The Covenant: Book 3 of the Atlantis Legacy Series

By Larry Hamilton

What will the future look like? The Covenant may leave you wondering... Disclosure of Earth’s secret history is imminent. Governments and traditional power brokers of the world are no longer calling the shots. A global storm is brewing. Who will be in control when the dust has settled?
In this explosive finale to The Atlantis Legacy Series, a larger set of truths come to light, rewriting humankind’s history and leading to international turmoil. Government, military and intelligence agencies, terrorists, and rich oligarchs are in pursuit of the artifacts, each for their own moral or immoral reasons. Matt Flannery, an ordinary man placed in extraordinary circumstances, and his intrepid friends find themselves at the dangerous center of this remarkable unveiling of who we are and where we came from.
More and more questions arise as they navigate these treacherous waters. Can humans learn from the historic discoveries and restore the essence of our humanity, or will we continue our penchant for violence and greed? To do the right thing, no matter what, Matt must hold to the convictions and values he learned as a youth from his Grandpa Flannery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Larry Hamilton
• Release date: Jul 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9798986117652

Larry Hamilton

Larry’s life has been diverse and never boring.He has worked in sales, sales management, as a business entrepreneur, and now realizing a new/old dream of being an author.He resides in the shadows of the Smoky Mountains near Knoxville, TN with his wife Karole. A homecoming of sorts as he grew up in the hills of Eastern Kentucky.He looks forward to hearing from his readers and making lots of new friends!

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Senator Lange’s Residence

McLean, VA

The situation was beyond desperate. The pallor of death and the acrid smell of gunpowder hung in the air.

A nameless, lifeless gunman in black military-style clothing lay spreadeagle on the floor of the room leading to the back door of the senator’s residence. A widening halo of blood was forming around his head. Jake Preston was lying nearby in a growing blood pool of his own. He was bleeding profusely from a gunshot wound to the abdomen suffered while using his body as a protective shield to save his friend Kelli from the dead shooter’s bullet.

Kelli Renner cradled Jake’s head in her hands and wept softly, whispering encouragement through her tears, not knowing if he could still hear her. Matt Flannery knelt beside Kelli, trying to think of some way to save his close friend. Ghost Johnson used his hand to apply pressure to Jake’s stomach wound while holding his weapon at the ready in case anyone else came to do them harm.

Ghost informed Matt and Kelli of the severity of the wound and made it clear Jake would not last much longer if he continued to lose blood at the current rate. As things stood, Jake would not live long enough to be transported to a hospital, even if an ambulance picked him up immediately. There appeared to be no reasonable hope for Jake’s survival, short of divine intervention. God works in mysterious ways…

In the living room of the large, sprawling mansion, a bizarre scene of a different sort was playing out.

Assault teams from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Earth Defense Force (EDF) had squared off in a deadly showdown. The two opposing factions were equally determined to secure the code keys that would unlock the coveted Atlantis artifacts Kelli carried in her backpack. Both groups understood the impact these relics would have on the entire world and the limitless power they would bestow on anyone possessing the advanced technology they held. Whoever secured this revelatory knowledge would surely hold the high ground in the never-ending battle to control Earth, its resources, and its people. Many had already perished in pursuit of these artifacts, but Matt and his friends had maintained possession of them even in the face of overwhelming odds. Matt knew it was not in mankind’s best interests to allow any singular country or organization to possess this kind of power. Not even his own country. The temptation for selfish exploitation was too high and humankind’s history of abusing power was beyond appalling.

At the moment, both assault teams were sleeping peacefully on Senator Lange’s floor, along with the senator, his wife Stephanie, his daughter Autumn, and Isobel Renner, Kelli’s paternal grandmother. The senator’s close friends and allies, Lindsay Berglund, Hans Eriksson, and Phil Meade (the senator’s chief of staff), were the only ones in the room who were standing and conscious.

The three of them went to the senator, his wife and daughter, and Isobel. They closed their eyes and focused while lightly touching the temples of the dormant people’s heads. The four sleepers slowly stirred and regained consciousness. They sat up and blinked the cobwebs from their eyes and minds. After taking a few seconds to regain their bearings, they rose to their feet and beheld the unconscious combatants scattered about the room.

