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

by TJ Viola

  As they drove deeper into the foothills, the green pastures gave way to a heavily forested canopy that flickered with rays of sunlight as the west winds created momentary openings. The caravan suddenly emerged into a clearing that housed several large ranch-style structures and a dilapidated log cabin that sat in isolation near the center of the clearing. The cabin had clearly seen many mountain winters, but still looked proud of the history it forged and, at the same time, appeared scornful of the intrusion it now had to bear.

  The convoy stopped in front of the cabin and Master Sergeant Bull exited his vehicle and gave orders to set up a protective perimeter. Almost miraculously, an impressive set of security surveillance equipment sprang up around the clearing integrated with the existing security network as an array of satellites monitored the ranch and surrounding area for threats.

  “Sergeant, the security is reassuring, but we need to perform sophisticated research requiring the most advanced scientific facilities available to the government,” Danny shouted over the surrounding commotion.

  “Commander O’Malley, come with me, I’ll introduce you to your new home and research facility.”

  The master sergeant walked toward the cabin that was now situated in the center of what appeared to be a well-organized military encampment. The four of them followed the sergeant in silence, wondering if the government took their proposal to develop the world’s most destructive weapon seriously.

  The inside of the cabin looked as dilapidated as the exterior; it was also home to some fairly large arachnids, as witnessed by the numerous spider webs that gave the impression, they were the only means of structural stability.

  Crystal, who was never fond of spiders, moved closer to Danny. “Danny,” she whispered, “what’s going on?”

  “I have no idea, so let’s ask some questions,” he replied quietly. Then, louder, he said, “Sergeant, we were under the impression you were taking us to a highly secure, secret military installation where we were to begin a critical research program. Instead, it appears you’ve taken us along on one of your training maneuvers.”

  At first the master sergeant’s face remained expressionless, but then a broad grin spread across his usually stoic features. “You’ll find, Commander, everything you could possibly need at this facility. It is a highly classified facility equipped with the latest communication, computational, and research equipment.” He said this with pride as he looked around the cabin.

  Danny and Crystal glanced at each other as if the master sergeant had totally lost all sense of reason.

  “I guess it’s time I gave you a tour. Let’s start with the security aspects. Why don’t we all sit at the dining table.”

  Danny looked around and saw only an old, dusty table opposite an ancient stone fireplace. Other than the table, the cabin lacked any of the normal comforts one would expect. The only other fixture in the cabin was an old woodburning stove with a broken stovepipe and some bare cabinets with the doors hanging lopsided from broken hinges. All the windowpanes were covered in grime, but surprisingly, none of them were broken.

  “This cabin, which looks abandoned, is the entrance to an elaborate underground complex equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and contains everything you require. If not, just ask. You should also take comfort in the fact that this room is equipped with sophisticated electronic equipment that can convert the cabin into an impenetrable bunker in less than ten seconds.”

  Danny’s expression spoke volumes as if to say “you must be kidding.”

  “Let me explain,” the sergeant continued. “This room is constantly being scanned with facial recognition software, and if any unauthorized person enters the premises, the room becomes a virtual prison. The entire cabin is constructed of thick reinforced steel. When activated, steel slabs rise up from the window and door casements interlocking with the steel ceiling. The interior of the cabin is then filled with a nerve gas that immediately immobilizes all intruders.”

  “How do we enter the underground complex?” Danny asked, as he looked over to the fireplace.

  “We’re actually sitting over the entrance. I’ll demonstrate. Place your hands flat on the table and I’ll do the same.”

  The table became translucent and scanned their hands, then a probe that rose from the center rotated, performing retinal scans. After a few seconds, a touch pad appeared in front of the master sergeant.

  Instantly, a three-dimensional hologram of the underground facility appeared. The image indicated the facility had four levels: security, research, living quarters, and emergency exit. As Danny concentrated on the image, the platform began to descend, momentarily startling Danny and bringing him back to his surroundings. As the platform descended, the shaft was flooded with light from LED panels inlaid into the walls. After passing the first panel, two metal plates sealed the floor above them, concealing the elevator shaft.

  “Why is it necessary to have such a high level of security if this location is top secret and impenetrable?” Danny asked.

  “The reality is no military compound in the world is hidden from satellite detection and every location has a weakness. It’s just a question of finding it. That’s why we routinely have training exercises where a highly skilled commando team plans an invasion and tries to penetrate our defenses and capture the facility.”

  “Isn’t that dangerous? Lives could be lost and the facility compromised,” Crystal asked.

  “We are notified just prior to the invasion and all weapons systems are automatically loaded with plastic bullets containing a fluorescent dye or placed on stun, so we can actually see which side won without causing physical harm. I’m sure you’re anxious to see your new research laboratory,” he said as the elevator doors opened.

  They entered a brightly lit, sterile environment that was compartmentalized with rooms full of electronic equipment from every scientific endeavor imaginable. Not only Danny and Crystal, but also Rolo and Bounce were in awe of what they were witnessing. In many ways it reminded Danny of the Grillion underground base as they moved from one laboratory setup to the next.

