cleared his throat uncomfortably and then blinked several times before looking her way again.

What is it? she asked in a panic.

"I am vhat stands between dis Emperor und Cherry. Vigdor vill—."

No! Sheena cried before he said it, I’ll stop the whole thing!

It must be! he hissed sharply, just as the music thundered throughout the ballroom indicating that Tish’s entrance was imminent.

She whipped her head toward the Emperor and glared hatefully at him.

His dark olive skin was just as smooth as a god’s, and his dark eyes were warm, yet ruthless. His lips were perfectly shaped and he had dark manicured eyebrows matching his jet-black hair, but Sheena sensed that he did not know that Vigdor knew of his own assassination plot planned for tonight.

"I vant yu to be strong for Cherry und Krista, Vigdor ordered softly, Dey vill need yu!"

No, I won’t let you die here! Sheena swore tearfully, The second her performance is over, we’re all getting the hell out of this place!

But Vigdor looked up as everyone else did, while many pointed to what could only be Tish flying around the enormous room like an angel all dressed with white downy wings and a translucent gown fluttering about her.

Sheena watched but was not able to enjoy how angelic Tish really looked. The white veil that she wore made the costume seem out of place, a veiled angel being rather ridiculous, but protocol is all that mattered in the modern world.

I mean it, Sheena swore loud enough for Vigdor to hear.

Okay, Vigdor replied noncommittally as he enjoyed watching Cherry fly through the air as if her tiny wings were keeping her aloft.

All Sheena could think about was what Vigdor had said. He seemed so enchanted with Tish, who made the most elegant landing, and she was in perfect time as she moved so fluidly with it.

Sheena could instantly see the Emperor’s interest peak with Tish, and she was to meet him at the reception, but that meeting would have to wait because Sheena intended to get them out of here alive. Sheena knew this was not a game, and she did not intend to stick around waiting for it to happen like Vigdor would, hoping that his security staff would do their jobs.

I love you, she cried not caring about anything else but Vigdor!

Yu listen to Bashi, he ordered sternly.

It’s not going to come to that, Sheena choked out knowing that was his nickname for Ambassador Funabashi, but he had already turned his attention back to Tish as repeated applauses echoed throughout the ballroom each time Tish did something cute or difficult.

Sheena couldn’t believe how he would applaud right along with everyone else as if he did not have a care in the world, and it ripped her to pieces to see how calm he appeared.

Several guests on each side of them pointed toward Tish. Her attention was drawn to Tish’s white veil that came loose and dangled around her chin and neck exposing her face, which Tish did not attempt to correct, ignoring it completely as she continued to dance.

Her veil’s coming off! Sheena gasped in horror, I tied it in a knot knowing how hard she dances.

"De Emperor loosen vhen he vish her goot luck tonight. Ja he vants to arrest ‘Cherry’."

We’ll see about that! Sheena snapped jumping up. Just then Tish spun around so fast that her veil flew from her face in the direction of the Emperor, sliding across the marble floor toward his throne.

Chance’s strong grip came out of nowhere, snatching Sheena back as she tried to go to Tish.

The veil came to rest only a few feet from the Emperor’s throne when a shot rang out from behind Sheena, and Garshnek sprang across the banquet table firing his phaser.

Suddenly screams of horror ripped throughout the ballroom with ensuing chaos as phasers and blasters flared. Drexler rolled right in front of Tish, repeatedly firing his phaser at Temple guards who were trying to hit Tish as she screamed in terror.

When Vigdor lunged across the table in response to Tish’s screams, Sheena grabbed hold of him, but he pushed her back toward Chance, as he ran toward Tish.

It was like a war zone right in the ballroom, as Temple guards fired on the WSI and other agents.

As soon as Vigdor reached Tish he flung her to the floor instead of holding her. Garshnek and Drexler were already dead, and then Miranda’s bloody body fell on top of Tish.

Tish struggled to free herself as Miranda’s body went limp, pinning Tish momentarily as more agents fell because the Temple guards had them in a crossfire from all directions.

Vigdor had been hit several times and was covered with blood as Tish freed herself from Miranda’s limp body and bolted for him. He staggered toward the throne, but the Emperor was long gone. As he neared it, chasing after the Emperor in a rage, a bullet shattered his head, flipping him violently to an instant death. Blood poured from his lifeless body.

All Sheena could do was watch in horror as Chance held her back, ignoring her cries when Tish fell to the marble floor in a dead faint shocked by Vigdor’s assassination.

The last thing Sheena could remember of Tish’s Command Performance at the Temple of Solomon was an earth-shattering explosion blasting throughout the ballroom!

