Nebula Wars

Chapter 1

The End

Blood dripped down Janson’s busted lip. His left eye was swollen shut from the beaten he had taken from the Shanlock soldier. “There is no other choice. Join us or die.” General Graklin’s voice echoed thru the interrogation room.

“Never!” Janson replied hoarsely trying desperately to pry his hands loose from the leather restraints that held his arms firmly against the metal chair.

“Maybe if you won’t do it for yourself, maybe you can do it for her.” Graklin said as a hologram appeared before him.

“Don’t do this.” Janson pleaded desperately seeing his fiancé Nicole appear before his eyes. She knelt before a soldier dressed in black dirty armor as he held his weapon close to her head.

“This would have been so much easier if you would have accepted our mind chip.” Graklin said in frustration.

“Do what they want.” Nicole begged Janson.”

“I can’t.” Janson said, tears running down his cheeks.

“Very well.” Graklin grimaced. Kill her!”

The soldier pressed his blaster against Nicole’s head while tears streamed down her face as she pleaded for Janson to do what Graklin asked.

“I’m sorry.” Janson replied tears flowing from his eyes.

“I am too.” Nicole replied as the soldier blasted Nicole’s brains onto the cold metallic floor of the ship she was onboard.

The hologram zoomed in on Nicole’s lifeless body and then shut off.

“You could have saved her. You could have remained a Shanlock soldier. You would have served under my command, with the highest of authorities. Now you will die here on your planet. Leave him!” General Graklin ordered.

The guard exited the room not noticing that Janson had pried away from his restraints. Janson started his way towards the door, wiping his face, trying to compose himself.. Lucky for him the guard didn’t bother to lock the room.” Stupid guard.” He thought making his way down the corridor to the base which had been deserted. Janson made his way to the landing strip of the base quickly climbing into the first operational craft he could find. He punched in the launched codes warming the engines to the ship. Alarms echoed thru the hangar as his ship blasted away to safety. Huge fireballs erupted below as his ship blasted into orbit. The aftershocks of the explosion sent Janson’s ship spinning through the black emptiness of space. Stars glistened against the hull of his ship. There was no time to warn anyone of the Shanlock’s intentions. The entire earth was obliterated in mere seconds by the Shanlock. A far superior race that had crash landed on earth in the early fifties. The government covered up the incident and the world went on without a hint of what the government was hiding. Through the next fifty yrs. humans advanced in knowledge and technology.

Technology given to man by the Shanlock. In exchange the government allowed the Shanlock to experiment on humans and animals. The increase of human abductions reached mass proportions. D.N A crossing between humans and animals gave birth to what the world calls lycanthropes. Werewolves and vampires. They were the Shanlock’s Special Forces unit. These creatures were not the same ones written by fiction. There were no silver bullets and stakes. These creatures were ferocious killing machines. The vampires would drain the life-force from the blood of its victims and with each victim they took the more strength they drew. Then there were the werewolves who’s ruthlessness was far superior to the vampire‘s. Their strength and bestial nature made them formidable foes, not to mention the fact that they were not mindless creatures like the ones written in fiction. These monsters were able to think and use weapons.

Finally there was the Shanlock’s Ground force, dead reanimated beings with control chips placed in their brains. An army that would just keep coming. Pain had no effect on these creatures. It was a war like no other. War against the Vadigian’s who the Shanlock had been fighting for decades. A race that would not bow down to the Shanlock. A race that was just as bit as superior in technology.

The two beings were different in appearance. The Vadigian’s looked much like humans with the exception of their skin which was blue. The Shanlock’s on the other hand were much different. Grey skin, with bodies tattooed from head to toe. Their eyes were dark black pearls with teeth as sharp as razors. The real reason for the technology given to man was so that man could fight the Shanlock’s war. This was the Shanlock way. They would move from planet to planet and train the inhabitants and send them to war. When the planets resources to dwindled, the Shanlocks simply destroyed them. Taking with them what soldiers they could and eliminating those that refused to follow. Man’s hour had come. In the yr. 3131 the earth was destroyed. Tears ran down his Janson’s Face as he looked into the empty black space where his home planet once occupied. Janson set his navigation systems for Varala. The Vadigian’s home planet. Goodbye Nichole. Janson said wiping the tears from his face. Streams of light followed leaving only a wasteland of debris and rock.

