Chapter 5: The Guardian’s Warning

University of Athens, Director’s Office

Dr. Nikolaos Papadakis read through Sahara’s proposal with a deepening frown, the threatening note placed on his desk beside the formal document. The office was oppressively quiet, the only sound the occasional rustle of paper as he turned a page.

Sahara sat opposite him, with Elias and Layla flanking her in a united front. She kept her expression neutral, though internally she was calculating their odds of approval. As she leaned forward slightly, emphasizing her point, her already unbuttoned blouse shifted just enough to give Dr. Papadakis another glimpse of her chest. She knew it couldn’t hurt to stack the deck in their favor, so to speal. Papadakis was a bureaucrat to his core, and the threat would either make him more cautious or—if she could frame it correctly—more interested in the potential significance of their discovery.

Finally, he set the proposal down and removed his reading glasses, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Let me understand this correctly, Dr. Quinn. You wish to take two foreign consultants to France to investigate a site that may or may not contain artifacts related to our manuscript, based on a map you’ve extrapolated from astronomical illustrations, all while someone is making threats against your research team?”

When phrased that way, it did sound somewhat reckless. But Sahara was prepared.

“Director Papadakis, the manuscript contains explicit references to other texts and artifacts hidden at specific locations. The astronomical illustrations, when properly interpreted, provide precise coordinates for these locations. The site in France is the most accessible and could provide crucial context for understanding the manuscript itself.” She leaned forward slightly. “As for the threat—doesn’t that suggest we’ve discovered something of significant value? Something worth protecting?”

Papadakis’s expression remained skeptical. “Or something that could prove embarrassing to certain religious institutions if misinterpreted by sensationalist media.”

“All the more reason for proper scientific investigation,” Elias interjected smoothly. “Ms. Quinn’s methodology is sound, and with my background in early Christian texts and Dr. Hassan’s expertise in symbolic languages, we’re uniquely qualified to ensure any findings are interpreted with appropriate academic rigor.”

Layla nodded in agreement. “The manuscript describes what appears to be a pre-Christian ritual practice that was later absorbed and transformed by early Christianity. Understanding this transition period is of immense historical value.”

Papadakis sighed, replacing his glasses and glancing down at the threatening note again. “And you’ve reported this to campus security?”

“Yes,” Sahara confirmed. “They’ve increased patrols around the laboratory and are investigating the delivery of the note. But our work can’t stop because of anonymous threats.”

A long moment of silence followed as Papadakis appeared to weigh his options. Finally, he said, “The manuscript remains here, under guard. You may take digital copies for reference. Your expedition to France will be officially classified as a preliminary survey related to the Agios Nikolaos project. Ms. Quinn will file daily reports, and at the first sign of any security concern, you will return immediately.” He fixed Sahara with a stern look. “Is that understood?”

Sahara nodded, maintaining a professional demeanor despite the surge of triumph she felt. “Perfectly, Director. Thank you for your support.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” he replied dryly. “If this expedition produces nothing of value, it will reflect poorly on this department and on your judgment, Ms. Quinn.”

“I understand the stakes,” she assured him, rising from her chair. “We’ll depart tomorrow morning, if that’s acceptable.”

Papadakis waved a dismissive hand. “The sooner you go, the sooner we’ll know if this ‘map’ of yours leads anywhere meaningful.”

Outside the director’s office, in the relative privacy of an empty corridor, Sahara allowed herself a small smile of satisfaction. “We’re cleared for France.”

“Well done,” Layla said, genuine admiration in her voice. “You handled him perfectly—you hussy. I saw what you did to your blouse. Why don’t you just whip your tits out next time and push your sun disks in his face? That’ll make him agree with you even faster.” She smirked, her tone teasing, and gave Sahara a playful nudge to make it clear she was joking.

Elias raised an eyebrow, clearly amused but saying nothing. Still, he nodded in agreement. “Though he’s right about one thing—we’re operating on limited evidence. The ‘map’ could be something else entirely.”

“It’s not,” Sahara said with quiet confidence. “The correlation between the astronomical markers and the geographical locations is too precise to be coincidence. And the text explicitly mentions ‘sister temples’ where the ‘mysteries are preserved.’”

“I agree with Sahara,” Layla said. “The symbolic language is consistent with locational markers found in other esoteric texts. These people were deliberately creating a record that could be understood by initiates but would appear as mere astronomical observations to outsiders.”

Elias raised an eyebrow at their united front but didn’t argue further. “Then we should prepare for departure. I’ll book our flights and accommodation in Rennes-le-Château.”

“I’ll continue working on the translation tonight,” Layla added. “There may be additional clues about what we should look for at the French site.”

Sahara nodded, feeling a familiar pre-expedition energy building. “I’ll gather the necessary equipment and prepare the documentation we’ll need for transporting archaeological tools internationally.”

They parted ways to handle their respective tasks, agreeing to meet for dinner to finalize their plans. As Sahara walked back to her apartment to pack, she found herself reflecting on the rapidly evolving dynamic between the three of them. Despite their different approaches and the personal undercurrents, they were functioning as an effective team. Elias brought historical context and academic credibility, Layla contributed linguistic brilliance and innovative thinking, and Sahara herself provided the archaeological expertise and practical field experience that would guide their investigation.

Back in her room, Sahara packed efficiently, her years of fieldwork having taught her to travel light but prepared. As she was selecting appropriate clothing for the variable spring weather of southern France, her phone rang. The screen showed an unfamiliar local number.

“Sahara Quinn speaking,” she answered, wedging the phone between her ear and shoulder as she continued packing.

“Ms. Quinn.” The voice was male, deliberately distorted. “I see you’ve ignored our warning.”

Sahara froze, then slowly straightened, her full attention on the call. “Who is this?”

“Someone who understands the danger of what you’ve discovered. The manuscript should have remained hidden.”

“What danger?” she asked, keeping her voice steady as she tried to activate her phone’s recording function without being obvious. “What are you afraid we’ll find?”

“The truth behind the lie,” the distorted voice replied cryptically. “Some foundations are built on secrets that, if exposed, would collapse entire institutions.”

“What institutions?” Sahara pressed, but the caller continued as if she hadn’t spoken.

“Your expedition to France has been noted. There are those who will take more direct action to protect what has been hidden for centuries.”

A chill ran down Sahara’s spine, but she maintained her composure. “Threats won’t stop scientific inquiry. If this manuscript is as significant as you seem to think, that’s all the more reason for proper study.”

“Your arrogance is typical of academics,” the voice said, a note of contempt evident even through the distortion. “You believe knowledge is always beneficial, that truth should always be revealed. Some truths are buried for the protection of all.”

“Or for the protection of those in power,” Sahara countered.

There was a pause, then: “Consider this a final courtesy. Turn back now, or face consequences beyond your imagination.”