Bitter Search for Giants

By Herman Lloyd Bruebaker

When naval commander Victor Cushman was assigned to assist the Peruvian intelligence, he never knew they would be searching for seventy-thousand-year-old oblong skulls. But what he did learn was that people were dying along the way. He soon discovered their search for oblong skulls was more than a routine matter. Its conclusion would affect the future of mankind.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984520470

Herman Lloyd Bruebaker

Herman Lloyd Bruebaker lives in Riverside, California with his wife and two sons. Currently he has three major projects in progress that will be released during 2018.

Book preview

Copyright © 2018 by Herman Lloyd Bruebaker.

ISBN: Softcover 978-1-9845-2048-7

eBook 978-1-9845-2047-0

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 Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 04/30/2018

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Contents

Chapter One

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

Novels by Herman Lloyd Bruebaker

(Bruce Sherman Series-Supernatural)

Blood on Winter Snows

Feast of the Black Phoenix

Shadows of the Beasts

Troubled Waters off Argentina

The Blackbird That Wasn’t

(Harry Warren Series-Science Fiction)

Night of Treachery

The Pharaoh’s Promise

The Lost Jewels

The Brotherhood of Kanuk

Other novels by Herman Lloyd Bruebaker

Tomorrow Afternoon We Die

Red Star Rising

Some Dreams Best Forgotten

The Last Drumbeat

Passage From Limbo

Days of Black Thunder

Table of Darkness

Ancient Footprints are Evil

Chapter One

It was four o’clock in the afternoon with a mild thunderstorm passing through Washington, D.C. But this annoying weather didn’t stop the tall, slender, average looking man from dining at his favorite restaurant. If his office needed to contact the man they knew where to call. Victor Cushman, Commander United States Navy was a man of habit. Especially, when concerning his eating preferences.

This afternoon he had selected the roast beef and was enjoying the entre, when seeing the sommelier escorting a tall, silver-haired gentleman to his table. If she was doing this then the man must be important. Stopping at the table she slightly shrugged her shoulders then left.

Commander Cushman? the man asked with a thick South American accent.

A few moments passed before Victor nodded. At your service. After laying down his fork he politely asked. And you are?

Cieza Gonzales, Peruvian Embassy. A solemn mask was presented while introducing himself and passing a business card to Victor. I was told you would be here.

This business of yours. the commander crisply asked. Couldn’t wait until I returned to my office?

No, sir. The matter is of extreme importance. After Admiral Rowe contacted Lima, he recommended I consult you immediately.

Victor studied the man’s dark eyes for a moment then said. Very well. Have you eaten? When Cieza failed to reply the commander confidently replied. I highly recommend roasted pork shoulder with Mascarpone stuffed dates. There was a short pause. If Admiral Rowe saw fit to send you over, I’m confident neither of us will be eating for a while. He confidently grinned after the waiter walked up.

When the grim-faced Cieza didn’t reply Victor ordered the recommended meal. Leaning back in his chair the naval commander studied the uneasy Peruvian official. His facial features were finely etched and aquiline. His nose was long and pointed drawing attention away from the wide-set dark eyes. Even though his body was slender Victor suspected this Peruvian wasn’t weak nor slow on his feet. His soft hands were suggestive of no hard labor. While the man uncomfortably sat at the table, his expensive tailored blue suit confirmed no shortage of nuevo sol banknotes in his banking account. The longer Cieza waited for Victor to speak the more his patience worsen.

So. Victor asked slightly on the defensive. What can naval intelligence do for the Peruvian Embassy? There was no attempt to disguise the suspicious streak crossing his firm features.

Cieza slowly chewed a Mascarpone date for a moment while intentionally delaying a reply. What do you know about oblong skulls? The question was cautiously voiced.

Not that much. I know the subject was recently discussed on CNN news. Other than that I’m in the dark. Victor admitted with a frown. Skeletons aren’t my cup of tea.

Already red flags were popping up. Why would ancient skulls interest the United States Naval Intelligence?

Victor slowly chewed roast beef while evaluating his table guest’s guarded movements. By now his appetite was ruined. Whatever sensitive issue brought this man to Washington was causing some uncomfortable moments for both men.

