GALAXY AT WAR - Book 2 - Probing Anthera

CHAPTER FOUR - August 2172 - Anthera - 29 days to go

The starship Resolve entered Anthera's orbit and held station. Captain Meade stood by the communications console waiting for a link to the human starship currently on the Antherian surface.

Captain Cain's face appeared on screen. "Hello, Resolve. It's nice to see you. I'll let General Zemorphoride know you're here. You may land when ready."

"Thank you, Captain Cain. We will start our descent."

The screen went blank and Captain Meade strode to his chair in the command nucleus. He sat and looked at the pilots. "You may start your landing."

The Resolve began moving again, at a much slower pace, and entered Anthera's atmosphere. As they neared the surface, the giant tranchillion mothership, Dragen, dominated the landscape in its tilted position where it had crashed over a hundred years before.

The Resolve landed close to the Dragen and Captain Meade could not help but stare at the sheer size of it even though it was the second time he'd seen it.

The Resolve settled down in a cloud of dust as the many thousands of downward thrusters controlled the carrier into a soft landing.

"2nd Lt Ross. You have command until my return," said Captain Meade. "Keep an eye out."

"Yes, sir. I'll let you know if we spot anything unusual."

Captain Meade left the bridge, descending to the loading bay. He got into an AV accompanied by several guards and sat back to enjoy the ride. The AV moved forwards and down the ramp onto Anthera's surface, picking up speed as it closed the distance to the Dragen.

As they drew nearer, another AV appeared on their radar coming in from the east.

"Captain Cain is on the way, sir," said the driver.

"Okay. Keep going."

They arrived slightly before Captain Cain's AV and the back ramp dropped down.

"Keep your weapons holstered unless they draw theirs," said Captain Meade. "These tranchillions are, supposedly, our friends but we still need to be careful."

They walked down the ramp and onto Anthera's surface then marched towards the loading bay and entered the Dragen. Ahead of them was the tranchillion reception party. All around them were guards with their weapons drawn but respectfully pointed towards the floor. Some turret lasers had been set up covering the entrance.

The reception party stopped in front of them and one of the smaller lizard-like tranchillions at 6'4", wearing the insignia of a captain, raised one of his four hands.

"Apparently, your people like to greet each other with a handshake."

Captain Meade took hold of the tranchillion's hand and they completed the greeting. "I'm Captain Meade of the Space Federation. Nice to meet you."

"I've seen you before, captain. I'm Captain Xenorphide of the tranchillion navy and was once a prisoner on your moon."

"Ah, yes. Well we, as a people, are deeply sorry about that and have come to offer our help."

Captain Cain walked up the ramp followed by her guards. "Stop this nonsense, Captain Xenorphide. It is unbecoming of one so highly ranked to tease another officer."

Captain Xenorphide started laughing, showing his numerous sharp, pointed teeth, which made Captain Meade's guards nervous. With a signal from him, they moved their hands away from their weapons.

"Follow me, both of you," said Captain Xenorphide as he strode towards the exit with two of his soldiers close behind.

"The other two will follow on behind, captain. Let's go. And try to relax," said Captain Cain. "If you were any stiffer, I'd be able to go surfing."