Enemies: First Contact!

By: C.H.Dailey

Copyright 10June2019

Copyright 17September2020

Copyright 18March2021

Preface:

I would like to thank all my readers for purchasing this book. It is my second endeavor at writing a novel and my first “professional” attempt. By professional I mean that I sought the services of a professional editor to edit this before publication. I would like to thank Lana Mowdy for her services. She has done an excellent, outstanding job in cleaning my Augean stables from my literary messiness and ineptitude. If you ever have need of an excellent editor, she is the person to see! She can be contacted at  lanamowdy@sbcglobal.net . I would like to thank Mr. Mike Faricey, a very talented and prolific author of many mystery novels (I highly recommend them to you), for his advice in the managing of my novel. I was very pleasantly surprised when he answered my letter of inquiry within twelve hours of my emailing him. He is a true gentleman. I would also like to thank my wife, Linda, for putting up me while I pursue this new “obsession” while retired. My two sons, Chris and Sean, have both reviewed my work despite their long work hours. Finally, I would like to thank Mrs. Pat Glogg and Mr. Dan Hauman, two outstanding teachers I had the pleasure and honor of calling my colleagues during my short (final) career as a teacher before retiring. Enough said, I hope you enjoy this novel and I look forward to your critiques on Amazon.

Enemies: First Contact

Prologue:

1. The Asimov

3 January 2022, USS Asimov en-route to Proxima Centauri B

Everything was going according to plan. This was Earth’s first venture into deep space. Having received ships and the training necessary to fly and maintain them, a multi-national team (under the auspices of the USA) was assembled for the purpose of exploring outer space. Volunteers from the United States, England, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and India were chosen to man the first adventure into deep space. Having been given the chance, the old frontier pioneer spirit of their grandparents and great grandparents had kicked in. Scientists, professors, mechanics, engineers, and just plain, regular ordinary folk had volunteered to give up their lives on Earth for the chance to seek out new frontiers.

On the home front, re-runs of old, once popular sci-fi shows suddenly became popular again. Novels once popular in the mid to late twentieth century suddenly became best sellers again. The really adventurous and zealous individuals signed up for four-year terms of service with the Galactic forces. Others joined the new Earth Defense Force being assembled and posted throughout Earth’s home system. Suddenly, Mars was being colonized with dome cities being built. Asteroids were being hollowed out and manned by the Earth Defense Force. There was even talk of using hollowed out asteroids as ships to explore new frontiers.

The USS Asimov, traveling at speeds once thought unimaginable, was in the process of slowing to less than light speed. Red and blue shifts in lights on the view screens were rapidly shifting back to normal as the small scientific vessel entered the Proxima Centauri system. As stars “shifted” into view, the ship board computers began plotting the course to Proxima Centauri B. At the same time, the ship’s sensors began mapping the surrounding system, seeking out any other planets that might exist. Surrounded by the blackness of space, the crew sought out stars that had been familiar to them from Earth. Gradually, a new sky map emerged. Familiar constellations had shifted and stretched. A few were still recognizable, while most bore little resemblance to what they remembered.

“Captain, Proxima B is located, and the route has been plotted by the navigation computers!” The ship’s navigator, Dr. Lawrence, beamed with enthusiastic pride over how well “his” computers and scanners were functioning.

“Very good, doctor, are there any signs of other planets within the system? Are there any signs of unexpected neighbors?” the Captain asked.  What he really meant, and what he worried about, was any chance meeting with the Dosharians. Once Earth had aligned itself with the Galactic Union, the Union’s enemies became Earth’s enemies, and the Dosharians had been at war with the Galactic Union for centuries. Rumors had it that the Galactics and Dosharians actually once had been the same “people.” That somehow, over the centuries, they had split apart, slowly developing differing cultures that now opposed each another. Whether this was true or not did not really matter. Earth had been “forced” to take sides when it appeared that their centuries old conflict was approaching Earth and would soon consume it. Their basic choice had been either to join with the Galactics, for a fighting chance of survival, or be destroyed by the Dosharians.

“Well, Sir, the system is somewhat similar to our home system. Proxima exists within its own Kuiper belt; it’s just smaller. Inside the belt, there is another smaller asteroid belt. Then, next in is Proxima B. As expected, it is a small dwarf planet orbiting within .05 AU from Proxima Centauri. Proxima B orbits its star in 11.2 Earth days and appears to be tidally locked, with one side always facing the star.”

“You can see all that this quickly?”

“Yes, Sir! These Galactic computers confirmed all earlier observations made by Earth’s observatories several years ago. What these computers can do is unimaginable right now. By that I mean, what the computers, the technology, and the Galactics can do, Sir, it is hard to wrap my head around it all. Each day I am learning so much………to be honest, I feel a little like a kid playing with the neatest Christmas present he could ever receive.”

Captain Drake just smiled and shook his head. He feels like a little kid at Christmas, the Captain thought. I just hope the Grinch doesn’t show up to ruin his Christmas.

“Doctor Lawrence, back to my original question, any sign of others in the system?”

“You mean the Dosharians, right, Sir?.....No, Sir, we would appear to be the only intelligent beings in the system.”

“Thank you, Lawrence, just keep scanning for anything; I don’t want any surprise visits. We’re not exactly armed for bear on this ship. At the first sign of ANY aliens, we could end up being history in this system. We are here only for scientific study; we are not here to try to kick Dosharian butts! Do I make myself clear, Dr. Lawrence?”

“Absolutely, Sir!”

The Asimov moved forward, heading for Proxima B. Being tidally locked in its orbit meant that the planet constantly had one side facing its star and one side facing away. One side was constantly being blasted by solar storms and radiation, and the other was subjected to the frigid conditions of space. In between these two halves was a narrow belt circling the planet. That narrow strip offered livable terrain. On that narrow strip, water flowed while overhead a stormy, tumultuous atmosphere battled back and forth between the burning hell of one hemisphere and the icy waste of the other. Scanning the planet as it approached, several possible landing zones were found. After further careful scanning, a landing site was picked. Landing on a rocky plain, overlooking a small river, they quickly established a base camp within the shelter of a nearby cave. Using the ship’s lasers, they quickly scoured out the cave, melting and fusing the rocky interior into a solid, impenetrable lining. Next, they unloaded robot controlled tractors and construction machinery necessary for building living quarters and work spaces. While that was going on, a group of agricultural specialists dug up soil samples for initial evaluation. After careful analysis, computer controlled robotic farm equipment began the task of farming on Proxima B. The ground was plowed, chemical fertilizers with turf builders were added, and seeds were planted. After several days, the scientific team had settled into their new homes to begin studying their new world.

Prologue:

2. The Emor Economic Collective

7 January 2022

Unbeknownst to the crew of the Asimov, on the sun-side of the planet, an underground outpost for the Emor Economic Collective (The EEC) had detected their presence. Stationed underground to avoid unwanted detection of their mining activities by competing forces and for protection from Proxima Centauri’s frequent solar storms, the Cimrians (members of the EEC) had established a small mining operation.  Alarmed that a possible competing force had detected their operations and/or the minerals they mined, the Cimrians immediately dispatched a message to its home planet.  The message was received by a clerk at the bottom of the bureaucratic chain of Cimrian governmental operations. Upon reading the message, he/she had directed the message up to the Provincial level. From there, it was directed to the Cimrian Autonomous Region’s bureaucracy that, in turn, directed it to the Collective’s governmental bureaucracy. It then continued its travel up each successive level of the bureaucracy. At each level, government functionaries repeated the same type of process. Slowly, with time, the message eventually reached the Emor Economic Collective’s General Assembly.

