CREATOR'S CHILDREN: BATTLE LINES DRAWN

By Valerie Welsh

The war is going badly. Earth is dying and the moon is gone. The Cynet abandon the fight and flee the galaxy. The Trichinas have lost sight of their purpose. They pull back and regroup, getting back on track before what remains of Humanity is gone forever. They gather the last of their ships together and

• Language: English
• Publisher: Valerie Welsh
• Release date: Dec 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781088017333

Book preview

CREATOR’S CHILDREN:

BATTLE LINES DRAWN

By: Valerie Welsh

CREATOR’S CHILDREN:

BATTLE LINES DRAWN

COVER by VALERIE WELSH

Copyright © 2018 by Valerie Welsh

Editor: Daniel Welsh

All rights reserved in all media. No part of this book may be used or reproduced without written permission. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, Locations and incidences are products of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual people, places or events is coincidental or fictionalized.

ISBN-13: 978-1-0880-1728-9

Dedication:

This book is dedicated to my youngest son, Daniel, for his unfailing support and love.

Contents

Acknowledgements

I’d like to thank Jesus, who sent me a scribe angel to help with the writing and who gave me the vision for the Trichinas Armor.

Chapter One

Toad screamed as he tallied the loss of twenty of his one hundred clone battleships and the three new Waring ships he’d just finished building. He paced frantically, muttering to himself "Just as I am about to annihilate the Waring scum, all my battleships… Battleships I worked so hard to build, are destroyed." He stopped suddenly, barely noticing the nearest clone duck in fear.

"Those pathetic creatures that attacked my brother must have found a way to infiltrate my fleet and try and stop me on the eve of my victory?"

I need more ships to replace the ones I have lost. Brother can afford to spare me a paltry few of his plentiful supply of ships. Toad whirled around and clones fled for their lives as he slammed his fist on the communications unit. Astwihad, brother, are you there?

Astwihad’s voice crackled over the frequency Why are you contacting me? There is no way you are finished with your mission. Violent anger flashed in his voice Don’t tell me you have failed?

Toad puffed up his chest, a useless endeavor without a view screen. Brother, an unseen force destroyed half my fleet! The briefest of smiles crossed his face. No doubt a pathetic trick by the enemy as they know this is the end of their useless existence. I need more Battleships and clones. I figured since you have so many you can afford to be generous and send me a hundred more.

After the briefest of pauses the sound of a crash came over the com. Toad winced as Astwihad screamed, "You need what?"

Toads voice took on a whining tone. Okay, twenty battleships with clones, brother. I am on the verge of vic-

A scream of rage cut him off You will get no such battleships or clones! If you cannot do this with what you have you are a failure and I will be forced to do it myself. Maybe it is what I should have done from the beginning! The communication cut out abruptly.

Toad jumped up, screaming. He plunged his clawed hands into the computer console. Sparks flew everywhere and smoke began pouring out. That arrogant fool! he slammed his fist into the console again and again, until flames dampened his reckless anger. "Brother sits in his lab, untouchable, while I am out here fighting these pathetic creatures for him."

Toad grabbed the nearest clone, which let out the smallest gargled gasp before he threw it twenty feet. The broken creature collapsed dead on the floor. I’ll show him what it truly means to be a leader and bring victory.

Toad whirled on the nearest clone, which cowered in terror. "I want every available one of you," he spit the words out, to begin construction of new battleships and fighters. You will have two battleships completed by the end of today, or I will kill fifty of you for each ship not completed!

Toad walked away repeatedly muttering to himself I’ll show him.

Oh. He telepathed to the clones. There’s a fire in the communications room. Put it out and repair the panel.

Aidan stood in the entryway of Solana’s mess hall staring into the massive cafeteria that the living ship had changed their once small kitchen into. Galaxie came up beside him and put her hand in his. Looking down at her smiling face he couldn’t help but smile back. Commander! Tyler’s voice sounded in Aidan’s head. The Cynet ships the Human’s purchased are ready for pickup.

Thank you, Tyler, we’re on our way. Aidan released Galaxies hand and moved into the mess hall. Food will have to wait, he thought.

