A Force Far Beyond: A Science Fiction Thriller

By Jack Kassinger

Earth, and it’s species of beings, had advanced to become a developed society with many scientific and technological achievements to include advanced military technology—but, as advanced and powerful as humans were with their perceived achievements—the planet was ill-prepared for an invasion by an alien species hell bent on conquering Earth for their own selfish reasons.
They were a military juggernaut and society of beings with innate animalistic instincts; they had conquered many, it was their way of life. Commanders in their ranks believed them to be unbeatable.
They had never met another species capable of stopping them militarily. The conquest to take Earth, to bring humans into the fold, to enslave them as conscripts of the Mookian Empire, was the beginning of a campaign that would have devastating consequences for humans—unless the benevolent ones, another alien species, decided to intervene, to warn Earth of the impending attack and prevent the Mookians from achieving a successful invasion.
The decision to intervene was approved by the Quora, the Supreme Council of Naar, but was the decision made in time? Could the planned onslaught of attacks by the Mookian military have been prevented? Was Earth’s leadership too complacent and distrustful of the advanced warning of the impending attack to do anything about it? If humans were to survive, to achieve self-preservation, would it be the result of assistance from a force far beyond?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brighton Publishing LLC
• Release date: Feb 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9781621836032

Jack Kassinger

In terms of spy genre, Jack Kassinger, as an author, is one of the best there is. His novels include: Noble Cause: A CIA Spy Thriller, Storms Over Zimbabwe, and The Hunt for Njonjo and each provides the reader suspense and drama based on real life experiences. PURSUED is his fourth novel to be published, and is a continuation of his masterful writing.As a former United States Marine and CIA veteran, Jack Kassinger spent his formative years growing up in the small rural town of Livermore, Kentucky. After high school, he joined the Marine Corps and served in Viet Nam. He was wounded in action on Memorial Day 1969. Following his tour with the Marines he joined the Central Intelligence Agency and served overseas in various locations. He retired from the CIA in 1995 as a Senior Intelligence Officer.During his service with the CIA, he received numerous awards for valor and heroism. His awards include the Intelligence Medal of Merit, twice awarded, the Intelligence Star for Valor, and certificates of appreciation from the Joint Special Operations Command.He currently resides in Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas with his wife Cherie. They have two married children.

Book preview

A Force Far Beyond

A Science Fiction Thriller

Jack Kassinger

Brighton Publishing LLC

435 N. Harris Drive

Mesa, AZ 85203

www.BrightonPublishing.com

ISBN13: 978-1-62183-603-2

Copyright © 2022

eBook

Smashwords Edition

Cover Design: Tom Rodriguez

All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. The characters in this book are fictitious and the creation of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to characters or persons living or dead is purely coincidental. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher or copyright owner.

CIA Disclaimer

The Central Intelligence Agency requires all former employees to submit their work for review, before publication, in order to prevent the disclosure of classified information.

All statements of fact, opinion, or analysis expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official positions or views of the CIA or any other U.S. Government agency. Nothing in the contents should be construed as asserting or implying U.S. Government authentication of information or Agency endorsement of the author’s views. This material has been reviewed by the CIA to prevent the disclosure of classified information.

Prologue

The Mookian ambassador stood in the forefront of the council chamber speaking directly to the emperor in his native tongue. The Council of Elders, behind a see-through wall high up with a clear view of the chamber floor, heard the ambassador providing details on his attempt to formalize diplomatic relations with the Naarians, another alien race. Ranking generals and council members were in attendance.

They sent a female representative to meet with me. She spoke our second language. I initially thought it was wise of them to send a female, but she refused to mate then brushed me off. I don’t believe she ever intended to service my needs. Later, as I conferred with Captain Molaki, we concluded the meeting was a ploy by them to simply gain more information about us. It is my assessment that they are weak; we should go after them once we have completed our next conquest. Captain Molaki did an excellent job of getting me to the rendezvous planet and back here safely and….

Of course, he’s one of our best Gorkian commanders and battle-hardened, interrupted one of the generals—a senior Gorkian soldier sporting upper body armor that wrapped around his chest and fastened across a protruding spinal ridge that curved slightly outward from nape to tail.

I strongly recommend that he be allowed to lead the invasion, continued Ambassador Quay.

