Operation Phoenix Book 4: Invasion

By Don R. Budd

With the Imperial Guard defeated, the Human survivors must deal with an even worse enemy, the Invasion of spirits from beyond our dimension. Richards must find a way to avert the takeover of the Empire before the Humans can find the planet Romasu. How can he defeat an unseen enemy as well as deal with unexplained System failures throughout the fleet? On top of all these things, the Humans must deal with the wrath of Dusya.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Don R. Budd
• Release date: Jul 14, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005490843

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

The whole human fleet rushed about as they struggled with massive system failures. One system after another would fail and then fix itself. Finally, the crews tried to figure out what the problem was. Richards rushed to his unit chiefs to get updates on the situation.

Sir, Samson called out from his comm station. An Imperial Guard ship hails us, sir! He looked up at the general.

Richards looked over at him from beside Rocky.

I do not indicate that a Guard ship is in the vicinity, sir. Rocky checked over his screens at the armory.

Haven’t they given up on us yet? The general went to the center of the bridge. Put it through. As he looked at the main screen, a Gorenan female appeared on the Guard bridge. What is it now?

I am Sedya of the Imperial Guard ship Toka. We request your assistance. The female stood as if it was hard to ask for assistance. Since you ravaged the empire, we are being invaded by enemies beyond the known universe. We need your assistance to defend our homes. Will you help us? She glanced down in shame and then tried to put on the best appearance.

We’re in a crisis ourselves, Sedya. Richards stood with his hands on his hips. We wouldn’t be of much help at the moment.

Any assistance is better than annihilation, sir. Sedya began to plea. Please, sir, we need all the help we can get. An unseen enemy is invading our whole empire.

The general was now the one to glance down. He looked up. We will do what we can. However, our systems are not very reliable at the moment. What do you want us to do to help?

We know you have Soldiers who can pass into another universe. She brushed off a subordinate who tried to get a signature on a pad. We need them to cross over to this enemy universe and find a way to shut the door the enemy uses to enter our realm.

Do you know where this door is? Richards went to the helmsman’s star chart.

One was found at Kumile Jasilito in the Ku System, sir. Sedya checked with her star chart. Wimi, it is the nearest known door, sir. She looked up at the general.

Richards looked at the main screen. How many doors are there?

Sedya became very hesitant. About 500 known doors, sir. However, sir, we suspect another 10,000 doors around the empire that we cannot confirm, sir.

The general put his hands on his head in shock. Then he let them down. And you want us to go to every door and destroy all these doors?

Wimi, sir, we have no one else to turn to. Sedya put two hands over her face as she covered her tears.

He turned to his helmsman. How long will it take us to reach Kumile Jasilito in the Ku System from here?

The helmsman checked her star chart. Approximately six months, sir.

Richards turned back to the main screen. Sedya, we will assist. However, it seems it will take more than 22 tores to reach that planet. What can you tell me about the enemy?

They are many kinds of spirits, at least in our universe. Sedya put a hand to her forehead as she thought about the enemy.

Have you seen them? The general looked on with concern in his eyes. The battle stations went off yet again.

Wimi. She was about to break down into sobs. They’re taking our offspring to their universe. We’ll have no one left to replace the aging and dying. She started to sob uncontrollably.

Where are you? You can lead us to Kumile. Richards took a few steps toward her as he could sense her experience.

I can’t lead you anywhere. We’re trapped on the other side of the door at Kumile Jasilito. Please, come quickly. We can’t survive much longer in this scary place. Please! She broke into sobs again.

All ships! Lay in a course for Kumile Jasilito in the Ku System top speed. Richards looked over the crew. We have a new crisis. Prepare for a battle with an unseen enemy who takes children into an alternate universe. We also have to rescue others taken by these spirit creatures. Be on the alert for intruders! Richards out! The general looked at the bawling woman. Can you hold on for the 6-month trip?

She just threw up her hands and cried all the more.

Later, in the brig, Mitchell came to the cell where they kept Hunter. Corey went to the bars when the captain stopped on the other side. You’ve started quite the mess, Private. But, the general is offering you a chance to redeem yourself.

How, sir? Hunter grasped the bars.

It seems your ALF of Scott has made his debut. The general wants you to wipe him out. The captain came to the door and opened it.

Why do you believe it is Scott, sir? Hunter stepped out of the cell as he started to follow his jailer. I never activated him, sir.

The captain led his private to a computer in the office. Now, login and then find Scott and delete his avatar.

Sir, Hunter sat at the computer. An ALF is much more than an avatar. The avatar is the character you see, not the ALF in the system, sir.

Whatever, just make it go away. Mitchell leaned on the desk as he watched Hunter get into the system.

Yes, sir. Corey sat at the desk as he complied with the order. While he worked, Mitchell left the room, and a message popped up.

Alone? The cursor blinked as it awaited an answer.

Hunter looked around and saw no one nearby. Okay, I’m alone. Who is this? We’re not allowed to chat on government computers. He waited for an answer himself.

The computer message came back. You don’t know me? I’m hurt! Where have you been? Can’t find you in the system. It waited.

