GALAXY AT WAR - Book 4 - A Dark Time

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT - April 2173 - Moon

Four blips appeared on the edge of Sentry One's radar. The operator, who had been looking away, saw them and froze. They appeared to be moving at an incredible pace.

"Sir! We have incoming."

The observation manager hurried over.

"Four objects moving fast, sir."

The OM looked towards another technician. "Get General Bolgon here now!"

"At the rate they're moving we should have a visual in four minutes, sir."

"Try contacting them."

"Unidentified craft. Identify yourself. This is restricted airspace. Confirm."

'This is John Stillson. I'm here with the envoy team and a few friends.'

"Send your identification code please."

John Stillson's code checked out on screen.

"Code confirmed. Welcome home, Mr Stillson. How did it go, sir?"

'Very well. Is the general available?'

"He has been told, sir. When you arrive, please hold at the perimeter line."

'Will do.'

As the tranchillion mothership slowed near to the perimeter line, with the three trade ships following suit, a battleport flew out with the envoy team and several confederation council members on board.

"Mr Stillson. You may start your landing. Landing pad seventeen," said the operator.

'Received. Thank you,' replied Mr Stillson.

The battleport accelerated towards the moon before curving around on its approach vector. It entered the ring of lights and flew down the corridor until emerging into the hanger bay. It swung gently around before landing centrally on the flashing '17' pad.

General Bolgon was striding towards them as the ramp lowered and John Stillson walked onto the docking bay floor with a large beaming smile. Ah – home, he thought. It's good to be back.

Following him out were the UN representatives, Pierre Dupont, Vladimir Smertin and Katherine Chaudry. They all looked equally pleased to be back. Then Professor Dewis and Professor Weiss exited the battleport followed by Tadashi Nagata. The last of the envoy team strode out. DeMarcus Dempsey was more anxious to get back than the others. He had a report to file with the US president which he considered top priority. But they all stood to each side before making contact with General Bolgon.

Five members of the security team slowly descended the ramp carrying a borrowed tranchillion stasis capsule on their shoulders. It contained the body of Nickolas Kinnear who had fallen at the battle in the courtroom.

The previously joyful atmosphere dampened, and the docking bay quietened, as the security procession marched onwards between the two rows of diplomats and scientists.

Following behind, at a respectful distance, were two Confederation Council members and two tranchillion security personnel.

General Bolgon and his security team also stood to the side and he said, "Attention!" He saluted, holding his hand to his temple until the procession had passed. Everyone else in the bay followed his lead.

The general dropped his hand and walked towards John Stillson. "Sorry to hear that you had trouble, John."

"You don't seem surprised about it or that Neil and Rebecca aren't here," said John.