Chapter 22 – The Silent Response

The Acheli observation probes surrounding Earth detected the launch of a small human craft. It circled the planet several times before accelerating outward, arcing toward Mars. The probes, unarmed and built for silent surveillance, merely watched. Days later, a second launch. Then a third. Three emissaries of human curiosity cutting across the void.

Meanwhile, aboard the Veyra-Tel, Veydril coordinated preparations for the long escort to Earth. The colony-carrier Solrith—newly completed—would travel under guard, accompanied by the Xytherion. Its speed was limited, the journey projected to take twenty days through the cold gulf between the worlds.

Thirteen days into transit, the first of the human craft entered engagement range. Standard protocols were enacted without hesitation. One by one, the vessels were neutralized—swiftly, efficiently, without debris large enough to be noticed from Earth. To the humans, their probes simply vanished into the dark.

As the convoy neared its destination, the Xytherion broke formation and established orbit around Earth’s moon. The Veyra-Tel held position with the carrier until the final approach. Upon arrival, the Solrith released its four colony modules. They descended like falling embers, cutting luminous trails through the thin lunar exosphere.

Within hours, the first Acheli outpost on the moon was operational. Machines burrowed into the regolith, carving the beginnings of subterranean chambers. The Acheli message to Dorrin was simple and precise:

“Objective secured. Lunar presence established. Awaiting directives. Preparing response to human transmission.”

For the first time since their arrival, the Acheli would speak.