The Blackbird That Wasn't

By Herman Bruebaker

What happens when Satan decides to invade Mexicos ancient deities? This takes place during World War II, so its savageness is hidden by the political war raging across the globe. Bruce Sherman and a small band of United States Marines are thrown into the clash with Satans evils. Not only are they fighting evils in Mexico but they are also contesting Mexico City, Washingtons indifference, and Aztec deities who refuses to fight the forces trying to dominate their domains. Bruces own men often refuse to believe what they are fighting.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524550462

Herman Bruebaker

Herman Lloyd Bruebaker lives in Riverside, California, with his family. The author has several major projects underway.

Book preview

The Blackbird That Wasn’t

Herman Lloyd Bruebaker

Cover design by Cory A. Bruebaker

Copyright © 2016 by Herman Lloyd Bruebaker.

ISBN:  Softcover     978-1-5245-5047-9

            eBook           978-1-5245-5046-2

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 10/11/2016

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To Amy Carpenter

Contents

Novels by Herman Lloyd Bruebaker

The Blackbird That Wasn’t

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Chapter Twenty-eight

Chapter Twenty-nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-one

Chapter Thirty-two

Chapter Thirty-three

Chapter Thirty-four

Chapter Thirty-five

Chapter Thirty-six

Chapter Thirty-seven

Chapter Thirty-eight

Chapter Thirty-nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-one

Chapter Forty-two

Chapter Forty-three

Chapter Forty-four

Chapter Forty-five

Chapter Forty-six

Chapter Forty-seven

Chapter Forty-eight

Chapter Forty-nine

Chapter Fifty

Chapter Fifty-one

Chapter Fifty-two

Chapter Fifty-three

Chapter Fifty-four

Chapter Fifty-five

Chapter Fifty-six

Chapter Fifty-seven

Chapter Fifty-eight

Chapter Fifty-nine

Chapter Sixty

Chapter Sixty-one

Chapter Sixty-two

Chapter Sixty-three

Chapter Sixty-four

Chapter Sixty-five

Chapter Sixty-six

Chapter Sixty-seven

Chapter Sixty-eight

Chapter Sixty-nine

Novels by Herman Lloyd Bruebaker

(Harry Warren Series-Science Fiction)

Treachery in the Night

Pharaoh’s Promise

The Lost Jewels

Brotherhood of Karnuk

(Bruce Sherman Series-Supernatural)

Blood on Winter Snows

Feast of Black Phoenix

Shadows of the Beasts

Troubled Waters off Argentina

Other novels by Herman Lloyd Bruebaker

Some Dreams Best Forgotten

Passage from Limbo

Days of Black Thunder

Red Star Rising

The Last Drum Beat

Table of Darkness

Tomorrow Afternoon We Die

The Blackbird That Wasn’t

For the last few minutes, the tall marine colonel silently stood before a window overlooking San Diego’s sprawling naval base. That ugly, unavoidable stench of war was heavy in the air this early morning of April 16, 1943. Last year the United States Navy sharply reduced Imperial Japan’s offensive advantages at the Battle of Midway. This was a great morale booster following America’s humiliation by Pearl Harbor’s staggering losses on that infamous Sunday December 7,1941. Afterwards, the shadows of war threatening America signaled this was going to be a long tumultuous affair.

But amidst this fighting there existed another war few people knew about. Its bloody battles scattered across the globe weren’t to terminate Adolf Hitler’s wide spread conquests or smash Tokyo’s sweeping victories. There was a greater danger to mankind’s existence than the ruthless Axis Pact. This sinister threat was fought in the darkened shadows of man’s deepest fears. Of course, there were swift denials of these battles by religious fundamentalists. Their denunciations permitted the evil forces to reap far more successes than any brutal crushing of political doctrines.

This marine officer was no stranger to Satan’s schemes. Since last year, this rugged-looking man had stopped three ambitious evil plots, but not without heavy losses. On this warm sunny day he again took up the sword against the Devil’s chief troublemaker. By 1943, Bruce Sherman was a warrior challenging the shadowy world of demonology. No books were written about his exploits nor did newspapers proclaim his victories. These struggles fought with brute force excluded religious exorcism. He was among a few warriors forming the nucleus of an ancient clandestine clan known as Theta.

