CHAPTER 30 The formation of huge spheres and angular, blocky vessels were now stationary in different parts of the sky, visible both day and night to the unaided eye. Planet Earth was at Red Alert status. Every nation that would participate had combat aircraft in the sky and ground troops massed and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. Ed Straker was talking to Alec, Paul and Prosser on the radio link. He was worried about them all and feeling rather useless that he hadn’t had any stick time in nearly twenty years. “I want you all to come home safely, my friends,” He told them. Alec replied, “Ed, you should see what I’m seeing…” “There is literally a complete net of combat aircraft, AWAC’s and tankers stretching around the globe.” “All of them have red stripes painted on them.” “My God this is a beautiful sight…” Colonels Carlin, Waterman and the other SkyDivers were at action stations awaiting the call to move and launch. Colonel Bradley and his ten Interceptors sat on the launch pad, fully fueled and armed waiting for the launch signal. Moon Base defenses were fully deployed among the facility and behind the berms on the lunar surface. They waited with weapons ready. All internal base personnel were already in their pressure suits. Virginia and Gay were able to switch ODIN control back and forth between Moon Base and HQ at will while maintaining fire control and targeting signal feed. “Ford, can you connect me with all SHADO units at once?” Asked Straker. “Absolutely sir, ready on my mark…” He motioned to Straker to go ahead. “All SHADO personnel, this is Straker.” “We are facing the biggest threat our world has ever experienced.” “SHADO was created specifically with this ultimate battle in mind.” “You were all specially recruited, trained and deployed as the best hope our world would have to meet such a challenge.” “You are the best, brightest and bravest humanity has to offer.” “Today we stand, not alone as in the past, but side by side with every nation on Earth, to defend it at all cost.” “I have complete confidence in you all.” “Stay focused and take care of each other.” “God willing, we will prevail and humanity may continue to remain united.” “Straker out…” Ford looked up at him and smiled. He turned off the com microphone. Straker put a hand on Ford’s shoulder and squeezed it. “This is what it was always about, Keith…” In near Earth orbit things were starting to happen. The large angular alien ships appeared to be covered with scales. There were much larger elliptical shapes interspersed among them. They all began to move… In another part of the sky, the enormous spheres began to exude orbs, both small and large, from all over their surface. They streamed like water droplets from a garden hose. “Moon Base to all SHADO installations, Red Alert, incoming vessels, all vectors.” It was Gay Ellis. “Immediate launch, all defenses open fire when in range…” Each of the scales separated into two crescent shaped fighter craft which formed into squadrons of eight. Behind each was a much larger vessel with a flattened elliptical shape. Each one carried a compliment of ground troops. It only took minutes for each armada to launch its fighters and troop ships, leaving the large parent vessels behind. The frontier of ODIN satellites was the first to fire, but only with rail guns. They still had nothing to lock onto with missile guidance systems. “All Interceptors, hit what you can with missiles but save your rail guns as long as you can in case we have to defend Moon Base.” Said Colonel Bradley. The Mark I’s formed up in two groups of three and the Mark II’s in groups of two. “Good hunting everyone,” He added. The ODIN rail guns were culling individual ships from the mass of crescent fighters and orbs but at their rate of fire, their ammunition would be depleted quickly. Virginia downloaded a command to all satellites to switch from full automatic fire to three round bursts in an effort to slow the rate of depletion. It had worked perfectly with no loss in the numbers of hits. Orbs and crescent fighters began to fire back, the ODIN’s being hit were exploding as the onboard missiles detonated in place. It was causing damage to the adjacent satellites. “Interceptors, open fire!” Shouted Colonel Bradley. “Mix it up with them so they can’t fire without hitting their own ships.” The Interceptors darted in three dimensions as they had practiced. It was very different than the days of formation firing at distant targets. Missiles depleted, they began to fire their dual rail guns using the heads-up gunnery sights installed in each. They were destroying orbs and crescent fighters but it wasn’t stemming the flow of them still streaming in from the parent ships. Eventually two Mark I’s were hit and destroyed. One Mark II was crippled but its crew safety capsule had ejected as designed and was on a slow approach to the lunar surface under internal guidance. Its’ crew of two helpless to defend themselves among the melee of fighters. “All Interceptors, pull back to defend Moon Base, immediately.” Called Colonel Bradley. He knew they were all low on fuel and ammunition. They would have to