Chapter by Gpshaw

Erik

I stormed into the Andilate base of operations. I was greeted by a Artish, I wasn't sure but I would be willing to bet he wasn't a day older than 16.

(Sir you can't go beyond this point) I was walking towards a door that would lead to the main Prince in charge of the operations. I had some choice words to say to him (it was always a him) because Becky had disappeared 10 days earlier and the Anidilates had failed to inform me of it.

"Artish," I said with a sneer. "If you don't get the fuck out of my way I am going to rip off your tail blade and shove it up your ass."

(Sir, our species 'asses' aren't big enough to…)

"It was sarcasm you emotionless cunt!" Robert yelled and I was half afraid he was going to fire.

(You can drop the attitude human you should leave now…)

(Artish,) A familiar voice rose. (They're with me.)

(War Prince Aximi) The aritish said. ( I didn't know your ship had arrived.)

(It did, now I suggest you step aside I want to see the War Prince myself.) Ax was looking at him with a cold stare. The Artish backed down and Robert and I were allowed in. The Prince was at his desk reading a Aniliate Soldier or Fortune magazine he looked up at us with his stalk eyes. He saw Ax.

(what is it War Prince?) He asked ignoring us.

(I think that these people here have something to ask you.) Robert stepped forward his eyes blazing with rage.

"What the hell is the matter with you? How could you wait ten fucking days to tell us about it?"

(Most of the unit returned we were unaware that the entire platoon wasn't)

"Becky looks nothing like the rest of you freaks of nature, sorry ax," Robert snarled. "You might have killed her!" Ax looked angry, this was apparently the first he was hearing of this.

(Is this true Prince? Have you been withholding information from the human forces.)

(Sir telling them about that would only enflame these emotional creatures, it would be best to allow us to…)

(Those emotional creatures single-handedly ended the Yerk invasion no thanks to you I might add) Ax's thought speak was loud and hurting my ears. The prince stammered but Ax cut him off. (I want all data on the lost members now, bring it up.) The prince typed on his computer and a map of one of the Gurwon rivers appeared.

(They set out 20 days ago at the river city of Curtnanta) A white dot appeared on the map. (They followed the river of ten days, as you know the rivers have a damn strong current, 'bout here," another dot appeared . (We received this transmission.) Becky's voice came over.

"Mayday, mayday, mayday. This is andilate communications unit Isaac Debbie 52 we are encountering heavy fire, repeat," The sounds of guns going off almost drowned her out. "heavy fire, we are taking on causalities, mission is being aborted, I repeat mission is being aborted, we need a rescue team out here ASAP, oh no! The hull has been breached we are going down, repeat we are going down ah…" The transmission cut off.

(Most of the crew was able to make it back,) The prince said. (You're looking at a fifty mile search area…)

(You mean you haven't sent a rescue team.)

(We thought there was no nee…)

(I will assume Prince, that there will be a team of your men helping us in the search.)

(I can't do that, but I can get you a boat.) Ax looked angry but he calmed himself down.

(See that it's ready to go tomorrow, is that OK with you Erik?) He asked.

"Hell," I said I'm ready to go now, Robert?" Robert smiled.

"I won't leave her out there to die, and Jade and Marco will be on board."

"I'll get my men ready Ax, we'll be in Cura whatever tomorrow!" I started to walk out.

"Hey you aren't trying to leave us out are you?" A female voice said. I turned to see Rachel and Tobias standing there. I had heard about Rachel's 10 hour labor which gave the couple a boy and a girl. I hadn't heard from the personally since Karen died. We walked out together. None of us wanted to face the real chance that Becky was already dead.

XXXXX

As we walked out Rachel stopped.

"Wait," She said. "I need to go somewhere." We followed her to the entrance to the Cathedral. I knew why we were here, Melissa was buried in the catacombs here. We came to the entrance. One of the monks waiting by the door stopped us. He was a Gurwon monk, he was wearing a black robe as a sign of mourning for the attack.

"My brothers," He said looking at our guns. "I am sorry but you cannot take those in with you."

"We need to, we need defense." Rachel said.

"My sister you have nothing to fear on this holy ground. Give me your weapons, I will return them when you exit." The three of us looked at each other (Robert had gone to secure some troops.) and shrugged. Tobias put his pistol in the monk's hand. Rachel and I put ours in as well. I then reached into my ankle holster and put that pistol in. Rachel put her ankle holster in too. I took out both of my shoulder holsters and gave them up. Rachel reached into her bra and pulled out the gun hidden there. I took the knives off my calves and put them in the monk's hands.

The monk looked at s oddly but waved us through and we entered. I had been in cathedrals before, I even renewed my vows in Notre Dame. But I was unprepared for the inside of the Gurwon cathedral. It was made of the same stone as most of the other buildings. On the ceiling were several paintings of various biblical events. There were statues everywhere of Marry ,Jesus, Peter and numerous other biblical characters.

We walked towards the catacombs in silence. Above the entrance was a carving of Jesus' ascension into heaven as well as the Latin words that translated to Those who lay here rest until Christ's return. We walked down the stone steps feeling as it got colder as we walked further down.

Tobias wrapped his arm around Rachel who had started to shiver. We reached Melissa spot. She in a glass coffin adorned with flowers arranged in a cross fetche. It was a sword that made a cross and had crosses on the top right and left sides. She looked peacefully at sleep. She look beautiful, like Karen did… Rachel sniffled.

"Erik," She said softly. "You were with her, did she, suffer?" She asked. I didn't have the heart to tell her.

"No she was in shock, she didn't feel anything." Rachel looked slightly relived but she was still crying. She suddenly buried her head in Tobias' shoulder and cried aloud. Tobias rubbed her back gently and held her until she calmed down. I stayed for a few minutes after they left and looked at the grave.

Melissa Chapman

April 2nd 1986- June 1st 2009

I often wonder what God thinks of war, but I take comfort in knowing he will forgive and that he is always watching over us even when we are killing-

Karen Lanely Bishop - 1984-2009

I know brief chapter but I want to give more time to the talented one in this group. I'll give you a hint it ain't me.