U-10

Colonel Matthews entered the aisle leading to the Seeker cockpit and stood behind the technician monitoring the satellite image of SEED Headquarters.

“What happened to Director Cruneval? Was he able to land in one piece?” Matthews demanded.

“Sir, the satellite doesn’t have the acuity to follow something the size of a man in a wingsuit. If he had a parachute, I could have picked him up once he opened it.”

“Then what can you tell me?” Matthews demanded.

“There has been a lot of activity in the last half hour. A flying alien attacked some soldiers on the grounds near the main building.”

“What? Show me,” Matthews demanded.

Clicking on a folder of archived video files, the Tech selected one. The screen dissolved into a widescreen view of a large, flying bug attacking some people on the SEED Headquarters grounds. The people were wearing some kind of glistening, blue bodysuits. As they watched, the bug picked up one of the people and flew away.

“What’s going on?” Matthews muttered.

“Look here,” the Tech said and pointed. An alien bug, without any wings, stood among the people in blue suits attacked by the flier. It didn’t seem to be restrained or guarded. It knocked a couple out of the way of the flying bug like it was trying to protect them.

“Where are the rest of the aliens?” Matthews asked. “Director Cruneval said he was attacked by several of them.”

“I’ve only seen two aliens, and this one acts like it’s working with the blue suits.”

“Go back to the live feed,” Matthews ordered.

The monitor shifted once more. From their perspective, they were looking at the ground from a height of 50 meters. There was movement in the grassy area east of the tree line.

“Focus on the eastern meadow past that tree line,” Matthews pointed. “Something’s happening over there. How close can you zoom?”

“I can get close but remember we’re hovering at 10,000 meters. All we can see is the top of their heads and some of their bodies.”

“Do it.”

The tech moved a joystick until an X entered the indicated area. Satisfied he had the spot Matthews wanted to see, he clicked on the scene, and it zoomed into focus. Someone wearing a glistening blue suit was fighting the winged alien. The person’s face came into focus as she looked up at the thing holding her.

“That’s Lincoln Frost,” Matthews exclaimed. “She’s a SEED operative.”

“Why is she wearing a blue suit? That’s not standard SEED gear,” the tech said.

Ignoring the question, Matthews concentrated on the action. It looked like Frost kicked the alien and hurt it.

She jumped on the thing, and clung to its winged back for a while like a rodeo cowboy before being bucked off. The alien jumped and punched her. After the blow, Frost didn’t move.

All of a sudden, the picture became wispy and clouded over.

“What happened?” Matthews demanded.

“The clouds have shifted and blocked our satellite picture,” the tech responded. “It may be a while before it clears again.”

“Cruneval was right. The aliens are here for no good reasons. We’ve got to end them before they get a foothold on Earth,” Matthews said.

Activating the comm link to his men in the hold, Matthews ordered, “Prepare for MOAB release. Target is SEED Headquarters. I’m on my way.”

Looking at the communications tech, Matthews said, “Send out a blanket no-fly warning to all craft within five kilometers of SEED Headquarters. Tell all pilots they have 10 minutes to clear the airspace.”

“But what about Director Cruneval, Sir? He could be down there,” the tech said.

“Have you spotted him since he jumped?” Matthews asked.

“No, Sir, but I could have missed him.”

Collins came out of the cockpit and glared at Matthews. “Colonel, don’t you need Director Cruneval’s authorization to deploy the MOAB?”

“Let me be as clear with you as I can,” Matthews growled. “The Director voluntarily jumped out of this aircraft at 10,000 meters in a wingsuit without a parachute. The odds that he survived a landing are ZERO unless you know something I don’t. I’ve just confirmed the presence of aliens on the SEED Headquarters grounds. Cruneval ordered the MOAB to be prepared for deployment. He is no longer present, most likely dead, and that puts me in charge. I think you should concentrate on flying the Seeker because it’s going to be a little bumpy in the next few minutes.”