refuel and re-arm under fire while Moon Base defenses fired around and above them at incoming fighters. Virginia was busy trying to figure out how to launch the ODIN weapons against the parent ships. They might be failing to stop the fighters but they may be able to ruin their ride home. She poured over the specifications for the variety of missiles on each… “Bingo!” she cried. “Gay, this is Virginia.” “Do you have any targeting or range finding lasers on Moon Base?” “We have several that the engineers use for precision measurement of distance and height.” “Can they help us?” Virginia could hear the sound of the rail gun emplacements firing, even through Gay’s pressure helmet. “Get them all out on the lunar surface and point them at one of those big pointy looking ships.” “Tell them to try to paint one big spot on it.” “I’m going to try something…” Crescent fighters and small orbs were dropping through the cloud layers and began firing on the aircraft waiting for them. While the smaller craft engaged the defenses of Planet Earth, the large elliptical troop carriers and larger orbs pushed past them heading for ground targets. The large orbs vectored off toward large bodies of water protected by clouds of the smaller orbs. The clouds over much of the world were being continually illuminated by the flashes of advanced weapons, tracer streams and the brilliant plumes that signified the demise of both terrestrial and alien craft. Paul and his flight of MiG’s was faring well against the small orbs. While they were much faster and able to change direction without slowing, they seemed to follow a general flight path to which they would return within seconds of vectoring away. The flight Paul led and the international squadrons that had joined them had found success making angular slashing cuts through the formations from alternating directions. The large orbs, however wouldn’t fall no matter how many depleted uranium projectiles they fired into them. Another technology was at play here. Alec was leading his F-111’s in a high speed run to plug a gap where dozens of crescent fighters had found easy entry. His canons had a little more than half of their rounds left. As he led them with wings folded back near Mach 2, a flight of two more 111’s appeared beneath him. He looked down on them and shook his head. “Who the bloody hell is fielding two pink 111’s?” he called out over the radio. “Is that you, Freeman?” “You ‘roo-porkin’ Aussie sumbitch!” the voice yelled back. “Bates!” “Bloody marvelous to have you along.” “Now what in hell happened to your ships?” “Teddy and me had a couple cream puff ships that came in after your big purchase, so we made some modifications.” “We had ‘em in an old SAC underground bunker when them flying trashcan lids came in and hit both Mohave and my Tucson yard.” “They roasted hundreds of acres of vintage aircraft and blew our shops to hell.” “Dammit man, we live there ‘ya know?” “They not only took out all my LP’s, beer and tools, but they roasted all thirty of Rico’s primo Panama Red plants.” “Aren’t you boys a little old for living out ‘Reefer Madness?’” Asked Alec. “Its 50 miles of bad gravel to the nearest bar and there ain’t no damn women.” Growled Eddie Bates. “Rico is right sidin’ for me here, bud.” He added. “Cousin Edgar is right sidin’ for Teddy.” “You remember them boys don’cha Alec?” “I remember bailing all your asses out of countless bar fights in Bangkok.” “You were the smallest guys in all of Southeast Asia and you never failed to pick a fight with the biggest guys in the bar.” “Hell, even Straker is bigger than any of you!” Eddie Bates laughed hard. “Rico just flipped you off, bud!” “Oh, and the paint is what happens when you’ve got less than a half-gallon of red and white paint and two ships to mark.” “We got us some surprises here too, bud.” “Roll it over there, Teddy...” The 111 to starboard gracefully inverted, revealing four rotary canon pods on its wing pylons.” “We got auxiliary tanks in the bomb bays that get us well over three thousand nautical and we added something else just for fun.” “I’m all ears, Bates.” Alec said. “You remember when we put water injectors on that F4 back in the day?” “Gave us almost 400 knots additional speed.” “We rigged ‘em on these ships too, but we figured out how to control them so the pressure waves don’t bust anything up.” “We’re glad to have you with us.” Said Alec. “We’ve got to plug a hole in the sky about 400 nautical miles downrange on course one-zero-five degrees.” “Consider it plugged, buddy.” Said Bates. The two pink splattered F-111’s hit full afterburners and triggered the water injectors. The shock wave they created pulling away made the rest of the flight shudder through their control sticks. They hurtled off at what Alec could only guess was approaching Mach 3… “That’s my boys…” Said Alec to his weapon’s officer in the seat to his right. “The Bates brothers may be aging juvenile delinquents, but they are also the most innovative aircraft mechanics and aerial gunfighters I’ve ever known…” “Virginia, we have the lasers positioned on the forward bunker and they’re painting a sizeable red dot on the lead