Solar Warden: Book Two - Requiem

By Peter Fuller

Earth is in peril. The reptilians and grays, led by their Blue Nordic overlords, have suffered a series of humiliating defeats at the hands of the humans–a species they deem inferior. Retaliation is inevitable.
Expecting a divide-and-conquer strategy by the aliens, Solar Warden begins reinforcing its Mars Base–the enemy's expected target. And the final stepping stone to earth.
In the midst of the impending invasion, Steve "Scarecrow" Richardson and his new love, Major Sandy Cooper, are marked for death by both human and alien threats.

Book Two of the Solar Warden series finds the humans faced with an overwhelming force that will not stop until they've eliminated the human race. All that stands in their way is the determination and fierce will of the Earth Defense Force combatants who are willing to lay down their lives to save humanity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: May 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098363413

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Samantha.

Whenever Commander Steve Scarecrow Richardson saw the transporter–even deactivated–it reminded him of the day he was only a guest aboard Nautilus, when the reptilians deployed boarders during the first engagement he’d experienced. Watching the huge lizard drag two female crewmen through an active transporter portal dredged up the day he lost his seven year old sister, Samantha. The look on the crewman’s face, her arm outstretched as she pleaded for his help, only to be swallowed up by the wall of light, was the same expression Samantha had when she was dragged away in front of him by her kidnapper. It haunted his dreams. Whenever he stepped into the transporter chamber and beheld the heavy frame with its numerous cables attached like some giant, techno-spider web, his mind jumped back to that horrific experience. Even with the chaplain’s help over the past month, the trauma of that day was still with him.

Steve? Are you alright? Nautilus’ CAG, Captain Alan Hutch Hutcheson asked. He cast a puzzled air at his squadron leader.

Scarecrow snapped out of his stupor. Yeah, I’m fine.

Let’s go, Hutch said as he motioned to the now activated device. Scarecrow shook his head to clear it and stepped through the pulsating sheet of light, right behind Nautilus’ Skipper, Captain Jonathan Reynolds.

Welcome to Mars Base, gentlemen. The petty officer saluted the trio of Nautilus officers and their two aides as they appeared through the transporter. I’ll escort you to the briefing room. If you’ll follow me?

Scarecrow peered over his shoulder as the curtain of light dissipated, emitting a slight shudder as he did.

Are you sure everything’s okay? Hutch asked as they exited the transporter room and walked down the hallway.

Yeah, everything’s fine, Scarecrow lied. That thing just gives me the creeps, is all. I always feel like I’m going to come through it missing something.

What? You mean like your soul?

No. Like my toes. Or my ears, Scarecrow replied.

In the 30 years we’ve been using the transporter, we’ve never had a single malfunction or accident, Captain Reynolds said. Relax, Steve. It’s 100 per-cent safe.

As they followed the petty officer down the broad hallway, Scarecrow shifted his thinking to more innocuous matters. While he could only see a very small portion of the Mars Base while he was there, he had studied the data file and knew of its size and importance to the Program. He had visited Lunar Operations Command, but he had yet to set foot on one of the numerous deep space platforms. While he perused the vast information file detailing the entire Earth Defense Force Program, he had only managed to study a small portion of the extensive amount of information. He hadn’t yet come across any assets located outside the solar system. His imagination teased him with the thought of bases established on extrasolar planets somewhere beyond their operational theatre. He would have to ask if there were any.

The group continued down a series of corridors guided by the petty officer until they arrived at the briefing room. The petty officer pressed the door open pad and motioned for them to enter.

Remind me again why we’re meeting here and not at Dahlgren back on Earth? Scarecrow asked as they entered a spacious room and moved toward a large, round table situated in the center, surrounded by banks of ARI monitors.

We’re meeting the command staff here on Mars because we don’t want to pull all of our resources back to Earth, especially with the recent enemy activity, Reynolds said. All of the captains in the Solar Warden fleet will be at this meeting, as will their CAGs. Their ships can remain outside the asteroid belt and they can transport in like we just did. If there’s any sudden activity on the rim, they’re still close enough to respond in a timely manner.

