Gray Panthers: Battle for Earth

by David Guenther

  Our only real enemy was the Libras. They are a species of political zealots wanting to shape the entire galaxy in their image. There is a simple motto to describe them, "Obey, Comply, or Die." They were never able to attack our world because of our protectors. They were eventually able to convince the great council of the Jacka Clans that it would be in their best interest, if the Claw clan did not renew their mercenary contract with the Flems. Honor bound, the Claw clan immediately let the Flem know that they would not provide any service once their contract ended in five years. The Flem were not able to find another protector and were turned down when they applied to the Republic for membership, since the Republic would not accept any species unwilling to support the mutual defense.

  The Flem then decided rather than live under the boot of oppression they would flee and start fresh in a solar system only they knew of. A rare worm hole their scientists had discovered led to an uninhabited solar system. The worm hole made it possible to go a great distance in only a short time. There are only a few thousand worm holes known of, and the Flems kept this their highest secret. They devoted their entire planet’s resources to building the largest and fastest space ships seen to date. Though unarmed, they had superior defense shielding and had created directed force fields that would cause any ship or missile coming too close to be physically forced aside.

  The preparation of their new home was of highest priority after ships. Once they got to their new home they would immediately burrow into the ground to create warren cities, similar to their own home world, and try to continue life as normal as possible. Their fleet consisted of 500 ships, including 50 Auxiliary ships. Each Auxiliary ship was capable of repairing anything in the fleet, or setting up the foundation of civilization on their new home.

  With only months remaining until their protection would be removed they decided to bolt, without letting their protectors know, in the event it would be leaked. Immediately after their departure, a pair of scout ships belonging to the Clan Tooth began to track the fleet, sending reports to the Libras. Unknown to them, they had been sighted at once with the superior technology of the Flems and their reports were being scrambled without the clans knowledge. After three days the Flems had managed to out run their pursuers to the point, there was not even a trail to follow. Fearing to report any failure, the senior Tooth Clan commander used all his cunning and set out toward the Hades Nebula. That region of space was usually avoided by all since there was nothing of value there and the severe cosmic storms originating from the nebula. Basic navigation was nearly impossible because of strong gravity wells and severe radiation belts.

  While patrolling along the outskirts of the nebula, a huge neutrino flash was detected as a rogue comet entered an uncharted worm hole. Both ships captains immediately knew where their prey had gone. In the excitement of the chase once again being on, neither captain sent a report of the worm hole as they entered in after their quarry, especially as each realized the worm hole could be the source of a future fortune. After two days, they were able to detect the fleet once again. Having the enemy trapped in the worm hole both captains agreed they would try to capture as many ships as possible knowing their advanced technology would set them up as lords in their clans once the ships were sold. Their loathing of those they chased made them fearless, with their quarries' non-violence ethos was so distasteful to them. When they detected the collision of two ships, they were nearly panting in anticipation of capturing their first Flem ships. Many of the crew wondered aloud what the Flem would taste like and how much fun they would make as captives.

  Both Tooth Clan ships had just docked at opposite ends of the first crippled ship and were preparing to board when the ship blew itself up. The combined explosion of the ship’s engine and a cargo of 10,000 matter anti matter power plants and its volatile cargo of fuels was spectacularly beyond belief. Not only destroying itself and the two attackers, it also disrupted the Hade Worm Hole sending my ship, the Grub, into normal space.

  “When I materialized, in normal space I was trapped inside this planet. I have not been able to figure out why I did not materialize in solid matter. Instead, the force field around me created a bubble of space around me that had become my jail for all these years. The damage from the explosion initially damaged many of my systems, primarily my sensors and propulsion. Believing I was doomed, and after the loss of my fellow ship, I simply decided to go to sleep, figuring I would not wake up."

  "That makes for some story Grub, so where does that leave us?" Dan asked as he tried to wrap his head around the fantastic story he was just told.

