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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Adults
- Theme: Science Fiction
- Subject: Science / Science Fiction
- Published: 04/05/2019
OUT OF THE SKY
WRITTEN BY I R HILL
30/03/2019
It was mid summer the days were hot and windy the beaches were full, the ice cream parlours were serving loads of ice cream, drivers had their car windows down with their arm hanging out trying to cool down. Paul and Barry had decided to head northeast towards the coast, the beaches were deserted up there.
Three days earlier Paul had driven two hundred and fifty kilometres with a tandem trailer to collect a project car. The project car was Saab Griffin 2001 model. He had been to check the vehicle the day before and the owner finally agreed to his price. Collecting the dead vehicle that day was uneventful at the time. Paul had to winch the car onto the trailer, hard work, the engine had a blown head gasket and could not be driven, he tired the vehicle down, paid the owner then headed towards his home. The drive through Launceston was slow with heavy traffic. Heading up the outlet out of Launceston was slow, the vehicle and trailer were heavy to tow. He stopped at Epping Forest for a cup of coffee and a salad roll, he sat outside and watched the trucks go by as he drunk his coffee and ate his roll. After finishing his break from driving he set out again towards home.
The trip home was un eventful except when a Jeep and trailer passed him on the crest of a hill between Avoca and Fingal and he hoped that no one was coming over the rise when the driver accelerated passed him. He breathed a sigh of relief as the car sped on passed and pulled back in. What an idiot he thought. He continued on his journey with know further incidents.
Twenty kilometres from the next town he smelt hot oil and noticed his temperature gauge was screaming hot. As he approached a side road he pulled off into a parking area, as he did, the Ute engine cut out. When the ute came to a stop he immediately stepped out of the Ute raising the bonnet, the radiator was blowing steam and oil was all over the firewall, he stood there for a few minutes pondering what to do, there were no cars passing and no sign of life anywhere, he was alone.
It was mid evening and the full moon was rising so he had plenty of light but he could do nothing with his dead ute engine. He climbed back into the cab taking a drink from his water bottle and checked for mobile coverage, there were three bars. He checked the Net for a local tow truck that serviced the area.
Out of the corner of his eye to the right he noticed a flash of white light crossing the sky from the other side of the road, putting his mobile down he slid out of the Ute and stood by the open door. He noticed the bright white light had grown stronger and now stationary in the paddock opposite him behind the tree line. He was not sure what to do, he believed in extraterrestrial life but his brain was trying to process what he was observing. Leaning back into the Ute cab and gathering up his mobile off the dash, he closed the Ute door and locking it. He checked the road both ways before crossing.
Crossing the road observing the light he realising it was coming from a large round object that reflected the moonlight. Working his way through fence and then walking close to the trees keeping himself hidden. He crept slowly through the shadows listening carefully for any sound coming from the Disc. Could this be an RAAF simulator being tested in the middle of no where or was it from the stars. His enthusiasm to investigate the light lead him to trip over a branch on the ground making a noise as he fell, he lay there dead still and quiet. Lights flashed toward where he had fallen sweeping the area slowly then the light went off. Paul laid there a few moments longer just in case the light swung back, he slowly worked his way back onto his feet making no noise. Army training kicked in, he thought he had forgotten his training but it was all there stashed away in his memory. From now on he picked his way around any loose foliage on the ground. Now around forty metres from the object, he paused behind a group of reeds growing by a pond and it gave him good cover.
Withdrawing his mobile from his hip pocket. He wanted to take a few photos to show his mate. He had turned off the automatic flash because the moonlight would aid the lens and there would not be a flash of light as he snapped a photo. Prepared to take the first photo some thing or some one walked down the ramp coming from under the disc, the legs appeared first, they were not human legs they were, well he was lost for thoughts as to what they looked like. Nothing like you see in the movies. The Alien appeared from under the ship, straightening up, it stood at least 2.8 metres tall, heavily built and the torso was thick and solid, wearing some sort of armour and head gear.
The Alien looked back into the disc and spoke in a strange language, another Alien stepped out onto the ramp leading from the space craft, this one was slightly smaller. He laid there not knowing what to do next. The first Alien was sensing his presents, it spoke again to its mate and with in seconds it was along side Paul looking down at him on the ground., Laying there frozen as his life flashed before his eyes, the Alien bent over and offered what looked like a hand to Paul gesturing to him to stand, Paul took the hand. It was more like a claw having four fingers enclosed in a glove. The Alien gently helped Paul to his feet. Paul stood there silent as the other Being walked towards him. Paul spoke, “who are you and where are you from?” The Beings tilted their heads from side to side as they listened to Paul speak. They reminded Paul of a Canine's gesture. Paul asked again “who are you and where have you come from?” The taller one touched a button on its breast plate and then spoke softly, “Hello, my name translates into your language as NX01 and this is XC007, we are from the planet 'Jues' ten million light years from Earth. “We are pleased to meet you”, “are you Paul?” Paul swallowed and said “yes I am” the taller Being went onto say “they had been following Paul and observed him as he stopped”. “yes well, I stopped because my vehicle shut down due to a fault with the cooling system ECU”, “your vehicle looks very primitive”, “yeah well, I suppose it does compared with your transport”. “Why have you come here to Earth” said Paul, the smaller Being spoke and said “there is a dangerous weapon on your planet and if it is not dealt with quickly will destroy your world as you know it”. Paul not sure what to say next said
“how do you know this”? “ Weapon Technology was stolen from our planet three years ago and it has finally been detected here on Earth”, Paul replied “what can I do to help you?” “We knew of your existence before we came to Earth, and we are sorry but we stopped your vehicle here by reason of, we needed to make contact with you”, Paul said “what can I do for you I am just an average human, there is nothing special about me”, “yes there is Paul your knowledge and training with weaponry in your armed forces sets you apart from other Humans, “do you remember you worked a new weapon K5T9SSK5 three years ago”, “yes I do”, “well that weapon was the one stolen from our planet”. “I knew when I worked on the project K5T9SSK5 it was not from this world and when I asked question I was dismissed from unit”. “ They have perfected the weapon and if used it will devastate your world”. “What can I do”? Studying human behaviour we have noticed your army friends stay in contact even after retiring from the Army”, “well, yes we do we meet once month”, “what do you mean a month?” Earth time is broken into years, months, weeks, days and hours and minutes, a month is around thirty days”, “ah, I see”, “when will your group meet next?” “let me see, he checked his mobile phone calendar, yes, tomorrow night”, “I think you Earthlings call it trust, is there members of your Army buddies you can trust with this information?” Paul went through the list in his head of his Unit and said “yes there are a two I could trust with this information”. “Take this communicator and you can call us any time any where”,NX01 handed Paul a small device with a flip cover. Paul looked at the communicator and said “beam me up Scottie” , “I have always wanted to say that”, NX01 and XC007 looked at Paul puzzled, Paul said “it is a human thing “ the Beings looked at each other and groaned.
