Red Energy

By James M. Corkill

Alien technology is discovered on one of the Aleutian Islands!

Before Geophysicist Alex Cave can take device to a safe location, it’s stolen and taken to COBRA, a private top-secret research facility south of Yellowstone National Park. The scientist in charge has no idea what she’s dealing with and things go horribly wrong.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Author
• Release date: Dec 12, 2018
• ISBN: 9780990653226

James M. Corkill

James M. Corkill is a Veteran and retired Federal Firefighter from Washington State, USA. He was an electronic technician and studied mechanical engineering before eventually becoming a firefighter and retiring. He began writing in 1997, and was fortunate to meet a famous horror writer named Hugh B. Cave, who became his mentor. In 2002, he self-published a dozen copies of Dead Energy, just so his wife could see his book before she was taken by cancer. When his soul mate was gone, he stopped writing and began drinking heavily until 2013, when he met a stranger who recognized his name and had enjoyed an old copy of Dead Energy. When the stranger encouraged him to start writing again, he realized this chance meeting was just what he needed to hear at the right moment, and he quit drinking and began the rewrite of Dead Energy into The Alex Cave Series. He is now an award-winning author. You can contact mister Corkill through his website:  http://jamescorkill.com/

Book preview

RED ENERGY

The Alex Cave Series book 3.

(Cold Energy part 2)

Written by

James M. Corkill

Published by James M. Corkill.

Copyright 2014, James M. Corkill.

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of the author.

Manufactured in the United States of America.

The characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead is coincidental and not intended by the author.

Edition 2

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PROLOGUE

Alex Cave has joined the crew on board millionaire Mike Tanner’s research ship, the Mystic. On one of the Aleutian Islands, he and his friends discovered an alien spacecraft embedded in the crater of a dormant volcano, and a piece of advanced technology

Chapter 1

Alex drives the motorboat back to the island to check on Henry, David, and Rita, but as he walks across the beach, he cannot stop thinking about the mild electrical shock he received when he touched a large silver sphere in the cargo hold of the spaceship. For some odd reason, he feels a sense of Déjà vu, as though he has previously received the same shock from a similar silver ball.

He continues up the beach to the cave and enters the cargo hold, and slowly holds his palms out within an inch of the mirrored surface, hesitant touch to it again. It wasn’t too bad the last time. When he places both hands on the surface, he receives a strong electrical shock. Damn!

***

Alex suddenly finds himself standing outside the spaceship, with a sense of Déjà vu. He steps into the alien craft and sees Henry and David in the control room, but feels as though there should be more people inside. Can she fly again, Doc?

Henry looks up from the control console. This ship is in surprisingly good shape. I will not know until we replace the three depleted power crystals.

I’ll call Director Donner and have them delivered to the military airport on Adak Island. Bett can go pick them up in the helicopter. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.

This ship is slightly different from the other two. David and I will need time to become familiar with this design if we are to fly it to Nevada.

All right. I’ll go make my call.

When Alex steps outside of the spaceship, he notices Okana standing in front of the cave and walks across the beach to join him.

The crunching of gravel from someone approaching in his direction draws Okana’s attention, and he turns to look at his friend. Hey, Alex. What did the Doc say about the ship? Can it be salvaged?

Alex hesitates to answer. Why does it feel like I’ve done this before? He thinks it might still work. There’s another opening inside the cave I want to check out. It might be a way to get into the lower section of the spaceship. Let’s go inside.

Alex enters the cave, then abruptly stops when he sees light coming from the interior of the spaceship through the missing section of rock. Why does this look familiar? I bet the last device is in here. He drops down onto the slanted floor, steps through the airlocks into a large room, and doesn’t stop until he’s standing in front of the sphere.

Okana drops into the airlock and sees Alex staring at a large silver ball. What does that thing do?

I don’t know, but I’ve seen one before. He reaches both hands out toward the surface.

Okana sees a strange expression on Alex’s face. What are you doing?

It’s all right. I need to touch it. He places his palms on the distorted image of his face in the mirrored surface, and feels a high voltage electrical shock.

***

Alex jerks his hands back from the sphere, and messages his left wrist, which feels recently sprained. What the hell is going on?

Okana sees Alex suddenly grab his left wrist and appear confused. Is something the matter with you, Alex?

What? I don’t know. He looks at Okana and something is different about him. Have you always had a mustache?

Yeah. Are you all right, Alex?

I’ll be fine, once we get some military support out here.

Okana notices something strange on the floor. I think we’ve found the ship’s crew. One of them, anyway. Take a look. When Alex doesn’t respond, he looks over and his friend appears to be off in another world. Alex?

Alex turns to Okana. What? Oh, right. He kneels down next to the mummified remains of a human body wearing a one-piece silver jumpsuit. There should have been four people on this ship. I wonder what happened to the other three.

It looks human.

We know they were the first human species to occupy this planet. I’d better call Martin.

