Si Rosser | Updates

Future Wars - Time Travel Adventure Thriller - Out October 5th

Si Rosser — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

My new time travel adventure is out on October 5th. Read an extract below and grab your copy HERE before the price increases to $5.99 shortly after publication. ENJOY!

FUTURE WARS

PROLOGUE

Salisbury, England

Present Time

JOE VALENCIA CLOSED down his laptop and checked the time. It was coming up to 4:40 p.m. on a Friday afternoon, the end of another week at Bishop-Clermont High school, and the end of another physics lesson. Joe ran his hands through his short dark hair, scratched an itch that appeared from nowhere on his two day-old stubble-covered chin and stood up in front of the class of fifth form students.

“Okay, let’s see if anything has sunk into the grey matter this week,” he said, placing his right foot up onto the chair in front of his desk. An audible moan came from the fifteen and sixteen year-old pupils seated in front of him.

“As we’ve been looking at space, time, the planets and stars for the last few weeks, we can finish off with a fun quiz,” he said.

The pupils fell silent.

“I’ll take that as a yes!” he said, smiling. “Okay, so an easy question to start. Can anybody tell me how fast light travels? “

No response.

“Come on, somebody must remember? We only discussed it at the beginning of the week.”

Ten seconds passed and then one of the pupils, Belinda Marks, a shy but pretty brunette with large brown eyes put her hand in the air.

“Yes, Belinda?”

“Is it one-hundred eighty six thousand miles an hour Sir?” the somewhat geeky, but pretty looking student, said.

“Very close, but at least it shows you were listening. You’ve got the speed correct, but that’s the speed per second, not hour.”

Some of the girl’s classmates giggled at her answer, and Belinda turned around to sneer at them in response.

“Okay here’s another question. Can anybody tell me the distance to the closest star, and the name of that star?”

This time one of the boys, a sandy-haired kid named, Clive, put his hand up. “Is it Alfa Centauri? And I think it’s… um 4.2 light years away from us?” he answered.

“Well done, you’re half right, but I’ll give you that. It is actually Proxima Centauri, which is in the Alfa Centauri triple star system. But in terms of distance to Earth, in the grand scheme of things, its close. Travelling at the speed of light it would only take you just over four years to get there.“

A few of the pupils raised their eyebrows in wonder as they recalled the facts of their lesson four days earlier.

“Okay, one final question before I’ll let you out for the weekend. Can any of you remember what Einstein‘s general theory of relativity tells us about time and how has this been proven?” Joe asked the class, not expecting anyone to remember the answer.

There was a long ten-second pause before Belinda again put her hand up. “Sir; is it that time and space are relative. As in, the closer you travel towards the speed of light, the slower time goes?”

Joe Valencia was impressed at Belinda’s knowledge and recall of his lesson last Monday. “Yes, that’s very good, and correct, well done! Can you remember how this theory has in fact been proven?”

Belinda nodded her head. “Yes, haven’t scientists taken atomic clocks up in aeroplanes and compared them with atomic clocks left stationary on the ground? The clocks on the planes show that time slowed down compared to the atomic clocks on the ground?” Belinda shrugged.

“That’s exactly right, very good. Einstein’s general theory of relativity suggests that the closer you get to the speed of light, the slower time goes relative to another stationary object.”

Another pupil, Edward, then raise his arm.

“Yes Edward?”

Edward asked, “Sir, that surely proves that time travel is possible? Also, it seems that travelling to the stars will not be realistic because even if you can travel at the speed of light, the time it will take to get to even the nearest star, is far too long.”

Joe removed his foot from the chair, to avoid some imminent cramp that was about to set in. “Very good points Ed. It certainly does suggest that to travel between the stars, faster than light travel is required. Perhaps not so much travelling in a linear fashion between two points but more like, hyperspace,” he said, borrowing a term from the umpteen computer games he used to play in the late 1980’s, when he was a little bit younger than the pupils sitting in front of him.

He continued. “Astrophysicists and, if you believe stuff you read on the web, about certain black projects the U.S. Government has in place, suggest that energy can be borrowed from space itself, called Zero Point energy, which can theoretically be used to warp space and time, much like folding a sheet of paper. This in theory would then allow you to get from point A to B instantaneously, without actually traversing the space in between,” he said.

“No wonder there are so many UFO reports then, if that’s how they travel here.” Another pupil joked.

“Interesting comment Simon, but that’s a totally separate topic, for another lesson,” Joe replied, laughing. He raised his arms. “Okay guys, that’s enough for this week, you’re all free to go. Have a good weekend and I’ll see you all Monday, refreshed. Thank you all for your valuable contributions this week,” he added.

The pupils started filing out of the classroom, Belinda giving him a lingering smile as she left. “Have a good weekend, Joe,” she said.

Joe found himself blushing a bit as he picked up his laptop, tidied his desk and turned off the fan, before following the pupils out of the classroom. He headed along the main corridor, chatter from the pupils leaving school for the weekend filling the air, discussions ranging from the latest television episode of Love Island, to various weekend plans consisting of camping trips, the cinema, to going bowling and sleepovers.

Joe walked in to the staffroom to collect his bag.

“Hey, Joe how’s your week been?” John, the maths teacher asked, above the sound of the TV that was on in the background.

“Pretty good thanks John. Time seems to have flown, as usual.”

John nodded as he made a final cup of tea. “You can say that again. But, I thought it was your job to stop time, or at least slow it down,” he said, laughing. “You lot better start working on a viable time travel option, before we all get too old,” he said, chuckling again.

“If we ever manage to do that, it won’t matter that we are too old because we will be able to go back in time to our younger selves, or maybe even meet our younger selves!” Joe replied.

“Well, if we could, I’d tell my younger self a thing or two about life. I’d tell myself exactly where to buy property and how to treat women!” he replied, smiling.