I can’t thank the three of you enough for defusing this situation, Senator Lange said woozily.

I am deeply relieved we were here to stop it, Hans replied. This would have been a bloody massacre had we not been present. And I do not want to think about the harm that might have come to you and your family.

I agree, my friend. It was about to turn very ugly. How long are they out for?

We gave them quite a jolt. We delivered a highly potent sleep suggestion to their minds. I estimate they will remain unconscious for two hours at least. Probably longer without a counteracting stimulus.

Where’s Kelli? Isobel asked with rising anxiety in her voice, glancing nervously around the room.

A distant shot rang out. Then another.

That sounds like it came from the back of the house! Senator Lange exclaimed in an alarmed voice.

Everyone who was awake ran toward the ominous sounds, terrified of what they might find there. As they arrived at the spot where the sound of gunfire had emanated, they came upon a bloody scene. Ghost quickly raised his weapon, sweeping it back and forth between the new arrivals, not knowing who they were or what their intentions were. He was in protect mode and would not fail to shield his friends from further harm.

Kelli jumped up and moved between them while pushing down on the barrel of Ghost’s rifle. It’s okay, Ghost. They’re friends.

Ghost held his intense stare for a few moments, looking back and forth between Kelli and the people she termed as friendlies. Ghost was not sure who a friendly was at the moment. He kept his weapon lowered but remained guarded.

I’m sorry, but there isn’t time for introductions right now, Kelli said while blinking away tears. Our friend Jake took a bullet meant for me and he’s bleeding out fast. I’m afraid he will die if we don’t do something quickly. I doubt there’s enough time to get him to a hospital at the rate he’s losing blood. Isn’t there something we can do to help him?

There were a few moments of silence, then Lindsay stepped forward and knelt at Jake’s side, where she gently eased Ghost’s hand away from the injured area and examined the wound. Kelli and Matt stood up and stepped back a little to give Lindsay space.

Is she a doctor? Ghost inquired watching Lindsay closely. He remained in protection mode. All his experience and skill were ready to react should something not seem right. Jake was his brother-in-arms and was like a brother in real life as well.

No, young man, but she can do things a doctor cannot. She is the only hope your dear friend has right now, Isobel replied.

Everyone watched silently as Lindsay moved intuitively around Jake’s body, then she knelt again beside his right shoulder. His skin was ghostly white, almost gray, and he appeared to be unconscious. Jake’s blood was draining away, as was his life. Lindsay worked without regard to the blood staining her shoes and clothing. She was singularly focused on the body and mind of the fading soul beside her.

Lindsay leaned further over Jake’s motionless form. She placed one hand on his stomach wound and laid her other hand on his forehead. You could have heard a pin drop in the room. The tension was so thick, everyone had almost stopped breathing. Lindsay closed her eyes and lowered her head. She remained in this position for a full two minutes, maybe longer, without changing expression. Lindsay’s face now glistened with perspiration and she appeared slightly flushed. Ghost was studying Jake’s condition, and he detected a change.

It looks like his bleeding is slowing down and he seems to be breathing deeper again. Ghost’s observations were as much a question as a statement. He looked up at Lindsay. Are you doing that?

Lindsay did not immediately respond to Ghost’s question. She remained quietly in contact with Jake for a while longer, then raised her eyes to those standing around her, not yet taking her hands away from their positions on Jake’s motionless body.

I made a powerful suggestion to the part of his brain that controls autonomic body function. I instructed it to override its normal response and re-route blood flow away from the open wound and send it to other vital areas. The body can constrict or open blood vessels as needed, so I did a work-around for the moment to conserve the little blood he has left. But, even so, he will not last long. This is just a temporary fix to buy time to get him to a medical facility where he can receive blood and have the damage to his internal organs repaired.

You can do that? Ghost asked incredulously.

Let’s just hope it’s enough, Lindsay responded with a thin smile and an air of humility.

Senator Lange patted his pants and found his cell phone in the front left pocket. He fished it out and hurriedly tapped on a number stored in the phone. After a couple of rings, someone answered.

Doctor, Senator Lange here. I have an emergency and it needs to be handled under our pre-arranged plan to maintain the highest level of secrecy. This is a national security matter. How quickly can you get an ambulance to my residence? Good. Time is of the essence, so make sure the EMT’s have the means to start transfusion immediately.

