Battle Earth: Extinction Book 1

By Nick S. Thomas

Earth’s Greatest Warrior, Mitch Taylor, must make a stand in the face of a relentless invasion of Earth!

Humanity has been weakened after a series of catastrophic wars. But peace is to be short lived as a terrifying alien race arrives at Earth. Part living being and part machine, they’re a powerful and advanced alien race who seemingly want only one thing, the extinction and annihilation of humanity.

Earth is soon consumed by the invading alien armies as they land in their millions, and Mitch Taylor is the enemies first target, knowing the danger he presents. Can Taylor escape his captors and rally those on Earth to fight back before it is too late, or will he fall alongside the rest of Earth’s defenders in a desperate last stand?

'Battle Earth: Extinction Book 1' is a futuristic sci-fi action adventure that chronicles vast bloody battles after humanity’s reach into the stars. It follows on from the ‘Battle Earth’ and ‘Battle Beyond Earth’ series but can be read as a standalone series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Swordworks Books
• Release date: Jan 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463329245

Book preview

BATTLE EARTH

EXTINCTION BOOK 1

By Nick S. Thomas

Copyright © 2019 by Nick S. Thomas

Published by Swordworks Books

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Prologue

Alliance Marine Colonel Mitch Taylor was there when humanity made first contact with an advanced and deadly alien race not long after humanity’s first reach into space. An attack on the Martian research outpost and Lunar colony had marked the beginning of a vast war spanning multiple systems. The wars brought new technology allowing Humanity to reach further across the universe than anyone could have imagined. But with new technology also came changes in how marines conducted warfare. Not only developing new ballistic weaponry and powered exoskeleton body armour, but close quarters weapons to fight in hand-to-hand like their ancestors so many generations before them.

Taylor fought through wars that almost destroyed humanity and ultimately, he led Earth to victory at a terrible cost. Four hundred years later he was brought out of cryosleep to battle a new threat, Bolormaa, a Queen who ruled with an iron will and genocidal intent. She had seemed invincible, forcing humanity to flee from Earth to save the race. But after years of struggle, and with the help of three other alien races, Earth was reclaimed and Bolormaa’s rule ended.

Fifteen years have passed since Bolormaa and her vast armies were defeated by the Alliance of races and led by Earth’s greatest warrior, Colonel Mitch Taylor. Yet war among the Alliance factions soon followed. An uneasy peace now exists, some feeling that a new chapter of peace is underway. Others prepare for the next war. A war they feel is inevitable. While Earth is now peaceful, its population is spread thinly after so many destructive years, and most of the former Alliance worlds have adopted isolationist agendas in an attempt to put the wounds of the Civil War behind them.

Taylor is no stranger to war. He was born and bred for it. A lifetime of fighting has made him cynical and expectant of the awful things people are capable of. He has fought many enemies over two different lives. It finally seems the Alliance no longer has need of his unique talents. Although nothing could have prepared Earth and the Alliance for what was to come next.

Chapter 1

Just another day in the Corps? asked a Corporal standing beside Colonel Mitch Taylor. The most famous warrior alive today. The battle-scarred veteran of so many wars looked calm and yet deep in thought, as he looked out into space and the planet they were approaching. Taylor looked to be in his forties, but he’d lived two lifetimes, before and after the cryostasis that had let him fight in wars separated by four hundred years. It was hard to not be awestruck by his presence, and the Corporal was trying to break the ice.

But Colonel Taylor didn’t respond. They were aboard the bridge of one of the latest Union vessels.

A fine ship, isn’t she? The Corporal continued to press the revered war hero into conversation.

The most advanced ship in the fleet, replied the Captain as he stepped up proudly beside them, Faster than any destroyer in the history of our Navy. Able to be operated with one third the crew. Automated systems for repair, maintenance, and even routine tasks. Long range communication far superior to anything we’ve had before. Eight fighter drone squadrons. The UNS Audacious is the pride of the fleet. It may not be the biggest ship, but it is by far the best, he smiled.

The Corporal was quick to agree, not wanting to insult the Captain, but Taylor didn’t seem impressed.

Something the matter, Colonel? Captain Keyes asked.

He was stoic and silent for a few moments, as if he didn’t intend to reply at all, when he finally growled calmly in response as he looked around at the gleaming bridge. Spotlights illuminated the deck, which shone like marble. Everything was perfect, neatly designed and sculpted.

It looks more like a shoe shop than a warship, he grunted.

