River of Fire

By Gary T Brideau

“Oh, one more thing. Admiral Sam wants to know, if you need back-up.”
“Great! The more, the merrier.”
A minute later, Sam appeared next to Debbie, clad in his long cloak and wide brimmed hat and asked, “When does the fun, begin?”
Debbie instantly snapped to attention and saluted.
“Hold on there, cadet. Don’t go military, on me. Relax, we’re in the field.”
Calistus explained, “We have to stop, about two dozen men and two gun boats, before sunup. Su should be sending a large tank of flammable solvent, through a portal, any moment now. But, I haven’t seen any guards as of yet.”
A horizontal portal opened twenty, feet above the water and a large metal tank slipped through unnoticed, and hovered just above the water to close to their position. Calistus sighed and said, “I can’t ignite it there, it’ll fry us all.”
“I'm on it,” whispered Debbie, eager to show off, for the admiral. As she dove in the water and pushed the container into position. Just then, a pirate poked his head out of one of the gun ships, spotted something moving and hollered, “Who’s there?” And began to fire at the tank of flammable solvent, igniting it into a ball of fire. That swiftly spread over the water turning, the inlet into a river of fire.
Debbie quickly dove underwater, to avoid getting hit. But she was struck in the side, before she could react. She struggled desperately to stay afloat, and managed to make it to shore, where she collapsed.
Calistus hollered, “Sam, let’s try and get them in a crossfire!”
In minutes, the camp was swarming with pirates, firing at anything that moved. After a ten-minute gun battle, the pirates strapped Debbie’s limp body, to a tree and the leader hollered, “Drop your weapons and surrender, or the woman dies!”
“Sam, they’ve got Debbie! Hold your fire!”
The two men approached the pirates, with their hands and guns over their heads, Sam whispered, “Protective shields on, weapons on stun, once we reach Debbie, we position ourselves in front of her, to protect her, then, we let 'em have it.”
As they reached Debbie, the men quickly spun around, Calistus hollered, as he leveled his rifle at the pirates, “I think it’s you, who should surrender!” Laughter suddenly broke out, amongst the crowd, mocking Calistus’s bold statement. Sam shouted, “Fire!”
Blasts of energy streaked through the night rapidly finding their marks as bullets ricocheted off their shields. Once silence reined, Calistus glanced at Sam and inquired, “What's wrong?”
“I was hoping for a knockdown, drag out, gun fight. Instead, all we got, was a bunch of wimps!”
“Whatever, Sam. Why don’t you round them up, before they come to, while I take care of Debbie.”
Carefully untying her and lying her on the ground, Calistus contacted Moon Base One, “Su, I need you here and fast, cadet Debbie’s been injured.”
Seconds later, Su appeared, then, hollered, as she dove for the ground, firing her pistol “Look out!” A blast of energy struck the would-be assassin, liquefying his body into a yellow-brown ooze, which swiftly seeped into the sand. Su quickly returned, with Debbie.
Sam bellowed “A little help, here, if you don’t mind!”
Having the prisoners tied up, Sam surveyed the pirates and commented “What a motley crew they are. Do you think we’ll get any information, out of 'em, Cal?”
“Nope! None of them, look like, they have the brains to come up with a strategy, as complex as this. Deb did mention about Norm, who tried to waste her. He’s probably their contact.”
“How are we going to locate one person, in this jungle? ” questioned a frustrated Sam.
“Sam, you’re slipping in your old age. Deb mentioned that she was washed up on the beach after the ship was destroyed. That should be on the other side of the island.” Calistus contacted Su and inquired, “Can you contact the nearest coast guard, and inform them about the bunch of pirates, we have tied up. Then, see if you can bounce a signal off one of Earth’s satelli

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 19, 2012
• ISBN: 9781479750740

Gary T Brideau

I was born in a small house in Brooklyn, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1947 and moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut as a small boy. I met Lauren, the love of my life in1985 and were married years later and moved to Bristol, Connecticut. One night, I had a vivid dream that caught my attention, that spurred me to write it down, and sent it to my sister T. Jene Brideau, for an interpretation who also is a writer. She wrote and told me that the story was good. I took her encouragement and my imagination went to work. That’s when I discovered my God-given talent to write great space adventures stories. From then on, I have written over fifty stories of which only seven of them have been published with great reviews.

Book preview

Copyright © 2012 by Gary T. Brideau.

