Amarkian Central Military Planning Chamber
Location: Classified
"So, what is our first step?" Larry asked, standing with the other high officials, about 30 of them or so.
"This is what I want to do," I said, laying out a graphics on the computer screen. "Before we do anything, I want to upgrade our entire weapons and defense system. We've neglected doing that because of recent tensions with Russia and North Korea. But none of that is relevant now. And we need to train our men to be able to successfully carry out the battle plan we've drawn up."
"You mean, hit-and-run attacks, quick invasions, and the Synchronized Weapon routine?" one of the officials asked.
I nodded my head. "That's right, sir. We already sent a draft to the Space Armies to gather as much manpower as possible. We got our reply just a few minutes before this meeting. We have close to 40 million young men ready."
"Forty million?!" another official said, astounded.
Larry turned to him and said, "And that's just now. We estimate that we'll have much more during the next several hours. It may be double or triple by this time tomorrow. Or even in eight hours. Or less."
"But before we launch any kind of attack, we have to do other things. We know the weaknesses, both from the IEO and the Red Eyes. We know that they have limited food supplies and that their energy sources are vulnerable."
Larry stood up next to me and started showing a computer simulation that he had created of our sabotage plan. "What we basically want is for two or three units of the Space Armies to come near the main planet's atmosphere in Cloak Mode, invisible by the naked eye and undetectable by radar." He began pacing. "Not only will this help us perform our sneak attacks, but it will also help us sabotage their iridium meteorites, or at least divert them away."
"And we also want to hack into their main electrical grid and most important supercomputers," I added.
"You want to hack the Red Eyes?! Like, with a virus? Or a bug?" the first official asked.
"A virus, bug, computer worm, a Trojan horse, anything that works."
"The King and I have come up with an idea. See if you agree. We will recruit all the best hackers from our prisons and in exchange for helping us defeat the Red Eyes, they get released, first on probation, then depending on their behavior, their complete release."
"You must be crazy!" the third official shouted.
"Desperate times call for desperate measures," Larry yelled. "And believe me we have carefully analyzed every single darned possibility. And so far, this plan is the only one that has a chance of working. Matter of fact, I'm certain that it will work!"
"All we need left is the right attitude. The determination that we will triumph. Besides, wouldn't you like to see the Red Eyes going into defense mode? Don't you want to see them running away for a change?" I said.
Main Red Eye Planet
Unknown distance from Earth.
Capitol City
"So, what do you think?" the General asked his main Advisor, both almost indistinguishable in their black-iridium armor.
"I don't know what to think, sir. To be frank, what should I think?"
"I have this sensation…I'd like to call it intuition, but I wouldn't be sure. That Amarkia and its allies are preparing something. I can sense it. They might try something different this time." He turned to the middle-aged Red Eye next to him. "So, you say that our energy sources are…exposed? Vulnerable?"
"That is affirmative, sir. And to make matters worse, that includes our electrical grid. It is way outdated and a simple virus is capable of shutting down the entire system. At least here in the city. And the cost to upgrade it all is…well, it's unimaginable."
"What exactly needs to be upgraded?" he asked, pacing around.
"Electrical grids, power plants, defense systems, our Galaxy-Wide Internet, etc. That's just a few items on the list. But I believe those are the most vital parts."
"Upgrade them. Now." He turned to face him again. "And don't worry about the cost. We can go and attack another rich alien civilization or steal from Earth like we stole those trees and ice sheets. Besides, I'm sure the Emperor Igétis will not mind."
The man sighed in frustration. "Sir, it's not the money that worries me. It's the time it will take us to upgrade all this. It could take several months or even a few years. Add to that out overpopulation problem and that time frame becomes significantly reduced."
"Don't worry about that now. The important thing is that we are ready for whatever Amarkia and its allies throw at us. Also referring to the main subject I came to speak to you about…"
"Yes, sir?"
His eyes gazed upon military uniforms in a glass case on the silicon walls. "What are our main battle tactics?"
The man laughed. "Sir, we all know that. It includes large hit-and-run attacks, quick invasions, and the famous Synchronized Weapon technique. We do plan on doing that, right?"
"Of course, of course. Except…I do want do to something different. I want some men...no, I ant half of our men to sneak into Amarkia."
"Sneak in, sir? The last time we attempted that, we lost 70 men in two minutes. They have tighter security than ever before."
"We're not going to attack. Not yet anyway. Just sneak them in, build secret fortifications and start eroding their system from within. Slowly." With his back to the advisor, he said, "But first, we'll have a little out here in the neighborhood, if you know what I mean."
"Sir?"
"Call the team of military engineers. Have them come and see me at once." He turned his iron glaze onto him. "It is of utmost importance that we carry out the first phase of my brilliant plan to squash Amarkia."
"Yes, sir." He ran, leaving the General alone with his figure and thoughts. "Oh, King Spiny…you will now feel what it truly feels like to be dead, even while alive. I'm going to personally see to it that you get hurt right where it hurts the most."
