{"id":356,"date":"2015-07-12T12:22:57","date_gmt":"2015-07-12T12:22:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=356"},"modified":"2015-07-12T12:22:57","modified_gmt":"2015-07-12T12:22:57","slug":"legacy-of-the-guardians-part-14","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=356","title":{"rendered":"Legacy of the Guardians – Part 14"},"content":{"rendered":"

Legacy of the Guardians<\/span><\/h2>\n

by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 14<\/span><\/p>\n

The intelligence officer waiting patiently for another signal from one of the operatives on Earth. So far, the only action they received had been to extract Captain Ahmed\u2019s parents. Since that point she had not had much to do, and could only hope their actions had helped get the terrorist.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything new Karen,\u201d her commander asked, walking into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing lately,\u201d Karen replied. \u201cBeen quite boring today. Not that boring is bad, but its gets exciting when there is action.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know what you mean,\u201d he replied back at her. \u201cThe admiral has been chomping at the bit lately, I swear, that man can be so patient on one subject, and impatient another. It\u2019s like he flips a coin to decide which way he\u2019ll act.\u201d The commander sighed and sat down in an empty chair next to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cGreg says the same thing,\u201d Karen said with a laugh. \u201cHe\u2019s learned to judge the admiral\u2019s mood by his facial expression the moment he walks into a room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThink he can teach me?\u2019 the commander joked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe, but I think he\u2019ll tell you it\u2019s a matter of being around him for so long, he got used to his moods,\u201d Karen replied, still keeping an eye on the screen in front of her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he\u2019s probably right,\u201d the commander said, reluctantly agreeing with Karen.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he has,\u201d Karen said, cut off by the alert on her screen. She and her commander quickly looked at the message.<\/p>\n

She noticed it was Captain Ahmed, ad according to the signal, it meant he had found Osama bin Laden, and several Skartians.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Commander Patra to all teams,\u201d Karen\u2019s commander said picking up the phone. \u201cOperation Artic is a go, repeat Artic is a go. Sending down the coordinates now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoger commander, receiving information now and relaying to Base M for deployment of all teams.\u201d The reply came back.<\/p>\n

\u201cKaren, go tell Admiral Cave the operation is a go,\u201d the commander said.<\/p>\n

Karen raced down the hallway, past Greg who seemed a bit shocked that she didn\u2019t stop. He would understand later when they had time to talk. She raced past a startled secretary and into the admiral\u2019s room. The admiral was talking to another person, and they both looked up at as she burst into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral, we received a message from Captain Ahmed, the operation is a go,\u201d Karen said to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBest news I\u2019ve heard all day,\u201d Karen heard him reply, feeling a different type of tension in the atmosphere. He opened a communications to someone else in the fleet. \u201cAdmiral Craver, Operation Artic is a go, prepare a contingency plan in case the mission is not successful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, we\u2019ll have a battlecruiser standing by,\u201d Karen heard the reply.<\/p>\n

