Worlds Without End: Aftermath (Book 2)

By Shaun F. Messick

With the enslavement of the human race and all faith lost, the only hope humanity has is hidden in a prophecy on a planet 22-light-years from Earth!

After the initial attack by the Gnols, Earth lies in ruins with most of the cities destroyed and the majority of the population dead. Adrian Palmer remains in the custody of the Gnols who have established their capital in Washington D.C. as they await the arrival of their savior, Koroan Chast, to claim his new world.

Knowing full well of their forthcoming execution, Adrian and Kevin find help from a group of rebels gathering in Missouri. Adrian knows that he needs to return to Terrest. But before he can escape, he and Kevin must face an old enemy, which may turn out to be futile.

Meanwhile, on Terrest, Jake and Scott are left to lead what’s left of the Terrestrian military. Defeated and desperate, Jake and Celeste embark on an insurmountable journey to Gnolom to discover the true origins of Koroan Chast’s power.

At the same time, Skip discovers new and old allies to help him in his escape from the slave camp of Zikf. Will he escape to continue his quest for the prophecy given by Jesus Christ? Or, is Koroan Chast the fulfillment of that prophecy?

The story continues as old and new enemies collide in a saga of faith, love, power, and war. A story that stretches across the galaxy in search of the key that will free humankind!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shaun F. Messick
• Release date: Nov 21, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301328031

Shaun F. Messick

Shaun Messick is an established writer. His works include fiction and freelance blogging. His first novel, Worlds Without End: The Mission, has been successful with over 40,000 downloads and purchases. The next book in the series, Worlds Without End: Aftermath, has continued that trend with seventy-five percent of the reviews having 4 and 5 stars.Shaun currently resides in Shelley, Idaho with his beautiful wife and his four wonderful children. From as early as he can remember, he was a fan of science fiction stories, particularly Star Wars, Star Trek, and Battle Star Galactica. He is truly a nerd at heart. From these interests, Shaun has developed a unique talent of his own, crafting ideas into fascinating story lines for fans of science fiction to enjoy.Along with his writing escapades, Shaun loves sports, playing golf, spending time with his family, and reading.

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Worlds Without End

Aftermath

Book 2

Shaun F. Messick

Published by Empyrean Books at Smashwords

Copyright © 2012 Shaun F. Messick

Cover Art, Copyright © June 2016, Fiona Jayde

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This novel is a work of fiction. Any references to real events, businesses, organizations, and political figures are intended to give the story a sense of reality and authenticity. Any resemblance to actual private persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

This book may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

www.EmpyreanBooks.com

Smashwords Edition

ISBN: 9781301328031

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Worlds Without End: The Mission (Book 1)

Contents

Copyright

Dedication

Note to Reader

Acknowledgements

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1 – THE RESCUE

CHAPTER 2 – THE GOD-GENE

CHAPTER 3 – THE TEMPLE

CHAPTER 4 – THE GOLDEN PLATE

CHAPTER 5 – DARK TIDINGS

CHAPTER 6 – THE EXECUTION

CHAPTER 7 – BATTLE AT THE MEMORIAL

CHAPTER 8 – INSURGENCE

CHAPTER 9 – THE AIRFIELD

CHAPTER 10 – FALSE GODS

CHAPTER 11 – THE PROPHECY

CHAPTER 12 – LIFE SUPPORT

CHAPTER 13 – THE BLESSING

CHAPTER 14 – DEEP LOSS

CHAPTER 15 – RAIN FROM HEAVEN

CHAPTER 16 – DESTRUCTION

CHAPTER 17 – THE WEDDING

CHAPTER 18 – DESTINATION GNOLOM

CHAPTER 19 – REUNION

CHAPTER 20 – THE GARDEN

CHAPTER 21 – RETURN TO MARS I

CHAPTER 22 – THE HOLY SPIRIT

CHAPTER 23 – SACRIFICE

CHAPTER 24 – TRANSFIGURED

EPILOGUE

Worlds Without End: The Prophecy (Book 3)

About The Author

Pronunciation Guide

DEDICATION

To my beautiful wife Tanya and my four wonderful children: Kylee, Bryant, Alexis, and Parker. You have all shown that I can go beyond myself and find strength in areas that I didn’t know I had.

