Sygnas Alliance

By Joseph P. Velasquez

A thrilling paint ball game turns into a life-changing experience for twelve-year-old John when, in the middle of the challenge, the ground opened below him and a force pulled him into the unknown. Johns free fall ended with him into the bottom of a chute where Crat, a computerized responder and trainer, was waiting for him with an important proposition. Sygnas Alliance will take readers sixteen years later to where John, his wife Sarah, and his friends are working together for a great mission along with Crat and Sygnas, a probe. But what is their mission and has it something to do with the worlds destiny?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 15, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456897758

Joseph P. Velasquez

My Name is Joseph P. Velasquez and I live in Omaha Nebraska. I am married and have 4 children, and now 1 grandchild. I have lived here my entire life with the exception of the 4 years I was enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. I love to write and entertain and I hope you enjoy reading this book.

Book preview

Copyright © 2011 by Joseph Velasquez.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2011905102

ISBN: Hardcover     978-1-4568-9774-1

ISBN: Softcover      978-1-4568-9773-4

ISBN: Ebook             978-1-4568-9775-8

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

97126

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1: Decisions

Chapter 2: The Shuttle

Chapter 3: Demonstration

Chapter 4: The Journal

Chapter 5: Protocol

Chapter 6: The Dedication

Chapter 7: The mission

Chapter 8: The Discovery

PROLOGUE

Kevin, I need you to draw their fire towards you, while we set up an ambush on the hill over there! said John, using a stick to draw his plan in the dirt.

How long should I stall them before I lead them to you? asked Kevin.

Not long! said John, as he began to stand up. If you can get them to follow you through this ravine that should buy us enough time to get it set up.

Here they come! exclaimed Tim as he ran towards John, Joe and Kevin.

Go go go! yelled John as a few paintball rounds splattered against the tree next to him. Split up and meet at our rendezvous point.

John could nearly feel the paintballs whizzing by him as he bolted down the hill. With one hand holding his paintball gun, he sprinted down the hill zigzagging through the trees towards a small ravine below. He then jumped down the hill sliding into the soft dirt, using his momentum to carry his body to the trail below.

Without losing a step, as soon as he reached the trail, John dashed to the left into a denser group of trees while a barrage of paintballs continued to hit close by.

After zigzagging through the trees for several minutes, he stopped to see if he was safe for the moment. Out of breath and slightly lost, he ducked behind a big silver maple to catch his breath and to take a look around.

Grabbing a sneak peek, John quickly poked his head around the tree in the direction from which he came to see if he was still being pursued.

Swiftly deducing that he was not, he proceeded to figure out exactly where he was so that he could work his way toward the rendezvous point.

Looking west and northwest, it was obvious that backtracking was not going to be the best course to the rendezvous point. That left him with a steep climb up the south hill as his fastest choice. But this hill was no joke. At several points it appeared that it took a steep eighty-degree angle. To make matters worse it was topped off with very loose fertile soil from the top to the bottom.

Jogging from tree to tree, John worked his way toward the hill keeping a watchful eye out for the friends who were hunting him. Upon reaching the base of the hill, he slung his paintball gun over his back and started the tedious task of climbing the hill.

He climbed as fast as he could; with each step John’s feet sank into the dirt causing him to slip as if he were on ice. A tiring task, it took two to three more steps than usual due to the loose dirt.

After a few minutes he reached halfway up the hill and decided to take a breather behind an oddly shaped and angled tree.

John leaned up against the tree breathing hard and took a moment to take in the scenery. He looked up the hill towards the trees, soaking in all of their beauty into his memory. He was mesmerized by the rays from the sun beaming in slanting shafts through the leaves while the light gently hit his face. He then turned and looked back east toward the river, to take a moment to admire the view.

It was hard not to notice how beautiful it was. The river, lined with trees on both banks, twisted like a winding road from north to south. This was a rare view not afforded to many people.

The gentle rumbling of boat motors reached him from the direction of the river, a common sound on a warm summer day. A gentle breeze was blowing in John’s face allowing him to forget where he was momentarily while he enjoyed a deep breath of the fresh air.

John couldn’t help but to think that this was one of the most beautiful days he had seen all year. The temperature was in the lower eighties with a mild five-mile an hour wind, a breeze really, from the south, and the forest air smelled delightfully fresh. This was definitely one of a precious and few moments a person could enjoy in their lifetime.

A sudden crackle of breaking twigs from below caught his attention.