Paul walked back to his Ute and called the local tow truck driver and two hours later his vehicle was loaded on the truck and trailer with the car hitch behind and off they went. “So what happened to your Ute mate?” Paul replied “the radiator has blown and over heated the engine” “Okay” said the truck driver, “common fault with these Couriers but easily fixed”, Paul said “I guess so”. One hours later he arrived at his home tired and warn out after his adventure. The truck driver backed the trailer and car into his yard, un hitched the trailer and unloaded the Ute. Paul said “thanks mate, what do I owe you?” “One hundred and forty dollars will do”, “cheers Mate”, Paul went into his house and came back with the money. After writing him a receipt the driver drove off.
Paul gabbed himself a beer from the fridge in his kitchen then sat down and thought to himself, was I dreaming or did I just meet two strangers from another world.
Friday night Paul went to his Units reunion. Meetings convening each month at Paul's local pub in St Helen, the area was serene and all felt at ease when they met on the out door area facing the bay, unfortunately this month only one out of fifteen were able to meet. All the unit members suffering from various degrees of PTSD and coming to the meeting depended on their state of minds each felt on the day. The Unit members were spread throughout Tasmania and had to drive at least two and half hours to St Helens.
Active duty was tough and the assignments and the locations of their assignments are still under the Official Secrets Act, meaning they are not permitted to discuss any details of their assignments with non military personal or amongst themselves.
It was around 6pm and Paul had arrived first, ordering drinks for two and sat outside over looking the bay. The sun was setting and the reflection on the water was magic.
Jeff was second in charge of the Unit and had driven up from Hobart after work so he was looking forward to his first beer and a couple days off to relax and catch up with Paul. Parking his car at the back of the Hotel on the water side. He found Paul sitting on his own, “whats up” he said “no friends mate”, Paul turned and stood, he greeted Jeff with man hug then shook his hand.
“How are you Jeff?” Jeff replied “you know, too many women not enough beer” and laughed.
Jeff was the one Paul could trust him to keep secret what he was about to tell him. “Jeff, I have to tell you some thing and you must keep it to yourself”, “what! are you getting married?” and he laughed. Paul replied “if only it was that easy” he went onto say, “do not show any emotion when I tell you my story, just act cool, Okay”, Jeff replied “okay, man”.
“Paul lowered his voice and said “you remember when we were assigned to that special project and owing to me asking questions we were transferred”, “are we suppose to be talking about this?” Jeff also spoke quietly, “well, know, but I have to tell you”, “yesterday I went into Launceston to pick up that project car”, “yes you told me you were” replied Jeff, “well you are not going to believe what happened on the way home. When I was around ten kilometres out of St Mary's my ute blew the radiator and the ute stopped, I was sitting in the Ute checking the Net to see if there was a Tow truck in the area. Jeff sat there looking at Paul, Paul went onto say, “I noticed a bright light in the trees on the other side of the road, when I stepped out of the ute the light became stationary just behind the tree line, I grabbed my mobile and worked my away across the field, as I approached the light I could see it was a disc shaped object shining in the moonlight, I worked my way closer then tripped over a branch, “clumsy brute” laughed Jeff, “I worked my way over to the object, and found a place I could observe without being seen and take some photos because I knew you would not believe me”, Jeff sat quietly, “As I was about to take a photo a ramp opened at the bottom of the object and these legs appear, then this thing stepped out onto the ground, it was around 2.8 metres tall, with a thick set body, wearing some sort of armour and helmet”. “It must have sensed I was there because in a flash it was standing over me”, “what happened?” said Jeff, “it bent over, took my hand, helping me to my feet”, “I took a deep breath” and said “who are you and where are you from?”, “I repeated myself ,then it pressed a button on the front of its suit, the helmet folded down and it started to talk”, “what did it say?” said Jeff, now really intrigued, “he introduced himself as NX01 and his first officer XC007, he went onto say why they had come to Earth”, “I looked at him”. “He went on to say that he knew of me before they came”, I said “what do you mean you knew of me, I am nobody”, “he went on to talk about our mission we were on in the army and how the project we worked was a weapon from their planet, Jues”. “I stood there dumb founded”. “Then I said, “I knew that that piece of equipment was not from earth”. “NX01 told me it had been stolen three years earlier from their planet and it had been track to Earth now it was operational, and if fired would destroy our world as we know it”, “So what does he want from you?” said Jeff, ”He wants me to find the weapon, secure it, then notify him so they can return it to their world for safe keeping”, “well that's quiet a story, are you writing a book Paul?”, “you had me going there for awhile”. “I wish it was a story, I am still shaking from last night”, “your serious aren't you” said Jeff, “yes I am very serious and your the only one I can trust with this information Jeff”, “well what are we going to do” Jeff replied, “We need to plan this out and we need supplies, weapons and money for flights to the mainland”. “Where are we going to get this all from” muttered Jeff, “you realise we are all still being watched night and day” Jeff said in a very slow precise voice looking around covertly, “I know but one thing they do not have is a secret weapon in the form of two off planet Beings”, Jeff looked at Paul and said “are you mad”, “you know Jeff all we do is exist, we all suffer from PTSD and I am sick of it , no help from the Army, just thrown away like pieces of shit”, “well now things are going to change, are you with me?” “Hell yeah I feel the same way, lets do this thing, what ever it is”.
On the Monday Paul took a trip to Mt Crosby, Queensland ,Australia to see his mate Jeremy. He caught the early flight out of Launceston airport arrived Brisbane eleven am, he met his mate in the arrival lounge.
As he walked in to arrivals Jeremy was standing by the escalator waiting, Paul walked up to Jeremy and said “it is so good to see you mate, how have you been?” Jeremy replied “all good, busy in the unit, so why have you come on this trip?” Jeremy replied “lets head for the car and I will explain it all to you”, “sounds ominous” replied Jeremy. Jeremy was still a serving officer in the Special Air Service (SAS), he was not attached to Paul's unit when Paul's group were transferred out for asking questions. Paul began his story as they drove back to Jeremy's house at Mt Crosby, Jeremy put his hand on Paul's leg and then his finger to his lips,, Jeremy flicked a switch in his Jeep and the radio came on with a strange hum in the back ground, “Now you can continue with your story I am intrigued” Jeremy said, Paul continued, pausing and then said “are you being monitored as well?” Jeremy said “pays to be safe all the time, and you do realise even thinking about this is jail time if caught”, “yes we know that”, “what do you mean we, who else knows?”, “Jeff, is the only other person I would trust with this, as you”, Jeremy nodded his head in agreement . “How are you to contact this NX01?” Paul ,” he gave me a communicator,” Paul opened his hand, at first it was empty, then the small device appeared, Jeremy's eyes opened wide as he gazed at the the small device, “now that's cool” as a smile came over his face, “what's the range?” “unlimited, no mater what location it works”, “Can NX01 help with weapons?” “all I have to do is ask”, “why did they contact you” said Jeremy, “they had been watching me for years and knew about me and my involvement with the project”. “Well, we are never safe, some one is always watching”, “how about we meet later on tonight at our usual place” said Paul, not disclosing their meeting place just in case some one was ears dropping.
