Fortress of the Gods / A tale from Taylor's Journal

By Russell Kennedy

We begin in a time before our own, when the race of humans were young, and desperately in need of assistance. The Great Northern Fortress was conceived and constructed under the watchful eyes of the Gods. Its primary function, to save as many humans as possible from the known periodic convulsions of an adolescent planet.

Timeframe, present-day.

An unprecedented discovery concerning the little known Olmec civilization has taken place, and the untimely death of a beloved Professor sends a newly schooled intern, Taylor Rae, into overdrive in her quest for answers.

Well-financed by her father, Russell Rea, and not trusting of a newly appointed Mentor, Professor Teller, our hero quietly assembles a small team of students and associates on a trek deep into the jungles of South America, to confirm a message thousands of years old. Taylor Rae, finds herself to be at the very forefront of a grand adventure, which quickly turns sour when her father is informed of devious goings-on within the walls of his daughters beloved college.

Information about her discovery is compromised, and the greed of an underground European syndicate has been let loose in the pursuit of taking a treasure for itself. The stage is set, and the die cast. Taylor, and her ingenious brother James, join forces to save themselves and the lives of their friends, in one final desperate confrontation that will decide the fate of the once Great Northern Fortress, and perhaps the future fate of mankind as well.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Russell Kennedy
• Release date: Oct 12, 2011
• ISBN: 9781937387983

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Deep within the mountain Fortress, Captain Poole let loose a heavy sigh, as the alarms had once again screamed to life. The high-pitched whine was designed to alert him and his staff about a new incursion, yet it was only one of dozens, each designed to come together in what now seemed like one continuous wave. The probing attacks came fast and furious, and were taking their toll on both his personnel, and their available weaponry. He watched as his officers worked to coordinate their forces against this current onslaught. While he carefully analyzed the situation, and had come to the conclusion that the attacks were designed to stretch their capabilities to the limit. He did some quick calculations concerning his remaining manpower within the walls of the fortress. Concluding that this limit was fast approaching, his field reports were telling him his forces were now in-gauged with the intruders across a vast array of the continent. Reports given him about their sister fortresses seem to indicate that they too were under great duress, and that the battle being thrust upon them now covered the entire planet.

Poole had no choice but to order all reserves to be called up to counter the onslaught being perpetrated against them. As a young lieutenant he had gained some experience in fighting off outside races that from time to time had shown an interest in probing the planet's resources. But this was different, this current race had shown themselves to be more aggressive than anything he had ever experienced before. This enemy appeared out of nowhere, in the biggest ships he had ever seen, and the fact that they were able to keep these massive ships just outside of the atmosphere, hovering in low Earth orbit, frustrated him to no-end. To his tactical mind, this meant that the juiciest targets were kept just outside the range of his most potent defensive weapons, leaving him unable to mount an attack at the heart of the enemy.

He also knew, that for the surface populations of the world, the odds for their survival were quickly mounting against them. He realized if they didn't come up with a way to deliver a decisive blow soon, a quick retreat back into the oceans would be the only option left open to them. However, this option was unpalatable to him, for it meant they would be leaving the inhabitants of the surface to their doom.

As Captain, he carefully watched over all aspects of the battle, as well as setting the tone within the command complex by calmly leading his officers by his example in how to manage the tasks assigned to them. He himself remained heavily engaged in the tactical struggle, in order to keep his personnel from becoming overwhelmed. He moved in and out of conversations throughout the command center while concentrating on the strategic implications unfolding in front of him. Finally, Capt. Poole came to be standing over a large table studying three dimensional maps of the northern continent, when his first Lieutenant entered the room and broke his train of thought.

Yes Lieutenant, what is it? he asked.

Sir. Lord Memphis wishes to see you in the upper sanctuary. Right away sir.

Now Lieutenant?

Yes sir.

Is he aware we will be under attack in a matter of minutes?

Yes Sir, I made him aware of our current situation, but he insists that you see him immediately.

Poole had gone the entire fight without sleep, as did most of his staff. He came to his feet yawning and stretching in an attempt to fight off the effects of his insomnia.

Where are our forces now, Lieutenant?