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.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 07/30/2021

Xlibris

844-714-8691

www.Xlibris.com

597995

Contents

River of Fire

Chapter 1     A Twist of Fate

Chapter 2     A Thin Line

Chapter 3     A Holograph Dilemma

Chapter 4     Yucatan Quandary

Chapter 5     Infiltration

Chapter 6     Clouds of Darkness

Chapter 7     The Quiet Streets of Avalon Prime

Chapter 8     The Whispering Stranger

Chapter 9     Roundup

Chapter 10   Amigos

Chapter 11   Pixy’s Surprise

Chapter 12   A Change of Pace

Chapter 13   The Whispering Woman

Chapter 14   The Omega Strike Force

Chapter 15   The Dragon Queen

Chapter 16   Alex, the Tyrant

Chapter 17   Decoy

Chapter 18   Trapped

Pixy

Chapter 19   Flare Up

Chapter 20   Hotel Mishap

Chapter 21   Another Fine Mess

Chapter 22   Sisters

Chapter 23   Decoy

River of Fire

Chapter 1

A Twist of Fate

Norm strolled merrily out, on the promenade Deck of the luxury ocean liner, Titan, late one evening and remarked as he leaned up against the railing, A body couldn’t want for anything more. Sailing in the South Pacific, aboard a fantastic ship, on a moon lit night, waiting for a beautiful woman. It’s perfect!

Suddenly, an explosion ripped through the stern of the ship, disabling it. Then, five more explosions sent passengers fleeing for the lifeboats and hurtling Norm into the brine. Within twenty minutes, the massive liner had sunk beneath the waves, leaving the frightened passengers to cling to what ever they could, find until help arrived.

However, an unconscious Norm, went unnoticed, as he drifted all that night, until he washed up, on the shore of a desert island.

Norm came to the next day, baking in the hot tropical sun. When he tried to move, the excruciating pain from his right leg, caused him, to cry out in agony. Then he glanced around the beach for help and spotted a woman approaching him, clad in an old tattered dress, hair frizzed out, with a white substance smeared, all over her. Norm laid his head back down and moaned, Oh great! I’m stuck on this island, for I don’t know how long, with a Sea Hag!

She knelt by his side and inquired in a raspy voice, Are you alright?

Trying to be civil, he answered, I think I broke my leg.

She immediately took out an eight-inch knife and sliced open his pant leg, then, examined hit. Clearing her throat, she stated, I don’t think so. By the looks of things, it’s pretty banged up. My guess is, the waves must have slammed you, up against that clump of rocks out there, when you were washed ashore. Here, let me get a look at your side. She then grabbed hold of his shirt and ripped the bottoms off then stated, Do you know you have a large bruise, on your right side.

No, but I do know, that shirt you just destroyed cost me a bundle. So, cough up the money, or I’ll see you in court, Lady.

News flash, mister! You’re on a desert island! I could leave you here and let the birds peck at your flesh and no one would be the wiser. She then glanced up at the sun and commented, If that’s all you can do is throw insults at me, while I’m trying to assist you? I have better things to do, like find something for my supper. Good bye! She then spun around on her heals and marched off across the beach in a huff.

Norm struggled to his feet enduring the searing pain, but, fell on his face, writhing in agony. Then screamed, I’m sorry! Can we start all over again?

The woman quickly returned and stated, Debbie’s my name. Can I help you?

What kind of a stupid question is that? Of course I need help! Debbie’s face began to turn red from anger. But, before she could react, Norm apologized, I’m sorry. You’re not catching me at my best.

That’s for sure. So, what’s got you all tied up in knots?

I’m Norm, and I was on a cruise ship one evening, waiting for my lady friend to show, than I wake up here on, this wasteland of an island. All I know is, I want off this place, so I can get back to my job.

For one thing. This island is not a wasteland there is plenty of food and water.

Norm scanned the beach and moaned, All I see is sand.

You don’t get out much, do you? Try, looking behind, you.

Norm grimaced from the pain, as he twisted around, then exclaimed, Whoa! Where’d that jungle come from!"

Debbie just shook her head in disbelief, as she helped Norm to his feet. Struggling to keep Norm on his feet, the two staggered across the beach to a hut high in a huge gnarly old tree. Norm glanced up at the hut, and exclaimed, You expect me to climb way up there, with a bum leg? I don’t think so!

Well, then, I guess you’re gonna have to sleep on the ground. Just pray, something doesn’t get you, before morning. Sorry, I don’t have an elevator, just a ladder. You should be able to make it up with your one good leg.

Norm pointed to a small elevator, rigged to a system of pulleys and groaned, What about that?

That, my dear slothful fellow, is my freight elevator it will only hold seventy five pounds, maximum. On this island, it’s the strongest who survive. I’ll either see you up top, in my tree house, in a minute or I’ll be burying your bones in the morning. Debbie hastened, up the tree. Ten minutes later, Norm collapsed on the tree house floor and groaned, You’re a mean old hag. You forced me to climb up that ladder, in my condition. Norm glanced up at a beautiful voluptuous woman in her thirties, with long auburn hair clad in a flowered dress, that tumbled down to her knees.