General Talitha called to Aidan, Commander! She strode up to him, Commander, the Trident scientists have finished re-engineering those molecularly bonded bands that Galaxie retrieved from Astwihad’s Space Station. They have a hundred and fifty completed thus far. We’ve also re-built our space suits to block radiation more effectively and have some Human sized suits made as well.

Excellent, General Talitha. Thank you. That will definitely come in handy. Let General Eon know that I just heard from Tyler. The Cynet have finished our ships and they are ready for pickup. We will be leaving for Cynet space in one hour. When we get back, we’ll sit down and go over what we’re going to do with the bands and upgraded suits.

Talitha gave Aidan, then Galaxie, a slight bow and wheeled around, striding back the way she had come. Aidan watched her briefly before turning to the crowded cafeteria. Listen up everyone! His voice boomed throughout the large room. We’ve got one hundred battleships to pick up! Aidan grinned as a cheer rose from the Humans. "We will be leaving in an hour. Anyone who is not slotted for a position on a Cynet battleship, you need to transfer to the USS Justice or whichever ship you are assigned to. Whoever still needs a download please remain seated and we will get to you shortly." 

A young Native American man raised his hand and Aidan pointed at him. Yes.

I just arrived this morning and I don’t have a ship assignment.

Aidan’s eyes widened in shock and everyone around the young man stared at him. How did you wind up on board Solana instead of on the Thunderclap, where all new recruits start?

The young woman next to the newcomer stood. Sorry Commander, I brought him on board. This is my friend, Isaac Benally, he’s here to join up. I just wanted to show him Solana before taking him to the Thunderclap.

Aidan smiled. Okay. Since you’re not assigned anywhere Isaac, you can have a seat and we’ll get to you in a moment. We still have plenty of openings for the Cynet battleships, especially their fighters. How about becoming a pilot?

Isaac grinned at Aidan. The name is Doctor Isaac, I’m a surgeon and I specialized in emergency medicine.

Even better, we are in desperate need of doctors and nurses on every single battleship we have purchased from the Cynet. You can have your pick. Aidan smiled at Isaac who smiled back and took Abby’s hand.

Has Abby made you aware of how Humans are learning new technology? Aidan indicated that Isaac should sit.

Yes sir. Isaac sat down next to Abby and she patted his knee, giving him a big smile.

Excellent. You are going to need to learn new surgical procedures first. The Waring have provided us with many advanced methods of treating patients, so we will take you last for your download.

A Human girl with flaming red hair and freckles all over her face and arms raised her hand. Excuse me. She spoke so soft Aidan could barely hear her above the noise of people exiting the mess hall.

Yes Sarah, Aidan nodded toward the girl, who had just turned seventeen.

Sarah’s face flamed red and she took a deep breath. I haven’t had an upgrade yet and my things are on the Thunderclap, can I get them?

No Sarah. He addressed the room. Everyone who has belongings on the Thunderclap will not need to move them. Once you receive your upgrade you will return to the Thunderclap, which will be going with us to the Vega system. You will remain on the Thunderclap until you receive your new ship assignment. Now everyone please relax and we will get to your upgrades shortly.

Aidan put his arm around Galaxies’ shoulders and squeezed. How many people do we have in total?

One million, seven-hundred sixty-nine thousand, three hundred have completed their upgrade or are awaiting an upgrade. We are still having trouble motivating people. Too many of them are not taking this seriously or believe we should talk instead of fight.

We didn’t upgrade all one million, seven-hundred some odd…did we?

No. Some of those numbers represent soldiers, who didn’t need any special training. They will be a part of boarding parties and ground troops.

He closed his eyes and shook his head. Over six billion people on the planet and less than point one percent are trying to save the rest. The Humans are going to be short nine thousand, five hundred people. Well, I hope we won’t need any fighter pilots for this expedition, because we won’t have any.

