Special Ops Force: Quantum Armageddon: Defense Force Series, #4

By Gary Wilson

Convicted mass murderer Rillius has escaped from prison and detonated  an anti-matter bomb, forcing the Special Ops Force into action.

His tampering with the quantum barrier unleashes the greatest threat known to this reality : The Terran Empire, led by Special Ops Commander Robert Tucker's double - a cruel and sadistic tyrant who would kill an entire planet without a second's hesitation.

Will the Special Ops Force succeed in their mission or will the barrier between realities fail, reulting in ... Quantum Armageddon

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gary Wilson
• Release date: Feb 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9781497726871

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Special Ops Command Center – Earth temporal time reference 02.18.2218.0930

Robert Tucker and Special Forces Commander Dave Walsh are going over security protocols with Intelligence Chief Miguel Herrera and Assistant Chief Paul Foster.

They received a message from the Minarians that convicted mass murderer Rillius' execution is scheduled for later that day and he is to be escorted from the maximum security penal colony on Kurai III to Minari Prime, where the execution prescribed by Minarian law will be carried out.

They are going to have two teams of Special Forces Operatives escort Rillius. Miguel, Paul and Bat'ai will be monitoring the route and a squadron of Special Ops pilots, led by Squadron Commander Zerellus, will be escorting the two WA-01s piloted by Robert and Ray Watson.

The Ops team finishes their preparations and gets ready to leave the command center, when an alarm goes off and a message appears on the screen:

Quantum incursion Kurai III, level 10 breach.

What the hell is that? Robert asks.

I am not...

The screen glitches and a fuzzy image appears: Bat'ai from the dimension Ray returned from is on the screen.

Ray, come in, ‘Bat'ai’ says, weakly.

I'm here, son. What the hell happened?

Rillius stole a quantum slipstream device and detonated an anti-matter weapon in our atmosphere. We have lost almost all of our city-ships and only a handful of us have survived. He traced your quantum signature and he is after the Rillius in your reality.

Why is he after Rillius?

He needs Rillius'...

The screen suddenly goes blank.

Paul, git him back! Ray shouts.

No time. We need to get to Kurai III PFQ (Pretty Fucking Quick). Alert One, scramble all units! Robert orders.

Yes sir, Paul replies and hits the alarm.

Robert, Dave, and Ray grab their gear and go towards the hangar to assist their other dimensional friends.

Penal Colony – Kurai III

Inside his cell, Rillius is pacing, having been informed by his former subordinate, Kaleel, that the Terrans were en route to escort him to Minari Prime.

A buzzer goes off, and then a door leading to the cell block opens and someone enters the corridor.

Rillius collects himself; he does not want to give the Terrans the satisfaction of seeing him admit defeat.

The cell door opens. Rillius is about to speak, but stops and stares in complete shock as he sees himself with a weapon in his hand. He thinks his double is breaking him out of the penal colony.

Are you here to set me free? Rillius asks.

You can put it that way, his double replies, with a gleam in his eyes.

He fires the weapon, killing the other Rillius.

He takes out a hypodermic needle, sticks it into his double, draws some blood and injects himself.

The other Rillius' DNA stabilizes his quantum signature.

The cell block door opens and the Special Ops Team enters with their weapons drawn.

You! ‘Rillius’ hisses when he sees Ray.

Commander Psycho, Ray replies.

‘Rillius’ aims his weapon and fires, causing the Ops Team to dodge the energy weapon.

Return fire! Dave yells, and the Ops team aims their weapons at ‘Rillius’, who activates a personal shield.

The energy weapons have no effect on him.

He has a sadistic gleam in his eyes as he pulls out a device. Your time is soon, ‘Rillius’ threatens and then hits a button. He shimmers and disappears.

That's the Rillius you fought in the other dimension? Robert asks.

Yeah, but that sum'bitch is ten times more dangerous than the last time I saw 'im, Ray replies.

Looks like he got into your toy collection, Dave says.

We had nothin' like that. He must've jumped between realities, Ray replies.

Captain Darrel Henderson checks the other Rillius and sees a puncture mark and a little bit of blue liquid pooled on his neck.

Sir, take a look at this, Darrel says to Robert.

Robert walks into the cell, followed by Ray and Dave. Ray examines the wound around the neck.

Looks like blood, Ray says.

Was he injected with something? Dave asks.

