Hunter: The Serpent Mounds

Chapter One

Impending Doom

"Above the mist of a crescent moon

It lays in wait and is coming soon.

Like a deadly disease without a cure

A horrid nightmare for all to endure."

Malcholm Dark

—The Soul of Impending Doom

Military Operations—Antarctica

South Pole Telescope

Any new developments this morning, Colonel Bowdre? General Charles White grabbed a quick drink of coffee and straightened out the front of his fatigues.

Bowdre turned around abruptly. Good morning, General. Nothing to report, sir. The formation of ships around Nibiru has not changed since yesterday, and my men have been watching them all night. The day shift just came back on duty and their eyes are peeled as well.

Well, that restful night’s sleep we just got might be the last we encounter for some time. If we go through with our plans to confront these vessels, we and everyone on our planet may possibly be in for a permanent sleep. White stood up straight and tilted his head back as he gulped down another long drink of coffee.

Lieutenant Yates, do you have my status report?

Yes, Colonel, it is printing as we speak. I’ll bring it right over. Yates checked the bottom pages in the printer tray.

Very good. I’m going for a refill. General, may I get you another cup? Bowdre finished his last swallow of coffee and looked at his superior.

Yes, Bowdre…top it off for me, will you? White leaned over the rail and handed his cup to the colonel. Black, and the stronger the better, please.

Yes, sir.

Lieutenant Yates walked over and placed the early status report at Bowdre’s station. Good morning, General White.

Good morning, Yates. Status report unchanged from last night, I take it?

Yes, sir…no activity whatsoever out there. It’s a little strange to me.

White brushed his right eyelash up with his index finger to clear his vision in that eye. "Well, Lieutenant, it’s been three weeks of us making plans, finalizing preparations, and observing these ships as they add to their armada, but I’ll guarantee there will be some activity today…one way or another. I agree with you, Lieutenant…it will be strange whichever way it comes down."

Yes, sir. Agreed, sir. Yates walked back toward his post, stopped off and checked with Jenkins on his view of the situation, and returned to his station.

Here you go, General…black and very strong, and as fresh as it gets. Had to make a new urn, but at least I made sure it was stronger. Colonel Bowdre sipped his coffee and looked up at the general for his approval.

Thank you, Colonel. White first sniffed the brew in his cup, had a drink, and moved his head back. "Now this is some coffee that’ll definitely wake you up. I think it could wake up the dead, Bowdre."

Well, we’re going to need it, General. Bowdre turned around and studied the status report from the night before.

General White surveyed the floor. Cascading rows of computer monitors of different sizes were spread out in front of him. A huge main screen was centered on the far wall, and it was displaying the South Pole Telescope view. An inset view from the Hubble telescope was on the top right of the main screen, while the Halstead telescope occupied the top left. A formation of fifty-five ships now eclipsed the planet Nibiru and appeared battle ready.

Dr. Englestein was looking for you earlier this morning, General. I think he is in his office.

White looked to the right toward Englestein’s office. I need to talk to him too. While I’m doing so, let’s start the final preparations.

Yes, sir.

The general moved toward the doctor’s office, observing the various monitors to his left as he made his trek. He moved farther right, then down a small flight of stairs. As he arrived at Englestein’s door, he noticed the scientist was under his desk far enough where only his lower torso was visible, so he knocked on the door jam. "Doctor?’

Just a second, please. After a small pause, Englestein emerged from beneath his desk, and bumped his forehead on the front of it as he tried to maneuver his neck around to see his visitor. Ahhh…General. Excuse me…I was just trying to reconnect some wires. I’ve been getting some strange readings on my computer with this planet. I’ve tried just about everything else, which is partially why I wanted to see you. So, I’m glad you stopped by. Please, sit.

"What’s your latest info telling you, Doc?" White perused the office, which was very neatly organized…every book in its place, all papers arranged in carefully situated piles, and six sets of four-drawer grey file cabinets located by the door. He harnessed an upholstered desk chair and rolled it next to the doctor’s seat.

