Up ahead, a massive barricade is slowly lowering, closing off the entrance to a parking garage, their destination.
“No!” Akardy shouts in frustration as he slams the accelerator to the floor once more.
The car lurches forward, its tires leaving great slabs of rubber behind, as they dissolve in the corrosive atmosphere. Akardy fights to keep the car running straight, but struggles as something in the front end of the car is clearly broken. The roof of the car scrapes the lowering slab as they pass through, the impact pushes the car down, causing the weakened tires to explode. Driving on the shredded remnants of the tires, he guides them down a spiral ramp. The car side-swipes the concrete barricade on the driver’s side as they slide out of control. They hit hard, but regardless, continue forward and down. Sparks fly out from behind the car as they grind along the concrete.
Two levels down, the green gas is barely noticeable. They realize with excitement that they are outrunning it. Akardy keeps his foot planted firmly on the gas pedal as they continue downward, sliding along the concrete barricade.
Three more levels down, they pass beneath another massive barricade, then crash headlong into the rear of a parked limousine. Akardy grabs his suit’s head piece, then orders, “Run for that door, and don’t look back.”
Lisa and Johnny exit the car, then run clumsily in their suits, toward an open door. Akardy’s door is hopelessly jammed shut. He crawls out the passenger side, then opens the trunk, cautiously avoiding the peeling paint. He grabs a backpack, slings it over his shoulder, and then follows the pair.
Akardy gets inside, slams the door shut, then says, “Keep running, I expect that they will be sealing the complex any second now.”
Lisa and Johnny rush down the short passageway, then abruptly stop at an elevator. Lisa frantically stabs the single button over and over with her finger.
Seconds later, the elevator doors open. Lisa steps inside and is baffled when she sees that they are on the lowest level. Akardy presses a sequence of levels in quick succession. The elevator begins to lower.
Lisa stares out through her hazmat suit’s face shield, surprised by their descent. She stares upward, imagining the strange green gas following them.
Johnny picks up on his mom’s nervousness, and stares around fearfully. He feels claustrophobic for reasons he cannot explain. He then recalls the day he discovered the zero-g room on the Terran, and how he only figured out how it worked once he relaxed. He takes a deep breath, then says, “It’s okay mom, we’ll make it.”
The elevator stops with a slight bump, then its doors open. The three of them run as fast as they can down the dimly lit corridor. They arrive at a door without a handle. Akardy immediately begins pounding on it.
Seconds later it opens. A pale faced woman instructs, “Relax, I heard you.”
“Relax!” Akardy shouts, “The attackers have released a corrosive gas. If we don’t get to the isolation section, we will all perish.” He pushes past her, then slams the door shut behind them.
The woman stands back, then with a huff, walks down the passageway.
Lisa begins to take her suit’s helmet off, then abruptly stops at Akardy’s warning expression. Instead she grabs Johnny’s hand, and follows the other woman. A few moments later they hear a clamor from up ahead. They enter a large room filled with people all trying to talk over each other.
A man dressed in a laboratory coat is standing on a chair in the center of the room. He is waving his hands, attempting to get everyone’s attention. Akardy evaluates the situation, drops his backpack and removes his head piece. He takes out a handgun which was concealed in his clothing. He aims it down the passageway they just exited, and pulls the trigger.
BANG… BANG… BANG
The gunfire echoes loudly around the room. Akardy puts his gun away, then as people stop talking, and nervously turn to him, he declares, “You had all better listen up! We’re under attack from an alien force. The Gamin attempted to warn us, and I even saw one of their ships destroyed, presumably trying to rescue people.”
The room remains deathly quiet as Akardy continues, “The attackers are using some sort of gas, so, we need to get to a secure area, and quickly.”
The man wearing the laboratory coat shakes his head as he speaks, “That’s what I have been trying to tell these people. The main lab is sealed, and they won’t let us in.”
Akardy’s face twitches as he replies, “Oh, they’ll let us in, or they’ll die. I will see to it!”
People fearfully back away from Akardy, the tone in his voice sounds even more dangerous than his weapon. He picks up his backpack, then strides toward the center of the room.
“My name is Scott,” the man in the lab jacket states meekly as he steps down from his chair. “It’s this way.” He adds nervously.
Location:
Space Station Unity
Earth
Gustav has finished his sweep of the space station, and glances around to make sure everyone else has left. He strides onto the final shuttle, offers a supportive smile to the people already on board, and then takes his seat next to the pilot.
She turns to him and says, “Buckle up.”
Gustav casts his gaze over her slender frame, jet black hair, and grey eyes. He clasps his harness, then questions, “Angela?”
“Ah ha.” She replies as she speedily taps on his console, launches the shuttle, and flies them out of the station’s hangar deck.
Gustav nods in appreciation at her skill and says, “I remember now. You were number one in your class, weren’t you?”
BOOM
The explosion from the space station is blindingly bright. Seconds later a powerful shockwave strikes the shuttle, propelling them off course.
“Yes,” Angela replies through gritted teeth as she fights the shuttles urge to tumble into Earth’s atmosphere.
Gustav blinks as black spots obscure his vision. He peers out his side window, and frowns when he cannot see the space station they just left. It has been completely destroyed.