Dear Reader,

Thank you for reading Worlds Without End: Aftermath, Book 2 of the Worlds Without End series. Many readers have emailed me and have written wonderful reviews on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com praising the first book in the series, The Mission. Yet, as with any book, it has also received its fair share of criticism. And it is this criticism that I wish to address.

Most of the criticism that The Mission has received has been due to the fact that the reader did not know the plot was embedded with religious doctrine used as a foundation for the storyline. I am an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and with conviction do not deny that fact. The basis for the Worlds Without End series is derived from the following doctrinal beliefs of the LDS Church:

— God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings that makeup the Godhead. (Doctrine and Covenants, Section 130:22-23)

— The Father and Jesus Christ are resurrected beings with bodies of flesh and bone. (Doctrine and Covenants, Section 130:22-23)

— The Holy Ghost is a spirit, so that he may dwell in the hearts of men. (Doctrine and Covenants, Section 130:22-23) (The Holy Ghost will have the privilege of receiving a body one day, but that is yet to be revealed.)

— Lucifer and one-third of the host of Heaven were cast out for rebellion against the Father and His Son. They were banished to Earth until the end of days. At which time, their final judgment will occur. In addition, Lucifer and his followers were prohibited from having bodies as a consequence for their rebellion. (Revelation 12:1-9; Doctrine and Covenants, Section 29:36-39)

— Jehovah under the direction of God the Father has created worlds without number for God’s children to reside upon. (Moses 1:33)

— John, an original apostle of Jesus Christ, was permitted to live until the Second Coming of Christ. (John 21:23)

— God resides on a planet near a star named Kolob. (Abraham, Chapter 3). It has not been revealed where Kolob is, but many scholars have speculated the possibility of it being in the center of the Milky Way Galaxy because this, according to scientists, is where new stars are born.

— Earth will become a Celestial planet at the end of its mortal sojourn where God and his Son reside along with the righteous and just that have followed God’s commandments. (Doctrine and Covenants, Section 130)

In no way does this story reflect the views of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is simply a fictitious tale derived from scripture. In other words, it is an alternate reality, if you will, of the possibilities out there in the vastness of the universe. The story is meant for entertainment and recreational purposes only.

If you are looking for a science fiction novel without references to God, then this story may not be for you. However, if you are intrigued with science fiction with strong religious undertones – such as I am – then you will be fascinated with the Worlds Without End premise. This novel, along with the rest of the books in the series, combines science fiction, religion, and the supernatural. Many people believe that these three categories contrast too much to be incorporated into a story. I disagree, however. I believe that all three go hand in hand. All the questions that mankind has been faced with regarding our existence and where we are going can be traced back to these three classifications.

In summary, I hope you enjoy reading the Worlds Without End series. Just keep an open mind and be amazed at the wondrous creations of our Father in Heaven.

Sincerely,

Shaun F. Messick

Acknowledgments

I wish to express a heartfelt thanks to all of the fans of Worlds Without End: The Mission, the first book in the Worlds Without End series. It is because of you that it is (as of the publication of this book) ranked #2 on Amazon’s religious, science fiction free book list.

I want to also thank my wonderful wife who tolerates me staring at the computer screen for hours on end as I write and create the covers for the books that I am so passionate about.

Next, I want to show appreciation to Beth from Hercules Editing and Consulting. She has done a magnificent job editing the manuscript for this book. Without her and her guidance, this work would not be here for your enjoyment.

PROLOGUE

Earth Time: 7,000 years ago – Pre-mortal world near Kolob, center of the Milky Way Galaxy. …

Macaria wandered cautiously through the dark, damp tunnel of the cave. A dim light pierced the darkness at the end of the corridor where her master waited patiently for her return from her mission. Before she reached the light, she turned around one more time to make sure that she wasn’t followed. A sense of relief poured over her.

As she turned back around, she caught a glimpse of her reflection on the stream of water that flowed down the cavern wall. The relief that she felt before was suddenly replaced with regret and sadness. Even though she was still one of the most beautiful daughters of her Father, she could see the change that was beginning to take place upon her spiritual body as a result of her decisions. Her shimmering, blonde hair was beginning to transform into thin gray strands. She could also see shades of red in her bright, blue eyes, a sign that the goodness of her soul was slowly evaporating. What’s more, the glow from her countenance had disappeared as well, replaced by a repulsive shade of gray.

