The Ammagan Invasion of Earth: A Chronicle of the Quest to Save Earth from an Alien Invasion Force

by TJ Viola

  The output shot past 100 percent and maxed out at 325.

  Yolan stared at the display. “How is that possible?”

  Zeiss brought up an image on his quantum microscope of a monolayer chip set. “I synthesized a new high electron mobility material and developed an improved heat transfer mechanism to prevent the circuit from overheating.”

  “Impressive,” Yolan said as she activated Zeiss’s holographic console. She brought up a rotating image of Grillion, and then zoomed in on an uninhabited part of the planet.

  “I’ve also made progress on my assignment. I searched our planet’s technical archives and found old plans for biospheres. They are self-contained, underground living domes used in our planet’s early space exploration program. The concept was abandoned with the development and deployment of androids.”

  Zeiss had read about biospheres years ago and liked the idea of integrating one into a shielded underground cavern, but he had concerns.

  “Once an Ammagan probe enters our solar system and detects our abundant natural supply of uranium, it will try to determine the threat level we represent. There is no doubt the probe will scan the databases and archives of our neurocomputers and detect any unusual activity—the construction of an antiquated, underground biosphere would raise suspicions.”

  “I thought of that. I can tap into existing construction projects, order several 3D fabrication systems and the raw materials we need. We can then use our molecular transporter to have the supplies materialize in the cavern for construction of the biosphere. These items will be reported as excess or lost inventory for each project.”

  “What about an unusual heat pattern in a remote part of the planet? The biosphere will need an exhaust vent for proper air circulation.”

  “The cavern I’ve selected is in close proximity to several hot springs. The biospheres’ exhaust will be undetectable.”

  “It sounds like you’ve thought of everything,” Zeiss said as his aura emitted a warm glow.

  “If I did not know better, I’d say you’re patronizing me. There’s a whole host of unanswered obstacles.”

  “If we try to anticipate and resolve every potential problem, we will never begin. It’s time to get started.” Zeiss put his hand on Yolan’s shoulder and gave her a gentle squeeze.

  Yolan stepped back, surprised. Studying Earthlings was having a profound effect on them both. Physical contact had long been abandoned on Grillion.

  *****

  Using Yolan’s methodology, Zeiss had Thorig, the Council leader, arrange for a factory to assemble forty androids and five mobile 3D fabrication robots from excess inventory and recycled components that failed quality testing, thus eliminating any record of their existence. Once in Zeiss’s possession, he repaired any defects, programmed the androids with the schematics for the biosphere, and teleported them to the underground cavern selected by Yolan. The actual biosphere was built with an assortment of raw materials, ranging from metals to ceramics, feeding the three-dimensional fabrication mobile robotic machines that were capable of lining the interior of the cavern and working in unison to construct the infrastructure needed to sustain life.

  Prior to construction of the biosphere, the underground cavern was lined with a camouflage material impervious to electronic scanning. Once construction was completed, Zeiss reprogrammed the androids to operate and maintain the biosphere, including his telepathic time-travel equipment—in case of an unforeseen emergency.

  While the biosphere was under construction, Yolan commenced scanning Earth using the enhanced transmitter without success.

  When the biosphere was fully operational, they transported the time machine.

  “Yolan,” Zeiss said, early the next morning. “It’s time to leave for the biosphere.”

  “What? Now?”

  “This lab is about to have an industrial accident. It will be reported that we perished in the explosion. The transporter is on standby.”

  “Wait, I need to return home to deactivate my personal android and make arrangements for my belongings to be put into storage.”

  “Did you not understand that you signed on to a secret mission? Taking such action would indicate you planned an extended trip, raising suspicions.”

  As Yolan scrambled to grab what few personal belongings she had brought to the lab, the master neurocomputer announced a countdown to detonation. Seconds flashed on every holographic console in the lab, filling the room with an eerie flashing orange glow—60, 59, 58 . . .

  Zeiss stepped into the transporter. “Yolan, we have to go. Once started, detonation cannot be stopped.”

  Chapter 7

  The Biosphere

  Z eiss and Yolan were greeted by an android as they materialized in the biosphere’s transporter room. Zeiss had stepped in front of Yolan to block her view of the android.

  “Sir, everything is prepared for your arrival. I hope you will find your quarters satisfactory.”

  “Are all systems operational?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Yolan stepped out from behind Zeiss. “Mylo! What are you doing here?”

  “Since you know my name, I assume you also know that I’m the Master Android. My primary duty is to assure the safe operation of the biosphere and to assist in the successful completion of your mission.”

  “Mylo, deactivate until I give you another command,” Zeiss ordered, as he turned to his stunned assistant. “Since your personal assistant would have been decommissioned, following the news of your untimely death, I took the liberty of commandeering Mylo and reprogramming him to oversee the construction of the biosphere.”

  “Why doesn’t he recognize me?”

  “You have been purged from Mylo’s memory banks. He’s now a critical member of our team.”

  “Wouldn’t his absence be suspicious?”

  “The authorities will assume Mylo was helping you at the lab.”