The commander paused before saying. There’s something about you suggesting you do not sit behind a desk. After a few moments Victor shrugged his broad shoulders then Victor continued. And I’m sure you aren’t a staff member from the Peruvian Embassy. The man’s eyes didn’t blink while the commander spoke. If I were to guess, your employer would be Peru’s National Intelligence Directorate.

Cieza laid his fork alongside the meal and thoughtfully stared at Victor. "Very observant, commander.

Then shall we discuss my purpose in Washington D.C?"

Please do.

Four months ago an oblong skull was stolen from Lima’s National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History.

Victor thoughtfully nodded. Two years ago I visited that museum. Their wide collection of skulls is very impressive.

Thank you. But this particular skull was on loan from a private collector. It was carbon dated as fifty thousand years old. Then Cieza was silent.

I’m not an expert on old skulls, especially, oblong ones but isn’t that extremely ancient?

It’s among the oldest.

What culture does that skull belong to?

We don’t know.

Then where was it found?

Cieza seriously replied. Again we don’t know.

For a short while Victor studied Cieza’s solemn expression. The Peruvian’s coldness reminded him of an enlisted sailor’s court marshal board he sat on. The man’s stiff posture never relaxed while his facial expression kept changing. When the commander did skeptically speak it was with an obvious offensive expression. The restaurant was physically small permitting only a limited number of patrons. If somebody wanted to ears drop on their discussion it would be easy. But he was relieved nobody was interested in Lima’s stolen oblong skull.

I have two questions bouncing around my brain. First: why is the Peruvian intelligence interested in a stolen oblong skull? The second: why is Lima asking the United States Navy for assistance?

We need your global resources to recover the skull.

The commander grinned. That’s honest enough. But why the United States Navy? There was a short pause before Victor confidently stated. I personally don’t see my government joining this treasure hunt.

Cieza grinned. I’m afraid, Commander Cushman, they already have.

His curt remark caused the commander’s smirk to harden. Why me? Victor asked. If his attention had been indifferent that sharply changed.

Primarily because you’re clever, quickly adapting to unexpected changing issues and intelligent when dealing with hostile situations. We require somebody not from the archaeology discipline, but one standing outside the box seeing situations as they are. But not what they may appear to be. He shrugged his shoulders after grinning. Bingo, your agency tagged your service file.

"I’m not certain I can measure up to your praises.

With that said please brief me on this operation that’s obviously already been activated."

Cieza firmly replied. For security reasons, the full operational details will be discussed tomorrow in your office.

Why tomorrow?

My associate is flying in from Lima.

**********

Later as Victor and Cieza walked to his car there was no reason to be concerned about security. So they leisurely approached Victor’s dark blue Buick. The rain now reduced to a light drizzle was annoying as they sidestepped water puddles. They were several feet away from the underground parking when Victor heard the abrupt roaring of an engine. Only a fool sped through crowded parking or a person wanting to do harm to another person.

The commander grabbed Cieza’s arm then both men dashed between parked cars. As the late model Ford raced pass, Victor hurried from their hiding in time to memorize its license number. Moments later the Peruvian joined Victor standing on the wet pavement.

I do believe they tried running us down. Cieza calmly remarked followed by a thin smile.

The commander regarded his unruffled manner even in the face of possible death. Victor noted Cieza expressed more displeasure about his polished shoes been splashed with dirty water than concern for their well-being.

Does this often happen in Peru? Victor suspiciously asked after they were inside the Buick.

Taking a folded handkerchief from his pocket Cieza carefully wiped clean the shoes. Finishing this the Peruvian sighed after putting the cloth in his pocket. Seeing Victor’s questioningly stare the man merely shrugged his shoulders.

I have had my share of such attempts. he said with no emotional concern.

After driving through heavy traffic to the Peruvian Embassy on 1700 Massachusetts, Victor glanced at the Peruvian and dubiously replied. Well, I can say you’re a cool-headed dude under distress.

Cieza smiled. In our profession it’s the cool-headed dudes who survive.