24 January 2022

On the first day of their week, in the hallowed halls of the Emor Economic Collective’s General Assembly, Dar-Zur, the senior delegate for the Cimrian Autonomous Region made a motion for discussion concerning the invasion by alien forces at their mining operation in the third region of their S’Cimrian “province.” Since the Cimrians wielded tremendous political power (due to their monopoly of specific vital minerals), the motion was accepted and discussed. Rival political forces, eager to weaken the Cimrians, argued for delay and further observation. Dar-Zur, growing angry, called for immediate action to oust the alien invaders. His/Her political rivals argued that, if the minerals were that important, then the Collective needed to nationalize the mine and assume control to protect such important resources. Dar-Zur argued that it could defend its own territory, that he/she only needed the blessings of the General Assembly to take military action. For a lengthy time, they argued back and forth. Finally, a compromise was reached. First Delegate Pom-Mag proposed that the Cimrians, supported by the EEC’s General Assembly, would have the authority to resolve the situation. The General Assembly would send observers with the Cimrian senior delegate to the mining site, thereby ensuring that Emorian interests were upheld and Cimrian property was protected.

Upon their arrival, with further extensive on-site studies, the Emorian delegates reached a decision to take action within ten orbits of Proxima B around its sun.

Certain members of the collective were known for their military power, such as the S’Timrian, T-Bur and Cr-Tin. But, not Cimria. Cimria had grown used to paying for military assistance from these other members of the Collective or hiring mercenary forces. Fearful of losing economic control of their mining operation to rivals within the Collective and more than willing to chance the hiring of outside forces (mercenaries) to secure their territory, DaR-Zur decided to enter into negotiations with the Dosharians for aid in the removal of these aliens. Within a short period of negotiations, it was decided that they would compensate the Dosharians from minerals already mined. They also promised to pay the Dosharians 30% of the minerals mined within the next three T-guluts upon the immediate removal of the intruders. Pleased that this bargain satisfied their own selfish desires to expand their empire, the Dosharians immediately assembled a small fleet quickly to fulfill their part of the bargain.

Within three Earth days, Dosharian battleships had rained death and destruction down on the Earth settlement. Pleased they had been able to expand so easily while getting paid by the Cimrians for doing it, they quickly settled in and established a new Dosharian Protectorate within the S’Crimrian province, within the Emor Economic Collective.

Part I

“A New Beginning and Ending”

Chapter 1.

1500 hours, 3 March 2023, Dosharian Prison Camp, Charon, Pluto planetary system

“Welcome, recruits! You are about to enter Phase 1 of your formal training.

Following this, you will be assigned to your units for Phase 2.

Upon completion of Phase 2, you will be prepared for combat with the enemy.

Are there any questions?”

“No? Good!

Right FACE! Forward MARCH!...............(down a long corridor)

Column LEFT,(into a short corridor that branched off the main one) MARCH!................. Recruits, HALT! (right outside the cruiser’s medical bay)

They’re all yours, Doc.”

With that, Instructor A’bl snapped a salute by thumping his right fist to his chest. In front of him stood the doctor in his medical coat, who snapped a return salute.

“Good morning, Recruits. I am your primary medical technical instructor. In front of each of you is a primary medical instruction enhancer. When I give you permission, you will step forward and enter the tube. I will shut its hatch and press this button,” he said as he pointed to a large black button on the control console in front of him. “After that, your primary medical instruction enhancer will induce a sleep-state. During this sleep-state, you will receive Phase 1 of your formal instruction. Do you have any questions, Recruits?”

To his left, he could see Recruit #5 starting to raise his hand. Recruit #4, next to him, quickly kicked #5’s foot. “Shhh! You idiot,” he whispered, “put your hand down!”

“YES! #4, you have a question?”

“No, SIR, Doctor!”

“That’s okay, #4, never be afraid to ask a question. Step forward to your primary medical instruction enhancer. We’ll let you demonstrate how to do this to your fellow Recruits.”

#4 looked to his right. “Payback is a bitch, Keesely….”

“Come on, come on now, #4, you’re wasting our time,” the Doctor said.

#4 responded, “Yes, SIR! Sorry, SIR!” as he stepped toward the tube. The hatch opened, and he carefully stepped in. Reaching over, the Doctor closed the hatch as a green fog slowly filled the chamber and Volunteer Trooper#4  fell into a deep sleep.

The room was not that big. Its walls were made of a steel alloy. It stank with the stench of body waste and blood. A human prisoner was hanging naked by his wrists; his toes barely touched the floor. Cold sweat ran down his body where it formed a large puddle on the floor, intermixed with his urine and feces. The human was unconscious, but that was soon to change. Gazing at him with his dark green eyes, his tormentor slowly tapped a razor sharp knife on the palm of his upper right hand.

This Dosharian was of the subgroup labeled Charites. His planet had been conquered by the Dosharians eons ago. Originally, they had been peaceful herbivores, inhabiting a planet orbiting  a giant red star. The Dosharians had first decimated the population and then enslaved the remainder. K'ulsu was the product of generations of genetic editing and breeding, with the end result being the creation of  “the perfect soldier.” For generations, the Dosharians had introduced genetic changes they found more desirable. The present day Charites were hulking, physical brutes, more cruel and powerful than their ancestors would ever have dreamed of. Standing nine feet tall and three hundred fifty pounds of solid muscle, he was the epitome of human nightmares; specifically, he was the nightmare of one human, Volunteer Trooper Harper.

“Why are you here, Mr. Harper?”

Groggily shaking his head, he tried to open his eyes. “Who’s that, I mean, who’s there?” Looking through his slitted, sleepy eyes, Harper could only see green fog.

“I asked you, why are you here, Mr. Harper?”

“Man, this is some strange machine. Now I am hearing voices……..is this still part of my training?”

“Mr. Harper, rest easy, this is not part of your training. Just tell me, why are you here?”

“Who is this? Who are you?”

“Don’t you remember? I was there with you when Karen died. I was with you when you both married. I was there when you were born, and I will be there when you die. Now, why are you here?”

“Huh?.........GOD, no, I find it hard to believe in you anymore! You took my Karen and our Betsy away from me. You left me so lonely.”

“I was, and I am, always with you, Mr. Harper. Now, tell me, why you are here?”

“When I needed you, where were you?”

“I am, I was, always here.”

“I wanted to see you!.....I needed to see you,… to know you!”

“Still the same childhood dreams, Mr. Harper? It will do for now. Rest assured, in time I will answer your requests, but for now, rest and be careful of who you trust in this stage of your  life. Just rest; rest and be assured, I am here with you, always here…….”

“Doctor, awaken the human! I am not done with him yet.”

“As you command, sir! However, I must advise you that continual use of stimulants could lead to the premature death of this human. Humans are not as physically strong as you Charites.”

“Give him the stimulant NOW!  If he dies, I’ll nail your miserable hide to my trophy wall! Now, do it!”

Sighing heavily, the doctor quickly shuffled over to his cart as fast as his two short, stubby feet could move. Picking up the required needle-gun, he attached a medicine vial. Shuffling back to the prisoner, he reached up and placed the needle-gun against a large blood vessel visible in the prisoner’s groin, pulling the trigger.

LIGHT, SCARLET LIGHT! Everything exploded in shards of painful, bright red light!

The pain in his body returned with a brutal suddenness!