Nothing new, except the ever-approaching Nibiru has somehow picked up speed, which is unusual. Most planets don’t speed up in their orbits. Although it’s entirely possible this increase in speed can be explained as a force being exerted onto it from either an orbital magnetism or repulsion as it passes by other bodies in space. Whichever it is, it’s definitely gravitational in nature.

So…you’re saying the danger from its orbit has now increased…correct?

Exactly, General…its orbit is still on course to pass between Earth and Venus. It’s just going to be happening much sooner than originally thought because of this increase in speed. It is increasing exponentially.

Hmmm…that doesn’t sound good.

It’s not good. It’s not at all. As we discussed weeks ago, its orbit will cause a catastrophe like no other here on our planet. I’m talking about hemispherical effects, possible pole reversals, and everything bad with such sudden changes to any world and its atmosphere. Earth will no longer be the Earth to which we have grown accustomed.

General White intensely studied Englestein’s face and the seriousness it held in place. I think it’s important you’re made aware of this decision. We are moving against the enemy ships today. At the same time, we’ve also considered some strategies to handle your main concern - Nibiru’s orbital threat to Earth. I know you must have some ideas on how to approach this problem, and we will discuss them together, but first things first. The Joint Chiefs agree we need to mount an attack on these ships immediately. We cannot keep waiting in limbo…having all of our military forces on red alert and standing idly by as the number of ships surrounding Nibiru keeps increasing.

Dr. Englestein shook his head affirmatively. I understand.

"It is strictly a matter of priorities, Doctor. If they do move toward Earth and begin what we surmise as a massive attack on us, there will be no one left to worry about the effects on Earth from Nibiru’s devastating orbit."

I will keep monitoring this situation and keep you informed. Englestein, followed by White, stood up and they shook hands. Good luck, General.

Thank you, Doctor. The general’s stance became more rigid, more military as he turned briskly and walked out, making a beeline to his spot above Colonel Bowdre’s station.

Everything is ready, sir. Bowdre turned and evaluated the expressions on General White’s face as he approached, awaiting his next command.

The general eyed the main monitor intensely as his pursed lips moved back and forth on his face. Colonel Bowdre, give the orders. Maximize our defense perimeters, ready our defense satellites, and arm them. And finally… White paused for a few seconds as he stood motionless, …launch the rockets.

Chapter Two

Déjà Vu

Lian pressed his face against the glass, using his sleeve to clear a circular patch off the condensation covering the windows. He looked out at the mountainous terrain as the rain was coming down in sheets. Black plants painted the landscape, and in fact, much of this area’s vegetation was singed from the recent fires, all fanned by the Santa Ana winds. The rain made the area much more dangerous, creating a larger chance for mudslides and flash flooding. Lian watched water pour from a particular shelf of rock that jutted out, resembling a huge spigot gushing brown water over a section of road. This huge barrage of water crashed onto the highway, flooding the lanes and closing it off to traffic, before innocently flowing down a hill to the ocean.

Lian ran his hands down the front of his jacket across the Tri-Asterisk emblem, mentally visualizing the triangle and the words Academiae…Artes…Astronomicas as his fingers slid over the embroidered symbol and letters. The car started to slow down as it made its way around a curve in a slow downward spiral. He leaned in closer to the glass. A lone figure stood in the rain staring back at him as the car passed. There was nothing around but barren land, and the rain seemed to have no effect on the man, as he stood there gazing back at the passing cars. Something disparaging and interesting about this homeless man had Lian squinting his eyes to get a clearer view of him, even turning his head to follow him as the car proceeded forward. As the man was moving out of Lian’s view through the side door glass, Lian suddenly saw something, and found himself pushing his face even harder against the glass trying to get a better look at the man. He was now peering at what seemed to be a large hulking green figure instead of the homeless individual. His heart immediately started thumping, and he shifted completely around to look out the back window. A surprised Lian moved his head back at what he saw. The green figure was gone, and the homeless man was the only thing in view from the rear window.

Lian slowly turned his body around to face forward and slid down the seat, looking down at his hands. He felt them slightly trembling, but he had to check, just as he had to check if a reptilian actually stood on the side of the road. Did imagination once again take over his common sense? Lian started to wonder if this year was going to be driven with more incidents of his wild imagination and larger-than-life predicaments. His whole body jerked from its slumped position in the seat when a beep sounded and a small screen came down in the middle of the car.

