by G. E. Stills
The Ingrid fired every beam weapon she had and launched all of her missiles at once. With the Ingrid between them, the Men-gar could only bring half of their beam weapons into play and they had to be careful not to miss the Ingrid or they would hit each other.
Even so, the Ingrid took hit after hit. She spewed atmosphere all along her kilometer length and soon became a twisted wreck. Her firing decreased, but so did that of the two Men-gar battleships. The Ingrid erupted into a fiery ball of plasma. The explosion spread and one of the Men-gar ships joined her, adding its flaming eruption to the Ingrid’s in a scattering ball of twisted metal and ionizing gases.
“Oh God,” Stella put her fist to her mouth. “Emilio. Oh God Emilio.” Tears trickled down her cheeks.
Stella watched the view screen. The remaining Men-gar battleship had sustained heavy damage as evidenced by her half speed attempt to distance herself from the flaming wreckage. Only two of the ships main engines appeared to be working.
The Captain of the Omaha calling, broke her trace. His voice was terse and she could tell he was keeping his emotions in check. “Captain Chavez is gone that means you are now in command, Captain Richter. Your orders?”
Stella jolted at the realization. Then her professionalism took control. “We will regroup at coordinates x5893. You and Captain Snider of the Cleveland meet me there. We still have a damaged battleship, and nine other Men-gar ships to deal with. Captain Richter out.”
I don’t much like our chances, but we have no choice, Stella thought.
“Captain,” Stella’s XO called her attention to the view screen.
Relief flooded through her at the sight of fifteen human ships entering the system. Moments later she received a call. “Captain Richter, this is Admiral Silva. I am unable to reach Captain Chavez. I need a status report.”
“The Ingrid has been destroyed, Admiral,” she began. Stella filled the Admiral in on the situation. She had just finished when twenty more human ships blipped into the system. Admiral Silva and the Admiral of the Eighth fleet took charge. The remaining Men-gar ships were hunted down and destroyed by the massive human force. The hours dragged by, but at last Stella was able to leave the bridge and go to her cabin. Shutting the door, she tossed herself on the bed. The loss of Emilio shredded her heart. She broke into tears.
****
As they traveled to the different batteries making certain all was ready, Becky couldn’t help glancing up into the sky often, wondering what was happening. She wanted to contact Captain Chavez, but knew he was far too busy to provide a status update to her. At least Ormel hasn’t been attacked. That’s a good sign, Becky consoled herself.
Her transceiver beeped the attention signal. “Lieutenant Commander Mitchell,” she answered.
“Lieutenant Commander, this is Captain Richter.”
Why is she contacting me instead of Captain Chavez?
“Go ahead, Captain Richter.” Where is Captain Chavez?
“I’ve been charged with bringing you up to speed on the current situation,” Captain Richter said.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Please inform General Pla’ton that his forces can stand down. There will not be any Men-gar invasion.”
Becky sighed in relief. “And the Men-gar?”
“Eliminated. I’m certain Admiral Silva or Admiral Thomas will be in contact with you soon to update you completely on conditions. Right now they’re busy clearing the system of remaining Men-gar.”
It seemed Captain Richter was being evasive so Becky pointedly asked. “Why hasn’t Captain Chavez contacted me?”
There was a moment of silence before Captain Richter spoke. “He’s dead.”
Becky collapsed on the ground heavily.
“The Ingrid has been destroyed with all hands,” Stella went on. “So has the Drumm, although there were a few survivors that escaped before she blew up. The Vancouver suffered extensive damage, but we’ll survive. I’m aware you and Captain Chavez were friends and didn’t quite know how to break the news.”
“Thanks, Captain,” Becky managed.
“I have to go now, Lieutenant. I need to oversee the repair of my ship. We’ll soon be in orbit over Ormel.” Stella broke the connection.
Pla’ton stood looking down at her. “Everything okay, Becky?” he asked.
“Yes, no, yes as far as being bombarded from space, that threat no longer exists. Your forces can stand down. Ormel is safe.”
From the expression on his face, Pla’ton, saw her ashen look.
“And what was the cost of insuring our safety?” he asked.
“Heavy. Very heavy, but it has been paid. The Ingrid and one other ship have been destroyed. Some of the other defending ships took heavy damage.”
Becky’s transceiver buzzed for attention. “This is Lieutenant Commander Mitchell,” she answered.
“Becky?” a female voice boomed from the radio.
Becky’s dismal mood receded slightly at hearing Gina’s voice.
“Gina?”
“We’re here, Becky. Joren and I are here. I’ve been hearing you’ve had a rough time. I’m sorry. We’ll be down on Ormel soon to visit. I can hardly wait. I have to go for now and finish up out here. Becky, I love you. Gina out.”
“I love you too, sis. Becky out.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Becky woke, turned her head and gazed at the wonderful man sleeping next to her. I think I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. Sighing she rolled out of bed and naked, she padded from their bedroom to the kitchen to start the coffee brewing. Their apartment located on the twelfth and top floor of a new building built on the outskirts of Meingarth was luxurious beyond her wildest dreams. Plush carpeting in a number of pastel shades spread throughout their ten-room home. The kitchen was equipped in the manner she wished to include several items built to her specifications and formerly unknown to the Mistia people. Soft comfortable furniture filled each room.
