Beyond the Red Sky

By Ross Gandy

First book of the series

At a secret Air Base in the middle of the desert, Capt. Andrews (Andy) is one of an elite team of highly skilled pilots who are trained to pursue alien aircraft that enter Earth’s air space. After many months of training and pursuit experience, Andy is transferred to a Top Secret location focused on extremely complex alien tracking. After many weeks of pursuit, Andy comes face to face with his nemesis. His aircraft is fired upon and explodes in a ball of fire.

Andy wakes to find that his body has been reconstructed and altered through alien technology but the impact of the alterations is yet to be discovered. He is being held in a hospital-like room with several other people who he soon finds had been abducted from Earth over a period of several years. But what is this facility and why are they there?

Over time Andy begins to form a close relationship with Lindsey, a beautiful blue-eyed captive from Earth. He manages to get out of the secure room and locates his rescue pod which had survived the alien attack. He and Lucy, his on-board computer, devise a way to escape the alien base so they can return with help to rescue the other captives.

Andy and Lindsey are then pursued by the US government and other entities who want to use the alien’s technology, which is a part of them, for financial gain. This puts the couple on the run and exposes their friends and families to danger.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Sep 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9781489702173

Book preview

chapter 1

I T WAS A SIZZLING JULY DAY. All of the local inhabitants had been forced into the shade by the blistering rays of the mid-summer sun. An occasional hawk floated effortlessly on the prairie winds searching for an innocent victim of the scorching heat. The bus’ air-conditioner could barely maintain a comfortable temperature due to the frequent stops to let passengers on or off along the almost barren highway. Nothing could be seen except for an occasional stalled overheated car or a local farmer waiting for the bus to town.

Andy had been riding for several hours and had attempted to nap, but was constantly disturbed by the frequent stopping and starting, and the constant jabbering of the locals on the bus. As he opened his eyes to look out of the window, he could tell that the terrain and the climate weren’t getting any better. He leaned over and tapped the bus driver on the arm and asked, How much longer before we get to my stop?

Oh, only a few more minutes, sir, the bus driver answered.

You mean there’s a town out here in the middle of nowhere? Andy asked as he turned to look out the window.

No, that ain’t what you asked me, the driver said. You asked me how much longer to your stop and I said only a few more minutes. I didn’t say nothin’ ‘bout a town, the bus driver laughed, then said, There ain’t a town ‘round here for several miles yet.

At that Andy just fell back in his seat and looked out of the window. Maybe I’ll get out at the air-base, but I haven’t seen any planes, he thought as he began to feel a little concerned.

Where you goin’ son? a quivering old voice asked from just behind him.

Andy sat up and turned to see a little gray-haired man puffing on a big-bowled, curved-neck pipe, almost as big as he was. He had the face of one who had spent a lot of summers in this climate. His skin was like leather, tanned and wrinkled by time and the Arizona sun.

I’m getting off at Broken Foot, Andy answered. Have you ever been there?

Oh, I’ve been everywhere, the old man said as he struck a match and put it to the pipe, and there ain’t nothin’ at Broken Foot ‘cept snakes and lizards. There are some humdingers there too. Yeah, I remember. Got business there do ya?

No, not really, I’m supposed to be picked up there and taken to the air-base, Andy answered.

Well I don’t know why they’d be pickin’ you up there ‘cause there ain’t no air base ‘round here. No sir, nothin’ there but sand, mountains, and rocks, the old timer said, as he seemed to kind of drift away.

The sun must’ve cooked the old man’s brain, Andy thought. They wouldn’t be picking me up here if there wasn’t a base around here somewhere.

Suddenly the bus began to stop. Here ya are son, the driver said as he opened the door and stood up. Broken Foot, Arizona. Population one … you!

When Andy looked out of the window, all he could see was an old rundown, abandoned gas station. He got up, stumbled to the door of the bus, and attempted to follow the bus driver around to the luggage compartment. He had a hard time following the driver for looking around at his rest stop.

Here’s your bag, Sir, the driver said as he startled him back to reality. Your bag?

Oh, Andy said bewildered. I was kind of shocked by all this. There’s nothing here.

That’s right, the driver said. Like the ol’ man said, ain’t nothin’ here but snakes and lizards and you, the driver said with a chuckle.