  "That unfortunately is not the end of the story I am afraid, Daniel. With the tally of life lost, and all the wars being fought throughout the old League of Planets space, the Libras have sent ships to Earth in order to expand their territory, but even more importantly for them, to draft humans for their cannon fodder. Although they are in many ways expanding their holdings, their citizenry are not what you would call foot soldiers. While they are comfortable blasting their enemies from the comfort of their ships they will not what you would say, close with the enemy and make it personal."

  "When can we expect them to get here?" interrupted Dan as the thought of intergalactic war started to give him a headache.

  "Since repairing my sensors and sending additional sensors to the surface, I estimate their arrival in no less than twenty of your years, at which time I will destroy myself." Grub flatly replied.

  "The hell you are my friend! You are going to make up for the damage your people did by leading them here in the first place. We are not only going to save Earth, we are going to kick some serious alien ass!" Dan stated energetically, "We have a war to prepare for, and you are going to be my quartermaster, intelligence, and anything else I need you to be. We have a mutual enemy and by god we are going to win."

  "I cannot help you Daniel, I am unable to make or use any weapons, or participate in the taking of life. It is one of the most important tenants of my civilization." Grub declared.

  "Grub, if I remember correctly from your story, you were on your way to play Kamikaze into the side of a ship. How does that jibe with your tenants?" Dan angrily asked as he prepared to debate Grub.

  "I was following the orders of the leader of our peoples, which is a different matter." Grub replied.

  "So you have been released from your obligation to honor life, and you have still not complied with orders to destroy your enemy." Dan stated as he saw victory in his argument.

  "No Daniel, the enemy was destroyed so my mission was a success, even if I was not the one to complete it. Before you continue on, there is one thing I should tell you. Under our laws and most of the laws of the old League of Planets, by you finding me and there not being a way to be returned to my owner, you are now my master."

  Dan just stopped and thought for a few minutes. "So I can order you to help destroy the Libras when they get here then, as your master?"

  "I cannot assist you with that, but I can do anything else you wish that does not involve making or using weapons. I am able to provide you with all my knowledge and abilities' as you see fit. But I will not become a weapon of war." Grub maintained.

  "How about gray areas Grub? A machete is a tool but makes a great close up weapon. An airplane is for transportation but makes a great missile. Gasoline is fuel, but can be a lethal weapon. Where do we stand there?" Dan badgered.

  "I cannot make weapons, as you say in black and white."

  "Can you provide me with the intelligence you have on weapons made by others? How about creating counter measures against those weapons? Dan solicited as he decided to change his tact.

  "I can't deny you any information that could assist in your survival. I will analyze all data I have on potential weapons that can be used against you, and ensure you have adequate protection against them." Continuing on, "I will also see that you have the data on those weapons," Grub added.

  Dan got the urgent feeling he needed to move. Trying once
again to get up, his head was clear of any pain as he hopped down onto the cold floor and reached for his clothes, their filth assaulting his nostrils for the first time in many years. He felt like one solid muscle as he quickly dressed and tried to sort out the many thoughts racing in his head, adrenalin pumping like crazy.

  "Grub you've given me a lot that I need to think over. Can you provide me with a set of nanites like the ones you used on me for a friend? I will be leaving you in an hour and should be back in a couple days. Please make sure no one discovers you before I get back. Can you have the droids move all the tools and equipment from this level where we first met to my vehicle outside the mine and make sure it's secured safely and covered up."

  "The nanites will be no trouble Daniel; they will work with all humans regardless of gender or origin. They need to be consumed, or delivered into the blood stream to work. It should take about half a day to be fully effective. The droids are en route to load the tools and equipment. If I may ask, what is the purpose of your mine here?" Grub inquired.

  "I'm trying to find gold and any precious metal. Maybe when I come back I will start to dismantle your ship for the scrap metal," Dan jested as he happily pulled on his last boot ignoring the pungent smell from his clothes. "Now can you can direct me to the exit, Grub," Dan continued as numerous plans began to formulate in his head.