So explain something else to me, Scarecrow asked. How come they can’t just transport to Earth instead of Mars?

It’s a simple matter of power, Reynolds replied. The transporter potentially has unlimited range. However, its only limitation is the power required to achieve that range. The zero-point collectors aboard the carrier-class ships assigned to power the transporter limit its range to approximately a quarter the distance of the diameter of the solar system, approximately 30 AU. In an emergency, we can increase that range to a third, or just over 40 AU, but it takes ever increasing amounts of power to create an Einstein-Rosen Bridge that can reach any farther. The Site-4 facility at Papoose Lake in Nevada has a transporter that can reach to Mars and back anywhere in its orbit, as well as to several of the deep space platforms, and so can Lunar Operations Command. But our carriers can’t generate that kind of power output. Even with our zero-point energy capabilities, we’re still limited in those abilities. And right now, Earth and Mars’ orbits put them at their closest distance from each other, so it’s not a problem for our Terran assets to transport here.

The petty officer motioned to their seats as others filed into the room. The Nautilus officers were greeted by Captains Jenkins, Lopez and their CAGs. Captain Reynolds and Hutch knew all the other Skippers and their officers, and handshakes were offered to Scarecrow, whose reputation preceded him.

When everyone was settled, the command staff entered and the entire room rose.

As you were, Admiral Thomas Maddox, Commander of Solar Warden said. The room complied. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming on such short notice. We’ve called you all here to discuss the recent enemy activity, and to assess our current strategic situation. His eyes swept the room. "Before we begin, there are a number of promotions that are pertinent to our discussion. Captain Reynolds is being promoted to Rear Admiral and is now Battle Group Commander of the entire fleet. Captain Louise Stanton is also being promoted to Rear Admiral and will be Battle Group Commander functioning beyond the Oort Cloud, patrolling interstellar space around our solar system. Captain Ronald Lopez is now Rear Admiral and Battle Group Commander, operating within our solar system. Captain Joshua Carter replaces Reynolds as skipper of Nautilus."

Maddox’s eyes focused on his new senior battle group commander. Admiral, if you please?

Sir, Reynolds said as he rose. "You’ve all received copies of the Nautilus crew’s after action reports (AAR), and I’m sure there are many questions regarding their recent missions, as well as the capture of our personnel by the enemy mother ship and their subsequent rescue. Commander Richardson has outlined in his report several important items of intelligence we also need to discuss. I will yield the floor to my S-5, Commander Gordon Wilkes, who will brief you on our situation."

A tall, broad-shouldered officer with a piercing gaze rose as Reynolds sat. Thank you, Admiral. After much discussion with Captain Hutcheson and Commander Richardson, we’ve postulated a scenario that we feel is a reasonable possibility.

Wilkes picked up a remote device and activated an ARI in the center of the table, displaying a copy of Scarecrow’s AAR. He manipulated the image to focus and zoom in on a particular section of text.

According to Commander Richardson’s report, Lieutenant Hicks informed him that the enemy promised to make him ‘governor of the Earth.’ This information, coupled with their actions over the last several months, led us to conclude that the enemy was indeed planning to implement a full-scale invasion of our home-world.

An eerie silence invaded the room as Wilkes paused. He continued.

We’ve been working with S-2, and we believe the incursion by the first Behemoth class mother ship at Neptune was an attempt to test our mettle. The snakeheads wanted to see what kind of resistance we could mount. Thanks to Commander Richardson and his flight crew, we passed that test. It was then we believe the enemy called in two more Behemoth class mother ships, as well as four Leviathan class mother ships, to comprise the bulk of their invasion fleet. Lieutenant Hicks’ disclosure to the enemy of our plan to attack their forward staging base in the Proxima star system forced them to divide their resources while they prepared for their assault. Our first attempt met with failure as a result of Hicks’ treason, but our second attempt interrupted what we believe were the final stages of their preparations for invasion.

