~I just wanted to say to you, the reader, really quickly that any sort of constructive criticism is very much appreciated, and that I've spent quite a few days working and reworking the story to how I think I finally like it. So if there's anything you find that doesn't work or a part that just seems to drag on, etc. I'm waiting to hear it.


Dark Side of the Moon

Prologue

The sky was black, and their destination was not yet visible in the strong and vast celestial sky. Stars twinkled at the men, as the final preparations were made on the rocket. These missions and launches, were never documented in any computer or on any paper. History remembers the Delta XI Rocket’s last manned mission to the Moon in 2052, but that was not the case. For a decade or more, the USSA along side with the US Military, had come together to work on a secret project up on the Moon. This project soon became a reality, as the USSA’s first and only Secret Moon Base. It was meant to monitor and study various things that China and other nations didn’t know about; but the men and women living in the Moon Base soon learned they weren’t alone, and the US Army soon took action. Specialized suits of Power Armor, specifically made to be Space friendly were shot up into Space, disguised and said to be just a weather satellite, but in reality, they were crates full of specialized T-45d Power Armor and laser weaponry. Following the weapons and armor to the Moon, the US Army also increased their presence on the Moon. Specially trained soldiers, who were trained like Astronauts for Space, were also sent up in secret launching areas around the unknown launching base on the South Pole.

“Captain, all doors sealed and everything is green across the board. We’re ready,” a man sitting beside the Captain said. His helmet drowning his voice a bit through the radio.

“Alright, begin the countdown!” The Captain ordered, making some adjustments of his own. Suddenly, a new voice came through the radio.

“Ten, nine, eight...” The Captain and the man beside him looked at each other as the man counted down. Smiles of excitement and adventure came from both men, as the count down came down. “Three, two, one ... liftoff!”

The Delta IX rumbled and rocked the two men inside the small rocket, they could feel the thrust of the engines pushing them up into the sky as the man on the radio and those in the control room all shouted and cheered, yelling good luck to them and their journey to the Moon. Neither men in the rocket said anything, but outside their small windows, other rockets like theirs could be seen flying up through the cloudless night sky. Neither man, would be seeing the Earth as they did now, for a very long time, and it brought a bit of emotion to both men and the others in the five other rockets.

“Okay Captain, beginning Phase One in ... three, two, one.” The man beside the Captain flipped a switch and turned a small dial to seven, as a sudden burst of energy pushed them faster. Now all rockets were firing underneath the men with even more power, and soon they were in space. There was no room to move around, both men sat right next to each other, with a control panel in front of them.

“Sergeant Harris, lets start our trip.” The Sergeant nodded with a smile and began his part of the second phase. The Captain started his as well, flipping a switch that turned on a small circular red light. “This is Captain Rick Carson of Ares I, to all Delta IX Rockets in the first wave. I want status reports people.” There was a pause, but no static from the radio, everything was just silent and calm as Captain Carson and Sergeant Harris finished up with the second phase, rocking from the engines as they waited for replies.

“This is Ares IV, calling Ares I. Everything’s fine on our end Captain. Nothing to worry about on this ship. Phase Two has been completed and everything is green.”

“This is Ares II Captain, and everything’s green here. Phase Two complete.” The other three Ares codenamed rockets, also reported in with everything okay. Their estimated time of arrival to the Moon, was one and a half days or less. The radio went dead as the Captain turned it off for a time until his next scheduled status update. Both men in Ares I, were, like the rest of them going to the Moon, glowing with pure excitement and exhilaration. Captain Carson and Sergeant Harris both talked with each other, talking about how they’d been lead from their fighting in Alaska, to suddenly being apart of a secret mission and not able to say a word to anyone outside the tightly secured base where they trained and learned their mission.

“So Captain, what do you think is up here? They didn’t really debrief us on the possible enemy.” The Sergeant grins, wanting to get an answer out of his CO.

“Aliens probably?" The Captain said giving little room for any uncertainty. "They did give us a report about some downed UFOs in the past. So it’s probably Aliens? Never seen one personally, but I’m sure those Little Green Men are what’s causing problems up at the Moon Base.” The two nodded in agreement, when Sergeant Harris remembered their food supply.

“Care for something to eat? We can take these helmets off now.”

“Sure,” the Captain replied undoing his helmet as the Sergeant got some food and a drink for each of them. It was strange for the men, being in actual Zero-G Space. The closest they’d been to Zero-G was in a big pool that they trained in, but training and actually being in Space, were really two different things.

Outside the rocket, the sight of the Moon was still not visible. Though, all around, they could see bright twinkling stars shinning at them. For Captain Carson, this was really something special and magic to him. As a boy, he’d always been fascinated with the stars and the planets. For his tenth birthday, he was bought a telescope to look out on good nights outside his home in Denver, Colorado. And for Christmas the same year, he’d been given several books and other things about Space. Each time a new movie, where Aliens came to invade or man finally made a rocket that could travel to Mars and back, but some sort of Alien got in their way, the then ten year old Captain was sure to see it. And now, he was living those movies, that only the actors had seen from a stage. Now, the Captain really was in Space and off to protect scientists in a secret US Moon Base.

“Captain, do you think the war with China will end soon? I mean, I’ve got a nephew down on Earth and he’s about the age for enlistment, but I don’t think he’s the right kind of kid for the job; like you and me are.” Captain Carson svcked down what was meant to be potato chips, and then washed the liquid chips down with a bottle of water, unsure about the war down below and it’s possible end.

“I dunno really Sergeant. Maybe it’ll end tomorrow? I mean, our new suits of Power Armor sure do wonders against the Chinese tanks and stuff. Just look at that little town we had to clear out a few months ago. Only one of us went in, and had no problem. Not a bullet wound or rocket could penetrate the armor. It’s a walking tank suit, and as for your Nephew, I dunno about that either. He’ll be doing his country proud by joining, but I can see not wanting him to see the kind of things that soldiers see and do on the battlefield.”

The Captain hoped his answer to the Sergeant’s question would be enough, and it seemed to be as the Sergeant smiled and nodded, agreeing with what he’d said. The two men finished their liquid meals, and then the Captain checked the time. Again, he flipped the switch and the little red light came on.

“This is Captain Rick Carson again, calling for a new status update from you all.” The Captain sat back in his seat, as the five rockets all called in again saying the same thing from before. After everyone had reported in, the Captain checked the time. All the clocks for the time, were working on Souther Hemisphere time, and all the clocks had been set to work with the Secret Lunar Base and their liftoff times back on Earth. Already, the second wave of rockets were being prepped and ready for launch themselves. The Captain was glad it wasn’t just the twelve of them in the first wave going, and that they would have more men.

As time passed by and the Captain looked out at his childhood dream of the dark black void of Space, he spotted something flashing that was far off. It couldn’t have been a star, the flash was too frequent and it didn’t seem to be all that far from the six rockets. The Captain turned to the Sergeant, who was already looking at it. They looked to each other, a look of confusion of their faces.

“What is it Captain? Satellite maybe?”

“Maybe?” The Captain replied turning on the radio comms again. “This is Captain Carson, everyone look at ten o’ clock. Everyone’s seeing that rapid flash right?” The responses came quicker this time, all notifying they saw it.

“What is it Captain?” One of the men from Aries V asked.

“I’m not sure, keep the radio open for now. Keep an eye on it though, make sure it stays there.” And like that, before anyone could reply to the Captain, the flashing light move quite fast from it’s original position. The Captain lost sight of it, calling on the radio for anyone who could still see it.

“Negative Captain, we can’t get a visible read on the thing,” came the reply from the rockets. The Captain had a face of worry, but he wasn’t scared. The Sergeant looked to him, asking what it might have been. No one could say, but the idea was it was a UFO or maybe a satellite that had the light reflecting oddly at them. But most of the rockets took it to be a UFO, including Captain Carson and Sergeant Harris.

As more time passed by, and the Captain realized the time, he called out on the radio for one final status update. They all replied with everything being fine and green across the board, and then talk of the UFO started. The Captain ordered silence for the time on the matter, and when they got to the Moon Base, they’d talk with the scientists in charge about it.

“Alright everyone, settle down and get some sleep. We’ve got a while till we reach the Moon, and by the schedule, we’re to be getting some rest about now because by the time we’re awake the Moon should only be a few hours away. Captain Carson flipped the switch, and the little red light went out again. Sergeant Harris, busy finishing off one of his juices nodded. The Captain just relaxed into his seat, and stared out to the black void, wondering himself what the possible UFO was doing. Soon though, the Captain was asleep with Sergeant Harris putting the rocket on autopilot for the time while they slept. When they arrived at the Moon, there were questions to be asked, and hopefully answered.

I'm not usually much of a fan of aliens in Fallout (damn you MZ, damn you to hell) but I liked this. Looking forward to hearing (reading) more.

{Like I said before, thanks Smiley, and keep on reading.}

Chapter 1

When the crews of the rockets awoke late the next day, they awoke to the sound of a rapid beeping noise and a flashing yellow light. The Captain rubbed his eye and took a look around outside his window. There, just a few miles out was the Moon. Captain Carson smiled and tried to see more, but at his angle of view, he could only see part of it, but couldn’t see the Moon Base. The beeping and flashing yellow light on the control board continued, and Sergeant Harris went to answer. The beeping was the way the Moon Base, sent out incoming messages, and the flashing yellow light was just extra.

“This is Sergeant Harris of Aries I, glad to finally hear something from you out there.” There was a pause, and then a reply from the Moon Bases Space Control Room.

“Glad to see you’re awake finally. We’ve been on the line for fifteen minutes.”

“Sorry about that,” Sergeant Harris said with a bit of unease.

“Don’t worry about it, we’re glad to hear from you. I’m Jack Earl by the way, but you can call me ‘Tex.’ Everyone else around this base sure does.” There was a short pause as Tex adjusted the frequency. “You boys should be here in little more than two hours. You may begin Phase Three, and Phase Four when you’re closer.”

“Roger that Tex, thanks for the call and info. We’ll be sure to be down there to help you in no time. We’ve actually got some questions for you as well.”

“I hope they’re not for me literally, and these Egg Head doctors I’m living with can answer them.” Tex laughed over the line, Sergeant Huxley from Aries VI asking him quickly what part of Texas he was from. “Dallas, and I’m guessing you’re a Texan too?”

“Damn right,” Sergeant Huxley replied over the line. Austin’s my hometown, sweetest little place you’ll see.” The two traded back about Texas, when Captain Carson came on the line.

“Alright you two, enough chit chat about Texas. We all love Texas, and think Texas is just great, but you’ll have plenty of time to talk Texas when we’re down on the surface and eating some decent food. You do have decent food on the Moon, don’t you Tex?”

“Sure do Captain, we’ve got ourselves a genuine Green House of vegetables and even some genuine Texas Steer!”

“Well I’ll be damned, how’d you get that luxury up here?” Sergeant Huxley asked out of turn. The Captain cut Tex off before anything more on Texas or the Steer could be said.

“Sergeant Huxley, you’ve got one warning. Don’t strike out.”

“Yes sir!” Huxley replied as the six ships began their final stages of Phase Three. The six rockets stayed on course, but began adjustments to rocket pressure and engine output. The Captain did his part, and Sergeant Harris did his. The radio link was dead, and no one spoke except to each other in their own rockets.

After a couple hours, the Delta Rockets were over the Moon Base. The entire base, was well placed in a large sized crater, and the base itself was what looked to be large domes and connecting halls between them. In the center, was the largest dome which looked to house some buildings itself inside, with five other domes around the center dome, and some buildings inside it as well. There was a sixth dome as well, but it was farther out in the crater than the others, and the Captain couldn’t get a eye of it too well. A new message also came from Tex on the Moon Base, as the Captain and crews of the rockets looked at the base. Captain Carson answered this time, letting Sergeant Harris begin Phase Four.

“This is Captain Rick Carson, good to hear from you again Tex. Where do you want us to land?”

“Can you see those metallic octagonal shapes on the Moon Surface?” The Captain looked out and mentioned he could. There were six of them, lined up in a two rows of three. “Good, just bring your Delta’s slowly down onto them, and they’ll do the rest. Don’t worry when they open up, it’s just the lift coming up to meet you on your final landings. You only get one shot at this, so don’t mess up.” Tex laughed a big Texas laugh, and then the radio from the Moon Base went silent.

