An Alien Presence

By Jorge Perez-Jara

Humanity had finally received an answer to the age old question. Are we truly alone? The answer was an undeniable and resounding NO! Unfortunately, Earth’s First Contact with an alien civilization has been interrupted by human quarrelling and mistrust. Hostilities have broken out above and on the surface of Earth. The alien visitors have arrived in a time of high tension and have front row seats to humanity’s oldest profession. WAR!
Major Myles Webb of the American Federated States Space Marines is once again caught between his loyalty to the AFS and the trust the aliens have placed upon him, which he dares not betray. He is the only person that has full access to the aliens, who now call Mars home. He also has their full trust in being the mediator between Humanity and the Hee’Umana by being appointed as Earth’s Ambassador.
But with hostilities breaking out on the planet’s surface, he must also balance his responsibilities of being an AFS Space Marine and newly appointed Sub-Commander within the alien ranks. A role he was given without preamble and is expected to perform, while the aliens remain within the Solar System. He also has to figure out why the aliens are in a hurry to increase their numbers and military strength? All of their preparations suggest that they are worried about something, an unknown which they refuse to share the secret with their human counterparts.
All Major Webb knows, it is something that even frightens their current visitors—the Hee’Umana. An alien race that knows all about war and is harden to face the unknown, but this unforeseen force is even something they agonize about. He may not know what it is, but he is certain of one thing. They will face it together. But before they can even do that, they have to resolve the tension on the planet’s surface.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jorge Perez-Jara
• Release date: Oct 21, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465990983

Jorge Perez-Jara

Jorge L. Perez-Jara graduated from Mesa High School in Mesa, Arizona in 1986. After graduation, he attended Arizona State University and joined the United States Air Force shortly afterwards. He is a military Veteran who served during the 1990-91’ Gulf War “Desert Shield/Desert Storm” in the Middle East. He has traveled to many parts of the world, while he served in the U.S. Air Force and has experienced and done many things. While he served on Active Duty, he had the opportunity to interact with different people and cultures. He was Honorably Discharged and now enjoys spending his time writing and researching ancient cultures. His writings consist of personal experiences as well as Science Fiction.

Book preview

An Alien Presence

By

Jorge L. Perez-Jara

Copyright © 2011 Jorge L. Perez-Jara

All rights reserved.

ISBN-9798765514986

Other titles by Jorge L. Perez-Jara

The Alien Series:

An Alien Encounter

An Alien Presence

An Alien War

An Alien Rubicon

An Alien Incursion

Combined Service Marine Series:

Combined Service Marines - Lunar Cache

Combined Service Marines - Terra Incognita

Combined Service Marines - Titanus Malleus

Forging Man Series:

Forging Man – The Experiment

Other Books:

The Ocean Depths

Contents

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20205

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1

The intercontinental ballistic nuclear missiles that Major Myles Webb, American Federated States Marines, had personally witnessed launched against AFS territories on Earth had impacted on their assigned targets only minutes ago. The ICBMs had been launched by a Chinese commando team that had boarded Freedom, the only remaining space station orbiting the planet which was under American control. The commando team had masqueraded as an inspection team for the Unification of Nations, so they had been given full access to the space station’s command and control center under the guise of performing their assessment.

Once the Chinese commando team had boarded Freedom and had acquired their assault gear, they had split into two teams. One team had gone to the space station’s command and control center, while the other shuttled over to one of the AFS ICBM platforms as part of their inspection. When they were in position, they immediately proceeded to quickly take control of the command and control and the ICBM platform.

The ICBM platforms had been secured and mothballed decades ago by the AFS, but their nuclear payloads were still intact and operational. From this key position, the commando team had gained access to the missiles and their guidance systems. Once they had reactivated the platform’s systems and ICBMs, they had unleashed their destructive power against the AFS territories on the planet below.

While this was taking place, Webb had pled with their newly arrived alien visitors for any assistance they could offer, but it had been a futile effort. The Hee’Umana had no interest in involving themselves in human affairs and what they called ‘a human conflict’. Therefore, they had stood back and simply remained as observers as mankind fought amongst themselves.