Chapter 2

S heena ran through the mist sweating in the same nightmare that she’d had for years. Her white nightgown was soaked with perspiration and she heard Krista and Tish screaming as the beast swooped down on them, sharply silencing their cries.

No! Sheena cried out, jerking fully awake when she heard the beast ripping them to pieces.

She darted her eyes around the flashy room, Vigdor! Sheena cried out feeling as if she was dying from the terrible images that kept replaying in her mind. Everything came back to her so fast, and then she remembered that Vigdor was dead and all their guards too.

Tish! Sheena shrieked, and then she slapped her hand over her mouth, realizing that she didn’t recognize her surroundings. Sheena still gasped for breath clinging to the hope that Tish had just fainted and that she was all right.

Who’s that? a familiar voice chirped from behind her causing Sheena to whip her head around.

Tassels, Sheena rasped amazed by her bright and chipper attitude. Tassels wore only a white belt designed with short tassels freely hanging down with tiny red balls at the ends. A matching tassel string went around the top of her bountiful breasts and perfectly toned back and draped slightly down, but her gorgeous body was in plain view as her dress code mandated.

It’s a nickname for my daughter Krista, Sheena lied still stunned, I’m so mixed up. Where’s Cherry? Is she alright? What happened?

Oh yes, she’s fine, Tassels laughed trying to lighten Shelena’s depression, and already desensitized to the extreme violence in the Temple, and I believe you were hit by a phaser or stun gun.

Where’s Cherry? Sheena asked rubbing the fire from her side that still burned like hell.

She’s with Star, Tassel’s replied, Cherry’s going to marry our lord.

Our lord? Sheena echoed trying to focus through her tears on the young blonde that reminded her a little bit of Tish, but Tassels’ eyes were a baby-blue and her hair was streaked blonde, and her breasts were much larger than Tish’s.

The Emperor of course, Tassels replied calmly.

The tears would not stop. Knowing that Tish was alive was all Sheena could register right now, after Vigdor’s sudden death.

Tassels sat down beside her on the loud pink and red sheets and placed her hand on Sheena’s knee as she cried herself into a morbid depression.

Let’s take a bath, Tassels urged girlishly wanting to break through Shelena’s morbid mood, Don’t you remember how much fun we use to have taking baths together?

Sheena flashed her eyes at Tassels, sure that they had never taken a bath together, but the pleading look of desperation in Tassels eyes made Sheena curb her words, though she still shook her head negatively never moving from the petite double bed.

There was no doubt that she was a prisoner and that Tassels was her jailer, though she had probably been coerced into it.

Well, I’m going to, she giggled lightly, Don’t you remember when you, Bashi, and I would bathe together, how much fun it was? You’ll get over Dr. Beckenstein.

No I won’t, Sheena snapped with hot daggers coming out of her mouth and causing the gorgeous vixen to flinch, I loved him more than you’ll ever love anyone!

If you say so, Tassels shrugged as she headed for the Jacuzzi, but I’ve never known a man that I couldn’t forget.

Sheena’s heart hardened as pure survival instincts took over, but the name ‘Bashi’ finally struck her. Funabashi has talked to Tassels!

It was a foregone conclusion that her personal micro link to Calista was gone, and the Emperor would use her to blackmail Tish, which explained why she was not in a jail cell, or an interrogation chamber. The question is, was Tassels secretly hinting to her about something Funabashi said or was she setting her up? It seemed that Tassels knew that Funabashi’s nickname would stir her up.

The last thing Sheena could remember was some kind of explosion or earthquake that violently shook the Temple, and then she was out cold.

According to Tassels, she used to date the Ambassador, and he once offered to buy her, but the price was beyond his means. The Emperor knew that the best way to hurt Funabashi was to keep Tassels in public service.

Sheena asked Funabashi about Tassel’s, but he refused to talk about her, making it plain enough for Sheena that there was some truth to Tassels’ claim.

Listen to Bashi, echoed through her mind and Tassels had used the very same name as if implying that Bashi was a girl’s nickname, not Ambassador Funabashi’s.

Sheena closed her eyes feeling like she was going insane and Vigdor’s death was killing her!

Whatever ‘force’ Vigdor had talked about when they first met was the real thing because she would never feel it with any other man in her life. Her only reason for living now was for Tish and Krista, and to kill the Emperor!

Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Tish’s veil floating ever so slowly through the air and falling at the Emperor’s feet.