Chapter 2

A New Home

“There’s an unknown ship heading this way.” The blue faced Vangarian said looking on the radar.

“Scramble the fighters to intercept the ship. ‘ Captain Drake said pacing back and forth.”

“We seem to be getting a transmission from the ship.” The soldier said turning the small black knobs on his controls.

“Well, what’s he saying?’ Drake asked impatiently.

“Just a minute I almost got it. There I got it.” The soldier said adjusting the controls.

“This is lieutenant Janson Dargas of The United Nations Air Force requesting permission to land.”

“What would a Shanlock soldier want?

“Just what in Varala is he doing way out here by himself?” Drake thought.

“It could be a trap sir.” The soldier warned.

” Have two of our fighters escort him to docking pad 4799. I will meet him there.

Instruct our fighters to shoot him down if he does not cooperate.”

This is Sergeant Rall, proceed to landing pad 4799. Warning any hostile attempts will result in your termination.”

“Roger that. This has got to be the stupidest thing I’ve ever done. I am still considered a Shanlock fighter. “There’s a 90 percent chance they will throw me in a cell and let me rot and a 110 percent they will shoot me on sight. Where else can I go? Nowhere.” He thought punching in the landing sequence entering the Vangarian atmosphere.

Captain Drake and his men stood near the landing zone. The Captains red cape flapped in the air as the engines of Janson’s ship roared. Drake watched cautiously as Janson’s black starship drifted down. Two Vangarian fighters stood by hovering above the circular landing pad. The humming from Janson’s ship ceased as his ship docked on the pad.

Janson then pulled a tiny lever at the bottom of his controls opening the cock pit. He then climbed out of his ship removing his black helmet which had skulls etched on the side. “Don’t come any closer.” Captain Drake said as his men pointed their weapons towards Janson.

“I am Captain Drake. What business does a Shanlock soldier have here and why would you come alone?”

“Yesterday the Shanlock army destroyed my world. There is no one left. At least no one that was not willing to follow the Shanlock. I have nowhere to go. I have come to ask that I join your army so that I may take arms against them. I will fight them with every ounce of life that I have in me.” Janson replied.

“Only in the end does species like yours understand. The Shanlock are a brutal and merciless race. With each world they conquer, another one ends that is their way. They drain a planet of all its natural resources and when they have no use for it they find another one. Their army grows stronger every day. Reanimated soldiers and unholy band of lycanthropes are scattered across the edges of the galaxy like an incurable disease. That is why we fight them. They once came to our planet trying to instill their religions and sciences upon us. That was not our way. We rather die than follow a race that feeds on the fruits of the galaxy. You come here because you say you have nowhere to go. Your people always had somewhere to go. It is your government that made the alliance with the Shanlock. It is fault of your people that your race is on the verge of extinction. Vangarian’s have always been here. If your people had come to us we would have found a way to survive together. Now things are far worse.” Drake said grasping his laser looking up at the two crafts hovering above. He knew the risk of accepting a former Vangarian soldier.” If he took in this soldier. He would be responsible.” He thought.

“Very well. I will allow you to join my army. You will have to pass the same trials all our soldiers face. I must warn you, they are not easy. If you succeed we will place a chip in your brain for assurance.”

“Assurance from what?” Janson asked suspiciously.

“That you do not betray us. If you do, it will trigger the chip and you will die and so will the hope of your race. We will start tomorrow at the settings of the four suns. Dress comfortably this land is hot. This attire will not do here.” Drake said referring to Janson’s flight suit.

” I will see that you are provided temporary quarters.” Drake then turned and walked off.

“That was easy.” Janson said with an uncomfortable smile. Two guards escorted him thru the massive landing strip which was filled with thousands of starships. It marveled him to the point of disbelief. He was alone in a world of enemies. He had lost everything. He thought stepping into rusty old metallic transport surrounded by lights. Janson sat in the passenger’s seat fastening himself to the seat of the capsule. The engine warmed, jetting away thru the tunnel of Varala’s belly.

Chapter 3

The Test

Captain Drake stood before the edge of the swamp with his arms crossed as Janson’s transport arrived. Janson stepped out shirtless with only his flight pants and boots on. He looked around in confusion wondering just what Captain Drake had planned for him.

