As Peggy worriedly eyed the advancing naval ship, Smith warned, "Give up now, Carter. I don't care how souped-up Stark's yacht is. There is no way you can outrun that warship or its arsenal."
Peggy suddenly smiled when a thought occurred to her, "No, but I overheard some of your men talking earlier. Since those on the warship contain mercenaries, they wouldn't dare risk hitting their paycheck with artillery or torpedoes. Especially when that certain high paying bread crumb is left scattered behind."
She turned to Jarvis and Dmitri, "Gentlemen, I believe it is time to get rid of some ballast."
Without further ado, both men grabbed the outraged Smith and Spencer. Then, just as quickly, they tossed them off the yacht and into the water.
As they brushed off their hands, Peggy said, "Mr. Jarvis, if you and the crew wouldn't mind taking care of the remaining vermin. Oh, and untie the CIA's boat. We don't need that thing slowing us down either."
With an air of professionalism, Jarvis intoned, "Of course, Miss Carter." And he dashed off to do what was requested.
"Now, Howard, if you would be a dear," she motioned for him to take over.
"Oh, yes, of course." Grinning, Howard then quickly said to Captain Jasper, "Head to Rhodes."
Having roused the groggy first mate, the injured Captain stood straight, "Already on the way, sir. And we are prepared to go full speed on your command."
"Great, carry on then," Howard ordered. Captain Jasper quickly pushed the boat's throttle to the maximum, and they felt the yacht lurch forward as it gained speed.
Looking again through the binoculars, Peggy was relieved to have made the right call. The warship slowed down to pick up Smith and Spencer. It soon had to coast along when the other agents were cast out to sea.
Thankfully in moments, they had outdistanced the drifting wartime cruiser. Though the heavily armed watercraft looked to have seen better days, it could still prove to be an issue in the future.
With his duty of tossing the human ballast overboard now fulfilled, Jarvis joined them back on the bridge. He began to tend the Captain's and first mate's wounds.
As he dressed their injuries as best he could, a frowning Jarvis asked Dmitri, "So where did you moor that lovely contraption of yours? I did not see 'Pestilence' anywhere."
Dmitri shrugged, "We needed a distraction, so we sacrificed it for the greater good. I am afraid you are now stuck with us."
As Jarvis sputtered, Peggy coolly stared at the Russians.
When Dmitri turned to gauge her reaction, his face was angelic. Finally, Peggy asked, her voice low in threat, "Just what sort of games are you playing, comrade?"
"I assure you we have all of our best interests at heart." Derisively he looked around the bridge and inquired, "Do you have anyone else who can take Spencer's place? Do any of you know archaic languages or have ancient historical knowledge?" Pleased that he had them at a disadvantage, he stated smugly to Zdenka, "I think we have just gotten an upgrade, my friend."
"I thought your kind didn't like hanging out with capitalist pigs?" Howard muttered, annoyed.
Dmitri shrugged, "We'll make due."
Peeved, Howard demanded, "Why should we trust you, Russki?"
There was a dangerous glint in his eye when Dmitri countered, "Because we were once allies in the great war. Besides, we both know there is plenty of treasure to share, even among our two nations." He studied their silence and added, "Or do you not even know that?"
Howard noticed that Peggy was considering Dmitri's words and grumbled, "You can't be serious, Peg."
Seeing his chance, Dmitri pressed, "You need our knowledge, and we need your transport and technology."
After mulling it over, Peggy answered, "And if we work together, you will tell us everything you know about this supposed treasure, no matter how insignificant?"
Nodding, Dmitri replied, "Seems fair. My assistant can fill you in. But first, I am famished."
Zdenka inquired, "Yes, what do you have that passes for food on this opulent vessel of yours, Mr. Stark?"
Turning his attention to the attractive blonde-haired woman, the millionaire beamed his megawatt smile at her and oozed out, "Please call me Howard." He went to kiss her hand, but the cute Russian babe was having none of it.
Getting more and more used to his employer striking out, Jarvis indicated to Zdenka to follow him, "If you would follow me to the dining room."
Nodding pleased, she turned on her heel to walk beside him. Smiling, she asked, "Tell me, is there a Mrs. Jarvis."