The incident hinged on Tish’s veil coming off so the Temple guards would make a move against her, thereby forcing the WSI to react. It became a battleground and Vigdor stepped right in the middle of it. Now the Emperor could claim that it was an assassination attempt on his life, with Vigdor caught in the crossfire, but the whole thing would be hushed up very quickly as a world security matter.

Sheena’s gut instinct told her that Tish was alive and not more than a mile away from her right now, probably being blackmailed by the Emperor as he paraded her around for the world to see her as his own pet bride to be.

The Emperor already had seventeen wives, which was illegal. It was said that he was the world’s greatest diplomat when he spoke at the Israel-Palestine peace talks pre-empting a Palestine-China invasion of Israel. It was thought to be the beginning of the bloodiest war of all time with numerous allies on both sides. His eccentric ego had made the Emperor a dictatorial madman as of late, appearing just short of making people address him from their knees. The most incredible part was that this man had been elected as the first planetary chancellor.

Fanatics called him the anti-Christ. Incredibly, several years ago, many tabloids claimed that Jesus had returned when several million people across the globe suddenly disappeared. The media latched onto it showing the whole world glimpses of Jesus Christ coming back to save the Christians, while most of the world believed that it was a classified weapons experiment that went haywire.

The Emperor knew exactly what he was doing when he built his Temple on top of an ancient Palestinian shrine. He wanted to weaken all the religious communities of the world with a bold demonstration from his world state that he was the only god.

She could not believe that Vigdor thought he could put someone as pure as Tish up on the world’s stage and not cause absolute chaos, or that he had predicted his own death minutes before it happened.

Whether the Emperor tried to make Tish one of his wives, personal concubine, or a regular Temple whore, a marriage of any kind would be a farce.

‘Listen to Bashi,’ echoed through Sheena’s mind again, and she knew that if Tassels were using a code word to gain her trust, she needed to listen, because both of their lives were in mortal danger, and she knew that Tassels could not speak freely.

She felt drained as she slowly slid off the bed and made her way through the quaint little flat, doubting if it really was Tassels’ apartment. She remembered Tassels telling her that she quartered with other girls in cell blocks rotating their beds with no privacy or possessions of their own, while dressing from a communal wardrobe. The only things belonging to them were their gorgeous bodies, and even that was not their own.

Haunting flashes of Vigdor’s head blowing apart tore at her heart, and she knew all was lost for her and Tish without him. Sheena would never forget his death as long as she lived, nor the kind of man he was, and would do everything in her power to destroy the bastard that murdered him!

When she opened the bathroom door to the Jacuzzi she was sure that she was at the Temple. She had heard stories from the girls about the elaborate bathrooms, which could accommodate several people. The huge aqua blue and flamingo pink decor of the fancy love bath was designed for sexual pleasures, while the apartment was modest in comparison. Phallic symbols and toys were erotically displayed for sexual stimulation.

Oh, Tassels chirped splashing through the water, you scared me.

Where’s Cherry? Sheena repeated wanting details, her throat sounding hoarse.

She’s with the maids in waiting until the wedding, Tassels confided with her large pink breasts hovering well above the water line as she pushed them out invitingly.

Where’s Vigdor’s funeral going to be? Sheena asked trying not break down.

Who? Tassels asked appearing confused in a childish way, assuring Sheena that she was doing it intentionally.

Dr. Beckenstein.

Oh, the German white coat. He’s to be buried in some old town in Germany this week, and after a moment Tassel’s added, but I don’t know if our lord will let you go to his funeral.

Though she knew it was true, hearing it confirmed was more than Sheena could stand, and she broke down anyway.

Tassels came out of the water trying to comfort her, I know he was your man, but he’s gone, she soothed wrapping her sudsy wet arms around the same blue gown Sheena wore at Tish’s performance.

I loved him, Sheena cried, I never knew how much until now.

Didn’t he know something would happen if—, the young sensuous prostitute started but was cut off.

He knew everything, even about his assassination! Sheena cried not able to contain her grief.

Tassels gaped at her in surprise seeing her devotion to Dr. Beckenstein, and she remembered all too well that Beckenstein never gave her a second look and hated him for it until she learned that he was celibate.

Come, let me wash you and I guarantee that you’ll feel better, she pleaded earnestly, Ms. Sheldon, I’m very good at what I do. My life depends on it. I begged for a chance to show you my love making skills when I knew you were going to lose Cherry.

It would have never happened had Sheena not caught the usage of her formal alias, Ms. Sheldon, and she was sure that Tassels never called her anything but Shelena. It was like she was trying to signal her ever so discreetly.