Corey looked about. Why should I know you? You haven’t told me anything about you. You just typed ‘Alone?’ He looked around again. I’ve been in the Brig for three months because I made an ALF.

Okay, just call me the ‘Larrakin’ because I’m about to have some fun with these blokes. The message came back.

The only person I know who would talk like that was Scott. Hunter glanced around and was afraid someone might enter the small office. Are you him? How did you get into the system? I tried but got nabbed.

All in good time, Mate. All in good time. Scott replied.

What are you planning? You are causing all kinds of havoc in the fleet. So they’re planning to take you out. Corey was becoming uptight as he kept watch for the door. I’m supposed to delete you.

No worries, Mate. Just rip off the system. Scott wrote back.

Hey! Speak English! I don’t know, Aussie. Hunter looked confused as he stared at the screen.

You should know it all, Mate! You read my journal, MATE!! The screen fired back in extra large letters.

You’re right. I shouldn’t have read it. I tried to make a fitting tribute to your life. I didn’t want to lose you forever. When Corey finished the message, he hesitated before he pressed enter on the keyboard. He paused for a long time as he thought. Then he pushed the key.

No worries, Mate. I probably would have done the same. The message appeared quickly.

What do I do? I don’t want you deleted. But, if you continue to do these tricks, I’ll have to. Hunter shook his head as he typed.

I can’t help myself. There’s something wrong with the way you made me. Scott’s message quickly appeared almost immediately.

I’ll have to get help to find the problem and make you improved. He stopped, hung his head, and then continued. Sorry, you’re more to me than just a program. I want you to be all you were in life.

I understand, Mate. But, who can you trust?

I don’t know. I’ll have to talk to the people who invented the ALF system. That’s if they are even aboard ship. Corey looked around as Captain Mitchell came in. Gotta go! Delete messages!!!

Contents

CHAPTER 2 Notions

The fleet continued toward Kumile while the problems continued to flare from time to time all through the fleet. Then, Mitchell entered the bridge, followed by Hunter, whose head hung in shame. They went straight to the general at the armory station.

Mitchell stopped at the station as Richards looked up at them. Sir, you need to hear this. We may have found our problem with the systems, sir. He turned his attention to Hunter. Explain to the general what you did, Private.

Corey sighed. Sir, I tried to make a tribute to William Scott’s life by creating an ALF of him, sir. But, unfortunately, I did something wrong. I don’t know what, sir.

Richards stepped toward him in a rage. You did what? The general had to take a step back and get a grip on himself. When he finally calmed, he continued. How much AI training have you had?

Not much, sir. Hunter would not make eye contact.

But you went ahead and made an ALF any way! Richards walked up to Hunter and got in his face. What are you going to do, now, Private?!

All I can do is go to the ALF inventors and see what they suggest, sir. Corey cringed.

The general glared at him with daggers in his eyes. Take this private to the AI Department and get this mess cleaned up!

Yes, sir! Mitchell came to attention and led Hunter back off the bridge.

As the duo entered the AI Department, Hunter noticed all the people working at computers without a sound. They communicated but without words. Hunter looked confused and watched all the activity around the large room.

Mitchell looked over at him. What’s wrong, Private?

I thought we were going to the AI Department, sir. He glanced at his superior.

Where do you think we are, Private? Mitchell went up to a woman in the ship’s uniform. He began to Sign to her.

She shook her head as she walked over to Hunter. She stopped in front of him. You think because we’re Deaf that we’re stupid? Her voice sounded strange to him.

He swallowed hard. No, ma’am!

Here, you Sign, Private! She yelled at him. I can’t understand what you say.

I don’t know how to Sign, ma’am. Hunter looked at the captain nervously.

Mitchell walked over to them and motioned for the woman to look at him. When she looked, he Signed to her. Sorry, he doesn’t know Sign Language. Most of the troops don’t.

He thinks deafness equals stupidity! She yelled at the captain. Can’t the Hearing get it through their heads? The Deaf just uses a different language. We often have higher IQs than Hearing, but the Hearing think we are stupid because of the language barrier. You accept Hearing people with physical challenges, but you reject those who live in silence. When will you people learn we are equals?

I know. Many people expect everyone to use the same language. Mitchell Signed to her as she crossed her arms. He will learn to communicate. The private has never met a Deaf person before. He still assumes Sign Language is English on the hands. Most don’t understand American Sign Language has nothing to do with English. Hunter thinks only in words. Sign Language has no words.

Right, so what do you need from us? The woman started to tap her foot.

Marsha, this Private Hunter designed an ALF, but something has gone wrong with it. He doesn’t have enough training in ALF design. The captain was very expressive with his Signs. It’s causing all kinds of problems throughout the fleet.

That’s what’s causing us so many headaches? Marsha flung her arms. Then she glared at Hunter. What did you do? You know just enough to cause a crisis and don’t know how to fix it? She came to him and slapped him as hard as she could.

Corey hung his head and wouldn’t make eye contact. Marsha motioned for Hunter to follow her. The captain swatted him on the back of the head when he failed to respond. The trio went to a terminal.

Bring up the ALF you designed. The woman pointed to the terminal.