Looking down in disgust, she continued toward her destination. The light within the cavern ahead sent shivers reverberating throughout her entire being. And even though she couldn’t feel pain in a physical sense, the light ahead caused a tremendous amount of anguish. No longer did she crave the light. She craved darkness instead. The torment from the light caused her to stop just before she stepped into the small room of the cave. With a deep breath, she stepped forward.

As soon as she did, her master, who had been standing with his back to her, whirled around. His countenance was terrifying, and his fiery, red eyes – a sign that his transformation to evil was complete – bored into her, causing her to tremble in untold fear. Macaria, he seethed, were you followed?

Macaria dropped to one knee and bowed her head in reverence. Even though Lucifer terrified her beyond reason, he was her master now. N-no, my Lord, she stammered.

Rise, Lucifer said, walking slowly toward her.

Macaria stood, her legs trembling. Looking at her master, she could see the transformation. Before his rebellion, he had been one of the most handsome and magnificent sons of their Father. The Son of the Morning had been looked to by countless souls for his greatness. But now, he was pure evil, and his spirit reflected that. He could still transform himself into the beautiful being he once was, but that took a tremendous amount of spiritual energy. He still had a thick head of black hair. But his eyes were completely red now, and his bright countenance had turned into the sickening shade of gray that Macaria exhibited as well.

Tell me what you have learned, Lucifer demanded.

The Father has commanded Michael the Archangel to cast out the rebellious spirits. Our brothers and sisters that have chosen to follow you have already been cast out. We are all that remain.

Her report didn’t seem to faze Lucifer. A look graced along his face, telling her that he knew this day would come. Where? On what desolate planet are we to live out our eternal banishment?

E-earth, my Lord.

Instead of rage, Lucifer curled his lips into a victorious smile. Earth, you say.

Yes, my Lord.

With the same expression, the Son of the Morning placed his hands behind his back, turned around and walked further into the cavern toward an altar holding a large bowl. Turning slowly, he motioned for Macaria to stand next to him. She made her way toward the bowl and looked into it. The light from its contents caused her to turn. Pushing back the torment the light caused, she turned back and stared at the contents in awe. The bowl contained a gold glowing liquid. It was the source of light for the cavern. She turned back to her master, with a perplexed look on her face.

Lucifer’s contemptuous smile remained. This, my dear, this substance is how we will regain our birthright. This is how we will obtain bodies and dethrone the Father and his precious Son.

But how, my Lord. We can never be born to mortal parents. The Father placed enmity between the spirits that have followed you and the seed of the woman. We can never inhabit the bodies of the children born to the mortals. It is not possible. That is our punishment.

You are right, Macaria. But there is a way in which we can inhabit a body without losing our memories.

Macaria stepped forward, looking into the bowl with the same perplexed expression on her face. I don’t understand, my Lord. What is this substance? And how can it help us?

This, my dear, Lucifer replied, as he dipped his finger into the glowing liquid and stirred it around, is the life source that flows through our resurrected Father’s veins. It is what gives him immortality.

Macaria watched as her master continued to stir the liquid. The gold light, emitting from the substance, danced off the cavern walls. B-but how, my Lord? What power can prevail over our Father’s authority?

Lucifer pulled his finger out of the glowing liquid and turned to face her, his magnificence stunned her as he changed his image back into the beautiful spirit he once was. Our Father has secrets. And I have discovered that there will be three—

A brilliant light suddenly exploded into the cavern. Macaria cowered in anguish from its brightness and turned around. There, hovering in the air was her brother, Michael the Archangel. Despite the beautiful radiance the being before her exhibited, absolute hate and revenge poured through her soul. Michael was adorned in a brilliant white robe held together at his waist with a white sash. The robe flowed about as if there was a breeze present; creating the illusion that he had wings. His snow-white hair radiated the same brilliance that the rest of his spirit emitted. And his blue eyes bored into her and her master.

