by Jaime Mera
“Get on the ground.” One of the Soldiers commanded, but COL Galin stepped forward. “Stand down.” He looked at LTG Baxter. “General Baxter Sir, what Councilmember Ramirez is saying is true.”
“General, 24th Battery reports all of their weapon systems and Soldiers manning them are KIA by orbital laser beams.” A Sergeant First Class reported from across the room.
Estabon slowly got on a keen, but Gleeson was doing very well as she entered people’s minds showing them the truth about Estabon’s mission and the real enemy. Whatever they needed to know which was supplied to her by Estabon made convincing them easier than normal. Not everyone was won over though, but they had doubts. Two of the Soldiers bearing down on Estabon aimed downward and stepped back. The security detail leader looked around him then quickly aimed back at Estabon. “Get on your stomach.”
Gleeson was working on getting General Baxter to see what she knew, but he said nothing, even after she was done.
The distinct sound of another squad of Soldiers announced their arrival by storming into the room. “Put your weapons down!” CPT Orson screamed as he trailed behind SGT Jennings with their modified M4s trained on the Soldiers still pointing barrel muzzles at Estabon.
“What’s going on Brenda?” Baxter stood up seeing her Soldiers were siding with Estabon.
CPT Orson grabbed the M4 away from the security team leader not willing to lower his weapon against Estabon.
Estabon stood back up; turning toward Brenda.
“All of this has to stop. You know the surrender from President Dwyer is true and your hope that Israel will win against South America is foolish. So I’m taking command. Tell the units to leave their SP Howitzers and missile launchers now. South America will destroy them from space. In addition, I want Prime Minister Cherith on a conference call immediately.” Brenda said taking off her helmet, strolling back and forth along the front screens and tables.
Estabon looked at Gleeson, nodding in approval. Gleeson showed Brenda what she needed to know about their anti-nuclear protocol once a nuclear weapon was employed.
“You can’t do that General Weatherly?” Baxter weakly objected.
“Actually I can. We took an oath to uphold truth and justice for our Commander in Chief. President Dwyer has given the order and I am following it under his authority. General Baxter, you are relieved of command.” Brenda stood in front of him; controlling her ebbing rapid breathing.
SGT Jennings stood next to Estabon sizing him up. “Tim, you should get with Lieutenant Colonel Gleeson to figure out a security plan so someone doesn’t try to get Baxter back in power.” Estabon whispered and pointed at the female MP.
Jennings turned his head at the MP. “I will Sir, thank you.”
Brenda turned to the screen. A teleconference window appeared on the left flat screen next to the center situation tracking map. “Is the Prime Minister available?” Brenda sat in General Baxter’s old chair; as he vacated it led by two MPs to the back of the room.
“No. General Weatherly. He’s currently enroute to the Defense Center. This conference was not scheduled; is this an emergency?” Major General Halpert asked not having any indication it was an urgent message.
“Yes, tell the Prime Minister all US military units are surrendering to the South American 10th Armor Legion in accordance with President Dwyer’s declaration of surrender. Councilmember Estabon Ramirez is willing to accept your surrender if you agree to his terms which will prevent a full out invasion of Israel and further casualties.” Brenda turned to Estabon.
Estabon walked up to her reaching out with his hand and writing upside down on a paper in front of her; saying, “They will receive the terms in their inboxes and by fax, labeled Mideast Surrender.”
Brenda looked at the written paper and smiled, it read [You’re doing great].
“General Halpert, I need an answer immediately so we can start disabling our offensive capabilities.” Brenda said as Estabon got out of the way.
“Where’s General Baxter?” Halpert leaned forward in his seat. His short thick black hair parted in the middle but was misleading with forty years of service and many wars under his belt.
“I’m in charge now.” Brenda sternly gazed at him.
“I see… I will get you an answer shortly.” Halpert muted the conference on his end and stepped out of the camera’s view.