The Corporal looked appalled and embarrassed. But the Captain smiled and shook his head.

You’d rather a rough old workhorse?

Just so long as she gets the job done, she’ll do just fine, he replied. He looked around suspiciously at the interior of the vessel and shook his head at its elaborate décor.

Have you ever been to Temia? The Captain gestured towards the planet.

Why would I? There’s nothing much to see there.

The Captain smiled, as he was amused by the old warhorse’s cynicism.

Sir, I’m picking up a signal on the far side of the planet!

The Captain rushed over to the navigation officer’s screen.

What are you seeing?

I’m…I’m not sure, Sir.

What do you think it is? the Corporal whispered to Taylor.

Probably nothing, he replied without even turning to face the young man.

Corporal Arias, he said cheerfully, trying to befriend the famous war hero, but the Colonel had nothing to say.

Sir? Can I ask you something?

Taylor groaned. He didn’t mind marines speaking their mind, but he’d heard all this small talk so many times before.

What is it?

Have you enjoyed being a Marine, Sir? Has it been a good life?

Taylor’s grimace turned to a blank expression as the question caught him quite by surprise. It was a lot to take in as he thought back over the many years of war, the hardship, and all the friends he’d lost along the way. He finally looked to Arias and acknowledged him, impressed by his unique and insightful question.

I guess it depends on what you consider good?

I suppose I mean, knowing all you know now. You have so much experience and you have seen and done so much, would you do it all over again?

Taylor smiled as he thought of so many memories.

You’re damn right I would.

A near ear-splitting warning alarm suddenly rang out as lights around the bridge flashed red. Arias look stunned by it, and even Taylor appeared to be surprised. He’d gotten so used to a peaceful uneventful existence that this was almost a new experience.

Sir, we’ve got missiles incoming! a voice rang out.

Missiles? It can’t be. This has to be some kind of drill, insisted Keyes.

Not that I have been notified of, Sir, said the navigations officer, pointing to the targets on her screen. They were approaching at speed.

Get me visuals, now! Keyes barked.

The atmosphere on the bridge was tense; more so than Taylor could remember in recent times, but the emotion came flooding back to him as he remembered what it was like to be caught in such a terrifying moment.

What do we do? Arias asked.

Nothing, we’re marines. It’s their job, for now, he replied firmly.

We just sit here and watch?

You think you can do their job better than they can? Fly this ship? Navigate? Operate weapons or command?

The Corporal was silenced. Taylor knew how helpless the Corporal felt.

Thirty seconds to impact, Sir!

Take us to battle stations. All hands on deck. I want marines armed and posted on every deck! Keyes ordered.

Twenty seconds to impact!

Arias looked increasingly anxious, and yet Taylor looked as calm as could be. It wasn’t that he wasn’t scared. He’d just acclimatised. He knew there was nothing he could do, and so he didn’t work himself up over it, although deep down there were the rumblings of fear. They’d not known a threat for some time, and this seemed like something new. The unknown is what scared Taylor, for in his experience devastation soon followed it.

Ten seconds to impact!

Brace for impact!

The crew hunkered down as Taylor activated the visor of his helmet. The clear domed screen slid forward and sealed it shut. The marines wore lightweight armour that covered much of their bodies, and none of their skin was visible besides their faces, until their visors too concealed that. Arias hadn’t even thought to do so, but he now hurried to activate his helmet, pressing a recessed button near the chin. It sealed shut as he took a deep breath. He knew things were bad if it had gotten to this. Taylor was preparing for a hull breach, and that was a terrifying prospect.

Five seconds to impact!

Arias grabbed hold of the rail of a console nearby, but Taylor merely bent his knees a little to prepare for whatever was to come. He counted the seconds down in his head.

Four, three, two, one…

But nothing came. The crew glanced around at one another, gripped by the anticipation and terror of a breach or possibly something worse. Nobody said a word for a few moments until they were sure nothing was coming.

Talk to me, Keyes finally reported.

Sir… began one of the officers.

What is it?

I don’t know what to tell you, Sir. The missiles, they made contact, but I’m not receiving any reports of damage to any modules.

What, they just bounced off?

Arias looked relieved and smiled as he turned to Taylor in celebration but was surprised to find no response from the battle-hardened war hero.

What could he know that the rest of us don’t? Arias wondered.

I’d like to say I have confidence in the armour of this vessel but let us not be so naïve as to assume we got away with this unscathed. I want to know the full reports from those areas that were struck. I want to know where those missiles went and why.

