Alter Squadron: Looming Desolation: Alter Squadron

By CD McMillon

With the first scouting wave defeated and their commander imprisoned the Cosmic Alter are enjoying a minor peace. Lamenting the loss of one of their own a replacement is needed to join the team. As the group rests somewhat, Aliens appear in small bursts causing disturbances for some unknown goal. Lacking manpower and seeking new allies a mysterious newcomer appears to combat the aliens and even attacking the Alters themselves. At the same time the Cosmic Alter awaken to a new dangerous power that could either be their salvation or spell their doom.

• Language: English
• Publisher: CD McMillon
• Release date: Jul 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201394851

CD McMillon

A nerd since the first time I played an arcade game. The progeny of a family a teachers trying his hardest to not follow in the family footsteps. I grew up reading and playing games mostly JRPGs with a strong emphasis on story. Originally I wanted to write comic books but I could never make that work. And after falling back into fanfiction decided to write my own original stories. And from there I ended up like any other wannabe writer. I write both Novels and Web Novels, while also striving to make YouTube videos. I keep myself busy and I'd like you to follow me on this journey as I try to fill the time in-between now and when I meet the grave. And if your wondering "How come he's not showing his face?" Well I just don't want to. So enjoy these various Avatar images I've plastered on my social media instead of actual pictures.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

SO HOW MUCH longer until we arrive on the planet?

A young man sits on his throne, staring out at the vast darkness of space. His pale blue skin clashing with his deep red eyes. He leans on the side of his throne with intense boredom coming over him.

Lord Geleon. We are only a month or two away from our destination. Please have patience. A purple-skinned woman with long black hair bows to him. As she lifts her head, a slight smile comes across her face. I promise you, my lord, this invasion will go smoothly. Even if the scouting ship was destroyed.

A man with a green shell crosses his body nods as he walks to her side. Towering over her, his pitch-black eyes reflect her visage. I wouldn’t worry about it, Hilara. Those beasts were rather weak. They didn’t deserve their spot in his majesty’s army.

You’re quite confident, Entomi. Are you sure they were of such inferior quality? Geleon asks.

Entomi nods as his computer-generated artificial voice exits his maw. "I’m sure of it. I killed many of their kind during the conquest of their homeworld."

They could have at least lasted long enough to clear away our enemies, Hilara says as she shakes her head. I offered to give them some enhancements. But they always refused that damned pride of theirs.

I wouldn’t blame it on their pride. A loud, boisterous voice fills the room.

A large purple-skinned man walks in has his belly jiggles around with every step. He runs his hands through his hair, fixing himself up as he approaches Geleon. He kneels as he approaches him, bowing his head for an extra measure.

Gallus raise, Geleon says.

Gallus stands and turns to Hilara. Your experiments are useful, but too dangerous. Most of your subjects die on the operating table and they couldn’t afford to lose any more people after what we did.

Hilara sighs. Come now. The death rate is at fifty percent. And with their robust bodies, it would have been easy for them to survive. But instead, they ran away.

Either way, they were useless. But we could accrue some good battle data from the robots they used. They even unlocked the unit function; it was quite fascinating to see how little progress they made.

We cannot take any chances with this new enemy. From our records, their energy output matches that of what we recorded in the original invasion attempt. A man walks forward with a body coated in a shiny blue metal-like substance. Red lines pulsate through his body with every movement as he faces Geleon.

Well, Vextin, what do you suggest? And it better be entertaining.

Unlike the others, he does not bow but marches forward until he stands at his side. Shall we play a game? We should be at the right distance for a life-sustaining long-range pod to hit in a matter of minutes.

Do you think this planet is worth playing the game? The world is pretty underdeveloped. The last time we did it, they conquered the world for themselves, and we have to crush their fledgling fiefdom.

Hilara smiles. If we focus on the location those cats lost, then we should be able to find those warriors.

And they destroyed their ship before it could transmit the location of their base. We could use this to take out two major tasks. Vextin says.

Entomi nods. "But more than anything, it will be entertaining. Besides, if they try to break their chains, it could lead to a more interesting battle."

Such a one-track mind, Entomi. But I do agree this could lead to more advancements in my research and having more battle data won’t hurt. Hilara says.

Gallus lets out a loud laugh. I’ll take care of the specifics. You can just sit back and watch the fireworks.

Such a lovely crew I have. Alright, prepare one prisoner. We’ll play our little game and see just who comes out on top. Vextin, since this was your idea, you can pick first. Don’t do anything too hard now. We’d like this to go on for a while.

A holographic screen appears in front of Vextin. He stares at the screen as various profiles fill the screen and he scrolls through them. This one. Number six-five-eight-two. If I believe right, he’s a Frigian.

Correct. Its well known a species for their ability to lower temperatures around them to near freezing. But in his case, he’s mutated so he can freeze objects with a touch.

A simple ability with plenty of versatility. A perfect starter, don’t you agree, my lord?

Geleon smiles, barely containing his excitement. Perfect. And with this, our game has begun. Everyone pick a prisoner for when it’s your turn. If we’re lucky, we can play a full round before we arrive on the planet.

