GALAXY AT WAR - Book 2 - Probing Anthera

CHAPTER TWENTY - January 2173 - Tranchilite

AUTHOR'S NOTE :- THIS IS THE LAST CHAPTER OF PROBING ANTHERA. ENJOY AND PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE - THANK YOU.

The Tranchilite StarGate's safety lights changed from green to red as the operator from the Kraptis system's StarGate allowed the tranchillion mothership to approach and enter. Green meant a starship could approach – red meant to keep clear. The Tranchilite operator accepted the approach from the Kraptis system by pressing a button on his control panel. This signalled the other side that it was safe to approach while turning their own light red.

The StarGate's energy matrix shimmered, as if alive, before a tranchillion mothership appeared from within. For just four seconds the back was in the Kraptis system while the front end moved into the Tranchilite system, then it was through. It slowed as it approached the docking station, a hundred miles out from Tranchilite.

Motherships were not allowed to enter Tranchilite's atmosphere. The Emperor had imposed a ban on anything larger than a shuttle to descend to the planet's surface. Only a critically crippled ship was allowed down for repairs. It was all part of the previous Emperors plan to eliminate pollution. It had been in place for the last one-hundred years. As a result, and along with other environmental concessions, pollution was in decline.

After a further half-an-hour, during which everyone on board the mothership was processed, twenty shuttles descended to the capital of Tranchilite, Marsoopia. All the humans were on one shuttle accompanied by a good number of tranchillions. Putil and Bernis were the only ones they knew.

"Now I know how they must have felt when they came to our moon," said John Stillson.

"Just remember, they are a peaceful race, sir. But I am watching them closely," said Neil. "How is everyone, Rebecca?"

Rebecca closed her eyes for a few seconds. "They all seem calm. They're all happy to be returning home. There are no thoughts of sabotage and no one wants to harm us."

"How do you do that?" asked John.

"I find it easy now. The more I use an ability the stronger it gets."

"Can you sense anything below us?" asked Neil.

"You mean from the surface?"

"Yes."

"Neil. That's ridiculous. It's way too far," said Rebecca.

"When we're closer, do a sweep for as far as you can. If any of Dowdneer's supporters are down there, they might decide to take us out," said Neil.

"They won't know which of the shuttles Dowdneer's on. They won't risk shooting him down," said John Stillson.

"Are you expecting them to spring him?" asked Rebecca.

"At some point they'll try. That is if he has any supporters here," said John.

"He does have supporters here," said Rebecca. "I don't know how he does it but he can shield his thoughts from me. I'm a lot stronger now and I managed to break through for a few seconds before he pushed me back out."

"How did he know you were probing his mind. You've done it to me, and I never felt anything," said Neil.

"I don't know and that worries me."

"Why?" asked John.

"Because he's not psychic. He shouldn't even know I'm probing let alone be able to shut me out."

"What does that mean?" asked Neil.

"I'm not sure. Don't forget, I'm new to this. But after I've visited the Watchers, he won't be able to resist me again."