Rick and Ellie spent most of their time in Main Engineering helping build the replicator unit. Mike had used the programming from Bronze Five as a base for the programming for the unit being installed in Atlantis. Most of the work was completed in less than a day and everyone was exhausted. Jon had ordered them to get some sleep and finish the work the following day.
Rick was impressed by the competence of the ship's crew and their ability to get projects done. Of course, the spider bots were a great help, the ability to program them verbally for different tasks was tremendous. This would be something he would ask for permission to take back to the TDF. How he understood it was that Atlantis actually did the reprogramming on the fly for what they needed. Being grounded the bots were able to scrounge locally for the substances needed to construct the parts needed.
During time spent in the Engineering department Mike and Ellie had sat down to talk about the differences in the AI systems. What Ellie had learned about Atlantis made the program look like a tangled mess. One AI controlling the entire ship, what Mike called a fragmented AI. In basics she split herself to perform the various tasks needed on Atlantis. At times, she would become bogged down by the sheer need of being at different places all at once. She offered to help 'clean up' Atlantis's routines and make her more efficient. They would build independent routines that Atlantis could start and let run. Atlantis would then be free to work on the more important tasks that needed her attention. There would be basic AI routines for controlling everyday functions. Atlantis would still have access and control over these functions and the ability to override them at a moments notice.
Jon was please with the progress made by his people and the new pilots. He already had a course plotted to Earth and then one to Alpha Centauri. He truly hoped they found what they were looking for, new allies in this war would be very useful.
A large black ship exited hyperspace and headed for the fleet in orbit of the small plane. The Empress had ordered him to come investigate the strange new ship and look over the reports of the loss of almost an entire squad of fighters. Not once in their history had this happened, this was something that warranted investigation.
"Get me Hijar Quellis." A deep voice said from inside a dark cloak.
"The Hijar is on the Cryliss." Another cloaked figure said.
The large cloaked figure turned and faced the hologram of the Hijar. "Greetings Quellis, from her royal Empress Daoiss."
The cloaked figure in the hologram bowed deeply. "Xiaes Nidas how happy it makes me to see you. I hope your trip wasn't too harsh."
A deep gravelly laugh came from Nidas. "Let's just dispense with all the needless banter. I'm here to find out how you could fail and lose an entire squad of fighters."
Quellis caught himself before he could reply, "Sire, I haven't lost an entire squad of fighters. Perhaps whoever told you this has their information wrong. I lost five fighters, they were not well trained and crashed into the ground..."
"And the two fighters that were shot down?"
Quellis was fuming, who could have reported this. "It was a never before seen weapon, Sire. We are studying the reports from the battle as we speak. We have been for the past two days. We also have several troops planet side watching these strange beings and their vessel."
"The reports?"
"They are damaged but in the last stages of repairs. My council believes they will attempt escape in less than two days. We will wait here and engage them as they leave the planet."
"Good, I will come aboard and review your findings. Then we will discuss your failures and what steps we should take to correct them. We have no need to make the same future mistakes."
"As you wish, so it will be Sire."
Staff Sergeant Wilkes lead his small squad down the embankment towards the energy readings. Wilkes held his hand out and motioned the squad to cover. What he saw next worried him more than his zero gee training. Walking down the path were figures dressed in dull black armor carrying crystal clear weapons. On the sides of the head were green 'eyes' and the front of the armor glowed with a dull light. The lead figure swept his head back and forth as though scanning the area ahead of him. Wilkes turned and faced his squad making motions that told them to ready their weapons.
Wilkes spoke softly "Squad Gamma to Base Command."
"Base Command, go ahead Gamma."
"We have encountered an enemy squad. What are our orders?"
"Stand-by Gamma."
The Corporal talking to Gamma put in a call for the Lieutenant in command of Alpha base. One minute later Lieutenant Hedgeson walked into the Command building. He looked over the communication and issued orders for Gamma to engage the enemy. The Corporal issued the orders and contacted Atlantis to advise them of the situation.
Wilkes held up his hand and issued orders to his squad, setting up the ambush. They switched to secure comms so they could communicate once the fight began. The enemy squad slowed and stopped facing the direction of the hidden marines. Wilkes took target on the lead figure and waited. They only needed to move a few steps closer to enter the ambush zone.
