by TJ Viola
Zeiss stood next to Zucan and leaned over to get his attention while transmitting his thoughts at a frequency beyond the range of the translators worn by the guest. “The androids are from our outpost on Earth, several generations behind our current models. They should have been deactivated when the bases were decommissioned.”
Zucan agreed with Zeiss’s observations but didn’t immediately respond as he continued to introduce members of the Council. “Allow me to introduce our gathering. This is my companion Titch, our chief scientist Zeiss, and his able assistant Yolan.”
As he continued the introductions, Titch cautioned Zucan. “The aura surrounding the Earthling is exceptionally strong. Something is wrong; be very careful!”
Danny overheard Titch’s thoughts of caution, thinking to himself that she was the same strong personality that had defied Zeiss and so skillfully taught him how to use his aura skills for self-defense. On the other hand, he never expected to find Titch and Zucan together. They had indeed changed the future in some strange ways. He decided to reveal his capabilities and removed his universal translator so all could see his gesture. He then responded to Titch’s concerns telepathically.
“Titch, you certainly have nothing to fear from us. We come as ambassadors offering our friendship.”
The shock of an Earthling transmitting his thoughts telepathically combined with his obvious aura capabilities and the knowledge Titch had of the future aggressiveness of Earth caused her to react violently to Danny’s thoughts. She immediately encased Muglar and all his companions in an aura shield supported by the already agitated auras of the Council members.
This was certainly not the reception Danny and Crystal expected.
TEACHER vs. STUDENT
Zucan reprimanded Titch for her inhospitality and ordered her to release their guests. But true to her aggressive personality, she insisted they remain incarcerated until the true nature of their visit was ascertained. Meanwhile, while Titch was distracted defending her position to Zucan, Danny absorbed energy from Rolo and Bounce and reversed Titch’s energy flow. All the Council members, including Zucan, were stunned to see Titch momentarily immobilized by an Earthling. Titch’s reaction was predictable: she released an aura projectile that would have crushed even the most capable Grillion. Danny responded by launching his own projectile, and as the two collided, the energy contained in each erupted with a thunderous shockwave that knocked everyone in the chamber violently to the ground. The battle was on and no one, not even Zucan, was about to interfere.
Danny found himself alone in the middle of the chamber. Muglar, Crystal, and the Council members all knew they were about to witness the clash of two titans and it would be wise to give them plenty of space to maneuver. Titch moved to confront Danny and stood before him with her aura visibly on fire.
“Earthling, I don’t know why you’re here or how you developed your abilities, but let me make something clear, don’t ever challenge me again!”
Danny now knew without any doubt that there wasn’t any record on Grillion of how the future had been altered by their combined actions. Rather than accept Titch’s obvious challenge, he decided the best course of action would be to reveal the truth.
“Zucan, Titch was correct in her initial evaluation. I have abilities far beyond the reach of any Earthling; yet, I am from Earth.”
Looking directly at Titch, he continued. “It was you, Titch, who taught me how to control my aura, it was Yolan who gave us the strength to confront the Ammagans, and it was Zeiss’s leadership, as well as the scientific and physical knowledge of those we asked to assemble here, who guided Crystal and me from childhood to adulthood. And together, we changed the future of the Universe by altering Earth’s past.”
Upon hearing this fantastic narrative, Zucan dismissed the Council and made appropriate arrangements for his guests. “I believe it would be best for all concerned if we continue this discussion in private.”
Muglar, intrigued by the turn of events, accepted the invitation on behalf of his companions. It was Danny, however, who set the agenda for their meeting.
“To have a meaningful discussion, I suggest Zeiss and Yolan join us, since they are an integral part of the story that needs to be told.”
Crystal knew Danny wasn’t just being practical by insisting on Zeiss and Yolan’s presence, he was fulfilling a promise he made to Yolan in another time, another place, in a different past.
CAN DESTINY BE DENIED?
Danny told the entire story from the day he heard the first hello to his final encounter with Muglar. As he concluded his narrative, he noticed a look of total disbelief on everyone’s face, except for Crystal and Muglar.
“I realize,” Danny continued, “that what we are telling you is hard to believe, but it’s all true.”
