KING PULLED THE Hummer through and slowed as he approached a bend in the road. The Ishtar Gate stood before them. The original Ishtar Gate had been one of the seven ancient wonders of the world before being replaced by the Great Lighthouse at Alexandria. The original gate stood forty-seven feet tall, was constructed of blue bricks, and held over sixty yellow and white mosaic lions and dragons. Its central arch was the eighth gate into Babylon’s inner city.

As King looked at Saddam’s smaller replica and pondered its history, he realized they had been driving over the buried ruins of Babylon for some time. The area they had to search was expansive, but hopefully not without some clues. Past the Ishtar Gate, King pulled the Hummer into a dirt parking lot full of military vehicles. He parked in front of the amphitheater where the U.S. military had first set up shop.

They were quickly greeted by General Raymond Fowler, who had been briefed by General Keasling. They were to have free access to the ruins in and around the base, access to any equipment they requested, and, should they ask for it, the help of every enlisted man on base. The general had protested the orders until he found out they came directly from President Duncan.

King exited the Hummer and squinted as the hot sandy Iraqi air assaulted him again. He gave Fowler a quick salute and shook his hand. Seeing the man’s skepticism, King said, “Sorry for the intrusion, General. We’ll try to be out of your hair as soon as possible.”

The general forced a smile, which turned a scar on his cheek into an upside-down question mark, and hung on to King’s hand. “That’s kind of you, son. But I’d like to know if you all are going to stir up a hornet’s nest in my base.”

“Sir?”

“I know who you are. I know that you were a part of what happened back at Bragg. I need to know if I should expect something similar here.”

King took no offense at the general’s forceful tone and the strong grip he maintained. “We hope not, sir. But … it might be best to keep your men on alert. We’re not sure what we’re going to find”—King looked at the sandy ruins—“out there.”

Fowler let go of King’s hand. “Appreciate the candor. Will you need armed escorts?”

King shook his head, no. “We need to draw as little attention to ourselves as possible. Best if no one gives us any special attention.”

“Understood,” Fowler said. “What can I do for you?”

“Just keep the ruins clear while we’re out there.”

“Are you looking for something in particular? We’ve been stationed here since 2003 and know every nook and cranny of the ruins.”

“What we’re after is most likely beneath the ruins.”