AFS ground defenses had quickly mobilized and had been partially successful in intercepting several of the inbound ICBMs, but three got through their antimissile screen. The nuclear missiles had impacted on their predetermined targets and had completely devastated them. The AFS cities of Los Angeles, New Orleans, and the spaceport had been reduced to rumble upon their impact.

The Hee’Umana had arrived and made their presence known only weeks ago and upon making contact, they had requested assistance in repairing their damaged ships. They had stated that it was merely protocol for them to contact the native species occupying the system. They had also stated that a species internal affair were of their own making, therefore, they couldn’t get involve in human rivalries or disagreements. They had further explained that under no circumstances would they choose sides in human affairs or the current conflict between the two fighting factions. Even though, they had the strength and the technology to assist in resolving the conflict between the two factions on the planet, they wouldn’t intervene. They had stated that it wasn’t their fight, so the AFS would have to confront the opposition on its own and deal with it. They further explained that their Overseer, a religious leader among them, hadn’t sanctioned their involvement in human affairs or hostilities, therefore, they couldn’t mediate. This individual was the only one among the Hee’Umana empowered to authorize such an action, so he had to seek her out.

One of these female spiritual leaders was assigned to every ship within Command during any deployment. Therefore, if the AFS wanted the Hee’Umana’s assistance, Webb would have to speak to an Overseer. He had known that it was going to be difficult to get her approval, but he had to at least make the attempt.

Webb had pled with the Overseer while the missiles had been in midflight, but she had remained adamant in her decision of noninvolvement. She had refused to give Command and the Shee’Marr, as their military structure and personnel were known, the authority to intercept the ICBMs. Even if it meant that millions of lives were at stake, she still hadn’t conceded. And before he was able to press further in asking for assistance, the missiles had impacted on their intended targets.

The AFS ground defense batteries had made a valiant effort in attempting to intercept the incoming ICBMs, but it hadn’t been enough to stop them all. Webb had helplessly watched as the Overseer had projected a hologram within her chambers of the destruction within the AFS territories. The holotank had been vivid in color and in every detail as they witnessed the devastation on the ground from the safety of space above. They saw as three nuclear mushroom clouds rose up toward the heavens from the ground and debris had been flung into the atmosphere. Eventually, the nuclear fallout fell back down within the surrounding landscape.

While Webb had watched the scene unfold before him in complete horror, an expression of cold contempt had formed on his face as his loathing of the Chinese attack overwhelmed him. He had felt devastated by the scene playing out within the holotank and had been taken by surprise by the emotionless response of the Overseer standing before him. She had informed him, from the very beginning of their meeting, that if a species couldn’t endure hardships, then it wasn’t strong enough to deal with the adversities of space travel and contact with other civilizations. And that the Hee’Umana had to be assured that humans were strong enough in any circumstance, if the bond between themselves and the AFS was to grow over time.

Overseer Rii’Bii, Webb asked as he turned to face her, where do we go from here? His voice was barely audible as his throat felt tight from raw emotion. He turned away from the holotank, unable to watch any longer as his stomach tightened into knots. It would be a comfort to my people to know where our relationship stands, concerning the current tensions on my planet.

That is entirely up to your species to decide, Ambassador, Overseer Rii’Bii replied as she began to enter the water tank within her private chambers. The designation of ambassador had been one of two titles that had been bestowed upon Webb, when the AFS had made contact with the Hee’Umana. That had only been a couple of weeks ago and in that short time period, his position among them had grown. We will keep watch on your people’s future actions before we determined what is required of us or how we will assist in this situation, she continued after a brief pause. Our current Bond obligates us to assist in various forms, but there are limits to our newly found alliance. But make no mistake, Ambassador, Rii’Bii cautioned as she turned to face him, "we will not intervene in human affairs or dictate to them. It would be completely against First Contact Protocol to do such a thing.

Such trespasses would be contrary to our deeply held culture beliefs and the direction of the Prime. Therefore, no Hee’Umana or Shee’Marr will be allowed to interfere in current human affairs or offer any military assistance, if tensions among your people spillover into a conflict between your various Factions. The Shee’Marr served within Command which made up their military structure within the Hee’Umana. There are, of course, certain situations in which we would allow such deviations, but they are very rare, Rii’Bii offered as consolation. "But this is not one of those occasions, so we shall remain neutral in all this. You and the people on your planet must settle this on your own terms and quickly, because we are running out of patience with your species primitive bickering.