Sir. The air crews are holding off as commanded, or are en-route to open up their assigned bunkers as we speak. I expect the bulk of our forces to reach the outer umbrella in another fifteen minutes. All other batteries are in auto standby mode or awaiting your orders to engage.

Very good Lieutenant, then it's time to see Lord Memphis. You'll take command of the fortress until my return.

I... I mean yes sir.

Captain Poole noted that the Lieutenant had stuttered in his reply, and could see the concern building in his eyes.

Lieutenant Shu.

Yes Captain. Shu snapped back in a crisp tone, being sure to answer him smartly.

Lieutenant, we have served a long time together. You know you have my full confidence, and the confidence of the men serving under you.

Yes sir, thank you sir, I'm just, the Lieutenant paused to reorganize his thoughts.

It has been my honor to serve both you and the heroic surface peoples of our planet. I only wish we had more time to complete our goals.

Capt. Poole now stood directly before his second in command and placed his hands on his shoulders.

Lieutenant, we're far from finished. Lord Memphis is very wise in the ways of this world. He is master to many, and may yet have a proper response to this madness.

The Lieutenant snapped to attention.

Yes sir! He replied. My prayers are focused for his divine powers to be harnessed and unleashed onto our enemies at this time.

"Very good Lieutenant, let's hope it's going to be enough. You and your men bring honor to this fortress and all who serve in her divine purpose. I wish clarity on you and your men.

Don't worry Lieutenant." Poole said calmly, before again raising his voice to rally his men.

I'll return as soon as possible and we'll take up the fight together.

Shu smiled after hearing his captain's statement, and the men in the control room came to their feet as he moved to exit the room through a small glass elevator that quietly lifted him up through the center of the complex.

Reaching the main hangar deck, he took a moment to watch as three of their fast movers were loaded onto the main elevator deck in order to be lifted to the surface. The men attending to the long sleek craft saluted him as he walked by. This action caused him to stop and return a proper salute.

God's wisdom to you Capt.. One of the men said to him.

God's wisdom to you, he replied, then added. Remember, all things are accomplished in that time and place where they are meant to be accomplished. Remember to work together, remember to work well.

Hearing this statement the men let out a roar of approval, just as the elevator became enveloped in a brilliant white and blue light, and disappeared.

Poole picked up his pace, moving quickly through the complex. He became careful not to disturb anymore of the fortresses personnel, all of whom were busy carrying out their assigned duties, while realizing the great weight of the battle would soon be thrust upon them. Poole worked his way around to the backside of the elevator, where he entered the rear staircase and began ascending the stairs two at a time until reaching the first landing. Here he found the main approach to the hall of wisdom where all accumulated knowledge was kept. He paused, and quickly checked the locking systems on the crystal door, making sure the safeties were in place and in working order. This room and others like it were designed to self-destruct in case of a forced entry by an unknown species. It was one of his great honors that he was entrusted to keep its contents safe for future generations. Yet it was but one of his many responsibilities as Captain of the Northern Fortress. Once he had concluded all systems were in order, he continued his ascent until reaching the rear approach to the sanctuary. On this landing he was met by a pair of huge guards who spoke only in the ancient tongue when asking for his identification. Poole stood perfectly still not wanting to alarm the guards, and stated his name in a commanding voice.

I am Captain Ra Poole, Commander and Captain of the Northern Fortress.

The guard said nothing as he moved closer to him, in order to look him over. Then without a word being said the guard moved him to the center of the landing and turned back to release the doors locking mechanism. A blast of warm air hit the Captain in the face and flowed all around him, heading down the staircase. Moments later, the stone door began to vibrate and move off to his left, sliding back into its open position to reveal the power and splendor that the room of sanctuary was afforded by its builders.

He quietly entered through the doorway and took a few steps into the room and waited. He allowed the door to fully close behind him before attempting to approach the high altar and engage Lord Memphis in conversation. It was then, that a voice was heard to echo all about him.

Thank you for responding so quickly. I know that this hour is making many demands on your time Captain Poole.

Poole held his ground. He did not speak or move out of respect for this powerful Lord.

You may approach the altar Captain, for time is now short and we have much to discuss.