Well, thanks, I guess, Andy replied as he reached down and picked up his duffle bag. Oh, by the way, just in case, when will the next bus be by?

Oh, about four hours, the driver said as he climbed back into the bus. I’d better git goin’ or I’ll be late at my next stop. Be seein’ ya; good luck and stay out of the sun. It’s a killer. Then he closed the door and drove away.

As the bus vanished down the highway, Andy walked over to the old abandoned gas station and stopped under the edge of the roof to escape the blistering sun. He sat down on an old crate leaning against the wall and a large lizard ran out from behind it and into the awaiting sun. Sorry, fella, he said with a chuckle. I need this shade more than you do. He sat down and leaned back against the wall. He positioned himself so he could keep an eye out for a car or another bus. He had no intention of staying out there too long. As he leaned back, the absolute absence of noise made it very difficult to keep his eyes open. I wonder what this new base will be like, he thought. I sure hope there’s enough happening to keep me busy. That last base was as dull and lifeless as a bowl of grits with no salt; not what turns me on. I hope there’s a town near-by. From what I see so far this won’t be much different from the last place. Well, I guess the ol’ man was right. I sure don’t see much out here, especially no Air Force base, no fence, no guards, or no planes. Well, I guess I’ll find out soon enough. They sent me a ticket, so here I am. It sure is nice being out of that noisy bus. It’s so quiet. Andy thought, as he drifted off to sleep.

Suddenly Andy was wakened by a buzzing sound. He quickly sat up and looked around. I wonder what that noise is? he thought. Can’t tell if it’s car, or a bus, or………no, it doesn’t sound like a bus. So Andy jumped to his feet and ran out from under the shelter to see if he could see what it was. As he scanned the horizon he caught a glimpse of an object out in the west. What’s that? he thought anxiously. Could it be a plane? He continued to watch the object coming closer until he was finally able to make it out. Yes, it’s a plane alright! he said aloud. I wonder where it’s going! As it came over him, he was able to make out Air Force markings on it. Hey! That’s an Air Force plane, he said. Maybe he’s from the base I’m heading to. I guess someone is on their way to pick me up after all.

Just as he turned to return to the shade of the station roof, he heard the plane began to turn around. He turned back just in time to see it land on the rough scorched land out in front of him. This must be my ride, he said to himself as the plane taxied up and came to a halt. A lone figure got out of the plane and walked toward him. Well let’s see who’s come to give me a lift, he said jokingly as he threw his duffle bag on his shoulder and began to walk toward the oncoming figure. Just before he reached the pilot, he saw he was an Air Force Colonel. He stopped, snapped to attention, and said, Captain William C. Andrews, Sir.

I’m Colonel Lester P. McAlpin, Flight Commander, at Camp Lookout, Arizona. But everyone calls me Colonel Mac, he replied as he returned the salute. Need a lift?

Yes, Sir, Andy replied.

Relax, Capt. Andy, Col. Mac said as he put his hand out to shake Andy’s hand, it’s too hot out here for me, so what do you say we get acquainted in the plane while we head back. It’s going to be getting dark soon and it looks like we’re going to be flying into that red sky.

That sounds like a good idea, Andy said as he shook the Colonel’s hand and looked out toward a slowly setting sun.

Would you like something cold to drink? Col. Mac asked as they walked toward the plane.

Yes Sir, Andy replied as he put his duffle bag into the plane. It was mighty hot and dry over there under that shed. And I don’t think that drink box has worked for a long time.

I guess not, Col. Mac said as he again turned and stared at the horizon as it began to turn a pinkish red. They haven’t made ‘em like that for many years now. Get in and let’s get going. It looks like we might be in for a busy night. You’ll find a cooler with some drinks in it behind your seat. With that they climbed into the plane and began to head out.

What do you think of our little puddle jumper? Col. Mac asked as Andy began to sip on a cold drink.

Well, it’s better than being outside that’s for sure, Andy replied as he looked around the aircraft. This isn’t the kind of plane I’m going to be flying, is it?

Oh you may need to use her every now and then to run an errand or two, but … you do know how to fly one of these don’t you? Col. Mac asked as he began to grin. Don’t worry. You’ll be flying something more advanced than anything you’ve ever seen before.

Excuse me Sir, but I don’t know if you’re aware that I was a test pilot just prior to coming here, and I’ve flown some mighty advanced aircraft, Andy quickly replied. I could probably tell you some stories that would curl your hair. I mean……..

