Children Of Gaia

Chapter 21

The time had come and the three Tarraxen ships entered the fringe of Earth's solar system. As they neared their goal they passed the abandoned Mars colony and much to their surprise a beautiful sight welcomed them. Earth was once again bright blue and green.

In the centuries following the departure of the Gaia station and her lucky chosen, the remnants of Earth had unified and in time discovered technologies able to cleanse their home. The old bio-domes once used to shelter the people from the toxicity and radiation of the planet were now obsolete and some were converted into botanical gardens. High above the planet was a space station, not overly large it was similar in proportions to the Sarrat class. There were no apparent signs of propulsion, the station was clearly fixed in orbit dismissing Felix's first thought that it may be another generational station for exploration like Gaia was.

"We are receiving a signal. Shall I open a channel?" asked Erranos.

"Please do," responded Lloyd.

A crackling sound could be heard as the signal was altered to play aloud on the bridge. A recording began to play;

"Greetings visitors. Be warned if you wish harm upon us, we will defend ourselves."

"They are indeed serious. I have detected silos on the station preparing to launch," advised Erranos. Bligh and Gaia entered the bridge of the Lotar, and the recording was played for them also.

Felix jumped up and cleared his throat. "Hello, can anyone hear me?" The recording stopped broadcasting seconds later.

A voice then replaced it. "Hello? You speak English? Who are you?" the voice questioned frantically. Felix and Lloyd snickered, finding the humour in their situation.

"My name is Felix, I am human and I wish to speak to your superior," Felix commanded in a firm but approachable tone. There was only static in response for a moment.

"OK, I'll try to get someone for you. Hold please," replied the voice. They waited for a few minutes as the worker manning the communications station woke his supervisor.

"Hello Felix, my name is Silvia Barton. You have activated our planetary defence grid, tell me why I should have it stand down?" Silvia's voice was stern, apart from having just been woken she was clearly and understandably apprehensive about having three alien vessels now before her.

"Silvia I'm sure this will be a tough pill to swallow but please listen carefully," Felix pleaded.

"I'm all ears," she replied half yawning.

"To begin with, we come in peace. We are here seeking asylum. We are what remains of the Gaia station," explained Felix.

"Gaia station?" she exclaimed nearly falling from her chair, "remains? What happened to the station?"

"Perhaps it would be easier if we could speak in person. May we dock the smallest of our ships?" asked Felix.

"Whoa whoa, hang on there cowboy. I don't have that kind of authority, besides I don't even know if you're human. You could have attacked the Gaia station for all I know and made your way here to attack us." Silvia was now sounding less grounded.

"Yes true, you don't have a reason to trust me. Is there someone with more authority I could speak with?" Felix remained calm. Even if they did fire at them, the shields would prevent damage to the ships, according to Erranos at least.

"Look, this is way over my head. We only ever shoot down asteroids on collision courses. I'm not saying you're lying but I'll have to pass this further up," reasoned Silvia.

"Please do. We have thousands of scared people on board in need of a new home," explained Felix.

"Understood. Someone will contact you shortly," responded Silvia.