The lead figure reached up and touched the side of his helmet. Then turned and faced the next closest figure nodding his head. They all began to once again move forward with weapons held at ready. Just a few more feet, Wilkes thought.
Jon stepped on to the bridge and walked over to the planning table. He looked over the placement of the marines in relation to the unknown units. Jon looked up as Atlantis appeared next to him then turned his attention back to the situation.
"Comm tap into their comms." Jon said.
"Connection established." Comm reported.
The silence he knew was common to pre engagement. "Launch prepare a squad for departure. Comm give me a connection to the command base and the fighter squad."
"Sir we already have a squad in the air on a training mission." The Launch officer reported.
"Good direct them to the engagement zone for air cover."
'Sandpiper, your squad is ordered for air support in section Alpha.' The Launch Officer's voice said.
Jon moaned, great just what he needed. Deatra stepped up next to him and looped her arm in his. "She'll be ok, there's no other ships in the air." Jon looked over and smiled weakly.
'This is Sandpiper, Atlantis Control, we will be in zone in two minutes.' Terri's voice said.
'Roger that, the air is clear.'
"We hope." Jon muttered.
Deatra frowned and looked at Jon puzzled before it sunk in. Atlantis couldn't detect the enemy ships.
'1st Armored this is Alpha Base, your new orders are to support Gamma Squad.' A voice said.
'We copy Alpha Base and are in route.' The reply came over the hum of engines.
'Be warned we have friendlies in the sky and will be in zone in two.'
'Copy that.'
Sounds of rifles going off came from the open line to Gamma Squad.
'What the FUCK? Our weapons didn't touch them... Watch it Raymond, take cover. Squad concentrate fire on the lead figure.' Wilkes voice said.
'It's no good the armor looks like it's absorbing the weapons fire.' Another voice screamed.
A high pitched whine filled the Bridge of Atlantis.
'Holy SHIT! They just vaporized James.' A frantic voice screamed.
'Gamma Squad ordered retreat.' Wilkes voice calmly said.
Wilkes pulled the trigger shooting the lead figure square in the chest. The armor flared as the beam from his rifle made contact. The figure turned and raised its weapon in Raymond's direction as another beam hit it in its chest. Wilkes stared in stunned disbelief for a second.
"What the FUCK? Our weapons didn't touch them... Watch it Raymond, take cover. Squad concentrate fire on the lead figure." Wilkes said.
Wilkes fired again as twenty other beams lanced out and hit the figure in the chest. The once dull black armor was now glowing brightly with hues of blue and green.
"It's no good, their armor looks like it's absorbing the weapons fire." James screamed. James panicked and leapt from cover running away from the figures.
The lead figure leveled its weapon and pulled the trigger. Wilkes squad would have been deafened if it wasn't for the combat helmets. He watched in awe as energy flowed up the arms, into the weapon as a large blue beam lanced out, and struck James. All that was left was a pair of smoking boots where James had been.
"Holy SHIT! They just vaporized James." Frank screamed.
"Gamma Squad ordered retreat." Wilkes voice calmly said.
Wilkes and his Squad started backing away as quickly as they could. "Don't fire at them just back away." Wilkes said.
'Gamma Squad this is Sandpiper we will be in the zone in ten seconds.' Terri's voice said in Wilkes helmet.
"Roger that Sandpiper, enemy squad is 50 yards northeast of our current location."
'Copy that Gamma, make sure your people are out of the area.'
"We're clear Sandpiper, light the fuckers up."
Terri brought her fighter in close to the tree tops as her guards followed suit. They had been on a training mission and weren't ready for this. She looked down at, her read outs, the Squad was in perfect formation, she smiled. One thing was sure, they learned fast.
"Ok boys, pepper the area I have flagged. Use everything we have, we're the only thing between them and Gamma Squad. This is your first ground assault, remember to pull up after you release the missiles." Terri ordered.
Her guards acknowledged her as her read out changed to show weapons were armed. Terri flipped her main guns to pulse and armed her missiles as she approached the mark on her nav computer. Two seconds out she pulled the trigger and turned the fighter into a sharp bank as she released her missiles. The rest of the squad followed suit splitting up as the ground turned into a large fireball. Her computer showed a perfect strike on their intended target. She circled back around as her squad formed up approaching the strike zone.