Angela motions to an object in the distance as she fearfully states, “They’re destroying the Gamin satellites as well.”
Gustav casts his gaze over as much of the scene as he can. Countless numbers of small space fighters are flying around the larger Gamin spacecraft. Both sides are relentlessly firing weapons at each other. The smaller craft are also maintaining an impressive defense screen, protecting three massive spacecraft. These space-carriers look like long cylinders, with hundreds of holes encircling their width and girth.
She points to an area of sky over Southern Europe and says, “Will you look at that!”
They watch as eight massive Gamin craft converge, and succeed in eliminating all of the Atlan fighters in the area.
Gustav beams as he replies, “The Gamin are winning!”
Angela frowns in annoyance as she reads her instruments, “The craft we’re supposed to board keeps changing its heading.” She taps on her console, accelerating their shuttle faster and faster.
A few moments pass before she has the rear of the Gamin craft in her sights once more.
Gustav stares fearfully ahead at the open ramp they are approaching. He glances to the side, and immediately sees an Atlan fighter bearing down on them. He cringes as the fighter fires its energy weapon. Amazingly, the shot misses the shuttle. He glances back to the Gamin ship as the Atlan fighter overshoots them. He smiles as he realizes that they will be inside, before the fighter can swing around for another shot. The smile on his face freezes when he turns back and sees a mammoth spacecraft arriving. Its size defies comprehension. It hovers over Earth, well behind the Gamin craft, and yet, is still larger than them, creating what appears to be an optical illusion. The dimensions of the craft confuse his eyes, making it appear to be much closer than it actually is.
The new arrival immediately fires hundreds of weapons, and launches vast numbers of fighters. A glow emanates from the craft’s hull from the intensity of its weapons fire.
Gustav tries to rationalize the craft’s size. He casts his gaze at the array of vessels that he can see from his vantage point. He reflects on what he knows of the various craft. The mainstay of the Gamin fleet is some three kilometers long, and almost one kilometer wide. The craft that landed in Manhattan was almost three times that size. He cranes his head and counts four craft which meet that criteria. Regent Voknor’s flagship is easily double the size of them. He finds a Gamin flagship off in the distance, then scrutinizes the newest arrival. He shudders; it is easily twice the size of the Regent’s craft. That thing has to be thirty kilometers long! Impossible!
The space fighter who missed them a moment ago surprises the pair. It has already turned around, and is firing at them. One shot strikes the side of the shuttle, instantly vaporizing a massive section of armor, and knocking them off course. The energy beam almost breaches the cargo area, making the occupants nervous.
Angela silences an alarm as she states anxiously, “Another hit like that, and we’re goners.”
Gustav cowers as the open ramp rushes at them. He glances back toward enormous craft and watches as streaks of multicolored lights fill his view. The Gamin fleet are engaging their main drives, and leaving.
“Brace yourself!” Angela shouts loudly.
The shuttle clips the ramp, which is closing, then slides to an inglorious stop on the hangar deck.
Angela lifts her shaky hands off the console and says, “That was close. They were going to leave without us!”
Gustav considers the massive craft he witnessed, and then says, “I don’t blame them. It was looking like a touch and go battle, until that new ship arrived anyway.”
“What do you think will happen to Earth?” She asks, then she gazes down as she realizes how senseless the question is.
“I think we can thank the Gamin for our lives, as should all they have rescued.” Gustav replies seriously.
She nods her head in agreement, and says, “Shall we meet our rescuers?”
Gustav leads the group of eighteen down the ramp. The alien atmosphere is unexpected, and causes many of them to stop and gag. The heavier gravity also surprises some of them, a few trip and stumble. He glances around and spots at least twenty Gamin in the hangar area, along with seven shuttles, presumably from Space Station Unity. A handful of people huddle near each shuttle. Notably, some of the Gamin who stand nearby are armed with rifles of some sort.
A tall Gamin strides up to Gustav, hands him a small device, then points to his ear. While Gustav examines the small earpiece, the alien hands more out to everyone in the group.
Gustav places it in his ear and immediately looks up dumbfounded. He can hear the conversations of the Gamin in the area as clearly as if they were speaking in his native German language. The sensation is odd, as he can also hear the untranslated alien tongue in his other ear.
The tall Gamin strides back to Gustav and says, “Your people will stay in this area, for now. If any of your kind requires medical assistance, we will attend to your needs.”
“I understand, and thank you.” Gustav replies sincerely.
The Gamin stares down at Gustav for a moment, then says, “I do not know why my Regent risked our clan to aid your kind. I would not have.”
Gustav blinks fearfully, then glances around warily. He notices more Gamin arriving, and these are armed as well.
The Gamin’s gaze is steadfast as he continues, “I obey my Regent, in all things. You are safe, my word is my bond.”
Gustav lowers his gaze as he replies in a subdued tone, “Thank you again.”
The Gamin barks out instructions to those around him, “We do as commanded! Tend to their needs!”
Gustav watches as the taller Gamin strides away. He is glad that whoever the Regent is, he is not that particular one. He turns to Angela, and the others in the group, they are all wrinkling their noses at the thick, foul smelling, atmosphere they are breathing. His nose itches, as does his throat, from the alien air which is causing him to cough lightly.