Using the tree as cover John glanced down the hill to see what made the noise and it was just as he suspected. They were hot on his tail! He could see Bryan as he dodged from tree to tree trying to hunt him down.

As John watched Bryan reach one of the maple trees below, he saw him throw a signal behind him to the others that it was clear up to that point. John then moved around to the other side of the tree to try to spot others coming up from behind Bryan.

John kept a close eye out for a couple of minutes as the three others—Gary, Anthony and Chris—caught up to Bryan. They were now clustered together about fifty feet below.

Too bad Tim, Joe and Kevin aren’t here, John thought; this would be a perfect place for an ambush.

On the same note, John was also hoping that they would not choose to come up the hill towards him because there would be nowhere for him run to or escape.

John noticed one of them glance up in his direction, so he quickly pulled his head back behind the tree and pressed his back up against it. All he could do was hope that he wasn’t spotted.

As John stood there, he listened for any noises that might signal that he had been discovered.

When that never came, he decided to peek around the corner to see if they were still there. As John was leaning towards his left, the ground opened up below him sending him sliding down into the unknown.

He felt like he was sucked into a vacuum cleaner. It was as if some force was pulling him into this winding cavern that was like an eerie dry water slide.

Not sure how fast he was going during the slide, he could definitely feel the g-forces as his body swung from side to side against the walls. He could also tell the times he appeared to go into a full circle then hit a straightaway as he was sucked further and further away from the surface.

It was pitch black; John couldn’t see a thing. He couldn’t stop himself from falling nor could he grab onto anything. The sides of this chute were smooth and seamless and it seemed to go on forever.

But just as abruptly as it started, John’s free fall into the tube ended with him sliding out of the tube and into the wall at the bottom of the chute.

Dazed and confused, he worked his way to his feet keeping one of his arms on the wall for support.

After getting to his feet, John had just started feeling his way along the wall trying to find a light switch when he heard a voice from behind him.

I mean you no harm! stated the voice.

John grabbed the paintball gun over his shoulder and spun around, aiming it as he swung around.

What John saw left him nearly speechless with fear. He saw what appeared to be a figure of a man that was either a ghost or a very good hologram. The figure stood about six feet tall and was that of a slender man that appeared to be illuminated from the inside out.

Stay back! John commanded as he worked his along the wall trying to find a way out with one of his hands.

Your paintball gun cannot harm me, I mean you no harm! the figure said as he stood in one spot following John’s movement with his head. I have a proposition for John! he said.

How do you know my name? asked John stopping to stare at the figure while lowering his paintball gun.

I know a lot about you. he said. We’ve been watching you for a couple of years now and I feel that now is the time confront you with a proposition.

What are you, a pedophile? John snapped. I’m not interested in any propositions you have, now let me go home!

I mean you no harm, John! the man stated once again. I’ve been looking for someone like you for many years. And out of everyone I have met, I feel that you are the one I need, he explained.

I’ve already told you, I am not interested! exclaimed John Now let me go!

Please listen to our proposition, time is running out, the man said pleading with John. What I have seen in you leads me to believe that you are my best choice.

What do you mean when you say that you have been watching me? John angrily asked.

Let me demonstrate, the voice said and raised his hands slightly. As he raised his hands the room began to illuminate with a light source that seemed to be everywhere and yet nowhere in particular.

John started to look around the room as it began to light up but he could not find the source of the light. It was everywhere and yet nowhere at the same time. John could see a doorway behind the figure, but no windows anywhere in the room. Even the chute that John had arrived in was nowhere to be seen. Everything about the room was mysterious.

As soon as the room was lit up and the mysterious figure extended his right arm out, aiming above John’s head as if he was reaching for something.

Probe one, reveal yourself! the man said as if he were ordering someone around. No sooner did the man finish his sentence did a sphere appear right in front of John.

Whoa! exclaimed John and he jumped backwards running into the wall behind him. What is that? he asked in a startled voice.

The probe was perfectly circular with what appeared to be some sort of sensors sticking out all over the sphere. And on an initial glance looked eerie but yet interesting.

This is a multitasking probe, the man said as he placed his hands together in front of him, and the probe immediately floated over to him and above his hands. This probe has several functions and is capable of holographic camouflage and it has been following you for close to two years now. We were originally following Tim Appleton when we spotted you, he said.

But why me? asked John confused but less defensive.

Because you are very intelligent and you display many qualities that I am looking for! the man said, brimming with confidence.