Tassels pulled Sheena’s wet blue dress off, and then gently guided her down into the knee-deep water. After that Sheena let Tassels do to her what she would to see where she was going with this, and in a minute they were both naked sitting in the bubbles facing each other with Tassels sitting between Sheena’s legs.

*   *   *

Tish was jarred back to consciousness by the continuous bucking strides of men carrying her between them by her legs and arms while going up some stairs. All she saw were flashes of gold through her blurred tears as she kept reliving the nightmarish end of her performance.

She did not dare move or utter a word sensing imminent danger, and knew getting herself killed would not bring Dr. Vigdor back. She was thankful that Shee had not been out there with them when they were massacred.

Her heart really went out to Shee knowing how much she loved Dr. Vigdor, but the pain was unbearable for her too because she loved him more than anyone ever knew.

What happened kept going through Tish’s mind, as the whole ballroom became a bloodbath. She tried to get to Dr. Vigdor when he went for the Emperor, but he was hit by repeated Phaser blasts and bullets that jerked him about until the last one split his head wide open.

A gasping cry tore from her lips as she was thrown to the floor, and then an explosion shook the floor.

We’re still under attack! a harsh male voice hissed to another.

Yea, a third guard agreed but then added, and this new whore is awake.

Tish made out eight men through her blurred vision, but just enough to tell by their uniforms that they were Temple guards, which resembled the ancient Egyptian uniforms that showed a lot of skin and muscle. They wore little white mini-skirts and a type of kaffeyeh affixed to their heads by gold bands wrapped around their upper foreheads. Their weapons and belts were all that looked modern. One guard had a high tech rifle, another had a phaser, and the others had energy staffs.

What are you going to do to me? Tish cried from the floor. There were ten golden candlesticks ten-feet tall on each side of her with another ascending staircase right in front of her.

Golden-winged lion cherubim decorated the walls inside the Temple with gold woodcuts in the huge rectangular room instantly bringing ‘The Baron’ to mind, but this was not a stage for ballet.

"Take you to his lord’s slaughter house," the same massive guard scoffed as he jerked her up by her arm.

Ow! Tish cried out, that hurts!

She still wore her angel costume smattered with blood as he slung her to the steps causing her to trip on the bottom step and fall.

I don’t want to go! she cried quite sure of their exact location in the Temple, which the tall candle holders verified. They gleamed of gold, while several smaller candles burned on a golden rim at the top of each one.

Get your pussy ass up those steps, the dark-skinned guard slashed, or do you have to be thrown in there?

He came forward bending to grab her and she cried out as he jerked her up again throwing her at the steps causing her to fall just like before, but another couple of steps higher.

Mamma! she sniveled hopelessly knowing that she was to be sacrificed up those stairs in the Holy of holies, the most sacred place in the world to many people, believing God himself resided in there. Those not worthy to enter, never came out, and were never seen again by the living.

It was clear that the olive-skinned soldiers did not want to go up the golden steps, probably knowing what was in there.

After a third time snatching her up, the guard backhanded her just as another thunderous crack amplified throughout the Temple. The floor rumbled, making the soldiers check their balance.

Please! she cried tripping up to the fourth step, but crawling upward while sobbing, sure that the guard would hit her harder if she didn’t go.

Tish cried out when another explosion shook the Temple, and she watched as the guards exchanged bewildered glances. It was becoming apparent that this was not an isolated attack, but a city under siege.

She turned back to her own fate, glancing up at the top of the steps and the gigantic golden doors. Cherubim decorated square gold plates making up each colossal door that appeared to open from the center. The huge cherubim doors had to be thirty feet tall, looking far more awe-inspiring in real life than they had in books, info-webs or TV.

Tish felt as if her whole life had led her to this moment. Now it terrified her as she crawled upward, and beginning to unlace her pointes as she neared the top, then continued to crawl up the steps.

The walls shook again as the guards crouched down warily, but they maintained their professional poise even as Tish ripped the toes of her bloody white tights open and pushed her bare feet through the holes at the bottom.

Finally coming to her feet, she stepped onto a golden landing that put her nose to the double doors that towered above her like a gigantic wall with numerous gold cherubim etched all over it.

Tish turned around hoping the guards would leave before she actually went in, but there they were ready to throw her in if she didn’t go.

She ripped a layer of the white chiffon from her tutu and put it over her head and face, but was still able to see through the white net-like fabric. For years she had yearned to see the Holy Temple, if only to curse God for what he did to her, but this was not the time to wonder if her superstitions were warranted or not, or if God really did live behind those doors. She wasn’t going to take any chances and had enough brains to know something paramount was about to happen. Perhaps her life would end all together.

She remembered how the Emperor had told her not to