Aidan watched as the bulk of the crowd noisily exited the room. He sighed and turned to the too few Humans waiting on him and his team. Everyone! I want you to remain seated and we will come to you. When you have your download, I want you to rest for two minutes then return to your quarters. You are going to need a couple hours of sleep to allow the download to embed in your long-term memory. Ayisha and Quin took one table while Aidan and Galaxie strode over to another, followed by the rest of the Trichinas.

After all the Trichinas had found a seat with the Humans, they spoke to each person individually about what they wanted. Then they downloaded the information they would need and moved on to the next person, while the first closed their eyes. Slowly, people rose from their seats and left the room when they felt ready.

As Aidan completed the last of the upgrades on the Human sitting in front of him, Solana contacted him. Commander Aidan, General Eon and the Thunderclap are ready for departure. He gave a tired smile. It’s not all bad. Things are going slower than I’d like, but they’re going. I have to believe we’ll get there in the end. Thank you, Solana. Patch me through to the Thunderclap.

General, maneuver your ship behind Solana and follow us out. Aidan left the mess hall and headed to the conference room with the rest of the Trichinas. Everyone found a seat, joining the captains who would command a Cynet battleship.

As Aidan sat down he said. Captains, this would be a good time to introduce yourselves. First I want to introduce Captain Tammy Turner who the President has appointed Commander of the Cynet ships fleet.

Tammy stood up and nodded to everyone before resuming her seat. She turned to the person on her right. You’re next. He stood, introduced himself and sat down. By the time all one hundred captains had introduced themselves, they had arrived in the Vega star system.

Solana’s voice sounded throughout the conference room. We have arrived at the Cynet Space Station. I am engaging the view now.

The outer wall of the conference room turned translucent and the Trichinas leaders and the Human captains all sucked in a breath at the site of a hundred Cynet battleships surrounding the golden cube space station.

Wow! Shakina shook her head slowly, her eyes wide. That’s a lot of ships.

Ramses wrapped his arm around his wife’s shoulders and squeezed her tight. I gotta say, that is quite the sight.

They did it. They finished a hundred ships in the time they said they would, Quin whispered in awe.

They look so big. Whispered Ayisha.

Solana, the ships construct, pulled from the wall and addressed Aidan and Galaxie. The Thunderclap has arrived with us and Captain Heusen is hailing us from the space station. She opened a view screen in the wall and stood behind Quin.

Aidan stood and motioned for Captain Turner to stand as Captain Heusen appeared on the view screen.

Ayisha leaned toward Quin. He looks awful, she whispered.

Captain Gresham stepped up beside Heusen and Ayisha stifled a gasp. He looks like he’s lost 20 pounds! She clapped her hand over her mouth and whispered, Sorry.

I appreciate how fast you have gotten here, Commander. Heusen nodded to Aidan before turning to Captain Turner. Good to see you again Tam. I want to thank you for keeping in touch.

Captain Turner gave just a hint of a smile. "Not a problem Tom, nice to see you too; and you Greg. Is everything alright? You two look pretty ragged."

Aidan cut in, Where is Tyler?

He’ll be here, Commander. He is dealing with some last-minute questions Eight has. He hasn’t had the problems with the mold that we have.

Captain Turner raised an eyebrow. Will the ships we bought have a problem with mold, Captain Heusen?

Most definitely! Gresham exclaimed, before breaking into a bout of severe coughing.

Galaxie telepathed to Aidan, ask them why they didn’t contact you.

Captains, why didn’t you contact us and let us know about this problem? Aidan stared at both men, shaking his head.

We informed our government and they told us they would deal with the mold once the ships reached earth. Captain Heusen shrugged.

Galaxies’ temper rose and immediately the mood in the room became charged. Noticing the agitation of those around him, Aidan placed his hand on her arm, his own temper rising. Easy my love, take a deep breath.

Ramses imposing figure stood, his anger radiated off him, causing everyone around him to lean back. "We brought you here! We contacted the Cynet with you! We gave you the opportunity to buy ships for Earth! We told you before we left that if you had a problem to contact us! You didn’t need to become sick and we could have dealt with the mold during the building of each ship!" He roared, slamming his hands on the table top.