As an enlightened civilization, you should learn to put such primitive notions such as self-identity, race, and cultural differences aside for the betterment of the entire species, Ambassador, she said forcefully. Only then will your species reach its full potential.

So, we’re going to be forced to confront our aggressors and face whatever hardship comes with it alone? Webb stated as he closed his eyes in anguish. With every passing moment his anger grew and so did his tenacity to strike back at those that had killed so many within the AFS. "And as we deal with all this tragedy looming before us, you also want us to give you an answer concerning repairs to your ships? How can we possibly do this and face our aggressors as well?

Overseer, my government will only entertain one crisis at a time, so your request for an answer from us will have to wait. You must agree, that our present predicament outweighs your proposal for assistance you in initiating the required repairs to your ships. Especially, when those repairs necessitate the construction of a Command Spaceyard, which would require an enormous effort and manpower to achieve.

No. You have completely misunderstood my interpretations of current events on your planet and the situation at hand, Ambassador, Rii’Bii answered with a serious expression on her face. "A response to our request is not tied in with the problems presently on the surface of your planet. No, these are two different matters altogether, which one of them does not concern us

As I have said before, these are two separate issues entirely, but I must mention that ours takes precedence over senseless squabbling. We had asked for your assistance before tensions on your planet had become elevated amongst your people, therefore, our concerns should be addressed first. Once it has been dealt with, we can than discuss the other issue that concerns you and your Faction.

But how can an answer to your request take precedence over hostilities between our governments on the planet’s surface, Overseer? Webb asked as he attempted to understand her reasoning behind her statement. Millions of my people have already died and millions more will probably die in the near future, if we don’t put a stop to this madness.

Those actions are of no concern to us, but I must agree, Rii’Bii said as she floated on top of the surface of the water tank. The Hee’Umana came from a planet that was almost completely covered by water, so the liquid was an essential part of their lifestyle. There were some landmasses, but they were very few. "I concur, it is madness on the part of your species to inflict misery and death on one another, but we also did not create this situation. Therefore, a diplomatic solution would have been much more appropriate concerning the present hostilities and circumstances. Maybe, this is what your people and the many Factions on your planet should seek in order to avoid further conflicts.

You should remind yourself, Ambassador, she cautioned, this conflict was brought on by your species and your species alone. The Hee’Umana had no part in it or were we the cause of the present hostilities. She shook her head in annoyance as her naked body float within the water tank of her private chamber. "If you cannot govern your species as a civilized society, then you shall also pay the consequences as every other primitive species within the galaxy has in the past.

"Furthermore, as I have pointed out before, our request for your assistance in repairing our ships was made before the outbreak of hostilities on your home world, so it must take priority over all this savagery. Yet, even with all this barbarity affecting your people and planet, we shall remain Bonded with your Faction. We will also remain patient in awaiting an answer from your Faction representatives. But do remember, Ambassador, we will only await an answer for a few more days.

After that time has passed, if no response to our request has been received, we will leave your system and seek assistance elsewhere. We simply cannot sit idle while you work out your differences. Our ships must be repaired in order for us to be confident in being able to defend ourselves and also to be able to move about as we wish.

Webb wanted to continue to argue his point with her, but he knew it would make no difference in the end. The Hee’Umana had their own way of perceiving events and they didn’t concern human disagreements, so he merely nodded and said. I shall do my best to get you your answer, Overseer, but that is all I can promise. I only ask for your continual patience in these difficult times ahead, he stated in a controlled voice. After all, I can only present your request to my government once again and nothing more. Webb signed loudly as he controlled his frustration. I don’t know how long a response will take, but I’ll apply whatever pressure I can so you can have your answer within the allotted time.

There, you see. Was that so hard? Rii’Bii said as if she was speaking to a small child. Many things can be achieved and overcome, if one merely applies themselves.