ship of the column.” Said Gay. “Hope this works…” Said Virginia. She rebooted the missile guidance systems and brought those capable up in laser guidance mode. The group of five ODIN’s began processing available target data and found the laser dot on the lead ship. “Holy shit, I’ve got target lock!” Shouted Virginia. “Firing missiles now!” Five ODIN satellites launched a barrage of six missiles each. They were more than double the size of their predecessors used on combat aircraft. The missiles streaked away toward their target at great speed. Even if their fuel was expended, their inertia would carry them to the target which remained strongly locked. “My God Virginia, you just blew that huge ship to bits!” Said Gay with excitement. “I’ll tell you when they get the next ship painted…” After two more of the angular alien vessels had been obliterated, the four remaining began to move off. “Okay Gay, let’s try it on those big round ones.” Said Virginia. Following the same procedure, they fired three ODIN missile barrages. Each one impacted on the membranous surface but did no damage. “I’ve got only one more card to play, Gay.” “I’m going to try the EMP weapon, then paint and fire.” “It may interfere with communications a bit.” Virginia moved a single ODIN that had fired its missiles until the optical camera had the massive orb centered in its lens. That was also the secondary targeting sight for the EMP weapon. She fired the burst of EMP energy. The orb immediately began glowing luminescent pink. “Firing missiles now!” She said. Again, five ODIN’s launched six missiles while she maintained the EMP beam. They streaked toward and found their laser painted target. The brilliant flash was followed by a region of empty space where a ship had been. They followed the same procedure for two more of the massive orbs. Again, the remaining vessels moved off. Virginia was very excited to report the success to General Straker. “You mean you destroyed six of the parent ships and the rest moved off?” He asked, dumbfounded. “Brilliant Virginia!” “I’m calling I.A.C. to see if they can track the ships that left.” “I want to know if they just moved out of range or if they are leaving.” “You just changed the game entirely, Virginia, well done!” Straker put on a radio headset and mic and headed for the roof. Outside of SHADO Headquarters, Thorvald’s security troops were again repelling a mass of armed insurgents. This time they were attacking at several points along the perimeter, not just at the main entrance. This time it was also different because there were alien soldiers bringing up the rear of the formations. Thorvald looked through his binoculars. The creatures were all easily nearly eight feet tall in what appeared to be armor similar to chain and plate type. They had helmets that were clear in all directions and he could just make out faces in the green liquid of the helmet. They appeared to be reptilian… “I want two canons on each rooftop to stop firing against the fighters and direct fire toward the insurgent groups.” Said Thorvald. “Target the vehicles they are moving to the front.” “They may be trying to breach the perimeter with them.” The canons fired on the approaching vehicles, two cars and three trucks intended to force a gap in the perimeter and deploy insurgent troops. In each case the vehicles erupted into a fireball and cartwheeled in place sending scores of insurgents fleeing the flames and fragments. Straker appeared beside Thorvald. “What have you got up here, Thorvald?” Thorvald handed him the binoculars and pointed to the rear of the mass toward the alien soldiers. “Good Lord, what are those?” Asked Straker. Thorvald didn’t look at him. He just lifted the sights on his FAL and fired a burst into the group nearing the fence. They returned fired throughout the crowd and bullets hit the buildings all around them. “No idea what they are, but they are not pretty…” He fired another burst, his rifle bolt held back by the follower of the empty magazine. He stripped it out and replaced it with another thirty rounds. He snapped the bolt back and released it, chambering the first round. “What are you doing up here, Sir?” asked Thorvald with some irritation. Thorvald’s eyes were reddened, dark and cold looking. “I’m the only one here not doing anything useful!” Straker shouted. Thorvald handed him the FAL and reached for his long roll bag. He removed a very old looking bolt-action rifle and began setting up rows of five round stripper clips on the ground in front of him. Straker looked at him quizzically. “A model 96 Swedish Mauser infantry rifle.” Said Thorvald. “This one is dated 1908.” “It shoots a 6.5 x 55mm round that is ballistic perfection.” “This is the sniper version with a fixed power intermediate eye relief scope.” “Now let’s see what little monsters are made of…” He stripped five rounds into the internal magazine and closed the bolt. It made a sound on closing like a cleaver cutting neatly through a meat covered thigh bone. It was clearly a purpose-built and hand-fitted weapon, thought Straker. Thorvald looked for evidence of wind velocity and adjusted for drift and distance to the