Keeping his eyes to the floor, he watched his orientation concerning the center of the room. Keeping behind the red line stones built into the floor, he was able to work his way around to the stairs leading up to the altar's main platform. His eyes remained focused on the floor, and he quickly worked his way up the seven steps and centered himself facing the sacrificial table. Once there, he stood in silence. His chin resting on his chest and his eyes closed, all he could hear was the powerful pull of electrons moving at the speed of light from deep within the planets interior.

Although the gods never shared the exact means in which power was produced to run the fortress, he knew the electrons were rising through the core shaft and into the sphere of influence which was rotating some twenty feet behind him. He could hear the zapping-snap-crackle of raw power exiting the Sphere and entering the fortresses power grid, to be used as needed.

Poole knew the rules, and waited until his mind was at ease, focused, and in tune with the harmonic resonance being created in this bastion of stone. In just a short time he could feel the carefully concentrated and calibrated movement of electrons flowing within the rooms skillfully shaped interior. He closed off his thoughts to all things going on outside of the room. He knew that once he made the connection, a perfect communication would exist between Lord Memphis and himself through the use of the higher mind. It was only moments later that a smile appeared on his face, and his mind sharpened, then focused to a point. He was ready.

Lord, I am here by your command. How may I serve the greater good?

All most instantly, he felt a physical tingling climb up his spine, as Lord Memphis made his thoughts known to him.

Captain, I will allow you access to my mind in order to convey to you in no uncertain terms the magnitude of obstacles placed before us at this juncture.

Poole was now able to understand all that was being conveyed to him without the use of oral language. While he continued to concentrate on what Lord Memphis was conveying to his mind, he could feel the outside presence of others approaching in their conversation.

It was now, that he chose to lift his head and opened his eyes. Before him stood the sacrificial table, complete with two bowls of incense burning on either end. He watched as the smoke twisted into a helix, while slowly rising on a current of warm air. Beyond this, standing at the rear of the platform stood the golden throne representing the Earth's dimension, its realm of reality, is how he liked to think of it. The lords throne was built of granite, and embedded throughout with precious stones set into stems of gold leaf. This arrangement gave the throne a look of living brilliance, as the light given off from the discharging photons illuminated every stone encrusted into the highly polished chair. He also noted ten additional seats, each of different character, rising up out of the floor to surround the altar's sacrificial table. He was taught that each throne represented a known higher dimension of the universe, totaling eleven in all.

Poole watched in silence, as Lord Memphis continued to hold his meditative stance. His eyes closed, he was sitting in a lotus position while levitating some five feet over the top of the Earth's throne. Captain Poole felt a moment of openness, and spoke freely, using only his mind to convey his thoughts.

I am ready to serve my purpose, great Lord.

What of your three sisters Captain, are they ready as well? the great Lord replied.

Each as to their gifts and abilities Lord. He quickly answered, and as he did, all that he knew of their sister fortresses was conveyed to the powerful Lord. In return, he learned the true fate of millions of his fellow beings. In his mind's eye he could see the initial battles being fought, and now knew of the hell which was unleashed upon them. He continued to watch as Lord Memphis conveyed to him a scene in which the enemies ships pounded their capital city of Atlantis into the sea. These were the very same ships that were now in orbit above them. He knew if he could not stop them they would move on to obliterate the remaining three fortresses left to protect mankind.

In the depths of his mind he made note, that the four fortresses were not by themselves designed to defend the populace from inter-dimensional invaders, as they were primarily designed as coordination centers. Each purposely built to preserve the surface dwellers and their history from the untimely convulsions of a young solar system. For they were well aware of the devastating impact that these known periodic convulsions have had on the surface of the planet in its past.

His mind was now being pulled from its current train of thought.

Captain of the guard. His attention was being pulled toward the left side of the table.

He was being addressed by Lord Patah, appearing to him as if he were but a shimmer of light and shadow. His being was hovering just above the seat of the third realm, and Poole quickly focused his mind and attention over to the great Lord.

Yes Lord Patah, I am here awaiting your words. He thought.

