Eternity's Past: The Reign Of Xona

By Christopher Laird

Following the struggle between the Ramassidors and the humans of the Deltacore Interstellar Military, which left millions dead, Captain Michael Stratford battled to secure the particle that gave the power of God to the holder.

Following his victory over the malevolent Xona, the particle was taken from him by Oaris, the protector of the Universe and Heaven, leaving just enough of it within Stratford that continued to grow.

But despite her defeat Xona has other ideas, and as she is restored back to her former self she sets out to take the particle once more, to give her the ultimate power she seeks.

Traveling back in time to the Earth of 1941, Stratford chases Xona as they battle all over the world to get the particle.

In a chaotic race against time, can Stratford once again save the Universe before the Nazis open the container and Xona becomes too powerful to stop?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 19, 2019
• ISBN: 9780359226801

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Eternity's Past: The Reign Of Xona

Eternity’s Past

The Reign of Xona

by

Christopher James Laird

Copyright © 2018 Eternity’s Past: The Reign of Xona by Christopher James Laird

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my brother Charles Laird. You are wise, intelligent, ambitious and an inspiration to others. You have been a great inspiration to me to help me be a better person. I always enjoy laughing with you and feeling invigorated in your great fellowship. I hope you come out with a book one day to tell your amazing life story and how you became the man you are today. Now the entire world knows who you are. I love you brother.

Although I dedicated my last novel to my mother, I was writing this book during her illness. I was happy to have her to see me publish my first book. My first novel will always be close to my heart. She provided me with enough love and good memories that will leave me happy for the rest of my life. I just wanted to thank her again for all of the wonderful things she has done for me and the love and care she showed me no matter what was going on. Just wanted to let the world know that my mother was a wonderful woman and the world deserves to know who she is.

One of my best memories of her: She would watch Godzilla movies with me when I was a child.

Chapter 1

Lieutenant Clegg was slammed to the mat as Stratford caught him in a judo toss. Sprawled flat on the mat, Clegg looked up at Stratford as his body was still recovering from the unforgiving throw.

Today is not my day, Clegg quipped as he looked at Stratford with a wry smile.

You have to be patient Roland, Stratford declared extending his hand out to Clegg to assist him up. In Judo, he who thinks…is immediately thrown.

Clegg, still quite groggy from the powerful spring hip throw, finally gathered himself and now stood vertically facing his best friend. Robert Linsen…nice quote.

Its better advice, Stratford added. It’s advice that you need to heed.

Clegg prepared himself in a judo stance. With his right leg stretched forward and his left leg back slightly bent. His right arm was tucked in with his elbow bent upward with a closed fist. His left arm was cocked back below his right arm as if he was going to strike. Stratford proceeded with the same stance. The two quickly lunged at each other and grabbed a fistful of their breastplate on their judo gi. As they were both pulling and pushing to get in position to attack, Clegg was having trouble. Clegg repeatedly swiped his right leg between Stratford’s legs, attempting to put him in a spring hip throw. Stratford’s distance was significant to where Clegg could not get leverage to execute a throw. They pushed and pulled back and forth as Clegg continued to miss his leg swipes again and again. Clegg was getting frustrated and tired as his leg swipes slowed down and his pushes became less aggressive and without vigor. Suddenly, Stratford surged with a burst of energy, slid his leg between Clegg’s, swiped Clegg’s left foot. He then placed Clegg next to him and tossed him over as Clegg slammed into the mat.

Shit! Clegg whispered frustrated laying flat on his back.

You're too anxious, Stratford said. As you were getting fatigued pushing, pulling, and missing leg sweeps, I conserve my energy. As soon as you got tired and unable to defend yourself, I easily flipped you over.

I'm tired of doing this, Clegg admitted in a defeated tone. My body is starting to ache after being slammed over and over. Not to mention I am getting a headache.

Get up, Lieutenant, Stratford demanded. I want you to keep at it. It’s all in your timing. Be patient, don't use all of your energy. Get up! Let’s do this again!

Clegg was breathing heavily. He laid sideways on the mat looking tiredly at the mat wondering why he was doing this again. Clegg unhurriedly stood up and got in a Judo stance. Stratford quickly did the same. They both grabbed each other’s gees and began to push and pull attempting to get the other into a judo throw. As Clegg attempted to do less leg sweeps, he tried to conserve energy as the captain had advised. Stratford missed a leg sweep. Clegg continued to push and pull unable to get Stratford close. Without warning, Stratford shot his body forward to put Clegg in another throw. As Stratford was doing this, his entire body illuminated in a bright light blue flash. Clegg shrieked in pain as Stratford moved in for a throw and plowed Clegg’s body to the mat in a violent fashion. The entire ship shook, and the lights went out in the exercise room. Stratford limply fell to the ground as his body continued to flicker in the mysterious blue light like an old light bulb about to go out.

