Time Defense Force: 2025

Foreword:

This novel is completely fictional in nature. The military units, weapons and aircraft do not exist at this time. Any resemblances to events or persons, living or dead are purely coincidental.

Dedications:

To my wife, Maria: You have always been at my side, in good times and bad. My love grows more and more each day.

To my good friend Marten Griego: Thanks for the inspiration to continue the Defense Force Series

To Rachel Blackbirdsong: Thanks for your assistance in crafting my latest project

To Bonita: My Labrador Retriever and the best dog anyone could ever ask for. Rest in Peace, baby girl (1999 – 2011)

From the files of the Time Defense Force:

Temporal time code 07.20.1969 – General Robert Tucker reporting

After receiving a temporal alert from Time Defense Force Command of an attempt by the Bwentani to prevent Apollo 11 from mankind’s first lunar landing, the TDF Counter Strike Team responded to preserve this landmark occasion.

The TDF was successful in preventing the Bwentani from sabotaging the lunar module, with no disruption in the timeline. The Bwentani escaped before we could neutralize them.

The Bwentani have attempted on two other occasions to undermine humanity’s expansion into space. Negotiations with them have yielded little or no results, in spite of Colonel Allison Parker’s translation matrix. As of this date, we are unable to determine why they have tried to destroy our past. They have made it quite clear they will not stop.

General Paul Foster is currently attempting to track their origins so we may launch a counter assault and put an end to these temporal attacks.

THIS REPORT IS CLASSIFIED TOP SECRET AND PLACED UNDER THE PROVISION OF TEMPORAL DIRECTIVE ONE.

Report filed 12 July, 2217 General Robert Tucker – Commander Time Defense Force.

Temporal time code 10.25.2217.0900 – General Robert Tucker reporting

We received a Temporal alert from TDF Command of an attack by the Bwentani on the first manned space mission to Mars – time code 04.16.2049.0800. The Bwentani attempted to destroy the craft which was piloted by my son, Captain Robert Tucker II.

The Terran Defense Force escorts, the WA-02 Night Stalkers were no match for the highly advanced Bwentani fighters. The TDF's Fusion Generated Pulse Beam Weapons and the electron shields were ineffective and they suffered heavy casualties, including the loss of my son, Lieutenant Steven Tucker. Our forces attacked and drove off the Bwentani, but the damage was done.

Time Defense Force protocol strictly forbids us to go back in time to save my son and the lost TDF pilots. This protocol was superseded by the impact on the time-line caused by the death of my son.

Intelligence chief Paul Foster discovered a sealed casualty report filed by Terran Defense Force Intelligence Chief Kelly Barker, stating that Captain Steven Tucker sacrificed his life to save the life of his Commanding Officer – my daughter, Major Amanda Pasqualle. Her offspring are the ancestor of Mars Defense Force Commander Alejandro 'Alex' Pasqualle.

We reset our time coordinates to arrive two minutes before the Bwentani attack. This time we were successful in stopping the attack with no TDF casualties.

THIS FILE IS PERMAMENTLY SEALED BY ORDER OF GENERAL ROBERT STEVEN TUCKER.

THERE WILL BE NO DISCUSSION OF THIS REPORT BY ANYONE IN THE TIME DEFENSE FORCE UNDER PENALTY OF TEMPORAL DIRECTIVE TWO.

CHAPTER 1

Time Defense Force Headquarters – location classified – Temporal time code 01.01.2218.1700

Time Defense Force Commander Robert Tucker is in the briefing room with Mars Defense Force Commander Alex Pasqualle and the Commander of the newly designated Earth Defense Force, Rick Kensington.

He took command of Earth's defense forces after former commander Ray Watson joined the Time Defense Force five months earlier.

Robert is conducting a weekly briefing with the Senior Staff of all three defense forces. He began conducting these briefings after the Bwentani attempted to sabotage the first lunar landing five months ago.