They climb back into the cave and walk outside, then Alex uses his satellite phone to call Martin Donner, the U.S. Director of National Security. We did it, Martin. We found the alien spaceship, but we need some support out here. I’m sure we’re not the only ones who know about this island.

I have the Coast Guard on standby. Give me your GPS location and I’ll call them as soon as we’re done.

Alex has a sinking feeling in his stomach. I know it will take time, but it’s urgent that you get me some military support right away. I have a bad feeling about this situation, Martin.

I’ll do my best. The Coast Guard should arrive within the hour. Is Okana with you right now?

Alex feels a lump in his throat. I swear I already know what he’s going to say. He moves a short distance away from Okana and speaks softly. Did his father have a fatal heart attack?

Yes, how did you know?

I’ll tell him. Just get me some damn air support.

I’ll take care of it.

Alex walks back and hands the phone to his friend. I think you should call home. It’s about your father, and your family needs to get in touch with you. I’m so sorry I dragged you into this mess. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Okana enters the number for his family ranch and his mother answers. She explains what happened and asks him to come home as soon as possible. When he finishes talking, he wipes away the tears clouding his vision and looks at Alex. Listen, I need to get home, but I don’t want to leave you without any backup.

"I know you’ve always had my back, but Rita can handle herself if we have any trouble. I have David and Mike to help, and Josh makes five. Let’s get back to the Mystic. Bett can take you to the airport in the helicopter."

Okana hesitates. That’s not much help.

Director Donner said the Coast Guard should be here soon. I’ll be okay. Let’s go.

***

The long flowing curls of Rita’s red hair jostle back and forth, as she tiptoes up the stairs to the bridge. She knows Alex will be returning to the Mystic soon, and she needs a ride back to the island. In order for her plan to work, Alex has to be here on the Mystic while she is on the island with Henry and David. Josh isn’t feeling well, and now is a good opportunity for him to see a doctor, so Bett is going to give him a ride to Seward Alaska to a clinic. It’s now or never.

She peers over the last step to make sure no one is inside, then hurries up the stairs, grabs the satellite phone, and hurries back down. She checks her pistol, tucks it into the back of her pants, and tugs her coat down before stepping out onto the stern.

***

Alex and Okana climb into the motorboat and drive back to the Mystic, where Rita jumps in. Can I get a ride back?

Alex hesitates. For some odd reason, he doesn’t trust her. It’s nothing he can explain, really. It’s just a simmering hatred in the back of his mind. Can you wait until Okana leaves?

Rita holds out the sat phone. Henry needs to talk to someone named Norton. I told him I’d be right back.

Alex looks up at Okana, who has climbed out onto the deck. I’ll be back in a minute.

After dropping Rita off on the dock, Alex drives back across to the Mystic. When he steps onto the stern, he hears the helicopter’s engines start to whine and goes over to Okana. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Thanks, Alex. Okana gives him a quick hug, then climbs into the helicopter with Bett and Joshua.

Once the aircraft takes off, Alex climbs the stairs to join Mike on the bridge.

***

Rita waits until Alex climbs onboard the Mystic, then enters a number on the satellite phone. Cave found the last device, Steve, but you’re not going to believe what else he found. It’s a spaceship. No, I’m not joking. The control for activating the devices is on this alien ship, but you had better hurry. I’m sure he’s called the Director of National Security to arrange for military support. Here are the GPS coordinates for the island and the device in the Bering Sea. She gives him the numbers. No, they don’t suspect me yet, and I plan to keep it that way. I’ll meet you at the facility.

She knows Henry won’t be a problem when the transport helicopter arrives, but David will try to stop her from taking the device in the cave. She brings the pistol out from the small of her back and slips it into her coat pocket.

***

On the bridge of the Mystic, Tanner hears the deep thumping of an approaching helicopter. He grabs the binoculars off the control console and looks in the direction of the sound. When he focuses the lenses, he smiles. The Coast Guard helicopter is coming our way. He hands the binoculars to Alex.

Alex focuses on the orange and white helicopter, about half a mile from the island. At least he has some support, although they probably won’t have much firepower. Still, it’s better than no support at all until the military arrives.

Alex’s smile turns into a frown as he recognizes a trail of white smoke streaking through the sky toward the helicopter. NO, DAMN IT!

The helicopter is suddenly a massive ball of fire, with flaming shredded pieces dropping into the ocean.

Tanner stares at the smoke on the water. What just happened?

Alex aims the binoculars in the direction of the trail of smoke. We’re being invaded. He grabs the microphone for the portable radios. Are you listening, Rita?

Outside the spaceship, Rita hears Alex on her radio. I heard an explosion. What just happened?

Two large black helicopters just shot down a Coast Guard rescue helicopter, and they’re coming our way.

What do you want me to do?

Tell Henry and David to stay inside the spaceship until we know what’s going on. I’ll be there in a minute. Meet me on the dock. He looks at Tanner. "I’ll grab the shotguns and take the motorboat to the island while you get the Mystic away from here."

