Interstellar Monitor: the Forsaken Multitude

By Eugene Patrick Ruisi

In the year 2450, peace is commonplace for the Interstellar Earth Republic. Captain Dennis Masilleo has been in command of the IERS Monitor for eight years. The former captain of the Monitor, Zeta Smith, is now a Huzlorian count and is the ruler of the city of Dublesh on the planet Huzlor. But from the darkest reaches of space, a group of enemies is about to strike, and peace for Masilleo, Smith, and the rest of humanity is about to be shattered. Evil is on the move, and it is bringing death and destruction to the worlds of the Interstellar Earth Republic and into the lives of the crew of the Monitor. The greatest danger Earth has ever faced is about to be unleashed, and a war of unbelievable magnitude will spread across the known galaxy. The crew of the Monitor will be tested like they never have been before, and everything they hold dear will be shaken to its foundation. Even if they are successful in defeating this evil, they will still have to face an even greater opponent who is lurking in the shadows close to home. It will be as if the universe itself has turned on humanity, and many people will be considered to be among the forsaken multitude. This is the fourth book in the Interstellar Monitor series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Oct 23, 2017
• ISBN: 9781532035067

Eugene Patrick Ruisi

Eugene Patrick Ruisi was born and raised in Queens, NY. He is the author of the Interstellar Monitor novels and Polyxenburgh. He is currently working on various writing projects.

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Copyright © 2017 Eugene Patrick Ruisi.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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ISBN: 978-1-5320-3505-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-3506-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017915589

iUniverse rev. date: 10/20/2017

Also by Eugene Patrick Ruisi:

Interstellar Monitor (2003)

Interstellar Monitor: Hestia’s Bravest (2006)

Interstellar Monitor: Pantheon of Fates (2009)

Polyxenburgh (2013)

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

CHAPTER 1

Captain Dennis Masilleo’s personal log, Earthdate: July 2, 2450. The IERS Monitor is currently docked at Bridgeport Space Station in orbit of Earth. For the last nine months, the Monitor has been modernized and repaired. I have been captain now for almost eight years, and so much has happened since I took command. We have witnessed the changes in interstellar space. The Trovian Revolution of 2446 comes to mind. Also, the Planzitite Civil War that has been raging on since 2445, but nothing in range of the Interstellar Earth Republic. All is quiet, and that worries me.

Captain Dennis Masilleo finished his log. He stood up from his chair in his bridge office and exited the bridge office via a large metal door. He came on to the bridge and found Commander Helen Majovic standing at a station, berating a crewman for not properly conducting himself. The crewman then left and Commander Majovic turned to Captain Masilleo.

Breaking them in hard? Masilleo inquired.

Majovic nodded. "Well, I’m your new XO since Commander Lewiston is now Captain Lewiston of the IERS Utah. I figured I run things the way she did."

Very well, Masilleo replied. I need a hard ass, and you have certainly gotten harder over the years.

Well, since Fuzlek Prime, Majovic said, and then trailed off.

Masilleo was thoughtful. I know. None of us will ever forget what happened all those years ago.

Majovic nodded.

Is Commander Grace around? Masilleo asked.

Yes, he is doing the finishing touches on the new interspace engines. He says we can do inter 225 with them, Majovic stated.

Good, Masilleo responded. I’ll be in my quarters, keep me informed if anything comes through.

Aye Sir, Majovic replied.

Captain Masilleo then left the bridge in the hyperlift and went to the deck his quarters were on. He exited the hyperlift and went to the front door of his quarters. He pressed his finger on the door DNA identification scanner, and it recognized him and the door unlocked. He swung the door open and entered the room. He closed the door behind himself, and found Rose De Gaul going over notes for various subjects. She looked up at him, and said: Are you bored or something?

Something like that, Masilleo replied. Have you heard from Teresa?

Yeah, she’s at a summer camp in Manitoba. She likes it there, and she’s having a good time and making friends, De Gaul remarked.

Good, and what are you doing? Masilleo asked.

Are you kidding? The ship is launching in eight days. I have to make sure Mr. Grace’s new engines don’t blow us to kingdom come, De Gaul snapped.

Masilleo raised his eyebrows. Okay.

De Gaul looked frustrated. That’s all you can say?

What do you want me to say? Masilleo replied.