She knew what that meant. If the mission failed the battlecruiser would bombard the area destroying any evidence of the encounter. A hard decision she could not make, and a last-ditch plan for failure. She hoped it did not have to happen.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what do you have to say?\u201d a Skartian said, as Ahmed was forced to kneel before him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust a few things that I know you won\u2019t like,\u201d Ahmed said, knowing he had to stall a bit for the strike team to arrive.<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt that very much,\u201d the Skartian said again. \u201cNow, tell us what you have to say,\u201d this time demanding the information.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure you want to hear what I have to say?\u201d Ahmed replied, looking up at the Skartians.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t patronize me foolish one,\u201d the Skartian said, getting angry. \u201cNow, for the last time, tell me what you have to say!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well,\u201d Ahmed said, thinking of something to say that might stun them. \u201cI work for a powerful group, like yours. We don\u2019t answer to any government, and we keep a watch on groups like yours for when they something stupid. When the attacks on the United States occurred, we were stunned, but recovered quickly and knew who the real threat to the planet was.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ahmed watched as the last couple of words sunk in with the Skartains. They understood what he was now saying. Those who were not Skartian did not have a clue about the double meaning behind his words.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we knew who was behind the attacks. In fact, we stopped the rest of the attack before it ever began,\u201d Ahmed continued on, knowing they knew.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are the one who doesn\u2019t understand,\u201d bin Laden said. \u201cThere were only four planes, nothing more. The idea that there was more caused even greater chaos than actually planning more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s where you\u2019re wrong,\u201d Ahmed said, looking over at the Skartians then back at bin Laden. \u201cThe real reason for the attacks was not to make the United States pay like you think it was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up!\u201d one of the Skartians said, quickly backhanding him across the face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat other reason could there be?\u201d Aziz asked, confused about the conversation, as many other humans were.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, continue, what could we possibly have to be scared of you,\u201d one Skartian said, and Ahmed recognized him as the leader of the group.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I stand,\u201d Ahmed ask the group, seeing a nod from several people. He walked over to the Skartian and looked him in the eye. \u201cYou see, I know what you are,\u201d leaning closer to whisper the next part, \u201cSkartian.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you also know it is only a matter of time before you fall,\u2019 the Skartian said with a snarl.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we stopped your forces at the border, and destroyed them,\u201d Ahmed said. The memories of the battle still fresh in his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou lie to save your own life,\u201d the Skartian said, the group now mixed with confusion and tension.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I was there, and a group of Ilderians as well,\u201d Ahmed stated, knowing only those who were Skartian would recognize the name Ilderian.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour life is now forfeit,\u201d another Skartian said.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe, but you see, they already know where I am, and are on their way,\u201d Ahmed said. \u201cThis time you won\u2019t escape like you did after World War Two.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now many of the others were now extremely confused about the conversation. Some wondered who the Ilderians were, and the mention of World War Two made no sense to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been tricked by a bunch of aliens bent on conquering humanity, something they\u2019ve tried to do since the beginning of the twentieth century, isn\u2019t that right Skartian.\u201d Ahmed said, this time in perfect clarity for all those around him.<\/p>\n

Several people cried out that Ahmed was crazy, and there was no such thing as aliens. Their up-brining did not allow such thoughts, despite the truth of the universe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should put you out of your misery,\u201d one Skartian said. Ahmed could only hope that the operational teams were on their way.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will die and no one will ever know you existed,\u201d another Skartian said.<\/p>\n

Ahmed was roughly grabbed and dragged into the center of the court for everyone to see.<\/p>\n

\u201cHang the pig,\u201d he heard one person say.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny last requests?\u201d one asked him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, let me show you one thing,\u201d Ahmed asked, unsure if he would be allowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cRelease my bonds, I won\u2019t try anything, but what I need to show you requires me to show you my hands,\u201d Ahmed said, watching as the guard undid them.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t try anything,\u201d the guard said. \u201cOr do, and we can cut you down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ahmed rubbed his wrists a bit before waving the Skartian over. \u201cYou see this?\u201d Ahmed asked, pointing to a small speck of what appeared to be dirt under his fingernail. \u201cIt\u2019s a transmitter, I\u2019ve been in contact with my HQ, they will be here shortly with elite EDF units.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ahmed watched the Skartian step back, pale understanding what exactly had happened. Many nearby were not sure what was going on, as Ahmed spoke softly. The Skartian turned to the group yelling out to get everyone ready to move at once.<\/p>\n

Even as the Skartian spoke, the first team opened fire on the compound. The terrorists suddenly found themselves against a group of heavily armed soldiers with weapons they had never seen before.<\/p>\n

The elite forces moved in quickly, over-running the defenses of the compound. The compound had been constructed to withstand assault from conventional military forces. However, these forces were armed with advanced weapons most of the terrorists had never seen before.<\/p>\n

Ahmed watched the action even as several people dragged him away from the action. His still has some restraints on him, and could not run quickly. He spotted a few of the Skartians and tried to keep an eye on them. They appeared frightened by what was going on, and Ahmed knew they understood who they were facing now.<\/p>\n

His brother stood nearby, looking confused as the forces infiltrated the compound\u2019s defenses. The only thing he could hope for is that his brother would not be hurt. Perhaps this attack might get through to his brother at last.<\/p>\n

He recognized the stun weapons the Special Forces were using, a bit glad no one would die in the attack. The biggest problem would be the mop up after the attack, and how most people were terrorists, or training to be a terrorist. They would either integrate or be locked up.<\/p>\n

The rattle of automatic weapon fire could be heard all over the compound as the terrorists engaged the Special Forces. The Special Forces had special shielding to defend against such weapons. The personal shields was new and Ahmed had never seen them in action before. Quite a few of the defenders were now on the ground. They ran around with much coordination in their efforts, having been caught off guard.<\/p>\n

