Children Of Gaia

Chapter 10

"Yes!" the Trooper cheered as she turned to Baxter "it's them Sir, I have confirmation now. And look, they have an escort."

"About bloody time," grumbled Baxter, "return the drones to pattern Alpha," he ordered in a huff as he got up. He did a quick stretch and went outside to greet his CO.

"Yes Sir!" replied the Trooper as she returned her focus to the station to alter the drone commands.

It had taken over a week for the diplomacy team to travel back with their new allies. The Drusai could walk for weeks on end maintaining a brisk pace but the Behemoth required a more even terrain coupled with open ground to traverse. The combination of these factors made combined travel a much slower business.

The Drusai placed their spears and cloth bags down then sat to rest their feet and drink as Niezen found his Sergeant waiting for him, "ah Sergeant, any incidents to report?"

"No Sir, all in one piece here," sulked Baxter almost disappointed.

"Very good," praised Niezen ignoring the fact Baxter was unhappy having been left to babysit. "Give the order, it's time to pack up and head out," instructed Niezen.

Baxter's face lit up, "are we off to battle Sir?" he beamed.

"No no," grinned Niezen, "we still have more troops to enlist." Niezen's answer caused Baxter to pout as he would yet again have to wait longer.

"So where are they Sir?" Baxter asked.

"We have been given Intel that there's a much larger tribe to the South. Once we gather the numbers, we will strike the Hyperion," replied Niezen.

Baxter smiled with delight and headed off to prepare the camp for departure.

Felix and Niezen pleaded with Argai to accept their offer to ride on top of the Behemoths. Based on their rough calculations the journey would already be over two weeks with the vehicles maintaining top speed. Argus, on the other hand was more than willing to accept the offer; he leapt atop the closest Behemoth with a single bound. Folding his knees, he sat and settled in with an optimistic grin. Argai looked at the faces of his remaining troop then joined his son on the Behemoth. Immediately, the remaining Drusai paired off and each took to their own perches.

Within the hour the camp was packed and on the move again. With their water and food reserves well stocked they sent drones ahead to check the terrain for possible dangers. Niezen watched carefully on the monitor as Argai would point every so often to keep them on track.

Two days in Argai tapped his spear on the hull and Niezen ordered the convoy to pull over. Niezen stepped out of the Behemoth as Argai jumped down. Argai placed his hand on Niezen's shoulder and Niezen felt a compelling sensation wash over him.

"Ah, no worries," Niezen nodded, he stepped back inside and informed the crews that it was time to share a meal with their allies. Unable to gather or hunt whilst riding atop the convoy the Drusai's food reserves were quickly depleted.

With their strength returned the Drusai continued to take turns napping whilst the other stayed vigilant for danger as the convoy pressed on. This process continued every two days until finally they reached the coast line.

They stopped and parked atop a small cliff. Down a sheer ten metre drop waves were crashing, spraying skyward. A fine refreshing mist from the sea filled the air. Looking out they could see only a vast, clandestine ocean. To their right a mountain ridge rose from the sea and continued inland for another few kilometres, acting as a natural barrier shielding the village. To their left the cliff sloped gradually to a sandy beach covered with shells, where small waves rolled over constantly producing a euphonious resonance.