The Research and Development (R&D) sections have been working together to not only analyze the foreign technology; they are also working on ways to counter the Bwentani attacks.

So far there's been no sign of Bwentani activity. We have to maintain vigilance, they usually strike without warning,

Robert tells them.

And you still have had no communications with them?

Rick asks.

Not a peep. I'd like to talk to Harry and Samantha after she recovers, Robert replies.

Sam's back on duty, thanks to your doctors.

Do you think they're telepathic? Alex asks.

Not sure. Allison has not been able to tap into their communications. Harry and Samantha might be able to use their telepathy to read their minds.

It's worth a shot, Rick says.

I feel with the increasing amount of attacks by the Bwentani, along with the threat of another attack by the Cho'Kai, we need your help.

What kind of help? Alex asks.

I'm going to have Paul upgrade your defense grids and we'll equip your WA-10s with our time travel device and our new shields. We will also fortify the shield generators around Earth and Mars.

We appreciate this, sir, Alex says, offering his hand.

Robert shakes it. Call me Bob.

How long will the upgrades take? Rick asks.

Let's go ask the experts, Robert replies.

They leave the briefing room.

TDF Communications Center

Robert, Alex and Rick enter the center. They see Intelligence Chief Paul Foster and Communications Chief Allison Parker at their monitoring stations.

The recent attacks by the Bwentani have kept the Time Defense Force on a constant Alert One status, meaning the TDF pilots and Special Forces, led by General Dave Walsh are ready to deploy at a moment's notice.

Report, Robert orders.

All quiet, Bob, Paul replies.

Paul, we're going to need to upgrade both the MDF and EDF defense systems and equip their fighters with the time travel chip. I need an estimated time for the upgrade.

We still have the chip that was put in Ray's WA-10, so we can duplicate it right away. As far as upgrading their defense grids, all I need to do is to link in with their systems the way we did during the Cho'Kai attack.

I'll have our Intelligence Chiefs contact you, Alex tells him. He gets out a communications device to contact the Intelligence chief of each force.

Robert motions Rick to the side.

Are you sure Samantha is up to this?

She's made a full recovery medically.

She was severely traumatized by her ordeal. Has she been counseled for post traumatic stress?

Your descendant has been working with her.

That's good to hear.

They walk back to the communications center.

Colonel Parker. Have General Watson report to MDF Headquarters. He is to escort Harry Benson and his daughter to the briefing room. Also, have all command personnel report to the briefing room as well.

Yes, sir.

The Senior Officers make their way to the briefing room.

TDF Briefing room

Robert, Rick and Alex enter the room. They see the Senior staff of the Time Defense Force: Executive Officer Ricardo Pasqualle, General Keith Sykes, General Alberto Sanchez,

General Ed Kensington, Colonel Miguel Herrera, Colonel Jacqueline Tucker, Colonel Carlos Montoya, Major Tom Dickinson, Training Officer Ryan Dickinson, Special Forces Commander Dave Walsh along with chief negotiator Lyle Kensington.

They walk over and exchange greetings with Alex and Rick, and also ask how Samantha is doing.

Former Terran Defense Force Commander Ray Watson enters with MDF liaison Harry Benson and his daughter, Captain Samantha Kensington.

Uncle Bob, Samantha says, then goes over to Robert and hugs him, with tears running down her cheeks.

Thank God you're all right Sam.

The others also express relief at her recovery after being sexually assaulted by the leader of the Cho'Kai, Ka'Nef. He inseminated her and the Cho'Kai DNA encoded itself on each of the eggs in her ovaries.

After Samantha was rescued, she was placed in a coma until Doctor John Burke developed a cure five months ago.

Once they exchange greetings, Robert brings everyone to order to begin the briefing.

First of all, I want to welcome Mars Defense Force Commander Alex Pasqualle and Earth Defense Force Commander Rick Kensington, along with Harry Benson and his daughter, Samantha Kensington, who will be working as a liaison between us and the EDF and MDF Commanders.