His memories of his past life fled; his dream shattered.

The painful present returned like a kick in the head!

AAHHHH!!! What the freak…. You fucking bastards can’t give a dying man a break, can you?...........Give me a chance, just give me a chance….I’ll kick your green ass so hard you’ll have hemorrhoids for teeth, the human thought. Looking up into K’ulsu's face, he barked a laugh.  “What the freak do you want now, you hideous green grass bastard? Can’t you let me die in peace?”

The Charite had beaten him unmercifully and cut him multiple times. All the time, the nanobots inside him worked hard to heal him from each injury received. Given a reasonable amount of time, his wounds would completely heal. Broken ribs had already mended, and his right leg’s broken bones, with multiple muscle tears, were steadily healing. Just about any torment this Charite dished out could be healed by the nanobots if given the time. Unfortunately, K’ulsu knew this and was not allowing him the necessary time. He had been a prisoner eighteen days so far. Eighteen days of torture, eighteen nights of healing; each day’s torture was followed by a night of healing, which was then followed by more torture the next day. Damn, this repetition is getting to be ridiculous. If he wants to kill me, then kill me. Get it over with already!!

Through tightly slitted eyes, K'ulsu studied the human. Clenching his jaw, he tightened his grip on the hilt of his knife.   This insolent shit-jonga tries my patience. I should slit his scrawny neck from one ear to the other! “Quiet, jonga! I ask the questions and you answer. Anything else will earn you further punishment, like this…”  K’ulsu stepped forward, bent over, gripped the human by the jaw, and bent his face up to look directly at him. “Perhaps I should break your jaw,” he said, squeezing tightly with his fingers on both sides of the man’s face. There was a loud, audible crack, and the man screamed in pain. A slow trickle of blood oozed from the side of his mouth. Releasing the human’s jaw, the Charite let him fall back into the grip of his chains as his blood flowed freely down onto the floor to join the dried puddles already there. The man hung there. The pain was excruciating. Slowly and painfully, he twisted his body. Two days earlier, after similar treatment, the human had spit his blood in K'ulsu's face, earning him a quick, brutal punch to the jaw. Today, he just hung there quietly.

“Tell me, you jonga-ass scum, where is the Galactic fleet? What is so important about your planet’s shitty existence that the Galactic scum has formed an alliance with you?”

 Good questions, ass-hole! How many times must I tell you, I DON’T know the answer to your questions. I wish I did.… “My name is William Harper, Galactic Alliance Volunteer Trooper, sixth pay grade; service number 55A-2D-A429.”

“Human, you are really trying my patience! I am seriously considering experimenting on you. I have always wondered what would happen if a Galactic scum had a limb removed. Would his nanobots regrow a complete new limb? If so, how long would it take? Or, if the severed limb were placed next to the wound, would it reattach itself? Better yet, if I put an arm where a leg should be, and a leg where an arm should be, what would happen? Perhaps we should see. Doctor, bring me a saw. We will try a hand and a foot first….”

******************

Chapter 2

1500 hours, 4March 2023, Dosharian Prison Camp, Charon, Pluto planetary system

“Quickly, Doctor, quickly,” Instructor A’bl commanded the Doctor, “wake up this recruit! What has happened to him? I’ve never seen a recruit react to his Phase 1 training like this!”

Reading the dials on his controls, the Doctor made some adjustments. Going to his medical storage cabinet, he retrieved a vial. Carefully, he placed the vial on a tubular opening to the unit. Pressing in, he heard the snap as the seal on the vial was punctured and the contents in the vial filled the unit.

Slowly, the contents of the vial mixed with the green fog in the unit as Volunteer Trooper Harper inhaled it. Coughing and sputtering, he opened his eyes.

“Where am…..what the fuck just happened?” Cautiously turning his head, he faintly saw the Doctor and Instructor A’bl on the other side of the glass panel. After what seemed an eternity, the Doctor opened the unit’s hatch, and Instructor A’bl reached in, grabbed his arm, and carefully pulled him out.

“Recruit, are you okay?”

“Huh? Yeah….. I mean, Yes, Instructor A’bl, I’m okay, I think.” Shaking his head to clear the cobwebs, he slowly stood up straighter. “Yeah, I think I’m okay, Instructor A’bl. Could I please get a drink of water?”

Holding some type of computer tablet up to his chest, the Doctor began  pressing buttons on it while talking to himself. After two or three minutes, he put it down. “Recruit, you seem to be okay. I honestly don’t know what happened to you. None of your fellow Earther Recruits had a reaction like this………Over by the side of my cabinet is a water dispenser. There are cups next to it. Help yourself. If you feel strange in any way in the next several days, you are to come see me right away. Is that understood, Recruit?” Harper nodded yes. “Instructor A’bl, do you understand? This man seems fit for duty. His Phase 1 Instruction was successfully administered, and what happened after that? I don’t really know, so if he feels sick or acts strange at any time within the next three days, you are to send him to see me immediately.”

“Yes, Doctor.”

His head finally clear and his mouth no longer dry, Harper walked across the room to join his fellow recruits.

“Hey, General, are you okay?” Recruit Keesely asked as he walked over to him.

“Yeah,……I’m okay now. How did your Phase 1 Training go? Anything strange happen to you?”

“What do you mean, Sir?”

“Any strange voices or dreams?”

“None to report, Sir. I mean, nothing more than, that was a heck of a lot of information. Strange part is, I remember it all. Just like I was actually there. Plus, I don’t know, but I think I can speak a half-dozen languages now, and I can’t wait to try out some of those weapons! If they handle the way the training showed, they can sure kick ass!”

“Yeah, well….that’s true. I just had some strange dreams. Karen and Betsy…….Just some strange dreams.”

Putting his arm around his shoulder, Trooper Keesely nodded. “Don’t let it get to you, Sir; remember, you came out here to forget and leave all that behind.”

“Yeah, I know….”

Worthless jonga piece of shit, wake-up! “Doctor, administer the stimulant!” K’ulsu paced back and forth agitatedly. His bloodshot eyes gleamed with hatred as he stared down at the human. “I should just kill this human right now and get it over with. He is worthless. I won’t gain anything from him!”

“Yes, sir! I am unsure if he will respond. This coma was induced by his nanobots when you started your ‘experiment.’ I don’t know if they will allow us to wake him.”

“That’s simple to overcome, doctor! Inject the stimulant directly into his heart muscle. Use three times your usual amount. AND, if he dies, I am personally going to skin your carcass! I want the privilege of ending his worthless life.”

“Yes, sir; as you say, sir!”

“Honey, shhh…I am here…” Her sobs wrenched at his heart, and his own tears started again.

“Why GOD? Why?” he silently prayed, “why did YOU have to take our Betsy? Take my Karen?”

Darkness enveloped him. When it cleared, he was back in that damn hospital room. The doctor and nurses had left him alone for the moment. The Base’s chaplain would be there momentarily. When they had given him the news, he had raced to the hospital and ran down the corridors to her room. Too late! “I’m sorry, Major, there was nothing we could do. She was killed instantly. She was in no pain.”

He didn’t hear the rest. His legs collapsed, and he fell to his knees. With tears running down his face, he folded his hands. “GOD! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS? YOU TOOK OUR BETSY, NOW YOU’VE TAKEN KAREN!!! WHAT MORE CAN YOU TAKE FROM ME? ARE YOU EVEN THERE? DO YOU EVEN CARE?”