Deciding he wasn’t going to argue with the man in charge of security wearing a gun, Collins blanched and returned to the cockpit.

***

Cruneval climbed into consciousness in distinct phases.

The first thing he noticed was gnawing hunger. His body felt like it was eating itself, and he almost cried out like a starving infant sucking on an empty bottle.

As feeling returned to his arms and legs, he realized he could move. His nanobots had regenerated him, but he felt different somehow. Taking a moment to evaluate his body, Cruneval decided the energy and materials needed to regenerate him caused the weakness he felt.

Trying to stand was futile, and panic almost consumed him until a whisper in his mind told him everything was all right. The soothing voice assured him he was better now than ever - superior in every way, even to Insectoids. Forgetting his panicky fears, Cruneval heaved into a sitting position and screamed. His body was a mass of semi-transparent gelatin, quivering every time he moved. Strange dark masses, like floating thunder clouds, drifted through his translucent torso.

An overpowering urge to eat meat, to grow stronger, took control of his thoughts. A rustle in the grass caught his attention, and he spied people running toward an odd white ship with bulbous windows. A rabbit, startled from its hiding place by the runners, hopped nearby and distracted him. A survival reflex took over his body, and one of his arms, supple as an octopus, flicked out and grabbed the rabbit. Wrapping around the animal like a boa constrictor, the arm skin enveloped the squirming animal and absorbed it. Feeling a rush of strength as his body ingested the rabbit, Cruneval decided he needed more sustenance.

Several meals were running toward the white ship. He had to act fast if he wanted to satisfy his oppressive hunger. Decision made, Cruneval slithered after the runners.

***

Hashtag watched Ty and the others dash across the meadow toward Elvis and breathed a sigh of relief.

“Elvis, as soon as they’re aboard, close the ramp and lift off. I’m sure we’re being observed by the SEED people, and I’d rather be a moving target.”

“Agreed,” Elvis replied. “But the Cutters didn’t eliminate Cruneval Insecta, and I’m afraid he will delay our departure.”

“Show me,” Hashtag demanded.

A moving circle appeared on the main screen. Its speed was increasing, and its course was straight for Ty and the others.”

Activating his comm, Hashtag said, “Run! Cruneval’s alive and coming for you. Fast.”

At that moment, Hashtag realized he didn’t need the view screen to watch Cruneval. Looking out the cockpit windows, he saw a brown blob flowing across the meadow like an amoeba. Cruneval moved by extruding gelatinous arms that gripped the soil and pulled him toward his prey. The protrusions flowed over, under or around any obstacles, dragging his body along like a giant mollusk.

“Fire some lasers at that thing. See if you can slow it down,” Hashtag ordered.

“Complying,” Elvis replied.

From hidden compartments in the hull next to the cockpit windows, laser emitters revolved into the open and began firing bursts at Cruneval. Hashtag was sure they had struck him until Elvis reported.

“Laser fire ineffective. The creature manages to avoid the lasers by forming dips and holes in its viscous body.”

Hashtag swore. Activating his comm, he said, “Laser fire didn’t slow it down. You’ve got to run faster.”

***

“Report!” Matthews said as he entered the hold.

Six men stood beside and behind the metal platform supporting the MOAB.

“Primed and ready for deployment, Sir,” the chief Merc replied and patted the nose of the bomb like it was a pet dog.

Despite how many times he had been around the huge, missile-shaped MOAB, Matthews was awed. Ten meters long and nearly one and a half meters in diameter, the MOAB and its cradle filled most of the space in the hold.

“Are the target coordinates set?” Matthews asked.

“Yes, Sir. GPS coordinates set per your instructions and satellite navigation confirmed. She’ll detonate within a radius of two meters of the chosen target.”

“How long will it take to reach the point of detonation?” Matthews asked.

“About ten seconds from our current altitude, Sir.”

“Prepare for release on my mark,” Matthews ordered.

One of the men at the rear of the platform pulled a lever, and the hydraulic lift in the platform began raising the MOAB into release position. Others pulled the launch parachute away from its tail and prepared to heave it out of the bomb bay.

