The SS Trenton entered Valletta harbor,  it was like stepping back into the past in the age when there were tiny outposts like Malta and powerful men who ruled the Mediterranean. The yacht motored through the breakwater, after that the view of the island has been  much just the same as the glory days.

Emlin had no problem imagining living here in the seventeen century or eighteen century and nineteenth century. She felt like Napoleon sailing into to get supplies for his ship before he sailed to Egypt. In a way she was kind like him because she had stayed off the grid moving all over Europe and the Mediterranean.

Dead ahead, lit by the sunlight, was the dominant dome of the Carmelite church,  and ancient buildings around them. With breathtaking views of Fort St. Angelo with the order of Malta flag beside the Maltese flag blowing in the wind and Fort St. Elmo. 

The harbor itself was guarded by a four-story wall garrison with bastions, gunnery plaza's watchtowers and citadels  that watched over the island channel,  Straight across the harbor was Fort St. Ricasol.

They had bumped into a free dock near where a cruise ship was docked, letting people off for a tour. As Eric and Emlin strode up the steps onto the deck of the yacht. She snatched up her pelican case in her grip.

She cocked her head as she pointed out that city. "Eric, did you know that Valletta was built by the knights and many of their buildings have survived along with their art, including St.John's Co Cathedral."

"Thanks for the history lesson,   Emlin but what does have to do with why we're here," Eric inquired.

"Our target is the granddaughter of the Grandmaster of the Knight of Malta," Emlin answered in a cold,  threatening tone.

His eyes narrowed on her as he raised his eyebrow and his jaw tightened. He snarled as his lips drew back in a  snarl. Who the hell are you working for?"

Her expression hardened as her eyes bored into him with a tight-lipped smile.  "Headshot we're  an effective and efficent assasin orginzation with a  far reach."

"That's not good enough, I need to know why we have to eliminate her. There has to be a reason," Eric asked in an authoritative tone.

The Knight perched on top of the Medlina tower peered through his binoculars as he zeroed in on the yacht docked at one of the free docks in the Grand Harbor. Then he zeroed in on the two people who stepped off the yacht onto the streets.

He lowered his binoculars and froze.

They leaped off the yacht as they jumped onto the Barrier Wharf, and sauntered up the street, where they saw a taxi driving by that had stopped for them. They climbed in as they closed the door behind them.

The taxi sped up the winding narrow streets of honeyed limestone that glowed in the Mediterranean sun to the city gate. They stepped out and paid the driver in Euros as the cab drove off. They walked through the gate into the city that felt like they were in a year and century. They strolled up the cobblestone sidewalk, passing by 16 century baroque colorful stone buildings and places.

The streets were crowded with people from all over the world coming to see the city that was actually a Unesco World site.

Still, Eric wondered what she  wasn't telling him, there had to be more to it. There has been  always a reason why a target had to be killed, if it was for the greater good or to profit from it.

The Knight immediately noticed that the  lady was carrying a pelican case in her grip. He had learned through one of his  assets in the Malta Security Service that her name was Emlin Medusa; and according to the  intel he got  she was a high-priced assassin that had been dispatched to kill Leslie de Vallette.

They strolled over to the yellow golden baroque buildings in St. Johns square that was the Grandmaster's Palace with people sitting outside on the benches. Emlin spotted a  staircase behind the palace as they sprinted up to the roof where her sniper perch was.

She was already on her knees before the Hardigg storm case, pulling out  twenty six-inch fluted barrel from the foam lining.  As she mounted it on the receiver and quick- locking the suppressor, She finished assembling Batista,  configuring for .338 Lapua chambering and slotting in a ten- round box mag. " Eric, you don't understand the Sovereign Military Order of Malta are their sovereign state. Although it's not recognized by the United Nations as one--"

Fear crossed his face, his eyebrows rose as his eyes flashed on the sniper rifle. "You're telling me that the reason that Leslie, Alexis, the granddaughter of the grand master of the Knight of Malta has to be killed  because the Sovereign Military Order of Malta is their own state. So what if they are that's still not good enough reason."

She flipped open her Dope book where she had recorded all the atmospheric conditions,range, lighting and resulting every shot she had fired. "I see you haven't changed at all Eric, still want to believe what did you was for the good of your country and national security."

He scowled. "You know that I can't let you do that right. What you're about to do is start a war between Malta and United States and you could possibility  gain from it?"

She peered through her powerful scope on her sniper rifle as she finger rested on the trigger. "Tension is good for business,   that's all I can say."

The Knight had travelled back to Valletta where he stood in the Upper Barrak's garden watching the events unfold before him. His orders were clear he was supposed to watch and not interfere unless it was necessary. He had been protecting the Order for Centuries. In a way he had known about the granddaughter and promised to protect her.

Eric drew his suppressed pistol from his hip holster as his face went black as rage shot through him. "I will put a round into you if I have to stop from you assassinating Leslie de Vallette."

Leslie walked up the cobblestone street as she blended into a crowd of people strolling by taking photographs, making her way over to St Johns Co-Cathedral. She knew nothing about the Order except that it went back centuries, so why she was chosen to become the new grandmaster.

Emlin gave a mirthless laugh. "Eric, really, you think can stop me from carrying out this hit. Trust me, you do not know who you are dealing with? I'm just one of their assassins; there are plenty more of us."

She held her breath and fired,  the rifle recoiled with a loud crack as the bullet flew out in the air. Eric dive into the line of the sight, but it was too late.