Chapter 11

DREADNAUGHT

In the vast expanse of space, the colossal Dreadnought cruised silently, dwarfing the neighboring planet Mars with its sheer magnitude. From afar, Earth appeared as a mere azure dot against the blazing backdrop of the sun.

The interior of the Dreadnought pulsated with the hum of advanced machinery, devoid of any semblance of comfort or humanity. Cold metal walls enclosed a chamber dominated by a sprawling computer screen, its luminous display a testament to the alien intellect that governed the vessel.

Jack and Huang, two lone figures in the cavernous reactor room, gazed upon the towering cylindrical columns that loomed ominously. Beneath their feet, a transparent floor revealed a mysterious luminescence, casting an eerie glow upon the chamber.

Huang’s sharp eyes caught the first sign of trouble—a trickle of blood seeping from Jack’s nose.

"Jack, are you alright? Blood is pouring out of your nose," Huang’s voice cut through the sterile air.

Jack, his face contorted in discomfort, attempted to staunch the flow, but the crimson tide persisted, staining his fingers.

"Are you feeling okay?" Huang pressed, concern etched into his features.

"I’m feeling—" Jack's response was cut short as a sudden wave of nausea seized him, sending him crashing to the ground in agony. Huang rushed to his side, a mixture of alarm and dread etched upon his features.

"This isn’t good, Jack. You’re burning up," Huang’s voice trembled with apprehension as he felt the heat radiating from Jack’s feverish skin.

Jack’s gaze fell upon the source of their predicament—a glowing anomaly beyond the glass floor. His mind raced as he connected the dots.

"Not until I got close to that thing," Jack muttered, his voice strained with pain.

Huang’s eyes widened in realization. "I got close, too. How come I’m not sick or throwing up?"

Jack’s gaze fell to his hands, where blackened nail beds confirmed his worst fears.

"Radiation poisoning. That’s what this is about," Jack declared, his voice heavy with certainty.

"Impossible, Jack. I’m not sick," Huang protested, his mind reeling with the implications.

"No, you aren’t. But you didn’t undergo radiation therapy like I did," Jack explained, a bitter edge creeping into his tone.

"You had cancer?" Huang’s voice softened with sympathy, a flicker of understanding dawning in his eyes.

"Have. It’s in remission," Jack revealed, his gaze hardening with resolve. "But right now, we need to focus on surviving."

As Huang pondered the gravity of their situation, a memory surfaced—a conversation with Yanin about her battle with breast cancer.

"You say there’s some radiation that’s reacting with the radiation in your body?" Huang mused, piecing together the puzzle.

Jack nodded grimly. "Exactly. We need to get out of here."

Steeling himself for action, Jack approached the chamber wall, his hands probing for weaknesses.

"We’ve stayed on the south facing wall of the oil rig. If we punch a hole—" Jack’s voice trailed off as Huang voiced his concern.

"The ocean will come rushing in and drown us," Huang interjected, his eyes reflecting the magnitude of their dilemma.

"Not if we find higher ground," Jack countered, his gaze sweeping upwards toward the rafters. "Like those rafters, and wait for the last minute."

Huang’s eyes widened in realization. "Last minute to do what?"

"To swim out and up to the surface," Jack replied, his voice firm with determination.

Huang recoiled at the notion. "Jack, that’s suicide."

"Staying here is suicide," Jack countered, his resolve unshaken. "We need to act, and we need to act now."

As the gravity of their plan sunk in, Huang’s mind raced with possibilities.

"How do we punch a hole through these walls?" Huang questioned, his voice tinged with apprehension.

"We blow it up," Jack declared, his tone unwavering in its certainty.

Huang’s expression darkened as he contemplated the risks involved.

"So, we have to survive a massive explosion, endure the weight of the ocean crashing in on us, and then hold our breath long enough to swim to the surface?" Huang summarized, his voice heavy with doubt.

Jack met Huang’s gaze with steely determination. "That’s the plan."

With a resigned nod, Huang steeled himself for the perilous task ahead.

"Let’s do it."

In the signal room, a tense atmosphere enveloped the trio as they confronted the beeping mainframe, its relentless sound echoing off the walls. Antonio, with an air of determination, began chanting a prayer to St. Anthony, invoking the patron of lost things. Hiroto and Jean exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of the relevance of Antonio's invocation amidst the urgency of their task.

"The scanner," Jean explained, breaking the silence, "It's probing for signals. When it detects one, the jammer activates."

