Legend of Oria 1: Initial Contact (26 page)

“Captain Borella thanks for coming here on such short notice.  Captain, I want you to meet Major Jack Peterson of the United States Air Force.  I believe you received a briefing on his status.  Major, I want you to meet Captain Borella.  You’re on his ship.  Much like your Navy, as Admiral, I am responsible for the mission and fleet matters.  Captain Borella is responsible for the Hercules.”

Jack stood and saluted Captain Borella.  “Hello sir.  It’s a pleasure meeting you.”  Jack was glad for some resemblance of protocol.  He would have felt quite awkward without it.

Borella returned Jack’s salute with the traditional Azortec Federation Salute.  “The pleasure is mine, Major.   Since we are in quarters, it is customary for us to drop some of the military protocol.  You may call me Borella.”

“OK, Borella, I’m Jack.”

Oria smiled and indicated that everyone should take a seat.  “Jack, I know you must have many questions and would very much like to let Earth know that you’re alive.  As I was telling you in sickbay, the situation is not that simple.”

“Yes Oria.  That is what you said.  Am I a prisoner?”

“No, definitely not; you will be given quarters on board this ship and be free to move about.  But first, we have to go over some things.”

“Alright, I’m ready.”

“Do you recall our conversation in the flight simulator?”

“Yes.  You said that the future of Earth is at stake.”

“That’s right.  Borella was born on one of the original planets comprising the Azortec Federation.  Azortec has had the technology for space travel for over 20,000 years and has been at peace for most of that time.  The Azortec Federation is a Federation of planets inhabited by mostly human-like species.  Their peace was shattered around 500 years ago when they discovered another Civilization known as the United Creyte Republic.  The Creytes are non-human, advanced, generally peaceful, but raise humans for food much like you raise cattle for food on Earth.”

“That’s unbelievable, so where does Earth fit in?”

“Good question Jack.  Generally, the Azortec Federation has lost the spirit to fight.  Approximately 500 years ago, they attempted to alter human DNA and create super humans.  That experiment failed, at least for the most part.  Everyone in the experiment died except me.  I, alone, survived.  Something about human Earth DNA enabled me to live.”

“So that’s why you have your strength and longevity.  Is that where Earth fits in, a continuation of that experiment?”

“Logical thought, but no.  Ever since the failed experiment, Azortec has forbidden further such experiments.  Instead, they permit the Creytes to take over primitive human planets in exchange for peace.”

“Are you saying Earth is primitive and being traded?”

“Exactly; in approximately one year, the Azortec High Council will decide to allow the Creytes to set up Earth as one of their farm planets.”

“In a year?  What are you saying?” asked Jack.  Jack felt his world was crashing in on him.  If Oria were correct, he would soon face a major nightmare.

“Yes, it’s a bit difficult to explain.  The crew on this ship traveled back a year in time through the space/time continuum.”

“You can travel through time?”

“Yes, but Jack it’s not like going for an afternoon drive.  Time travel is experimental and dangerous.  This is the first time in Azortec history that a crew has traveled back a complete year in time with only minimal casualties.”

Jack’s mind was spinning with everything he just learned.  In the last few hours, someone shot and killed him, at least by Earth standards, healed on an alien spacecraft, presented with the reality of time travel, and now part of an alleged effort to protect Earth from an alien invasion.  If he didn’t know better, he would think he part was part of a Science Fiction story.

“Ok Oria, assuming everything that you have told me is accurate, why is it that I can’t let my friends on Earth know that I’m still alive?”

“Jack, in about a year, the Azortec Federation plans to turn Earth over to the Creytes.  Unless Earth builds a defense, Earth will become a Creyte farm planet.  Creytes will eat millions of humans at their dinner tables.  I aim to prevent that.”

“I don’t want that to happen either, but, what you’re telling me sounds far-fetched.  It is a lot for someone to take in at one time.  You sure have a funny way of making your case.”