“Alright everyone, begin your landing procedures. Aries IV, V, VI take the first three landing docks. The rest, we’ll land on the others. And remember what Tex said, you only get one shot at this. But you who are piloting, I know you can do it.” The radio went silent, and the little red light flicked off. Sergeant Harris fiddled with the control board, quickly revealing a flying yoke, that he would use to position them over the doors. On the flying yoke, there were buttons and switches. These, he used to work the engines, moving them this and that way to position the rocket.

“Okay Captain, now you’ll see some real parking skills.” Sergeant Harris smiled and laughed, putting on his helmet before bringing the nose of the Delta Rocket pointed away from the Moon’s Surface, and towards Outer Space. The Captain did the same, watching Sergeant Harris moved them into position, a light beeping in his headset told him how close or far he was from target. The faster it was, the farther he was, the closer he was, the slower, until the beep became a solid sound, signifying they were right on target. And just as Tex had told them, the doors on the Moon’s surface began to open, a platform replacing the shortly empty circle.

“We’re right on target,” Sergeant Harris said to the Captain, keeping his attention on the solid sound, and the controls.

“Good work Sergeant Harris, good work indeed.”

After all the Delta IX Rockets had been secured magnetically onto the platforms from the control room in the moon base, the platforms slowly lowered the rockets down into the Moon itself. Captain Carson from his small window, could just see the doors on the surface closing as lights came on and the darkness of the inside of the Moon became a yellow glow. Soon the platforms stopped and a message sound from inside the base.

“All Moon Attendants ordered to assist our new guests, report to docking bay two immediately.” Captain Carson looked around out his window, the lights had turned white and he could see men rushing around the rocket, and the others.

“You may open your Space sealed door Captain Carson,” a voice said from outside the rocket. He could hear something being put against the rocket as the voice spoke, and realized it was a ladder for them. Carefully, the Captain opened the door and looked out.

“How’s it going boys? Glad to see us or what?”

“Hello Captain, I’m Peter Grey. And you got that right Captain, our security boys just aren’t up for what we’re facing.”

“Is that a fact, Grey?” The Captain said getting out and sliding down the short ladder. He approached the man and shook his hand. The man wasn’t military, or he was, but there was no need for saluting. “What’s the problem anyway, Grey? All we got, was some half ass story about some possible trouble of some kind? Obviously it’s big because you called us in. And you were sent our armor and weapons.”

The man nodded and looked as the rest of the crews circled around him and his own men. They all had a look of curiosity, and they wanted some answers to them. Grey sighed in the space suit and looked at them all with some worry.

“I think Doctor Sampson and the others in charge of the science laboratory here, can explain it better. And so can Officer Marston; he’s head of the Moon Security team. They’ve all been kinda low on morale lately since Officer Wayne was brutally mutilated and left to hang in her room.”

“Who could have done something like that? Anyone a suspect?”

“No, nobody on the base anyway. We have reason to believe, that there’s something on the other side of the Moon. The Dark Side of the Moon, and every time a patrol is sent out, it doesn’t come back and if it does, they’re not alive long enough to speak or tell us what happened or what they saw. But please, follow me to the scientists, they’re expecting you in the meeting room.”

The Captain and the crews followed behind Grey, all of them loading up into what seemed to be a service elevator for large loads of crates or something big like crates. The Captain and the crew stood silently with Grey and his men, as the elevator rose up until they finally stopped at Level One, and slowly opened with a hiss.

“Okay gentlemen, follow me, the meeting room is only through this room.” The men stepped out, Grey and the crews removing their helmets and holding them underneath their arms. The men moved through the hallway, and then into the meeting room. Inside, seven men in white science coats and all with looks of true knowledge greeted them.

“Hello, I am Doctor Sampson. Head scientist over the scientific research department here on the Moon Base. This is Doctor Keller, Fuchs, Gorky, and Paulson. We’ve nicknamed the place Luna, since Moon Base is kinda drab.” The scientist chuckled, the others raising a hand or smiling in a hello gesture. Doctor Sampson and the doctors took their seats, motioning to the crews of the rockets to take a seat as well. Peter left the room, as Captain Carson took his seat at the end of the table, down from Doctor Sampson.

“I’m Captain Rick Carson, and these are my men of the Aries rockets. The second wave of soldiers, should arrive tomorrow or the next day.”

“That’s good to hear Captain Carson, we’ll need every fighting hand we can get. Our security force, just isn’t trained or equipped for such matters. Did Peter tell you what it was? Any speculation anyway?”

“Aliens?” The Captain replied, certain of his answer. The doctors all stared at him and the crew, the crew and Captain Carson knowing it was true then by the way they looked and didn’t say anything. “It’s aliens alright, we know already. We saw one of them on our way here to the base.”

“Must have been one of their ships,” Doctor Sampson replied looking to the other scientists who nodded in agreement and a bit of worry. “They have motherships you know. Big ones, ships so big that their weaponry could simply eradicate us from the face of the moon. But they haven’t and we don’t know why?”

“So they’re living on the Dark Side of the Moon, than? You’re sure about this?”

“Yes, that’s where they’re coming from. We’ve seen them you know. The Aliens. They’re short, green, and have long fingers with no thumbs. They speak in clicks and wails, but don’t seem to comprehend English, or any other language we’ve tried. And we don’t understand their language either. We’ve tried, but can’t do it. Our last meeting with them ended up with one of our security personnel being killed. She had burn marks, not like those from a Laser weapon. These Aliens, have quite advanced technology, and are very erratic yet collected.”

The Captain and the crew listened to the scientists, their explanation for the Aliens, the technology the Aliens had, and the ability of their spacecraft was shocking to the crews. But they were all well trained soldiers, trained to fight when the odds were stacked against them, and this was one of those times.

“So tell us Doctor Sampson, who else besides this woman has been killed? We’re under the impression that only a few have been killed or come back severely injured, later to die on the operating table? And how many people live on the base?”

“Twenty people in total Captain Carson, twelve people, mostly security forces, but seven have been scientists while out on the Moon’s surface. Most of the security people were out there as well, patrolling and watching for any of the Little Green Men. Only two of the Security personnel were seemingly killed here. Our latest loss, and two people before her. Male, by the name of Bernard Jackson. Strong man, good with beating things you know.” The doctors smiled, remembering memories of the dead security officer. “As for population, we have one hundred fifty-eight people total, now including you and the second wave of soldiers on their way.”

Captain Carson listened more, shocked with the crews at how many people were living on this base. As the rest of the Doctors all had a say and said what they needed, which most of the information, wasn’t all that helpful and the crew, and the Captain had to weed out the truly good information from all the science talk they didn’t understand. For these men, fighting and necessary violence were their game, while biology and physics were not so much their stronger areas like the scientists.

“Okay Doctor’s, I believe I and the crews have everything we’ll be needing for now. But before we get too deep into anything, I believe we’ll need to know our quarters? What rooms are we staying in, and we’ll need to learn our way around the base with all these people.” The crew smiled at each other, excited to finally get to see Luna Base for the first time on the ground.

“Yes, of course Captain. I’ll have some people escort you right away to your quarters. And please, try not to be too surprised when you see them.” The Captain smiled and agreed, getting up from his seat with the crews following after. “Melissa, can you and some of the others come escort our new protectors to their rooms in A-Sector?”

“Right away Doctor Sampson,” a light womanly soft voice replied over the small intercoms box on the table by Doctor Sampson. The crews stood around the room for a moment, waiting when a knock at the door came, followed by a short brunette with light freckles on her face. The woman and the others who’d come with her, were all dressed in white jumpsuits that resembled something like the Vault-Tec advertisemant character named Vault Boy.

“Hello gentlemen, it’s good to see you all made it here safely. My name’s Melissa and we’re here to take you to your rooms. Please follow us, everything you’ll need is already in your room. You won’t have to worry about a thing.”

Sergeant Harris glanced at the Captain, a smile on his face and a look like a young school boy who was ready to die for the cutest girl in his class. The Captain smiled back, and then turned to Melissa who motioned with her hand to follow her.

“Hello, I’m Sam, this is Jake, Gabe, Ian, and Lucas. We’ll show you around as well,” Sam, another man in a white jumpsuit said looking at the Captain. He was tall, black, and was clean shaven.

“Thank you, Sam, glad to hear it.” The Captain started forward after Melissa, with the crews following behind him in a single file that soon grew to a small cluster. Outside the room they were in, the crews found themselves in one of the smaller domes. The ceiling was transparent, and you could see for miles into Outer Space. All the domes were like this, as the crew followed the escorts to the larger dome. From Space, the center dome didn’t look all that large, with just a couple looking buildings inside. But to the crews amazement, it was quite large and the buildings looked like a science fiction hotel building.

“Gentlemen, these rooms here will be your own personal quarters. There are seven floor levels, with stairs and an elevator. You’ll have to share with the residence of the building, but you and the next crew coming will have floor of your own. The very top two levels are your own personal space, and everyone else is living below you. Don’t worry, we didn’t kick anyone out of their homes, those two levels haven’t been filled since people started living here. They’re completely empty, and they’ve been made to fit your needs.” Melissa and Sam both smiled with their people, guiding Captain Carson and the crews up to their respected floors and rooms of choice. The Captain went first, finding his room to be the second to last room down the hall on the very top floor. Melissa and everyone else, left him to be as they found their own respected rooms.

The Captain closed his door, and took a look around from the doorway. In the room, there was a bed for two people, a bedside table with a lamp which was powered by solar energy, a desk and chair for the Captain to write reports and whatnot, clothes drawers which were empty, and a clothes closet that had white jumpsuits hanging inside. All of them, personally had a little badge on the right side that said Captain Carson. Still in his space suit, the Captain didn’t bother to change yet, but he wanted to get out of his suit soon. There was also a medium bathroom with a shower and toilet and sink. For being a Secret Moon Base, the Luna Base was really something to Captain Carson.

After a time of looking around and getting a feel for the room, a knock came to the Captain’s door. It was Melissa with the crews and the others.

“Captain Carson, you haven’t dropped anywhere have you?”

“No, no,” the Captain said opening the door and seeing his men and Melissa.

“Good, than you’ll follow me to the Armory. It’s also where we have showers and lockers, and where you can put your space suits away and change if you like.” The Captain nodded and closed the door behind him, following Melissa and the crews down to the armory, which was in another dome, a smaller one like the other one before, but this one, like the others, but the Captain had failed to see at first, was titled: ARMORY: UNAUTHORIZED PERSONNEL WILL BE REMOVED IMMEDIATELY AND HELD IN A JAIL CELL FOR TRESPASSING.

Inside the Armory, Melissa guided the crews as if she was a tour guide. First they went to the showers, Melissa showing them the warm and cold knobs, and where the bar of soap went, which was on a little tray above the two water knobs. Next, she showed them the Weapons area. All weapons were securely locked up in gun lockers behind a cage and counter, where a man named Oakland resided. He was the bases security man with the weapons, and noted down when one weapon was taken, and when it was returned. Luckily for the crews, they didn’t need to go through that procedure, as their weapons were their own and only they would be using them. After the showers and guns, Melissa showed them to a room where they could hang up their space suits. There were already some there, that had a Moon badge with LUNA written across it. Those suits were the suits of the security force, who by the way, none of the crew members in the first wave from Earth had seen yet.

“So when do we meet the Security teams, Melissa?” Sergeant Harris asked stepping next to her, and keeping pace. His school boy charm showing through to everyone.

“They’re all busy now, but I’m sure you’ll meet them later. They’re all very nice people.”

“Is that a fact?” Sergeant Harris said smiling bigger and blushing brighter. Melissa giggled, and then showed them to the final area of the Armory, which was a room specifically for them. It housed their weapons and their gear. The specialized T-45d Power Armored suits, were already there and waiting. Their Laser Rifles securely fastened to gun shelves on either side of the room. Their pistols, nicely hung on the wall itself.

“Damn, can’t wait to get myself into one of those suits again. So much fun,” Corporal Adams said peering into the small window.