Hiroto, his resolve evident, wasted no time in taking action. With a swift stroke of his katana, he severed one of the cables, intent on silencing the intrusive beeping. But before he could strike the second, a Warrialien materialized out of the shadows, seizing Hiroto and pinning him against the wall. Jean and Antonio recoiled in horror at the sudden appearance of the deadly alien assassin, their panic palpable as they scrambled for safety.

Undeterred by the Warrialien's assault, Hiroto sprang back into action, engaging in a fierce duel with his deadly foe. Blades clashed, filling the air with the metallic ring of combat. With a swift strike, Hiroto managed to sever the remaining cable, his movements fluid and precise even in the face of danger. Yet, to their dismay, the incessant beeping persisted, defying their efforts to silence it.

"Why hasn't it stopped?" Antonio exclaimed, his frustration mounting as the situation grew increasingly dire. Jean's gaze darted toward the satellite dish outside, its ominous rotation signaling a sinister truth.

"The dish is still active!" he shouted, his voice tinged with urgency.

Before they could react, another Warrialien emerged, seizing Jean in a vice-like grip and hurling him toward the mainframe. The impact was jarring, sending sparks flying as the electrical surge coursed through Jean's body, leaving him writhing in agony.

With grim determination, Antonio faced off against the remaining Warrialiens, his sword flashing in the dim light of the room. But his victory was short-lived as one of the creatures launched a surprise attack, impaling Antonio with its razor-sharp claws. With a defiant roar, Antonio retaliated, dispatching the alien with a lethal strike.

As Antonio's lifeblood spilled onto the floor, the last Warrialien descended upon him, its intent clear. With a final act of defiance, Antonio unleashed a flurry of blows, his rage fueling his resolve. But the alien's strength proved overwhelming, and with a sickening crunch, Antonio's fate was sealed.

Outside on the oil rig deck, Hiroto engaged in a desperate battle against the Alien Guards, his blades a blur of deadly precision as he fended off their relentless onslaught. With each strike, he drew closer to the satellite, his determination unwavering despite the odds stacked against him.

With a primal roar, Hiroto lunged toward the satellite, his katanas poised to strike. With a swift and decisive blow, he drove his blades into the dish reflector, the metal yielding to his relentless assault.

Back in the signal room, Antonio's valiant struggle came to a tragic end as the last Warrialien delivered the fatal blow. But even in his final moments, Antonio's defiance remained unbroken, his spirit a testament to the unwavering resolve of humanity in the face of insurmountable odds.

On the oil rig deck, Hiroto's eyes widen in horror as he witnesses the Warrialien callously discard Antonio's head out of the window. His grief transforms into a fierce determination as he unleashes a primal Japanese war cry, his resolve solidifying. Without a moment's hesitation, he dashes toward the window, propelled by a potent mix of fury and purpose.

Inside the signal room, Hiroto bursts through the window with a graceful yet deadly arc, his katanas poised in a scissor-like position. With a swift and decisive motion, he slashes through the air, severing the Warrialien's head in one fluid movement. Landing with a cat-like grace, he delivers a forceful kick to the alien's lifeless body, ensuring it remains incapacitated.

In the reactor room, Jack and Huang labor tirelessly, their efforts focused on a pipe leading to a small reactor. The sudden beep of a satellite phone interrupts their work, signaling a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. Jack's heart races as he checks the display, a mixture of disbelief and determination etched on his face.

"We've got a signal!" he exclaims, his voice tinged with urgency. With renewed vigor, they redouble their efforts, knowing that their window of opportunity is rapidly closing. As Jack's nose begins to bleed again, a tangible sense of anticipation fills the air, the pressure building with each passing moment.

"This is it," Jack declares, his voice steady despite the mounting tension. With a shared glance, they brace themselves for the imminent explosion, their preparations meticulous yet tinged with a hint of desperation.

Outside, in the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, the water churns ominously, a silent witness to the unfolding drama. Bubbles rise to the surface, signaling the emergence of Lichelli and Yanin, their faces a mix of exhaustion and triumph.

"We did it!" Lichelli gasps, her voice barely above a whisper as she struggles to catch her breath. Yanin's response is one of quiet determination, her faith in their abilities unwavering even in the face of adversity.

As they contemplate their next move, the distant roar of an explosion reverberates through the water, sending shockwaves rippling through the ocean depths. The force of the blast is palpable, its impact visible even from afar as water shoots skyward in a spectacular display of power.

Huddled together, Lichelli and Yanin exchange a knowing glance, their resolve unshaken despite the chaos unfolding around them. With the oil rig looming ominously in the distance, they steel themselves for the challenges that lie ahead, their bond stronger than ever in the face of adversity.