Hovering to the left and right of Michael were two souls that Macaria knew all too well. All three of them at one time had been close, almost inseparable. But now, they were on different sides. They had chosen their master, and she had chosen hers. The man on Michael’s left, Jeriel, looked at her with the same chagrin. His sandy brown hair radiated the same brightness that she abhorred. On Michael’s right hovered one of the most beautiful daughters of her Father. Keileni, as she was known, looked at her with sadness from her deep crystal, blue eyes. And even though her hair was black as midnight, it too radiated the same light as the other two beings.

Macaria continued to cower in fear, but her master stood up strong and confident, holding his original brilliance. You! he simmered. He then lifted his arms and tried to expel the three angels with his powers, but it was to no avail.

Michael nodded to Jeriel and Keileni. Both spirits stepped toward Macaria and her master. As they did so, shackles adorned in white flames appeared in their hands. Macaria tried to disappear from their presence, but the powerful archangel ahead of her held her and her master in place. Keileni moved behind Macaria and placed the shackles upon her wrists. She shrieked in anguish and despair.

Keileni then leaned in and whispered into her ear, with deep sincerity, I am sorry, Macaria. But you have chosen the wrong path.

Macaria whipped herself around, gnashing her teeth. No, Keileni! It is you who has chosen wrong! You have chosen weakness rather than strength! You will see. The Son of the Morning will rise once again! And I will have revenge upon you and your precious Jeriel!

After she said the words, Macaria thought she saw a hint of fear in Keileni’s eyes. Keileni turned from her disdainful gaze and looked at Jeriel who had just placed the flaming shackles upon Lucifer. Lucifer stood tall in a quiet defiance with the same haughty expression.

Then a bellowing voice reverberated throughout the cavern as Jeriel and Keileni returned to their positions beside Michael. Pointing at the two rebellious spirits, Michael said, For your rebellion, Lucifer and Macaria, the Father has commanded that you will be banished to Earth until the end of days. You will never obtain the second estate of receiving a body.

The arrogant expression on Lucifer’s face disappeared as his true evil form returned. His eyes glowed red in rage. How dare you cast me out? I am the Son of the Morning! I will have my revenge and will one day rule the worlds without end, which our Father has created!

Michael lowered himself and walked toward Lucifer and Macaria. No, Lucifer, you will not. By the authority of the Father and his Son, Jehovah, I cast thee out, he said, with sadness and disappointment in his voice.

A blast of wind exploded into the cavern from behind Macaria and Lucifer. Macaria turned and watched in terror as a gaping wormhole opened up before them. Bright, blue light exploded out from its center, and a watery horizon rippled out toward its edges. Macaria turned back and looked at Jeriel and Keileni, pleading with her eyes. For the first time, since her decision to follow the dark master, she had regret. Then, with a flick of his wrist, Michael sent the two rebellious spirits to Earth.

CHAPTER 1: THE RESCUE

Earth Time: June 26, 2042 − 20 Miles South of Washington D.C. …

20 miles south of Washington D.C., on a peninsula formed by Belmont bay on the south, the Potomac River on the east, and Pohick Bay on the north lies a Virginia state park called Mason Neck. And it was within this park where Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Peterson peered with his hazel eyes through his night vision goggles. Lying in a murky, bug-infested creek, he scanned the temporary camp set up for high-profile human prisoners.

It had already been two weeks since aliens who looked like humans, but definitely were superior in strength and cognitive functioning had attacked the entire planet. Despite the aliens’ small numbers, they had managed to decimate the world’s most formidable fighting forces to nothing more than small bands, wiping out their organization and leadership. Now, these Gnols, as they called themselves, were gathering the humans of Earth as slave labor. In addition, they executed most of the world’s leaders, and kept others in special camps away from the slave general population.

Chris turned and looked at Sergeant Miguel Lopez, one of his most trusted friends who had served with him for the last four years in the elite Army Rangers. Miguel looked back at him through his own night vision goggles. What do you want to do, sir?

Chris inhaled the suffocating, night air as he turned back to look at the small camp. Luckily for him and his team the sky was overcast, providing no light whatsoever and making it easier for them to get closer to the camp’s perimeter. On the other hand, the same cloud cover trapped in the day’s heat, making the night unbearable. The only relief he had from the heat was the coolness of the water that he and Sergeant Lopez now lay in. Their battle helmets were covered in moss and barely poked out of the water. We wait for our contact to arrive.