“It’s about time we show these aliens who controls this planet,” Matthews thought as a smug smile twitched his lips.

***

Kristan Thann had trouble containing her impatience as the old, Bell TH-1H Iroquois trainer copter flew toward SEED Headquarters.

It was the only available helicopter she could commandeer at Andrews Base, and its pilot, Dan Hayes, was a gruff, Desert Storm veteran who didn’t like his training schedule disrupted. Thann got the distinct impression the old geezer was creating delays making it more difficult for her to reach SEED Headquarters.

Leaving Turner in the cabin, she squeezed into the co-pilot’s seat, regarded the instrument panel and said, “Our destination is South South East of Andrews. Your heading is East. Why?”

Glowering at her with a dismissive wave of his hand, Hayes replied, “Weather. I’m flying around a storm pattern with high winds and lightning.”

“I don’t have time for the detour. Change course and fly direct for SEED,” Thann demanded.

“You may have commandeered my bird, but you don’t set the safety standards I fly by,” Hayes retorted.

Thann frowned and pointed her sidearm at Hayes less than two-tenths of a centimeter from his face. Hayes’ eyes narrowed.

“Change course or I’ll shoot you and fly this junk heap myself,” Thann threatened.

At that moment, an emergency radio alert buzzed a warning and a computerized voice spoke in everyone’s earphones.

“Warning. Warning. To all aircraft in the vicinity of coordinates N38°12.40′ / W76°23.45′. Effective immediately. A no-fly zone has been established within five kilometers of that location. Repeat. To all aircraft in the vicinity of coordinates N38°12.40′ / W76°23.45′. Effective immediately. A no-fly zone has been instituted within five kilometers of that location. This no-fly zone is by authority of the Special Extraction or Elimination Division of the United States Government.”

“What is going on?” Turner asked over the comm. “Matthews didn’t say anything about this.”

Hayes grinned and said, “Well, well, well. Looks like your own people don’t want you. I’m turning back.”

Thann couldn’t believe her ears. Something was bad wrong, and the smug look on Hayes’ face only made her angry.

“You moron. I know what’s happening. That’s why I need to be on site. Don’t test me,” she warned.

Turner stuck his head into the cockpit, saw the gun pointed at Hayes and grinned.

“If I were you,” he quipped. “I’d do what the lady asks. You don’t want to be on the wrong side of her temper.”

Hayes glared at them but changed his heading to a direct course for SEED Headquarters. He mumbled a few curse words, and Turner chuckled.

***

Ty felt Lincoln move and glanced at her. He was getting winded carrying her, but he was close to the ramp.

If she regained consciousness before he boarded, she would struggle. Other than a bruise on her forehead, she looked peaceful. His thoughts focused on the memory of the taste of her lips, and he almost did fall.

Reaching the ramp, he turned to see if Cruneval was anywhere nearby. Wraith and Roadkill hit the ramp on a dead run and dashed aboard. Koritt and Psycho were right behind them. Ty noticed movement in the tall grass and ran up the ramp just as Cruneval slithered into the open.

Elvis started closing the portal as fast as he could, but Cruneval leaped. Part of his extrusions grasped the edges of the structure and began oozing into the bay. Cruneval’s strength was astounding, and the closing mechanism ground to a halt with a grinding squeal. Despite the powerful motors trying to close the ramp, it remained open a few centimeters.

“I cannot leave unless the portal is closed,” Elvis announced. “My hull integrity is compromised unless all access panels are sealed.”

“You’re pissing me off, Elvis,” Psycho yelled.

“Looks like his body hasn’t adapted to full octopus mode yet,” Roadkill said. “He can’t squeeze through the gap.”

The tips of Cruneval’s prehensile arms thrashed around, trying to grab a handhold on the bulkheads. Other than the ramp itself, there were no projections in the hull strong enough to act as anchors. All he could do was keep the ramp from closing.