Clegg was in the ship’s infirmary with a bone regeneration machine around his left arm and his torso. Clegg had a broken arm and a severed spine. Clegg’s spine was cleanly sliced in half in two places. His left arm was crushed to pieces. Clegg also had a pounding migraine and a body temperature of 114 degrees. Clegg was given cryolite to bring down his temperature. He was awake, but was extremely weary, sweaty, and felt like his body was strapped inside a furnace. Stratford was in the infirmary next to Clegg. His body was a whopping 121 degrees. He was also given cryolite to cool down his temperature. Stratford had no other injuries.

Clegg slowly turned his head over to Stratford who was in bed extremely fatigued. Clegg’s face grimaced as his migraine shifted in his head from right to left as if he had water churning like a violent storm. He wished that he would have just stood still.

What the hell kind of a throw was that? Clegg quipped.

A spring hip toss, Stratford replied with a bit of sarcasm. I felt like my body was suddenly shocked like an electrical current hit my body. It was then I tossed you…and I just fell to the mat unconscious after that.

You broke my spine Mike-in two places, Clegg exclaimed in a joshing tone. And you destroyed my arm. Was that some alien type of martial art? If it is, don't do that shit again, at least not on me!

Roland, I had no intention to do that to you, Stratford said with a seriousness in his voice. Stratford was ashamed that he severely injured his good friend. It was a standard judo throw. Roland, we both could have been killed. Our body temperatures were rising by the second. I’m confused as want the hell hit us?

The entire ship shook Mike from what I have been hearing from everyone, Clegg returned.The ship just shook when all this took place. You think it was a ship-wide electrical problem?

I don’t know. But we were the only two hit with the electrical current. As far as our injuries go, that I can’t explain. No throw that I know of can’t cause the type of injuries that I did to you. It’s not like I threw you on your head.

Are you sure?

Actually, no, I don't remember anything after the shock.

Well, thank God for 28th-century medicine, Clegg said relieved. We would be dead if it was 21stcentury medicine. I would have died from hyperthermia not to mention being paralyzed. And my temperature was 114! What would cause that type of temperature rise?

Doctor Stallworth walked up to captain Stratford. His tall, stocky build covered the captain like a consuming shadow.We were lucky to get you two up here in time, Stallworth said as he bounced his eyebrows with relief. Your body temperatures were extremely high. You two had a severe case of hypothermia.

Can you tell us why doctor? Stratford said agitated by Stallworth telling him something he already knew.

The doctor looked down and curled the corner of his lip in perplexity. I don't know captain. You both failed thermoregulation in your bodies. In other words, your bodies were absorbing more heat than it can distribute. It seems you both had some acute temperature elevation-

From what? Clegg barked.

What type of energy failure on the ship could attack our bodies where we would have this type of reaction? Stratford added.

I don't know captain, Stallworth said embarrassed that he was stumped by the question. But all of your vital signs are normal now, and there is no sustaining damage to either of you. Captain, you should be fine in a few hours. As for you lieutenant, your bones should be fully restored by 0800 tomorrow morning. Your temperature should be normal in a couple of hours. However, I will be closely monitoring you both overnight…just to be sure.

Doctor, I want commander Kreit to do a full diagnostic on the ship’s electrical system and find the source of the ships malfunction. I want to know why my ship was inoperable for seven seconds. I want that done right away!

Yes captain, right away, Stallworth said as he left the captain and the lieutenant.

I think you need a new partner Mike, Clegg said jokingly with a short laugh. I don't want my spine cracked in half again.

Stratford was contemplative ignoring the comment. He was not in a joking mood as he was concerned with the electrical malfunction on the ship. But he was more concerned with him and Clegg’s mysterious medical issues.