Are you sure you can trust this guy? I mean, he comes to us out of nowhere, heals us with some sort of mystical power, and then gives us intel that even our best intelligence officers would have a difficult time obtaining. He could be one of those aliens. We’ve seen what they can do, moving things with their minds and stuff. What if it’s a trap?

Lopez had a point. After all, they didn’t even know the man’s name that rescued them from sure death. During the Gnols’ attack, Lt. Col. Peterson’s team had been returning from a mission in Columbia. They were to report directly to the Pentagon when the plane they were on was shot down. The pilots told them to bail out, but they jumped out at such a low altitude that all of them suffered major injuries. Chris suffered two broken legs, Sergeant Lopez a broken back, and the three other members of his team: Sergeant Drew Rice, Corporal Zakary Harris, and Corporal Jeremiah Lynch suffered severe injuries as well.

They all landed within a mile of one another in alligator-infested Florida swamps. They could still communicate via their comlinks, but were unable to move. With no help and after several days without food or fresh water, Chris decided to try something that he didn’t even believe would work: prayer. An atheist growing up, he never even considered that God existed. After his prayer, he waited. But after several more hours of pure agony from pain, hunger, and thirst, nothing happened – his proof that God didn’t exist. Nonetheless, just as he and his crew were about to give up, a strange man came out of nowhere. The man had dark hair and large black eyes that seemed to look right into his soul. He was dressed in denim pants and a plaid shirt, with hiking shoes. Other than that, he had no other items with him.

Chris remembered asking the man who he was. The man never introduced himself, but just said, I am the answer to your prayer.

He recalled the man touching his forehead, and suddenly his entire body was healed and energized. He then led the man to the other members of his team. The man healed them as well. Once they were together, the man informed them that the Gnols were gathering leaders of the United States at a small camp in Mason Neck State Park in Virginia. He also told them that the Gnols had already executed the President and his Cabinet members. All that remained were a few members of Congress and the Senate.

Chris could specifically remember turning to the man to ask him a question. But as soon as he did, the man was gone, seeming to disappear into thin air.

Once they had gathered the necessary traveling supplies, the Ranger team made their way to Fort Bragg in North Carolina, which was partially destroyed and abandoned. There, they were able to resupply themselves and then proceeded to make their way north to Mason Neck.

Sir?

What? Chris asked, startled out of his thoughts.

I asked, what if it’s a trap?

Chris turned and looked at Miguel, flipping up his goggles. Miguel did the same. Chris could barely make out his strong Latino features and dark eyes. C’mon, Miguel. Do you really think that one of these Gnols would come heal us and then give us sensitive information? Besides, there’s something good about the man. It’s almost like he was sent to us by God, Himself.

Miguel, a strong Catholic as evident by the crucifix that always hung from his neck, gave him an incredulous look. You don’t believe in God.

I didn’t, bu—

The snap of a twig from behind caused them to whirl around and take aim with their modernized MP5 submachine guns pointed directly at the dark figure standing on the bank. The figure held up both hands and stepped carefully into the water. It was the man that had saved them. Stand down, Sergeant, Chris ordered.

They lowered their weapons as the man knelt down next to them. This time the strange man was dressed in all black military fatigues. He pointed toward the camp. The camp isn’t very large. The Gnols set up a temporary ten-foot high fence with barbs at the top surrounding its perimeter. That cabin is the only building inside the fence. And right now, there are only twelve guards, guarding seven prisoners.

Twelve, Miguel stated with skepticism. You’ve seen what these Gnols can do. There are only five of us.

The man looked at Miguel warmly. You lack faith, Sergeant. The Gnols have a weakness. They are overconfident in their own abilities and underestimate yours. Right now, they have no idea that you are near. Their defenses are down. The man then pointed at the lone Gnol transport in the middle of the makeshift camp. In five minutes, they will be transporting your primary target to an undisclosed location and probably execute the remaining prisoners. When they get the target out into the open … that will be your signal to move. Is the rest of your team ready?

Chris nodded. Corporal Harris and Corporal Lynch are cutting a hole in the fence. We’re just waiting for their signal. Sergeant Rice is on the other side of the camp, near the entrance. She will keep a lookout for us, he replied. Who is this guy that you want rescued?