The commander had no comment.

During the time it took to reach the embassy there was no conversation. Cieza thoughtfully analyzed this commander whom his country was secretly putting their trust in. Physically the naval commander possessed a long face with high crown. His shoulders were surprisingly narrow with a slight slope. But Cieza knew this was misleading because the man was swift on his reactions. This he had seen in the parking lot. It didn’t take Cieza long before recognizing Victor’s serious expression was normal. The Embassy discreetly obtaining his service record liked what was in that file. Once assigned to a case file he was single-minded until it was successfully closed. The dark suit fitted his slender frame in a manner suggestive he was conscious of his appearance, but not vain. Cieza decided after some thought Commander Cushman would be an ideal partner.

How long have you been in the Navy?

Fifteen years.

Have you always been in intelligence?

No. Victor answered while stopping at the embassy. Originally, I was with Naval Air and spent two combat tours in Iraq.

Chapter Two

After dropping Cieza off at his embassy, Victor thoughtfully drove to his office. Because office space was critical at the Pentagon, the Naval Special Logistics Command was housed on the top floor of a downtown glass and chrome four-storied building. The title was misleading. The entire floor was dedicated to naval intelligence’s special clandestine operations. Commanded by Vice Admiral Rowe, the two hundred ten staff all held master degrees in various disciplines. It was a busy floor after passing through the reception lobby. At first Victor had found it strange, such a sensitive agency was housed in a civilian building away from the combined military headquarters. He soon realized there were advantages. Situated in the center were electronic maps and monitors crowding the paneled walls. Three naval lieutenants monitoring the screens directed little attention to his passage. Fanning out from this core were offices and conferences rooms.

**********

While Victor sat at his desk trying to decipher what the Peruvian Embassy was up to, in a nearby hotel room another meeting was in progress. The grim-faced three men and one woman quietly listened to an old bearded man. His voice was heavy with cynicism while the weak, dark eyes were filled with hatred. Their loathing wasn’t witnessed in many years.

Another desperate mission to locate the Wu giants’ burial temple has being activated. His words seemed to drip with pure hatred. They must not succeed. We must locate and destroy the temple before this new quest is successful.

Many times the temple has been sought with none successful. a chunky female declared. Why should this quest be any different?

All quests should be seriously regarded. The time has come when there are only a few Watchers alive and they’re nearing their end. More than a few Watchers perished during the recent global war. This isn’t sitting well for us. The elderly man stumbling to his feet nervously paced the room.

His emotions were in shambles causing his self-confidence to dangerously sway back and forth. The time for disgraced souls in the eyes of God is rapidly coming to an end. We must find the final burial site for the last Watchers if hoping to survive God’s wrath.

**********

A short uniformed admiral was seated at a polished table studying two monitors highlighting naval activity in the Persian Gulf. Admiral Rowe was a handsome man for his fifty-two years. His facial features were stern, yet, friendly in a strange manner. Seated across the table was a short, dark-complexioned gentleman in a dark blue suit. Everything about him advertised military. They had been engaged in a serious conversation when informed that Commander Cushman was back in the building. The room they were in was one of three smaller conference rooms.

Minutes later their wait was completed. Have a chair, commander. I would like for you to meet General Leon Hagean of the Peruvian Army.

Please to meet you, general. Victor politely said while sitting at the table.

How was your meeting with Captain Gonzales? Rowe crisply wanted to know.

Interesting. When seeing the questioning gleam in the admiral’s eyes Victor guardedly continued. His operation was never fully briefed. That he promised to do tomorrow morning after his partner arrives from Peru.

The general indifferently said. That would be Major Johanna Reichlein.

Did you experience any trouble?

Yes, sir. While the captain and I were leaving the restaurant a hit-and-run driver tried running us down.

Did you get the car’s license? After Victor nodded the admiral said the numbers would be run through DMV’s databank. Afterwards, he turned his curious attention on the two men at the table. A short time ago I received a call from the Peruvian Embassy requesting our assistance. Of course, all such requests must be channeled through the State Department. He suspiciously paused. They reacted quite fast.

