As Astwihad's immense armada rapidly moves towards Earth's solar system, Galaxie and Earth's allies must prepare Humanity for the daunting task of defending Earth and defeating this terrifying threat. Shakina of the Trichinas race probed the minds of Michael and Nick before Solana's translation finished depositing them on board the Thunderclap. General Talitha of the Waring race stood beside her and looked the young men up and down, assessing their ability to handle new situations. The two recruits stared around in confusion at the massive hallway and the two striking women in front of them. Michael and Nick looked in awe at Talitha, who at seven feet tall and in full military dress struck them dumb. Nick resisted the urge to stand on his toes so he could look Talitha in the eye. Shakina let Talitha take the lead, while she assessed the young men, to decide their placement. Despite Nick's, Talitha's and her own impressive stature, Shakina noticed Michael stood out, exuding confidence. He looked between Shakina and Talitha confidently, his arms relaxed at his sides. Nick on the other hand fidgeted, his wide eyes darting everywhere at once and returning to Michael for reassurance. Talitha returned Michael's and Nick's observations. Michael's large hazel eyes held her gaze, sparkling with excitement. She cringed at his thick, dark brown hair, which brushed his collar. "I'll never get used to the idea of cutting one's hair." Her gaze flicked down the length of Michaels five feet, nine inches, noting his athletic build, the worn blue jeans, black sneakers and t-shirt. She turned to assess Nick, noting his light blue eyes with flecks of yellow refused to settle. He wore his light brown hair trimmed short around the ears and long on top. She stared for a moment longer at the black cowboy boots Nick preferred. Talitha began speaking, but neither of the young men understood her. Noticing their confusion, Talitha motioned for them to follow her and stepped onto a moving walkway, which picked up speed. Shakina followed, barely noticed by the young men, who kept their eyes on Talitha. Polished to a mirrored finish, milky quartz covered the ship's walls, floor and ceiling. As they passed a group of impressive nine-foot tall Waring men, Nick stared at them in awe, almost losing his balance. Shakina noticed Michael didn't give them a second glance and wondered what he could be thinking. Peeking at his surface thoughts, she found his sole focus on flying. Through open doorways Michael and Nick caught glimpses of operation's centers and activity. They leaped off the walkway behind Talitha and Nick stumbled. Shakina caught him effortlessly, and continued into the medical bay. Entering behind her, the young men stopped just inside the door. The room gleamed in polished green jasper with white striations. Banks of lighted panels glowed above stone beds covered in a thick pad and bright fuchsia linens. A leafy purple and lilac dog creature, trotted toward Talitha. The animal straightened up, stood on two legs and brayed like a donkey. General Talitha spoke to the creature while Michael and Nick looked on in wide-eyed amazement at the sights and sounds. The animal's four legs ended in green three fingered hands and a brown tongue flicked in and out of its muzzle. Green eyes rested on thin purple stocks rising above its head and swiveled in every direction. Shakina looked at Nick and Michael, and whispered. "The creature General Talitha is talking to is one of the doctors on board this ship. Her race is, Quillwort." The doctor dropped back to four legs and trotted to a cabinet where she pulled out a black obsidian pen. Turning toward Michael and Nick, she motioned them to come forward. The two walked slowly up to her. She stood on two legs once more and stuck out her palm. Michael imitated the doctor and stuck out his hand. She grabbed him in a strong grip, and pressed the instrument into his palm. She repeated the maneuver with Nic
About the Author: Valerie lives in Colorado with her husband, two Standard Poodles, Hondo and Tess and a rescue Maltese, Precious. In the past, she has shown and bred Pembroke Welsh Corgis under the kennel name, Tiffanigold Corgis. She does quilting, bead weaving, crochet, gardening, read-ing Mysteries and Science Fiction and writing.