Resembling a lobotomized fish for thirty seconds, before Norm inquired, Where’s the old hag?

The old hag was me! I dress like that, to ward off anyone who would want to take advantage of me. Not, that I can’t take care of myself, mind you. I made you climb that ladder, to teach you how to survive. Because, you might as well get it through that thick, citified brain of yours, that you can’t depend on others, to survive.

Ah, news flash! There’s no one else on the island, but us. So, why are you so fearful? Besides, we’re going to be rescued soon, aren’t we?

Don’t bet on it. I’ve been on this island for three months, as of today and haven’t seen a ship. Now, here are my rulings during your stay: Don’t go to the leeward side of the island, because of a band of pirates. Don’t eat anything, until you check it with me. Stay out of the lagoon and above all, stay out of the lava tunnels.

Norm climbed into a chair and saluted Debbie and stated sarcastically, Yes, sir! Anything you say, sir!

I’m only telling you, because you’re from the city and you don’t have a clue, as to how to survive, in the jungle.

Insulted, Norm quickly answered, You don’t know anything about me. So, how can you sit there and dictate to me what to do! For all you know, I could be an expert woodsman!

But, you’re not, answered Debbie, All you’re looking for, is my sympathy. But, you’re not going to get it. That leg of yours isn’t as bad, as you make it out to be.

For all you know, my leg could be broken. You’re no doctor!

On the contrary, answered Debbie, I was a Physician’s Assistant before being stuck on this island. Oh! So you know. You sleep over there in the guest room she pointed to a huge branch with stairs attached to it, that led up to a small grass hut higher up in the tree. My room is on the other side of the tree. Debbie then upholstered her machete, hanging on her side and stated firmly, I sleep with this, by my side and swing it at the slightest noise. A few minutes later, Debbie set a plate of fish and fruit on the table and bellowed, Come and get it!

Easy on the eardrums, please. Norm grumbled, as he glanced at his dinner and complained, Is that, all there is, for dinner?

Oookay, if you think you can do better. Then, tomorrow, you scrounge up supper.

Piece of cake, bragged Norman.

Two hours later, Debbie dragged her weary body up the crude, fastened staircase to a grass hut higher up in the tree, sat on a straw mat and prayed, Lord Jesus, There is something about Norm that I don’t like. I know I’m supposed to forgive him, but, I have this gut feeling that I shouldn’t turn my back on him. Oh, thanks for the heads up, concerning that snake, today. In Jesus name, a-men.

Bright and early the next day, Debbie was up and had a basket of assorted fruit, sitting on the table for breakfast. Hours later, Norm joyfully strolled up to the table and grabbed a piece of coconut and took a bite. Debbie stated firmly, Excuse me, but we need to pray, before we eat.

Norm ignored Debbie and kept on enjoying his morning treat. Debbie then, bellowed, I said we pray before eating!

No thanks, answered Norm, I’ll skip the prayer and enjoy what little breakfast there is, thank you.

Furious over Norm’s flagrant attitude towards her request. She unfastened her machete attached to her belt, stuck it under Norm’s chin and bellowed, This is my home and you will do as I say or hit the road!

Okay, okay have it your way.

In New York, CEO Farnsworth screamed over the phone, I don’t care what you say, I want your shipping company and I’ll do what ever it takes, even if, I have to blow up half your fleet! Get the message through, that thick head of yours, that I mean business! Farnsworth slammed down the phone. His secretary poked her head in and announced, Sir, there’s someone here to see you.

Send him in.

A scruffy looking character, with black curly hair and beard strolled into the office and promptly sat in Mr. Farnsworth’s chair, behind his desk and casually inquired, You have any more ships, you want destroyed?

Yes, a freighter, the S.S. Caroline, will be traveling through the Philippines in two days. I want it destroyed!"

Do you want to leave any survivors?

You know what to do, with the survivors! I don’t want any witnesses, hanging around.

Well then, that’s going to cost you another fifty thousand.

What! screamed Farnsworth, That’s highway robbery! I’m not going to pay it!

Suit yourself. you won’t find anyone else who can do the job, the way my men can.

Okay, your contact will be in Sydney, by, the name of Norm. He’ll give you the exact location of the ship. Here’s half the payment, you’ll get the other half upon completion of the job. Just remember, you leave one survivor and it’ll be your head. Understand?

Chapter 2

A Thin Line

On the island the next day, a frustrated Norm stared up at the coconut tree wondering just how he was going to get them, while Debbie looked on from a distance, snickering at Norm’s futile attempts to acquire some. She then, approached him and stated, City-boy! Try climbing the tree, to get them!