“You can say that again,” Jo replied.

“Are you doing much over the long weekend? Digging up any ancient Roman remains?” John asked.

John was referring to Joe’s love of ancient history and his amateur hobby of digging for ancient Roman pots and coins in various places around the U.K.

“I wouldn’t mind but I don’t think I’ll have the time this weekend. I’m off to Stonehenge with the family, so I’ll have to get my historical fix by looking at the ancient stones.”

A news item on the TV distracted them both and they stopped to watch. A female journalist / newsreader was standing just off a B-road not far from Amesbury in the Wiltshire countryside with hundreds of people gathering in one of the fields behind her.

“Protestors are gathering en masse here just outside Salisbury to object to a new Chinese advanced robotics and renewable battery factory that has had initial planning permission granted on what was formally the site of an ancient monastery here in the beautiful countryside behind me…”

“Damn Chinese. Well enjoy, hopefully you won’t get tangled up in that mess. See you next week Joe,” Johns said, as Joe headed out the door.

Before Belinda left school to walk home she decided she needed to use the bathroom. She finished washing her hands and as she was looking in the mirror and adjusting her ponytail her smart phone pinged. She reached into her bag for it and noticed a message had come through from an unknown sender, a very odd message by the looks of it.

PLEASE, WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T IGNORE THIS MESSAGE. YOU MUST SHOW THIS TO YOUR PHYSICS TEACHER IMMEDIATELY. HE WILL UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY MEAN. 51°10′44″N 1°49′34″W 14:30

Belinda stared at the message for a few seconds and read it several times. Was one of her friends playing a prank on her? I mean, she kind fancied Joe but not seriously. And who was B? She couldn’t think of any friends whose name began with the letter B.

Confused, she took one last look at herself in the mirror and headed out into the main corridor.

Joe walked along the corridor from the staff room, headed towards the main exit and walked outside and made his way over to the main staff car park.

He reached his car and as he was fumbling for his car keys, which he’d placed in his laptop bag he was carrying, he noticed Belinda walking briskly towards him.

“Sir, hold on a moment,” Belinda shouted.

He found his keys and turned. “Hey, is everything okay?” he asked, slightly taken aback.

“I…I think so. This is going to sound weird,” Belinda said, reaching for her phone. “But as I was using the bathroom just now, this text message came through. I’ve no idea who it’s from, but it seems to be for you. I figured it might be important so thought I’d better show you,” she said, showing the screen and the message to Joe.

Joe read the message and re-read it. “How very odd, the digits look like coordinates,” he muttered. “And you don’t know who this is from?”

“No idea. The sender isn’t in my phonebook. I have no idea who B could be,” she said, shrugging, as she felt herself blush a little.

Joe looked at Belinda to see if he could detect any suggestion that she might be fooling with him, but she looked serious, if not a little embarrassed. “Let me take a photo of the text,” he said, pulling his phone out.

“Sure,” Belinda said, holding her phone flat on the palm of her hand.

Joe took a photo of the message. “Thanks, I’ll look into it when I have some time. Have a great weekend,” he smiled, as he got into his car and drove out of the school car park before heading away from Salisbury and along the country roads back home, his thoughts drifting to the plans for the weekend. He and his wife and twelve year old daughter had planned to head over to Amesbury, only a 40 minute drive from where they lived in a rural part of Wiltshire. His daughter, Eva, had recently completed a school project on the ancient stones that formed the famous Stonehenge circle and with Joe’s interest in all things archaeological; it seemed like the perfect opportunity for a night away.

CHAPTER 1

The Weekend

JOE FELT THE intense heat from the bright, green / blue flashes of light erupting all around him. Where in the world was he? The sky above was black; however it was a cloudless night, the temperature balmy, and the billions of bright stars clearly visible. He could see no other light apart from the relentless bright blue, laser-like flashes of light erupting beneath him. He then realised he was on some kind of grassy bank looking down into a wide valley. What the hell was going on? he asked himself, as he felt his heart starting to pound, a cold sweat breaking out all over him. He stood up and looked behind him. There was nothing but darkness, the trees casting eerie shadows, visible against the flashes of blue emanating from the valley below. Joe turned and, feeling scared, started to run in the opposite direction. As he did, he noticed tall, dark shapes looming up from the ground in the distance. As he continued running across the field, the regular black shadows looked somewhat familiar, and then he realised he was looking at the large monolithic stones that belonged to Stonehenge.

Joe sat bolt upright in bed, breathing heavily and covered in sweat. Rebecca, his wife, turned under the duvet next to him and mumbled. “Hey, honey, are you okay? Having a bad dream?”

Joe was propped up against his pillow, the dream, the vision, had been so vivid. He’d not had such a vivid dream in a long while.

“Yeah, I guess it was just a dream, thank God!” he mumbled, as he lowered himself back to the mattress. He checked the time; it was 02:30 am on Saturday morning.

Just as he was about to close his eyes, a black silhouette appeared in the bedroom doorway, and Joe felt his heart skip a beat, until he realised it was his daughter, Eva. She approached the bed in silence and whispered, “Sorry Daddy, I woke up and want to sleep with you guys,” she whispered.

“Not again,” Rebecca mumbled, turning to face the other way.

Ignoring her mum, Eva crawled into bed and cuddled up to her dad. Joe slowly relaxed, the strange dream fading from his mind as he finally drifted off to sleep.

The following morning, the three of them were up early and were sat having breakfast. “Can you pass the milk please Daddy,” Eva said, emptying a small pack of cereal into a bowl.

“Sure honey,” Joe said, passing the carton of milk across the table to his daughter, as he took a bite of slightly burnt brown toast, just the way he liked it, smothered in butter and blueberry jam.