No, I think the other Rillius took his DNA to assimilate himself into this reality. Robert replies.

I think yer right, Bob, Ray replies. We better git back, I gotta take a trip.

Where? Robert asks.

I’ll tell ya when we git back.

The Special Ops team collects Rillius' body and leaves the cell block, with Robert and Dave grilling Ray for information about Rillius and what kind of threat he poses.

The team returns to the WA-01s and gets in. Paul's voice is heard calling Robert.

Bob, come in.

Go ahead, Paul.

I received a message from the other Bat'ai. It appears to be some kind of calculation.

Do you know what it is?

We're working on it.

The two WA-01s take off. Robert opens a portal and they return to Earth and prepare to take on their most dangerous enemy to date.

CHAPTER 2

Special Ops Command Center – 1100 hours

Robert, Dave and Ray return to the Command Center.

Allison. Get a hold of Doctor Burke. We need an autopsy on Rillius PFQ.

Yes, sir, Communications Chief Allison Foster replies.

Robert walks to Paul and Bat'ai, who have a long and complicated calculation on the main monitor.

Report, Robert demands.

We're close to figuring out what it is, Paul replies.

I don't suppose it's the other Bat'ai's phone number.

That’s not too far from the truth.

It appears to be the formula to open a quantum portal to his reality. We are running simulations to be sure. Bat'ai replies.

Whatever it is, you two need to figure it out in a hurry, Robert says.

We also hafta figger out where the hell that sum'bitch is hidin', Ray adds.

Have Doctor Burke get a sample of Rillius' DNA. We can run it through the Quantum scanner and get a fix on his location.

I shall assist him, Bat'ai replies.

Bat'ai leaves the Command Center. Robert turns to Paul.

Paul. Can you trace where the transmission originated?

He inputs a command and runs a quantum level scan for radio waves or abnormalities. The computer beeps and ten areas with quantum abnormalities appear on the screen.

That sum'bitch has been busy, Ray says. He pauses and then tells Paul, Use the quantum scan Bat'ai took o' me when I got back an' match it with the areas that were affected.

Paul calls up the scan, and then uses it to pinpoint where the signal originated from. Found it. Allison, try to re-establish contact.

Channel open. Bat'ai, this is Allison Foster from Special Ops Command. Come in, please.

Bat'ai once again appears on screen.

You have received my transmission. You must hurry. We do not have much time.

What the hell happened, son? Ray asks.

Anti-matter radiation is ionizing the atmosphere. Our shields will fail in a few hours. Have you located Rillius?

We're trackin' 'im now.

Has he killed the Rillius in your reality?

Yes. He took DNA, too. Robert tells him.

That means he has already adapted. Rillius has already jumped ten times. The quantum barrier is beginning to weaken. If he is not stopped, I fear in a short period of time, the barrier will fail, resulting in -

Quantum Armageddon, Ray replies. Do ya know when did he attack ya?

About twelve hours ago, Bat'ai replies.

Is the quantum slipstream still operational?

Yes.

And then it ain't too late. Ya should be able ta reverse what Commander Psycho did ta ya.

I am the only senior officer left. I cannot activate the quantum slipstream by myself.

Kin ya open a portal ta git me there ta help ya?

I have just enough power to bring you here. Ray, I cannot guarantee your safe return if our efforts failed.

Son, that reality was my home fer almost two hunnred years. I'll be damned if I'm gonna let y’all die like this.

Thank you, my friend.

Try ta keep this channel open. I'll let ya know when I'm ready, Ray tells him."

I will be waiting.

Allison, get a hold of Doctor Burke. Robert orders.

Yes, sir, Allison replies.

She contacts Doctor James Burke, Chief Medical Officer to brief him on the situation.

Robert turns to Ray. Before he can even open his mouth, Ray tells him in no uncertain terms, Don’t even think 'bout tryin' ta stop me.

I wouldn't dream of it. We're going to have Doctor Burke put a tracer on us so Paul can...

Yer goin’ with me?

It’s too dangerous for you to go by yourself.

Yer right. What ‘bout Commander Nutjob?

Dave’s team will track Rillius and attempt to apprehend him.

Allison receives a transmission.

Sir. I have Ambassador Kensington on Channel one.

I’ll take it in my briefing room. Rico, come with me. Ray, go to medical and have Dr. Burke develop a counter agent to the anti-matter radiation.

