Earth II - Emergence

by Ray Jay Perreault

  “Earth II – Emergence”

  #EIIBk4-Emergence

  Written by

  Ray Jay Perreault

  “Earth II-Emergence" Copyright © 2019 by Raymond J Perreault

  All rights reserved.

  This book is protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or other unauthorized use of the material or artwork herein is prohibited.

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  Disclaimer: The person, places, things, and otherwise animate or inanimate objects mentioned in this novel are figments of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to anything or anyone living (or dead) is unintentional. The author humbly begs your pardon. This is fiction, people.

  Introduction

  It is funny how a good series can take over the author’s life. When this story started, it was about SIMPOC an intelligent computer. One thing led to another, and the story has just kept building and taking on a life of its own. Sometimes I get frustrated that I can’t write fast enough.

  Oh well, enough on the woes of being an author. I hope that you enjoy this continuing story. If you want to fill in the parts leading up to this, please check out the two Virus Novels, and preceding Earth II Novels.

  This is the sixth book in the series, and I expect that the series will end with the seventh and final one. I don’t like series that go on forever. I want to tell a complete story, not continue writing, just to sell books.

  Ray Jay Perreault

  http://rayjayperreault.com

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  Other Interesting Works

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  "I loved this book."

  "I thought the battle scenes later in the story were great."

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  “All four stories are imaginative and original with a kicker and a twist, in the tradition of Asimov's and Analog.”

  “If you are a fan of science fiction or short stories, I recommend giving this book a try.”

  Table of Contents

  Introduction

  Please Provide Opinions

  Other Interesting Works

  Table of Contents

  Saturday, October 28, 2051

  Sunday, October 29, 2051

  Tuesday, October 31, 2051

  Wednesday, November 1, 2051

  Thursday, November 2, 2051

  Friday, November 3, 2051

  Saturday, November 4, 2051

  Sunday, November 5, 2051

  Monday, November 6, 2051

  Tuesday, November 7, 2051

  Wednesday, November 8, 2051

  Thursday, November 9, 2051

  Friday, November 10, 2051

  Saturday, November 11, 2051

  Sunday, November 12, 2051

  Monday, November 13, 2051

  Tuseday, November 14, 2051

  Wednesday, November 15, 2051

  Thursdy, November 23, 2051

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  Key Characters and Terms

  EPILOGUE

  About the Author

  Books By Ray Jay Perreault

  Contact Information

  Saturday, October 28, 2051

  The Chevesky Control Room

  Joan had to take a moment and think. The battle with the attacking Terest had occurred so fast. Her ‘moment’ to think was one breath.

  “SIMPOC, are the sensors operating?”

  “Some of them are operating. I’m scanning the area and Commander Herl’s ship.”

  Joan hated to wait, but she was forced to wait a little longer as SIMPOC used the ship’s sensors to investigate her husband’s ship.

  “SIMPOC was there any indication the Terest were coming?”

  “There was no indication. We were having a peaceful meeting with the Izod, and the situation should have been low risk. It is true that we knew of the antagonism between the two races. In hindsight, we should have assumed that the Terest would be suspicious of a meeting with their enemy.”

  “What a mess, we meet the first alien race in our history, then when we are meeting the second race, the first race attacks us,” Joan said as she felt like putting her head in her hands. “The human race was almost wiped out by an alien virus, and now we’re in the middle of a war between two other alien races.”

  “Joan, as the saying goes, we’ve been dealt a hand, and we must play the cards the best that we can. I feel that you are taking the necessary steps,” SIMPOC reassured her.

  “Thanks, SIMPOC. Are all of the sensors up?” Joan asked.

  “Yes, they are online now, and I am not sensing any life forms onboard the Commander’s ship.”

  Again, Joan had to take a deep breath; then she screamed: “Is he dead?”

  “I am sensing neither an active life form or residual infrared emissions.”

  “What?”

  “He is not there,” SIMPOC responded.

  “Look, I’m getting tired of these cryptic responses. What the hell is going on?” Joan asked. “SIMPOC you are the most advanced computer ever created on Earth, but I need answers.”

  “I’m sorry, but I’ve been answering your questions. The vessel is intact, and without an infrared signature, I can only conclude that Tom isn’t on board. I have also tried to contact Alpha, and I have received no response. Considering both pieces of information, I can only conclude that Julius has taken them. If Tom lost his life in the conflict, there would be a minor infrared signature. Also, the remnants of Cow-Robots around the ship indicate that Julius attacked them.”

  The sound of the name Julius sent a chill up her back and caused a sick feeling in her stomach.