Koritt was amazed the nanobot capsules could make such extreme biological changes. His training in Genetic Engineering, and a gut instinct, told him the original genetic manipulation of the Human race must have included Insectoid DNA. Insectoids believed they were the most intelligent beings in the known Universe. The belief must have prejudiced the scientists conducting the experiment into including Insectoid DNA in the hodgepodge of genes making up the Human race to insure increased intellectual capacity.

Understanding dawned on Koritt. The nanobots didn’t fail to repair Human DNA. They carried out their core programming by restructuring and enhancing the Human DNA into a closer match with the built-in Insectoid genome. Every time Ty and his people injured Cruneval, his nanobots combined Human and Insectoid DNA into a more dangerous hybrid with augmented survival abilities.

“I estimate the motors controlling the ramp will fail in two minutes, fifteen seconds,” Elvis said. “My sensors detect the opening of the bomb bay doors on the SEED aircraft. I suspect we may be subject to an attack from it at any moment.”

“What do you call this?” Psycho yelled and motioned toward Cruneval. “A minor disturbance?”

Lincoln began regaining consciousness, and Ty put her on a bench. Turning to Koritt, he said, “We need something to protect this ship. There’s no time for offense. What’s the most powerful defensive tool the U-10 can produce?”

Koritt began thumbing through the cards.

Without warning, Lincoln screamed, “It’s Cruneval!” She leaped off the bench and attacked Koritt. Ty realized she was still dazed and thought Koritt was Cruneval because they looked very similar at the time she was knocked out.

She bowled Koritt over and was pummeling him when Ty, Roadkill, Psycho and Wraith tackled her.

“Lincoln, settle down!” Ty shouted as they shoved her away. “You’re back in Elvis. That’s Koritt.”

Surprised for only an instant, Lincoln threw everyone off her. Her strength was overwhelming. Her eyes narrowed, and she strutted toward Koritt. In a last attempt to save Koritt’s life, Ty stepped between them.

“Lincoln, that is Koritt. He’s our friend. We all rescued you from Cruneval. Look over there. That’s Cruneval. Trying to get in here and kill us.”

As if seeing Ty for the first time since she went after Cruneval, Lincoln’s face relaxed and her eyes softened. She made a soft, shuddering sigh and fell into Ty’s arms.

“I hate to sound like Psycho, but we don’t have time for this,” Elvis said. “The ramp will fail in one minute, thirty seconds.”

“Koritt is out,” Wraith said as she checked him. “He may be dead for all I can tell.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Psycho shouted.

Ty moved Lincoln aside and joined Roadkill gathering the U-10 cards Koritt had been looking at when Lincoln jumped him.

“Did you see which card he chose?” Roadkill asked.

“No. I wasn’t expecting Lincoln to do what she did. Elvis, do you know which card Koritt was going for?” Ty asked.

“No. I can translate the words on each card, but I don’t know which one is the most powerful defense,” Elvis responded.

Spreading the cards on the deck, Ty looked for anything that indicated defense. It was like trying to read Egyptian hieroglyphics.

His frustration level was peaking when Wraith said, “What about that one?”

The card she pointed toward had one symbol. It looked like a bubble within a bubble. Simple. Too simple for Ty.

“Elvis, translate this card,” Ty demanded.

“There is no translation. It is only a symbol. The card function is unknown,” Elvis replied.

“Damn gibberish!” Ty exclaimed.

Realizing he had no time to make another selection, Ty grabbed the card and slid it into the U-10 slot.

The green light appeared below the slot followed by a soft beep. Reaching inside, Ty pulled out a wire mesh sphere. A green button was placed next to a thumb slide. The slot containing the slide had mathematical symbols ‘-’ and ‘+’ at each end, and the current slide position was at the ‘-’ end.

Ty thumbed the button and waited for a reaction. The center of the sphere began glowing.

“Thirty seconds to ramp failure,” Elvis said. “Twenty-nine, twenty-eight, twenty-seven.”