Ya got it, son, Ray replies.

He leaves the command center. Robert and Ricardo go to Robert’s personal briefing room.

He goes to a communications panel and pushes a button.

What’s going on, Lyle?

Good news. Prasin Astra has informed me that the first group of Kurai operatives are ready to assist in the hunt for Traxis. Lyle informs him.

Great, I’ll get started, Ricardo replies.

Aren’t you going to lead the search, Bob? Lyle asks.

I can’t. Rillius has appeared from an alternate reality and has already caused damage by igniting an anti-matter weapon in the reality Ray came from.

I’ll take it from here, Bob.

Thanks, Rico.

Good hunting, Bob, Lyle tells him.

Thanks, Robert replies, and then leaves the briefing room.

Special Ops Force Hangar

Robert, Ray, and Zerellus are in the hangar, preparing for their jump into the alternate reality.

Darrel is briefing his Special Ops team on their role in the upcoming mission.

We have modified the WA-01 with temporal shielding Ray developed in the alternate reality, Zerellus reports.

Good. You and Captain Henderson’s team will stand by in the Widow Maker while Ray and I assess the situation and, if we can, reverse the damage done to the other reality.

Yes, sir.

Bat’ai and Doctor Burke enter the hangar. Burke is carrying a case of vials. He. injects each member of the team who is going to the alternate reality.

This will protect you against the effects of the radiation for 24 hours. I have synthesized the antidote for those who have already been infected, to be delivered in gaseous form. Burke informs them, pointing to the canister.

How many doses?

According to my counter-part in the other dimension, enough for the citizens of the ship, Bat’ai replies.

Once their medical staff is cured, we will assist them in producing enough for all the affected ships.

Thanks, Doc. We’ll let you know if we need more; or if we need a medical team, Robert tells him.

I’ll have my team standing by.

Burke leaves the hangar.

I will establish contact with my counter-part and let you know when we are ready to open the dimensional vortex, Bat’ai tells Robert.

We’ll be standing by, Robert replies. He turns to Ray, Zerellus and the Special Forces team and says Mount up; we’re Oscar Mike (On the Move).

They climb on board the WA-01. Zerellus gets into the pilot’s chair, Ray co-pilot, and Robert the tactical station. The Special Ops team loads the antidote onboard and then gets inside and secures themselves in the jump seats in the main compartment.

Ops One to Base. Ready for deployment, Robert reports.

Roger, Ops one. Stand by for Bat’ai, Allison replies.

Robert, we are ready to open the dimensional vortex, Bat’ai states.

Open it.

A short time later a vortex opens in front of the fighter. Zerellus pilots the Widow Maker into the dimensional rift and disappears.

CHAPTER 3

City Ship New Mexico – 02.18.2218.1145

Ray and Robert make their way to the command center. When they enter they see most of the Command Staff either slumped against their consoles or on the ground. A quick check by Robert and Ray verify that most of them are dead.

Ray stops and has a split second look of disbelief at seeing ‘himself’ lying on the ground near his station, dead. A look of guilt crosses his face, remembering that he was the one who sent ‘Ray’ to this dimension at the same time he returned to his native quantum reality.

Sorry, son.

Robert checks ‘Bat’ai’, who is barely conscious and gives him the antidote for the anti-matter radiation.

A short time later, he recovers and helped to his feet by Ray and Robert.

Thank you, my friends, ‘Bat’ai’ says with gratitude, but sighs and says, I fear it is too late for the rest. They were overcome by the radiation before our doctors could inoculate them.

We may not be too late, Bat'ai, Robert replies.

We kin help ya use the quantum slipstream an’ go back before the blast an’ stop Lord Psychopath from doin’ this.

We can send ourselves back in time one Terran cycle. I shall see if I can determine at what time Rillius detonated the device.

‘Bat’ai’ goes to his console types in a set of commands, to scan for anti-matter radiation and when it first appeared in the atmosphere. The computer beeps and displays the time that the detonation occurred. A look of sadness appears on ‘Bat’ai’s’ face.

What’s the matter? Robert asks.

Initial detonation occurred at 1030 hours yesterday. We did not detect the radiation until eight hours ago and activated the shields, by and then everyone was already exposed. I fear we cannot stop Rillius from setting off his device, ‘Bat’ai’ replies.