Heusen and Gresham backed away from the view screen, their eyes wide. Tyler walked into view behind the two captains and looked in puzzlement between them and the view screen where Ramses predominated. What’s up? he asked innocently.

What’s UP?! Ramses roared, causing everyone in the room and on the Cynet space station to jump. Shakina stroked Ramses lower back and whispered. Please sit down my love and let Aidan deal with this. Ramses sat back down, his eyes never leaving the view screen. Shakina's hand on his back helped him get control.

Aidan stood in front of the view screen and with jaw clenched addressed Tyler. What did we leave you to do Tyler?

You told me to monitor the radio and watch these guys’ backs. Tyler looked confused.

Galaxie came to stand beside Aidan and sent a telepathic message to Tyler. If you were watching out for them, why are they dying?

Tyler looked between Heusen, Gresham and Galaxie. What?

Galaxie clenched her fists, trying to bring her anger under control. Their lungs are filled with mold and mere days away from collapse! Their oxygen levels are down to 40%! Why didn’t you contact us and let us know about the mold and these men’s health problems?

Aidan asked aloud, Why didn’t you contact us when these men became ill?

Tyler stood up straight and stepped in front of Heusen and Gresham. I’m a security specialist. I look for threats from the outside, not medical problems. I asked if they were alright and they told me they were fine and not to worry. I asked if they wanted me to contact you and they told me no.

Galaxie closed her eyes and took a deep breath, her change from anger to sorrow immediately alleviating the rest of the Trichinas anger.

Aidan nodded. Sorry for accusing you, Tyler. Thank you for explaining things and for your work. The Humans and their government’s behavior are guaranteeing their deaths. Is it right of us to continue to help someone who doesn’t want help?

Galaxie touched Aidan’s hand. We are not just helping them; we’re trying to save the entire galaxy.

Gresham slumped, I need to sit down. He turned from the viewer and sat in one of the seats the shuttle provided. As the viewer followed his movements everyone in the room gasped at the condition of the shuttle.

Quin stared in awe. It’s covered in mold. He turned to Ayisha, Ramses and Shakina. The shuttle we left for them to live in is covered in mold. How did all that mold get inside the shuttle?

Captain Heusen dropped beside Gresham sweeping his arm around the space. We don’t know how this happened. It was so gradual we weren’t even aware until the entire ship became compromised.

Aidan addressed the construct. Solana translate Tyler to me and Captains Heusen and Gresham to the medical bay immediately. Is our base on Triton finished yet?

Yes Commander, close enough to begin receiving candidates. Solana responded.

Do we have anyone manning the base?

No. We’ve needed everyone for the Human downloads.

Hold Tom and Greg in the medical bay under sedation and I will get back to you.

As you wish, Commander.

OH! And please send Doctor Isaac to the medical bay as well and have him wait for me.

Solana’s construct, who stood behind Quin, nodded and melted into the floor.

Tyler appeared beside Aidan. Just wait a moment, Tyler. We’re going to be talking to Eight and I want a familiar face present. Is there anything I need to know? Aidan raised an eyebrow at Tyler.

No sir! Everything went well. Eight and I got along great; I liked them.

Captain Turner stood up and flung her arm out at the view screen. What about our battleships? Can we do anything to get rid of the mold? Can your people get rid of the mold, Commander, and make the ships safe to enter?

Solana spoke over the ships intercom, Eight is hailing us, Commander.

Aidan held up a finger to Captain Turner and turned back to the view screen as Eight appeared. Greetings, Eight.

Eight jiggled and spoke in a rich, deep baritone. Greetings, Commander Aidan, and greetings dear, Galaxie; we are pleased to see you both. Have you brought me thistles?

Yes, Eight, we have… Before he could say any more Turner cut him off. Wait just a minute! We need to deal with this mold problem before we turn over our cargo.

Aidan telepathed, Solana mute the connection and let Eight know we’ll be with him shortly. He turned menacingly to Captain Turner, who took a step back. Captain’s Heusen and Gresham negotiated with Eight for one hundred battleships configured for Humans, in exchange for thistles. Eight has held up his end of the bargain and you will hold up yours. There are your battleships Captain, he flung his arm toward the view screen, now show some honor.