  “You should have everything you need, but just in case, we have an advanced machine shop capable of fabricating structures from any known material, so you can design your own equipment as necessary,” Master Sergeant Bull said. “All the equipment can be easily relocated and positioned as you require. That’s why half the floor space is empty; you have the ability to lay out your own research area.”

  “Thanks, Sergeant. This is impressive and I’m confident it will meet our initial needs; however, eventually we will need new equipment as we proceed with our work. How long would it take to build or commandeer new equipment?” Danny asked.

  “Commander, this project has the highest priority in the government. Just ask and you will have your every wish granted.”

  The next stop on the facility tour was the living quarters, which had all the comforts needed for extended periods. There were four full-size suites, each with two bedrooms, a meeting room, kitchen/bar area, and laboratory. The suites were adjoining, so they could move between rooms without entering the corridor. Since the other occupants of the underground structure were not allowed to enter the research facility, due to the top-secret nature of their work, their food would be delivered once a week and stored in the kitchen areas.

  After touring the living quarters, they continued to the next level that contained an emergency exit. As they exited the elevator shaft, they entered a tunnel equipped with a high-speed levitation sled capable of attaining speeds exceeding 100 mph. Within minutes, they could be transported several miles outside the perimeter of the compound to a safe location.

  “Sergeant,” Crystal asked, “how can you evacuate everyone in an emergency with such limited capacity?”

  “This escape route is only for you and your research team. Everyone else must stay and protect the base.”

  Both Danny and Crystal didn’t feel comfortable knowing they were the only ones able to survi
ve a disaster, but they knew if such a situation arose, they would do whatever they could to help. Such thoughts didn’t sit well with Zeiss and Yolan, but they realized that Danny and Crystal had free will and all they could do was continue to provide them with the capabilities to survive any situation that might arise.

  *****

  During the next six months, Danny, Crystal, and the androids upgraded the research facility to meet their unique needs for building a Gaser. Radiation isolation rooms and a modular clean-room were constructed to prevent contamination during critical fabrication processes.

  The isolation and confinement of the underground structure would have been unbearable for Danny and Crystal, especially since they couldn’t interact with any of the security and maintenance personnel. Fortunately, they had the freedom to use the emergency exit to take extended hikes and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Wyoming mountains. They were constantly aware, however, that their every move was being monitored, including their conversations. The lack of privacy wasn’t a concern, since their main focus was always the mission to prepare Earth for an alien invasion. Every waking moment, and even subconsciously while sleeping, all they could think about was inventing the Gaser and how to mobilize the entire world in the defense of Earth. It was the year 2045, and time was running out!

  It had been five months since their new laboratory was fully operational, and they were no closer to uncovering the secrets of the Gaser. It was clear to Crystal that Danny was frustrated and having doubts that they would ever overcome the challenges facing them.

  “Danny, why don’t we take a break and get some fresh air?”

  “We don’t have the luxury of taking breaks. We should have developed a working model by now. We’re no closer today than we were months ago.”

  The frustration and fear in his voice were palpable, causing not only Crystal but Yolan concern.

  “Danny, I think Crystal is right. You need to get away and clear your mind,” Yolan interjected into his thoughts.

  Danny sat upright, as if a bolt of lightning had struck; he hadn’t expected to hear from Yolan. He was getting so disorientated that he was unable to prevent the transmission of his thoughts.

  “A great help you’ve been. Why don’t you tell us how to get a coherent beam of gamma rays rather than letting us fumble around with experiments that present so much promise, but lead nowhere?”

  “Danny, you know if we did know how the Gaser worked, we wouldn’t be able to give you the information for fear of changing the future, possibly in very negative ways.”

  “I’m getting tired of hearing the same old excuse. How are we supposed to develop the Gaser when the military establishments of every major economy have been conducting research in this area for years without success?”

  “The same was true of cold fusion and you succeeded while other great minds failed. You need to get your confidence back. We have given you the total knowledge accumulated since the beginning of recorded history and you have the resources of Rolo and Bounce, as well as those of Crystal. I suggest you use them and stop feeling sorry for yourself!”

  Yolan knew she was taking a risk, but she needed to do something to jolt Danny out of his depression.

  “Danny, why are you ignoring me? We need to take a break!” Crystal demanded.

  “Sorry, Yolan was communicating with me. Maybe you’re right. Let’s get out of here for a while. I need to relax.”

  They decided to go camping and spend a few days hiking and fishing. Naturally Rolo and Bounce insisted on going along since they enjoyed mingling with Earth’s natural environment.

  Danny pushed the levitation sled to full throttle and Crystal raised her arms like she did as a child when riding the roller coasters at Disney World. Rolo and Bounce imitated her and shrieked as loudly as Crystal. The sled whirled around corners at breathtaking speeds, plunging into deep caverns, through narrow granite tunnels, and up steep inclines, giving Danny a sense of freedom and exhilaration he hadn’t felt in years. Suddenly, they exploded into a canopy of streaming beams of sunlight breaking through the densely forested hillside to the valley below. The sled’s automatic braking system engaged and brought them to a gentle stop. Rolo and Bounce were the first to leap into the green pasture as Danny and Crystal gathered up all the paraphernalia for a picnic lunch and backpacking excursion.

