The Arora Saga : Fury of the Sun: The Arora Saga, #2

By CR Delport

Following directly after the events of White River Calling, Sam realizes that a huge plasma wave ejected by the Sun is approaching Earth, and will hit with devastating effect.
While scouting down south, Nick and Jake run into the town of Alexandria. They notice the citizens are kept prisoner, and witness an escape. They capture the escapee, which they take to White River to gather information.
They learn that Alexandria is occupied by a rogue general that treats the people like slaves. When General Jacobs calls on White River to return the prisoner, Frank refuses.
Before Sam can deal with the threat of the plasma wave, he has to deal with General Jacobs, who is set to wipe White River from the face of the planet.
Will White River survive the latest onslaught? The answers are contained in the pages of this gripping novel.

Review by author, Schalk Jacobs:

I really enjoyed the story that was presented. Though the reader is nowhere nearer to Sam's history than before, a few crucial clues were given. This creates interest to the point of obsession in some readers (me being one). The additional characters of Pedro and Gina assist in making the story stronger, and have allowed clues to Sam's past, as well as other characteristics. Sam, the protagonist, grows in this book, and the reader manages to bond even more with him.
So in closing, a very good book. The author managed to hold the reader's attention throughout all the chapters. So the rating of 6 out 6 is justly deserved for the book as a whole. Congrats, as I, for one, am hooked and can't wait for the next one in the series.

Review by author, Curtis Hatch:

I have thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope there will be a part three. You have succeeded in drawing me into the story and holding me there throughout each chapter. The characters have become real in my mind's eye, and at the end, I feel I am moving far away from old friends with no way to stay in touch.

• Language: English
• Publisher: CR Delport
• Release date: Jan 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310771750

CR Delport

I am a South African born author. I am currently single and live in the lively town of Brakpan. Apart from my love for writing, I also play golf, love gardening and do loads and loads of fishing.

Book preview

For Raven

My inspiration to a more content life

The Arora Saga

Fury of the Sun

By

CR Delport

* * * * *

PUBLISHED BY:

CR Delport at Smashwords

Cover Art:

www.myebookcover.co.za

Fury of the Sun

Copyright © 2014 by CR Delport

Chapter 1

Linda, I remember why I’m here, Sam said.

He stared at the brilliant lights of the Aurora Borealis dancing across the sky, his face a mixture of confusion and concern.

Linda laid a hand on Sam’s cheek. Do you remember something?

He frowned and shook his head. Eh, no, not exactly.

Sam pointed towards the night sky. I don’t know why, or how, but I’m sure that’s the reason I was sent here.

Linda grabbed his face in both hands. Sam, you’re not making any sense. Who sent you here? she asked with a faint hint of panic in her voice.

He took her hands in his and kissed them gently. Linda, I don’t know how to explain this. I’m not remembering anything specific, it’s more like a feeling I have. If I try to focus on it, then there is just a dark void in my mind. Ugh, this is so frustrating, Sam said and threw his arms in the air.

When Sam stumbled into the town of White River, barely alive, he realized he had no memory of who he was, where he came from, or how he got there. This was the first hint he had of any connection to his past.

Together they sat down on the steps leading up to the porch of her small farmhouse. The building was covered in darkness. For nearly a year, that had been his home too. The only one he knew.

Sam, you said you remember why you’re here. Why did you say that? she asked.

Sam looked down at her lovely, concerned face, and into the bright, emerald green eyes that sparkled in the lights of the Aurora. When I stepped out here and saw those lights, I just knew that’s why I’m here.

Linda shook her head, her face a question mark. I don’t understand. If you can’t remember anything, how could you possibly know that?

He stared at the lights for a moment, and then took her hand in his. Linda, I just know. It’s how I knew to fix the pump, or shoot a rifle. It’s not like I remember doing it before, but somehow, I just know. Like I said, it’s more a feeling than a memory. Now that I think about it, I don’t even know why I said that, but I had the distinct feeling that I was sent here by someone to do something, but I can’t remember what.

Linda detected the frustration in Sam’s voice, and leaned her head against his shoulder. Don’t worry. I’m sure it will come to you.

