Children Of Gaia

Chapter 33

According to Gaia the Titan had remained at the beacon site for a few days. It seemed as though the commanding officers spent time weighing their options carefully before making a decision and departing. Gaia linked with the beacon satellite, finding that the Titan did leave in the direction of Earth's solar system.

"We're only a few days behind, with this ship we should catch them in a couple of hours," advised Gaia. Felix, Lloyd and Eva looked at each other ready to give chase.

"Let's go!" boomed Felix and the Sarrat took off in pursuit.

They sat on the bridge in near silence as they closed in on the Titan. Finally it appeared as though the Titan's primitive sensors had detected the Sarrat and the Titan deactivated its shroud dropping to sub-light speed.

"It's the Cronus!" Gaia called out once she could make out the Titan's insignia. Felix sat mumbling to himself for a moment, at last he had remembered something.

"I know that Colonel!" Felix shouted jumping up.

Lloyd raised an eyebrow of scepticism. "You know a Colonel?"

"Well that's if he's still in command, you never bloody know these days," reasoned Felix. "Gaia hail them please and raise the shields, just in case."

"They're already up, hailing now," replied Gaia. She gave Felix a wave letting him know they had been connected.

Felix cleared his throat then spoke loudly in a commanding tone. "Titan Cronus. Who is your Commanding Officer?"

An older male's voice responded, "I have command of this Titan. My name is Colonel Takeji Yamada." Felix closed his eyes lifting his head in relief. "I demand to know who I am addressing, what are you?" he barked.

Felix watched Lloyd's face, the exact moment he recognised the name was easily noticed. Felix could hardly speak he smiled so much. "Sir, you know me. My name is Dr Felix Carlisle."

"Felix? What in Gaia's name is going on here? Was that recording accurate?"

"I'm afraid so Sir. Gaia station was lost. I really have much to tell you. Will you come here or may I dock?" asked Felix.

Colonel Yamada took his time reciting his reply internally before vocalising. "Stop right there. You may sound like Felix but how can I confirm that?"

"Gaia could you please make a video stream available for the transmission?" requested Felix.

"Yes of course," smiled Gaia.

Live footage from the Sarrats bridge was streamed into the Cronus. Colonel Yamada studied the screen diligently. Felix was the only face he recognised, the other three were completely unknown to him, luckily Argus was occupied elsewhere. "Felix, is Captain Yamada on that ship?"

Felix knew the question was coming but still he could do little to prepare himself. "No Sir. Yuji was lost in battle saving my life and the lives of many others."

"I see," replied Colonel Yamada. "I wish to hear of this battle and about the fate of Gaia. You alone may come aboard and speak with me."

"Thank you Sir."

The transmission was cut and the Sarrat dropped its shields as it manoeuvred into a docking position. They gathered by the air-lock waiting for the doors to open. Felix stood in front with Lloyd, Eva and Gaia behind him in a line. As the doors opened Felix was staring directly at the father of his childhood friend. As the doors finished opening Felix realised there were armed Troopers standing each side of the Colonel.

Lloyd also noticed them and like lightning he pounced to in front to shield Felix. "Hey! What's the big idea? We're all friends here," he barked at Colonel Yamada.