Depth Charge: illuminations

By Stephen Francia

For years, man has looked to the sky to find out if life from other worlds really exists, if we are not alone. The answer is a solid yes, but, we were looking the wrong way! Unbeknownst to us, we had already made contact, but did not know what we were looking at. Planet earth was inhabited many years before humans came into existence. The aliens came to turn planet earth into something that would ensure their future survival; a giant fly trap, and we are the flies!

Microbiologist Bill Langford finds himself in the middle of the biggest battle's of his life; one against the aliens, and one to save his daughter, Selena.
Assisted by a group of hardcore Marines, they will discover a world that they did not know; a world of terrifying wonders that was dwelling beneath them for many years. Now the time for action has come.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephen Francia
• Release date: Sep 30, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301588886

Stephen Francia

Stephen Francia was born in the town of Orange, in AUSTRALIA. He is a proud father of 3 children and happily married. At age 38 he began to realize a need to 'do something.' With limited time to explore the more adventurous interests in life, he decided to pursue writing, thinking that his research and stories would take him to worlds he could not physically travel to. This journey has taken him into different genres and writing forms, including poetry.

Book preview

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Depth Charge - illuminations

By Stephen Francia

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Smashwords Edition

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

© Copyright Stephen Francia 2012

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the author.

Prologue

PLANET MARS, YEAR 8029

BALLISTRAT CITY

The young solider walked with purposeful steps towards the doorway of Darren Riddock, the commanding officer of the Mars Tactical Defence Department. The young soldier paused briefly before turning the corner to compose himself before entering. A nervous tension in his body had developed from the news he was about to deliver. Standing in the doorway, the young soldier could see the cold hard stone faced expression of Darren Riddock. Becoming aware that he had been staring too long, he saluted before speaking.

Sir, we’ve found something.

A recent excavation for a new building complex had unearthed an ancient room which had originated from the earliest human settlers on Mars. Buried underneath fifty metres of red soil, the room was well preserved. Darren had given orders to thoroughly search the room with strict directives to immediately hand over any data that they found, be it handwritten, electronic, or any other form.

The government, scientists and defence department were all working together; holding out hope. Hope that whatever they might find could provide an insight, clues as to what the civilisations on Mars needed. What everyone needed - to survive.

The young soldier handed over a small black data chip to Darren. Saluting again, he turned and walked away at the same pace with which he entered, relieved to have finished his task. Darren took the chip to his team, anticipating their findings. The information on the chip was originally from someone who had lived on planet Earth, before it was destroyed. Either they were amongst the few who were able to get off the planet, or they at least saw the data chip to safety on Mars.

The following information was recovered.

For years, man has looked to the sky to find out if life from other worlds really exists, if we are not alone. The answer is a definate yes, but, we were looking the wrong way! Unbeknownst to us, we had already made contact, but did not know what we were looking at. Planet earth was inhabited many years before humans came into existence. The aliens came to turn planet earth into something that would ensure their future survival, a giant fly trap, and we are the flies!

Chapter 1

PLANET EARTH, YEAR 2014

KOREA

It had been a long day for the workers at the Shinwa tidal power station. The strong tidal flow turned the giant fans under the rushing waters, providing huge amounts of energy; sufficient enough to provide cheap energy for the whole country. Korea viewed the power station as a statement to the world, showing their superior technology. Chin Ho simply viewed it as a means to an end, looking forward eagerly to receiving his weekly pay.

Bae, you watch my area for 10 minutes, I have to go to bathroom.

Chin was happy with the cleanliness of the bathrooms. He removed his tool belt and placed it upon one of the pearl like finishes of the newly laminated benches. Leaning towards the mirror, Chin placed his hands on either side of his face and moved them in a slow, downwards direction. He thought of how he had aged, and longed to be young again. Shaking his head, he walked away, knowing there would be no miraculous return to his youthful vibrancy.

Walking into one of the cubicles, Chin loosened his normal pants belt and dropped his trousers to the jade green tiled floor. Checking the seat for cleanliness, he took some tissue paper and wiped it before sitting. Someone had left today’s news paper on the toilet roll dispenser. Chin picked it up and began reading it while sitting.

A bubbling noise from the toilet water caused Chin to startle. Mueos! he exclaimed. Dismissing the event, Chin continued to read the newspaper. Through the pipes came a distant rumbling noise. Chin stopped rustling the paper, and thought he heard something like electronic ghost noises moving rapidly. Between his legs, bright blue lights began emitting from the toilet water. Chin wondered if management had installed some sort of entertaining bathroom device. Chin’s eyes shot wide open as he felt a sudden, deep, dull thud in his lower body. A coughing noise ensued from his mouth, as a small trickle of blood dribbled out. Chin’s torso sunk into the toilet bowl; pulling his legs up and in, leaving them pointing upwards. It was as if Chin was trying to touch his toes. His head was nearly level with the toilet seat. His body trembled with shock as the bowl water turned a deep red color. Chin opened his mouth to say something, but it was too late. Another solid strike was enough to silence him.