back of the formation. He targeted the first alien soldier on the left and fired. The old rifle bucked straight back in recoil. A couple seconds later, the first alien solder on the left side was met by an Earthly bullet. It made an entry wound like an ice pick, squirting a plume of green liquid forward from the holed helmet. The creature’s head snapped backward and it fell heavily, arms outstretched in a pose of startled terror. The soldiers beside it paused and raised their weapons, firing bolts of what appeared to be plasma energy. They impacted the structures of the building with great fury sending waves of heat radiating from where they hit. “For God’s sake, fire!” Shouted Thorvald. Ed Straker shouldered the FAL and pulled back on the trigger. The muzzle climbed upward rapidly under automatic fire. Thorvald reached over and moved the selector to semi-auto fire. Straker began to hit his targets immediately. Thorvald continued to drop the alien soldiers in the back of the formation. Their voluntary human shield would not protect them any longer. The same scenario was playing out at military bases around the globe. The reptilian ground forces targeted military installations in order to destabilize the human population and its protectors. Defenseless slaves were more easily manipulated. Tactical fighters and interceptors from all over the globe were having great success against the small orbs. The crescent fighters, however were forcing human pilots to prove their mettle profoundly. Those that had taken Prosser’s advice about re-learning the three dimensional art of aerial warfare were emerging victorious. Many were not, and brave pilots were leaving our world for the next in a brilliant flash of light, some far from their homelands. Alien troopships were finding themselves under fire from ground attack helicopters and aircraft. American A-10’s had rediscovered the tactic of the drop shot, allowing the alien craft to overfly them at speed then rise up and open fire with their 30mm canons. Armored combat vehicles were laying in suppression fire to keep the alien ground forces contained until heavier ordnance could be delivered on target. Great effort was made to prevent the alien forces from linking up with reinforcements. The large orbs were forming up in groups of three. They were all over open water, oceans, lakes and reservoirs. They began to drop down, making contact with the surface. The water churned beneath the 300 meter diameter globes. The colors changed from white to various pastel shades while they extracted the water, filling their onboard tanks. They were taking the most valuable natural resource in the universe – liquid water.” A group of three of these orbs was positioned 200 kilometers north of the Falkland Islands. They operated with blind impunity in the growing darkness. They disregarded the approach of two narrow, dark shapes from the east. The dark shapes turned away from each other, revealing more dark shapes behind them. These turned as well, as did the ones behind them. They had successfully ‘crossed the tee’ of the alien craft. Six naval vessels, three American and three British, formed a picket line and opened fire. The large bore projectiles impacted on the surface, failing to penetrate. Phalanx guns fired bursts but were still repelled. Their efforts were being monitored by radio and satellite. “This is SHADO Control, if you give us the coordinates for the UFO’s you are fighting, I will arrange some assistance.” Said a pleasant woman’s voice over the radio. They responded with the exact position of each of the three large orbs. “When you see them glow pink, let them have it.” Said Virginia. She triggered three ODIN’s to rotate 180 degrees and targeted the orbs with the EMP device. The three spherical ships began to shimmer bright pink under the EMP beams. The ships opened fire with another broadside of deck artillery and Phalanx guns. Three massive explosions sent a wall of water outward in concentric circles as the shock wave expanded. The six vessels were nearly rolled over by the massive swells. They had managed to turn their bows partially into the oncoming waves to split the pressure of the water with the prow. As the ships pitched violently, their crews were slung about unmercifully inside. Those unfortunate enough to be on deck were swept clear by rolling walls of dark water. Submarines from three nations arrived quickly to look for the missing and help treat the wounded. Sky Units had launched in the Straits of Gibraltar to destroy both orbs and crescent fighters while their submarines fired deck guns and rockets in conjunction with EMP pulses against three large orbs. The subs were able to dive in order to avoid impact from the massive waves created by the explosion of the three ships. The narrows caused the waves to pile up and they pushed far inland at great height. Rescue units from four nations responded immediately to the inundated coastal communities. Straker and Thorvald were still firing from the roof of the administration building. The crowd of insurgents was dwindled to a remaining few. SHADO combat troops were rising up from their grassy