In the vast expanse of the ocean, Lichelli and Yanin exchange alarmed glances as the distant explosion echoes through the water, sending ripples of fear coursing through them. Without a word, they instinctively understand the urgency of returning to the rig. With powerful strokes, they propel themselves through the water with increased determination, the urgency of the situation lending speed to their movements.

Meanwhile, beneath the waves, the aftermath of the explosion is revealed. A gaping hole in the side of the rig's walls exposes the underwater ridge where the sunken catamaran lies. From the breach, two figures emerge, their silhouettes cutting through the murky depths as they swim toward the surface, their mission unknown yet undoubtedly ominous.

On the oil rig dock, the scene is desolate, save for a solitary cigarette boat moored to the rails. Suddenly, the water surface bubbles and Huang and Jack emerge, their relief palpable as they take in their surroundings. 

"God, we made it," Huang gasps, his words a testament to their shared survival against all odds. Jack's response is a mixture of gratitude and disbelief. His admiration for Huang is evident as they share a brief moment of camaraderie amidst the chaos.

"We did," Jack replies, his voice tinged with gratitude. "And you followed me into the fray."

Huang's response is one of unwavering loyalty, and his admiration for Jack is evident in his words. "It is an honor to stand by your side, Jackson."

As they clamber onto the dock, a sense of purpose fills the air, their shared resolve unshaken by the trials they've faced. With renewed determination, they set their sights on their next objective, their bond stronger than ever in the face of adversity.

With the oil rig looming ominously in the distance, they race toward the stairwell, their footsteps echoing in the empty space. Jack checks the satellite phone, his hands trembling slightly as he assesses the signal strength.

"We've got one bar," he announces, his voice tinged with urgency. Huang's damaged watch is a stark reminder of the limited time they have left, their window of opportunity rapidly closing.

"Let's head higher," Jack suggests, his voice determined. "We need the strongest signal we can get."

Together, they ascend the stairs toward the signal room, their steps quickening with each passing moment as they prepare to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Meanwhile, in a war room in Beijing, a Chinese general and admiral exchange tense words as they prepare for the impending conflict. The gravity of their conversation is underscored by the looming threat of nuclear war, their actions poised to shape the fate of nations.

As they contemplate the devastating consequences of their decisions, a sense of resignation fills the air, their duty to their country conflicting with the weight of their humanity.

In another part of the oil rig, Felix and Saffron engage in a tense confrontation, their words laced with betrayal and deceit. As their conversation escalates into violence, the true extent of their animosity is laid bare, their actions driven by a desire for power and control.

With a swift and decisive motion, Felix strikes out at Saffron, his actions fueled by rage and desperation. As Saffron falls to the floor, wounded but defiant, Felix turns his attention to their shared enemies, his determination to eliminate them clear in his eyes.

In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, the stage is set for a final showdown, where loyalty and betrayal will collide in a battle for survival.

On the oil rig deck, chaos reigns as Jack and Huang rush to the scene, their hearts pounding with urgency. They watch in horror as Hiroto confronts the remaining two Warrialiens, his swords flashing in the harsh light of the rig. 

Huang's mind races with a desperate plan. "Give me the phone," he urges Jack, his voice strained with determination. "I'll call off the air strike!" 

With a swift motion, Jack tosses the satellite phone to Huang, who catches it with trembling hands. His fingers fly over the keypad as he dials frantically, his eyes fixed on the screen as he waits for a response.

Meanwhile, Jack wastes no time in joining Hiroto in battle, grabbing a nearby pole and swinging it with all his might. The metallic clang of weapons meeting fills the air as they fend off the alien attackers, their movements fueled by a fierce determination to survive.

"What the hell are these things?" Jack shouts, his voice laced with frustration and fear. 

Hiroto's response is grim as he parries a blow from one of the Warrialiens. "I don't know," he admits, his brow furrowed with concern. "But they're not here to make friends."

Jack's mind races with worry as he fights alongside Hiroto. "Where are the others?" he demands, his voice strained with urgency. "Antonio, Jiaoji, Sheldon, and Jean-Philippe? Where are they?"

Hiroto's expression darkens with sorrow as he shakes his head. "All of them," he confirms, his voice heavy with regret. "We were separated on our way here. I haven't seen them since."

Jack's heart sinks at the news, a wave of despair washing over him. "Did anyone find the women?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yanin?"

Hiroto's response is bleak as he continues to battle the relentless attackers. "Our path led us away from them," he admits, his words heavy with guilt. "I'm sorry, Jack. We couldn't find them."

Tension grips the room inside the Chinese State Council War Room as the General paces before the control room, his anxiety palpable. The Admiral and other soldiers stand at attention, awaiting his command, their faces etched with apprehension.

