by Luis Robles
He had exhausted the last bit of his patience when they found it—the perfect planet orbiting at the prefect distance from its star. It had oceans full of water, and a livable atmosphere. It was perfect, almost as perfect as their home planet once was. However, there was only one problem: intelligent and sentient life were already inhabiting the planet.
“But, sir, the prime directive is clear. We are to leave alone a planet inhabited with intelligent life. We will be going against it if we land there,” one of the Explorer’s pilot said as he probed the planet from behind a gas giant.
“The prime directive is what has kept us out here in the first place, without being able to find a suitable planet. Who in their right mind would think that there will be such a planet that could harbor life and yet have no life in it? That’s nonsensical. You must not appreciate being alive if you question me one more time,” Endorem said, glaring at the pilot. He then turned to the communications officer, “Will this species be a threat to us? Is there anything I need to know?” Endorem asked as he walked across the bridge, with his hands folded.
“From what I’ve been able to gather, the inhabitants call themselves human. Their technology is still in its early stages. They have not reached type I status yet. They, however, are atom and capable. There are around 20,000 nuclear weapons in existence in the planet right now, spread out through many sectors of government bodies, they called it. That number of nuclear weapons can easily sterilize the planet itself,” the communications officer explained.
“Impressive. They were able to learn to fly before they were able to walk. That must mean they are an impatient species. Nevertheless, you haven’t answered my question…” Endorem said.
“You are correct, sir. Their weapons pose no serious threat to the Explorer,” the communications officer replied.
Endorem then turned to look at his chief strategist, “Amandir, tell me, this ship is equipped with some kind of force field, right? Something that we can expand, you know.”
“Well yes, sir, it does. The Explorer is equipped with a powerful force field that we can set up after we make landings,” Amandir said.
“Go on, elaborate some more,” Endorem said.
“Yes, sir. Well, the force field was designed to protect us against any hostile activity should we encounter any. If we do happen to land somewhere, the force field could potentially expand vastly and may also keep the soil it protects fertile,” Amandir explained, understanding exactly where the captain was going with his questions.
“Exactly. Think about this as being help for the planet. Get rid of the species that would eventually destroy it, and in the process, we can even save... what do you say... about half of it?” Endorem said as he shrugged.
“More like a quarter of it if we’re lucky. That planet is vast,” Amandir said.
“Half, a quarter, it’s basically the same thing. You’re not counting on our military prowess. Let’s just say that we could save half of it,” Endorem said, a bit unstable. He then looked towards the communications officer again, “So, what do they call this planet?”
“They call it Planet Earth, sir.”
“Ah, Planet Earth. That just shows the non-imagination of the inhabitants. This is yet another reason why they should be exterminated,” Endorem said as he scratched his chin.
The flight crew stood quiet and tense as they awaited the orders of Endorem. He thought for about ten minutes before speaking again.
“I have decided now. This will be Hackaram II. Amandir, I need you to inspect the planet and tell me where our best possible landing zone could be. I want a full report on my desk as soon as possible. I also want to drag out the conflict as much as possible. I don’t want them to panic and launch all their nuclear weapons all at once. Wake the rest of the crew from suspended animation. I want everybody up and running on two curse rotations.”
The crew nodded as they scrambled to work.
“Just look at it. Isn’t it beautiful? That will be our new planet... the perfect new planet... Hackaram II,” Endorem said before he left the bridge.
11
The War Beasts
Earth was at the dawn of devastation as the Hackaram fleet made landing in the polar ice caps in the year 2101. At first, the alien fleet did not seem hostile towards humans. World leaders and governments all around the world attempted to contact them, but there was never a reply. But within just a few months, the alien invaders began to show their true colors.
They were unstoppable, and their technology far superior to our own at the time, their shields impenetrable and unwavering. They only knew one thing—it was to advance and destroy anything that got in their way.
As the enemy looked unstoppable, the world united to face the common threat. For a moment, it seemed as if victory was possible, as the powerful armies got even more powerful and united under a single banner. The line was pushed back, reclaiming entire countries at a time. But no matter what humanity did to them, the Hackaram kept coming, each time unveiling a more powerful weapon.
Millions of lives were lost in the war for the world, year after year, at the hands of the Hackaram. Desperate for victory, humans finally turned to their largest and most destructive power—the atom. Several nuclear and thermonuclear bombs were detonated on the alien settlement and armies but had little success and grave consequences; while the bombs successfully wiped out most of the alien infantry, they did not scratch their fleet.
Humanity needed a new weapon. That was when the idea of the War Beasts was conceived. The leaders of the dying world wanted to pack the most amount of power possible, and with the least amount of lives for control; it would only take eleven soldiers to command the power of an entire army.
Deep down in an underground bunker, one of the rooms was with the most powerful individuals in the world at that time: Diana Evans representing America, Hugo Thomas representing Europe, Zhang Wei representing Asia, and Dimitry Petrov representing North Asia and Australia. Among them were perhaps the most intelligent and influential minds at that time—General Mantel, Admiral Walker, Chief Weapons, Engineer Carl Lee, Chief Strategist Alexander Green, and more of their staff. But perhaps the most important person in the room was Steven Rivera, chief engineer at Gate Heavy Industries, the man responsible for the War Beasts. These were the same people in charge of saving the world.