We couldn’t actively scan the base or the ships in orbit for fear of being detected, Hutch said. The air wing was cloaked and had to rely on passive scans and visual observations only. However, based on the configuration of the ships ferrying back and forth from the surface to those in orbit, and the fact that we picked up massive life sign readings from several of them, we’re confident they were troop transports. The Leviathan class boats were meant to land troops, possibly here first, then on the moon, and finally on Earth itself.

The room remained silent as everyone weighed the implications of Hutch’s scenario.

Our timing could not have been more perfect, Wilkes said. "The success of our second mission most likely averted disaster. The destruction of their base in the Proxima system halted their attack plans, at least temporarily. We believe that when Nautilus, Avarice, Destrier and Archangel engaged the two Behemoth class mother ships, they were waiting for reinforcements to arrive. In the meantime, they were proceeding to rebuild their base in anticipation of the resumption of their invasion."

And the fourth Behemoth class mother ship? Captain Jenkins CAG asked. Was it the reinforcements they were waiting for?

It’s doubtful, Wilkes replied. "According to Commander Richardson’s report, when he allowed Hicks to capture him, the Lieutenant took him to a chamber on the mother ship where an enemy leader was waiting for him. The capture of the Nautilus COD was an attempt to lure him to the ship where they intended to execute Commander Richardson. Based on intel from Hicks, they would be eliminating what they considered a major threat."

We don’t believe this was their supreme leader, Scarecrow said. She was most likely a high-ranking council member of some kind, sent to discover the reason for the delay in their planned invasion, or she was sent to deal with the delays and failure to implement their plan.

And this chamber where this leader was waiting for you is where you found Lieutenant Vickers. Is that correct? Admiral Maddox asked.

Yes, Sir. She was being held there as bait for me.

Bait? Command Staff Marine General Mike Patrick said with a surprised lilt. "Bait for you, Commander? How was she bait?"

Lieutenant Hicks believed that Lieutenant Vickers and I were … involved, Sir.

And were you? Admiral Maddox eyed Scarecrow with an intense stare. Involved?

No, Sir. Scarecrow looked directly at the admiral. Other than a purely professional relationship, Lieutenant Vickers and I were not involved with each other in any way.

This may be a breach of protocol, Commander, the Admiral said as he continued to stare at Scarecrow. His countenance softened. I would like to publicly thank you for rescuing my daughter and bringing her safely back to me.

If it wasn’t for your daughter’s bravery and self-sacrifice, Sir, I wouldn’t be here today.

So you indicated in your report. It was a mistake on my part to send her on such a dangerous covert mission. I almost lost her.

On the contrary, Sir, Scarecrow said. She was instrumental in identifying Lieutenant Hicks as the enemy spy, and she was invaluable in feeding him misinformation that led to the success of our subsequent missions. It’s all in my report.

Thank you, Commander. I appreciate your confidence in Lieutenant Vickers’ contribution to your success.

Commander Richardson, I too want to thank you for your involvement in the successful recovery of my Marines, General Patrick said. I know you were instrumental in planning the rescue mission. Well done.

Thank you, Sir.

Patrick remained silent while his eyes flashed a suspicious gaze.

Maddox changed the subject. Commander Wilkes, please continue.

Sir, we can only assume that our actions have not stopped the enemy. The best we can hope for is that we’ve delayed their plans, but for how long is anyone’s guess. We may have destroyed four Behemoth class mother ships, but we have no idea how many they have. It may still be possible for them to launch an invasion consisting of an overwhelming force, led by who knows how many mother ships.

I wish you had asked Hicks how many mother ships they have, Commander, Rear Admiral Lopez said. Then we might be able to formulate a viable defense strategy.

My apologies, Admiral, Scarecrow replied. If I had asked him, my fear is the lieutenant would have said hundreds. We could have no defense against such a number, Sir.

We’ve come to the conclusion that invasion is inevitable, Wilkes said. It’s our contention that they will follow one of two courses of action. Either they will construct another forward base in a neighboring star system, say Luhman 16 or Wolf 359. Bernard’s star has no companion planets, so it’s not a consideration, unless of course they construct a deep space platform. He hesitated. Or they may attempt to take the Mars Base.

"Why this base, Commander?" Jeff Fisher, captain of Rapace asked.