After 20 minutes, Bae decided to investigate. Chin, Chin, what are you doing? You need to come out before the boss comes back. Chin! Entering the restroom, Bae noticed a pair of shoes at one of the cubicles. With an eerie apprehension, Bae cautiously moved forward to open the door. Bae jumped back in terror as he viewed the blood splattered cubicle, and no sign of Chin.

MILFORD SOUND, NEW ZEALAND

The lone fisherman really liked coming to his secret secluded fishing area. It provided both a nice supply of fish, and a quite pleasant escape from his wife. Casting his line into the deep blue waters, he remained expectantly hopeful to bring home a satisfying meal.

Gentle waves continued to lap the boat as the fisherman felt his line pull taught under the weight of a lure trapped sea creature. Fastening his grip with weather worn hands of iron, the fisherman pulled with all his might to bring the creature up to the light.

His normally iron like grasp was suddenly weakened, causing him to drop the fishing line as strange glowing lights projected upwards from the watery deep. Red white and yellow in spinning array shone from directly below. Now standing upright, the fisherman could see the lights glowing through the wooden boards of the boat. A circular saw like sound mixed with electronic whirring noises rang through his ears as the saucer shaped creature made its way through the hull.

Flying shards of wood and water flew around him as tentacle like extensions made their way into the small boat. With aggressive purpose, they wrapped around the fisherman’s body. The sticky gripped tentacles pulled downwards, making the fisherman disappear into the watery sound. Only soft ripples and some wooden debris were left upon the surface of the Milford Sound. His wife wondered if he’d finally had enough of her annoying complaints.

MARIANA TRENCH

Aboard the deep sea environmental research ship ‘Infinity’, Adam controlled the deep sea camera unit as if it were a pet dog. Good boy, now just turn a little more to the right. There you go. From the control room at the bottom of the ship, Adam could send the camera far into the depths of the trench. He had seen some amazing sights over these past few months. Many deep sea creatures had been documented and studied. Peering over to one of the stainless steel analysis tables, Adam still had many questions about the recent creature they had captured and were studying. Focusing back on his camera, Adam's eyes widened and his mouth opened fully. Whaaat is that? He blinked to make sure his vision of the sight before him was correct.

They were typical of the creatures he’d seen here before, but with new, unusual shapes and sizes. They moved towards the surface, advancing with what seemed to be purpose, and not just a few of them. Where did all these come from? How? Oh my...!

Chapter 2

Bill Langford thought that there was nothing more rewarding than to watch his twelve year old daughter, Selena, playing soccer on Saturdays. Swift footed and having a talent for deception was enough for Selena Langford to take on the opposing team. Camera at the ready, Bill was always keen to capture the play, allowing Selena to review her actions in the match afterwards. Of course, plenty of other parents with high aspirations spent similar energies to encourage hard work from their progeny, allowing dreams of success to flood the eyes of the young. Parents mostly thought of the monetary benefits that would come if their kids were to become successful, while the children themselves often desired fame.

Kick it, Selena, now! Bill knew his vocalising would come out extraordinarily loud on the video replay at home. A swift sidestep movement enabled Selena to get past the goalie as a sliding left boot projected the soccer ball headlong into the net of victory. Go home ball, go home. Yeheheessss! Bill was yet again aware that his jubilant jumping on the spot was another filming error, but it didn’t matter. The whistle was blown and Selena came running off the field to give her father a big hug.

Hey, well done, kiddo, way to bend it.

Selena pulled in a second hug before they began walking over to the car. I wish Mom could’ve been here to see this. Selena’s bright blue eyes looked searchingly into her father’s for reassurance.

I know, Selena, I miss her too. Bill managed to hold back any tears as feelings welled within him; a sudden flash of memories came clearly to his mind of his wife Marie. After realizing his awkward pause, Bill thought it would be best if he changed the subject. Hey, what do you say we get your favourite treat? Selena pumped two fists next to her shoulders, and cried out Yesss! Selena loved ice cream. They both opened the doors on Bill’s company car, a shiny black hummer. Admittedly, it wasn’t the standard type of vehicle for the neighbourhood, but Bill’s profession gave extra allowance for vehicles. Closing the door as she sat in the front seat, Selena looked way too small in proportion to the size of the car.

Looking out the window as a pattering of rain started to fall upon it, she thought of her mother’s face, seeing it as clear as the day she had left them at the airport. It was three years ago and Selena missed how her mother made her feel secure and warm, protected against danger. There was a funeral of course, but it wasn’t closure. Not being able to see her mother after she died left Selena with feelings of emptiness and many unanswered questions. Selena was the type of girl who needed to see things, hold things, to have evidence of their happening.

