Crystal Gift

By B E Dennis

During an expedition in Egypt, a fringe archeologist named Dennis Mathews discovered evidence of a highly advanced, 15,000 year old civilization. To understand the source and meaning of his discovery, Dennis pleaded for help from his business partner Gary Benson, and an ex-girlfriend Susan Rymer. The evidence was an artifact that held the key to an ancient power and instructions detailing the use and functions of the ancient crystal skulls. The discovery gained the notice of a shadow governmental organization that would stop at nothing to gain control of the mythical ancient source of power. A power they viewed as a key to world domination and economic control. Dennis, Gary, and Susan embarked on a global race to stay one-step ahead of assassination attempts while they discovered the real power, the advanced knowledge of the ancient society trapped within a crystal skull. Brought together by the quest for knowledge and discovery, Dennis, Gary, and Susan raced to stay alive and release knowledge that could benefit all of humanity.

Though the story in Book 1 (Crystal Gift) appears to end, it is just the beginning of a longer adventure. An adventure that not only details the true function of the ancient crystal skull, but also battles an evil waiting for over 15,000 years to once again control and rule the entire planet. The adventures of the Crystal Skull Trilogy continue in Crystal Grotto (Book 2 of this Trilogy).

• Language: English
• Publisher: B E Dennis
• Release date: Feb 9, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466045941

B E Dennis

B E Dennis weaves fact with fringe and conspiracy theories into plots blended into an action packed stories spanning 15,000 years. Merging the story of Atlantis and the legend of the Ancient Crystal Skulls with the conspiracy of a the New World Order and adding the technology of today, B E Dennis presents works of fiction as plausible the truth. By creating a story outside of normal conventions, fiction can resemble plausible fact. Relying on 35 years of federal government expedience and 15 years of archeological research, CRYSTAL SKULL TRILOGY and JAKE ROADS ADVENTURES present stories of fiction based on fact for plots grounded with the actual technologies in use today. Using personal expertise and experience to explore questions surrounding ancient technologies and current headlines, the action presents plausible answers in the form of fiction stories of adventure. The CRYSTAL SKULL TRILOGY is a work of fiction based on theory and fact to answer historical questions and the legend of ATLANTIS.

Book preview

Crystal Gift

A Crystal Skull Trilogy

Book 1

B E Dennis

Crystal Gift - Crystal Grotto - Crystal Grave

Dedicated to my wife Katherine for her help and understanding.

Copyright © 2012 B. E. Dennis

Published by B E Dennis at Smashwords

ISBN-13: 978—4660-4594-1

Smashwords License Statement

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CHAPTER 1

Composing the message continued, "As the light of civilization fades, we are securing our legacy for the future. Our desire is to benefit the future of humanity with the knowledge we have acquired. Stored in the repository under the seated lion is the total knowledge and history of our peoples, our culture. The information provided on this marker will help locate and translate the sum of our society. Our greatest hope is that this information be found by peoples with the intelligence and advancement to recognize the significance of our legacy."

The solitary figure continued his efforts. His task, to provide a message to guide future cultures to the vast sum of wisdom and knowledge. More than a message, a time capsule that would allow future generations to know some of the greatness achieved over many millennium of peaceful advancements and human endeavors. Already included were maps and graphic instructions to locate the vast stores of information. He continued with his task completing the carefully worded appeal. The inscriptions included a statement written in a form of pictograms. Included around the edges of the crystal marker was a guide for translations.

Sunlight was gathered, intensified, and focused through a precisely aligned series of crystals to produce the powerful beam of light used to burn this final important message into solid crystal. As the light beam burned figures into the crystal marker, the thoughts of the author drifted to earlier times before the disasters now threatening humanity and the fragile environment.

The author of the message let his thoughts drift to better times, before the daily changes started. He lived in an age of advanced technology and rapid advancements in science leading to the hope of a bright future for humanity, a society in harmony with the environment where sickness and hunger no longer existed. His daydream state suddenly ended as a tremor brought his thoughts back to the reality of the present.