Paul enters the briefing room with a disk.

Paul, status report.

I have the Earth and Mars Defense Force computers linked up and their systems are upgrading right now.

Excellent. Have you and Allison made any progress on figuring out why the Bwentani have been attacking us?

We still have no information on them, except that with each attack, they have changed tactics and their shields and weaponry have adapted to ours.

They haven't given a motive? Harry asks.

They haven't communicated in any way, not even to issue an ultimatum, Robert replied.

So the strategy is... Alex asks.

For now, wait until they attack and play defense.

What can we do to help? Rick asks.

We'd like your forces to back us up, in the event they decide to attack the present while we're fighting them in the past. These first assaults seem to be hit and run, probing us for weaknesses. I have a gut feeling they're going to be stepping things up pretty soon.

How can Sam and I help, Bob? Harry asks.

From what we do know of the Bwentani, they are not telepathic, we hope you can probe their thoughts.

We'll do what we can to help, Uncle Bob.

Thanks, Samantha. Rick, Alex, I would suggest that you set up rotating shifts to man the comm centers and have a squad on standby at all times. General Ray Watson will co-ordinate contact between the units.

Ya got it, son, Ray replies.

Alex, Rick, we need to keep the Time Defense Force activities on a need to know basis. Only yourselves, your XOs and Intelligence Chiefs are to be kept in the loop.

Yes, sir, Alex replies.

I must warn you. Time travel technology is very dangerous in the wrong hands. Select personnel that can be absolutely trusted with this assignment.

Ray and Harry told us about what happened when the Henoki altered history, Rick tells Robert.

"The Henoki and Cho’Kai are amateurs compared to the Bwentani. They have been the most dangerous adversary we have faced. We can defeat them, but we need your help."

You can count on us, Alex replies.

Thanks. Have your intelligence sections link up with Paul Foster and Allison Parker.

Will do.

We'll have daily briefings at 0900. Bring the XOs and Intelligence Chiefs. That is all.

Rick and Alex salute Robert. He returns the salute. They are led out by Ricardo, who will bring them back to their bases.

The TDF members stay and talk with Harry and his daughter. Jackie goes over to Harry and gives him a hug.

It's good to see you, Harry. Jackie says.

You as well. This is my daughter, Sam.

Hi, Sam, nice to meet you. I'm glad you're OK.

Thanks, Aunt Jackie.

Robert walks over to them.

I'll see you later, Bob.

Jackie gives Robert a peck on the cheek and leaves.

Robert turns to Harry and Samantha.

We'll arrange quarters for you.

Thanks, Bob, Harry says

Ray walks over.

Ready ta head back? he asks.

Harry and Sam are staying here until the Bwentani situation is resolved.

Shoot. That could take awhile.

We can always transfer Rick here.

That may take some doin'.

We'll work something out.

Keith and Ricardo walk over.

Keith, can you arrange quarters for Harry and Sam?

Sure.

Becky and Bobby-Keith say howdy.

Keith turns, gives Ray a dirty look and walks off.

He is muttering something about Ray's son ending up being a race car driver for NASCAR.

He starts to leave with Harry and Samantha.

Robert, Ray and Ricardo laugh.

I gotta check on Becky. She's 'bout ready ta drop.

Betcha Keith's thrilled.

"Oh, he's gonna love the announcement."

Robert sighs, knowing things between Ray and Keith are about to take a turn for the worse.

Ray, remember General Order Two?

The one where yer gonna open a can o' whup ass fer ball bustin'? Yeah.

Keep that in mind.

Dad-gummit, Bob. Ya don't let me have any fun.

He leaves the briefing room to check on his wife, Rebecca Sykes-Watson, Keith's descendant and the focal point of their long-standing feud. He plans on bringing her and their five year old son, Robert-Keith to the base where Rebecca is only minutes away from the medical facilities.

Can't believe they're still at it. Ricardo says.