“Nothing is too good for my sweetie,” Pla’ton had told her, “and the people of Ormel love you too.”
With the coffee brewing, she retreated back into the bedroom and headed for the shower. When she finished she pulled on shorts and slipped on a top. With a cup of coffee in hand, Becky strolled out on the balcony. She seated herself at a table on the balcony and gazed out on the city below. The view of Meingarth was magnificent. In the distance was the military base where she worked. The early morning air was comfortable, but it promised to be another scorcher as the day progressed.
Pla’ton joined her with a cup in hand.
“Damn there’s something about a man in uniform that just gets me super hot.” Becky ran her tongue over her lips in emphasis and let her gaze travel over him suggestively.
“I better be the only man in uniform that gets you hot, my little Teelan girl.” Pla’ton laughed.
“Oh yeah.” She smiled at him. “You definitely get me hot and you’re all I need.”
Pla’ton cleared his throat. “Behave. Some of us have to work today. Are your instructors going to have the new workers trained in time?”
“Yep, we’re running right on schedule. When the new factories are finished, the graduates will be ready. In a few weeks, two more factories are set to open and another one will begin production in orbit. Good news too, I was just informed that decontamination of Orliation is nearly complete. Soon we’ll be able to spread our expanding operations to that continent.”
“That is good news. I’m still in awe at the changes that are taking place here on Ormel.”
“Then you aren’t regretting having we humans for friends?” Becky teased.
“I married a human, so perhaps I’m not the best one to ask.” Pla’ton winked. “But I haven’t heard any complaints from the people I encounter each day either.”
“Good.” She pointed at his cup. “More coffee, hon?�
�
“Not for me,” he answered, “I have to go work soon.”
As if on cue they heard the whump whump of helicopter blades approach and land on the pad of the roof above them.
“My ride is here,” he said.
Becky frowned. “Are you certain it’s okay for me to take the day off?”
He smiled. “You’re indispensable as my assistant and military coordinator, babe, but I think we’ll survive one day without you. Your sis will be here at any time.”
Becky rose from her chair, her cup in hand and strolled toward the glass doors that led into the apartment. “Thanks for saying I’m indispensable, love.”
“You are.”
She slid the door open and blushed at the wolf whistle behind her.
“Have I told you lately,” Pla’ton said, “I love you. I also want to say that you look scrumptious in those tight shorts and scanty top. I love looking at those fantastic legs of yours. I never tire of having them wrapped around me.”
Becky felt her cheeks heat more. “Stop, hon, you’re doing things to me. Wonderful delicious things that are best saved until you’re home for the day and we can have this conversation in the bedroom.”
Chair legs scraped and Pla’ton followed her inside. He headed for the front door. Becky set her cup on the counter and followed him. After opening the door, he turned and they kissed. She stood watching him walk down the hall. He pressed the elevator button and when the doors opened, Gina was in the car.
“Morning, Gina.”
“Morning, handsome.” She hugged him briefly. “Damn, you look smart in that uniform.”
Pla’ton stood at the elevator and waited until she had embraced Gina before saying, “You girls behave today. I’ll see you later.”
“Ah do we have to behave,” she said to him and Gina chuckled beside her.
“Remember your image, babe. Miss Prim and Proper.”
“Boy, if she presents that image, she has the people around here fooled,” Gina said.
Pla’ton was still laughing when the elevator doors closed.
“Come inside, sis,” she said to Gina. “Coffee?”
“I’d love some.”
She poured a cup for Gina, refilled her own and the two of them took seats on the balcony. “I still find it hard to believe,” she started, “that a year ago Pla’ton and I were getting ready for Ormel’s invasion.”
“Yep, a lot can happen in a year,” Gina said.
Becky shifted to a more comfortable position in her chair. “There is a small, but growing army of robots here now. The Mistia people are beginning to realize just how valuable they are. The robots work every day all thirty hours.”
“What about this disturbing new tactic the Men-gar are using of infiltrating a civilization before they attack? You know they’re making promises they have no intention of keeping, sis. It’s just not their way.”
“I know, but they may be able to dupe some of the civilizations out there into believing their lies. Pla’ton and some of his advisors have come up with a plan. We’re going to do some infiltrating of our own when we encounter a similar situation. Volunteer Mistia agents are training even now.”
“Excellent. Pla’ton is a good man.”
Becky batted her blonde eyelashes before answering. “I know.” She then asked, “Joren?”
“He’s fine,” Gina answered. “Sends his love. He had to stay up above today. He’s overseeing the newest addition to one of the space factories.”
Reaching across the table, she took Gina’s hand. “Do you miss the Slayer? Do you miss being the captain of a ship?”
