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

by TJ Viola

  “I found Mr. O’Malley to be an excellent student and, as he has proven, capable of greatness.”

  Danny couldn’t believe his ears and neither could Tony. She continued to praise Danny, assured the inquiry panel that he and Crystal had indeed invented cold fusion, and that she personally counseled them on the science fair project. She went on to state it was one of her proudest moments as a teacher. With her last statement, Danny thought he understood her motivation; this was her chance to grab some glory and he wasn’t going to contradict her testimony.

  After her statements, Tony was cut out of the inquiry, as the other committee members asked questions about the Gaser and the benefits such a device would provide.

  “Commander O’Malley, the government isn’t interested in space weapons. We have enough issues facing us; we don’t need to look to space to find more,” joked the senator from California.

  “I agree, Senator; however, it sounds like someone has misinformed this committee. The Gaser has been a part of the Star Wars initiative for many years; unfortunately, it has been underfunded. The Gaser would be the ultimate missile defense system and could virtually eliminate the threat of nuclear war. I might also add, several other countries have been funding similar research for many years and, believe me when I say, it wouldn’t be in the best interest of democracy for the Gaser to fall into the wrong hands.”

  This got everyone’s interest and the questions came fast and furious.

  “What makes you think you can invent the Gaser, when so many have failed?”

  “How long will it take and at what cost?”

  “How can we be assured you won’t give the technology, after it’s developed, to other nations? You do have a reputation for bucking the system!”

  Danny came across confident and answered all questions to the committee’s satisfaction. After an hour of closed-door discussions, the continued funding for the development of the Gaser was approved, nine to one.

  Mrs. Fitzgerald stayed until the results of the meeting were announced and upon hearing the outcome, left the chamber room.

  “Mrs. Fitzgerald,” Danny called. He rushed to catch up to her, just outside the building. “I want to thank you for your support, but to be honest, I was surprised.”

  She smiled at him and took hold of his arm. As Crystal caught up with them, she put her arm around Crystal’s shoulder. “Let’s go for a walk.”

  She directed them to a small park across the street from the government buildings. After a few minutes of silence, Mrs. Fitzgerald spoke, as if in a trance.

  “I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on the night of the science fair. I was furious, but also vindicated. I made sure everyone knew that I had rejected your ridiculous science project proposal and that my decision was overridden by my peers. I actually got several of them fired. But as the years passed, I realized you and Crystal actually did invent cold fusion and I almost prevented one of the greatest discoveries of all time. I’m just glad I got the chance today to redeem myself.”

  Danny and Crystal couldn’t believe what they were hearing. All these years they had held a deep resentment toward Mrs. Fitzgerald, while she was suffering such pangs of guilt.

  “Mrs. Fitzgerald, I’m the one who owes you an apology. I should have shown you more respect. You were a great teacher and I had no right to behave the way I did. All I can say is I was under a lot of pressure and dealing with difficult personal issues.”

  “Just tell me one thing,” Mrs. Fitzgerald asked. “How did you pass my math test? I never did believe your father’s explanation, but on the other hand you did become a genius overnight.”

  “I misled my dad to his conclusion, and you’re correct, I didn’t use sleep learning.”

  She stopped walking and turned to face Danny, waiting for an explanation.

  “I’m sorry, I can’t tell you now, not because I don’t want to, but because you wouldn’t believe me. Nobody would. But I promise, someday I will explain everything when the time is right.”

  Mrs. Fitzgerald smiled at them both, nodded, and slowly walked away. Suddenly, she stopped, turned, smiled, and transformed into Danny’s twin.

  “Rolo!” shouted a shocked Danny with a look of total disbelief. “Was that you at the hearing? Where is Mrs. Fitzgerald?”

  “Oh, she spent the afternoon with Bounce. By now, she probably believes she invented cold fusion and I doubt she will ever try to testify against you again.”

  “How did you do this? Why did you do it?” Danny asked.

  “I ordered them to intercept her,” Yolan said. “We needed to make sure your work continues. If she had testified, Tony would have totally discredited you and Crystal.

  Both Danny and Crystal were confused; such a direct involvement violated their original agreement with Yolan and Zeiss.

  “We thought you couldn’t get directly involved. This seems pretty direct to me.”

  “This is how we are going to proceed from now on—you are no longer alone. From now on we’re all working together.”

  Danny should have been pleased with this new development, especially since his funding was renewed, but he was still frustrated by what had just transpired.

  “Why did you let this charade continue after the meeting? I was really starting to like Mrs. Fitzgerald.”

  Both Yolan and Zeiss turned to each other and laughed.

  Yolan said, “We don’t have absolute control over Rolo and Bounce any longer, and they do have a human-like sense of humor.”

  Chapter 29

  Mutiny

  Z ucan was true to his word. The scientific community of Grillion focused all of its technological resources on finding a solution for the Ammagans’ long-term survival. Zucan personally oversaw the research, approved all scientific proposals, and reviewed project results. He met regularly with Muglar and his science officers to provide progress reports.

