Children Of Gaia

Chapter 28

Lloyd marched down the corridor heading towards Felix's quarters on a mission of great importance. Ruby Torres had attempted contact several times and Lloyd using his candour decided to explain what had happened to justify Felix's absence, but it had gone on long enough. After a week of isolation Felix was seen moving around the ship trying to speak with others and busy himself as though nothing had happened. Discovering Felix wasn't in, Lloyd headed back to the bridge only to bump into Felix at the following junction.

"There you are!" declared Lloyd as if he hadn't seen Felix in months.

"Hey buddy, what's up?" replied Felix with a goofy smile catching Lloyd off guard.

"Oh, uh, yeah, you're needed on the bridge," Lloyd reached out to prompt Felix to return with him. They started walking. "You seem in good spirits, I have to admit you had me worried there."

Felix dropped his upbeat facade immediately, "Don't worry about me, I'm fine," he snarled.

"Okay okay geez, I'll leave it. I do have some interesting news though."

"Yeah, what's that?"Felix enquired with slight scepticism.

"Turns out they didn't use nukes, well not in the conventional sense," explained Lloyd, Felix seemed rather confused. "They were Enhanced Radiation Weapons, specifically neutron bombs."

Felix scowled, "Lloyd, I have no idea what the hell that means."

"Oh right, sorry, well basically they produce less blast damage but send out way more radiation over a far greater area. They said the neutron radiation burst should penetrate deep underground and here's the kicker, it decays rapidly."

Felix raised a curious eyebrow, "How rapidly?" he asked now showing genuine interest.

"Within 2 weeks it will be completely back to safe levels," answered Lloyd.

"Hmmm," Felix grunted, "the perfect weapon for the Scourge. Let's just hope it hadn't already spread."

"Doesn't even matter, they kicked us out remember? We aren't welcome here," Lloyd said bluntly.

"I take it that's what you need me for?" presumed Felix without even prying into Lloyd's mind.

"Yup, you're our leader as far as they are concerned. Not that I don't support you of course," he laughed. They entered the bridge to find Gaia, Eva and Erranos waiting for them. Gaia walked straight over going in for a hug.

"Hello dear, how are you holding up?" she asked pressing the side of her face against Felix's chest before noticing Lloyd shoot daggers her way.

Felix simply smiled, "I'm fine Gaia, thank you." Getting the hint she let go, smiled back and dropped the subject. "So what am I doing?" Felix asked of the room.

"Ruby Torres wishes to speak with you," answered Eva promptly.

"Very well then," Felix announced without vigour.

Erranos hailed the surface and Ruby was patched in. She and Felix exchanged shallow pleasantries in regards to Maddison and Joseph which Felix found increasingly tedious by the second. Finally it was down to business and Ruby conveyed the message from her superiors. Once the neutron radiation had subsided and there were no Scourge to be found, the Tarraxen ships were to leave Earth's orbit immediately and permanently.

Felix scoffed. "So much confidence. And hypothetically, when the Scourge rears its ugly head again, what then hmm?"

"Based on what information I am privy to, if it becomes apparent that a foothold is confirmed. Then we will consider an evacuation," replied Ruby. Felix was unsettled by her reply. His temper simmered until finally he snapped.