"He is Senator Joseph Thompson, President Pro Tempore of the Senate. He’s next in line to serve as President of the United States. The man paused in thought. It is very interesting that the Gnols would even know this information. It seems that they are eliminating America’s chain of command one-by-one."

Chris nodded and turned back to the camp, flipping his night vision goggles back over his eyes. He pointed at the transport. Another question, how do you expect me to fly that? I’ve been trained to fly helicopters. I could probably fly a jet, but this is an alien spaceship.

He felt the man’s hand on his shoulder. Instantly, he felt more at ease as a warm sensation reverberated throughout his body. Have faith, Chris. You will be able to fly it. Once you secure Senator Thompson and the other seven prisoners, transport them to Mount Weather. I will be there, waiting.

Even though his trepidation was gone, Chris still had doubts. Everything in his training told him that this mission would fail. Both he and Miguel turned back around.

W-where did he go? Miguel asked.

I don’t know, but he sure doesn’t stick around long, Chris responded as he turned back to look at the camp.

His comlink crackled and the voice of Corporal Zakary Harris came through. Sir, we’re ready.

Copy that, Chris replied. He then radioed Sergeant Rice. Sergeant Rice, what do you see?

The sergeant responded from her secluded position near the entrance of the camp. So far, it’s quiet. I count four guards at the front gate. Two guards have entered the cockpit of the transport. The back of the transport is open. They’re getting ready to transport the target. The other six are in the cabin, guarding the prisoners.

Copy that. Lopez and I are rendezvousing with Harris and Lynch. Let me know when they bring the target out into the open.

Copy that.

Chris and Miguel quickly made their way to the back of the camp where Harris and Lynch were waiting. They had managed to cut a hole small enough for each one of them to sneak through. Both corporals knelt across from one another; their night vision goggles securely fastened over their eyes.

Are your silencers secured? Chris asked.

The three other men nodded as they pulled out their Beretta M9 pistols with silencers attached.

This needs to be quick and clean. I don’t want the other guards, guarding the prisoners inside the cabin, alerted. Sergeant Rice, do you have eyes on the guards?

Copy that, sir. I can probably take out two, but the other two I don’t know about.

Sergeant Rice was right. She would not be fast enough to take out all of the guards at once. He thought for a moment. We’ll cause a distraction. Maybe we can separate at least two of them.

Copy that, she replied.

Chris then turned his attention to the soldiers in front of him. Lopez, Lynch, you two sneak in and hide behind the deck of the cabin, he ordered, pointing to the deck.

The two Rangers moved stealthily to their positions behind the deck. Chris then ordered Corporal Harris to move to the opposite side of the cabin. There was hedge nearby that he could hide behind.

Once Harris was in position, he radioed Sergeant Rice again. Rice, any indication of movement in the cabin yet?

Not yet.

Copy that. I’m about to cause a distraction. If my guess is correct, at least two of the guards will leave their posts to investigate. Once I give you the order, take out the two remaining guards.

Understood.

Chris then moved with the same stealth and speed to a spot behind the deck next to Lopez and Lynch. Once he was there, he picked up a rock about the size of his fist and signaled to both men to take out the guards. They signaled that they understood. He then whispered to Sergeant Rice, I’m ready to cause a distraction. Let me know how many guards come to investigate.

Copy that.

Squeezing the rock in his hand, he threw it as hard as he could toward the fence only twenty yards away. The chain link rattled, making enough noise for only the guards outside to hear.

Two guards are heading in your direction, sir.

Copy that, Chris replied as he signaled for Lopez and Lynch to get ready.

Chris was thankful that he guessed right. Two Gnol guards dressed in their usual battle gear appeared around the corner of the cabin opposite the side where Corporal Harris was hiding. The guards made their way to the hole. One of the guards was about to reach up into his ear to activate his comlink and alert his fellow soldiers when Lopez and Lynch fired two silent rounds from their pistols into each one of the guards’ backs. As soon as the two guards fell to the ground, Lopez and Lynch rushed toward them and fired two more rounds into their bodies just to make sure they were dead.

Chris then ordered Corporal Harris to move from his current position behind the hedges to the transport. Hold steady, Rice. Wait until Harris is in position.