  Muglar was pleased with the cooperation received, not just from Grillion, but throughout the Universe. He felt his strategy of coercive cooperation was working to the benefit of Ammag. His current approach had increased the intellectual brain power focusing on Ammag’s survival a hundredfold. However, in all his travels and interactions with different galaxies and species, he believed Grillion had the highest potential for finding the elusive solution Ammag sought.

  Once Zucan had taken personal responsibility for the effort, the cooperation increased dramatically. In addition, Zucan’s approach was structured; he started with establishing a base of information on which to build a solid, scientific foundation. Muglar found this approach reassuring; however, there were those in his command who were adamantly opposed to providing Zucan with such detailed information about the Ammagans’ physiological makeup. Doran, who was Muglar’s second-in-command, was the most outspoken and often confronted him on the subject.

  “Commander, how do you know Zucan isn’t trying to find some weakness in our physiology that he could exploit to his advantage?”

  “We don’t know for sure, but all the intelligence we have gathered about the Grillions indicates they are a peaceful race. They have had defensive superiority over their neighbors for centuries and never showed signs of aggression, until they were directly threatened. As long as we honor our commitments to Zucan, I don’t believe we need to fear them.”

  “I disagree. We should invade Grillion immediately and force them to cooperate. Then, we will know for sure they will never pose a threat to our people.”

  “Let me remind you, Doran, that is the approach we used for years and what did we accomplish? Nothing, absolutely nothing! At least now we have a chance of finding an answer—if one exists.”

  A variation of this debate went on for months and Doran remained unconvinced. In fact, his concerns grew as Zucan’s knowledge increased, and he secretly communicated his concerns back to Muglar’s opponents on Ammag.

  The forces against Muglar mounted and gained more influence with each passing year. Doran’s defiance finally erupted int
o open conflict when Muglar agreed to submit himself to molecular analysis as part of Zucan’s efforts to understand the Ammagans’ physical and biological processes. Zucan was primarily interested in understanding how Ammagans processed the radiation from uranium to sustain life and how Muglar was able to regenerate a seemingly unlimited supply of radiation to nourish his body.

  The initial experiments involved setting up a small community with a radiation grid similar to those used on Ammag. Several Ammagans lived in the village, while all their bodily functions were being remotely monitored and analyzed. The initial findings were astounding, not only to Zucan but also to Muglar. The Ammagans never developed medical diagnostic capabilities because there were no illnesses on Ammag. Their bodies were self-healing and regenerative so there was no need to develop a wealth of medical information. There was an aging process that was accepted as normal and necessary for the health of the planet. Death was as natural as birth and was a painless and graceful process.

  The analysis conducted by Zucan confirmed that every Ammagan needed to maintain a constant amount of radiation absorbed in their bodies at all times. As a child, the radiation absorption contributed to growth and vitality since all the radiation was used efficiently by the body and converted to heat, which was then absorbed by the cells as nourishment. When an Ammagan reached maturity, the conversion efficiency of the cells began to decrease and the aging process accelerated. The study concluded that if their bodies were unable to maintain the required radiation levels, the aging process would increase dramatically. Another interesting finding was that the Ammagans lost a significant amount of their absorbed radiation when using their radiation rays. This explained why the radiation grids depleted faster than their computer models had predicted, especially since children’s games that required the use of their radiation rays had become popular. Doran was certainly correct, such knowledge of their physiology could be used to the detriment of the Ammagans, and, even with the best intentions, this information would eventually become common knowledge throughout the Universe.

  The results of Muglar’s tests were the most puzzling and valuable to the future survival of the Ammagans, because once understood, a possible solution could emerge. The body suit that Muglar’s body absorbed when his new space ship was commissioned enabled him to maintain a constant amount of radiation but at significantly lower levels. At these reduced levels, however, he was stronger and had much more vitality than the average Ammagan. In addition, he was able to maintain his required amount of radiation without access to the grid. Apparently, the material absorbed by his skin interacted with his metabolic system to recycle his cellular wastes back into radiation. This created the equivalent of an internally generated reactor that maintained his required radiation energy levels. The only barrier between Muglar and immortality was the loss of radiation when he emitted radiation from his infrared sensors. Such a loss would become permanent since his level of absorbed radiation was lower than normal. This would then cause the onset of rapid aging and, most certainly, death if he didn’t have access to a radiation grid to resupply his body.

  These findings were a new revelation to Muglar. Fortunately, he always maintained connection to a source of radiation, even though he was under the mistaken impression that it wasn’t necessary. He just didn’t want to be constantly reminding his crew that he was different.

  “Zucan, do you realize that if the future unfolds the way you foresee, you probably just saved the life of the one responsible?”

  “As I said before, Muglar, I believe the future is in constant flux, since life isn’t preordained.”

  “I don’t know if our actions are predetermined, but the one thing I know to be absolute is that all species in this Universe are predisposed to mutual destruction.”

  “I don’t understand how you can still maintain this belief after having encountered our civilization. You have said yourself that you are amazed that we haven’t used our natural and developed capabilities to dominate others.”

