Alien Storm

By David Faircloth

From the author of Deadline Earth comes Alien Storm, this is the second book of the Dark Planet science fiction and fantasy trilogy. Alien Storm sheds light on the events of Deadline Earth while telling its own story. In Alien Storm, Earth is under attack, and the human race, as we know it, is at stake. The Davis family of four and an alien foe join forces to save the human race and bring peace to an alien nation torn from years of war. In the midst of this alliance, there is one who is born that holds the fate of the heavens in her hands. This book is dedicated to the loving memory of Roger Rudolph.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9781637103524

Book preview

First Reports

Ten years, give or take, before the events of Deadline Earth, it was a simple time. Life on earth was growing and the planets’ future had never seemed brighter. There was a brief pause in the conflict amongst nations and humanity seemed to be moving in a positive direction. These are good times, or are they?

The date is July first. Today, I am here with Professor Chad Riggs from the University of California, Berkeley. Professor Riggs, it is an honor to be speaking with you.

Thank you, Christy, likewise.

Professor, this storm that has been named GW1 is quickly approaching the east coast of the United States and is now gaining even more strength, more so than we could ever have imagined.

You’re right, Christy, I completely agree with you. We have been warning our government and the public now for many years. Global warming was, at some point, going to create such an event.

Professor, what do you suggest the citizens of this country do that may be hit by this storm on the East Coast?

Get out now why you still have a chance. Especially in the region of Wilmington, North Carolina.

Just the area of Wilmington, sir?

No, the whole coastline of North Carolina and inland areas as well. It is going to be a huge storm, and when it hits, we have no idea where it may go from there.

Professor, what could we have done to prevent this?

To be honest, Christy, they should have paid more attention over the years when global warming was being addressed. They did not, and now I am afraid we are all going to pay for our inactions.

Professor, when do you think it will make landfall?

It is hard to say, however, if I had to make a guess, I would say 6:00 a.m. on July fourth.

Professor Riggs, thank you so much, we really appreciate your time and knowledge.

You are welcome and let it be noted, global warming is making its first of many strikes to come.

So how do you think the American public will respond?

That’s a great question, Christy. I guess we will have to wait and see.

Dan, back to you.

Thank you, Christy, and in other news…

*****

Mom, Dad?

What is it, Brice?

Everyone from school and the neighborhood keep saying this storm is going to kill us.

No, son, come on now, stop that. Everyone will be okay as long as they take the proper precautions. We have been through many hurricanes before, and we have always been okay.

But, Dad, they say this one will be the worst in history.

Son, remember one thing, the media is all about ratings and scaring people to death. I promise you, we will all be just fine, no need to worry. You would not remember Y2K, but back in those days, the world was coming to an end with computers stopping and the world crashing around them. People took all their money out of the banks, stocked up on food, and waited for the world to collapse in front of their eyes. Well, look here, it’s a bunch of garbage just like this storm. Same thing with global warming, son. We are here now and so we will be here when the storm passes, don’t worry.

I hope you are right, Dad. I am scared.

Mom sat down next to him. Honey, you will be okay. I promise, as she rubbed his head. Your dad and I will protect you, we promise.

I know, but I just don’t think we will be okay this time, something just doesn’t feel right.

Dad chuckled a bit. Brice, my son, sometimes you overthink things a little too much.

Maybe, we will see. Can I go play?

Sure, get out of here and have some fun, he replied with a smile.

*****

July 2, 7:00 a.m. The mad rush begins.

Good morning, America, Al Thompson here with MSNBC news. People are starting to try and evacuate the city of Wilmington and surrounding counties here in North Carolina. As far as we can tell, Wilmington is still the main target of the storm. There is a beginning sense of panic amongst the city and its people as the dash for gas and food begins. Tension and fear are starting to set in as many try to flee the city. With us today is Senator Jennings of Vermont. Senator, glad to have you with us today.

Thank you, Al, I am glad to be here.

Senator, what do you think about our current situation?

Well, honestly, it is very sad. We have been warning folks for years now and well, here we are. Our warnings fell on deaf ears.

I understand that, Senator. What advice do you have for the American people that are in the impact zone?

Get out now while you still can and when it’s all over, make your voices be heard.

Thank you, Senator Jennings, it has truly been an honor speaking with you.

Thank you, Al.

*****

The date is July 3.

Hey, honey, my mom wants to know what we are doing?

I don’t know, baby, what do you want to do?

I am not sure. I am scared but I really don’t want to leave our home.

I agree, I just need some time to think.

Henry, we do not have much time!

I know, dear, we will figure it out, please stop yelling at me.

*****

Becca, what are you doing?

I don’t know, Josh. I thought we would go to my dad’s house, but he is in the strike zone as well.

What is he going to do?

I do not know. Him and Kristine’s phones are not working. Josh, look outside. The military is riding through our neighborhood.

Josh walks toward the door.

Where are you going?

Come on, let’s see what they are doing.

Josh and Becca ran outside and flagged down some of the soldiers.

Hey! One of the Soldiers rushed over to them.

What is going on?

We are out here trying to warn everyone and get everybody to start evacuating now. The Soldier looked at Becca and Josh with a concerned look. What are you two going to do?