I know what you mean, and I’m fully aware of your past experience, Col. Mac said. You’re the son of an auto mechanic father and a mother who worked two jobs to send you to college. You graduated with honors with a degree in engineering. You were in the Air Force R.O.T.C. and after college entered the Air Force to become a fighter pilot. You were sent to Iraq where you scored several kills. You saw additional action after the war patrolling the no-fly zone. When your time was up, you got bored pretty quick back in the states so you transferred to a base in Colorado as a test pilot. You had one failure and had to eject, but otherwise, you just did the same thing every day, no real excitement. Am I close?

Well, yes, Sir, I……, Andy stuttered.

And when this job came up, you jumped at the chance to see some action. Right? Col. Mac said. And that’s why WE chose YOU to join US. As Andy started to reply, Col. Mac said, Now look down there. Do you see that funny shaped rock?

Andy looked down where Col. Mac pointed and his eyes were drawn toward a bright light that appeared straight ahead of them out in the now blood-red sky. His eyes were focused on the object growing larger and larger by the millisecond. Andy began to speak, What’s that straight ahead………….. but before he could say another word, the object flashed over the top of their small plane. The force the object created caused the small plane to be forced down toward the Earth, and to spin out of control. WHAT’S GOING ON? Andy shouted as he tried to find something to grab onto. WHAT WAS THAT?

HOLD ON ANDY! IF YOU’RE A PRAYING MAN, START PRAYING! WE NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET! Col. Mac shouted as he fought to gain control of the air craft.

WHAT’S GOING ON, SIR? Andy shouted as he looked over at Col. Mac, but there was no response. Col. Mac just kept pulling back on the controls and looking around from side to side. Then he shouted, DO YOU SEE HIM ANYWHERE?

SEE WHO? Andy replied as he looked out his window and back at Col. Mac.

DO…YOU…SEE HIM ANYWHERE? Col. Mac asked again as the ground began to grow closer and closer. DO YOU SEE THAT DRAGON ANYWHERE?

Dragon? I don’t see any dragon! Andy replied as he looked over at Col. Mac.

THAT WAS…………. But before Col. Mac could say another word, the interior of the plane was engulfed in a bluish light and the plane suddenly stopped in mid-air.

What the…? Andy said as he looked around, grabbed his seat and prepared for the worst. Are we stopped? But before he could get a response, the small plane began to rise up….up….back into the sky above them. As they stopped their assent, a large pinkish elongated object slowly descended down in front of the frozen aircraft.

Andy stared speechlessly at the object as Col. Mac said in a calm soft voice, That Dragon…. Suddenly, the object streaked away toward the bleeding horizon. Just as quickly, two other shiny objects flashed over the top of their aircraft from behind. As the bluish light disappeared, the plane again began to fall helplessly toward the ground. As Col. Mac fought to re-start the engine and regain control of the airplane, he shouted, HOLD ON TO YOUR LUNCH! I’VE GOT THIS! The engine finally started and the plane began to level off. Andy slowly sat back in his seat and tried to catch his breath.

Said you wanted more action? More excitement? Col. Mac said as he turned to look at his still pale, speechless passenger. Is that enough excitement for you, son?

What WAS that? Andy asked as he slowly looked over at Col. Mac. What just happened?

Take a deep breath and let it sink in, Col. Mac replied as he looked back at the rapidly setting sun. All this will make more sense when we get back to base, I hope. Why did he………? Well, don’t try to understand everything that just happened, because I don’t. You’ll have time to digest all of this, and get your stomach out of your throat and back where it belongs. Just sit back and enjoy the rest of your ride. We’ll be home soon. Now, let‘s get back to our discussion about you, Col. Mac said as he took a deep breath and began to check his instruments. Andy sat back and began to slow his breathing. Think you’ll like being one of our Dragon Slayers? Col. Mac asked.

Dragon Slayer? Andy asked as he quickly turned to the Colonel with a look of surprise, What’s that?

Oh, don’t worry, Col. Mac replied. That’s just what we call our pilots. You’ll understand soon enough. Now where was I? Oh, yes, your father died two years ago and your mother has recently remarried. I understand you and your stepfather don’t get along very well. You have no girlfriend at the moment and you don’t keep in too close of contact with your brother or sister. You had an interest in being an astronaut but you didn’t want to have to go through all that special training. Well I guess that’s the main stuff.