I want you to say, you’re tired of this job. That you’ll take Admiral Faukner’s advice and become an admiral with a nice office at Interstellar Command. Our daughter turned eight this year. This is bullshit, us going out into space. You’re fifty-nine years old now. I’m thirty-eight. This has to stop soon, De Gaul remarked.

I know, but I feel I’m needed here, and so are you, Masilleo declared.

Our daughter needs us, De Gaul stated.

Maybe, I just have a duty I can’t ignore, Masilleo commented.

De Gaul scoffed. You and your duty. Captain Smith had a duty too, but he gave it up after a couple of years on this ship. But you do a tour of duty for almost eight years, and you want more?

Well those were stressful times back in Captain Smith’s time as captain here; the War of Wazian Ascension, Fuzlek Prime, the Joseftines. The years since have been quiet. Wazians are playing nice. Trovians had a revolution and the Joseftines are nowhere in sight, Masilleo remarked.

Then why are we here? De Gaul inquired.

I don’t know, Masilleo replied.

De Gaul looked resentful. Well, until you know, you’re sleeping on the couch or somewhere else.

Are you kidding? I’m captain of this ship, Masilleo declared, with a slightly angry voice.

But you’re just the cabin boy when it comes to my bed. You want sleepy fun, then you better start making choices. I’m thirty-eight years old and you’re fifty-nine. If I divorce you, you think anyone my age would even give you a second look? De Gaul asked.

Well, since you put it that way, Masilleo said thoughtfully, and added: I see your point.

De Gaul just glared at Masilleo.

Masilleo held up his hands. All right, just give me two months. Get this ship relaunched, and then I will request a transfer to Interstellar Command, and I will probably get a rear admiral promotion. Majovic will take over here and we can go to Quebec for the rest of our lives, okay?

De Gaul smiled. Good.

Masilleo was about to leave, but then turned around. Were you really going to leave me?

Dennis, De Gaul began. I love you. Even though you’re fifty-nine, you’re the best husband I could ever have. But I hate Interstellarfleet. If you stayed longer than what you just said, I would have had to say divorce. But once we are out of Interstellarfleet, I am yours forever.

Glad to hear it, Masilleo replied, and De Gaul then stood up and kissed him.

Masilleo enjoyed the moment, and De Gaul said: Let me get this done. Go have some booze, I will be done in a couple of hours and we can have some dinner.

Masilleo nodded. Great.

Masilleo left the quarters and went to Officers Lounge Beta. He got a drink and just enjoyed his time on the ship.

CHAPTER 2

Count Zeta Smith’s log, Huzlorian date: Istari 15, 1812 A.B.M. I am on my way to Dublesh, the city where my title comes from. I have some personal guards with me on this journey, because of the growing concerns about Heylarin bandits who have been threatening Huzlorian trade. Dublesh has become a more important trading post on Huzlor, and as husband of the high queen, and count of Dublesh, it is my duty to attend to such affairs.

Count Zeta Smith was in a small limousine approaching Dublesh. He saw a few people on the streets and for the most part it was quiet. The head of his personal guards was with him as was his female assistant, Bavani. Bavani was five feet and eleven inches tall in height. She had blonde hair with blue eyes and very fair skin. Her lips were slightly puffed out and it made Smith think of the edge of a bowl. She was wearing a pink blouse with pink pants. She was holding up a black leather book in her hand and was speaking.

At 10:00 A.M. you have an appointment with the Arjmundite consul general. At noon you are to be at the Whiskey Garden festival. At 4:00 you have to speak before the Dublesh Chamber of Commerce, and at 7:00, you will have dinner with Mayor Dakovesh from the city of Kaladifemesh, Bavani explained.

That’s all? Smith said, with a comedic voice.

Bavani smiled. Yes, Excellency.

Well, that is good, Smith remarked, as the limousine went through the front gates of his estate at the edge of the city. The gates were made of iron and were black in color. Out front were two guard posts with four guards. The limousine went down a long path with green bushes lining the way along with various gardens and pools of water all the way to the mansion. The limousine approached a large water fountain that sprayed water in the air, and the limousine went around it and parked in front of the mansion.

The door next to Smith was opened, and he exited and breathed in the cool air. He felt wonderful, and his head of security and Bavani got out. Smith liked coming to his estate, but he didn’t come here too often, because he usually enjoyed being in the Pulesh Karda Palace in the city of Leesh with his wife High Queen Jozapor. He looked at his mansion, which was four stories in height. Each floor had a space of seventeen feet with massive windows that were twelve feet in height. The width of the mansion was 150 feet. The outside of the mansion was tan in color, and on the western side of the mansion was a small Huzlorian chapel used for Huzlorian religious services. On the eastern side of the mansion was a gate to another area of the estate where servants lived and worked. Smith approached the front door which was black in color. It was ten feet in height and made of a heavy metal, and was currently open. A butler was at the door, and bowed: Excellency, the Arjmundite consul general is here.