Lian. Gabriel was smiling, his face now lit up on the screen.

Lian put his hand on his chest. Jeez, Gabe. You scared the heck out of me.

Start of the sophomore year shakes? Gabriel was grinning, his smile creeping up one side of his face. Hey, I’m just calling to tell you I’m sorry we couldn’t ride in together. I’ll meet you in front of the school in a half hour.

Alright, see you then. Lian sat back against the seat and inhaled a deep breath as the screen slid out of view. Great. I’m already shaken up. I’m seeing things, and I haven’t even reached school or started any classes yet. he muttered to himself. Yep…this is going to be some year.

The rain started coming down harder, making the visibility even harder for him to see out the side window. The car approached the on-ramp, and Lian leaned forward to look out the front window. He was checking to see if the homeless lady was still there.

Nope, looks like we won’t be seeing our little ol’ friend today. He watched the cars merging into the ongoing traffic. Other homeless people still gathered under makeshift tents near and under the overpass, their faces hidden by hoods pulled up over their heads. Well, things could be worse, I guess. Lian put his head back and closed his eyes, his hand now resting on his backpack next to him. The car’s motion along with the sound of the rain almost lulled him to sleep. He rubbed his eyes and looked out as the car slowed and the gate opened.

Tri-Asterisk Academy, sir, Fila announced as the car edged forward.

Lian quickly went through the identification process at the gate, sticking his head out the side window until his face came up on the monitor. The car moved forward and into a long procession of other vehicles lined up in front of him. He looked out to see if he could spot Gabriel. His eyes moved toward the three statues, still there marking the entrance to the academy.

My old friends, he said while looking up at the familiar figures. The rain and grey skies somehow made the three statues seem even more eerie with flashes of lightning reflecting off each one as they stood frozen in their triangular positions. He shifted his eyes as the car crept up closer, looking at the reptilian head on the one statue. The rain dripped slowly down its bronze face, almost making it appear like tears were running from its eyes.

Lian turned his head away quickly. Again, his thoughts turned to just wanting to have a normal school year.

Pull over right here, Fila. With the rain pouring down, this is about as close as we’re going to get for a while, it appears. Lian grabbed his backpack as the car stopped and the door opened up, his seat belt sliding off. He held the bag over his head as he ran toward the front door, the rain pelting around him. He peered out at the dark clouds looming over the academy, low and deep thunder grumbling in the background.

Hopefully this isn’t a bad omen.

Hey, Lian. Gabriel grabbed his shoulder, holding an umbrella and pulling Lian under it with him. You gotta be prepared for these monsoon rains.

Lian smiled, relieved to see him. It was always a comfort just knowing he had his childhood friend with him in such a foreboding place. He still couldn’t shake the feeling of not fitting in at the academy. Most of the time, Lian couldn’t tell if he wanted that situation to change or not.

Chapter Three

Ancient History II

Lian and Gabriel sat down at their desks and started talking about this year’s soccer team. They looked around the room and greeted some of the same classmates from last year’s classes. All of the sophomores seemed a little taller this year, some changing dramatically, looking much more mature compared to last year.

Lian suddenly grabbed Gabriel’s arm and whispered, "Gabe. Don’t turn around. Don’t look now, but did you see the giant kid sitting in the back of the classroom? He is in your row, and not only is he weird looking, but he is huge."

Gabriel immediately turned around to see, and Lian quickly folded his arms on the desk, burying his head inside them. Gabriel kept turned around and studied the features of the strange new student, who seemed to be fascinated with a book.

Gabe, what are you doing? Lian whispered, peeking up from his desk. He’s going to see you staring at him.

I didn’t notice him when we walked in. I guess he must’ve come in through the other classroom door back there. Turning back around, Gabriel leaned over toward Lian. He’s not that weird looking… Gabriel stopped in mid-sentence as Lian sat up. …he’s just sitting back there reading a book…not that weird, Lian.

"I never said he was that weird. That weird would be you…when you turned around so quickly and obviously looked at him when I said ‘Don’t look now.’ That was that weird."

