Operation Phoenix Book 1: We're Not Alone

By Don R. Budd

Earth is dying and a chosen few from 30 countries are on a voyage to the only place left to go. However, on the way they learn We're Not Alone. An alien race seeks to enslave these humans and will stop at nothing to do it. Major General Michael C. Richards must lead this international convoy to safety while he fights an inner battle of his own. The problems of the past have not gone away as hoped, they threaten the very survival of the human race as the convoy begins to splinter before they even reach their destination. Will they reach their new home in peace or pieces? Or will they reach it at all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Don R. Budd
• Release date: Jun 23, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463117996

Don R. Budd

Don R. Budd studied Science Fiction and literature while studying for his degree in International Business at California State University at Sacramento. He has traveled and lived overseas in 14 countries. He has studied 20 languages and interpreted 11 of them while in the US Army. As part of his duties in Germany with Military Police Customs, he interpreted for NATO officers heading for the United States.He still enjoys meeting and corresponding with people around the world. Although his language skills have deteriorated over the years from lack of use, he still would enjoy corresponding with people from all over the world. So don't be afraid to contact him.PLEASE, NO SEXUAL PICS!! I DO NOT RESPOND. WOMEN WHO SHOW BREASTS DO NOT GET A RESPONSE. TOO MANY ARE PRESSING THEIR BREASTS INTO THE PICTURE. I WILL NOT RESPOND TO THIS BEHAVIOR!!PLEASE, DON'T KEEP TYPING ON SKYPE OR OTHER SERVICES AND NOT ALLOW ME TO RESPOND. I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR GAMES, ESPECIALLY SEX GAMES. YOU WANT A RESPONSE, BE SERIOUS, NOT JUST TAKING UP TIME.

Book preview

A lone figure in a protective suit with oxygen tanks shuffled along as it searched for the stable ground beneath the six inches or so of ash. The ash covered everything like deep, gray snow. The wind howled and blew the ash around like a blizzard. The lights were out despite the close of the day.

The figure found a curb and carefully stepped upon the sidewalk. The person turned left and started along an iron fence. The wind blew so hard the person had to lean into it. It took a heroic effort to remain angled into the ferocious blizzard.

The figure arrived at a black, iron gate. After a voice check and a retinal scan, the gate creaked open just enough to allow passage. The person shuffled to the white, brick building for another ID check.

Once inside, the figure went straight to the desk against the far wall. As the person approached, the suited person removed the helmet and revealed a salt and pepper-haired man. The hair was short and in a Marine style. Despite the headgear, ash covered his face.

The Marine guard looked up at him as he checked his list and marked it. He handed the older Marine a key and waved him on.

The old Marine entered a locker room and went to the locker that matched the number on the key. He unlocked it and put his helmet on the shelf. Then he proceeded to remove his protective suit.

He stepped to the showers because of the ash on him. He only had a towel around his waist. There was a waist-high wall down the middle of the shower room. He removed the towel and hung it on his numbered hook. Then he found an open shower and started it.

Other men came into the shower room; they were of various ages. They saw the man as he showered.

Well, look what the cat dragged in! One of the older men remarked as he went to a showerhead in the corner. He started the shower. They let you out in public? I thought they would have you in some commune or something.

The Marine ignored him. He lathered the soap over his body as the other men laughed at him.

The war is over. Why would the government need you out in public? The old man lathered up some soap.

The Marine ignored him still. He rinsed off the soap.

A young man snapped the Marine with a towel. When he did it again, the Marine yanked on it too fast for the man to let go which pulled him to the Marine. He lifted the young man off his feet and threw him against the far wall. This knocked the wind out of him.

Hey, you’re not allowed to do that! One of the other young men came to him ready to throw a punch.

You attack. I can defend. The Marine walked out of the shower room as the man on the floor slowly stood.

Later, the Marine walked smartly down a hall dressed in his winter uniform. He came to a set of double doors. Upon entry, he stopped at the secretary’s desk and reported.

She took him into an inner office where a meeting was about to commence while several men and women stood around in front of a desk. Everyone turned their attention to him.

The man, behind the desk, stood while a smile came over his face. Ah, come in General Richards. We’re just about to start. He held out his hand to the general.

Richards walked quickly to him and shook hands. He joined the others in a semicircle in front of the desk.