Sam sighed. I hope so, because I have a feeling that it’s very important.

For a moment they stared at the lights in silence. Near the dam, outside the guardhouse, Ernie Hanson and his squad were on guard duty. They also gazed at the spectacular sight in wonder. Never before were the Aurora lights seen that far south. Most of them had only seen it in pictures.

A year ago, it was possible to go inside, switch on a television, or search the internet for information, but now they were completely cut off from the rest of the world. The only electricity they had was provided by solar panels. They had no television signal, nor any phone reception. The landlines were dead, and the only information they got was gathered by their scouts.

Commander Frank Hurley, the one in charge of security, sent out regular scout parties to search for anything useful. Occasionally they ran across a hidden warehouse that contained goods or food, which helped in their quest for survival. In the beginning the scouts frequently ran into dwellers and stray groups, but in recent times, they had not seen any. There used to be a rogue group of Raiders hiding out in Dumas, but after they captured Linda, Sam led a party there and destroyed the group.

Linda came to her feet, held out her hands, and Sam gently took them in his.

Come, let’s try and get some rest. In the morning, you can go talk to Doc Percy. Maybe he can shed more light on this, she said and pulled him to his feet.

At the top of the steps, Sam stopped and glanced back at the lights in the sky. He didn’t voice it to Linda, but he hoped Doc could help. The uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach told him that whatever he couldn’t remember was very important. He also had an uncomfortable feeling that it was dangerous. More dangerous than anything they had to deal with thus far.

Linda was already concerned, and he didn’t want to worry her with something he didn’t understand himself. He opened the screen door, held it for her, and as she entered, he glanced back once more at the puzzling lights before he followed her to their bedroom.

After Linda’s abduction, Sam insisted on increased security at the farm. Four years previously, her sister brought her to White River against her will, but she soon fell in love with the place and bought the farm to settle down. Before the drought, she supplied the town with fresh vegetables which she grew in three greenhouse tunnels. When the water wells dried because of the drought, she had to stop.

After she brought Sam to the farm, he discovered that one of the two wells was drilled to a much greater depth than the other. It stopped working because of a broken pump, but because both wells stopped giving water at roughly the same time, she assumed both had dried. After Sam fixed the pump, the well delivered water again and they were able to grow vegetables once more, only this time, not for money, but to keep the town alive. With the help of the townspeople, they now had nine vegetable and eight barley tunnels that provided Andy Dunham with enough supplies to feed the town.

Andy used to run one of the town’s diners, and when he remained the only one operational, became the natural choice of Mayor Timothy Ryan to cook for the entire town. He took over the old school mess hall, and served meals twice a day.

Barley, a quick growing grain, required Sam to devise an air conditioning system in the tunnels. While it was in excess of forty degrees Celsius outside, the barley tunnels ran at a cool eighteen degrees. An array of solar panels provided the electricity needed to run the air conditioners and the pump station, which delivered water from the dam to the tunnels.

Two wind pump structures stood side by side next to the dam, their rotors turning eagerly in the ever present breeze. The pumps provided enough water to feed all the tunnels, and gave enough drinking water to supply the town. Sam had a washing area built on the farm where workers from town took turns to do everybody’s laundry. There was also a shower area where they could take a quick shower after a hard day’s work to wash away the sweat and dirt.

Thanks to the barley, and the straw that remained after a harvest, Sam and Linda were able to feed the livestock. The two Canadian geese were the first to arrive. They showed up one morning on the dam, and decided to stay. Next was Daisy the cow, which Sam received as payment for a tanker, filled with water. Sam also received four chickens as a gift from Moira Adams, the leader of a group located at Hot Springs.

With the threat of raiders now removed from the immediate area, the people of White River settled in for a quieter life. Sam’s newfound information was sure to wake them from their slumber once more.

At the break of dawn, four new squads arrived on the farm for the dayshift. Sam and Linda left instructions for the day’s work with one of the squad leaders, Carl Burns. It was customary when Sam left the farm, that he would leave one of the squad leaders in charge to oversee the tasks set out for the day.

