Empire: Covert Ops Force, #1

By Gary Wilson

The Imperial Triumvirate of the Terran Empire ruled their quantum reality virtually unchallenged for over two hundred years, until they were defeated at the battle of Celestus Prime and two of their leaders, Imperial Commanders Robert Tucker and Ray Watson were trapped inside a temporal time loop by the Taquan resistance, led by former Imperial First Trooper Mike Dickinson.  
 
The third member of the Triumvirate, Alberto Sanchez works to free his brethren from their temporal prison - a decision he later regrets.  
 
Once freed from their exile - Tucker and Watson begin their deadly game of revenge against all who have crossed them, their main target: Commander Robert Tucker and his Special Ops Force with the help of the most brilliant temporal theorist in either reality - Doctor Talak'Vin.  
 
Once their plan has been set in motion ... nothing will ever be the same.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gary Wilson
• Release date: May 6, 2014
• ISBN: 9781498947282

Book preview

Foreword:

This novel is completely fictional in nature. The military units, weapons and aircraft do not exist at this time. Any resemblances to events or persons, living or dead are purely coincidental .

The theories on temporal mechanics, time travel and the Time Displacement Paradox presented in the book are purely fictional and not based on actual research and should be treated as such.

Since this book deals with multiple realities, there are duplicates for a number of characters. I use apostrophes to identify those from an alternate reality.

Ceres is a dwarf planet discovered in 2014 between Mars and Jupiter

Dedications:

To my wife, Maria: Thanks for always standing by me in the good times and the bad times. I love you

To my Beagle, Buster: (2006-2012) Rest in Peace, little buddy. You went before your time

To Rachel Blackbirdsong: Longtime friend and editor. Thanks for helping to make sense of my ramblings.

INTRODUCTION

Terran Empire reality – 07.01.2219

It has been a year since the Taquan Alliance scored a major victory over the Terran Empire at the battle of Celestus Prime. Two members of the Empire’s Imperial Triumvirate, ‘Robert Tucker’ and ‘Ray Watson’ were caught in a temporal loop by a Henoki scientist named ‘Quevok’, who rigged a time travel device to malfunction and keep them in a state of suspended animation.

After ‘Watson’ and ‘Tucker’s’ disappearance, the lone remaining member of the Triumvirate, ‘Alberto Sanchez’ ordered the remaining Imperial forces to retreat to the remote Hadar sector. ‘Alberto’ and his nephew ‘Alex Pasqualle’ were able to establish a new base of operations, recruit and train men loyal to them.

They purged all soldiers and shock troopers who had committed atrocities against conquered systems, with the objective that Imperial Forces would once again uphold the code of honor established by the last true Emperor ‘Ryan Dickinson’, who was assassinated by ‘Lyle Kensington’ in 2168. 

‘Lyle’ instituted the Scorched Earth Policy and Planetary Genocide of Conquered Races , a tradition that was continued by the original Triumvirate of ‘Robert Tucker’, ‘Ray Watson’ and ‘Ricardo Pasqualle’.

A disastrous encounter with the Special Ops Force and the Time Defense Force led to the destruction of ninety percent of their military, which in turn caused them to be defeated at Celestus Prime.

After their victory, the Taquan Alliance began to help the newly freed systems to establish new central governments and a military force to maintain the peace and defend against a possible resurgence of Imperial hostility.

The lone surviving Imperial Commander of the ill-fated battle, ‘Alberto Sanchez’, along with his Black Ops First Trooper, ‘Alex Pasqualle’, rallied the remaining forces and they retreated to the remote and uninhabited Hadar sector.

After nearly a year of rebuilding and planning, the Imperial forces began small-scale attacks on neighboring systems to fortify their command base from attack. They also began targeting scientists and engineers in order to free Commanders ‘Tucker’ and ‘Watson’ from the temporal trap, which was their main purpose.

CHAPTER 1

Henoki Underwater Colony - Taqua Four

Henoki Kia’mok (Leader) Quennok and Urquvul, the Commander of the Taquan Defense Force, assesses the recent attacks by the newly resurgent Imperial Forces.

Their forces have retaken the Palayas and Travonian systems. We suffered heavy casualties and had to withdraw, Urquvul states.