Ghost offered up Jake’s blood type, and the senator relayed the information to the doctor.

Thanks, doc. Please tell them to hurry. We’ll be waiting.

Kelli knelt beside Lindsay, who was still maintaining light hand contact with Jake and observing him closely.

Do you think he’ll make it? Kelli asked, fearing the answer.

I can’t say for sure. I’ve done all I can. Really, it’s up to Jake now. He might survive if he maintains a strong will to live. Very often, it comes down to that in the end. The body takes its cues from our mind.

Kelli shifted to a position beside Jake’s head and leaned down with her lips next to his ear, and spoke in a low, but firm, voice.

I want you to listen to me, Jake Preston. Don’t you dare give up on me now. Not after all we’ve been through. And I don’t need you putting me on a guilt trip for the rest of my life because you took a bullet for me. We’re not ready…I’m not ready… for you to leave us yet. We need you. We’re going to see this through together. So, I expect you to do what you’ve always done. Survive, damn it. Help is on the way. Squeeze your eyes together if you can hear me.

There was a long pause and then just the slightest hint of a smile pulled on the corner of Jake’s mouth and he squinted his eyes almost imperceptibly. But it was enough. Jake was still in there.

CHAPTER 2

Senator Lange’s Residence

McLean, VA

The senator dispatched Stephanie and Autumn to find a couple of large sheets and a warm blanket and they soon returned with the needed items. Matt and Ghost constructed a makeshift stretcher out of the sheets and carefully transferred Jake’s shivering body onto it. Kelli covered him with the blanket and tucked it in tightly to conserve his body heat.

I feel it would be best not to have the ambulance crew walking through that…uh…mess in the front room of the house, so we will carry Jake out to the front entrance and wait for them there, Senator Lange said.

What mess? Ghost and Matt asked at the same time.

Oh yeah, what happened out there after I left? Kelli said. A war was about to break out.

It’s rather difficult to explain. You’ll see what I mean when we carry him out, the senator said.

Ghost and Senator Lange positioned themselves on one side of the doubled sheets, and Kelli and Matt took up positions on the opposite side. They gently lifted Jake off the floor and side-stepped their way through the house to the front foyer, with everyone else close behind. Matt and Ghost could not believe their eyes when they came upon the large group of unconscious people lying about the living room with their weapons alongside of them. They carefully lowered the sheet stretcher to the floor while they surveyed the scene. Matt turned in a complete circle to view the scene again, as if his mind had played a trick on him the first time he saw it. Kelli and Ghost looked equally perplexed.

What the hell happened in here? Matt asked to no one in particular.

Nothing, thanks to Lindsay, Hans, and Phil, Lange replied.

"Kelli was right. It looks like a war was about to break out," Matt said.

That is exactly where this was headed. It was a stand-off and neither side would back down, Lange said.

How did you stop it? Matt asked. Are these guys dead?

No, they are very much alive. As to how it was stopped, you have seen the special abilities that Lindsay possesses. Hans and Phil have similar talents. The three of them thought it best to convince these over-zealous individuals that they needed a nap more than they needed to kill each other. They zapped them.

Zapped them? Matt asked. What do you mean by that? Do they have special weapons or something?

That’s what I call it for want of a better term. Perhaps a better description is they gave them a mental ‘push’ or ‘bump’ to put them to sleep.

Wait, a minute. Wait just a minute. Something similar happened to my mother and her kidnappers recently. Do you know anything about that? Did someone do this ‘zapping’ thing to save her?

Well, now that you mention it, I do recall hearing something about that. I think Hans will be able to tell you more about that situation when we have time to talk, but the short answer is yes. I hear the ambulance pulling up the driveway, so we need to move Jake to the front door.

They picked up the litter again and carried it to the front foyer. The senator pushed open the double front entry doors and motioned frantically for the paramedics to come in. One paramedic hurried inside while the other two followed with a stretcher from the ambulance. They deftly transferred Jake onto the gurney, strapped him in, and hurried him back to the ambulance, where they loaded and secured the stretcher. They immediately began an IV containing life-saving blood and prepared to transport Jake to the hospital.

Where are you instructed to take him? Senator Lange asked as a security precaution. He was well aware of the emergency medical plan, but he wanted to make sure the paramedics were informed as well. This was no time for a mistake.