concealed positions and making the final shots in close. “We need one of those reptilian corpses for analysis.” Said Straker into his microphone. He and Thorvald heard a rolling, rumbling sounds like thunder in the grey skies overhead. There was a pervasive smell of burning wood, plastic and garbage. The cloud ceiling was lowered by plumes of smoke from burning fires in all directions. The booming sound hit them again. It wasn’t thunder… Five crescent fighters flew low over the facility, one trailing red-tinted smoke. There was the ear-splitting shriek of jet fighters at supersonic speeds directly behind them. At the point was a Saab JAS-39 with red painted wings, canon pods blazing. Five more followed it close behind with red striped wing tips. A SHADO flight… “Prosser,” Said Thorvald with a devious looking grin on his face. Straker grinned, feeling a mix of pride and anger that he wasn’t up there too. Ford’s voice came into his headset. “General Straker, you are needed downstairs.” “On my way, Ford.” He said, motioning for Thorvald to join him. There was an unmistakable concussive rumble in the distance. It was the sound made by fast moving aircraft impacting solid ground. “Theirs, I hope.” Said Straker. All over the Earth, humans were fighting bitterly for survival against the experienced reptilian soldiers. Bands of armed civilians used guerilla tactics from ages past to isolate, strike and defeat their alien enemy. Civilians were voluntarily reinforcing military groups in the field. The RAU’s had deployed over and over again, from positions of deep concealment to airdrops into forward areas. SHADAIR transports were air-dropping large shipping containers with the Markers Transport logo by parachute. Inside each were six RAU’s and six combat troops who would deploy with them riding two-up. They had doubled their strike power and allowed for more effective rolling gunfights. The combined units left knobby tire prints on the soil, carpet and concrete of three different continents. They had lost only two of their own. The large orbs had been systematically destroyed by the ODIN’s in conjunction with terrestrial forces. The small orbs had seemingly vanished. All Earth defenses concentrated on the elliptical troop carriers, crescent fighters and their reptilian forces. Humanity was containing the otherworldly threat, fighting with vengeance. CHAPTER 31 “Sir, they have some… ‘thing’ in the medical lab.” Said Keith Ford. Straker and Thorvald stepped into the ante room of the lab. Doctors Schroeder and Harris were in full encounter suits over the corpse. Over the intercom, Schroeder said, “No entry until we get a clear on biological threats.” Major Ealand stepped in behind Straker. She saw the creature on the gurney through the lab window. It was the first time Ed Straker ever saw her lose composure. She looked horrified and a little faint. “What is it, Major?” Asked Straker, pulling her attention back and giving her the opportunity to regain her customary calm. She cleared her throat and straightened her posture. “Message from the I.A.C., Sir.” “The alien parent craft have left our solar system and appear to be maintaining a retreating course.” “Excellent news, Major…” “Get the word out to all commands; these aliens lost their ride home…” She departed the ante room with no interest in looking behind her. Schroeder spoke into the intercom. “All clear General, but you should wear gloves and a mask.” Straker nodded. He and Thorvald complied and stepped in. Schroeder and Harris removed what was left of the helmet. Some residual green fluid splattered to the floor. There was a single clean bullet hole through its face, right above the bridge of what was presumably the nose. “Nice shot.” Said Schroeder. Harris nodded. Straker looked at Thorvald and gave him a grin. Schroeder continued, “Interesting physiology so far.” “Reptilian features and humanoid features combined.” “X-rays show a mix of solid and partially hollow bones.” “Despite its’ size, it weighs no more than one of us.” “The heavy musculature is along solid bones, as are the supportive and joint structures.” “The secondary bones that locate connective tissue and organs, are what look like ribs, but are hollow.” “It is something like a giant bird’s skeleton.” “It even has a ‘wishbone’.” “They may have had avian ancestors.” “Organs look similar to ours according to the scan and are in analogous locations.” “We won’t have many more answers until autopsy and completion of the blood and tissue panels.” The creature had skin looking smoother than Earth reptiles. It was soft to the touch despite the green coloration. Despite the imposing stature, the facial features were quite delicate, almost feminine looking. The eyes were large and structured like a snakes, with black elliptical pupils and yellow-green iris. Straker said, “It looks like something from the Black Lagoon had a one-night stand with Malibu Barbie.” He added, “Is it a male or a female, Doctor Schroder?” “Let’s find out.” Said Schroeder. They found clasps to release the plate armor around the shoulders and chest. They lifted it away slowly and set it aside for analysis. The alien