April 3, 2024 • 30 mins
Gene helps the CIA investigate a KGB mission concerning "Operation Gladio," a Cold War clandestine operation involving secret armies and hidden weapons caches.
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Speaker 1 (00:04):
Rome, Italy's modern capital, as well as an ancient city
rich in history and mythology. According to legend, Rome was
founded by twin brothers, Romulus and Remus in seven point
fifty three BC. They were sons of a human mother
and the god of war Mars. After their birth, the
king of the mythical city of Albelanga ordered them killed.
(00:27):
Worried they would usurp his throne. They were placed in
a basket and put into the Tiber River, left to
die from exposure, but against all odds they survived. They
washed ashore at the foot of the Palatine Hill, where
they were suckled by a she wolf on the site
that would become Rome. But that place had been inhabited
for much longer than the myth declares, making at home
(00:50):
to a major human settlement for almost three millennia, as
well as one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in Europe. Today,
Rome is the country's most populated city and the third
most populous city on the continent. It also contains the
smallest country in the world, Vatican City, an independent nation
inside the city boundaries. The only existing example of such
(01:13):
an arrangement. Rome is considered to be the cradle of
Western civilization and Christian culture, and the center of the
Catholic Church. But while it might be the birthplace of
democracy and the resting place of Caesar, it was also
the site of even more important events like the invention
of the pizza, the advancement of wine, and of course,
(01:34):
the wonders of the toga party.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Excuse me, sir, can I get you to rifil?
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Excuse me?
Speaker 2 (01:41):
Would you like another drink?
Speaker 1 (01:43):
Ah?
Speaker 3 (01:43):
No, thank you, and you miss I'm fine, Thank you.
Do you know how much longer till we land?
Speaker 2 (01:50):
About an hour?
Speaker 3 (01:51):
Thank you? I think I'll take the opportunity to use
the restroom.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
Rebecca.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
Hey there, God, it really is nicer up here. I've
got an Italian guy and coach proposing to me over peanuts.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
Blasto will be back any moment.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
Oh, I know, I saw her get up. Just wanted
to hand you this.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
What is it?
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Another single play record for Martin with details on the mission.
Give it a listen, all right, back to my honey
roasted fiancee, see you when we land.
Speaker 4 (02:27):
Hello, Jean, Before the start of your mission, I wanted
to give you some more background and Operation Gladio after
World War two, the CIA and NATO decided to create
clandestine stay behind paramilitary operations with the official aim of
countering a possible Soviet invasion through sabotage and guerrilla warfare
behind enemy lines. Arms caches were hidden, escape routes prepared,
(02:48):
and loyal members recruited. It's clandestine cells were to stay
behind in enemy controlled territory and to act as resistance movements,
conducting sabotage for the warfare and assassinations. Operation Gladio is
used as the code name for all these operations, though
it specifically refers to the Italian branch, and your father
was a principal architect of the operation, responsible for locating
(03:11):
the caches and designing the escape routes. No maps ever
existed of these locations. The information transferred from Guardian to
Guardian over the years. Now we fear pathfinder your father
is helping the Soviets use these weapons for terrorist attacks
in preparation for a Communist coup. Over the past several months,
there have been a series of terrorist bombings in Italy
(03:31):
by the Soviet supported terrorist group the Red Brigade. You're
and Rebecca's mission is to find out if Operation Gladio
has been compromised by Pathfinder, and the weapons caches have
been exploited by the Soviets.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
Oh, it's nothing, just a music device Charles gave me
back in London. But I think it's broken though, let
me see.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
I'm not sure enough to make your ears bleed.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
Right, of course, it must be broken. Nothing to worry about,
ladies and gentlemen.
Speaker 5 (04:07):
We are beginning our descent in ta Roma International Airport.
The local time is twelve oh five and the temperature
is about me twenty five degrees celsius. Please remain in
your seats with your seatbelts fastened for the remainder of
the flight. And thank you for flying Ali Dahlia. It
has been a pleasure having you on board.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
Do you know where we are staying?
Speaker 1 (04:29):
Martin booked us at the Hassler.
Speaker 3 (04:31):
Really, I've always dreamed of staying there.
Speaker 1 (04:34):
I know this corporate lifestyle does have its perks.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
I'll say I can wait to walk out of the
hotel and down the Spanish steps like Audrey Hepburn in Roman.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Holiday, only you're even more gorgeous.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
Well, who needs Gregory Peck when I have my own Euromeo.
Speaker 1 (04:56):
The legendary hotel Hassler was established in eighteen ninety three
and it occupies the most sought after location in Rome,
right on top of the Spanish Steps. It offers breathtaking
views not only from its Michelin starred restaurant, which was
the first panoramic restaurant built in Rome, but also from
many of the hotel's eighty seven rooms and suites. During
(05:19):
World War Two, Mussolini changed its name to Villa Medici
until the US Air Force requisitioned it as their headquarters
in Rome. In nineteen forty seven, the hotel reopened to
travelers and has been one of Europe's top luxury hotels
ever since. The signatures of celebrities, luminaries and dignitaries bill
the hotel's Golden guest book, with names such as Audrey Hepburn,
(05:43):
Charlie Chaplin, Pablo Picasso and Frank Sinatra, just to name
a few. Grace Kelly and Prince Regnier of Monaco even
honeymoon at the Hassler, making it truly a hotel fit
for royalty banorlo. How may I help you, mister and
(06:04):
missus Eugene Fodor checking in.
Speaker 6 (06:06):
Ben, Welcome to the Hastra. Here's your room gate. And
here's a package that arrived for you.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
Sir, Thank you.
Speaker 7 (06:16):
What is it?
Speaker 1 (06:17):
It's a list of sites Martin wants us to cover.
And here this book sample is for you. I believe.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
Oh the galleys for Monte Carlo. Oh no, they used
the wrong paper stock.
Speaker 3 (06:28):
I need to call the printer immediately before they start
running the press.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
Why don't you go upstairs and make the call. Get
settled in. I told Rebecca I'd meet her in the piazza,
so we can go get a start on this list.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
Sounds good.
Speaker 6 (06:39):
I see you later, Choo Belda.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
The Villa Borghese Gardens are located on the Pinchin Hill,
close to the Spanish Steps and the Piazza del Popolo.
The gardens cover an area of eighty hectors and were
developed in sixteen oh six by Cardinal shit Bione Borghese,
who wanted to turn his former vineyard into the most
extensive gardens built in Rome. In the same period, the
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cardinal commissioned the architect Flamigno Ponzio to build the Villa
Borghese Pinciana. Today, this elegant building houses the Gallaria Borghese.
Over time, the gardens were completely redesigned in the naturalistic
English style and became a public park in nineteen oh three.
The perfect place for an afternoon passagiata Jean, Rebecca, there
(07:35):
you are.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
Nice day.
Speaker 1 (07:37):
Huh yeah, not a bad place for an afternoon stroll.