I’m only twelve! What could I possibly have to offer? John asked curiously.

You may only be twelve, but you are also uncorrupted by everything on this planet which makes you the perfect person for my proposition, the man stated in a soft but serious voice.

I don’t know your name or anything about you! said John. How do I know I can trust you?

Trust is something that is earned and that takes time, the man said. But you can call me Crat. Crat stands for Computerized responder and trainer.

If you are a computer, how can you make me any type of proposition? asked John.

Look at probe one and what it is capable of and you will find the answer to your question, answered Crat.

John stood and thought long and hard for a moment before responding.

What type of proposition did you have in mind? he asked as he began to relax stepping forward toward the crat.

How would you like to change this world? Crat asked.

What would I have to do? asked John, now standing right front of Crat.

Just accept my offer and walk through that door! said Crat as he gestured toward the hatchway with his left hand.

CHAPTER 1

Decisions

Sixteen years have passed since his encounter deep inside Manden Park and John is busy working on his computer in one of his labs.

He is now twenty-eight years old and stands nearly six feet tall. He has a medium build and weighs one hundred and fifty pounds. John still loves to go out with his friends but it was tough for him to find time in between work and spending time with his wife of five years and their two children.

His family means the world to him. He met his wife Sarah while playing a round of paint balls at Manden Park. She was hiking up one of the main trails when John mistook her for one of his friends and shot her several times before realizing his mistake.

John spent over an hour apologizing for shooting her with his paintball gun and made it up to her by taking her out to dinner and a movie. They even joked about it during their date with John saying, I would never have guessed those little legs could run that fast! It made them both laugh.

Sarah stood five foot four and only weighed one hundred and twenty pounds. And after bearing two children she still maintained her figure, which made all of her friends jealous of how quickly she recovered after having kids. She had beautiful long blond hair with blue eyes and topped off with a very sweet, soft and sensual voice. John was hopelessly hooked on her.

John really appreciated her dedication to him and the patience she had, especially during everything they had been through during the past five years. He especially appreciated her not freaking out over him spending their lottery jackpot winning on this business he was attempting to start. Her patience, love, and trust were fuel for John’s strength.

John never told anyone about his encounter at Manden Park and it was the only secret that he intended to keep, not only from Sarah, but his kids and his friends as well. Only in time and only as the situation warranted would John ever be willing to reveal any information in regards to that day.

Probe One, reveal yourself! said John stepping back away from the computer.

The probe disengaged its holographic camouflage then became visible upon request, floating directly in front of John.

Probe One, interlink to the main computer and prepare for an upgrade download! ordered John and the probe then moved down and landed on the computer console’s audio output port and connected to the computer.

John, upon seeing the probe interlink with the computer, stepped back up to the computer and initiated the download.

John hid Probe One from everyone he knew, until four years ago when he developed several other newer and much improved models. John was able to modify the newer probes to have a little personality as well as a program that would allow the probe’s host to give it a name.

Even though the probe would only accept commands from its host, and central command in emergencies, John felt that it was important for everyone to feel comfortable with the sphere being with them at all times even though they wouldn’t see it.

He did not wish for his employees to feel like the company was spying on them using the probes, so with the modifications, he was hoping to make his employees feel like the probes were merely some sort of a pet.

The probes were capable of performing several functions ranging from simple communications to defending its host. The probe could even be put in companion mode keep the host company with conversation.

Of all of the probe’s abilities, one stood out to John as being the most troublesome, but it is one program that would not change and one that John would not mention to anyone. The probes were programmed to record every detail and store it in its memory banks until deleted by central command.

Probe One’s protocols and programming was not only lengthy, but it was also very complicated. And so far, John had been unsuccessful in updating the probe in every attempt he had made.

Crat had informed John from the beginning that any technology created should be protected to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. And hacker proof technology, like that which is installed into probe one, was a fine example. Crat had explained to John that programming for technology of this magnitude would be permanently burned into the interior lining of any computers fiber mainstream hence making any modifications impossible.

Imbedded into the program is a hidden security feature that, if someone tried accessing its programming, would create a continuous loop making the individual believe he was successfully modifying the programming while it was deleting any information that was being input into the system.

Don’t you have anything better to do? asked Sarah jokingly as she walked into the room.

Sarah, at one point, suggested that he should just take one of the newer probes and retire probe one. But there was no way that John would ever even consider that as an option. He intended to stick with probe one as long as it was operational, even if he couldn’t ever upgraded it.