I’m growing tired of these Humans and their entitlement attitude. Aidan rubbed his hands over his face and through the feathers crowning his head.

Quin responded with a gruff, join the club boss.

Captain Turner hesitated before joining Aidan, Galaxie and Tyler in front of the view screen. Solana resume our connection with Eight. Greetings Eight; I want you to meet Captain Turner. She’ll be taking command of one of the battleships you have so graciously provided for Earth.

Turner nodded. Greetings. Thank you on behalf of Earth for providing ships for us and for joining us in destroying Astwihad. Solana’s hold is filled with thistles and she can translate them wherever you want.

Eight rippled all over with excitement and Turner gritted her teeth to stop from showing revulsion. Aidan turned and appraised her. There’s hope for you yet, Captain, his voice pitched so that only she could hear.

Eight rippled again. Dear Galaxie, would you please see that the thistles are sent to One on home world?

Galaxie nodded. Contact One now and you will find he has them.

Eight’s color pulsed with vibrancy. Thank you dear, Galaxie. We are well pleased with our deal with the Humans thanks to you and Commander Aidan. One asked me to pass on to you both… ‘You will always be welcome on home world.’

Galaxie and Aidan both nodded. Thank you, Eight, and please thank One for us.

Captain Turner cleared her throat. Excuse me, Eight? How do you want the transfer of ownership to work?

No transfer. They are yours, take them. Goodbye Tyler, we are going to miss you. Eight signed off.

Aidan turned to Tyler. Did you have any problems with the mold or atmosphere of the space station?

No sir. Eight encouraged me to lower my helmet when I first met him. I checked with Galaxie and she said I would be fine without it. I seemed to have some cold symptoms for two days, but they passed and I could operate on the space station without a suit.

Did you ever board one of the new battleships to have a look around?

No sir! Eight, kept me pretty busy and I had the radio to monitor. Besides, the Captains were on them all the time. I thought if they had a problem they would tell me.

Aidan nodded, his brow furrowed. How are you doing now?

A little light headed, like too much oxygen, but okay.

Aidan patted the young Trichinas on the back. Get to the medical bay and wait for me. Thank you, Tyler, for all you’ve done, we appreciate your hard work.

Tyler grinned and left the room.

Now what? Captain Turner asked.

Aidan turned to face the Captain. Your people will eradicate the mold, using UV light, one ship at a time. As each ship is deemed free of all mold, your people will begin boarding and head for Earth. Any questions?

About how long will this take? She asked.

Aidan raised an eyebrow. Per ship or for the whole fleet?

Per ship, Commander.

We won’t know till you get started Captain. I suggest you get something to eat or take a nap and we’ll call you when things are ready.

Moments later, when all the Humans had left the room, Aidan sat back down and turned to his friends and fellow leaders. I figured we needed to drag this out just a little bit. Solana could clean every ship in a matter of hours, but the Humans wouldn’t learn a thing, except they can count on us to bail them out.

Galaxie laid her hand on Aidan’s arm. I like your idea. We can provide the Humans with suits and UV equipment. Assign four to a battleship and their first task will be to eradicate all mold on their ships before the rest board and they launch.

Quin grinned from ear to ear. Great idea, Boss! Let them get their hands dirty for a change.

Hold on. Ayisha leaned around Quin to address Aidan. These people didn’t make the decision to leave us out of the loop. They didn't make the decision to ‘wait till the ships reached earth’. They’re just here to man these battleships and hopefully not die when Astwihad arrives.

Shakina leaned toward Ayisha. That may be true little one, but they will be reporting back to Earth’s leaders. We want them to make a thorough and detailed report of the risks their leaders took with their lives and with these ships. If we weren’t here, they would be returning home either empty handed or so ill none of them would be able to fight.

Boaz set his glass of Whiskey down. Shakina’s right. I want to point out the mold infecting those battleships would have compromised the health of every single Human who rode them back to Earth. This is serious shatterglass and I for one am sick of Earth Gov and their behavior.