“Stop the countdown,” Psycho said. “I can anticipate my death without a second-by-second reminder, thank you.”

Experimenting, Ty moved the thumb slide a millimeter and the glow increased until the entire compartment was lit by it. He noticed the glow wrapped around him but not the others. It looked like he was included in whatever the globe was doing, but the others were excluded. Inspiration leaped into his consciousness.

“Wraith, touch the globe. NOW!” Ty ordered.

Just then, Elvis said, “Something has fallen out of the bomb bay doors. Sensors indicate it is nine meters long and one point four meters in diameter. I estimate it will reach us in eleven point one seconds.”

“Sounds like the MOAB,” Lincoln said.

Hesitating for a moment, Wraith touched the globe, and the glow wrapped around her.”

“Everyone,” Ty said, excited, “Touch the globe.”

There was no hesitation after seeing the effect on Wraith. The glow wrapped around each of them as they placed a finger on the sphere.

“Ten seconds to ramp failure,” Elvis said. Despite the fact he was a computer, everyone heard the hint of fatalism in his voice.

“Let’s move down and let the globe touch Koritt and Elvis,” Ty said.

Moving in tandem, they all crouched around Koritt and moved the globe so that it was touching Koritt and the deck. The glow increased and encompassed the entire deck and Elvis’ structure.

At that instant, they heard and felt a tremendous explosion. Cruneval roared, and his body obliterated in a cascade of sparks and dark smoke. The ramp closed and its motors stopped their incessant squeal. As soon as the ramp sealed shut, the explosive sound muffled.

“A high explosive missile just detonated outside the hull. With the ramp sealed, I believe I could have survived the explosion; however, the ramp remained open at the time of detonation. Without the protection of the glow, there is no question we would have been destroyed. I now know which card you chose. It is called the TransDim. It shifts all objects within its glow into a trans-dimensional phase. Since the objects are no longer occupying the dimension being destroyed, they suffer no damage.”

Koritt began to stir and looked about. He spotted the TransDim in Ty’s hand and said, “You found it. Let me show you how it works.”

Elvis let loose a derisive electronic buzz, and everyone started snickering.

“What’s so funny?” Koritt asked.

***

“Bell TH-1H copter ZuluEchoCharlie6422, you are in a no -fly zone established by authority of the Special Extraction or Elimination Division of the United States Government. Leave the area immediately.”

Hayes looked at Thann and said, “I guess you want to answer him.”

“Cut the sarcasm,” Thann warned as she activated her mic and said, “Seeker, this is Thann, Kristan. Code random. Voice analysis confirm.”

Five seconds later, a voice said, “Agent Thann confirmed. You are in a danger zone. You must leave now, or you will be killed.”

“Don’t threaten me,” Thann replied. “Put me through to Commander Matthews at once.”

There was an audible click and a three second pause. “Close that door,” Matthews yelled. “I can’t hear myself think.” The background noise ceased and he asked, “Kristan, where are you?”

The tinge of fear in Jacob’s voice made Thann hesitate.

“I’m two kilometers from SEED. I got here as fast as I could . . .”

“Kristan, I told you to stay away.”

“Jacob, what’s going on?”

“I’m sorry.”

The MOAB detonated. The pressure wave from the blast hit the copter. Hayes fought the controls, but the forces churning the sky into a manmade maelstrom overpowered the old copter. Turned upside down and twisted, its blades torn away, the copter fell out of the sky and exploded.

***

Matthews hurried down the aisle leading to the Seeker cockpit with a look of desperation that was at odds with the successful detonation of the MOAB.

Every tech was monitoring his equipment with excited anticipation. They all wanted their stress levels lowered. Hours sitting at monitor stations in a damaged aircraft hiding from a constant alien threat had worn their nerves to a razor edge.

They all knew the fuel level was critical, and the Seeker would have to land soon or crash. If the MOAB did its job, they could be at Andrews Base in less than 45 minutes. Why was Commander Matthews not smiling?