“Don’t get too excited now John, you might do something unexpected,” Sergeant Huxley said laughing with the other crew members. Corporal Adams just glared and then laughed with the group, as they left the Armory for the time being. The Captain settled the group down as they returned to the center dome, Melissa showing them to the kitchen area. It was like a large cafeteria, but the smell of foods wasn’t something that was US Army regulation, and thus smelled like dirty old feet and tasted like dirt.

“Hot damn,” Sergeant Huxley exclaimed smelling the smell of steak. “Are those the Texas Steer that fella Tex talked about? And where is he anyway? I’d like to meet him face to face, now that I got the chance.” Sam smiled, turning to Huxley.

“Tex is in another dome at the moment. The Control Center Dome, and he’ll be busy for the next few hours. So you’ll have to wait. And to answer your question about the steak, yes they are Texas Steer.” Like a light bulb, Huxley glowed with surprise and excitement. In all the places he thought he’d find himself to be some day with Texas Steer in the air, he never thought it’d be on the Moon.

Melissa and her people gathered together, smiling and looking at the crews.

“Captain, gentlemen, we leave you now to have something to eat. You’re free to roam around the base, but please do not leave the base just yet. Our Green House is to the North of the Center Dome, and the rest is either laboratory domes of different research, or monitoring stations. You’ll find the Monitoring Dome to be the farthest dome out to the Center Dome. Where we breed and keep our live stock, is parallel to our Green House. So please, if you have any questions on anything, just feel free to find one of us or ask a resident. We all work to keep the base operational, but we do have breaks.” Melissa smiled and the group followed her out of the cafeteria.

Captain Carson and his men all turned to each other, looks of excited hunger on their faces. Like a pack of wild hyenas or lions calculating with each other, they spoke of how exciting this place was.

“Alright boys, first thing’s first. Get the best meal they’ve got and savor it. Secondly, have seconds of the best meal they’ve got, and then third, get some damn rest.” The group burst into laughter, grabbing and holding onto one another before collecting themselves and all asking at the same time for the best meal they had. The cook taking the orders tried writing it all down, but with the men speaking over each other, it was hard.

“Okay boys, quiet down and give your orders one by one,” Captain Carson ordered pushing through them. “I’ll be first pal, and I’ll take your finest meal. What is it?”

“That’s up to you sir, whatever you want.”

“Okay then, I’ll have a steak, medium well, seasoned with salt and pepper. Give me your best steak sauce with it. As for the side, I’ll have diced potatoes, fried not grilled. Green Peas and a Corn-on-the-Cob.” The Captain paused, thinking what else he wanted. “What kind drinks you got around here? Any beers?”

“Yes Captain, we have six. Two are from Earth and the others we make up here. They’re not half bad; Moon Beer that is.” The cook smiling.

“Can I try a taste?” The cook nodded and put down his pen and paper, going over to grab a shot glass. He disappeared for a moment, and then returned with four shot glasses of each Moon-made beer.

“This one here, we made it an Amber Ale. It’s good, and probably my favorite. This here is a Bock, and this dark beauty is a Lager, the other is a Porter.” The Captain stared at the glasses, amazed at what they’d made. He tried them all, choosing the Bock over them all.

“How’d they taste?” Sergeant Huxley asked curious.

“They’re all just fine, good Moon Beer I do have to say Sergeant.” The Captain pushed the glasses away and looked to the Cook. I’ll have a glass of your Bock with my food kid.” The Captain smiled and moved through the crowd, everyone taking their turn to place their order.

Soon enough, the food was right before them. There was an entire cooking team at the base, and for being on such a desolate place, the food was very good. Every man eating savored and cried out in happiness to have some real life food in their systems. None of them could have handled eating the Astronaut liquid food, and each of them enjoyed the drinks they had chosen. Some solar panel workers walked in, as the crews ate their delicious meals, looking at them with tired faces. The cook came to the counter again, looking at the solar panel workers.

“How’s it going out there Frank? Any trouble?”

“Not really. Just some damn wiring, but we fixed it. Saw some Little Green Men lurking around out there though. Not sure what they’re up to.” The conversation caught the attention of the Captain, and every crewmen on the Aries first wave.

“Did you say Little Green Men were eyeing you out there?” The Captain asked putting down his beer. The solar panel worker turned to him and nodded. “How many did you see out there? Two, three, seven?”

“Probably about ten of the little bastards. If I had a gun, I’d have blasted the little pricks. But we don’t go out there to fight, and the security team’s are all inside tonight.”

“Tonight?” Sergeant Harris exclaimed. “But it’s still light out.”

Frank the solar panel worker shrugged, not really caring for the light or not.

“Doesn’t matter, because by the clocks on Earth, it’s night. Who are you guys anyway, we’ve never seen you around here before?”

“We just got in,” Captain Carson replied sharply. “We’re the guys brought up there to watch over you and the rest. There’s only twelve of us now, but by tomorrow and the next day, we should round about thirty-six soldiers.”

“THIRTY-SIX!” Frank exclaimed at the Captain. “We’re being picked off here, and the Army only sends us up Thirty-six [censored] people! What the hell is going on down there?”

The crews began to get edgy, they didn’t like it when someone spoke bad about their low numbers. There wasn’t anything they could do about it, and to them, thirty-six men could get a lot done if done well, which being commanded by Captain Carson, they were sure to do. Even Captain Carson took a bit of insult from the man’s words, and he gripped his hand into a fist.

“Don’t you worry about the number of men. Thirty-six is a good number, and if we need more men, we can get it if we need to. But you haven’t been down to Earth for awhile, you don’t know what it’s like down there. Things are different now. The War with China, it’s ten times worse than when you probably last heard about it, which was probably the last time you stepped foot on Earth, and back then we weren’t at war with China, we were in talks.” The Captain tightened his balled up fist, and looked at Frank dead in the eyes, the other solar panel workers not wanting to fight such hardened men, when they themselves weren’t soldiers in the first place.

“Relax Frank, these guys will do good.” A woman said grasping his shoulders from behind. Frank looked down at the woman, nodding and cracking a weak smile.

“You’re right Rachel, I’m sorry,” Frank said turning to the Captain and his men. “I’m sorry I teased you. I didn’t mean anything by it, I just haven’t been asleep for a few days. You’re right Captain, the last time I had feet on Earth was when we were in just talks with China, but we’re not completely isolated up here, the Lunar Base on the South Pole does send us up newspapers via computer data. So we know what’s going on when we get the news.”

“I’m sorry too,” Captain Carson replied, taking a sip of his beer for a quick pause. “We’ve been stuck in a cramped little rocket for little more than twenty-four hours, so you’ll have to excuse my temper as well. I didn’t mean anything by it, and I’m sure once the rest of my me arrive, we’ll be able to help when needed.” The Captain raised his glass of beer to the man, who in turn gave a little salute with two fingers. The cafeteria was still, with everyone either eating or getting a meal. The Captain began to wonder when he’d hear from the second wave.

Chapter 2

When the Captain awoke in his room a few hours later, after eating and chatting more with the solar panel workers, he realized light shinning through the curtains of his bedroom window. The place really was like an apartment building, or more of a hotel room that someone owned. Carson scratched his head and ran his finders through his short black hair, stretching and yawning.

“Damn, what time is it?” Captain Carson asked himself, looking around and finding a small digital clock on his bedside table. It said eleven forty-two A.M., but opening the curtains and looking out the window it just looked like the sky had become black with stars and the sun was a lot closer, and instead of seeing the Moon in the sky, it was Earth.

After washing up and gathering himself together, the Captain picked up the phone to call Sergeant Harris. Below him, down in the other room, he could hear the sound of people joking around and laughing. He couldn’t tell what, but they seemed to be having a fun time. The Phone rang and rang, finally being picked up on the fifth ring which Captain Carson thought was odd it rang five times anyway.

“Hello?” Came a groggy voice on the other line.

“Sergeant Harris, it’s Captain Carson.” Instead of a reply, Captain Carson heard the sudden sound of the phone banging hard against what the Captain thought, was a table. In the background, he could hear Sergeant Harris’s voice cursing and fumbling to gather himself.

“Sir, sorry sir. Didn’t know it was you sir. What’s up?”

“I was just calling to see if you and some of the boys wanted to go out onto the surface? I’m sure we can take a look around now.”

“But Melissa said not to go out of the base yet?”

“Sergeant, who’s in charge here, me or her?” The Captain said in a semi-serious tone. Sergeant Harris stuttered and hesitated, catching what he meant.

“Right sir, I’ll get the boys together and we’ll meet you at our space suits.”

“Good Sergeant, and one last thing Sergeant.”

“Yes sir?”

“Don’t get took caught up with any women, understand. We’ve got a job to do, and if you’re thinking about the one, you’re going to slip up, and this isn’t the place to slip up; understand me Sergeant?”

“Yes sir, loud and clear sir. Good bye sir.” Captain Carson hung up the phone, and left his room, locking it behind him. He could hear down the hallway, Sergeant Harris cursing and hating himself as he realized his stupidity on the phone. The other rooms phones began to ring as well, Sergeant Harris calling them to tell them the news. Captain Carson smiled and closed the elevator doors, and then walking out of the building to find people busy on the “streets.” They all smiled and some of the children on the base, even waved to the Captain. The Captain waved back, and headed for the Armory.

After getting lost a couple times, and feigning ignorance to being lost, the Captain met his men in the room with his the space suits. They were all there now, put together with the other space suits that the workers on the base used. The entire group of soldiers was there, waiting for the Captains orders.

“Alright boys, we’re going out there for a little patrol duty. Just patrol, so we’re not taking our Power Armor out for a test drive just yet. We’re keeping this just to us, as we’ve been told to stay inside the base. But I have a better idea, and we’re going to start on our job.”

“Yes sir!” Came the reply from the soldiers as they and their Captain rushed to get their space suits on. Each one of their suits, like the other space suits on the base, had a small box for a radio. When it was off, it was like speaking in a silent movie, and only lips moving and expressions could be seen. The soldiers followed behind the Captain, all of them cramming into the space lock, where they’d change from oxygen space to empty space outside.

“Man, I hope we see one of those Little Green Men, I’m gonna beat the hell out of him,” Sergeant Huxley exclaimed.

“Yeah, I’m gonna show them what Earthlings can do.” Replied Corporal Jensen.

“Shut up, both of you,” Captain Carson snapped. “This is just patrol, you find or see or just get a glimpse of one of the bastards, you better hope he’s not armed and just looking around like we are. There’ll be plenty of time to kill them once we get a good bead and understanding of their actions. That’s why we’re going here.”

The two soldiers looked down in their helmets, faces and ego’s brought down a notch or two. The others just stood there, not wanting to get involved, as a loud whooshing sound changed their space.

“Alright boys, lets do this.” The whooshing sound stopped, and the revolving door slid open, exposing the men to Space’s elements. All of the men gasped, as they took their first steps ever, onto the Moon. Smiles and glowing excitement radiated from them all.

“This is the coolest feeling I’ve ever felt!” Exclaimed some of the men.

“I think I could do this forever!” Exclaimed some more. The Captain was silent, a smile and excitement glowing from him as well. He recalled all those times as a young boy, acting like an Astronaut and walking around on the Moon. The feeling of being in Space, engulfed the Captain.

“Sir, come over here. Check out the Moon Rock!” Captain Carson turned around, looking at Sergeant Harris who held a small chunk of Moon Rock in the glove of his hand. The Captain slowly billowed over, taking the Moon Rock from the Sergeant’s hand. He looked around at it, unable to get a really good feel for it through his thick Space Gloves.

“Okay boys, get a good look,” the Captain said handing the chunk of rock back to Sergeant Harris. “Lets get moving on our patrol, there’s a lot more Moon to discover.”

The soldiers smiled and followed in their naturally trained groups of two, spread out and covering a lot of ground. Sergeant Harris was with the Captain, when a sudden movement behind some rocks made them turn. They both stared for a minute, seeing if they could identify the movement. If it was an Alien, or just something their minds made up.

“What is it Captain?” The Sergeant asked, flipping his radio on. The sound of his calm breathing echoing through his mouth piece.

“Not sure,” the Captain replied flipping his radio on as well. “Maybe it was an Alien?” The Sergeant’s breath increased as he turned to look at the others spread out and looking around.