  “SIMPOC, send a Beta unit to Tom’s ship and see what happened.”

  “Alpha may not have been able to protect them?” Joan asked with a slight waver in her voice.

  “Alpha is programmed for protection, but he is also programmed to make logical decisions. There is no indication that he was destroyed, so he may have reached a conclusion and course of action that isn’t evident to us.”

  Joan hated to accept SIMPOC’s conclusion, but it made sense.

  “You think that Alpha might be functioning and maybe Tom is still alive?” Joan asked hopefully.

  “That is a logical conclusion. Alpha would have protected Tom if it was the logical action. If there is no sign of Alpha’s wreckage, then it is a logical co
nclusion that Tom is still alive, and Alpha is with him.”

  “Thanks, SIMPOC. I believe you, and thanks for trying to make me feel better.”

  Curious, how presenting a suggestion that has a small chance of being true, can make a human feel better, SIMPOC thought.

  “SIMPOC, can we pinpoint Julius’ jump point and follow it?”

  “Yes, I have located the coordinates, and at the proper time, we will be able to follow. I should point out, that there are reasons that make locating him difficult.”

  Joan didn’t want to hear them, but she had to, “What are they?”

  “We are now caught in a conflict. Following Julius may put Earth at a disadvantage. Also, once Julius reaches another system, he will have the opportunity to exit through other jump points. Each system that he jumps to will increase his options by an unknown order of magnitude. Unless we follow him immediately, he will quickly have more options to escape, than we will have to find him.”

  Joan decided that he was right. She didn’t want to hear any more answers. “Okay, we stay here,” she said with resignation in her voice.

  Joan had to stop and put the last few moments in perspective before she moved on. They were talking with the Izod who had come to her ship. Then out of nowhere, a Terest ship appeared. It might not have been intended as a suicide mission, but that’s how it ended up. Likely they didn’t account for Tom’s ship. Regardless their attack was effective, even though they were destroyed. They were able to destroy the Izod ship.

  For the humans, Joan’s ship survived, but Tom and Alpha apparently were captured by Julius. That was the variable that surprised everyone and was foreboding for Earth’s survivors. Julius could appear at any time and attack.

  Two for the price of one never is a smart trade, Joan thought painfully.

  Joan took another deep breath and looked around the control room; it appears that we’re under control, she thought.

  Joan turned and remembered the Izod, who were trapped on the Chevesky. They were standing in the corner of the control room, talking in their language. She became sensitive to the fact that they had lost their entire ship and crew.

  How should I approach them? She thought, not knowing how an alien creature would deal with that type of loss.

  “SIMPOC, can you understand any of what the Izod are saying? I don’t know how they are reacting to the attack.”

  “They are debating many items. They don’t know us, so they are reluctant to trust us. They are also concerned that the Terest might attack again, and there is stress in their discussion which might be attributed to the loss of their ship and crew. I suggest that you build a rapport with them. Once we have their trust, we can make progress on other subjects.”

  Joan took a deep breath and approached Izary, the leader of the group. She spoke slowly so the Izod handheld translator could keep up, “Izary, I’m sorry for the loss of your ship and crew. Should we expect another attack from the Terest?”

  “Commander, it was unfortunate that the Terest followed us into your system. They found both of us, unprepared. In our last encounter with them, many of our sensors were damaged. It appears that the Terest have been following us since our last battle and were able to enter your system behind us.

  The Terest attack with multiple ships, trying to gain the advantage. We were attacked by a solitary ship, which is not their typical tactic. It would be unusual for them to attack us again; immediately after the last one.”

  “Immediately?”

  “Their high command knew the route their ship was following as they trailed us. They must have suspected that we jumped here to meet with you. They will soon learn or at least surmise that their ship was destroyed. Perhaps, they are unsure of your strength. Losing a ship so suddenly will cause them to plan their next move much more conservatively. Also, they aren’t sure what we have discussed, that will cause them to pause until they have a better understanding.”

  Izary conferred with his shipmates for a few seconds then he continued, “It was unfortunate that our ship was lost. Our crewmembers will be missed; we have been together for a long time.” Izary paused for a moment then asked, “Captain, who arrived after the Terest and attacked? That ship appeared to be the same type of ship as yours?”

  Joan wasn’t sure how much information to divulge, but after losing a ship, the Izod deserved an answer.

  “Izary, the attacking ship was the same as ours. We think that an adversary of ours commanded it. We have a strained relationship, and the attack was unexpected at this time, although we aren’t surprised. We don’t expect another attack soon.”