“I’m sure it appears that way.  There is no fail-safe way to meet and gain the confidence of a world that has not developed any more than yours has.  Normally, Azortec has laws against intervening in the affairs of primitive planets.  Unfortunately, for Earth, time doesn’t exist for a normal evolution of technology and the development of your culture.  Within a year, if Earth is going to survive as an independent planet, they must build a fleet of starships and man them with Earth-trained crews.”

“Oria, I don’t understand your game plan. This is so unbelievable. Where does Karen fit into your
game plan?”

“At first Karen provided an opportunity to get one of the initial phases of our strategy started.  I wasn’t planning on a relationship.  That just happened.  The initial phase of our strategy follows a simple plan in
concept.  Our goal is to get your DOD interested in meeting me and interested in the technology that I might be able to provide them.  My presentation at the high-energy laser symposium was the first step in that effort.  From there, we plan to expose Earth to additional technologies until there is clear interest throughout your military establishment.  This is occurring as we speak.  Patience is required to allow more intensive interest to develop in multiple groups within your defense department.”

“So far I’d say you’ve been successful at that.”

“Yes, but our plans have been complicated.”

“Yes, your involvement with Karen!”

“Yes that too, but more importantly, the Creytes have already initiated efforts to cultivate Earth for food.  They’ve had a small team in West Virginia that already is collecting information.  Furthermore, a disgraced starship commander who wants to earn his reputation back has joined them.  We shot his ship down last week.  He’s escaped and assumed command of the outpost in West Virginia.  Earlier today, they broke into the White House computer network and stole sensitive data on many important people within your government.  They killed several White House employees and ate their children.”

“What!”

“Yes. Borella, can you put on one of Earth’s news channels?”

“Sure, it’s time for the 8:30 headlines.”

Jack watched CNN Headline News as they featured the White House cyber break-in, the murders, and the violence in Ocean City.  He felt a cold feeling shoot through his body as he watched a picture of himself with the newscaster discussing his murder.  The newscaster said nothing about Karen and Bob.  Jack wondered if they were safe.

“Jack, is something else bothering you?”

“Yes Oria, how are Karen and Bob?  There wasn’t any news about them”.

“They’re fine Jack.  I have Peter and Hoss, fellow Nanticokes, watching over them.  Just so you know they’re ok, I’ll let you see what they’re up to.  Computer, please display what’s happening in the living room of the safe house.”

A hologram magically appeared at the center of the table with everyone seated at the table having exactly the same view.  In the image, Jack saw Karen and Bob sitting down, sodas in hands, watching the news on TV.  Neither of them appeared hurt; however, they did appear depressed.

“Oria, this is incredible.  Can I speak to them?”

“It’s technically possible.  However, I don’t want to disturb the delicate balance of our plans.  In time, you will be able to contact them.  It will probably be a few days or maybe longer.”

“Alright, I’m beginning to understand the situation.  One thing though. 
Why are you spending all of this time with me right now?  Certainly you could have kept me in a deep sleep.”

“Yes, we could have done that.  However, one of our goals is to train crews to operate newly built starships.  Major, I need your assistance.  We are short on pilots.  I was unable to bring a complete crew back though time.  I would like to start your training immediately.  You can help teach others once Earth joins us in its defense.”

“This is a bit overwhelming.  You want me to become one of your pilots?  This is just so amazing; when do we get started?”

“Tomorrow morning.  Is that soon enough?”

“Yes.  That will be fine.”

“Excellent, Lieutenant Agustonson will meet you tomorrow morning around 600 Earth EDT.  He is responsible for your initial training.  Borella will show you to your new quarters and have the quartermaster set you up with anything that you require.  In addition, we will provide you some basic training presentations on life onboard a starship and our military protocol.  I suggest that you review these prior to retiring tonight.  Is there anything else I can do for you to make your stay more comfortable?”

“Yes, I want to thank you for saving my life.”

“You’re welcome, anything else?”

“No sir.”

Oria stood up followed by Borella and Jack.  Jack started to salute Oria when Borella interjected.

“Jack, that’s not necessary here.  Remember we’re in quarters.  Your training presentations will go over that.  Please follow me.”

