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

by TJ Viola

  *****

  Danny called his team back together to perform a battery of tests, which confirmed they had indeed invented the Gaser. It was evident from these tests that they still had significant development to complete before the Gaser would be a useful weapon. The destructive power was certainly unprecedented; however, to maximize the weapon’s usefulness, the Gaser output would need to be controllable over a wide range of intensity.

  Rolo and Bounce led the research efforts to develop a Gaser with variable energy density, beam diameter, and burst duration. They rapidly completed the development by using pulse lasers to provide the pumping action and magnetic shielding to vary the reflective effectiveness of the implanted material. They also integrated a high-power laser in parallel timed to fire in sequence following the gamma burst. The gamma burst disrupted the atomic structure of the impacted material, enabling the laser burst to cause catastrophic damage. They now had a weapon with a wide range of capabilities that could be used as an effective space weapon, as well as one for close-quarter conflict once the Gaser was miniaturized.

  Unknown to Danny and his team, the alloy developed and implanted for the Gaser’s reflective surface was, in reality, Triagmite, the same alloy used by the Ammagans to provide protective shielding for their spacecrafts and military personnel. (It would take a strange twist of fate to reveal the significance of this discovery to the team.) Zeiss realized they were still facing incredible political and technological challenges; however, the cornerstone of Earth’s defense, the Gaser, was firmly in place. Or so he thought!

  Chapter 33

  Politics

  D anny and Crystal presented the results of their research to the Homeland Security committee.

  “I’m pleased to report the development of the Gaser has been successfully completed and we now have a working prototype.” Danny’s presentation was interrupted by a subdued level of applause that should have prepared him for what was about to take place. He continued, “To fully appreciate the versatility of this unique technology, we would like to install a prototype in one of our newest space cruisers, flown by a pilot of our choice.”

  He became aware of the hostility emanating from the committee members, as he continued to explain some of the technological breakthroughs required to develop the Gaser and highlighted the advantages of using the Gaser as a defensive weapon in space.

  Bridge was the first to express the opinion of the committee. “Danny, on behalf of the committee, we would like to congratulate you and your fellow scientists for providing your country with such a significant breakthrough in military technology, one that will enable us to maintain superiority well into the future. We believe it would be more practical, however, to demonstrate your prototype mounted in one of our latest intercontinental fusion drones. As you know, Danny, the world is a dangerous place and many hostilities are directed toward our great democracy. Having capability you just described would certainly enhance our national security if properly utilized.”

  Based on previous discussions, Danny had anticipated that the government wasn’t willing to share his research with other nations, and he was prepared for a confrontation.

  “We didn’t invent the Gaser for any single world power’s global agenda. This weapon would create such an unacceptable imbalance among nations that hostilities would likely increase.”

  Senator Cooper, the committee chairman, who had been unusually docile during the briefing, interjected his opinion. Looking intently at Danny, he rose from his seat with a sinister grin. Knowing Tony, Danny expected him to try to exact a measure of revenge for past humiliation. “I’m afraid, Commander O’Malley, you have little to say in matters of national security. The Gaser is government property, and we will decide how best to make full use of its potential. In fact, your contract has been terminated. We no longer need your services or those of your colleagues.”

  Pausing to savor the moment, Tony took a deep breath of satisfaction and continued with a new edge to his voice. “Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean you’re free to pursue your own scientific endeavors—the military will inform you of their needs and provide protection. You’re just too high a security risk since every government on Earth will be trying to get their hands on you and your team.”

  “I was under the impression we live in a democracy, liberty and justice for all, or should I say, almost all.”

  “You know, Danny, there are exceptions to every rule. I would have thought Mrs. Fitzgerald taught you that a long time ago.”

  “Obviously a lesson you learned well,” Danny quipped.

  Danny had had enough of Tony’s personal gloating, so he turned to address Bridge. “Bridge, I want you to remember these words: if you want the Gaser, you will get it only when my terms are met. Listen carefully. I want a space cruiser with a pilot of my choosing, and a private meeting with the UN Security Council at the location of my choosing.”

  Bridge and the other members were amused with Danny’s brashness. “Once again, you have no say in this matter. We already have the Gaser,” Bridge said with an air of personal satisfaction.

  “You only think you have the Gaser. We have been aware of your surveillance for many months. I’m afraid you have nothing, not even a working prototype.”

  Bridge was at a loss for words; he knew Danny well enough to know he wasn’t bluffing.

  Tony pounded the table, jumped from his seat looking red-faced, and screamed at the top of his lungs. “Consider yourself and your team under protective custody and confined to Cheyenne Mountain!”

  As Danny and Crystal were being escorted under armed guard to a waiting helicopter, Danny abruptly stopped and turned to face the committee members. “You have three months to meet my demands or you will find the US government is the only nation without Gaser technology!”

  Tony stared in disbelief and crumbled into his chair, images of his earlier humiliation swirling through his mind. He swore to himself he wouldn’t rest until Danny was destroyed.