Zucan was the first to question Danny. “It seems to me that we should have some record of all this activity stored in the computer systems in the Colorado base.”
“Not necessarily,” Zeiss said. “It’s conceivable that when Danny and Crystal entered the base, all systems were automatically deactivated because their presence wasn’t authorized by central command. I would have reactivated the base from the biosphere and, at that point forward, we wouldn’t have any records once Earth changed its future.”
Crystal was uncharacteristically quiet during this discussion; something was missing. She felt they were overlooking an obvious solution, but it was eluding her conscious thought. Then it came! “Rolo and Bounce have their experiences stored in their memory cores!”
Titch was clearly getting impatient with all this talk about the past and different futures. “It doesn’t make any difference; even if everything you’re saying is true, Grillion’s fate is the same. I find it interesting that Earth and Ammag seemed to have benefited at the expense of Grillion.”
Zucan understood her meaning and appreciated the irony of her statement, while it was clear from Danny’s obvious confusion, he was unaware of Earth’s aggressiveness.
“Let us assume,” Zucan said, “everything you have related is accurate. It would be some years into our future before Muglar threatens our galaxy, giving the opportunity for Zeiss to devise his plan to contact an Earthling.”
“That’s correct,” Danny said, “but the Ammagans are no longer a threat, since we have resolved their energy crisis.”
Zucan sensed he needed to express his next thoughts carefully. “What you say is true. Ammag’s crisis is resolved and Earth was able to defend itself and survive. But I’m sorry to say there is a new and ever growing threat to our future, not only Grillion’s, but to all inhabitants of our Universe.”
Danny and Crystal looked at each other and now understood the meaning of Titch’s statement. It wasn’t necessary for anyone to say more. It was clear to all that Earth had started on a path of colonization and domination—a path that emanated from the heart of darkness that resides within the human soul.
REENACTMENT
The citizens of Grillion were amazed at the events recorded by Rolo and Bounce, and all involved were hailed as interplanetary heroes for the sacrifices they had made.
Danny and Crystal expressed their desire to remain on Grillion and to assist in any way possible to alter the consequences of their prior actions. The Council of Elders agreed, and a new plan was devised to once again endeavor to change their future destiny.
Both Danny and Crystal were accepted into Grillion society, and Crystal’s brain utilization was increased with the advanced equipment on Grillion so she could easily assimilate. In addition, they, along with Titch, were given the rare honor of immortality if they so desired, for their past heroic efforts. Danny and Crystal would lead normal lives on Grillion, that is, until they entered the biosphere with Zeiss, Yolan, and several others of the original team.
Danny would someday make contact with his younger self and try to guide Earth to victory without the use of the Gaser, and he would do his best to save his father. But with destiny, one never kno
ws the final outcome.
Acknowledgments
We appreciate the talents of Jennifer Top and The Whisperer. Jennifer edited and formatted the book while making excellent suggestions for improvement, and The Whisperer designed the action cover. Both professionals were a pleasure to work with and extremely responsive. Jennifer is the founder of TulipTree Publishing (tuliptreepub.com), and The Whisperer can be found at ProfessionalBookCoverDesign.com.
Special thanks to Teresa R. Funke, author and instructor, for starting us on our writing journey. We truly appreciate her years of encouragement.
About the Authors
Tom and Judy first published The Gumshoe Chronicles trilogy (1920, 1921, 1922), which follows the life of a young soldier who returns home from World War I to New York City to start a detective agency.
The Ammagan Invasion of Earth grew out of their interest in understanding the mysteries of the Universe.
Tom’s graduate research was funded by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, which conceives, designs, builds, operates, and maintains world-class radio telescopes used by scientists around the world.
Tom and Judy are retired—Judy a former registered nurse and secondary science teacher, and Tom a retired engineer/manager from Hewlett Packard after thirty years.
Upon retirement, Tom and Judy founded the Soaring Eagle Ecology Center, a 501(c)(3) in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, that organizes outdoor educational programs for students of all ages. One of their first development projects was to construct an observatory housing a fourteen-inch Celestron telescope. They formed a partnership with the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society to offer viewing of the night sky open to the community.
Tom and Judy have been married fifty-three years and are starting their next sci-fi novel.