Our forces are engaging the Empire in a number of systems and we are unable to send reinforcements, Quennok replies.

The Travonian system is no longer a high priority military objective, and yet they have sent ten squadrons and half a dozen battle cruisers.

They must be after something.

Quennok telepathically commands a Henoki operator to put a display of the recent battles between themselves and the Empire.

The operator complies and displays a map of the aforementioned quadrant of space on the main monitor.

Quennok points out the skirmishes; some were victories for the Empire, while other battles show that the Taquan Forces were successful. "They are attacking systems which have scientists who may be able to help them free the Terran leaders who are trapped in the temporal loop. They have also changed their tactics. They are only targeting the Temporal Ministries while avoiding the civilian and military targets.

With the exception of the Palayas and Venpari systems, they have avoided any kind of confrontation.

Quennok studies the systems and replies, The Palayas system would provide them with a base to conduct strikes deep into our Alliance. Some of their top commanders are being detained in the Volkla mines on Venpari Prime. The remainder of the attacks are referred to as ‘kidnappings’ by the Terrans.

We must locate any scientist who can help them and bring them here, states Urquvul.

Agreed. We must also bring the quantum generator that keeps them from attacking other realms. Quennok replies.

Where is it located?

We move it on a regular basis to prevent the Empire from discovering it. I feel we should contact Robert and advise him of the Empire’s new aggressive posture and ask him to stand by to possibly send us assistance.

Urquvul grunts in agreement.

Then Quennok telepathically relays this command to a Henoki Communications Officer.

Special Ops Command -Bwentani Prime

Commander Robert Tucker is in his office, reading the latest intelligence report from Kaleel, head of the Kurai Defense Force on a recent encounter with a species called the Nalderians. He was also received an invitation to the wedding between Kaleel and his niece, Samantha Benson-Kensington.

Samantha and Kaleel started a relationship while she was training the Kurai Forces. She later requested a transfer to their forces, which Robert approved.

At the time, she was apprehensive about asking for the transfer, because she felt guilty about being in a relationship only a short time after losing her husband, Rick during the Cho’Kai War, which ended in 2217.

You deserve to be happy, Sam, Robert told her when she finally put in the request.

Because of this, her father, Harry Benson resigned his post as Commandant of the Terran/Bwentani Military Academy to take the position of Liaison Officer to the Kurai Hierarchy.

Robert hears a knock at the door as he’s about to open a communications channel to Kaleel. Enter.

Robert’s wife, Linaiok, their daughter Anamiok (Ana) and son-in-law Zerellus enter with their one-year-old son, Robert Zerellus. All four of them are wearing flight suits.

"A’nok (Love)," Linaiok says to her husband.

He greets her with a kiss.

"Hu’Neh (Father),’ Ana says in greeting.

Hi, sweetheart, where’s my grandson? He picks him up and says "Give your Hu’che’Neh (Grandfather) a hug."

Robert Zerellus happily hugs his grandfather.

"We’re taking him to visit his Hu’che’Neh Quennok."

Before he can respond, Communications Chief Allison Foster calls him on the comm device. Sir, you have an incoming message from Quennok.

Patch him through, Allison.

Robert, Quennok says in greeting.

Q. What can I do for you?

I fear we may have a problem with the Empire.

What kind of problem?

Recently, we have encountered the Empire in numerous skirmishes. All the systems they have attacked have species that are familiar with temporal or quantum mechanics.

You think they’re gonna try to free those bastards stuck in the time loop?

That is the way it appears.

Will you need assistance?

"Our forces suffered heavy casualties in the Palayas

and Travonian systems. We have sent reinforcements, so we should be able to counter them. We wanted you to be alerted in the event they are able to free the rest of the Triumvirate."

We’ll be on Alpha two status, also I wanted to tell you... He stops midsentence when he notices Ana putting her finger to her lips.

Robert? asks Quennok, who wonders why Robert has become silent.

Sorry, Q, I’ll have Bat’ai compile a list of future targets and send him there to assist you in identifying possible threats and upgrade your defenses.

"Thank you. May Ama’diok (Henoki Divine Warrior) guide you and protect you," Quennok tells him.