“When we get to Amesbury, Can I go for a ride on my bicycle, and then we can go and see the stones,” Eva said, tucking in to her cereal. “Will we be there for sunset too?” she continued.

“Well, we will probably be having dinner in a restaurant at that time,” her mother said, rolling her eyes at Joe.

“If we have time you can go on your bike,” Joe said.

“Okay, whatever,” Eva said, shrugging.

Joe finished his breakfast and helped clear up the dishes before going upstairs to finish packing his case. One hour later, and with everything loaded up, the three of them were sat in the car and Joe was reversing out of the drive to start the 40 minute journey to Amesbury’s Stonehenge circle. Joe made a note of the time, and hoped they could get there by around midday.

“So, how was your week at work after, honey?” Rebecca asked, as Joe turned off the main road and headed into the Wiltshire countryside.

“Not too bad. I told the students all about time travel, space, the planets, the usual,” Joe replied, as he accelerated down the winding lane.

“Yawn, yawn,” Rebecca teased as she looked up at the sky. “Hey, that’s weird, look at those odd clouds in the distance. I hope that doesn’t mean rain for later,” she said, pointing towards some strange-looking, foreboding, dark, clouds way off in the distance.

Eva piped up from the back seat, “Yeah, I hope it doesn’t rain. I still need to go out on my bike, and I don’t fancy walking around Stonehenge in the wet,” she said.

Joe looked at the sinister clouds in the distance which were strangely surrounded by pale blue sky. “They do look a little odd, just sitting there in the blue, however I can’t believe it’s going to rain with the sky looking as it does,” he said, suddenly recalling the odd dream from last night, and the strange text message that Belinda had received on her phone, which he’d not mentioned to Rebecca.

Forty minutes later, and managing to avoid the proposed site of the new Chinese robotics factory, Joe pulled off the country lane and into the forecourt of the Grape and Olive Restaurant and Hotel, which they had booked for the night. The vehicle’s tyres crunched over the gravel parking area as Joe pulled up into a space outside the ivy-covered, grey, block stone property.

As they were unloading the car, an elderly couple walked by with a dachshund. Eva spotted the sausage dog and ran over “Oh what a cute little doggy. He is sooo cute,” she said, as she bent down and petted the dog.

The elderly woman smiled. “His name is Tobias, and he loves his neck being scratched,” she said, smiling, and looking up at Joe and Rebecca who were glancing over.

“Are you off to see the stones?” The elderly woman’s husband asked.

“Yes,” Eva replied, standing up from patting the dog.

“Well I hope you all have a lovely time and that you don’t get rained on. There have been some dark clouds hanging over Amesbury all morning. Never seen anything quite like it,” the elderly lady said, looking out over the fields towards the odd pattern of clouds that were still present in the otherwise blue sky.

Joe looked over at the rolling hills as he closed the boot of his car. He had to admit he’d never seen anything quite like the odd column of dark clouds that were present in the distance, hanging oddly, more or less where Stonehenge was located. They had the appearance of Cumulonimbus cloud but surrounded by calm, blue skies. They were simply a column of dark grey clouds positioned on their own, extending high into the stratosphere. Joe knew these clouds were capable of producing lightning and other dangerous severe weather. Very strange, he thought, as he grabbed the bags and headed towards the hotel entrance. “Come on guys, let’s get checked in,” he said, pulling Eva away from the sausage dog.

They checked in without a problem, however the family room wasn’t going to be available until 1 pm, so they enjoyed a cup of tea and a scone on the patio overlooking the rear garden and rolling fields beyond, whilst Eva played in the garden practicing some recently learnt cartwheels.

“Can you remember when you had that amount of energy honey?” Joe asked his wife, as they sat watching Eva playing.

“Hey, don’t be cheeky, I’m not that old, but hmm no! Not really,” she replied.

Rebecca was right, at thirty-six she certainly wasn’t old, although being together for fifteen years, sometimes felt like they were much older. They’d both met at Kingston University, aged just 21 where they had studied physics. Apart from a year apart when they’d each done some travelling, they’d been together ever since. Not only was Rebecca attractive, she’d also been incredibly supportive, and a good mother, but it was her scientific brain that had attracted him the most, despite her always pretending to be bored of his enthusiasm for anything to do with space.

The trouble was, Belinda, the sixteen-year old pupil in his class at school, reminded him a little of his wife, how she looked and acted when he’d first met her, twenty years ago.

“Honey…Honey? Hello, Earth calling Joe!” His wife’s voice brought him back from his daydream.

“Sorry, my thoughts were elsewhere,” he said, as he watched Eva land with a thud on the grass following an abortive cartwheel.

“Clearly! Our room should be ready now. Let’s go and unpack and go see the stones, Eva can go for a ride on her bike after,” Rebecca said.

“Yep great idea,” Joe replied, gulping down the last of his tea. “Come on Eva, let’s go to the room. You can impress us with your knowledge about the stones when we’re on route.”

“Yay, okay Daddy,” his daughter said, running up the perfectly manicured lawn towards them.

CHAPTER 2

AFTER EXPLORING AROUND the hotel a little and checking out their room and dropping their bags off, the three of them were back in the Audi and twisting through the country lanes towards Stonehenge. The time was approaching 2 pm and the weird column of stacked, dark, clouds was still hovering over the area, like a wide cylinder of black mist in an otherwise clear blue sky. The view was otherworldly and it made Joe feel slightly uncomfortable. He’d never seen anything quite like it before, but the sun was out and there was no sign of rain – yet. Some strange combination of atmospheric conditions must be causing it, he surmised.

“So, tell us what you learned at school about Stonehenge for your history project darling?” Rebecca asked.

“Okay, well lots of stuff, but basically Stonehenge has an outer ring of vertical standing stones, each one around 13 feet high, and weighing around 25 tons, I think. Is that heavy?”