One of my favorite places in Rome.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
Glad you like it, But it was actually the choice
of our contact. We're meeting him here too. Martin mentioned
you'll remember him from your past.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
Really another blast from the past.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
Yep, there he is now the.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
Priest you sure, Esquezzi.
Speaker 8 (08:01):
See you must be Rebecca.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Leo Choo, Eugene.
Speaker 7 (08:06):
It's so good to see you again.
Speaker 1 (08:08):
You too, I just didn't recognize you.
Speaker 8 (08:12):
Dressed to be different than last time we met.
Speaker 1 (08:13):
No, I'd say you've traded a band a leer for
a callar.
Speaker 8 (08:17):
It seems when I last saw Jean, I was still
fighting for the Italian Resistance and i'd yet to take
my vows. I know my past life'time was a bit different.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
Different, Rebecca. This man could outfight an out party anyone
I've ever met. Back when I used to deliver weapons
and intel for the OSS to the Italian Resistance, Leo
was my contact, and every time Leo and I met
we each brought a bottle of wine and guess what.
Speaker 7 (08:44):
We'd always finished both.
Speaker 8 (08:49):
It was a different time.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Leo was the last person I thought it would become
a Catholic priest. But it's great to see you found
a new cause. What prompted the career change?
Speaker 8 (09:01):
Honestly, after the war I was lost. All I'd seen
and done nothing made sense anymore, and I didn't know
where to go. First, I searched for answers at the
bottom of a bottle and in all of the wrong places.
But then I found God and committed myself to the cloth.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
That is quite a change.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
But Leo, if you've put all that behind you, what
are you doing here?
Speaker 8 (09:25):
While I am committed to God, I never stopped being
committed to the cause I was previously pledged to.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
Father Leo has been a valued asset of the CIA
for years.
Speaker 8 (09:35):
Being a priest in espionage has its advantages. I know everyone,
and they tell me all of their secrets.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
Father Leo's also been a part of Operation Gladio, acting
is the keeper of a hidden cash of weapons. In
case the Soviets ever.
Speaker 8 (09:48):
Attack, I'd have to take off my robes and officially
rejoin the resistance. Of course, but I agreed to be
part of Operation Gladio and will not go back on
that promise.
Speaker 1 (09:57):
Yes, I shouldn't be surprised by your loyalty, just that
a priest is spying for the CIA.
Speaker 8 (10:04):
You forget, Gene. The Vatican and the CIA share a
common enemy, Communism in the Soviets. We are committed to
defeating both.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
Of course you are, and that's the reason for our meeting.
There's been a series of recent bomb attacks from the
Soviet sponsored Red Brigade. They're far left Marxist Leninist terrorist
organization with ties to Moscow.
Speaker 8 (10:27):
These bombings have been in public places, raising tensions and
forcing government crackdowns. Things are getting ugly.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
And what about the weapons cash from Claudia? Have they
been compromised?
Speaker 8 (10:39):
My secret is safe and secure. I haven't told his
soul and won't even reveal it to you, Gene, as
much as I trust you, But I cannot speak to
the other depotshden throughout the city.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
Who was that sounded like a bomb? It came from
the direction of the coliseum.
Speaker 9 (10:54):
Paternoster, dear God, not another one.
Speaker 1 (11:07):
Construction of the Colosseum began under the Emperor of Vespasian
in seventy two a d and was completed eight years
later under his successor and heir Titus. It was the
largest amphitheater ever built and is still the largest standing
amphitheater in the world. It rests in Rome's city center
and could hold up to eighty thousand spectators, who flocked
(11:30):
to it to watch gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, including
animal hunts, executions, reenactments of famous battles, and dramas based
on Roman mythology. Although substantially ruined over the centuries by
earthquakes and stone robbers, the Colosseum is still an iconic
symbol of Imperial Rome and is one of Rome's most
(11:52):
popular tourist attractions.
Speaker 2 (11:59):
Genie, stay back. They've cordoned off the whole area. Looks
like a carbomb and police officers were injured. They just
put one in the ambulance and already have forensics working
the scene.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
How do we find out what happened?
Speaker 8 (12:11):
I'll find out. See the detective by the fire truck.
I baptized him twenty five years ago and I haven't
seen him in church in months. He's going to squeal
Akechingali on his spit.
Speaker 7 (12:22):
He'll be right back.
Speaker 1 (12:24):
It certainly pays to be a priest in Rome.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
Amen to that.
Speaker 1 (12:28):
The thing I find confusing. There's nothing subtle about this attack.
The Coloseum is about as high profile as it gets, and.
Speaker 2 (12:35):
An attack overtly on the police no less, it's a statement.
It's going to create a firestorm. The government will respond
with force.
Speaker 1 (12:44):
Things will get ugly, just as I suspected.
Speaker 8 (12:47):
He confirmed it was a premeditated attack on the carabinieri.
Speaker 1 (12:51):
How do they know it was premeditated?
Speaker 8 (12:53):
They received an anonymous phone call about a suspicious vehicle
park near the Colosseum. Five officers arrived to an investigate.
When one officer opened the trunk, a bomb exploding, killing
three of them and wounding the two others.
Speaker 2 (13:07):
Do they have any suspects No.
Speaker 8 (13:10):
No one has claimed responsibility yet, but all signs point
to the pcate Rose, the Red Brigade.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
It does match their recent activity, but usually they're the
first to say they did it.
Speaker 8 (13:22):
It's probably only a matter of time. The detective did
mention that forensics confirmed that the bomb material matches the
dynamite signature of an attack. The Red Brigade proudly perpetrated
on a tire factory a month ago.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
A dynamite attack really.
Speaker 1 (13:38):
Looks like one to me. You don't agree, No, I.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
Know blast patterns. The CIA teaches demolitions at the farm.
This looks like a directional blast to me. See how
the rest of the car is still intact. That's not dynamite,
you know.
Speaker 8 (13:54):
I think you are right. I blew up many bridges
during the war, and frankly, this looks far too stategic
a dynamite donation.
Speaker 2 (14:01):
It must be four C four, a new type of
plastic explosive military grade and very very rare.
Speaker 8 (14:09):
Then where would they get it?
Speaker 2 (14:11):
We could find out each explosion has its own chemical signature,
like a fingerprint, which I bet these officers don't know
to look for. If I could just get some residue
from the car, I could run a test LEO.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
Any chance you presided over the police chief's wedding and
can call in a favor.
Speaker 8 (14:31):
Sadley, He is an atheist.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
Okay, I have an idea. Just follow my lead.
Speaker 6 (14:39):
Ah me, ah, got it, get it up.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
My apologies, officer. My sister's boyfriend was one of the officers.
She's just a stare.
Speaker 8 (14:51):
He's a crimacy and she is a nothing evidence.
Speaker 1 (14:54):
I understand this is her priest. We will make sure
she gets the proper counsel.