Fuel was a scarce commodity and only the most necessary vehicles were operated. Sam and Linda joined the rest of the returning guard on the back of on old truck, and headed to town. The truck dropped everyone off at the Command Centre, which used to be the town’s police station, but was now occupied by the town’s security officer, Commander Frank Hurley.

Sam and Linda walked the two blocks to the hospital.

Fay Dunlop, Linda’s best friend, was on duty when they arrived.

Linda, what a surprise, Fay said and rushed over to hug her friend. What brings you here? I thought I would only see you at Friday night’s dance.

Linda pointed to Sam. He needs to see Doc.

Fay frowned. Why, is there something wrong?

Sam shook his head. No, it’s just something I need to discuss with him.

Fay relaxed her shoulders and smiled. Oh, in that case, let me see if he’s up yet.

Doctor William Percy, the town’s only remaining doctor, converted one of the rooms in the hospital into a permanent residence. The only staff at his disposal was Fay and one other nurse. All the other staff left when most of the townspeople relocated during the early stages of the drought.

The town once boasted a population of nearly five thousand, but only a thousand or so remained.

A few minutes later Fay returned. Doc says he will see you in five minutes.

Sam nodded and smiled at Linda. Why don’t you two catch up while I speak with Doc?

Linda frowned. She was curious what Doc would say, but knew Sam would inform her later. She stared after him as he walked with his easy, long strides down the hall.

Doc Percy, a short stocky man with beady eyes that appeared too small for his round face, arranged papers on his desk when Sam entered his office.

Why do you disturb me so early in the morning? he asked in his usual grumpy voice.

Morning, Doc, Sam said and flopped into the chair in front of the desk.

Sam quickly explained the events on the farm and the moment Doc realized the seriousness, he left the papers and took a seat behind his desk.

Does it feel like actual memories? Doc asked.

Sam shook his head. No, Doc, my memory is still blank. It’s more like a feeling, something instinctive. Probably the same way I know what an apple tastes like, although I never ate one, at least not that I can remember.

Doc scratched his bald head. I never heard of anything like it, but then again, I never had an amnesiac patient before. This feeling you have, can you describe it?

Sam thought for a moment then shook his head. Doc, it’s as if it’s right there, but the moment I try to focus, it disappears. I know I was sent here to warn someone about something dangerous, and the aurora have something to do with it, but I don’t know what.

Sam dropped his hands helplessly in his lap. Doc stared at him for a moment.

Sam, whatever it is, put it out of your mind. You’re more likely to remember if you let it come to you, rather than dwell on it. Let it happen like it did last night. A sight of something, or a smell, might trigger a memory. Trying to force it won’t help.

Sam sighed. Thanks, Doc. Of course you’re right, but that doesn’t make it any easier. I don’t want to scare the townspeople, so let’s keep this between us for now.

Doc nodded. Yes, that’s probably a good idea.

Sam got to his feet.

How’s Linda? Doc asked.

Sam smiled. She’s doing fine. I’m not letting her out of my sight again, Sam said and looked down the hallway where Linda and Fay stood swapping stories at the reception desk.

Doc watched Sam leave. For a long time he stared at the skeleton in the corner, then finally got up, and headed to the library. He needed to find something in his medical books to try and help Sam.

Sam joined Linda where she and Fay discussed the events from the previous night. Sam didn’t mind that Linda told her best friend what happened, and informed them what the doctor said.

So are you just supposed to forget what happened? Fay asked.

Sam shook his head. No, not forget. Doc only suggested that I don’t try so hard to remember.

Fay snorted. Good luck on that.

Sam knew what she meant. With something so important, how could he not try to remember?

I hope this doesn’t mean you’re not coming to the dance Friday? Fay asked.

Sam grinned. The weekly Friday night dance that Fay, Janine and Linda organized was the only form of entertainment left in the town. Sam found that he had a lot of talents, but dancing was not one of them. The ladies took great pleasure in teaching him, and he had to admit, although not good at it, he enjoyed himself.

I won’t miss it, he said.

Fay leaned over to Linda and whispered loud enough that Sam could hear her. Don’t forget your steel-tipped shoes.

