War and Glory, Lokians 3

Over a year ago, Earth Navy established contact with a race of aliens called Thewls. The space faring warriors sought help in a battle for galactic peace against a radically different race of aliens called Lokians, an insect-like race of monsters. The Humans and Thewls joined forces in search for ancient aliens simply referred to as the travelers.

After coming into contact with a single traveler, the Human crew, led by Captain Riley O’Hara, developed special abilities they used to defeat the Lokians on their home world in subspace. Following the battle, the Humans returned to their base of operations, Horizon colony, planet Eon. In lieu of a hero’s welcome, the special operations team was disbanded and reassigned. Moreover, the colony was disassembled before a chance to flourish into a new home for Humans traveling the stars.

It was discovered that President of the North American Union, Montrose, was on his way to piece together the covert operation. In reality, Montrose had ulterior motives; he was truly seeking information from the captain, information he believed might help him escape the ever-tightening grasp of his alien overlord, Oloroc.

The President arrived on Eon too late. Captain O’Hara had deserted his post. Montrose then sought out the special operations team, but they had different plans in mind, and with the help of retired Admiral John Lay, and The Bureau, they were reunited with their former captain.

Montrose used the last bit of his extensive resources to contact General Matheson, an aged Marine who was in charge of the Puller Strategic Compound on Mars. During the President’s chase, Riley O’Hara was tasked by The Bureau to capture a live Gray, a member of the aliens commonly spoken of in Earth science fiction lore. Unable to capture a Gray, Riley and crew managed to secure something else. They captured a robotic man, a Non-Organic Alien Human Hybrid, NOAHH.

The strange life form held information crucial to both Humans and Grays. Agent Adams of The Bureau teamed up with his former partner, agent Franklin. Together, they attempted an interrogation of the robotic life form. The results were astonishing. The new threat they learned of was beyond belief. The Grays were coming to Earth and in full force.

Chapter One

Captain Riley O’Hara sat fiddling with his black tie. He was back in his full dress uniform. The black slacks and blazer with gray blouse gave him a feeling of nostalgia. Once more, he was in a battle for his life, though not the battle to which he was accustomed.

The Department of the Navy Judge Advocate General was staring down at him over his spectacles. He was a heavyset, old man with a face like a droopy dog. You do understand the implications here, Captain, the judge asked.

O’Hara winced as he looked around the courtroom. He had waived his right to representation and requested a small hearing where only a handful of the Navy’s finest presided over his life; Century colony was as good a place as any to be Court Martialed.

Yes, Your Honor, but I don’t think I’m fit to continue my duty, Captain O’Hara replied, his hands clasped in his lap.

Hushed whispers passed between the five admirals. Of the five, Admiral John Lay was the most prominent. He was a graceful and powerful old man with cold, blue eyes and scars all across his face. The whispers subsided before the judge gave his attention to the captain. O’Hara sat there, a young, brash individual with sandy blonde hair, almond eyes, and an indifferent expression.

Captain, would you elucidate upon your response? Why are you no longer fit to carry out your duties, the judge demanded as his temper flared.

O’Hara remained relaxed with his left leg bent over his right. He then cocked his head back a little. He was taking all the time in the world to play through the proceeding.

At any given moment, I might disagree with an order. I’m liable to go AWOL again or try to fight dangerous aliens on my own without moving through the proper channels, O’Hara replied without looking at anyone.

Instead, he searched the room. Sparkling, wooden benches were empty. The Earth Navy Emblem, a black, five-pointed star over a battleship, was prominently displayed above the judge. The red carpeting had just been cleaned. A second wave of whispers washed over the men presiding. The judge responded by banging his gavel a few times.

Just a second, men, he said to them before addressing the captain. You think you can just follow whichever orders you like? I’ll have you stripped of your officer’s rank.

Then, I’ll be a grunt, unable to follow even the simplest of orders. I think everyone here can agree…the best course of action is to simply discharge me.

I’ll send you to Hellsview for your insolence, O’Hara. You’ll do what we tell you, and that will be decided at the end of this hearing. Now, the judge took a minute to compose himself as O’Hara’s apathetic demeanor had him on edge. "We are aware of everything you’ve done up to the war on Earth; that’s where details get sketchy. What I need to know is what possessed you to allow an alien robot the opportunity to commandeer a weapons satellite, invite an unknown race to establish communications in our system, and subsequently drop a pack of alien monsters on our home world without so much as a warning. Fighting with those…Omdu-Yal has been more than a burden."