Captain, I speak for the great consensus and share with you our deepest sorrow in that we had to inform you of the circumstances in which the demise of Atlantis had occurred. Atlantis is now all but gone, and her inhabitants with her. We are aware of your orders to cease all communications and go silent at times like these, to protect your whereabouts. This action was the prudent thing to do, even though it left you in the blind concerning much of the outside world.

Poole stood his ground, conveying nothing back to the Lord, as he was using this moment to hold his emotions in check. Lord Memphis now re-entered the conversation, and again conveyed his thoughts to the commander.

You must understand why we have not disclosed this information to you, or that of your sister facilities. The reasoning behind this decision was quickly conveyed to his mind and he knew the thinking of the Lords, and responded.

Yes, I understand, this information would have destroyed the high mental state of the troopers under my command, thereby undermining our ability to confront the enemy in a cohesive manner.

The Captain watched as Lord Memphis, wearing a white flowing robe, slowly lowered his six foot nine inch frame towards the floor. He ended his descent in a standing position, arms and hands in full open, as if greeting an old friend. Poole continued to watch as beings of light and shadow filled the remaining thrones surrounding the platform, leaving Lord Memphis on one end of the altar's table, and he on the other. He recognized some of the shadowy entities that now chose to show themselves to his physical eyes. Among them were Lord Tefnut, Anubis, and lord Horus, as well as Isis and Set. Each at one time ruling as a fourth world deity, dating back some twenty six thousand years in history.

Poole felt humbled, knowing a great honor had been bestowed upon him, as he was allowed to see and hear the thoughts of these former deities. His name was again spoken, and he allowed his attention to be pulled across to the right side of the table in order to be addressed by Lord Horus.

Remain steady oh Captain of the Northern Fortress, for we have more unsettling news to convey to you.

Poole steadied himself as best he could, while thinking the situation could not be any worse than what he had already learned.

It is good that you keep your emotions in check, Captain Poole. The voice running around in his head had now changed pitch and he realized it was Lord Isis, who had now gained his attention. Pausing a moment, Lord Isis allowed the Captain to collect his thoughts.

The time for you to invoke your prime directive is at hand Captain. It seems we were not to know the hour of our destruction as was the plight of our brothers and sisters three times before.

Poole's mind began to race into overdrive as the pending implications being imparted to him were now overwhelming him. It took all his concentration to remain in the presence of these onetime gods, while still consuming the information being disclosed to him.

After a short time, he was forced to slow the incoming thoughts until he finally had to shut out the entities from his mind and focus on his breathing. His head felt light, and it became difficult to control his emotions and stay in contact with the Gods. However, as the moments passed, his self-awareness grew, and he began to notice the genuine love being imparted to him from these immortal beings. His heart rate began to slow, and his breathing became more regular and controlled. In this new altered state, he found his mind to be in the presence of the most powerful Lord in the room.

Lord Ra, Master of all eleven dimensions made his presence known using a deep resonating voice that both held and enveloped Poole in a cloak of compassion. But most importantly, Ra, imparted to him a sense of acceptance, that all things going on around him were meant to be.

His emotions became complacent and Lord Ra addressed his mind.

Captain, you may now understand that this is the way of all things. No matter how hard we attempt to bend reality to our will, sooner or later it has its way with us. The laws of the universe are unmovable and everlasting, as they were meant to be. This is how we evolve throughout every universe we have come to experience. Apparently the alien entities orbiting this planet have served the purpose of disrupting the planet's magnetic field when they destroyed Atlantis. Their action has once again left us unprepared to face the chaos to come. So hear now the truth, for there is no doubt. The end of the fourth world has now been thrust upon us.

Poole's mind became crystal clear in thought. He now understood why he had been called to the altar. He could only hope all the efforts of the last 100 years were not to be totally undone by this unexpected event. He also realized that this event would be happening a full 50 years before it had been predicted, and this would mean that the deluge would again come, like a thief in the night.

What of Egypt? He asked.

Lord Memphis turned to address his questions?

All that can be saved will be saved. The pyramids are being sealed as we speak. It is now up to you and your sister fortresses to save as many as you can.

All his training now came to bear on the information being gathered in these moments. His mind focused on the task placed before him, yet he felt one more question needed to be asked.