After turning away from his study of the naval port’s aggressive work pace, Colonel Bruce Sherman wasn’t in a good mood. What’s our confidence level on these reports? he asked in an authoritative voice that was noticeably edgy. The question wasn’t directed to the two Army types in his office but to another marine officer.

Formerly attached to the Marine Commandant’s Washington office, Billy Jordan was quick to reply in his cold business like manner. It’s very high.

Though they were good friends while fighting the Japanese last year in the Pacific, he was now uncomfortable around Bruce. Since returning from an European ultra-secret mission the rugged man rarely laughed as he used to.

The colonel impatiently waited for further explanations. Continue.

Support became alarmed after discovering the intrusion was overlapping our covert in the same region. Major Jordan’s Western accent became suspicious. After quickly giving the army officer a sharp glance he said. After intercepting the message Operations easily confirmed its origination point.

And where would that be?

The Army’s G-2 office here in San Diego.

I strongly protest this unauthorized interception of our classified messages. the third officer in the room bitterly interrupted. The Marine Corps has no legal authority interfering with our covert. The major’s indignation increased after Bruce disgustedly looked his way then turned away.

Bruce asked Billy. What do we know about this enemy agent?

Not much at the present. Billy replied. Forty-seven year old Ignacio Median’s last known address was a small village twenty miles from the San Diego border. For the last sixteen months he worked for their local police as a paid informer. There was a footnote. According to Mexican intelligence the farmer rarely produced anything of importance. Then three weeks ago this all changed. His name began appearing in intercepted Abwehr dispatches to Berlin from Mexico City. Shortly after that we began closely tracking Median’s activities.

Bruce looked at the angry major before curtly asking. Why is G-2 interested in this man?

He’s a minor player in our classified operation.

What kind of classified operation?

I’m sorry, colonel, but that information is very sensitive.

For several hostile moments Bruce regarded the man’s arrogance. Just a moment please. Holding up his hand demanding silence at the same time he flipped on his desk inter-office phone. Betty, please call General Marshall in Washington. Yes, I’ll wait. He then looked at the major who was curiously watching him. I’m asking you once more. Why is army intelligence interested in this Mexican citizen?

The major indifferently replied. Median was involved in our classified covert.

Major Ralph Chandler IV found this marine colonel to be more than annoying. But if he was trying to coax him into revealing their covert’s objectives, the man had another thought coming. After sixteen years in the army he found this young colonel distastefully rude. The major was still furious after his sergeant and he were detained by the base military police and escorted to this small office. Though strongly protesting their apprehension his words failed to change the MPs’ orders.

After a few minutes, Major Jordan deducted this muscular-built major lacked a strong character and definitely came from wealth. His arrogance was reserved for those he disliked and this colonel was disliked. After returning to his office Major Chandler intended to run a background check on this colonel. The smart ass idiot needed chopping down to size and he was the one who would do that.

After the phone rang he reached over and picked up the instrument. General, this is Bruce Sherman. Yes, how are you? Oh well, things could be better down here. But I won’t take up your time knowing things in Washington are terrible these days. I’m calling concerning an operation Army G-2 is conducting across the Mexican border. I have Major Chandler from that agency in my office. He’s reluctant to discuss his mission that, unfortunately, is dangerously overlapping one of mine. During their short discussion Bruce evasively explained his clandestine operation. Chandler felt an uneasiness began to stir. Yes sir, cooperation would be considered long as Delta 301 remains the senior agency. I appreciate your consideration, sir, and have a good day.

Sternly looking at the uncomfortable major he handed over the receiver. General Marshall would like a few words with you.

While the major nervously listened to the Army’s Chief-of-Staff, Bruce walked over to an icebox and removed three bottles of cold soft drinks. He stood for a moment observing the stern-featured master sergeant sitting with a thin arrogant smirk. He obviously found delight in hearing his superior officer being chewed out by the all powerful Army chief-of-staff. Without asking he handed one to the master sergeant and marine major then stepped to the window. Colonel Sherman never understood why enlisted personnel were delighted whenever their officers got into trouble.

