Children Of Gaia

Chapter 27

It was a short hours wait until the Earth reinforcements arrived on the scene, dozens of transports with only a single pair of gunships escorting, a fact that didn't go unnoticed by Lloyd. The transports touched down and dozens of Earth soldiers ran out, they secured what they could of their dead from the ravaged settlement and Major Lucero left to embark with them. There was no aggression expressed and all weapons were kept out of hand, slung around the soldier's shoulders as they went about their tasks. Felix paid close attention to them, hoping to pick up any interesting thoughts or information. The overwhelming opinion of the soldiers was an uneasy fear coupled with an absolute order to not provoke the Tarrax. Felix's work was cut short when he discovered that Joseph Mott had arrived with the reinforcements and was heading over to speak with him. Felix ran over and they spoke beyond a rise out of view.

"Ah Mr Mott, where have you been hiding?" Felix asked playfully.

Joseph scowled then remembering his orders composed himself, "we have a few things to discuss you and I," he stated bluntly. Felix nodded remaining silent. "To begin with, the Government consents to the other alien ship landing for the express purpose of removing you and your people."

"Removing?" Felix uttered in denial, "I'm not sure you have all the current information, but please go on."

"Yes, to remove you," Joseph repeated himself angrily. He took a deep breath then continued, "after bringing a severe biological threat to our world and at the cost of so many of our forces and resources, your asylum is hereby rescinded by the Government of the United Earth Colonies."

"I hope at least, that you understand that we had no idea those people were infected or that the Scourge could even do such a thing," Felix declared. "If I recall, your own scientists cleared us medically before things went pear shaped."

"Yes I am aware, but that doesn't change what has happened. Furthermore I have been tasked with advising you to depart within 24 hours," ordered Joseph.

Felix scoffed, "oh don't worry, we intend to leave rather shortly, this whole planet is doomed," warned Felix in a dark voice.

"Doomed?" Joseph disagreed, "as far as I can see the threat has already been eliminated."

"You're wrong. So very wrong," Felix maintained. Joseph did not agree and merely shook his head. During their conversation Felix had been prying into Joseph's mind and he had finally stumbled upon something of significance. Felix gasped, "you're fools!" he spat.

"I beg your pardon," Joseph objected in revulsion.

"You don't have the means to stop it, you may feel that your few weeks of testing have given you insight but you're gravely mistaken. I admit that irradiating the pellets for the plasma rifles is quite ingenious, but you just don't see the bigger picture here."

Joseph's face was marked with grave concern, "that bloody Major, I'll have him court-martialed for this!"

"You can't underestimate the Scourge Joseph. If even one of it's cells is out there then it's only a matter of time. If I were you, I would be organising an evacuation," warned Felix.

Joseph laughed, "evacuate? Ridiculous, there's no threat to warrant such drastic action and aside from that, there's nearly two billion people that call Earth home, we don't even have the means to do so."

Felix was fast becoming annoyed, "the Tarrax have the technology to detect the Scourge. Erranos has already said that the thousands that attacked here were only a fraction of what remains, and now, now there could already be twice that number spreading and devouring everything," advised Felix.

Joseph rolled his eyes and sneered, only further infuriating Felix as his mind reflected on the image of little Cassie. First Felix clenched his fist tightly then his breathing grew heavy. He looked Joseph dead in the eye and Joseph began to levitate much to his panic.
"Argh, what on Earth? What's happening to me?" Joseph squealed waving his arms and legs as he was held hovering 2m off the ground before Felix.