The team of engineers, all in their distinguishing red-black uniforms and masks entered the room and formed a line before the General, shouting the Red Eyes salute and gesture. "Sir, you asked to speak with us?" the Head Engineer asked.
"Yes. I think it's about time we used your genius and creativity to have a little fun. Are the self-guided missiles ready?"
He chuckled, an evil, ominous chuckle. "Yes, they are perfect. Too perfect. They'll have those missiles blowing their brains out before they even get a chance to load their weapons."
"Ah, perfect indeed!" the General replied, bringing his hands together in front of him. "Now, then. I suppose we do have your permission to begin utilizing them?"
"General, you have no need to ask. There's nothing I'd like to see more than Amarkia and its friends gone. But first, I would like to personally see them die slowly and painfully."
A glistening smile appeared on the General's face. "Well, then! It seems as if I have found my predecessor when I decided to leave office. Very well. I'll personally recommend you to our Great Emperor."
The masked man bowed to the General. "You are most kind, sir. It's no wonder that our children admire so, the way you destroyed all those worthless civilizations and plundered all their artifacts. Now, you will have another chance at being remembered."
But the General was already at the computer monitors, communicating with all his captiains and field commanders. "Gentlemen, it is time we have just a little fun before the real game. I want everyone down in the space helicopters in one hour. Fully loaded!"
"Space helicopters, sir?" one of them responded through the telecommunicvations device. "I'm sorry, sir, but as far I know, there is no such thing."
The General sneered. "There is now! There is now, my young lad!"
Amarkian/Space Army Station #8
Quadrant 31, Section 17
5.23 billion miles from Earth, beyond remnants of Pluto.
"Hey, that didn't count!" the angry space cadet yelled.
"Ah, but it did count, my young friend," the better-dressed sergeant responded. Very few people knew it, but he was practically unbeatable in ping-pong. Even the generals and the commanders of the motherships had lost to him several times.
"But I saw the ball hit the net. Would I ever lie to you, sir?" the cadet asked to his superior.
"You really want me to answer, that Mr. Frank Sinatra?"
The cadet knew exactly what he was reffering to. "Their little secret from King Spiny." Although the King himself loved to dance and was known far and wide on Earth as being on of the best and most original dancers, he simply did not tolerate any of it on military stations. Sure, they were billions of miles away and all of the Space Army servicemen came from almost 70 different planets from all over the Galaxy.
Nevertheless, they were all under the reign of Amarkia. It was known as GGA #0231. Galactic Governmental Act. All the planets were allowed to retain their present forms and leaders of government as long as they were loyal to Amarkian principles.
Although critics accused Amarkia of creating satellite nations, the truth was that the Amarkian influence brought peace, justice and prosperity throughout the universe.
"Sure you won't challenge me for a re-match?" the sergeant asked.
"Isn't that for chess sir?"
"You know what I mean! Or are you chicken?"
The cadet grinned confidently at his commander. "You may begin when ready, sir!"
The sergeant struck the ball first as Captain Watson was entering the room, making his rounds. "How are you Watson?" the sergeant asked.
"Captain, sir!" the cadet saluted.
Watson's hazel eyes suddenly looked pale and gray. His skin was white and his expression frozen and shocked. His body had become stiff. He fell forward like someone had stopped him in time and was holding him by strings.
The cadet and his commanding officer stared in amazement. "You don't think he's auditioning again for me to tell my cousin on Earth who's a talent scout, do you?"
"I wouldn't know, sir."
"Wait a minute! What's that?" he pointed to the dull-bronze colored, fairly large object in the Captain's back. It had ripped a hole in the back layers of his clothing. And another one the same size and shape into his back. The muscle was torn and tiny, splintered pieces of bones were sticking.
"What in King Allaxe's name is this?!" the sergeant shouted.
"It's…it's a bullet, sir!"
"A bullet! That's impossible!" He had been trained in some of the best Amarkian Space Army schools there were. And every single one said the same: you cannot have a fired without a weapon and the sound of it going off.
But so far the only noise they'd heard besides their conversation and the ping-pong was the ongoing computer beeping sounds that kept the base alive and the distant echoings of space. Even supernova and nebulae and planet rings made their own wonderful sounds, like great orchestras.
What could have made such a death without even a noise? Not even the sound of something breaking?
"Sir, look out the window!"
He turned his head quickly in the direction of the pointing finger. At first he could not see anything but the usual background of stars and space. Then he saw the hundreds of whirring blades on black-and-red objcets. "Red Eyes! We're being attacked! Get to your positions! I'll sound the alarm! You know what to do!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Then, let's go!"
The base's rooms were filled with eardrum-shattering alarms as all the servicemen dropped their things and slipped into their space combat armor. They then retired to the Space Jet Fighters, capable of even passing through the heart of an exploding supernova.