Last year Bruce Sherman was a first lieutenant fighting Japanese soldiers in the Pacific. After abruptly jerked from combat and flown to London, he was inducted into Theta’s shadowy ranks. After that his life became a controllable nightmare courtesy of the Devil’s comrade Forcas. His thoughts briefly wandered back to Major Chandler wondering if that man suspected his sergeant hated his guts. Probably not since he was so self-centered. Every once in a while the army major mumbled a weak yes, sir.

Leaning against a file cabinet Billy studied his foxhole buddy from the Pacific campaigns. After Bruce departed the war zone he hadn’t seen him again until yesterday. Detached from his Washington assignment Billy was flown priority seating to San Diego. After that the puzzling issues became a blur. Whatever Bruce was involved in had the powerful backing of an unseen political column. Even the Army’s Chief-of-Staff wasted no time answering his calls.

Though Bruce’s executive officer had yet to be fully briefed on his new assignment, Billy wasn’t certain if he wanted to be. Physically speaking Bruce Sherman hadn’t changed that much. He was a rugged-built man from the farmlands of Fostoria, Ohio. His dark brown hair was neatly cut according to Marine regulations. In fact, everything about the colonel was all gung-ho. But it was his icy blue eyes which immediately caught everybody’s attention. Billy always thought they were deeply-troubled. But the marine officer admitted Bruce Sherman was handsome in a rural manner that women didn’t always find attractive.

Billy silently questioned Bruce’s rapid advancement from lieutenant to full bird colonel in such a short time. He had never heard of such a dizzy climb in rank. While stationed in Washington he made friends in the Naval Bureau of Personnel. There were career benefits having connections inside BUPERS. When finding the time Billy intended to discreetly look into the matter. If necessary, Jordan would blackmail his three buddies owing him favors.

With a deep sigh the colonel walked to his desk and sat. By now the major blushing from General Marshall’s butt chewing was replacing the receiver as if it was a serpent. For a few moments Bruce studied the major uncomfortably seated in front of his desk.

Do we have a communications problem, Major Chandler? the colonel harshly demanded.

There’s no problem, sir. he managed to reply. What would you like to know?

Though it was embarrassing submitting to this colonel’s authority, he obediently nodded. But once leaving this cramped office he was calling his uncle. The powerful United States Senator would readily take care of these two marine officers. Nobody degraded a Chandler and got away with it. But for the time being there was no choice other than obeying the harsh-mannered colonel. After his uncle deflated this meddlesome marine sweet revenge would be his.

Bruce suspiciously questioned. Why was army intelligence clandestinely operating across the border?

There was a short cold silence. We have good reason to believe there will be an invasion force coming across the border. Chandler was feeling his imperiousness coming back. Though revealing part of their covert it wasn’t enough for this nosy colonel to claim credit.

A few moments passed before Bruce dubiously asked. An invasion? the colonel momentarily paused then skeptically added. From Mexico?

Well, not exactly from Mexico, but more like through Mexico.

A disbelieving silence stung the air. Perhaps, you better explain that? Bruce finally recommended.

The slightly overweight major coughed to hide his exasperation following the phone conversation. He wasn’t used to this lack of respect. Before this day was over he would make sure this colonel knew of his family’s powerful influence reaching into the White House.

Four months ago G-2 intercepted two messages suggestive of an invasion against America. The first origination was from the Mexican village Los Amos.

He stopped talking after Bruce flipping open a thick folder scanned its first two pages. The major was immediately interested. Where did Delta 301 obtain such extensive information. Their file folder on Medina was only four pages. The colonel took his time before nodding.

That would be Ignacio Medina’s hometown?

After Chandler nodded Bruce said. Please continue.

The first message informed Medina a special team would be arriving and he was to assist.

And where are they arriving?

There was no mention of a location.

There was another short silence. What about the second message? the colonel indifferently asked.

That was intercepted four days later instructing Medina to provide logistics for the team.

