Genesis (GODS CHAIN)

Genesis: GODS CHAIN In the beginning came the dreams... For centuries the wicked weaved their intricate webs of deceit, disguising another pathway to find God. There is an ancient quest that continues for a hidden knowledge that brings power, corruption and death in a dark tale that originates in the remote Scottish village of Mauchline. In Vatican City another mystery surrounds an untraceable security breach in the computerised nerve-centre of papal authority. This has ramifications for the suspect intentions of “Gods Own Banker” Cardinal Giovanni Dalla Gassa. He has plans for a “new Genesis”. Once he is in possession of the links to God that would tip the cosmic and spiritual balance in favour of the holder. The mystery thickens with the involvement of the Freemasons, the Cardinals' security agents from the Vatican Internal Audit Office, a ruthless businessman with Mafia connections named Don Luizio Ilario, the disappearance of a Computer Systems Administrator, Michaelangelo and the torment of his meddlesome friend Francesca DeRose who becomes lost inside the Vatican Catacombs! This story is intricate and complex, akin to a game of chess with deadly manipulation. Behind the Vatican walls is a top secret and highly classified dossier sealed with a Papal Golden Bull called Operation Aequinoxium. What vital information does it hold? Meanwhile, back in Mauchline, new and increasingly bizarre events are only starting to unfold. Where will its macabre secrets lead? Unravel this covert cover-up in a sinister story which tells of the beginning of the end of all civilizations and a dawning of a new and ominous superpower! Is this really a holy mission to find God or is it a supernatural grail quest to the grave… It is a new beginning... A new Genesis… Excerpt : The blackness seemed to get blacker - to close in around her. Her view was diminishing rapidly, almost as if the headlamp was losing power. What would she do, without her light amidst all these bones? ‘Do not look down there, Francesca! Don’t look any more! Keep walking! Please God help me!’ Francesca pleaded to God in utter despair, completely terrified. Lost an alone she needed all the help she could get. The darkness was heavy and the corridor was long, so long. Francesca began to slow down her pace and eventually ground to a halt. The cold was so intense that crystals were thickening on top of her body as she moved less and less. Far away, the stairs again came into her cold beam of light. It was her way out! The frost permeated into every muscle and sinew. Francesca walked and slipped towards the end of the dormitory of the dead, her mind slowing in pace along with her limbs, although she still had enough wit to check for her markings. Survival was instinctive - another mistake would prove fatal. No sign! Francesca stumbled onto the first three or four steps, feeling weary and exhausted, her body completely frozen. Her plight was desperate and this would have been the finish for most people, but somehow Francesca was given one final boost. ‘Come on girl, move it! Come on, get up! Lift yourself now! Up!’ She screamed loudly, a surge of adrenaline instantly injecting throughout her body. Her heart began pumping strongly enough...and Francesca started crawling up the stairs two and three at a time. Francesca eventually reached the top. She had made it! Her teeth chattered uncontrollably and her body shook, completely frozen and covered totally with white frost. Francesca’s hair was stiff and her face white - she came to rest, lying on the cold floor, resembling a thin snowman on a white field. The girl lay down atop the frosty hall and fell asleep, her body shattered from overuse. As she lay, the frost began to melt from her shoulders and hair; her cold white skin and blue complexion thawed, and a blush started to flow in her cheeks as she remained still, slouched and unconsciousness to the sound of someone or something screaming from below....

About the Author

Nikolaus Baker is my nom de plume, which is derived from my father's name, Nikolaus Hlibyczuk. Our surname is Ukrainian which is interpreted as bread maker or baker. My father arrived in the UK in 1947 after World War II, coming from Germany. Dad was only a very young man and had a few desperate choices to make to survive the war. There was no food in Germany, and due to starvation, he was forced to become a German soldier to live. A lucky man, dad eventually ended up a prisoner of war then driving army trucks for the American Gi's & providing security on trains. Dad was known as Michael. He worked in many different places in the UK & finished his career as head cook at Ballochmyle Hospital. My father married Cissi Thom, my mum. I love both my parents very much even though my childhood was very difficult with mum struggling with alcoholism. Dad & mum have since passed on and I sadly miss them both. I owe everything to my dad. In total respect and of him and his memory, as a writer I want our name to live on in my writing. So, Baker was a natural choice for my pen name. Mauchline is situated on the west coast of Scotland, Ayrshire, near Glasgow. A place steeped in history from the Covenanters & Freemasons to the poet Robert Burns who also lived in the village. I graduated with a BA degree in 1993 with the Open University. My first job was as a laboratory assistant at Auchinleck Academy in the 1970s gaining promotion as a lab technician, moving on to work at Stewarton High School & Irvine Royal Academy where I met a good friend Stuart whose hobby was with microcomputers. I loved my BBC Model B Microcomputer! I then became a computer technician at the College of Building & Printing, Glasgow in the 1980s where I met my wife Aileen. We have two sons & a daughter. My father-in-law was Provost George Calder Murray of Paisley Burgh in Scotland. George had the privilege of meeting, organising and escorting HRM Queen Elisabeth and Prince Philip for the Paisley 500 celebrations on 9th Aug 1988. I was a Karate enthusiast in the 70s and 80s, practicing in the Kisan in Ayr and Kilmarnock gaining 3rd Kyu with John Kerr in his own dojo (next to a dentist's - handy that!) I was diagnosed with cancer aged 43. It was a total shock & life-changing. I tried to run away from it and found that this is something I couldn't do. With nowhere to hide, I faced my battle. I am eternally indebted to all those who saved my life. I thank my doctors at the local health centre in Bourtreehill, Irvine, for their help & the surgeon in Ayr Hospital & radiotherapy department, consultants & staff stationed at the Beatson. I have worked in I.T. both in the private & public sectors. I retired in 2018 after working in the largest college in Glasgow as I.T. Systems Administrator & Computer Network Engineer. My writing passion is challenging & also very therapeutic. I did this sitting early mornings freezing in winters writing GOD'S CHAIN at the bus station before going to work or on lunchtimes at the Glasgow Cenotaph over many summers. I wanted to write a dark fantasy with a difference called GOD'S CHAIN. It is not a religious story. GOD'S CHAIN is a classic tale of light against darkness, good against evil with a message. That by putting our religious and racial differences away, we can through universal brotherhood, courage, determination, hope, friendship and love we can uplift ourselves spiritually against all adversity. Ultimately my aim is to entertain and tell an exciting story. I was lucky to retire early from the college in 2018. I continue to write GOD'S CHAIN and take lessons in acting. My dream is to get a movie deal for GOD'S CHAIN and play some role in it. As I said, It's only a dream.: -)

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