Chapter 2

It was night watch. Most of the crew aboard The Horizon were asleep. The ship was being operated by a skeleton crew, just enough to monitor the bridge and to keep some humans bodies nursing the ship while it was idle somewhere in the Victoria sector. Stratford was asleep. Resting on his side with his left side of his face planted in the pillow. He had difficulty sleeping, still bothered by the electrical shock he endured earlier that day. He slammed his lieutenant, and his best friend, Roland Clegg to the mat with tremendous force. So much force, he broke his arm and his spinal cord in two places. It was a basic Judo throw, a spring hip toss. It has been on his mind all day. He could not figure out what the hell what was going on with him. He did not even know what was going on with his ship. He finally fell asleep after an hour of tossing and turning his muscular frame on his white crispy linen sheets. As Stratford went into a deep sleep, his body suddenly went into a sleep paralysis. Stratford woke up unable to move or speak. With all of his strength, he tried to push and shuffle his body out of the paralysis, but he was unable to do so. He felt like his entire body was sealed in a block of cement. He paid it no attention as sleep paralysis is a common phenomenon. Stratford’s eyes were fastened shut. He tried to open them but could not. Suddenly, he felt a heaviness hovering over him, like a ghostly figure was consuming his body. As the heaviness closed in, he felt a crushing pressure from the ghostly presence massaging his body with an evil touch up his back to his head. Stratford felt like coughing, but he could not do anything. He struggled to breathe as he felt his respiration system clogged with a consuming pressure. He felt like he was being strangled on a cloud of thick sulfur smelling smoke. Stratford flexed his abs and twitched his legs, he began to suffocate. Suddenly, he saw his wife Lisa lying dead in front of him. She appeared to be floating in the air, with trails of blood leaking out of her neck. She soon turned her head toward her husband. She outstretched her bloody and lacerated arms toward him, gesturing for help. Her alluring green eyes widened, her mouth opened up as streams of thick blood rushed out the corners of her mouth. She wanted help, but Stratford could not move. More blood gushed out of her mouth as she began to choke and gargle on her own blood rushing up her throat. Her lips quivered and her face winced in pain. Her face transformed to sadness, as she felt herself about to die. With her throat slashed, her body was now encapsulated inside a misty cloud of blood. The more Stratford resisted, the less his lungs gave him air. Unexpectedly, he felt a sharp object twist and grind his rib cage. He could not scream or move…he was powerless. He looked at his wife, as her eyes closed and bloody cracks shot across her body like a spider web shattered glass. Her head fell back and her body fell limp. Instantly, a face sprang up in front of Stratford’s view. The ghostly figure jammed the knife deep into him. The figure had white skin and green eyes. Stratford resisted trying to block out the deep trance. His body twitched vigorously as he became horrified.

Goshi mo fi, the figure said.

Suddenly, Stratford felt a jolting thrust through his body as the figure thrust the knife so deep into Stratford, the figure’s arm was inside Stratford’s body as the knife was pushed all the way up Stratford’s throat.

Goshi mo fi! the figure screamed.

Stratford screamed as his body shot out of bed and lunged at the lamp next to him on the nightstand table. Stratford stumbled to the ground, smashing his chin into the nightstand table with his hands fastened around the bottom of the lamp. Stratford hit the floor stomach first with his hands outstretched holding on to the lamp. He paused, breathing heavy, and sweating. He realized that the lamp was not Lisa. He was dreaming. He hastily rubbed his body feeling for knife wounds and blood. Nothing. It was just a dream…but it felt real.

The next morning, Stratford sat in his office at his wide half-circle touchscreen glass table. All types of colorful sequences were moving rapidly on the gorgeous glass table. Across from Stratford was a holographic image of President Mark Haar; Tall, medium build and very distinguished. His rich and bouncy gray hair shadowed his strong cheekbones and slightly protruding chin. His hologram looked clean and solid as if he was actually there with Stratford.

Michael, we have been detecting some peculiar energy readings from Mykia, Haar said with his deep distinguished voice. They are originating in the Quiza sector of The Cascades."

Stratford raised his head slightly with concern as he gave a perplexing gaze at Haar. What type of energy reading?

We are not certain, Haar returned. We are receiving it as some type of exotic energy in the sector. Most of the energy is concentrated in the gravity well our planet. The gravity well seems to be growing into some type of…mass. I need for you to assemble an exploration team and let us know of your findings. I also want a scan done from the ship to detect any anomalies from the atmosphere. This energy…how was it discovered?

Haar began to pace back and forth for a while rubbing his long chin with great concern.

Mark, what is it?

Michael, we had four tourists that were murdered brutally in that sector yesterday. Their bodies were slashed and gutted horrifically. Also, their body temperatures were measured at 145 degrees. The source is coming from that sector. So effective immediately, I need that scan done and an expo team down there now.

We had an incident on my ship yesterday, Stratford recalled as the thermal readings from Mykia might be related to his ships malfunction.My ship shut down for a few moments. Lieutenant Clegg and myself were hit with a weird electric shock. What I can’t figure out is that we were the only ones that were hit with the shock. Our body temps shot through the roof. Perhaps this energy…or whatever it is that killed these tourist can help us link to what happened to my ship.

But it does not explain how their bodies were gruesomely torn apart.

Stratford grunted in agreement.

I assume you did a full diagnostic on the ship's systems?

Of course, commander Kreit has yet to finish the check. Clegg was severely hurt in the accident-well…I seemed to have injured him in a judo throw.

Judo throw?

I severed his spine and broke his arm.

Haar laughed in his throat. You are very strong, Michael. He may have landed the wrong way when you slammed him to the ground.

I don’t think so. Not from a basic judo toss.

I'm sure he is recovering, and his bones are regenerating, correct?

Yes.

So, don't worry about it, it’s just a freak accident.