“I’d be lying if I said no. I do miss it. At the same time, I’m so happy to be here near you.” Gina snorted. “I still smell Aunt Blaise and Aunt Kat’s work all over my new assignment. When I last saw her, Aunt Kat said she had it on good authority that I wouldn’t be ship’s captain for long. I just didn’t know how brief that time would be.”
Becky choked on her coffee. “Well you can’t get much higher authority than the first old lady herself. Anyway, I’m happy you’re here. So what’s the latest from above, Colonel?”
Gina laughed at her new title. Colonel and ship’s captain were the same rank. Changing her designation was a lateral change in rank. Being called Colonel saved confusion on the part of their Mistia allies. Her new duties were helping organize the new Mistia fleet. “The Mistia have five cruiser class ships so far. When the factory Joren is overseeing today is complete we’ll start making the first Mistia battleship.”
“Wow, that’s fabulous.”
“Becky you and Pla’ton have to come up and visit. See the addition to our apartment up there.”
She couldn’t miss the twinkle in Gina’s eyes. “Addition?”
“Nursery. Oh, Becky, I’m so excited. I’m pregnant.”
“Pregnant!”
“Yep. Aunt Kat worked her wonders again.” Gina laughed.
“Well congratulations, sis. When are you due?”
“In six months. Of course that is just a guess since the pregnancy term for Mistia women is eleven months and our baby will be both Mistia and human.”
“Well then, Pla’ton and I will certainly come visit. Joren, Pla’ton and I will drink in celebration and you can have some plain juice.”
Gina chose to ignore the plain juice part of Becky’s sentence. “What about you, Becky. Any plans to make Pla’ton a father?”
Becky grinned and gave Gina a sly wink. “Maybe. I just happen to be scheduled to visit Teelan in a couple months.”
The End
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thank you to my always supportive friends and readers.
THE EVE OF DESTRUCTION
THE GENERATIONS OF TEELAN
BOOK FOUR
By G.E. STILLS
This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, duplicated, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior written consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictitious and are products of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual events, or locales or persons, living or dead are entirely coincidental.
Cover by:
Gary Stillman
Edited by:
Elizabeth A. Lance
Text Copyright © 2015 G.E. Stills
All rights reserved.
Published by
Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing, LLC.
Dedication
To my wonderful readers and my fantastic lit family.
CHAPTER ONE
Sue’lean viewed the human woman laying the table in front of her. Nerve blocks, although not preventing her from feeling, kept her from moving so much as a finger. Only the woman’s eyes were able to move. Her wide-open blue orbs glared up at Sue’lean in defiance.
Reaching out, Sue’lean brushed her hand through the woman’s silvery locks. “The mind probe was a success. You have provided much information. Thank you. It’s too bad your boyfriend was able to suicide before we could probe him.”
Sue’lean thought of what they had learned from the woman. Not as much as we would like. I feel certain we could have gotten much more from her boyfriend. As they perfect the mind probe machine I’m sure we will learn more from other prisoners.
She knew the probing process had been painful for the woman. She did not care. Only the obtaining of her knowledge was important. Often the woman had experienced seizures that required them to pause for a short time until they went away.
“Well, dear, our time together has come to
an end.” Sue’lean stepped to the wall above the woman’s head and pressed a button. A metal door swung open and the table trundled inside. The door closed issuing a faint click. Sue’lean pressed another button beside the first. Not even the heavy metal door could completely eliminate the terrible screams of the woman as she was slowly roasted alive.
Sue’lean tuned and retreated from the room knowing that when the incinerator cycle was complete the only remains of the woman would be powdery ash. Strolling down the hall, she left the building. Ground transport took her on the short drive to her quarters. Locking her door, she disrobed and viewed herself in the full-length mirror. The reflection that stared back did not resemble her true Men-gar self.
Injected pigmentation had changed her alabaster white skin to a golden tan. Surgically attached irises of hazel color covered her violet eyes with their elongated pupils. Shoulder length, blonde hair with blue streaks had been attached to her normally bald head. It was the only hair on her body. Men-gar were hairless.
Sue’lean grazed her hand above her stomach where her extra set of breasts had been removed. Not even a scar remained to mark their previous location. Although not outwardly visible, her muscles had been altered so that she was now three times stronger than her norm. Her five-eleven height was short for a Men-gar. Sue’lean sighed. For as long as she could remember, she had been ridiculed for her short stature. It will be nice to look eye to eye. Even look down on some.
She turned to view herself from behind. Her body was flawless. Pretty to human eyes. Sue’lean is dead. I must start thinking of myself by my new name. Naa’dia.
Crossing the room, she dressed in a pantsuit, slipped on her shoes and picked up her single bag. With a last parting glance at the room where she had lived for a year, she closed the door behind her and left. The waiting ground car rushed away and after a short drive, pulled to a stop beside a waiting military shuttle. The tall military dressed officer escorted her quickly to the shuttle lest someone view her in her new form. She took a seat and he signaled the pilots to take off. An hour later the shuttle eased into the landing bay of a battle-cruiser. The officer ushered her across the vacated bay into the waiting human spacecraft.