Tactics
Moletown Command Center, April 28, 2043 -- 8:00 a.m.
"Well folks, as we are recording this meeting for posterity, we will dispense with our usual level of informality. Does anyone have any questions before we begin? Okay, commence recording."
"I am Lieutenant General Thomas Cassidy, the Commanding Officer of the Oregon Military District. Today is April 28, 2043 and it is my privilege to chair the first meeting of the District's Tactical Planning Committee. The members of this committee will now state their names and titles for the record."
"Doctor James Wright, director of the Ames Research Center."
"Doctor Brian Butler, director of the HEP One research facility."
"Doctor Darrell Vester. Until recently, I served as a senior entomologist with the USWH Forest Service."
"Brigadier General Rick Ayers, I am the commanding officer of the First Special Forces Group."
"Colonel Karen Lee, commanding officer of the Sixty-second Medical Group."
"Robert Jordan. I am the son of Paul and Mary Jordan."
"Chrys. My designers call me the Crystal Intellect."
"Major General Amanda Johnson Butler, commanding officer of Fort Gates."
"That completes the introduction of the committee. After the unfortunate death of Mr. Garcia revealed the insectile nature of the Z-RETS, Doctor Butler recommended that we acquire the services of an entomologist. Doctor Darrell Vester has agreed to join our team in this capacity. Doctor Vester, his wife Sharon and their two young children arrived last Friday after surviving a perilous overnight journey from their home in Washington state.
"The ghastly video from the Superdome has finally silenced the religious fanatics and I presume that the Z-RETS are going to find making their quotas a bit more difficult. I hope the Z-RETS do not place Simba on their menu before he has an opportunity to consider the error of his ways. It is surely a case of poetic justice that members of Simba's flock forced him to follow the same path he persuaded so many others to take.
"However, we have more pressing matters to discuss. Last Wednesday afternoon I received an urgent call for assistance from Doctor Butler regarding something he saw on the Tri-D feed from the Superdome. Upon my request, Sentinel Command ordered nonstop coverage of what initially appeared to be another Z-RET beginning to molt. Over the next eighteen hours, we observed this Z-RET complete a reproductive process by which it ultimately divided into two smaller but apparently identical clones. Doctor Butler will now present selected clips of what we saw along with his observations regarding this unholy event."
As Doctor Butler concluded his presentation, he said, "I will close with the following observation. Although they competently employ an array of high tech weapons against us, the fact that they have not reacted to our blatantly obvious Tri-D surveillance cameras poses some interesting questions. While this could reflect the arrogance of confidence, it could also suggest that they use their technology without being technologically astute. The Z-RETS may merely serve others as weapons of extermination. If they prevail in their present course of action, humankind will perish leaving Earth ready to receive the masters of these monstrous creatures."
"Thank you, Doctor Butler. We will now turn to Doctor Vester to hear his assessment of the Z-RETS."
"Thank you, General Cassidy. I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude for your invitation to join the people of Moletown in the coming battle against this terrible creature. I fully concur with Doctor Butler's conclusion that the Z-RETS are not the result of an evolutionary process of natural selection. This creature may well be the product of a depraved alien equivalent to Baron Frankenstein and I look forward to undoing his dirty work.
"I have selected a few images of the Z-RETS to illustrate some surprising anatomical aberrations. The creature's size, segmented thorax, head placement, and appearance clearly identifies it as an alien creature. As previously mentioned by Doctor Butler, the most striking anomaly in its anatomical structure is the total absence of any external genital apparatus and a corresponding lack of a copulatory aperture. Equally surprising are the mouthparts of the creature's curious digestive track that suggest a rather singular amalgam of arthropodous characteristics with those of insectivorous plants. Oddly enough, the creature's hairy abdominal integument cannot support the formation of cuticle and closely resembles the hide of earthborn cattle.
"Their method of reproduction suggests a bilateral division of the original brain which probably consisted of two conjoined, symmetric, anatomical structures approximating the bilateralism of a human brain. This also suggests the possibility that each larva may retain the memories of its parent leading to the conclusion that they may enter life as fully trained and educated individuals.
"Please note that this view of the larval brain and antennae indicates that one-half of the total structure appears to be in a rudimentary stage of development. Also note that the structure of the mature half of the larval brain mass suggests that each antenna of this creature is supported by a complex cerebral peduncle.
"I will now replay the beginning of the assault on Mr. Garcia and ask you to observe the antennae motion of the Bugs as he begins his approach. Watch carefully and you will see that all the Bugs point their antennae in his direction well before he enters their line of sight. While their antennae could be sensitive to either or both sounds and odors, I suspect that these creatures possess telepathic abilities. Notice how their antennae turn away from Mr. Garcia after he enters their field of view and return to a more vertical position while they seem to confer about his arrival.