Jeremy's second car was parked on the lower drive which Paul borrow from time to time. Paul collected his bag from the rear of Jeremy's Volvo CX90 as Jeremy flicked him the keys to Out lander. Paul waved good by and head off turning left out of the drive towards Brisbane this road took him through dense housing and the road twisted and turned allowing him to check if he was being followed. Around thirty klms from Brisbane heading toward Ipswich there was a driveway, it was hidden from the road, he turned his lights off ,checked both ways before pulling off the road into the driveway. Feeling safe that no one was following him, released the gate latch and the tree standing in front of the drive opened like a gate, he drove on through and closed the gate behind him. They had set up this secret location many years ago as a safe haven to come and relax away from people and the world, little did they know it was going to be their Op centre for the operation to regain possession of the weapon. The hide away and house sat on forty acres of bush land and had a clearing not far from the house big enough to set down NX01 ship. Paul contacted NX01 and gave him the co ordinance. Around twenty minutes later NX01 and CX007 had landed their ship where it was hidden from the road, and to make sure, the ship was cloaked.
Jeremy had a few more days leave due, so he applied. On the Wednesday afternoon he arrived at there house in the bush. He had hired another car and left his at home, so it would appear he had gone on a fishing trip off the coast of Queensland Australia around Lord Howe Island. He was a mad keen fisherman so it would appear normal to interested people.
NX01 had tracked the weapon to the area of Streaky Bay South Australia, to a Government facility, this sites cover story was, 'studying space'. Well known to the locals and had been there for over thirty years but, the locals had no idea of its real purpose. Deep below the surface was a state of the art weapons modification programme. None of the weapons in the programme came from earth they were Alien.
The K5T9SSK5 weapon if fired could destroy Earth with one burst, it removes all oxygen and then the planet implodes. The signature produced by the weapon alerts other planetary travellers and they lock on. Weapons like this were highly sort after and were kept secret by NX01 on their home world of 'Jues'. This weapon is small and extremely efficient, stolen over three years ago from NX01's planet 'Jues' by a group who were band from his world for in sighting hatred.
This weapon was now operational and tracked to Earth. Paul had no idea how this weapon came to be on Earth but he knew how dangerous it would be in the wrong hands. There was not a weapon made on or off Earth Paul could not operate or make operational. Highly sort after in the Army Corp for his knowledge, unfortunately for him he versed his opposition once too often about the use of these weapons, Doctor Philby had no real idea what they were capable of when fired, Paul continuing protests about the use of the weapon that's when Philby had removed him from the project.
NX01 said “the weapon now complete would fit inside a large suit case, and could be carried by one man”, “will you be with us on the raid NX01?” “No, we can not be seen on your planet at all, we are here as you say covertly”, “we can help you with weapons, special clothing and transport, the rest is up to your crew”. CX007 said “are you still capable of pulling off this operation noting you have been retired as you put it for three years”, “Jeremy is still active in the SAS Thunder Unit and Jeff and I stay fit and train at weekends, so I would say, yes, with your help and special aid you can give us”, “okay if your sure Paul” replied CX007.
We have suits you can wear which will render you invisible and the weapons we will supply do not kill they freeze the victim and when they recover they remember nothing, also we can fly you in and out of the site and land close to the Government facility, and gain your crew entry”, “well that sound promising” said Jeremy. “When will this need to be done?” Paul asked, NX01, “we need to move quickly, they are test firing the weapon Sunday morning 0600 hrs” replied NX01, “Jeff flies in tomorrow morning at 0200hrs”, “I will collect him from the airport and bring him here”, “okay Jeremy” replied Paul.
“If all goes well we will launch at 0400hrs Sunday morning” said NX01, “gee, you have certainly picked up our language NX01” said Paul, “well, we have had a good teacher in you Paul”, they all laughed, “also, you two have gain a great sense of Human humour” said Paul and they all laughed again.
“Right, I am off for a snooze, I need my snooze you know I am getting older”, “Oh before we go, how fast is that ship of yours”, blink and we are there”, “hum, that fast hey”, laughed Jeremy.
0100hrs Saturday morning Jeremy headed for the Brisbane Airport to collect Jeff. He took precautions on the way to to the airport just in case anyone was following, he knew they could track him via a satellite. NX01 had added a scrambling device to his hired vehicle so no one could follow or track.
Jeremy reached the airport and parked waiting for Jeff in his car, Jeff's plane landed on time, he collected his bag then proceeded out the arrival lounge, before leaving the airport he sat at Popup coffee bar just outside the main entrance and ordered coffee and a snack. There were very few travellers at that time of the morning. While waiting he scanned the area for any suspicious person watching him. Jeff's job in the Army was surveillance so he was quite adapted at losing a tail. After thirty minutes he picked up his bag and walked towards the exit. Jeremy was watching the pickup area from near by and when Jeff appeared he drove quickly to the pickup point and collected Jeff. They headed off towards Brisbane CBD then weaved their way through traffic then headed for the house. Arrived early hours with no tail.
Jeff had not met NX01 or his partner CX007 he thought it was still a great story but as he entered the kitchen he saw them both, he could not believe his eyes, it was all true, Paul was telling the truth. As Jeff arrived Paul turned and said “Hi Jeff, glad you finally made it, how was your trip, any eyes on you?” Jeff replied “good to see you too, flight went well, it was a plane, and no, no one followed me, even I was getting myself lost”. “It is great to see you again Jeremy and thank you for picking me up from the airport”, “no problem Mate”. “So what is the plan” Jeff said looking at NX01. “NX01 replied, “it a pleasure to meet you and thank you for agreeing to help us”, Jeff said “the pleasure is all mine, it will be great to get back into operational mode again”. “ I must say I miss the routine of the Army”, Jeremy said “yeah right, like a hole in the head”.
“Okay what is the plan” said Jeff again, Paul laid out the operation plan, “we will be transported by NX01 to the site at Streaky Bay South Australia, NX01 has supplied us with gear to wear that will render us in visible to the guards, he has also supplied us with weapons that do not kill but freeze the target and when they wake they will have not recollection of us or any thing to do with the weapon K5T9SSK5”.
“NX01 and XC007 can not be seen by any person on Earth, this is our operation, we must secure the weapon and return it to NX01 to be returned to their planet 'Jues' ”. “Jeremy have you heard any information concerning the firing of the weapon on Sunday at 0600hrs?” “As far as I could suss out without alerting anyone to my questions, seeing I am on leave and why would I need to know any particulars about the weapon, nothing has delayed the firing on Sunday, and all relevant personal have been briefed”, “so why is this weapon so dangerous?' NX01 replied “the weapon is coded and if the code is not entered in before firing it will erupt causing Earth oxygen to be destroyed and the Planet Earth will implode, then every marauder in the Galaxy will come to earth if there is any left and pick over its remains”. “Thanks for that” said Jeff , “sorry Earthlings you did ask” said NX01.