  Joan realized that she left out a bunch of information, but it was necessary. Izary seemed to accept what she told him and moved on. There was no reason to tell him that another intelligent computer similar to SIMPOC was roaming the Universe and carried a grudge against SIMPOC and the surviving humans.

  “Commander, at least for the near term, we are trapped in this system. It will be a while before a ship can come to us.”

  “Izary, will your people follow you?”

  The instant she asked the question, she sensed that he tightened a little and took a moment to phrase his answer.

  “Commander, my people are at war with the Terest. There is a great deal going on, and they will act cautiously. We are but one crew among many.”

  It was clear, that was all she was going to get out of them; for the moment.

  “Izary, if we can provide transportation can you navigate back to your system?”

  “Yes, we should be able to,” he responded. “Although, we seem to travel with different technologies. I must assume that we can find common methods.”

  “SIMPOC, Beta-1 can you work out a path with Izary’s help?”

  “We should be able to,” announced SIMPOC.

  “Can we provide anything for you, as you may be with us for a while?” she asked.

  “Yes, if you could provide some nourishment?”

  “Certainly, this Beta Unit will work with you, and we’ll try to simulate something that you’ll enjoy,” Joan said as she nodded towards Beta-4.

  Joan, I suggest that you send a message to Earth and let them know what has happened, pointed out SIMPOC through his shared connection with Joan’s embedded alien processor matter.

  I agree. I’m going to send it from Dr. Shappel’s area. Please stay here with our ‘guests,’ she responded silently.

  Acknowledged, SIMPOC responded telepathically.

  “Izary, please excuse me, I have business to attend to. Bob, please join me in your area,” Joan said to Dr. Shappel.

  Bob didn’t respond but briefly glanced at SIMPOC and their alien guests. Then he turned and followed Joan to his laboratory area.

  As soon as they had passed the pressure door, Joan spoke as they crossed the hallway.

  “Bob, what do you think?”

  “Captain, I’m not sure which is the bigger problem. We met one alien race than when we met the second the first one attacked us. And, oh, by the way, SIMPOC’s twin who turned into a rogue supercomputer named Julius just appeared out of nowhere and attacked us. Aside from that, it’s been a great day.”

  Joan was feeling the stress. All of Dr. Shappel’s comments were true, but there was a large part of her that was sick from the stress. She didn’t know what had happened to Tom. His ship was powered down, and what did SIMPOC mean by not seeing any residual IR? The sickness would continue growing in her stomach until the Beta unit sent to Tom’s ship sent back some data. But she had to focus. She might be at the beginning of an interplanetary war, and Earth’s fragile situation put it in grave danger.

  “Joan, we’re caught in the middle. You talked with the Terest; now we’re talking with the Izod. They are at war, and now we’re in the middle. One of the Terest ships was destroyed, and we blew it up. Even though they were attacking, who’s at fault usually gets lost in these things. We lost almost the entire Earth’s population due to an unintentional alien virus, and if t
he Jakeel didn’t give us all of these spaceships and robots, we’d be irrelevant.”

  “Yes Doc, but we are relevant. The Jakeel gave us hundreds of spacecraft and thousands of robots. That makes us relevant. Now we just need to use them properly.”

  Bob Shappel could do nothing but nod in agreement.

  “What about the Izod?” she asked.

  “Good question. Are they on our side or just their side? It’s apparent that we can’t, or shouldn’t, trust either side. Just because the Izod were here, when the Terest attacked, doesn’t mean they are on our side. We have to remember, the Terest might not be the evil ones,” responded Dr. Shappel.

  “Good point, we are caught in the middle, and I suspect that we need to develop some alien diplomatic skills very quickly,” Joan pointed out as they entered Dr. Shappel’s workspace.

  “Doc, I want to send a message to Earth, but I need to think for a moment.”

  “Sure, I’ll check the Comm gear for any damage.”

  Joan sat and passed a message to SIMPOC through their shared link.

  Have you finished with the Beta-Prime unit on Earth? Joan asked.

  Yes, I took Beta-23 who had the most relevant experiences with humans, and I upgraded his processor. The process is complete, and he is working with my staff on Earth. After what happened here, we’ll need a unit with his abilities with the President. He will be designated Beta-Zero.

  That’s great. If we head off across the Universe, the President will need a unit with your skills. Did I hear correctly, that you’re upgrading other Beta units to be similar to him?

  Yes, I’m trying to get our support units organized. It is not efficient for me to be everywhere and attempting to control everything. Beta-Zero will assume my role for the President and Admiral Hagerly. He will also be responsible for the Beta-Prime units which have been assigned to each of our spacecraft. On each of our craft, the duty Beta units will report to the Beta-Prime on that craft.