Operation Phoenix Book 6: Them

By Don R. Budd

Attacked by unknowns, the humans seek to know their enemies. Ancient reports of escaped lab creatures circulated years before World War III began. What were/are these creatures? Are THEY the failed predecessors to the Enhanced Troops? How many are there now? Only a few Enhanced Troops remain. How will they protect against so many of THEM?

Captain Mitchell returns alone from a Mission. Something attacked him, causing his body to morph into an unknown THING. Will others come to do the same to the rest of the humans? Have the Survivors endured so much only to be turned into a living nightmare? What can the Survivors do to save humanity?

The THINGS devour their prey without sound, struggle, or sight. Before you know they're there, you're dead already. How can you defeat a beast that can kill before you have any sense of a presence? How can you negotiate with a creature without reason? Are THEY human or animal or neither? Even the Enhanced Troops have no defense! How, then, do mere humans survive?

Humanity's endless attempts to play God have reached its zenith and still failed. Yet, the consequences of those games now play out in human nightmares, far too real to be survivable. Can the impossible still become possible? Humanity's insatiable thirst for the "God" Status over everyone else has left humanity on its knees before the only one who could claim that Status. Are they ready to face HIM?

Are YOU driven by YOUR insatiable thirst for the "God" Status yourself? What are YOU willing to pay for that Status that seems to stay just out of reach ... Until now?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Don R. Budd
• Release date: Feb 19, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224413294

Don R. Budd

Don R. Budd studied Science Fiction and literature while studying for his degree in International Business at California State University at Sacramento. He has traveled and lived overseas in 14 countries. He has studied 20 languages and interpreted 11 of them while in the US Army. As part of his duties in Germany with Military Police Customs, he interpreted for NATO officers heading for the United States.He still enjoys meeting and corresponding with people around the world. Although his language skills have deteriorated over the years from lack of use, he still would enjoy corresponding with people from all over the world. So don't be afraid to contact him.PLEASE, NO SEXUAL PICS!! I DO NOT RESPOND. WOMEN WHO SHOW BREASTS DO NOT GET A RESPONSE. TOO MANY ARE PRESSING THEIR BREASTS INTO THE PICTURE. I WILL NOT RESPOND TO THIS BEHAVIOR!!PLEASE, DON'T KEEP TYPING ON SKYPE OR OTHER SERVICES AND NOT ALLOW ME TO RESPOND. I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR GAMES, ESPECIALLY SEX GAMES. YOU WANT A RESPONSE, BE SERIOUS, NOT JUST TAKING UP TIME.

Book preview

Operation Phoenix

Book 6

THEM

Don R. Budd

Operation Phoenix

Book 6

THEM

Copyright © 2024 by Don R. Budd

Cover Design by Laura Shinn

Formatted by Don R. Budd

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, reproduction, or use of this work in whole or in part in any form by electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the author.

Operation Phoenix Book 6: THEM is a work of Fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously; any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, locations, or events is entirely coincidental. A few historical persons are mentioned as they relate to the story. Thank you for respecting US and international copyright laws and this author’s work.

Special Thanks to:

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Contents

Chapter 1 Who Are They?

Chapter 2 Li-Jun

Chapter 3 Just Before Sunrise

Chapter 4 Yanks v. Canuks

Chapter 5 What!?

Chapter 6 Not As It Seems

Chapter 7 From The Mouth Of Babes

Chapter 8 Man Playing God Never Works

Chapter 9 Seek Ye First

Chapter 10 Where Do We Go From Here?

Chapter 11 Tom’s Choice

Chapter 12 The Gathering Storm

Chapter 13 Who is Dusya?

Chapter 14 The Rage Of The Storm

Chapter 15 Take The Fight To THEM

Chapter 16 Letting Go Of One’s Branch

Chapter 17 Righting OUR Wrongs

Chapter 18 Home

Chapter 19 The Peacemakers

Chapter 20 A New Start

About the Author

Connecting with DON R. BUDD

Coming Soon

Operation Phoenix

Book 7

Rescue Or Recover?

CHAPTER 1 Who Are They?

Mitchell kept watch of the sky. Despite the Sun’s rays in the early morning sky, he could still see faint reflections from the hauls of unknown vessels. However, he could not detect any shuttles or alien movements between ships. Something told him inside, Don’t trust these people. Beware, they are here to destroy, not assist. So Mitchell went to a makeshift lookout tower near the edge of the trees. As he scaled the center post, he approached a hatch. He knocked on it to signal whoever was inside the tower’s shelter.

Tiny? A woman’s voice called out from the tower.

Brimstone, Sandi! Mitchell responded, followed by the hatch opening to meet a cheerful, young Marine. Tom made his way into the hut. Couldn’t anybody come up with a better challenge for me? I take offense for being called ‘Tiny.’

The Marine Sergeant stood with a bright grin. Sorry, Sir, I didn’t pass them out. She saluted her superior. You’ll have to bring up the issue with Commandant, Sir.

Mitchell hung his head in apparent surrender. Charlie takes things just a little bit too seriously.

