The Grand Master Templar Knight broke the seal of the letter, its wax imprint of the pope’s signet ring a stark reminder of the power backing the words inside:
7 May 1945
Do you truly think you’ve won, simply because you’ve toppled a few of my pawns? Your audacity in eradicating some of my most crucial pieces is commendable, but do you dare believe I’ve exhausted all my moves?
This deadly chess game is far from mate.
There remains an unsettled score, a consequence of your hubris. You’ve dragged an innocent into this deadly dance, used them as a weapon against me. They shall pay the price.
4 August 1945
Washington, DC
“Your Holiness, how should I proceed?” President Harry Truman’s voice trembled slightly as he sought counsel from Pope Pius XII, wavering in his decision to unleash irreversible hellfire on the nation of Japan.
“Mr. President,” said Pope Pius XII through the secure phone line, “you bear the weight of the presidency, the duty to safeguard as many American lives as you can. Yes, innocent lives will be caught in the crossfire, but should you falter in this mission, the toll of this horrific war could multiply exponentially.” The pope’s words were a beacon of encouragement for the late FDR’S successor. Such divine words guiding the newly sworn-in president of the United States could potentially bring this gruesome war to a halt.
“But how will the world judge us?” Truman’s voice was barely a whisper.
“Mr. President, envision a Normandy-style invasion of Japan. The casualties would be in the millions.” The pope’s words hung in the air, a sober reminder of the potential cost. “The bomb, however, could spare those millions their lives.”
A heavy sigh escaped Truman’s lips. “I suppose you’re right. Your wisdom and guidance are invaluable, Your Holiness.” With a final click, President Truman disconnected the secure line, a sense of gratitude washing over him for receiving divine counsel from the most sacred figure on Earth.
6 August 1945
8:15 a.m. Japan Standard Time
Tinian Airbase
North Marianas Islands
The atomic bomb codenamed “Little Boy” was nestled ominously in the belly of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber, affectionately dubbed the Enola Gay. The bomber soared at a staggering altitude of 31,000 feet, casting a small but menacing shadow over the unsuspecting city of Hiroshima, Japan, a mere 500 miles from the heart of Tokyo. With a deafening roar, the bomb-bay doors swung open, releasing the monstrous 9,000-pound uranium-235 A-Bomb.
2,000 feet above the city, it detonated with a blinding flash, instantly obliterating everything beneath it. An estimated 80,000 lives were extinguished in an instant, including 20,000 brave souls of the Imperial Japanese Army. A colossal mushroom cloud, the harbinger of devastation, ascended miles into the sky, a grim testament to the destructive power unleashed.
7 August 1945
Rome, Italy
Templar Headquarters
The Grand Master Templar Knight dispatched a missive of dire urgency to the pope, a plea to halt the cataclysmic world war. It bore a single, thunderous decree:
ENOUGH!
7 August 1945
Rome, Italy
Vatican City
Upon receiving the audacious demand from the Grand Master of the Templars, a wave of fury washed over Pope Pius XII. His heart pounded in his chest like a war drum, his blood boiling with righteous indignation.
Without a moment’s hesitation, he reached for the secure phone, his fingers swirling the dial with a sense of urgency. The voice of Truman crackled through the phone line in greetings.
The pope, his voice resonating with an unyielding command, directed the president of the United States to execute the deployment of the second bomb.
9 August 1945
Tinian Airbase
North Marianas Islands
The atomic bomb codenamed “Fat Man” was secured within the belly of the modified B-29 christened Bockscar. The formidable aircraft sliced through the sky, its deadly cargo aimed at the unsuspecting city of Kokura. However, the remnants of the previous day’s bombing had shrouded 70% of the city in a thick, impenetrable cloud cover, adding undue risk to the mission.
The B-29, thwarted by mankind’s ravaging of nature, veered off course and set its sights on its secondary target, Nagasaki.
At precisely 11:02 a.m., the monstrous 10,300-pound plutonium bomb was unleashed, detonating a chilling 1,650 feet above the narrow valleys of Nagasaki. The resulting explosion was cataclysmic, instantly claiming the lives of 40,000 unsuspecting souls.
9 August 1945
Rome, Italy
Templar Headquarters
The Grand Master Templar Knight, his hands steady and unyielding, broke the wax seal emblazoned with the pope’s signet ring to reveal the secrets inscribed on the parchment.
I am the one
who decides when it is ENOUGH!
The words echoed in the Grand Master’s mind, a bitter reminder of the pope’s unwavering resolve. He understood the pope held the final play in this high-stakes game.
Their two formidable forces were locked in stalemate. The global “chess match” had reached a nerve-wracking impasse.
The Templars, guardians of Solomon’s treasure, remained steadfast in their refusal to surrender it, while the pope was hell-bent on claiming the treasure no matter how many lives it cost. The Grand Master knew this battle of wills was far from over. The contest was destined to reignite at some future date.
Chapter 80
March 12, 2000
Sunday 11:23 a.m.
Rome, Italy