"Gamma what's the sitrep." Terri asked.
'Looks like a clean strike Sandpiper, they were clustered together. Thanks for the air support. 1st Armored is here, we can mop up.' Wilkes voice said.
"Roger that Gamma, we'll stay on station in case you need us, Sandpiper out."
'Death's Hand has our thanks."
Terri cocked an eyebrow. "Death's Hand?"
'Roger that, one of the squad gave you the name. He said 'Looks like the hand of death was here.''
Terri laughed, "Roger that Gamma, call sign changed to Death's Hand. Hear that boys you have some painting to do now."
Several groans came over the com unit.
Jon sighed in relief as the mop up was finished and there were no other reports of enemy units. Death's Hand was headed back to Atlantis, which made him feel a lot better. He didn't want to loose his sister in a fight, but he had given up trying to keep her out of a fighter. He had made her train her guards as combat pilots and it seemed they made a good team.
"Have the command staff assemble in my ready room in two hours. I think it's time for us to leave this planet." Jon said as he walked to his office.
Deatra and Atlantis followed him as he entered the room. Atlantis had been monitoring the installation of the rail guns that would replace some of her main batteries. The installation was about fifty percent complete, it would take the rest of the day to finish. The replication of the units was simple enough but the installation turned out to be rather difficult considering the weight and size of the guns. The fighters were used to heft the guns into place and the spiders secured and made the connections. Mike and Ellie had most of the control software in place. Rick and the engineering personnel had the bridge control systems almost converted.
Quellis sat in stunned disbelief as the report of the lost squad reached him. He looked up and saw Nidas waiting for his report. This wasn't a good thing to have happen while he was here. How could this have happened? He gave orders for the remaining squads to fall back and to not engage the enemy on the surface.
"Well?" Nidas asked.
"It seems we have, well, um, lost a squad in combat." Quellis stuttered.
"We? You mean you have right?"
"Yes Sire, I have lost a squad in a small engagement. Their fighter support wiped the ground unit out."
"Why did you order a ground attack?"
"I didn't Sire, they were a recon unit and stumbled upon an enemy unit."
"In the air?"
Quellis almost snapped back at this stupid line of questioning. He knew Nidas was baiting him and making him out to be a fool. "No Sire on the ground, air support came after the initial ground engagement."
"Ah, I see. So this wasn't your fault."
"No Sire, it was unexpected."
"So who's fault was it?"
Quellis reeled, as the words left Nidas, he was trapped. If he said, it must be his fault he was as good as dead. He had to think quickly, "It must be the ground forces commanding officer's fault Sire."
"Summon him."
"Yes Sire." Quellis called for the junior officer to report to his office.
"While we wait finish what you were explaining to me about this new weapon."
"As I was saying Sire, I realize that we have never lost a unit in any battle we have fought in over a 1000 years. But, we were bound to encounter an enemy who would be able to put up a fight. The universe is a large place with a lot of different species in it."
"What do you think we should do?"
"We need to study this weapon and its effect, then we will be able to counter it."
"I don't think it will be that easy and yes we were bound to run into an enemy who would finally give us a fight. All of our prophecies have spoken of this time. It is our time of testing, this will be a long drawn out war. This new weapon and the events leading up to the destruction and loss of our fighters have been outlined in the prophecies. It also says the one who discovers this will lead us to a great victory and the final destruction of this enemy."
"Sire, I don't think..."
"It doesn't matter what you think, the prophecies are clear on this matter. I'm here to promote you to Fleet Adjuct. The Empress is giving you the Otrallis Fleet to pursue and defeat this enemy."
"I... I..."
"We know you will not fail us. After this engagement you are to move to the Gesarlt system to meet up with your fleet and take command."
"Yes Sire."
The door chimed and Quellis opened it allowing the ground forces officer to enter. He saluted as Nidas spoke, "You have failed your duty, you are to be executed."
Jon listened as his staff detailed the refit of Atlantis's weapons and the status of her programming. He was happy to learn they would be ready for dust off tomorrow morning. The last of the weapons was being installed as they spoke and the control programs were in place. The first weapons test would happen tonight so they could fine-tune any flaws in the system.