Aidan tapped his glass as everyone began talking at once. We don’t have the time or energy to confront and change the minds of politicians. My plan is to ignore them and soldier on. We’re trying to save an entire galaxy, not just the Humans. I need to get to the medical bay and see to Captain Heusen and Gresham, but first I want a show of hands. Who is for changing them to Trichinas and who is against?

Valena frowned, tilting her head to the side. What do you mean, Commander?

Galaxie laid her hand on Aidan’s and spoke up. The Captains lungs are beyond help. They will not survive without lung transplants. If we here agree to change them into Trichinas, we will move them to the new base on Triton.

Aidan stood up and stretched. Solana informed me Awakening is ready for occupancy. I had her sedate the captains and wait for me.

Who’s going to run the new base and see to the transformation of the Humans? Rivka asked.

None of us here can take that on. We need to find someone who is not already in a critical position. Ramses ran his hand over his bald head.

How about Tyler? Shakina looked around the table. He knows Heusen and Gresham and they know him.

We need to take a vote first. Who agrees to change Heusen and Gresham, raise your hands? Aidan grinned. Okay, a unanimous yes. I’ll talk to Tyler now. Oh, Ramses, would you see to the dispersal of suits and UV equipment for the Humans. Get them started with assigning ships and cleaning them up.

Sure Boss. Ramses looked to Quin. How about some help, little bro.

Quin jumped to his feet and saluted Ramses. At your command, Boss man!

The room exploded with laughter as Aidan and Galaxie headed for the door. Meeting dismissed. Aidan called over his shoulder with a grin. Grabbing Galaxie’s hand he wrapped her arm in his. Do you know how things are going with General Eon and Eight, love?

Smiling up at Aidan, Galaxie answered. The Thunderclap is transferring the cargo of Celli Inn Pi they promised Eight. They should be ready for departure around the time the Humans finish cleaning up their ships.

Aidan stopped walking and turned to Galaxie. Would you have Solana make sure the ships are completely free of mold? I don’t believe the Humans will get every bit.

Galaxie reached up and laid her hand gently on his cheek. Yes.

Aidan grabbed her hand and kissed her palm.

A noisy group of Humans came toward them, so they broke apart and continued to the medical bay.

Chapter Two

Galaxie and Aidan found Tyler and Doctor Isaac sitting next to Solana in the medical bay. They both stared at the sleeping captains. How are they? Aidan asked resting his hand on Tyler’s shoulder.

Tyler stood up abruptly. Commander…Galaxie…They’re not good at all. They are struggling to breathe and seem in pain despite the sedation. I don’t understand how I could have missed this. With our hearing, I should have noticed their suffering long before now.

Galaxie laid her hand on Tyler’s arm, drawing his eyes to hers. Do not blame yourself. The mold is insidious. The buildup would be slow and the end fast. They have gotten this bad in just the past couple of days.

Tyler, since you have been busy in the Vega system you’ve been out of the loop on what we are doing and planning, so we need to get you up to speed. But first I need to talk to Doctor Isaac. Aidan indicated Tyler’s chair. Please sit.

The construct rose and left the room melting into the wall as Galaxie took her vacated seat.

Aidan put his hand on Isaac’s shoulder. Come with me.

Isaac looked as his patients and followed Aidan out to the hallway.

I know I told you that you could take your pick of any Cynet ship. However, we need a Doctor to run our hospital base on Neptune’s moon Triton.

Doctor Isaac frowned. You want me to take care of two people? I’m sure my skills can be put to better use.

I’m not sending you to Triton for Tom and Greg. We are going to have over 2,030,000 Humans living at the base. All the families of the people who are fighting for Earth. We will transfer them right before Astwihad reaches Pluto.

Isaac’s eyes opened wide and his eyebrows reached for the sky. Wow! Does that include my mother and sister?

"Yes. And they won’t be given a choice. No one will. This is about those who chose to fight for Earth and the galaxy and what they want. If they want a family member or friend saved, we’ll take care of it for them.

Isaac grinned, fondly thinking of his sister and mother. "My mother would prefer to remain on her land, so could you