Let’s get started. The man sat along with everyone else. He leaned on the edge of his desk. It’s time to put the plan into action. The ships are ready to board.

A woman from across the circle raised a hand. The lottery has been run and the people chosen will be notified later this week, Mr. President.

Good. The man pushed off from the desk. We have to keep this announcement quiet. We can’t have a riot by those who will be left behind.

Richards sat up straight. Have we coordinated the announcement date with the allies, yet?

The woman turned her attention to him. Yes, they’ve all agreed to keep this under wraps. The public will not know of the choices until all passengers are onboard.

How are you going to keep the passengers from talking? He threw her a glance.

No one will know they are chosen until the agents show up during the night to whisk them away. The woman motioned a quick departure. The agents are being deployed as we speak.

Richards turned his attention back to the president. What’s the status of the enemy ships, sir?

They’re over a month behind us. Our latest Intel also informs us they are plagued with system failures. An admiral next to Richards turned to him.

How reliable is our Intel, Admiral? The general looked back at him. Our assets have been severely depleted by the war.

We still have assets deep in enemy territory. We haven’t lost contact.

Richards turned back to the president. If the plans are already set, why do you need me at this meeting, sir?

You’re to be part of the plan, that’s if you want it. The president leaned back in his chair.

What would my part be in this, sir?

You’ll be the leader of Operation Phoenix, General. The president held up his hand to emphasize his words. The survival of the people will rest on you.

Will my men be allowed to go, sir? Richards noted the others’ reactions. Some rolled their eyes while others sighed heavily as they shook their heads. What? What’s wrong with my men going? Tim? Clarisse?

A man in a business suit suddenly sat up straight when he heard his name called. The war is over. He cleared his throat. We don’t need them anymore.

The woman to Tim’s right crossed her arms and glared at each of the people as she spoke. The people are to reproduce. We certainly don’t need a race of monsters competing with normals for limited resources. That’s if the monsters could even reproduce. She settled her fierce glare on Richards.

I’m enhanced, and I have children. The myth that the enhanced for some reason cannot have children is simply not true. Many of us are married and have children just as the normals. Just because we are much larger and stronger than normals does not make us monsters.

The president raised his hands to quiet the situation. Now, let’s not get drawn into that debate again. He put his hands down. Then he looked at the general. Yes, your men can go. All the enhanced will go and …

Tim stood quickly as he shook his fist while he spoke and interrupted the president. That will take thousands of slots from normals that can have children and repopulate humanity!

The president motioned for him to sit. Now, let’s settle down. There’s no evidence the enhanced cannot have children. The general here is proof they can have children.

They’re monsters and should not be allowed to reproduce! Tim struck both fists on the arms of his chair. The enhanced monsters should not be allowed to rule over the normals!

Enough!! The president pounded his fist on his desk. Everyone turned to him in silence. Your views on the subject are noted.

Mr. President, Richards put his hands on his knees and leaned forward. Give me two days to think it over and I’ll give you my decision.

Very well. The president leaned back in his chair. How are our weapons systems?

On schedule, sir. The Admiral glanced at his file before he looked up at him. But, our experimental weapons will not be finished, tested or zeroed in, Mr. President. We’ll need more time.

That would be too dangerous. A female Army Major warned. We can’t leave too close to the time the enemy leaves or worse afterward. It’s our only hope to get away without the risk of losing any ships.

Leave too soon and there won’t be any way to defend the ships. The admiral countered. We have a three-day window to get away before the enemy can catch us.

Is the enemy set to travel to our destination? The general glanced at each of them.

According to our Intel, no. The admiral checked his file. There are several possible destinations. As far as our sources know, they are headed in the opposite direction. They believe we intend to travel to the same location because they believe there is only one option. They don’t know of the others.

How many nations are going with us? Richards leaned on one elbow.

At last count, 30 nations were going. A woman to his right gave him a copy of the report.

The general studied it. This says there will be 40 ships.

That’s right. The woman pointed at a section of the report. Some of the richer countries have more than one ship. The United States has three.

The enhanced troops will be spread over all ships for law enforcement? The general looked at the president.

Yes, for that and protection from any enemy attack. They’ll support the foreign military aboard each ship. There will be Air Force, Army, Marine, and Navy personnel onboard. The captains are mostly civilian since most of the nations don’t have navies. The president leaned across his desk with his hands folded. Many are landlocked, or their navies were destroyed in the war. When you reach the destination, you will include the other nations in Goliath. Those men will take over law enforcement and military duties for their countries.