"At this point one of them breaks away from the group and approaches Mr. Garcia who is still bravely moving forward to meet his fate. Now, watch the creature's antennae closely as it approaches Mr. Garcia. In some fashion, the Z-RET renders Mr. Garcia immobile at the very instant its antennae suddenly point directly at him.
"Unfortunately, my previous observations regarding the larval brain and this video provides enough evidence to convince me that the Z-RETS have telepathic powers. Therefore, I will base my recommendations on this assumption until future encounters prove my assessment wrong.
"I fear that we face a very formidable enemy. Our initial priority should be the development of devices to dampen its telepathic powers such as a focused beam of high frequency sound directed against the creature's antennae. These initial measures may provide an opportunity to use an airborne anaesthetizing agent to render a captive unconscious while the capture team moves it underground. Our initial assault could begin with gas grenades followed up with dispensing pads strapped to the Bug's body. Both segments of its thorax bear linear arrays of breathing spiracles that suggest they would be vulnerable to this form of attack.
"An attack of this nature may provide the opportunity for the capture team to excise the creature's antennae without killing it. The traumatic loss of its antennae should deal a devastating blow to the creature's mental equilibrium and may nullify its telepathic abilities. The capture team must then move its captive underground immediately after its capture. We can only hope that the underground location of the monkey house will prevent it from using its telepathic powers to call for assistance.
"We must also devise an electronic interface to enable a computer to question a captive Z-RET on a telepathic level. Also, we must stand ready to coerce our captive to provide the information we seek after we develop an effective means of communication.
"The capture teams will need additional training on the physiological characteristics of insects to exploit their weaknesses to the fullest extent possible. For example, insects have multiple leg segments that require internal fluid pressure to prevent the collapse of their exoskeletal structure. Penetrating trauma inflicted on the midpoint segments of two or more of a Z-RET's legs would result in a severe loss of mobility and a certain demoralization of the creature. Injuries of this nature need not constitute an immediate threat to this creature's life and can increase our chances of a successful capture. I will follow up this briefing with an in-depth formal report and offer my assistance to anyone who requests it."
"Doctor Vester, your cogent and interesting presentation has validated my decision to invite you to join our community. Doctor Wright, I believe this is the best time for you to voice your concerns."
"Welcome aboard Doctor Vester. I am certain that your services will be essential to our ultimate victory over the Z-RETS. Nevertheless, to capture a Z-RET we must first get them out of their impregnable vessels.
"A consortium of the world's most prestigious scientists carefully disassembled the force field generator of the data globe from the future and successfully analyzed the technology behind it. Regrettably, we are currently unable to drive a larger force field to an effective level of intensity, as we cannot supply the power that level of performance requires. Our inability to produce and channel the incredible amount of power required for force field generation has stymied our research efforts. However, this endeavor has offered a tantalizing glimpse into the science that they believe is the foundation of the Z-RET's hyper spatial technology.
"Our scientists now subscribe to the theory offered by Brian, the elder regarding the ability of the Z-RETS to tap an energy gradient existing between dimensions to power their devices. This poses a problem similar to the proverbial question: what came first, the chicken or the egg. Simply stated, how does one obtain the power to pierce the dimensional barrier when the power required to do so lies behind it? Moreover, developing the technology required to draw and channel that power after creating an entry point through the dimensional barrier is an even more vexing problem.
"Last June Mandy mentioned twenty deep holes that DOD contractors bored in the hills north of the zoo. I can now announce that each of these holes currently contains a small thermonuclear device known as a One Shot. The massive effort underway to resolve these issues is behind the development of the thermonuclear One Shot. This device generates an intense burst of energy that we can channel into another device designed to pierce the dimensional barrier. They have successfully launched ten kilograms of matter into hyper space although this device, like its power source, self-destructs upon use.
"A maximum effort is underway to develop a method of target acquisition so we can deploy this launcher as an offensive weapon. When we acquire this targeting ability, it may be possible to place explosive ordnance inside their ships after taking a hyper spatial shortcut through their defensive shields. Unfortunately, the most promising approach to resolving this targeting issue involves turning a human volunteer into a sacrificial target. However, I can assure you that we will be among the first to receive the equipment resulting from this research.
"Ames is currently developing a small explosive warhead intended to disable the targeted vessel and its crew with the momentary over pressure created when it explodes. Before we learned of the aliens' physiological characteristics, we discussed and then dismissed the use of an anaesthetizing agent as unworkable. Now we will most assuredly include Doctor Vester's prescription in our warhead.