"You as well, Mio’chuk (Brother), Robert replies. He ends the transmission and says to Ana Why didn’t you want me to tell your Hu’che’Neh you were coming to visit?"

Because it is his birthday and we want to surprise him.

Pass along my wishes. Z, I hate to ask you this, but see what you can do to help them fortify their defenses. Their realm has been peaceful for the most part; so we can’t afford to let our guard down, even for a minute.

"I shall see what I can do, Kemzeh (Father-in-Law)."

Bring Bat’ai with you, and have a good time.

"We will, Hu’Neh." Ana replies.

Robert walks with them to the WA-13 Outlaw fighter and goes inside. Then he quietly laughs as he watches Ana strap Robert Zerellus into a child safety seat installed at the tactical station. It looks like a pilot's seat, so it makes Robert feel that the next generation of his family is getting an early start on a career as a fighter pilot.

He shakes hands with Zerellus, and then hugs and kisses his wife, daughter and grandson. He leaves the fighter and returns to the command center, where he sees Bat’ai finishing up his threat assessment.

They’re going through their pre-flight checks.

I have just finished my analysis, Bat’ai says as he downloads the information onto a data pad.

Are they trying to free my double?

I fear that is what they are doing.

Do you think they can succeed?

The calculations required to stop the time loop are complex and there are only a handful of temporal engineers able to do this.

Do all of them work for us?

All but one.

Who?

Talak’Vin. He is an expert in temporal mechanics. He resides in the Kabrel system. He is also my mentor.

Are they part of the Celestus Alliance?

No, the Kurai Hierarchy.

Go with Zerellus and my daughter, and see what you can do to help Quennok upgrade their defenses.

I will give you a full report upon my return, Robert.

Take care, my friend.

Bat’ai nods, and leaves the room.

Robert sits down and opens a channel to Kaleel.

"Greetings, Shuvag (Friend)," Kaleel states.

Greetings, Kaleel. I just received a report from Quennok. They are attempting to free the Triumvirate from the temporal time loop. They are also raiding systems that have temporal engineers who they can force to help them do it. Bat’ai stated there’s an engineer named Talak’Vin living in the Kabrel system.

He works with the Hierarchy’s Quantum and Temporal Research Ministry. I thought you were able to prevent them from entering our reality, Kaleel wonders.

We are, but there is a chance they could find a way to break through the barrier, or develop a reliable time travel device. I’m advising you to make sure the temporal ministry and your engineers are safe.

"We shall take the proper precautions, Shuvag."

We heard rumors they’ve made contacts here and are trying to build an alliance in our dimension, says Robert.

Kaleel replies, The Nalderians, we have already devised a defense strategy in the event they attack us.

Excellent. I’m looking forward to your wedding with Samantha.

"You will of course be my Tarchem (Best Man)."

I would be honored, as long as we don’t have to fight again, Robert quips.

Kaleel laughs and ends the transmission.

Robert says to Allison, Contact the senior staff. The Empire is attempting to free those maniacs from the temporal time loop and we need to assist the Taquans in preventing this from happening.

Yes, sir.

As Allison contacts the members of the Special Ops Force Senior Staff, Robert goes to the Intelligence Section to get the latest update on the Empire’s activities.

CHAPTER 2

Imperial headquarters - Hadar Prime

Supreme Imperial Commander ‘Alberto Sanchez’ enters the command center after being summoned there by radio operator Kyle Anderson.

Report, ‘Alberto’ demands.

Commander, our contact in the other realm intercepted a transmission between the Special Operations Force and their allies.

What is the content of that transmission?

They were questioning the whereabouts of an expert on temporal mechanics that may be able to free the other members of the Triumvirate, sir.

What is the name of this expert?

Talak’Vin. He is the head of the Kurai’s Quantum and Temporal Research Ministry.

‘Alberto’ says, Our problem is that the Special Ops Force has technology that prevents us from entering their realm. They also have Commander Dickinson helping them.

The traitor?

‘Alberto’ grabs Anderson by the throat. He is one of my oldest friends and he was betrayed by former Black Ops Leader Walsh. He gave me his word he would not interfere as long as we don’t launch a full scale assault against the Taquans.