"It's only gonna get worse, now they're in the same time period. Robert replies

Time for the General Order Two briefing again.

I'm too old to be playing baby-sitter.

Ricardo laughs, then changes the subject.

Tonight's your anniversary?

Yeah. Jackie's making dinner.

I'll notify medical.

Smart ass. I'll see you 0900 sharp.

"Hasta maňana, hermano."

Robert and Ricardo leave the briefing room.

CHAPTER 2

Robert and Jackie's quarters

Robert enters his quarters with a gift box. He sees Jackie putting the finishing touches on dinner. He has a momentary look of concern, remembering some of her culinary disasters: Tuna Nightmare, Napalm Meatloaf and the dish that got her banned from home economics, Death on a Shingle.

Jackie sees him, smiles, goes over and puts her arms around the back of his neck, and kisses him.

Happy anniversary, Bob.

Happy anniversary, hon. Hard to believe it's been a hundred and ninety-two years.

Robert hands her the gift box. She opens it and sees the heart-shaped necklace her father gave her. She smiles, with tears streaming down her cheeks, because the pendant was destroyed when her plane was heavily damaged during the last encounter with the Bwentani.

How...

She kisses Robert and holds him crying and smiling, holding the pendant.

Thank your brother. He was able to scan the pieces and replicate it. I know it's not the original.

I still love it. Thank you.

He continues to hold her. A moment later, the front door buzzes.

Enter.

Paul enters with his dinner date, Allison.

Happy Anniversary, sis.

Paul gives her a peck on the cheek. He shakes Robert's hand and hands them a gift. Allison nods, a little nervous being in her Commanding Officer's living quarters.

At ease, Allison, we're off duty, Robert tells her.

She laughs and says Happy Anniversary, Sir, Ma'am.

Thank you Allison.

Thank you for inviting us to dinner.

Did you bring the antacids? Robert asks Paul in a hushed tone of voice.

He discreetly pulls out a small bottle of extra strength heart burn medicine developed by TDF medical. Robert sighs in relief and pats Paul in the back.

Dinner's ready, Jackie announces.

Paul slips Robert an ant-acid.

They walk to the dining room and see the table set with appears to be filet mignon, although they're thinking more along the lines of 'filet what the hell is it?'

Paul also feels guilty that Allison is being subjected to his sister's cooking, which was once considered useful for torture, but was never implemented due to it being a form of 'cruel and unusual punishment.'

They sit at the table, Robert and Paul looking like it's going to be their last supper.

They cut the steak, then hesitantly put it in their mouth and chew. To their amazement – it is good.

You like? Jackie asks.

Very good, honey, Robert replies.

They all dig in and enjoy Jackie's cooking without the aid of the antacid.

Living room – later that evening

They are sitting in the living room with drinks.

How long have you two been dating? Robert asks.

Paul and Allison reach into their pockets and put on wedding rings.

You're married?

We… also had a baby, Paul hesitantly says.

You mean... Robert starts to say.

We're Samantha Kensington's ancestors.

Robert feels like he made a left turn into 'What-the-fuck-ville'. He also realizes why no mother was listed for Paul's son, Jack, named in honor of his sister. He also remembers reading that their son was born in 2040.

Your son was born while...

We were still serving in the Covert Defense Force.

Allison, I don't remember you being pregnant.

I kept my weight down to a minimum.

How did you raise him? Robert asks

My parents raised him. We didn't get to see him that much. Allison replies becoming upset.

I'm sorry. When this mission is over, we'll remedy that, He says while putting a hand on Allison's shoulder.

Thank you, She says wiping her eyes.

Why didn't you say anything? Jackie asks.

We weren't sure how you'd react, there are also the rules against fraternization, Paul replies.

We're not in the military anymore. All I require is that you maintain a professional working relationship.

We can do that, sir, Allison says.