The captain looked over to Admiral Lay who nodded. O’Hara knew full well the admiral supported him and his decisions. For some unknown reason, Lay was the only man capable of understanding the severity of the Gray attack on Earth. Perhaps it was due to his own work with The Bureau. Though Lay had never been a full agent, like O’Hara, he had worked with them to battle the Grays in space adjacent some of the Human colonies. Evidently, the judge and the other admirals were unaware of those details.

Well…I suppose I might as well start from the beginning, Riley conceded.

Chapter Two

Director Hoover of The Bureau summoned Riley, Adams, and Franklin to his office, subbasement D, in the Bank of the World building. Hoover was an imposing figure bedecked in a black, pinstripe suit. His gray hair and stiff demeanor exuded command, yet the lackadaisical expression on his face hid the severity of the situation at hand.

The interruption of NOAHH’s interrogation was an unwanted burden, but Hoover gave important orders in person. Having gathered at the doorway, the director stood from behind his mahogany desk. With his profile to the three agents, he clasped his hands behind his back and stared at the many monitors lining the far end of his office. The room was a soothing, sea foam green with faux wood trim.

Sir, Adams asked after the moment of reverie.

Adams, like all agents of The Bureau, also wore a pinstripe suit, and a somewhat stuffy attitude. Hoover turned to him. Adams’s gray eyes were unwavering.

The added mass and displacement caused by the immense mother ships is wreaking havoc on Earth’s atmosphere. If that wasn’t bad enough, it appears they’re positioning over all major government buildings, Hoover stated in a deep voice.

Adams winced. He turned to his partner, Franklin, who was a near replica of Adams, only with short, curly, brown hair and blue eyes. In turn, Franklin looked at Riley. The three then looked back at Hoover.

Plan of attack, Franklin asked.

Hoover shook his head in dismay. All of our buildings, important buildings, here on Earth have the same force field barrier as the Bank of the World building. An energy based attack won’t be overly efficient, though, over time, the field generators will overload and malfunction.

We’ve contacted everyone we can, Adams interrupted. For the moment, there’s no way to hide this from the public. Every available soldier is en route. We’ve even sent out updated wormhole locations to get everyone to Earth ASAP.

Riley calmly glanced at everyone. He took a pensive inhalation to gather his thoughts before speaking. Hearing his loud breath, they turned to him. His steely determination was evident. Sir, does The Bureau have access to satellite defenses?

Yes, but we’re not going to start blasting without knowing what the Grays are after, Hoover replied.

With all due respect, Director, we know what they’re after.

Hoover raised a gray eyebrow in protest and turned away from the young man. He focused his gaze back onto the monitors at the far end of the office then took a small, black device from atop his desk. He pushed a button, causing the large screen composed of several monitors to switch between C.C. cameras posted around the perimeter.

After a few clicks of the device, the screen showed numerous areas around New York City in lieu of the single shots previously displayed. While the Bank of the World building housed The Bureau’s headquarters—a private organization—it also housed many governmental suites and therefore was a prominent position the Grays coveted. A large Teragon cast a black shadow over The Bureau HQ. The surrounding, orange streetlamps were on. Citizens of New York scurried about.

Sir– Riley snarled.

Adams threw his prosthetic hand up to interject. The skin-toned, functioning, mechanical hand was a replacement provided by The Bureau after an encounter with the Lokians. Director, what do you want us to do?

Hoover nodded rhythmically for a moment then narrowed his eyes. You– He stopped speaking as the power flickered.

The former white lighting faded for a second before being replaced by a soft blue. The building had automatically switched to backup Lithium-ion generators, meaning something had disrupted the nearest source of power.

Hm. This poses a problem, Hoover said.

Riley clenched his jaw. His anger was mounting. The recent lack of sleep, interruptions, and current situation, brought his piss to a boil. Furthermore, he detested The Bureau’s modest reaction to a worldwide threat. Director, Riley said with forced poise.

Adams, Franklin, continue your work on NOAHH. Riley, find Jaycevedo, and check the power supply halls, Hoover ordered.