Angela walks around the shuttle and whistles when she sees the damage the alien fighter did to it. If it were not for the layer of Gamin plating, they would be dead now. As it is a massive area is missing, exposing the thin wall to the rear section. She pokes at it, and shudders when it flexes inward.
Mother Russia
Location:
Moscow City
Russia
Igor glances at the time as he puts the phone down. He gathers his wits, then slowly rolls out of bed. He is careful not to disturb his mistress as he hurriedly gets dressed. He rushes to his study, picks up the desk phone and dials. He taps the desk restlessly as the phone rings.
The second it is answered, Igor quickly speaks, “Pavel, I just got a call saying that we’re about to be attacked.”
“What?” Pavel replies sleepily as he wipes his eyes.
Igor continues, “I was advised to go to a rally point where a Gamin ship is going to land.” He glances at his watch and says, “I will pick you up in ten minutes.” He hangs up before Pavel can reply, grabs his jacket, and then walks toward the door.
Pavel stares at the phone in disbelief for a moment, then puts it down. His adrenaline immediately kicks in, fully waking him. He rouses his wife, Liliya, “We must leave, now!” He states forcefully.
She blinks groggily, then obediently climbs out of bed as she asks, “You’re serious?”
“Yes. We have no time to pack, Igor will be here any moment.” Pavel responds.
Liliya has always known that her husband’s position created many enemies, but she never really thought that they would have to leave the house in the dead of night. She gazes around the room with a defeated gaze, then dresses.
“Hurry!” Pavel urges as he hastily throws a few items into a travel case.
The pair rushes outside, then waits. They immediately regret not grabbing gloves, and rub their hands together to keep them warm. The sidewalk is covered in a layer of fresh snow, and the only footprints in it, are theirs. Pavel glances around, then hurries back inside, where he grabs gloves and thick coats for both of them.
Igor pilots his shuttle with skill and ease, now grateful that he took the time to learn how. He spots Liliya, who is stomping her feet, and lands the shuttle on the road. He notices Pavel rushing out from the house, his arms full of clothing.
As the pair enter the shuttle, Igor states apologetically, “Apologies, I was delayed. This is Freya.”
Freya smiles sheepishly, she has only known Igor for a few months, and never expected to meet his friends.
Pavel smiles at Igor and says, “You Sir, are in danger of being a good man.”
Igor shakes his head as he replies, “Well, our mad dash was for nothing. I just got word that the Gamin craft are leaving.” Igor powers the shuttle down as he relays the depressing news.
An alien fighter streaks overhead. It fires what appears to be a lightning bolt at a nearby building. The impact causes the brickwork to explode, raining debris all over the sidewalk. The craft banks left and right as it seems to fire randomly at buildings and vehicles alike.
Pavel sighs, then suddenly has an epiphany. “Kliper!”
Igor shakes his head, “It’s nowhere near finished.”
“Better than to sit here and wait to be shot at!” Pavel counters.
Igor gazes through the forward view. There are now seven or eight alien craft flying and shooting as they meander across Moscow’s skies.
Freya puts her hand on Pavel’s arm and says, “Russia will survive, it always does.”
They all watch fearfully as one of the alien craft turns, and heads straight for them. Its weapon fires relentlessly, blowing holes into buildings, and destroying cars and trucks with each shot. Unexpectedly, the craft turns down a side street, and disappears from sight.
Igor turns to Pavel and says, “Kliper?”
“We have nothing to lose my friend.” Pavel replies.
Igor powers the shuttle up, then flies at maxim
um speed toward the Ural Mountains. He is pleasantly surprised when none of the alien craft follow them. This surprise turns into curiosity, and then uneasiness as the alien craft continue to ignore them. He frowns when yet another alien fighter passes them, and does not fire. He grins excitedly when hundreds of Russian aircraft streak past, pursuing the single craft.
Igor turns the shuttle to get a better view, and says, “I have to watch that little bastard get his.”
Pavel grins as he replies, “What are the odds? Two-fifty to one?”
“Easily!” Igor replies in agreement.
The alien craft turns, then in seconds, eliminates the pursuers. Both men feel a chill as Igor turns them back toward the Ural Mountains. The alien craft catches up to them, then flies alongside them for few moments. Everyone aboard the shuttle expects to die any second, but instead, the alien fighter accelerates away, to confront another squadron of Russian aircraft.
Pavel’s jaw drops as he shares his thoughts, “We have no weapons. We’re not even fun to kill.”
Igor adds his own depressing thoughts, “Or they consider us dead already. Look at that mist in distance. I seriously doubt that’s a good thing.”
They all gaze ahead at an expanding green cloud. The gas seems to hug the terrain as it flows out from some unseen source.
Igor’s face twitches nervously as he checks their trajectory. He glances at Pavel, then adjusts their heading to avoid the mysterious gas. They fly in silence as more gas clouds become visible in the distance.
Freya leans forward, and then says with distress, “The gas is coming from the cities!”
Initiation Series: Series One Compilation (Terran Chronicles) Page 138