Speaker 6 (14:58):
Remove her immediately.
Speaker 8 (15:00):
Of course, of course, officeer me squoozy for the getagans,
my dear, please quote me.
Speaker 1 (15:07):
Ah, what the hell was that?
Speaker 2 (15:16):
Italians are passionate people. I thought they might understand.
Speaker 8 (15:20):
Did you get what you need?
Speaker 6 (15:22):
Yes?
Speaker 2 (15:23):
My nail file scraped off a good sample of the
bomb residue. I have a test cape back at the hotel.
I'll go and run a sample.
Speaker 8 (15:29):
Now, Bennie, Bennie. It's a bad time for evening prayers.
I must return to the church, but please let me
know what you find.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
I'll go back to our hotel while we wait for
the results. Lello, it's great to see you again after
all this time. Sorry, we're back in the thick of it.
Speaker 8 (15:46):
We are strong.
Speaker 7 (15:47):
As long as we are all together.
Speaker 2 (15:49):
I'll call as soon as I have something.
Speaker 7 (15:51):
Erb deerci.
Speaker 1 (16:03):
Gelato may bee the Italian word for ice cream, but
really it is so much more. Every piazza in Italy's
main cities, every small town square, many a street corner
is home to a local gelateria, where a colorful variety
of homemade flavors can be sampled and enjoyed. It is
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said to have first arrived in the country in twelve
ninety five when Marco Polo returned to Venice from China
with a recipe similar to sorbet, which made its way
to Florence, where Cossimo Ruggeri is credited with creating the
first gelato fior di latte at the court of Catherine
de Medici. In a competition, the theme was the most
(16:45):
unique dish that had ever been seen, and gelato was
the clear winner. Traditional flavors of gelato include doracciatella, vanilla, cocolate,
al monde, and pistacchio, but modern flavors have expanded far
and beyond. It is more than a dessert. It is
a national pastime to be enjoyed on an evening stroll
(17:09):
through a beautiful Italian piazza with the one you love.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
Jean Darling.
Speaker 3 (17:15):
Your cone is dripping. Oh oh, I could eat gelato
every day. I love Rome, the fashion, the food, history,
the romance. Of course, my dear, While I'm looking forward
to our new offices, I sure will miss this.
Speaker 1 (17:33):
We'll still travel plenty. We'll just get to be more
selective about where and when.
Speaker 3 (17:37):
As long as we're staying at the Hustler, I'll come
to Rome any time.
Speaker 1 (17:42):
I'll be sure to let Martin know.
Speaker 3 (17:44):
Speaking of I should probably get back to our room.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
I need to finish proofing the galley.
Speaker 1 (17:49):
Let's say back then. The travel guid business never sleeps.
By the way, are you happy with Rebecca's photos so far?
Speaker 3 (17:57):
I almost hate to admit it, but she does this
great work. I'm just still getting used to not pressing
the button.
Speaker 1 (18:04):
But at least you get final decision, just like with me.
Speaker 10 (18:08):
Hmm.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
My ownership has its benefits.
Speaker 6 (18:13):
Welcome back to the house or missus voldor.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
Thank you Geen?
Speaker 3 (18:21):
Are you going to come up?
Speaker 1 (18:22):
I'll meet you later. I need to check my messages
and catch.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
Up with Rebecca, all right, see you for dinner.
Speaker 1 (18:28):
Somewhere with candlelight and pasta.
Speaker 3 (18:31):
You know where to find me, my.
Speaker 1 (18:32):
Love, excusie.
Speaker 6 (18:39):
Maybe you have service, mister fold?
Speaker 1 (18:41):
Yes? Do I have any messages?
Speaker 6 (18:46):
One from a miss Rebecca Ralstan. She asked you to
give her a call at her hotel.
Speaker 1 (18:50):
Of course.
Speaker 6 (18:51):
Where are the phone booths down that haul on the left, Cratsia.
Speaker 1 (19:16):
Bronto fifty one please.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
Un momento.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
Hello, it's Jeane. I got your message. What did you find?
Speaker 2 (19:23):
It turns out I was right. The resident was from
a plastic explosive, not dynamite.
Speaker 1 (19:28):
What does this mean for the mission?
Speaker 2 (19:29):
Well, it limits where they could get it. But if
this was US military grade from an Operation Gladio weapons cache,
we need to know.
Speaker 1 (19:37):
Sounds like Father Leon needs to do some confessing of
his own and fast.
Speaker 2 (19:40):
If we can find out the location of his weapons cache,
I can verify if it's been compromised or.
Speaker 1 (19:46):
If he has been Not Leo, he's as loyal as
they come. I'll talk to him.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
He'll still be at his church. Santa Maria Maggiore.
Speaker 1 (19:53):
I'm on my way. I'll call you after. Forgive me, Father,
for I have sinned it.
Speaker 8 (20:12):
Jane, is that you I never pictured you as a
religious type.
Speaker 1 (20:18):
I'm not, but I've had a lot on my mind lately.
Speaker 7 (20:21):
Well, unburden yourself to me.
Speaker 1 (20:24):
I guess I feel my lies are racking up. In particular,
I feel awful betraying Vlosta's trust. Our relationship has always
been built on honesty and keeping secrets from her ways
on me?
Speaker 7 (20:37):
Then why do it?
Speaker 1 (20:38):
Because I feel it's the only way to keep her safe.
I agree to work on these missions, to work with
the CIA, but she didn't. I would hate to force
her into something she didn't want to be a part of,
something that could be dangerous. I'm scared telling her the
truth could risk our marriage, even Vlosta's life. Am I
being smart or selfish?
Speaker 8 (21:01):
I don't know.
Speaker 7 (21:03):
It's twisting me in knots.
Speaker 8 (21:05):
Lying is a sin, Gene, But protecting the ones we
love well, there is nothing more sacred. So you must
think long and hard about what is at stake on
each side, and ultimately listen to your heart. So do
not operate from fear, but from love.
Speaker 1 (21:27):
I suppose you're right. We all do this out of
love of something greater, don't we? If not, why take
such risks? I suppose? And sometimes the rules are not
so black and white.
Speaker 7 (21:42):
They rarely are.
Speaker 1 (21:43):
Gene, Father, I need you to tell me the location
of your weapons.
Speaker 8 (21:49):
Cash No, no, no, no, this is impossible.
Speaker 1 (21:52):
I understand you took an oath to keep it secret,
but your goal is to keep the citizens of this
city safe first and foremost. It's as you said, we
must think about what is at stake on each side.
Rebecca just called and said the explosion was caused by
military c four. Now we must see if it was
stolen from your depot. If we don't, more lives will
be lost. Search your heart, Leo, you know what must
(22:16):
be done.
Speaker 8 (22:21):
Fine, say seven, heil Mary's tonight, Jean as an act
of contrition, and I'll meet you and Rebecca on Appian
Way in an hour.