Things got foggy. He seemed to be falling backwards…falling….falling….he was laying on the side of a hill. The grass was soft. It was spring. The birds were singing. The flowers smelled sweet.

“Karen….get serious for a moment. I have something to ask you.”

“Oh, Bill, you’re always so serious!” And, then, she started to tickle him as she threw herself on top of him. Quickly her lips found his, and they embraced in a lengthy kiss.

“Please, Karen, this is important…..I got this for you,” he said as he reached into his pocket to pull out the diamond ring….

Picking up his needle-gun, the doctor adjusted it to deliver three doses of the necessary stimulant. Shuffling over to the human (now lying on a dirty blanket on the floor), he placed the needle on the human’s chest and shoved hard. Breaking through the bone to get to the heart below, he squeezed the gun’s trigger and shot the stimulant into the unconscious human. The man suddenly jumped, literally arching his back forcefully up off the floor, knocking the doctor back on his tail.

What the hell? Where am I? Ohhh…that freakin’ hurt. Slowly, he opened his eyes. His head was pounding. His eyes were watering, and he was seeing flashes of light at the perimeters of his vision. He felt a deep pain in his chest. Taking a deep breath, he focused on the pain that now made up his entire existence. As he did, he could feel his nanobots start to flood his body with pain killers to subdue the pain. Along with the pain killers, the tiny little machines immediately began repairing this new injury to his body. Damn! How long can these little guys keep it up? Forever, I hope, but the big question is how long can I keep it up? Slowly, he focused on his surroundings. Oh, yeah, it’s that ugly green fucker again! You freaking, sadistic bastard—you woke me up right in the middle of a dream. Karen and I were back on Earth at that picnic where I proposed to her. Now you made me lose Karen again! You’ll pay for that, you bastard! Let me get my hands around your neck and I’ll squeeze and twist your sickening, sadistic head with your sickening, smiling face until I  rip it from your shitty green shoulders and I’m holding it in my hands and I AM staring down at your lifeless carcass……………. “Okay……….. you got me awake, now what?”

“What is this thing, human? Why are your eyes secreting water? Have I hurt you worse than expected?.................. I can only hope so!”

Fuck you! You slimy creep! I won’t share Karen with you. Think what you want. “What?......Oh the water from my eyes? It’s a normal reaction. I’m just so happy to see your f-ing beautiful face! So glad you woke me up!”

“I am so glad to oblige, human. Perhaps I should help wake you further. Bad news, though, it would appear your body could not reattach your cut limbs. What a shame! Your body is attempting to re-grow you a new hand and a new foot. We’re experimenting with that. We’ve packed acid cloths over each stump to retard the growth. We just want to see what your nanobots can do. We’ll stop these experiments when you cooperate with me. Now, again, human, tell me where the Galactic fleet is right now. What is so important about your planet’s shitty existence that the Galactic scum has formed an alliance with you?”

You fucking s.o.b.! What sadistic, shit-hole did you and your kind crawl out of? “Look, buddy, I told you the first day, I DON’T KNOW! Nobody on Earth knows!”

Slowly, on wobbly knees, he tried to rise. On his hand and knees, he struggled to stand upright. Having only one foot and one hand prevented him. Taking a quick stride, K’ulsu was at his side, kicking at him brutally. “Umff!” The human fell to the floor on his belly, sprawled out. K’ulsu continued kicking him again and again. Then, reaching down, he hauled the human up with one hand as he squeezed his neck. “Think, human! Your life is in my hands. Answer my questions!”

Chapter 3.

EARLIER, 1430 hours, 4 March 2023, Earth Defense Forces, Triton, Neptune planetary  system

“Captain, Harper’s nanobots are still broadcasting strong vitals. He appears to have undergone tremendous physical trauma, but he is still alive.” Ensign Diaz reported while standing at the science station on the bridge of the U.S.S. Endeavor. Captain Aguilar was at his command station.

“Very good, Ensign. Lieutenant Adams, how long until we can expect to hear from our marine attack force?”

Lieutenant Junior Grade Adams looked at his notes and quietly conferred with Lieutenant Bitting. “I’m waiting, Adams! What do you have?” The Captain was getting impatient. The closer he got to the decisive moment, the less patience he had.

“Thirty-three minutes and counting down, sir! Touch down in thirty-three, breaching the prison dome in under two. Using mortars, they will immediately flood the dome with gas and set the charges. Once the gas has been injected, we anticipate heavy resistance. That should be overcome quickly and our man rescued. Following that, we depart, blow the charges, and remotely nuke the prison. Total estimated time until completion is expected in slightly over an hour and a half from now, sir!”

Yeah, right….all the best laid plans of mice and men and all that crap…. “Lieutenant Aponte!”

“Yes, sir!”

“Cloaking shield is engaged and working properly?”

“Yes, sir!”

“On my mark, come around and get us to Pluto right after our attack force has breached that dome!”

“Yes, sir! Right away, Sir!”

Turning around, Captain Aguilar, looked at his guest standing behind him. “Trooper Keesely, are you ready?”

“Yes, sir! Thank you, sir! The General, sorry, I mean the Trooper is a good man. Glad to see we’re getting him back!”

“Yeah, well, he shouldn’t have jumped the gun. He could still be a General in Earth’s Defense Forces if he hadn’t volunteered so damn quickly. We need men of his caliber and we have to go rescue him. Besides, we never leave a man behind, and it gives us a chance to kick some Dosharian ass--the filthy bastards!”

“Sir, his time is about up with the Galactic Forces.” Scratching his chin, he quickly added, “Then, again, last I heard from him, he was happy doing what he was doing. Said he would miss the action and all that happy horseshit. AND, believe me, sir, there is PLENTY of action out here. Those Dosharians are a bunch of mean mothers!”

“Yes they are, Trooper. Yes they are.”

******************

Hold on, General! We’re coming for you. GOD! Let him be okay. I don’t pray much, but please let him be okay. Let us rescue him. “Captain Aguilar!”

“Yes, Trooper Keesely.”

“With your permission, sir, I should like to request permission to disembark the Endeavor when we reach our target and join the search for Trooper Harper.”

Captain Aguilar turned around and faced Trooper Keesely. “Sergeant, we go way back before any of this outer space business started. We served in Afghanistan. Your bravery and devotion to duty are exemplary, but right now, I think you should leave this to the Marines.”

“Marines? Shit, sir, you know, and I know, that I am just as good as any marine! The General and I go way back, sir, like you said, back before any of this outer space crap started. When it did start, the General and I both volunteered as troopers at the same time. We went through training together, graduated, and received our first duty assignments on the same Galactic ship. Hell! I only missed being with him on this last assignment because of Sharon having our son. I feel responsible for him, Sir. It’s my duty to get him back.”

The Captain scratched his chin, looked over his shoulder at the bridge and the giant view screen. “Trooper, I suppose that, if I say no, you will attempt to do it anyway? That the only way I can stop you is by throwing you in the brig that, unfortunately, we don’t have. I’ve told the Alliance that one might come in handy, but they turned me down, said that it wasn’t necessary on a Galactic Alliance ship.”

“Sir, I can’t answer those questions. However, if it helps any, and you don’t mind, I would like to return to my quarters. I am starting to feel a little space-sick.”

“Can the sarcasm and bullshit, Trooper! I know what you intend to do, and I can’t afford to have good men tied up babysitting you………..…fine! Be prepared. We’ll be there in a little over twenty minutes. If you get yourself shot, don’t blame me!”