Speaking in Mandarin, the General demands confirmation that all channels are still under surveillance. The Admiral confirms, his voice tight with nerves, and informs the General that the deadline has passed.

With a heavy heart, the General approaches a console, inserting a key into a special lock. A red button protrudes from the console, a stark reminder of the grave decision he is about to make. He presses it, causing a microphone to emerge from the desk into his waiting hands.

Ignoring protests from the Admiral, the General orders one final scan of all radio frequencies and communication lines. He then addresses the room, cautioning against the irreversible consequences of launching a nuclear attack. His voice carries the weight of a man burdened by the knowledge of impending devastation.

As he lifts the microphone, a soldier interrupts with urgent news—the ambassador at the United Nations building has relayed a message from Premier Huang, calling for an immediate halt to the air strike preparations. The room erupts in jubilation, relief flooding the soldiers' weary faces.

Exhausted, the General sinks into his seat, only to be handed another message by the PRC Soldier. It contains coordinates and a codename, prompting the General to dismiss the Admiral and take decisive action.

At the Aeronautica Militare base in Italy, Chief Airman rushes to the General, delivering an urgent message regarding Prime Minister Galla. The General wastes no time, instructing the Major to ready ten Tornado IDS planes armed with Storm Shadow air-to-surface missiles and to direct them to specific coordinates.

The Major hesitates, realizing the planes won't have enough fuel to return. However, the General assured him that they would dock on an American aircraft carrier after the strike to refuel.

On the bridge of the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier, the Captain reads a transmission with growing astonishment. He swiftly orders a new course and directs his crew to prepare every pilot and F-35 on board, determined to salvage what remains of the United Nations.

Jack and Hiroto are locked in fierce combat with the remaining Warrialiens. Hiroto’s precise swordplay keeps one alien at bay while Jack struggles against the brute force of the other.

With a mighty charge, the Warrialien knocks Jack down to the lower deck, looming over him menacingly. Before it can strike, Huang leaps into action, intercepting the alien and engaging it in a rapid succession of martial arts moves.

Seizing the opportunity, Jack breaks an oar in two and tosses a piece to Huang, who joins him in a makeshift melee against the Warrialien.

Meanwhile, Hiroto faces off against his opponent, deflecting its attacks with calculated precision. With a swift downward slash, he incapacitates the alien before delivering a fatal blow to its gut.

As Jack and Huang overpower their adversary with their improvised weapons, Jack delivers a decisive blow that sends the Warrialien hurtling over the side of the deck.

With the immediate threat neutralized, Jack, Huang, and Hiroto regroup, their relief short-lived as they hear approaching footsteps.

Descending cautiously, they encounter Lichelli and Yanin climbing onto the dock. Jack rushes to Yanin, relieved to see her alive.

Their reunion is interrupted by Lichelli’s confession—she killed Sheldon in defense of Yanin, revealing the chaos that unfolded in their absence.

Distraught by the revelation, Jack consoles Yanin, acknowledging his love for her amidst the turmoil. Hiroto assists Lichelli, who watches the tender moment between Jack and Yanin with a mixture of longing and resignation.

As the group grapples with the implications of Sheldon's death and the looming threat, Huang reminds them of the urgency of their situation.

Hearing of the impending military strike, Hiroto expresses disbelief, prompting Jack to reveal the true nature of the energy source sought by Felix and the Warrialiens.

Yanin connects the dots, realizing the catastrophic impact of neutrino harvesting on Earth’s climate and geological stability.

Their conversation is cut short by Felix’s sudden appearance, his taunts confirming their worst fears as the Dreadnought looms ominously in the sky.

With Huang’s demise at Felix’s hands, Jack is consumed by grief and rage, vowing to confront Felix alone. Despite Yanin’s pleas, he resolves to face their nemesis head-on, determined to protect those he loves at any cost.

Felix nods smugly as we hear a loud rumble in the sky. Everyone looks up and sees: 

The Dreadnought ship descends through the clouds and hovers above the Oil rig.

“The reign of the human is at an end,” Felix added for good measure.

Jack pushes Yanin and the others away as he glowers at Felix. “Get to the boat. Felix is mine!”

Yanin resisted. “Jack, no. You can’t beat him. Let’s get away from this place together. Together!” she added.

Jack shakes his head. The world was chaotic at that moment and the sounds of the waves, ship and explosions were deafening. Still, Jack made up his mind.

Jack’s voice cuts through the chaos, commanding Hiroto to escort the others to safety. As they rush toward the boat, Jack charges up the stairs, his determination driving him forward. With a fierce tackle, he lunges at Felix, but the formidable adversary effortlessly rebuffs his attack.