No, that wasn’t difficult at all, Overseer, Webb replied between gritted teeth. He understood better than most that they were indeed alien and not all of their actions would be aligned with human thoughts or logic. Good day, Overseer Rii’Bii, he added as he turned and quickly exited her private chambers.

2

Once Webb was outside of Overseer Rii’Bii’s private chambers, he quickly made his way toward the command deck of the Command ship he was currently onboard. The ship was named the Ko’Da, which was presently the Hee’Umana’s designated flagship within their small Taskforce present within the Sol system. It was considered merely a destroyer-class warship within Command and among the Shee’Marr. But in his eyes, it was a behemoth in size and in military prowess. He knew that mankind could never hope to achieve such marvels with their current limited technology base. Therefore, cooperation between their two species would be a must, if they wanted to get their hands on such construction techniques and advances.

In the ranks of Command and the Shee’Marr, it was merely a medium size warship. Of course, in human terms, it was nothing of the sort. The Ko’Da measured twenty miles in length and was three miles in width. Its outer hull was constructed of forged carbon-ceramic armor plating in order to withstand considerable punishment during any confrontation. It was armed with ion cannons, antimatter capital-class missiles for offensive purposes. A neutrino auto blaster point-defense system was also part of its armament, which was used against missiles and space-fighters during close range engagements. The ship also was equipped with an energized barrier that acted as a shield against energy weapons.

The Ko’Da could accommodated 50,000 personnel and carried one thousand Crra’Tyrr heavy-fighters for offensive and defensive operations. It was currently being accompanied by a secondary Command ship. This additional ship was categorized as a battle cruiser within their military structure. It was fifteen miles in length and two miles in width. The ship could accommodated 40,000 personnel and carried one thousand Crra’Tyrr heavy-fighters as well. Its heavy armor and weapon systems were identical to the accompanying Command ship. Both ships were capable of entering hyperspace in a means of traversing large stretches of space in a single jump. This method of travel allowed them to move great distances within space in merely days or weeks depending on the distances involved.

Within the command deck of the Ko’Da, Webb knew he could get the latest information concerning the mounting tensions on Earth and their current coordinates. War appeared to be a certainty as tensions had increased between the AFS and the Chinese government, but he still held out hope that something could be done to mitigate the conflict. Of course, the arrival of the Hee’Umana within the Sol system hadn’t helped to alleviate those tensions in any way, but he still held out hope that calmer heads would prevail moving forward.

Unfortunately, the Hee’Umana’s unexpected presence within the solar system had been the final straw that broke the proverbial ‘camel’s back’. Since most governments on Earth saw them as possible allies, they were currently lobbying heavily for their assistance. But that had only helped in increasing tensions and was also pushing the human race into another global conflict.

Of course, Webb didn’t want to agree with such an assessment, but it was easy to see how others could hold such a view. He had always known that it was merely a matter of time before tensions had come to a head during any such altercations. Man had always held an uneasy peace among themselves and it was now quickly rising even higher among the nations on Earth. What a hell of a way to finally make contact with another civilization, he thought bitterly. Webb simply wished he knew why the Hee’Umana had remained neutral given that they had been engaged as well. That had taken place shortly after they had made themselves known.

Webb stepped out of the transit shaft and walked the short distance toward a guarded airlock. The door, which led into the command deck of the Ko’Da, was heavily armored. As he approached, the two Shee’Marr standing guard erected themselves to their full height within their battlesuits.

Sub-Commander, Webb, acknowledged one of the Shee’Marr as they both stepped aside and allowed him to enter the command deck. They both were wearing their customary exoskeleton armored suits, which they all wore while on duty.

Shee’Marr, Webb offered in a friendly voice as recognition. He just addressed me as Sub-Commander? He questioned. It was yet another title that had been bestowed on him during their first encounter by the current Shee’Marr commander. It had been a title he really didn’t want or had asked for. But nevertheless, he had reluctantly accepted it. May the Maker be with you, he offered in salutation.

And to you as well, Sub-Commander, they responded in unison.

When the heavily armored door before Webb had finally opened, he stepped through it and slowly approached Bakuu’Taa, the Ko’Da’s commander.

