Genesis of War: A Military Sci-Fi Novella (The Tarvaax War Book 3) Read online

  Genesis of War

  The Tarvaax War Prequel

  Tripp Ellis

  Tripp Ellis

  Copyright © 2017 by Tripp Ellis

  All rights reserved. Worldwide.

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents, except for incidental references to public figures, products, or services, are fictitious. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales, or organizations is entirely coincidental, and not intended to refer to any living person or to disparage any company’s products or services.

  No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, uploaded, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereafter devised, without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Read The Tarvaax War Series

  Thank You!

  The Galactic Wars Series

  Max Mars

  Connect With Me

  1

  “This sucks,” Aiden said. He was 15 going on 25. He had a look of perpetual angst on his face.

  Ronan shrugged. “Look on the bright side, things could always be worse." He had little idea of how much worse his day was about to get. Thousands of alien fighters, bombers, and troop transports were descending on Zeplovia. The early detection systems had failed, and the alien technology made the invasion force virtually invisible on sensors.

  "I don't see why I couldn't just stay with Mom for the summer."

  "Because your mother is out gallivanting around the galaxy with some guy named Ma’aveo." Ronan's voice was thick with disdain.

  "Ma’aveo is cool."

  "I'm sure he is."

  "Cooler than you."

  "Your mother seems to think so.”

  There was a moment of silence between them.

  Aidan flipped his shaggy hair out of his eyes and gazed out the window. The pristine skyscrapers of Sol Vorta rushed by as they weaved through the crowded city streets.

  "I can take care of myself," Aiden protested.

  A knowing smirk curled up on Ronan's lips. "Oh, no. An entire summer unsupervised? I can only imagine what kind of trouble you, and those friends of yours, would get into."

  Aiden glared at him. "What have you got against my friends?"

  "Oh, I don't know. I suppose you were inclined to steal hover-bikes all on your own?"

  Aidan sighed. "Why do we have to keep bringing that up?"

  "Because you're still on probation. Do you have any idea what that little fiasco of yours cost me?"

  "So it's all about money?"

  "No. It's not all about money. It's about your future. And I'm trying to ensure that you have a decent one."

  "I can't believe you're making me go to summer school."

  "Idle hands are the devil's playground.”

  Aiden's face twisted up. "What's that supposed to mean?"

  Ronan shook his head. "It means I'm going to find as much for you to do this summer as I possibly can."

  They pulled up to Aiden's school.

  The disgruntled teenager grabbed his books and flung open the car door. "You know, I don't blame Mom for leaving you. You suck." Aiden slammed the door. The car shook and rattled.

  Ronan rolled down the window and yelled after him, "Just remember that next time you ask me for money."

  Aiden disappeared into the sea of teenagers flooding into the school.

  Ronan shook his head and drove away. He had an appointment with a realtor across town. He wanted something with a little bit more room. Maybe a nicer place would entice his son to spend a little more time with him. He wanted to work on their contentious relationship.

  Sol Vorta was the largest city on Zeplovia. The Wastoria building was located on the posh West Side, not far from the financial district. An apartment over here was definitely going to be a stretch for Ronan. But it was close to work and there were a vast array of restaurants and nightlife. It was the happening part of town.

  Ronan pulled up to the Wastoria building. "Just drive around the block until I call for you," he said to the vehicle.

  A soothing automated female voice responded, "Yes, Mr. Nash. Do you have an estimate of how long you will be?"

  "20 minutes."

  It was cheaper to let the car drive around for a while then it was to pay for parking.

  "Excellent. I will adjust my route accordingly."

  Ronan stepped out of the vehicle and strolled into the lobby. The glass door slid open. The building was lavishly appointed with marble floors and columns.

  A beautiful young blonde in a navy skirt and blazer waited in the lobby, talking on her mobile. She caught sight of Ronan and quickly ended the call. A brilliant smile flashed across her face and she extended her hand as she strutted toward him. "Jessica Mills. You must be Ronan Nash?”

  He smiled and shook her hand. "Yes. Sorry I'm late. Midtown traffic is a nightmare."

  "No problem. I closed a deal while I waited."

  "Sounds like business is good?"

  "Business is very good." Her crystal blue eyes glimmered. This was an attractive woman.

  They strolled to the bank of elevators. Ronan couldn't help but notice her toned legs, accentuated by her stiletto heels. They clacked across the marble floor, echoing off the vaulted ceiling. Jessica pressed the call button, and the lift arrived within a matter of seconds.

  "This building has speed elevators, which drastically cuts down the wait time in the mornings."

  The door slid open and they stepped inside. She hit the button for the 29th floor. The door slid shut and the elevator ascended—slowly at first, to minimize discomfort, then it moved at an incredible pace. As it neared the 29th floor, Ronan felt like he was going to lift off the ground as the elevator slowed to a stop. It gave him a little bit of a head rush.

  Jessica winked at him. She could tell exactly what he was thinking. "Told you it was fast."

