The Deadly Seeker Returns: Humanoid from the Planet Venus

By Bert Millspaugh

The Deadly Seeker Returns is a fast action sci fi novel sequel of The Deadly Seeker where a biochemical humanoid robot ravished the ranches of Idaho and Montana seeking a Venusian child abducted by a Soviet space probe. The novel takes the next step beyond the probe that infuriated the Venusians enough to send a space craft to Earth manned by a Deadly Seeker.

The Deadly Seeker Returns follows a rebellion within the under surface community on the planet Venus by a group of biochemical robots where one escapes in a spaceship and crashes into Earth on Californias Saddleback Mountain. The rebellious creature goes on a killing spree, terrorizing the county, as it sets up beacons to guide his followers to Earth.

After the humanoid beast hideously kills his brother, State Park Ranger Brad Evans and a member of his staff, Ranger Julie Adams, resolve to avenge his death. Brad is motivated by his mentor, a university professor, and his mothers silver medallion found on his dead brother. Heeding kind words of his mentor, Brad turns remorse and anger into willpower and determination. Brad and Julie follow a trail of killings that takes them through the cities, foothills, canyons, and mountains of Orange County California, discovering romance along the way.

With the help of a pudgy deputy, an Air Force colonel, and the U.S. Forest Service, they corner the creature in a fiery battle on a remote tree covered mountain top. The significance of the medallion and the motivation of his mentor lead Brad toward the annihilation of the Deadly Seeker and further his closeness to and affection for Julie.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 19, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468540789

Bert Millspaugh

Bert Millspaugh has been a successful writer for over 45 years. He has written numerous outdoor and travel articles for regional and national magazines and is the author of two novels, The Deadly Seeker, Humanoid from the Planet Venus, and The Mystical Vortex, Gateway to another Dimension. He is an accomplished photographer with scenic photos presented in his travel articles. Mr. Millspaugh has a B. A. degree in Technical Communications from a California University. Born in the woods in the State of Idaho, he lived and worked in the logging industry, farming community, and ranch country before military service. Mr. Millspaugh served four years in the U. S. Navy during the Korean War as Petty Officer Electronics. Following the war, he worked 35 years for Douglas Aircraft and Northrop Corporation as an engineering administrator on contracts with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force. He was a range master for a local gun club and awarded several proficiency medals by the National Rifle Association. He led Scouting expeditions to the summits of several mountains including Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in continental USA. During that time, he spent many weekends with his wife and family in the desert and mountains of California, Nevada, and Arizona researching and photographing for his articles. The Deadly Seeker Returns takes place in Orange County California where Mr. Millspaugh hiked through the hills and canyons and along the Santa Ana River in his research for the novel. Mr. Millspaugh's Naval service, his work with the military, and his knowledge of the outdoors aided in the writing of this novel. Following retirement, he traveled the United States with his wife, Barbara, in their motorhome. Presently, he is writing a fourth novel on his military experience with a minesweeper squadron during the Korean War.

Book preview

Chapter 1

CHICO STATE PARK

Park Ranger Cal Evans drove through the shadowy moonless night along La Palma Avenue toward the gate leading into the Nature Conservancy and on to Chico State Park. The headlights of his black Ford F-150 truck flashed across the gray chain link gate at the end of the dark asphalt road.

Cal hit the brakes as the light revealed one corner of the gate, twisted and bent. He shook his head, wondering what happened. Leaving the engine running, he stepped into the light beam that bathed the steel gate in a dim light. From his pocket, he pulled a bunch of keys and edged toward the padlock on the gate’s right side. As he reached for the lock, he noticed it was twisted, broken, then a deep growl filled the night beyond the fence.

What? the young man yelled, was that a cat? He whirled, backed away from the gate, staring into the inky darkness.

No, flashed through his mind, not a mountain lion. Something else?

The tall thin ranger rushed back to his pickup, Stumbled against the door as he opened it, strapped on his .38 caliber service revolver, picked up his Maglite, and crept back to the gate, glancing from side to side. What kind of an animal would make that sound? A tiger got loose from the LA zoo a few weeks ago, but they shot that one. Did another one escape? There’s no place here for one to get loose.

He flashed the strong beam along the gravel road past the gate, then swept it over the bare sandy plain leading down to the river. His dark brown eyes swept across the shrubs and dwarfed trees beyond the sand. A few cottontail rabbits scurried out of the light.

Never heard a sound like that. He shivered, a chill prickled his skin. What’s happening to me?