He mumbled a bashful, stuttered reply, which caused Zdenka to smirk and wink back at Howard, who fumed.
Dmitri's calculated gaze lingered on Peggy, "I am looking forward to our mutual cooperation, Miss Carter."
"I as well, comrade," her reply was a little too forced, so she added, "And please call me Peggy,"
His smile was very charming, and he smoothly answered, "Of course, but only if you call me Dmitri." He then motioned for her to go ahead of him.
Howard placed a cautionary hand on Peggy's arm, indicating that he wanted to speak to her privately. The handsome Russian shrugged and then followed the others out.
"We don't know anything about them," Howard hissed. "And what is with you and muscular blondes?"
Affectionately, Peggy teased, "Always the big brother, Howard?" She then linked her arm through his and tugged him close so their shoulders bumped.
Howard couldn't stop his grin, "That and the Colonel would kill me if you got your heart broken again. Not to mention what Souza would do to my vitals."
Smirking, Peggy assured him, "Oh, don't worry. I plan on keeping a close eye on those Russians, but not that close."
He didn't look too convinced, but Howard let her drag him along toward the dining room. Grumbling, he murmured, "Pal, I hope you know what you are doing."
With a cheeky grin, Peggy replied, "Why should I change what's been working great so far."
Once they all arrived in the dining room, the Chef complained that he didn't have time to cook them a proper three-course meal. Grudgingly, he fed them the sandwiches that should have been for lunch instead.
To a famished Peggy, it was the best food she had ever eaten. The Chef beamed when he heard the contented sounds everyone made as they chewed.
Snagging another roast beef sandwich from the tray, Zdenka chimed in, "My mother always said that hunger was the best sauce."
The others chuckled at the adage. After they had finished that course, they started dessert, coffee, and alcohol. During all this, the Russians sat huddled together on one side of the table while Peggy and her friends sat across from them.
Finishing off an éclair, Peggy stared expectantly at Dmitri.
After he shared a quick glance with Zdenka, he stated, "We have been looking into this situation for quite a while now."
Peggy nodded and asked, "We were wondering what the treasure was."
Dmitri looked to his partner to elaborate. Absently, Zdenka rubbed the gilded locket dangling around her neck as she contemplated what to reveal.
Smirking, Peggy mused at the woman's obvious tell.
Noticing that she was being studied, Zdenka quickly stopped her fidgeting. Irritated, she explained, "Many believe that it is not a treasure in the monetary sense, but a bounty of vast knowledge and amazing weaponry."
A seated Jarvis seemed rather put out, "That all sounds rather ambiguous." Instead of serving them, he had joined them at the table, and Peggy was glad of it. Seeing her friend dutifully attending to her every need made her feel uncomfortable. Besides, it also added to the image of a united front.
Zdenka shrugged, "This arcane myth has existed for over three thousand years. It probably has been over-embellished during all that time as something so old and mysterious often was. But for the multitude of dangerous trials that one must overcome and all the lives it has already taken, it must be worth it."
Peggy sipped her coffee and mentioned, "Professor Spencer said that all the Wonders trials could be linked to the Seven Virtues."
The woman opposite her spat, "Proving what a pious antiquated fossil he is, yet again. Granted, he is the best linguistic specialist, but he is too arrogant." Registering their frowns, Zdenka explained, "That is the typical Anglo-Saxon belief. Actually, only four of those Seven Virtues were even Greek. The rest of the Virtues are based on the modern-day theological notions."
Dmitri scowled at his colleague and added, "My assistant means that his belief is impossible because of how far back this whole hunt goes. Well before Christ was even born."
"Yes, of course," Peggy muttered, deep in thought. "I am curious what your theory is regarding this treasure."
Ignoring Dmitri's look of warning, Zdenka replied, "From what we have uncovered, whatever the prize is, it is momentous enough to change the course of human history."
Dmitri interjected quickly, "Unfortunately, there is not enough evidence for us to come to a more solid conclusion yet."
While they had talked, Howard had been more interested in studying Zdenka's curves than contributing. Though the Russian woman tried to ignore his leer, she was frustrated by his obviousness.