Walter Reed, sir, replied the driver. The doctor will meet us there using the security protocols you requested for this event. It is a little further than some of the local hospitals, but he will get the best care possible and security is already in place. After all, Walter Reed is where presidents go for treatment.

The senator nodded, smiled, and replied, Very well. I don’t want to delay you any further. Thank you so much for your quick response. This man is a national hero and is to be treated accordingly.

And he will be, Senator. You have my word on that. Now excuse us, we have a hero to save.

Can one of us ride with you? asked Kelli.

Afraid not, ma’am. There’s no extra seat since we brought three of us this time. And from what I’m seeing, we will need to take him immediately to surgery. I’m sure the senator will receive updates and keep you informed of his condition.

The EMT took his leave, and the ambulance roared away with sirens shrieking and lights flashing.

So, Senator, what needs to happen here before we go to Walter Reed? asked Matt as he turned and looked at the thirty-plus slumbering bodies draped over chairs, tables, sofas, and each other.

I’m sorry, Matt, but there’s no way you can get into Walter Reed without being identified and detained. You and your friends are still being sought by the CIA and maybe others. The hospital’s security cameras are equipped with facial recognition software and would ID you three immediately. My doctor friend is getting Jake admitted under a security protocol that I have had in place for a long time for situations such as this. The doctor will cover Jake’s face sufficiently to make facial recognition software ineffective and then he will take him directly to a secure operating room where the staff is prescreened for such an event. They know not to ask questions. Jake will receive treatment under a fake identity and they will keep any information on him confidential. So, I don’t believe he’s in any danger at this point other than fighting for his life. Of course, I will get updates on Jake’s condition as they become available, and I will share them with you as soon as I get them.

As far as these sleeping beauties in my living room, we need to disarm them first and then decide on the best course of action to deal with them. I know about half of them are CIA but the other group called themselves the Earth Defense Force at one point and I’m not familiar with that name, though I have heard reports of a deep-state international organization that has been flying below everyone’s radar for years. If these intruders are indeed part of something like that, then all the intelligence agencies will want a piece of them. I will require some answers of my own from the CIA since they decided it was acceptable to invade a senator’s home without warning or permission and endanger my life, as well as those of my family and friends.

Of course, you realize, Senator, these people taking a nap on your floor were here for one reason…to find Kelli and steal the relics, Matt said.

Yes, I understand that all too well, Matt. I’ve been monitoring your situation closely while trying to protect Kelli and Isobel at the same time.

How were you able to monitor us? We were in the belly of the beast at CIA headquarters, so I don’t know how you could have known our status. They don’t like sharing information with anyone, including senators.

I have developed a network of friends who are very well placed. They are special people, such as my three associates whom you have just met. There is much for you and your friends to understand and come to terms with. There exists an infinitely larger picture than you can currently imagine. But there is no time for that just yet. I have to arrange for the removal of these unwanted guests and secure transport for all of you to a safe location.

What about Jake?

I will get frequent updates on his condition and I promise you, when he pulls through, we will move him to a safe location as soon as he is stable enough to be transported.

Thank you, Senator. That’s all I can ask, Matt said.

The senator smiled, put his hand firmly on Matt’s shoulder in a reassuring gesture, removed it, pivoted on his heel, and went into action.

CHAPTER 3

CIA Headquarters

Langley, VA

The scowling Director of the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States of America sat impatiently at his desk, tapping his pen, while awaiting the outcome of Special Agent Milburn’s raid on Senator Lange’s home. He wanted those relics, and he wanted them now. No more excuses. He knew if the CIA did not secure them soon, someone else would, and that was not acceptable. Not on his watch. Sure, Lange would be pissed-off and make threats and want his head on a platter, but it needed to be done. Every time they had come close to getting their hands on the relics, they had been just a beat too late. So, this time, no warning was given. None. The senator’s complaining would simmer down over time, but the strategic advantage gained by procuring these artifacts would last for eons.

It had to be done this way. The senator will eventually come over to my way of thinking and understand the logic in launching the surprise raid. Hell, he will shake my hand and thank me once he witnesses the transformation the relics will bring to this great country. He will someday consider it a patriotic act of the highest order.