The young man pulled the broken lock loose and swung the twisted gate open. Who, what broke it? Someone’s vehicle? I’ll find out at park headquarters. He sprinted back to the vehicle, drove through the opening, and parked. Pulling his gun from the holster, he closed the bent gate and turned toward the truck.

The meaty growl reverberated in the thick darkness beyond him.

The young ranger swung his revolver and flashed the light beam into the Conservancy. Where are you?

Nothing.

He pointed the light eastward toward the river canyon and the entrance for wild animals into the state park from the Conservancy. The hazy forms of tall oak trees and twisted bamboo stocks danced into view. He shivered.

Nothing. I’ll report the sound when I get to the station.

He turned back toward the pickup when he heard the noise behind him, a sloshing sound like something walking through water.

Cal whirled. The flashlight beam caught a movement, a shadowy form. It seemed to appear as a dark form only to disappear in the darkness. The ranger flashed his light back and forth trying to locate the dark shape.

Am I seeing things?

The growl, like that of a great ape, erupted closer.

Cal jumped, pointing the beam at the sound, it caught a tall ebony creature with a thick humanoid body, covered with a stringy substance. Long limbs hung down along its sides, each hand or paw tipped with steel-like claws that flashed in the bright light.

The ranger raised his revolver as a strange fear slid up from a knot in his gut and lodged in his throat. His mouth twisted in fear. He gagged. Hold it, who or whatever you are. Get your hands up, this is government property. Come closer so I can see who you are.

The creature sloshed towards him, its long limbs hanging motionless at its sides. Deep yellow eyes, like those of an immense leopard, filled a slick black helmet-shaped head.

No you don’t, Cal yelled. Hold it right there. He leveled his pistol at the tall threatening creature.

The pizza that Cal had eaten earlier churned in his stomach amid the flow of acid. I can’t believe this, flashed through his mind. Just a few moments ago I was sitting in Ogle’s Pizza Parlor drinking a beer.

The dark humanoid beast never faltered a step, but moved even faster towards him.

Then Cal noticed the eyes of the beast in front of him. As he stared at them he felt a strange hypnotic pull. He struggled against the force, shaking his head. Something is wrong here. This can’t be happening to me.

. . . . . .

An hour earlier Cal had reclined comfortably in the back booth of Ogle’s Pizza Parlor slowly spinning his cool bottle of Coor’s Lite beer. He’d gazed absentmindly across the open checkered-tile floor of the parlor toward the counter where the plump blonde-haired waitress waited on ordering customers. The moist bottle wet his fingers, but he didn’t seem to notice as he took another swig, waiting for his pizza to arrive.

Dressed in his tan uniform, Cal waited for his usual evening meal at 11:00 pm before starting his midnight shift at Chico State Park. He had been working in that foothill park for six months since graduating from Humboldt University in Northern California.

The young ranger glanced up as the waitress slid the steaming pepperoni pizza across his table. Evening, Sandy.

Ready for another hot night, Cal, up there on the mountain? The girl smiled, her long straw-colored hair hiding the sides of her chubby face.

Yep. Checking out mountain lions crossing the freeway from the national forest. He ran his hand through his thick dark brown hair.

Can you see in the dark? Her face moved closer to Cal’s.

Actually, I can. A smile trickled across his face as he spread his arms. We’ve got night vision cameras mounted up on the ridges. They scan all the animal trails.

Like in the movies? she purred, her sapphire eyes flashing.

He toyed with his beer bottle. I sit in front of video monitors and identify and keep count of animals crossing into our park. Gets kinda boring at times, but it’s just part of my assignment there. He glanced down and then raised his dark brown eyes at the girl.

Sandy played with the pizza tray, the odor of hot cheese filling the air as she smiled, scooted closer, and leaned over the table. You know, she murmured. I work nights here, every night. Gets boring for me, too.

He glanced away. After a while we start recognizing individual cats. It’s important to preserve the lives of these animals.

My afternoons are free, probably like yours. She slid a hand toward his.

Cal glanced down at his cooling pizza. I gotta eat if I’m going to be in that park on time. My brother Brad is the head ranger up there. He’s always after me to be on time. He pulled his hand back and reached for a slice of the hot pizza.

Oh yeah, that’s right. She moved back twisting her blondish hair. I’ll be here tomorrow night, same time. A limp smile creased her face.

Cal watched her wiggle off as he bit into the cheese coated pepperoni pizza and thought that he could probably date her, but if he got started, how would he get rid of her? Thirty minutes later, he was in his black Ford pickup driving east on La Palma Avenue. The paved road had ended at the Conservancy chain link gate.