Forgive me, sir. The contact was also able to disable the barrier in their system; so we can cross into their territory from there. Do you want me to order an attack?

"No, order them to create a diversion and we will test our new fighter to see if it can evade their quantum sensors.

Order my personal assault team to report to my hangar."

Yes, sir.

He goes to his office, changes into a black uniform worn by the Empire’s elite Black Ops Team, grabs his assault gear and leaves the command center.

Triumvirate Hangar

‘Alberto’ inspects his team, which has served with him since he commanded the Imperial battle cruiser Lobo. He walks in front of the formation, inspecting their uniforms and general appearance, followed closely by the unit commander and his closest friend, ‘Alejandro Alex Pasqualle’.

Your unit is impeccable, as always, First Trooper, ‘Alberto’ says

We live to serve you, sir. ‘Alex’ replies.

Our counterparts in the other realm have been able to keep us from entering their space until now. The Nalderians were able to disable the barrier technology in their sector.

They still have the ability to track us, sir.

Not anymore, thanks to the upgrades made to the Reaper by the Palayans.

‘Alex’ motions ‘Alberto’ to one side.

"Tio (Uncle). He looks around and then continues, You have single-handedly rebuilt the Empire and restored our honor. Because of this, I respectfully question your decision to free them."

"Alex, I have come to think of you as my hijo (son). I have served your father for many years and he pledged his loyalty to Commanders Tucker and Watson. I have sworn my allegiance to them and have been working to free them. I have not always agreed with their decisions, but I feel if we show them what we have done to restore the Empire, it

may show them that our way is the best way."

‘Alex’ bows his head in shame.

He replies,You are right, of course. I apologize for questioning you.

‘Alberto’ places his hand on ‘Alex’s’ shoulder. You have always been my conscience, don’t ever change.

‘Alex’ nods, and then salutes ‘Alberto’ by placing his fist over his heart and bowing his head.

They return to the formation, and then board the Imperial Reaper II – an upgraded version of the original Reaper, which was stolen from the Special Ops Force by ‘Ray Watson’.

‘Alberto’ gets in the pilot’s seat, straps in, and goes through preflight checks, while ‘Alex’ sits at tactical and briefs the squad leader via the communications device.

‘Alberto’ pilots the fighter/transport vehicle out of the hangar.

Set coordinates for the Nalderian Sector and open the portal.

Yes, sir.

Alex opens the artificial wormhole. They fly into it and instantly transported to the Nalderian system in their reality so that they can cross into the alternate universe.

Nalderia Prime – Special Ops Force reality

The leader of the Nalderians, Toskol has received a message from ‘Alberto’ that his team is ready to cross the quantum barrier and they want the Nalderians to set up a diversion so they can capture Talak’Vin.

In response, Toskol sends his forces to a Kurai defensive outpost in the Talconian system.

This causes the Kurai to send their defense force to ward off the attack, giving Alberto’s team the opportunity to go in and kidnap the Kabrelian scientist.

Toskol sends a message, Toskol to all units, commence your attack.

His unit leaders comply and begin their assault.

Kurai Prime – Talcon System - Same Time

The Kurai Defense Force is on heightened alert since a recent battle with the Nalderians took place on one of their colonies in their adopted home in the Talconian System.

Last year, the Empire destroyed their home planet in the Kurai system. During that same time, Earth was also destroyed, nearly killing all life on the planet. The Bwentani rescued the human and Henoki survivors, who now reside on Bwentani Prime.

As Kaleel and Samantha go over monthly training reports as well as last minute details of their upcoming nuptials, they also try to figure out how to consolidate a traditional human and Kurai wedding. This might prove difficult since a traditional Kurai wedding involves the bride and groom slaying a defeated foe at the altar and eating the vanquished opponent’s heart.

While she has embraced Kurai Warrior ways, Samantha feels that her mother and some of the other human guests would not be open-minded to this part of the ceremony and will probably end up getting sick in the sacred hall where the ceremony will take place.

When Kaleel suggests they can perform this part of ritual in private, she agrees to it, even though she’s not really looking forward to it.

Kaleel states, My mortal enemy is a Talconian pig and their heart is considered a delicacy.

Samantha laughs, relieved.

