We Make Bombs for the Universe to See

I don't and can't believe that people hiding out in a cave can build a 3d printing machine, and print bombs. So unfortunately, the invention side of the brief doesn't seem to work.

Also, you need to work stronger on what it is the Jesuits are fighting for - you have to explain more what the invaders did to quell the earth, if we are to have any sympathy wih the morally dubious solution. Ditto, why Griggs is on their side.

Be careful also with your consistancy - saying an 9 ft purple scaled beast DOESN'T look like an alien doesn't ring true, any more than scientists can disprove God (and if they had, then this whole religion slant begins to look a bit odd.) Science, and commerce, can be said to weaken religion, with a resurgence in times of trouble - fine! But not your way.

Finally, you should be getting the reader all tense about a will he/won't he at the end - but in actually, it seems more anti-climatic than climatic. Bring us some suspense! And put Griggs doubts before the incident, to lead to a swifter close to the story after the climax.

Hope this is helpful - the writing is clear and concise, but there is more to editing than fixing up typos! Concentrate on what your story needs to deliver, and cut anything (ruthlessly!) that doesn't! And keep writing!

My biggest issue with this story isnt the science, I do agree people can build bombs in caves, its with the characters. They arent really developed in a way that I feel anything for them. I mean, Griggs makes a good point, why Carlos? Did he volunteer (maybe I missed that part in my reading and if thats the case I apologize) or was he picked? What are they fighting for? Against? Or are they really the enemy here and the aliens are the good guys? I was left with a lot of questions that made me feel unsettled about this story.

From a technical standpoint, your writing is well done, easy to read and flows nicely. I had no issues about that. 

Id say in any further edits that you need to develop the characters more, make us FEEL something for them and build up the tension a bit so we arent sure if the boy is going to do what he needs to do. Maybe the POV should be Carlos? I dont know but I think this has a lot of potential as the message you are conveying is one that is both relevant and powerful. Keep writing!

There's more to a bomb than what a 3d printer alone could produce.  To pull off printing an explosive device of the nature you're describing, you would need something more like Star Trek's replicators than a printer.  I'd elaborate on the device and its operating principles a little more.  Maybe they have a machine that prints atoms rather than laying down layers of plastic or metal?

Also, the idea of Jesuits using a child as a suicide bomber is way off to me.  As I remember it, the Catholic church has some harsh things to say about people who take their own life. 

A couple of technical notes:

• I saw this several times: "John said. John ..."  Find another way to say what you're trying to convey there.  Even dropping the "John said" part entirely would work for most of the cases.  As it is, the doubled name feels repetitious and doesn't flow well.
• Page 2: "A day will come ..." if you're going to make internal thoughts italic, be consistent with it.
• You're over using the word "said".  Add a little variety and things will read smoother.

While I can' comfortably up-vote this story, I don't think it is all that bad.   You could probably fix it up with a few tweaks (say changing the religious affiliations of your terrorists, etc.) and some editing.  Good attempt and Keep at it!