  The elevator doors slid open and she led the way. "This building is practically brand-new. There's a fitness area, indoor pool, outdoor pool, and holodeck. There's also a theater, and they have movie night once a week. Plus there's a social in the bar once a week for young professionals such as yourself."

  "I don't know if I fall into the category of young professional."

  "You don't look a day over 25," she said flirtatiously.

  It was difficult to tell someone's true age. Medical advancements had come a long way, and age delaying treatments could extend lifespan to several hundred years. Ronan was 38. He figured she was just saying whatever she had to in order to get a sale.

  "What is it that you do, Mr. Nash?"

  "Security consultant. Just got out of the military last year. Former Marine.”

  "Sounds exciting."

  Ronan shrugged. "It has its moments. For the most part, nobody shoots at me anymore. And that's the way I like it." He smiled.

  Jessica opened the door to the apartment and showed him in. It was a stunning residence with floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out over the city. An ocean of skyscrapers towered into the sky. They were sleek and modern and glimmered in the
morning sun. The kitchen was filled with sleek appliances. The shiny hardwood floors looked immaculate.

  "1800 square feet, two bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, and a 600 square-foot terrace. Perfect for entertaining guests."

  "I don't entertain that many guests."

  Jessica's gorgeous eyes fixed on him. "I find that hard to believe, Mr. Nash."

  There she was flirting again.

  The place was to die for, no doubt about it. It was more than Ronan could afford. But he was already juggling the numbers in his head. Ronan followed Jessica as she stepped onto the terrace. She took in a deep breath and surveyed the city. "Isn't this just amazing?" She was positively radiating.

  "It is an impressive view," Ronan said, his eyes lingering on her luscious form. He was partly describing the city, partly describing her. He figured if she could flirt, so could he.

  A subtle grin curled up on her plush lips, and she blushed. She unconsciously brushed her fingers through her hair. It was a subtle signal she was interested.

  Ronan wasn't sure if this was all part of her rehearsed game plan to sell more luxury apartments. Either way, it was nice to get a little bit of attention from the opposite sex.

  "I told you the view was spectacular.” Jessica gazed at the skyline. She paused for a long moment of silence. Then, almost as if on cue, she said, "So, what do you think?"

  Ronan inhaled deeply.

  Jessica's blue eyes sparkled at him. She oozed sensuality, and her eyes urged him on. This woman was magnetic. It was as if she was staring into his soul. How could anyone say no to her?

  Ronan stammered, "Uh, I like it."

  "They're asking 7.5. But, between you and me, I think we can get them down to 7.2. I’ve got three other parties interested, but they haven't put money down yet. No contracts have been signed. It's going to go to the first person who moves on it. And I guarantee you, you definitely want to make your move sooner rather than later." Her eyes smoldered at him again. The double entendre made Ronan's pulse quicken.

  Jessica leaned against the railing and eyed him like a hawk. Her supple curves were irresistible. But 7.2 million credits was a lot of money.

  "Take some time. Think about it. I don't want to rush you into anything. If this one gets snatched up, I’ve got plenty more properties I think you'd like."

  Ronan stared at her for a moment, trying to balance out his impulsive urges against his logical mind. But he wasn't balancing very well. "I'll take it."

  Jessica's eyes lit up with glee. "I think you’ve made a wise choice. In two years, you'll be able to sell this place for twice what you paid for it. This area is hot right now."

  "I'm sure you say that to all your clients." Ronan was fishing a little bit.

  "Now, Mr. Nash, I wouldn't lie to my clients," she said, coyly. "I'll grab the champagne." She dashed into the living room and headed for the kitchen.

  "You have champagne?"

  "I always keep a bottle in the fridge of every property I represent," she called back to him. She returned a moment later with two flutes filled with sparkling blue liquid.

  "I bet you drink a lot of champagne," Ronan said, taking the glass.

  "I'm good at what I do."

  Ronan surveyed the bubbling liquid. “Antarian?”

  Jessica smiled. "Only the finest."

  They clinked glasses and sipped the rare champagne. Ronan's eyes gazed at the striking vista. As soon as he signed the paperwork this would become his balcony, and his view.

  His eyes caught sight of several aerial vehicles on the horizon. They were flying in formation. He didn't think much of it. They were little more than specs in the distance.

  Jessica took another sip, leaving a lipstick stain against the glass. She swirled the expensive beverage around in her mouth and swallowed it down. Her eyes surveyed Ronan, almost like a predator stalking its prey. "I'm sure your girlfriend is going to love this place." Now she was the one who was fishing.

  Ronan chuckled. "Oh, no. There is no girlfriend."

  "Really?" Jessica perked up.

  "Really."

  "I find that hard to believe."

  "You don't know me that well."

  "You don't seem so bad," she grinned.

  Ronan smirked. "I already agreed to buy the place. You don't have to keep selling."

