Christopher Golde
Under the false guise of faith of the shaved heads,
Many saboteurs will be sown,
Watering the wells and the fountains with poison, Human devourers of the strength of the West.
Century IV Quatrain 66 -Nostradamus
Date: 11th February 1996 Location: Sydney, Australia
As the tour boat departed Circular Quay, the deep blue waters of Sydney Harbour sparkled in the brilliant sunshine. The roar of an engine dropped to a low crescendo as a giant Jet Cat swept into sight at the edge of the Sydney Opera House, the bulk of the craft dropping to the water as it slowed to enter the bustling Quay.
Larger ferries departed the terminal, their white wakes colliding with other passing water traffic, as they dutifully set courses for destinations around the sparkling Harbour City. The tour boat lurched to the port side, as overhead, the colossal bastion of the Sydney Harbour Bridge cast a temporary shadow over their progress.
Most of the tourists on board snapped photos from the rear deck of the boat, while some settled to the dining tables inside. At one table, close to a broad window with a now commanding view of the departing quay and city skyline, sat four men. Apart from the fact that all four had completely shaven heads, they gave the outward appearance of being the usual Japanese tourists, with their colourful polo shirts, neat expensive slacks, European leather shoes and of course, cameras. They paid little attention to the passing view, or to anyone else on the tour, but talked seriously among themselves in their native tongue.
Ieko Fujimo, his youthful smooth features tensed rigid with concentration, glanced away from the conversation briefly to see the giant coat hanger bridge passing overhead and then spoke with authority.
“The master has now been detained by Japanese authorities, but will say nothing of our existence or future plans.”
The tallest man of the four spoke with an agitated urgency.
“But they have found our previous base in Australia and they may make the connection!”
Ieko cut in quickly.
“They will not, it has no connection to us! Now we must continue with the plan; the master knew he would be detained; it will, as he said, divert attention away from our activities until it is too late for anyone to do anything to stop us.”
Ieko glanced again outside and saw another opening in the harbour as they rounded a docking yard for container ships, then continued.
“I will live here in Australia for the next few months then return to Japan to head the family company. We will establish ourselves here as the master has planned.”
He looked at the tall man.
“I presume you have made all the necessary arrangements?”
The tall man replied dutifully.
“We have two hundred million American dollars already transferred here and as far as the Australian Government is concerned it will be just another Japanese foreign venture that they are so accustomed to and openly invite.”
One of the other men, who until now had been quiet, replied respectfully.
“All is prepared Fujimo San, we can start almost immediately!”
“Good,” Ieko said, relaxing in his countenance a little, relieved that the previous negativity had been removed, “then soon we can launch our new investment and our target will be the eventual takeover of Macram. I am sure the Australian Government will be more than enthusiastic to aid us with our project, as they will want the massive export potential we are offering them. I am also sure Macram wants our new super chip to enhance their future software development and will do almost anything to get it. I will make arrangements to take care of the head of Macram once we have their involvement.
“Our spies tell us he is looking for a company to join forces with and we will provide him with just that.”
Ieko once again turned to the tall man.
“I need Akura released from prison, so arrange it through one of our trusted disciples still in Tokyo and have them contact me, and only me, with all the details.”
“Yes,” the tall man responded immediately, and bowed his head quickly!
“All of you,” Ieko continued, looking around the table at each man, “I want our operation working within sixty days and a big opening ceremony soon after, with lots of dignitaries, I have a very special guest to impress.”
The four men continued with small talk about their homeland and other private matters. They seemed to enjoy the rest of the tour, just as any tourist would, snapping pictures and laughing as the cruise ship continued on its path across the shimmering blue waters of Sydney Harbour.
Although outwardly appearing to relax and enjoy it with the others, Ieko could not help but think about the impending fate of his master and how much now rested on his own shoulders.
Chapter nineteen
The Cult