An unpredicted shift in the light caused a temporary interruption to the sculpting of the marker. The light gathering mechanism needed realignment. The device used to scribe the marker would normally track the movements of the sun and stay aligned. The shifts of the global axis are an indication of the impending disaster. These shifts were becoming commonplace and caused interruptions to a normally fluid task. With the device realigned, thoughts of the author refocused to the whole of civilization and the advancements in art, mathematics, and the sciences. Advancements including amazing strides in medicine and the care afforded all living beings, and centuries of discovery, peace, and harmony. His thoughts changed from family and loved ones to the rude awakening of impending disaster, and the urgency required in finishing this final task.

Only a handful of days remained before the inevitable end, all the natural signs showed this to be true. The air had changed, the planet heaved, and the seasonal cycles were no longer predictable. This great home, the planet was going into a long slumber. It was accepted knowledge that some species would survive, possibly even humans. It was also accepted that the civilization that had flourished for thousands of years was coming to a quick and abrupt end. The impending disasters were continuing and intensifying with each passing hour. The end of their civilization was inevitable. The only hope was to perpetuate the advances in the natural sciences and instruct future generations on peaceful uses of the resources of this environment.

Through a series of catastrophic events, the planet was purging itself. The weather patterns changed almost overnight. Lush savannahs were transforming into deserts. The home continent of this advanced society, once enjoyed a temperate climate, was rapidly becoming a world of ice and perpetual winter. Ocean levels were rising at a rate that changed coastal communities into submerged water worlds. The weather changes were causing crop failure and deep economic problems. The entire society was rapidly failing. Dealing with a death rate of over half the population each year, the end of civilization was inevitable. Even though science predicted these disastrous occurrences, the impact was so great there was nothing anyone could do to prevent the demise. A rapid shift in the rotational axis of the planet caused this global disaster. Humanity would be plunged into a dark period for science and learning. A culture that had the knowledge to power the planet and the power to destroy the planet, did not have the knowledge or power to avert this impending demise. The only hope was in the nomadic tribes, which frequented the cities. Those uneducated and uncivilized nomads may be the only salvation of humanity.

The information on the crystal marker included detailed instructions to access both the knowledge repositories and the devices used to access the knowledge. The instructions also included an explanation to the current situation and a map detailing a long forgotten maintenance route, the one passage that should survive for all time. The plan was to encase the marker in a wall near the learning complex. Entombed, the marker would survive until the planet healed and a new beginning could announce the dawn of a new civilization.

******

As the planetary slumber and global healing continued, small groups of descendants of the once great culture survived. A common goal and hope was that their ancestral greatness would rise again. They devoted any effort beyond basic survival to keep this dream alive. Through self-education, they strove to keep any fragments of their culture and history alive. The years turned to generations and the generations blended into centuries. The goals and hope evolved with a religious dedication. Over many thousands of years, diligence to this historically based religion kept the flicker of the dream alive.

As generations passed, the society was remembered first through reminiscence of a lost time and later through stories of former glory. As the many millennia passed, stories turned into myth and myths turned into legends.

After countless generation, humanity was starting a slow but steady rebound. Still far from the past glory and lacking the advanced technology of the distant past, an organized society grew from the devastation of the distant past. A new ruling class was emerging. To cement their power into society, they needed to dispel the myths of a more powerful past. They needed to rewrite history. The new ruling class had to appear all-powerful to the masses.

As the ingenuity of humanity again sparked, the legends, telling of the greatness of a long past civilization, were remembered. The legends included an obscure reference to a key to great knowledge. As the truth changed over time, knowledge was referred to as power. As societies advanced, power hungry rulers were threatened by the myths of such power from the past and suppressed all reference to the ancient myths. The head of the seated lion was reshaped to resemble the newly, self-appointed ruler. What remained of the locations of the old temples was replaced with new structures unlike anything seen for thousands of years. The old language was revived and adopted as the language of the new ruling class. The self-appointed rulers formed a new religion for the masses.

Quickly, the old myths of the long past glory were forgotten by the common citizen. Within the span of less than a single generation, the old myths and religion was replaced with a new society. Anyone with knowledge of the distant past either converted to the new religion or faced removal in the form of banishment into the desert wasteland or death at the hands of the rulers. The history and myth of a great society was fading from existence. As the new culture grew, the greed of the leaders would certainly spell the end of all trace of the past.

Fearing loss of the memories of a long past society, a single descendant of the ancient society took the initiative to record his remembrance of his lineage. The best method of the time was a record carved in stone. Fearing for his life, he worked in secret to preserve the historic truth. Much of the written language was lost to the ravages of time, but a rudimentary message could survive. His plan was to produce stone tablets to chronicle the myth and legends of the past, work he had to complete in secret for fear that the discovery of his work would have fatal consequences.