Adams and Franklin nodded and walked out of the office. Riley watched them leave then turned back to Hoover, who kept his gaze on the streets of New York. I don’t understand. The power for the building isn’t supplied off site?

No, all our servers, satellite uplinks, and power supplies are in a system of halls under the building.

Then, the Grays are already inside? How?

No, Hoover said, emphatically. There’s no way to get inside, especially not with the barrier erected.

Riley was floored. Sabotage?

Imagine that, Hoover said, almost smiling.

Riley exhaled loudly then asked, Where is this Jaycevedo person?

Behind you, an even keeled voice replied.

Riley turned to see another agent. Jaycevedo was a clean-cut man with a clean-shaven head and dark complexion. He stood almost as tall as Riley.

Come with me. I’ll take us down, he instructed.

Riley turned to Hoover for one last glance before leaving the office. The two walked briskly down the faux mahogany halls to an elevator. After entry, Jaycevedo produced a keycard. He swiped it then pressed three buttons at once. The Bureau was rife with oddities. Immediately, the velvet-lined car lowered them to a floor below the hidden subbasements. The car came to a stop, and the mahogany doors opened to reveal a gray, brick hallway.

Riley straightened the gig line of his pinstripe suit, something he grew accustomed to doing as a service member. He then puffed through his nostrils.

The first few halls on the left lead to the climate control systems, Jaycevedo explained. The halls on the right are computer relay components. As you might imagine, our systems are quite extensive.

Riley clicked his tongue while taking in the surroundings. The halls seemed to go on forever. He was unable to see into the rooms housing whatever equipment to which the agent had referred. It was another oddity, considering the soft lighting was rather effective.

I thought all agents were named after grand figures of American history, Riley commented to ease his anxiety.

True, Jaycevedo replied, indifferently. Riley didn’t press the issue since the gentleman slowed his pace. Over here, he said, taking a right turn down a hall.

Don’t we need tools?

Receiving no answer, Riley shrugged and kept walking. The clomping of combat boots echoed off the brick walls. A subtle drone—the whirring of machinery—hummed throughout.

The narrow corridor was reminiscent of the parking structure attached to the Bank of the World building. Fluorescent bulbs hung from the ceiling roughly six feet apart. They caused Riley a strange, visceral sensation as he walked into and out of the lighted areas. Jaycevedo came to a sudden stop. Riley, behind and to the right of the agent, looked over the man’s shoulder; a woman stood just beyond the light, a dozen yards away. Behind her was a large room he assumed housed the equipment they sought.

Who’s this…? Riley wondered. The woman leaned forwards. With her superb momentum, and black ponytail fluttering, she went from zero to sixty almost immediately, her combat boots making no sound at all. In seconds, the raven-haired lass—also in a pinstripe suit—was on Jaycevedo.

She jumped, covering the last few feet in the air. Practically afloat, she spun to deliver a deadly, side kick. The agent brought both his forearms together, taking the brunt of her foot against the sides of his vertically positioned arms. He had stepped back to center his weight, but her kick was so powerful it made him stagger. As she landed in a crouched position, Riley shoved him aside with his left hand, an easy feat due to Jaycevedo’s smaller frame. Then, he brought his right fist down to meet the woman’s head. Hitting only air, Riley’s feet quickly came out from under him.

The woman had spun her head to the right and picked up considerable momentum before sweeping Riley’s feet with her right heel. After he crashed onto the concrete floor, she stood. Since he was flat on his back, she stomped his midsection and vaulted over him in an attempt to bring a right knee into Jaycevedo, who spun away to his left. With imperceptible speed, she touched down on her toes then threw a back kick into Jaycevedo’s hip, knocking him into the recovering Riley. When they tumbled over each other, she ran off silently.

Holy freaking crap! Who is that, Riley choked.

Reno. Forget it. We’ll never catch her. Let’s see what she’s done to our systems, Jaycevedo replied, unruffled.

Puffing from surprise and exertion, Riley popped his neck. He didn’t like letting the mystery woman flee, but Jaycevedo appeared calm and collected, so he just shook his head in moderate desperation then followed the quickly moving agent into the large room, which housed the main power source for the Bank of the World building. Before they started working, he had a few questions.