There was silence as the emperor rose from the throne to look out over the chamber, eyeing each of his generals and council members. The Mookian empire had everything it needed, but there was always a desire to have more, to take everything from those unable to protect themselves and make it their own. They had conquered many; they would continue to do so until a force stronger or mightier could stop them. It was their way of life; humans were no longer going to be spared for a more desperate time when no other planet could be found to attack.

The emperor was tall for a Mook. He had green skin, pointed ears, a wide flat nasal bridge protruding down from his forehead, an arching spine, and eye sockets set deeper back in the forehead. He was a typical Mook just like the others under his rule. Mookian physical characteristics suggest they may have morphed over time from two-footed reptilian-like creatures to their current humanoid form.

Then let the invasion begin, shouted the emperor.

The stomping of feet and chanting of aye, aye, aye, was loud and could be heard outside the chamber.

As customary before an invasion, the emperor hosted a lavish gala for his general staff officers and council members at his palace residence. Captives from a prior military conquest were working as servants, waiters, and culinary specialists. They were humanoids with veins that one could see beneath colorfully reticulated skin. A small loincloth protected the sensitive areas of females. They had large heads, short blond hair, and bulging eyes. It was their big breasts and buttocks that usually turned the gala into an orgy.

***

Mook was located in a galaxy known to them as ECO-616. Captain Molaki and his armada of vessels, rising from numerous military locations around the planet, soared upward from the planet’s surface heading into deep space. They traveled a well-known route flown many times before, passing through the Andromeda Galaxy then the Kuiper Belt before reaching the Milky Way. Recon ships had used the route on numerous occasions in the past to reach Earth and obtain intelligence on the planet’s infrastructure and military capabilities. Often described by earthlings as unidentified flying objects, over the years the scouts had gained enough information for Molaki to plan his attack strategy. He sat in the captain’s chair of his command ship looking out at a vast space of emptiness. He reflected on the mission ahead.

Molaki considered himself a mighty warrior, as was his father. He thought about his ascendency into the military. A Mook started training at a very young age, in an arena challenging to the death of a weaker captive. This took place in several wards around the planet. As a youthful Mookian grew older, arena challenges became more difficult. It was the way they honed their fighting skills in preparation for military service. A captive would never, even if capable, win out over a Mookian trainee. A blast from a Taser, a weapon fired by a nearby guard, would ensure the trainee’s survival.

Not all trainees became Gorkians. Those of lessor ability became aviators, pilots and navigators of Cursors or Tankers, but it was the stronger males, like himself, who became field combatants. They were Gorkians and aptly named because they were muscular beings who never lost an arena fight. They became military officers or soldiers with specialized skills. Only Gorkian officers ever became armada commanders of invading forces and, to become an armada commander, one had to have served in a military campaign to conquer the inhabitants of another planet.

It was the largest assembly of attack and support vessels ever put together by the Mookian military. Twenty troop-carrying tankers loaded with an assortment of weapons and five thousand or more soldiers; fifteen super tankers that carried Cursors, small aerial attack vessels and pilots. Orbs, remote controlled drones with laser firing capability; and a communications and support tanker flew in the middle of the armada. Its personnel were responsible for repairing damaged craft, tending to the wounded and controlling drones for close-quarter aerial missions to take out residual fighting forces. Over 100 Super Cursors with a crew of five led the formation as they advanced toward planet Earth.

Another space vessel, a massive Galaxy Starship, lagged far behind the Mookian armada unable to keep up given its size and maneuvering speed. It was never to land but would remain in orbit over the planet as a permanent space station to manage earthlings after a successful conquest. A select number of council members and the invasion commanding general, General Ojai, were on the starship. The invasion was the biggest and most costly attempt by the emperor to conquer another planet and he wanted his most trusted general in charge to approve any negotiations with earthlings. Ojai was to become the leader of a Mookian-controlled Earth with the selected council members to serve as his governing body. But, that would only happen when the conquest was over and Earth defeated. General Ojai ordered Captain Molaki to give him a rear guard to protect the slower moving Galaxy Starship. Molaki objected on the grounds that it would reduce his ability to effectively implement his attack strategy, but Ojai insisted and Molaki complied.

Chapter One

Present Day.

