The Euclidian: Final Reckoning

By Jay Cannon

Chaell Shisal, captain of the Euclidian resource extraction ship Andrea, leads his space-going vessel across the Milky Way Galaxy in search of planets to mine. His ship harvests minerals, people, and technology from unsuspecting planets. On occasion, the Euclidian invite advanced civilizations into their alliance of planets. As a result, the Andrea has a diverse crew drawn from across the alliance. Each crewmember shares in the spoils from each mission, although senior officers earn the lion’s share of the bounty. Planet Earth is Shisal’s last mission and the Executive Officer (XO) of the Andrea has plotted a mutiny to replace him and take his share of the loot.

The battle lines have been drawn and it’s the XO of the alien ship Andrea against its Captain, his loyal crewmembers, and a newly formed alliance with some of the same Earthlings he attacked. In the middle of the fight is a gang of female bikers who don’t like following the rules, and each has her own agenda. The XO risks losing his cargo, his wealth, and his career, while the Captain and his band of followers risk losing their way back home, their lives, and the Earth. A lone teenager, Morgan, holds the balance between the two forces.

The Euclidian series is a tale of alien invasion from the viewpoint of the aliens. It contains intrigue, romance, epic battles, strong female characters, and a level of diversity to be expected from futuristic novels.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jay Cannon
• Release date: Nov 7, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463383452

Jay Cannon

Jay Cannon grew up in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. He became hooked on science fiction when he used to run home from junior high school to catch the original episodes of Star Trek. He spent six years in the U.S. Navy working on the flight deck of aircraft carriers, which felt like being on a starship. After leaving the Navy he spent several years in the software industry. During that period he passed time reading science fiction books and watching science fiction movies. He eventually decided to stop writing programs and start writing books.

Book preview

Introduction

Final Reckoning is the third and final book in the Euclidian trilogy. The previous books in the series are When Worlds Collide and Unforeseen Alliance. I also wrote a prequel, Alien Hitman, which focuses on one of the characters from the Euclidian series, upon special request by Morgan Gendel.

The Prologue of this book provides background for those who have not read the first two books of the trilogy or wish to have a refresher of their content. Other readers may simply skip to Chapter 1.

The Glossary contains descriptions of planets and the main characters.

After you have finished reading my novel, I would love to get your thoughts on it and what you would like me to write next, by way of an Amazon review or an email to the address on the copyright page.

Happy Reading!

JC

Prologue

Morgan, dazed and confused, sat on the edge of the couch that served as his bed, in his foster parents’ basement, examining the bruises on his arm. He resisted looking at the tiny alien lying at the other edge of the couch, afraid that the one thing that gave him joy was only a figment of his imagination.

Being in pain used to be par for the course. During the day, kids at school would punch Morgan, and in the evening his insensitive foster mother gave him an occasional wallop for moving too slowly at his chores. Pico changed all that. Now his bruises came from the many wondrous adventures that he and Pico enjoyed.

Not long ago, the urban teenager met the tiny blue alien in an alley, while saving him from an alien assassin. Since then Morgan and Pico had worked together to avoid attacks from one alien or another. Unbeknownst to Morgan, the scene that unfolded in the alley was the prelude to an alien invasion, which began days later.

Pico had escaped from the Euclidian resource mining ship Andrea, where they held him captive, while the Euclidian carried out a reconnaissance mission above Earth. Morgan kept him from being recaptured and found a way to provide Pico nourishment, though he had no nose or mouth. He communicated with Morgan telepathically and possessed telekinetic powers, which could be enhanced using a shaman stone. He befriended Morgan and enabled him to use more of his brain, giving him special powers.

***

Chaell Shisal, Captain of the Andrea, conquered Earth, captured its human inhabitants, and stripped the planet of its resources. Before returning to Euclidia, Captain Shisal and his crew took leave along Florida’s gulf coast. His bodyguard Phoebe joined the captain for a swim in the ocean. Shisal secretly loved her, but didn’t dare mention it to her for fear of losing her.