“Any of you see anything?” They all shook their heads, taking another look around but seeing nothing. The Captain smiled and grabbed the Sergeant, pulling him with to the rock where they saw the movement. “What are you doing Captain? We’re not armed. What if the little bastard is armed!”

“Don’t worry about it Sergeant Harris, I’ve got this okay? He’s not even going to shoot.” And like clock work, a light blue bolt of energy went flying past the Captain’s helmet, causing him to jump back. But being on the Moon’s low gravity, the jump was more than a normal jump on Earth, and the Captain lifted high into Space before coming down.

“Jesus Christ!” Shouted Sergeant Harris as he ran as fast as he could to bring the Captain down to the surface. “That little bastard just shot at you, Captain!” Another bolt of light blue energy came flying past the two again, neither man armed with a weapon. “We’re taking fire! Get back into the base!” The Sergeant exclaimed to the rest. The Captain took a look from where the shots had come from, and spied a little Green man in a silver looking space suit, and a strange looking rifle. The little Alien shot back behind the rock, when it realized the Captain looking at it.

“There it is!” The Captain shouted through the radio. “It’s behind that rock! I’m gonna get the little [censored]!” But before the Captain could make a run for the rock, Sergeant Harris grabbed him and pulled him back, causing the two to float for a bit before Corporal Davis pulled them back.

“No Captain, you can’t. You’ll be killed without a weapon. We’ll get the little bastard and his friends soon enough.” The entire group was with the Captain and the Sergeant now, all of them looking to where the Captain had pointed. None of them could see a thing, but took the Captain’s word for it and soon hurried back to the space lock.

After returning to the space lock, and returning to natural gravity, the soldiers were met by Doctor Sampson, and several other people they’d never seen. The people with Doctor Sampson, were the bases security by what the Captain and the others took them to be, with their badges that also gave away their position with the word: Security.

“Captain Carson, I thought you were told not to go out there until given further notice. We’re not trying to make your life difficult, but there are some things you must take into account while living here on the Moon.”

“Yeah, and what’s that?” The Captain said catching his breath and collecting himself after almost being killed. Doctor Sampson settled himself, and looked at all the soldiers.

“You can only go out there in your space suits, at certain times of the day or night. You’re not as well protected by the Sun’s radiation on here, as you are on Earth. Luckily, these domes tops are covered with a lining that acts as a sort of radiation filters. That’s why we can be out in the base, at any times we want, because these dome covers act like on Earth. But out there, you’re exposed to much more radiation, than normal, so you have to go out at certain times of the day or night. We’ve realized, that this is true for our Little Green Men as well.”

“Is that so, Doctor Sampson? Well you mind telling me then, why I almost just got killed by one of them snooping around? That’s right, I don’t think they’re caring too much about the radiation fro the sun.” The Doctor took a step back, showing a bit of ground to the intimidating Captain.

“I can’t explain their behavior Captain, but I can explain what I know. And from what I’ve seen, they’re like us and can’t be out at certain times. But there are some things here, I can explain about the human body.” The Captain stands, silent and calm, letting the Doctor continue. While the security look him and the other soldiers over. “The Sun hits the base, at certain hours of the day, that make it very dangerous for the Human Species to be out on the Lunar Surface. Mainly because like I already said, you’re hit with much more radiation, than you’d be used to down on Earth. Imagine if you would, the Earth not having the atmosphere and everything else it has, and it being like the Moon. Nothing would grow, and our crops would burn from the increase heat and radiation. And that’s what will happen to you, if you’re out there at certain times of the day. When the Sun has a Solar Flare, we have to put everything on lockdown because the radiation hitting us is very strong, and there’s a lot of it. Luckily, we have a second cover to protect the domes when a Solar Flare occurs. So please Captain, only go out at specific times of the day or night, when the Sun isn’t so strong against us.”

The Captain muttered something under his breath, a bit irritated at Doctor Sampson, but yet he understood what the man was getting at. If the Captain and his men died because of radiation, then the base was doomed to probably fall under the Little Green Thumb of the Little Green Men. After a moment of milling it over, the Captain nodded and agreed to only go out when they were given the go ahead, and would return when ordered to do so. Luckily for them, there was a four hour space between leaving and coming back. The Captain was sure, they could get a lot done in just four hours.

“Okay Doctor Sampson, we’ll go when ordered. But I’d rather know the best times that we could probably get away with going out there when others can’t. Just so we have time to really handle this Alien problem of yours. And another thing, have you heard from the second wave yet?”

“No Captain, we haven’t heard a word yet. They’re still too far out for our radar and radio to pick anything comprehendible up at the moment. But I’ll call you when we do. And thank you for understanding Captain Carson, we’d be a lost group of people here if we lost you all to the elements of Space.” The Doctor smiled a smile of apology, and held out his hand to the Captain. The two shook, before the Doctor turned away to leave and let the Captain and his men get out of their space suits.

“Oh and Captain, when you’re finished up here, meet Chief Officer Templeton in his office. He’s able to see you now.” The Captain saluted with two fingers, and turned to his own men, the door behind him hissing as the doctor and the security force left them.

“Okay boys, lets get this straight. We’re doing like the good Doctor asked, so nobody go out there unless I give the order to. I’m gonna go see this Chief Officer Templeton, you guys just go do whatever. Okay?”

“Yes sir,” the group said as they got out of their suits. The Captain finished getting out first, and then hurried to Chief Officer Templeton’s office. He was excited to finally get information on actual combat with the Aliens. It would help them out greatly in their own fight.

When the Captain entered Chief Officer Templeton’s office, the man was busy tinkering with his laser pistol. The Captain closed the door, catching the attention of Officer Templeton. He motioned for the Captain to take a seat, setting the laser pistol down on his desk. Officer Templeton didn’t look like much. He was skinny, yet still with some muscle, but his skin was pale and he looked sick.

“Ah, Captain Carson. So glad to finally meet you. I’m Chief Officer Templeton, but you can call me Jack.”

“Glad to meet you finally too, Jack,” the Captain said shaking hands with the man.

“I’m sorry I didn’t make time for you earlier, I was busy with some other pressing matters.” Jack looking down at his hands, with a look of sorrow. The Captain realizes he means the woman under his command who’d be mutilated.

“Yes, I understand perfectly Jack. But now that we’re here, I’d like to ask you about this Alien threat. I’ve already had a glimpse of them, and their weaponry. Have you any reports or information handy that I could possible look over in my room? Maybe tell yourself what they’re like in a combat situation?” Jack just nods, looking at the Captain with a sorry and remorseful look, as he remembers all those who’ve died.

“Sure Captain, I can tell you right now how they are. These Little Green Men, they’re dangerous. It’s like nothing I’ve ever come across or seen. I’ve never fought them on the dark side of the Moon, as you probably already know, I wouldn’t be speaking with you now if I had. But from what I’ve seen, they’re erratic and they press hard. Once they get the jump on you, it’s goodbye ladies and gentlemen. These Aliens, are highly intelligent and they use ambush tactics against us. But we’re so under equipped and armored, it’s like fighting through Swiss Cheese. They didn’t bother giving us any specialized Power Armor.” The last comment being a bit of a sneered tone to the Captain.

“Well Jack, I’m sure that once the rest of my men get here, we’ll have this place secure and protected well. You’ve done good Jack, but like you said your people are under equipped, and it’s my duty as head commanding officer of all military actions on this rock, that I ask you for you and your men, to now take only patrol duties. Nothing more. These duties, will be inside Luna Base and around the Luna Base perimeter. Your men and you, will no longer be going out after this threat. My men and I will handle that, is that understood Officer Templeton? I’m sorry to do this, but we’ve been sent to do a job, and I think this is the best way to achieve success.”

Jack looked at Captain Carson, with anger and frustration. This sudden turn of events, was like a slap in the face to the security officer. Captain Carson and his men, hadn’t been here more than a couple of days, and already they were taking control like they owned the place. Jack’s face got even more red, when he realized how calm the Captain had said it all, and how calm his face looked saying it.

“Captain Carson,” Jack said with an irritated tone. “My people know how to handle them, you have to give us a shot. Just one last chance, I promise you that we’re not just some lackey force!”

“It’s out of the question Jack, I’ve been given orders by the United States Army, to take command of all combat and operations, from the head security chief here on Luna Base. You may call Doctor Sampson if you wish, he’s been informed since we left Earth the other day.” Captain Carson knew this change of pace, was hard for the man. It wasn’t easy for the Captain either, but he was under orders from men much higher in rank than him to do so.

Jack shook his head, not wanting to give up, but when Captain Carson leaned over the desk to him, the two men stared at each other dead in the eyes.

“Jack, I’m not removing your posting. You’ll still be in charge of the security teams, you know them better than me. But from now on, you don’t make a move without my authorization first.” The two men stared at each other silent, their facial expressions showing it all in a battle for sudden control. But finally Jack gave up, dropping his head and nodding in approval of the move.

“Alright Captain, you’ll have control. Anything you need from me, is still open to you. I’m sorry for getting a little heated there, It’s my Irish blood.”

Captain Carson got up, smiled at the comment and nodded, going to a filing cabinet that had all the reports from past encounters with the Little Green Men. They were thick, and Captain Carson turned to Jack who acted as if he wasn’t there, fiddling with his laser pistol again.

“Jack, what are you doing with that firearm?”

There wasn’t a response right away, the man ignored the Captain a bit before answering.

“It’s got a bad little rod, I’m trying to fix it.”

“With your fingers? Take it to the gun guy, what’s his name?”

“Oakland,” Jack replied setting the gun down. “Yeah, I guess I will take it to him.” The security officer looked up and smiled, walking over to the door before turning back to the Captain. “Oh, and another thing Captain, if you need some help with those files, I can get some people to help you?”

“Yeah thanks, I think I will.” Captain Carson replied, lifting a thick bunch of folders from the file cabinet. Jack left the room, yelling for some people to come and help the Captain.

After being helped by some of the security with the massive folders, and the Captain leading them to the cafeteria, the Captain told them they could leave and that he’d be the new commanding officer of military action around the base, and to spread it around to the rest of the security force. They nodded and left, Captain Carson taking a seat at one of the tables and grabbing the first folder, looking and reading through.

“Captain?” Asked the cook from the counter. “Can I help you with anything?”

“No, no, I’m fine. But I will take a cup of coffee.”

“Sure thing Cap,” the cook replied getting the Captain his cup of coffee.

Through out the report, the Captain began trying to make it into a puzzle. Finding similarities between the different accounts, and then piecing them together to get an idea of how these Aliens operated and possible thought. Chief Officer Templeton hadn’t been much help, but the accounts the Captain had with him seemed to be much more helpful with their puzzle like ways.

“Here yah go, Captain. Want anything to eat? Fries, steak, burger?”

“No, I’m fine with just coffee. Thanks.” The cook smiled and left the Captain to his business. He had a lot of information to sift through, and it would take a good chunk of his time.

I would like to start by saying two things; first, that this is a fan-fic forum, not a writing forum, no one expects every work offered for critique to be a masterpiece and second; that everyone who offers their work for peer review deserves an honest appraisal.

My honest opinion of this work is that it needs a serious edit job. I had trouble even getting through it. I could lie and say it was because I don't like space stories, but the truth is that I found it cluttered with needless description, needless dialogue, and very little action. If you want to improve this work, my suggestion would be to go back through it and decide what is important information and what is not. This is difficult to do, because everything seems important. The reader does not need every thought, every viewpoint, every location described to him.

My friend, please understand that I'm not saying these things to be mean. I know the amount of work you put into this and to be told that it needs a major rewrite is hard to hear, but this is my honest opinion. Of course, it's just an opinion. I would be happy to reread this story, if you decide to rework it. Best of luck.