“What the hell am I supposed to do wrestle a gator?”

“Something like that.” Captain Drake said with a smile.

“There is a creature that lives in these swamps. Its name is GonGala.

It has twelve tentacles with 8 eyes. It has killed more recruits than I can count. “ Drake said readying Janson for what was ahead.

“It’s no wonder you have an army.” Janson replied.

“You need only bring one tentacle back. No weapons.” Drake said with a smirk.

“How the hell am I supposed to …?”

“That Mr. Dargas is a problem you will have to solve.” Good luck Mr. Dargas.” Drake replied.

“Luck! Can I order my coffin now or tomorrow?”

“It’s a swamp Mr. Dargas. You don’t need a coffin. There are plenty of creatures here that will gladly digest your body.” Drake said sarcastically.

“What an asshole.” Janson whispered to himself.

“I take pleasure in being one. Captain Drake replied climbing into his metallic circular transport.”

Janson nodded his head jumping into the swamp. The water was about 5 feet deep and came up to Janson’s chest. He looked around making his way thru the murky swamp.

The sounds of Varala’s winged reptilian creature the draggle, sounded thru the forest. Janson looked in every direction cautiously making his way thru the swamp.

The water began to bubble around him causing Janson‘s heart to pound rapidly. “I really, really hate water.” Janson told himself. A huge tentacle splashed out of the water wrapping Janson and taking him underneath the water. Janson struggled with every ounce of strength of his body to break free but the more he tried the more the tentacle tightened. Janson quickly searched around. He could feel the air leaving him and knew if he didn’t act fast it would be a matter of time before he would run out of air. That’s if Gongala didn’t eat him first he thought. The huge creature swam before him revealing 11 other tentacles. Janson desperately fought for air, instinctively biting into the creature’s slimy tentacle causing Gongala to release Janson.

He quickly swam up for air gasping in relief as his head came out of the water. Janson scanned the area with his eyes. There was nothing he could use for weapons he thought taking a deep breath as Gongala’s tentacles sprang from underneath the water. Janson swam towards Gongala grabbing a huge rock that lay on the bottom of the watery surface. Janson then let Gongala catch him biting into Gongala’s tentacle. This time Gongala released him. Janson sprang towards Gongala’s eyes slamming the huge rock into two of the creature’s eyes. Purple blood spurted from the creature’s pupils. Janson then swam up for air as the creature followed. Janson swam with all his might towards one of the trees that had been growing from the swamp and climbed to the top. Janson reached for the biggest branch he could find. He quickly snapped it out of its home. Just as Gongala reached the surface Janson jumped from the tree sending the broken end of the branch deep into Gongala’s head. The creature howled in pain, struggling to swipe off Janson who continued to stab Gongala. Blood splattered against his face as Gongala grabbed Janson with its tentacles throwing its enemy, slamming him against a tree.

Gongala then sunk into the water of the swamp. Janson dove back into the water following the creature. Just as Janson followed Captain Drake walked up to the edge of the swamp.

“You think he will survive.” Lieutenant Jazin asked walking up beside his commander.

“It’s amazing he’s lasted this long.” Captain Drake said with disbelief.

“So what if he succeeds? Jazin asked.

“Then we will live up to our agreement. That’s if he survives.” Captain Drake said with a smile.

Janson emerged from the water tired and battered. The human soldier slowly walked towards Captain Drake. Janson then looked at Drake briefly walking by saying.

“I know you wanted one tentacle but I got carried away. All eleven are down there

waiting for you. Whenever you want to get them, I’m too tired to carry the damn thing up here.” Captain Drake laughed as Janson walked by.

“This is going to be fun.” Captain Drake said with a smirk.

Chapter 4

The Operation

“You will be assigned to Raider 13. You all should get along just fine being that most of them are the last of their people. You will meet your new squad on Cantillila. Theirs a army of were beasts that are attempting to overthrow the eastern coast of Cantillila. If they succeed in taking the east of Cantillila then the Nazirian Galaxy will be taken in a matter of months. We need the Cantillilians. Their vital piece of our army. They are a major supplier for us. We can’t afford to lose them. You will rendezvous with them at 0900, one week from now. First there are few procedures you will need to go thru before you leave. “Drake informed.