Because it already exists, Sir. All they would have to do is occupy it. If they established a base in a nearby system, they would have to construct it from scratch, and that takes time and resources. Our feeling is they have a plan and a timetable, and they don’t want any lengthy delays. Thanks to Commander Richardson’s resourcefulness, we’ve already upset their plans enough. He looked over at Scarecrow.

And you believe the taking of this base is the most obvious next step in their plan?

It makes sense, Sir, Wilkes said. We destroyed their forward staging base in the Proxima system. We believe that Lunar Operations Command is too hard a nut to crack at this point, but may ultimately become a target if the Mars Base can be secured. If they can overrun this base and then successfully defend it, they’ll have a foothold right in the very heart of our solar system. It’s really just ‘divide and conquer.’ Separate our inner and outer solar system forces. They can then move forward with the invasion they were preparing for when we attacked Proxima.

The room was silent once more, as everyone wrestled with their thoughts and the implications of Commander Wilkes’ evaluation.

After several tense moments, Admiral Maddox spoke, Well gentlemen, if the Commander is correct, then we have much to discuss. And much more to prepare for.

CHAPTER TWO

"Wardroom’s that way, ladies and gentlemen," the petty officer said as Rear Admiral Reynolds and his team exited the briefing room. The Solar Warden officers had been in their meeting for over four hours when Maddox dismissed everyone to take a break and get something to eat.

Is the officers club nearby? Reynolds asked as most of the staff headed in the direction the petty officer had indicated.

Yes, Sir. Down the hall that way and take your second left. Can’t miss it.

Thanks, Reynolds replied as Hutch, Scarecrow, Wilkes and his aide followed him. When they were out of earshot of the rest, he cast a glance over his shoulder as he added, I think I need a break from the faces I’ve been staring at all morning.

His subordinates smiled and nodded.

Commander Richardson, a moment? General Patrick called to Scarecrow before he disappeared around the corner.

I’ll catch up, Scarecrow said to Hutch as he stopped to wait for Patrick to reach him.

What can I do for you, Sir?

Patrick waited for the hallway to clear. I wanted to reaffirm my compliment on the success of your mission to rescue my Marines, but I also wanted to ask you the real reason why you so willingly charged onto that BCMS with such reckless abandon?

Sir?

Oh come now, Commander. Now is not the time to be coy. Everyone in that room is aware of your feelings for Major Cooper. This is still a rather small Program, and word travels fast. Scuttlebutt and all that.

My feelings for the Major had nothing to do with my decision–

Cut the crap. Patrick returned Scarecrow’s shocked expression with an intent stare. Sandy’s father and I served together for many years.

Oh yeah, that anti-aging thing. A sardonic smile crept onto Scarecrow’s face. She told me she got where she is on her own mer–

She did. As much as he wanted to, her father never helped her, and neither did I. But she’s the daughter of my best friend. While I’m very grateful to you for rescuing her from the snakeheads, let’s just say I have a vested interest in her happiness, Commander.

Scarecrow’s expression turned to a serious bearing. Message received, General.

Patrick continued his intent gaze for a moment before turning and walking away.

Wow, looks just like home, Scarecrow said as he arrived and took a seat with his fellow officers. The mess specialist approached, wiped the table and placed a bowl of nuts before handing them their menus.

What can I get for you, gentlemen? he asked. They perused the menu and placed their orders. And to drink?

Four coffees and a sweet tea.

Coming right up, Sirs. The mess specialist turned and headed off to the galley.

I hope that all of this discussion and preparation isn’t in vain, Scarecrow said as they waited for their drinks.

How so? Reynolds asked.

Well Sir, I keep going back to your description of your experience on LOC with the reptilian and his grays, where you said the enemy is extremely intelligent and devious. What if they know we’ll assume they’ll follow the most logical response, and then cook up something completely different, just to throw us off and catch us with our six’s hanging out?

His comrades were silent as they considered his question.