Overlooking the daggers aimed his way, Howard asked her suggestively, "So how did those pretty little ears of yours hear about this renewed interest in the treasure hunt?"
Zdenka quickly spoke before Dmitri could snarl an answer, "Archeologists have many contacts, and some of our connections tend to be on the illegal side. You cannot imagine how many priceless artifacts are being sold on the black market."
The steel in her voice regarding this subject made Peggy snort. Although Howard's question had been impertinent, the basis of it had been legit. Predictably, the Russians had not deemed to answer it. Internally she sighed. It seemed they had already started the 'keeping secrets' phase of the game.
Leaning back, Howard smirked, "So you believe all art should be kept in a museum?"
"Yes, it belongs to the people to enjoy. Not some corrupt millionaire or despot to be privately ogled," she countered and waved her hand about the opulent dining room.
Obviously, the Russian knew what she was talking about because Peggy was sure that one of the nearby vases on display was from the Ming Dynasty. Though she didn't know the market value regarding the other artwork in the room, this being Howard and all, she figured nothing here was cheap.
Peggy focused back on the Russians, specifically the female of the two. Hearing Zdenka's passionate speech, Peggy wondered if the woman's expertise went deeper than just a lowly assistant. Then recalling Dmitri's proficient judo chop, perhaps he wasn't who he claimed to be either. But she stayed quiet about her observations.
Instead, Peggy asked casually, "So your government just sent the two of you to track this very important treasure down?"
"We are very good at what we do," Dmitri replied confidently.
Peggy grunted dismissively, "I bet you are."
Dmitri regarded her challenging tone and shook his head. "We are not Leviathan if that is what you are intimating. That's a separate department. But I assure you that we do work for the Russian government. I assume you do as well for America…. No, wait, England perhaps?"
Before Howard could spill the beans, Peggy interjected, "Err, private parties."
Dmitri nodded, "I see. And by the looks of things, we are not the only ones interested in it either."
Peggy offered, "Yes, other than some rogue branch of the CIA, there was another faction. I assume it was you two following us at Giza." Dmitri nodded, so Peggy added, "Then you saw those women after us. Any idea who sent them on our tail? Are they also Russian?"
Instead of explaining that those deadly women were robots, Peggy kept that tidbit to herself to test how much these Russians knew. She would take a page from their new allies and not divulge everything, either.
Dmitri's voice became low as if afraid by saying the name out loud, they would magically appear, "No, Hydra."
Peggy, Howard, and Jarvis all exclaimed, "Hydra!?"
Just the mention of her old arch-enemy had Peggy reeling. She had believed that she and the Howling Commandos had weakened them to the point of extinction. Those dangerous foes should now be considered nothing more than a boogie-man used to scare children into eating their vegetables.
She stated gruffly, "I thought that the major players had all been caught or killed."
Dmitri smirked and downed the remainder of his vodka. "I am afraid not all of them, comrade Peggy."
After taking a sip of coffee to quell her tumultuous thoughts, Peggy asked, "How do you know about Hydra?"
Shrugging, Dmitri offered, "It is not the first time that they have been interested in ancient artifacts and treasure."
Nodding, Peggy recalled how obsessed Herr Schmidt had regarded the dangerous Tesseract and the devastation that unique relic nearly caused. She tried not to think of losing Steve in the bargain as he saved the world from the Red Skull's insane plan.
Instead she inquired, "So you've stopped them before?"
Dmitri's fingers lightly drummed on the tabletop, "Yes, there had been a few times during the war where we have had to intervene."
Wondering aloud, Peggy asked, "Do you know who in Hydra is after it?"
Shaking his head, Dmitri grumbled, "No, when we stumbled onto their plot to find this obscure treasure, it had all been rather chaotic."
Curious, Howard inquired, "Any idea what Hydra hopes to gain?"
"No, I do not know their endgame," Dmitri had hesitated a moment before he answered, and Peggy wondered what else he was holding back.
Zdenka added quickly, "All we knew at the time was that they were going to hit the Tanis Exhibit at the Smithsonian."
"Yes, I saw you two hiding in the crowd," Peggy acknowledged.