“How many guards will be on duty?” Jeremy. “far as I could find out only twenty SAS from Thunder Unit”, “TWENTY SAS, “how in the hell will we get around those pricks” grunted Paul, NX01 replied”we have a device that will render all personal out side the complex defective”, “what about those inside the complex test site”, said Jeff, XC007 replied “we have a smaller device that is directional and you will be able to render then defective as well”, “okay, that sounds better odds” replied Paul. So how big is K5T9SSK5?” “As I said it was the size of a normal suit case that your travellers use on your Planes”, “was, has it changed”, “we are not sure as to the type of power supply your people have attached to K5T9SSK5”, “can we carry the case or do we need transport ?” “once you locate the device attach this disc, 'he handed Paul the disc' to K5T9SSK5 and XC007 will transport it back to our ship”, “well that sounds easy” said Jeff. “When will we head out to Streaky Bay?” asked Jeremy, “The journey will take us ten minutes in earth time, we can leave at 0400hrs, that will give you time to set up and find the device”. “Quick in and out, should be home for breakfast”, smile Jeremy. Jeff said “sounds good to me”. “Will you transport us back to Tasmania or should we catch our planes as usual, NX01?”. NX01 said “you flew in by your planes you should head home same way or it may look suspicious, but the speed in which you catch your plane will cover your selves, no one will associate you with this operation because how could you be back in Queensland that fast from Streaky Bay South Australia”. “It will teach these suckers a lesson they will never remember”, “now that's catchy Paul” said Jeff. “Okay, prepare your selves for our op”, “any other points we have not covered”, said NX01, “they all stood quiet thinking”, Jeremy said “what is that strange noise, oh its Paul thinking”. “You know what you are Jeremy and I will not say it because there is a lady present” said Paul, NX01 and CX007 just looked at each other realising it was another joke between humans. “Lets get some rest, launch at 0400hrs” said Paul. They all retired to their bunks to grab some shut eye.
NX01 was scanning the terrain around the house and grounds for any strange occurrences with his hand held device linked to the ships security system. CX007 was on board checking suits and weapons. All go at 0400hrs if every one does their job and nothing goes wrong, thought CX007.
With the strategic help from NX01 and CX007 the Op will be a success. At 0400hr they all boarded the ship and NX01 launched, they came to Hyper speed extremely fast. Unlike Earth ships they felt no force as the ship accelerated. “I could get use to travelling this fast, just imagine the time it would save in your life” Paul said. Ten minutes later they reached the site, the ship was cloaked as it landed, noise was very low, NX01 set off the device to silence the guards at ground level before they alighted the ship. NX01 opened the outer door. Paul, Jeff and Jeremy had changed into their suits and checked the weapons. The three walked down the ramp, CX007 said “be careful guys”,
they turned and smiled., suits on boys, they immediately became invisible. Paul walked down first with his weapon drawn at the ready for any unexpected opposition. As he stepped off the ship lying on the ground 20 metres away were thirteen SAS sleeping like babies. Well that's cool he thought all rendered unconscious with out any deaths. “Looks good to us, hey Jeff” said Jeremy
They spread out after looking at the latest blue prints of the Site supplied by NX01, the entrance was two hundred and fifty metres south. They worked their way towards the entrance. Lying by the door was a guard, Jeff took his swipe card from around the guards neck and opened the outer door, Paul was ready if anyone was immediately inside the entrance , the door swung open slowly and stopped, Paul looked in from one side, he indicated all clear, they moved inside and hugged the wall.
Jeff had the hand held device in his left hand ready to knock out the rest of the guards and personal. As they worked their way along the concrete corridor they heard voices, Paul recognised the voice, it was Doctor Philby the bastard that had him booted him out of the Army on false charges three years ago. He was talking to another man dressed in a white coat standing by a consul. The weapon K5T9SSK5 was housed behind a thick glass wall to the right mounted on a pedestal. Cables from the device lead to a computer mounted in the wall. K5T9SSK5 was plugged in with a screw capped connector which would be easily disconnected when the time came to remove K5T9SSK5. Paul tapped Jeff on the shoulder pointing to the hand held device to place it on the floor in front of them, as he did so a guard sensed movement and turned gun at the ready, Jeff operated the device instantly, the three guards and four white coated men dropped to the floor. All looked clear, Paul opened the door with a swipe card he had taken from Doctor Philby's top pocket. The door opened and he entered the enclosure and walked toward the coupling ready to disconnected it from its power supply, then out of nowhere two more SAS appeared, Jeremy knew them both, Jeff shot them both with his weapon, they both froze, then crumpled to the floor. “That was lucky, thanks Jeff”, Jeff nodded. Paul was having trouble disconnecting the coupling, Jeff shouted “turn off main switch first then un couple”. Paul in his race to get the weapon out forgot, adrenaline was pumping through his body, he nodded to Jeff, then moved to the front panel pressing the red button and the weapon powered down, once the red lights climbed down on the ladder panel to the green zone his tried the coupling again, this time it came free, he placed the cable on the floor then moved back to the weapon he placed the disc on the top of the weapon and stepped back. Back at the ship CX007 saw the panel light up, the weapon was ready for transportation back to the ship. With in seconds the weapon had disappeared and the room was empty. Paul looked amazed as the others watched outside the glass enclosure. Suddenly an alarm went off, Paul signalled to the crew to high tail it back to the ship. Paul closed the door and replaced the swipe card back in the Doctors pocket. They raced down the concrete corridor out of the open door, as Jeff stepped out of the door he swiped the panel, door closed, he bent over and placed the lanyard and swipe card back around the guards neck then moved quickly following the others to the ship. They all ran up the ramp and the door closed. “Well done” said NX01, “now to get you all back”. The ship lifted and accelerated to hyper speed, with in ten minutes they were back at the house, Paul, Jeff and Jeremy said good bye the NX01 and CX007 as they walked down the ramp, NX01 said “they will never for get how they all helped them to retrieve the weapon”, “your world is safe again for awhile until the next silly bugger decided they no better than the experts, hey Paul”, Paul nodded, “lets go fellows we have a plane to catch and you a boat Jeremy”, Paul had already booked their flights back to Tasmania. Jeremy raced them to the airport then headed to the boat he had hired for his so called fishing trip, The boat crew were waiting, they cast off and headed out to sea off Lord Howe Island. Paul and Jeff settled back into their seats 28A and 27B on the A380 Qantas flight heading for Melbourne then Tasmania.
Back at Streaky Bay the Guards were coming to, rubbing their heads with no memory of what had happened. Inside the complex the same was happening. Doctor Philby the head scientist looked into
the glassed enclosure and the weapon was no longer there. He rubbed his fore head trying to fathom what had happened. There minds all blank, all were confused, the alarms were sounding.
Even today, there is no written report of what had happened to the K5T9SSK5 weapon.
Paul and Jeff landed in Launceston on time and were met by their friend Steve. All good then fellows” said Steve. Nothing was ever spoken about what they had done in QLD or Streaky Bay South Australia.
Back into their normal lives they went, but their PTSD was so much better and feeling alive for the first time in three years.
As Paul stood there in his back yard by his Ute he lifted the bonnet and he noticed the head and radiator had been replaced, he closed the bonnet and a breeze went through his hair, he thought, be safe where ever you are, then gazed up at the stars.