Stratford sighed, still unsure of how Clegg hurt himself so badly from a basic throw. He quickly changed the subject. I'm looking forward to leaving once this mission is complete.

I'm sure Lisa will be happy to see you. How is she?

Good, I'm fortunate to be able to have a normal marriage with her. After the war with the Ramassidors, we had to rebuild our marriage. It was already falling apart. Being away five years was tough on both of us…I almost lost her.

We almost lost civilization.Haar returned.

Indeed.

It was silent for a few moments as Stratford was in a reflective state thinking about the brutal war that they lost. He recalled getting the particle and using its power to defeat Rul and Xona and restore civilization. Then he lost the power and relinquished it back to Oaris, who brought Lisa back from the dead with the sacrificing of his own life, which Oaris also restored.

Mike, set a course for Mykia and get started on this right away.

Yes sir.

Haar’s Hologram disappeared as Stratford made his way to the ceiling high windows and looked out into the space before him. With his hands behind his back, he resumed his reflective state thinking about the old war with the Rams and all of the terrible things that happened in The Cascades. He has not been back to The Cascades since the war ended. Now he will return as the horrific memories of that war will be resurrected.

Chapter 3

Stratford strode out of his office which was located on the bridge and approached two U.O’s who controlled the ship's navigation.

U.O set a course bearing 5.1, mark 4, medium drive to Mykia.

Yes sir.

Captain, what’s going on, Clegg said as he approached the captain seeing that he was distressed as he addressed the navigation techs.

Lieutenant, I need you to get an exploration crew ready for Mykia.

What’s going on with Mykia?

Stratford took a deep breath. "There have been some strange energy readings from the planet's surface. Seems to be coming from The Cascades.

Apparently, its some thermal energy that’s emanating from the Quiza sector. It seems to be expanding the gravity well of the planet; which is creating some type of mass structure."

Thermal energy?

Yes, we don't know the origins of the energy. Nor do we know what type of…natural structure would create that type of energy.

Is this an Arrowhead order?

Straight from Haar.

Stratford continued. There have also been several murders committed in the same area.

Murders?

Four tourists were found brutally killed yesterday. Haar said their bodies were gutted and they had a body temp of 145 degrees.

Clegg’s eyes widened. 145 degrees, sounds like what happened to us the other day.

That’s what I told Haar. I think we will find our answers on the planet’s surface.

A murder? Sounds like we have to do some old school sleuthing.

Although murders are not our specialty, we have to investigate it. Mykians have not had a murder in… centuries.

I understand, sir.

Stratford switched his attention to his U.O’s. What’s our ETA?

Two days, five hours captain, the U.O replied.

Very well, proceed course.

Lead engineer Kriet entered the bridge and approached the captain. Captain, I have the results of the ships malfunction from the other day.

Well?

I did a level 5 diagnostic check as well as a manual check on all the ships electrical systems and the antimatter drive. Captain, everything is running on normal. There were no abnormalities in any of our systems. This ship is as healthy as it has ever been. This ship is as healthy as it can be.

I thought you said you found a source of the power loss?

Yeah, I did a reverse sensor scan of our course captain. We did encounter some subatomic particles…mostly electrons. With the radiation it emits, it may have caused a slight electrical delay. How you two were the only ones to be shocked… I'm sorry captain …I can't explain that part.

Perhaps it was just some freak of nature or just some localized effect from where the subatomic particles were heavily concentrated, Clegg said as he was growing tired of figuring out what the issue was. Its space Michael, we run into all types of weird shit out here.

Stratford thought for a moment, not buying into the explanation. Perhaps when we reach Mykia, we can find out what happened. Commander Kriet, thank you for your report. Return to your station.

Yes, sir.

Stratford turned towards the lieutenant. Clegg, I want to see you in my office.

Yes sir.

Stratford went around his desk and sat down. He looked up and realized a holographic map hovering over his desk. He pressed some buttons on his glass touchscreen table, and it began making a computerized noise, and the image disappeared. Stratford folded his palms together in a praying formation and placed them beneath his strong, wide chin. He was in a contemplative state as he looked blankly at his busy desk as colors and objects moved vigorously as if it were a busy ant farm.

Clegg sat down with his eyes fixed on Stratford. What is it, Michael?

Stratford was quiet. His face frowned still staring impassively at his desk. "The Cascades…were certainly tough times for all of us."

Clegg’s lips tightened as he bowed his head in great distress. I know. I had to go to counseling for a year and a half before I was right again. The torture Xona put me through…I just had nightmares…every night. I didn't know how I was going to sleep. I felt bad about betraying my fleet…and the people I swore to protect.

It was not your fault, Roland. You can’t blame yourself for what happened. She tortured you for days. Lisa, she…had to go to counseling herself. She is still going, not as much when she first started. Lisa was…tormented by Xona. The humiliation she endured. Emotionally she felt destroyed.

"But I