Brenda also muted her side and ordered the department heads to huddle around her. “I know many of you are wondering if we are doing the right thing. I assure you, fighting against South American benefits no one. So it’s time we stop the bleeding, and let them finish what they started. Call all of the units in and have them stand down, we need all personnel and weapons to be accounted for. If there are any issues get them to Colonel Hines.”
“Excuse me, but I thought you should know that once Israel agrees to the terms, Brenda and I will be leaving, so I recommend you put Colonel Hines in charge while my legion secures the nuclear capabilities. After that they will move back into Cairo to deal with the radioactivity and damaged areas from ground zero.” Estabon looked around the group of Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels and Sergeant Majors, stopping at Brenda.
Brenda looked at the familiar faces and then at the new faces with a glimmer of surprise in her eyes. “Well you heard Estabon. Colonel Hines will take charge, and I guess I will be leaving if all goes well.”
The group dispersed but soon the center focused their attention to Estabon speaking with Prime Minister Cherith. The building relaxed with mixed emotions as Israel officially surrendered to the Federation.
Estabon concluded the discussions with Brenda next to her. After the screen went blank he turned to her. “We can leave whenever you’re ready.”
“I have some personal things back at my TOC. Can we drop by there, first?”
“Of course, your security team will come with us.” Estabon turned his head towards SGT Jennings who walked up in front of them as they sat.
“Sir, may I ask where we’re going?” Jennings stood as if ready to fight a war all by himself.
“Tim, relax, take the helmet off.” Estabon motioned for him to have a seat next to him as he rolled his chair backwards.
“I’m good Sir. Thank you.” He stood his ground.
“You and Gabriela will get along just fine.” Estabon smiled. “We’re going back to your TOC, you can grab your belongings at that time. There’s an airstrip south of here; once it’s cleared we will be flown to a carrier. From there we will go into space.”
“You make it sound like it’s an easy thing to do?”
“Well it is as long as the fighter doesn’t blow up for many scientific reasons, but we have a good safety track record.” Estabon stood holding a hand out to help Brenda up.
They left the command center with an escort of five Israeli armored MP vehicles, complements of COL Galin.
“Excuse me Sir, Ma’am, but I take it there is more than a few days history between you?” Jennings asked as he sat in the front passenger seat.
“We spent two weeks together and fell in love; twenty-nine years ago.” Estabon held Brenda’s hand as they smiled at each other.
Jennings stayed quiet, looking at Moshe drive. With a confused look he looked back seeing Estabon smiling. “Who’s Gabriela?”
“Lieutenant Gabriela Bega is one of my twelve personal security guards.” Estabon casually replied.
“Oh.” Jennings turned back around thankful she wasn’t a daughter or something.
The movement to the TOC and airfield was uneventful, but the flight to one of the carriers in the Mediterranean was canceled.
The airfield was short, but it didn’t matter as they stepped out of the Hummer with a few bags. “Leave the weapons and combat gear here. CPT Orson, can you make sure the weapons return to a secure area. We will probably not be back to get them.” Estabon said as he walked in front of the group, facing the paved strip.
“Ma’am, it was a pleasure.” CPT Orson saluted Brenda.
“I’m going to see you later, so tell the guys I didn’t forget about the shooting competition.” Brenda saluted and graciously shook his hand, having already said goodbye back at the TOC.
“I’ll make sure we all don’t become strangers.” Estabon said as the roar of hypersonic Hawk fighters started to drown out all speech.
Six fighters circled the area, while four flew in, hovering above the strip no more than fifty meters apart. Similar to an F-35 Lightning vertical takeoff and landing, the Hawk fighter did it faster and taxied as if each wing tip had auto pilot parking sensors. All four moved quickly in front of the group and two Hummers.
Estabon smiled as he read everyone’s awe in being so close to the legendary aircrafts. They turned off their engines and the four pilots exited the cockpits. “You know this war is far from over?” Estabon turned towards Brenda as the pilots climbed down the ladders with large cargo bags.