The End
Out of the Sky(Ian R Hill)
OUT OF THE SKY
WRITTEN BY I R HILL
30/03/2019
It was mid summer the days were hot and windy the beaches were full, the ice cream parlours were serving loads of ice cream, drivers had their car windows down with their arm hanging out trying to cool down. Paul and Barry had decided to head northeast towards the coast, the beaches were deserted up there.
Three days earlier Paul had driven two hundred and fifty kilometres with a tandem trailer to collect a project car. The project car was Saab Griffin 2001 model. He had been to check the vehicle the day before and the owner finally agreed to his price. Collecting the dead vehicle that day was uneventful at the time. Paul had to winch the car onto the trailer, hard work, the engine had a blown head gasket and could not be driven, he tired the vehicle down, paid the owner then headed towards his home. The drive through Launceston was slow with heavy traffic. Heading up the outlet out of Launceston was slow, the vehicle and trailer were heavy to tow. He stopped at Epping Forest for a cup of coffee and a salad roll, he sat outside and watched the trucks go by as he drunk his coffee and ate his roll. After finishing his break from driving he set out again towards home.
The trip home was un eventful except when a Jeep and trailer passed him on the crest of a hill between Avoca and Fingal and he hoped that no one was coming over the rise when the driver accelerated passed him. He breathed a sigh of relief as the car sped on passed and pulled back in. What an idiot he thought. He continued on his journey with know further incidents.
Twenty kilometres from the next town he smelt hot oil and noticed his temperature gauge was screaming hot. As he approached a side road he pulled off into a parking area, as he did, the Ute engine cut out. When the ute came to a stop he immediately stepped out of the Ute raising the bonnet, the radiator was blowing steam and oil was all over the firewall, he stood there for a few minutes pondering what to do, there were no cars passing and no sign of life anywhere, he was alone.
It was mid evening and the full moon was rising so he had plenty of light but he could do nothing with his dead ute engine. He climbed back into the cab taking a drink from his water bottle and checked for mobile coverage, there were three bars. He checked the Net for a local tow truck that serviced the area.
Out of the corner of his eye to the right he noticed a flash of white light crossing the sky from the other side of the road, putting his mobile down he slid out of the Ute and stood by the open door. He noticed the bright white light had grown stronger and now stationary in the paddock opposite him behind the tree line. He was not sure what to do, he believed in extraterrestrial life but his brain was trying to process what he was observing. Leaning back into the Ute cab and gathering up his mobile off the dash, he closed the Ute door and locking it. He checked the road both ways before crossing.
Crossing the road observing the light he realising it was coming from a large round object that reflected the moonlight. Working his way through fence and then walking close to the trees keeping himself hidden. He crept slowly through the shadows listening carefully for any sound coming from the Disc. Could this be an RAAF simulator being tested in the middle of no where or was it from the stars. His enthusiasm to investigate the light lead him to trip over a branch on the ground making a noise as he fell, he lay there dead still and quiet. Lights flashed toward where he had fallen sweeping the area slowly then the light went off. Paul laid there a few moments longer just in case the light swung back, he slowly worked his way back onto his feet making no noise. Army training kicked in, he thought he had forgotten his training but it was all there stashed away in his memory. From now on he picked his way around any loose foliage on the ground. Now around forty metres from the object, he paused behind a group of reeds growing by a pond and it gave him good cover.
Withdrawing his mobile from his hip pocket. He wanted to take a few photos to show his mate. He had turned off the automatic flash because the moonlight would aid the lens and there would not be a flash of light as he snapped a photo. Prepared to take the first photo some thing or some one walked down the ramp coming from under the disc, the legs appeared first, they were not human legs they were, well he was lost for thoughts as to what they looked like. Nothing like you see in the movies. The Alien appeared from under the ship, straightening up, it stood at least 2.8 metres tall, heavily built and the torso was thick and solid, wearing some sort of armour and head gear.
The Alien looked back into the disc and spoke in a strange language, another Alien stepped out onto the ramp leading from the space craft, this one was slightly smaller. He laid there not knowing what to do next. The first Alien was sensing his presents, it spoke again to its mate and with in seconds it was along side Paul looking down at him on the ground., Laying there frozen as his life flashed before his eyes, the Alien bent over and offered what looked like a hand to Paul gesturing to him to stand, Paul took the hand. It was more like a claw having four fingers enclosed in a glove. The Alien gently helped Paul to his feet. Paul stood there silent as the other Being walked towards him. Paul spoke, “who are you and where are you from?” The Beings tilted their heads from side to side as they listened to Paul speak. They reminded Paul of a Canine's gesture. Paul asked again “who are you and where have you come from?” The taller one touched a button on its breast plate and then spoke softly, “Hello, my name translates into your language as NX01 and this is XC007, we are from the planet 'Jues' ten million light years from Earth. “We are pleased to meet you”, “are you Paul?” Paul swallowed and said “yes I am” the taller Being went onto say “they had been following Paul and observed him as he stopped”. “yes well, I stopped because my vehicle shut down due to a fault with the cooling system ECU”, “your vehicle looks very primitive”, “yeah well, I suppose it does compared with your transport”. “Why have you come here to Earth” said Paul, the smaller Being spoke and said “there is a dangerous weapon on your planet and if it is not dealt with quickly will destroy your world as you know it”. Paul not sure what to say next said
“how do you know this”? “ Weapon Technology was stolen from our planet three years ago and it has finally been detected here on Earth”, Paul replied “what can I do to help you?” “We knew of your existence before we came to Earth, and we are sorry but we stopped your vehicle here by reason of, we needed to make contact with you”, Paul said “what can I do for you I am just an average human, there is nothing special about me”, “yes there is Paul your knowledge and training with weaponry in your armed forces sets you apart from other Humans, “do you remember you worked a new weapon K5T9SSK5 three years ago”, “yes I do”, “well that weapon was the one stolen from our planet”. “I knew when I worked on the project K5T9SSK5 it was not from this world and when I asked question I was dismissed from unit”. “ They have perfected the weapon and if used it will devastate your world”. “What can I do”? Studying human behaviour we have noticed your army friends stay in contact even after retiring from the Army”, “well, yes we do we meet once month”, “what do you mean a month?” Earth time is broken into years, months, weeks, days and hours and minutes, a month is around thirty days”, “ah, I see”, “when will your group meet next?” “let me see, he checked his mobile phone calendar, yes, tomorrow night”, “I think you Earthlings call it trust, is there members of your Army buddies you can trust with this information?” Paul went through the list in his head of his Unit and said “yes there are a two I could trust with this information”. “Take this communicator and you can call us any time any where”,NX01 handed Paul a small device with a flip cover. Paul looked at the communicator and said “beam me up Scottie” , “I have always wanted to say that”, NX01 and XC007 looked at Paul puzzled, Paul said “it is a human thing “ the Beings looked at each other and groaned.