On it, Sir.

Keyes turned to Taylor as if he expected some answers.

What do you think, Colonel?

I think you’re asking the wrong man, Sir, he replied dryly.

Come on, Colonel, you’ve seen everything, you must have some ideas?

I’ve seen a lot, but nobody has seen anything, but you are right to assume that we didn’t come off unscathed. Whoever is out there, they knew we were coming. No way those missiles did nothing.

"Unless they’re a warning of some kind?

Like a shot across the bow, Corporal?

Taylor was already shaking his head. That’s wishful thinking, Captain.

Keyes looked to the view screen ahead. It ran floor-to-ceiling and was crescent-shaped, giving a broad view of the space beyond and the planet before them. A small space station lay in orbit between them and the ice planet that shone brightly, casting the facility into silhouette.

Notify the star base that we have encountered an unknown enemy, and bring us to one klick of them, he ordered, looking back to Taylor.

I want us in range of their defence systems for whatever it is we are dealing with here.

Whatever it is, they knew we were coming, and we don’t have the firepower to shoot our way out of an ambush.

I think you underestimate the power of this vessel, Colonel.

They closed with the facility quickly. The whole crew was anxious. Taylor was quite calm, but that didn’t surprise anyone.

Sir, I’m getting unidentified energy surges from two decks! D47 and F4, yelled one of the officers.

"The lighting on the bridge began to flicker.

What the hell is going on down there? Keyes demanded.

With me, now! Taylor ordered Arias.

Taylor pulled the rifle from his back and headed for the door of the bridge.

Whatever you find, Colonel, keep me informed!

Taylor didn’t even respond to the Captain, but as he reached the door, he stopped to face the two guards on duty there.

Nobody comes back through these doors but myself and the Corporal, do you hear me?

Ye…yes, Sir, they hesitantly replied.

Code words, you ask anyone trying to get inside, including us, for identification, and unless we give the right answer, you start firing, do you get me?

What is the correct answer, Sir?

Taylor had to think quickly on his feet.

Nuts, he replied as he led the Corporal on.

Nuts?

I guess you don’t know your history too well. Guy who said it was a ground pounder, but he sure had balls, replied Taylor with a smile.

Yeah, but why now?

Because it’s the last thing anyone would guess, and it’s the first thing that came to mind.

That was the first thing to come to mind, Sir?

The guy who said that was boxed in and facing some serious shit.

And you think we are, too, Sir?

I don’t know what this is, but it’s no walk in the park, that’s for sure. Stay sharp and be ready for anything. Have you ever fired that weapon in anger?

No, Sir.

Well, you know what you need to do. Be mindful of friendlies, but if you find danger, you don’t hesitate to fire first, you hear?

Fire first? he asked in amazement, but that isn’t our ROE.

Fuck the ROE, unless you want to get your head blown off, you’ll shoot first. If we have a breach and intruders on board…they didn’t come for a chat, they came for our asses.

You think this is a major attack?

You think firing missiles at a ship in peacetime means anything else?

Maybe, maybe they weren’t missiles?

Taylor smiled at his naivety. They were heading for the open door of an elevator, but Taylor veered off at the last minute. Doors opened before him to reveal a stairway.

I’m not risking being stuck in that box if we lose power, said Taylor, pre-empting Arias’ line of questioning.

If we lost power, the backup plant would keep them moving.

Maybe.

They hit the stairs running, knowing they had a lot of floors to cover.

Sir, why are you so sceptical of technology?

Just being realistic, he replied as they rushed on and soon reached a sign that read D47. The lights were flickering intermittently and there was movement up ahead. Taylor lifted his rifle and advanced without hesitation, but Arias was breathing heavily. They turned a bend, expecting to find trouble, and indeed found themselves looking down the barrels of rifles, but of three of the ship’s marines. Arias breathed a sigh of relief as he lowered his weapon.

Report, what is going on down here?

None of them knew Taylor personally, but they quickly spotted his rank and then recognized his face.

Speak, he added angrily as they hesitated, until one of them spoke. She was a medium height woman who looked as young as Arias.

That’s the thing, Sir, there is nothing.

"What do you mean nothing?’

Nothing to report, Sir. We cannot find any breaches. Diagnostics say the hull is intact. It’s like nothing happened.

He groaned as he looked up at the flickering lights.

Something happened all right.