  “Rolo and Bounce are true encyclopedias of knowledge, yet they often behave like children,” Crystal commented, as she smiled and watched them run off into the distance.

  “That’s because they are like children—learning constantly and enjoying all the new sensations gathered by their neuro-computers. I’m surprised they have any control over their behavior.”

  After walking a few miles, they found a secluded spot by a small brook shaded by the shadow of aspens and cottonwoods. They spread out their thermal solar blanket and prepared lunch. To Danny’s surprise, Crystal brought out a fine bottle of wine and several different cheeses.

  “What’s the occasion?”

  “Nothing special, I thought it would help us relax, forget about work and the future.”

  At that moment, Danny wanted to hold her close and tell Crystal how much he loved her, but the view of the future, the total destruction they had seen that first night in the Grillion base, constantly haunted him. So once again, he held his emotions in check. Crystal saw the struggle in his eyes and understood, because she was also ravaged by the same fears and emotions. Nevertheless, she wished they could find a way to break down the barrier between them.

  Just as they were moving closer together, Rolo and Bounce seemed to appear from thin air.

  “Danny, Crystal, we had the greatest time,” Rolo shrieked. “We transformed into a pair of mountain lions and moved like the wind.”

  “Oh, don’t worry,” Bounce said, as Danny’s face expressed concern. “We made sure none of the surveillance equipment could see our transformation.”

  “How is that possible?” Danny asked. “They can track your heat pattern by satellite, so they know what you’re doing every moment.”

  “We found an entrance to a cave that has an exit several hundred yards away in a totally different direction. So, they saw us enter and later leave, and in between we exited out the back as mountain lions,” Bounce said.

  Danny immediately understood the implications of this find, a chance to be truly alone without the ever present “Big Brother” watching and listening to every word he shared with Crystal. Crystal had the same thought, put on her backpack, and asked them to show her the cave.

  Rolo and Bounce instinctively knew they should wait outside; every day they were becoming more human, sensitive to others’ feelings and often understanding the subtleties expressed between people.

  As soon as Danny and Crystal entered the cave, the years of self-imposed restraints vaporized and they became overwhelmed with their feelings for each other. Their passionate embrace escalated to a frenzy of emotion and culminated in a simultaneous release of all the fears of the future. So many years lost, possibly so few left, but they now knew that no matter how the future unfolded, they would spend it together. Danny felt an explosion of emotions he wanted to express to Crystal, but she gently put her hand to his mouth.

  “Danny, I know how you feel. Let’s just enjoy the peacefulness of this moment.”

  He nodded his agreement and they slowly fell asleep in each other’s arms.

  Danny awoke first, awaking Crystal. His thoughts were dominated by his failure to make more progress toward inventing the Gaser. He wanted to be with Crystal forever, but he knew if they didn’t have a break-through . . .

  “Crystal, I don’t want to lose you so soon. We must be successful, but I don’t have a clue how to proceed with our research.”

  “Do you remember Mrs. Fitzgerald?”

  “How could I ever forget her?”

  “In spite of all she did, she was still a good math teacher. One day, I was trying to solve a fairly complex problem and I was
lost in pages of equations. She came by my desk, bent over, and whispered in my ear, ‘Child, nature is not that complicated. All great scientific breakthroughs come down to some basic law, such as E = mc2. I suggest you start over with the basics.’ It was good advice.”

  Danny bolted upright, almost throwing Crystal aside as he struggled to get dressed. He now understood they all had too much knowledge. They were overwhelming themselves with information, causing confusion and a level of complexity in their approach that probably was blinding them to some simple solution. He was bursting with energy and pulled Crystal to her feet and kissed her.

  “We must get back now and begin over. We need to start with the fundamentals just like we did with cold fusion. That’s what’s been missing. Crystal, you’re a genius!”

  Chapter 25

  Back to Basics

  A s soon as they returned to the lab, Danny called for a brainstorming meeting and set the ground rules.

  “Crystal and I just came to a realization. We need to go back to basic fundamental laser physics.”

  Rolo was the first to speak, expressing his doubts.

  “Danny, we know that Earthlings have been trying to discover the Gaser since 1961. Are you suggesting we not use the vast amount of information amassed over the last eighty-six years of experimentation?”

  “No, what I am suggesting is that we’re overlooking something simple, something basic, and if I’m correct, we need to rethink our approach.”

  “Why do you believe the solution is simple?” Bounce interjected. “How can it be simple when the solution involves the fields of quantum mechanics, nuclear and optical spectroscopy, chemistry, metallurgy, and solid-state physics—as well as the generation, excitation, and interaction of neutrons?”

  “Answer this question. How long did it take the Ammagans to develop the Gaser?”

  Both Rolo and Bounce looked confused. They obviously didn’t have the answer in their memory modules. As Danny was waiting, Yolan interacted with Danny.