\u201cKill him,\u201d Ahmed heard, turning to see the head Skartian starting at him with rage.<\/p>\n

Ahmed looked over to see the guard bringing his weapon around before looking down the barrel of a pistol. His mind went blank at the sight. He saw the guard\u2019s finger tighten on the trigger, and a thousand things went through his mind. First was his family, and how he would not see his parents again.<\/p>\n

He had come close to death a few times in space battles, but this time, he could see the attacker\u2019s eyes. A personal level he was unaccustomed to. After an eternity, he came to the conclusion he lived a full life, and had no regrets of anything, and closed his eyes to wait for the end.<\/p>\n

Seconds later he opened his eyes to see the guard on the ground stunned. Looking up he spotted a couple of Special Forces members running towards him. He also noticed Aziz running towards him as well. Looking over he spotted the two Skartians also on the ground, stunned as they reached him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d Aziz asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYea,\u201d Ahmed said, looking around at the group.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything you said was true?\u201d Aziz asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately, yes,\u201d Ahmed replied back to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019ve been a fool, fooling aliens,\u201d he said, looking at the Skartians in disgust.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter, what matters if what you do in the end, make things right,\u201d Ahmed said, watching as his brother struggled with being used by aliens.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain Ahmed,\u201d a person from the Special Forces said, walking up to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ahmed said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Corporal Johnsson, are you okay?\u201d Johnsson asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink so, thanks to you,\u201d Ahmed said. \u201cAnother second or so, and he might have shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need you to come with me, I have orders to take you back to the base at once. Intelligence will need your information as soon as possible,\u201d Johnsson said, as they started walking out of the compound. The fighting had died down and now people were being rounded up and a few were tending to injuries.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what will happen to them?\u201d Ahmed asked, looking at the group, and then at his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have no word from HQ about that yet, they\u2019ll probably use the new treatment on them, wipe their memories,\u201d Johnsson said, obviously no idea what might happen.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got an idea, do you have a radio?\u201d Ahmed asked, watching as the corporal got out a radio and handed it over.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a direct link to my commander, Captain Hansunter,\u201d Johnsson said, as Ahmed took the radio from him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks corporal,\u201d Ahmed said, switching the radio on. \u201cThis is Captain Ahmed to Captain Hansunter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Hansunter, anything wrong with Johnsson?\u201d Ahmed heard back.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s terrible sir,\u201d Ahmed replied, knowing they would both know the code for he\u2019s all right. It was a code they used when talking to unknowns, everyone in the EDF knew it. \u201cI need to talk to someone higher up about an idea for the prisoners that were stunned.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have an idea?\u201d Hansunter asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Ahmed replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust a sec,\u201d Hansunter replied, as they waited for several seconds.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Admiral Cave, what can I do for you Captain Ahmed?\u201d a new voice said.<\/p>\n

Ahmed paused for a second, not expecting to have Admiral Cave answer. He knew he would not have to worry about repeating his idea over and over again to different people.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts about the prisoners,\u201d Ahmed said. \u201cAny idea what you\u2019re doing with them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing\u2019s been decided, you have an idea?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, chances are we didn\u2019t get all of the Skartains, we can use some of the prisoners to help locate the remaining Skartians,\u201d Ahmed said, knowing that there probably were more. They would not have foolishly gathered in one spot. \u201cWhat I propose Is to show them exactly who they are following. Most of them are looking to belong to something, they want to battle and the Skartians provided them a target. Give them another one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, let me get this straight, you want to use these men to track the rest of them down?\u201d Jack replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, they are already part of the system. We show them what\u2019s going on, stun them, leave them here and let them leave, their loyalty won\u2019t be questioned,\u201d Ahmed said.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust a second,\u201d Jack said.<\/p>\n