“Yes, Sir! Thank you, Sir! That’s what nanobots are for, Sir.” Turning, he hurried off down the long hall towards the ship’s armory.

******************

1455 hours, 4March2023, USS Endeavor, en-route to Pluto

“Yes, again, Lieutenant Cressman, the Captain has given me permission to disembark when we reach Pluto. I am to go in with the Marine attack team to help search for Trooper Harper.”

Lieutenant Junior Grade Cressman, the USS Endeavor’s Supply Officer and Armorer, was sitting behind his desk, looking up into Trooper Keesely’s face. All-in-all, the Lieutenant was pretty sure he could smell a rat when he saw one. Trooper Keesely’s story sounded a little shaky. It wasn’t like Captain Aguilar to issue orders to allow glory seeking troopers to go adventuring. Trooper Keesely should have been a member of the Marine attack team if he was going in to find the missing trooper. “Hold on one minute, Trooper.” Tapping a small badge on his uniform’s collar, he spoke, “Captain Aguilar, sir! Lieutenant Cressman. Sir, I have a Trooper Keesely here requesting ammunition, weapons, and medical supplies for use on Pluto during the planned attack.”

“That is affirmative. He has my permission, Lieutenant!”

“Thank you, Sir!” Looking up at Trooper Keesely, the Lieutenant apologized, “Sorry, Trooper. This is very unusual, and I had to check with the Captain. Just doing my job. I’ll have your medical supplies in a minute. You may proceed to your weapons’ locker for your weapons and ammo. Good luck!”

“Thank you, sir!”

Walking behind the Lieutenant’s desk and through the gated entrance, he proceeded down the long row of lockers. Many were hanging open since their owners (the Marines presently en-route to Pluto) had their weapons now in their possession. Entering his combination, the locker door popped open. Inside were both his large and small assault weapons, energy packets, and combat gear. When he had boarded the USS Endeavor one week ago, he had locked up everything for safekeeping in accordance with ship regulations. This wasn’t the wild west, and weapons were not allowed to be worn unless directed by the Captain. Captain Aguilar enforced strict discipline in these matters. The only weapons worn were by the Captain, his officers and security personnel. Should the USS Endeavor come under attack, strategically placed arms lockers around the ship would be opened for use by ship personnel.

******************

Chapter 4.

1504 hours, 4March2023, Dosharian Prison Camp, Charon, Pluto planetary system

WOOM-WOOM-WOOM!!!  Alarm horns were booming out their warning. Inside the prison cell, K’ulsu growled his anger into his communicator. “Control Room! What in D’eva’s name is going on?”

Underground in the Control Room, Sub-Commander D’jal was already busy scanning the base’s perimeter using security cameras. High above, flying around inside the dome, Dosharian drones were searching for breaches in the base’s security perimeter. On the ground, small robotic jongas scurried along, patrolling the perimeter, searching for security breaches. Dosharian guards were pouring out of their barracks, onto the grounds, fully armed and prepared for any eventuality.  Splitting up into small squads, they reported to previously assigned defensive positions and prepared to defend their base.

”Sir!, D’jal here. The alarm is from zone 5 of the perimeter. I have guards out in defensive positions patrolling their zones. Drone cameras show nothing in Zone 5. Nothing has been seen yet.”

“I expect to hear back in less than five vorangs what the cause of this interruption is. Do you understand, D’jal?”

“Yes, sir! In less than five vorangs, sir!” Reaching over to his control panel, D’jal pressed a red button. “Guards, I need an answer now! What in D’eva’s seven hells is going on? I want to know now! If I hang on the wall of punishment, I promise that I will put your skins there before K’ulsu hangs mine!”  Settling back in his chair, he reached over to his camera controls and searched the perimeter of the prison’s dome, watching the video screens. “What the…..” Pressing the red button, “Guards, Zone 5, I am showing heavy equipment prints in the dirt. They could have been caused by landing craft. Check it out!”

“Yes, sir, at zone 5 now, inspecting the area as we speak….”

******************

 “Captain Aguilar, this Marine Attack Force 1. We have landed and are proceeding to breach the dome. …..Hold on a minute, sir…..in addition to ground and air drones, it appears that a security force is now approaching our position…..breaking off communication for now.”

Turning to Lieutenant Adams, Captain Aguilar asked, “Adams, maintain our cloak; are we now in position to provide fire support to the attack force?”

“Aye-aye, sir! Sighting in on their position. I can see what I think is the enemy security patrol, but due to their camouflage, I cannot pinpoint the exact location of our men. I am assuming they are outside the dome yet. That being the case, I can lay down supporting fire through the dome onto the enemy, but, Sir, if we do that, we will crack the dome, making it impossible to determine the effectiveness of the gas.”

“Hold your fire, Lieutenant. I will decide if and when.” Looking to his right, “Chief, get me that attack force back on the comm., now!”

Chief Warrant Officer Coss, chief for communications and electronic surveillance, quickly pressed a button on his control panel. “Marine Attack Force 1, this is the Endeavor. Do you read me?”

“Chief, not right now, we are busy…..”

“Sir, Captain Aguilar needs to talk with you immediately.”

“Keep it quick. The enemy is approaching optimal weapons range, and we’re in danger of running behind our schedule because of them.”

“Captain Jackson, this is Captain Aguilar. I understand. Presently, we are in position to negate the enemy forces heading your way.”

“Sir, I thought you were still at Neptune?”

“Sorry, Captain, I didn’t want to miss out on the fun.”

“Fine, sir, if you can negate the enemy, please do so.”

“Oh, and Captain?”

“Yes, Sir. If he hasn’t arrived yet, expect one Volunteer Trooper named Keesely to arrive soon to help in your search for Trooper Harper.”

“Sir, that’s a little irregular isn’t it, Sir?”

“Sorry, Captain, he insisted, and as you know, Galactic Forces outrank Earth Defense Forces. Even a Volunteer Trooper.”

“Yeah, well, someday that’s going to change when they see our worth.”

“Hopefully, Captain, now stand back. We’re firing our plasma cannon now.” With that, Captain Aguilar pointed to Lieutenant Adams and gestured a thumbs-up. Immediately, a fine green line shot from the USS Endeavor’s bow. Of a two second duration, the ball of plasma streamed towards the surface. Hitting the dome, it spread out, briefly sparkled and burned through, hitting in the area of the Dosharian security detail. Of the defending aliens, three were instantly killed, with the remaining knocked down and put out of commission.

The Marine Attack Force then used their lasers to cut a hole in the dome. Using their mortars, they fired gas rounds into the dome. Waiting a few seconds, they followed into the dome on foot, lobbing gas grenades as they advanced.

“Sergeant Castaneda, this is a chance we have been waiting for. Secure those aliens; we’re taking prisoners!” Changing his communications setting, “Captain Aquilar, your arrival has helped us achieve another unplanned objective. We have captured two aliens. Requesting you send a shuttle down to the surface to pick up two prisoners.”

“Good job, Captain, the shuttle will be there momentarily.”

******************

Slamming his two right fists on the control banner, K’ulsu screamed into the communication panel, “D’jal!! What in D’eva’s seven hells  is going on??”

“Sir, I have lost communications with the security force. They appear to have been neutralized by enemy fire from a high altitude. Our drones have been neutralized by an EM charge. I am attempting to locate the enemy vessel and return fire………………………Sir! My sensors are picking up a small vessel near zone 5. It appears too small to have weapons such as those fired. It has been identified by the firing computer as an EDF Shuttle-class vessel.”

“That means a much larger vessel is cloaked and in orbit above us. Find it now!!”