We can inoculate everyone, minimize exposure and buy you some time to find a way to neutralize the antimatter.

Why don’t we go back an’ git the bastard? Ray asks.

Our council has ruled that our Defense Force is not allowed to interfere with the natural course of events.

"Even though that sum’bitch bombed the hell outta ya?’

Yes. That is also why we were not allowed to go back and prevent the meteor that caused the flood in 2035. It would set a dangerous precedent. Other worlds would resort to this in order to change their history.

That ain’t right, Ray grumbles.

They have to respect their laws, Ray. We go back, help minimize the impact and have their Defense Force contact the council and get assistance.

An’ what do we do?

Try to pick up Rillius’ trail and track him from here.

That’s it?

For the record, yes.

Ray sighs, reluctantly agreeing.

Robert and Ray assist ‘Bat’ai’ to set up the quantum slip stream device. He suddenly finds a major malfunction.

Robert, Ray. I fear we may not be able to make the time jump. ‘Bat’ai’ states.

"Why not?’ Robert asks.

The radiation is preventing the proper calibration of the shields in order to enter the quantum slipstream.

Kin ya compensate?

‘Bat’ai’ scans the shields, and then types in a set of commands to compensate for the antimatter radiation.

I was able to set the shields for a ten hour jump.

What was the condition of your command staff?

They were starting to feel the effects of the radiation, but they were still able to perform their duties.

We can inoculate the Senior Staff and the medical staff, and then release the gas into the environmental controls, after which your staff can continue making the antidote and distribute it to the other ships.

We are almost ready to start. Robert, I suggest you and your team stay in the plane with your shields activated. The time shift could affect your quantum DNA signature.

What ‘bout mine? Ray asks.

You have enough of this quantum DNA to protect you. I require your assistance to activate the quantum slipstream device, ‘Bat’ai’ replies.

Ya got it, son.

Be careful; and good luck, Robert says to them.

He leaves the Command Center to return to the WA-01.

Ray, I need you to assist me in aligning the shields to facilitate the jump.

All right.

He goes to a console and accesses the quantum slipstream program. He studies the layout of the orbiting satellites, and then begins to set up the proper alignment for the leap. He notices a phase variance and corrects it.

I bought us another thirty minutes. Ain’t much, but every little bit helps.

Well done. I am activating the quantum slipstream. Event horizon in thirty seconds. I suggest that we brace ourselves, it may be a turbulent ride.

Ray and ‘Bat’ai’ grab the sides of their console and watch as the timer counts down to zero.

The city ship begins to slowly shake and their vision blurs as the quantum slipstream is activated. They hang on tight as they feel like they are being drawn into a void, straining at the g-forces produced in the artificial rift they have opened.

Aaaaawww shiiiiiiiit, Ray’s distorted voice calls out as they feel like they’re drawn into a bottomless pit.

Moments later they slowly settle back into ‘normal space and time’ as the rift is closed.

‘Bat’ai’ recovers and then sees what time it is on the city ship:

02.17.2218.0137

We did it, Ray says, and then sees the senior staff staring at him, some of them having weapons drawn and pointing at him.

Who the hell are you? ‘Tucker’ demands.

Bob, it’s me, Ray.

‘Tucker’ goes to say something, but ‘Bat’ai’ stops him.

Sir, we have no time to explain. An anti-matter device has been activated in our atmosphere. We have to activate the shields and alert the other city ships immediately.

Do it, ‘Robert’ orders.

‘Bat’ai’ activates the city ship shield and ‘Allison’ sends a general alert for the rest of the city ships to follow suit.

He calls Robert to bring in the canister with the serum.

Ray hands out vials to the Senior staff.

They take the antidote and a short time later recover from the radiation poisoning.

Robert and Darrel enter, bringing the canister with the antidote. ‘Bat’ai’ motions for them to bring it to him. He hooks the canister to the environmental controls and inputs a command to distribute the antidote to the rest of the ship.

Not to sound ungrateful; but will somebody please tell me what the hell is going on? ‘Tucker’ demands.

‘Bat’ai’ and Ray quickly brief ‘Tucker’ and the Senior Staff on the situation: Rillius activating an anti-matter device and how they were unable to detect it until it was too late.

Our doctor was able ta develop an antidote fer the anti- matter poisonin’. He hands him a vial. "Have Doc Burke use this ta make more serum an’ the gas ta help cure the rest o’ the city ships.