Lord Memphis, I thank you for your time. I have but one more question to ask of you before I must take my leave.

Speak freely Captain, I will answer all that I can.

Poole worked to clear his mind, but found himself to be overwhelmed with grief when considering the task lying before him. His emotions wavering, he could no longer hold his mind in conversation with the great lord. He finally managed to clear his throat, and spoke orally the words he was thinking.

How much time do we have?

Lord Memphis approached the sacrificial table and addressed the systems monitor built into its base.

According to world monitoring systems, and our own observations, we have less than 36 hours before the shift will occur. Nothing can prevent it.

Thirty six hours... Poole whispered to himself, and slowly shook his head in disbelief.

Lord Memphis now walked around the stone table and confronted him with open arms.

Poole looked upon the deity with tears swelling up in his eyes, and his thoughts became full of fear for the future. He found himself being embraced by the living God. An outpouring of love and self-sacrifice to duty was imparted to him. He steadily found a place of sheer bliss which also became overwhelming for him. Grabbing a hold of himself, he took two steps back from this most powerful loving lord.

I must now attend to my duties, he said. As Captain, and final Commander of this fortress, I must now make the way forward known to those under my command.

Lord Memphis stood radiantly before him, and addressed him for the last time.

So you must, Captain Ra Poole, Commander of the Great Northern Fortress. May the god's guidance be of comfort to you in the coming hours.

Poole bowed his head in respect, turned and left the altar. He moved across the room to the main doors in order to enter the domed chamber. A guard stood at attention to his post, and bowed to the Captain as he approached. Poole returned an honor salute to the huge being then watched as the guard activated the controls necessary to open the massive doors. Poole returned a look back towards the altar. Behind the great sphere he could make out Lord Memphis standing before the altars table in solemn contemplation. He continued to watch as a great light rose up from under the sphere and enveloped the entire scene from his eyes.

He turned again, thanked the guard, and proceeded through the open doors entering into the domed room just as the last of the three fast movers were being sent down the main tunnel to the world outside.

Poole followed the aircraft through the tunnel and along the way spoke to the men who were escorting the large machine to its departure pad. He ordered them to leave the last of the ships in a hangar deck below. Then, continuing on through the tunnel he exited the main exterior doors and emerged on the outside of the mountain. He commanded all personnel in his view to stop what they were doing, and come to his side. He then made his way to the top of one of the fast mover aircraft to better address the hundreds of men and women now congregating around him. He was sure to use a commanding voice when speaking, and gave the group a moment to settle down before he began. He was sure this would be his final address to the men and women standing before him, and he wished give them his thanks, and final orders.

To each of you, I wish to impart a moment of solemn contemplation on the things that matter most in your experience.

He took the moment to bow to all standing in his presence. This gesture was well taken and responded to with the attending personnel quietly bowing in a uniformed response to the gesture.

It's with great pride and admiration that I am able to stand with you here today, to inform you that our prime directive is as of now to take full precedents over all other considerations.

He halted his speech for a moment in order to gauge the response of his personnel.

After a few moments, he concluded that this group had fully understood what he had stated. They stood before him now, silently awaiting his orders.

You must Steel yourselves! his voice rising over them, while waving his arms from left to right. For the moment is upon us, and the word has been given. We dare not fail the commission appointed to us from our elders.

To everyone's surprise, the very ground they stood upon chose this moment to shiver and roll under their feet. The shaking climaxed in an ever quickening rumble of terra firma echoing throughout the mountain and valleys surrounding the assembly pad of the mighty fortress.

As the ground settled down, and the rumblings echoed off in the distance all eyes returned to their commander. Poole, also shaken, was returning to his feet after dropping down to one knee in order to steady himself from falling off the aircraft. Then, looking out upon all the startled faces he continued.

My fellow combatants, it is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the great and terrible tragedy our enemy has brought upon us in their moment of greed and lust for this planet. I have just been informed by Lord Memphis, that Atlantis is all but gone.

He noted that several in the congregation gasped at hearing the news, but he chose to ignore this and continued on.

