Behemoth: Rise Of Mankind Book 1 Read Online Free

ahead.”
                  “At twenty-two sixteen, Lieutenant Darnell picked up a blip on the edge of the solar system while monitoring long range scans and early warning systems.” Adam tapped at his tablet for a moment and brought up a map of the solar system. It appeared near Pluto. “This is where it was when we discovered it. As you can see, it’s traveling at point five light speed.”
                  Maury spoke up, “which means it can reach earth in roughly ten hours…unless it accelerates.”
                  “Readings show it has not increased speed since entering our solar system,” Olly said.
                  Gray stared at the screen for a moment before speaking. “Give us a break down on your data. What do we know about this thing?”
                  Olly stood and used his tablet to display information on all the screens. “It’s definitely a ship measuring at fifteen-hundred, twenty-four meters. The signature matches no known ships in the Alliance database and I haven’t been able to determine hull material or density.”
                  “Fifteen-hundred meters…” Maury shook his head, eyes wide. “It’s got us beat by over a hundred and fifty meters! How’re you not able to gather data on the material makeup?”
                  “Like us, they utilize an operating shield but theirs goes beyond protecting them from casual debris.” Olly brought up a series of figures and math. “Somehow, it deflects deep scans. I’ve used every trick I can think of but can’t get through. If we got closer, I might be able to penetrate it but for now, anything within the shield is a mystery.”
                  “Any guesses at offensive capabilities?” Estaban asked. “Obvious weapons or even radioactive leakage?”
                  “No, sir,” Olly said. “Here’s the signature of the vessel.” An almond shaped object appeared. Four holes in the back provided forward propulsion. The perfectly smooth surface lacked any noticeable windows or bulges which might be weapons. The pointed front end looked sharp. It reminded Adam of a sword fish.
                  “So we have no idea who it is,” Gray said, “or what they want. Only that they’re on a course for Earth and moving pretty damn fast. How long before we could intercept?”
                  “At their current speed, roughly five hours,” Adam replied. “Less if we enter a hyperjump.”
                  Gray shook his head. “I’m not keen on testing our hyperdrive just on the verge of first contact. Assuming they’re currently operating at full speed, it means we’re evenly matched in the propulsion department. Opinions anyone?”
                  “I’d recommend we initiate Ready Thirty for all crews,” Estaban said. “If this thing turns hostile, we’ll want our people out there fast. When it gets closer, I’d increase to Ready Five.”
                  Gray nodded. “Agreed. Anyone else?”
                  “What’re the chances of this being a diplomatic vessel?” Laura asked. “Signs of aggression might be taken poorly.”
                  “They’re not making any intentions clear,” Adam replied. “Good, bad or indifferent. For all we know, it might be a ghost ship.”
                  “Or a fire ship,” Maury muttered.
                  “What’s that, Maury?” Gray turned to him.
                  “Like in the wooden ship days,” Maury continued. “They’d catch one of their fast moving crafts on fire and set it on a collision course with a blockade or port. It caused plenty of chaos back then and this thing, flying straight for Earth? If it doesn’t slow down…”
                  “It would be like a super meteor,” Olly finished the