Snoodgrass sat in his office viewing fresh reports. The latest Federation offensive had finally been stopped, but the losses had been extensive. The whole second fleet under Commander Grommit had been lost; it had taken the entire Ick reserves to prevent a total collapse of the western front. As it was, they had lost eight systems, including two large production centres. It had been thought that Grommit had been killed in the fighting but a video had surfaced showing that she had been captured. Commander Kali had already been to see him about staging a rescue mission, but the truth was that they didn’t have the strength and both knew it.
Snoodgrass was brought out of his musings by an incoming message. He was on the verge of ordering the abandoning of a number of systems as they didn’t have the fleet left to hold such a large front. If this was news of another Federation offensive, then it could be the beginning of the end for the war. Taking a moment to compose himself, he pressed the button to accept the call.
“Snoodgrass, I’m forwarding you the chemical formula for the cure for coffee addiction. I want it releasing and transmitted immediately on every frequency, and forwarding to all agents in the Federation. Then I want every ship we have mobilisied. I will be with you within three days and then our Empire strikes back!”
Snoodgrass stood up in disbelief. “Wickede?”
“I’m back, my old friend. Your rescue mission worked,” answered Wickede grimly.
Snoodgrass, though, picked something up in his voice, a pain that he hadn't voiced. “And Alienbutt?” he asked in dread.
There was a long pause before Wickede replied. “He didn’t make it back. I don’t know if he survived, but Frank is already working on a way to get back for him.” Snoodgrass slumped back into his chair, his joy at the return of Wickede evaporated.
AND NOW YOU’RE THINKING:
“WHAT SORT OF BLOODY ENDING IS THAT? WHERE IS BOOK TWO!!”
OR YOU’RE THINKING:
“THANK GOD THAT’S OVER.”
Whatever, here ends book one of the Alienbutt Saga, The War of the Coffee Bean.
In book two (The Rise of Mr. Fluffy) I’m sure things will happen but I don’t have a clue what, although Mr. Fluffy has confirmed that he will be back, but demands a bigger part and extra tuna.
Thanks for reading.
Book one of the Alienbutt saga, as well as book 2 and 3 are avaiable at online bookstores as ebooks or paperbacks so if you wanted to buy them just go have a look.
