Category : Books-Fiction

Sub Category : Adventure

FIVE- Prologue

The marine biologists found out first. They tried to tell the government, but they wouldn't listen. Yet. They, in fact managed to stay entirely ignorant as the fish, seahorses, and dolphins moved away from the Pacific ocean. The government also didn't notice as the orcas left the Atlantic. They did, however, notice when the annual shark attacks went down. Although they tried to keep it quiet,   it was quickly leaked. Also, fishermen complained about the 'bad season' this year. The human race, as it turns out, found out 4 years too late, however. The starfish were missing.


FIVE- Chapter 1- John Benderson

It was a warm and sunny day when I found out. I saw it on TV. We all did. A biowarfare attack they called it. Enemies that can use their regenerative properties to heal from any wound. If they loose an arm, they grow it back, and another enemy  forms from the arm's remains. It was a call to arms, on all stations and languages. The human race, as one, was asked to come together to achieve a common goal.

Many politely declined, but not pa. I wasn't old enough to fight yet, but I would otherwise.

Everyone at our apartment reacted differently. Joey shrieked. Ma panicked. Ace hid. Pa ran into his room just to emerge in full battle armor, like he was ready for a zombie apocalypse or something.

They were told to meet in 24 hours, so the next day he left, right before lunch. We said our goodbyes, and that was when I was sure I had made my decision. I WOULD play a part in this war. Somehow.


FIVE- Chapter 2- John Benderson


As the day went on, I decided to contact Paul. He had a chance in this. He was the only person I knew who had the brains to build weapons and the guts to use them. He was also significantly older than I was, so it was actually legal.

He didn't let me down. Soon we were both geared up in as much experimental equipment as Pa. That's when I realized. 
"Uh, Paul?" 
"Yeah?"
"You know, there's only one way to get into the front lines."
"What's that?"
"Sneak into the military."

4 years earlier, starfish realized their incredible advantage over the rest of the world. Their regenerative abilities trump any other animal's. That's when they found out that if they wanted to, they could conquer the earth easily. They did want to, and they could run it way better than any of those pesky could too. So, they left. All at once, flying right out of the ocean. As the habitat started screwing up, the humans got some clue, but only a small one. Meanwhile, throughout all 4 years, they prepared, ready to attack. Then, 4 years later, they did.


FIVE- Chapter 3- Paul Hues

"We can't do that!" I said, but John was adamant. I want to fight as much as anyone, and will too, but I'm not helping him break into a place I work for! I'm not treasonous, even if it means turning down my best friend. Besides, the military was my home, and I couldn't betray them.

As he began to lay out a giant blueprint of the building, intended for battle plans, upon the table, I took a step back. 
"John, in all the years I've known you, what has been my one rule?"
"No popcorn in the living room?"
"John!"
"Sorry. Nothing illegal."
"Exactly. And I'm not about to change that now."
"Come on, it'll be good for both of us."
"No, it'll help you. It'll just get me in trouble."
He pondered this for a while, before countering, with:
"Fine. A compromise."
"Which is?”
"I'll go. You just act as a mission control, and bail me out if I need it."
"Deal."
I was almost sure I would regret it, but I was more sure I was tired and wanted him out of my face. With a triumphant shout, he ran outside as the door closed behind him, with a slam.


FIVE- Chapter 4- Carter Clemons

When John came around on Friday, I expected him to have asked me to sky dive, or go paragliding, or ride a go cart, or something like that. He was always trying to get me to go do crazy things, even though he knew very well I was too scared. I didn't mind most things, but thrill rides always bothered me. The action was never my thing, and when I heard of the war, I decided to STAY OUT. When he came up in full armor asking me to participate, though, I couldn't help but accept. Of all the things I haven't done, I decided it was time to make a change and live a little. It was sort of ironic in that way. I go to war, to live.


Five- Chapter 5- John Benderson

As evening came around, I knew there was only one more guy I can trust with this. Eddie would be more than willing to help, for a price. Paul is my best friend, he's just a bit too wise. With Carter, I'm his mentor, he's just a bit too scared. Eddie is different. You can trust him, and he'll be a valuable asset to a team, but you have to make it worth his while. Luckily, he owes me several favors at this point, and so hopefully they'd add up to something this big. They did, and he agreed to help, so long as he owes me nothing more. I said yes before radioing back to Paul to inform him that at 2:00 tomorrow we'd meet at his place to gear up and discuss battle plans. I also asked him to have armor and weaponry ready for 2 more people. When he agreed, I set off into the sunset to head home and eat a nice, tasty, pre-war dinner.