Paul walked back to his Ute and called the local tow truck driver and two hours later his vehicle was loaded on the truck and trailer with the car hitch behind and off they went. “So what happened to your Ute mate?” Paul replied “the radiator has blown and over heated the engine” “Okay” said the truck driver, “common fault with these Couriers but easily fixed”, Paul said “I guess so”. One hours later he arrived at his home tired and warn out after his adventure. The truck driver backed the trailer and car into his yard, un hitched the trailer and unloaded the Ute. Paul said “thanks mate, what do I owe you?” “One hundred and forty dollars will do”, “cheers Mate”, Paul went into his house and came back with the money. After writing him a receipt the driver drove off.
Paul gabbed himself a beer from the fridge in his kitchen then sat down and thought to himself, was I dreaming or did I just meet two strangers from another world.
Friday night Paul went to his Units reunion. Meetings convening each month at Paul's local pub in St Helen, the area was serene and all felt at ease when they met on the out door area facing the bay, unfortunately this month only one out of fifteen were able to meet. All the unit members suffering from various degrees of PTSD and coming to the meeting depended on their state of minds each felt on the day. The Unit members were spread throughout Tasmania and had to drive at least two and half hours to St Helens.
Active duty was tough and the assignments and the locations of their assignments are still under the Official Secrets Act, meaning they are not permitted to discuss any details of their assignments with non military personal or amongst themselves.
It was around 6pm and Paul had arrived first, ordering drinks for two and sat outside over looking the bay. The sun was setting and the reflection on the water was magic.
Jeff was second in charge of the Unit and had driven up from Hobart after work so he was looking forward to his first beer and a couple days off to relax and catch up with Paul. Parking his car at the back of the Hotel on the water side. He found Paul sitting on his own, “whats up” he said “no friends mate”, Paul turned and stood, he greeted Jeff with man hug then shook his hand.
“How are you Jeff?” Jeff replied “you know, too many women not enough beer” and laughed.
Jeff was the one Paul could trust him to keep secret what he was about to tell him. “Jeff, I have to tell you some thing and you must keep it to yourself”, “what! are you getting married?” and he laughed. Paul replied “if only it was that easy” he went onto say, “do not show any emotion when I tell you my story, just act cool, Okay”, Jeff replied “okay, man”.
“Paul lowered his voice and said “you remember when we were assigned to that special project and owing to me asking questions we were transferred”, “are we suppose to be talking about this?” Jeff also spoke quietly, “well, know, but I have to tell you”, “yesterday I went into Launceston to pick up that project car”, “yes you told me you were” replied Jeff, “well you are not going to believe what happened on the way home. When I was around ten kilometres out of St Mary's my ute blew the radiator and the ute stopped, I was sitting in the Ute checking the Net to see if there was a Tow truck in the area. Jeff sat there looking at Paul, Paul went onto say, “I noticed a bright light in the trees on the other side of the road, when I stepped out of the ute the light became stationary just behind the tree line, I grabbed my mobile and worked my away across the field, as I approached the light I could see it was a disc shaped object shining in the moonlight, I worked my way closer then tripped over a branch, “clumsy brute” laughed Jeff, “I worked my way over to the object, and found a place I could observe without being seen and take some photos because I knew you would not believe me”, Jeff sat quietly, “As I was about to take a photo a ramp opened at the bottom of the object and these legs appear, then this thing stepped out onto the ground, it was around 2.8 metres tall, with a thick set body, wearing some sort of armour and helmet”. “It must have sensed I was there because in a flash it was standing over me”, “what happened?” said Jeff, “it bent over, took my hand, helping me to my feet”, “I took a deep breath” and said “who are you and where are you from?”, “I repeated myself ,then it pressed a button on the front of its suit, the helmet folded down and it started to talk”, “what did it say?” said Jeff, now really intrigued, “he introduced himself as NX01 and his first officer XC007, he went onto say why they had come to Earth”, “I looked at him”. “He went on to say that he knew of me before they came”, I said “what do you mean you knew of me, I am nobody”, “he went on to talk about our mission we were on in the army and how the project we worked was a weapon from their planet, Jues”. “I stood there dumb founded”. “Then I said, “I knew that that piece of equipment was not from earth”. “NX01 told me it had been stolen three years earlier from their planet and it had been track to Earth now it was operational, and if fired would destroy our world as we know it”, “So what does he want from you?” said Jeff, ”He wants me to find the weapon, secure it, then notify him so they can return it to their world for safe keeping”, “well that's quiet a story, are you writing a book Paul?”, “you had me going there for awhile”. “I wish it was a story, I am still shaking from last night”, “your serious aren't you” said Jeff, “yes I am very serious and your the only one I can trust with this information Jeff”, “well what are we going to do” Jeff replied, “We need to plan this out and we need supplies, weapons and money for flights to the mainland”. “Where are we going to get this all from” muttered Jeff, “you realise we are all still being watched night and day” Jeff said in a very slow precise voice looking around covertly, “I know but one thing they do not have is a secret weapon in the form of two off planet Beings”, Jeff looked at Paul and said “are you mad”, “you know Jeff all we do is exist, we all suffer from PTSD and I am sick of it , no help from the Army, just thrown away like pieces of shit”, “well now things are going to change, are you with me?” “Hell yeah I feel the same way, lets do this thing, what ever it is”.
On the Monday Paul took a trip to Mt Crosby, Queensland ,Australia to see his mate Jeremy. He caught the early flight out of Launceston airport arrived Brisbane eleven am, he met his mate in the arrival lounge.
As he walked in to arrivals Jeremy was standing by the escalator waiting, Paul walked up to Jeremy and said “it is so good to see you mate, how have you been?” Jeremy replied “all good, busy in the unit, so why have you come on this trip?” Jeremy replied “lets head for the car and I will explain it all to you”, “sounds ominous” replied Jeremy. Jeremy was still a serving officer in the Special Air Service (SAS), he was not attached to Paul's unit when Paul's group were transferred out for asking questions. Paul began his story as they drove back to Jeremy's house at Mt Crosby, Jeremy put his hand on Paul's leg and then his finger to his lips,, Jeremy flicked a switch in his Jeep and the radio came on with a strange hum in the back ground, “Now you can continue with your story I am intrigued” Jeremy said, Paul continued, pausing and then said “are you being monitored as well?” Jeremy said “pays to be safe all the time, and you do realise even thinking about this is jail time if caught”, “yes we know that”, “what do you mean we, who else knows?”, “Jeff, is the only other person I would trust with this, as you”, Jeremy nodded his head in agreement . “How are you to contact this NX01?” Paul ,” he gave me a communicator,” Paul opened his hand, at first it was empty, then the small device appeared, Jeremy's eyes opened wide as he gazed at the the small device, “now that's cool” as a smile came over his face, “what's the range?” “unlimited, no mater what location it works”, “Can NX01 help with weapons?” “all I have to do is ask”, “why did they contact you” said Jeremy, “they had been watching me for years and knew about me and my involvement with the project”. “Well, we are never safe, some one is always watching”, “how about we meet later on tonight at our usual place” said Paul, not disclosing their meeting place just in case some one was ears dropping.