Understood, she answered.

Lopez and Lynch dragged the two dead Gnols back to their original position and pushed their bodies under the deck. After a few more seconds, Corporal Harris reported from his position behind the transport. I’m in position, sir.

Good. Do you have a shot at the two pilots within the shuttle?

Yes.

Okay, wait until we are in position, Chris said. He then ordered Lopez to take a position on one side of the cabin and then he and Lynch took positions on the other side.

Sir, Rice said. There’s movement in the cabin.

Chris cursed, and then he heard the engines to the shuttle start. Harris, Rice, take em’ out, he ordered as he peered around the corner. He had a clear view of the two guards at the front gate and the two pilots within the shuttle. Sergeant Rice fired, taking out her targets. At the same time, Corporal Harris fired two direct shots into the backs of the pilots. Move! Move!

He continued to watch as Corporal Harris entered the transport, propped one pilot up to make it look like he was sitting upright, and then removed the other pilot, taking his helmet off and placing it over his own head to make it look like he was the pilot. Sergeant Rice quickly made her way to the other side of the transport, hidden from the cabin entrance.

As soon as she hid out of view, two other Gnol guards exited the cabin. Between them was their target. The man was blindfolded, his hands were bound behind his back, and his suit was ruffled and in disarray. Lopez, go now.

The guards escorted the man off the porch a few more yards, when Lopez made his move. He rushed forward, firing three silent rounds into the Gnol closest to him. The Gnol dropped to the ground, pulling the prisoner down with him. Lopez tried to fire a round at the other Gnol, but he dropped suddenly to the ground, clutched his head, and screamed in agony.

Chris snapped his head toward Corporal Lynch. Get to Rice and help provide cover fire!

Lynch ran around Chris on his way to the other side of the shuttle as Chris jumped out from his hiding spot and prepared to shoot the Gnol who was about to overtake his good friend. But before he could get a shot off, the Gnol whipped around, raised a powerful left arm, and telekinetically lifted him into the air.

Shoot him! Chris hollered, just as the burly Gnol flicked his wrist, sending him crashing through one of the cabin windows. The air rushed out of his lungs as he landed on the hardwood floor with a thud. Shards of sharp glass slashed along his face. He heard the screams and gasps of some of the prisoners as he writhed on the floor, trying to regain his wind.

What do we have here? a Gnol said, grabbing him by the collar and lifting him off of the floor. Looks like we have a pitiful excuse for a human soldier. The guard then threw him headlong into the opposite wall of the cabin.

Luckily for Chris, however, his battle helmet shielded most of the impact from the wall. He then crashed through a solid oak nightstand before hitting the floor. But before the Gnol could grab him again, he pushed himself up to his knees, grabbed his dagger and sent it hurling toward the oncoming guard. In his arrogance, the Gnol didn’t try to avoid it. Instead, he lifted his right arm to try and invisibly catch the knife. But because of its speed, it penetrated right through the Gnol’s palm, stopping at its hilt. The guard screamed in pain, clutching his wounded hand.

This gave Chris enough time to whip around his MP5 submachine gun, strapped on his back. He fired directly into the wounded Gnol’s chest. Two of the three remaining guards quickly pulled their plasma rifles up, taking aim at him. Chris lunged sideways over the sofa in the room, pulling it back with him to provide cover just as they fired. Hot plasma blasts discharged from their guns, exploding the couch into flames, and then throwing him into the wall with such force that he nearly blacked out. As soon as he regained focus, he heard fire from another MP5 submachine gun.

Jumping to his feet, he saw Sergeant Rice and Corporal Lynch standing in the cabin with their smoking guns pointing at the one remaining Gnol. The Gnol held a woman in his grip, his dagger blade cutting slightly into her neck across her carotid artery. Tears streamed down the brunette’s face. Her business suit was tattered and torn and she had a swollen eye from an obvious beating.

Chris took a few steps forward, pointing his own MP5 at the Gnol. There’s no way out of this. You’ve got two choices. You kill her, we kill you. Or, … you surrender.

The Gnol’s dark eyes darted between him and the other two Rangers in the room. Recognizing his dire situation, he dropped the woman and his knife and held up his hands.