  A droid silently came up from behind Dan and tapped him on the shoulder; Dan whirred ready to defend himself until he saw the small vial held out to him. "And quit sneaking up on me damn it! OK, lead me home ya oversized sardine can." Dan lost count of all the passage ways and doors until he was finally out of the space ship and fought the desire to explore it further while he had the vial of nanites in his hand.

  Climbing the rope to the upper level was child's play as the newfound muscles and vitality only increased his good mood. The Earth was at risk of invasion and he could only think about how he felt better than he had in his entire life! Quickly locking the gate to the mine, and re-covering the camouflage to the entrance, the cool fresh air was nirvana, as he realized the sun was setting and he had a two-hour drive in his cart. Second thoughts immediately made Dan hesitate as driving well outside city areas after dark was considered bad for your health with all those who preyed on travelers. Nah, he’d be safe just this once. He breathed in deeply and felt like running the entire distance home. Maybe I will get a real truck with profits from my load of antiques Dan mused. The drive across the desert was uneventful as he crossed onto Highway 60 and turned right towards Surprise, and home.

  Half way there, the hair on the back of his neck started to pinprick as he realized he was being followed by an old pickup truck loaded with Outsiders, those who had given up trying to be part of society, and instead were nomads in the desert robbing those who were easy pickings, and the occasional remote house.

  Looking behind him, he realized his M1 was buried under treasure, leaving only the small pick from his belt sitting in his passenger seat as a weapon and an ancient pick handle that was starting to work its way loose from under the tarp covering his treasure. Anger started to burn in his cheeks and spread through him. "I am not going to get fucked!" he thought to himself as he turned off the road sharply, seeing the truck tip on two wheels almost spilling its cargo of outsiders. Dan turned sharply again pointing the cart straight for the outsiders. Adrenalin pumping, he felt his face muscles tighten in a smile as he hollered at the outsiders, while barreling down on them, "Come on you assholes, let's dance!" He braked hard in front of the truck as it nearly hit him as it slid to a stop. The first Outsider that jumped out of the truck laughed as he saw before him the gray hair and beard of the old man, as he charged towards him with a baseball bat. He did not see or hear the whirr of the pick ax handle as it knocked into his arm shattering the bone as he dropped the bat. Those behind him stopped so fast it was comical to Dan as he sized up the rest of the ambush party and came up with his plan on the spot. "Aiiieee! You're not going to steal my firewood you crazy sons' a bitches!" Dan hollered as he hit the fender of the truck, then the ground ahead of him making a spectacle of himself. "Who's next damn it? My fire is going out and I want to go home, let's get this dance goin!'"

  The Outsiders, as one, immediately respected the balls of the old man ahead of them, and believed he was both crazy and dangerous, not worth the trouble for an old solar cart or a load of firewood. If anything, by the quality of his filthy old clothes and demeanor, the old man would probably be an Outsider soon anyway.

  The outsiders parted like magic as their bald leader walked to the head of the pack. Almost seven feet tall, his black skin was so dark it appeared almost blue in the truck’s light; his one eye seemed to twinkle in the darkness. "Let's get moving boys, help Jimmy to the truck. Enjoy your evening granpa, we're leavin!" the leader of the bunch said as he backhanded one of his men who was drawing a bead on Dan with an old cowboy six-shooter. "Put it away Juan, ain't nothing here worth killing over." He took one last long look at Dan as his men climbed back into the truck; he raised his hand to the brim of his cowboy hat half in salute as he turned back to the truck.

  Dan watched them drive off as he went from silently laughing to himself to laughing louder as he tried to make his legs move him without buckling as the last of the adrenaline left him. He arrived home an hour later and after a quick shower, was out cold in his bed.

  Surprise, Arizona

  3 April 2126

  Dan awoke from the sunlight pouring through the window as he realized he was in his own home and safe as he replayed the last few days in his mind. He went to his garage, seeing the cargo area of the solar cart still covered by his tarp. Going back into his kitchen he grabbed a cold soda instead of his regular coffee as he phoned an old friend who he knew would be able to dispatch his load of artifacts without any questions asked, and get a better price than he could. Trusting his friend, he left the garage door unlocked after piling the treasure into a pile in the middle of the floor. Returning his M1 to its hiding place in the house, he left for the important business of the day.