The loud, annoying buzz of the secure phone line on the director’s desk startled him out of his musings.

Senator Lange on the secure line for you, Director.

Are you sure it’s the senator?

Yes, sir.

I was expecting a call from Milburn, not the senator…

The Director punched a button and opened the connection.

Yes, Senator Lange. How may I be of service to you?

Well, Director, you can start by sending someone over here to pick up about twenty of your finest.

I see. May I speak to Special Agent Milburn?

I’m afraid he’s indisposed at the moment.

What do you mean, he’s indisposed?

He’s taking a siesta on my living room floor at present.

A siesta? What are you talking about? Let me speak to one of the other agents.

Sorry, Director. You really need to let these people get more rest. It seems the entire group has taken a late day nap.

Senator, I don’t know what you’re talking about, and I don’t have time for fun and games right now. I demand to speak with one of my agents!

I understand how you feel, Director. I don’t have time for fun and games either. It will be interesting to hear what the President and Congress have to say when they find out you conducted an armed raid on a sitting senator’s home, endangering himself and his family. All without legal cause or due process.

I had cause, Senator. I believe you are harboring fugitives who possess items of paramount importance to our national security.

I see. Are you accusing me of treason, Director?

Well…no…that’s not what I’m saying.

"Then what are you saying, exactly?"

I’m saying you were harboring people who are wanted by the CIA and we came to get them before they could elude us again.

Do you have proof of all this, Director?

No, but we have very strong intelligence indicating this to be the case.

I see. I will be interested in reviewing this ‘very strong intelligence’ with you in conjunction with the Congressional Oversight Committee that oversees the operations of your agency. I will be curious to see if they agree with you that an armed assault on a senator’s home would be one of the accepted methods by which you can investigate these matters you are referring to.

Was anyone injured? the director asked.

Yes, but fortunately it was not one of your people, the senator replied. However, there was a casualty.

Who was it?

We do not know the person. We will look into that as well. When can I expect a security detail over here to recover your sleeping beauties?

I can’t imagine why you keep saying they are sleeping? If you gave them some sort of drug or sleeping gas, why don’t you just wake them up and ask them to leave?

I would prefer to leave them just the way they are. They were very unpleasant house guests.

I still don’t understand what you mean when you say they are ‘sleeping’?

I mean exactly that. They all look so peaceful, I might add. Just be glad they’re alive and well. This could have ended tragically.

You’re not making much sense, Senator. In fact, you sound bat shit crazy right now. I will dispatch a detail within the hour to retrieve them.

"Thank you, Director. The sooner the better. I will be in touch."

The line disconnected. The director slammed his fist on the desk, cursed, stood up, and paced around his office a couple times, stopped, and stared at the phone.

What the hell happened over there…?

CHAPTER 4

NSA Headquarters

Fort Meade, MD

Director, there is a call for you on the secure line from Senator Lange.

The Director of the National Security Agency of the United States of America, the largest intelligence agency among the seventeen known to be operated by the United States government, looked away from the latest intelligence reports streaming across his computer monitor. He picked up the phone and enabled the secure line.

Good evening, Senator Lange. An unexpected pleasure. How may I be of service to you?

I have a few early Christmas presents for you, Director.

Well, I greatly appreciate the thought, Senator. I will have a courier come by and pick them up from your office whenever it is convenient. But I have to ask, isn’t it a little early for holiday gift exchanges?

I think you will want to pick up these gifts right away, Director. There are thirteen previously armed men in black ops clothing here at my residence. I didn’t invite them, and I don’t believe they are operatives of our official government agencies or the military.

Is someone being held hostage? Are they terrorists?

No, I’m safe and sound, and fortunately, so is my family. I don’t get the feeling they are what we would normally classify as terrorists. They seem to be Americans operating as a trained para-military force.

Do they have any identifying marks on their clothing?

No, but their leader identified them as the Earth Defense Force and I thought your agency might be interested in learning more about this group with the intriguing name.

Yes, we certainly would. May I ask why you didn’t call the CIA first?

Fair question, but I gave them another project to work on for the moment. I think it would be best if we have more than one player involved in this particular game.

"Senator, what is the status of this group right now? Should I expect an armed conflict when we arrive? And why are they not stopping you