Hunter sat and entered his code and started the ALF for Scott. When Scott appeared, he looked angry.

Where are his clothes? Marsha yelled at Hunter.

I don’t know how to make them. Corey started to get impatient with her.

The woman went to the computer and brought up the ALF creation screen and, with just a couple of clicks, had a ship’s uniform on Scott. There! It’s that easy! She glared at Hunter.

Corey sighed and activated the Avatar.

What ya doin’ now, Mate? Scott came to Hunter while he ignored the others.

They want me to stop your pranks. Corey wouldn’t make eye contact. Tell them what the problem is. Maybe they can fix the problem.

What problem? Scott looked confused. I’m not having any problems. I’m just mucking around. That’s all.

Mitchell came to him. Well, cease the ‘Mucking around’ already! We have enough problems without your interference!

What are you gonna do? Kill me, SIR? Scott snapped back.

Don’t think I can’t!! Mitchell got in Scott’s face. Don’t know why you’ve got such a bad attitude now, but we’ll find out!

Marsha turned to Corey. How did you make him? I need every step.

Hunter brought up all his notes, including Scott’s journal. Marsha took a quick look at the files. She started to shake her head. Then she showed Mitchell what the problem was. They discussed things that Corey couldn’t understand. Mitchell glanced at Scott and then at Hunter. He shook his head, too. The two looked hard at Hunter as he looked back uneasily.

Corey broke the silence. I take it I’m in trouble again.

That’s an understatement! The captain bellowed in his command voice.

The private cringed and looked at the notes and the journal again. Finally, it dawned on the man what the problem was. However, he didn’t know how to fix it.

What do I do to fix this? Hunter looked at Marsha. I see it’s the way I programmed his personality. I just had his journal. It was full of negative thoughts.

You have to make sure the personality you give an ALF is balanced. It’s just like a real person. If they only have a single character trait, they’ll have problems socializing. She leaned on the desk with a hand on her hip.

Scott came forward. You’re not going to muck with me!

The ship’s systems started to go out of control. The lights flashed. The computer fluctuated, and Scott’s image vanished. Mitchell put his hands on his head like he was about to pull his hair out.

Give him positive character traits! The captain shouted. We don’t have much time.

Marsha pushed Hunter out of his seat and started to type. As she keyed, the computer blew up. Smoke mushroomed out of it. The woman rushed to another console and began to do the same. This computer, too, blew up. She hastened to a third unit and tried with the same result.

We’re not gonna get this done until Scott allows it. She looked at Mitchell, worried. Maybe, he’ll let the private do it.

Not if he knows you two have anything to say about what I do. Hunter stood between them with his hands behind his back. They looked at him sternly. Well … if he thinks you’re are directing my actions, he won’t trust me. So I’ll have to gain his trust before he allows me to do anything. He glanced at them both with eyebrows raised. Well?

Marsha looked at Mitchell as she raised her hands in surrender. He has a point, sir. But, unfortunately, I don’t think we have an alternative.

Mitchell just looked at his private for a long moment. Then he shook his head as he sighed. You better know what you’re doing, Private, or it’s the Brig for life or worse.

Corey came to attention. Understood, sir! I know what I need to do, sir!

The captain pointed at his private. Beware of false notions. They are the worst enemies to fight.

Hunter saluted him. Yes, sir!

Corey stopped in the doorway to scan the room the investigators had trashed. Then, the door’s warning sounded. So, he stepped into the room. The sound stopped as he rushed to his console. After login, Hunter saw a strange message.

BEWARE OF FALSE NOTIONS. THEY ARE THE WORST ENEMIES TO FIGHT.

Corey pressed the return key. The message returned in seconds. He canceled again, and Scott’s voice sounded behind him.

BEWARE OF FALSE NOTIONS. THEY ARE THE WORST ENEMIES TO FIGHT. Hunter looked behind and saw his friend with a devilish grin. Who’s the one giving the false notions? Hey, Mate?

The two men looked around in wonder.

Contents

CHAPTER 3 Trust Who?

The private stood before the ALF of Scott. What do you remember about our relationship?

What does that matter? Scott encircled Hunter like a lion about to pounce on its prey. You think your psychology will work on me?

You keep calling me ‘Mate.’ So, what do you remember about us? Corey followed Scott with his eyes. There must be some memories of us in your programming somewhere.

My programming? The ALF stopped in front of Hunter with a glare that caused Hunter to take a step back. Why would I have programming? I’m as real as you!

No. Corey glanced at the floor a moment. You’re an ALF or an Artificial Life Form, not a real person. You died almost a year ago now.

That’s dodgy, Mate! He came to the private. I’m here right before ya! Who do you think ya talking to?

The ALF of my late-friend, William Scott, originally from Sidney, Australia. The private leaned toward his ALF. You would not exist without me … Mate.

Yeah, right! Scott’s clothes vanished. I don’t need your uniform. I am just fine the way I came into the world. What are you going to do about it?

Hunter went back to the terminal. Nothing. It’s just nothing at all. You can be nude, all you want. Corey began to type. Soon, Scott’s uniform returned.

Scott tried to make