“Very heavy honey, that’s like as heavy as maybe 12 big SUV’s,” Rebecca said.

Joe continued along a deserted country lane, the high hedge row temporarily blocking the view of the surrounding rolling fields, and of the unusual column of cloud that seemed to be hanging above the ancient stones. Just as he was about to ask Becky to check her iPhone map app, a road sign pointed out a right hand turn towards Stonehenge, 6 miles distant.

“Not much farther,” Joe said, smiling at his daughter in the rear view mirror. “So do you know how old Stonehenge is?” he asked, testing his daughter’s knowledge.

“Umm, I think, archaeologists have said that Stonehenge was constructed around 3000 BC. That’s three thousand years before Jesus was born, right?” Eva said.

Joe nodded. “Yep, very good, I’m impressed!”

Eva was no longer listening and was busy sorting through a box of trinkets she’d brought along with her. They travelled the remaining six miles of country lanes in silence, the journey taking a little longer than expected after they’d become stuck behind a large tractor for two miles of it.

Joe finally pulled into the Stonehenge visitor centre car park and cut the engine. They all got out the car and Joe stretched his legs and back. “We’d better get going before it starts to rain,” he said, noting the dark black cloud column had spread out a little wider, but oddly, only over Amesbury. The rest of the sky was blue.

“Yep, come on. We better go to the loo hadn’t we Eva,” Belinda said, grabbing the backpacks and water bottles from the back of the car.

Joe had to laugh. No matter where, or for how long they might be walking, Becky always ensured they each had water and snacks with them.

“Okay Mum,” Eva said, looking up from something she’d been disentangling. “This is your magic special stone circle bracelet Daddy. You need to wear it when we look at the stones,” she said, smiling.

Joe looked at the white nylon string bracelet which had small stone-coloured cubes and beads on it, similar to a Pandora bracelet. Joe wasn’t one for wearing any jewellery, he removed his wedding ring most nights, but he couldn’t turn down his daughter’s offer. He held out his left wrist and Eva placed the bracelet on for him. “Daddy’s now protected. I have one just like it,” she said, showing them both her wrist. “Now it’s your turn mummy,” she chirped.

Rebecca dropped her head towards her daughter who was holding out a similar necklace for her. “Oh I get a necklace do I?” she teased.

“Yes a necklace for you mummy.” Eva giggled.

“Very pretty,” Rebecca said.

“They’re cool, we made them at school,” Eva said, smiling.

“Right, have we got everything? “Joe asked.

“I think we’re good to go, “Rebecca said.

Eva nodded her head. “Come on, now I do need the loo.”

Joe locked the car, and the three of them headed over to the visitor centre entrance where they stood behind a young couple wearing backpacks and who looked like they’ve been travelling for a while. Joe overheard the young man say to his girlfriend in what was a Canadian or American accent, “Those are some weird, freaky clouds up there, maybe we should buy an umbrella?”

He was certainly right about the clouds, Joe thought, as he paid the family group entrance fee to get into the National Heritage site.

They walked into the building, past the obligatory souvenir shops and a restaurant and headed for the toilets.

As Joe used the bathroom, he looked at the screenshot photo he’d taken of the message sent to Belinda’s phone. The string of numbers appeared to be coordinates, perhaps latitude and longitude. He looked at the last four digits – 14:30. Joe immediately thought of the time, 2.30 pm. He checked his watch, it was 2.10 p.m, now. Intrigue getting the better of him, and partly for fun, he googled the coordinates for Stonehenge, and when the screen on his phone flashed them up, he felt the blood drain from his face.

51°10′44″N 1°49′34″W

He checked the photo again from Belinda’s phone message. The digits in the message were one and the same. They were indeed the latitude and longitude coordinates for Stonehenge! “What the hell?” Joe muttered, suddenly feeling a little freaked out. None of this made any sense. It felt like too much of a coincidence, being at Stonehenge, the very same location as in the message on Belinda’s phone, a message that appears to have been meant for him – the physics teacher. And the last four digits at the end, appeared to be a time, which was 20 minutes from now.

Joe emerged first and waited for Rebecca and Eva to come out. He stood there, deep in thought about the odd set of coincidences.

“Turned out we both needed to go,” Rebecca said, as they appeared. “Are you okay, you look as white as a sheet?!” she added.

“I’m okay, just came over a little queasy. Let’s go,” Joe said, as they all headed out the main doors which led out to the meandering path which twisted its way towards the stones.

CHAPTER 3

A GENTLE BREEZE rustled across the ancient fields that surrounded the site as they proceeded along the path towards the massive stones, most of which were still standing tall and erect, whilst a few others were lying flat on the ground, toppled from their original positions over the eons of time that had passed since their construction. They seemed to glow in the dim light, as if they were alive with an inner energy.

“Who are those people Daddy?” Eva asked, unable to draw her gaze away.

In the centre of the circle, a group of people stood huddled together, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of a flickering fire. They were dressed in garments that blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings, their movements fluid and graceful. A woman, in her mid-thirties, auburn hair with slim features, who appeared to be their leader, spoke in hushed tones, her voice carrying clearly across the quiet gathering. “Today, my friends, we gather here, as we have for countless generations, to pay homage to the ancient ones, to honour their memory and to renew our connection to the earth, the sky, and the stars,” she said, as she gestured towards the towering stones, their shadows dancing across the ground. “It is said that these stones were brought here by the ancient ones themselves, as a testament to their love for this land and their reverence for the forces that govern it.”

One of the men, his face seemingly etched with lines of wisdom, stepped forward. “Aye, and it is also said that the alignment of these stones, with the sun and moon and stars, holds power beyond our understanding. That on this night, when the veil between the worlds is thin, we may commune with the spirits of our ancestors, and ask for their guidance and protection.”