While the two were distracted with their swim, Malcolm, a security officer from the Andrea, took their belongings and waited for them to exit the waters. The Andrea’s XO had sent Malcolm to kill Shisal so he could become captain and keep the lion’s share of the revenue from the Earth mission for himself.

Malcolm attacked Shisal and Phoebe as they emerged from the gulf’s warm waters. Viewing the attack with a surveillance device, several of Shisal’s crewmembers—Uan, Cobalt and Yoyo—came to his aid. A group of aliens from the planet Alpha joined the fight on Malcolm’s side. In the end, Li Xiao, a UN diplomat turned Andrea crewmember, transported Shisal and Phoebe to safety.

Captain Shisal begrudgingly formed an alliance with Morgan and other Earthlings, whose planet he had pillaged, hoping they could help him get his ship back. At Morgan’s house, Shisal and the Earthlings, and a few loyal crewmembers, worked on a plan to defeat the XO.

Before they could execute their plan, however, Malcolm appeared again and attacked Shisal.

Chapter 1

Saving the Captain

Morgan gasped for air as the shock of Malcolm’s appearance in the crowded living room flowed across him. The sun shone off his stark alien features. The assassin, armed with a spear, took a defensive posture, scaring Morgan and causing him to stumble against the staircase railing.

Why is the alien here and whose side is he on? Morgan looked around the room for a reaction from others.

Malcolm tried to make sense of his new surroundings. People of different species surrounded him. Morgan, a black teenager, moved between the intruder and his mother, Norma, who stood at the bottom of the stairs.

Dominique, a short, black female security guard from Louisiana, sat across the room on the couch with a gun in her waistband. Next to her sat Betty, a short, blonde police officer, also armed with a pistol. They drew their weapons and fired at Malcolm, though his personal shield neutralized the projectiles.

Who are these people? Where’s Shisal? Malcolm wondered as he scanned the room, somewhat distracted by the attack on him. Captain Shisal stood at a table with two loyal crewmembers, Cobalt and Yoyo, discussing logistics. They looked over at Malcolm, stunned by his disheveled appearance. He found us! said Shisal.

Malcolm, being an Ossie, was able to cloak himself as he charged at Shisal. Dominique and Betty ceased firing after Malcolm vanished.

Now you die, Shisal. And when you’re dead, I’ll kill the rest of your followers, Malcolm shouted from the void. His boots thudded heavily on the wooden floor as he approached Shisal.

Morgan, who could see Malcolm in his cloaked state, lunged to block him from reaching the captain. Malcolm turned to cut through Morgan with his raised spear.

No, you don’t! Norma screamed, sensing Malcolm’s attack on her son. Thrusting her hands in Malcolm’s direction, a flash emanated from her fingers, sending Malcolm into the far wall with his body singed and his neural networks fried. Smoke rose from his body as he fell over dead. The exertion, more than Norma’s frail body could sustain, caused her to collapse. She grabbed at Morgan as she fell to the floor.

Cobalt, use your weapon to destroy Malcolm’s universal connection device, commanded Shisal. Hopefully, he didn’t have time to send a distress signal to the ship. Either way, we need to get out of here as soon as possible.

Everyone, prepare to leave, Cobalt said. I’ll go upstairs to check on Uan and Xiao and help them get ready for departure.

Mom, are you okay? asked Morgan, leaning over her. Noticing her weakened condition he shouted for Pico to come and attend to her using his healing powers.

Pico floated down to the living room to Morgan’s side.

Pico, can you help my mom? She collapsed after attacking that alien.

Morgan, your mother’s attack on the assassin somehow caused her brain to atrophy, said Pico telepathically. There’s nothing I can do for her.

Morgan, be the hero you were meant to be and save Earth from those aliens, his mother gasped, reaching out to him.

Mom, don’t die! Morgan cried, holding his mother’s head in his lap.

Norma smiled at her son one last time, before fading away.

Doctor Denise Turner looked down on the scene from the upstairs railing, hesitant to say anything.

Morgan, I’m sorry, said Dr. Turner, but I need Pico back upstairs to finish with Xiao and Uan. They are still in serious condition.

Pico gently placed his hand on Morgan’s shoulder, then returned upstairs to join Dr. Turner.