This pleases Kaleel, because he has seen so much hurt and sorrow in her eyes. However, just as he is about to say something, an alarm goes off. He pushes a button, Report.

Sir, a Nalderaian task force has just attacked our satellite station on Talcon Six, says Comm Officer Zalkus.

"Ichreb (Priority One) alert. Scramble all fighters," he responds.

Yes, sir.

Kaleel leaves and Samantha follows him.

He sees her, but before he can say anything, she fixes her eyes on him in a cold, hard stare. He knows her well enough to understand that she is daring him to try to stop her. Kaleel relents and motions for her to follow him.

They go to the hangar where Kurai fighters, battle cruisers and a WA-13, belonging to Samantha, are being prepped.

They board their fighters and take off to stop this latest in a series of attacks by their new enemy.

Nalderian System – Empire realm

‘Alberto’s’ Reaper is standing by the coordinates provided by the Nalderian leader in the other reality.

His Black Ops team is ready to carry out this stealth hit and run attack, using the invisibility vests developed by a Techian engineer named ‘Bat’ai’, who was killed during an attack on a Taquan weapons facility.

Toskol to Imperial Leader Sanchez, our forces have engaged the Kurai, you may enter when you are ready.

You have served the Empire well, and you will be rewarded for your loyalty.

I thank you, sir.

Alex, open the quantum portal and engage the modified shields.

Yes, Tio, ‘Alex’ replies.

He presses a button and activates the shields, which are undetectable by any type of scanning apparatus.

Next, he activates a device, which opens the quantum barrier, at the same time emitting a beam that masks the Reaper, making it appear that it is nothing more than back-

ground radiation.

Alberto cautiously pilots the Reaper towards the barrier, remembering the last time they attempted to enter this realm.

The Reaper passes through the rift and enters the alternate reality without being discovered.

We are through the barrier. Send the coordinates to where the temporal scientist is located.

A short time later, a set of coordinates appear on Alberto’s navigational computer. He locks them in, and opens a vortex that instantaneously transports the Reaper to Kabrel Prime.

Research Facility – Kabrel Prime

The Hierarchy Minister of Quantum and Temporal Mechanics, Doctor Talak’Vin continues to work on a defensive strategy against the Empire after receiving a report that they plan to free the trapped leaders. He has already taken apart a time travel device in order to study its components and figure out how to keep the Imperial leaders trapped in limbo indefinitely.

The door to the lab quietly opens and closes, apparently by itself.

Talak’Vin turns, startled at the sound of the door closing. Not seeing anyone, he shrugs and goes back to his research.

He suddenly collapses, but then, just as suddenly, stops because he is somehow being suspended in mid-air.

‘Alberto’, ‘Alex’ and a Black Ops Soldier turn off their invisibility vests. Alberto walks in front of Talak’Vin and grabs his face.

Confirm his identity.

‘Alex’ takes out a device, scans Talak’Vin and enters a command. It sorts through the Kurai personnel database, which was stolen by the Nalderians.

The device beeps and confirms the Kabrelian’s identity.

It’s him, ‘Alex’ states.

Put a vest on him and let’s get out of here.

Yes, sir, the soldier replies.

He takes an extra vest that they’d brought along with them, puts it on Talak’Vin and turns it on. ‘Alberto’, ‘Alex’ and the soldier turn on their vests and leave the lab.

They walk out of the facility undetected, passing a dozen people, including security personnel. Then they return to the cloaked Reaper, get in and leave Kabrel Prime with their intended target without firing a shot.

This is a marked change in strategy from the old ‘scorched Earth policy’ used by ‘Alberto’s’ predecessors.

‘Alex’ pilots the Reaper to the Nalderaian System, opens the dimensional vortex and they return to their realm to begin ‘adapting’ Talak’Vin to serve the Empire.

CHAPTER 3

Imperial Medical Center

Talak’Vin is in a stasis chamber, recovering from the genetic therapy, which adapted his body to living in this quantum reality. As part of the procedure, Doctor ‘James Burke’, Imperial Chief Medical Officer, removed all of his genetic material and replaced it with artificially re-sequenced DNA so he can survive here. 

‘Alberto’ enters the lab and walks over to ‘Burke’.

Report.