Smith raised his eyebrows. Already?

Yes Excellency, he said it was urgent. He is waiting in the parlor room, the butler replied.

Take me to him, Smith replied.

The butler led Smith through the doorway, and then through the mansion, which Smith rarely used. They went down a corridor with a vanilla marble floor and vanilla marble walls, and a ceiling with bright chandeliers dangling down from it. The butler brought Smith into the parlor room with Smith’s head of security and Bavani behind Smith. Smith and his entourage found a man in the parlor room wearing the traditional trappings of an Arjmundite consul general. The Arjmundite consul general was five feet and five inches tall in height. He had black hair with brown eyes and olive skin. He was slightly obese, and he was wearing a gray suit jacket with pants and black shoes. He was wearing a gold watch and also a silver amulet on a chain around his neck that indicated his status as an Arjmundite consul general.

The butler spoke. Excellency, this is Consul General Viden Teeden, consul general to Dublesh for the Arjmundite State.

Viden Teeden extended his hand, and Smith shook it. Pleasure to meet you, Consul. I wonder what all of this is about?

Viden Teeden spoke with confidence. Many things. I’m here on a diplomatic mission of sorts. I come here by the authority of his Excellency Klent Leet.

I don’t understand, Smith began. Shouldn’t the ambassador in Leesh have spoken to me?

Viden Teeden was hesitant. There is a reason for that, but I must speak with you alone.

Smith gestured and the butler left as did Smith’s head of security and Bavani. They closed the door and Viden Teeden felt more comfortable.

Count Smith, Viden Teeden began. The reason the ambassador did not speak with you is because Premier Leet believes the ambassadorial channels have been compromised. He figured he used consular channels that are not as scrutinized to speak with me so that I may speak with you and deliver a message.

What’s the message? Smith inquired.

Viden Teeden looked around nervously and spoke with a low voice. A darkness of intrigue is spreading across interstellar space. Machinations of power and deceit are afoot. Fleets are moving silently in the cold of space, making plans to strike.

Smith chuckled. This is starting to sound like a spy novel.

Viden Teeden sighed. Excellency, this is very real.

I’ll be the judge of that, Smith replied.

Viden Teeden explained. Premier Leet believes the Joseftines have returned. Eleven days ago on Fuzlek Prime, a diplomatic courier was attacked. We hunted the assailant down, but he eluded us. As luck would have it, we found the assailant’s hideout and raided it. Inside were maps and plans for attacking worlds just outside the Fuzlek Confederation. One of those worlds was Huzlor.

Smith was dead serious. You better have proof.

Viden Teeden then took out a small computer chip and handed it to Smith. Everything you need is on this chip. Details, all of it. One more thing, I should mention. Two days ago on patrol not too far from the Huzlorian System, an Arjmundite vessel detected ships on long range scanners. The ships disappeared, meaning they were using stealth technology. Not many powers use stealth technology, and not around here, which means some very highly advanced clientele are buzzing around here, and they don’t want to be known about.

Smith nodded. I’ll have my people look into it.

Viden Teeden nodded. Of course. If you would excuse me, I’m booking the next shuttle out of here.

Smith was puzzled. Aren’t you assigned to Dublesh as Consul General?

Viden Teeden sighed. I am, but I don’t want to be here when whoever it is buzzing around out there, shows up. After I spoke to Premier Leet, I told him I would resign. He accepted it, on condition I give you this message. Since I have given you this message, my resignation has come into effect at this moment.

Smith nodded, and Viden Teeden then said: Good luck, Count Smith.

Viden Teeden left the room, and Smith just stood there with the computer chip in his hand.

CHAPTER 3

Admiral Samuel Faukner’s personal log, Earthdate: July 3, 2450, 1034 hours. I just finished a meeting with Interstellarfleet Intelligence. All is quiet, except for a minor skirmish along the Heylarin border, between some cadets and Heylarin bandits. Work is continuing on updating fleet ships for higher interspace speeds, most notably the Hestia class ships. Special Operations is still working on alternate space technology, but to no avail. I’m just wondering if we can ever achieve alternate space, but everyone says if the Etrellians could do it, so can we. I hope they’re right. Right now, I have a lot of paperwork to get done.