  *****

  The prevailing sentiment on Ammag was their government had failed to secure a future for the planet. As a result, the Ammagan society continued to deteriorate into lawlessness and self-destruction. A general sense of hopelessness permeated every fabric of life, causing the demise of the family structure and the eventual continued deterioration of the power grid. Society was regressing at an alarming rate, reverting back to local tribes and hoarding isolated pockets of uranium.

  Exalted Leader of Ammag Vorlov’s influence had been reduced to a few surrounding provinces, and with each passing year, his control continued to wane. Acutely aware of the political situation and the imminent danger to his personal safety, he decided to do what Muglar and his son failed to do—invade Grillion for their uranium.

  The spacecraft he had commissioned Zard to construct was completed and ready for testing. Given the volatility and hostility to his government, Vorlov surmised the spacecraft was probably a far safer place than remaining on Ammag.

  “Zard, assemble a full crew and outfit your craft for a prolonged journey. I want you to be its commander.”

  Zard was momentarily speechless—a rare occurrence.

  “Exalted Leader, with all due respect, you’re making two critical mistakes. This spacecraft is extremely complicated, and the probability is astronomical that several of its subsystems could be outright defective or have an early failure rate. We need at least six months of maneuvers to assure the craft is spaceworthy. Your second mistake, and probably your most serious, is your choice of commander. I’m well past my prime and in no physical condition to lead such a critical expedition. There must be a good reason Muglar refused to attack Grillion.”

  Vorlov was amused by Zard’s crustiness and was convinced more than ever he had chosen wisely.

  “Zard, we have known each other for more years than I care to admit, and during that time, I have come to realize you are a perfectionist and know your spacecrafts as well as your own children. I suggest you put on the
remaining radiation suit and join me on one last mission.”

  Zard was still reluctant, especially about using the radiation suit, but Vorlov’s next words sealed his fate. He was committed.

  “Zard, one last thing—my name is Vorlov. Ammag no longer has an Exalted Leader. Our military is pillaging the Universe, our name instills fear in all who hear it, and our society is in decay. Our mission is to restore Ammag back to greatness by finding a renewable source of energy. We are Ammag’s last hope.”

  *****

  The Council of Elders remained skeptical about having Muglar in their midst. Their primary concern was that Muglar was the instrument for their future destruction, a future most felt was inevitable. It took all of Zucan’s political skills to ease the Council’s concerns and have Muglar accepted as a friendly refugee. He was personally convinced of Muglar’s sincerity and believed if life were going to continue on Grillion, he had no choice but to trust him. One thing Zucan knew for sure, there were no shades of gray in the drama that was about to unfold; either Muglar was filled with treachery or enlightenment.

  Zucan realized evil existed and frequently dominated the universal landscape. However, history had demonstrated that life continues and good ultimately prevails, often by the courage of a few individuals. Zucan would soon know if Muglar was such an individual.

  Chapter 34

  The Awakening

  I t was relatively easy for Danny to overtake the Special Forces commandos who were escorting them back to Cheyenne Mountain in the stealth helicopter. After a few well-placed aura projectiles, everyone was unconscious, including the pilot. Danny, being in the copilot seat, took over the controls.

  “Danny, when did you learn to fly?” a surprised Crystal asked.

  “I’m learning as we speak. Yolan is transmitting instructions.”

  He turned on the stealth apparatus and landed the helicopter just outside Fort Collins, Colorado, to remove the crew. He expected them to recover shortly and didn’t want to deal with trained killers in a confused state while he was piloting the craft. Taking off again, he headed for Beaver Meadows. Fortunately, as he attempted to land, he didn’t notice any small white dogs, which brought a smile of remembrance from what seemed like a lifetime ago.

  They rented two ATVs and were about to leave the rental shop when the manager stopped them.

  “What about the helicopter? You can’t just leave it here.”

  “Don’t worry,” Danny shouted, “Homeland Security will pick it up. Think of it as a tourist attraction.”

  As Danny and Crystal drove off waving, the proprietor was at a complete loss for words and wondered how long he could keep the helicopter—it certainly would attract customers. Danny, on the other hand, was hoping Bridge would arrive soon and understand the message he was sending by making it easy to locate the helicopter.

  Danny decided not to go directly to the base, but to take advantage of their momentary freedom to enjoy the overwhelming beauty of the mountain forest. They rode in silence with Crystal following Danny’s lead, when he abruptly stopped his vehicle by the edge of Parvin Lake and stared off into the distance.

  “Do you sense something?” Crystal asked as she looked anxiously around.

  “Everything’s fine, there is an old saying, something about taking time to smell the roses.”

  Crystal relaxed, look about, and understood what Danny meant. They had been wrapped up in their quest for so many years, they had lost the ability to enjoy the moment. They both stepped off the ATVs, held hands, and walked around the lake.

  Danny enjoyed walking through the forest, but when they came to a meadow, he spotted a tall pine tree standing by itself, reminding him of his old oak tree where he had first heard Yolan’s voice. As he looked around, a feeling of complete loneliness and despair overpowered him. Crystal stopped and pulled him closer and simply gave him a hug, not saying a word, waiting for him to let her know what was so troubling.

  “Sorry I’m acting so strange today. I just got an overwhelming feeling of loneliness. I think it was triggered by that tree, the one standing all alone. It brought back so many memories.”