***

Cobalt stood in the doorway of the upstairs bedroom watching the doctor finish working on his lover Li Xiao.

Coby, you came for me, gasped Xiao.

Cobalt walked over and grabbed her hand. Xiao, you should leave the fighting to the soldiers, he said sadly. I don’t like seeing you get hurt. As soon as you are ready, we need to grab what we can and get out of here. I’m sure the XO’s men will be here soon.

Excuse me, I need to get to her, said Dr. Turner, afraid to get too close to Cobalt. Cobalt nodded and left the room.

Being a doctor, Denise did what she could to save the humans and aliens under her care, despite the conflict she held inside. The aliens had attacked her world, killing her brother in the process. She enjoyed learning the skills that Pico taught her, but the other aliens couldn’t leave soon enough.

***

Captain, what’s our plan? asked Phoebe, walking into the living room, healed from her injuries and feeling ready to rejoin the effort.

We need to get everyone out of here right away, said Captain Shisal in Euclidian. The XO will eventually determine our whereabouts and send more security personnel after us. Cobalt, use Li Xiao’s transporter to move everyone.

Aye, aye, Captain, replied Cobalt, before passing on the captain’s orders to those who didn’t speak Euclidian. Morgan, unhappy about having to leave his home, protested.

This is my home, Cobalt, said Morgan. Why can’t you aliens leave and let the rest of us stay here? I need to take care of my mother’s body.

Our ship will eventually send troops here to find out what happened to Malcolm. They won’t be kind to you, Cobalt explained. Once it leaves orbit it should be safe for you to return here. We can hold services for your mother once we find a safe place to stay.

We can go to my apartment, offered Betty. It’s not big, but we should all fit comfortably until we find something more permanent.

That’s a good idea, Betty. Let’s move now, said Cobalt.

Morgan wrapped his mother tightly in a white sheet, taking time to place a red rose from the garden between the folds. Meanwhile, Cobalt used Xiao’s personal transporter to shuttle everyone to Betty’s apartment.

Uan and Xiao were placed in Betty’s bedroom to permit Dr. Turner to continue working on them. Morgan placed Norma’s body in the bathtub with help from Cobalt. Others found spots in the living room and dining room to hang out. Betty passed around food and water from the kitchen.

***

Captain, I’m ready for duty, said Uan, emerging from the bedroom.

Uan, you’re okay! Betty exclaimed. She ran over and hugged him. I was so worried about you.

Betty, I’m fine. Try not to be so emotional in public, Uan groaned, as he pulled Betty’s arms from around his neck.

Uan, an elite fighter from the Ossuary System, had fallen in love with Betty after seeing her in a bar fight. He kept his emotions in check, except for physical moments with Betty.

Betty was unfazed by Uan’s unwillingness to return her affection. She knew that one punch to the chest and he would be aroused to distraction.

Now that my crew is back in service, let’s get together and talk, Shisal ordered. Cobalt, you translate for the humans.

Everyone gathered around Shisal and listened attentively to his plans.

Our main goal is to set up a base and figure out how to get back on the ship, or to contact Central Control so they can intervene in the mutiny, Shisal said passionately. "If the Andrea leaves before we can retake it, we could be stuck here forever. While we can certainly survive on this planet, I prefer modern comforts. I didn’t work my entire life to end up broke and stranded on the far side of the galaxy."

Captain, what about enlisting help from others on the ship? asked Uan.

Great idea, but how do we contact them? challenged Shisal.

I still have my UCD, replied Yoyo, "and I don’t believe the XO’s people would consider me an ally of yours. I could sneak aboard the Andrea and quietly attempt to recruit assistance from some of your loyal crewmembers."

That would raise too many suspicions, replied the captain. Eventually, someone would recognize you as an outsider and throw you in the brig. Then they would torture you until you released information about us.

Then let me call my friend. She can zap us all to the bridge in an instant and put you back in charge. Jesmino! Yoyo shouted, before the captain could respond. After a few moments Yoyo yelled for Jesmino again while shaking her fists at the ceiling.

Who are you calling and how is the person supposed to hear you without your communicator? asked Phoebe, giving Yoyo a stern look.