Jack followed Borella out of Oria’s quarters and back to the transport lobby.  After a short trip in the transport, Borella led him down a plain hall into a modest-sized apartment.  The apartment had a living room, kitchen, and sleeping area.  At one corner of the living area were a desk and a computer system.  Borella showed him the basics of getting the system running and launched the first training presentation.

1 AM:  AFS Hercules

A loud alarm rang out rudely awakening Jack from a deep sleep.  He looked at his watch and saw that it was 1AM.  It took him a moment to realize where he was.  He immediately climbed out of bed and threw on the clothes provided by the quartermaster the night before.  He hurried into his living room and was surprised to see a young uniformed man standing before him giving him a salute.

“Good morning Major Peterson, I’m Lieutenant Agustonson.  Admiral Oria assigned us to work together and for me to look out for you in the event of an emergency.  You need to follow me to the fighter deck.”

Jack returned Agustonson’s salute using his newly acquired knowledge of Azortec protocol.  “Yes, he mentioned that you are here to train me.  What’s going on?”

“This is not a training mission.  A large pirate force attacked an Azortec cruise ship not too far from Earth’s solar system.  Admiral Oria has given us the go ahead to execute a rescue.  You and I will take one of the starfighters and intercept the pirate vessel.  A small commando team is in route to board the cruise ship.  Our orders are to destroy the pirate ship and provide cover for the commando team.”

“Let’s go.”

Jack followed Agustonson at full run down to the transport lobby where a transport was already waiting for them.  Moments after entering the transport, the doors closed and within seconds opened again into a large bay area.  Jack stood in awe as he looked out.  The ship’s bay looked large enough to hold an aircraft carrier.  On each side were docking stations with hundreds of fighter-sized craft.  Immediately in front of him was a small crowd of technicians gathered around one of the fighters.  Agustonson was already at a full run headed towards the fighter.  Jack followed him.

Agustonson jumped into a flight suit and climbed into the pilot’s seat.  He ordered Jack to do the same.  As Jack climbed into the small cockpit, several technicians fastened a helmet over his head and hooked up several devices to his suit.  It took only about 15 seconds and the technicians stepped away as the fighter’s canopy closed.  Agustonson flipped several switches and the fighter started to hum.  Jack felt a rush of adrenaline run
through his body as Agustonson requested permission to take off.  A voice crackled over his headset giving Agustonson clearance.  Jack watched out his window as the fighter moved forward towards the end of the bay.  As they approached, the bay doors rapidly opened and the starfighter shot out.

“Major, welcome aboard your first mission, it’ll take us almost four of your hours to get to the target.  It’s about four light years from here.  Are you doing alright?”

“Just fine sir, thanks for taking me with you”

“Don’t thank me, Admiral’s orders.  He said you have some experience with one of our older starfighters.”

“Not exactly, I flew a flight simulator on Earth with him.”

“Awesome; that must have been an experience; Oria’s a living legend.  No one has even come close to matching his skill.  The Creytes even have a special bounty on his head.”

“Unbelievable!  In some ways, that’s a relief.  I can’t quite see myself flying like him inside of a year.”

Agustonson laughed.  “That’s a scary thought, trying to reach Oria’s level in a year.  You’ll find the average experienced Azortec pilot can maintain a level 5 on a 10-point scale where Oria’s a 10.  In very rare cases an exceptional pilot may make it to 8.”

“That 10 point scale must be like the Richter scale where the levels grow exponentially.  I flew with Oria on that simulator all the way through levels 8, 9, and 10!”

“Ok Peterson, what’s the Richter scale?  I’ve learned English, but it’s not my first language!”

“Sorry about that, your English is quite good.  It’s a scale for expressing the magnitude of a seismic disturbance, such as an Earthquake.  The scale grows exponentially.”

“Thanks.  We have a long flight so let’s start your training.  Why don’t you let me show you how to work the flight controls?”

“Alright, however I still have one question before we get started.”

“Very well, ask your question.”

“If the Hercules is on a secret mission, how is it that we can reveal ourselves for a rescue mission?”