”That’s right your brain chip. “ Janson replied with an uneasy nod.

“Yes and a few surprises. They will not be pleasant Mr. Dargas. Then again war never is.” Captain Drake said walking out of the procedure room...

Janson sat on the operating table as the white coated doctor punctured his arm with a syringe injecting green serum into his body.

“What’s that? Janson asked.

“It will make your experience more comfortable. “ The doctor answered.

“Just what are you talking about?” Janson asked concerned.

“Well were going to reconfigure the bones in your body with a special metal we call Banseen. This metal will serve as an extension of your weak fragile structure.” The Doctor replied fumbling thru his medical equipment.

“What? I didn’t agree to this. “Janson replied.

Mr. Dargas you will not survive if you decide not to continue. You will be fighting monsters. Far more powerful than this pathetic body you walk around in.”

The doctor replied. Dargas tried to get off of the table but the more he tried the drowsier he got. Finally everything turned black and he passed out on the table. The doctor began marking the areas on Janson’s body preparing him for surgery.

“This should be interesting I’ve never done a human before the doctor told his assistant.

Let’s just hope his tiny little heart can take this.”

Chapter 5

Rebirth

Janson’s eyes slowly opened while Captain Drake stood looking at him.

“Welcome back Mr. Dargas.” Drake said with a nod of approval to the doctor.

“Just what in hell did you people do to me?” Janson asked.

“What was necessary. You will be fighting lycanthropes and reanimates. You will need an edge. We have given it to you. Your entire bone structure has been removed and replaced with new synthetic bones. You will be able to withstand forces ten times that of any normal human. We have placed special chips in your brain which will awaken that part that is never used in you humans. You will find that you might develop extraordinary senses that I would assume will develop over time.” The doctor said pacing back and forth.

“What kind of senses?” Janson asked trying to adjust his vision.

“Telekinesis, your sense of smell, sight, visions of the future who knows. You are the first human we have ever attempted this on. Along with this you have been given an armor that will forever be a part of you. It is an extension of your bones. The metal that we have placed has the ability to liquefy, thus allowing the armor to coat your body thru the pores that you humans sweat from. In any circumstance when you wish to obtain your armor, simply press the black button that we have surgically implanted on your wrist, which should only be used once simply to activate the system. If you notice at the bottom there is a small communicator that has also been implanted along with a micro-computer. which I advise you to encode so that way you can lock and unlock your armor by simply using your voice. The computer’s hard drive is located on a small chip also located in your brain. Any attempt to betray us and the chips will send a chain reaction thru out your body that will kill you.” The doctor said walking out of the room.

“You are still very much human. The only difference is you will be far superior to those before you. You are not the last of your kind but you might as well be, since most of them serve the Shanlock. Honor the men that came before them. The ones that would not bow down to tyranny. I have read your history not all of it was ruled by fool men who led only to be stronger. Fool men who built machines and weapons with the ability to end their own civilization. Not all killed in the name of some God they have never met. There were a great many of your kind. You have a chance Janson Dargas no matter what happens, to honor all those that fought so hard to make what the universe knows as humans. Honor them and this army that you have now joined. Today you become one of us. You walk with the same bones that we do and fight in the same armor we wear. You are now a Vangarian soldier. Know this. We are a proud race that despise war we only fight it for the survival of the universe. We fight for our children and their future children. We will die before ever serving any other race in some fool crusade that will only bring death to all parts of our galaxy. This war is full of heroes, your actions will determine if you will ever join them.” Captain Drake said staring hard into Janson’s eyes.

“I don’t want to join anyone. I just want to do what I can to bring those bastards down. They took away everything, I want to do the same to them.” Janson said angrily as he thought about his fiancé Nicole who he had been shot in front of him.

When he refused to follow the Shanlock they handcuffed him in a cell. They could have killed him just as easily but they wanted to convert him. He was the Shanlocks most decorated pilot till he found out the real reason behind the war. He begged them not to take Nicole but they did it for his refusal to follow. They took her away and expected him to still serve. When they took her, they took everything.

“I don’t know what they took but whatever it was, must have been really important to you.” Captain Drake said almost as he could relate.

“They did.” Janson replied with a blank stare as the memory of his beloved Nicole flashed thru his mind.