Speaker 1 (22:30):
Thank you, father. Amen. Appian Way or Via Appia is
one of the earliest and strategically most important Roman roads
of the Ancient Republic. It was the first long road,
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built in three twelve BC in order to transport troops
and military supplies for Rome's conquest of southern Italy. By
the late Republic, the Romans had expanded over most of
Italy and were masters of road construction. Their roads began
in Rome, where the master itinerarium, or list of destinations
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along the roads was located and extended to the borders
of their domain, hence the expression all roads lead to Rome.
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Appian Way
fell out of use until eventually Pope Pious the sixth
ordered its restoration, and now it functions as a free
tourist attraction to this day. Via Appia contains the longest
(23:38):
stretch of straight road in Europe and is a beautiful
walk when the weather is nice.
Speaker 2 (23:46):
It's so majestic out here. But where do you hide
a weapons depot in all this land?
Speaker 1 (23:51):
No clue? Maybe a barn or a farmhouse. Nice day
for a school. No, we were just saying how beautiful
it is, But where do you hide a weapons cash
out here? One of these barns or sheds.
Speaker 8 (24:06):
You are looking in the wrong place, you see, it
is not hidden above ground but below where just ahead?
And we're going to need these flashlights.
Speaker 1 (24:19):
Ah, of course, the catacomb of Callixtus. You actually hid
the weapons in there.
Speaker 8 (24:25):
Very good Gene. I shouldn't be surprised. You would be
the one to figured it out. After the war. I
decided it would be the best place to keep the
weapons secret and safe. And of course, no nosy neighbors
would say a word catacombs.
Speaker 2 (24:40):
Do you mean like an underground graveyard? No, you would
not catch me dead in there.
Speaker 8 (24:47):
Well, actually, if you were in there, dead is exactly
what you would be.
Speaker 1 (24:53):
They estimate over half a million are buried inside the catacombs.
Speaker 2 (24:57):
Good, then they don't need to add.
Speaker 1 (24:58):
Another you'll be fine, I promise, it's actually quite fascinating.
Speaker 2 (25:05):
Fascinating, right, Martin is gonna owe me for this one.
Speaker 8 (25:11):
All right, stay close and follow me. It's a long walk.
Speaker 1 (25:21):
The Catacomb of Saint Calixtus is the largest of Rome,
covering over twelve miles, and is believed to have been
created by future Pope Callixtus, the First, then a deacon
of Rome, though Callixtus himself was later entombed in the
Catacomb of Calipodius on the Aurelian Way. The Catacomb of
Callixtus is most notable for containing the Crypt of the Popes,
(25:44):
which once contained the tombs of several popes from the
second to fourth centuries. The catacomb forms part of an
ancient funerary complex, the Compleso Calistiano, that occupies over thirty hectares.
The area of the catacomb proper is about fifteen hectors
and it goes down five stories deep. A rough estimate
(26:06):
puts the length of passageways at about twenty kilometers and
the occupancy over half a million corpses.
Speaker 7 (26:15):
Right, we have arrived.
Speaker 1 (26:18):
This is the Crypt of Saint Cecilia. You hid the
weapons in there.
Speaker 7 (26:23):
Don't worry.
Speaker 8 (26:24):
Pope Pascalda first removed these relics in eight twenty one.
Now it only holds relics of the modern age.
Speaker 7 (26:33):
Oh my goodness, what the luck has been opened?
Speaker 8 (26:38):
Someone must have broken in since I checked on it last.
Speaker 1 (26:42):
Whoa, it still looks pretty full.
Speaker 2 (26:45):
Jesus, Sorry, father, but this is a freaking arsenal. Guns, bombs, ammo,
communication equipment, everything you'd need to arm and run a
gorilla army.
Speaker 7 (26:57):
The explosives are stored over here.
Speaker 2 (27:01):
Were these boxes always open?
Speaker 7 (27:05):
No?
Speaker 8 (27:07):
No, in this empty space here used to be filled
with weapons. I need to take a new inventory. I
can compare it with me manifest and tell you exactly
what has been stolen.
Speaker 1 (27:17):
If these weapons got into the wrong hands, a lot
of damage could be done.
Speaker 2 (27:21):
Father. Can I take a sample of the sea four
to compare to the sample from the car bomb?
Speaker 7 (27:26):
Of course, but be careful with it.
Speaker 2 (27:28):
Well, actually, plastic explosives are safe without a detonator. But
I need to hurry back to run the test.
Speaker 1 (27:34):
Which is the fastest way out, Leah, Why don't you
show Rebecca the way and I'll get ahead. Start with
the manifest. Remember when I used to catalog the inventory
during our weapons exchanges back in the old days.
Speaker 8 (27:44):
Oh, I remember you headed down to the bullet always
pissed me off. The manifest is hid me in the drawer. Here,
you get started and I'll return shortly.
Speaker 1 (27:55):
Thank you, le all. We appreciate your help.
Speaker 8 (27:58):
The load works in mysterious way.
Speaker 2 (28:00):
Gene. I'll call you at the hotel as soon as
I have a match.
Speaker 1 (28:03):
Be safe. Okay, let's see what we got. Twelve crates
of M fourteen's check. Wow, eight crates of grenades, ten
thousand and thirty calendar rounds. Good lord, Leo, is that
(28:30):
you all right? It looks like everything is accounted for
except four crates of machine guns, some ammunition and the
C four. Unfortunately quite a bit of C four Leo Gondolaikas.
Who's there?
Speaker 6 (28:48):
Shit?
Speaker 1 (28:49):
Oh hey, I guess I took a wrong turn somewhere.
I was just looking for the exit to the catacombs.
Who are you names, Gene? Just an American two taking
in the sites. Sorry to interrupt, I'll just be leaving
Freeze Americana stament. This is all just a mistake. I'm
(29:12):
just a stupid tourist that got lost where you shouldn't
let me If you just let me get back to
my vacation. I promised to never say a word.
Speaker 6 (29:19):
Sorry, Americano, No more Roman Holiday for you.
Speaker 10 (29:33):
Phodor's Guide to Espionage is created by Lars Jacobson, written
by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jagulain, and directed by Sabrina Jagulin,
Produced by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jaguline, and executive produced
by Noel Brown for iHeartRadio. Phodor's Guide to Espionage stars
Ethan Korn as Eugene Fodor, Wilia Simington as vlost to Phodor,
(29:55):
and Jackie Emerson as Rebecca Ralston, with additional performances by
Chase Mullins, George Rivera, Matt Linton, Dylan McCollum, Gabe Greenspan,
Chris Capple, Duncan Kaladine Dana Melanie, Alex Gombadi, Noam Thomaschoff,
Katrina Aaron and Simon Jagulain. Sound design and editing by
(30:16):
Chris Childs. Original theme song by Jack Blavelt and Chris Childs,
with additional scoring by Chris Childs. Sound engineering by Chris
sek Sodor's Guide to Espionage is an iHeartRadio production for
more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts,
or wherever you get your podcasts.