The woman nodded, her eyes shining in the flickering light. “And so, my friends let us now gather around the altar, and offer our humble gifts to the ancient ones. Let us ask for their blessings, and renew our pledge to live in harmony with the Earth and all its creatures.”

Joe, Rebecca and Eva watched as the group moved slowly towards the large, flat stone that served as the altar. They each placed a small offering upon it: a sprig of lavender, a handful of acorns, or a small piece of polished stone. As they knelt before the altar, the woman began to chant, her voice rising and falling like the tide. The others joined in, their voices weaving together in a haunting, ethereal melody.

“Ah, that explains things,” Joe said, pointing to a temporary sign placed in the ground a short distance from the path as it curved towards the stones.

WILTSHIRE DRAMA CLUB, PRESENTS – REINACTMENT OF ANCIENT, STONEHENGE SACRIFICE.

Every hour, on the hour.

“Ah, I was starting to think it was a little weird,” Rebecca said, her eyes widening.

The performance lasted ten minutes or so and the actors then gave a little bow, which was greeted by some clapping from members of the public who’d gathered to watch.

The actors then dispersed and left the stones, allowing the public to move in.

“Come on guys, let’s take a closer look,” Eva said, excitedly.

The three of them left the path and headed across the grass towards the monolithic stones. As they padded across the grass towards the site, Joe looked up and noticed the strange cloud formation had oddly split into two smaller columns of cloud, which were much lower in the sky, as if being drawn down towards the circle of stones by the amateur dramatics they’d just witnessed. Joe thought about the text message Belinda had received and he nervously glanced at his watch. It was 2.25 pm, just five minutes away from what appeared to have been a digital time stamp of 14.30, displayed alongside the message coordinates.

Joe tried to push the encounter with Belinda, and her cryptic text message, to the back of his mind. It was daft he was even thinking about it. It must have been just a silly school prank, although a fairly technical one, he considered.

“So what are the latest theories on the reason for these stones being here then?” Rebecca asked, as they walked over.

“Well, some very recent researchers from the University of Adelaide in Australia have been analysing the orientation and position of the monuments, and used complex 3-D techniques to compare the ancient stones to the alignment of celestial bodies at the time of their construction, around 5,000 years ago.”

“Oh yeah, and what did they find out?” asked Rebecca.

“They discovered that the stones are not just connected with the Sun and the Moon, but that there exists a complex relationship between the alignment of the stones, the surrounding landscape and horizon, and the movements of the Sun and the Moon across that landscape.”

“Wow! That’s impressive, just boggles the mind really, considering it’s so long ago.”

“Sure is,” Joe replied, as he watched Eva skipping over to the closest set of double free-standing stones with a horizontal capstone resting on top.

“Wow! This is so cool,” she shouted, as she stretched her arms skywards.

As she did, Joe started feeling queasy again and a little dizzy, which he never felt unless jumping out of bed too quickly. He instinctively checked his watch; the time had just ticked to 2.30 pm.

“Are you okay Daddy?” Eva asked, noticing her dad leaning against the large free standing stone.

“I…I think so,” Joe replied, as he stretched his arms and yawned, a strange sensation coursing through his body. He felt dizzy, lightheaded, like he was floating. The sky above him seemed to have gotten darker, as if the sun had been swallowed by the heavens.

Joe squinted, trying to make out his surroundings, when a sharp crack of thunder echoed through the air, followed by a huge bolt of lightning which struck somewhere in the centre of the stone circle. Before he could react, a searing pain erupted in his chest. He gasped, doubling over in agony.

As the pain subsided, he became aware of a strange blue light emanating from the centre of the stone circle. The light seemed to pulse and swirl, drawing him in like a tractor beam. Against his will, he found himself being pulled towards the centre of the circle. The air around him shimmered and warped, and he felt himself slipping through the fabric of reality.

The world faded away, replaced by a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes. He saw faces and places he had never seen before, people and events that seemed to be from another lifetime. He felt as if he were experiencing a lifetime's worth of memories in the blink of an eye. Time and space no longer had any meaning.

He started to panic; the encounter with Bethan came to the forefront of his mind. The cryptic message on her phone, somehow it had meant to be for him. He was meant to be in this exact location, at this exact time, and fate had brought him here. He heard a voice, distant yet somehow closer than anything he'd ever heard before. It was his daughter Eva, her voice filled with love and anguish. “Daddy, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen. I just wanted to help you...” Her voice trailed off, and he saw her face twist in grief.

Another face appeared beside hers, this one familiar yet foreign at the same time. It was his wife, Rebecca, her features etched with pain and confusion. “Joe, I don't understand. What's happening to you? Please, come back to me.” She reached out a hand, but it passed through him as if he were a ghost.

As the images and sensations continued to assault his senses, he became aware of a third presence in the room. This figure was shrouded in darkness, its features obscured by shadows. It floated above them, watching impassively as they struggled to come to terms with what was happening. "You have been chosen," the voice rasped, sounding both ancient and eternal. "You have been given a gift, a chance to see beyond the veil of reality. But it comes with a price."

Joe tried to speak, but no words came out. His mind reeled as he struggled to make sense of the situation. He felt as if he were trapped in a nightmare, unable to wake up. The blue light pulsed and swirled around him, pulling him deeper into the vortex.

Eva and Rebecca continued to appear and disappear in the kaleidoscope of images and sensations that assaulted him. He saw them as they were when they first met, when they were in love, when they were happy. He saw them argue, fight, and make up. He saw them through the good times and the bad. And now, it seemed, he was losing them both. He felt like he was being pulled into a long dark tunnel, a vortex of some kind. He saw circles of light spiralling around him, he was spinning, the speed felt immense and then – nothing but inky blackness.