Jesmino’s my all-powerful friend that I met on Tammaria. She can do amazing things. She’s just not 100% reliable. But I know she has the ability to solve this problem for us.

Until she appears, Captain, I suggest we get below ground, Phoebe warned. The XO is certain to start using the dimensional beacons to search for us. We should be careful about using the personal transporter as well. That is something that can be tracked by the ship, which means they may already know that we are here.

That sort of tracking isn’t allowed, objected Shisal.

Yes, but remember that Kristi, the operations officer, created a hack for Adar so he could track down those Cheoili escapees.

Kristi is an ally. I believe we can trust her not to reveal our location to the XO. She could use the hack to assist us. We need to get word to her somehow, Shisal said, rubbing his chin.

Are you sure you can trust Kristi? asked Yoyo.

Without question!

If any of the soldiers on the beach where you fought are still there, I could use my hypnosis ability to convince one of them to give Kristi a message.

Good idea. This is what I want you to tell her, said the captain, leaning close to Yoyo.

***

What’s going on? asked Morgan. He watched the aliens go on about something, but couldn’t understand a word they were saying. If only Pico had taught me more about how to use the powers he gifted me, I might be able to telepathically connect with aliens other than him. My mother’s dead, my foster parents have been abducted, and I’m stuck here with a bunch of aliens that don’t speak English.

The captain is discussing next steps, said Cobalt, turning toward Morgan. No action plan yet. However, we need to find a place below ground where we can set up a base.

I know a place in town that we could use. It is underground, sturdy, and has several means of egress, suggested Morgan. It’s also next to a hospital, which could come in handy.

Uan gave Morgan a knowing look, remembering chasing Morgan and Pico through the same hospital.

Cobalt relayed the message to Captain Shisal.

"Great idea. Let’s go as soon as everyone is ready. We should walk there to avoid detection by the Andrea," Shisal said.

What about the humans? asked Phoebe.

They should go their own way, said the captain. They’re not of much use to us now. Those that joined our crew can stay with us if they like, but they need to understand the risks. Let everyone know our plan, Uan.

Everyone, listen up, Uan said in English. "The crew of the Andrea loyal to Captain Shisal will be leaving soon to set up a base and make plans for recapturing our ship. The rest of you can do as you please. The Earthlings that joined the Andrea are free to stay behind or come with us. We are likely to be engaged in fighting until the Andrea heads back to Euclidia, which means you will be risking your life by remaining."

You are not getting rid of me that easily, said Betty. I’m staying.

I’m in, too, said Dominique. But we need to retrieve Calvin. He’s still down on the beach.

If we come, will you keep us safe? asked Morgan.

We’ll do what we can, replied Uan.

Morgan, what are you suggesting? asked Dr. Turner, peering out from the bedroom where she and Pico had finished working on Xiao. Aren’t these the same aliens who attacked us in the first place?

Denise, I need to get Pico back to his people, or at least, people he would be comfortable with, said Morgan. If we help the captain get his ship back maybe he will do something for us. Maybe he will even let our people go.

Pico connected with Morgan telepathically and let him know that he would be happy staying on Earth with him. Pico’s planet was destroyed, and Morgan had become his new family. Morgan saved him from being captured after he escaped from the Andrea. Pico modified Morgan’s brain, so they could communicate more effectively. They were inseparable.

Maybe you Earthlings should just stay here. Having you around would just increase our risk of being captured or killed, Uan said with a scowl. And there is no chance that the captain is going to free the people of Earth we’ve captured.

Remember, my mother gave her life to save your captain, and Pico used his powers to heal members of your crew, including you! said Morgan fiercely. Pico held his head up high and crossed his arms to drive the point home.

Uan rubbed his chest where Malcolm had stabbed him. Though he had little compassion for humans, his honor would not permit him to dismiss their request. Returning to Captain Shisal, he let his words reflect his feelings. Captain, the Earthlings want to come with us. I believe they can be of use to us, and we do owe them a debt of gratitude for aiding us.

Shisal took a moment to reflect on Uan’s request. Okay, I will allow it for now. Let them know I appreciate their assistance.

