GALAXY AT WAR - Book 3 - The Seeds Of Discord

CHAPTER TWENTY - February 2173 - Tranchilite

CHAPTER TWENTY 

February 2173 

Tranchilite

"Are you getting anything?" Neil leaned over Rebecca as the shuttle drew closer to Vielwelope Monastery. 

Rebecca had her eyes closed, concentrating on the minds of the monks within their targeted building, "There's a lot of calm, peaceful minds in there." 

"The monks?" said Neil. 

"Yes." Rebecca frowned then, after a few seconds, said, "I can't find him." She opened her eyes, "But that doesn't mean he isn't there. He's using some sort of technology to block the Watchers from entering his mind." 

"We'll have to do this the old-fashioned way," said Neil as he checked the charge level on his laser. "Everyone - final check on your weapons. Set them for stun - we don't want any mishaps." 

Neil had been made temporary leader of Razor's Edge after dropping Lt Col Twochelope at the medical centre in Marsoopia. They had taken straight off again as both Rebecca and himself had a feeling there was no time to waste. 

"Are you sure about this plan sir?" asked Capustri from the pilots seat. 

Neil sat next to her once again, "Absolutely. Lt Col Twochelope thought it necessary to take no chances and I happen to agree with him." 

"But stunning everyone we see is a little excessive sir." 

"I'd sooner say sorry to a hundred monks after the mission's over than die because one of Dowdneer's soldiers shot me in the back after we'd passed them by. Remember Capustri, he's been training his soldiers in there. They'll all look like monks until they start shooting at us." 

"Point taken sir." 

"Land us right in the central court yard then, once we're all out, lock down the shuttle and proceed with Bernis," Neil half turned in his seat. "Everyone look after your partner. Anything moves - shoot it." 

"Sir - yes sir," they all replied. 

The shuttle swooped out of the night sky and hovered above the court yard before landing in the centre. Both gull-wing doors opened and the Razor's Edge team jumped out. There were around twenty monks in the court yard staring at the intrusion. It took only seconds to stun them all. Corporal Mayorpe lead Putil over to the west wing of the monastery to begin clearing their designated section. Staff Sergeant Carphide lead Bernis over to the east wing and Neil lead Rebecca into the northern section where the archimandrite's chambers were based. 

Neil opened the double doors to the northern wing of the monastery. He looked both right and left then entered with his rifle held in front of him. Rebecca followed him inside searching with her mind. 

"We'll clear the right side first," whispered Neil. He moved over to the first door and opened it then moved inside. Rebecca stayed in the doorway - watching. Neil moved over to the left side of the room and found a monk asleep. Neil squeezed the trigger and stunned the sleeping figure. There was a noise on the far side of the room and the second occupant stood up sleepily from his bed. 

From the doorway, Rebecca clamped an invisible hand over his mouth and forced him back onto his bed with her telekinesis. Neil rushed over and stunned him then Rebecca let go and they left the room. A monk stepped out of the next room along, saw Neil's rifle, and disappeared back inside. Neil followed him in and was just in time to see the monk picking up his rifle. He stunned him then swung his aim round as a second monk leapt out of bed and out of Neil's line of sight.