GALAXY AT WAR - Book 3 - The Seeds Of Discord

CHAPTER TEN - January 2173 - Tranchilite

CHAPTER TEN 

January 2173 

Tranchilite

"We are on final approach sir," said Capustri. 

"If the courtyard is big enough land there; if not get as near as you can," ordered Lieutenant Colonel Twochelope. 

"Sir." 

The Razors Edge shuttle sped on towards Vielwelope Monastery. Tchzor had delayed his visit as long as possible and he still didn't fancy a trek up the mountain. That's when he decided to fly to the top. He knew there wasn't anywhere to land but they just might be able to jump out if they could get close enough.

The shuttle hovered over Vielwelope Monastery's courtyard, "It is big enough but there are monks in the way," said Capustri. "I'm sure they'll move if I descend towards them though." 

"No. That's a negative. We are in enough trouble after the first mission. I don't want any mishaps on this one," replied Twochelope as he leant over his pilot to view the situation. "Can you land outside the gates?" 

"Hang on," Capustri moved the shuttle past the perimeter wall. "No sir - but you could jump out." 

"We'll do that then," Tchzor left the cockpit. "Squad - ready to deploy," he moved over to the door release handle and waited. 

Through his headset in his helmet Capustri spoke to him, "Sir - deploy on port side." 

Tchzor pulled the handle and the gull-wing doors opened on both sides. He jumped the ten feet down to the surface and moved forward to allow the rest of his squad to disembark. 

Once they were all off Tchzor touched the side of his helmet, "Okay Capustri; find somewhere to land. I'll call for you when needed." 

"Sir," came the reply and the shuttle started rising then turned away from the mountain and flew off. 

Lt Col Twochelope pulled the thick yellow and black bell pull and heard a bell toll from deep inside the monastery. The cold mountain air didn't affect them as their suits had environmental controls. 

Presently a panel on the gate slid open, "Yes." 

"We're here to search the premises by order of the emperor," said Tchzor. 

"What for. We have nothing to hide." 

"Then you'll not mind if we take a look." 

"You'll have to wait for a moment. All visitors must be cleared by the archimandrite," the panel slid closed again. 

After five minutes had passed the panel slid open again, "You are welcome to enter as long as you don't interfere with the monks routines. And you'll have to leave those outside," he indicated their weapons. 

"Oh no. We'll keep our weapons. Rest assured they will not be used unless absolutely necessary," said Tchzor. 

"I'm afraid it's policy - no weapons." 

"And I've got the authority to bust down your gates and enter forcedly if needed. Don't make me do it," there was menace in Tchzor's voice. 

Tchzor heard a sudden commotion on the other side and the panel slid shut once again. He looked round at his squad and shrugged, "We'll have to do it the hard way then. Yuusup - bring the rocket launcher forward. 

"That'll be worse than landing on top of them sir," said Putil. 

"I'm not calling the shuttle back until we're done here. They've had their chance to open the gates. Now I'm going to open them for them. Besides - I don't want to be here and I would like to get home before dark."