I generally enjoyed the story. It needs editing but this fact does not rob from the story. Editing is a necessary evil for all writers as is a thick skin. It has great promise and I want to know just what is going on. I look forward to reading more.

lol Don't worry, what you said was hardly rude... in my experience anyway. I've had a lot of stuff said to me, throw at me, etc. that would be a lot worse then being told some things in my story need fixing. Description, dialogue, I can cut down on, but I'm not making this story an action packed story in any sense. The story I have in mind, and where I'm taking it, will obviously involve action (what kinda good space story wouldn't have at least SOME action right?) But this story is also trying to explain the aliens to the characters, how the soldiers feel, and generally how some of the characters feel about living on the Moon, etc. So don't expect this to be a story, where almost every chapter involves some kind of intense action and then the next one does as well, then there's a break, and then more action. Action is fine, but it's not going to be a major part for most of the story. I like to build up to action, or problems, rather than just go straight for it in every chapter or every other chapter.

But thanks for the criticism, always enjoy what people think about this and that. So thanks.



Thanks Maharg, glad you enjoyed it. Of course editing is always needed in a story; even when a story is considered finally edited, it could still probably use editing here and there. lol As for thick skin, I've probably got the best when it comes to people saying what they don't like about something, or just seem to be criticizing harshly. So thanks for reading, and keep on looking out for the next chapter. Should have the next one up sometime tomorrow or the next day? (I've already started on it.)

Chapter 3


The next day, early in the morning, or at least early morning on Earth, Captain Carson was still found sitting at the table in the cafeteria; a cup of coffee on one side of him, and a stack of files on the other. Some of his men, including Sergeant Harris and Huxley, joined him at the table. The two were having breakfast, and looking through some of the folders beside their Captain.

“Hey, check this one out Huxley,” Sergeant Harris said leaning a folder to him. “Listen to what this report says. ‘We came to the edge of the crater, over looking Luna Base. Without much time to look, we were ambushed from all around. Security Officer Nix was shot and the ensuing shot turned him to nothing but dust! Two others were killed: Security Guard Bishop and Jameson. We killed two of them, but could not retrieve the bodies like Doctor Sampson had wanted. Later, after fighting the Aliens had ceased, we returned to the Doctor with word we could not retrieve the Alien bodies.’”

“[censored],” Sergeant Huxley exclaimed before taking a sip of his coffee. “How many have you been through, Captain?” Huxley asked turning to their CO.

“About twelve so far. I’ve been up since midnight, or what would be considered midnight. I got a few hours of sleep, but then woke up and decided to come back down and read up some more. If you read more of them, they’re all like that in one way or another. Except the reports that are thin, and only written by those who weren’t actually there. Those reports are more for knowing what happened to the person after they’d retrieved the body.” Captain Carson took another swig of his coffee, and read on. The two sergeants concentrating on their meals.

Suddenly, over the bases intercom, Tex’s voice came through. The Captain and his two Sergeants looked up, listening.

“Will Captain Carson please report immediately to the control room. Captain Carson to control room, immediately.” The Captain closed his folder, and shot up from his seat, quickly turning to his two Sergeants.

“I’ll be back, make sure nobody touches those folders. That’s an order.”

“Yes sir!” The two said saluting their Captain, before he gave a quick salute back and hurried to the the control room.

In the control room Doctor Sampson, and Chief Officer Templeton stood together over Tex, while he picked up the radio microphone once again. The two men turned and nodded at the Captain, as he hurried to see what was going on. Outside the window, the sun’s rays peaked just above the craters ridge.

“Captain,” Tex said turning to him. “Glad you got here so quickly. Your second wave of men, have just gotten within radio distance and radar.” Tex motions to the large circular radar screen that shows several little blips on the screen, as the radar line swings over them. “But it seems, they’ve had a bit of trouble.”

“What kind of trouble?” The Captain asks curiously.

“Some Alien Saucers, were giving them trouble. None of the rockets were lost, just a bit damaged. Seems our little green friends thought they’d take some pot shots at the Delta’s. They should be here soon, but we’ll have to be careful with them, their last communication reported that the saucers were still toying with them, but they weren’t shooting. Just flying around them?”

“Is that odd, Tex?” Captain Carson asks, looking not only to Tex for the answer. Doctor Sampson steps forward, his cool and educated demeanor showing.

“Yes Captain, it’s very odd. In all my days studying these creatures, they’ve never used their flying saucers against us. Or at least, against any of the ships and satellites that come our way. I think they’re getting more daring Captain. Is there any other waves coming after the second?”

“No,” Captain Carson says a with a bit of worry for the second wave. “There’s only two waves, and this ones the largest. We were just the small party to come in. How badly are their ships damaged, Tex?” The Captain asks turning to the Texan.

“Not very, but two reported their left thrust engine was acting strange, and another said it’s left thruster was completely gone. They’re still operational, but if they can’t reach us quick, we’ll all have problems. How many ships are coming this time?”

“Twelve this time. Do you have any other landing zones?”

“No, just the one. We can’t have them floating around out there, they’re already going to be low on oxygen if they haven’t already gone to the reserves. We might have to get them to force land directly on the Moon’s surface. We can have a few people go out and assist those who aren’t on the landing zones, and bring them right in. The rest will come up the way you did when you and your men arrived.”

Captain Carson pondered the two ideas. If the saucers were still out there with his men, and wouldn’t let up, they would have to land on the Moon’s surface without being able to go underground. But if they were still on their main supply of oxygen, they might be able to last a little longer until they could successfully get the ones underground? The Captain thought and though, Doctor Sampson and Chief Officer Templeton watching and waiting for a response. But suddenly, all the men in the room were brought to the attention of a new incoming message. Tex flipped around, turning the speakers on.

“This is Lieutenant Patterson, come in Tex.”

“Tex here, what’s your status Lieutenant?”

“The flying saucers seem to have decided to leave us alone, but Hermes VI is badly damaged. Two of our small thrusters are damaged, one of them completely gone. Our ETA to arrival is an hour tops.”

Tex, Sampson, and Templeton all turned to the Captain for an order to give them and the men out there in the black void. There was a silent moment, but the Captain finally came to his conclusion.

“Lieutenant Patterson, this is Captain Carson of the Aries flight. What’s the oxygen status of the Hermes team?”

“Oh Captain, it’s good to hear your voice. As for oxygen, my rocket, and Hermes One, Five, and Twelve are all on reserve. By the time we reach there, we’ll be running low and be dependent on our suits. They should give us another twenty minutes tops.”

“Okay Lieutenant, I want all of you who are damaged and low on oxygen to land in the designated areas, Tex here will give you. As for the rest of you, keep your flight patterns above the Luna Base. Once the ships are down, and the lifts brought back up, the rest of you can land.”

Doctor Sampson looked at the Captain, a shocked look on his face. He didn’t know what was going through the Captains head. In another hour, those who were on their main oxygen source would soon be on their reserve.

“Captain, you can’t really be saying this? Those men out there are going to suffocate and freeze out there, because of this.” The Captain shot a glare at the Doctor, showing him not to question.

“No Doctor, they won’t suffocate or freeze out there. The reserve gives them thirty minutes extra time. Their suits give them twenty minutes, tops. It’ll only take a couple minutes to get the lifts down and back up, so the others can land. If anything goes wrong, I’ll put Officer Templeton’s people on standby for orders to go and assist.” The Doctor sighed, uncertain yet still willing to give it a go. He thought the plan was crazy, considering, but by the look on Captain Carson’s face, he had hope the plan would work.

After the hour had passed, the rockets most damaged and low on oxygen, were slowly lowered down into the Moon’s interior. The other Delta Rockets, were busy slowly keeping up with the base and their position over it. Captain Carson, busied himself with keeping an eye out for any incoming saucers, but didn’t see any. Officer Templeton, had already left the control room to assist him people on standby.

“Tex, get on the intercom and message everyone on the base, that the rest of the party has arrived.”

“Sure thing Captain,” Tex said in his thick Texas accent. He flipped some switches, and brought the microphone to his mouth. “Attention Luna Base, attention. The remaining party from Earth, sent here to give us protection has just arrived. I repeat, the remaining US Army military party from Earth, had just arrived.” Tex switched off the intercom, and returned to the Delta’s radio frequency. Captain Carson smiled, knowing his men would be jumping up for joy. And he was right.

All over the base, where ever the Aries team members were, shouts and yelps of joy echoed all around. Sergeant Harris and Huxley, who were still in the cafeteria, cleaning their plates of a second helping, jumped from the table and embraced each other, jumping and shouting. Both ran to the cook, ordering each other a nice glass of beer. The two looked at each other, others from the Aries team came stumbling into the cafeteria as well, big smiles on their faces. Everyone was excited, the rest of their friends were arriving and that meant they could finally get out and find the Alien threat.

“Hot damn!” Huxley exclaimed downing half his beer in one big gulp. “Now we can have a real party! Bring it on you little Alien rats! The whole party’s here now, and we’re coming for you!” Harris threw his arm around Huxley, laughing and cheering with some of the others.

“Damn right Huxley, those Little Green Men from Outer Space won’t know what hit them. They think we’re just another ban of pushovers! Well lets show them others wise!”

Back at the control center, Tex, Captain Carson, and Doctor Sampson all watched as the final ships lowered themselves onto the platforms and were brought down carefully. Doctor Sampson smiled himself, patting the Captain on the back. Tex glancing at the Captain, giving a job well done handshake.

“Good job Captain. Risky idea, but good none the less.”

“Yes Captain, very good job,” Doctor Sampson added.

“Thank you, now on to bigger things. Tex, get on the horn to those boys that just got off and the rest of my people, including Officer Templeton’s people. Tell them to meet me in the large conference room.” The Captain hurried to the door, but stopped in the middle of it, looking back at the Doctor. “Oh, and Doctor Sampson, I’d like to take a look at your Alien corpses later. I read in a report you had two of them, one in very good condition?” The Doctor just nodded in a yes. “But for now, I think I’ll take my men out on the Lunar Surface, and take our Power Armor suits for a test drive out there.”

“That’s fine Captain, I don’t see a problem with that.” Captain Carson smiled, leaving to go handle his new men.

~This chapter will need a lot of editing. Didn't get a chance to edit it up yet, so it's pretty raw, but I don't have time now since I'm off to the movies. I'll edit it up later when I'm back, I just wanted to get it out for people reading.~


Chapter 4

Once the new crews from the Hermes team were settled and debriefed on the latest of things, by Captain Carson, the Captain ordered all men to be prepared for duty the next day; which for the soldiers and the rest of the people living on Luna Base, felt like it had just been a couple hours when they awoke the next day. Chief Officer Templeton's people, were once again put on the back burner to just watch and keep the people safe inside the base.

Down in the Armory, Captain Carson and Sergeant Harris were already suited up and ready to go out there in their brand new T-45d Power Armor, specifically made for the Space environment. The other men were assisted by Melissa and her people, into their suits. The Captain’s voice was scrambled a bit by his helmet.

“Okay men, we’re going out there for two hours. No more, no less. Two hours is our window of operations for now, and we’re not wasting a minute inside here. Finish suiting up and prepare yourselves to meet some Little Green Men; and boys, don’t be cocky. These little green bastards are smart, and from what I’ve read they’re into ambushing groups. And speaking of groups, all fire teams will now be paired up into groups of four. I’ve already assigned the groups, so when I call your names, gather together and keep close to each other. We’re spanning out today, but we’re keeping inside the crater for now.”

Captain Carson turned to Melissa who was beside him, as she read off the list of soldiers grouped together. Sergeant Harris was with the Captain, and so was Corporal Nex and Corporal Irvine; both men had come in on the Aries III Rocket. Once Melissa had finished off reading the list, the groups were already standing together, ready to go out to the big black void.

“Alright boys, lets do this smart and on the ball. No Cowboy type stuff, keep with your team and stay within distance of the other teams. Do I make myself clear!”

“Sir, yes sir!” Shouted the men under their helmets. The Captain smiled under his, the others doing the same but just not knowing the others around them were doing it as well. Melissa and her people stepped away, smiling and wishing them well on their patrol. Some of the soldiers thanked them, before stepping into the space lock with another couple of groups. With their bulky size, not all of them could fit, no more than four at a time, so they had to wait, team after team after team for the others to come out into the dark black void.

“Captain, what happens if we’re engaged by these hostile aliens? Do we have permission to fire?”

“Yes Corporal Nex, you have permission to fire. But just watch it, I don’t want you or anyone else missing, and hitting one of our own. We’ve only seen one of these little guys alive so far, and there are others dead in Doctor Sampson’s autopsy room, but I haven’t looked them over yet.” The Corporal nodded, readying his AER9 and looking down the sights. Captain Carson smiled, checking his own P94 Plasma Rifle, which was a more downsized version of the bulkier gun.