“Yes, but now you know I will be waiting.” Brenda stepped forward embracing him tightly and kissing him deeply.
The pilots weren’t wearing helmets; vividly showing their identities. Gabriela’s light brown hair was tucked to her side. “Sir, as you requested.” She held two bags in front of her.
“SGT Jennings, this is Lieutenant Bega, you will be flying with her.” Estabon grabbed one pack and gave the other to Brenda. “Put the flight suits on.”
Jennings and Moshe took their bags and quickly dawned on the suits with the help of the other pilots. Estabon instructed Brenda as he led her step by step with his own suit. “How did they know the sizes before hand?” Moshe asked out loud.
“I told them.” Estabon replied.
The men watched in wonder as Gabriela told them he used telepathic abilities. In addition she taught them what to expect in the Hawk fighter.
“And you my love, you deserve to know so much more.” Estabon whispered as she stood all suited up in front of her personal space; Gabriela transferring what he wanted to show her, since he was a teen in the fifth grade class, up to the present.
The pilots took Brenda and the men’s personal gear; loading their bufflebags to their respective fighters. CPT Orson and his three Soldiers stood by the group wondering what was happening since they seemed to be waiting for Brenda and Estabon to stop staring into each other’s eyes.
Tears ran down Brenda’s cheeks as she breathed deeply. “I love you.”
Estabon smiled knowing now she knew his deepest love for her. “Always.” They kissed some more, with a satisfied audience.
“Okay, you ready for the wildest ride few people every experience?” Estabon whispered as he massaged her upper arms.
“Yes, of course.” Brenda smiled; Estabon led the way to his two seater tactical orbital transport fighter.
The Hawk fighter came alive without any outside noise coming into the cockpit. Estabon taxied away from the Hummers, speaking with the other pilots and reading the flight data. “Bren, you know we jam communications with music. But what you probably didn’t know is the music is chosen by the wing commander to represent a message for other pilots or the enemy.”
Brenda smiled as every word was crisp in her ears through the helmet; the helmet which waited on her seat when she entered the cockpit. “So Keep the Faith was a message for the troops on the ground?”
Estabon smiled as the fighter lifted off the ground rapidly moving at an angle, picking up speed. The directional nozzles locked into the zero degree setting allowing the craft to use its full forward potential. “Yes, and this one is for you.” Estabon swiped an icon and music started playing.
“She’s a Runaway.” Brenda smiled recognizing the Bon Jovi song, but instantly shut up with a forced inhale of oxygen and wide eyes as the fighter’s engines opened up hitting Mach 3 in fifteen seconds,
“UFS Andromeda, this is Hawk 1, returning home.” Estabon joyfully transmitted as he pushed the rocket boosters, swiftly and smoothly hitting Mach 7.
Chapter 19
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Joshua
UFS Tarsus, Stationary Orbit above New Zealand
Eduardo stood behind his Captain’s chair. The thick backrest was comfortably high as he rested his crossed arms on top with his chin on his forearm. The main screen showed a digital representation of a large area from the east and south coastline of Australia to Apex. The 17th and 8th Armor Legions were making ground just within an hour from the Capital. But the main focus was another nuclear explosion near the Fiji Islands the day before which caused for alarm. Estabon and Brenda were safe on the Andromeda, but with all the success, Eduardo mediated as the calmness was nothing but the eye of a hurricane. He sighed and casually walked around the bridge.
White glowing eyes followed his every move. “You know I was meaning to ask how you guys were able to create gravity inside these ships?” Quatris’ strong voice carried across from the back next to one of two entry doors.
Eduardo turned his head taking a mental note of the superhero standing tall with the internal systems console at his back. “Actually, you helped in that. We got information from the Argonians twenty years ago, which helped in some of our unique features for the starships, nine-tenths gravity is one of them.”