The motherland has been pounded into the sea by an unprovoked attack. It is this very assault which has created the great shaking and stirrings in the Earth that we have endured over the last 48 hours. These shakings were created by the very powers that are now aligning against us and our sister fortresses. As of now, I am ordering all remaining craft and personnel to move into their original go modes for which they were designed. You are to assist in moving as many of the populace into the bunkers as quickly as possible. All remaining supplies will also be moved in support of this effort. The fortress will be sealed at this time. Know this, I will use all of our remaining tools to draw the invaders directly to this mountain, in order to buy you as much time as possible.

Poole looked across to the men and women under his command in total empathy as to what they were now being asked to do. He had just told them their world was to come to an end, yet they stood in silence awaiting his final commands.

This is not a training exercise. He assured them, while pausing for a moment, searching his heart for the right words to inspire his people on to their ends.

Now is the moment we have worked for. Your efforts will give birth to a new world. Remember to be in the now of what you are doing. Remember your oath, taken to serve the courageous peoples of the surface. Remember your training. Remember Atlantis!

With this last choice of words, the assembly erupted in cheers as they watched their leader jump down from the fast mover aircraft, and head back towards the mountains complex.

Poole shook hands with several under his command as he worked his way back towards the entrance. Just then, before entering the fortress, he stopped once more to take in the beautiful skyline. While looking out to the West he noted the reddening sky, and felt a single tear run down his cheek. It was after he wiped his eyes clear, that he saw it peeking out through the high cloud cover above.

A floating city. He whispered.

Then it was gone, disappearing behind a cloud, but he was sure of what he had seen. He barked out orders to the guards standing fast at the entrance to close up the mountain.

"If there is one floating ship nearby, he thought, there may be more."

His mind continued to race through his options, as he physically ran through the complex to reach the command room located deep within the fortress.

"And maybe, he thought to himself, just maybe, his enemy had just made a colossal mistake. A mistake that his newly completed fortress could now exploit."

Moments after reentering the command room he became inundated by his personnel, all of whom attempted to speak to him at once. Working through the mayhem he quickly dismissed those that were attempting to tell him what he had already suspected and ordered his staff back to their stations.

Gentlemen. He said. Stand ready, for your orders. Warm up the first level umbrella immediately.

The room quickly quieted, as the men focused on the orders just given them.

Lieutenant, he continued. Power up Thor. Lieutenant Shu acknowledged his orders and return to his workstation. Poole took his seat in the center of the control room and prayed that the 3-D monitor he was currently studying would show him an opportunity to strike at the heart of this fierce adversary.

Some minutes later, Shu returned to update his captain on the fluid situation unfolding around them.

Sir, it appears that not one, but three floating cities are coming together just downrange of our position.

What's their current altitude, Lieutenant? Poole asked.

One hundred thousand feet and closing, Sir.

And the position of their attack aircraft, Lieutenant?

They will reach us in 40 seconds Sir. Shall I call in our fast movers to intercept them?

NO! Poole rose to his feet. There is to be no firing. My guess is they have yet to encounter one of our umbrellas in action. Let them close in for another fifteen seconds or so then fire the cone to twenty thousand feet.

The Lieutenant acknowledged, by repeating the order.

Ay Sir, twenty thousand feet.

Poole counted as the seconds passed, knowing he would only get this one chance at re-pulsing this aggressor. His plan was simple, bring the mother-ships closer to the fortress and hit them with the most powerful weapon he had. If he could sting them hard enough, perhaps they would back-off and rethink their strategy, buying him precious time to re-double his efforts on the intended mission of this fortress, in saving as many humans as possible.

Ten seconds, Lieutenant Shu called out. Nine seconds, eight, seven,

Make it good Lieutenant. Poole added.

Ay Sir, standby, three seconds, two, one.

Lieutenant Shu flipped a toggle switch and pushed down on a large blue crystal located on his control stand. Cones away Sir! He shouted out in the clear.

Poole watched his display as the 10 foot tall, highly polished steel cone, was blasted by a laser to the intended height of 20,000 feet, just as the enemies assault craft closed in on the fortress. He held his breath until the cone reached its intended altitude.

NOW Lieutenant.