"What about sensors?" Jon asked.
"Ellie and I have been working on that. We've reprogrammed our sensors to look for certain spatial anomalies. We ran a test and were able to detect several of the ships in low orbit. The signal is fuzzy but it should give us enough to target the main guns. To properly refit the sensors we would need a dry dock and about a week." Mike replied.
Ellie nodded, "It's not the best but it should do. Once we reach the TDF and Ian I'm sure he will help you refit the Atlantis with our sensors. If not I'm sure we can convince him to allow you the technology to build the unit yourself. We have it on Bronze Five, just not enough time to install it and tune it."
Jon nodded, "Thanks for all of your help. If you ever need anything feel free to ask."
Just as the meeting concluded Sam and Kayla ran through the doors. Sam ran for Jon and Kayla ran for Ellie. Jon raised his eyebrows as he looked over at the concern on Ellie's face.
"What's wrong Kayla?" Ellie asked.
"Oojoung is cheating momma." Kayla replied.
"Huh?"
"Yeah he's cheating," Sam chimed in tugging on Jon's sleeve.
"What's he cheating at?" Jon asked.
"Hide and seek." Both girls said in unison as though the whole room should know.
Several people laughed and Jon looked up at Ellie and smiled.
"Oh is he?" Ellie asked.
"Yes he's cloaking!" They both said.
Atlantis leaned down and whispered into Kayla's ear. A grin split Kayla's face as she ran over and whispered into Sam's ear. Who grinned and nodded at Atlantis.
"Yes Atlantis please help us with your new sensors." Sam said as she ushered her towards the door.
"Blah, now that's cheating. No use Atlantis' new sensors to find poor Oojoung." A voice said. Slowly Oojoung faded into view.
"No it's not, if you can cloak and hide we can use sensors to find you." Kayla said.
Oojoung rolled his eyes and stuck his tongue out at the girls. "You just mad Oojoung can hide better than you!" Oojoung turned and ran out the door shouting back over his shoulder. "Fine use cheating Atlantis sensors you still not find poor Oojoung!"
As the girls ran out of the room with Atlantis close behind them everyone busted out laughing.
"Well, at least they're having fun while being protected." Terri giggled.
"Yes at poor Oojoung's expense." Ellie laughed.
Ellie and Rick had come to respect Oojoung because of his constant doting on Kayla and his ever-protective presence around her. Terri was just glad to have his attentions on something else besides protecting her all the time.
By dawn, the last of the Atlantis' ground force were back on board. Jon stood on the bridge watching the prep for dust off. Atlantis stood next to him monitoring her various systems. Rick, Ellie and Mike were in main engineering monitoring the Main Reactor and weapon systems. Kayla and Sam were with Deatra in Jon's room, Oojoung wasn't far away. Terri and her squad were prepped for launch incase they were needed. Their fighters had been modified last minute and tied into Atlantis' sensors.
Jon looked up at Atlantis who nodded at him. "Bring main engines to full, rig for atmospheric flight. Condition red, shields to full, weapon batteries online."
'Rigging for atmospheric flight, Main Engines to full power.' Atlantis's voice echoed through the ship.
Atlantis moved forward as she gained altitude and gradually gained speed. Atlantis's shields flared as she broke through the atmosphere.
Quellis watched Atlantis exit the planet's atmosphere. He started issuing orders for his fleet to close on her position. Fighters started launching to intercept the Atlantis as the fleet closed to firing range. Suddenly a ship appeared from around the planet's moon and started for Nidas's ship.
"Sir, a ship has come from the other side of the planet and is approaching Xiaes Nidas's ship." Tactical reported.
"I can see that. Have the Dasgee and Josera intercept it."
Jon watched as the Titan came out from behind the planet and moved to engage the large ship. Beams lanced out from the Titan and hit the larger ship. A beam lanced out from the large ship and struck the Titan. The damage was visible where the bean had hit the Titan. The Titan turned towards the Atlantis firing back at the other ship.
"Get me the Captain of the Titan. Bring us about and prepare to engage their pursuer." Jon said.
"Captain Gilas on main viewer Sir." Com reported.