In the background of a fenced perimeter laid the remnants of a smoldering house once the home of the world’s most powerful leader; it had been severely damaged by the invaders. The attack was over, but the Mookian military had rained hell down on Earth leaving its disparate countries in shambles.

Many world leaders have been killed, Mr. President, stated General Winston. Asia was the first to fall, followed by Europe and then the onslaught of endless attacks on the Americas. Flying across the country today I saw many large cities decimated; small ones, too. All nuclear power plants you ordered temporarily shut down were destroyed, but I saw some small coal-fired plants that were not hit. They can be put back into operation—as well as some small petroleum refineries. The nation’s electrical grid is in bad shape, not totally destroyed, although lines are down across the country. People need to be back at work, to put these plants back into operation. Otherwise the country will be without electricity for months to come. Thanks to the Naarians, who suffered significant losses, we have survived, but there awaits for us an unknown future.

That was the devastating news the president received from Winston, the U.S. Air Force officer in charge of Earth Defense Operations Command, the EDOC, created to unify Earth’s defense forces. How will we survive under such dire circumstances? thought President Baxter. He was in a depressed state hearing very little more of what Winston told him. They were awaiting the arrival of the general in command of Naarian forces, General Hanna, who had warned them of the planned Mookian attack. The president reflected on the day he made his national broadcast warning the nation of the impending attack.

My fellow Americans, several weeks ago we obtained uncorroborated intelligence of an alien force, a species of beings, planning a military attack on Earth. We have collaborated with other world leaders and established the Earth Defense Operations Command. This action was taken in the event the intelligence proved to be true. Today, I have the unfortunate task of telling you that the impending attack is real, that the invasion is eminent, and could start any day now. Our military is on full alert and ready to engage this enemy. Take shelter and, if you still have weapons, be prepared to help defend the country as best you can. I have ordered all nuclear power facilities to be shut down, effective midnight today, as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of radiation should those plants be attacked.

Frank Fraiser, the president’s chief of staff, stepped up as Winston walked over to talk with an aide. He spoke in a hushed voice, but loud enough to bring the president back to the present moment.

I heard what Winston told you, Mr. President. I wouldn’t commit to anything, not just yet. Remember others were concerned that the Naarians might have had an alternative motive for offering to intercede. Be cautious about what you agree to.

A swooshing noise caused them to turn and look, a spaceship descended, gently settling on the White House lawn. The door opened as stairs began extending to the ground. Minutes later a party of three could be seen walking toward the president. Leading the way was Bradford Lloyd, a National Space Agency (NSA) linguistics expert and former Princeton University professor in charge of liaising with the Naarians. General Hanna, a humanoid in every respect with blue skin, was accompanied by another military officer—his son, Yanni. After introductions by Professor Lloyd, President Baxter and General Hanna stepped aside for a private conversation. Winston and the others were within range. They could hear their conversation. Baxter was the first to speak.

You have lost many forces I’m told, General Hanna; I wish to express my sincere condolences for that loss and to give thanks to the Naarian people for coming to our aid.

Thank you, Mr. President. Yes, we have incurred losses, but had the Mookians been successful they would have conquered Earth and enslaved you humans. But for you here on Earth not all is lost, even though that may seem to be the case; there is still a means for Earth to recover from this devastating attack. Think about what I just said, Mr. President. Rebuilding and restoration can be achieved by mustering one’s resources. I must leave now but will soon return to address with you and other leaders on the situation you now face. I bid you good day, Mr. President.

I look forward to your return, General Hanna.

The general turned away, walking back to his spaceship, leaving the president to think about what he had just said. Hanna’s choice of words caused Baxter to reflect on Fraiser’s warning. What did Hanna mean when he said to address the situation? Might not it have been better for him to say that he was coming back to discuss the situation? Winston walked up.

He’s been called back home, Mr. President. I think to confer with his leaders about the Mookians and what their next move might be. Anyway, as I said before, the Naarians may be willing to help us rebuild. He’ll be coming back soon.

Yes, that’s what he told me, why? mumbled Baxter silently while watching the spaceship lift off, flying out over the skyline.

I’m heading back to the EDOC headquarters, Mr. President. I’ll be in touch when I hear from them. He left for Andrews where an earlier arriving EDOC jet waited to take him back to Gjader Air Base in Albania.