That’s a bad plan, Alex. I can help.

"Thanks, but the Mystic’s too vulnerable."

Alex grabs the binoculars and stares out the window for one last look at the approaching helicopters. You can come back when they leave.

And do what? Collect the bodies?

I hope not.

***

Rita places her hand on the butt of the pistol inside her coat pocket and steps into the spaceship.

David is moving toward the exit when Rita steps in his way. What’s going on?

We’re going to have company in a few minutes. Just stay inside and I’ll go find out what happened.

Rita hurries back to the dock and sees Alex standing in the motorboat at the stern of the Mystic. He’s collecting shotguns from Tanner, and placing them on one of the seats, so she waits while Alex drives across to her.

Alex eases the motorboat against the dock. One of the helicopters is a troop carrier, and the other one is for cargo. I brought shotguns for you and David.

He reaches down and grabs one of the shotguns, then hands it to Rita. As he reaches down for the other two, he hears the distinct sound of the pump handle inserting a round into the chamber of a shotgun. When he looks up, Rita is pointing it at his chest. What are you doing?

Throw the shotguns into the water.

Alex stares at her. Don’t do this. He eases his hand down to his jean pocket.

Rita brings her shotgun up to her shoulder and sights down the barrel at Alex. Don’t even think about it. I know about your pistol. Take it out slowly and toss it into the water.

Alex knows he doesn’t stand a chance. He holds her gaze and does as she asks, hearing the pistol splash into the ocean. Why are you doing this?

Get rid of the shotguns.

Alex reaches down, grabs the barrel of a shotgun, and looks at Rita. He thinks about using it as a club, but she indicates not to, so he tosses them into the water. Now what?

"Go back to the Mystic and take it away from the island. She sees the rage building in Alex’s eyes. Just do what I say and no one will get hurt. I don’t want to see the Mystic full of holes."

Alex moves forward to the steering wheel, but hesitates to sit down. What do you want?

Rita brings the shotgun down even with her waist, but keeps the barrel aimed at Alex. We want the devices.

Why? Who are you working for?

"Not working for, Alex. Working with, and you don’t need to know. Just leave and I won’t hurt anyone."

Like your friends didn't hurt anyone in the Coast Guard helicopter a few minutes ago?

I had nothing to do with that. Now leave!

Alex reluctantly drives the motorboat away from the dock. The deep thumping of the approaching helicopters is getting louder, and he knows if they don’t leave the area right away, the invaders might capture the Mystic. He doesn’t trust Rita to keep her word and his friends might be dead when he returns, but he knows he has no choice.

Rita waits on the dock until the Mystic is racing away from the island, then goes back to the spaceship.

David is standing in the entrance of the alien craft, watching Rita walking up the beach. Where’s Alex?

Rita stops just outside the spacecraft. He’ll come back once the helicopters leave. Get back inside.

David hesitates to do as she asks. I don’t understand. What’s going on?

We’re taking the device in the cave. Just do what I say and no one will get hurt. When David doesn’t move, she aims the shotgun at him, but he just glares back. I’m not kidding.

David slowly turns and goes back inside and sees the questioning expression from Henry. Alex isn’t coming. They want one of the devices, so just stay calm and maybe we can find a way out of this.

David gets an idea and slowly walks to the four chairs in the center of the control room and sees Rita watching him through the opening. He sits down and waits for her reaction, but she doesn’t pay him any attention. He knows if he can shut down the power and seal them inside this ship, they will be safe from whoever is coming. He figures that if the exterior of this alien craft can survive in molten rock for one-hundred and eighty-million years, a shotgun blast sure as hell won’t hurt it.

Rita turns and looks up as a helicopter suddenly appears over the edge of the crater. Four, thick nylon ropes drop out of the open side door, and a moment later, four armed men slide down them to the beach.

David starts to reach down to the control pad, but stops when Rita suddenly steps inside.

Rita holds the shotgun waist high and aims it at David in case he tries to be a hero. Come over here, Henry. We’re going outside.

Henry’s mouth opens slightly as he looks at David for help. He thinks of him as a son.

David lowers his hand toward the control panel to cut the power before Henry makes it to the exit. He flinches and jerks his hand away when the deafening roar from the shotgun’s warning blast fills the room. He stares at Rita as she swings the shotgun around from the exit and aims it at him, then raises his hands. All right! You’ve made your point. He sees the imploring look in Henry’s eyes. I’m sorry, Doc.

Henry’s shoulders sag as he slowly shuffles across the room and out through the entrance. What do you want, Rita?

Just stand over there away from the ship until we’re done.

***

Using a pair of binoculars, Alex stares back at the two helicopters hovering over the island, frustrated there is nothing he can do. He watches four men drop down ropes from the first helicopter and disappear into the crater, then the aircraft moves off to one