. . . . . .

The young ranger’s thoughts cleared as the creature’s large round eyes glanced away from him toward the lights of the pickup. Stay back, Cal yelled. He fired a shot in the air hoping to scare the creature away.

It never hesitated, sloshing closer.

Cal lowered the gun barrel and pulling the trigger, firing several shots into the body of the beast.

Stay back. He fired again, emptying the revolver. Where are you, Brad, when I need you? He searched his pockets for additional shells.

The strange creature hesitated a moment as a clear liquid seeped from the bullet holes. It raised one paw and covered the wounds for a second, stilling the flow, then stepped closer to Cal.

Cal stared in disbelief at what he saw. His mouth gagged open as he turned to yell, but no words came from his hollow mouth as his eyes widened until they hurt. He gradually lowered his revolver as the yellow orbs pulled his brain away. The park ranger stood dazed, his mind elsewhere.

The tall creature, dripping with moisture, rushed the final steps toward the young man. Its right paw reached behind Cal’s head and jerked it forward as the other paw sizzled on the young man’s face and smothered him in a watery death.

Chapter 2

CHICO STATE PARK RANGER STATION

At the Chico State Park Ranger Station, Head Ranger Brad Evans stared over the shoulder of one of the rangers watching the video monitors lining one side of the observation room. Black and gray images filled the screens. Brad watched as a family of masked raccoons waddle through the darkness. The monitoring ranger noted it on a form. Several other animals were listed, including two deer and a mountain lion.

Brad, a single man, had worked at Chico State Park for six years after graduating from Humboldt State University. For the last two years, he had been assigned as head ranger at the park.

The large room at the park headquarters housed several video stations, desks, tables, and chairs. One of the responsibilities of the park was to monitor and track the nightly movement of large mountain lions moving between Chico State Park and the Cleveland National Forest across the Santa Ana River. A tunnel under the riverside highway and the fence of the Conservancy led wildlife between the two.

Brad turned and walked from the station as the door opened behind him. Julie. About time for you to go home? A broad smile filled his face.

Yes, where’s Cal? Her eyes narrowed, brow creased. He’s usually here by now. Julie McKenzie, tall, thin, dark haired, filled her tan uniform from the neck of her blouse to the boots at the end of her long pants. Her eyes gazed at her supervisor.

Well, you know my brother better than I do. The grin spread across Brad’s tanned face, his bright hazel eyes twinkling. He likes to check you out before you leave.

A tint of color crossed Julie’s face. I don’t know what you’re talking about. She glanced around, fiddling with her belt.

The tall muscular ranger laughed. Oh, I thought different? Then he glimpsed at his watch. "You’re right. Cal should have been here by now. It’s almost midnight and it’s time for me to go home, too.

Try his cell. Maybe he’s still talking to that pudgy girl at the pizza place.

Oh, do I hear a touch of jealousy? Brad pulled out his own cell phone and punched in Cal’s code. The phone rang and rang, but no answer. He glanced at Julie and shook his head. Do you know the number at that pizza joint?

No. Julie picked up the phone book and shuffled through the yellow pages. Here it is. She shoved the book in front of Brad.

Thanks. He punched in the number and waited for the pizza parlor to answer.

Ogle’s. Can you hold? Background music filled Brad’s ear.

What? His voice rose, they put me on hold? He frowned and paced around the floor. That kid’s been late several times? Maybe I was wrong backing him to get the job here at Chico.

What do you mean, kid? Julie glared at him, her face reddened. He’s my age, isn’t he, her voice rose, and I’m no kid, Brad Evans. I’m no kid.

At least he could be more responsible. Brad slammed his fist on the wooden desk as the background music playing in his ear started repeating. He ran his hand through the thick, light-brown hair.

What? He’s been here six months and this is only the third time. You’ve been angry more times than that since I’ve worked here.

Brad sighed, Sorry. He raised his arms, then dropped them. I just feel responsible for him. And you’re right. You’re far from being a kid. He shook his head and pointed at the cell phone.

I know how it is. I’ve got a kid sister, her voice softened. She had learned how to handle her boss, a man she respected, especially when he got angry.

"Ogle’s, can I take your order? The feminine voice broke in.

No. he almost shouted into the phone as he raised his hand toward Julie. And don’t hang up. This is Ranger Brad Evans at Chico State Park.