Down the stairs, the presidents flee in terror as Felix seizes a fire axe and leaps down to confront them. Just as he swings, Hiroto intervenes, deflecting the blow with his katana. The clash of steel rings out as Felix and Hiroto engage in a ferocious duel.

Meanwhile, Jack joins the fray, hurling himself into the fray, determined to thwart Felix’s escape. With a resolute swing, he forces Felix to retreat, the roar of approaching fighter jets echoing overhead.

Amidst the escalating battle, Yanin watches the impending danger with a sinking feeling. She voices her concern to Jack, knowing that time is running out. As Hiroto and Jack press the assault against Felix, Yanin's apprehension grows.

In the vast expanse of airspace, a squadron of F-35 fighter jets hurtles toward their target. Inside one of the jets, the pilot locks onto the oil rig, receiving the command to engage. Their mission: to neutralize the looming threat of the Dreadnought.

Back on the oil rig, Jack and Hiroto continue their relentless assault on Felix. With a synchronized effort, they force him toward the railing, their determination unwavering. In a decisive moment, they deliver a final blow, sending Felix tumbling over the edge.

As Felix crashes to the lower deck, impaled by a spear gun, Lichelli and Yanin speed away in the boat. Their relief is short-lived as they witness Jack and Hiroto leap into the water, narrowly escaping the impending destruction.

On the oil rig, Felix, fueled by rage and desperation, readies the speargun, aiming at the retreating boat. But before he can unleash the deadly projectile, a sudden jolt interrupts him. Saffron stands behind him, her resolve evident as she plunges the fire axe into his back.

With a final, agonized gasp, Felix collapses, defeated. Saffron, wounded but resolute, ensures that humanity is given another chance, even as her own strength falters, and she crumples to the ground.

As Jack and Hiroto swim toward open water, they witness the coordinated assault on the Dreadnought. Italian, American, and Chinese fighter jets streak across the sky, launching missiles at the looming threat. The explosions ripple through the air, shaking the Dreadnought off course and causing it to plummet toward the ocean below.

Yanin and Lichelli, aboard the speedboat, race toward Jack and Hiroto in the water. Urgency tinges Yanin's voice as she urges them to hurry. Jack, sensing the impending danger, instructs them to toss a line. Yanin, a sailor at heart, secures the rope to the steering wheel with rehearsed gracefulness while Lichelli tosses the other end into the water. Jack and Hiroto grasp the lifeline as Yanin guns the engine, pulling them toward safety.

As they speed away, missiles rain down on the oil rig, igniting a series of explosions that tear through the structure. The Dreadnought collides with the rig, unleashing a cataclysmic blast that engulfs the area in a towering mushroom cloud.

“Now, that’s how you stop an alien invasion!! From now on, that’s how we stop an alien invasion!” Jack exclaimed proudly.

Amidst the chaos, Yanin and Lichelli assist Jack and Hiroto in the safety of the boat. With the destruction behind them, Hiroto gazes back at the billowing smoke, contemplating the magnitude of what they've just witnessed.

Jack's exhilaration bubbles over as he declares their victory over the alien invasion. Lichelli's laughter rings out as she collapses into Jack's embrace, the weight of their shared triumph palpable.

In a moment of intimacy, Jack professes his love for Yanin, their bond strengthened by the harrowing ordeal they've endured together. Yanin, her voice tinged with uncertainty, wonders if the threat is truly over.

“I doubt it.” Jack offered with uncertainty. “Whatever they needed, they didn’t get. But maybe next time they’ll ask for our help instead of thinking we were going to lie down and die.”

Jack remains optimistic, recognizing humanity's resilience. Hiroto, ever stoic, nods toward an approaching aircraft carrier, symbolizing their collective victory.

With a sense of unity and purpose, Jack affirms that their success resulted from global cooperation. 

Hiroto gestures toward an aircraft carrier in the distance.

“You did it, Jack,” Hiroto proclaimed.

“No,” Jack corrected, “We did it.  Every nation played a part in this. It’s our job to let the continent  know that we can work together for the good of the world.”

Hiroto steers the boat into the sunset as Yanin and Jack tenderly kiss. The setting sun is a beacon of hope amidst the darkness.

As the Dreadnought and the Oil Rig sink into the Ocean behind them, Yanin and Lichelli help Jack and Hiroto into the boat. 

Hiroto looks back at the smoke and destruction one last time. With the threat vanquished, they sail into the unknown, united in their resolve to face whatever challenges the future and outer space may hold.