I’m a little confused about your suspicions. I don’t see anything particularly alarming in their contents. He was busy scanning the message copies. Were these the only ones?

Yes, sir.

Chandler disguised his impatience. There was a covert to work and it was been interrupted by this meddling colonel. If Delta 301 was planning to take credit for smashing the invading force they had a rude awakening coming. While Bruce casually studied the vaguely worded messages, Chandler thought what would happened after his uncle smashed their balls?

Still standing alongside the filing cabinet, Billy thoughtfully regarded the two officers verbally fencing with one another. If it was his call he would kick that major from the office. No, that was wrong. He would personally kick his ass off the base along with that smirking master sergeant.

After a few moments Bruce looked up and asked. Who is your contact in Mexico?

Colonel Modesto Castner of the Mexican army intelligence.

Billy was puzzled over Bruce’s sudden hesitance in continuing this discussion. Since Bruce’s arrival in San Diego Billy found him strangely cold to those about him. This was an emotional coldness that was difficult to define. From his advantage point Billy kept studying those in this office without their knowledge. He had already decided Master Sergeant Brent Rowlett strongly disliked his army senior. After a few more minutes Billy classified Ralph Chandler as a presumptuous fool trying to carve himself a place inside an army who didn’t want him. He was left behind after the war came. Bruce thoughtfully closed the folder causing Chandler more discomfort. The colonel’s expression was cold and disbelieving what Chandler had said.

According to our file the messages were in your possession for two weeks? There was a sharp accusing tone in Bruce’s words.

Yes, sir.

Why?

This was a serious possibility G-2 wanted to confirm.

And have you confirmed your suspicions?

The colonel’s harsh tone was causing Chandler to squirm. No, sir. Not yet. But we have a strong lead.

When was the last time you talked with your contact?

He called two days ago.

Bruce’s manners became icy after menacingly holding up his hand. I don’t mean phone contacts. When was your last personal contact?

There has been none.

Bruce sat for a few moments skeptically staring at the man. Are you telling me there has been no personal contacts? Then what about your office? Surely they have met Medina?

Median insisted on phone calls.

Bruce sat for a few moments. Personally, I believe you’re blowing these messages out of context.

Chandler was taken by surprise. But Medina is part of an invasion force.

Bruce shook his head. Not an invasion force but more like a strike team. I’m hoping you know their sharp differences. During wartime there are numerous coverts sneaking across the Mexican border. Militarily, there isn’t much we can do to stop those insertions. With this war going on our manpower is seriously overburdened. Bruce sternly advised. However, your activities are dangerously close to our covert. His facial expression became harsh. And that I cannot tolerate.

The army office was quick to argue. Medina warned us the Germans were going to cause considerable embarrassment to the United States.

What kind of embarrassment?

Medina promised to provide more details at our next meeting. Seeing Bruce’s raised eyebrows he was quick to explained. The contact wanted a face-to-face meeting this time.

Did he show up?

No, sir.

As I see it, Major Chandler, your hesitation might have caused your informer’s death leaving G-2 with a cold trail? The blushing major didn’t answer. Billy, when is our team arriving?

Tomorrow morning.

Bruce looked at Chandler and curtly asked. When is your next meeting with Colonel Castner?

He’s flying in from Mexico City early tomorrow morning.

The colonel thoughtfully looked at the thick folder lying on his desk before glancing at Billy. I want a top level meeting tomorrow at 0900 Hours. That includes Major Chandler and his staff. Bruce’s sharp edged words defined his disgust how this covert was unraveling. We have two weeks of lost time to catch up and with preciously little time to do so. Major Chandler, please bring all documents and evidence supportive of G-2’s suspicions. Then we’ll decide how to advance from here.

Major Chandler was taken aback by his orders. Sir, I believe there’s a mistake here. This is an Army operation.

Bruce frowned. It may have been but not now. As of this moment your covert is subjected to my agency’s authority. When Chandler started to object the colonel sharply announced. You’re dismissed until tomorrow morning at 0900 hours.

