Europa Conspiracy (Babylon Rising 3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

wanted was a big story. They didn't care about people's feelings.
    Then his thoughts shifted to the funeral of Hank Baines. He could remember what that reporter, Stephanie Kovacs, had said as she shoved a microphone in front of his face.
    "Here at the memorial service for FBI agent Hank
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    Baines, I'm talking with Dr. Michael Murphy of Preston University. Dr. Murphy, you were the last person to see Hank Baines alive, is that right?"
    She had tried to pressure him into an emotional response.
    "What is it you and Agent Baines were discussing, Dr. Murphy? Have you told the police? Have you told his grieving widow? Tell me, do you feel any sense of responsibility for his death?"
    Since that time, Murphy's resentment of news reporters had grown.
    Near the entrance to the lecture hall, he could see Stephanie Kovacs sitting on a bench under the magnolia tree. Students were talking with her. Her cameraman was positioning himself for the best shots.
    She rose as he approached. "Dr. Murphy. Could I have a moment with you?"
    Students were watching, so Murphy did his best to appear cordial. He took a deep breath and said, "What can I do for you, Miss Kovacs?"
    "We happened to be in the area and were wondering if it would be possible for us to attend your lecture today?"
    Right! Just happened to be in the area. Murphy had suspicions that there was more she was after, but all he said was "Anyone is free to come in, Miss Kovacs."
    "Would it be permissible to shoot some video footage?" She flashed her most charming smile.
    "I suppose, as long as you don't disturb the class. I prefer to have the students thinking about the topic rather than what they'll look like on the evening news."
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    "Thank you, Dr. Murphy. We will be quite discreet."
    Quite discreet! Now, there's a change. What's with this meek and mild approach?
    "Good morning, class. Before we get started today, you may have noticed that we have a celebrity with us--Stephanie Kovacs. Most of you will recognize her as one of BNN's top investigative reporters. She's brought along her cameraman."
    The rowdy students clapped, cheered, and whistled. Kovacs acknowledged the din with a smile.
    "The cameraman will be moving around taking a few shots. Try not to make faces or hand signs or you may be investigated," Murphy warned with a grin.
    Everyone laughed.
    "That especially goes for you, Clayton."
    Clayton Anderson, the class clown, turned his palms up and opened his mouth in mock shock. Who, me? he mouthed, pointing at himself.
    "Today we will be considering a new subject," Murphy said more seriously. "We'll focus on the ancient city of Babylon. You may want to jot down a few notes. This will he on the test."
    There was a groan and the sound of notebooks opening.
    "As you will recall from the lectures about Noah's Ark, Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Ham was the son who violated his father while he was asleep. One of his sons was named Cush, and he had a son named Nimrod."
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    Murphy could see that some of the students had a questioning look on their faces.
    "Stay with me. I need to lay this foundation. In plain English, Nimrod was the great-grandson of Noah. The Bible calls him a great hunter or warrior. His name in Hebrew literally means 'let us rebel.' This can all be found in Genesis Chapter Ten.
    "The Jewish historian Josephus identifies Nimrod as the builder of the Tower of Babel. This great tower was built to represent the people's rebellion against God and the setting up of their own power structure. They did not want to come under His influence. It was at the Tower of Babel that God confused the people and created different language groups."
    "Dr. Murphy?" Clayton called, raising his hand. "I thought that the Tower of Babel was where King Solomon kept all of his wives."
    The class broke out in laughter.
    "I'm glad you feel better now, Clayton. May we continue?" Murphy said with a wry smile.
    The cameraman was videotaping the entire interaction.
    "Nimrod was the