The Ammagan Invasion of Earth: A Chronicle of the Quest to Save Earth from an Alien Invasion Force

by TJ Viola

  “Son, how did you guys find this place? It’s absolutely breathtaking,” Phil asked.

  “Someone at the Trading Post in Red Feather Lakes told us about this spot. It was a lot easier to reach with the hovercycles. I hope the hike wasn’t too much. It was recommended that we pitch our tents on that ledge. The views are awesome and there’s little danger of starting a forest fire.”

  Once the campsite was set up, the parents went for a hike while Rolo and Bounce went swimming, this time with bathing suits on. After swimming, they decided to fish, caught four rainbow trout for dinner, and were already preparing the food when Danny’s parents returned to the camp.

  “Wow, that smells great, but how did you catch them without fishing gear?” Phil asked.

  “I made a spear from a tree branch. There were so many fish it was easy.”

  “I know, don’t tell me—Crystal’s dad taught you how to fish with a spear.”

  Neither Rolo nor Bounce responded. The evening passed pleasantly and they retired early after a satisfying dinner and a few rounds of ghost stories.

  It was rapidly approaching time for Danny and Crystal to leave the hidden base and start their difficult mission. They had spent the last few days finalizing plans for how to prepare Earth for battle, but even more urgently, how to get recognition and acceptance from the scientific community so they could implement the plan. In addition to finalizing a strategy, they also repeated several health exams administered by Titch and Eros, who explained it was necessary because of previous calibration issues. The remaining time was spent reviewing the holographic records of the invasion from all the hidden Grillion bases. These images, as before, were difficult for them to watch, but gave them a stronger resolve to make any personal sacrifices necessary to prevent what they saw from coming true in the future.

  Rolo and Bounce silently crept out of the parents’ tents a little past midnight knowing Danny and Crystal would soon be emerging from the secret entrance of the base. They reignited the campfire and roasted marshmallows as a way of explaining what they were doing if the parents should suddenly awaken.

  *****

  In the meantime, Danny and Crystal were saying goodbye to the four remaining androids, who were still maintaining the forms of Zeiss, Yolan, Eros, and Titch. Yolan indicated that she would continue to be Danny’s primary contact and would provide as much assistance as possible. Danny and Crystal were both a little hesitant to leave knowing the task before them was monumental, and one they would have to face alone. Once again, they held hands, hesitated momentarily, and walked toward the damp slimy wall of granite. With their other hand outstretched, they walked through the surface and emerged on the other side, startled by the sight of themselves roasting marshmallows. It took a moment to recover and realize they were watching Rolo and Bounce, who had created the perfect situation for re-substitution.

  They moved behind some trees and positioned themselves for an exchange with Rolo and Bounce, who in unison rose and silently disappeared into the same foliage. When Danny and Rolo passed each other, Rolo telepathically transmitted all that had taken place over the last few days to Danny. Danny hesitated for a moment and smiled at Rolo, thanking him for such great memories; he only wished they were actually his. As they sat by the fire roasting marshmallows, Danny told Crystal what had transpired during their absence, and it was clear that she was mortified by the skinny-dipping episode and hoped that Danny wasn’t holding back any additional embarrassing information.

  Just then, Danny’s dad emerged from his tent with a groggy look on his face.

  “What are you guys doing up?”

  “We couldn’t sleep and are about to roast marshmallows,” Danny said.

  “Mind if I join you? It’s a beautiful night.”

  Danny’s mom awoke with a start, looking for Crystal, and noticed the fire. She crawled out of her tent looking completely disheveled and disoriented. Realizing what was going on, she turned and crawled back inside and shortly returned with four bars of chocolate.

  “I was saving these for the ride home tomorrow, but as I recall from my Girl Scout days, melted chocolate over roasted marshmallows is one of life’s finest outdoor delicacies.”

  They were having such a great time that both children momentarily forgot about their mission and thoroughly enjoyed the natural beauty of their surroundings and the close bonding with Danny’s parents. Instinctively they both realized this was their last opportunity to enjoy the innocence of youth.

  Suddenly, Danny stiffened; he sensed something entering the field of his aura. Moments later Crystal also felt a dangerous presence; however, the parents were totally unaware of any potential threat.

  “Mom, Dad, stay close to the fire. Something is coming toward us!”

  His parents were startled by the urgency in his voice. His dad hesitated, and then rose to join him.

  “Mr. O’Malley, please stay with us by the fire,” Crystal said. “Danny can handle whatever is out there.”

  For some reason, Phil knew Crystal was right and sat down close to his wife in a protective posture. They suddenly heard the roar of a hungry mountain lion reverberating off the rock outcroppings, echoing across the lake.

  Phil turned and saw the mountain lion pacing back and forth, about five meters in front of his son, as if the lion was in an invisible cage. He slowly stood to help Danny, when he noticed that the mountain lion was being gently pushed back as it tried to come closer to Danny. His son was gesturing with his hands, in a type of martial arts stance. Just as Danny’s dad was about to say something, the lion took a fierce leap at Danny, who stood his ground and unleashed a powerful aura projectile that sent the lion flying back several meters. The lion got to its feet, shook off the physical effects of the blow, and blended back into the forest.