“Yes, sir!”

******************

Inside the dome, its artificial atmosphere had leaked into space and was replaced by heavy clouds of gas from the Galactic chemical mortars. The terrain was rapidly filling up with dead Dosharian burning in green flames amidst the rubble and debris. Tiny robotic drones littered the terrain. In the first few moments of engagement, members of the Marine Attack Force observed the small aerial drones burning as they dropped from above. It was all very surreal in appearance with the burning bodies and “dead” robots lying all around. The remaining Dosharians were firing on the advancing Marines, who were lobbing gas and smoke grenades as they slowly, methodically advanced. Looking left and right as he passed them, Captain Jackson watched the various buildings catch fire and burn. He strode through this fiery green hell, issuing orders to his men. Like a conductor managing his orchestra and producing a musical masterpiece of great beauty, he slowly orchestrated the movement of his forces. Only, this was Hell’s music with death screaming out a tune of destruction as it marched through the Dosharian compound. Suddenly, Captain Jackson heard the crunch of boots rapidly approaching him.

“Sir, Trooper Keesely reporting!”

Looking over his shoulder, he took a quick look at the Trooper. “This is highly unusual, Trooper, but welcome to the fight. Do as I say and everything will be fine. Follow me.”

******************

MAF1 moved rapidly across the compound, setting off more and more gas canisters while kicking in the doors of different buildings, always searching for Trooper Harper. Enemy resistance was sporadic; the EDF appeared to have caught the enemy off-guard and unprepared. As the enemy was shot, then died, they burst into green flames. The marines did not expect to capture anymore aliens. Burned enemy bodies littered the roadways of the compound.

“Captain! Sergeant Cruz, here. We have a situation, sir. Requesting an additional shuttle be sent down with medical technicians.”

“What is the problem, Cruz? Have you run into an ambush? Taken casualties?”

“No, sir. We have found human prisoners, and, sir, I don’t know how to describe it. All I can say is that, after this, I’m not even attempting to take any prisoners!”

“Keep talking, Cruz. I am homing in your signal. Be there in a sec……… Captain Aguilar, requesting an additional shuttle with medical technicians; it appears we are recovering human prisoners in need of medical care.”

“Understood, Captain, shuttle is on its way.”

Cautiously, the Captain walked across the compound. As he moved, Captain Jackson signaled for several marines to join him as he entered a building that his helmet monitor showed Cruz was in. “What the freak??!!” In the corner to his right was a pile of green body parts apparently ripped from their torsos. “Sergeant Cruz, front and center! Report!”

Sergeant Cruz strode across the room. “Sir, I am attempting to set up a temporary force field for these women. They appear to be from Proxima Centauri B, Colony Alpha. It was destroyed over a year ago by the Dosharians.”

******************

Chapter 5.

Proxima Centauri, 4.22 light years from Earth, had been the first system explored by Earth as they tried out their “space legs.” Hoping to show the Galactic Alliance it was deserving of their alliance, Earth had ambitiously set out to establish scientific research outposts. Everything had gone right at first. Habitats were set up, research equipment unloaded, and colonists settled in. When, suddenly, a Dosharian vessel appeared in orbit around the planet. Their plasma weapons had blasted through the humans’ protective fields like a hot knife through butter. When resupply vessels had arrived a week later, all they found was complete destruction and no survivors. From the burned bodies, rubble, craters, and long furrows dug in the ground, it appeared that all the human inhabitants of the colony had been slaughtered. A Galactic Alliance vessel had surveyed the planet and its system, finding no remaining traces of the colonists or their attackers. It appeared to have been a search and destroy mission meant to harass both the Earthers and the Galactic Alliance. Back on Earth, the call for further expansion into space had quieted down. For a while, there had even been calls for Earth to tear up its treaty with the Galactic Alliance. In the end, however, calmer heads had prevailed when it was decided that only an alliance with the Galactics could provide Earth any real protection.

******************

“Sergeant, have you talked with any of these women?”

“Yes, sir, they claim to have been kept prisoner and used by the Dosharians as a means for sexual release for their higher ranking soldiers.”

“In other words, they were raped, Sergeant?”

“Yes, Sir, and brutalized! When we first broke in, there were two aliens inside making use of the women, sir. We immediately shot them. When it sunk in what was going on, the women went wild. They literally ripped the two aliens apart. Remember the Lorena Bobbit story from years ago? Well, Sir, what they did to those two aliens would make her look like a saint. After that, the women just collapsed and broke down emotionally. The alien body parts are over there, Sir, in the corner.”

“Sergeant, let me ask this delicately, but is there any evidence of the results of these atrocities?”

“Sir, are you asking if there are any babies here?”

“Yes, Cruz.”

Sergeant Cruz turned around, walked over to a group of the women; calling one over to him, he whispered in her ear. She looked over at the Captain. She said something to Sergeant Cruz and started crying. Walking back to the Captain, Cruz responded to the question, “Sir, she says that some women became pregnant. That some died from injuries caused by the growing fetuses and that others carried them to term. Of those carried to term, most were killed. Two babies however appeared to have been taken to the commander of the prison for whatever purposes he had. Sir, she says she saw her baby ripped to pieces by the bastards.”

Shaking his head, Captain Jackson turned to leave. “Cruz, tell the women they are being evacuated. Finish setting up your force field. We’ll set up a beacon outside for the medics so they can find you. You’re to stay here and guard them. I got more scum to kill and a mess here to clean up.”

Outside, he yelled over his helmet radio, “Trooper Keesely, front and center!”

A few meters ahead, the trooper turned around and ran over to him. “Yes, sir!”

“Trooper, listen carefully. This goes no further than between you and me, but as far as I am concerned, the gloves are off! You kill them all! No survivors. Find your man and let’s get the f out of here. We’re nuking this shit hole.”

“Yes, sir!”

******************

Chapter 6.

Holding Harper up in one hand, K’ulsu had him in an iron grip only inches from his face. His fetid breath filled Harper’s nostrils, causing him to be consumed by waves of nausea. Smiling a wicked grin, he talked to the Trooper as he squeezed even tighter. “Well, human, it would appear that your fellow jonga-scum are attempting to rescue you. Don’t worry, they won’t succeed. If they enter this room, I am prepared to destroy it and send us all to D’eva’s seven hells!”  K’ulsu then shifted Trooper Harper to his other hand. Seeing a possible chance at last, as K’ulsu changed his grip, Harper swung his injured arm up, jamming its acid covered stump into his tormentor’s left eye! Screaming in pain, K’ulsu instinctively squeezed tighter on Harper’s throat. Fighting for breath, trying to not black out, Harper swung about, attempting to jam his injured limb this time into K’ulsu’s uninjured right eye. Missing his eye, he punched the alien in the nose. Howling in pain, he staggered backwards. Swinging around in mid-air, Harper swung his legs up, planted his uninjured foot on K’ulsu’s chest, and kicked as hard as he could. He fell to the ground.

Besides the acid smeared in his left eye and on his face, K’ulsu also had acid eating through his uniform and burning his chest. The Charite was shaking in pain and anger, staggering around the room.

Scrabbling across the floor, Harper knocked the doctor down and wrestled with him.

As his vision cleared, K’ulsu saw the Trooper and launched himself at him. This time, his great size worked against him. Knocked over equipment scattered around the room prevented him from reaching Harper as quickly as he wanted. Kicking the downed equipment aside, screaming in pain while rubbing his injured face, K’ulsu reached Harper. Grabbing the Trooper by his injured arm, he hoisted him up to eye-level.