Richards’s expression changed to shock. Is that wise, sir? Goliath is a military secret that could fall into the wrong hands.

I’m not saying to give them the secrets of Goliath. We just agreed to enhance their people. The president held up a finger.

Still, enhancing their people can have dire consequences, Mr. President. Friends can become enemies. Not everyone values civil rights as we do, sir. The general leaned toward the president on one elbow.

Operation Phoenix is to make all nations equal. We want to start new. That’s why this mission is called ‘Operation Phoenix.’ We are rising from the ash to all be reborn into a new civilization. We will even have a revamped United Nations. The president held up his finger again.

But, the US will have more ships, people, and enhanced military than any other nation. That alone will not make us equal and will cause problems. The US is always the superpower and it causes resentment. Besides, no matter how careful the planning, there will be problems from the past. We’re human. The general glanced at all the people in the circle then back at the president.

We’ll have to learn from the past or face another world war. True, we will have the most ships, people, and enhanced troops, but we must tread carefully. That’s why I want you to lead the mission. You won’t force our values on everyone else. The big guy can’t be ordering the little guy. You will lead and not order.

But, you know how people feel about us. Having so many of us in such close quarters can be a ticking timebomb, Mr. President. Everything we say or do will be tyrannical.

And so, I ask you to lead the people. You’re well-liked by most enhanced and normals alike. Both respect your leadership and accept you as one of them. The president held out both hands as he left his elbows on the arms of the chair.

The normals only accept me because I am not as big as the younger enhanced, so they don’t see me as enhanced.

Will you accept the position, General?

As I said earlier, give me two days to think it over. He put his hands on his knees and leaned forward.

Very well, General. The president took his phone and checked two days hence. What time can you meet?

Two, sir.

Set.

After the meeting, Richards returned to the locker room. When Tim came in and opened the locker next to the general, Richards started to undress.

Tim stripped down to his underclothes as Richards did to his stringed, low-rise briefs. Tim pulled out his thermal pants.

What is there to think about? He started to put on the pants. It’s a chance to get away from nuclear winter.

The general put on his thermal shirt. I just made Major General at the Pentagon and I don’t want to cause something to jeopardize it should this trip not materialize. Richards finished with his buttons and put on his thermal pants.

Tim put on his thermal shirt and started to button it. You think governments would build 40 ships and not go?

No. Richards put his legs in his protective suit.

They are going, and you don’t need to worry about that. He put on his outer suit. Think of your kids then. They will be able to get a great, fresh start.

They took out their boots and put them on as they made sure the pant legs tied around their boot tops. Finally, they put their helmets on and made sure the hood straps tied around it.

Richards was the first to leave as others came in from the showers.

Contents

CHAPTER 2 War of the Mind

The general entered a small room with several protective suits that hung on hooks. The other wall had brooms, mops, and various cleaning supplies. There was another door that faced him. Richards removed his suit and hung it on its hook. Then he stepped through the other door.

It led to a living room where a middle-aged woman sat as she read an electronic tablet. She brushed something off her thermal blouse and looked up as he closed the door.

Well, Mike, you’re finally home! She stood as she laid the pad on the table. Your boys are asleep. That’s 10 days they haven’t seen or heard from you.

Sorry, I’ve been busy at work. You’d never know the war was over. He undid his thermal shirt and removed it. Ash covered him again.

I’ll see you tomorrow. She picked up the pad and left.

After he removed the rest of his warm clothes, a toddler came out dressed only in low-rise briefs. He wiped the sleep from his eyes.

Waddar, please, Daddy. He held his hands out for his Daddy to pick him up.

I’m all dirty, Jacob. Mike squatted in front of his boy. I’ll get you your water and come tuck you in after I take a shower.

Jacob looked sad as Mike stood and went to the kitchen. The boy followed him.

Soon the general entered the shower. He turned it on high and the steam quickly filled the room. As he started to think of the trip, the sounds of planes and weapons fire tortured his mind. He leaned against the wall and held his hands over his ears. Mike strained to get away from the noise. The general thrashed about the stall and his head went under the shower spray. He didn’t seem to be able to pull his head out. Mike coughed and fought to get air. He broke free of the spray and fell in the shower.