  “Danny?” Phil shouted. “What just happened? What did you do?”

  “I didn’t do anything. They say you should stand your ground and look as large as possible; that’s all I did. I guess he just decided to leave.”

  “But I saw a flash of light?”

  “Gee, Dad, it’s dark and you probably saw the reflection from the fire off the rock outcropping. Let’s go back and make sure Mom and Crystal are okay.”

  Phil stood looking off into the distance, wondering what was happening to his son.

  Chapter 18

  Cold Fusion

  T he science fair at Wyoming Mountain High was an extremely competitive event. The school held the state record for the number of times it won the Wyoming state finals and the record for representing a state at the national science fair.

  The chairperson position for managing the science fair rotated between the science and math department heads. Unfortunately for Danny, the chairperson this year was Mrs. Fitzgerald, who took great pride in the fact that each time she was in charge, their school won the state finals. She believed she had a winning formula and followed it to the last detail. The students had to declare their intent to participate during the first week of November and submit a written proposal to her no later than December 1st. Once accepted by Mrs. Fitzgerald, the proposals were submitted to a review board, which consisted of the school’s librarian and all science and math teachers, for final approval. Before students could participate in the fair, their projects had to be approved by a majority of the board. Students could challenge the chairperson’s initial decision by submitting their proposal directly to the board, but then needed a two-thirds positive vote for approval.

  Once accepted, a progress report was due the first of each month until March—the fair was held on the third weekend of that month. Students had to sign an affidavit indicating they wouldn’t ask others to assist except in obtaining materials or equipment, which needed to be to the student’s specifications. In addition, any resources used during their research and theories developed in support of their project had to be formally documented. Danny and Crystal signed up for the competition as a team and indicated their topic area would include ele
ments of physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Mrs. Fitzgerald tried to pry more specific information from them, but they just indicated their project was still in the formative stages and they would submit their formal proposal on schedule.

  As they turned to leave her office, Tony was blocking the doorway with a sinister look in his eye.

  “Mrs. Fitzgerald,” Tony shouted, “you’re not going to let this cheat participate in our science fair?”

  “Now, Tony,” Mrs. Fitzgerald responded in a deeply sarcastic voice, “every student is entitled to enter the competition, and besides, we have ways to determine if anyone is cheating.”

  “I hope your methods are better than last time. There’s no way this geek knows as much math as everyone believes!”

  Danny ignored Tony and walked with Crystal toward the door. As they passed, Tony blocked his way. Danny and Tony stood staring intently at each other. Tony blinked, remembering the humiliation he suffered during their last encounter. He also noticed the pupils of Danny’s eyes enlarging and sparks of lightning racing across them, causing him to step back.

  “I suggest you boys take your disagreement outside and stop interfering with my work,” Mrs. Fitzgerald barked.

  Tony stepped aside as Danny and Crystal left the office, but he later swore he felt some unseen pressure force him against the wall as they passed.

  *****

  Danny’s dad knew it was close to the time of year when his son should begin thinking about entering the school science fair. He particularly enjoyed brainstorming ideas for potential projects and helping his son make a final decision by researching their top three choices in more depth.

  “Danny, when would you like to work on selecting a topic for this year’s science fair?”

  “Crystal and I have decided to submit a joint project and already have a topic. Tomorrow, if it’s okay with you, we would like to use your lab computer and research engines to do a more in-depth study.”

  “That’s interesting. I was looking forward to helping you select a topic again this year. I understand you wanting more independence as you get older. What did you decide to work on?”

  Danny expected his dad to be skeptical—most physicists would be.

  “We’re going to repeat the Pons-Fleischmann experiments on cold fusion.”

  His dad nearly choked on his coffee, spilling some on the slate computer he was using to scan the morning news. After jumping out of his chair and catching his computer before it smashed to the floor, he took a moment to gather his thoughts.

  “I assume you know their results were never duplicated and the whole concept of cold fusion has been relegated to obscurity, except for a few remaining outcasts in the scientific community.”

  Danny realized he should choose his words wisely; he needed his dad’s support to obtain material and use his home laboratory.

  “We’re both fascinated with the concept of cold fusion and its potential—a low-cost source of unlimited energy could open up new possibilities in almost every scientific field.”

  “I agree, but you should be prepared for a negative result from your experiment, which is not failure. Every experimental result adds to scientific knowledge, positive or negative,” Danny’s dad said, giving them permission to use his home laboratory, as well as his computer access to NASA’s extensive research databases.

  Crystal came over early the next morning and they immediately went to the basement laboratory to search various databases for information about the history of cold fusion and the early efforts to repeat the incredible claims of Pons and Fleischmann. As they reviewed various articles from the 1990s, Danny realized he already knew everything in the articles before he had finished reading.