The Peruvian nodded. Time is of the essential, Admiral Rowe.

So I see.

Victor tried hard not staring but the general was a perfect example of the typical Peruvian. His face was round with high cheekbones and hook nose with wide-flaring nostrils. There was a noticeable deceiving expression about this man. Though he wasn’t in uniform Victor knew he was a menace walking tall.

The short silence was broken by Admiral Rowe. Since Captain Gonzales didn’t brief you on this joint operation, perhaps Commander Cushman would like to ask a few questions?

When did this skull disappear? Victor asked without hesitation.

Two weeks ago while the museum was closed. There was an impatience General Haegan didn’t fully conceal.

Captain Gonzales didn’t tell me much about the skull other than it was very old and expensive? Victor paused for a moment before suspiciously asking. Why is your government so anxious to find it?

There was a brief silence before the general solemnly admitted. Recovering the missing skull is a shadowy front. A decoy to draw attention from the project’s primary objective. To provide a proper background it’s important to examine a little known myth.

He now had their full attention. According to legends dating back seventy thousand years there was a super race of people on Earth. Their wisdom was far-reaching and their physical powers awesome. Supposedly, their great cities were scattered all over the planet. Peace was the reward when following their doctrines.

Victor thoughtfully saw flakes of partial disbelief in the general’s eyes. Then fifty thousand years ago something happened which seriously eroded all serenity on the Earth. What happened we don’t know. Whether it was political or military oriented we have no clue. But we do know global matters turned for the worse.

Are we talking about Atlantis? Rowe asked.

No. This culture existed thousands of years before Atlantis.

What about weather changes? An ice age maybe?

We aren’t sure. Though there are ongoing studies in that direction.

What does this missing skull have to do with these changes? Victor asked.

We’re hoping it’ll lead to other oblong skulls which will lead us to our primary objective. There are other skulls we’re confident of that. We just have to locate their locations.

Admiral Rowe skeptically held up hand. If I may interrupt?

Neither man objected.

Admiral Rowe thumbed through several pages taken from a file before looking up. After Captain Cieza departed, my research department downloaded interested facts about oblong skulls. His facial expression was one of controlled disbelief. It seems such skulls aren’t that common. The earliest finds were among the Proto-Neolithic or Homo sapiens periods found in the Shanidar Cave, Iraq. These were dated around the ninth millennium BC. The practice of binding infant’s skulls were also found in South America. Oblong skulls have been discovered all over the globe.

The admiral briefly glanced at Victor. For your information there were discoveries of elongated skulls in the United States.

The Peruvian corrected. The ones we’re looking for are different.

Admiral Rowe skeptically asked. How so? I would think an oblong skull would be the same whether they were fifty thousand years old or a few hundred?

General Hagean nodded though not in agreement. The skulls we’re interested in has greater elongation of the face. Also the direction of its occipital bone is remarkably different from those found the last several thousand years.

Have there been recent discoveries of this skull type?

No.

So when was the last discovery?

That would be in Iraq. But, unfortunately, it was in a museum destroyed during your invasion.

The admiral was thoughtfully silent for a few moments. Victor saw no reason entering the questioning since his Boss was handling the questions quite well. After fingering the pages for a while Admiral Rowe looked at the stiff-postured general.

Since these skulls are different from those found today how are you narrowing down your search?

The first thing we did was rejecting those not meeting our requirements. Then those museums having oblong skulls were investigated. Most of their exhibits seriously failed our requirements.

What about private collections?

Collectors usually don’t keep skulls because museums pay handsome prices for them.

But you stated the missing skull was from a private collection?

The general nodded. Yes, only because it was fifty thousand years old.

Admiral Rowe finally nodded with a thin smile.

Obviously, you have plans. So when do you initiate your search?

The first thing tomorrow morning.

Rowe asked. Why tomorrow?

Tonight the third member is flying in from Lima. When Victor skeptically questioned him the Peruvian explained. Three brains can accomplish more than two brains.

There’s no argument to that.