Cuff him and secure him in the transport, Chris ordered, nodding toward Corporal Lynch. Sweat dripped off of Jeremiah Lynch’s ebony skin as he cuffed the Gnol and then escorted him to the transport.

Sergeant Drew Rice approached Chris with an arrogant smile on her face as sweat dripped off her fair skin. Despite her soft features, she had proven to be one of the most cunning warriors he had ever met. Wisps of brown hair escaped her battle helmet as her brown eyes met his. Lopez is unconscious. I think he’ll be okay. I don’t know what that Gnol did to him. Whatever it was, he’s out cold. We managed to take that Gnol out after he flung you through that window.

Chris nodded as he wiped trickles of blood from the cuts on his face with his sleeve. What about the target?

He’s secure and in the transport.

Good, he replied, looking at the faces of the six remaining prisoners, all of whom had looks of panic on their faces. Two of the six were women, the brunette the Gnol held hostage was somewhere in her fifties. The other was younger, maybe in her thirties. The four other men were older, possibly in their fifties or sixties. Their dresses and business suits were tattered and worn. They were obviously members of the Senate or Congress.

Chris sighed in relief and looked at them. It’s okay. We’re taking you to Mount Weather.

* * * * *

Two hours later. Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center. Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia. …

Hidden deep underground within the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, the Mount Weather Operations Center has been used as the center of operations for the government of the United States whenever there has been a national crisis. In this case, however, the only remnants of the federal government that remained were fifteen representatives from the House of Representatives, five Senators, and one Supreme Court Justice. The only branch of government not present within the underground facility was the Executive Branch, consisting of the President, the Vice President, and the Cabinet. They had either been killed or were missing.

Lt. Colonel Christopher Peterson sat upright on the gurney in the infirmary of the center. A young nurse attended to the cuts on his face. He moved his eyes slightly to the right, and looked at his good friend in the bed next to him who was still unconscious. Turning back to the nurse, he asked, Did the doc say if Lopez would be okay or not?

The nurse, a young woman in her early twenties, looked at him with sad eyes. He could tell that she had lost family in the attack like almost everyone else on Earth. He has been through a CT scan. There’s no significant damage. He should wake up in a matter of hours.

Chris smiled his acknowledgment and looked past her as two men entered the infirmary. One of the men was the mystery man that he had encountered twice before still dressed in black military fatigues. The other was the newly appointed President of the United States, Joseph Thompson. He too was still dressed in his war-tattered suit.

Would you excuse us, nurse? President Thompson asked as he and the mystery man made their way next to the bed.

Thanks, Chris said to her.

She smiled shyly and left the room.

President Thompson extended his hand. Thank you, Lieutenant. Thank you to you and your team for rescuing us.

Just doing my duty, sir, Chris replied, turning to the strange man. If it wasn’t for …

John. My name is John.

Chris smiled and turned back to the president. If it wasn’t for John, we wouldn’t be alive, and you may be in a grave by now.

Yes, I know. John has been instrumental in our plans to retake our planet.

Chris looked at John curiously. Who was this guy? he thought. Despite not knowing him, there was something great about the man. Goodness seemed to emanate from his entire being. It was as if light radiated from his body. Whatever it was, Chris trusted him implicitly.

John, again, seemed to read his thoughts. Smiling warmly at him, he said, We have another mission for you and your team when you are ready.

We are willing to serve, sir.

Good, President Thompson interjected. We have another target that needs rescued.

Who’s the target?

Adrian Palmer, John replied.

The name stunned Chris for a moment. Adrian Palmer was a name that every school-aged child learned about in elementary school. He was the man that led mankind’s first mission to Mars, only to disappear without a trace. "You mean, the Adrian Palmer?"

John nodded. The one and only, and he needs your help.

CHAPTER 2: THE GOD-GENE

Earth Time: 1 week later, July 4, 2042. – Washington D.C., The White House. …

Dorange Gar sat with his feet propped up on the Presidential desk inside the Oval Office of the White House. Dressed in his black Gnol officer’s uniform, he sat staring at the walls within the office, lost in his thoughts as the smell of burnt wood permeated his senses from the partially destroyed presidential home.

He had always dreamed of power. And now here he sat in the chair of the most powerful person on Earth. He relished