  "I never drink on-the-job." She took another sip. "Business is over. This is personal. But, if you don't see anything you're interested in, I understand."

  "Did you get the impression that I wasn't interested?"

  She smiled. "No. I didn't get that impression."

  Now that it was all out on the table, there was an awkward moment of silence between them.

  Jessica looked at her watch. "I've got to get to another appointment, but you have my number. Perhaps you can invite me over for dinner when you get the place all fixed up. I'd love to see what you do with it."

  The roar of the approaching aircrafts grew louder. They were close enough now to make out their shape. Ronan was familiar with every aircraft in the UPDF Navy. He didn't recognize any of these.

  There were dozens more on the horizon. As he glanced around, he noticed they were everywhere. The sky was peppered with these vehicles. They were like a swarm of hornets. Suddenly, the sky came alive with weapons fire. Plasma bolts streaked through the air, blasting at the buildings below.

  Ronan's eyes locked on one of the fighters as it approached the balcony. The alien craft screamed toward him, unleashing a flurry of weapons fire. Several of the glowing bolts slammed into the balcony, reducing it to rubble. Bits of concrete and debris scattered, tumbling to the ground below.

  The enemy vehicle raced overhead, leaving a wake of destruction in its path. The blast had disintegrated the balcony beneath Ronan's feet, and he was left clinging onto a fragment for dear life. One hand clasped the jagged edge, while the other gripped Jessica's hand as she dangled over the sidewalk below.

  Ronan looked down at her, then he glanced to the street. He could see the debris from the balcony slam into the sidewalk, smashing a parked car on the street. The roof crumpled and glass shattered. Car alarms were blaring. There was destruction all over the city.

  It was amazing how fast fortunes could change. One minute, he was on top of the world. Now he was hanging on for dear life. Ronan was a strong guy. Years of special operations training had given him calm nerves under pressure. But he wasn't going to be able to hang on forever. His fingertips were slowly sliding over the edge, and Jessica's palm was growing slick with nervous sweat. He knew if he let go of her he could probably save his own life. He could swing the other hand up, grab the ledge, and pull himself to safety. But that wasn't his style. He had never left anyone behind during his time as a Special Forces Marine. He wasn't going to start now.

  2

  Ronan hung on for dear life, his slick fingertips gripping the jagged ledge. His hand was cramping, and his fingers felt like they were going to snap. Ronan’s skin was slick with sweat and his grip on Jessica was slipping.

  All the color had drained out of her face. Her blonde hair fluttered in the breeze. Her blue eyes were wide with fear. It was a long way down.

  Ronan could hear the panicked screams of pedestrians scurrying about street below. Plasma bolts filled the sky, and bomb blasts echoed off the skyscrapers. The skies were dotted with attacking alien ships decimating the city.

  Ronan swung Jessica away from the building and she screeched in terror.

  “Are you crazy?” she yelled.

  Like a pendulum, she reached the peak of her outward arc, then gravity pulled her back toward the building. Ronan swung her back and forth, using her momentum to increase the arc of her swing.

  "What the hell are you doing?"

  Ronan said nothing.

  With a little luck, and inertia on his side, he might be able to toss her into the living area of the apartment below. There was a gaping hole where the balcony had been, and the sliding glass door to the apartment was nonexistent. It looked lik
e a giant monster had taken a bite out of the concrete.

  "I'm going to toss you into the apartment below," Ronan said.

  Jessica's panicked face grew even more so. "No!”

  "It's either that or we both hit the sidewalk." Ronan wasn't sure how much longer he could hold on. However long it was, the time would be counted in seconds rather than minutes.

  Once he had achieved enough momentum, he let go of Jessica's wrist and slung her into the living room below.

  She barely cleared the ragged edge, and crashed to the floor. She was frazzled, but safe.

  Ronan swung his free arm up and grabbed the ledge. His biceps flexed as he pulled himself up. He swung a leg up on the ledge, and leveraged his way to safety.

  He rolled onto his back, resting on the floor for a moment. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. His heart was thumping. He leaned his head over the edge and called to the apartment below. "Are you alright?"

  "I'm alive," Jessica said.

  Wind whistled through the gaping hole in the side of the building. She staggered to her feet. Her navy skirt was covered in dust. She tried brushing it off, but it was pointless. She composed herself and glanced around the room, finally taking notice of the carnage. The white walls were splattered in blood.

  The owner of the condo had been ripped apart by the blast. Charred body parts were scattered about the room. Jessica shivered and felt sick to her stomach. She looked like she was going to hurl.

  "I'm coming down,” Ronan yelled. “Stay put."

  But Jessica looked like she didn't want to stay in that apartment for another second. She stepped over the rubble, heading for the door as her eyes brimmed with tears.

  Ronan pushed off the floor. He pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed Aiden. He fidgeted nervously as he waited for his son to answer. With each ring, his anxiety grew. By the fifth ring his whole body tensed, and Ronan feared the worst.