  “Zucan, how easily you deceive yourself. Tell me that you’re not contemplating some action against the Ammagans.”

  Only silence filled the room as they looked at each other.

  “The only reason you live in harmony with your neighbors,” Muglar continued, “is because you don’t feel threatened or covet what they possess. If you did, your actions would be the same as everyone else. Zucan, we all have the same universal flaw.”

  Zucan was forced to look inside to find an honest answer.

  “It strikes me as ironic that you, a victorious warrior, are desperately looking for peaceful means to assure your civilization’s survival, and I, a peaceful leader, am contemplating what has always been unthinkable.”

  “Let’s hope it never comes to that, because only a few, like us, have the ability and the will to counteract the forces generated by such a universal characteristic defect.”

  It was time for Muglar to return to his duties, but before he departed, he wanted to understand how Zucan planned to continue his research.

  “Tell me, Zucan, now that you have completed your initial analysis, what are your next steps?”

  “It appears to my research teams that we only have three choices: find a new form of life-sustaining radiation, find another source of your wondrous material, or change the past and rediscover its source.”

  “Change the past—I wish it were that simple,” Muglar said.

  Upon returning to his vessel, Muglar summoned Doran for an update on his progress toward finding Zeiss.

  “Commander, we have been unable to uncover any trace of Zeiss or his assistant; however, we have determined that not everyone who disappeared is a scientist. During the first year of Zeiss’s disappearance, other prominent professionals also had unfortunate accidents. It their past, Grillions have developed advanced biosphere capabilities; with such technology they could be anywhere. We can only conclude that the Grillions are directly violating the conditions we imposed, and the actions we must take are very explicit.”

  Muglar responded, “Of all the planets we have encountered, Grillion is showing the most promise and is certainly cooperating with every scientific field at their disposal. We have already destroyed one planet that held the solution to our needs; let’s not be so foolish to repeat the same mistake.”

  “Commander, Zucan is deceiving you. On one hand, it appears he is working in earnest to help and, on the other, he is concealing the whereabouts of Zeiss and the nature of his work. He is also gaining knowledge that could be used against us. I urge you to act and to act now!”

  “Doran, this is my decision and it’s final; keep looking for Zeiss and keep cooperating with their scientists. Now, send me the latest reports from the other outposts. I’ll be in my quarters.”

  Doran felt summarily dismissed, but took solace in the fact Muglar would soon regret treating him as an ignorant underling.

  Muglar returned to his quarters deep in thought and disturbed by Doran’s boldness. As soon as the entrance to his sanctuary isolated him from his fellow comrades, he noticed a priority personal message waiting to be viewed. It was from Zard, his trusted friend.

  “Commander Muglar, I regret that I have grave news to report,” Zard stated in a serious and somber mood. “The forces against you have been steadily mounting and have reached such a state that I fear for your life. Your second-in-command, Doran, has been sending communiqués to the opposition leaders indicating you have lost your nerve, as well as your resolve. I’m afraid, my friend, your time is short. I’m sure you have your reasons for not punishing the Grillions for their betrayal of your policies, but such inaction has given Doran the ammunition needed to take control of your command. May the gods of Ammag be with you.”

  Muglar had a restless night and decided to go on the offensive and remove Doran from his post. Upon entering the control room, he was immediately surrounded by six enforcers who were taking orders from Doran.

  “What’s going on, Doran? You know usu
rping your commander’s vessel is punishable by death.”

  As he spoke, Muglar looked at every one of his officers directly, causing them all to turn away from his gaze, one by one.

  “Yes, Muglar, we know the military code of conduct and none of my officers would violate the oath they took. Your commission has been rescinded due to your incompetence.”

  “On whose authority?” shouted an enraged Muglar.

  His anger was building; he knew his best action was inaction until he could determine if he had any loyal members among the crew.

  “On mine and my father’s!” Doran responded. “We are preparing to launch an invasion upon Grillion. This was your responsibility and since you are incapable of leading, I have taken command as required by our military code. The code, I might add, that was written by you!”

  Doran turned to the enforcers and ordered them to place Muglar under arrest and confine him to his quarters. As they escorted Muglar away, he contemplated his options. He could easily overpower his guards, since they were no match to his enhanced strength, speed, agility, and close-combat experience, or he could accept his fate and deal with the outcome. He chose the former and waited for an opportune moment, which came as they entered a narrow corridor, forcing his escorts to fall in line two abreast. They made their second inexperienced error, allowing him to be in the lead, leaving all his guards in the rear. Their first was to leave his hands unrestrained.

  Muglar moved ahead of the lead guards, turned, and grabbed each by their breast plates. As he lifted them in the air, he smashed their helmets into the metal ceiling and then dropped them to the ground. While the next two guards were overcome with the shock of seeing their comrades’ lifeless bodies on the floor, Muglar pinned them to the side walls and catapulted himself feet first at the last two guards, catching them both in the face with a wicked kick of his steel-plated boots. Having disposed of his guards, he raced down the corridor to the transporter room.