Rome, Italy's modern capital, as well as an ancient city
rich in history and mythology. According to legend, Rome was
founded by twin brothers, Romulus and Remus in seven point
fifty three BC. They were sons of a human mother
and the god of war Mars. After their birth, the
king of the mythical city of Albelanga ordered them killed.
(00:27):
Worried they would usurp his throne. They were placed in
a basket and put into the Tiber River, left to
die from exposure, but against all odds they survived. They
washed ashore at the foot of the Palatine Hill, where
they were suckled by a she wolf on the site
that would become Rome. But that place had been inhabited
for much longer than the myth declares, making at home
(00:50):
to a major human settlement for almost three millennia, as
well as one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in Europe. Today,
Rome is the country's most populated city and the third
most populous city on the continent. It also contains the
smallest country in the world, Vatican City, an independent nation
inside the city boundaries. The only existing example of such
(01:13):
an arrangement. Rome is considered to be the cradle of
Western civilization and Christian culture, and the center of the
Catholic Church. But while it might be the birthplace of
democracy and the resting place of Caesar, it was also
the site of even more important events like the invention
of the pizza, the advancement of wine, and of course,
(01:34):
the wonders of the toga party.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Excuse me, sir, can I get you to rifil?
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Excuse me?
Speaker 2 (01:41):
Would you like another drink?
Speaker 1 (01:43):
Ah?
Speaker 3 (01:43):
No, thank you, and you miss I'm fine, Thank you.
Do you know how much longer till we land?
Speaker 2 (01:50):
About an hour?
Speaker 3 (01:51):
Thank you? I think I'll take the opportunity to use
the restroom.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
Rebecca.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
Hey there, God, it really is nicer up here. I've
got an Italian guy and coach proposing to me over peanuts.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
Blasto will be back any moment.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
Oh, I know, I saw her get up. Just wanted
to hand you this.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
What is it?
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Another single play record for Martin with details on the mission.
Give it a listen, all right, back to my honey
roasted fiancee, see you when we land.
Speaker 4 (02:27):
Hello, Jean, Before the start of your mission, I wanted
to give you some more background and Operation Gladio after
World War two, the CIA and NATO decided to create
clandestine stay behind paramilitary operations with the official aim of
countering a possible Soviet invasion through sabotage and guerrilla warfare
behind enemy lines. Arms caches were hidden, escape routes prepared,
(02:48):
and loyal members recruited. It's clandestine cells were to stay
behind in enemy controlled territory and to act as resistance movements,
conducting sabotage for the warfare and assassinations. Operation Gladio is
used as the code name for all these operations, though
it specifically refers to the Italian branch, and your father
was a principal architect of the operation, responsible for locating
(03:11):
the caches and designing the escape routes. No maps ever
existed of these locations. The information transferred from Guardian to
Guardian over the years. Now we fear pathfinder your father
is helping the Soviets use these weapons for terrorist attacks
in preparation for a Communist coup. Over the past several months,
there have been a series of terrorist bombings in Italy
(03:31):
by the Soviet supported terrorist group the Red Brigade. You're
and Rebecca's mission is to find out if Operation Gladio
has been compromised by Pathfinder, and the weapons caches have
been exploited by the Soviets.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
Oh, it's nothing, just a music device Charles gave me
back in London. But I think it's broken though, let
me see.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
I'm not sure enough to make your ears bleed.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
Right, of course, it must be broken. Nothing to worry about,
ladies and gentlemen.
Speaker 5 (04:07):
We are beginning our descent in ta Roma International Airport.
The local time is twelve oh five and the temperature
is about me twenty five degrees celsius. Please remain in
your seats with your seatbelts fastened for the remainder of
the flight. And thank you for flying Ali Dahlia. It
has been a pleasure having you on board.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
Do you know where we are staying?
Speaker 1 (04:29):
Martin booked us at the Hassler.
Speaker 3 (04:31):
Really, I've always dreamed of staying there.
Speaker 1 (04:34):
I know this corporate lifestyle does have its perks.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
I'll say I can wait to walk out of the
hotel and down the Spanish steps like Audrey Hepburn in Roman.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Holiday, only you're even more gorgeous.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
Well, who needs Gregory Peck when I have my own Euromeo.
Speaker 1 (04:56):
The legendary hotel Hassler was established in eighteen ninety three
and it occupies the most sought after location in Rome,
right on top of the Spanish Steps. It offers breathtaking
views not only from its Michelin starred restaurant, which was
the first panoramic restaurant built in Rome, but also from
many of the hotel's eighty seven rooms and suites. During
(05:19):
World War Two, Mussolini changed its name to Villa Medici
until the US Air Force requisitioned it as their headquarters
in Rome. In nineteen forty seven, the hotel reopened to
travelers and has been one of Europe's top luxury hotels
ever since. The signatures of celebrities, luminaries and dignitaries bill
the hotel's Golden guest book, with names such as Audrey Hepburn,
(05:43):
Charlie Chaplin, Pablo Picasso and Frank Sinatra, just to name
a few. Grace Kelly and Prince Regnier of Monaco even
honeymoon at the Hassler, making it truly a hotel fit
for royalty banorlo. How may I help you, mister and
(06:04):
missus Eugene Fodor checking in.
Speaker 6 (06:06):
Ben, Welcome to the Hastra. Here's your room gate. And
here's a package that arrived for you.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
Sir, Thank you.
Speaker 7 (06:16):
What is it?
Speaker 1 (06:17):
It's a list of sites Martin wants us to cover.
And here this book sample is for you. I believe.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
Oh the galleys for Monte Carlo. Oh no, they used
the wrong paper stock.
Speaker 3 (06:28):
I need to call the printer immediately before they start
running the press.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
Why don't you go upstairs and make the call. Get
settled in. I told Rebecca I'd meet her in the piazza,
so we can go get a start on this list.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
Sounds good.
Speaker 6 (06:39):
I see you later, Choo Belda.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
The Villa Borghese Gardens are located on the Pinchin Hill,
close to the Spanish Steps and the Piazza del Popolo.
The gardens cover an area of eighty hectors and were
developed in sixteen oh six by Cardinal shit Bione Borghese,
who wanted to turn his former vineyard into the most
extensive gardens built in Rome. In the same period, the
(07:09):
cardinal commissioned the architect Flamigno Ponzio to build the Villa
Borghese Pinciana. Today, this elegant building houses the Gallaria Borghese.
Over time, the gardens were completely redesigned in the naturalistic
English style and became a public park in nineteen oh three.
The perfect place for an afternoon passagiata Jean, Rebecca, there
(07:35):
you are.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
Nice day.
Speaker 1 (07:37):
Huh yeah, not a bad place for an afternoon stroll.