Jack turned to Steve, who leaned in his chair. \u201cWhat do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMight just work, better than anything I had planned. And he\u2019s right, there are probably more of them out there,\u201d Steve said, thinking about the situation. \u201cWe don\u2019t have many spies in the area yet, they could be helpful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProvide them with a small transmitter, and teach them how to distinguish between a human and alien. It might just work,\u201d Jack said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWorth the risk,\u201d Steve said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, get word to the nearest base to send some transmitters, I\u2019ll let the captain know of our decision and then we can interrogate the prisoners,\u201d Jack said, watching Steve nod and walk out to carry out the orders.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain,\u201d Jack said over the radio.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, Ahmed answered, waiting patiently for an answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have permission to proceed, some transmitters are being sent to your location. I\u2019ll let Captain Hansunter know the plan. Teach them quickly how to tell the difference, then get up here for debriefing and reassignment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Ahmed replied, handing the radio back to the corporal. \u201cGet the ones who are still awake over here,\u201d he said, watching as his orders were relayed and carried out.<\/p>\n

He walked over to where one of the stunned Skartians was being tied up and prepared for transport.<\/p>\n

\u201cGentlemen, I am about to show you exactly who you were following, and why they wanted you to follow them,\u201d Ahmed said, as another soldier held the Skartian still.<\/p>\n

Ahmed pulled out a knife and worked quickly, slicking the skin of the Skartian, which brought a stunned silence from the group. They expected blood and muscle as Ahmed peeled the skin away to reveal the face below. The skin was green, reptilian, and human-like, and the eyes were a purple color.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the true form of the \u2018leaders\u2019 you follow,\u201d Ahmed said, making sure they all had a good look at it before continuing. \u201cThey only want one thing, to conquer you and destroy our planet. They don\u2019t care about Allah, your fight, or anything else, they only want you willing to die for them. Once you are done they will cast you aside without a second thought like they did during World War Two.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how do we know you\u2019re not an alien also,\u201d one asked, an intelligent question Ahmed thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m part of the Earth Defense Force, formed to protect Earth from attack, no aliens are allowed in the defense force. I\u2019m a captain, and served aboard the battlecruiser Moscow. However, I don\u2019t want you to attack anyone, that\u2019s counter-productive. They want to divide and conquer us. Besides, I only want to know if you spot more of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, suppose you\u2019re right? What are we supposed to do about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStay in the organization, keep an eye out for these aliens,\u201d Ahmed said to tehm.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how do we tell that?\u201d Aziz asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe eyes, those are the key,\u201d Ahmed said, looking at his brother. \u201cRemember when I looked closely at the eyes of everyone, even you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Aziz replied, thinking back on his brother\u2019s actions.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was looking to see if his eyes changed to a gray color that is the only way, aside from skinning them, to tell the difference. They duplicate everything but the color of the iris\u2019s. Instead of being black they\u2019ll be dark gray and constantly change color as you look at it,\u201d Ahmed said to them. \u201cThat\u2019s what you\u2019re looking for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, and if we agree, and find one, then what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEach of you who agree with take a transmitter for such an occasion,\u201d Ahmed answered. \u201cWith these you can inform us of what you found. We can use your help, we\u2019re at war with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m in,\u201d Aziz said. \u201cI allowed these bastards to manipulate me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m in too, these pigs lied to us,\u201d a second on said. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t mean I have to suddenly like the United States, just another group to focus my attention on as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ahmed watched as there was a mix of people. Those who appeared willing to help were given transmitters, and then stunned. A few volunteered to see more, and would be taken back to maybe join up with the EDF, and a few refused to believe. They were rounded up and taken with the Skartians to see for themselves the truth.<\/p>\n

Ahmed watched everything going on, wondering what each man thought. Some might have played along to go back and warn others, but it was a risk they took. Of course others might not believe such a tale.<\/p>\n

\u201cAahmed, a second please,\u201d Aziz said, walking towards him. \u201cWhere are mom and dad?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn Canada, back at my place,\u201d Ahmed said. \u201cThey were rescued when the group threatened them and left the country by our transportation. What are you going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know yet,\u201d Aziz replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got to go, have a debriefing with my commander,\u201d Ahmed said, knowing how impatient Admiral Cave could get.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you later then brother,\u201d Aziz said, watching his brother walk away.<\/p>\n

End part 14<\/p>\n

Continued in part 15<\/a><\/p>\n

Comment below or send to AJMarks01@aol.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Legacy of the Guardians by AJ Marks Part 14 The intelligence officer waiting patiently for another signal from one of the operatives on Earth. So far, the only action they received had been to extract Captain Ahmed\u2019s parents. Since that point she had not had much to do, and could only hope their actions had […]
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