What’s my favorite color? Andy asked sarcastically as he laid his head back on the seat.

Emerald green, Col. Mac replied quickly. Is something wrong?

Oh, I’m sorry, Sir, Andy said apologetically. I guess all that excitement, dragons, glowing lights, almost kissing the ground the hard way, and I guess all the secrecy of this base, has me a little antsy.

Oh, I understand completely Capt. Andy, Col. Mac replied. I was the same way when I came here five years ago.

Five years! Andy cried. I thought this was only a two year assignment, his dismay clearly showing in his voice.

Relax. It is, Col. Mac replied. It’s just that most people who come here stay much longer because they want to. I guess it kind of grows on you, you know, all the action and excitement. Some even decided to transfer to Base……….

Base … what? Andy asked anxiously. You mean there’s another base other than Camp Lookout?

Don’t worry, you’ll know all about that when the time comes, Col. Mac replied.

Yes, Sir, Andy replied. So, how much farther is the base? There’s nothing out here but mountains as far as I can see.

Just as they began to fly through a deep ravine, Col. Mac said, See that plateau up ahead? That’s home.

You mean you’re going to land on that? Andy asked as he looked toward a long flat plateau with a massive wall of rock rising up from the far end. But where’s the base?

Just as he asked, Col. Mac keyed his microphone and said, Phantom Base, this is Phantom One, over.

Phantom One, this is Phantom Base, over, the radio replied.

Phantom One, requesting permission to land, over, Col. Mac replied.

I’ve got you, the radio replied, let go and I’ll bring you in.

Releasing controls … now, Col. Mac replied. Now watch Capt. Andy and you’ll see something that will curl your hair. Welcome to Camp Lookout. Before Andy could speak, he saw Col. Mac let go of the plane’s control and felt the small plane began to slow. As the plane approached the plateau, it was pulled toward a massive wall of stone. As the plane reached the wall it seemed to pass right through it into the blackness that engulfed it. When the plane came to a halt, Andy tried to speak but nothing would come out. Suddenly the lights came on! Andy quickly covered his eyes from the glare. As he slowly removed his hands, his mouth dropped open in amazement.

What do you think of your new home, Capt. Andy? Col. Mac asked as he put his hand on Andy’s shoulder. Andy just looked around in amazement. Ahead he could see a large control room behind a wall of glass. The room looked like the command center at a NASA launch site. Out of the side window of the plane, he could see that he was in some kind of airplane hangar by the equipment, weapons, and personnel present. But what kind and where were the planes?

Suddenly the door of the plane opened and there stood a man dressed in a black flight suit holding a weapon in his hand. Your orders, Sir! the young soldier demanded. Andy slowly reached into his pocket and handed the soldier his orders. The soldier quickly looked over the paperwork then said, Welcome to Camp lookout Capt. Andrews. Good afternoon Col. Mac.

Good afternoon Sgt. Lee, Col. Mac replied. Let me introduce you to Capt. Andrews. Andy this is Sergeant Ronald Lee, but everyone calls him Jonas.

Glad to meet you Sgt. Lee, Andy said.

Jonas, if you will Sir, Sgt. Lee responded.

Sergeant, could you help Capt. Andy with his gear, and show him to his quarters?

Yes Sir! Sgt. Lee replied as he motioned to Andy. This way, Sir.

As Andy stepped out of the plane he asked, Col. Mac, where is this super top-secret aircraft I’m going to be flying?

Step over here and I’ll show you, Col. Mac said boastfully.

Andy walked around to the other side of the plane and there it was. What is that? Andy asked as he dropped his duffle bag and walked toward the craft.

That’s an SSF-3, supersonic Y-winged fighter, capable of supersonic speeds, tight turns, no runway takeoffs, and extremely high altitude flying, Col. Mac replied. She’s totally computerized so it’s almost like playing a video game except if you make a mistake in this one, there’s no do-over. It’s over for good. That’s what you saw chasing that dragon away.

I didn’t see anything but a flash, but…….WOW! Andy said as he stared in disbelief. I’ve never seen anything like this before! She’s awesome! When do I get to fly her?