It’s a definite possibility, Wilkes replied. But I think they’ll have to err on the side of practicality. For the first time in the history of our conflict, the snakeheads have taken heavy losses. That has to be a factor in their decision-making process as they move forward with their plans. I think they’re beginning to learn that we’re no longer to be underestimated. I think they’ll take the shortest distance to their ultimate goal to avoid any more serious losses. The second phase of our plan should preclude any subterfuge on their part.

I agree with Gordo, Hutch said. We’ve destroyed eight of their mother ships, not to mention a very large forward operating base. I don’t think they want to risk continuing to suffer those kinds of losses. If they do move ahead with their invasion plans, the Mars Base would be the least risky. It puts them within striking distance of Earth, with a much lower risk of failure, especially if they want to put boots on the ground.

I know it makes sense, Scarecrow replied. But something about it doesn’t sit right with me. I don’t want us to be blind-sided is all.

The mess specialist arrived with their drinks and informed them their meals would only be a few more minutes. They suspended their talk until he left, giving them each time to ponder their discussion.

Your point is valid, Steve, Wilkes said as he took a sip of his coffee. "All of our assets are on high alert. Our strategy is sound. We’re being proactive. We’ll start sending out patrols beyond our solar system, to the star systems in our stellar neighborhood. We’ll begin active scanning beyond the Oort Cloud, towards the Pleiades Cluster, the system from which we believe they originate. Our network of sensor buoys deployed throughout our star system provide real-time telemetry on anything in their sphere of detection. The second phase of our plan should help us detect any activity beyond us.

We’ll have all contingencies covered.

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to discuss phase two of our plan, Commander Wilkes said as he manipulated the ARI.

We still believe the Mars Base is the enemy’s primary target. However, it’s been decided that we need to be actively scanning beyond our solar system in case they attempt a feint to draw us away from their intended objective. They may appear to attack one or more of our deep space platforms to draw us away from the Mars Base, then endeavor to make an end-run around us and catch us unprepared. We have to be watching our assets everywhere.

Wilkes scanned the room.

"We plan to send out cloaked patrols into neighboring star systems, actively scanning for enemy activity beyond our solar system. We’ll deploy a network of extrasolar sensor buoys and watch for any suspicious activity beyond our current operational theatre. These new sensor buoys are next generation–they have a much greater range than the Mark IVs currently deployed within our solar system. We’ll need fewer of them to cover a much larger area. Admiral Gibson, Solar Warden’s S-4, already has his production facilities busy manufacturing the new buoys. We’ll begin deployment in the next few weeks. The extrasolar sensor network will be our ‘canary in the coal mine.’

We’ve also developed a schedule to send cloaked TR-3B patrols into the neighboring star systems to scan for enemy activity. The days of sitting back and waiting to receive are over.

Wilkes glanced over at Reynolds, then to Maddox.

We’ll continue to increase the defensive capabilities of this base, but Solar Warden must expand beyond its current borders if we hope to keep the enemy from succeeding with their invasion plan.

With respect, I think we need to re-enforce our solar system instead of spreading out beyond it, one of the captains said.

I agree with my Skipper, his CAG added. We have limited resources. We have less than 200 TR-3Bs, and none of our carriers are up to full squadron strength. The snakeheads destroy our birds almost as fast as we can roll them off the assembly line.

My CAG is right, the captain continued. "We only have eleven carriers to defend a solar system which is 122 AU in diameter. Even though we’ve inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, they still enter our space with impunity. Their wolf packs crisscross the solar system, and they still manage to penetrate Earth’s defense satellite network, something we have yet to deploy over Earth’s moon or Mars.

We’re short two carriers–one has been destroyed and the other is still undergoing repairs and won’t be back on the line for almost another month. We can barely patrol the solar system as it is. Admiral, we need to pull back and consolidate our resources on our home turf. How are we supposed to patrol neighboring star systems, not to mention interstellar space?

We do it or we die, Scarecrow replied, his voice somber. Our situation is like the Israelis. We either make it happen, or we capitulate. They’re a tiny little country of eight and a half million Jews, surrounded by eight hundred million Arabs, all sworn to their destruction. Yet they manage to not only survive, but thrive. We have to assume we’re facing similar odds, and then figure out a way to do the same.