“Corporal Irvine, don’t mess with your damn breathing hoses!” Sergeant Harris snapped from behind the Captain. The two men looked at each other, unable to tell one another’s facial expressions from underneath their helmets.

“Yes sir, Sergeant Harris, sorry sir. I’m just a bit edgy.”

“Well, relax Corporal, you’ve got plenty of time for these alien’s to take the edge off.”

There was silence, until Lieutenant Adiley came over to the Captain and informed him all men were ready and waiting his order. The Captain nodded, giving it out to all the men over the small radio link they teams had between each other in their power armor. The groups spread out, all of them going different directions, but still keeping close to the base. In Outer Space, there wasn’t any air, and the men’s footsteps were quiet. All around them it was quiet, except for the little crackle of their radios from time to time. The feeling gave Captain Carson a chill down his back, shaking inside his suit for a second before continuing on with his squad.

In each of the suits, a small HUD appeared in front of the men, showing vitals, ammunition count, and a small map of the area. And on these maps, a little dot that identified each soldier around that certain person’s. All the suits gave off a little transmitter to everyone else, so they knew who was friendly or not. If the suits more or less, radar system picked something up that wasn’t transmitting a signal, that was a sign of an enemy. Now these suits were special, and these HUDs had specifically been made to deal with the possibilities that Space held for these men. And since they couldn’t heard the sounds of their enemies, the radar system gave them a sort of extra heads up.

A few minutes later, after the teams had been out for nearly half an hour, Corporal Nex began to get jittery. Captain Carson turned to him, slapping his helmet and getting his attention quick.

“What is it Corporal? What’s your problem?”

The Corporal just stared at the Captain with his helmet, a bit of heavy breathing was coming from the Corporal.

“N-n-nothing sir. I’m just nervous is all, nothing I can’t handle. Don’t worry, if anything happens, I can handle it.”

“You [censored] better Corporal! Don’t worry about the silence, or anything like that, you’ve got your radar to help you. Remember, it gives you a heads up for when they’re coming at us!”

“Yes sir,” Corporal Nex replied continuing on with the Sergeant and Corporal. Captain Carson peered at the man, uncertain if he could handle it out here in Space with all the quiet. He stayed behind the Corporal, bringing up the rear of the squad. It wasn’t a place the Captain had been in a long time, because most of the time, it was the lowest ranking soldier, or the one ordered to be there, that took the rear guard.

Suddenly, as the squads made their way towards the wall of the crater, and were well away from the Luna Base, beeps began to echo in their suits. Two other squads that were nearby, also heard the beeping. Sergeant Huxley, leader of one of the squads came on the radio.

“Captain, you picking up these beeps?”

“Sure am Huxley, get your men ready and your weapons ready too. Watch yourselves, and keep your eyes peeled.”

“Roger that sir,” Huxley replied ordering his men around. Captain Carson did the same, motioning for his men to take positions behind a couple of Moon rocks that looked almost like small boulders. A moment later, the beeping got heavier and heavier, three other squads reported into the Captain, that they too were getting some beeps. The Captain gave them their orders, and listened to the beeping of his own HUD, as he caught the sight of movement.

“Incoming hostiles, everyone take your positions and prepare for combat!” On the Captain’s HUD, his ammo checked out at full, along with the others. On the radar map, several little red dots beeped. The beeping was constant, because each beep stood for the reading of each incoming possible threat. In total, there were seven, and in front of them the Captain could barely see any hostile movement, but he knew they were there.

“Captain, enemy spotted. Should we engage?” Sergeant Huxley asked over the radio.

“Affirmative Sergeant, fire at will. All squads, fire at will when the enemy’s in sights.”

“Roger,” came the reply for all other squads as the first round was shot over the head of Captain Carson. There was no sound, because their was no air in Space, but Captain Carson watched as the blue bolt of energy flew far over his head, and two others came after it. He knelt down behind his Moon rock in awe, before snapping out of it and firing back. He could see the others already firing, and ahead of them, Captain Carson could see the sporadic movements of their Little Green Friends, taking pot shots at the squad. No sound came from the guns of the soldiers either, and no recoil came from their energy weapons like they would on Earth. To Captain Carson, it was odd at first, as he fired several quick rounds at a rock, quickly turning the rock into melted plasma after the third or fourth shot. But like the rest, they soon got a grip on the no recoil of their weapons.

“Captain! Enemy team moving up our right flank!” Corporal Irvine shouted as he and the Captain changed their fire to the new incoming threat. The beeping had gone silent, it was automatically meant to go silent once the number of enemies was over ten; allowing the soldiers to concentrate on the task at hand, and making them not be so dependent on the motion radar tracking.

“Don’t let up, keep up that fire Goddammit!” Several blue bolts flew over the Captain’s head again, the Captain returning fire from where the shots came from. He could see the little aliens running from cover to cover, but their speed was too great and the Captain couldn’t keep a bead of them. He just fired round after round at the Little Green Men as he heard all the squads coming in with reports. Huxley, Adiley, Gareth, Burkhard, Orme, Webster, and Paulson all shouted over each other, with their reports of numerous hostiles. But under the fire, and the pressure, the Captain kept his cool. Under circumstances like these, you wanted a Captain or commanding officer to be able to keep his cool of the situation when everyone else was loosing it and getting worked up.

“Calm down, all of you!” The Captain shouted over them all. “Return fire, and if you can’t hold your position, give them everything you’ve got before moving back. Our rally point will be space lock doors. They won’t dare follow us in, but they’ll have us surrounded. So we’ll have to put up a fight until we’re all inside. Is that understood?”

“Yes sir!” They shouted, returning to the fight at hand. Sergeant Harris fired his rifle, the plasma bolts flying through Space and grazing the suit of one of the Little Green Men.

“I hit one! I hit one, sir!” He yelled. “Got his suit, and probably burned right through him!”

The next minute, from behind a rock, the sight of a little dead space alien with his space suit torn and singed around where it’s ribs would be, floated up. It probably hadn’t done it on it’s own, but the squad got a good look at it, and could see it’s face had turned black and was no longer green.

“Holy Hell,” Corporal Irvine stated, looking up in dismay.

“Good job Sergeant!” Captain Carson said himself, trying to get them back into the fight now that they’d downed one of the Little Green Men. “Keep on shooting, don’t let up!” The squad didn’t reply, but replied in gun fire that was mute. Captain Carson smiled fiendishly under his helmet, as he moved up from behind his previous Moon rock to another, firing at his own little grouping of Aliens. He fired several shots, and two of them hit a Little Green Alien, causing it to turn black as well from the intense cold and lack of air.

All around the base, there was laser and plasma fire. From the control room, Tex could see the Captain and the squads around his, fighting hard against the Little Green Men that ran around so sporadicly. Reds, Greens, Blues, they were all fired from one direction or another, and those who could see in the safety of the Luna Base; watched in amazement as the US Army soldiers, fought on for a good hour and more. But soon their time for being out would run out, and they’d have to return to base whether the fight was over or not.

“Captain, this is Tex on the line. You’ve got thirty minutes till your window is closed for good. I suggest returning back to the space lock doors now. At least give yourself some time?”

“Roger that Tex, but we’ve got things handled. We’ll be back soon, once we’ve got these little Alien bastards situated and figured out better. Keep up the fighting boys!” The Captain ended, as he returned fire. Suddenly, over the radio, Lieutenant Adiley called for help.

“We’ve got a man down, I repeat, we’ve got a man down. He’s been hit by one of the alien energy bolts. His armor doesn’t look like it’s good, but it’s been burnt through pretty good. He’s still alive, I need assistance!”

“Lieutenant Adiley, pull your squad back from the fight, take your man to the infirmary, and have him check out if he makes it.”

“Roger Captain, my squad is pulling out of this.” The radio went silent, and Captain Carson turned to where the Lieutenant's squad was positioned. He could see two of the squad members giving covering fire, as the Lieutenant easily pulled his man to the space lock doors. Blue energy bolts flew past the soldiers, but were stopped when Lieutenant Weber’s squad came to their aid unexpectedly, and took their place along the spread out line.

“Lieutenant Weber, what are you doing? Return to your previous position! That’s an order!”

“Everything’s quiet in our corner, and we can’t have this gap in our line Captain. We’ll take Adiley’s spot for now. They can take it back later, if they can?”

“Roger,” Captain Carson said, seceding and returning to the fight. Several more Little Green Men were hit, but a warning began to flash in the Captain’s helmet, signaling that their window was quickly closing.

“Everyone, pull back to the space lock doors. Our window’s closing, and we have to get in their. We can’t stay out here for long when the window’s closed.” Without delay, the squads began to pull back. The aliens didn’t pursue them, knowing they themselves had to return, and it seemed to the Captain in more of a hurry than they did. Already, Adiley’s squad had been brought into the base, and had hurried in their suits even to take Corporal Donnelley, the soldier injured, to the infirmary. Doctor Sampson was there waiting, already hearing about the incoming wounded from Tex on the intercom. A whole medical team was there waiting with the Doctor, and brought the soldier onto the operating table. They looked him over, Corporal Donnelley was unconscious; Doctor Sampson guessing it was from the quick depressurization of his suit. The others looked on, but were forced to leave by a nurse who told them the doctor and them would take care of their friend.

When Captain Carson, and the others all made it back into the base, Tex gave them the lowdown on Corporal Donnelley, but were told again when Lieutenant Adiley and the others came back to take of their suits.

“Don’t worry Lieutenant, the Corporal’s a tough guy. He’s been around the block a few times. Alaska being all our major field of action, and the Corporal’s a tough guy. Don’t count him out just yet,” Sergeant Huxley said, trying to reassure his friend. They all tried reassuring the Lieutenant, but it was the Captain’s words that really did it.

“Lieutenant, the man laying on that operating table is going to make it. He’s just knocked out from quick depressurization of his suit, when that blast got him. He didn’t get wounded physically, and doesn’t have some gaping hole in his chest or something like our dead friends out there, floating off to who knows where. Corporal Donnelley is going to make it, and be awake by tomorrow probably. So lets all go have a beer to celebrate our success, and when Corporal Donnelley wakes up, we’ll have another with him!”

The men all cheered and shouted in jubilation to the idea. Not really realizing how real it was, the men all talked about the fight from their perspectives, telling how they came so close and how they’d just barely hit or missed one of the Little Green Men.

After a couple hours, Doctor Sampson came into the cafeteria, a blank look on his face. The entire place went silent, no bottles clanked together, no words were spoken, and no laughter was had. All the soldiers just sat there in silence, looking at the doctor.

“Corporal Donnelley is alive-” Before the doctor could say another word, the group erupted in cheer and celebration over the news, but Captain Carson stood up and once again shouted over them all to let Doctor Sampson finish. They all smiled and went silent, big grins all on their faces. “He’s alive, and he’s going to stay that way for awhile-”

“Damn right!” Sergeant Huxley interrupted with a quick raise of his beer. The Captain glaring at him to be quiet.

“Yes, well, he’s unconscious now and probably will be for at least twenty-four hours. The depressurization of his suit, caused a reaction like that of when a diver comes up to the surface too fast. We’ve put him in a pressurized chamber, to make sure his blood doesn’t boil and explode. But as long as he’s in there for the time, and when I think it’s okay for him to come out, he’ll be able to join you boys out there again.”

Again, cheering and celebration erupted from the men as they called to the cook for more beer and food too. The cook smiled and nodded, going back to help the other cooks with some special food for the success they’d had, and the good news they’d received. Captain Carson smiled, and got up to see Doctor Sampson.

“Thanks a lot for your help Doc, I’m sure Donnelley wouldn’t have made it without you.”

“Well I am Chief Doctor, Captain Carson. And I am the doctor in charge of any medical situation. The others are biologists, and such. I make sure everyone stays alive and healthy.”

“You sure are Doc, and I thank you for it. When Donnelley wakes up, and can talk, call me. Doesn’t matter the hour, just call me.”