The colonel watched the army pair angrily depart his office. After a few moments Bruce growled a few condemning remarks about the obvious incompetence among G-2 ranks.

So what do you think? he asked his executive officer.

If what he claims is true and I don’t think it is…we might have big trouble brewing across the border. But I’m not sure about that major. Chandler seems to be pretty stupid and arrogant to boot.

That’s my thinking. Bruce skeptically replied.

But either way their clandestine operation is overlapping ours and I can’t permit that. We have too much to lose.

Billy nodded while silently mumbling he didn’t know what their mission involved. So how do you want this handled?

Walking back to the window Bruce stood for a while. Before the meeting we need some issues defined. I’m not impressed with Major Chandler’s claim about this alleged invasion from Mexico. I think he’s overstating his covert’s boundaries.

Bruce was quiet for several moments. Call the FBI office in San Diego and see if their agents and informers have heard increased chatter about suspicious activity on the Mexican side. I don’t have much faith in what he said. But there’s something that has him aroused and we need to know what that is.

With political relationships between Mexico and Washington at a record low, Bruce mumbled this wasn’t the time for disagreements. Sticking his head out the door, the colonel instructed Betty to run a profile on the suspected agent. After locking the file in a cabinet, he sat behind his desk crowded with files and folded maps. Billy curiously noted they all concerned Mexico.

Chapter Two

That man is going to be a regular pain-in-the-ass. Major Jordan growled after the Army types slammed the door behind their departure.

When Bruce didn’t reply the marine veteran looked over his shoulder. The colonel was seriously reading Delta 301’s daily intelligence summary. His grim expression was suggestive of a cold nonsense personality that wasn’t there on the Canal. Bruce Sherman was what many women considered handsome. But others snubbed their noses at this man raised on an Ohio farmstead. At times his country manners sneaked through his educated front. His flat forehead with lines etched into the tanned skin was part of a classical thinker’s face.

Any man from the First Marines’ landing on Guadalcanal, was a combat veteran before the second shot was fired in anger. Together they had spent weeks in those stinking jungles where marines fought and died like caged animals. Like so many marines Bruce walked away a changed person. The moment Billy saw those icy blue eyes, he knew his friend had changed more than the others. Back on the Canal Bruce wasn’t a loner personality. In fact, he was the other way with an easy-going smile and fast laughter.

While Billy watched, Bruce thoughtfully scanned those pages with increasing impatience. The major remembered his general’s guarded comment before departing Washington. Bruce Sherman was a man to stay away from like the plague. His superior never explained what he meant and Billy didn’t ask because he didn’t want to know.

Bruce looked up. Have you read these pages?

I read them three times. he uneasily replied.

So I gather you saw those references to the dead blackbird?

I saw them. Billy dubiously glanced at another folder the office manager brought in then quietly left. Do you think it’s possible?

And why not? Bruce challenged with a grin that wasn’t amusing. If you had been with me these last few months this only scraps the surface.

With a deep frustrated moan Bruce leaned back in the uncomfortable, standard issued Navy chair. Studying his friend who was raised on Chicago’s back streets, Bruce remembered their bullshit sessions in the Canal’s muddy foxholes.

You were always talking about supernatural stuff associated with the Aztecs. Many times you argued the positive creditability of those legends. So what changed your mind? Bruce gestured at the folder. If accepting those myths at face value why is it so hard accepting a blackbird brought back to life?

You’re acting as if you believe this stuff?’’ Billy shrugged. Back in the jungle you didn’t. I remember your heated arguments about phantoms and such. What made you change your mind?"

Bruce exhaled as if wanting to avoid this discussion but at the last moment said. Whether I believe or not, isn’t our point here. For now that blackbird is our main focus. He stared at the puzzled major for a moment. Do either of us need convincing? His question was razor sharp, warning Billy whatever threat Delta 301 was engaging would prove mind boggling.

Billy was surprised at his icy demand. No.

Good, so we won’t waste time arguing the whys and the why nots. It’s obvious G-2 unknowingly stumbled across the beginnings of a demonic plot and the fools don’t know it. We are looking at a myth coming back to life. The colonel paused while momentarily studying his executive officer. You’re here because demonology is your area of expertise. Are you comfortable with this? Good. So let’s not fence around with words and get down to brass tacks?