With this command, fifty individual lasers surrounding the summit of the mountain released their energy up to the pinnacle of the spinning steel cone. This energy moving at the speed of light instantly reflected back to the ground, surrounding the entire fortress in a powerful invisible shield. Poole watched as this defensive system caught the incoming craft by surprise, ripping apart five of the invading craft and sending them into the ground. Three other attack aircraft managed to enter the space over the fortress before the system armed, however their fate would soon be sealed by the automatic weaponry positioned inside the umbrella. The tale-end of the attacking aircraft managed to peel off by going vertical, and they appeared to be heading back to the mother craft that were still approaching the scene from high overhead.

No one in the command room spoke, as all eyes were now fixed upon the large monitors showing the immense mother-ships coming together some sixty thousand feet above the fortress. This was the defining moment that Captain Poole was hoping for.

Are they still coming for us Lieutenant? He asked.

Yes Sir. Shu answered. They've taken the bait, and are now descending through fifty five thousand feet, and are three miles down range.

Poole had no way of knowing from what altitude they would choose to fire their weapon.

Consequentially, he was sure that if he allow them to fire it, the fortress along with the surrounding area would cease to exist.

Lieutenant. He asked. Is Thor, fully charged?

Yes Sir, to its maximum potential.

Very good then. Poole replied, I want you to target the center of the three floating ships.

Ay Sir, targeting.

Poole had now made his decision to take the shot at maximum range, and dished out orders fast and furious in order to make that happen.

"Lieutenant I want a full discharge fired at the target when they reach an altitude of 45,000 feet.

Let's look sharp, and get it done."

Ay Sir, Lieut. Shu replied. Forty five thousand. System is ready and standing by.

Poole listened carefully as his Lieutenant gave last-minute orders to his team sitting at their assigned workstations. He noticed all personnel were facing the large monitors in the center of the darkened room in anticipation of what was to come.

The Lieutenant then began calling out the altitude of the incoming armada.

Fifty thousand, forty seven thousand, the moment had come, ready, ready, ready.

Poole now gave the final order. Fire!

With his final order given, a stream of hot plasma was ejected from the mountain directly towards the targets, leaving a stream of hot ionized air in its wake. Milliseconds later the pinnacle of the mountain opened to reveal a beautifully sculpted crystal, and through it was delivered the power of Thor. This highly charged stream of electrons instantly climbed on the back of the hot plasma jet racing into the sky just as it was designed to do when it slammed into the bottom of its intended target. This unstoppable force cut though the ship's hull like a knife through butter, until it encountered something important to the huge ships power supply.

What happened next shocked every man in the command room. At first a small explosion was seen coming from the stricken ship. This small explosion was quickly followed seconds later by a massive detonation originating from deep inside the targeted ship. The massive explosion devastated the ship receiving the sting, sending tons of debris flying into its two sister vessels hovering in formation next to it. Poole watched as the smaller attack ships climbing to reach their mother-ships were knocked out of the sky by the tremendous shock wave given off by the explosion.

His first reaction was to be Jubilant, celebrating the victory with his men by leaping to his feet, and pumping his arms in the air. Only to be humbled moments later as he realized the severely damaged ship was now descending towards their position. He quickly focused on the monitors along with his men. Everyone became busy attempting to figure out where the huge ship would land. They scanned their monitors and ran calculations, while keeping an eye on the erratic maneuvers of all three of the mile wide ships.

Poole noted one ship appeared to be gaining altitude in an attempt to leave the atmosphere. The second appeared to be heavily damaged and was moving off to the Northwest leaving a tremendous trail of smoke in its wake. The third ship however was no longer in a controlled descent. Mortally wounded, it appeared to be in a freefalling trajectory and was apparently arcing down right on top of the fortress. He could do nothing about the falling ship, so he did the only thing he could to better protect the fortress and the few remaining guards and personnel left to him. He ordered all compartments throughout the fortress locked and sealed in order to minimize any damage they might receive from the million tons of ship racing to implode upon them.

All he could do now was watch the smoking mass as it descended through twenty thousand feet. The ship quickly increased its velocity and rate of spin as it approached the mountain.