We’re just letting her go?

She’s not our concern.

She’ll sabotage more equipment, won’t she?

Doubtful. Chances are whatever she’s done to our power supply is sufficient to bring everything down anyway. She’s long gone. Trust me, Jaycevedo replied.

Riley gave a walking shrug of mock acceptance. Finally reaching the components in the room, he was taken aback, though not totally surprised at what he saw. It was not at all what he had imagined, but it was The Bureau after all.

What is all this, Riley probed.

Power supply consisted of an immense, round space completely stacked with alien technology; the room was a sort of circular hallway and allowed for very little maneuvering around the center construct, a conglomeration of silvery canisters, flashing, blue lights, removable plates, which resembled photovoltaic panels, and innumerable tubes protecting wiring harnesses.

It’s not unlike a Gray spacecraft engine, only instead of providing propulsion it provides limitless energy…unless it’s tampered with, Jaycevedo said and shimmied off to the right side.

The agent sat down then leaned over to stick his arm under some metallic plates protruding from a conical object about four feet tall. The agent grunted as he felt around between the power supply’s components. He then removed his arm and stood, holding something like a round, silicon wafer. It was dull blue. He flipped it over, glanced at it, shook his head then sat down to replace it.

What can I do to help, Riley asked.

Jaycevedo rounded the back side of the construct and disappeared from view. Contact Hoover. Tell him Reno, he paused for a second before continuing. Tell him Reno ran off with the epsilon containment unit.

I don’t have his frequency. I’ll tell Adams. While Jaycevedo continued fiddling with the power supply, Riley turned to his wrist comm. Adams, Riley, copy?

Go ahead.

Reno ran off with the…the what?

Epsilon containment unit, Jaycevedo answered between grunts and clattering metal.

Epsilon containment unit, Riley said.

Copy. I assume he’s working on it, Adams said.

Looks that way.

Tell him I’ll be down here awhile, Jaycevedo huffed. You might as well get back up there.

He says he’s working on it, Riley said.

Fine. I need you up here anyway, Adams replied.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I can get back without your card?

Yes, your card works. It was the button combination that gave me access, Jaycevedo said.

Roger. Stay safe, Riley said before leaving.

He ran back through the hall then took his left after reaching the corner. He made sure to stay alert in case Reno was waiting for an ambush. Where the Hell could she have gone? What if she took the elevator or sabotaged it? No…no I don’t think she did….

Since Riley and the members of his former crew had all gained something like telepathic abilities after coming into contact with an alien simply referred to as the traveler, his heightened level of intuition not only provided powerful gut feelings, but also a sort of extra moment in time, which allowed him to evaluate several possible outcomes of whatever endeavor unfolded. It was due to this very ability that Riley knew without doubt the female agent was no longer a threat. Finally reaching the elevator, he stepped in, swiped his Bureau keycard, and hit the button for subbasement G, the interrogation room.

Chapter Three

Riley arrived at the interrogation room’s exterior door. The foyer was a small room just beyond the elevator. Franklin was waiting impatiently. Riley observed the silly procedure required for unlocking the door, a door into a room, which didn’t seem to require such strict, security measures.

Franklin started by placing his hand on a steel panel next to the door. The panel slid away revealing a numeric keypad. After punching in a code, that pad slid away to reveal a retinal scanner. Franklin stuck his face in it, and it beeped twice.

Voice recognition program activated. Please state your name, a robotic voice said.

Peter Deckland, he replied.

Thank you, agent Franklin.

He then removed a small key from his inner jacket pocket and unlocked the steel door.

Shaking his head, mildly amused, Riley asked, Really?

Franklin eyed him as he opened the door. Come on in.

Riley nodded and stepped past him into the green, block room.

It was time for business. After Franklin secured the steel door behind them, Riley turned all his attention to the cyborg. NOAHH was sitting in a chair at the far end of the room. Adams stood next to him. The silvery, Human-like robot looked at Riley. His shiny optics jittered a little.

You have sustained minimal injury, NOAHH said with its metallic voice; it wasn’t quite monotone, but it was far from Human.

Never mind that. What do we know? Riley barked.

We have bad news and worse news, Adams started.

Which would you like first? Franklin smiled.

