GALAXY AT WAR - Book 2 - Probing Anthera

CHAPTER ELEVEN - September 2172 - Anthera - 6 days to go

Tanya's Trust settled on the docking bay floor. Neil and Andrew sprang from the cockpit and climbed down. They entered the control room to report to John Stillson.

"Find anything?" asked John.

"Eleven more caves. No life forms," answered Neil.

"We'll find him eventually."

"Have we broken through in Mourneer's Cave yet?"

"There's been no word. The team changeover should happen in another ten minutes. If you still want to know about the progress, come and find me in six hours."

"Do you need us for anything else?"

"No, you're both dismissed. Have a nice three days."

"Will do, John. Thank you," said Neil. They left the control room and hurried back to their quarters for a shower.

The satellite images from Tanya's Trust finished downloading and Captain Xenorphide printed them. He took them to John Stillson, and they started to arrange their forces for the next day.

"That one looks promising. It appears to be large enough," said Xenorphide.

"The teams will be leaving on your duty roster, Xenorphide. Good luck. I hope you find them," said John.

"We must find them soon. The search is already much further out than I could have ever imagined."

"You believe we're going to find something in Mourneer's Cave don't you."

"Lieutenant Mourneer did plan Dowdneer's escape. I believe that finding the tunnels is the key to finding Dowdneer."

"We've already checked every cave within a reasonable distance to that one. I still think he's further out."

"Precisely. We've already checked the caves nearest to us. Why would we check them again? In my opinion they're the perfect hiding place."

"They're still being monitored via satellite. We'd see if they went inside."

"Only if they used the surface. If the tunnels turn out to be there, we've found our answer."

Stillson looked at Xenorphide for the first time during their debate. "Xenorphide, if they're there, I'll send in a heavily armed squad myself."

*

Rebecca was absent-mindedly playing with her pen, using her new-found power. It was becoming easier the more practice she had. She was trying to think who she could take to tonight's dinner party.

"How did you do that?" asked Colin.

Rebecca jumped, suddenly awakened from her thoughts. "What?"

"The pen. It looked like it moved on its own," Colin was already doubting what he'd seen.

"No, it didn't," said Rebecca indignantly.

"I saw it."

Rebecca closed her eyes and her skin reddened. She suddenly felt hot and her mind remained blank. Colin saw her hesitation and then it came out.

"Would you like to come to a party with me tonight?" she asked.

Colin looked shocked and tapped his chest. "Me?"

Rebecca relaxed a little and smiled. "Yes, Colin, who else?"

Colin tried to cover up his excitement and just barely managed it. "Yes, Miss Chambers. I'd love to. Thanks."

"That's great, Colin. And, Colin."

"Yes, Miss Chambers."

"We're going to the party as equals so start calling me Rebecca, okay."