I wish you were wrong, Commander, but I’m forced to agree with you, Command Staff Vice Admiral Gibson said. We have to find a way to make this work, or lose everything we hold dear to an enemy that quite literally has no soul.

Your concerns are duly noted, Captain, Admiral Maddox said. "However, this plan has already been approved. It’s true that we’ll be spread thin, but as Commander Richardson reminded us, if we’re to survive, we must make this strategy work.

We’ll start by implementing our plans to increase this base’s defenses. General Patrick is organizing troop transfers from Lunar Operations Command and the deep space platforms. Captains–we’ll keep the Marine companies stationed on your ships as reserves and only deploy them if needed.

"I’ve assigned the Marine Company aboard Nautilus to be primary, General Patrick said as he turned and stared at Scarecrow. They’ll be the only company stationed aboard the fleet to be deployed, and will lead the defense of the Mars Base. I’ll re-assign several platoons to replace them aboard Nautilus while they’re on Mars."

Alright, General, Maddox replied. He continued. We’re making plans to augment the artillery and armor here, and I’ve ordered Lunar Operations Command to provide a TR-3B squadron to augment the Mars air wing. I want additional shield generators and another power plant to support them installed as soon as possible. I’ll speak with our production facilities back on Earth and see if they can speed up the completion schedule of their current projects.

We’re going to need pilots to fly any new birds that roll off the assembly line, Admiral, Hutch said. Is there any way to get the current crop to finish their training ahead of time?

"It’s already proposed, CAG. Commander Wilkes, send the schedule for patrolling beyond our star system to the other Battle Group Commanders. Work with them to have the extrasolar sensor-buoy network deployed as soon as possible. Captain Jenkins, is there any way to speed up the repairs on Avarice?"

Manpower is the only way, Sir, Jenkins replied. We have every space crab on Platform Five at work on repairs, but if we can pull enough personnel off of some of the other deep space platforms, we can probably cut the repair schedule in half.

"Make it happen. I’ll give you whatever authorization you need. I want Avarice back on the line as soon as possible."

Admiral Maddox scanned the room, looking at each face, all of which were stern and somber.

Ladies and gentlemen, we need to make this happen. How we perform in the next few weeks will determine the future of Earth. As Commander Richardson has so eloquently reminded us, we either make this work, or we lose everything. The fate of our home and its almost eight billion inhabitants hangs in the balance. May the Almighty give us wisdom, and strengthen our hand.

CHAPTER THREE

"Commander Richardson, lay to sick bay."

Scarecrow and Hutch were in CAG-OPS going over their flight schedule with the Nautilus squadron when his comm clicked.

I’ve just been summoned to sick bay, Scarecrow said as he closed his comm.

Got a hangnail I don’t know about? Hutch asked.

Not that I’m aware of, Scarecrow replied, unsure what to do. MacPherson cast a concerned glance at her pilot.

Go, Hutch said as he nodded towards the hatch. We’ll take a break until you get back. Hopefully it’s not a tumor.

Funny. Scarecrow flashed a sarcastic smile at the CAG as he rose and headed for the hatch.

Scarecrow entered sick bay and approached the duty nurse’s desk. She looked up at him with a warm smile.

The CMO wants to see you, Sir. She motioned down the passageway. His office is through there.

Scarecrow approached and rapped on the hatch with a sign that read, Dr. Reginald Hawkes–Chief Medical Officer.

Come in, was heard from behind the hatch. Scarecrow entered.

Ah, Commander. Thank you for coming. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you. The doctor cast a serious glance at Scarecrow as he slipped through the hatch. Have a seat.

Thanks. Scarecrow slid into a chair across the desk from the doctor, who leaned forward and began tapping on the ghostly keyboard of his tablet. So what’s up, Doc? I’m not sick, am I?

The doctor was silent as he searched for something. When he found it, he turned to Scarecrow, who was still puzzled by the cryptic summons.

As you’re aware, we ran a full series of tests on Lieutenant Vickers before she shipped out back to Command, the CMO said, his voice somber. And since you were the one who recommended we do so, I thought you should be made aware of the results.