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The Rendlesham Forest Incident - Britain's Roswell.

Si Rosser — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Overview of Rendlesham Forest

Rendlesham Forest, located in Suffolk, England, is a site of significant interest not only for nature lovers but also for those intrigued by unexplained phenomena. This vast expanse of woodlands, encompassing approximately 5,800 acres, is a part of the larger Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The forest is characterized by its diverse flora and fauna, offering a habitat for various wildlife species. Beyond its ecological importance, Rendlesham Forest gained international notoriety due to the events that transpired in December 1980, now commonly referred to as the Rendlesham Forest Incident.

The Rendlesham Forest Incident involved a series of reported sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or UAP’s (unidentified aerial phenomena) as they are now commonly known, over three nights. The sightings occurred near the twin airbases of RAF Bentwaters and Woodbridge, both of which were under the control of NATO and the USAF until 1993. The combined bases were the largest in Europe at the time and at the time, the Cold War was at its peak. On the first night in question, the 26th December 1980, military personnel guarding what was known as the East Gate, observed strange lights in the sky. These lights, described as bright and unusual, were seen descending into the forest which lies between the twin former USAF airbases. Initially believing it to be a crashed aircraft the men went into the forest to investigate. This prompted an investigation by the airmen stationed at the base. The subsequent encounters included a reported landing of an object in the forest, which further fuelled speculation and interest among UFO enthusiasts and the general public alike.

Witnesses of the incident included credible sources, such as military officers and personnel, who provided detailed accounts of their experiences. Their testimonies described interactions with an unidentified craft, unusual markings on the ground, and a sense of heightened awareness during the events. This credibility has played a crucial role in maintaining public interest in the incident over the decades. The official responses from military authorities and later investigations have only added layers to the complexity of the case, leading to ongoing debates about the nature of the phenomena observed.

The Rendlesham Forest Incident has become a focal point for UFO research, attracting scientists, historians, and enthusiasts eager to analyse the data and testimonies surrounding the events. Various investigations, including those conducted by the British Ministry of Defence, have sought to uncover the truth behind the sightings. However, the lack of conclusive evidence has left many questions unanswered, prompting further study and speculation about what may have occurred that fateful weekend in December.

Today, Rendlesham Forest stands not only as a natural wonder but also as a symbol of the ongoing quest for understanding phenomena that defy explanation. The intersection of military history, environmental conservation, and the search for extra-terrestrial life continues to draw attention to this enigmatic location. As researchers and enthusiasts delve deeper into the mysteries of Rendlesham Forest, the legacy of the incident remains a compelling chapter in the broader narrative of UFO lore, inviting exploration and inquiry from all corners of society.

Historical Context

The Rendlesham Forest UFO incident, often referred to as "Britain's Roswell," occurred in December 1980 near RAF Woodbridge, a United States Air Force base in Suffolk, England. The backdrop of this mysterious event is crucial to understanding its significance. At the time, the Cold War was at its peak, and tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union were palpable. This geopolitical climate fostered an atmosphere of heightened military activity and secrecy, which would later play a key role in how the incident was perceived and investigated.

It was the U.K’s now defunct News of the World, Newspaper which broke the story on 02 October 1983 following an account by a former US airman, using the pseudonym Art Wallace (presumably to protect his identity from the USAF). We now know that his real name was Larry Warren, discussed in more detail later and also from the release of a memo penned by the Deputy Base Commander, Colonel Charles Halt, now known as the Halt Memo, and the Halt Tape and the Halt Affidavit – which will also be discussed in more detail later.

The immediate context of the incident involves a series of reported sightings by military personnel who were stationed at RAF Woodbridge. Over the course of several nights, these witnesses observed strange lights in the forest, which they described as moving in unusual patterns and displaying colours unseen in conventional aircraft. The first night of sightings occurred on December 26 1980, when three security personnel, ventured into the woods to investigate. Their descriptions of the events that unfolded would later become central to discussions surrounding the validity and implications of the incident.

In the days following the initial sightings, further reports emerged from both military personnel and civilians. The incident gained traction as more witnesses came forward, including high-ranking officials who corroborated the experiences of the original witnesses. The involvement of credible military personnel lent a degree of legitimacy to the claims, prompting an official investigation. However, the subsequent military reports and explanations, including the suggestion that the lights were simply misidentified aircraft or natural phenomena, only fuelled public interest and scepticism.

The broader cultural landscape of the late 1970s and early 1980s also played a role in shaping the narrative surrounding the Rendlesham Forest incident. During this period, interest in UFOs surged, influenced by both popular media and a growing subculture of enthusiasts. Books, documentaries, and television shows about extra-terrestrial life captivated audiences, creating an environment ripe for speculation and conspiracy theories. As the Rendlesham incident unfolded, it became intertwined with this cultural phenomenon, capturing the imagination of UFO buffs and the general public alike.

In the years following the incident, various investigative efforts, including inquiries by the British Ministry of Defence, multiple books and documentaries have sought to uncover the truth behind the sightings. While many explanations were offered, the lack of definitive answers contributed to the enduring mystery of Rendlesham Forest. The incident remains a focal point for discussions about government secrecy, the nature of unexplained phenomena, and humanity's quest for understanding the unknown. As public interest continues to thrive, the historical context of the Rendlesham Forest incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between military activity, cultural beliefs, and the enduring allure of the unexplained.

Significance of the Incident

The significance of the Rendlesham incident extends beyond the immediate reports of lights and crafts. It has catalysed a broader dialogue regarding the potential existence of extra-terrestrial life and the government’s role in revealing or concealing such information. The military's initial response, which included documentation and investigations, contrasts sharply with the subsequent silence and dismissal of the incident by official channels. This raises questions about transparency and accountability in governmental dealings with phenomena that remain unexplained, fostering a climate of scepticism among the public and encouraging conspiracy theories that persist to this day.