Bruce slipping a page from the file Betty brought in slowly read its contents. This analysis suggests during Sumeria’s final days, Zaebos often used the blackbird as his vehicle of transmigration between the spiritual world and our mortal plane. But my question is why he’s in Mexico and not the Middle East?

Though always preaching the authenticity of demons, Billy was visibly shaken by their materializing. There are legends claiming Zaebos was in Mexico during Cortez’s conquest of the Aztecs. A disturbing thought rushed through Billy’s mind causing him to abruptly hesitate. This isn’t ordinary intelligence, is it? This is all about Zaebos. You’re here because Theta fears Zaebos has come back?

Bruce’s icy blue eyes suddenly narrowed. Do you have a problem?

Billy knew their discussion had sharply converted to military bearing and leaving behind personal touches. So when he responded it was crisply. No, sir. No problem.

That’s good because I requested your transfer. And no this isn’t ordinary intelligence. We’ll be operating outside the normal clandestine boundaries. An expertise of demonology is essential for those on my team. There was another pause. Are you familiar with Theta?

The colonel’s razor sharp inquiry sent cold chills up his spine. At that moment Billy knew his answer would reserve his appointment to Delta 301 or see him thrown back into battle.

"To be truthful I don’t know that much about Theta.

What little I do know always left me bewildered. The major paused. Am I to assume Delta 301 isn’t military but Theta?"

I’ll let that pass. What you must never forget is Theta never operates in the open. We always work under the shield of naval intelligence. The colonel studied the officer. So what do you know about Theta?

The colonel’s skeptical expression had passed so Billy assumed his first test was passed. What I learned was from my college studies in pagan religions. He sheepishly grinned and scratched his chin. To be honest during that class I flirted with a pretty red head. Needless to say, I didn’t listen to the professor’s lecture. But I do remember my professor saying their history is so distorted it’s difficult unraveling truth from fantasy.

What about the redhead? Bruce asked in a frosty manner causing the major discomfort. He uncomfortably felt these questions were like his grade school classes.

I never made any headway with the redhead.

The senior officer regarded his awkward responses with a thin smile. So you lost a chance making hay with the redhead. But now you’re with Theta and losing opportunities will kill you. So we’re back to the question. What do you know about Theta?

Billy skeptically admitted. Theta historically originated during Troy’s last few days. Supposedly, their people possess powers that’s staggering to the imagination. But how did you get into it? Hell, whenever you hear the name Theta it’s usually contained within ancient legends.

The colonel held up a hand interrupting Billy’s heavy-handed briefing. Theta legends are often exaggerated so pay little attention to them. Far as everybody is concerned, we’re with the special intelligence group Delta 301. That’s all they ever need to know. But you and I will talk about Theta later on. But right now we need to focus on Zaebos’ reentry from death.

Yes, sir.

For a moment Bruce dubiously looked at Billy.

Before your tour with Delta 301 is over you might wished more attention was shown his lecturers.

Walking to the icebox he removed two bottles of cold coke, handed one to Billy then returned to his chair. But first, I’ll give you some background information about our covert starting several months ago. That was when Theta heard rumbling another supernatural event was stalking the shadows. As Theta collected more evasive facts it was clear Zaebos would be our primary villain. That’s when Operation Demasquer was activated. After wrapping up another operation in California, I was ordered to San Diego.

Finishing his coke with a long swallow Bruce leaned back in the chair. Clasping hands behind his neck he studied Billy. The career officer was that sort of person nobody gave a second thought. His brown eyes aided by glasses and thin moustache cast that adventurous look which Billy wasn’t.

Does Theta have confirmable evidence that Zaebos is released from his curse?

Yes, we do. Everybody’s dandruff began flying after a jeweled chest was found in the Mexican desert.

Zaebos has to have a host body to survive. Is there any evidence whom he transmigrated into?

We have a possible host body.