One of my favorite places in Rome.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
Glad you like it, But it was actually the choice
of our contact. We're meeting him here too. Martin mentioned
you'll remember him from your past.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
Really another blast from the past.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
Yep, there he is now the.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
Priest you sure, Esquezzi.
Speaker 8 (08:01):
See you must be Rebecca.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Leo Choo, Eugene.
Speaker 7 (08:06):
It's so good to see you again.
Speaker 1 (08:08):
You too, I just didn't recognize you.
Speaker 8 (08:12):
Dressed to be different than last time we met.
Speaker 1 (08:13):
No, I'd say you've traded a band a leer for
a callar.
Speaker 8 (08:17):
It seems when I last saw Jean, I was still
fighting for the Italian Resistance and i'd yet to take
my vows. I know my past life'time was a bit different.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
Different, Rebecca. This man could outfight an out party anyone
I've ever met. Back when I used to deliver weapons
and intel for the OSS to the Italian Resistance, Leo
was my contact, and every time Leo and I met
we each brought a bottle of wine and guess what.
Speaker 7 (08:44):
We'd always finished both.
Speaker 8 (08:49):
It was a different time.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Leo was the last person I thought it would become
a Catholic priest. But it's great to see you found
a new cause. What prompted the career change?
Speaker 8 (09:01):
Honestly, after the war I was lost. All I'd seen
and done nothing made sense anymore, and I didn't know
where to go. First, I searched for answers at the
bottom of a bottle and in all of the wrong places.
But then I found God and committed myself to the cloth.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
That is quite a change.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
But Leo, if you've put all that behind you, what
are you doing here?
Speaker 8 (09:25):
While I am committed to God, I never stopped being
committed to the cause I was previously pledged to.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
Father Leo has been a valued asset of the CIA
for years.
Speaker 8 (09:35):
Being a priest in espionage has its advantages. I know everyone,
and they tell me all of their secrets.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
Father Leo's also been a part of Operation Gladio, acting
is the keeper of a hidden cash of weapons. In
case the Soviets ever.
Speaker 8 (09:48):
Attack, I'd have to take off my robes and officially
rejoin the resistance. Of course, but I agreed to be
part of Operation Gladio and will not go back on
that promise.
Speaker 1 (09:57):
Yes, I shouldn't be surprised by your loyalty, just that
a priest is spying for the CIA.
Speaker 8 (10:04):
You forget, Gene. The Vatican and the CIA share a
common enemy, Communism in the Soviets. We are committed to
defeating both.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
Of course you are, and that's the reason for our meeting.
There's been a series of recent bomb attacks from the
Soviet sponsored Red Brigade. They're far left Marxist Leninist terrorist
organization with ties to Moscow.
Speaker 8 (10:27):
These bombings have been in public places, raising tensions and
forcing government crackdowns. Things are getting ugly.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
And what about the weapons cash from Claudia? Have they
been compromised?
Speaker 8 (10:39):
My secret is safe and secure. I haven't told his
soul and won't even reveal it to you, Gene, as
much as I trust you, But I cannot speak to
the other depotshden throughout the city.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
Who was that sounded like a bomb? It came from
the direction of the coliseum.
Speaker 9 (10:54):
Paternoster, dear God, not another one.
Speaker 1 (11:07):
Construction of the Colosseum began under the Emperor of Vespasian
in seventy two a d and was completed eight years
later under his successor and heir Titus. It was the
largest amphitheater ever built and is still the largest standing
amphitheater in the world. It rests in Rome's city center
and could hold up to eighty thousand spectators, who flocked
(11:30):
to it to watch gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, including
animal hunts, executions, reenactments of famous battles, and dramas based
on Roman mythology. Although substantially ruined over the centuries by
earthquakes and stone robbers, the Colosseum is still an iconic
symbol of Imperial Rome and is one of Rome's most
(11:52):
popular tourist attractions.
Speaker 2 (11:59):
Genie, stay back. They've cordoned off the whole area. Looks
like a carbomb and police officers were injured. They just
put one in the ambulance and already have forensics working
the scene.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
How do we find out what happened?
Speaker 8 (12:11):
I'll find out. See the detective by the fire truck.
I baptized him twenty five years ago and I haven't
seen him in church in months. He's going to squeal
Akechingali on his spit.
Speaker 7 (12:22):
He'll be right back.
Speaker 1 (12:24):
It certainly pays to be a priest in Rome.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
Amen to that.
Speaker 1 (12:28):
The thing I find confusing. There's nothing subtle about this attack.
The Coloseum is about as high profile as it gets, and.
Speaker 2 (12:35):
An attack overtly on the police no less, it's a statement.
It's going to create a firestorm. The government will respond
with force.
Speaker 1 (12:44):
Things will get ugly, just as I suspected.
Speaker 8 (12:47):
He confirmed it was a premeditated attack on the carabinieri.
Speaker 1 (12:51):
How do they know it was premeditated?
Speaker 8 (12:53):
They received an anonymous phone call about a suspicious vehicle
park near the Colosseum. Five officers arrived to an investigate.
When one officer opened the trunk, a bomb exploding, killing
three of them and wounding the two others.
Speaker 2 (13:07):
Do they have any suspects No.
Speaker 8 (13:10):
No one has claimed responsibility yet, but all signs point
to the pcate Rose, the Red Brigade.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
It does match their recent activity, but usually they're the
first to say they did it.
Speaker 8 (13:22):
It's probably only a matter of time. The detective did
mention that forensics confirmed that the bomb material matches the
dynamite signature of an attack. The Red Brigade proudly perpetrated
on a tire factory a month ago.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
A dynamite attack really.
Speaker 1 (13:38):
Looks like one to me. You don't agree, No, I.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
Know blast patterns. The CIA teaches demolitions at the farm.
This looks like a directional blast to me. See how
the rest of the car is still intact. That's not dynamite,
you know.
Speaker 8 (13:54):
I think you are right. I blew up many bridges
during the war, and frankly, this looks far too stategic
a dynamite donation.
Speaker 2 (14:01):
It must be four C four, a new type of
plastic explosive military grade and very very rare.
Speaker 8 (14:09):
Then where would they get it?
Speaker 2 (14:11):
We could find out each explosion has its own chemical signature,
like a fingerprint, which I bet these officers don't know
to look for. If I could just get some residue
from the car, I could run a test LEO.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
Any chance you presided over the police chief's wedding and
can call in a favor.
Speaker 8 (14:31):
Sadley, He is an atheist.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
Okay, I have an idea. Just follow my lead.
Speaker 6 (14:39):
Ah me, ah, got it, get it up.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
My apologies, officer. My sister's boyfriend was one of the officers.
She's just a stare.
Speaker 8 (14:51):
He's a crimacy and she is a nothing evidence.
Speaker 1 (14:54):
I understand this is her priest. We will make sure
she gets the proper counsel.
Speaker 6 (14:58):
Remove her immediately.
Speaker 8 (15:00):
Of course, of course, officeer me squoozy for the getagans,
my dear, please quote me.