Dad, what happened to mom when she went in the water?

Bill felt his heart tighten at the question. Sel, we’ve talked about this many times, you know I don’t have all the answers. Marie’s passing, and the fact they had never found the body, left both Bill and Selena with repeating questions.

Does anyone have the answers? Selena turned sideways on the cream leather seat of the hummer to face her father as he drove along.

I guess someone does, Selena; surely someone does.

Dad, do you think someone is looking after her?

Your mother’s at peace, Selena, that’s all we need to really know. Bill pulled the car into a parking space sufficient enough for the width of the Hummer, which was not always an easy task. Facing his daughter, Bill looked into those vibrant blue eyes, Now, how about that ice cream?

Selena smiled, and exited the Hummer, but a lot was going on in both her mind, and her body. Things a father rarely had an adequate understanding of to bring the answers, or the comfort that daughters needed. Selena saw a familiar face as she waved.

Hi, Silvia, shouted Selena as she ran dramatically over to her close friend. Close in most ways except for recreation. Selena loved soccer, music and movies. Silvia preferred books, nature and theatre. ‘Whatev!’ would have been their standard reply. They were best friends, and none of their individual differences would separate that. In fact, it was what made them so inseparable As their daughters bear hugged, Bill Langford and Bryant Mathews shook hands, exchanging greetings.

Didn’t you boys have enough ice cream and see enough of each other during the week? asked Silvia’s mother sarcastically. Helen smiled; she just liked to stir the both of them at every opportunity she got.

It’s for the girls of course, replied Bill.

That’s what you always say, Bill. I think you and my husband just like an excuse to have ice cream every Saturday. Helen’s smile gave away her lack of seriousness in the comment. Helen wandered over to the girls as they headed into the ice cream parlour, her long straight brown hair bouncing off her shoulders as she walked. Bill and Bryant meandered slowly along the pavement.

Looks like it’s going to be another hectic one next week, Bill.

Every week is a busy one these days, Bryant. I just don’t know how long I can keep up trying to fulfil two roles. Maybe I should consider getting someone to cook and clean around the house. It’s been really hard to give Selena the time she deserves

Might not be a bad idea, Bill, especially for the next few weeks. You know the company supports you 110% in coping with your loss.

Bill cut Bryant off, Don’t say it like that, man.

Putting his hand on Bill’s shoulder, Bryant rephrased his comment with sympathy. We all miss Marie very much, I’m sorry, Bill. Next week, as I was saying, is huge. We’ll all be on site off the coast from Virginia Beach. I simply can’t get all the data collated without my best research biologist on deck. The ocean observation centre is simply no place for our daughters.

But they’ve been there before, reasoned Bill.

Putting his hands up, Bryant responded, I know, I know, but we’ll have so much work to accomplish ... Bryant looked into the saddened look of his friend and colleague, continuing, Look, I’m not saying you can’t bring her, but it will be very busy and she may get bored.

An idea flashed into Bill’s mind. Hey, why can’t Selena stay with Helen and Silvia? A hopeful smile held on Bill’s face.

Bryant shook his head, making Bill’s smile disappear. No, sorry, Bill, Helen is taking Silvia to see her grandmother. Just bad timing I suppose. Looking up they noticed Helen at the window of the ice cream parlour waving at them with earnest to come inside.

I Guess I’ll arrange for someone to help out then, replied Bill as they walked into the ice cream parlour.

Inside, Selena was happy again. Soccer victory stories, ice cream and friends. She was also happy to have Helen around. Not that she wanted to replace her mother, but Selena could talk to Helen about all the things she didn’t want to discuss with her dad.

The Black Hawk helicopter hovered above the ‘Infinity’ environmental research ship. One of the crew extended his arm within the pilot’s vision and made some quick repetitions in a downwards motion, indicating for them to land on the Infinity. The pilot nodded in acknowledgement as he maneuvered the helicopter to descend downwards towards the ship’s helipad. Even from here, the sizeable research vessel looked deserted. Its white painted exterior was scraped by what looked like the normal ravages of the sea.

Second Lieutenant Will Smith watched the deck of the Infinity approaching closer as the chopper descended. His grey eyes searched for life, but all he could see was the unkempt state of the ship. He shook his head in wonderment. The government had always trained their team as navy seals to maintain a high degree of order and cleanliness with their machinery. At least when they found themselves in a tough situation they knew where their vital equipment was, and they knew that it was going to operate correctly. Man, this tub could do with a pimp my boat makeover. What do you think happened here? he shouted loudly to Captain Mark Evans; trying to compete with the loud spinning noise of the chopper blades.

Captain Mark shouted back with equal force, All we know is what you were briefed on. We’ll see more when we get on board. The streaks of grey in Mark’s short dark hair were not because of his age. They had developed because of what he’d seen in his many missions. That and the fact that he had a young son he never got to spend enough time with.

Terry Bensen