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Cindy and the other looked over the 3D rendering of the map. It was hovering over the table overshadowing their food and drinks. It showed the Western half of the New U.S. Something looked odd on the topography. Commander Wellstone and General Graves were in the room telling them about the battle lines.
Cindy said, “General Graves, something looks odd on the Western area of the New U.S. It seems California or New California has shrunk.”
Commander Wellstone nodded to them. “Oh, you don’t know. During your slumber in the magical crystal, part of the area you knew as California had a big earthquake and fell into the ocean.”
Grace said, “We missed so much.”
Cindy nodded with Grace and Royce, who stoically looked on the map.
“So, this area of red shows were the Vvong enemy ships are floating,” Cindy said.
“Yes, the enemy have not made a great push to take over the cities. It was as if they were waiting for something,” General Graves said.
Grace said, “Merlin, did tell us that the Vvong Queen has not arrived here yet. And that they still had time to get Excalibur.”
“Did you try to take over any of the cities?” Cindy said.
“Well,” General Graves said and looked at Commander Wellstone, “we tried something and it backfired.”
Commander Wellstone spoke up. He pressed a few keys on the keyboard. He said, “We tried to destroy one of their larger ships with our nuclear device.”
Cindy said, “Did it work?”
“No,” General Graves said. “Before the missile hit the Vvong ship, it was swallowed up by some Vvong creatures and it exploded.”
Cindy said, “So, the Vvong swallowed the energy.”
“Yes,” Commander Wellstone said, “we can only do damage to their smaller crafts not their larger ships. Do you have any ideas?”
Cindy nodded. “We are not sure. We have not been attacked by the bigger ships.”
Commander Wellstone said, “If I may, the Illuminati might have some ideas. We are in contact with them.”
The Commander looked at General Graves.
“They have been alerted and should be coming to the base soon,” General Graves said.
Cindy thought it would be natural to think General Graves was part of the Illuminati.
She said, “We should have Professor Jacobs and Della here in this meeting, General.”
“If this is your wish, Alpha Mage Cindy,” General Graves said.
“Yes, he was with us in Middle Earth. He is smart and full of ideas,” Cindy said.
General Graves nodded to Commander Wellstone. Grace came up to the Cindy and said, “It looks like the Vvong big ships had blanketed the cities on the West Coast. Is this the same all over the Earth?”
“Yes,” General Graves said. He pressed a few buttons, and it showed the whole earth. The large Vvong ships were station all over each of the continents and cities and also were station above in orbit in the same formation. Cindy nodded their head. The Vvong studied the earth and knew where to attack.
Professor Jacobs and Della were ushered into the room. They all stared at them.
Professor Jacobs said, “Thank you for finally inviting me to this party. Ah,” he pointed to the 3D map, “that doesn't look good.”
Cindy said, “Do you have any ideas?”
She told him about the failed bombing of the nuclear device. The Professor Jacobs nodded and then said, “Della, your people have knowledge about the Vvong. Do you have anything to add?”
The elf looked at the map and then at Cindy. She seemed apprehensive to talk.
Cindy said, “It is fine, Della. You can trust everybody here.”
Della said, “I don’t know much. Some of our archives do not go back to the beginning. All we know the Vvong creature is vulnerable at the back and sides of their bodies. This is the same as their smaller space craft which is an extension of their skeletons.”
General Graves said, “That’s good information. Anything else you know?”
Della said, “The larger ships are very powerful and strong. They can only be destroyed by our magical missiles or powerful spells. I don’t know if we have anything like that on Earth.”
Commander Wellstone knocked at the front door. A woman in a dark black robe walked inside. She was shorter than everybody here, but Cindy sensed something from her. It was magic, powerful magic. The small woman looked at her with alarm.
Commander Wellstone said, “This is Alarina from the Illuminati. She is here to aid us.”
Alarina went straight up to Cindy and the Alphas. Alarina bowed deeply to her and to Professor Jacobs and Della.
Alarina ignored General Graves. She said, “I’m honored to be in the presence of the Alphas and the heroes of the Breaking of the Bastions.” She nodded to Professor Jacobs.
Cindy said, “Do we know you?”
Alarina said, “We know of your exploits from the Illuminati leaders. Professor Jacobs, I’m sadden by your friends death, Erlick. He was one of our best agents. Krump sends his regards.”
Professor Jacobs nodded to Alarina.
Cindy said, “Alarina, can the Illuminati help in this fight?”
“Yes, we’re ready. We have been ready, but the U. S. government doesn't want our help. We're only here because we knew you arrive,” Alarina said and looked to General Graves.
Cindy didn't like this stupid pissing contest. “General, you need the Illuminati’s help. They know what we face and we welcome their help.”
General Graves said, “We didn't know what we face and frankly, I didn't believe everything the Illuminati told us.”
Cindy nodded, “I know it is hard, General. But we have to face the fact. We are under attack by an alien race that could wipe us out.”
“Ok,” General Graves said, “I’m glad you're all here. Alarina, I have all the powers of the Western forces. Please help us.”
Alarina nodded. “I will call on my superiors and get more men and soldiers here.” She instantly created a small magical portal and spoke to a man who appeared. “Charlie, get ships and men out to this base pronto. Please tell my superiors that we're ready.”
Alarina moved and sat on a chair close to Cindy who was still standing. She was not sure what was going to happen. She missed Lazarus but now having Alarina here made her feel assured that they could finally formulate some type of plan to fight the Vvong.