  A short drive found him in front of the Surprise assisted living facility. He gathered up his courage, as he always needed to do before he could open the door. The overwhelming stench of excrement and disinfectant hit him almost as hard as the sight of the seniors sitting in their wheel chairs in the hallway, each one looking up expectantly toward him. His heart was torn for them as he continued down the hall. Slowly opening the door to his friend’s room, he first saw the machine used to help his old comrade breathe. He looked further up to see cold dead eyes return his look, and then quickly seemed to come to life as he was recognized. Though unable to speak, the question was there for Dan, "Have you come to put me out of my misery old friend?"

  Dan checked to see that the door was closed, as he took the vial from his pocket. Abdul’s eyes were raised in question, as the vials contents were emptied into his water glass, and then the straw was put to his lips. Dan softly spoke to his old comrade, "Try to take it all old friend. I’m here to end your pain." Abdul surprisingly consumed the elixir in one long drawl of the straw. Abdul made a gurgling sound as he tried to speak before closing his eyes. Hours later, the heart monitor alongside the bed began to race and then slowed to hardly anything, then began a steady pace. Abdul’s breathing became steadier as Dan took the chance and disconnected the breathing device. A loud snore was his reward as his old friend no longer labored for breath and instead began to sleep even more soundly. The monitor became steady showing a continuous count of 50.

  Dan went out to the nurses' station and waited until one finally appeared and then convinced her to come to Abdul’s room, after promising it would be worth her while. When she saw the breathing device disconnected, she started quickly after it only to be held back by Dan as he gently pointed to the heart rate monitor and that it was obvious that Abdul was actually sleeping soundly without any assistance needed.

  "Nurse Kimberly, I prayed with my friend for a miracle and th
en we were bathed in a white glow that filled the room. Abdul then removed the tube and said Amen before going to sleep. I will be back this evening, please be sure some dumb ass doesn't try to hook my friend back up again." Dan directed to the amazed nurse as he fixed her with a subtle threatening look that made the nurse shudder.

  Feeling his stomach begin to rumble, his next destination was automatic as he headed for Brent’s Tavern. As he entered the tavern, his eyes needed a second as he adjusted to the darkness. He headed to the end of the bar as he noticed there were a dozen people scattered throughout the establishment. His longtime friend, the owner of the Tavern gave a large sincere smile as he saw Dan enter. "Brent ya old bastard, give me one of those big fat greasy burgers, the ones you're always trying to get me to eat, and don't be cheap with the fries, after all these years I'm ready to try one. Now let's have an ale to soften up the machinery so I can digest it," Dan said in a dead serious tone that was betrayed by his twinkling blue eyes, as he burst out laughing. "Abdul’s looking good and I have a feeling he's going to be released soon." Brent looked at Dan for a moment and accused him first of being drunk already and lying for a free meal. "D2 you'd better not be pulling my leg!" Brent said as his eyes began to water.

  "I'll bet he's back working in your kitchen by the end of the week Brent." Dan repeated as he looked around the room and locked on to his next objective. As he started to devour his burger like he had not eaten in weeks enjoying every bite, he could not help but stare at the source of his long term un-satiated desire. Sitting on a corner barstool the slim Latina absently brushed her black hair behind her ear. Dan's attention was drawn to the small firm breasts held in check by a muscle shirt that did little to hide her attributes. Looking down he saw her daisy dukes appeared to be painted on, not even covering the bottom of her ass cheeks. Lust started to awaken once again as he ate his food, not noticing a slight drool on his chin. The young woman looked up sensing that she was being watched. "Danny, I didn't hear you come in!" She squealed with glee as she jumped off her stool, her breasts bouncing from the action. Quickly covering the short distance, she wrapped her arms around her old friend pressing her breasts firmly into his chest. "Where have you been sweetie? I've missed you.”