Speaker 1 (15:07):
Ah, what the hell was that?
Speaker 2 (15:16):
Italians are passionate people. I thought they might understand.
Speaker 8 (15:20):
Did you get what you need?
Speaker 6 (15:22):
Yes?
Speaker 2 (15:23):
My nail file scraped off a good sample of the
bomb residue. I have a test cape back at the hotel.
I'll go and run a sample.
Speaker 8 (15:29):
Now, Bennie, Bennie. It's a bad time for evening prayers.
I must return to the church, but please let me
know what you find.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
I'll go back to our hotel while we wait for
the results. Lello, it's great to see you again after
all this time. Sorry, we're back in the thick of it.
Speaker 8 (15:46):
We are strong.
Speaker 7 (15:47):
As long as we are all together.
Speaker 2 (15:49):
I'll call as soon as I have something.
Speaker 7 (15:51):
Erb deerci.
Speaker 1 (16:03):
Gelato may bee the Italian word for ice cream, but
really it is so much more. Every piazza in Italy's
main cities, every small town square, many a street corner
is home to a local gelateria, where a colorful variety
of homemade flavors can be sampled and enjoyed. It is
(16:25):
said to have first arrived in the country in twelve
ninety five when Marco Polo returned to Venice from China
with a recipe similar to sorbet, which made its way
to Florence, where Cossimo Ruggeri is credited with creating the
first gelato fior di latte at the court of Catherine
de Medici. In a competition, the theme was the most
(16:45):
unique dish that had ever been seen, and gelato was
the clear winner. Traditional flavors of gelato include doracciatella, vanilla, cocolate,
al monde, and pistacchio, but modern flavors have expanded far
and beyond. It is more than a dessert. It is
a national pastime to be enjoyed on an evening stroll
(17:09):
through a beautiful Italian piazza with the one you love.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
Jean Darling.
Speaker 3 (17:15):
Your cone is dripping. Oh oh, I could eat gelato
every day. I love Rome, the fashion, the food, history,
the romance. Of course, my dear, While I'm looking forward
to our new offices, I sure will miss this.
Speaker 1 (17:33):
We'll still travel plenty. We'll just get to be more
selective about where and when.
Speaker 3 (17:37):
As long as we're staying at the Hustler, I'll come
to Rome any time.
Speaker 1 (17:42):
I'll be sure to let Martin know.
Speaker 3 (17:44):
Speaking of I should probably get back to our room.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
I need to finish proofing the galley.
Speaker 1 (17:49):
Let's say back then. The travel guid business never sleeps.
By the way, are you happy with Rebecca's photos so far?
Speaker 3 (17:57):
I almost hate to admit it, but she does this
great work. I'm just still getting used to not pressing
the button.
Speaker 1 (18:04):
But at least you get final decision, just like with me.
Speaker 10 (18:08):
Hmm.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
My ownership has its benefits.
Speaker 6 (18:13):
Welcome back to the house or missus voldor.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
Thank you Geen?
Speaker 3 (18:21):
Are you going to come up?
Speaker 1 (18:22):
I'll meet you later. I need to check my messages
and catch.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
Up with Rebecca, all right, see you for dinner.
Speaker 1 (18:28):
Somewhere with candlelight and pasta.
Speaker 3 (18:31):
You know where to find me, my.
Speaker 1 (18:32):
Love, excusie.
Speaker 6 (18:39):
Maybe you have service, mister fold?
Speaker 1 (18:41):
Yes? Do I have any messages?
Speaker 6 (18:46):
One from a miss Rebecca Ralstan. She asked you to
give her a call at her hotel.
Speaker 1 (18:50):
Of course.
Speaker 6 (18:51):
Where are the phone booths down that haul on the left, Cratsia.
Speaker 1 (19:16):
Bronto fifty one please.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
Un momento.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
Hello, it's Jeane. I got your message. What did you find?
Speaker 2 (19:23):
It turns out I was right. The resident was from
a plastic explosive, not dynamite.
Speaker 1 (19:28):
What does this mean for the mission?
Speaker 2 (19:29):
Well, it limits where they could get it. But if
this was US military grade from an Operation Gladio weapons cache,
we need to know.
Speaker 1 (19:37):
Sounds like Father Leon needs to do some confessing of
his own and fast.
Speaker 2 (19:40):
If we can find out the location of his weapons cache,
I can verify if it's been compromised or.
Speaker 1 (19:46):
If he has been Not Leo, he's as loyal as
they come. I'll talk to him.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
He'll still be at his church. Santa Maria Maggiore.
Speaker 1 (19:53):
I'm on my way. I'll call you after. Forgive me, Father,
for I have sinned it.
Speaker 8 (20:12):
Jane, is that you I never pictured you as a
religious type.
Speaker 1 (20:18):
I'm not, but I've had a lot on my mind lately.
Speaker 7 (20:21):
Well, unburden yourself to me.
Speaker 1 (20:24):
I guess I feel my lies are racking up. In particular,
I feel awful betraying Vlosta's trust. Our relationship has always
been built on honesty and keeping secrets from her ways
on me?
Speaker 7 (20:37):
Then why do it?
Speaker 1 (20:38):
Because I feel it's the only way to keep her safe.
I agree to work on these missions, to work with
the CIA, but she didn't. I would hate to force
her into something she didn't want to be a part of,
something that could be dangerous. I'm scared telling her the
truth could risk our marriage, even Vlosta's life. Am I
being smart or selfish?
Speaker 8 (21:01):
I don't know.
Speaker 7 (21:03):
It's twisting me in knots.
Speaker 8 (21:05):
Lying is a sin, Gene, But protecting the ones we
love well, there is nothing more sacred. So you must
think long and hard about what is at stake on
each side, and ultimately listen to your heart. So do
not operate from fear, but from love.
Speaker 1 (21:27):
I suppose you're right. We all do this out of
love of something greater, don't we? If not, why take
such risks? I suppose? And sometimes the rules are not
so black and white.
Speaker 7 (21:42):
They rarely are.
Speaker 1 (21:43):
Gene, Father, I need you to tell me the location
of your weapons.
Speaker 8 (21:49):
Cash No, no, no, no, this is impossible.
Speaker 1 (21:52):
I understand you took an oath to keep it secret,
but your goal is to keep the citizens of this
city safe first and foremost. It's as you said, we
must think about what is at stake on each side.
Rebecca just called and said the explosion was caused by
military c four. Now we must see if it was
stolen from your depot. If we don't, more lives will
be lost. Search your heart, Leo, you know what must
(22:16):
be done.
Speaker 8 (22:21):
Fine, say seven, heil Mary's tonight, Jean as an act
of contrition, and I'll meet you and Rebecca on Appian
Way in an hour.