Fires burned behind the Captain of the Titan and a large gash from his chin to the middle of his cheek. Blood poured from the wound as a med tech tried to treat him. Howle pointed at something off screen and shooed the med tech away. "Captain Hunter glad to see you're alive. We feared the worst when we arrived in system and couldn't detect you."
"Thanks Captain we're fine, please spin up your hyperspace engine and jump to the following coordinates. Your weapons can't affect these ships, they absorb the energy."
"Yes Sir..." Gilas stumbled as the Titan was struck again and the image of the Captain faded.
"Get him back." Jon said as he looked down at the planning table.
"One minute to interception." Con reported.
"Put the Titan on the main viewer."
"Sir, the Titan's comms are down."
"Prepare for in system jump put us behind the Titan."
"Sir we will be at the Titan before the fold drive is ready for a jump." Con reported.
Jon watched as the other two ships closed to firing range and fired on the Titan. The larger ship hit the Titan from behind. The Titan's hull started to buckle as explosions dotted her hull. Lifeboats erupted from the Titan as she tumbled in her last death throes. Jon and Atlantis gasped in horror as beams lanced out shooting the pods that were trying to get to the Atlantis.
"Sir we're in range of the two smaller ships." Tactical reported.
"Bring us between them and use the port and starboard guns on them. I want the forward batteries to bear on the larger ship. Prepare a fold to bring us out behind the ship and have rear batteries target and fire." Jon growled.
"Their fighters will engage us in less than one minute." Tactical reported.
"Target them as needed but I want these ships burning wrecks."
Quellis watched as the Atlantis sped up and headed straight for the command ship. What was the Captain of that vessel doing? He couldn't expect to engage all three of those ships and the fighters closing on him and survive. Quellis wasn't sure but he wasn't going to take any chances.
"Bring us about and have the rest of the fleet close to render aid. Have those two ships close the gap and force the enemy off course." Quellis barked in a deep rumbling voice.
But it was too late. Atlantis sliced between the two smaller ships and her guns hummed to life tearing large rips along both of the smaller ships as she passed. Both ships tumbled unable to return but only a few shots which punched into Atlantis but only caused minor damage. The large ship turned to avoid the head on attack as the front batteries of Atlantis barked out a reply. The damage stunned the larger ship's systems as her return fire faltered and missed Atlantis because she was no longer there. She suddenly appeared behind the large vessel and fired her rear weapons again tearing large holes in her hull. Atlantis swung around, spinning as she followed the larger ships hull as her guns tore large holes in her hull. Suddenly the Atlantis turned at a 90-degree angle to the large ship and sped away as she launched multiple torpedoes at her.
"Sire, Xiaes Nidas is on the com." Comm reported.
"P-put him through."
"Tough little ship Quellis, avenge us."
"I wil..." Quellis started but the connection was severed as the large ship blew apart followed by the two smaller ships who were caught in her blast radius.
Quellis stumbled back and fell heavily in his chair as he watched the Atlantis turn and start towards them, punching through the fighter screen like it wasn't there.
Jon watched as the large ship blew apart taking the smaller ships with it. Jon grinned as he glared over the planning table and spotted the last of the ships.
"Bring us about, target the fighters as we pass them. Prep the fold drive, make for the closest enemy ship. They're going to pay for destroying the Titan and all hands." Jon growled.
Atlantis looked up at Jon and what she saw made her worry. She had never seen Jon lose it like this. She placed a call for Deatra to come to the bridge.
Deatra was already on her way when the call came in. She had sensed Jon's slide, his hate had almost overwhelmed her. It was hard for her to think right, but she had to reach him so she could comfort him.
The Atlantis sliced through the fighters as though they were nothing more than paper airplanes. She engaged the first of the enemy ships as Deatra stepped onto the bridge. Jon's anger and hurt washed over her almost forcing her to her knees. She stumbled to his side and slid her arm through his as she usually did. His head turned as the anger on his face flared at the intrusion. He pulled his arm from her and said one word. "Leave."
Jon turned back to the table as the closest of the three remaining ships exploded. "Bypass the next closest and engage the ship hanging back. Fire all batteries as we pass the closest."
Deatra reached up once again and laid her hand on his shoulder. Jon turned once again, his eyes sightless, the anger on his face started to fade. Jon slumped and passed out as the other two ships entered hyperspace, escaping his wrath.