Welcome to the family. Jackie says, and then hugs her brother and sister-in-law. Robert shakes Paul's hand and gives Allison a peck on the cheek.

May I ask a question, sir?

You can call me Bob.

O.K. Why did we settle in this time period instead of continuing to operate as the Covert Defense Force?

Your husband tracked the origin of the attacks to this time period. You saw the logistical difficulties of operating with a large force in two time periods. We also feel this technology is too dangerous to be trusted outside the team we put together.

I understand, si… Bob.

Robert checks his watch.

It's getting late. Report to the briefing room by 0900 so you can meet and co-ordinate with the Intelligence and Communications chiefs for the other forces.

See you in the morning. Thanks for dinner.

Good night. Thanks for coming.

Jackie hugs Paul and Allison. They say good night to Robert and leave.

Jackie hands Robert a small box. He opens it and sees a pregnancy test. It reads 'positive'.

You mean ...?

Jackie shakes her head yes and hugs him.

Six weeks. Doctor Burke confirmed it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled, but I thought we weren't going to have anymore children. It broke your heart when we buried Amanda.

I know. I miss having children.

Me too. This is the best anniversary present I've ever gotten."

The night's not over yet.

Jackie takes him by the hand and leads him to the bedroom.

CHAPTER 3

Bwentani Home world

The members of the Interplanetary Council, whose sole purpose is to maintain the 'Galactic Order' has called a meeting to discuss a threat that has been looming on the horizon: The planet Terra and its role in recent activity involving time travel using stolen technology and nearly allowing their ancient enemy, the Cho'Kai to establish a foot- hold in this plane of existence.

They battled the Cho'Kai one thousand years ago and successfully defended this realm. They erased all records of this universe from the Cho'Kai's database.

While technologically inferior, the Terrans proved to be a formidable opponent, defeating the Henoki at the Sol system meteor belt, eradicating the Cho'Kai and so far have stopped the Bwentani's attempts to restore the original timeline.

They have been concentrating on stopping mankind's advancement into space by disrupting land mark events, at the same time gauging the Terran's ability to defend themselves. The human's uncanny ability to adapt to each Bwentani attack made them a top priority and this session has been called to deal with the 'Terran problem'.

Council leader, Rillius of the planet Bwentani sits at the head of the table. The Bwentani are humanoid, slightly taller than the average human and a light blue tinted skin tone.

There are a dozen species in attendance, including the Venpari, Anishans, and the Zenaren, who have encountered the Terrans, along with the Bwentani. The remaining members, except for one have not. This representative is en route to the Bwentani home world with information which could help restore order to the Galaxy.

Did you complete your analysis on the Terran systems from our latest mission? Rillius asks.

Yes, Lord Rillius, responds Bat'ai, chief engineer from the member species Technus. He is considered the most brilliant temporal engineer in the Galaxy.

He hands Rillius a report on the Terran offensive and defensive capabilities, including a detailed analysis of the Electron Shield Generator and the Fusion Generated Pulse Beam Weapon and how to counter them.

We should just bomb the planet and get rid of them, Traxis, the Zenaren representative says.

You're still angry that one Terran defeated your best Warriors single-handed, says Lilana, Council member from the planet Anisha. She goes on to state We have a good relationship with the Terrans and our trade agreement has helped revitalize our manufacturing base.

Yes, I agree. The Terrans should be allowed to prove themselves worthy of being a member of our community, states Astra, the council member from Venpari.

The Terrans are a violent, treacherous race who are not to be trusted with this advanced technology. They are not ready to join us, and it may be countless millennia before they are advanced enough to handle the burden of responsibility which comes with the knowledge of time travel, Rillius counters. Look at what they did to the Henoki.

Lord Rillius, the Terrans were acting in self-defense after their planet was attacked, Lilana replies.

The Henoki were acting lawfully on a resolution that this council passed.

Not unanimously, Lord Rillius.

"You know, Lilana, a seat on this council is not a permanent situation. Questioning a council decree is grounds for removal from this council."