Someone tapped on the shower door. The sounds stopped. Daddy? The small boy tapped again. Daddy?

I’m okay! Daddy fell that’s all! Go back to bed! Richards stood and lathered some soap.

Mike entered the boys’ room dressed in his low briefs and sat a glass of water next to the little boy who was now asleep. He tucked in the boy. Then he left the room.

As he came out, the sounds came back and hit him like a migraine. Mike cringed and held his hands over his ears. The general went to his room and fell on his bed as he rolled and fought the war which raged in his head.

Jacob came in and climbed on the bed. Daddy! Daddy! He crawled on his Dad’s back. You okay, Daddy? He waited for a response, but there was none. The general continued to thrash on the bed. Jacob bounced on his father’s back. Mike rolled quickly to his back which knocked the boy backward.

The father opened his eyes as the noise in his head stopped. What are you doing in here, Jacob? You’re supposed to be in bed.

I come see you okay. The boy jumped on Mike’s chest and laid his head on his father’s shoulder. Then he went to sleep.

The general wrapped his massive arms around his son and sat up as he held the boy. He stood and carried the boy back to bed. There he tucked him in again.

Jacob opened his eyes. Stay wid me, Daddy.

Mike laid on the bed next to him. He put his arm over his son and went to sleep.

The boy hung on to his father’s arm. Then he went to sleep.

The next morning, Mike was in the kitchen with his older son. Both had dressed in their warm clothes. Richards cooked eggs and made some toast. As he took the skillet with the eggs to the table, Jacob ran in still dressed in his briefs and hugged his Daddy’s leg. The man stopped.

He looked at the boy. Well, good morning, Sleepyhead.

Go monee, Daddy. Jacob held his hands up to his father.

Mike sat the skillet on the table and reached down to pick up his son. He rested his boy in the chair next to his. Then the general dished out the food as the toast presented itself. He went to the toast and brought it back. He sat.

Why’d we have to get up so early? The older boy played in his food. He sulked.

I thought it would be nice to have a meal together. Mike gave Jacob his food and cut it into small pieces. He looked at his older son and sighed. Jonathan, don't play in your food! You’re not a little kid.

The door chimed. Mike went to answer it. When he opened the door, it was Martha.

You’ve dressed already? That’s a first. Martha stepped in and saw the children at the table. And having breakfast together at this hour. She looked at Mike. What’s the occasion?

I just thought it would be nice to have a meal together. Richards walked back to his place at the table. He stood behind his chair. Would you like to have some eggs?

Jacob got down and ran to her. Go monee, Matta!

She knelt to him and looked at Mike. Mike, you should really work on his speech. It’s about time for him to enter school and he can’t even talk yet. Plus, he can’t write his own name. He doesn’t know his alphabet or his numbers. He won’t be ready for school.

I don’t have time to teach him. Mike cringed and covered his eyes.

She stood with concern on her face. Are you okay, Mike?

He turned and walked quickly to his room then he shut the door behind him.

You boys eat your breakfast. She started for his room. I’ll check on your Dad. She went to the door and knocked. Mike? You okay? She knocked again. Still no answer. Martha tried the door and it opened. She stepped in to find Mike sprawled on the bed as he struggled with something in his head. She went to him. Mike, it’s the PTSD again, isn’t it?

The general rolled to his side and looked up at her. His eyes were red and watery. He nodded reluctantly as he looked down in shame.

You have to get help. She sat next to him. You can’t go on like this.

I can’t let anyone know. He rose up on one arm. I’m a major general now. I’d lose that if someone found out about the PTSD.

They’ll find out when you blow. She put a hand on his shoulder.

It only happens at home. He looked away.

So, you bury yourself in your work, while your family suffers for it. Martha moved her hand from his shoulder to his hip as she turned away.

Work gives me some sort of relief. He looked at her as she stood. I have to do this until I’m able to face a family.

You should have thought of that before you had one. She left him alone.

Mike sat up and put his elbows on his knees. He rubbed his eyes. Then the general looked at his smartwatch. He sighed heavily as he stood and left the room.

In the kitchen, he sat and ate his cold breakfast. The boys finished and left the table. Mike ate fast. He put the dishes in the sink and started to run the water.