  “You should have told me.”

  “I wanted it to be a surprise.”

  “More of a shock.”

  Zeiss turned back toward Mylo.

  “Mylo, Yolan and I will be meeting in the control center in an hour. We would like you to participate in our planning session.”

  “May I inquire as to the topic?”

  “How to best achieve our primary objective.”

  “I will be prepared, sir.”

  Yolan walked over to the android. “Mylo, do you need to sound so formal? I find it annoying.”

  “That is regrettable. It is how I am programmed and necessary to gain the respect of the other androids. As you know, the continual evolution of artificial intelligence has made us capable of independent thought, so aside from their basic programming, the other androids will obey my orders if they perceive I am superior in every way, including my speech pattern.”

  Zeiss led the way to their quarters. “Have you adjusted to our circumstances?”

  “I was aware of our isolation, just not when it would start. I regret my initial reaction.”

  “It is understandable. Mylo has been with you since you emerged from the birth incubator. I will see you in the control room in an hour.”

  As they parted for their quarters, Zeiss called her back.

  “I thought you might like to have this,” he said, as he handed her Mylo’s original memory cube. “Be careful, Yolan, you know the law prohibiting emotional attachments of any kind, especially with androids. How did you get away with not turning him in for a new model when you reached maturity?”

  “I have my ways.”

  “You care to elaborate?”

  “Maybe some other time.”

  *****

  “Sir, in preparation for this meeting I analyzed your objectives and strategic plan and have concluded the probability of success is infinitesimal,” Mylo said. “To be precise, one in 1.7307689 billion. It will be thirty-nine generations before Earthlings have fully functioning telepathic ability.”

  “Thank you, Mylo, for that obvious asse
ssment, but what I expect from you is how to increase the odds of success, however small.”

  Yolan noticed that Mylo’s demeanor changed ever so slightly, as if he were annoyed at Zeiss’s rebuke—a reaction she had never seen in an android, but one predicted by scientists as artificial intelligence reached increasing levels of self-awareness.

  “Mylo, aside from your projected probability, is there a flaw in our approach to communicate with an Earthling?” she asked.

  “I have tested the thought-time transmitter and it is fully functional with the ability to target Earth and scan through the decades. Also, sending and receiving transmissions using our subterranean base on Earth will be effective.”

  “So, it all comes down to finding a human with an appropriate cerebral mutation,” Zeiss said. “We don’t need our subject to have advanced telepathic ability; we can enhance their receptiveness with equipment in our Earth base.”

  “Sorry, sir, I’m afraid it is a bit more complicated.”

  “Explain.”

  “I have studied your grandfather’s notes and publications. He cautioned against taking knowledge from the future and bringing it into the past for fear it would alter the future in unpredictable ways. The same concern exists if you use the past to alter the present.”

  “We understand that risk. The question is how can we minimize any negative consequences?” Yolan asked.

  “In the unlikely event you contact a human with the ability to receive thought transmissions, it would be wise to give them the knowledge needed to prepare Earth for an intergalactic invasion in an evolutionary manner.”

  Zeiss and Yolan looked at each other and laughed, which to a human would have looked unrecognizable as their colorful auras intermingled, knowing that they had already contacted an Earthling, proving that the evolutionary mutation process for thought communication had already begun. Unfortunately, that human was too old and feeble.

  “Mylo, what are you recommending?” Zeiss asked.

  “If the Earthlings evolve the capability to defeat an invasion, the unintended consequence on the future of the Universe would be less dramatic than if you simply gave them the capability.”

  “What do you base that conclusion on?”

  “If Earthlings suddenly had possession of advanced weaponry, their natural tendency, based on their history of violence, would be to conquer the Universe. Whereas, if they develop the technology gradually and if they sensed a threat that accelerated the development of defensive weapons, the probability of aggression is less likely but certainly not altogether eliminated.”

  “You do realize the implication for those of us manning this biosphere?” Yolan asked.

  “Of course. The Earthling needs to be in the age range of ten to thirty-five since it will take twenty to thirty years to develop the necessary technology. It is fortunate that you have a four-hundred-year life span—you are giving up a mere ten percent to save Grillion.”

  Yolan’s aura dimmed to a dark gray. She had hoped they could limit the time required in the biosphere precisely by giving the Earthling the technology needed. Zeiss, recognizing her distress, ordered Mylo to begin transmitting a signal.

  “We will continue in the morning and decide if we need to bring others into the biosphere. In the meantime, Mylo, based on your analysis, we should restart transmitting in the year 2020 and work forward, since the Ammagan invasion of Earth took place in 2060.”

  “What message should I transmit?”

  “‘Hello, Earthling’ should get a reaction. But before you begin, scan the time machine’s archives—we have located an Earthling with telepathic ability. Unfortunately, he has a birth defect that has confined him to a wheelchair. Otherwise, we could make contact during his youth. His name is Michael O’Malley.”

  “I had assumed if you had made contact with an Earthling, you would have mentioned that fact before now. Rather than starting over, I will construct Michael O’Malley’s family tree and attempt to make contact with his descendants. It is possible that they also have the necessary cerebral mutation. You would have to be incredibly unlucky for that not to be the case.”