Bruce was pleased with Billy’s probing. Though the man was in battle his skills existed in analysis and strategic planning. The major would do well in Theta’s shadowy world. Billy was seated front of the desk with crossed legs, holding an empty coke bottle and having pinched forehead because his thinking.

Theta’s field intelligence identified a German SS overt expressing interest in Zaebos. We don’t know why Himmler is messing around with the Infernal Empire, but it is something he would find interest in. Theta’s interest perked after rumbles confirmed Zaebos was transmigrating. Little by little, pieces began linking and matters got nasty. Delta 301 was rapidly assembled in San Diego with Betty managing the front desk.

Assuming Operation Demasquer is cornering and disposing Zaebos. How does the SS covert figure in?

Theta believes the host body is among that operation. Therefore, Operation Demasquer involves disposing of Zaebos and probably smashing the SS threat.

Yesterday you mentioned ghost whisperers. Billy indifferently shrugged. Who are these people?

Ghost whisperers are gifted people with scary powers to see beyond the boundaries of death. Some are able to communicate with the dead. It’s not known how many are scattered around the world because of their secrecy. But you wouldn’t know if meeting one on the street.

Pausing Bruce drank some soda water. Down through the centuries ghost whisperers are the bridge between mankind and our spiritual worlds.

Are they good or evil?

It all depends how they use their gift. I’m certain there are evil ones but I like to think most are good. Our first clue surfaced after they identified the German covert Operation Einspritzung. G-2’s interception of their plans to cause political embarrassment is no concern to Delta 301. Our present concern is Colonel Castner’s involvement.

Billy skeptically asked. Isn’t that the colonel Chandler is working with?

Yes. Chandler is in deeper than he realizes. Some months ago, Theta identified Colonel Castner as Himmler’s primary agent in Mexico. Shortly after that Theta’s Mexican operatives discovered he was secretly setting up the groundwork for a major enemy clandestine. Up to that point, Theta only had shadowy facts to work with. After G- 2 stumbled across the German covert things got messy.

Billy chuckled. That’ll cause Chandler to shit his pants.

It will after he learns Costner is agent-in-charge of Operation Einspritzung.

Billy swallowed some soda water without even knowing it. This entire matter was beyond belief. After reporting for duty, Billy spent two days reading thick reports Betty Barnett unloaded on him. He was thoroughly stunned when Bruce Sherman walking through the door introduced himself as Delta 301’s commanding officer. Their small office suite located down the hallway from naval intelligence had no have a bronze nameplate on its door. It was as if Delta 301 didn’t exist.

What do we know about Operation Einspritzung?

Bruce shrugged. We don’t know that much. Except for Colonel Castner we aren’t certain who else is involved. Our sources inside SS intelligence confirmed its agents are about to leave Germany. We don’t know their names or how they’re traveling into Mexico. Whether they’re coming straight to Mexico or the States we don’t know. How Zaebos fits in we don’t know. He frowned for a moment. So our first priority is defining what G-2 knows that we don’t. There are too many ifs and maybes in our quest.

This team that’s arriving tomorrow morning what about them? Billy asked. I asked Betty but never got an answer.

Betty is a good woman to have around, Billy. Just don’t get her mad because I won’t intervene on your part. There was slight amusement in his warning.

The colonel yawned then walked to the window affording a sweeping view of the sprawling naval base. Delta 301’s office manager Betty chose well their office location. The old office building in the base’s middle offered an excellent view of San Diego’s vital war time harbor. Clasping hands behind his back the tall man quietly stood at the window. After successfully terminating another covert against Forcas he was summoned before Theta’s Grand Council in England. There he was told Forcas, Biblically known as ‘Snatcher of Lost Souls’, was masterminding another devilish scheme.

After Bruce departed the British Isle, Theta flexing its shadowy muscles made ready to challenge this newest supernatural plot. Having never heard of Zaebos Bruce was briefed on this Middle Eastern demon and sent back to the States.

What’s your opinion of Zaebos? he asked Billy.

You’re going to have your hands full with this one. In legends, he’s characterized as clever and particularly quick at adapting to changing developments.

A few months ago if told