Project Alpha 2: Proving Ground

By Lee Houston Jr.

Adrift in space, Alpha eventually awakens to the memory of his emotionally devastating defeat at the hands of Conalaric and the destruction of the planet Shambala. With his genetically enhanced capabilities, the fledgling guardian sworn to protect all who are peaceful and vulnerable in the universe flies off to find himself a new proving ground.
A hospitable planet teaming with life is dominated by a race of humanoids less technologically developed than his adopted home world was, but Alpha decides here he can be of great assistance.
However not all the people of Earth feel the same way about him.
To some Alpha is an angel of hope in a world full of danger and discord. To others he is a potential weapon of mass destruction sent by some unknown entity, and must be stopped at all cost.
Unfortunately his unusual abilities attract the attention of both governmental agencies that seek to capture and control him, and a terrorist group willing to do whatever it takes to advance their own ideals. Can Alpha find some way to fit into this very polarized world, or will he always be an outcast even amongst those he wishes to serve for the better of all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pro Se Press
• Release date: Dec 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370936786

Book preview

PROJECT ALPHA 2 – PROVING GROUND

By

Lee Houston, Junior

Published by Pro Se Press at Smashwords

PROJECT ALPHA 2 – PROVING GROUND

A Pro Se Productions Publication

All rights reserved under U.S. and International copyright law. This book is licensed only for the private use of the purchaser. May not be copied, scanned, digitally reproduced, or printed for re-sale, may not be uploaded on shareware or free sites, or used in any other manner without the express written permission of the author and/or publisher. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

Written by Lee Houston, Junior

Editing by Nancy Hansen & Connor MacDonald

Cover by Michael Hegedus

Book Design by Antonino Lo Iacono

www.prose-press.com

PROJECT ALPHA 2 – PROVING GROUND

Copyright © 2016 Lee Houston, Junior

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dedicated To

David Michelinie

CHAPTER 1

How long have I been lost amongst the stars? the cosmic wanderer asked himself, while staring at the strange new world before him in stunned silence.

It seemed like a lifetime. Perhaps it was.

The fledgling champion known as Alpha paused in a vain attempt to clear his thoughts. He recalled recent events in exact detail: his simplistic, but far from idyllic primitive past until the moment his life was changed forever, to dwelling upon his self-perceived sins by failing to stop Conalaric from destroying the planet Shambala.

His exact location now was unknown, but he did not need any of his special abilities to know that this beautiful blue-green, cloud covered orb rotating quietly upon its axis was teeming with life. The sight of an orbiting space station high above its origin point was his first indication of that. Alpha briefly considered initiating contact with whoever was on board, but in the end thought it best to wait until he learned more about the planet's denizens.

What are the inhabitants like? Is there common ground between us? Will my arrival be accepted as that of a welcomed stranger or an unwanted foe? He worried about those unknown variables as much as he loathed his past.

Besides being wary of the space station, Alpha was also careful not to disturb or be detected by the various satellites orbiting this globe. The devices were not as sophisticated as those created by the former civilization of Shambala, but their presence indicated this planet did possess a moderately advanced level of technology. What additional revelations await me below?

In time, Alpha allowed his orbit to decay naturally. No longer resisting the atmospheric drag of this new world, as his altitude decreased, gravity started pulling him into its embrace. Despite the long voyage, Alpha could not perceive this act as a welcoming gesture. It was simply the natural force of this massive globe attracting a smaller object within its sphere of influence.

Summoning just enough energy to create a form-fitting force shield to protect himself against the extreme friction of entering this world's atmosphere, the man in the sky-blue and white uniform slightly altered his trajectory of descent only enough to grant him the easiest passage downward. Otherwise, Alpha decided not to exert any further control over his fall and would let fate cast him where it may upon foreign shores.

***

The van left the highway access lane to turn onto a private road. A hint of its final destination shimmered in the heat produced haze on the horizon. As it stopped at the security checkpoint, the driver turned down the vehicle's air conditioner and lowered his window. A blast of warm air brushed against his face as he stared at a rather nondescript, small structure in the middle of the road, situated so that personnel inside could interact with vehicles traveling in either direction as they passed the tall perimeter fencing that encircled the outer edge of the property line. The traffic barrier preventing passage onto the complex grounds was in place, but not an immediate concern.