What can I do for you, Sub-Commander? Bakuu’Taa asked as Webb approached his command chair. He was seated at the center of the large room, which was the helm of the ship. Was your private conference with Overseer Rii’Bii constructive in nature?

It didn’t go as well as I had hoped for, Commander, Webb replied in complete honesty. Now that he was within the Ko’Da’s command deck, his title of Ambassador had reverted back to that of a Shee’Marr Sub-Commander within Command. Yet, I still have faith that at some point in time I’ll prevail in my endeavor of getting a concession out of the Overseer.

Bakuu’Taa studied Webb’s demeanor closely for a moment before he spoke. He knew that Webb was having a difficult time accepting that they would do nothing to assist the AFS or the people on the planet for that matter. But it wasn’t up to him to decide the planet’s fate or that of the inhabitants on it, since only Overseer Rii’Bii could make that decision. Yet, you still appear troubled, Sub-Commander, he said in an attempt to open a friendly dialogue with Webb. I am certain Overseer Rii’Bii will concede in time.

I’m fine, thank you, Commander, Webb answered offhandedly as he attempted to control his facial expressions. He forced a friendly grin to form on his face in an attempt to hide his uneasiness with the Overseer’s decision. In an attempt to change the subject, he studied the holotank at the center of the command deck for a moment. The holographic projection was displaying their current location in space and the disposition of the other Hee’Umana ships within the Taskforce. What’s the situation on the planet below, Commander? he asked.

There is currently nothing of importance to report, Sub-Commander, Bakuu’Taa replied as he carefully studied the holotank as well. The display was filled with information concerning everything around them. Objects in space within its projection were categorized and assigned numbers as to their priority. Even the few manmade constructions were being displayed within it. Your Faction had no other choice left, but to mobilize its armed forces in the event that it becomes prudent to retaliate against the aggressors, he said in an attempt to justify the AFS response. May the Maker be with your Faction and your people.

May the Maker be with us all, Webb added in response as he bowed his head. He had begun to use the Hee’Umana’s version of a supreme being in citing a religious effigy in most of his interactions with them. Unfortunately, Commander, this is a transgression that can’t be allowed upon my people to go unanswered.

I whole heartily agree and so do those that are in leadership positions among your kind, Sub-Commander, announced Mo’Taa as he joined their conversation. He was the first officer onboard the Ko’Da and as such was privileged to offer his insight on the present tensions among mankind. There are forces being assemble on three major continents as we speak and on the planet’s oceans as well, he added as he directed them to the information within the holotank before them.

Webb heard Mo’Taa through his recently installed neural net implants. He was still attempting to get fully accustomed to them, but it was proving difficult to do. This Hee’Umana communications technology had been implanted within his body to improve his human senses and interaction among them. Without it, he couldn’t control the Hee’Umana armored suit, which had been given to him upon the issuing of his new titles among them. It also assisted him in being able to communicate with them and with the Command ships within the Taskforce.

A hologram of Earth appeared before Webb as it pinpointed the locations were opposing forces had begun to assemble on the planet. The European, North American, and the Asian continents as well as the two major oceans were being displayed in a red color to indicate an aggressive posture. What type of weapons are the assembling forces on your planet armed with, Sub-Commander? Bakuu’Taa asked as he attempted to assess the situation on the planet’s surface. He wanted to understand human reactions and their way of prepping for war. Is there anything within your Faction or the opposing side that can be a threat to us besides your nuclear arsenal?

At the moment, they appear to be only armed with conventional weapons, Commander, Mo’Taa replied before Webb could answer. He had been studying every report that had been transmitted to the Ko’Da through its long range sensors. No other arms or threats have been identified.

Very well, deploy a planetary surveillance probe to monitor their movements and assist in keeping us informed on the evolving situation there, Bakuu’Taa said as he studied the holotank for a moment longer. As you know, this is not any of our concern or our fight, Mo’Taa. Therefore, we will merely observe their movements and report any threats that we see to the Overseer as the situation unfolds. Under no circumstances are our Crra’Tyrr heavy-fighters to engage the Humans. He retrieved the latest reports concerning the disposition of all human forces on the surface and grimaced. All the information within the reports pointed toward war. Unless, they are fired upon and there is no other choice in the matter, he added. He didn’t