Yeah, the snakeheads experimented on her. You removed the implant?

Yes, the surgery was quite routine. The doctor hesitated. … However, that was the least of it.

How so?

Dr. Hawkes released a heavy sigh before continuing, We did an extensive examination of her genome as well as her DNA, and … we discovered they’ve been altered.

How? Scarecrow was incredulous. How bad is it?

What they did was only preliminary, the doctor said as he leaned forward and spun his tablet around to show Scarecrow. I’m not sure if you can understand what I’m showing you, but they were attempting to modify her DNA here, and here. He jabbed the spectral display with his index finger.

Scarecrow stared at the monitor. Can it be reversed?

If they’d been allowed to continue, I’m doubtful we could repair what they’d done.

But?

But because it was only preliminary, we can return Lieutenant Vickers’ DNA to normal.

Scarecrow leaned back in his chair and blew a sigh of relief. How long will that take?

I’ve sent a full report to Command, as well as all my test results. The doctor spun the tablet back to its original position and placed his hands on his desk. "We have a medical facility on Earth where the lieutenant will undergo treatment. It’ll take a few weeks, but she’ll be back to normal by then. We’ve seen this sort of thing before, Commander. There have been quite a number of abductions where victims, especially females, have undergone a DNA transformation. Those we’ve been able to catch in time we’ve isolated so they can’t be abducted again, then we’ve restored their DNA. But there have been many who were too far gone to help. Eventually they were abducted and never returned.

There’s a lot of speculation among our experts about the purpose of the enemy’s experimentation. Many believe human females have their DNA altered by the snakeheads in order to make them genetically compatible for breeding some sort of hybrid offspring. Half-human, half … something else. Lieutenant Vickers was lucky–you rescued her before the enemy completed their procedure.

That’s just about the creepiest thing I’ve ever heard, Doc, Scarecrow said with a shudder. I found Major Cooper and two other female crew stripped naked and locked in separate cells with the heat turned way down. It was cold. Meat-locker cold. Any ideas on what that was all about?

Your guess is as good as mine, Commander. The cells where you found the women were probably used to test their resilience to cold, but why, I have no idea. The doctor cracked a faint smile. The good news is no one else was tampered with like Lieutenant Vickers. They’ve all been given a clean bill of health. The enemy was probably planning to work on them one at a time, and for some reason, Vickers was at the top of the list.

Hicks thought she and I were involved, Scarecrow said. They probably singled her out because of that. They may have thought I would comply if I knew she was in any kind of danger. Turns out, Lindsay and I were not involved, but I would have given my life to protect her, regardless. I’m just glad she’s going to be alright.

Well thanks to you, Commander, she managed to dodge a bullet this time. If you wish, I’ll keep you apprised of her progress back on Earth.

Thanks, Doc. I’d appreciate that.

The men stood and shook hands.

The burly reptilian was oblivious to the bustle of activity around him as he lumbered down the passageway toward his destination. As usual, he also ignored his pair of gray-skinned minions while his thoughts roiled about why he was being summoned before his Ba’al. Larger than most of the reptilian race, his size was intimidating, even among his own. Those he passed gave him a wide berth as he ignored them while lost in silent meditation.

The reptilian forces had suffered a series of unexpected defeats at the hands of the humans. The disgusting, smooth-skinned horde had never been a problem for the reptilians before. They were little more than cattle–a resource for a superior race. The reptilians never considered the humans a threat in any real sense. They had allowed Solar Warden to pursue their pathetic game of defending Earth while the reptilians continued to draw what they needed from Terra-Prime and its wretched inhabitants. Much like playing with your food before eating it. Of course in this case, it was a literal truth.

However, recent events meant the humans had hurt the reptilians in a profound way. The core of their largest hive ship fleet had been destroyed, numerous lesser vessels had also been decimated, their forward staging base was reduced to ash, and the commander of the reptilian fleet and his hive ship were destroyed. The reptilian considered his order to report to the Ba’al might be connected to that last event.

No. He expected the worse.

No more time for reflection. The reptilian reached his destination, but hesitated before crossing the threshold of the gaping maw that was the entrance