"I have replaced his DNA with compatible genes from this reality so he will not only survive here, but any attempts to return to his native reality will result in his immediate death.

Excellent. When will he be ready to be questioned?

He is almost ready, just a moment or two longer.

Good work.

A question if I may, Commander. Why have you gone through the trouble of having him genetically adapted? Standard Imperial procedures are to torture the subject for information, then terminate.

That outdated procedure is why we were fifty years behind the times and our genetic doubles nearly succeeded in destroying the Empire completely, Albert replies.

Sir, we have a number of quantum engineers working on freeing Commanders Tucker and Watson. What makes him so special?

This man is one of the most advanced temporal engineers in either dimension. He can free my brothers in limbo by undoing what the Henoki scientist did to trap them. He can restore the Empire to its former state in an instant. ‘Alberto’ pauses, and then asks, Are you questioning my orders?

Of course not, I live to serve the Empire, ‘Burke’ responds defensively.

Good. Now wake him.

‘Burke’ goes to the stasis chamber, and presses a button, which starts the rejuvenation cycle.

A moment later, Talak’Vin opens his eyes and looks around. He tries to move, but is held down by electronic restraints. What is happening? Where am I?

‘Burke’ informs him, You are in the headquarters of the Terran Galactic Empire.

Why have you taken me prisoner? I am but a simple researcher.

‘Alberto’ glares at him. Do not lie to me, Talak’Vin. We know you are an expert in temporal engineering and now we are going to use you to assist us in freeing my comrades from the temporal trap they’ve been kept in.

I am not sure that I can...

We know you were the engineer that came up with the equation that trapped them! ‘Alberto’ snarls at him, furiously. He pauses and then calms down. And you gave it to your buddy, Bat’ai, the Techian that is working with the Special Ops Force.

Realizing that the Empire knows about him and his activities and will more than likely torture him in a most gruesome manner, Talak’Vin asks, If I cooperate, will you return me to my home?

I’m afraid that option is not available. You see, Doctor Burke used genetic sequencing developed by our Bat’ai and now this is the only reality where you can exist. If you cross the quantum barrier, you will die a most painful death.

And if I refuse?

"The good doctor implanted a chemical explosive in

your head. The first sign of betrayal or a double cross, and your brains will be splattered across the lab."

I am not a prisoner?

Technically you are, but you have at your disposal the most advanced lab the Empire has to offer. If you succeed in freeing the Triumvirate, you will be greatly rewarded and will be able to experiment and do all the research you desire. Of course, you will be called upon to develop or perfect weapons and other kinds of technology for the Empire, whenever we need you to do so

Sir, I am not a weapons engineer.

Then I would suggest that you become one. However, your first task is to disable the temporal time loop and free my brothers.

When do you wish for me to begin?

Now, of course.

Alberto motions to the Shock Troopers at the door to escort Talak’Vin to the newly constructed Imperial Research facility that is staffed by scientists captured in recent raids.

‘Burke’ tells ‘Alberto’, Sir, I didn’t place an explosive in his head.

I know doctor, but he doesn’t know that.

Very clever, sir.

First thing I learned as a field commander is that the threat of torture is sometimes more effective than the actual application of physical force.

I’ll have to remember that for future interrogations.

Alex enters the medical facility.

"Tio, our listening post has just intercepted a Taquan transmission. They are preparing to move the barrier device."

Where?

They are leaving the Venpari system, and are awaiting coordinates to the new location.

Prepare the ship. We will intercept.

Yes, sir, ‘Alex’ replies before leaving the facility.

‘Alberto’ turns to ‘Burke’ and asks, Do you still have some of the DNA from our counterparts?

Yes.

Break it down and prepare to encode it into the barrier device so we can keep them from entering our reality.

Yes, sir.

‘Alberto’ leaves the facility and makes his way to the hangar for their second mission of the day: intercept the ship transporting the barrier technology.

Taquan transport ship – Movan sector

The Venpari transport Astra is bringing one of the most valuable defenses the Taquans have against the Empire: the quantum barrier that prevents the Empire from leaving their realm and exploiting other realities in order to conquer and acquire advanced technology.

The Empire did considerable damage to not only the species inhabiting this reality, but the quantum barrier separating other realities when Imperial Commander