We don’t deliver up there, the girl squeaked.

I know that. I’m not ordering pizza. Brad stopped pacing. I’m looking for my brother, Cal. He eats there every night. Have you seen him?

Sure, I sometimes see him come in here. The soft voice continued. Nice looking. Sandy always flirts with him, but no luck.

Tonight. Brad’s voice rose. Did you see him tonight? He gripped the phone tighter.

I just got in. I’ll ask Sandy. The music came back on.

Brad tapped the wooden desk in front of him as he watched a small cottontail rabbit dash across one of the screens.

The music stopped. Sandy, here. Can I help you?

Sandy. Yes. I’m looking for my brother, Cal. He took a deep breath. Did you see him tonight?

Sure. He left about an hour ago. Her voice softened, Your brother, huh? Nice guy.

An hour ago! Did you say an hour ago? He almost yelled into the small cell. He never heard the answer. Thanks, Brad muttered.

Wait, maybe you could put in a good word for me. We both work nights. Tell him I’m free during the days. Okay?

He let his breath out, turned and glanced at Julie. Yes, I’ll tell him. Bye. He felt his heart beat quicken. Little beads of sweat creased his forehead.

What was that all about, Julie cut in.

Beats me. Brad wiped a hand across his brow, then put the phone in his breast pocket. He breathed deeply, trying to relax. Maybe he was flirting with that pizza gal or else she was flirting with him. Is that bad news for you?

Me? He can do whatever he likes. The slim young woman turned away from Brad and her hand slid up to her throat. Did she know where he was?

No. Said he left. I know it’s a long shot, but would you mind hanging out here a little longer while I drive down to La Palma. Maybe he had car trouble. He touched the softness of her arm. Sorry, I got a little hot headed.

She forced a smile.

As Brad turned, he sensed the touch of her perfume, but the ranger didn’t wait for an answer. He grabbed his tan uniform jacket and hat, raced out the door, leaped in the front seat of his four-year old, dark blue Chevrolet truck, and headed down the dirt road to the Conservancy gate. Where are you, Cal? You’ve never been this late before! He slowed to make a tight curve above the Conservancy property, then hit the brakes when he thought he heard a noise. He rolled down the window as cool air and the smell of sage drifted in.

That you, Cal? Got car trouble?

Brad jumped in his seat as a loud eerie growl filled the night.

What in God’s name was that?

The sound, like a deep throaty roar, broke the silence again, trailing off in the distance.

The ranger sat motionless in the truck for a moment, gripping the steering wheel. He took several deep breaths, trying to slow his heart beat. Whatever it was I’m glad it’s going in the opposite direction. He started the pickup again. Oh Cal, you didn’t run into that thing did you?

Brad gently touched the gas pedal and eased the pickup forward. He peered at the road, trying to see beyond the headlights as he turned the next corner, and then the next. Only the dark gravelly road lined with brush met his eyes. He withheld the desire to race wildly down the winding hillside road. He crept forward closer to bottom of the hill.

Around the next curve, a chain link fence came into view and the bright headlights swung toward the entrance to the Conservancy property. The fence posts appeared, then the center of gateway. Brad eased the truck forward until the lights brought the metal gate in view, a gate twisted and standing askew with a dark shadowy object against it. Then, as the lights reached maximum intensity, Brad yelled, and slammed on the brakes, sliding the truck to a stop in front the metal barrier blocking the road.

No, no; the ranger screamed into the inky night as the light beam swept across the limp body of a man hung on the cross rails of the steel gate, a man in a state park uniform.

Chapter 3

SADDLEBACK MOUNTAIN

The previous day, little after noon, two young men on black motorcycles had circled the western top of Saddleback Mountain. Santiago, the higher of the two peaks that formed the saddle, spiked the sky with satellite and telephone towers. Modjeska, the barren lesser peak, formed the rear of the saddle.

Joe, one of the men yelled. Let’s cut around the eastside, then to the top and head home.

Sounds good to me, Joe answered smiling, as he hollered above the roar of his motorcycle. Lead the way.

Joe Adams, a slim 18-year old, rode his shiny, black Harley every chance he got and today he was off work and had convinced his friend Bill Johnson to ride to the little town of Silverado and on up to Saddleback. Bill didn’t need to do much coaxing. The stocky friend looked for an excuse to don his leather clothes, helmet, and make like a Hell’s Angel on a chopper.

Joe and his friend, Bill, had left the City of Orange about midmorning from Joe’s house. They headed east on Santiago Road toward the