Two shots rang out and echoed throughout the corridor. It couldn’t be far away. Taylor barged past the three marines and led them on towards the commotion. He could hear screams of agony, a painful reminder of the countless times he’d been through hell and seen such horrific death and destruction. He rushed to the sounds of the cries, but he didn’t find a firefight, as he would have expected. Several marines were gathered and peering around a corner. He took the bend to find one of their own being looked at by a medic.

Taylor looked around cautiously for any sign of an enemy or impending threat, but he could see nothing.

What the hell happened here?

Friendly fire, nobody can see a damn thing with these lights, snapped the medic as the lighting continued to flicker on and off. Finally, they cut out completely as they heard a resounding whine as if all the ship’s systems were shutting down, and they descended into darkness. Taylor switched the light of his helmet on, lighting up the scene wherever he was looking, before tapping the communications button on his forearm.

This is Taylor to the bridge. What the hell is going on up there?

There was no response.

Taylor to the bridge, can you hear me?

Still there was nothing as he groaned in frustration.

Get him to medical, ordered Taylor as he pointed for one of the marines to follow them.

The rest of you, I want patrols across all decks, you know what you need to do. Looks like comms are down. Spread the word. Nobody goes anywhere without weapons or alone. If you need to get word to the bridge, you send runners, got it?

Aye, aye, Sir, they replied.

Even in the harsh light of their helmet-mounted torches, he could see the fear in their eyes.

Keep it tight and be vigilant. I don’t want to see any more fuck ups like this, but that doesn’t mean you get slow on me, you hear?

Yes, Sir, one replied hesitantly before Taylor went on with the Corporal by his side. He glanced over to see a pained looked on his face.

You don’t like the way I handled things?

He was dismissive as if the question was rhetorical, but Arias wasn’t going to let it go.

The way you speak to them, that’s just not the…

Not the way people talk anymore? Taylor interrupted.

Yeah, he replied, surprised that Taylor was even aware of that fact.

Well suck it up and deal with it. You want leadership, or do you want to be treated like a kid?

I just don’t think we need…

Taylor stopped and faced off against him, stopping the Corporal abruptly.

Listen up, this is being done my way. I have made it this far before. I get shit done, and I don’t give a crap whether you like it or not. It doesn’t matter if you’re a corporal or a colonel, get in line and get the job done, do you understand me?

Yes, Sir, he replied sheepishly.

They ran on and soon reached the stairs, and yet there still seemed no hope of the lights coming back on.

Sir, what do you think is happening here? he asked more respectfully as they hit the steps running.

If I had to guess, I’d say whatever those missiles were, they were intended for one purpose only. To knock out our power.

Why?

What good is one of the most powerful ships in the fleet without power?

They quickly reached the bridge and rushed forward at such a rate that one of the guards fired at them. The shot narrowly glanced past the shoulder armour of Taylor.

Nuts! he roared as he ducked back for cover.

Colonel? asked one of them.

Yes, he growled as he raced forward.

I am so sorry, Sir.

He patted the man on the shoulder as he went past.

My fault, I didn’t identify myself, just take a few breaths, and don’t be quite so quick on the trigger, okay?

Yes, Sir.

Electric lanterns were being set up on the bridge as he went aboard.

Colonel, what news?

Nothing, Captain. As far as I can tell, your readings were right. No hull breaches, nothing has come aboard, and no damage, at least physically.

We’ve got no power, all systems are fried, even life support. Grav will be down as soon as the revolutions stop, replied the Captain, referring to the perpetual rotating central hull that provided their artificial gravity. Taylor looked out for some more information, but the screen project of space before them was gone along with the power.

We need to know what’s going on out there.

We can open the blast doors, but we’ll be awfully vulnerable. Captain Keyes pointed to where the screen had been projected.

It’s not like things can be any worse, can they? We’re floating blind, without power and weapons.

Keyes nodded in agreement and gestured for Taylor to follow him to the doors.

Some help here! Captain Keyes shouted, as two more went to his aid and one stepped up beside Taylor, but the Colonel shouted for him to get out of the way.

A large lever either side provided a seal to the doors. The Captain began to push against one, but it wouldn’t budge until the other two crewmen put their weight into it. Yet Taylor with one hand cranked his side open with ease, much to their amazement. They slid the two hulking doors back on their rails to reveal a window to space, half the size of the screen that had been projected for them. The glow of the ice planet beyond lit up the bridge. It was a relief to them all after the coffin feeling they’d had from being trapped in the ship without power or light. The marines turned