We are not sure yet, we are still thinking about it.

You don’t have much time. Let me tell you two, this storm is no joke. This city will be gone in a matter of minutes when it hits. Chances of survival is extremely small. I highly suggest you get out now while you still can.

Okay, we will, and thank you. Becca turns to Josh. What are we going to do?

You heard ’em, let’s get the hell out of here.

Where are we going?

It doesn’t matter, anywhere, just far away from this place. Now let’s go!

*****

July 3, 11:00 p.m.

Todd Eason, reporting from NBC News. For a lot of folks, there will be no celebrations on the fourth of July tomorrow. We are here with Professor Riggs from the University of California, Berkeley. Professor, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today.

Thank you, Todd, it’s an honor to be here.

Professor, tomorrow is the fourth as you have predicted the massive hurricane will make landfall around 6:00 a.m. What say you?

Well, Todd, first thing first. I hope that everyone takes the warnings seriously and gets out of the storm’s path. That being said, I was informed that half of the city is deciding to stay and that deeply concerns me.

How so?

A lot of these people still think that this storm is like all the rest and it’s not.

Professor, could you explain a little more?

Well, Todd, like I have said over and over again, it is global warming that has created this massive and deadly hurricane. Let there be no lies told today. When this hurricane makes landfall, there will be no more Wilmington. In fact, this storm will destroy the entire state of North Carolina. Shame on everyone who did not take global warming seriously, they have blood on their hands.

So what do we do now, Professor?

Hope for the best but expect the worst.

Thank you, Professor. Todd Eason signing off…good night, America, and be safe out there.

July 4, 4:00 a.m.

Our household woke up early and began to eat breakfast.

Finish up eating we have to prepare for the storm.

Mom, Dad?

What is it, Tanner?

Is it coming soon?

Yes, around six and we should be getting the effects from it. Please, Tanner, go get your brother, he needs to eat something.

Okay, Mom, I will.

Teresa turns to her husband. Keith, are you nervous?

I have not been this nervous since the first time I had to meet your father, Roger.

We really need to stay strong in front of the kids though, we don’t want them to panic.

No, I agree we will. We will be fine, Teresa, I promise you.

About 4:30 a.m.

Okay, guys, time to hustle…breakfast is ready.

Okay, Mom, we are coming.

The boys ran down the stairs and joined their parents at the breakfast table.

Okay, guys, let’s say a prayer. Teresa looks over at Keith. It’s your turn.

Okay, everyone, bow your heads. Logan, bow your head.

Yes, sir.

Dear Lord, thank you for our wonderful breakfast. Lord, please keep my family safe from the storm, we will need your help. In your name we pray, amen. All right, eat up.

The family began to eat, and it eased their minds for the moment.

At 4:50 a.m.

Okay, boys, go play in your room for a little bit, I need to talk to your mother.

Okay, in a minute, Dad.

No, Logan, now please, take your brother with you.

Okay.

Teresa, let’s go outside on the porch and talk.

Teresa followed her husband to the porch. What is it?

I don’t know, I just have a bad feeling about this storm.

Honey, we will be fine. We just have to be careful and stay sharp, you know?

I understand that, but this storm feels different to me, not like all the others we have been in.

Well, Keith, there is nothing we can do about it now; the storm is almost here. Listen, honey, I assure you we will be fine. I promise.

I hope you’re right.

At 5:00 a.m. and counting: Keith turned on the TV and changed it to the news channel.

Come on, Dad! We want to watch some cartoons.

Logan, this is serious, we don’t need cartoons at this time. We need to see what the storm is doing.

Okay, sorry.

Keith pushed the buttons on the controller a few times.

Breaking news. Good morning, everyone, I am Nancy Stooking reporting from Fox News. Looks like the storm is right on schedule and going to make landfall in Wilmington, North Carolina, at about 6:00 a.m. We spoke with Yale Professor Gerald Smith earlier and this is what he had to say.

Professor Smith, what do you think about this massive dangerous storm?

Nancy, for years, me and many others have been sending out the alert of what could happen if global warming was not taken seriously and here we are. Mother nature is mad, and she is getting ready to punch us in the face for lack of better words.

Professor, is this storm going to be the worst we have ever seen?

You bet it will be. We have been gathering data and it is going to devastate North Carolina and Wilmington will be gone. I feel bad for the poor souls who refused to leave.

What do you suggest to the people who have stayed?

Hold on for dear life, it’s going to be a bad morning. This storm is something that we have never seen before.

Thank you for your time, Professor Smith.

Thank you, Nancy, and Godspeed for all who live in Wilmington.

Back to you, Terry.

Keith turned the TV off.

Boys, get your things and head down to the basement.

Okay, Dad.

Teresa looked at her husband with a confused look. What is wrong?

We should have left.

Well, it’s too late for that now, Keith.

I know. Let’s walk outside and see what is going on.

Keith and Teresa walked outside onto the porch and stared toward the sky. The neighborhood was calm and sunny, no wind at all. The strange thing was that they noticed that all the birds were gone. They turned toward the direction of the ocean and it was a different story. The sky was as black as coal for as far as the eye could see. Streaks of lightning shoot through the darkness like falling stars fall from the heavens.

Keith, honey, this isn’t looking good.