In time. After you work in the simulator for a few days, you should be able to take her out, Col. Mac replied. We need you to get started first thing in the morning on the simulator because I need you in the air as soon as possible. We’re a little short-handed, and things are getting a little busy here, as you saw today.

What exactly do you do here? Andy asked. What’s so important that it deserves such a top secret base and such incredible aircraft?

I guess it’s about time for you to find out, Col. Mac replied. Let’s go so Jonas can show you to your quarters. After you’ve had a chance to change your uniform and rest a while, I’ll come by and get you, and we’ll go get some chow before your briefing.

Yes, Sir, Andy replied. How long before you come by?

Hungry, huh? Col. Mac replied as Andy nodded his head. Ok, I’ll be by in about thirty minutes.

That’ll work, Andy said as he picked up his duffle bag, if that won’t be a problem, Sir?

That works fine for me, Capt. Andy, Col. Mac replied as he started to walk away. See ya shortly.

As Col. Mac walked away, Sgt. Lee took Andy’s duffle bag and said, This way, Sir. So Andy followed Sgt. Lee toward a large opening just to the right of the large glassed in control room that he had seen when they were brought into the hangar earlier.

Andy glanced back at the Phantom and said out loud, That’s a really wild looking bird Sergeant, I mean Jonas. Have you ever been up in one?

No Sir, Sgt. Lee said with obvious jealousy, That’s reserved for you Dragon Slayers.

There’s that word Dragon Slayer again Andy replied, Just what is a Dragon Slayer anyway?

Sorry Sir, I’m not at liberty to say, Sgt. Lee answered, but it’s got to be exciting from the stories I’ve heard those guys tell. I heard you and Col. Mac had a run in with a dragon on your way here?

Yes………I guess, Andy replied. I’m not exactly sure what really did happen.

They walked past the control room where everyone seemed to be really busy. On one wall, Andy saw a group of twenty-five or thirty screens, each with a map of a different area of the world displayed. He stopped and stared at the screens. Sgt. Lee said, Interesting, isn’t it, Sir?

Very much so, Andy replied as he tried to take it all in. What are they tracking, and why?

Oh, they’re getting feedback from the Fence and there seems to be some activity. They don’t seem to know yet whether it’s friendly or hostile, Sgt. Lee replied. Maybe they’re still tracking that dragon that you and Col. Mac encountered, or it could be something else. They’ll follow its every movement until they know for sure what it is before they send you guys into action.

What do you mean ‘What it is’? Andy asked as he turned and looked toward Sgt. Lee.

Oh, I guess they’ll cover all that in your briefing, Sir, Sgt. Lee replied as he tried to change the subject. We’d better get going before the Colonel comes to get you and you’re not there.

Right, Andy replied. We’d better go, I guess. So Andy and Sgt. Lee continued down the hall passing numerous doors on their way to Andy’s room.

Well, Capt. Andy, here’s your quarters, Sgt. Lee said as he opened the door. Welcome to your new home sweet home. I hope it’ll be comfortable enough for you. It’s not very big, but you won’t be spending very much time in here once you start flying. You’ll see it gets pretty busy around here sometimes, especially when we have a red sky in the afternoon.

What’s so special about a red sky anyway? Col. Mac seemed a little concerned when he saw that we had a red sky this afternoon? Andy asked as Sgt. Lee put his duffle bag down on the bed.

Command says there’s no correlation between a red sky and an increase in activity, Sgt. Lee replied, but you’ll see. When there’s a red sky … lookout! I’d better get going so you can get ready for chow and your briefing. I bet you’re looking forward to that. After seeing all this, I couldn’t wait to see just what they did here, and I didn’t believe it when they told me. But you can believe everything you hear. See ya later, Sir. And good luck. At that Sgt. Lee turned and walked out of the door, closing it behind him.

What could there be that would need a place like this and aircraft that wild unless … ? Nah … Andy thought as he looked around his room. I wonder if the Russians have some new kind of aircraft or maybe the Chinese. I guess I’ll find out soon enough but it all feels really strange. How were they able to just stop a plane in mid-air and hold it there?

As Andy looked around he saw a cabinet, so he opened it to find several black flight suits and fatigues. He took down a pair of the fatigues and began to put them on. Well these must be mine, he thought, they’ve got my name on them. As he finished dressing he thought, "Why would they need those Y-winged fighters to chase Russian MIGs or anything that the Russians or