***

General Hanna was obviously concerned about the future. It was the reason he had invited Professor Lloyd and his family to return with him to Naar. He wanted the Lloyds to see that life on Earth could be the same as it is on Naar—at least as it is there for the time being. Was there to be military occupation of Earth? That decision would be made later. There existed a Naarian doctrine of non-interference in the lives of other species, established by recently elected senators of the Quora, but self-preservation had become more important than living with a doctrine that could result in their demise. The general knew the answer. Naarians would not perish as the result of their planet being engulfed by a threatening black hole. There would be military occupation of Earth unless a cohabitation agreement could be made with Earth’s leadership. The ship lifted off and headed out into space.

***

Angela Lloyd seemed mesmerized by what she saw sitting on the observation deck of the Naarian spaceship as it passed one bright star cluster after another. The Chandra Deep Field-South (CDF-S) was part of the universe beyond the Milky Way. To this Princeton-educated astronomer what she saw was absolutely astonishing. She knew all along, a strong personal conviction, that extraterrestrial life existed somewhere out there beyond the stars. She had often fantasized about space travel and now, thanks to General Hanna, she was actually experiencing it. She was so thankful for the invitation. The kids were excited as well, especially Nicole. As they soared through the heavens, Angela saw bright objects in the far distance keeping pace with the spaceship. Could they be escort ships? The general’s space fleet had remained in Earth’s orbit, she thought, as a protective force against any further attacks by the Mookians. It caused her to wonder about the future of Earth and what Planet Naar would be like when they got there.

Yanni, SAF611, his military designator, Squadron Aerial Fighter 611, turned control of the huge Naarian mothership over to another pilot. He got up from the controls and walked back to where the general stood on the operations deck, mustering up enough courage to ask why they were returning home with Brad and his family. The general had already sent a message to tell the supreme leader of their successful mission defeating the Mookians and of the devastation that had occurred on Earth. Silence prevailed. It was as if the general never received the question his son sent because he never gave Yanni an answer. He was concerned about the instructions he would receive once they arrived back at Naar. The threatening black hole with its gravitational pull was increasingly affecting Naar’s solar rotation. Nights were getting longer and days shorter. Fortunately, their scientists knew that Earth was a habitable planet. It was the perfect place for relocation of the Naarian people—but not if taken by the Mookians. That’s the reason the Quora, the Naarian Supreme Council, decided to intervene militarily to save Earth. General Hanna had hopes, now, of convincing the council that the Lloyds would be useful as an influencing instrument, a means to convince Earth’s leadership that peaceful cohabitation of the two peoples would be in the best interest for all concerned. He knew that Earthlings would resist unwelcomed military occupation with underground resistance and that would cause more unnecessary deaths.

Yanni sensed his father’s despair and transmitted what turned out to be an important question.

What is it, father, something bothering you?

I do not look forward for a return to Earth as the commander of an occupying force Yanni, but other factors are at play and whether it will be peaceful cohabitation or more war is a matter yet to be determined.

His response caught Yanni by surprise. Did the general know something not yet revealed to him?

Chapter Two

One year earlier.

Angela had left Princeton to accept the managing director’s position at NASA’s Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. She was a respected scholar in her field of study having earned a Master of Science Degree in Astrophysics and Cosmology, then later her Ph.D. It was six months after taking the job that she first met Yanni. She and the kids were on vacation in the Bahamas. Brad couldn’t go as he was busy closing out of his tenure at Princeton as a sociolinguistics professor to accept a position with the U.S. National Space Agency—a position he took at Angela’s urging.

***

Yanni was on a clandestine mission to make an updated assessment of human behavior and military development; information needed if a military order to take Earth was issued by the Quora. When he met Angela and her kids in the Bahamas they forged a friendship during a brief encounter poolside. The Lloyd family left to return home and Yanni continued with his plans to move on to the United States. However, Naarian intelligence, learning of the planned Mookian attack, interrupted his plans. He was ordered to return to NAARSAT3, a Naarian deep space outpost, given a briefing, and sent back to Earth to warn the Americans about the Mookians. He planned to find Angela, to use her as a means to warn their leadership. He would tell her about Naar, about the planned Mookian attack, and urge her to tell the president so he, in turn, could warn other leaders. He remembered his interaction with Angela as they bid each other goodbye that day in Nassau. She had given him her business card and offered a tour of the telescoping space institute where she worked if he was ever in