Quatris smiled, he had his arms crossed for a long time; simply waiting for everyone to ask him to save the day, but it was good to hear Eduardo pull one over on the Argonians. “You know they tried very hard for several millenniums to keep their existence and technology from falling into human hands. You and Creator seem to have blown all that out of the water in less than two decades. It’s a good thing John and Susan are in charge now.”
Alerts lit up and alarms sounded along most of the consoles. The main screen went blank for a moment, and then reappeared with a transparency of the mapping system as if it was made of glass and unit icons lay on top of it. Eduardo turned to the Captain’s chair, quickly sitting into it. “Bring up a visual of outside.”
The main screen view changed to the right screen. The center screen opened to the view of a bright green opaque glow covering the planet. The alarms were quickly turned off and the bridge crew of fifteen intensely managed their consoles. “Okay people we knew this would happen.” Eduardo turned a look at Quatris. “Now, what?”
“Now, you get all of your available forces to Apex and take out the energy projector. Rebecca and Lynda will aid your men if they can. Hopefully Creator and the Five Ghosts will also be able to do something before the Seer Spirits show up.”
“I youthful dreamsso long ago… I didn’t think it was going to change like this.” Eduardo sighed thinking their victory would have been sooner and with fewer casualties.
“If someone would have told me that man-made spaceships were going to surround the Earth in a World War and that aliens would employ doomsday weapons against all living creatures, I would have ignored them, because I always imagined the Earth was going to go in one big ball of fire.”
Eduardo looked at the superhuman in his black full body costume; a white star with many points in the center of his chest, rays extending to this shoulders and waist. His antimatter energy power was deceptive as he had the ability to phase through objects like a dark shadow and also create darkness in an area taking up the volume of the nine-by-twelve meter bridge. But that also was deceptive because he could at anytime destroy all of the planets in the system if he had an itch to do so.
Quatris walked up standing next to Eduardo’s chair, but turned to see the two addition personnel, Stargazer and Commander Sanchez entering the bridge. “I recommend you move your ships as far as possible from the field. It acts like an EMP if anything electrical comes in contact with it.”
“Sir, we can’t see or communicate through the field.” The navigator reported.
“Yeah, that too.” Quatris casually sighed.
A corner of Eduardo’s mouth curled up. “Commander Hobbs, tell the fleet to pull back past three thousand miles. Get me the Battlestar captains so we can see if our fighters can penetrate the field
and send messages to our ground forces.” Eduardo turned his head towards Quatris. “I assume you and other superhumans can go back and forth between the field without too much trouble?”
“Yes, but.”
“Yes, I know, you can’t go down there for long, in case a Seer Spirit shows up and we can’t tell you.” Eduardo turned back to see the main screen. “Stargazer, can you see through the energy field?”
Stargazer’s sandy blonde hair was sleek even after a coma for a few days, caused by impacting head first into an armored gunship. The superhuman was one of the Five Ghosts and now he was a detainee. He wore the South American black spacesuit making him blend with the rest of the crew, to include Quatris. Stargazer focused his vision, peering through the energy field with relative ease. “Yes, I can, why?”
“Because I need an answer right now if you can help us. If not, then Commander Sanchez can take you to your room, unless you want to go down there and look for your friends?” Eduardo coldly explained.
Quatris glared at Stargazer as if also waiting for an answer.
“You probably knew I could see through that field didn’t you.” Stargazer fixed his gaze on Eduardo.
Eduardo turned to face him. “I didn’t know, but hoped it would be true… Will you help us?”
Stargazer breathed in to relax. “What do you want me to do?”
“Rick, let Stargazer take your spot. Get another chair and help him find what we’re looking for. If things work the way they do, we should be able to still fire our weapons through the field. But don’t worry Steve; we try to only use our particle accelerators against non-living targets.” Eduardo used Stargazer’s given name, Steve.
Commander Rick Isol looked at Stargazer as he approached the seat. “So you’re Steve?”
“And you’re Rick?”
“Let’s get to work then.” Rick’s happiness came from Stargazer’s willingness to help them in a time of need.