Riley heaved a sigh of exasperation. He was nearing his breaking point. The past few days consisted of great trepidation. Not only was the recovery of NOAHH from the Betagon an exhausting experience, but the following schism in the Human-Thewl alliance, and the added stress of President Montrose capturing his parents, had his stomach in knots. To top it all off, the Grays’ Teragons were now strategically positioned all over Earth.

Just tell me what I need to know and what I can do to get us back on track here, Riley demanded.

Adams and Franklin traded a patented glance. We’re still recovering data from NOAHH’s archives, Franklin started.

We’ll have a better idea of what we’re dealing with once we’re finished, Adams added.

The Grays are here now. We need to mobilize, Riley asserted.

The D.O.D. has already started…. Admittedly, they aren’t faring well at the moment, Adams said. Evacuation procedures are being televised, though, but the real problem lies in moving people to Mars.

While the Teragons appeared to be simple mother ships, they held a great surprise, Franklin said. As an added blow to Earth’s defenses, they also unleashed several Zaligons–

Zaligons? Riley interrupted. Surprise?!

No one said a word for a time. The agents futzed around with a small computer and some cables running to and from NOAHH. What you call flying saucers, Adams clarified.

These one-alien vessels are capable of superb maneuvers and carry some pretty heavy weaponry, Franklin said. Earth Air Force is doing their best to accompany freight vessels to and from Mars; that’s the issue, not evacuating from Earth, but keeping the evac ships safe once they take flight.

No ground troops then…at least that’s something. Any word on when reinforcements might arrive, Riley pried.

Again, Adams and Franklin traded glances. Every time they did so, it indicated some bad news was coming. Riley braced himself.

The closest reinforcements are General Matheson’s Marines, of course. As soon as they’re scrambled, we’ll receive some level of help, Adams said.

The bigger problem is all the added mass and volume here on Earth. It’s tearing the atmosphere apart, Franklin added.

Riley cocked his mouth to the side before shaking his head. Damn it…so which part of that was the worse news, he crowed.

None…the worse news is Montrose forwarded a message to Matheson. Agent Grant relayed it back to Hoover moments ago. We’re not even supposed to tell you but, Franklin trailed off.

But? Riley demanded.

Adams deliberated for a moment. The message states that a Lokian killed your parents and one of Montrose’s body guards aboard his ship, he finally said.

Riley’s eyes grew wide. He was in shock. What? he whispered.

The agents avoided eye contact for a second. NOAHH observed the unfolding situation as well.

It doesn’t quite make sense, I know, but that was the message, Adams said.

How is this even possible? A Lokian boarded his vessel? Riley was aghast.

"None of us have the details. All we know is Montrose and the Bohemian are headed for Mars for a meeting with Matheson. I’m sure he is unaware, but John will be there to receive him as well," Franklin said.

Poor schmuck won’t know what hit him when John tears him apart, Adams quipped.

We’re sorry about your parents, Franklin added.

While they do not appear outwardly saddened, the chemical reactions in their bodies indicate they speak truthfully, NOAHH stated.

Riley looked at the robot. There was nothing to say on the matter. A hate welled up inside him. He wanted Montrose’s head on a platter. Everyone in the room looked at him. After a brief moment of silence, he addressed the agents.

Alright, Jaycevedo’s dealing with the power issue. The Marines are on their way to Earth. Civilians are being evacuated, and you’re getting pertinent data from NOAHH…. Are the colonies aware of the threat on Earth, Riley asked.

The agents passed a final look. Riley knew they were thinking about his faux relaxed demeanor. He returned an expectant gaze.

Yes. We routed messages through several satellites, making it appear as though the D.O.D. is requesting assistance on Earth. This way, we downplay suspicions, Franklin said.

Naturally, the military wouldn’t respond if we presented our case as The Bureau since we don’t technically exist, Adams added.

Of course. E.T.A.?

Quickest route with updated wormhole locations puts the Alpha-colonies close to three weeks away. Everyone else should be able to make it here within two weeks, tops, Adams answered.

Two to three weeks? Riley was in disbelief.

You should know, Franklin remarked.

Yeah…just seems so long. Fine, what can I do?

Get to my office, and hail Admiral Yew. At the very least, we might get the Thewls here now, Adams ordered.

"I don’t know…Jil-Tong was pretty adamant about