Linda laughed. He hasn’t stepped on my toes in weeks.

Well, I hate to break this up, but we have to get back to the farm. Tomorrow we have a barley harvest, and we have some preparation work to do, Sam said.

Fay and Linda hugged and said their goodbyes.

Fay stared at Sam and Linda as they walk through the empty parking lot hand-in-hand. She and her family owed their lives to Sam. They were holed up in a cave on their uncle’s farm to escape the deadly raiders that roamed the area, but ran out of food and water.

Her husband, Clive, ran into one of the town’s scout patrols, who reported back to Sam. Sam agreed to meet them and took an immediate liking to Clive. He organized that they could move into the town. They were accepted as residents and now do their part. Before the drought, Fay worked as a nurse in Little Rock, a skill that came in handy in White River.

Sam looked into Linda’s eyes. Don’t worry, everything will be fine.

She smiled and laid her head against his arm. As long as you’reby my side, I know it will.

Chapter 2

The eastern horizon slowly changed color when Sam stepped out onto the porch. The aroma from the cup of coffee in his hand hung in the air. Next to the dam by the chicken coop, the rooster flapped his wings as if to warm up before his first crow of the day echoed over the farm.

It promised to be a busy day. With a barley harvest, the worker allocation for the day would double, making it quite crowded on the farm. The bus bringing the workers was not due for another few hours.

Sam tried to follow Doc’s advice and not dwell on the issue of his memory, but as he stared north, the lights danced in the sky as if they taunted him. Every time he looked at the dashing display of colors, an uneasy feeling settled in the pit of his stomach.

Sam placed his empty coffee cup on the porch’s rail, and walk towards the chicken coop. Next to the chicken coop were two small sheds. The one on the left was a see-through hydroponics shed, built by George Kingsley.

Before the drought, George Kingsley was the biggest rancher in the area, and a powerful man. He had to watch his stock perish one by one due to the water storage, until nothing was left. Before he became a farmer, he studied to be an engineer, and it was those skills that proved a big help to Sam and the rest of the town.

Sam took two slabs of green barley grass from the Hydro shed and fed it to the chickens. The chickens got fed twice a day, barley grass in the morning, and two handfuls of barley seed in the afternoon.

Next to the Hydro bay, was the incubator shed. George constructed an incubator for the eggs in an attempt to extend their chicken population. For seven days they collected eggs from the three hens, and were able to put down twelve eggs for incubation. The twenty-one day incubation period expired and Sam peeked through the little window of the incubator.

He saw four broken shells, and when he looked to the side of the box, four little chicks stared back at him.

Oh my, look at you, he said.

He stepped out of the shed and noticed Linda on the porch.

You got to come see this, he called out to her.

Linda ran down and peeked into the box.

Look at that, she said. Aren’t they the cutest? Look, there’s two more trying to break out of their shells.

The small chicks had soft yellowish feathers with a hint of red.

I thought all chicks were yellow? Sam said.

No, it depends on the breed. Rhode Island Red chicks have more red than yellow. When their adult feathers grow in, the yellow disappears completely.

News of the six newborn chicks spread quickly and provided more excitement that day than the barley harvest. The following morning the chicks were moved to a small cage and fed barley seeds, which Linda grounded into mash. Workers queued at the shed to catch a glimpse of the small miracles. Live animals became such a rarity that Sam gave the order that no animal would be harmed if found alive.

Friday afternoon Sam and Linda caught a ride into town with the truck transporting the water bottles. They were to attend the dance, but it would end too late for them to return to the farm and arranged to spend the night in town at Janine’s house.

Linda was close to her sister, but the events the last year in White River brought them even closer. Janine Carter used to be the sheriff of the town, but now fulfilled the role of a squad leader. She pulled more guard duty on the farm than any other squad leader, and everyone knew it was due to Sam’s influence so that Linda could spend time with her sister.

There was still time before the dance started, and Sam and Linda decided to take a stroll through town. They walked hand-in-hand through the mostly deserted streets until they reached the sandy park.