Carlos, bring this to Doctor Burke, ASAP. ‘Tucker’  says while handing him the vial and a pad with the formula.

Yes, sir, Colonel ‘Carlos Montoya’ replies.

He goes to bring the vial, Robert stops him.

Good to see you, old friend, he says, slightly emotional.

Carlos was killed during a battle against the Cho’Kai in Robert’s native dimension.

You, too, Bob, Carlos replies, confused, and then leaves.

Robert sees some other staff members that were also killed in the Cho’Kai War: Colonel Alberto Sanchez, General Ed Kensington, and his wife Colonel Jacqueline Jackie Foster-Kensington.

Robert is emotional about seeing her, remembering the short term romantic relationship he had with her when they first disappeared.

She sacrificed herself to prevent Keith Sykes from being killed while battling the Henoki in the original timeline.

Jac... Colonel, how are you? Robert says, trying to maintain his military bearing.

Fine, sir, she replies, slightly confused by his reaction.

Forgive me, but ...  you were all killed in my reality.

They state they understand, and then shake hands with the alternate reality double of their commanding officer.

How are you able to open a portal between the realities? ‘Tucker’ asks.

Your Bat’ai worked with ours to create a quantum portal. We can’t stay here too long, but we were able to reverse time just enough to stop the radiation from killing you.

‘Tucker’ sighs and tells his double, Our Temporal Prime Directive has been broken.

Your directive was broken by me. We could have gone back further, but we restricted ourselves to the use of your technology, so in essence your Directive has been upheld.

That is how I see it, sir. Lord Rillius exploded an anti-matter device in our atmosphere, breaking the directive. I called in our counter-part to... minimize the damage.

But I do have to report this incident. We are responsible for protecting the integrity of the timeline and any kind of out-side interference, no matter how well-meaning it is, may have unforeseen consequences.

Yer welcome, I guess, Ray tells him.

You above everyone else should know the reason why we enacted and enforce the Temporal Prime Directive, ‘Tucker’ tells Ray, with a slight hint of anger.

What did you do? Robert whispers to Ray.

Tell ya later, son.

I am grateful for your assistance, but to prevent further contamination of our timeline, I must insist that you leave immediately. ‘Tucker’ tells his counterpart.

Robert and Ray shake hands with their counterparts.

The two ‘Rays’ are hesitant to do so, both of them remember watching a time travel movie while growing up and what happened to a character when ‘the same matter occupied the same space at the same time.’

What is the matter? Bat’ai asks

If we touch each other, it might... ya know, ‘Ray’ says.

Turn us ta quantum jelly, the other Ray finishes.

That is what you Terrans call an old wives’ tale. ‘Bat’ai’ responds.

Too many time travel movies growing up, Ray, Robert says, teasing them.

The two Rays hesitate, and then shake hands.

Robert and Ray finish their farewells and walk back to the Widow Maker accompanied by ‘Ray’, ‘Tucker’ and ‘Bat’ai’.

They walk to the WA-01. The alternate reality Ray and Robert are amazed that the former RAH-77 Blackfoot Helicopter has withstood the test of time.

‘Ray’ whistles and says Two hunnred years an’ she’s still runnin’, damn impressive.

We had ta press ‘er inta service, the Celestus Council confiscated the WA-12s when we left the council.

Why did you leave the Council? ‘Bat’ai’ asks.

They were being assholes; the undersecretary, Jen’Pway, was secretly helping Rillius undermine galactic security. You may want to keep an eye on him.

The Rillius in our dimension is in custody, ‘Tucker’ replies.

Sir, we received a report that Rillius was found dead in his cell shortly before the attack, ‘Bat’ai’ replies.

Why the hell wasn’t I informed?

At first they believed he was killed by another inmate. It wasn’t until an autopsy revealed he was punctured with a needle and some of his genetic material was taken. The report came after we were hit and incapacitated.

He was last seen in our dimension. We don’t have a solid lead, but if we can pick up his trail here, we are more likely to discover his whereabouts. Robert tells him.

Good luck, ‘Tucker’ replies.

He leaves, followed by ‘Bat’ai’.

Robert and Ray climb into the Widow Maker.

Was I always that much of an asshole here?

Nah. He got a meteor shoved up his ass after one of my pranks shortly before the shit hit the fan.