Admiral Samuel Faukner was sitting in his office in Interstellar Command. He was on the fourth floor and he looked out, and saw a small pond in the distance. His room was about 1,200 square feet, a fairly large office, even though he was an admiral. The carpeting was tan in color, and he had two bookcases that covered two walls, and a front glass door that led out to the other offices on the fourth floor. He was sitting on a wooden chair with burgundy leather on it. His desk was mostly made of wood, but the top of the desk was made of glass. There was a computer terminal, and various paper files and papputers on his desk. Also beneath the desk on the right side was a small metal safe where he kept his highzer pistol and a few important classified documents.

He began to look at some of his documents when there was a knock at the door.

Enter, Faukner yelled.

In came a young female ensign who was five feet and seven inches tall in height. She had bright red hair with fair skin and freckles on her face. She was wearing black pants with black shoes and a white officer shirt with the rank of ensign denoted on her shoulder and chest with various insignias. Her chest bursted out slightly from her C cup size breasts. She had a perk in her walk as she approached the admiral.

What is it, Edira? Faukner asked.

Edira Sivert was Admiral Faukner’s personal aid. For the last nine months she had assisted him in various affairs. She was of half Danish and half Polish Jewish descent. She was born and raised on the Mars colonies. Her father was a botanist and an atheist. Her mother was a political activist for the Alphacratic Party, and was an adherent of Reform Judaism. Edira was raised as a follower of Reform Judaism and took her faith seriously. She was also raised as a loyal activist for the Alphacratic Party. Nevertheless, the most important thing to Edira was her career in Interstellarfleet. Admiral Faukner had plucked her right out of her graduating class, and she had still not served on an Interstellarfleet ship. She knew that part of the reason was Admiral Faukner was attracted to her, but also partially because he trusted her and could depend on her.

Admiral, Count Zeta Smith of Huzlor is on the platinum communiqué channel requesting to speak with you, Sivert announced.

The admiral raised his eyebrows. Very well, I’ll take it in here. Tell Commander Lennick, that I will not be at the restaurant today for lunch. Tell him to reschedule for tomorrow.

Yes Admiral, Sivert replied, and then left the room.

Faukner activated his computer terminal and the face of Zeta Smith appeared. Smith seemed slightly worried with a concerned look on his face. Faukner noticed this but kept his cool and acted normal.

Zeta, why all the fuss? Platinum communiqué? You’re not in the service anymore. You could have dropped by in one of your interstellar yachts. I would’ve cleared you with Interstellar Command, Faukner commented.

Smith spoke with a serious voice. This is not a pleasure call, Samuel. I’m on the platinum communiqué channel because this is serious. Nine hours ago, the Arjmundite consul general to the City of Dublesh gave me a computer chip with classified Arjmundite information. Premier Leet sent it. He used consular channels, because he was afraid ambassadorial channels were compromised. Anyway, on this chip was evidence of an incident on Fuzlek Prime. Someone attacked an Arjmundite courier. The Arjmundites drove the attacker off, but found his hideout. In the attacker’s hideout there were detailed plans for worlds outside the Fuzlek Confederation, worlds including Huzlor. Two days ago, ships were detected outside of Huzlorian space by an Arjmundite vessel. The ships then went into stealth mode and were lost on scanners. Stealth technology is not local, and Klent Leet suspects the attacker on Fuzlek Prime might have been a Joseftine.

Faukner breathed in deeply. You believe him?

Why shouldn’t I? Smith inquired.

Faukner was skeptical. All that stuff that went down with Huzlor before. I wouldn’t be too trusting. Did you bring this to your people?

What do you think? The high queen, the prime minister, and the president general all know, as do our generals. Our specialist reviewed the information, and deemed it credible and genuine, Smith stated.

Faukner mumbled. Interesting.

There was a few moments of silence, and then Smith said: Have you heard anything, Admiral?

Faukner spoke with a serious tone. You know very well, I can’t discuss sensitive intelligence with a foreign official, Zeta.

Of course, Smith replied.

Faukner had a thoughtful expression on his face. Having said that, and this is a secure channel, I have heard nothing. Everything is quiet. Only sense of a nuisance was some cadets who got into a firefight with some Heylarins. That’s it for the last two weeks. Nothing is going on.