What if they manage to conquer the planet or defeat our foes before we can arrive? Wouldn’t that end the game abruptly? Hilara asks.

"We’ll play by survivor rules afterward. We’ll launch our candidates and have them fight each other to the last man. That will determine the winner."

Geleon nods. Although it would be a shame if our unknown foes die out so quickly. It would prove the weakness of our advanced forces retroactively.

We are in due for some reforms. Maybe after this mission, you can return to the homeworld and bring these attentions forward? Vextin says.

Geleon stands and stares out at the vastness of space with a smile on his face. To take a banned world. I will simultaneously prove the might of the empire and wipe away the stain on my bloodline.

We will support you, my lord, in whatever way you desire, Hilara says.

Gallus lets out a loud laugh as his body fat re-vibrates. Say the word and you will shall be done.

"I shall make a mountain of corpses in your honor, my liege," Entomi says, bowing.

Vextin nods as he closes his eyes.

Good. Now, let the games begin!

And that’s who we’ll be facing? Kira asks as she sits at the table.

Kira sits with Scott and Theo at her sides in the middle of the base’s cafeteria. Newly refurbished into a lounge for the group’s relaxation at Scott’s request. Fellim sits in front of them as her tail wags through the air.

Yeah. They were the ones in charge of my unit. As much as I hate to say something like that. Fellim says.

Scott nods. Sounds like they're monsters.

They are. They take immense joy out of pillaging other worlds for resources and manpower. Hell, I heard they make self-sufficient colonies and then leave them on their own, only to invade them a few hundred years later. She explains.

And those guys are coming here for us? Theo asks.

Specifically, they're coming to take over the planet. They’d do it either way whether you guys existed.

And they’ve been launching pot shot robot attacks at us for weeks now. It’s getting rather annoying to fight robots once a week.

Trust me, that’ll be ending as they get closer to the planet.

Oh, and do tell little miss POW. Mr. Black walks up to the group with a smirk on his face. Listen, we appreciate you guys acting like model prisoners, but you’re holding out on us and well. I’m getting sick of it.

I keep telling you I can’t say certain things. Even if I want to.

Why is that?

For the continued existence of my entire race. Now, if you had space travel capabilities and could provide a safe refuge for my kind, then maybe I could open up a bit more. Fellim says.

Mr. Black sighs. Fine. Take your time eventually everything will come out. I was just hoping you’d save us a bit of taste of what’s coming so we can be ready.

There’s no readying for what’s coming before their arrival. There is only surviving anything beyond that is a luxury. Fellim says staring at the group. And at this rate, you’re all going to lose.

Well, we beat you, Kira says.

I admit that. But they are at least ten times stronger and have more manpower than we do. And you’ve lost one of your own. You need some extra power or else you won’t be able to make it through this.

Then fight with us, Kira says.

I can’t. If they catch me on the front lines, my people are dead. All I can do is sit here and watch while giving you what little I can. Fellim grips her fist and lowers her head. I’m sorry.

Well, that’s fine and good. That makes you pretty useless in the long run. Mr. Black shakes his head as his phone rings.

At the very least, we’ll fight, Kira says. That’s all we can do.

And on that point. Everyone load into the car, and someone call Dan.

Another pod? Scott asks.

Yup. Deep space satellites found one pod hurdling right towards us. So, get in and we can meet then when the land. Mr. Black smiles and pulls on Scott. Come on. Let’s move!

Why are you so excited about this? Scott asks.

Because the sooner we’re done, the sooner we can come back. So, let’s get a move on! He yells out.

The three stand and leave the lounge, pushed on by Mr. Black. Fellim sits around as her body shakes. Her claws pop out of her hand as she stares ahead.

I have to keep calm. I can’t fight them openly. I have to sit still, for now. She whispers to herself.

CHAPTER TWO

A LARGE METAL sphere crashes down in a fiery explosion in the middle of a rock quarry. Parts of the sphere open and small metal spheres fly out into the air. The spheres come together, merging and taking on a humanoid shape before a field of metal men stand side by side as a four-armed machine emerges from within the sphere.

Okay, they're all out now, Dan says, looking through a pair of binoculars. You know, the more we fight these things, the less exciting seeing them is.

They are marvels of technology, but they’re still just robots. And dumb ones at that. Theo says.

Kira nods as she walks up to the pair. Listen. Let’s not get cocky. We’re expecting some tougher foes any day now and if we rest on our loreals, they’ll beat us.

You’re just repeating what Fellim said to us earlier, Scott says.

The four stand on the edge of a cliff overlooking the quarry as Mr. Black leans against the car. Hurry it up and take care of them. I wanna get back sooner rather than later.

Everyone, make sure you keep your comms on just in case, Kira says.

Everyone nods as they get into place, standing alongside each other. Kira takes in a breath as she stares ahead, calming her racing heartbeat.

Is everyone ready? Kira asks.

Yeah! Everyone yells in unison.

The four stand on the edge of the cliff as they pull out four devices disguised as flip phones. Pressing a button in the center of the device, they leap off of the cliff as a bright light surrounds them. Mr. Black smiles watching the group as he walks towards the cliff.