“Sure thing Captain, I’ll be sure to do that. There’s a window for you and the boys to all see each other, and there’s a little speaker box with a talk button on it. So you can talk between each other.” Captain Carson just smiled more, and patted his doctor friend on the shoulder before returning to his men in celebration, and Doctor Sampson returned to check up on Donnelley’s condition.

A few hours later, when the Captain was fast asleep in his room. His phone rang, a continuous ringing which throbbed in his hung over head. All the beer, champaign, and other booze, had really done the Captain over. Groggy, the Captain reached around for the phone with one hand, the other covering his head and ears with a pillow. The phone stopped ringing, and the Captain brought it to his ear.

“Hello?”

“Captain Carson, it’s Doctor Sampson. Just thought you’d like to know that Corporal Donnelley is awake now. He’s doing fine, and wanted to see if anyone was awake still. So I called you, but it seems Sergeant Harris, Lieutenant Adiley, and Sergeant Paulson have all beaten you down here.”

“That’s right Captain, Donnelley’s awake and we’rre here!” Shouted Harris from the background.

“Is that Sergeant Harris?” Captain Carson asked in a questioning tone.

“Yes Captain, I’m afraid they’ve been up all night. And seem to have gotten fairly drunk. The three have been walking and stumbling around the housing dome pretty much all night.”

“Well tell those idiots that I’m ordering them to hit the sack. And if I come down there, and I see them, or I hear them in anyway, they’ll be mopping some floors for five weeks straights!” The exclamation at the end, gave a quick throbbing jolt to the Captain’s already hurting head. He groaned and rolled for a moment, before reaching to put the phone away.

“I’ll do that Captain, they’ll be going to bed right away. Won’t you boys?” There was some laughter and shouting, and then what sounded like a crash.

“What was that?” Captain Carson asked, shooting up in bed. His free hand grabbing his head as it throbbed and banged from the quick jolt.

“Lieutenant Adiley just dropped a scalpel. He’s fine, I’ll send them up to their rooms right away Captain.” The doctor hung up the phone, and Captain Carson slowly got himself out of bed and ready. By the time he’d gotten ready, twenty minutes had already passed. His hangover wasn’t so bad now, and he felt a bit more normal. As he watched the elevator numbers rise to his floor, and then stop, the door opened to the three idiots: Sergeant Harris and Paulson, along with an almost passed out Lieutenant Adiley, hanging on between them.

“Ah, hellow Captin Car-car-carson! Goodnight! Captin Carrrson!” Sergeant Harris said stumbling out of the elevator with the other two drunks, and over to their separate rooms.

“Goood niiiggght Cap Car...” Lieutenant Adiley said before falling into his room. Neither of the Sergeants bothered to help the passed out Lieutenant into his room, his legs being the only thing sticking out from his room. The other two had quickly moved into their rooms, and probably passed out themselves, leaving the Lieutenant all by himself with the Captain who just stared at the passed out soldier for a moment.

“Goddammit,” Captain Carson said walking over to the Lieutenant. He stepped over the man, grabbing his wrists and dragging him into the room. He didn’t drag him far, just far enough to be in the room and not jam the door if someone tried coming in. “Now, go to sleep little boy.” Captain Carson said, waving his finger at the passed out Lieutenant.

Down in the lab, Captain Carson found Doctor Sampson busy with one of his lab assistance. The young man was jotting what the doctor said, and first noticed the Captain walk in. Doctor Sampson turned to the Captain, a smile and arms held out.

“Ah Captain Carson, glad to see you. A bit of time though, wouldn’t you say?”

“Yeah, had to deal with the drunks first; met them coming up while I was trying to go down.” Doctor Sampson smiling, and then guiding Captain Carson to the awake Corporal Donnelley, who is still inside the ‘pressurized lung’.

“Captain, good to see you came by. Doc told me you were coming. Hope the others didn’t cause a problem for you?”

“Corporal, we both know them fairly well. You know they’ll cause problems for me when drunk. But I’m not here to talk about them; how do you feel? Ready to go kick some more alien ass soon? You’re lucky they only depressurized your suit, rather than burn a hole through it!”

“Yeah,” Corporal Donnelley said, trying to crack a smile through his uncertain look.

“What’s wrong Donnelley? I didn’t mean you had to get back out there right away, just when you feel you’re up to it. No reason to rush anything.”

“Yeah, you’re right Captain.” The uncertain look still spread across Donnelley’s face.

“Well, what the hell is it then Donnelley? You’ve still got that sad boy look on your face. What’s eating you?” There’s a pause, both men are silent as Doctor Sampson leaves the two of them alone in privacy. Captain Carson can tell something’s on his mind, but just can’t say what it is for sure.

“Well sir, it’s about out there. I’m not sure I can handle it. I mean, I know I can, but being out there and then this happening? It’s kinda rocked me a bit, Captain. Sure I burned a couple of those little green bastards down, but it wasn’t long until they got a lucky shot and hit me!”

“You’re damn right it was a lucky shot. And there’s nothing else to it. Those little green pricks just got lucky, and hit you. But it could have been any one of us out there. You just had the unfortunate luck to be hit, but be glad it wasn’t anything more than what you’ve heard happening to the security force. That’s some really terrible stuff, and you just got knocked out so to speak.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right Captain. I guess it’s not that big of a worry. But I just nee some time.”

“And you’ve got it soldier. Take all the time you need, rest, recuperate, maybe hit on some ladies?” A big smile coming across the Captain’s face as he says it. Corporal Donnelley cracking a true smile himself. “Well Corporal, I see you’re doing fine and I’m glad we had this chat. I would have hated to send a man out there again, who’s just been through what you’ve been through, without knowing how he was feeling about going out again. So just rest up and do what the doc tells you. Maybe hit on one of the pretty nurses?”

“Is that an order, Captain Carson?” Corporal Donnelley asks in a sly voice. The Captain just rolls his eyes, and flicks his hand before waving goodbye for the night, and walking off.

Then let me.. :stare:


Dayum marine.. I dunno what's worse, personal hygiene of squids, or the shear amount of raw editing that this story needs.
:P


Okido.. here one specific.. 'the Captain', has more names in his nomenclature when not being addressed directly between --> "..", depending on how formal or emotional you, the narrator, want to set the stage you can use Rick, Richard (presumably his full name), Capt. Carson.. that kind of idea (It's a little weird for the narrator to be calling him 'the Captain' when the narrator is obviously all-knowing and thus also knows nicknames and such.)

The trick is to identify 'clumps' of the same word, or wording, and space them out or replace them so that the reader doesn't keep coming across the same phrases. The more exotic a word, the less frequent you can use it, without it starting to get noticed. And you don't ever want the reader noticing, or remembering a specific word, cuz that distracts from the story content, surroundings and so forth.

otherwise, you got gold jarhead.
:goodjob:

~ Thanks Andy, that was funny, I always thought it was funny being compared to a Squid. Anyway, I think this chapter should be fixed up more, with what you were saying.


Chapter 5

The next day, Captain Carson awoke late. His clock said noon, and already the men of the different squads were awake and downstairs in the infirmary, with Corporal Donnelley. Everyone was talking about the skirmish yesterday, and how most of them got close to knocking off a few of their alien counterparts, but they were fast and could hide well behind the large Moon rocks. Doctor Sampson and one of his many, Mr. Handy assistants, passed through the group of soldiers, taking their hourly check-up on the young man.

“Well, it seems that your body is doing fine Corporal. We should have you out of this pressurized chamber soon enough, but we’ll still need a weekly check-up once your our for about two weeks. Then your body should be fully functioning.”

“What do you mean, ‘fully functioning’ doc? Can’t you see all his arms and legs, and head still work... well, maybe not his head?” Sergeant Huxley said laughing at the Corporal. The doctor smiled, his Mr. Handy assistant floating off to work with another assistant of the doctors.

“Of course Sergeant Huxley, his limbs work fine. But there are always possible side effects when something like this happens. Your body has to adjust more, and if you’re moving around too much or something, you might become light headed and hurt yourself. But of course, that won’t happen to Corporal Donnelley here, we’ll make sure of that.”

Laughter and cheer erupted from the boys, tapping on the window and leaving for lunch. Just as the boys were leaving, Captain Carson came walking in; none of the men had seen the Captain before, wearing just natural civilian clothes before, but he was and they all took a double take.

“Is that our Captain Carson?” Sergeant Harris said getting right in the face of the Captain. His eyes and face showing a sarcastic look. Captain Carson just stood there, peering down with a dirty sarcastic look himself.

“Well, why don’t we find out with a quick punch to the stomach?” The Captain said in a semi-threatening tone. Sergeant Harris took a couple steps back, glanced at the others and then the Captain.

“Yep, it’s our Captain alright. Let’s go boys, get something to eat. I’m starving!” The boys followed the Sergeant out of the infirmary, glancing at their Captain as they left. Doctor Sampson himself, didn’t recognize the Captain either without a military uniform of some kind on.

“What can I do for you today, Captain? Come to see Corporal Donnelley? He’s doing fine. He’s awake if you want to speak with him a bit.” Captain Carson nodded, walking over to the Corporal and knocking on the little window.

“Oh Captain, how’s it going? The boys just came to see me before getting breakfast. What are you doing down here? Shouldn’t you be planning our next attack?”

Captain Carson smiled, shaking his head. “Maybe not right away Corporal, we’ve still got some things to learn and I’ve still got some things to show you all as well. But don’t worry, you won’t be cut out of the information loop. I’ll debrief you all when the time is right, but for now we’re just going to be on patrols outside. The security force will be doing security as well, but keeping it local.” Corporal Donnelley nodded, and looked at his Captain with a curious face.

“Captain, what happens after we’ve finished up here? Are we going back to Earth? I’ve been kinda thinking about Earth a lot lately.”

“Getting cold feet, Donnelley?” Captain Carson said sarcastically mocking the Corporal.

“No, no, nothing like that Captain. You know me, soldiering on to the very last. Really, I’ve just been thinking about it. Ever since the near fatal firefight, I’ve just been thinking how I almost died, and probably never would have seen Earth again. So I was just curious.”

“Well Donnelley,” the Captain said rubbing his freshly shaven chin. “I’m not sure as of now. We probably will, I mean those Delta Rockets are nuclear powered, but we’re going to need food and water to get back, plus oxygen. But so far, there’s been no communication from Earth, as to our returning right now. I think they’re as focused on the fight at hand as we are, and you should be to.”

“Oh I am Captain, I really am, I was just thinking about Earth is all. My wife and kid you know, they think I’m on a covert mission somewhere still on Earth. I don’t think they’d ever imagine me being up here above them.”

Captain Carson smiled and laughed, placing his large hand on the window, letting it slowly slide down. When the Corporal saw the Captain’s face, a look of uncertainty now clouded the smile and laughter. Neither men spoke, and the Captain left the Corporal without saying a word.

“Doctor Sampson, I’d like to speak with you for a moment.”

“Sure,” Doctor Sampson replied turning to the Captain. “What is it?”

“Doc, I’d like to check out those alien’s you’ve got stocked away in your autopsy lab. I’ve also got some questions on them as well.” The doctor nodded and the two quietly moved to the autopsy room where the doctor kept his alien specimens. Inside the room, it was cold, nearly freezing it felt like to the Captain, but it wasn’t anything compared to what Space was like outside. Doctor Sampson moved right to the doors, that held the little aliens inside.

“Please Captain, here’s one of them.” Captain Carson stepped to the door, Doctor Sampson slowly opening it; revealing a small green man like creature. It’s fingers were long, and had no thumbs. It’s face was distorted and very round shaped. Captain Carson looked at the dead little creature with disgust; luckily there was no stench from the alien creature.

“So tell me about them Doc? Their biology and stuff, do they breath oxygen?”

“No,” Doctor Sampson replied sharply. Captain Carson looking at the doctor curious as he said it. “No Captain Carson, they do not breath oxygen. What they do breath is a combination of two gasses. Methane and a strange form of Carbon Dioxide... or at least, an Alien form of the compound. If I wanted to, and mixed the two gasses together in just the right way, I could have this little creature up and running again.”

Captain Carson’s mouth dropped to the floor, his heat rose to his throat and his stomach felt twisted at what the doctor had just told him. A sickening look covered the Captain’s face, Doctor Sampson looking at the Captain with worry.