“Perhaps, you had the right idea Steven, but not anymore. Out of the twelve War Beasts we’ve built, only seven remain. Zeus is already down, and that was supposed to be our exceed card. How much longer will the remaining six last? Three years max? The truth is that, we will be wasting our time if we finish the one you’re currently building,” Alexander said from one end of the table.
“What do you suggest?” Gen. Mantel asked.
“I suggest that we stop playing nice and we use the weapons we already have. I’m talking about the bombs. What good is it to have something that could destroy them but not using them?” Alexander said impatiently as he brushed his greasy hair back.
“How dare you suggest that? Don’t you see at what cost that would be? We have already tried that, and it did not work,” Hugo said, beginning to show his frustration.
“I disagree with you. It did work. It destroyed all of them,” Alexander said, reaching for his cigarette.
“But at what cost? The land we destroyed caused hundreds of thousands of square kilometers that we won’t be able to use for millennia,” Hugo replied angrily.
“At the rate things are going, we won’t even have to worry about that because there won’t be any humans left to do anything anywhere in the world,” Alexander said in frustration.
“Gentlemen, gentlemen... keep your heads cool. This is not the place or time for that. All ideas should be considered,” Adm. Walker interrupted, gesturing at everybody to calm down.
“Right now, we don’t have anything that can go up against those giant spiders. As soon as one of those appear in front of any of the War Beasts guarding the sanctuaries, they
will be destroyed just like Zeus was,” Alexander insisted.
“Perhaps you’re right about that. But consider this... how many of those giant spiders does the enemy have exactly? Let’s say that we start blowing them up, and at the same time poisoning our planet... how are you so sure that they won’t have any more of them up their sleeve? That they won’t simply send more? And we poisoned our planet for nothing. They are not showing us their full force and everything they can do. The only reason that Zeus went down is because the reflex properties were not fast enough... the interface of the War Beast doesn’t exactly synch up with the human body. Vehicles, tanks, airships... were all great concepts for the War Beasts, but now we know exactly what we need to do to beat the enemy,” Steven explained, trying to keep a cool head.
“And what is that Mr. Rivera?” Diana asked with good intentions.
“We need a War Beast that resembles the human body, at least the basics... head, arms, torso, and legs. The integration process with such a beast would be flawless. We will be able to react by instinct, instead of desire or will. I am confident that with this kind of beast, we will be able to defeat the enemy. Gate just needs your support to finish it,” Steven reasoned.
Alexander laughed and put out his cigarette in frustration.
“I agree with Mr. Rivera on this one. Perhaps, we should fight as long as we can and not press the big red button just yet,” Dimitry said.
“I too agree. Once we give the go-ahead for nuclear war, there will be no going back. We should really take it slow with that,” Zhang chimed in.
“With all due respect, I believe that it won’t work. Even if the War Beasts were faster, they are still no match for those spiders. Our best option is to take our losses and try to sterilize the problem. Worst-case scenario, we lose half of the planet. But there will still be the other half... and best of all, no more alien threat. Why waste our resources at something that will ultimately fail? We already have the ultimate weapon... at least plan how to use it as best we can,” Carl said, gesturing at Alexander.
“Well, we don’t agree with that. I, for one, don’t want to live in a poisoned planet,” Diana said.
“And we don’t agree with you. Perhaps, this meeting should be over as there is nothing else to talk about. I will relay the message of what happened here to my superiors. Good luck in keeping your people safe. If I may suggest, keep them as far away from the war zone as you can. You’ll never know what might fall from the sky,” Gen. Mantel said as he got up from his chair and put on his hat. “As for you, Mr. Rivera, please stop giving them false hope. There’s only one way out of this, and you know it.”
“You will be hearing from us soon then. Prepare for the worst,” Adm. Walker said as he, too, got up from his chair. “We will be leaving now,” the admiral said as they walked out of the room.
The only ones that remained in the room were the world representatives, Steven Rivera, and their staff.
“Please, Mr. Rivera, if you could enlighten us. Give us some good news... How long would it take for you to finish this last beast?” Diana asked, hopeful.
“If we hurry, it will be three years from now. I want to make absolutely sure that we give this War Beast enough power... no, not enough power... more than enough power to help us win this fight,” Steven said as frankly as he could.
“And if you finish this beast, will we have a chance now, a good chance?” Hugo asked.
“If I am able to finish this beast on time, we will win,” Steven said with confidence.
“Well then, Mr. Rivera, you have our full support. We will pour all of our current resources to finish this last beast,” Zhang said.
“In the meantime, we have the unfortunate task to try and stall that red button from being pushed. Please hurry, Mr. Rivera, finish that War Beast and help us save the world,” Diana said.
Two and a half years later, as the last of the original twelve War Beasts were severely damaged or destroyed, bombs began to drop from the sky, wiping the battlefield clean of all life, including human life.