Jeremy's second car was parked on the lower drive which Paul borrow from time to time. Paul collected his bag from the rear of Jeremy's Volvo CX90 as Jeremy flicked him the keys to Out lander. Paul waved good by and head off turning left out of the drive towards Brisbane this road took him through dense housing and the road twisted and turned allowing him to check if he was being followed. Around thirty klms from Brisbane heading toward Ipswich there was a driveway, it was hidden from the road, he turned his lights off ,checked both ways before pulling off the road into the driveway. Feeling safe that no one was following him, released the gate latch and the tree standing in front of the drive opened like a gate, he drove on through and closed the gate behind him. They had set up this secret location many years ago as a safe haven to come and relax away from people and the world, little did they know it was going to be their Op centre for the operation to regain possession of the weapon. The hide away and house sat on forty acres of bush land and had a clearing not far from the house big enough to set down NX01 ship. Paul contacted NX01 and gave him the co ordinance. Around twenty minutes later NX01 and CX007 had landed their ship where it was hidden from the road, and to make sure, the ship was cloaked.
Jeremy had a few more days leave due, so he applied. On the Wednesday afternoon he arrived at there house in the bush. He had hired another car and left his at home, so it would appear he had gone on a fishing trip off the coast of Queensland Australia around Lord Howe Island. He was a mad keen fisherman so it would appear normal to interested people.
NX01 had tracked the weapon to the area of Streaky Bay South Australia, to a Government facility, this sites cover story was, 'studying space'. Well known to the locals and had been there for over thirty years but, the locals had no idea of its real purpose. Deep below the surface was a state of the art weapons modification programme. None of the weapons in the programme came from earth they were Alien.
The K5T9SSK5 weapon if fired could destroy Earth with one burst, it removes all oxygen and then the planet implodes. The signature produced by the weapon alerts other planetary travellers and they lock on. Weapons like this were highly sort after and were kept secret by NX01 on their home world of 'Jues'. This weapon is small and extremely efficient, stolen over three years ago from NX01's planet 'Jues' by a group who were band from his world for in sighting hatred.
This weapon was now operational and tracked to Earth. Paul had no idea how this weapon came to be on Earth but he knew how dangerous it would be in the wrong hands. There was not a weapon made on or off Earth Paul could not operate or make operational. Highly sort after in the Army Corp for his knowledge, unfortunately for him he versed his opposition once too often about the use of these weapons, Doctor Philby had no real idea what they were capable of when fired, Paul continuing protests about the use of the weapon that's when Philby had removed him from the project.
NX01 said “the weapon now complete would fit inside a large suit case, and could be carried by one man”, “will you be with us on the raid NX01?” “No, we can not be seen on your planet at all, we are here as you say covertly”, “we can help you with weapons, special clothing and transport, the rest is up to your crew”. CX007 said “are you still capable of pulling off this operation noting you have been retired as you put it for three years”, “Jeremy is still active in the SAS Thunder Unit and Jeff and I stay fit and train at weekends, so I would say, yes, with your help and special aid you can give us”, “okay if your sure Paul” replied CX007.
We have suits you can wear which will render you invisible and the weapons we will supply do not kill they freeze the victim and when they recover they remember nothing, also we can fly you in and out of the site and land close to the Government facility, and gain your crew entry”, “well that sound promising” said Jeremy. “When will this need to be done?” Paul asked, NX01, “we need to move quickly, they are test firing the weapon Sunday morning 0600 hrs” replied NX01, “Jeff flies in tomorrow morning at 0200hrs”, “I will collect him from the airport and bring him here”, “okay Jeremy” replied Paul.
“If all goes well we will launch at 0400hrs Sunday morning” said NX01, “gee, you have certainly picked up our language NX01” said Paul, “well, we have had a good teacher in you Paul”, they all laughed, “also, you two have gain a great sense of Human humour” said Paul and they all laughed again.
“Right, I am off for a snooze, I need my snooze you know I am getting older”, “Oh before we go, how fast is that ship of yours”, blink and we are there”, “hum, that fast hey”, laughed Jeremy.
0100hrs Saturday morning Jeremy headed for the Brisbane Airport to collect Jeff. He took precautions on the way to to the airport just in case anyone was following, he knew they could track him via a satellite. NX01 had added a scrambling device to his hired vehicle so no one could follow or track.
Jeremy reached the airport and parked waiting for Jeff in his car, Jeff's plane landed on time, he collected his bag then proceeded out the arrival lounge, before leaving the airport he sat at Popup coffee bar just outside the main entrance and ordered coffee and a snack. There were very few travellers at that time of the morning. While waiting he scanned the area for any suspicious person watching him. Jeff's job in the Army was surveillance so he was quite adapted at losing a tail. After thirty minutes he picked up his bag and walked towards the exit. Jeremy was watching the pickup area from near by and when Jeff appeared he drove quickly to the pickup point and collected Jeff. They headed off towards Brisbane CBD then weaved their way through traffic then headed for the house. Arrived early hours with no tail.
Jeff had not met NX01 or his partner CX007 he thought it was still a great story but as he entered the kitchen he saw them both, he could not believe his eyes, it was all true, Paul was telling the truth. As Jeff arrived Paul turned and said “Hi Jeff, glad you finally made it, how was your trip, any eyes on you?” Jeff replied “good to see you too, flight went well, it was a plane, and no, no one followed me, even I was getting myself lost”. “It is great to see you again Jeremy and thank you for picking me up from the airport”, “no problem Mate”. “So what is the plan” Jeff said looking at NX01. “NX01 replied, “it a pleasure to meet you and thank you for agreeing to help us”, Jeff said “the pleasure is all mine, it will be great to get back into operational mode again”. “ I must say I miss the routine of the Army”, Jeremy said “yeah right, like a hole in the head”.
“Okay what is the plan” said Jeff again, Paul laid out the operation plan, “we will be transported by NX01 to the site at Streaky Bay South Australia, NX01 has supplied us with gear to wear that will render us in visible to the guards, he has also supplied us with weapons that do not kill but freeze the target and when they wake they will have not recollection of us or any thing to do with the weapon K5T9SSK5”.
“NX01 and XC007 can not be seen by any person on Earth, this is our operation, we must secure the weapon and return it to NX01 to be returned to their planet 'Jues' ”. “Jeremy have you heard any information concerning the firing of the weapon on Sunday at 0600hrs?” “As far as I could suss out without alerting anyone to my questions, seeing I am on leave and why would I need to know any particulars about the weapon, nothing has delayed the firing on Sunday, and all relevant personal have been briefed”, “so why is this weapon so dangerous?' NX01 replied “the weapon is coded and if the code is not entered in before firing it will erupt causing Earth oxygen to be destroyed and the Planet Earth will implode, then every marauder in the Galaxy will come to earth if there is any left and pick over its remains”. “Thanks for that” said Jeff , “sorry Earthlings you did ask” said NX01.