Smith shook his head. I don’t know. Something is up.

Faukner sighed. "Zeta, that’s the old captain of the Monitor in you. Nothing is going on. Go drink some wine, have fun at an orgy, whatever you want, but let the professionals handle interstellar security."

Smith felt insulted by what Faukner had said, but he couldn’t blame him. He was seen by many as a playboy at Interstellar Command nowadays. No longer the hero of the War of Wazian Ascension, but a has-been that was too weak to stay in the service. Smith realized he had lost his influence.

Perhaps, you’re right, Admiral, Smith commented. Maybe, I should stick to what I know.

Exactly, you go and enjoy life, and we’ll keep the monsters from your door, Faukner remarked.

Thank you for your time, Admiral, Smith said respectfully.

Of course, if you’re ever on Earth, I know this nice steak restaurant in Seattle. I’ll take you there, Faukner stated.

That sounds great, Smith said.

Good, see you around, Faukner out, Faukner said, and then deactivated the computer terminal.

Faukner shook his head. Some people just need to get a life!

Faukner stood up and went to a wooden panel and opened it. It revealed a narrow refrigerator that was green in color. He opened the refrigerator door and took out a bottle of iced tea. He opened the bottle and began to drink from it. He went to the window and looked out. He then heard a knock at the door, and thought to himself: Duty calls!

Edira Sivert walked in nervously and strangely. The door remained opened and then closed, and then Edira fell on the floor. Faukner reacted, but then out of thin air a figure appeared wearing a black robe with a hood. The figure appeared to be female with slender legs and a voluptuous chest beneath the robe. But when Faukner looked at the face, he realized the figure was Trovian. The figure had fair white skin with yellow eyes that had eyelids that closed horizontally instead of vertically like Humans. The figure had black hair on its head that seemed feminine, but very alien. The Trovian female stood there silently.

Who the hell are you? Faukner demanded.

The Trovian female smiled. Ash.

Faukner remained silent, but thoughts went through his head.

Ash knew his thoughts, and answered his question aloud. Yes Admiral, we’re back. We were never gone. We’ve been waiting. The Joseftine Order is about to extend its hand on everything you and Count Smith hold dear. Like my name, many worlds will be ash.

Faukner went into his pocket and hit a panic button. This caused various alarms to go off throughout Interstellar Command.

Ash smiled. Personal panic button. That’s nice. It will do no good, but nice try.

Ash took out a highzer pistol and aimed it at Faukner. Any last words?

We will defeat you! Faukner yelled.

No, you won’t, Ash replied, and then fired the highzer pistol. The beam struck Faukner in the head and blew most of the top of his body to pieces. What was left of Admiral Samuel Faukner’s remains fell on the ground. Edira Sivert who had been quiet, groaned and rolled on the floor.

I’m going to let you live, Ensign, Ash declared. Tell everyone what you saw here. Tell Count Smith if you see him, that his sins will be paid for, and that revenge comes like a thief in the night.

Edira nodded on the floor paralyzed with fear.

Ash smiled. See you.

Immediately, Ash appeared to disappear in thin air, the door to the room opened and closed on its own. Ensign Edira Sivert lay there confused and fearful. She could hear the distant screams of people being attacked and harmed, but she remained on the ground, too fearful to move.

CHAPTER 4

Captain Dennis Masilleo’s log, Earthdate: July 3, 2450, 1100 hours. Interstellar Command just sent out an urgent Epsilon Disaster Alert. This can only mean an attack on Interstellar Command or Earth. Yet no enemy ships have been sighted or detected. I hate it when unexpected things happen.

Captain Dennis Masilleo entered the bridge. Status, Commander Majovic?

Majovic explained. All we know is what you know. An alert went out two minutes ago, Captain.

Mr. Bayzak, anything on your scanners? Masilleo inquired, as he sat in the command chair.

Nothing, Captain, Bayzak replied.

What’s our crew status, XO? Masilleo asked.

We have a crew compliment of two hundred and thirty, a skeleton crew at best, Majovic replied.

Shit, Masilleo replied. Ms. Majovic, take the helm, sever our connection to Bridgeport Space Station.

Majovic jumped to the unoccupied helm post. Aye Captain.

Masilleo turned to Bayzak. Are our weapons fully functional?

Yes Sir, we have a full stockpile of plasma torpedoes, and highzer batteries can be charged, Bayzak declared.