Each night, this descendant of the long past culture worked to create a message for the future. A message carefully worded to allow some future generation the information to learn of a long lost past and the hope that those lost achievements might one day be revived for the benefit of all.

Each night the laborious work continued. Each night the partially completed work was hidden in the sandy floor of his modest quarters. During the daylight hours, the author remained alert of any hint that agents of the rulers might discover his evening activities.

As he completed the second tablet and planned to start carving a third and final tablet, the author hid his work and settled down to much needed rest. The following day started with the author of this final message in the custody of agents of the rulers. His plans to perpetuate the ancient myth had in fact been discovered. The details of his work were not known, only his plans to perpetuate the myth. After a session of brief but brutal interrogation, the author carried the details of his activities to his grave. The partially completed message remained hidden and was eventually lost to time. Eventually, the desert reclaimed the mud-brick dwelling and sealed the message for some future discovery. As the planet once slumbered, now the existence of past advancements now slept, waiting for an eventual discovery. A mythical source of unlimited power waiting to be discovered. Civilizations flourished and failed and the marker remained entombed. In time, the key to a once great powerful society would be discovered. Humanity deserved the chance to benefit from the long lost gift, a gift waiting for the future. A gift shrouded in a long lost legend.

CHAPTER 2

As he exited the cab and started walking towards the front door, a breeze brought the faint fragrance of desert air, not the scent of plants or a recent rain, but the hot dry scent of sand and rock baking in the mid-day sun. The scent of the desert got his mind wandering back to an earlier time, only about a year ago, but it seemed like a lifetime or even a different life all together. The events of the last several months changed not only his life but the lives of those around him, with the potential to affect all of humanity. It all started so innocently, a routine job on an expedition on the Giza Plateau near Cairo, Egypt, a substitute assignment. He was simply filling in for someone else. Still the events that took place in such a short time, even just a year can change the entire future. As the distinctive scent filled his nostrils, his mind drifted back to that different time.

He prefers the searing heat and bright sun to the confines of an office, fieldwork rather than a cubicle. His name is Dennis Mathews. He is an archeologist with an education in Engineering and Ancient Cultures, an odd combination, but a combination that has fueled his career and passion. When he expressed his beliefs of the origins of ancient cultures in his PhD thesis and tried to publish discoveries of early civilizations throughout the Pacific Rim and their connection with South America, the mainstream academic community shunned him. He was branded as a fringe lunatic, although he preferred to think of himself as passionate and true to his convictions. Since then, assignments to archeological fieldwork have been increasingly difficult to come by. Not surprisingly, because of those personal disbeliefs in some of the accepted norms of ancient cultures, he has been relegated to lesser assignments as is his current one that involves collecting rock samples. The purpose of this expedition is to identify the quarry location of major temples and structures throughout the Nile delta. He was not even scheduled for that expedition. Dr. Gary Benson, his business partner, was the original choice, and Dennis was allowed to fill in while Gary is on assignment in South America supporting new oil exploration.

Gary and Dennis started a laboratory in Helena, Montana to support the fossil hunting craze. Dennis handled the paleoarcheology work and Gary was the geological expert. Their lab supports fossil hunting using Ground Penetrating Radar to perform sub-surface scans of rock searching for dinosaur fossils. With the fossil hunting craze nearly over, Gary works with oil companies exploring potential drilling locations while Dennis tries to get on any archeological dig he can. Getting back into that small and closed community is Dennis’s immediate goal. Yet he knows that for that to happen, he needs more proof of the existence of developed cultures predating recorded history. Failing that, he needs to seriously consider changing, or at least not voicing his personal beliefs. Understandably, preferring the former alternative, he keeps looking for the proof that validates his beliefs.

This current assignment involves sampling and cataloging rock samples around quarries and major temple complexes and includes removal of materials from the country. Dennis has to be careful of which samples are collected. He had initially hoped to remove pyramid samples for study. However, the strict rules included small samples from locations near temples and from quarry locations and he was not allowed to sample temples or other structures. With the fringe theories on construction methods of Ancient Egypt, there is a strict ban on material samples taken from temples or other major structures. He believed those samples might provide the proof to substantiate his theories.