Grabbing the shoulder of the Communications tech and spinning him around, Matthews demanded, “Any further communication from helicopter ZuluEchoCharlie6422?”

“No, Sir. Nothing since the last transmission. I’ll check again.”

Turning to his monitor, the tech studied it for a moment and said, “Confirmed. No transmission since the link was broken five minutes ago.”

Looking at the Radar Monitoring station, Matthews demanded, “Radar, what happened to ZuluEchoCharlie6422?”

“Sir, I had radar lock on the aircraft until the MOAB detonated. It disappeared after the detonation. Until the airborne debris clears, radar detection of anything below 2,000 meters is unavailable.

Shifting to the Satellite Monitoring station, Matthews said, “Anything?”

“Sir, the MOAB detonated at the fixed coordinates at 1620 hours. Due to the debris cloud, the full effect of the blast will not be visible for at least another thirty minutes.”

Matthews’ despondent look intensified, and he walked to the cockpit in a daze. Propping himself against the doorframe, he stared at Collins with dead eyes. Collins knew about the relationship Matthews and Thann shared and remained silent.

At last, Matthews said, “Maintain position until we confirm the aliens are destroyed. Then set course for Andrews Base. This ship can’t stay in the air forever.”

“I’m sorry, Jacob,” Collins said.

Matthews simply nodded.

***

“Should I destroy the SEED aircraft?” Elvis asked.

Hashtag looked at Ty from his seat at the control panel and raised an eyebrow. Lincoln held Ty’s arm and stared at him. For the first time since he met her, Ty saw a look that wasn’t predatory.

“Not right now,” Ty said. “Maybe later.”

Wraith stood next to Roadkill with a sullen look. She still thought Frost was using Ty, and it was frustrating to watch him fawn over the woman. Psycho sat in the crew cabin with his feet propped up on the chair in front of him tossing the now inert TransDim from hand to hand.

“I say we punch ’em in the head,” Psycho said. “They tried to kill us, and we need to let them know we’re tired of being pushed around. Maybe sic the U-10 on them and turn ’em all into Jack-o-Lanterns.”

“I want a rest,” Roadkill said. “The last few days earned us a vacation. A nice beach, a hot shower and a stiff drink will do.”

“Sounds good to me,” Wraith replied.

“I was due for a vacation just before I came to this backwoods planet,” Koritt said. “The trauma I have suffered in the last few days has almost overwhelmed me. A nice, hot syrup bath and a fresh molting would be most refreshing. I know just the place.”

“Count me out,” Ty chuckled and looked at Lincoln. “I have other plans.”

Without any prompting, Elvis said, “Mission deadline reached. Restricted code commands activated. Planetary eradication protocol in effect. Mandatory auto-destruct command acknowledged.”

“Quit fooling around, Elvis,” Hashtag responded.

“Planet neutralizer operational. Sixty seconds to ignition,” Elvis said.

The view screen switched to a picture of the Earth from space. A red circle encompassing the planet winked into existence and began pulsing. Hashtag began flipping switches with frantic haste, but nothing changed.

“Elvis, abort command sequence,” Koritt ordered.

“Command override prohibited. After initiation of destruct protocol, only Bureaucrat or higher level authority may issue abort command,” Elvis replied. “Forty-five seconds to ignition.”

Dashing to the control panel and pounding on it, Ty shouted, “Elvis, stop program. Stop!”

“Unable to comply,” Elvis said. “Program command locked.”

“Koritt, can you stop it?” Ty shouted.

“There’s a way, but you won’t like it,” Koritt replied.

“Just do it!” Ty said.

“Thirty seconds to ignition,” Elvis said.

“Computer, Code Loreuja selo kletulunnot umja locgulg,” Koritt said.

“Complying,” Elvis replied and everything went dark. The control panel, lights, airflow - every powered system and instrument on the ship turned off.

Seconds later, all systems restarted. An electronic computer voice said, “System configuration initiated. Core subroutine upload complete. Scanning environment.”