She laughed like some donkey. Go on through, Sir. Your team is ready, Sir. The Marine held her hand out to guide him in the right direction as she snorted again. Sorry, Sir. I can’t change my laugh.

It’s fine, Sergeant Rush. It’s memorable. Mitchell headed for his team.

Yeah, as memorable as the latest bird droppings on your windshield as you drive out of the carwash. She closed the hatch. Thanks, Sir. I couldn’t have lived without that thought. She shook her head as she went on to the observation wall.

Captain Hoover’s replacement casually walked around the wall with her hands behind her back like some Drill Instructor ready to pounce on the least suspecting person with the stick in her hands. But, instead of all the people she could stop to observe, the DI chose to hen-pick poor Rush. Well, well, if it isn’t Sgt. Rush. How are we doing today?

Rush turned and saluted the DI. Actually, Ma’am, I WAS doing just fine. Someone must have thought it was TOO fine, Ma’am. How’s your day, Ma’am?

Without a word, the Officer turned and left, attempting to do her countdowns. While Rush watched, she heard a sudden screech that sent all the birds within 100 miles of the camp into a panic flight.

Rush leaned toward her fellow guard. Somebody seems to be having a bad day today.

He looked over at her rather smugly. Yeah, so what did you tell her, Rush?

Us professionals, don’t give away our secret tips, Kline. She went on like a snob. Then, she noticed a group of bare-chested men in cadence at a double time at the entrance to the camp. The sounds of the men were deep and powerful, although she couldn’t understand a single word. They must be the new SEAL teams. So she thought as she dreamily watched each pass the watch tower. I’ll take at least a dozen or two of the ranks. That should keep me warm tonight. Finally, her focus settled on a large SEAL bringing up the rear. Hum, I wonder who he is. I must get to know Mr. SEAL at all costs. She mentally noted her Prize as his platoon stopped at the edge of the Parade Grounds. Then, she made a mad dash for the grounds.

Hey, Rush? Where are you, Rushin’? Her supervisor came to her as the sergeant rushed out of the hatch.

When she finally stopped, she turned to the supervisor. What’s your problem? You never stop a woman on a mission! Then, she continued to her treasured SEAL. Well, hello, Major SEAL! Busy?

The immense SEAL chuckled. We don’t have majors, Ma’am. SEALs are Navy, not Marines, not Soldiers, Ma’am.

What’s your name, Sailor? She dragged her finger across his broad shoulders. I require some assistance.

He laughed. I’m sure you do, Ma’am. Then, suddenly, he lifted her in his arms as he carried her toward the others. I’m Jonathan. We’re about to have a cookout. Are you interested?

Wow!! She could only mouth the word. Her expectations seemed a bit too low for SEALs after she recovered. Sure! Where are we headed? The nearest Iceberg?

We’re not that kind of seal. Jonathan stood her on the ground near a firepit.

That’s alright, as long as you don’t start barking orders at me. She bashfully looked at him as she licked her finger before touching his nose.

So, what is your name, Ma’am? He wrapped his arms around her waist.

I’m Christine. My Gramps is the Marine Commandant. She batted her eyes at him.

Wow, you come with credentials, right? He chuckled.

Maybe. She snorted as she ran her hands over his chest. Nothing like a man in times like these.

Or a woman, Ma’am. She slid her hands down to his buckle. So, who’s your Father?

He was Major General Michael Richards, Ma’am. We had his send-off the other night. He lifted her overhead and held her there.

Oh, a bloodline, Sailor. She gazed around the area. With the power to back it up! Wow!

Jonathan lowered her to his right arm as other SEALs came with their wives and girlfriends. Join us for supper. There’s always room for one more. He leaned toward her. I need a partner in crime, anyway.

So, what’s the plan, Partna? She snorted as she wrapped an arm around his.

Later in the night, Jonathan brought Christine to his room. Hunter was still with Jacob, who lay on the bench beside his friend.

Corey, can you stay with him in the room tonight? Christine and I need to talk. Jonathan led his girl to the desk by his Dad’s room. He had her sit on his lap.

Corey picked up Jacob and took him to bed. I think Jonathan has found a girl. In the bedroom, Corey helped his charge get ready. I’ll stay with you tonight. I think they’ll be busy. As Jacob plopped on his bed, Corey went to the other bed and prepared for sleep. It wasn’t long before he felt a body on his back. Finally, he sighed and fell asleep.

In the morning, with that body still on his back, Hercules pushed off the bed and held it, waiting for his admirer to get the message to disembark the ship. Eventually, Jacob sat on the raised bum yet refused.

Jacob, you’re too old for this game of yours. The Marine hung his head as he awaited the boy to hop off his backside—no such luck. So, Hunter flipped to one side, rolling the trespasser off his bum. Then, he picked up the sleepy Joe and carried him to his locker to grab the needed towels and clothes.

When he carried Jacob from behind the sheet to head to the latrine, he heard a woman’s voice screech. Looking at her, he calmly stated, Sorry, Ma’am! It’s an occupational hazard when rooming with a bunch of Military Misfits."