Hi. I'm William Cornell and this is my cameraman Joseph Webster of Channel 77 News, said the driver, indicating himself and his passenger, respectively. We're here to see—

The security guard cut him off bluntly, not bothering to step out of his booth's open door. Please turn your van around and leave immediately.

His passenger remained silent, just staring at the view ahead as Cornell asked, What? Why? We've been on the road since a little after six this morning to get here on time for our appointment with—

"There are never any appointments scheduled on a security systems inspection day. Now please turn this vehicle around and leave immediately," repeated the security guard. The fact that the guard's hand had moved closer to the holstered gun on his hip wasn't lost on the driver.

Okay. Okay, said Cornell, looking at the rear view mirror so he could back up safely before turning the van around. The road behind them was clear, the area quiet except for the backup beeper when the vehicle was momentarily in reverse.

Retracing their path back down the private road, Cornell could see the guard still staring at them as he drove. When the man was no longer visible in the rear view mirror, he turned to his passenger and asked, Now what the hell was that all about, Joey?

I don't know, kid, admitted the fifty-something year old man with graying temples, but something's up. I caught a glimpse of a second person behind the guard shack while that guy was ordering us to leave.

Another security guard? asked Cornell, as he drove the van back onto the highway access lane.

Worse. I think it was someone from either the National Guard or the Army, replied Joey.

A soldier? Do you think there's something bigger happening there than the story we were originally going to cover?

Could be. Find a place to park and I'll check the scanners.

Cornell drove to the next intersection and, instead of getting back on the highway, pulled into the parking lot of the lone truck stop in the area. Joey undid his seat belt and climbed into the back of the station's mobile unit, where he began using the electronic news gathering equipment on board to search for any hint of what might be happening.

It didn't take long to discover the answer, as the reporters listened to the emergency services scanner.

Is this for real? Cornell asked his partner, dreading the possibility. Activating the National Guard, let alone issuing military alerts, seems extreme for a security test, he observed, as they listened to the scanner.

Being a federal facility, calling in reinforcements means something serious happened, replied Joey, as he began a physical search of the van.

What are you looking for? Cornell asked.

A map.

The GPS is up here, replied the young telejournalist, pointing to the device built into the dashboard.

No, said Joey, shaking his head. I don't wanna play with some electronic gizmo. I want to look at a real map.

Finally finding one in the van's glove compartment, Joey sat back down in the passenger's seat and studied the detailed drawing of their surroundings. There's no way we can legally gain access, because they'll never grant us permission to cover whatever's going down.

The cameraman stared at the map a little longer, contemplating an idea. "The complex is completely surrounded by fencing, and bordered by open desert on three sides. All traffic goes in and out that one security checkpoint, but there is a blind spot. This public area here, he added, stabbing a big, blunt fingertip at a spot on the map. Yet, the way the roads are laid out, it would take too long to drive there even if they stayed clear. However…"

William Cornell looked at his cameraman with a mixture of curiosity and unease. Just what do you have in mind?

A thoughtful look twisted Joey's weathered face as he stared down at the map again. I'm gonna try calling an old service buddy of mine. If he's unavailable, we'll have to get back as close as we legally can and play it by ear from there. Can you check our supplies? asked Joey, as he pulled his cell phone out of a shirt pocket. If we're out of or low on anything important, like more water or sandwiches, we'll grab them here before we leave.

As Cornell complied with Joey's request, he heard snippets of the cameraman's side of the conversation. He's gotta be kidding, thought Will. There's no way we can…

Okay! We'll meet you there. Thanks, pal! said Joey, closing his cell phone. With a happy grin on his face, he double-checked the map before giving Cornell directions to the regional airport.

CHAPTER 2

As he began to lose sight of the stars, Alpha was surprised by his sudden yearning for the natural things in life. To breathe real air and feel a sun's warmth as his booted feet walked across solid ground once more. Food, rest; there were too many cravings he could no longer deny.

The outer edges of his gold-tinted force shield were now displaying shades of scarlet and orange as the surrounding atmosphere began to become denser and ionize from the friction of entering this world, but Alpha was comfortable within its protection. His survival aura and shielding had seen him through the long journey in the cold, airless vacuum of space; yet he also felt isolated within them too. Aldous had never explained the mechanics of how the survival aura operated, only that it was tied into his body's autonomic system to keep him alive in hostile environments. Since meeting his benefactor however, somehow being alive and enjoying life had become two very different things.