Captain, I would like to remain with the crew if that is okay with you, said Xiao in Euclidian, upon entering the room.

I would be happy to have you join us, said Captain Shisal. How do you feel?

I am still a little sore, but strong enough to help everyone get to safety. Xiao leaned against a wall as she spoke. She looked around the room to reacquaint herself with the people who were part of their group. Rubbing her side with her free hand, she remembered being stabbed through and through by the large blade of Malcolm’s spear. What happened to the alien that stabbed me?

He’s dead, Uan replied. Killed by Morgan’s mother. Go figure.

How did that happen?

Probably an artifact from the hours of work Pico performed on her, said Morgan. Sadly, the exertion killed her as well.

Xiao, I need you to return to the beach and retrieve Calvin, Uan said, breaking into the conversation. Then transport to a spot away from our new base and walk from there in case your activity is being monitored.

Will do. Where is the new base?

I suggested the bottom of the garage connected to General Hospital, replied Morgan.

Yeah, the place where that alien killed my brother. I know it well, scoffed Denise, giving Uan the evil eye.

Denise, it’s a good spot to set up a base, Morgan said, attempting to calm her down. You worked there; you can help us obtain medical equipment we might need.

I’m still not sure I want to help aliens who have stripped our planet clean and left us to die, Denise said angrily.

There are plenty of people and resources here for you to live quite comfortably, challenged Uan. I’ll even make sure you have a power source and the ability to produce all the fresh water you need before we leave.

We need to end this bickering and move before more Euclidian show up, interjected Xiao. She grabbed her transporter and prepared to depart for Key West. Morgan interrupted.

Li Xiao, forgive the intrusion. I have wrapped my mother’s body in some sheets and I wonder if we could place her in the Atlantic Ocean before you leave. She played there as a kid, and wanted to be buried there. Before the invasion, I didn’t think it would be possible. But now…

Of course, I’ll help you. Xiao replied, smiling. Any particular location?

Yes, just off the coast of Virginia Beach. I can show you where it is on your map.

I know where it is. Xiao smiled. I’ve been there a few times myself. It’s a lovely beach.

I’d like to go with you, Yoyo said, raising her hand. I need to do something for the captain back at the battle site.

Okay, let’s go, urged Xiao. Morgan placed Pico safely in the quiver he kept around his neck. Morgan, Xiao, and Yoyo carefully raised Norma’s body and vanished.

Captain Shisal gave the order and Betty, Cobalt, Dominique, Phoebe, and Uan prepared for the walk to the hospital. They packed some food and other items before departing.

Dominique paused at the door and looked back at Denise, standing on the other side of the room, reluctant to join them. What are you going to do back here on your own, Denise? You’ll be safer with us. And think of the adventures you will have.

Don’t you find it just a little unsettling that we are helping those damned aliens? Denise complained. One of them killed my brother. I can’t forgive that.

But then you helped save his life.

I swore to do no harm and I take that oath seriously, Denise said, her eyes tearing up.

If there’s more fighting, you’ll be needed again. Isn’t that what you want to do, make a difference? The captain is a fair man. If he gets his ship back, I’m sure he will try to make amends somehow. Come on, don’t stay here alone.

After a long pause, Denise slowly walked to Dominique and gave her a hug. I’m afraid, but I’ll go, she whispered into Dominique’s ear. Dominique grabbed Denise by the hand, and the two exited the apartment, closing the door behind them.

Chapter 2

Getting Lost on Tammaria

Joharri fearlessly stood at the precipice of a tall cliff, looking down at the aftermath of the slaughter on the ground below. His toes stuck over the edge of the rock face, yet he had no fear of falling. He knew he could step out into the open air and not plummet toward the ground. It would just take a bit more concentration to maintain his position. As a quantum consciousness being, an Enlightened One, Joharri easily controlled the effects of gravity.

Imbued with great telekinetic power, Joharri manipulated gravity to do his bidding. As a being of energy, it had no gender, but in physical form Joharri chose to be a barefooted male wearing a white tunic. This helped him to interact with the inhabitants of the planet without causing alarm.

A shockwave forced Joharri from his position and sent