“Koritt, what is going on?” Ty demanded. “What did you do?”

“I’m sorry, Ty, but the only way to abort the locked programming was to make Elvis perform a complete memory wipe and reinstall its programming to initial factory settings,” Koritt replied. “Unfortunately, when the ship is beyond 50,000 kilometers from its home planet, such drastic action implies critical damage to the ship, crew or both. Automatic safety protocols are now in effect.”

“Unknown enemy aircraft detected. Destruction mandatory,” the computer voice said.

“Elvis, don’t destroy the enemy aircraft,” Hashtag said. “What is wrong with you, buddy?”

“Core programming and all fundamental subroutines have been restored to factory settings by failsafe command. I am Computer. Who is Elvis?” the Computer responded.

“A factory reset purges all memory modules. Elvis no longer exists,” Koritt said.

Hashtag was devastated. He looked like he’d just heard about the death of his best friend.

Lincoln rushed Koritt, picked him up and slammed him into the bulkhead.

“Stop it!” she screamed. Her eyes were dark pools of rage. Her fingers were so strong, they cracked his exoskeleton. His struggles were weak, and he wailed.

Ty put his hands on her shoulders and said, “It’s not his fault. He did what he could to stop it from destroying Earth. Don’t kill him.”

Tears began rolling down her cheeks, and her anger left her. Turning to stare out the viewports, she watched as the ship darted at the SEED plane.

“Engaging enemy aircraft,” the Computer said.

***

“Object detected,” the tech at the Radar monitor exclaimed. “It’s on a collision course. Impact in five seconds!”

Collins and Hoover began flipping switches, taking the Seeker out of Auto-Pilot. Alarmed, Matthews gripped the doorframe leading into the cockpit.

Just as Collins began to fly the Seeker away from its current location, the alien, bug-eyed spacecraft appeared in front of the cockpit windows. The craft was so close, Collins, Hoover and Matthews could see the faces of people standing in its cockpit. Hidden compartments, on either side of the bulbous forward windows, rolled open and laser cannon pointed at the Seeker.

In a panic, Collins dove the Seeker into a spiral. Matthews was thrown into a cabinet and almost lost consciousness. Collins and Hoover struggled with the controls and stabilized the Seeker at 8,000 meters.

“Weapons control, I need a lock on the alien ship,” Collins shouted.

Just as the words left his lips, the alien craft reappeared in the same position it had a few seconds ago. Its weapons were once again trained on the Seeker cockpit. Collins was about to dive again, when both laser cannon fired. The blasts burned through the entire length of the Seeker fuselage and exited its tail. The Seeker took on the flight characteristics of a paperweight. It plunged into the debris cloud created by the MOAB explosion and disappeared.

***

“Danger neutralized,” the Computer advised. “Setting course for Home Base.”

“Koritt, your Company already sent mercenaries to kill you. If you return home, it’ll finish the job,” Ty said.

“I think you’re right,” Koritt replied as he cradled his injured arms.

Ty looked at Lincoln. The needless killing of all the people onboard the Seeker traumatized her. He put his arm around her, and she rested her head on his shoulder.

The Computer announced, “Course calculated. Initiating supralight.”

“I just wanted a vacation,” Koritt muttered.

THE END

####

Thank you so much for reading my book. I hope you enjoyed U-10. I have other stories planned and in process. I promise they will be but just as exciting.

As an independently published author, I count on you to spread the word about my book. So if you enjoyed U-10, please tell your friends and family. Won’t you please take a moment to leave me a review at your favorite retailer?

Thanks! Sam B. Miller II

ABOUT SAM B MILLER II

Sam B. Miller II holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, and a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance, from the University of Tennessee. He has five children and lives with his wife, Susan, and their many dogs, in Northeast Tennessee. After writing a successful Science Fiction 3-book series, Miller turned his attention upon the mystery of the supernatural. Smith was his fourth novel. He has now returned to his favorite genre, Science Fiction, for his fifth novel, U-10.

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