  “Crystal, it’s amazing, I know all this stuff. The androids must have implanted the information during my brain enhancement.”

  “Well, that should save us a lot of effort. Do you know how to build a working model of cold fusion?”

  “No, because it’s never been repeated by anyone on Earth, but somehow I know I have all the information I need. If I could just develop a theory that explains why the phenomenon has been so difficult to reproduce, then all the other pieces of this puzzle should fall in place.”

  Danny stood still for a few moments trying to organize his thoughts as his mind became overwhelmed with a wealth of information. Once again, the reality of their situation and the images from the invasion exploded to the forefront of his consciousness. He knew at that moment there was no turning back and no other alternative for Earth’s survival.

  “Crystal, you should continue your research. We’ll need reference material for our report, and it would be helpful if you get up to speed.”

  Crystal continued to find scientific articles detailing past experimental results, while Danny sat staring at his father’s old electronic white board. Suddenly in a burst of energy, he started to write:

  Pons & Fleischmann 1989

  oExcess Heat

  Palladium Metal

  Melted Through Table

  oCrater in Floor

  Assume All Claims Are True

  oSelf-Sustaining Reaction Possible

  No Neutron Radiation

  Tremendous Heat Generated

  Results Never Duplicated

  oExcess Heat Must Have Been Generated

  Never Reproduced

  No Accepted Theories Exist to Explain Pons and Fleischmann’s Claims

  Critical Variables

  oMetal Preparation

  oPossible Impurities in Electrolytic Solution

  oCurrent Density

  oDeuterium Loading at Palladium Surface

  Danny continued to add information to his list, while Crystal read the original news reports and early articles from physicists who doubted the validity of Pons and Fleischmann’s incredible claims. It was evident from her reading that the scientific community closed ranks to discredit the university researchers.

  It was approaching lunchtime, and Danny’s parents had just finished preparing lunch.

  “Phil, have you seen Danny today? He didn’t have breakfast, so he must be starved. I was going to call out back, but just noticed Bruno is under the table waiting for some scraps.”

  “Oh, he and Crystal are in the lab doing research for their science fair project.”

  “Are you telling me they have been alone in your lab for hours, and you’re not concerned after their display during our vacation?!”

  “Believe me, Danny is only interested in science right now, not the opposite sex.”

  “Well, maybe you don’t think biology is a science, but I do. Get down there and see what they’re up to, and while you’re at it, let them know lunch is ready.”

  Phil felt his wife was overreacting, but just in case, he made a lot of noise as he descended the stairs to the lab. As he expected, both children were hard at work.

  “Hi, Dad, did Mom send you down to check on us?”

  “She did, but it’s also lunchtime.”

  “Okay, we’ll be up in a few minutes.”

  He was about to leave when he noticed the notes on the electronic white board.

  “Son, it looks like you were having a brainstorming session. I’m amazed at how much knowledge you already have acquired about the original cold fusion experiment.”

  “Before we picked this subject, we did some preliminary research. Dad, we were hoping you might be able to sponsor our project through work. We’ll need some advanced equipment and microelectronic assembly capability.”

  “That shouldn’t be a problem since we have an educational budget to promote science throughout the school system.”

  As he headed for the stairs, Crystal looked up from her computer screen.

  “Mr. O’Malley, I was wondering if you might be able to explain some trends I’m seeing from my literature search.”

  “Well, I’m certainly not an expert on cold fusion, but I’ll do my best.”

  “As I read about cold fusion fr
om 1989 to the present, it appears that the mainstream scientific community is ignoring and possibly blackballing efforts to advance the study of cold fusion. Do you know why?”

  “Why don’t we go upstairs and have lunch so my wife doesn’t become more paranoid than she already is, and I’ll try to answer your questions while we’re eating.”

  As they left the lab, Danny’s dad explained why his wife was concerned, and recommended that Crystal get a few moments alone with her and have a heart to heart. He created the opportunity upon arriving in the kitchen when he suggested he and Danny take Bruno for a walk before lunch.

  “Mrs. O’Malley, are you worried about Danny and me spending so much time together?”

  Danny’s mom was caught off guard and was thinking how best to repay her husband.

  “Well, to be honest, I was worried about your behavior and Danny’s during our vacation.”

  “Danny and I have been best friends since preschool; we view each other as brother and sister. There wasn’t any hesitation or embarrassment when we went skinny-dipping.”

  Before she could respond, two thoughts flashed through Mrs. O’Malley’s mind: she was struck with the ease and maturity with which Crystal spoke on such a delicate subject, and she was suddenly aware that Crystal appeared to be blossoming right before her eyes, both physically and intellectually.

  “I appreciate you’re becoming mature young adults and that you know how to behave, and to be perfectly honest, I have always viewed you as the daughter I never had. Actually, if the truth were known, Mr. O’Malley and I enjoyed skinny-dipping once in a while when we were young, but it’s best if we don’t go there.”