*********

After the general left for the Peruvian Embassy, Victor remained at the table with Admiral Rowe. Neither man was comfortable with the situation. A marine orderly in dress blues brought cups of coffee. Chief Petty Officer Anna Thompson was downloading a steady stream of updates. After one hour of reading confirmed reports of oblong skulls discoveries, Victor rubbed his weary eyes.

I never knew there were so many oblong skulls discovered in the Unites States. Victor moaned.

It’s a little disturbing. The Mid West and Southern states have recorded the highest confirmed number. The admiral was hesitant. But have you noticed the common factor shared by all oblong skulls?

The commander rubbed his eyes again. Yes. They’re all large bodied with big bones. But what’s so astonishing is the fact they’re anywhere from ten to thirteen feet tall. Admiral, when was the last time you saw thirteen foot giants? I know that I haven’t. The tallest man I ever witnessed was eight feet tall and that was considered exceptionally tall.

Admiral Rowe thoughtfully thumbed through another fourteen pages while frowning. I have yet to identify this search for oblong skulls is anything other than an academic quest. But I do sympathize with the missing skull’s owner. A fifty thousand year old item is sure to cause sleepless nights. But not sufficient to bring in the United States to help find the skull. He thoughtfully laid down the sheets. But on the other hand, I suspect Lima isn’t telling us everything about that skull. Not by a long shot.

If we have reservations about the operation. the commander asked. Are we cemented into helping Lima?

Yeah, we are. The agreement with Lima was countersigned by both State and DOD. The wording left us no leeway. You’re stuck with the Peruvian agents right to the end. Sorry.

The commander scratched his chin while regarding the latest batch of pages brought in by the young chief. I agree with you, sir. The Peruvians aren’t leveling with us. There was a short pause. What about that sedan nearly running down Cieza and I?

DMV reported the license belonged to Alex A. Smith. The police reported the auto was stolen two days ago. But here’s a note of interest. His address is an empty lot in Tenleytown. At the moment we haven’t connected the oblong skull operation to the hit-and-run incident.

Victor suspiciously asked. What about Smith?

He has a clean record. Chief Thompson ran his name through terrorist watch lists with no hits.

Smith is probably a bogus name.

You’re probably right. Both the police and NCSI are tracking him down. This joint operation hasn’t even got off the ground and we already have possible interferences.

Glancing at his wristwatch the admiral groaned. Damn. it’s passed 2100. I didn’t realize several hours had passed while we scanned these reports. Rowe made a wretched face. My wife is going to scream. Standing the man sighed. I might be the boss here but at home my wife commands the bridge. We’re scheduled to attend a dinner with some friends. He sheepish grinned. So what’s your plans for the evening?

Since these pages aren’t classified I’m taking them home, make myself comfortable on the sofa, grab a beer or two and study what’s known about oblong skulls.

Admiral Rowe wasn’t in agreement. Since the Peruvians aren’t coming in until tomorrow why don’t you take the night off? Go enjoy yourself. Relax.

I rather catch up on these giants. Can’t let Peruvian intelligence think we’re all stupid. He indifferently shrugged. Anyhow, the subject is beginning to intrigue me.

Well, suit yourself.

Chapter Three

The first hour Victor spent scanning the data the chief had assembled for him. She had even separated the information under different headings. Afterwards he noted that one state with the most discoveries was Ohio. That was interesting. Feeling hunger pains he drove through the nearest fast food and ordered two double/double cheese hamburgers and large French fries. This was his favorite fast food and its staff all knew him, especially the women. Taking the food home he again reviewed those Ohio references. Because he always requested extra tomato and mayo the burgers were sloppy. But that’s the way he liked them.

By the time he wiped out a two pound burger the Ohio stories were intriguing him. In 1883, two Ohio counties discovered giant skeletons. Marion County giants were uncovered when construction crews removing gravel bluffs crashed through a tomb. And that was only the start. Also in the same county a skull was photographed in 1996.

Telephoning the office he asked Chief Thompson to download all available information on the Ohio counties of Marion and Brown to his lap top computer. He ate the second burger and finished off two beers. While seriously researching Victor rarely knew what he was eating or drinking. This subject was producing