It is hard to believe this park was once a green field covered with grass and flowers, Linda said. Sam detected the sadness in her voice and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

Near the lonely dusty bench, two small children played. They blew bubbles through a ring and Sam watched the soap bubbles float on the air. The sunlight bounced off them and displayed all the colors of the rainbow as they drifted away on the breeze.

A particular large bubble had difficulty holding its shape and drifted slowly past Sam and Linda. She laughed and tried to catch the bubble, but Sam stood frozen to the spot, his eyes fixed on the object.

Linda frowned. Sam, are you alright?

The bubble, reflecting a multitude of colors in the sunlight, stirred something deep in Sam’s mind. Something knocked against the thick, dark walls in his head, desperate to get out.

That’s it, Sam said and pointed to the soap created object that floated higher into the sky where it burst to send a small shower of water to the ground. That’s how it was explained to me, a giant soap bubble heading to earth.

Linda frowned. Huh?

Sam jumped up and grabbed her hand. I need to speak to Frank before I lose my grasp on this.

Linda knew Sam well enough to recognize the urgency in his voice. Over the past few months their love for each other had grown into a relationship where they understood each other. They could be in the same room together and not say a word, yet enjoy each other’s company. In this instance, she knew not to ask unnecessary questions, Sam would explain it soon enough.

They crossed the park and walked up the steps and entered the Command Center. Frank Hurley sat behind his desk. His steely gray eyes matched his silver hair. At sixty, his lanky frame was well muscled and his reputation as a tough man was well deserved.

Seated in front of him were the lifelong friends, Nick Hartley and Jake Green. They were together in the Special Forces and their unique skills came in handy in the defense of White River. They were also regarded as miracle workers as they had a knack for finding whatever Sam needed on the farm.

The trio turned towards the door when Sam and Linda entered the building.

Morning, farm boy, Nick greeted. Together with a few other people in town, Sam regarded Nick and Jake as close friends.

Huh oh, that look means trouble, Jake said and the three men came to their feet.

Don’t tell me there’s trouble on the farm, Frank said.

Sam shook his head. No, everything’s fine.

Frank frowned, but didn’t ask and waited for Sam to explain.

Sam gave them a quick rundown of the events when he first saw the northern lights and his visit to the Doc.

Until now, I didn’t even have a glimmer of my past, Sam said and when the men’s eyes widened, he held up his hands. Easy now, I still don’t remember anything. But when Linda and I sat in the park and watched those kids play with the soap bubbles, something did stir.

Every pair of eyes in the room locked on him in anticipation.

When I saw the lights, I told Linda that they were the reason I’m here. Actually, it’s more what causes the auroras that brought me here.

Anticipation turned to confusion.

Don’t ask me how I know this, I just do, Sam said and rubbed a hand over his head. Will these people believe what he had to say, or will they think he lost his mind?

On the sun, there are these huge storms that causes solar flares which sends out dangerous solar winds into space. Every now and again these storms are directed at earth and cause the auroras because they mess with the earth’s magnetic field. As Nick and Jake found out, the scientist blames these solar winds for the drought we’re having. As we saw by the dazzling display of lights the past few nights, it’s getting worse. Auroras have never been seen this far south, at least not in our lifetime.

Everyone was uncertain what Sam’s words meant, and Linda voiced it. Are we in any danger?

Sam took a sip from a water bottle before he continued. When solar flares erupt, it sends solar winds hurtling towards earth. The shock-waves of solar winds cause geomagnetic storms that can knock out satellites and power grids. This has already been happening for a while. This used to happen all the time, but not on such a large scale that it has a worldwide effect. For some reason, and I don’t know why, there’s one big, continuous storm on the sun. This caused a geomagnetic plasma wave that’s traveling a lot slower than normal solar winds. I believe such a plasma wave is headed towards earth, and I was sent to warn someone about it.

Sam’s words surprised him as much as it did the others. For a moment everyone gaped at him.

And you remember this? Linda asked.

Sam shook his head. No, I know this for a fact, but I don’t know how.

This is weird. Do you have any idea who sent you? Nick asked.

Sam sighed. "No idea. I think I might have been working with a scientist or someone like that, and was sent to deliver a message,