Shrugging, Dmitri then grinned, "Well, we certainly could not reveal who we really were then. And once we ascertained that you two had found the clue, we overheard that you were going to Egypt. We flew out that night and waited for you in Cairo."
Zdenka loudly cleared her throat. Catching her look, the male Russian nudged the papers on the dining room table as if he was looking for something.
Peggy had placed some of the documents that Spencer had left behind in front of them. Still, though, she had kept a few hidden away.
Dmitri picked up the copies that had been made of the Tanis clue. He stared first at the papyrus with the original Egyptian clue and then the hidden hatch-like scratches that had been covered over by it. Then he cleared his throat and stated, "Zdenka is more of the linguistics specialist."
As Zdenka peered at the images over his shoulder, she murmured to her partner, "Hold it up to the light so I can make out those odd curved-shaped markings better." While Dmitri lifted the paper for her to see, the Russian woman fumbled in a nearby small satchel. In moments she pulled out a rectangular buckskin that contained a notebook within.
Spying the beaten-up journal, Peggy wondered if it was a prerequisite that all archeologists carry one. She tried to get a glimpse into it, but Zdenka quickly moved it out of her line of sight.
Clearing her throat, the female Russian stared at the odd glyphs from Tanis, "Fascinating. These symbols appear similar to Cuneiform, but they are curved shaped instead of wedged."
Dmitri interjected, "Did Spencer have any idea what it said?"
Peggy shook her head, "No, he said when he compared it to actual Cuneiform, that it just deciphered gibberish. He insisted it must have been some undiscovered language."
Zdenka sighed, "Sorry, he was lying. This is definitely an offshoot of the Akkadian or Sumerian language from which Cuneiform script originated. Being the imminent epigraphist, he would have easily known all this."
As Peggy cursed under her breath, an eager Howard asked, "Well, can you decipher any of it?"
The female Russian admitted, "Yes, but it will take some time."
Peggy muttered, "From my Bletchley Circle days, our instructor had mentioned that Cuneiform was too difficult to use for code."
Smiling, Zdenka explained, "And for a good reason. Unlike most written languages, Cuneiform is non-alphabetic. Each of these symbols could represent a whole word or just a syllable. Unfortunately, that means they could have more than one possible meaning."
Noticing their bleak expressions, Zdenka stated encouragingly, "But do not worry. Since the Tanis clue was the first given, it should be the cipher key. From that, we will know what the determinative is, which would then tell us what category these symbols belonged to. That way, we will know if this refers to a person's name, a city, or even an object. This will greatly help in figuring what to assign these runes to."
Peggy and her friends sat back and exchanged a sigh of relief.
The Russian's affable mood shifted to more dour when Zdenka explained, "The problem is, it is time-consuming to decipher."
"But don't worry," Dmitri assured, "We will figure it out."
With Professor Spencer being the consummate linguist and having more time, Peggy figured that he had probably already translated most of those odd Cuneiform clues by now. Worse, she knew that he had informed Smith everything he had held back from her group.
Internally cursing that infernal man's duplicitous actions, Peggy turned and instructed curtly, "Howard, show them the other Cuneiform clues we found. Oh, and the folded one we made at the Pyramids to escape the closing walls."
A grinning Howard handed the Russians the remaining Cuneiform clues they had gotten from Pharos and Giza. "Hope it helps."
Dmitri put them in the order that they were found. The Russians nodded, pleased. After studying the glyphs, Zdenka stated, "Thank you for trusting us with these. We will let you know as soon as we figure out what the determinative is."
She then turned her attention to the scanned images of Zeus' crown. "Now, in reading this archaic Greek lettering—"
Peggy nodded, "Yes, Spencer said that the clue 'was in hand.' So this told us that the Nike statue in Zeus' palm had the clue."
"Actually, I believe that is telling us where the next clue is located for the Colossus." Zdenka quickly studied the image from Pharos, "And this one says 'Victory lies below.' Nike was the Goddess of Victory."
Howard shared a grimace with his friends and they awaited the Russian's findings for the Giza clues.
Pursing her lips, Zdenka read the ancient Greek wording of, "Pharos." She then noticed a small circular symbol at the end.