Martha came to him and put her hands on his to stop him. I’ll take care of these. You just go to work.

Mike left for work.

At the Pentagon, he walked to the showers with a towel around him. He hung the towel on its hook and went to a showerhead. The water ran and ran; however, Mike did not step under the water. He stood and stared at it.

What’s wrong, sir? A male voice sounded from behind him. Sir?

The general looked behind him and saw a very muscular man. Oh, hello, Samson. He stepped under the water and rinsed off the ash. Sorry, I was just thinking about a decision I have to make by tomorrow.

Samson went to a shower and began to clean. Must be a big one. I guess it goes with the promotion, sir.

A group of muscular men entered, put their towels on hooks, and went to their showers.

It’s a big one. I wasn’t expecting such a life-changing decision. Richards lathered up the soap over his body.

What is it, sir? Samson turned around to face away from the shower while he rinsed his hair.

I can’t talk about it. The general let the water run down the back of his neck. You’ll all hear about it in the next few days.

Scuttlebutt has it, sir, that the enhanced will be going on the trip. Is that right, sir? One of the other men faced away from the shower and let it run down his back and then his front.

Don’t repeat scuttlebutt. Richards turned off the water and wiped off the excess water from his skin. It’s not always true.

Who’s goin’, sir? Another young man rinsed off the soap.

I can’t talk about it. Now, let’s get to work. The general went for his towel. When he grabbed it, he bent over as he cringed in pain. The sounds of weapons fire and planes came again to his mind. He knelt on one knee then fell to the floor and rolled around.

Samson came and knelt next to him and protected the general’s head. Sir? Sir, you need a medic!

One of the other men left the shower room and returned when the medics arrived.

The next thing the general knew, he was in the emergency room. Samson and another enhanced man were with him. Richards looked at a man as he entered the room.

General Michael C. Richards? The man came to the end of the bed.

Yes, that’s me.

The man took the electronic pad and went through it. I’m Dr. Cannon and I’ll be treating you. How long have these migraines been occurring? He let down the electronic pad and looked at him.

Richards shrugged. I don’t know. A few years maybe.

Like 10 years? Dr. Cannon walked over to him.

How did you know? Richards looked at Cannon confused.

That’s when the war ended. The doctor cO’Connored his arms. You’re having dreams and flashbacks of the war. You hear war and they’re walloping you. It’s not a migraine. You have PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Am I out of the Marine Corps?

No, but you need treatment. Dr. Cannon reviewed the chart again and entered some notes. I am prescribing Sertraline, 50 Mg tablet, once a day at night for you. Then see your regular physician in one month and see how you are doing. You’ll need to calm the problem and then use CPT for 12 weeks. That will help you deal with the problem causing the PTSD.

What if I’m not here in a month? Richards sat up with only a sheet over him.

Then you’ll need a new doctor. You would need one anyway. I can’t treat you beyond today. The doctor put the pad back and started to leave. You can go back on duty. Don’t forget to stop by the pharmacy to get your Sertraline. He left.

The general threw the sheet off him and hung his legs off the bed. Samson came with his clothes and laid the uniform on the bunk. Richards stood and dressed before they left the room.

As they walked down the corridor, Rocky glanced over at his superior. How are you going to hide this now, sir?

Samson threw him a mean look.

What? Rocky stopped momentarily. It’s a good question.

Here’s the pharmacy. Richards stepped in and talked with the clerk at the window. When he returned, he had his meds. Okay, let’s get to work.

Yes, sir! The men led him to the doors.

Others went through the doors, too. The infirmary was a busy place. A large group of Sick Call Commandos sat, squirmed, paced, and a host of other things as they waited at the sick call desk.

Contents

CHAPTER 3 Scuttlebutt

The general entered his office to a stack of trays. Each contained several electronic pads. He stopped in the doorway and put his hands on his hips. He sighed.

Excuse me, sir! A female voice came from behind him.

He turned and saw a young, corporal with a cart loaded with more trays. He stepped out of the doorway and watched as she stacked them on his desk, chairs, and cabinets.

Sorry, sir, President’s order. She hurried out of the room.

As she left, another woman entered. Richards came to attention.

Where have you been? She barked as she stared at his chest.

In the infirmary, ma’am. He kept his eyes straight forward.

"Are you becoming one of those Sick Call