"They are pursuing another important issue with vigor although an intense effort to set up monitoring equipment at Elysian Park has just been overtaken by events. They sought to analyze the emanations of the equipment used by the Z-RETS to find and pop their victims with the goal of designing a personal shielding device. Until we have such a device, moving about above ground will be both dangerous and severely curtailed. We are fortunate that the Z-RETS currently restrict their predations to daylight hours though we have no assurances that they cannot operate at night. Like Doctor Vester, I too am available to anyone that requires my assistance."
"Thank you, Dr. Wright. The news that we may soon develop an offensive weapon that circumvents the technical superiority of the Z-RETS is most encouraging. Dr. Butler, is HEP One ready for the day when we can capture one of these Bugs for you to study?"
"We are ready now and are taking steps to enhance our readiness as I speak. On the same day that OP Net presented the Superdome video, I initiated a maximum effort to conduct genotypic studies of selected classes of the phylum Arthropoda. We are currently sequencing the genomes of several venomous insects, and a variety of spiders and scorpions. The skills gained through this endeavor should prove useful though the likelihood that we will find genetic similarities with the Z-RETS is remote.
"Once we obtain the DNA of a Z-RET, it will take little time to validate our opinion that this creature is a product of genetic engineering. Our experience has taught us that alterations to the human genome lack both the harmonious symmetry and the clutter of ancestral markers typical of unaltered DNA. When we can examine the DNA of the Z-RETS, we will quickly recognize the patterns attributable to genetic engineering. Such a determination may very well point the way to developing a genetic weapon we can use against these creatures. I am also available to anyone that can use my assistance."
"Thank you, Doctor Butler. General Ayers, I hope you found some encouragement in the information you have heard today."
"I did and I would like to take this opportunity to prevail upon Doctor Vester to provide training for my officers and noncoms to prepare them for the challenge of capturing Z-RETS. We must be ready for the day when Doctor Wright can give us a can opener to get them out of their vessels. We also need Doctor Wright's assistance in developing a wearable explosive device that will automatically detonate when some Z-RET attempts to disrobe one of my men as they did with Mr. Garcia.
I would also like to work with both doctors to develop weapons to overcome the telepathic abilities of the bugs as recommended by Doctor Vester. My people and I look forward to the day when we can assume an offensive posture and will remain in a constant state of readiness until then."
"Thank you, General. Colonel Lee, do you have any comments for the committee?"
"Yes, I do. The Sixty-second Medical Group wishes to offer Doctor Vester full use of our facilities for the duration of this invasion."
"Thank you, Colonel Lee. Doctor Vester?"
"I accept. I look forward to working with the Sixty-second Medical Group."
"Great! I can scratch that item off my agenda. Well young Robert, would you care to address the committee?"
"I would. I am a telepath and I will assist in developing the methodology for the interrogation of captured Z-RETS."
"Thank you, Robert. I am sure that your assistance will be invaluable. Chrys, the committee is ready to hear your contribution."
"Thank you, General Cassidy. I will closely monitor the activities of the various units as they prepare for the capture, examination, and interrogation of the Z-RETS and identify any oversights. I will also maximize the efficiency of the computer support your endeavors will require. My ongoing study of Robert's telepathic abilities will continue with the ultimate goal of developing an inanimate instrumentality to facilitate communications with captured Z-RETS. Current evidence of the Z-RET'S abilities suggests that it would be unlikely for Robert to survive a one-on-one telepathic encounter with these evil creatures. While I may not be human, I am of man and, metaphorically speaking, will stand with man against this enemy."
"Thank you, Chrys. You are more human than many of the people I have encountered in my busy life. I am proud to have you 'stand' with us against this enemy. For that matter, I am proud of my association with every one of you. As I have said before, we are the team that will save humankind from the Z-RETS."
Multnomah Falls, August 27, 2156 -- 4:27 p.m.
"Henry, I think we better call it a day. We can finish this tomorrow."
"Gee Robert, we are just coming to the most exciting part of your story. I cannot imagine how Mandy must have felt after she was compelled to send all those innocent people to their deaths. Are you sure we must stop now?"
"Henry, the next part of my tale will be most difficult for me to relate. Tomorrow I will tell you how I killed my parents. Then I will explain how Chrys saved my life at the cost of his own. Sleep now Henry and I will see you in the morning."
As Robert turned to leave, he shuddered with a stifled sob of despair as he again recalled the tragic deaths of his parents and his unique friend, Chrys.