Alpha noted the vague outlines of land masses and water bodies that started to reappear through the clouds. Hints of artificial lights were faintly visible within some areas of this world still experiencing night. This planet was far different from that of his primitive origins. With the mental enhancements that accompanied the incredible boost in his physical powers, that place had become a distant and unpleasant memory. Alpha's hope that Shambala would become his adopted home was gone now too, as much his fault as that of his enemy.

Sadly, he wondered if the concept of home would ever be a real place to him. His own people never wanted Koh'lin, and Alpha could only judge the Shambalans by Aldous and Conalaric, which did not cast that race in a very favorable light.

This planet is vastly different from my birth-world; as alien to me as I will be to it. Is it even possible to forge a fresh start and a new life here? Despite his conflicting anxieties and anxiousness, he willed himself to remain motionless so as to not influence—even subconsciously—wherever he might eventually land.

***

The serenity of the clear morning sky was shattered by a helicopter’s thunderous passing.

Inside the speeding aircraft, pilot Ralph Maxwell tried once again to convince himself that despite the risks, he could handle this mission. Thirty years of flight experience helped the ex-Air Force Major maintain his concentration, with one eye constantly scanning the horizon as the other read the craft's instrumentation panel.

Turning briefly to check on his passengers, Maxwell spoke into his headset’s microphone. The helicopter's intercom system transmitted his question clearly, without the noise of the rotor blades interfering. What's your status back there, Joey?

I'll admit I'm kind of wired right now, since I've ain't been up in years, Max, replied Webster, smiling; but it's sheer joy to fly again without worrying about somebody shooting at you, he boasted. Joey raised his right hand to make the universal thumbs-up gesture, in case the pilot couldn't see his smile, while the left maintained its grip on the vital equipment in his possession.

Roger that! replied Maxwell, returning the hand signal.

Resuming his normal flight position, the pilot realized that until today, he never truly appreciated just how happy he was simply flying tourists over the Grand Canyon. 'Just another routine flight' my ass! This whole mess stinks worse than hot camel crap! Old war buddy or not, I never should have let Joey talk me into this, despite my ego saying I could still do this kind of flying. And to bring that kid reporter along… Maxwell's thoughts paused as he tried, unsuccessfully, to avoid unpleasant memories. I dropped off too many green kids like him behind enemy lines in the desert, only to see them go home in body bags.

I owe you big time for this, buddy, conceded Joey.

You better believe it! confirmed his friend. And if we survive today, I intend to collect.

Twisting slightly to his right in the helicopter's passenger seat, Joey quipped, It's good to have friends in high places, ain't it, kid?

William Cornell just smiled slightly and nodded his head in agreement.

Oh, for crying out loud. Those have to be on when a bird's in flight, not just worn, explained Joey, while reaching across for a switch on his companion's headset.

Through his own headset, he heard the other man weakly say, Th-thanks.

You okay kid? Joey asked with a worried frown, staring at his friend. The reporter was looking pale.

Yeah… sure. Why shouldn’t I be? Cornell asked, half-defensively. Thanks to your friend giving us a ride, we've beaten every other news team to the scene.

That's my boy. Now then, where's the mike?

Right here. Cornell opened his television station issued blazer as much as his seat's shoulder straps would allow, giving Joey a restricted view of the wireless microphone sticking out from an inner pocket.

And the rest of our stuff? asked Joey, trying to get Will's mind off what they were flying into.

In the travel kit on the floor between my legs.

Then everything's all set?

Yeah, replied Cornell. His mind was bouncing back and forth between the awful chance they were taking and the roiling in his stomach. Attempting to change the subject, Will turned to look out his window and said, The news about whatever is going down is starting to spread.

Looks like everyone's trying to evacuate, assumed Joey, while taking the video camera from the cloth case on his lap to record some background footage through his window. After repacking the camera, Joey conceded, You can't really blame them though.

No, you can't, his partner agreed, still staring down at the concrete rivers of panicked humanity.

You scared? asked a concerned Webster.

Yeah, some, the other passenger replied, unwilling to admit just how much.