You can have the seat, Lilana says getting up to leave.

She is followed by the Venpari delegate as well as the council members from Estaria and Taurai.

About time we get rid of the pacifists, Traxis snorts.

This council does not wage war. We identify threats to our harmonious existence and neutralize them, Rillius says reminding Traxis of their main objective.

I have selected the next target and the modifications to our weapons, Bat'ai says.

He transmits the schematics and battle suggestions to Rillius' monitor. He reads the plans, then nods in approval.

Begin the modifications and launch when ready.

Yes, Lord Rillius.

Bat'ai bows, and then leaves the chambers.

We will convene when the Vice Chairman returns with the information that will ensure the timeline will return to its pre-destined outcome. That is all.

The remaining council members bow to Rillius then leaves the council chambers.

CHAPTER 4

Airspace above the Soviet Union – temporal time reference 04.12.1961.0617

The Soviet Union's first cosmonaut, Senior Lieutenant Yuri Gagarin's space capsule Vostok One has cleared Earth's atmosphere and has begun its historic flight around the Earth. At 0617 hours UTC, Lieutenant Gagarin radios the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

The craft is operating normally. I can see Earth from the port view of the Vsor. Everything is proceeding as planned.

The craft continues across the Soviet Union, moving towards Siberia. A short time later, Gagarin loses contact with the Cosmodrome.

Without warning, a blinding light appears in front of the Soviet craft and a dozen oddly shaped craft emerge from a vortex. One of the craft fires a beam at Vostok One.

Time Defense Force headquarters – temporal time reference 01.02.2218.1600

Paul and Allison are communicating with their Earth

Defense Force counterparts, making sure they are online and have received their instructions about how to monitor the time travel equipment.

Notify us if you detect anything out of the ordinary.

Yes, sir, Kyle Barker, the EDF Intelligence Chief says.

Ray and Miguel enter, checking on the uplink – and to settle a bet.

Are ya up and runnin' with the Intelligence sections? Ray asks.

We just established the satellite hook-up. The system is online and ready to go, Allison replies.

We're going to stay for awhile and help them get used to our equipment, Paul says.

Miguel nods, then notices Paul and Allison's left ring fingers and sees that they are openly wearing their wedding bands. He nudges Ray and motions to their hands.

Told you, he says then coughs.

Ray sighs, then hands Miguel a chip with one hundred credits on it.

Ya cheated, Ray whispers.

I've been their boss for almost 200 years. Pays to be observant, Miguel replies.

Ray starts to say something when an alarm goes off.

A message appears on the screen:

Temporal alert. Soviet Union. Temporal Time reference 04.12.1961.0623.50

Paul accesses the historical database and discovers someone is attempting to sabotage man's first space flight.

Someone's going after Yuri Gagarin.

Ain't he the first Ruski in space? Hell we should let John Glenn go first. He was my Momma's hero, Ray says.

Paul checks the 'alternate history probability profile.'

Gagarin's flight pressured the U.S. into stepping up their efforts to reach the moon. If his flight failed, the naysayers would have quashed the U.S. space program all together.

A moment later another message appears:

Temporal incursion by the Bwentani

Why am I not surprised? Paul sighs.

Ain't we got a fix on them sum'bitches yet?

Not yet, Ray. I've been trying to work on the temporal mechanics behind their time travel. Allison's been trying to tap into their communications system.

I haven't had any luck yet. Allison replies.

Leave that ta me, darlin', Ray tells her.

Robert and Ricardo enter the center.

Report, Robert demands.

The Bwentani sabotaged the first manned space flight, Paul replies.

Who's the target?

Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. Over Soviet air space.

Son of a bitch! 'Sixty One was the height of the Cold War. Something like this could trigger World War III. Rico, Ray, Miguel. We're Oscar Mike (On the Move). Paul, Alert One, we're rolling everyone on this.

Yes, sir, Paul replies and hits