Professor Snodgrass rushed in, his arms full of books and his satchel barely hanging from his left shoulder. He always looked like he was running late, even if he was on time. His glasses were sitting on his nose at an awkward angle. He quickly set his satchel and the books down with a thump on the desk, reached up with top of his arm to push his glasses back onto the bridge of his nose, then wiped some beads of sweat off his forehead.

Hey, at least we have Snodgrass again, Gabriel said, as they both sat up straight in their desks facing forward.

Yep, good ol’ Snodgrass for Ancient History II. Lian looked around the room and quickly turned back around to Gabriel. You know, it’s just because he looks like this huge adult sitting at a baby-sized desk…you gotta admit it’s a little weird. he said under his breath.

Yeah, I know. Let’s stop talking about the guy, huh? Stop staring at him. Gabriel shook his head from side to side.

Lian couldn’t believe the bone structure of the giant, his cheekbones bowed out so far they looked like they almost wrapped around the sides of his face. His forehead jutted out as well, and made his eyes look like they were deep back in his skull. He looked down at the giant’s hands as they rested under the desk on his lap. His fingers were huge, but something else was off.

"Four, five, . . . six. He has six fingers," Lian quickly whispered, trying to get Gabriel’s attention.

Gabriel nudged him again for staring, and mouthed a drawn-out I knowwww…

As Lian started to turn back around, his stare caught the giant’s eyes. His irises were black as coal, like a doll’s eyes staring right through him. The eyes were also slightly slanted and had such intensity and darkness…they were the eyes of a person without a soul. Lian swallowed hard, shifted in his chair, and slowly turned away. He felt the giant’s eyes still on him, like a relentless stare burning him from behind.

What are you doing? You’re going to get us into hot water, and that’s the last guy we should be picking a fight with. Gabriel gritted his teeth as he spoke.

Professor Snodgrass cleared his throat, Good morning, class. Today we are going to discuss the Mayan and Aztec civilizations. He moved to the front of his desk and leaned against it as he spoke.

The Classic Period from 300 to 900 A.D. was a time when the Mayans controlled many territories, all the way from Honduras to Southern Mexico. The Mayans were highly skilled in math, science, and yes...technology. Snodgrass walked over to the clear board in front of him. In fact, they created the number zero, the absence of value. He drew a large circle on the board. They also came up with quite an amazing calendar system.

The professor turned to face the class. These were very advanced people. Their cities held well over two hundred-thousand people at the height of their power. So, what caused the downfall of such a society? Was it disease? Overpopulation? Perhaps it was an environmental disaster? Snodgrass moved his head down, peeking over the top of his glasses making eye contact with different students. We’ll discuss that subject more next time, and even get to visit the temples using our V.E.R.S.E. system.

Lian looked over at Gabriel and raised his eyebrows. The last time they experienced V.E.R.S.E., they were almost captured and barely escaped with their lives. Lian let out a sigh and looked back up at Snodgrass.

All of this led up to the later rise of the Aztec empire many years later in the pre-Columbian Era, from the fourteenth to sixteenth century. They had the same base-twenty mathematical system, even the same gods. They were reinvented to the likes of Aztec Society... he kept walking back and forth in front of his desk, …but remember, the same gods nevertheless. Snodgrass continued to talk in great detail about Aztec society, their warlike nature and the need to conquer and absorb other civilizations.

Does this sound like a wonderful place to live? The professor looked up at the ceiling as he spoke. Well, some may agree it would be wonderful, but many would certainly disagree. You see, the Aztec worshipped Huitzilopochtli, the personification of the sun and war. Even more importantly, they practiced human sacrifice to this god. Snodgrass looked back at the class, Yes, my friends…human sacrifice, and not on a small scale, mind you. In one four-day period they sacrificed over eighty-four thousand, four hundred people. Some students gasped. You heard correctly…eighty-four thousand, four hundred people within four days…and all of those for the reconsecration of the Great Period of Tenochtitlan in 1487. Snodgrass arrived once again at his desk. Astonishing? Yes. You may ask yourself if they inherited this practice of human sacrifice from the Mayans. Snodgrass raised his chin up and