Very few of them even had time to make it to their figthers, as the rain of bullets from the Red Eyes got them as they were climbing into their chambers. Many Space Jets erupted into flames or exploded.
The main facilities and those who were inside turned into ashes as more Red Eye Galactic Helicopters crashed into them, their kamikaze pilots completely unmoved by their deadly suicidal attacks.
The young space cadet ran towards one of the last remaining jets. His armor suddenly felt heavy and stiff, like he was trying to run through water with medieval armor. The sweat poured down his face so much, he was worried he might drown before even making it. In his perphiral vision, he saw the horrifying vision of his sergeant running towards him and suddenly erupting into flames, screaming an eerie, bone-chilling falsetto scream.
Secured and strapped into the cockpit of his space jet, then thrust the throttle at full speed towards the incoming attackers. In his helmet, he heard the sound of one of the commanders of the motherships. "All right, men! Just stay with me and we'll manage this. I'm sorry to say that both our captain and our sergeant have been killed by these idiots. We still got each other, though. We must remember to let your mind guide your thinking, not your heart. Now let's kick some Red-Eye booty!"
The remaining Space Fighter Jets roared through space, the base now burning behind them. They knew that after winning against the raid—gathered that they did win—they would have to travel to the next Amarkian Space Base, somewhere near the rings of Saturn.
"All right, men! I know you know the procedure, but I know that fear can make you even forget your mother's name! Yes, I too am afraid. But we must use that fearful energy to fight back!"
He had not finished speaking when the noise over the radio turned into a loud Thump! "What the?!" A scream followed, followed by a terrible screech, then the explosion.
"What in Ogthar's name happened?!" one of the pilots yelled.
"Something landed on the Commander's jet!"
"Yeah, I saw it too! It came from the Red Eyes."
"What was it?" the cadet asked.
"It looked like an inscet. Like a giant, insect robotic-being. Then I just heard the screaming and saw the explosion."
A long, eerie silence followed. Amidst the oncoming attackers, the cadet heard his fellow men say, "Well, let's get rid of these bastards! What do you guys say?"
They all agreed. "Ready? Fire the magnetic plasma guns!"
The young cadet reached for the green jockstick on the dashboard. He hated to have to memorize where all the weapons and buttons were, but now with the adrenaline and the perspiration he was producing, he didn't care if he had to memorize every species of dinosaurs in alphabetical order right now.
"What's wrong?" he heard the leader yell. "Why aren't you guys firing?"
"I don't know. I'm pulling the jockstick! But it isn't working!" another yelled.
"It's a hack! The jet systems have been hacked! The Red Eyes corrupted our defense systems! We have no way of firing!"
He was right. The cadet kept pushing and pulling the jockstick for fifteen eternal seconds, when it broke into his hand, the torn wires throwing sparks. It was clear that their only hope was to retreat. If they could get into hyperspeed, or go into a keyhole in space or even a black hole, they would be able to arrive at the Space Station in Saturn and be able to warn Amarkia from there.
At least one us can make it, the cadet said to himself. It only will take one of us. But I don't know if it will be me.
The remaining eight space jets traveled together, now forming a V-shape defensive posture. Even in space, where there is no air, there still can be disturbances and turbulence from solar winds, geomagnetic storms, and even radiation from distant exploding stars.
Getting caught in a current while retreating from an enemy like the Red Eyes would mean certain death.
"Here they come! They're right on our tail!"
What he was saying was completely accurate. The black helicopters, their weapons now loading something terrible and sinister, were now no more than 20 or 30 miles behind them. In space, if the enemy was closer than 50 miles, they could easily annihilate your spacecraft.
"There's a keyhole about 230 miles to our left. If at least one of us makes it, we can reach Saturn and send the distress signal to Amarkia!"
"And if we all make it?"
"Then I'm buying everyone shrimp cocktails when we reach the base."
A light-hearted yet solemn silence filled the radio transmission. They knew perfectly well that at least half of them would die in the next few minutes. And with them traveling at top speed, near the speed of sound, it was highly unlikely that more than one of them would make it into a special area of space that was relatively small.
Sure enough, one by one, six of the eight jets disintegrated into flames, their pilots now in a state of bliss and peace as they said silently cried out their farewells. The keyhole was coming up fast and each time they got closer, it was becoming more unlikely that any of the two remaining ones would even come close to it.
Ironic, but true.
The other jet appeared in front of the space cadet. Behind him the enemy helicopters fired at his back wing, causing the auxiliary engine to erupt into flames. He caught the whiff of smoke and saw the fire now approaching him rapidly.
He knew that there was only going to be one survivor. And he decided who it was going to be.
With the flick of a switch, he we went into reverse at turbo speed, firing the propulsion jet fire onto the back of his teammate before him. It was just enough to push him into the right direction and speed towards the keyhole.
As he saw him disappear, he closed his eyes and smiled, as the last one of his base crashed into the front end of the enemy ship, both exploding into brilliant fireballs in space.