“You rotten Earther-scum! I’m going to rip your head from your scrawny neck and feed your body to jongas!”

Gasping for breath, Harper hung in K’ulsu’s grip. Unbeknownst to K’ulsu, Harper was holding the Doctor’s needle-gun! He had managed to wrestle it from the doctor while fighting with him. Jamming its barrel in the Charite’s uninjured eye, he repeatedly pulled the trigger. The green giant went rigid with pain, standing on his toes and arching his back. Stumbling back, he released Harper. Then he  staggered over to the control panel, reaching for the self-destruct button.

“Óh, no, you don’t! You fucking green bastard!”

With that, Harper scrabbled across the floor towards K’ulsu and wrapped his leg around the alien’s legs, tripping him. K’ulsu fell like a toppled oak tree, crashing to the floor. Harper quickly crawled over to K’ulsu, repeatedly punching him in the face.

******************

Private Clark slowly advanced down the hallway of the building, kicking in doors, looking for enemy combatants. It was dark, and the process was slow. Further down the hall, he noticed a door with light glowing visibly around its frame. He heard a series of loud crashes. It sounded as if someone else had possibly entered the building from its opposite end and was struggling to subdue its occupants. Private Clark raced down the hall and kicked in the door!

The room showed signs of a struggle. Walking around a cabinet, he saw a naked man on top of an alien. The man was clearly beating the crap out of the alien. Against the far wall, another, smaller, alien was attempting to hide under a table. The smaller alien saw Private Clark and tried to crawl further under the table.

Private Clark quickly assessed the situation. He tapped his communication button, “Trooper Keesely, in here, quickly!”

“What is it, Private?”

“I think I have found your missing man, Trooper!”

Keesely ran into the building. He had been searching in the same area as Private Clark. Entering the building, he saw the lit-up room at the end of the hall. Running quickly down the hall, he entered the room. Seeing Harper, he ran over and began tugging at Harper’s arms. “Easy, General, easy! He’s dead already. You killed him, Sir!”

“Fucking bastard can die again!”

Chapter 7.

As the seventh largest moon and sixteenth largest body in Sol’s system, Triton is also the only moon in Sol’s system to orbit its planet in a retrograde orbit. Astronomers believe that Triton originated in the Kuiper Belt and had been flung into the inner solar system due to its interaction with another heavenly body. Presently, Triton served as Earth’s furthest military outpost in its solar system.

With guidance, help, and donated vessels from the Galactic Alliance, a fleet of Earth Defense Force vessels were maintained in orbit around Triton. Triton was headquarters for the Outer System Command and was commanded by Admiral Kruger. The Admiral’s area of command extended from Saturn out to the Kuiper Belt.  An Inner System Command still had to be established at Ceres in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Surveillance outposts were established on the various moons of the Sol system’s planets. Some of these same outposts had previously been manned by Galactic Alliance forces. They had been turned over to Earth when it signed a treaty of alliance with the Galactic Alliance.

Central Command for the entire Solar System was maintained on Earth’s moon, Luna. Within the last five years, the varying governments of Earth had worked together, with Galactic assistance, in establishing three large domed enclosures for housing the Earth Defense Forces’ Central Command.  Most EDF personnel lived in large areas carved out underground.

1710 hours, 4March 2023, Earth Defense Forces, Triton, Neptune planetary  system

Captain Aguilar shifted in his seat, watching the view screen in front of him as a small ball of white light rapidly grew in size. Behind it, a larger blue sphere hung in space. Ahhh…good to be home. “Lieutenant Aponte, contact fleet headquarters and let them know we will be shortly assuming orbit around Triton.”

“Aye-aye, sir.” Adjusting a dial on his control panel, the Lieutenant pressed the red button,

“Triton, this is the USS Endeavor returning from Pluto. Request permission to assume orbit around Triton.”

Headquarters Triton quickly replied,

“Endeavor, this is Triton. Permission granted to assume orbit. Admiral Kruger requests your presence immediately for debriefing.”

I assumed as much after my last communication…

“Lieutenant, tell Headquarters, Triton, that it will be my pleasure to see the Admiral. We have a lot to discuss. Also, I am requesting Medical support for Trooper Harper and the rescued civilians.”

“Aye-aye, sir. Triton Command …..”

On the Endeavor, Captain Aguilar’s mind drifted as he contemplated this raid’s accomplishments. Not only had they secured the release of Trooper Harper and rescued eight Earth women, but they had also returned with two live Dosharians (albeit, severely wounded and in medically induced comas) and the intact corpse of the Dosharian commander. That in itself was quite a story. Trooper Harper, even though severely brutalized and crippled, had somehow managed to singlehandedly defeat the commander in hand-to-hand combat and kill him.  They actually had to drag him off the corpse and prevent him from causing further damage by pummeling it. Fucking guy deserves a medal, that’s for sure! I’ll write up the commendation myself unless the Admiral beats me to it or pulls rank. “Ensign Diaz, inform Captain Jackson that he should have the medics prep Trooper Harper and the women for transfer to Medical facilities on Triton Station.”

Looking up from his Science station, Diaz replied, “Yes, sir. I anticipated that already and informed the medics before we left Pluto. All the evacuated personnel are prepped and ready for immediate transfer.”

 Ahhh… to be young and eager to please or, more than likely, eager to advance… “Good job, Ensign. You just might get that promotion to Lieutenant JG sooner than you think. Just be careful when you assume what I want done. You can make a mistake and then, instead of receiving praise, you’ll have to ‘wipe egg off your face,’ so to say, BUT still, good job!”

Diaz smiled at the Captain. “Thank-you, and Sir! I am the only Boricua on the Endeavor. I have to make my mother and Puerto Rico proud! The sooner I make Lieutenant, the better. Better yet, Sir, the sooner I make Admiral, the better!”

“Don’t push it, Ensign; one step at a time, first Lieutenant J.G. and then…..well, we’ll see. Who knows, maybe I will have to watch out or you’ll get my job!”

“Thank you, sir. I’ll take that as a promise, sir!”

Chapter 8.

“General, take it easy. You were just rescued from a freaking enemy prison and saved from being tortured to death! Protocol calls for you to be put under medical observation. They have to give you a onceover, physically and mentally, and then they have to check to be sure your nanobots are all in working order. I mean, look at what that bastard did to you. Who knows what that acid did to you and your bots.”

Yeah, what he did to me……hearing voices, thinking I’m talking to GOD….maybe I am fucking nuts…… “I know all that!” Shaking his head, he looked at his arm where his hand should be. “You know, I honestly think I can feel it there. It’s hard to accept that it’s not. Except……. I can see it isn’t.” Closing his eyes, he put his head down and massaged the bridge of his nose with his good hand. Shaking his head, he looked back up at Keesely.  “Sergeant, I’m sorry. I should be thanking you and the marines for rescuing me. I’d still be there if not for you men. I’m sorry. I just want to get back out there and hit those f-ing Dosharians where it hurts! I mean, look closely. You can see that my bots are starting to reconstruct my hand. I’ll bet they’re doing the same for my foot and all my internal injuries.”

Looking down at his former General, Trooper Keesely just smiled. “Yes, Sir! I know that, but you still need to be checked. Once you’re all safe and sound, Sharon told me to make sure you visit for a good homecooked meal……Oh! She also says to tell you that you still owe her those flowers, chocolate, and a bottle of wine.”