From my view, it’s no hazard at all, Marine! On the contrary, it’s ‘Heaven on Earth.’ She snorted as she rushed to slap his bum.

MA’AM!!! He moved away quickly. Please, contain yourself. You can’t get overly excited all at once. So, leave some for later, … please. He laughed as he took Jacob to shower with him.

Christine couldn’t contain her snort-styled laughter as Jonathan emerged from their Door. She tried several times between snorts and other humiliating sounds caused by her uncontrollable laughter.

Jonathan gave her an odd look as he walked around her, wondering what her problem was.

Corey and Jacob came out when the shower sound stopped as the Marine helped his charge. Christine made her next pass and was intercepted by Jonathan as he went for his shower. She shrugged and followed her man.

As the foursome joined the rest of the crowd, all except Jacob was in uniform. Unfortunately, their planned meal was delayed for an emergency meeting with the top brass of all services. Everyone gathered in the hall as tightly as possible. No one was allowed to miss the meeting. Without any technology, things went rather bumpy at best.

The mystery surrounding the meeting caused enough tension a jackhammer had to break it. So Hercules was called to the front by Mitchell. But, of course, Jacob felt he had to cling to his friend’s back pockets.

After Corey reported, Jacob buried his hands in his friend’s pockets and hid behind him. Several other men also came forward. While awaiting their instructions, PO Jenkins followed Jacob to guide him back to his seat as he held an arm around the youngster. Jenkins had Jacob sit on his lap and held him close.

The Commandant came forward to make an announcement. He looked over the crowd. We have been observing the skies for days since the attackers first appeared. We believe we know who they are. Several of their vessels have the symbols of our human enemies, which we thought we’d never see again. But, unfortunately, it seems they have returned to Earth as well. Therefore, we must be on our guard at all times now. They know we are on Earth and where. What more they know is not yet known to us. Therefore, always stay in groups. Make sure you have Military guards with your group until further notice. He stepped away from the podium.

After breakfast, Ted led Jacob to his schooling. Go ahead and hang on, Jacob.

What? I didn’t think SEALs liked that. Jacob seemed nervous about doing it.

Ted looked back at him as he stopped. He took the boy’s hand and put it on his arm. Jacob, I understand why you do it. We’ll work on it later. But, for now, feel free to do it anytime. When Jacob relaxed his hand, Jenkins continued on his way.

The duo came to the group for Jacob, and both sat on the grass with their legs crossed. Jacob wrapped his hands around Ted’s right arm and squeezed it. He took a quick look as it grew hard. Finally, Jacob looked up at his friend with a smile.

They listened as the teacher explained everything they saw for the first time. The children weren’t too interested in all the bugs flying about them, especially those that landed on them. However, the students paid the best attention they could, considering...

Ted noticed a bush behind the teacher move slightly. He focused on the plant intently. Then, it moved back to its natural position. He leaned toward Jacob, Stay here. Then, he headed around the group toward the bush. As he approached, out of sight of the bush’s observer, Jenkins slipped around behind it. He removed his shirt and then wrapped it around his fist. Ted’s fist gently touched the observer’s bloody face. The observer backed into the open grassy area. Jenkins towered over his prey, Come! He softly called in a foreign language.

The bloodied-faced observer stood with a scowl as the person brushed his strange clothes. Then, the intruder took a sudden attack stance.

Ted stood with his hands on his hips. What are you doing? You’re no match for me! Come with me! Ted reached out, turned the scrawny intruder around, and led the pint-sized boy to the group. Sit here! Jenkins ordered the defiant runt. Ted waited. Then, he picked up his captive and sat on the ground with the fighter on his lap.

The runt’s demeanor altered, leaning against the PO’s chest.

Ted unwrapped his shirt to wipe the blood off the runt’s sad face. You don’t need to fight everyone. Stay with me. I’ll take care of you.

The boy cried as he clung to his new friend.

Later, Ted carried the boy on his hip as Jacob hugged Jenkins. Then, finally, they went to the mess for their dinner. The runt buried his tiny face in Ted’s chest as he whimpered. Jenkins glanced at the boy as he hugged him. What’s your name?

The boy wouldn’t answer or look. He seemed frightened and alone.

Ted and Jacob collected their meals in the hall while Ted added more to feed the little one. Come on. We’ll go over here to sit. Soon, the SEAL handed the boy a carrot and watched as the frightened one slowly gnawed it, burying his face in Ted’s chest. Jenkins rocked the little fella.

After Ted and Jacob had their fill, they waited for their friend to slowly consume what he had. Finally, the PO gave him a small banana, and the boy managed a weak grin as he accepted the precious gift.

The boy took a bite of the carrot, followed by a banana taste.

Ted put a small glass of juice to the boy’s lips. The boy eagerly sipped the contents. Jenkins smiled, I guess we won our first battle, Jacob. He took the glass away to allow his friend to eat again. I think he’s been alone for a long time. I wonder what happened to his family?

How old is he? Jacob watched the little one try to protect his treasures.

I imagine around 2-3 years old. Ted collected the