Don’t I always? answered John And he stood up and walked up to Sarah and put his arms around her giving her a hug followed by a gentle kiss on the cheek. Where are the kids? he asked.

Out in the car with my mother, said Sarah as she gazed deep into his eyes with that familiar look on her face.

So where did the two of you decide to go to today? asked John.

She’s taking us to the water park, answered Sarah.

That sounds like fun! I wish I could go with you and the kids, said John as he pulled away from Sarah and headed back toward the computer console to check the status of probe one’s download.

You know I would rather to be here, said Sarah as she walked up behind him placing her right hand on his shoulder. My mom is more than willing to watch the kids. You know that, so please let me be there with you, she pleaded.

That is one of the many things I love about you, Sarah, your willingness to help! said John turning back toward her. But you must understand that this demonstration could be dangerous and I really do not want you to be in harm’s way.

But if it is so dangerous why are you going to risk your own life to do this. Why not postpone this until you do more test runs?

Listen, Sarah, said John as he pulled her close to him and nearly face to face. I trust everything that has been built here and it is time for us to take this leap of faith and try to get this business jump started. Now is the time, honey.

Sarah lowered her head to where she was looking at his feet and John, cupped a hand under her chin and lifted her head back up.

Come on, honey, don’t do this to me today please! said John pleading with Sarah.

At least let me run the navigation console from the control room, said Sarah trying to compromise.

John turned away from her to think for a moment, and mull over the idea of whether or not to use her at the navigation console. What made this decision even tougher was that John had intended on having Crat man that console.

Follow me, Sarah, we have to talk, said John in a commanding tone.

Sarah followed him into a pure white chamber connected to the training room. There appeared to be only one way into or out of the room, which really confused Sarah because she thought she knew every inch of the base.

What is this? she asked as John brought her to the center of the room.

This is a training chamber.

Training chamber? she asked as she raised her hands out in front of her and towards her sides aiming with her palms facing upwards. Where are the tables, chairs and the training equipment?

No, Sarah, John said as he walked over to the far wall and activated a console on the wall.

This whole room is a training chamber. Inside this room, with the touch of a button we can train anyone to work any job or perform any task.

Why haven’t you mentioned anything about this to me earlier? she asked, very confused and disappointed.

There are some things I want to surprise you with. Besides, you’ll know everything I know about the trainer momentarily and then hopefully you will understand, said John.

Working the console like a keyboard on a typewriter, John activated the training room.

A low mellow humming started emanating throughout the room and Sarah started feeling a little dizzy and she also felt the urge to close her eyes. The weight of her eyelids made her feel like she had not slept in days and within seconds she could no longer keep her eyes open and they slammed shut.

As the humming emanated throughout the room Sarah felt like she was watching several educational films in super fast forward. Her mind was swirling with information and racing with the data that was being transmitted into her.

Sarah stood there swaying like she was drunk while her mind absorbed the information and it organized itself into her memory. When it was finished she stood there oblivious to the fact that the humming had stopped and that she was no longer having information rammed into her head. She only knew that spinning in her head was slowing down.

When her eyes came back into focus John was standing there, holding her up, staring at her with a blank look on his face.

He stood there and stared as her eyes move from left to right and then slowly focused straight ahead, being silent to avoid any chance of confusing her any more than she already was.

Sarah suddenly shook her head then placed her hands over her eyes rubbing them gently before looking back at John.

Quite a rush isn’t it! asked John more than stating the obvious.

That’s no lie, said Sarah. My mind is still in a jumble, but at least I can see straight again. How long have I been standing here?

Only for a minute, said John as he reached his hands over to grab Sarah’s hands. How do you feel? he asked as he gently squeezed her hands.

Does Tim, Joe or Kevin or anyone else know about this? she asked as she avoided answering his question.

You are the first to know, said John still holding her hands.

Sarah stood and thought for a moment remaining silent before turning away from John glancing toward the ground still trying to decipher all of the information.

John gently grabbed her shoulder and turned back around to look at her face to face and stared into her eyes for a moment before continuing.

Right now your mind is processing the information I implanted into you, said John. The information includes everything I am planning for this company as well as the projects I have going. I have also included training for every position in this company, including a full pilot training session, he said trying to keep Sarah from getting emotional. You need time to let this information settle into your mind, he added while studying her reactions.

Sarah stood there still appearing to be somewhat dazed and confused and John started to question whether he had tried to install to much information into Sarah’s brain at one time.