What did you do, hang the council by their underwear in the courtyard?

Nope, the Booger Boy gag. But this Keith doesn’t have much o’ a sense o’ humor. He got all pissed off an’ left the Covert Defense Force. He took his family back ta Seattle. Yer daughter an’ Keith’s son didn’t git married.  It caused a major upheaval in the time line. Had ta go back an’ fix it.

This is why they’re such sticklers for time travel?

Yep.

Something to think about before you pull anymore gags.

I know.

They go to the cockpit and get into their seats.

"Do we return to our reality, Kemzeh (Father-in-law)?" Zerellus asks.

No, adjust shields ... and set temporal coordinates to arrive before Rillius detonates the explosive, Robert replies.

What ‘bout their Temporal Prime Directive? Ray asks.

They’re bound to it, we’re not.

They’ll have our asses if they find out.

Find out what? Robert says as Ray sets temporal co-ordinates to ten minutes before Rillius detonates the anti- matter device.

Everest Historical Landmark 02.16.2218.1020

Zerellus has landed the WA-01 in a clearing next to a monument that commemorates the peace accord between the Henoki, Bwentani and humans in 2049.

He has activated the stealth shielding to keep the fighter from being detected by Rillius or the Time Defense Force.

Robert has deployed Darrel’s team to observe and if the situation presents itself; capture the renegade Bwentani leader.

His other goal is to attach a tracking device to Rillius’ vessel to keep tabs on him and determine where his base of operations is located.

A vortex open, and then Rillius’ ship appears and lands near the monument. He gets out, walks over to the monuments which names the signers of the peace accords: Robert Tucker the second and his sister Sarah Tucker-Sykes, Maiok and her husband Quennok, representing the Henoki people and Zerellus’ father Berellus and Rillius’ father Palonius, representing the Bwentani people.

Rillius stops and looks at the monument with disgust registering on his face. He spits on the plaque.

"Traitorous Dach (swine)."

He goes to the ship, brings out a container of anti-matter and sets it next to the monument.

Robert has a split second thought of trying to apprehend Rillius, but feels it would be too dangerous. He gives hand signals to Darrel, ordering him to place the tracking device on Rillius’ ship.

Darrel and a small team cautiously approach Rillius’ ship. His team stands watch while Darrel attaches the device onto the ship, and then slip back into the surrounding trees undetected.

Rillius sets the time to go off in ten minutes, gives one last look of contempt, gets into his ship and takes off.

Robert waits a moment, and then signals Ray, Zerellus and the Special Ops team to converge on the anti-matter device.

Miller, see if you can disarm it, Darrel orders.

Yes, sir, Explosives Expert Denton Miller replies.

He checks the device for the timing mechanism as well as any traps that could possibly set off the device.

It’s a no-go, sir. We have six minutes until detonation.

Back in the WA-01, we’re gonna tow it out of here and detonate it into space, Robert says.

The team quickly returns to the Widow Maker and gets in.

Ray goes to the tactical station, targets and activates the Immobilizer beam. Zerellus pilots the fighter off the island. Robert opens a portal and they fly into it.

The portal opens in a deserted section of space between Mars and the Meteor Belt.

Ray, release the canister. Z, get us the hell out of here.

Ya got it, son.

Ray releases the Immobilizer Beam. Zerellus accelerates the WA-01, trying to put some distance between themselves and the canister, which the timer has reached zero.

This sector of space is suddenly filled with a blinding light and a shockwave emanates from the point of detonation.

Ray sees the shock wave closing in on the Widow maker.

Ya better kick ‘er in the ass, son, that dad-gum thing is catchin’ up ta us.

Ray, maximum shields, Robert orders.

A few seconds later, the shockwave hits. The WA-01 is rocked by the force of the shock wave, but sustains minimal damage.

Robert opens a

Reviews for Special Ops Force

[PeterTurnbull · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I honestly really tried with this book but I just had to stop reading it before it drove me mad.

The story line is excellent but there are far too many made up foreign words with translations which stop the smooth reading there are also some "grammatical" errors, these may be unknown Americanisms but I don't think so. An unnecessary word "and" suddenly appears in sentences which again stops the smooth reading.

I really hate writing a bad review because I know the author has put there heart into writing it and I appreciate that. An independent reviewer before publication may have helped.