For one, I don’t do climbing and will you, please, stop calling me City-boy!

You’re from the city. Right? And you act, more like a child, than a man. That’s why I call you City-boy.

Norm picked up a coconut, happily tossed it to her saying, How’s this for dinner?

I’m sure glad, I don’t have to depend on you to eat, I’d starve to death. Debbie glanced out over the water, noticed the black clouds swiftly gathering and stated, Ah, Norm, I think we need to move to higher ground, before the storm hits.

Norm bragged, Who’s afraid of a little rain? You can run and hide, if you want. I’m staying right here, to wait it out.

Suit yourself, but, if you want my advice. Please, cut those pants and shirt into shorts and a sleeveless top, before you die of heat prostration!

What! Are you kidding, screamed Norm, These pants cost me a hundred and fifty dollars, and my shirt is made, from the finest silk, that money can buy!

What good is it going to do you, when you’re dead! We’d better stop talking and head for a safe place, until the storm passes by.

I told you, I’m not running, from a little storm!

Don’t be a fool! You don’t stand a chance, when the storm hits, pleaded Debbie.

There is nothing that nature can throw at me, that I can’t handle, shouted Norm.

If you will excuse me, I’m outta here! Debbie grabbed a few supplies from her tree hut, before heading for the mountains and noticed a piece of paper lying on the floor. She quickly stuffed it, with her things, then headed for the mountain. As she followed a path up the mountain, she stumbled upon a cave, hidden behind some vines and undergrowth. After lighting a torch, she had discovered a stash of World War Two ammunition, several rifles, and several cases of hand grenades. Debbie paid little attention to the stuff but, made herself comfortable, sought the Lord Jesus until the thunderstorm storm had passed by.

Upon reading the note that was written on CEO Farnsworth’s stationery, it said, Norm, inform the rebels their next target will be the S. S. Caroline. which will leave Sydney, Australia, the fifteenth of November for the Philippians. Sink the ship and leave no one who can identify us."

Debbie folded the note and put it in a safe place, then promptly picked up one of the rifles and inspected it, to make sure it was in good working condition, before loading it. Once the storm was over the next day, she slung her sack over her shoulder, grabbed her gun, along with the ammo and headed down the mountain, knowing full well, that she might be in with her Saviour tomorrow.

Halfway to her tree hut, she heard Norm say, Hold it, right there. Now, slowly drop the gun.

Debbie let her rifle drop, then, cautiously turned around to face Norm, who was brandishing a semiautomatic.

Now, lose the sack and the machete! As the sack hit the ground, Debbie smiled sweetly and inquired, Do you want my gold ball, too?

Yes, shouted Norm, greedily.

Debbie slowly slipped her hand into her pocket and removed a three inch gold ball, then twisted the top half, one-quarter turn and tossed it to an eager Norm. As soon as she had lobbed it, Debbie quickly dove behind some bushes for cover. As the ball hit the ground, a blinding flash of white light flooded the jungle for two seconds, instantly immobilizing her opponent. Debbie stood up, approached Norm smiling devilishly, and stated innocently, Oh, did I tell you, that the ball was a neural neutralizer and which immobilize your entire nervous system, for three hours?

Once Norm was safely secured to a tree, she stated firmly, I’ll be back, after I take care of your pirate friends, on the other side of the island.

An hour later, she reached the swamp in the center of the island and pondered, Now, what Lord, I can’t remember what the Agency’s manual say about crossing foreboding swamps? Oh yeah, now I remember! Don’t! But, too go around would take to long and since, necessity is the Mother of Invention, let’s see if I can scrounge up enough wood, to make a raft.

Forty minutes later, Debbie placed her supplies on the raft and, with a long pole in her hand to push, and prayerfully headed across. Almost to the other side, Debbie heard a hissing sound. An enormous snake had decided, to make a light snack out of Debbie. She slowly reached for her machete, strapped to her waist. Quickly spinning around, she buried the blade in the serpent’s neck. Hollering, In the name of Jesus! Die you foul serpent! with several more powerful blows, the snake fell, back into the water, with it’s head half off.

Shaken from the ordeal, she rested underneath a tree, until nightfall. Then, she snuck into the pirate’s camp to scope things out. As she was crawling behind some fifty-five gallon drums of fuel, she felt someone tap her on the shoulder. Debbie’s eyes quickly widened as she froze. She closed her eyes and muttered a prayer then stated, Go ahead and kill me! Waiting for the inevitable to happen.

A deep male voice replied angrily, What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be in Australia.

Debbie flipped on her back and cried, Calistus! Boy, am I glad to see you, Sir!

You failed! hollered Calistus, "Go back to Moon Base One and pack your things. As a cadet, you washed out. This was