The work Dennis was completing should disprove his theories and reinforce the accepted theories that there was no highly developed civilization in the area prior to Dynastic Egypt. It goes against his personal views, but he would take any fieldwork he could get. As a scientist, Dennis will complete the work without bias and report the findings truthfully.

The theories he subscribes to include the great pyramids predating the fourth dynasty by many centuries. These theories have placed a black mark on many in the field. Personal reputations associated with the wrong theories can result in having exploration permits either lost or flatly denied. The only way Dennis was able to find around that ‘unofficial’ ban was to work with Gary and use his experience in other fields of study. Mapping quarry sites and their relationship to specific temples should further the acceptance of current beliefs. Dennis always hoped for that single piece of evidence to add credibility to his theories. He kept looking and hoping for that one big break.

With Gary’s expertise in geology and Dennis’s studies in ancient cultures, they were able to tag along on several expeditions. Usually, Gary was able to find an excuse to allow Dennis to work on those assignments. This time they were providing study information on rock and sand for the area. This information helps to verify artifact dating based on the burial practices, and the location of quarries of the various dynastic periods. Part of the dig permit allows removal, for testing, of rock samples. The samples cannot disturb any historical structures. Since the expedition permit included a study of the geology of the area, Dennis had some latitude in removing natural stone from the area. He can also transport this stone out of the country for further testing. This allows him to remove the rock samples and transport them back to their lab for study while waiting for the next expedition.

The work is mundane and Dennis has tended to let his mind wander. With trying to focus on the work at hand, his daydreams were usually tracking petroglyphs in Hawaii or ruins in Mexico. The difference about this day was that he knew he was into the final days of the expedition season. The Egyptian government is very strict concerning the expedition schedules and the access windows provided on each permit. It is completely understandable considering the looting and stealing of antiquities that has been going on for nearly 5,000 years. Even in the times of early-recorded history, the treasures of this land have been looted for personal gains. So now, everyone is paying the price of governmental restrictions.

While walking on the Giza plateau, Dennis came across a strange rock formation on the side of a small hill southwest of the sphinx. He did not even notice the features as he tripped over one of the rocks. Lost in a daydream brought on by the heat and a lack of sleep, Dennis’s dream state suddenly ended and he found himself staring at this rock. It moved when he kicked at it, but it did not move as he expected. It was about the size of a large book and should have slid farther than it did. It was as though the piece of rock was glued to the surrounding rocks. He bent to pick up the sample, to his surprise, it was much heavier than he expected. It was sandstone, like all the rock in the area, but it was too heavy to be sandstone. From the size of the rock, Dennis estimated the weight to be about 25 pounds. When he picked up the rock, the weight was about 50 pounds, twice the weight he expected. The rock intrigued him and he decided to take this rock as one of the quarry samples. This sample needed to be investigated. His scientific mind needed to know why the weight of this particular piece of rock was so wrong.

It was a long walk back to the expedition camp. The weight of the newly found sample, made the trek even longer. It had been a long day and a long expedition. For now, Dennis needed to get back, get some sleep, and pack for the trip back to Montana. He had finished his work here. With Gary’s help, they would complete the analysis of all the samples when he got home.

When Dennis finally reached the expedition camp, the weight of the rock sample felt as though it had doubled. Several times during the walk to the camp, he considered leaving the sample, but the sample was different, and different might help him back into the academic community. He needed proof of advanced cultures pre-dating the accepted norms. He focused his attention on the question of the weight of the sample during his walk to camp. Why is this rock so different from the rest of the rocks in this region? Dennis thought about every conceivable reason for the rock to be so heavy. He concentrated on this new puzzle so much that he did not notice the lone figure following his every movement since he first tripped over this unique rock sample.

Completely spent by the walk back, Dennis finally arrived at the tent provided by the expedition, his home on the plateau. The housing provided as part of the dig was modest, but livable for the area. They each had a private work/sleeping area and common bath and eating areas. The camp was set up as a small village on the outskirts of Cairo. The buildings and tents were cooled with swamp coolers, which worked well for the area. It was a temporary village, but suited the expedition needs quite well. After a light dinner in camp, Dennis returned to his tent to work on his daily field entries and pack for the return to Montana. Part of the paperwork included a status email to Gary Benson. Thinking about the strange rock sample, Dennis wrote the email:

"Gary –

I have finished collecting samples for our analysis back in the lab. I found one sample a bit out of the ordinary. The rock sample was much heavier than it should be. I am going to carry the sample back with me and I want to start on it first thing. (Anything out of the ordinary has potential to help with my theories of older civilizations.) Let me know your schedule so I can get the equipment in Montana ready.