Furthermore, the Rendlesham incident has become a critical case study for researchers and enthusiasts alike, igniting a plethora of theories and analyses. Scholars have dissected the event through various lenses, including psychological, sociocultural, and technological perspectives. The interplay between human perception and environmental factors has been particularly scrutinized, as have the implications of military training exercises coinciding with the sightings. This multifaceted examination not only deepens the understanding of the incident itself but also reflects broader societal anxieties about security, technology, and the unknown.

The incident has also sparked a renewed interest in the study of UAPs within the scientific community. Recent declassifications of military reports and a shift towards acknowledging the existence of unexplained aerial phenomena as confirmed recently by whistle-blower, David Grusch at Congressional UFO hearings in the USA in 2024 have resulted in a revaluation of cases like Rendlesham. Scientists are now more willing to explore the data surrounding such incidents, examining them through rigorous methodologies. This shift signifies a potential paradigm change in how the scientific community approaches the study of UAPs, moving from outright scepticism to a more open inquiry that embraces the unknown.

In conclusion, the significance of the Rendlesham Forest incident lies in its ability to inspire curiosity, scepticism, and rigorous investigation across multiple disciplines. For readers, UFO enthusiasts, and scientists, the case serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding the study of unidentified phenomena and the broader implications for understanding our place in the universe. As investigations continue and public interest remains high, the Rendlesham incident will likely continue to illuminate the shadows of the unexplained, inviting both inquiry and debate in the pursuit of truth.

This comes at a time when we have recently been told by former Pentagon insider, Lue Elisondo that the 1947 Roswell, New Mexico crash was the crash of a genuine alien craft. The Pentagon have also confirmed that there are objects flying around the skies which cannot be identified and that they have no idea what they are! All of this certainly lends more credence to the events that occurred at Rendlesham.

Not to mention, the incident will be featured in a new 4 hour docudrama motion picture, Capel Green, now being shown in selected cinemas in the UK and Australia, and to be streamed for general release in October / November 2025. Be sure to watch out for it!

The Night of the Incident and Original Witness Statements

Timeline of Events

The timeline of events surrounding the Rendlesham Forest incident is critical for understanding the complexity and significance of what transpired in December 1980. The incident began during the early hours of December 26, 1980, when U.S. Air Force personnel stationed at RAF Bentwaters reported seeing strange lights in the forest adjacent to their base. The phenomenon was first observed by three airmen, John Burroughs, Jim Penniston and Airman Edward Cabansag who, after observing strange lights from their position guarding the East Gate, ventured into the woods to investigate the glowing objects they had seen. This initial encounter set the stage for a series of extraordinary events that would capture the attention of the public and the scientific community alike.

Two nights later, December 28, the strange lights were again spotted, this time by a larger group of military personnel. The base’s Christmas party was interrupted by one of the patrolmen shouting “It’s back!”

This time, Deputy Base Commander Halt, determined to put all the talk of UFO’s to bed, went out to the woods himself, to investigate. Lieutenant Colonel Charles Halt, who was the base’s Deputy Base Commander, along with his team, conducted a thorough investigation of the area. Halt's recorded log, later known as the Halt Memo, provided crucial documentation of the events, including descriptions of the lights and the physical evidence found in the forest, such as the supposed landing location and, according to Halt, unusual radiation readings. The release of this document spurned the News of the World Newspaper printing its UFOs Land in Suffolk article.

As the days progressed, the incident drew significant media attention, leading to a flurry of interest from both UFO enthusiasts and skeptics. Local newspapers reported on the military's encounters, and word of the strange phenomena spread beyond the confines of the base. By the end of December 1980, various theories began to circulate, ranging from misidentified aircraft to more extraordinary explanations involving extraterrestrial visitation. The military's initial reluctance to address the situation publicly only fueled speculation and intrigue.

In January 1981, the U.S. Air Force officially released a statement that downplayed the incident, attributing the lights to a combination of natural phenomena and misinterpretations by military personnel. However, the release of the Halt Memo and the testimonies of those involved contradicted this narrative. Over the years, several key witnesses, including Burroughs and Penniston, and many others, would continue to speak out about their experiences, adding layers of complexity to the ongoing discourse surrounding the incident.

The years following the event saw continued research and investigation into the Rendlesham Forest incident. Scholars, ufologists, and even skeptics worked to analyze the available evidence, including physical traces from the alleged landing site and the testimonies of those who witnessed the events firsthand. The timeline of events serves not only as a record of what happened but also highlights the evolving nature of public perception regarding UFOs and military encounters. The Rendlesham incident remains a focal point for debate, illustrating the intersection of military secrecy, human experience, and the enduring question of what lies beyond our understanding of the universe.

Key Witnesses and Their Accounts

The Rendlesham Forest incident in December 1980 is often regarded as one of the most significant unexplained phenomena in UFO history. Central to understanding the mystery are the key witnesses who reported their experiences during those fateful nights. Among the most prominent figures is Colonel Charles Halt, who was the deputy base commander at RAF Bentwaters. Halt's detailed report, which later became famous as the "Halt Memo," and the contemporaneous tape he made that night, and his later affidavit, describes a series of strange lights and phenomena observed over three nights. His authoritative position lends weight to his testimony, making it a cornerstone of the investigation into the incident.

Another crucial witness is Staff-Sergeant Jim Penniston, who claimed to have encountered a mechanical craft on the forest floor. His original statement provides some of the best evidence that something strange was indeed witnessed. Jim Penniston’s detailed description of the object, including its triangular shape and the symbols he allegedly saw on its surface, has fueled much speculation. His assertion that he touched the craft and experienced a form of telepathic communication adds layers of complexity to his account. Moreover, his decision to document the event in a personal log shortly after it occurred has provided researchers with a timeline that is often referenced in discussions about the incident. Borough’s experiences highlight the profound psychological impact that such encounters can have on individuals, prompting questions about the nature of memory and perception in high-stress situations.