Agustonson laughed at Jack’s obvious question.  “Good point.  Actually, the Hercules has not revealed itself other than as an Azortec vessel on a classified assignment.  No one would suspect it’s the Hercules since Azortec warships frequently go on classified assignments.”

“Thanks, I’m ready to get started.”

Agustonson went over the ship’s flight controls, navigation controls, and combat systems with Jack.  The ship’s navigation systems fascinated him.  Agustonson told Jack that the navigation system divides the galaxy into four quadrants with the three original planets forming Azortec located
at the center.  Each quadrant is broken into sectors.  Navigation within the galaxy was facilitated by navigation stations and extensive star charts.

Four hours later, Agustonson pointed out a tiny dot coming within view. 

“Major, I believe that is our cruise ship.  Soon you should be able to make out the pirate ship.”

“I see.  What’s next?”

“The commando team is still in stealth mode and will show themselves once we take out the pirate ship.  Once we destroy the pirate, they will board the cruise ship and take control.  Are you ready?  The Admiral wants you piloting the ship during our battle.”

Jack felt a sudden chill of excitement and apprehension shoot through his veins.  He had flown many combat missions during the Gulf War and always got excited at the prospect of action.  This time was different.  He was apprehensive about flying a real starfighter into battle.  Yet his warrior mentality quickly kicked in and completely subdued his apprehension.

“Yes, I’m ready.  Let’s shoot that sucker out of the sky!”

Agustonson laughed.  “Captain Borella was right.  He said that Earthlings had a strong warrior mentality.”

Jack chuckled to himself and responded, “You mean you don’t?  You don’t feel the passion of battle?”

“Oh, I personally look forward to fighting.  That’s why I fly in Oria’s wing.  However, most Azortec pilots have difficulty finding the trigger.”

“Not even to defend themselves?”

“No, not even to defend themselves”

As the pirate ship came clearer into view, Jack took control of the starfighter.  With a short yell, Jack swooped down on the lone pirate ship with lasers blasting.  The pirate ship saw the Azortec fighter coming and immediately steered directly behind the cruise ship with its blast shields fully activated.  Jack anticipated the pirate ship’s move long before it could complete its maneuver.  He flew his starfighter into a barrel roll pattern looping around the cruise ship blocking the pirate ship’s maneuver.  Again, Jack opened up with full lasers watching as the beams of energy bounced off the ship’s blast shield.  Jack switched the firing selector to use plasma torpedoes.

“Major, don’t use the torpedoes this close to the cruise ship, they’re too powerful!”

“Aye Lieutenant, I have another idea.”

Jack looped behind the pirate ship and started pattern blasting the blast shield from behind the pirate ship.  Jack was getting frustrated as the Pirate ships shields held strong.  Agustonson spoke into the computer, switched the laser system off, and connected the trigger switch to the plasma-energy pulse guns. 

“Major, try your attack again with this system.”

“Yes sir.” Jack looped back for another attack against the pirate ship.  Only this time the pirate ship rolled to avoid Jack and his fighter.  Jack saw the move coming and quickly went into a counter roll, lining the pirate ship back into his firing sites.  Once the ship entered the firing circle, Jack again blasted the pirate ship.  The plasma-energy pulse guns did the trick and the pirate ship’s shields yielded to the plasma energy bursts.  Jack was about to finish the ship off with more plasma energy bursts when Agustonson flipped the lasers back on to the trigger system.

“Use the lasers once the shield is down.  We don’t want to cause any secondary explosions that could damage us or the cruise ship.”

“Rodger that, I’m going in for the kill.” 

As Jack laid another series of laser blasts, the pirate ship burst into a ball of flames.  Almost immediately, after the pirate ship exploded a second ship appeared and docked with the cruise ship.  Agustonson informed Jack that the second ship contained the commandos dispatched to rescue the ships passengers.

With the mission completed, Agustonson allowed Jack to fly the starfighter back to the Hercules.  After approximately four hours, Earth came back into view with only a blip on starfighters HUD (Head-Up Display) indicating the Hercules’s location.  Agustonson entered several codes into the computer and immediately the Hercules came into view.