Masilleo nodded. Charge the batteries the moment we are clear of the space station. Upon clearing the space station raise the shields.

Majovic was manning the controls, and everyone could hear the echoes of docking locks opening, hoses releasing and gangways retracting as well as other attachments disengaging the Monitor from Bridgeport Space Station.

We are free from Bridgeport Space Station, Majovic announced.

Good, one tenth speed on ion fusion engines, Masilleo ordered.

Aye Sir, Majovic responded.

The IERS Monitor left the space station, but remained in orbit of Earth.

Highzer batteries are charged and the shields are up, Captain, Bayzak said.

Very good, Mr. Bayzak, Masilleo replied.

There was a few moments of silence and Masilleo looked around the bridge. He realized it was just him, Majovic and Bayzak and one crewman doing repairs. No one else on the bridge. Masilleo thought to himself: My God, we’re about to go into battle and this is all I have.

Bayzak then made an announcement. Interstellar Command has been evacuated. Admiral Faukner is dead, as is Admiral Sands, and Admiral Laine. An additional seventy-nine officers and enlisted personnel were killed at Interstellar Command. The remaining personnel have been airlifted to other installations on the planet.

Good, Masilleo replied. Give me a visual of Earth, specifically the North American continent.

Masilleo could vaguely make out various transport vessels moving about. He then saw highzer batteries on the ground firing highzer beams into space. About one thousand batteries opened up at once. The fire power shook the Monitor.

What are they firing at, Mr. Bayzak? Masilleo inquired.

A fleet of ships is approaching, using stealth technology. They are firing at them, Bayzak replied.

Can you get me a visual? Masilleo asked.

Negative, not in range and in stealth, Bayzak replied.

Dammit, Masilleo exclaimed.

Masilleo then noticed some explosions in space. Then there were more.

Earth batteries are taking out ships in the enemy fleet, Bayzak announced.

Some good news for a change, Masilleo commented.

Enemy ships are still advancing, Bayzak stated.

On the view screen the vague outline of the ships approaching Earth was seen. They then fired small metallic devices from the ships as they approached Earth. The highzer batteries fired on the devices, and destroyed some of them. But a few made it through. Then the unthinkable happened. The devices made it to the surface and started to explode.

Thermonuclear detonations, Captain, Bayzak announced.

Where? Masilleo inquired.

Bayzak checked the scanners. One nuke just destroyed Seattle. One hit Interstellar Command. Another one hit Idaho. And eight just exploded in Manitoba in Canada.

Masilleo realized his daughter was at a camp in Manitoba, and he ran to a scanner station and scanned specific coordinates in Manitoba. He realized the terrible truth. His daughter’s camp was at ground zero for one of the nukes.

Teresa, Masilleo mumbled, and then looked with rage-filled eyes at the screen.

Mr. Bayzak, can you get a lock on the enemy? Masilleo inquired, with a determined expression on his face.

Yes, Captain, Bayzak replied.

Then fire at will and don’t stop until the enemy is gone or we’re out of fire power, Masilleo ordered.

The IERS Monitor fired on the enemy ships. Immediately it took out four enemy vessels. The ships fired on the Monitor and the ship shook, but Bayzak manned the controls and continued firing. An additional seven enemy ships were lost and then the Earth batteries fired and twenty-nine more enemy ships were destroyed. The remainder of the alien fleet began to retreat.

Ms. Majovic, set a pursuit course, Masilleo roared.

Aye Captain, Majovic replied.

Bayzak then noticed something, and said: Captain, we have intruders aboard. Looks like a team of soldiers.

How’d they get aboard? Masilleo asked.

Must have breached our shields at a weak point. They docked on deck twenty-six, Bayzak explained.

Send the Marines and the SP’s to deal with them, Masilleo ordered.

We have no Marines or SP’s aboard, Sir. Just basic security personnel that are no match for hardened troops, Bayzak remarked.

Shit, Masilleo banged his chair. Seal off those sections.

Aye Captain, Bayzak replied.

Status of enemy fleet? Masilleo inquired.

They have jumped to interspace, Captain. Shall I pursue? Majovic inquired.

Negative, take us back to Bridgeport Space Station, Masilleo replied.

Aye Captain, Majovic responded.

"Mr. Bayzak, tell Bridgeport to send Marines and SP’s aboard the Monitor the moment we dock," Masilleo stated.

Yes Captain, Bayzak replied.