“How many guards will be on duty?” Jeremy. “far as I could find out only twenty SAS from Thunder Unit”, “TWENTY SAS, “how in the hell will we get around those pricks” grunted Paul, NX01 replied”we have a device that will render all personal out side the complex defective”, “what about those inside the complex test site”, said Jeff, XC007 replied “we have a smaller device that is directional and you will be able to render then defective as well”, “okay, that sounds better odds” replied Paul. So how big is K5T9SSK5?” “As I said it was the size of a normal suit case that your travellers use on your Planes”, “was, has it changed”, “we are not sure as to the type of power supply your people have attached to K5T9SSK5”, “can we carry the case or do we need transport ?” “once you locate the device attach this disc, 'he handed Paul the disc' to K5T9SSK5 and XC007 will transport it back to our ship”, “well that sounds easy” said Jeff. “When will we head out to Streaky Bay?” asked Jeremy, “The journey will take us ten minutes in earth time, we can leave at 0400hrs, that will give you time to set up and find the device”. “Quick in and out, should be home for breakfast”, smile Jeremy. Jeff said “sounds good to me”. “Will you transport us back to Tasmania or should we catch our planes as usual, NX01?”. NX01 said “you flew in by your planes you should head home same way or it may look suspicious, but the speed in which you catch your plane will cover your selves, no one will associate you with this operation because how could you be back in Queensland that fast from Streaky Bay South Australia”. “It will teach these suckers a lesson they will never remember”, “now that's catchy Paul” said Jeff. “Okay, prepare your selves for our op”, “any other points we have not covered”, said NX01, “they all stood quiet thinking”, Jeremy said “what is that strange noise, oh its Paul thinking”. “You know what you are Jeremy and I will not say it because there is a lady present” said Paul, NX01 and CX007 just looked at each other realising it was another joke between humans. “Lets get some rest, launch at 0400hrs” said Paul. They all retired to their bunks to grab some shut eye.
NX01 was scanning the terrain around the house and grounds for any strange occurrences with his hand held device linked to the ships security system. CX007 was on board checking suits and weapons. All go at 0400hrs if every one does their job and nothing goes wrong, thought CX007.
With the strategic help from NX01 and CX007 the Op will be a success. At 0400hr they all boarded the ship and NX01 launched, they came to Hyper speed extremely fast. Unlike Earth ships they felt no force as the ship accelerated. “I could get use to travelling this fast, just imagine the time it would save in your life” Paul said. Ten minutes later they reached the site, the ship was cloaked as it landed, noise was very low, NX01 set off the device to silence the guards at ground level before they alighted the ship. NX01 opened the outer door. Paul, Jeff and Jeremy had changed into their suits and checked the weapons. The three walked down the ramp, CX007 said “be careful guys”,
they turned and smiled., suits on boys, they immediately became invisible. Paul walked down first with his weapon drawn at the ready for any unexpected opposition. As he stepped off the ship lying on the ground 20 metres away were thirteen SAS sleeping like babies. Well that's cool he thought all rendered unconscious with out any deaths. “Looks good to us, hey Jeff” said Jeremy
They spread out after looking at the latest blue prints of the Site supplied by NX01, the entrance was two hundred and fifty metres south. They worked their way towards the entrance. Lying by the door was a guard, Jeff took his swipe card from around the guards neck and opened the outer door, Paul was ready if anyone was immediately inside the entrance , the door swung open slowly and stopped, Paul looked in from one side, he indicated all clear, they moved inside and hugged the wall.
Jeff had the hand held device in his left hand ready to knock out the rest of the guards and personal. As they worked their way along the concrete corridor they heard voices, Paul recognised the voice, it was Doctor Philby the bastard that had him booted him out of the Army on false charges three years ago. He was talking to another man dressed in a white coat standing by a consul. The weapon K5T9SSK5 was housed behind a thick glass wall to the right mounted on a pedestal. Cables from the device lead to a computer mounted in the wall. K5T9SSK5 was plugged in with a screw capped connector which would be easily disconnected when the time came to remove K5T9SSK5. Paul tapped Jeff on the shoulder pointing to the hand held device to place it on the floor in front of them, as he did so a guard sensed movement and turned gun at the ready, Jeff operated the device instantly, the three guards and four white coated men dropped to the floor. All looked clear, Paul opened the door with a swipe card he had taken from Doctor Philby's top pocket. The door opened and he entered the enclosure and walked toward the coupling ready to disconnected it from its power supply, then out of nowhere two more SAS appeared, Jeremy knew them both, Jeff shot them both with his weapon, they both froze, then crumpled to the floor. “That was lucky, thanks Jeff”, Jeff nodded. Paul was having trouble disconnecting the coupling, Jeff shouted “turn off main switch first then un couple”. Paul in his race to get the weapon out forgot, adrenaline was pumping through his body, he nodded to Jeff, then moved to the front panel pressing the red button and the weapon powered down, once the red lights climbed down on the ladder panel to the green zone his tried the coupling again, this time it came free, he placed the cable on the floor then moved back to the weapon he placed the disc on the top of the weapon and stepped back. Back at the ship CX007 saw the panel light up, the weapon was ready for transportation back to the ship. With in seconds the weapon had disappeared and the room was empty. Paul looked amazed as the others watched outside the glass enclosure. Suddenly an alarm went off, Paul signalled to the crew to high tail it back to the ship. Paul closed the door and replaced the swipe card back in the Doctors pocket. They raced down the concrete corridor out of the open door, as Jeff stepped out of the door he swiped the panel, door closed, he bent over and placed the lanyard and swipe card back around the guards neck then moved quickly following the others to the ship. They all ran up the ramp and the door closed. “Well done” said NX01, “now to get you all back”. The ship lifted and accelerated to hyper speed, with in ten minutes they were back at the house, Paul, Jeff and Jeremy said good bye the NX01 and CX007 as they walked down the ramp, NX01 said “they will never for get how they all helped them to retrieve the weapon”, “your world is safe again for awhile until the next silly bugger decided they no better than the experts, hey Paul”, Paul nodded, “lets go fellows we have a plane to catch and you a boat Jeremy”, Paul had already booked their flights back to Tasmania. Jeremy raced them to the airport then headed to the boat he had hired for his so called fishing trip, The boat crew were waiting, they cast off and headed out to sea off Lord Howe Island. Paul and Jeff settled back into their seats 28A and 27B on the A380 Qantas flight heading for Melbourne then Tasmania.
Back at Streaky Bay the Guards were coming to, rubbing their heads with no memory of what had happened. Inside the complex the same was happening. Doctor Philby the head scientist looked into
the glassed enclosure and the weapon was no longer there. He rubbed his fore head trying to fathom what had happened. There minds all blank, all were confused, the alarms were sounding.
Even today, there is no written report of what had happened to the K5T9SSK5 weapon.
Paul and Jeff landed in Launceston on time and were met by their friend Steve. All good then fellows” said Steve. Nothing was ever spoken about what they had done in QLD or Streaky Bay South Australia.
Back into their normal lives they went, but their PTSD was so much better and feeling alive for the first time in three years.
As Paul stood there in his back yard by his Ute he lifted the bonnet and he noticed the head and radiator had been replaced, he closed the bonnet and a breeze went through his hair, he thought, be safe where ever you are, then gazed up at the stars.
The End
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