“Excellent mission Major, We safely returned with the mission accomplished.”

“Thanks Lieutenant.  One question, what was that you used to bring the Hercules into view?”

“Ah, the Hercules is operating in stealth mode.  The codes provided our ship a key to match the Hercules’ stealth wave and so it can become visible to us.  Since we are in the Hercules’ stealth wave, we are now invisible to the outside world.”

“Ok, if the Hercules was in stealth, why were we able to get a radar image?”

“Actually the blip in the HUD was the predicted location of the Hercules.  Our sensors are unable to detect a ship in stealth mode.  That’s why the commando ship remained invisible to us during our battle with the pirate ship.”

“Ok, thanks for the lesson.  How do we get onboard?”

“That is a future lesson.  Let me fly us into the ship.  Once you’ve logged sufficient hours in a flight simulator and pass the flight test, you will be allowed to dock a starfighter inside of a starship.”

Agustonson took the controls and requested that the bridge officer open the docking bay doors.  Once the doors opened, he slowly flew the ship into the Hercules and to its original docking station.  A small crowd of
technicians waited for them as they pulled up and docked the fighter.  They assisted Agustonson and Jack out of the cockpit and their flight suits.  Once free of the fighter, Agustonson led Jack back to his quarters. 

Jack was exhausted and looked forward to catching some more sleep.  Agustonson torpedoed his dreams by informing him that training began in one-half an hour and that an aide would escort him to the Hercules’ training facilities.

10 AM: Ocean City

Sam and Jenny Kingsley stood in front of a growing group of over 30 people on the beach near 3
rd
St. in Ocean City, Maryland.  As Sam spoke, he looked out over the crowd and became particularly excited at the arrival of a local television news crew.  Sam wanted Oria’s miracles broadcasted to the world.

“Friday night on the boardwalk just a few blocks from here my baby girl was brutally shot.  She would have died if not for miracles performed by this man called Oria.  He waved some sort of spiritual device over her and healed her.  Who can perform such miracles if not from God?  Let me introduce someone else to you who also has spoken and touched this man Oria.  This is Chief Jack Jones of the Eastern Shore’s very own Native American group the Nanticokes.”

“Thanks for letting me speak here today.  I am next in succession to my father to become Chief of the Nanticokes.  My people date back on this land thousands of years.  Nearly 500 years ago another great chief ruled, Chief Stoneax.  A great storm rose and destroyed their village’s defenses allowing another tribe to attack and murder our people.  We now commemorate this day as the Day of the Storm.  The storm enabled an invading group to burn Chief Stoneax and his two sons at the stake.  Legend describes great lights from heaven and the taking of the Chief’s son.  Oria is his son!”

An incredible silence fell across the crowd as Jack Stone spoke.  The recent miracles and other stories provided additional credibility to Sam Kingsley’s belief that Oria was from God.  When he and Jack Stone had connected on a new Internet News Group about Oria, they immediately developed a common mindset that Oria was from the Gods.

“Legend further claims that this son, Oria, will return and redeem his people.  I suggest that he has returned and redemption is at hand.  Oria is the one described in legend as the one the spirits will send us.  Oria’s working of a miracle further confirms that view.  Don’t allow talk of Oria coming from space deceive you.  We don’t dispute that fact.  Oria has returned to Earth after having been gone for hundreds of years.  The spirits used him in space as they will use him here.  Oria has returned to protect us from a race of alien devils.”

As Jack continued to speak of Oria, the crowd grew larger.  The arrival of the news crew and Jack’s charismatic voice created an excitement that held everyone’s attention.  By the time Jack returned the podium to Sam Kingsley and his lovely wife, the crowd had grown by several hundred.  Jenny took the stage after a brief introduction by her husband and described Friday night’s events and her conversation with Oria in vivid detail.

Less than two hours slipped by before the crowd dispersed from the beach.  In that short time, the news feed played live locally and with the national networks starting to pick up the feed.  Oria’s presentation at the laser symposium and subsequent interest by both the defense and scientific communities provided a credible backdrop for the airing of the morning’s events.