Free Talosian Chronicles 6: Armageddon by Ben Winston Page A

Terran Defense Forces.”
    The astounded Major shook hands and replied, somewhat automatically, “Major William Dentin, U.S. Army.” He seemed to shake his head a moment in confusion, then narrowed his eyes. “Colonel, I have orders to arrest you and your people and to confiscate your equipment. Do you intend to resist us?”
    Alan chuckled; “Absolutely, Major. I would ask that you don’t attempt to fire any of your weapons at us, since we are shielded and the attempt would cause the bullet to ricochet, potentially harming one of your own soldiers. Further, we cannot allow you any closer to our ships since they might accidentally cause harm as well. I can tell you that you might want to bring your tents and other supplies up from your cantonment area since we are going to be here for awhile.” 
    “Just what the hell are you planning on doing out here?” Dentin asked.
    “We're here to build a fighter base for the defense of this planet. As you can see, work has already begun. If you'd like, I could show you exactly what we have planned. Major, I used to work for the NSA, I know what’s going to happen out here. By tonight, there are going to be special ops teams crawling all over this desert trying to get in here. Just some friendly advice; if one of those crazy fools starts shooting, duck and cover.”
    “You are human then? You’re not some alien from another planet? I thought that sounded a bit hokey.” The Major looked relieved. “What are you wearing? It has to be over a hundred degrees already and you’re not even sweating.”
    Alan chuckled; “Yes, I’m human. I’m even from Earth, though not all of my people are. There is a long story here if you really want to know it all, but I should tell you that there are aliens as well as humans not from Earth. In fact some of those aliens will be stationed right here after the base is built.
    “What I am wearing is a suit of our combat armor. It can function in any atmosphere we’ve been able to dream up and can withstand most Earth weaponry, though I might actually feel it if you shot me with one of the twenty-five millimeters.”
    “Okay, we can’t see this ‘shield’ you keep telling us about. How do we know you’re telling us the truth?” Dentin asked. “I mean no offense, but I don’t think my superiors are simply just going to take your word for it.”
    Alan turned slightly, to look at the Sergeant that had spoken to him before, “Sgt. Grant, would you please throw a rock, like you were pitching a baseball, at one of the ships?” He gestured to the ships behind him. “But do it a little ways away from us.”
    Major Dentin nodded to the Sergeant to comply with the request. Shouldering his weapon, Grant walked a few feet away, bent and picked up a rock. He turned back to face the ships, drew back, and threw as hard as he could; it was an impressive pitch. The rock streaked through the air and then, suddenly it changed course as if it bounced off a solid wall. 
    “Holy shit!” Dentin said. “I guess that answers that. Okay, so you are not going to let us arrest you. May I ask just what the hell you’re doing out here?”
    Alan refrained from reminding the confused man that he had already offered to do just that. “Sure! We are here to build one of multiple fighter bases that we will need to protect this planet from an attack that is coming.” Alan turned to Andreya, “Andreya, could you display the plans for this base; please include a topographical view of the surface as well as the base defenses.” He turned back to the table to face an astounded Major Dentin. The man was staring at a hologram that was now on the table in front of him. “Major, this is going to take awhile and it’s supposed to be a pretty hot day. I know your vehicles don’t have air conditioning; would you like to make some other arrangements for your troops? I’d also like to offer refreshments for you and your soldiers.”
    “Th… uh,” the Major cleared