Those kids haven’t missed a beat. Hard to believe they couldn’t even transform when we started this. He says with a smile.

In the quarry, the robots turn to focus on the falling light as it crashes in front of them. As one approach and the light fades, Kira runs forward. As her purple suit forms around her body, she calls for her blade as it appears in her hands. She slashes through the robot as a purple helmet forms around her head.

A group of robots rushes towards her before lasers shoot out behind Kira, knocking them back. Theo stands in his yellow suit, holding out his blaster as he aims into the swarm of robots. He fires shot after shot, knocking them back. As Kira stands up, Scott and Dan rush forward in their red and green suits. Scott smashes into the robots with his ax as Dan forces his way forward, swinging his hammer.

So, we go for the commander unit again? Dan asks.

That’s right. Theo, back us up. We’re making our way towards the commander! Kira commands.

Theo fires off his blaster as he looks through the crowd. Guys, I don’t see the command unit.

It was there a second ago. Is it back in the sphere? Scott asks.

Questions later. For now, let’s get to that sphere and clear out the area! Kira yells out.

Right!

As Scott charges forward, a large four-limbed robot stands in front of him. It swipes at him with its claws as he raises his guard. He’s knocked back as the robot lets out a metallic screech and steps forward.

I think I found it. He steps forward as a group of robots surround him. It’s trying to pick us off one at a time.

Dan stands with his hammer in hand in front of another four-armed robot bearing down on him. I think you're mistaken. I’m facing the real one.

The robot charges towards him, swinging its claws. He swings his hammer, smashing it in the head only for it to block the blow. It forces Dan back standing over him as it lets out a metallic screech. A shot fires off as Theo aims at the robot shooting from the side of its head.

You're both fighting decoys. I’m counting five of those suckers mixed into the crowd. Theo says.

Kira swings her blade, cutting through several robots as a pair of claws strike at her. She dodges the attack and turns to see a pair of four-armed robots block her path. They charge forward, swiping at her as she dodges their attacks and counters their blows with her sword.

Damn it. They're trying to separate us! She yells out.

A laser blast shoots out at Theo, who leaps out of the way as he shoots off his blaster. A robot with a large visor floats in the air. A blast of light fires from its visor as Theo runs ahead, firing off his blaster.

We have to do something or we’ll be overrun! He yells out.

I have a plan. Scott tries to make your way to Theo. I’m coming to you, Dan. Kira says.

How am I supposed to shake off the big lug? Scott asks, pushing back against his foe.

I’ve got your back! Theo yells as he fires his blaster.

The floating robot fires off a blast at Theo, who runs avoiding the attack. Just hurry up. I don’t know how long my legs can hold out!

Fine, I’m coming short stuff!

Theo fires off his blaster as more robots surround him, trying to pin him down as another blast rains down on him. Dodging the attack, the robots surround him as the floating robot charges another attack.

Any time now, Scott! Theo yells out as he’s pressed against the quarry’s wall. Please, I’m about to die!

Hold on, I’ve got you! Scott leaps into the air and brings his ax down on the floating robot. I just needed to get some air!

Scott buries his ax into the robot’s head and crashes down to the ground alongside it. He rolls along the ground, joining Theo as he smacks against the wall as the robots fall over.

That one’s pretty flimsy. Mine has stronger armor than yours.

Did you notice that? Theo asks.

What? Oh, wait, the robots fell over.

They’re the commander units, after all. They must each control their number of units. Theo says looking down at the inactive robots.

Scott stands. So, we take out the big guys and the little ones die off. So the same as always, just with multiple targets.

Theo aims for a large command unit charges towards the pair with a small crowd of robots around it. Exactly. So, cover me while I take care of this one.

Fine. Scott stretches. Just make sure you take it out in a single shot. Got it?

As Scott charges ahead into the robotic horde, Theo pulls down the trigger of his blaster, gathering energy in the barrel as he aims.

I just need the big guy to sit still for just a moment. He says as he aims at its chest.

As the robot pounces upon Scott, letting out another metallic roar, a shot rings out. A thin beam of light flies across the air, piercing through the robot’s chest. It falls to the ground immobile as Scott takes a breath.

Thanks for that.

We’re not out of the woods yet.

The robots around them spring to life as Scott and Theo attack the hordes. Theo fires a shot through several robots as Scott smashes into their heads.

What’s going on? Scott asks.

It looks like the others have taken up the slack, Theo says, firing his blaster. We have to take down all the commander units before they stay down.

Scott sighs. Fine. Make a hole and I’ll get to the others so we can end this.

Meanwhile, Kira leaps over two commander units as they swipe at her. Dan rushes in behind her, swinging his hammer and smashing into the side of one unit. It flies through the air, smashing into the side of the quarry. As the other one comes in behind, Kira runs in and slices it in two as she walks through it.

Thanks for the help. She says.

Dan nods. You know it would be easier if you teleported to me. Then we could’ve done this faster.

Shut up about the teleportation.

"Still working on