Sound off on my new beginning for my new book "The Next Leap"

I added to the beginning of my new book "The Next Leap". What I would like to hear from you is whether or not you want to read the book because of the beginning. Please be honest in your response.

The Knock at the door

Billy was standing with Angel, Candace and Justin waiting for their graduation flight to form up for their march across the parade grounds at Lackland Air Force base in San Antonio, Texas. Today is graduation day and they would officially be Air Force officers.

Glancing up Billy saw his next assignment as an Air Force officer, pilot of a Leap space ship. The Leap ship had began its slow decent and was landing on the Parade grounds ahead of schedule. Billy knew time was short and had one last thing to tell Sergeant Billings.

“Sergeant Billings I just wanted you to know how much we appreciate the training you have given us. We will make you proud of us.” Said Billy.

“You have already done that. I have one thing to say to you all. Always remember your roots. We are a country founded in blood and sacrifice. I know you all have already faced death. So remember this, there will come a time when it’s better to stand down so you can fight another day. There is no shame in that. That is knowledge that will serve you well.”

“If we ever get in that situation I’m sure we will remember your words and act accordingly. Thank you.” Said Billy. 

They each shook Sergeant Billings hand as the Leap ship touched down. As the ramp lowered the Shield members stepped out and went straight to Sergeant Billings and shook his hand.

“It is so good seeing you Sergeant Billings.” Said Tooley.

“It’s good to see all of you again. I was saddened to hear about Woody.”

“He was a loss we did not count on but the job of protecting our president is still ours. How are our new officers?” O.C. Asked.

“They are a credit to their uniforms. I would go into battle with them anytime. Their heads are on straight. They remind me of the Shield. You have more in common with them than you think.”

“That’s good to know because we have a special assignment for them. I hope to see you again under better circumstances. Goodbye Sergeant.” Said Tooley.

“Good luck gentlemen. Look after our new officers.” Said Sergeant Billings.

“We will. They are a national treasure.” Said Sir John.

Billy heard the conversation and wondered about their assignment. It did not sound like fun. It sounded dangerous.

XXXXX

Once inside the Leap ship there was a debriefing on the living deck. Tooley began.

“First I want to tell you how proud I am of your commitment to the new space program. The President has awarded each of you the Distinguished Flying Cross for your efforts in saving the Earth. Billy you have also been promoted to First Lieutenant.”

Tooley handed Billy his silver First lieutenant bars and four shiny Distinguished Flying Crosses were given to each of the new officers. Everyone was proud but worried.

“I just want you to know these awards were planned before the situation arose.” Said Tooley.

“What situation?” Asked Billy. Billy knew what ever the situation was it involved the president, otherwise the Shield would not be there.

“We have had contact with the Greys again. They want you four. You are now wanted men and women though out the Galaxy. They consider you enemies of the planet Ebo for your part in the death and destruction on Ebo. The President refused to give you up, so  they kidnapped him. Solomon believes they will not be fooled like they were before. He thinks that approach could put the President in harms way.”

“Where is Solomon?” Asked Billy.

“Solomon left these four transport rings. He said you know how to use them. He also said he needed his ship and would meet us at the coordinates given to us for the exchange.”

“What do you mean exchange?” Said Candace who had more than her share of the Greys.

“We are going to exchange you four for the President. Don’t worry when we have the President inside the Leap ship we will transport you out of there, then destroy the Grey ship.”

“This was Solomon’s idea? What if it goes wrong? Asked Candace.

“Lieutenant Stevens. You are in the military now. We take orders whether we like them or not. We would not put you in harms way if we did not think this wouldn’t work.”

“Aye, Aye Sir.” Said Lieutenant Candace Stevens.

“Major Packard let’s assume something goes wrong and we don’t transport out of there, what is the next step? I think we deserve that much.” Asked Billy.

“You each have transmitters in your bodies. We will follow you and the Shield will do it’s best to rescue you. I promise you that.” Said Tooley.

“Thank you Sir. We just wanted to know what to expect. We have never been bait before.” Replied Billy. He didn’t like being bait and no real proof it would work.

“Where is this exchange to take place?” Asked Justin.

“On a small island in the Bahama’s where they can see for miles all around them.” Replied Sir John. 

“How long before we get there?” Asked Candace.

“It should be a few minutes.” Answered O.C.

Those few minutes pasted quickly. As they approached the small island they could see the Grey’s ship waiting for them. It was easy to tell the Leap ship was Grey technology, both looked alike. They landed the Leap ship about fifty yards from the Grey ship. Both ships lowered their ramps about the same time.

Two Greys escorted the President down the ramp. Tooley and Sir John escorted the Leap crew. Billy was so apprehensive he hated the assignment.They began the walk towards each other much like ageless stories from the past of prisoner exchanges. Where was Solomon?

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” Said Candace.

“Me too.” Said Angel.

Billy felt the same way but said, “Hush up it will be okay.”

“I don’t know. You have not been on the menu as I have.” Replied Candace.

“Everyone shut up.” Ordered Tooley.

“I don’t agree with this!” Shouted President Mcleod.

They finally stood face to face, when one of the Greys said, “Is this the crew we want?”

“Yes, this is the crew that destroyed much of your planet.” Tooley proudly said.

Billy thought, “Gee thanks Major Packard that kind of help we don’t need.” Billy began to feel sick to his stomach. 

Both Greys looked angry after the remark. The Leap crew was responsible for the deaths of many Greys and their way of life. They were war criminals, that’s why they wanted them.

“Here’s your leader you can have him back this time.” Implying there would be another time.

The exchange was made and they began the walks back to both ships when Solomon’s ship approached and landed about mid way between both ships. The ramp lowered and out came Solomon in a different outfit that no one had seen before. It was a warriors uniform and the Greys acted like they had seen it before. It was then Billy remembered Solomon was also a warrior. 

Solomon walked over to the Greys and said, “What are your plans for these four?”

“We are to take them back to Ebo for trial and execution.” Said one of the Greys in a respectful manner.

“I cannot allow that. I will execute them here and now in front of you then you are to leave this space never to return. If you refuse me the Anunnaki will go to Ebo and destroy everything and everyone left alive. Your race will be gone in moments. Are these terms acceptable?” Billy and his friends were now close to mutiny.

“We have no choice but to comply.”

“Good. Step back.” Said Solomon.

“First you four get close together.” Solomon said to the Leap Crew.

“Solomon you can’t do this!” Yelled Angel.

“This has to be done for Earth. Remember I am a guardian of Earth, not it’s people. On the count of three say hello to your God for me.”

“One.” Tooley became enraged and began running toward Solomon.

“Two.” 

Billy looked into Angel’s eyes and said. “I love you.” He wondered how he went from a high school student to a martyr in ten short weeks.

“Three.”

Solomon had a hand weapon and a blue flash leaped from the weapon. The four started glowing then a blue explosion like a fireworks display, they were gone. Tooley could not get there in time. He knelt down on the sand and a tear ran down his cheek. He had told those kids it was Solomon’s idea. Now they were gone.

Four years earlier.