However, it must be pointed out that much of what Penniston now says came many decades after the encounter and differs somewhat from his original statement / account. We can look at what he now says in a later chapter.

In addition to Halt, Borough’s, Cabansag ( see statement later ) and Penniston, there are several other military personnel whose testimonies have contributed to the narrative surrounding Rendlesham Forest. Airman Larry Warren, who also says he was present during the incident, believed to be on the second night when Halt went out to investigate and whose account the new movie Capel Green is primarily based, brought forward his perspective years later, claiming to have witnessed a series of bizarre lights and a glowing mist in a field known as Capel Green, which faded away to reveal a craft of some kind, the whole event of which was filmed by the military. Warren's account, which includes details of his own interactions with the military's investigative response, emphasizes the confusion and chaos that surrounded the events. His willingness to speak out about his experiences, even when faced with skepticism, has been pivotal in keeping the discussion alive and encouraging others to share their own accounts. It is also noteworthy however that it was Larry Warren who is believed to have leaked the story to the News of the World paper, and indeed he also made a call to his mother to tell her about the event, only for the call to be cut off to prevent the conversation continuing.

The accounts of these key witnesses are often corroborated by physical evidence and environmental factors, further complicating the narrative. For instance, various researchers have pointed to radiation readings taken in the area, as well as the presence of unusual soil conditions, including the three depressions in the hard ground ( it was very cold and winter time so the forest floor would have been very hard ) suggesting that something extraordinary occurred. This intersection of personal testimony and physical evidence creates a rich tapestry of information that both intrigues and frustrates those seeking definitive answers. The collaborative nature of these accounts allows for a more nuanced understanding of the incident, as each witness adds their own layer to the overall picture.

As the years have passed, the Rendlesham Forest incident has evolved into a significant case study for both UFO enthusiasts and skeptics alike. The credibility of the witnesses, combined with their compelling narratives, continues to spark interest and debate among scientists and the general public. The exploration of their accounts not only sheds light on the specific events of December 1980 but also raises broader questions about human experience in relation to the unknown. This subchapter serves as a testament to the importance of firsthand accounts in unraveling the complexities of the Rendlesham mystery, illustrating how individual perceptions can shape our understanding of extraordinary phenomena.

Initial Reactions from the Military

Initial reactions from the military following the Rendlesham Forest incident were characterized by a mix of skepticism, caution, and a commitment to investigating the unusual events reported by personnel. The incident, which occurred over several nights in December 1980, involved sightings of unexplained lights and the alleged landing of an unidentified craft near the U.S. Air Force bases of RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge. As news of these sightings spread, the military's response was paramount in shaping the narrative surrounding the incident and determining its significance.

Upon receiving reports from airmen who claimed to have witnessed strange lights in the forest, military officials were initially dismissive. They attributed the phenomena to natural causes or misinterpretations of common objects, such as aircraft or lighthouse beams from the nearby Offord Ness lighthouse. This skepticism was partly rooted in a desire to maintain order within the ranks and prevent panic among personnel. However, the persistence of the reports, coupled with the credentials of the witnesses—many of whom were trained military professionals—compelled higher-ups to take the matter more seriously.

In the aftermath of the sightings, a formal investigation was launched, led by the military's own security forces. This inquiry included interviews with witnesses and a thorough examination of the site where the lights were seen. The military's investigative approach was meticulous, aiming to gather as much information as possible to either confirm or debunk the accounts. The results of this investigation, however, would soon lead to further complications, as the findings were not as straightforward as the military had hoped.

As the investigation progressed, some military personnel began to express a sense of unease regarding the unexplained phenomena. Reports of physical evidence, such as radiation readings and impressions in the ground, suggested that something extraordinary may have occurred. This prompted a division of opinion within the ranks, with some advocating for a more open-minded inquiry into the possibility of extraterrestrial involvement. The tension between skepticism and curiosity created an environment ripe for speculation and debate, both within the military and among the public.

Ultimately, the military's initial reactions to the Rendlesham Forest incident laid the groundwork for ongoing discussions about unidentified aerial phenomena. The blend of skepticism and curiosity not only influenced the military's handling of the situation but also captured the imagination of UFO enthusiasts and the general public. As the layers of the incident were peeled back over the years, the military's responses continued to be scrutinized, highlighting the complexities of the discourse surrounding UFOs and the challenge of reconciling national security with the unknown.

The Original Witness Statements

Examining the original witness statements is always crucial in a sensational claim such as this. Whilst the statements don’t provide definitive proof of the landing of a UFO, they do clearly confirm that something unusual happened, Jim Penniston’s statement in particular.

Witness statements were provided by five of the participants on the first night of the Rendlesham Forest UFO sighting in the early hours of 1980 December 26. The initial witnesses were, Jim Penniston, John Boroughs, Edward Cabansag, Fred Buran and Master sergeant Chandler. Colonel Halt presented the statements to Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) after they were obtained in 1997 by Scottish researcher James Easton - These can be seen on Ian Ridpath's website - http://www.ianridpath.com/ufo/rendlesham2c.html

Ross Coulthart has recently interviewed two witnesses to the event, an actual landing of a UFO on Capel Green, which is a separate event to the sighting that took place on the first night of the event. You can watch Airman Larry Warren discuss what he says he saw, his testimony now supported by another military witness who was out in the forest that night, here - https://x.com/UAPWatchers/status/1958557903914238338

You can also download my book. LIGHTS IN THE WOODS from which the above extract is taken, from my website.

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