“Are you okay Captain? Do you need some help? Do you feel alright?”

“Yeah,” Captain Carson said getting ahold of himself. “It’s just the fact that if you mixed those together, you could bring this little bastard to life.”

“Yes, it’s quite an amazing specimen indeed Captain.”

“Sure it is doc, but what you’re basically telling me, is this little [censored] isn’t dead? He’s more or less in a deep coma without any sort of life support?”

“In a way, yes it is.” Doctor Sampson looked at the Captain, and glanced at the alien between them before explaining further. “You see, the creature is dead Captain. It has no beating heart, no lungs filling up, and definitely no brain function. Believe me, I’ve checked. No, this creature is noted as dead, but after we learned they did no breath our air; and that they breathed Methane and an alien form of Carbon Dioxide, we decided to experiment on them. That’s when we found out that if the alien still had brain function, even on the lowest of levels, a combination of the right amount of gas pumped into a secured room, could awaken the creature and it be fully functional in brain and system function. The ones you did kill out there, they’re dead. No possible way for us to bring them back, but this little guy and his two friends could be if brain functions were apparent.”

The Captain and Doctor Sampson continued talking about the Little Green Men, when Doctor Andrews, the chief biologist on the Luna Base walked in unexpectedly. The three men looked at each other, Doctor Andrews with a look of ignorance on his face.

“Please come in Doctor Andrews, I was just showing Captain Carson here our little friend. You can explain this much better than me, I only know the basics.” The two doctors smiled, Captain Carson listening to what Doctor Andrews had to say more on the matter of the little green aliens.

“So Captain, as you can see, they are very fragile little creatures and I think with a little patience, we can probably learn to deal with them. But obviously, that’s not a possibility yet, am I right?” The three men smiled, Doctor Andrews nudging Captain Carson.

“Well thank you doctors, I think my understanding of these little guys is much better now. Thanks for your time, but I’ve got some patrols to go do, and it looks like we don’t have much time to get ready and out there, so if you’ll excuse me?”

The two doctors smiled and nodded, Captain Carson hurrying out of the lab room and to an intercoms box. Corporal Donnelley was still in the chamber, but the Captain could see him sleeping or just resting on the cot they’d put there for him.

“Now hear this, this is Captain Carson speaking. All squad leaders and their men, meet me at the armory, we’ve got a patrol to do. All security forces, continue your regular patrols inside the base. Everyone else in the patrols outside, we’ve got just an hour; maybe a little more to get ready and patrol. We’re staying inside the crater, but it’s a big crater, so we’ve still got some area to cover. Out.”

Minutes later, Captain Carson and all the Army patrols were ready and waiting at the space lock door. All of them, clad in their T-45d power armor as they awaited the go ahead light. Suddenly though, from behind them, Jack, the head of security came rushing up to the men.

“Captain Carson, I’ve got something to tell you. It’s important.”

The Captain turned around, Jack hurrying over to him with an urgent look on his face.

“Jack, you can’t be here now. You don’t have a space suit on, and there’s no way in hell you’re going out there with us. Keep to your patrols like I’ve ordered.”

“It’s not about that though Captain, I just wanted to tell you that when you get back from patrol, meet me in my office. We have to talk about the securities situation. About some of the guards.” Jack didn’t push it more than he had, hoping that Captain Carson got the hint; which seemed like he did.

“Okay Jack, when I get back from patrol, I’ll meet you at your office. You’ll be there right?”

“Sure will Captain, I’m gonna be there all day with paper work.” The two men nodded, and Jack wished them all luck on patrol before leaving just as the teams got the green light to move out.

When they were all outside, they all began their patrols in their respected locations. The Captain had already given them their patrol routes before getting suited up, but the current routes had already been uploaded into their suit’s HUD.

“Captain, what happens if something like before happens again?” Corporal Nex asked, walking behind the Captain.

“Well Nex, then we’ll just fight it out with them. Not much we can do, as they’ll probably try ambushing us again?” The squad was silent, every ten minutes the other squads would report in their current status. Everything seemed to be quiet around Luna Base; no movement of hostiles, no sign of them around, and even along the crater’s ridge there weren’t any signs of the Little Green Men.

After a half hour of patrolling, the patrols began to say the same thing over and over again, which was that nothing was around and everything was quiet on their end of the crater. Even Captain Carson’s squad saw or found nothing.

“Well damn, this is the time they’d be out?” Captain Carson said, thinking out loud to his squad.

“Maybe they’ve given up for today Captain? Or maybe they’re just doing recon?”

“Maybe so Sergeant, but we’d pick up at least something, if they were around. I don’t think they bothered coming out from their side of the moon today? Probably not enough time for them to mount up, get over here and get back. Hell, we hardly have enough time. And speaking of time.” The little warning sign in each of the soldiers HUDs began flashing, signaling their time was running out. “Looks like it’s quiet today boys. We’ll do another sweep in two hours or so, when the next window’s open.”

“Roger that Captain, returning to space lock doors,” the squad leaders all replied, meeting back at the doors.

After they’d all got settled and out of their suits, and their weapons were put away, the men all left to their own areas. Captain Carson heading for Jack’s office. With the way Jack was acting before, and how he’d phrased and stopped in his last sentence, Captain Carson felt he was leaning to a possible mutiny of security guards. And in a place like this, mutiny was something Captain Carson did not want to deal with.

When he reached Jack’s office, and opened the door, there inside was Jack and four other people from the security team. They all smiled and greeted the Captain, taking seats beside him as Jack leaned forward against his desk.

“Captain Carson, I’m glad you’ve come. Now, I know we’ve talked about the security force, and our task of taking a ‘back seat’ to your Army operation, but some of us here share the same feeling that you’ve been abusing your power?”

“Is that so, Jack? If you and these fine people here felt that way, you could have come to me at any time I was on base and not on patrol; which hasn’t been that many times.”

“Of course Captain, but we feel that your sudden demand that we take a back seat to these people, who we’ve known and protected much longer than you have, is some what insulting and we feel that it should be you who has the back seat.”

Captain Carson glanced at the security guards, knowing exactly where Jack was leading. But the Captain couldn’t let that happen, and it wouldn’t go so well for the base if it did.

“Well Jack, I see what you’re saying. I know what you want, but it can’t be done. I’ve been sent here by the United States government, and it’s under their orders that I take control of all military and hostile threats here at Luna Base. Now, if you or your people try anything, I can promise you I won’t hesitate to arrest you and your mutinous friends. I’ll just put someone more capable in charge of the security force, if you try anything. Understand me Jack?”

“Oh, quite clear Captain, quite clear indeed.” Jack said with a calm collected demeanor and tone. The Captain was a little put off by this, unsure what he was getting at now. But it all came clear to him when Jack spoke over the bases intercom. The others in the room just smiling and flashing pistols at the Captain.

“Excuse me everyone, this is Chief Officer Jack Templeton of the security force. Any and all here, who feel that Captain Carson and his band of Army thugs, have taken too much control of military operations here at Luna Base, please report to Conference Room H in the center dome. Those who no longer wish to live side by side with these thugs, are welcomed to come with me and the others who feel the same way, and join us in our forward outpost. I’m sure you all remember Outpost J? Well we at the security side of things, have taken upon ourselves to clear out the alien threat controlling Outpost J, and have transferred all necessary things for survival to the underground sub levels. There is beds, and everything you’d need to live comfortably. That is all.”

Captain Carson just smiled, mocking Jack as he switched off the intercom. A yellow light flashed on, indicating that a call was coming in, but Jack and the rest ignored it. Jack’s face was red, as he saw Captain Carson mock him and his orders.

“Jack, you’re an idiot you know that? If you and your people could do at least a half ass job of leading and fighting, we wouldn’t have to have been called up here to help. But now that you’ve been ordered to be put to the side, you’re pouting like a kid who doesn’t have some ice cream. If you’re serious about this, then I can’t allow you to do it. I can have you arrested, send a message to Earth, and ask them how they’d like to proceed with your mutinous attitude.”

Jack’s face was blood red, and his fist pounded hard against his desk. He couldn’t believe the nerve Captain Carson had, when he was clearly out numbered and in no position for demands. But Jack didn’t say a word, he took a breath and relaxed, sitting calm in his chair.

“We’ll see Captain, we’ll see how many people want to come live with us at Outpost J, I’m sure it will be a lot.”

“Alright Jack, I can’t allow you to do this. You’re putting people’s lives at risk here, don’t you see? Outpost J, is more than ten miles away from this crater and base! How the hell do you expect to get people to go out there? Walking from here to there, is more than a days trip! And you won’t have any protection from the radiation that’s out there. You’ll only have an hour max before you die of the radiation! I can’t let you put those people’s lives in danger, they’re my responsibility, Jack!” Suddenly, from the side of the Captain, a fist connected with his temple, causing him to bleed a bit.

“SHUT UP!” Jack shouted shooting up from his chair, his face red again. “We’ve got rovers that will take us. Don’t you worry, we’ve got everything under control. Just leave us alone and let us do our thing and handle the aliens ourselves at Outpost J.” Captain Carson shook his head in defiance, but another punch connected to his face and then another until he blacked out, unable to do anything.

A few hours later, Captain Carson awoke, groggy and with a sore head. Standing above him was Sergeant Harris and Doctor Sampson; both had a look of worry, yet relief.

“Oh Captain, it’s good to see you’re okay. Jack really did a number on you?”

“It wasn’t Jack, it was some lackey of his. Where the hell are they anyway?” Captain Carson asked, helping himself up to a seat to get balanced. His head throbbed, and he had a feeling of light headedness. Sergeant Harris and the doctor looked at each other, unsure what to tell the Captain; but both knew it was pointless to lie.

“Well, they left. All of them who felt like Jack, left. We tried stopping them, but they moved us out of the way and even fired shots. But don’t worry, nobody was injured.”

“How many people went with him?”

“About seventy?”

Captain Carson looked at the Sergeant and Doctor Sampson in amazement. Seventy people, gone from the Luna Base and probably now dead or dying by either radiation or aliens. The room had an uneasy tension as the three men just stood and sat there silently. None of them moved or spoke, not sure what to say. Captain Carson took a look around, and saw how trashed Jack’s office had become during his black out.

“How long ago?”

“About two hours. There was a three hour window this time for them. They took most of the rovers used for long patrols. We didn’t follow them out, we wanted to get orders from you first.”

“Good, I’m glad you didn’t go out there after them. How many were just workers on the base, Doc?”

Doctor Sampson was silent, pausing before speaking.

“None. They were just security guards that worked with Jack. They’ll probably die out there,” that was hard for Doctor Sampson to say, but it was true. “But the next time you have a big window, please go searching for them. Jack’s lost his mind, and I didn’t say this before, but Jack’s succumbed to a sort of phobia. He can’t handle being away from Earth as long as he has. I’m sure they told you about this on Earth, that some of you may get this? It happens when you’re away from somewhere for a long time, and begin to feel distant from something you loved. Well, I’ve been treating Jack for this for a few months now, but it seems my treatments haven’t helped. He’s out of his mind Captain, and those following him are just drones; I really hate to call them that, they’re good people, but that’s how they’re acting.”

Captain Carson smiled, thinking of Jack and his stupidity and those following him. But at least none of the civilians had left, and were still safe inside Luna Base. There was another uneasy silence, but this time not so heavy like before. The Captain thought up a plan, a way to get them all to come back.

“Well doc, I guess we’ll have to just let them go. Tomorrow I’ll take a couple of squads out on rovers to check out their new hangout. Those rovers do give us some protection, right doc?”

“Yes Captain, the rover tops are like the dome coverings. Transparent, yet protect us like the Earth’s atmosphere. That’s why they’re good for long patrols.”

“Good, then it’s settled. I’ll take the rest of the rovers, and squads to man them. We’ll go out when our first window opens. From then on, we’ll see if we can’t talk some sense into Jack and his men.”

Captain Carson glanced at his Sergeant and the doctor. both nodded their heads in agreement. Until then, Doctor Sampson would have to take a look at the Captain’s small gash on his head, and clean him up. If the aliens weren’t already a big enough dish, Jack had to go make the Captain’s worries even bigger.