Looking up at the former Sergeant, Trooper Harper just pointed at him with his only index finger. “Take me to the doctors, Sergeant!”

******************

1900 hours, 5 March 2023, Earth Defense Forces, Medical Center, Triton Station, Neptune  system

“Wake up, Trooper! Rise and shine, son!”

Trooper Harper slowly opened his eyes and found himself staring into the face of a man he assumed was a doctor.

“How did I do, Doc? Everything okay? All my bots up and working their way through my body, fixing me up?”

“That they are, son. As far as everything being okay, why don’t you tell me? Mentally, how are you doing? You just went through hell, literally hell, as you Earthlings call it.”

“I’m feeling fine; I just want out of this bed and back into action--if you’ll sign off on me, that is.”

“Well, Trooper, I can sign you out, but to be honest, the only action you’re going to see for a while is Earth-side with lots of public speeches and admiring crowds. You’re a hero, son! You’re what Earth needs right now. Your Admiral and your politicians are going to award you a bunch of medals and fete you with banquets, while asking you to speak out in support of the war.”

“Oh, no! I’m not doing that! I just want to go back to doing what I was doing.”

“Well, from what I’ve heard, Earth Defense Force wants you transferred back from Galactic Defense Forces. They want to give you back your old rank of General.”

Shaking his head vigorously, he became quite angry. “NO!!! ABSOLUTELY NOT!! You can tell them to stick those ideas where the sun doesn’t shine! I enjoy NOT being a general anymore. This is the life I want!”

“Well, you’ll have to take that up with them, son. I’m only a fly on the wall telling you rumors that I’ve heard. Now, my question, ‘how are you doing?’ You just woke up from a twenty-two hour medically induced coma that allowed your body to repair itself. I am glad you think you’re okay. You definitely don’t appear to be suffering from battle fatigue or depression or PTSD. Physically, you seem okay. Your nanobots are fine. We just needed to clean off all the acid and other chemicals you picked up in that hell-hole. Without our help, your nanobots could have done the job, just a lot slower. All we did was make their job easier. You’re a lucky man, son; the women they brought back weren’t so lucky.”

“I was hoping for better for them, Doc. What condition are they in?”

“Well, their nanobots weren’t military grade bots. They were what we give all civilians. For that reason, they were more fatigued and slower in repairing their physical damage. Their mental trauma? That’s a different story. We can only do so much. Right now, we have them in medically induced comas undergoing psychological therapy. I expect them to be brought out of their comas in the next day or two. I guess you could say that you’re the lucky one, son.”

“Yeah, I guess, considering what they went through. By the way, Doc?”

“Yes.”

“Stop calling me ‘son.’ I know it’s good bedside manners on your part, but we both appear about the same age.”

“I know that, SON. How old do you think I am?”

Harper stared into the doctor’s eyes for a while then at his hands. “Well, I can see some age in your eyes, and I’m not sure about your hands. Something tells me that, all things considered, you probably are a little older than me. How much? I can’t really guess.”

“Let me explain. You Earthers tend to think that all Galactics are the same, including our ages, because we all look young. Well, all Galactics are not the same. Informally, we tend to split socially into two classes: the youngsters and, as you would say, the old farts. Like you, I am an ‘old fart.’ I know I look young, but I’m really not. Guess my age.”

Studying him, Harper answered, “I really can’t tell; based on what you just told me, and what our Lieutenant Walters told me about Galactics, I would guess that you are maybe two hundred years old!”

With that, the doctor laughed. “Trooper, I am many times that age! I was one of the first to receive medical nanobots that slowed down and then reversed our aging. I was one of the first because I helped to develop them. I tested them on myself. For that reason, I am flooded with nanobots. I have so many nanobots in me that I could, as you would say, piss out nanobots.”

“You’re pulling my leg!”

“Oh, no! Are you in pain, Mr. Harper?”

“Let me rephrase that; are you kidding me, Doc?”

“Pulling your leg means kidding you? An Earther euphemism, I guess?”

“Yeah, something like that. Now, are you really telling me truth?”

Looking around the hospital ward to be sure nobody else was listening in, he continued when he was sure they were alone. “General, we Galactics are a proud people, and we have many secrets. What I am telling you now is something we don’t usually share with others, and those we do tell? Well, we ask them to keep it a secret. We tend to split ourselves by age. You see, once you are able to reverse aging, you find that there is no need to reproduce as rapidly since people are not aging and dying. If you do, you have a population crisis. The answer for that population growth is expansion. That is why we set out to colonize the galaxy. Our people spread far and wide in a disorganized and uncontrolled manner. We colonized as many planets as we could, as fast as we could. Soon we weren’t even sure where all our people had gone. The second thing we don’t like to share with outsiders is that it is possible that the original Dosharians are actually our lost brothers and sisters. That they had spread out into the galaxy, finding other worlds to colonize. They enslaved the original populations they came in contact with. They felt superior on account of our technological and scientific advancements. They held all other life as being subservient or lesser than them. When they finally did meet up with us, they had changed; they had become cold, militant, and brutal.  Hiding behind the mask of their enslaved armies, they sought to conquer and take what we had sought originally to enlighten.”

“You’re shitting me, Doc! That is insane. Are you sure?”

“Another Earther euphemism, I suppose? Anyway, this is a theory held by our leading social scientists and academicians. It is only a theory, but to many of us, it makes sense.”

“I don’t know what to say, Doc. I have got to think on all that.”

“That’s fine, Trooper, but please remember, while this is not exactly a secret, it is a sensitive matter to us. If true, it is our shame. Another issue is the differences in beliefs between the younger and older members of our peoples. The older people hold to a more philosophical and, you might say, spiritual outlook on many things. The younger are more scientifically minded and less philosophical.”

“How does that work out for you?”

“If I understand you correctly, Trooper, the answer is, not very well. We older members of the population hold onto many beliefs that they reject in the name of science.”

“Well, I can understand that, Doc. Many of my people have started to question religion and favor science instead.”

“That is a shame, General. With your religious and philosophical beliefs, I had great hopes for Earthers. Am I right to hope that there are still those who follow the old ways?”

“If you mean, are many Earthers religious? Yeah, sometimes too religious.”

“What do you mean by too religious?”

“There are many so wrapped up in religion that they are willing to hurt, injure, or kill others who do not believe as they do. Instead of following what their religious texts teach, they try to use force to get others to believe as they do. Most of Earth’s religions stress love and brotherhood, yet the followers are too busy being engrossed in legalisms.”

“Why is that?”

“I don’t know, Doc. Sometimes I think it is because we have become too crowded on Earth. We either need more land or less people.”

“Look out the view screen, Trooper. There is a whole Universe waiting for them and you.”

“I know. It just seems a little scary. We already have Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, etc… talking about colonizing planets for those like themselves.”

“Won’t that stop all the hostility that you mentioned?”

“I suppose so, Doc, but I am afraid that mankind will splinter itself. It is kind of like what you told me about Galactics and Dosharians. Instead of it being Dosharians vs. Galactics, it will be hundreds of smaller groups of humans vs. each other. That’s a scary thought, that’s all.”

“Trooper, the future is always scary. From what I’ve seen of Earthers, though, I think you will do better than we did. I have great hopes for you.”

The General gave him a quizzical look. “And, why is that, Doc?”

“That’s for another discussion, Trooper Harper. I have probably said too much already.  Let’s get you fixed up and shipped back to Earth for your honors. Remember, you’re a hero. After that, one way or another, back into space where you belong.”