Masilleo sat in his command chair and just stared at the screen. Grieving from the apparent death of his daughter, but also filled with rage for these cowardly enemies who had attacked Earth.

CHAPTER 5

Count Zeta Smith’s log, Huzlorian Date: Istari 16, 1812 A.B.M. I am currently in the Pulesh Karda Palace in the City of Leesh. I have spoken with the high queen, the prime minister, the president general and the military council. All have agreed that the Arjmundite information is legitimate, and possibly an enemy fleet may have taken an interest in Huzlor. The Huzlorian military has gone on high alert and squadrons are in orbit of the planet. Highzer batteries are being manned by their crews on the ground, and interspace scanners are active. All we can do is hope and pray now. Some disturbing news has reached me as I record this log. It appears an unknown enemy fleet has attacked Earth, destroying Interstellar Command, the city of Seattle, Idaho and parts of Manitoba, Canada. Nothing like this has happened before to Earth from an extraterrestrial force, and this makes me fear for the safety of Huzlor.

Count Zeta Smith was in his personal quarters at his desk and looking over reports from his computer terminal. Suddenly there was a bright light in his room and a familiar figure was standing there. It was a voluptuous Human female with brown hair, brown eyes and fair olive skin. She was wearing an Interstellarfleet uniform, and when he looked at her face he recognized her instantly.

Sarah, Smith muttered.

It was Sarah Russinelli. Sarah Russinelli was the former ship’s psychologist and telepath aboard the IERS Monitor. She also used to be Smith’s love interest. Things didn’t work out and he loved the high queen more. When Russinelli was on Caltair Prime, which is really ancient Uberia, she was exposed to an Uberian device that made her evolve over time. Finally, on planet Christus Prime, Russinelli evolved even more and became a higher being, in essence a Goddess. She then took up residence on the Moon of Samhain, which orbits Christus Prime. No one had heard from her or seen her since then from the old crew of the Monitor, but apparently things had changed.

Smith approached her and gazed at her. He touched her on the shoulder and she was physically real. She looked at him with a slight smile and amusement.

You’re real? Smith declared.

Yes, Russinelli said, with a smile on her face. I am.

Smith sat down for a second, but stared at her. My God, I never thought I’d see you again.

Neither did I, Russinelli replied.

Why now? Smith inquired.

Because dark forces are on the move, Russinelli explained. The Joseftines have returned. In some ways they were never gone. They are behind what has happened on Earth, and they are also behind what is about to happen.

Smith was confused. What is about to happen?

Many worlds are about to be conquered, but many others are about to be destroyed, Russinelli announced.

Smith shook his head. Destroyed?

Russinelli nodded. Yes.

Huzlor? Smith inquired.

I’m afraid so, Russinelli replied.

Smith shook his head. No, no, no. We have a good defense system, we can push back anyone with our recent updates.

Russinelli shook her head. No you can’t. The enemy is almost at your doorstep. You must take your wife, children and any others you hold dear from here immediately, or they will be vaporized in the coming attack.

Smith looked at her curiously. The high queen will never agree, she will fight to the end.

She will die in the end if she remains, Russinelli shot back.

Smith had a desperate look on his face. You’re a goddess. All you have to do is smite them, and they’re history.

Russinelli rolled her eyes. I am not a goddess. I’m playing a goddess. I am a highly evolved being. I am immortal. I’m mostly energy, but can take physical form as you can see, but my power is only infinite in the vicinity of the Moon of Samhain and the planet Christus Prime. Beyond that area, my ability to smite is somewhat limited. I can’t save you here. I can’t even take you back to Samhain. You have to get a ship as soon as possible.

Just my luck, a goddess who isn’t a goddess, Smith commented.

Russinelli gazed at him. But I am all knowing, and I can tell you that what the Joseftines have planned for the civilized worlds of this galaxy will leave them in ashes. You must make it back to Earth. Only there can you and the high queen rally worlds to fight the good fight.

Jana, is not easily persuaded, Smith remarked.

Russinelli spoke thoughtfully. Then you must use all your powers and all your skills to convince her.

Can you at least be there as a witness? Smith inquired.

Of course, but I’m not sure if my presence will hurt or help your cause, Russinelli remarked.

I see your point, but I’ll take that chance. Come with me to the high queen, Smith remarked.

Russinelli nodded. Fine, but we must go now, because you and your family have precious little time.

Smith nodded and then gestured for her to follow. They then left his quarters and went down a few corridors on their way