Holding it up to the light, she motioned her compatriot closer. "Dmitri, what does this look like to you?"
Studying the tiny image, he murmured, "Some sort of creature eating its tail, perhaps."
Zdenka nodded, and Jarvis groaned.
Through clenched teeth, Peggy confirmed, "Yes, the Pharos clue was located behind an Ouroboros mosaic."
Howard seethed, "Spencer knew the whole time where we should be looking."
Though peeved at Spencer's deceit, Peggy realized they did not have the luxury of time to focus on these past transgressions. Trying to get them back on track, she stated matter-of-factly to Zdenka, "Could those odd Cuneiform clues be the reason why we need to find the Wonders in a specific order?"
"Yes, that would make sense. And perhaps when all the clues are strung together, it will reveal where the final Wonder is located. If that is the case, then it would be for the Hanging Gardens of Babylon because little is known about it or its true location."
Dmitri supplied, "Unfortunately, we probably won't find out until we get the next clue or maybe even the one after that."
"Good luck there. Smith has us beat with speed and firepower," Peggy muttered.
"Not necessarily, Peggy," Dmitri replied confidently.
"Yeah, Peg. We have the knowledge, skills, and the technology to win this," Howard added and then winked at Zdenka. He was never one to ignore a challenge, especially when it came to the female persuasion.
Bolstered, Peggy asked the Russians, "Spencer believed that all the clues were located on sacred ground. Are there any such spots on Rhodes?"
Zdenka thought a moment, "Hum, that would be the Acropolis of Rhodes on Monte Smith."
"Good, then that is where we will start."
Holding up her hand, Zdenka stated, "Actually, I believe we should follow the historical texts instead of what Spencer thinks. Multiple Greek scholars wrote that the Colossus stood astride the Mandraki harbor."
Howard sneered incredulously, "So it was just luck that we stumbled upon the clues by following the Professor's theory?"
Zdenka stated emphatically, "Sacred land is probably just a coincidence. It is in the Giza, Pharos, and Zeus Wonders that held the clues, not the land."
Seeing their reluctance, Dmitri coaxed, "Try it our way."
"Yes, and if we are wrong, Monte Smith is very close to where we will be. It would take us no time to drive there from the Mandraki harbor. But I assure you that Spencer is wrong on this."
Grinning, Jarvis murmured, "Well, it would be nice if we could swoop in and steal it from the CIA for once."
Howard gazed off in the distance as he did some quick calculations, "Problem is, Smith knows that we are coming, and that warship of his could easily sink baby," he patted the table affectionately. "Already, we will have to take a wider route so he can't blow us to smithereens on the way there."
Peggy agreed, "Yes, they have us at a tactical disadvantage. Does Captain Jasper know where we could dock out of the way?"
Vehement, Howard promised, "If not, then I will make sure of it."
After finishing her coffee, Peggy was too tired to think anymore. Rubbing her eyes, she stated, "Well, it is best if we get some rest and then see what happens in the morning."
When Howard leaned toward Zdenka to suggest that she stay in his bed, Dmitri growled threateningly at him.
Loudly clearing his throat, Jarvis indicated for the two Russians to follow him, "Come with me. We can get you both settled in the guest cabins."
Howard's gaze followed Zdenka's swaying curves as she left the dining room. Peggy was surprised he didn't get seasick from the gyrations.
Smitten, he whispered to Peggy, "I think I'm in love, pal."
Peggy snorted and explained, "Howard, just because they are Communists, free love doesn't mean what you think it should."
Howard looked as if he had swallowed something sour, "I know we are from two different ideologies, but we were once allies during the war. Why can't it be like that again?"
Sighing, Peggy replied, "Because too much has happened between us since then. And though they claim they are not linked to Chief Dooley's murder, I still find it difficult to trust them."
He shared a disappointed look with her. Without another word, Peggy stood and went to her room to get some much-deserved sleep. Unfortunately, she had a feeling that the next morning's outing was not going to be any easier than the last three Wonders had been.
NOTE:
Much of the Cuneiform information was taken from a Great Courses lecture by Professor Ph.D. Amanda H. Podany titled "Ancient Mesopotamia: Life in the Cradle of Civilization."