However, the alien invaders remained the dominant force on Earth.
The last of the War Beast was finished but never saw the light of day. Its location went on to remain a secret, divided in five pieces, for another time, for another generation—for a time when humanity would have the strength and will to fight once again.
12
Genocide
Neveran Dalnec was sitting in the same chair the old leader of the Hackaram used to sit, the conqueror’s chair it was called. He was waiting to hear what he was sure would be good news. The main door slid open, and two of his most trusted soldiers came in the room.
“Ah, Dolam, Shairra, come on in... Just the two persons I have been waiting for. I expect that you have good news for me. Tell me, how did it go?” Neveran said, looking directly at them.
“It went well, my lord, we’ve destroyed seven out of the forty-two known human colonies left on this planet. It took little effort. Most of them were at the end of the line, and they didn’t even bother to put up a fight. Another easy victory for the Hackaram,” Shairra said as she bowed.
“In one day, I’ve done what the old man couldn’t bring himself to do anymore. It won’t be long before humanity is finally wiped out. It won’t be long at all, and it will be because of me. Nevertheless, I want your efforts doubled. Get more soldiers if necessary... more planes... whatever you need, but I want humanity to no longer exist on this planet within the next five suns,” Neveran commanded.
“Yes, my lord, it will be done,” Shairra replied with a crooked smile.
“Have you heard anything, Dolam? Is there anybody out there that opposes me? Is there anybody brave enough to speak now?” Neveran asked, curious.
“I’ve only heard rumors, my lord, but nothing concrete. But as you know, rumors around here disappear fast. I don’t think anybody would dare to speak after what you did to the people you suspected of,” Dolam answered.
Neveran had publicly tortured and executed those whom he thought wanted to betray his ruling. Most of them were innocent, however. But there was only one way to hold on to power that was built on fear, and that was to instill more fear.
“Good… If you hear anything at all, as much as a whisper, you will let me know, right?” Neveran asked, bloodlust.
“Yes, my lord, I will make sure you know,” Dolam replied.
“My lord, if I may, I have something to report,” Shairra said.
“Please, go ahead. Report,” Neveran said.
“We did notice a discrepancy at the edge of the desert as we flew to the place that the humans called Haven 3B. It appeared as if the giant worms were disturbed from their long slumber. Normally, humans stay away from that area in order to avoid waking up the creatures. We think that the humans had ventured out into the desert once again to look for one of those machines,” Shairra reported.
“One of those War Beasts you mean? Humanity’s pathetic attempt to get a hold of the situation and reclaim their world back, or so they said,” Neveran said, half smiling. “We lived through many of those, and we defeated many of them. They never stood a chance against our Shinkas, or against us. What’s more, I thought we’ve destroyed them all. There’s nothing out there for them to find. If they are out there, they are just wasting their time.”
“That is correct, my lord, but if you want to be thorough with the destruction of humanity, we should try to find every single one of them. We don’t even have to waste as much resources... will just deploy a seeker,” Shairra suggested.
“A seeker? Why stop there? Deploy five, or six, or seven. I want humanity destroyed. That’s the last of it,” Neveran said, fiddling with his fingers, getting impatient.
“Yes, my lord. It’s no problem... it will be done,” Shairra said.
“And what do you know about that damn beam? Is it going to get done anytime in this century? Or do I have to go and break somebody’s arm, maybe somebody’s head... What is it going to tak
e?” Neveran asked, intolerant.
“That’s a little bit more complicated, my lord. We don’t know much of how the beam works, and there’s always delay on things. But we can always pressure the engineers a little bit more to get it fixed. Leave that up to me, my lord. I’ll see to it that it gets done faster,” Dolam said.
“Good, good. Make it happen. If all goes as planned, we’ll have our mothership descending upon the planet in no time. Then, we will be the saviors our species,” Neveran said.
Back down in the containers, Rendeleor was awaiting news, any kind of news. He didn’t know what was going on with the outside world. But as long as Neveran was in charge, it couldn’t be anything good.
He stood up from the stiff bed once he heard footsteps coming. He was relieved once he saw that it was none other than Veridiam and Narendeo. Narendeo was one of their biggest asset and often the mind behind the Hackaram’s biggest setbacks.
“Veridiam, Narendeo… Is it safe for you guys to be down here?” Rendeleor asked.
“It’s as safe as it will ever be. You never know what will happen when there’s a megalomaniac in charge. The way things are going, safety is going to be the least of our worries. Neveran turned out to be the savage we all thought he was, maybe a little bit worse. The situation is not looking so good,” Veridiam said.
“Why? What happened? What is happening? Tell me everything,” Rendeleor asked.
“He… He tortured and executed twenty-two members of the Hackaram High Body first thing this morning. But that’s not the worst thing that has happened. He sent out that bitch of his, Shairra, with a medium-sized force. They destroyed seven of the human colonies nearest to us. They’re all gone. They did not leave a single human life,” Veridiam said as her eyes became watery.