Speaker 1 (22:30):
Thank you, father. Amen. Appian Way or Via Appia is
one of the earliest and strategically most important Roman roads
of the Ancient Republic. It was the first long road,
(22:54):
built in three twelve BC in order to transport troops
and military supplies for Rome's conquest of southern Italy. By
the late Republic, the Romans had expanded over most of
Italy and were masters of road construction. Their roads began
in Rome, where the master itinerarium, or list of destinations
(23:14):
along the roads was located and extended to the borders
of their domain, hence the expression all roads lead to Rome.
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Appian Way
fell out of use until eventually Pope Pious the sixth
ordered its restoration, and now it functions as a free
tourist attraction to this day. Via Appia contains the longest
(23:38):
stretch of straight road in Europe and is a beautiful
walk when the weather is nice.
Speaker 2 (23:46):
It's so majestic out here. But where do you hide
a weapons depot in all this land?
Speaker 1 (23:51):
No clue? Maybe a barn or a farmhouse. Nice day
for a school. No, we were just saying how beautiful
it is, But where do you hide a weapons cash
out here? One of these barns or sheds.
Speaker 8 (24:06):
You are looking in the wrong place, you see, it
is not hidden above ground but below where just ahead?
And we're going to need these flashlights.
Speaker 1 (24:19):
Ah, of course, the catacomb of Callixtus. You actually hid
the weapons in there.
Speaker 8 (24:25):
Very good Gene. I shouldn't be surprised. You would be
the one to figured it out. After the war. I
decided it would be the best place to keep the
weapons secret and safe. And of course, no nosy neighbors
would say a word catacombs.
Speaker 2 (24:40):
Do you mean like an underground graveyard? No, you would
not catch me dead in there.
Speaker 8 (24:47):
Well, actually, if you were in there, dead is exactly
what you would be.
Speaker 1 (24:53):
They estimate over half a million are buried inside the catacombs.
Speaker 2 (24:57):
Good, then they don't need to add.
Speaker 1 (24:58):
Another you'll be fine, I promise, it's actually quite fascinating.
Speaker 2 (25:05):
Fascinating, right, Martin is gonna owe me for this one.
Speaker 8 (25:11):
All right, stay close and follow me. It's a long walk.
Speaker 1 (25:21):
The Catacomb of Saint Calixtus is the largest of Rome,
covering over twelve miles, and is believed to have been
created by future Pope Callixtus, the First, then a deacon
of Rome, though Callixtus himself was later entombed in the
Catacomb of Calipodius on the Aurelian Way. The Catacomb of
Callixtus is most notable for containing the Crypt of the Popes,
(25:44):
which once contained the tombs of several popes from the
second to fourth centuries. The catacomb forms part of an
ancient funerary complex, the Compleso Calistiano, that occupies over thirty hectares.
The area of the catacomb proper is about fifteen hectors
and it goes down five stories deep. A rough estimate
(26:06):
puts the length of passageways at about twenty kilometers and
the occupancy over half a million corpses.
Speaker 7 (26:15):
Right, we have arrived.
Speaker 1 (26:18):
This is the Crypt of Saint Cecilia. You hid the
weapons in there.
Speaker 7 (26:23):
Don't worry.
Speaker 8 (26:24):
Pope Pascalda first removed these relics in eight twenty one.
Now it only holds relics of the modern age.
Speaker 7 (26:33):
Oh my goodness, what the luck has been opened?
Speaker 8 (26:38):
Someone must have broken in since I checked on it last.
Speaker 1 (26:42):
Whoa, it still looks pretty full.
Speaker 2 (26:45):
Jesus, Sorry, father, but this is a freaking arsenal. Guns, bombs, ammo,
communication equipment, everything you'd need to arm and run a
gorilla army.
Speaker 7 (26:57):
The explosives are stored over here.
Speaker 2 (27:01):
Were these boxes always open?
Speaker 7 (27:05):
No?
Speaker 8 (27:07):
No, in this empty space here used to be filled
with weapons. I need to take a new inventory. I
can compare it with me manifest and tell you exactly
what has been stolen.
Speaker 1 (27:17):
If these weapons got into the wrong hands, a lot
of damage could be done.
Speaker 2 (27:21):
Father. Can I take a sample of the sea four
to compare to the sample from the car bomb?
Speaker 7 (27:26):
Of course, but be careful with it.
Speaker 2 (27:28):
Well, actually, plastic explosives are safe without a detonator. But
I need to hurry back to run the test.
Speaker 1 (27:34):
Which is the fastest way out, Leah, Why don't you
show Rebecca the way and I'll get ahead. Start with
the manifest. Remember when I used to catalog the inventory
during our weapons exchanges back in the old days.
Speaker 8 (27:44):
Oh, I remember you headed down to the bullet always
pissed me off. The manifest is hid me in the drawer. Here,
you get started and I'll return shortly.
Speaker 1 (27:55):
Thank you, le all. We appreciate your help.
Speaker 8 (27:58):
The load works in mysterious way.
Speaker 2 (28:00):
Gene. I'll call you at the hotel as soon as
I have a match.
Speaker 1 (28:03):
Be safe. Okay, let's see what we got. Twelve crates
of M fourteen's check. Wow, eight crates of grenades, ten
thousand and thirty calendar rounds. Good lord, Leo, is that
(28:30):
you all right? It looks like everything is accounted for
except four crates of machine guns, some ammunition and the
C four. Unfortunately quite a bit of C four Leo Gondolaikas.
Who's there?
Speaker 6 (28:48):
Shit?
Speaker 1 (28:49):
Oh hey, I guess I took a wrong turn somewhere.
I was just looking for the exit to the catacombs.
Who are you names, Gene? Just an American two taking
in the sites. Sorry to interrupt, I'll just be leaving
Freeze Americana stament. This is all just a mistake. I'm
(29:12):
just a stupid tourist that got lost where you shouldn't
let me If you just let me get back to
my vacation. I promised to never say a word.
Speaker 6 (29:19):
Sorry, Americano, No more Roman Holiday for you.
Speaker 10 (29:33):
Phodor's Guide to Espionage is created by Lars Jacobson, written
by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jagulain, and directed by Sabrina Jagulin,
Produced by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jaguline, and executive produced
by Noel Brown for iHeartRadio. Phodor's Guide to Espionage stars
Ethan Korn as Eugene Fodor, Wilia Simington as vlost to Phodor,
(29:55):
and Jackie Emerson as Rebecca Ralston, with additional performances by
Chase Mullins, George Rivera, Matt Linton, Dylan McCollum, Gabe Greenspan,
Chris Capple, Duncan Kaladine Dana Melanie, Alex Gombadi, Noam Thomaschoff,
Katrina Aaron and Simon Jagulain. Sound design and editing by
(30:16):
Chris Childs. Original theme song by Jack Blavelt and Chris Childs,
with additional scoring by Chris Childs. Sound engineering by Chris
sek Sodor's Guide to Espionage is an iHeartRadio production for
more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts,
or wherever you get your podcasts.
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