Hell, I'm nervous about this too, confessed Joey, but we've come too far to turn back now. Besides, I thought you'd be happy. This is what every reporter dreams of, the big break. That one hot scoop that will put you on top.

The young journalist turned to face his cameraman again. "I know, but this one may be too hot. It's not that I don't want to be a good—let alone successful—journalist. It's just that I'd still like to be around to enjoy it afterward."

We will be kid. Trust me. I've got a sixth sense about these things.

If you say so. William Cornell knew that this was his big chance to prove himself. Despite his natural blonde hair and boyish good looks that seriously belied his true age, he was still a geek at heart who didn't have the talent necessary to realize his childhood dream of becoming a famous Hollywood star. As he entered high school, Will decided that perhaps he could make his small corner of the world a better place and still be able to fulfill his earlier fantasies to a point by setting his sights on a career in telejournalism.

In hindsight, Cornell considered himself lucky to land any on-air position so soon after graduating college, although the Arizona station was even further away from home than the university had been. While deeply missing his family and friends, he wasn't totally alone. There was Linda, the station’s receptionist. She would always smile and chat with him whenever the opportunity presented itself. Will deeply wished he could work up the courage to at least attempt asking her out on a date—more so now that he was putting himself in harm's way and might not come back alive.

Then there was Joey.

Joseph Webster, photojournalist and Middle East veteran, had been the cameraman on most of Will's assignments. Over time, Joey had become about his only real friend at the station. The other reporters were all so competitive, wanting their stories to lead. Joey had a knack for pointing and shooting and finding the heart in a story. Why he befriended a rookie reporter was a mystery to Cornell.

Still, this was the most dangerous story they ever covered. Why did I let Joey talk me into this? Will asked himself yet again. I don't know what's worst: the thought of what we might be heading into, or trying to deal with the fact that I've never flown before! He put a hand over his queasy stomach and swallowed hard.

Drop zone in two minutes, guys, announced the pilot.

Joey waved at his friend in acknowledgment, then informed Will, It's going to be just as we discussed before takeoff. Max will set us down as close as he can without being spotted or violating any more aviation regulations than we already have, then hotfoot it out of here. After he leaves, we walk the rest of the way. Ready?

Will nodded as he unhooked his seat belt, grabbed the travel kit from the floor, and adjusted his hold on the portable transmitter in the adjoining seat for their quick exit.

ETA: thirty seconds, said Max. Target is two miles beyond the sand dune ridge I'm landing behind. Good luck!

Thanks. I've got the GPS app in my phone programmed too, Cornell told the pilot. Then he asked Joey, Will Mister Maxwell be okay? while shifting in his seat to face the exit hatch.

Joey nodded as he said, Oh, sure; he knows his stuff. A quick insertion run like this is a cakewalk for him. Besides, Max has his own tricks, he added confidently. What I'm more concerned about is you. Are you going to be okay?

Yeah, replied Will, with what he hoped was enough confidence to convince both Joey and himself, as he removed his headset.

***

Sand blew in all directions away from the helicopter's rotor blades. The landing skids barely touched the desert floor as Will and Joey, equipment securely in hand, leapt from the open hatch. Cornell remembered to keep his head down as his friend instructed, although Webster had already resealed the hatch, for the helicopter was immediately airborne again.

As their ride flew off, the older man put on the backpack-styled transmitter. Having to leave the news van back at the airport, this would be their only link to the station. Although a bit heavier than he first thought it would be, the compact design allowed for easy traveling. Let me see our kit, requested Joey.

Will handed him a plain looking shoulder strap bag, from which his friend pulled out a station issued cap and a bottle of water for each of them. After donning a pair of sunglasses from his other shirt pocket, Joey said, Let's go! before trudging resolutely toward their final destination.

Yet despite now being similarly equipped, Will just stood where he was, watching the receding helicopter disappear from sight.

Joey stopped and waited a moment, then drew near again and gave his companion's jacket sleeve a tug. You coming? The sooner we get there, the sooner we can start broadcasting.

Will turned, but all he could do was just stare at his friend, not even acknowledging the desert heat increasing as the day progressed.

This ain't the time to get cold feet, kid.

You do realize what we're heading into, right? How can you be so calm about all of this? asked Will.

Practice. Lots of practice, answered Joey, while putting a friendly arm around Will. "Back during the war, I was on the wrong end of enemy fire more times than I