Previously On The Maya...
Mr. Snake anxiously awaits hearing from The Maya. He thinks about his partner, Mr. Tic, and how under different circumstances, they might become friends. Mr. Snake, however, needs a scapegoat, and Mr. Tic fits the bill. As he contemplates this, telemetry comes in from The Maya. Along with the mapping is a message about a massive explosion that causes Mr. Snake to laugh with triumph.
The news makes him remember he should contact his superior, which makes him also realize he hasn't reported a change in shifts. He has taken over the night shift. He goes looking for his phone, and finally finds it under a stack of things. He discovers the call that was made earlier and sees that it was answered. That means Mr. Tic must have done it and must be aware of what's truly going on.
Mr. Snake calls in, reports the change in shift, but does not include that Mr. Tic now knows about the sanctioned ops. He decides, after a moment of concern, that it won't matter. Mr. Tic will take the fall, one way or another.
The Maya—a living legend covert operative-for-hire that no one she encounters can remember.
George Kirkegaard—a former newspaper owner forced out of business by state government.
Paloma Reyes—an intriguing woman Kirkegaard never thought he'd see again.
Eugenio Stavros—a shipping magnate on a trip to the mysterious Isle of Use to renegotiate a steel contract.
Amara Barclay—a savvy, independent multi-millionaire entrepreneur and socialite with unparalleled beauty.
Mr. Tic and Mr. Snake—two U.S. government officials running off-the-books dark ops involving The Maya.
And now...the next installment of The Maya.
The resounding blasts, a total of six, each building on the previous, rocked The Eastern Star. For several frightening moments, Kirkegaard thought they might tip over. Then, he realized the earth must be shaking as well, which would cause the river to roil in response? Could a tsunami result in a river? That didn't seem possible, but he didn't want to find out.
His next thoughts were to see if people were okay. Since Amara was closest to him, he turned her around and asked, "You hurt?"
She shook her head. "I'm fine."
"Good." He led her over to Stavros and Paloma, who had also kept their feet. Paloma and Stavros both said they were physically unharmed, though Paloma admitted to being shaken by the whole thing. "I'm going to see what's going on," he said, taking Paloma's hand. She nodded, and after giving Amara and Stavros a glance, he escorted Paloma out of the ballroom.
Others were already making their way to the port side of the ship, where the explosions seemed to originate. The light, though dimmer now, was emanating from that side. As they worked their way through others to the railing, they could see flames shooting up, heaving a dark smoke into the sky. Kirkegaard estimated the fire was less than a quarter of a mile away.
"Anyone know what's over there?" he asked, looking around at the others next to him.
A few hesitated, another shrugged, but then finally someone behind him and to his right said, "It's a fertilizer plant."
Kirkegaard turned to see Sutton, clutching Lilith. If anyone would know the entire layout of the island, it would be him. "Are we doing anything about it?"
"A part of my security detail, along with several volunteer firefighters, are on their way down to one of the emergency boats. I don't know what all they can do until help from the cities arrive, but they can at least set up a perimeter and start work on logistics. Look for any survivors and witnesses."
"Sir?" A large man in a waiter's suit made his way to Sutton's side. It was obvious now to Kirkegaard he was not actually a server, but a security guard. "We need to get you and Mrs. Sutton and your family off the yacht and to the safety of your compound."
"What? You think this is an attack on me?" Sutton said in utter disbelief. "They missed, if it was."
"You know it's common procedure," the security guard said.
"I also know I have guests that I shouldn't abandon."
"I doubt anyone's in a festive mood, any more," Lilith said, looking around at the strained faces of shock and concern. "Some of these folks might have relatives, friends or co-workers who were at the plant."
"Let's work on evacuating them, then. They can help with relief efforts, from a safe distance, while they find out about their loved ones," Sutton said to his security guard. "As far as the family here tonight, most of them do not live with us. Have one of the other security officers get a head count. Lilith and I, along with our table guests, can be escorted to the compound."
"That's not necessary, sir," Kirkegaard said. "Given the circumstances."
"I personally know none of you have anyone at the plant," Sutton said. "There needs to be the proper deference to those in harms way, but I'll be hanged if I'll be giving in to any terror plot!"
Seeing Sutton would not be swayed, the security guard nodded his agreement and understanding and started asking if there was anyone who had relatives or friends at the plant. Several said they did, and followed him back inside the yacht.
"Everyone, I'm going to ask you all to go back inside," Sutton said. "We'll get the tables set up and you can sit down if you like, but there's nothing to see or do out here. We'll want to make sure everyone who's not going to help the relief effort makes it back to the marina without delay."
Upon his word, the tide of people streaming out to the deck reversed, and within minutes, everyone staying aboard was back inside. Meanwhile, Sutton continued to gather up his table guests. Kirkegaard and Paloma simply followed them, as did Amara and Stavros, who were right behind the first two as they went outside. Finding Simmons and Haley was aided by the fact they were both looking for Sutton, as was Haley's parents.
"I've instructed my people to get everyone who's not going ashore here to help in the effort back to the marina, so they can get home," Sutton said. "I imagine your security has you well taken care of."
Talford rolled his eyes. "Yes, quite. I had to argue against them spiriting me away on a boat. I needed to make sure my baby girl is safe." He reached out and gave Haley a hug, as did Cali.
"The immediate thought is, I'm being attacked," Sutton said, "How preposterous is that?"
"Almost as much as me being the target," Talford answered.
Simmons shook his head. "In my world, this would not be taken so lightly."
"Which is why none of us choose to live in your world," Sutton said. "Be that as it may, I suggest the eight of us make our way to our transportation. We weren't going to leave so quickly, but now seems as good as time as any." He then looked back at Talford, "That is, if you don't mind sparing Haley for the evening."
Talford looked at Haley, who all but pleaded with her eyes. "I don't think I could convince her otherwise," he said, "Nor would she ever forgive me."
"She'll be in good hands, sir," Simmons said, though he was immediately unsure why.
"I agree," Sutton said.
"As do I," Talford said, nodding. "You behave and do as your told," he added, to Haley. "These are extraordinary circumstances."
"Believe me, Dad, I've lost my sense of adventure," Haley said, giving him another hug. "For now," she added, with a wan smile.
"Then, it's settled. I'll be in touch, Terry," Sutton said to the President. Taking Lilith's hand he turned to the other six and said, "Please, follow me."
'The Maya' publishes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Copyright © Glen Anthony Albrethsen, 2014-2018. All rights reserved.