  They stood holding hands, staring off in the distance, both seeing the same tree, both envisioning something different.

  “Look, beyond the meadow at the forest. Many of the trees are dying. It feels like they are all looking to this tree for help, but there’s nothing it can do.”

  Crystal knew she needed to do something to get him out of the depression that covered him like a dark shroud. Bridge and his Special Forces teams would be converging on Beaver Meadows any moment.

  “Danny, I’m concerned because your moods of depression are increasing in frequency. To be honest, we can’t afford to wallow in self-pity. We have a job to do, just like this tree.”

  Danny looked surprised and confused by Crystal’s rebuke. She grabbed his hand and walked him around the tree.

  “Take a closer look. It’s not one tree, but two standing side by-side. Do you hear the birds? Look up! These trees are not alone. Squirrels are scurrying about, and chipmunks have their burrows by the roots, helping the trees capture moisture, while the trees, in turn, provide shelter.

  “Look closer at the meadow. See the pine cones and saplings? The forest isn’t dying, it’s expanding, moving ever closer toward us. Danny, it’s all in your perspective. I look around and see life everywhere.”

  As Crystal was speaking, the scene she described became alive. Danny saw life emanating from the ponderosa pines and noticed how dependent the surrounding environment was on their silent and steady influence. As he stood there, next to Crystal, his aura glowed as it absorbed the positive energies radiating from Crystal and Mother Earth. At that moment, Yolan interrupted.

  “Danny, it’s my fault you’ve been so depressed. Your subconscious mind has been receiving my feelings of despair. I’m so sorry.”

  “I don’t understand. You’ve always been so upbeat and positive, encouraging me never to give up hope.”

  “I shouldn’t burden you with my personal problems, but I can’t conceal my true feelings from you after so many years of intense telepathic interactions. The reality is my heart is breaking and the pain is more than I can bear. Danny, I’m thinking of leaving the team, now more than ever.”

  Danny squeezed Crystal’s hand tighter. He just didn’t know how he could proceed without Yolan’s wisdom and insights.

  “How is that possible? Your society has evolved where you are void of such feelings.”

  “The years of observing Earthlings has changed everyone in our biosphere. It seems our human-like feelings are suppressed, not eliminated.”

  “Yolan, please tell me more. Maybe somehow we can help.”

  Yolan hesitated, but then unburdened herself in a flood of emotion. “It’s Zeiss, Danny. He and Titch are together and I have loved him for years. After all these years, he still sees me only as a colleague.”

  Just then, the air around Danny and Crystal shook as several helicopters flew overhead toward Beaver Meadows. They both realized they were in danger of being captured and needed to get to the safety of the Grillion base. They raced to the ATVs and roared toward Prairie Divide Road, but before long, two helicopters were overhead. Danny led the way and veered off the main road into the forest. He knew they wouldn’t be able to go far before they were spotted on their vehicles, so once they were concealed in the heavy underbrush, he signaled his intent to Crystal, dismounted, and ran for cover. As they were frantically scrambling up a steep incline, they heard the roar of the ATVs. Turning in a state of confusion, they saw Rolo and Bounce in the guise of their doubles driving back toward Prairie Divide. They were creating a diversion, and by their erratic driving, it was clear the old fun-loving androids had returned.

  Danny and Crystal finally reached the base and, once inside, collapsed from near exhaustion. They had just experienced a close call, but that was behind them—they had a lot of work ahead if their plan was going to be effective. D
anny helped Crystal to her feet and they walked toward the central chamber, holding hands, as they had done many years before, to begin the next phase of their arduous journey.

  *****

  Bridge wasn’t surprised when his science team reported the Gaser was nonfunctional and all their efforts to duplicate Danny’s research had failed. Danny had told the truth; he knew about the surveillance and had devised a clever way to deceive the security team. All the information, all the hours of recordings and videos were useless. Once again, Danny was going to have the government do his bidding. Bridge was outraged by this turn of events, and to make matters worse, he had to inform the President of his failure. As he entered the Oval Office, he swore to himself he would stop at nothing to destroy Danny.

  “Mr. President, Commander O’Malley and his research associates have disappeared.”

  The look of disapproval by the President was unmistakable. “Well, at least we have the Gaser; I’m looking forward to a military demonstration. When can you make the necessary arrangements?”

  “Mr. President, we are unable to duplicate Danny’s research, and his prototype isn’t functional.”

  “Bridge, for the past year you have assured me your intelligence service was monitoring and recording every discussion, every experiment, and every test. Are you telling me with all this information you can’t build a Gaser?”

  There was an uncomfortable silence separating the two men as the President’s words reverberated around the Oval Office. Bridge was at a loss for words, which, in and of itself, was a rarity. The President finally broke the silence with a scathing verbal attack. “Let me see if I fully comprehend the current situation. You had a small team of scientists in a secure military facility with the latest surveillance equipment. You can probably tell me their bowel movement schedules, but you can’t duplicate their research results. Doesn’t that suggest to you they knew about the surveillance and were able to deceive you and your entire team into thinking they were gathering real-time information, while all the while, Danny and his colleagues were feeding you misinformation?”