wore an ornate purple tunic with several chains of metallic substances, looking similar to gold and platinum. There were faceted stones of various colors imbedded in the collar of the tunic. A sash of gold and crimson red cut diagonally across the chest. “Uh-oh.” Said Straker. “I think this was somebody important.” They all looked at each other. “This could become a problem…” He added. Schroeder and Harris removed the metallic belt that seemed to be securing the chain mail that hung to the knees. It all came off together, revealing a very large organ in the groin area. “Whoa!” exclaimed Schroeder. All the humans in the room stepped back. “I’m guessing this means they don’t reproduce asexually,” offered Harris, with a clinical tone to his voice. Thorvald said, “I feel like I should salute or stand at attention.” “I’m just glad Major Ealand chose to come in earlier.” Straker said with a grin. “Cover this thing up doctor.” “If any human women see this, it’s all over for us…” He looked up to see a very wide-eyed Keith Ford looking through the window. “What is it, Ford?” asked Straker through the intercom. “Th… There is something going on in your office Sir.” Said Ford, not sure exactly what he had just seen. Straker motioned to Thorvald to follow. They stripped off their masks and gloves, dropping them in the biohazard trash receptacle. They stepped quickly down the corridor. Straker and Thorvald stepped into the office. The small cube on the desk was glowing brightly and flashing different colors. “Straker, can you hear me?” came a familiar voice. Straker hit the AV link button but nothing was there. “Straker, can you hear me?” it repeated. He waved his hand twice over the cube. A three dimensional image formed in the center of the room. It resembled a hologram, life-sized and substantial but partially transparent. It was the same woman with the long white hair, standing in a shimmering whitish robe that seemed to mimic the colorful flashes of light in the mural behind Straker’s desk. She looked at the mural and smiled… “Greetings, Straker.” “I am pleased that you remembered how to use the cube.” Straker straightened his black turtleneck and attempted to smooth his trousers a bit. He and Thorvald were both covered in sweat, grime and smears of black residue from many rounds fired. Straker decided to strike a diplomatic tone. “What can we do for your multi-galactic organization today?” He asked, realizing it probably sounded a bit condescending. “We have been observing your battle to preserve your species, Straker.” “I will address that, but I first have an urgent plea from one of our member worlds.” Thorvald and Straker looked at each other. Ford entered, seeing the image and noted Straker motioning to him to key the office camera and broadcast the signal. Ford nodded compliance and stepped back out to the communications console. Another image began to appear. It was a very large reptilian, easily over 8 feet tall. It was wearing a long purple tunic with jeweled collar and the crimson and gold sash. Instead of decorative chains, this alien wore a long white cape and had a band of iridescent metal around its head. “This is the Monarch of the species you are battling right now.” Said the woman. He spoke with a deep and powerful voice. “I have come to end this atrocity.” He said, “The government of our world did not approve this attack on your species.” “It is the doing of my impudent and irresponsible eldest son.” “He formed an alliance with races who steal and squander natural resources from worlds they have no claim to.” “He planned and launched this attack on your world for personal gain and to establish his status as a warlord.” “He has followers that would do anything for a share of the spoils.” “I wish to bring this to an end before more lives are lost to both our worlds.” He added, “The body of my son now rests in this very facility.” “I want to know who ended his life, Straker.” Thorvald was fearful, but he stepped forward, stood at parade rest and said, “It was I that ended his life.” The Monarch looked Thorvald over and then at the white haired woman. She held up her hand. It began to glow. The Monarch raised his hand and it began to glow as well. The reptilian king looked back at Thorvald, whose legs were feeling weak now. Straker had a look of horror on his face for what might happen next. Virginia could see the exchange on the monitor. She began to run the maze of corridors connecting the new section to the old facility. “The Monitor has shared your information with me, Thorvald.” “You are a warrior of honor and tradition, from a land of ice and snow.” “Under other circumstances, I would have enjoyed meeting you more.” “I am grateful to you for giving my son the most honorable and merciful death possible – to fall by the hand of a warrior foe who fights with honor and integrity.” “Little is of more importance to our clan than honor and integrity.” “It is unfortunate that my son exchanged his for avarice.” “My son will be mourned, but he will not be honored.” “You will be honored in his place, Thorvald.” “You will be forever welcome on our world…” The door opened and a panting