  “Let’s hope I’m not. Our very survival, and that of Earth, depends on our success.”

  *****

  Mylo had worked through the night communicating with the androids in the Earth base to gather information on O’Malley and his lineage. He greeted Zeiss and Yolan as they entered the control room.

  Mylo waited until they were seated.

  “I have methodically researched Michael O’Malley’s lineage and have reached a conclusion.”

  “Good news, I hope?” Yolan asked.

  “A prediction at this point would be meaningless. Michael O’Malley has one son, Philip, a brilliant engineer who works for Earth’s military complex.”

  Zeiss sat up straighter in his chair. “That sounds interesting.”

  “It would be if he were younger. Given that we don’t know how long it will take to develop appropriate military defenses against the Ammagans—it would be too risky to use him even if he had telepathic ability, unless he were our only option,” Mylo said.

  “You tried communicating with him?”

  “I did, but there was no reaction. There is, however, a grandson whom we should contact at age fifteen, in the year 2030. It’s interesting to note that his father and grandfather worked together developing advanced propulsion systems for the American Space Agency.”

  “Why fifteen?” Yolan asked.

  “It gives us time to help him develop the skills he will need to save his life. He was being bullied at school and, as a result, had an unfortunate incident that took his life.”

  Zeiss stood. “Have you confirmed that he has telepathic abilities?”

  “I thought it more appropriate for Yolan to attempt contact,” Mylo said. “His reaction would be more unpredictable than an adult human, and since Yolan has been scanning Earth for a few years, she would know how best to communicate with an Earthling child.”

  “I don’t think using him would be wise,” Yolan said to Mylo. “If we come up with some way to save his life, we would make a significant, abrupt change in Earth’s history.”

  “That’s true, but given he lives in the most advanced and powerful country on Earth, where the Ammagan invasion starts, and the fact that his father works for the military, the probability is high that he would be in a position to influence Earth’s defenses. In several more years of scanning, you may find another human with the necessary telepathic ability, but depending on other factors, it may not be sufficient to change the course of Earth’s future. There is also the fact that the probability of the Ammagans’ discovering our existence increases with time. In my judgment, we have to go with him.”

  Zeiss asked Yolan to turn on the Thought-Time Machine. “Why are we wasting time on a hypothetical discussion? Mylo, give Yolan the coordinates and let’s try to make contact.”

  Yolan entered the coordinates and was about to transmit, when she turned to Mylo.

  “What is his name?”

  “Danny O’Malley.”

  After a few minutes, Yolan announced she wanted to think about how best to make first contact, and suggested they contact Danny in the morning.

  *****

  Zeiss had retired to his sleeping pod when Yolan reversed her decision and decided to locate the Earthling Danny in 2030, the year Mylo had recommended. She felt the need to make first contact when she was alone, but she did not transmit a message since it was in the middle of the night on Earth and Danny was likely in a deep REM sleep. She adjusted the coordinates with her brain waves to interact with Danny at a more opportune time and transmitted a brief message. Seconds before her thought waves reached Danny, she shut down the transmission. The enormity of the journey she and Danny were about to embark on filled her with doubts that she had sufficient understanding of Earthlings’ emotions and archaic behaviors to influence Danny’s development at such a young age.

  Grillions had l
ong ago been purged of the desire for physical contact and relieved of the burden of child bearing and raising children to maturity. It was deemed as discriminatory that women had to take on the bulk of the responsibility thus limiting their opportunities in society. Equality and gender neutrality were driving forces in their culture that ultimately dictated government policies and scientific research. It didn’t take long after scientists came up with the ability to manipulate the genome that society gravitated to designer babies, conceived and grown to gestation in government-controlled facilities. The final step to dehumanization occurred shortly after the development of lifelike androids. Each crop of newborns was assigned their personal android responsible for rearing them to maturity in isolation in order to have absolute control over their mental and physical development. When released into society, they were assigned a new android to break any bond that may have been formed.

  Manipulation of the natural order didn’t stop with equity among the sexes. Intellectual superiority was deemed equally unacceptable, which led to intense research into ways to unlock the full potential of the brain so that no child had an advantage over another. Within a few generations, cerebral evolution accelerated in unexpected ways as new crops of babies communicated telepathically and had total control over their physical well-being, eradicating sickness and endowing them with regenerative capabilities that eliminated natural death. Society had been transformed to such an extent that it had become difficult to distinguish between an android and a Grillion.

  Even though Yolan had reviewed two years of archives documenting the culture of Earthlings, she felt inadequate to the task, until she recalled the moment months ago when she touched Zeiss’s shoulder in an effort to calm his agitation over making contact with an Earthling that was too old and feeble to transform Earth’s military capability. That touch was an Earthling gesture, as was Zeiss’s reaction. She realized observing Earthlings was indeed having an effect on them both. Recalling the sensation of that simple gesture made her eager to work with Danny, so she could understand the source of the pleasure she had felt.