- Dennis"

He kept the email short, finished packing for his departure, and got some sleep. He would return to Montana tomorrow.

As Dennis sent the email to Gary, the same email was intercepted and analyzed. All of the email traffic from the expedition was intercepted and analyzed. Most of the emails were reviewed and filed, the email to Gary peaked some interest and extra action.

At night, the desert takes on a completely new personality and a life of its own. The vipers and scorpions rule the night. Dennis always found a desolate night setting to have a certain peace about it. Whether it involved talking to the snakes on the Giza Plateau of visiting with the ancient Hawaiian spirits along the Kings Trail on the Big Island of Hawaii, he enjoyed the quiet. The air becomes still and the darkness heightens his senses, he almost imagined he could feel the earth breathe.

The next morning started like all the others in the desert. An early breakfast followed by morning meetings. The expedition was ending and people were leaving. As he finished his meal, Dennis saw Walter Smythe at another table. Walter was the expedition assistant. A better description would have been Dr. Johnson’s gopher. Dr. Johnson was the expedition leader. Dennis walked over to Walter and asked him where and when he might be able to find Dr. Johnson. Walter explained that Dr. Johnson should be arriving shortly. As Walter finished his statement, Dr. Johnson walked up to the table.

Dr. Johnson Dennis started.

The only time you call me doctor is when you want something, came the reply.

That's not necessarily true, Dennis knew that his reply was a lie, he only used the title when he wanted something. I was wondering about next year’s schedule, I still have a few loose ends to complete to fully support your work.

Our permit for next year has not yet been approved. With the international political climate we are in, there is a chance it will not be approved at all. Even though our permit is British, we have too many Americans on our field staff and the government is not as friendly as in years past. explained Dr. Johnson. He continued, I know that the main reason you are out on this expedition is to gather data for your own theories. I really do not mind that. I do not agree with your theories, but we have always helped each other. I even put up with your bull. You are a good field scientist and like I said that works for both of us.

So, Dr. Johnson Dennis continued. What about next season? Dr. Johnson didn’t answer. He just turned and walked away.

*****

Hours later in the Brazilian jungle, Dr. Gary Benson pondered a new email. While Gary was thinking over the information about a strange sample, the foreman of the oil exploration unit walked into his tent. Gary the foreman started I just got a message from the home office. They said we can cut you loose early. Of course, they’ll pay your full contract. I guess this means that you can take a little longer vacation.

Gary was only half listening to the foreman and just caught a portion of what he had said. Could you please repeat that? Gary replied.

The foreman repeated, The home office said you can leave early, for your full contract pay. Sounds like a good deal to me. You can be on the next flight out at the end of the week, back to civilization. Gary understood that the next flight was in just three days. That was time enough to pack and get out of the jungle. Will they need my reports any quicker, or does that schedule stay the same? Gary asked.

The report schedule stays the same. Is there anything you need us to do to help you with your arrangements? the foreman asked. Gary let the foreman know he did not need any help, and that he would be able to make the next flight.

Gary got back to his computer to draft an email reply. The reply was slowed by packing. There was only a limited time to get ready for this week’s flight and Gary did not want to delay his departure. The crew from the oil exploration company had been good to work with, but the hours were long. Everyone in camp was working on a fixed contract. The quicker they found a potential oil location, the quicker everyone could go home. That meant more money per day for all. Late the next day, Gary had completed his email back to Dennis Mathews.

"Dennis –

My time in Brazil was cut short. I finished my work and was release to return home. My plane lands at LAX in 2 days.

Fill me in on more of the details as soon as you can. If I can get some more info before I leave here, I can think it all over on the plane ride home.

When I get back to LA, I will need a day or two to finish some errands. I should be back at the lab in about a week. I only have a couple of weeks before my next assignment, Peru.

- Gary"

*****

Back in Egypt in his tent, Dennis finished the last of his packing and checked his emails one last