Virginia entered, stopped cold by the images before her. The Monitor and the Monarch exchanged glowing hands again. The Monarch smiled gently, as did the Monitor. Virginia stepped close to Thorvald and he put his arm around her. “This is my life mate, Your Majesty,” he said. “Ah, Virginia Lake.” “Great intelligence, courage and integrity.” “You have chosen your life mate well, Thorvald.” Virginia smiled and gave her husband a squeeze. The Monarch struck a courtly pose and said, “The forces of your world fought bravely with honor against foes that have crushed other, more advanced worlds.” “I will now remove our wayward young, our dead and our sky vehicles.” “I offer my profound regret and sorrow at the death and destruction brought upon your world at the hands of my son and his accomplices.” “I also regret that our worlds first met in this manner.” “For your world, I wish you peace, prosperity and excellence.” The reptilian King raised both hands and they began to glow. He closed his eyes and his image faded. All over Planet Earth, reptilian soldiers both dead and living began to glow in a hazy white light. It was clear to those watching that the extraction process was a painful one. They were not wrong. The living reptilian soldiers would be directly sent to a forced labor camp awaiting prosecution. Their craft, both wrecked and functional disappeared as well. There benefactors gone, the few remaining insurgents surrendered immediately. It was all over… The Monitor spoke gently. “Straker, your world has prevailed against forces that have left a trail of destruction across the universe.” “Yours is a species of great resourcefulness, valor and passion.” “You have proven yourselves worthy of respect and admiration.” “You have also captured the attention of many, many worlds.” “They are going to desire to visit your world and interact with your species.” “Our timeline for approaching your world has been made pointless.” “We will interact freely with your world effective immediately.” “SHADO has a new mission, Straker.” “The threat from your familiar adversary will end soon.” “Few escaped and with very few captives to harvest organs from.” “They expended the last of their resources and population to take part in this attack.” “They will end as a species in a short span of time.” “They have doomed themselves to extinction.” “The species that was pilfering your water resources acts remotely and never physically takes part in an attack.” “They are a particularly cowardly species with no known honorable traits.” “We will remove their advanced technology and confine them to their own world to rediscover the concepts of toil and social virtue. They will rise to a level worthy of contact in several generations.” “What of the reptilian King and his world?” Asked Straker. “As a member world, they are subject to heavy sanctions for their part.” “But they did not act as a planet, Monitor.” “Their Monarch brought peace to both worlds.” Said Straker. The Monitor paused, smiled and tilted her head in an expression of wonder. “Your world would extend a plea of mercy for such a planet, Straker?” “It is a character trait of our species.” Said Straker. “It is an inherent search within us to seek the best attributes in our individual selves and as a species. We try to extend those grand concepts to others, in hope that they will respond in like manner.” Straker added. “We refer to it as ‘humanity’”. “It is of such importance to our world that we use the same word to describe our species; Humanity.” The Monitor smiled warmly. “Your world will be a welcome addition to our charter Straker.” “It will be very popular to visiting species in search of knowledge of your Earth, its history and ‘Humanity’.” “SHADO’s role in your world will now change, Straker.” “You need not focus solely on defense of your world.” “Your organization will now be the primary contact for beings of all other worlds.” “You will regulate and facilitate their visits to your world, and help them understand the complexities of your species.” “To aid you in this pursuit, you can utilize the cube to communicate with them and study their species and home-worlds.” Simply pass your hand over the cube once and tell it what you want to know, it will hide nothing from you.” “Use it in peace, Straker.” The image of the Monitor began to fade, “We will meet in person very soon.” She said, and the room seemed suddenly very large and empty. Ed Straker stepped gingerly to the door with a feeling of renewed energy. “Ford, issue the order – bring them all home…” With misty eyes, Keith Ford issued the general order for all personnel to return to their bases. It would become the high point of his career. Ed Straker stepped back into his office and smiled at the embraced Thorvald and Virginia. He stepped over to the drink dispenser and procured two fingers of scotch. He placed the glass on the desk. Thorvald and Virginia looked at him puzzled. “It’s just waiting for my best friend to come home and pick it up.” Said Straker. He continued. “If you two will excuse me, I need to put in a call to NORAD Command.”
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