They had debated for over three hours. Jon had to put Atlanta into an endless sleep cycle. They eventually agreed to stay on the base, mostly because of the threat of the Invaru to Earth. Brad and Mike brought up the question of more personnel for the base to help with repairs and figuring things out. Jon agreed, as did the rest, more people would be needed, but he wanted to keep it to a minimum right now. The less people who knew of Atlantis Base the better, they needed to keep the secret as long as possible.
"So, what type of people should we be looking for?" Jon asked as he leaned back in his chair. "Atlanta, cancel sleep cycle and resume functions."
Atlanta's form shimmered in the air as the hologram took shape. "So, what was the verdict, are you going to stay or leave?" Atlanta asked as she looked over at Jon.
The people seated around the table all looked at her as though she had just told them the base was going to blow up in five seconds.
"Oh come on. You didn't seriously think I didn't know what you all were doing while I was sleeping?" Atlanta said as she grinned.
"I should have known better." Jon laughed "We're staying Atlanta, we're just trying to decide what other kind of personnel to bring back with us."
"See, never try to put anything past a woman, even a holographic one." Andie said as she snickered.
"Bah!" was all Brad said.
Andie, Terri, and Atlanta all busted out laughing.
Jon grinned at his sister and motioned them all to settle down. "So guys, what kind of people are we looking for and how many should we bring back with us the first run out?" He asked suddenly getting serious.
"Well, I could use some more help getting the base up and running. So I would think engineers and scientists would be somewhere near the top of the list. Mike and I have an idea of how to get the reactor up and running, but more heads would be better." Brad suggested and Mike nodded his approval.
"I would like to get some more help with medical." Andie replied
"Pilots... We need pilots and support personnel for them." Terri said as she crossed her arms.
"Security." Atlanta replied seriously
They all looked at her and Jon's one question summed it all up "Why?" He asked her.
Atlanta crossed her arms and looked them all over and when she was certain they were all listening she explained. "We may not need them right now, but the enemy is on its way and then we will need them. The longer they have to adjust to the base and learn how to use the weapons and security systems on board the better off we will be. My original complement of security personnel was over 600. The closer we get to this number the better, and the longer they are here the better they will know the base's layout and equipment. There are security sections that can only be accessed by the chief of security at this time because of the lock out procedures that kicked into place when I went into hibernation."
Jon leaned back and took it all in and mulled it over for a few moments. Yes Atlanta was right, but so were the others, they needed personnel badly. But who should he trust and who should he not trust, too many people at once would be hard to control and watch.
"I know the perfect people for security. I trust them completely as did my father and mother. They have been our bodyguards for the past eight years." Mike said suddenly looking excited.
"Yeah, now that you mention it, they would be perfect." Brad said clapping his brother on the shoulder.
"Who?" Jon asked as he looked up.
"Marc Paxton and his security team from my father's company. They have been protecting our family since as far back as I can remember. We can recruit several other people from my father's company too." Mike replied smiling
"Ok people, then let's move like we have a purpose. I would like to get the 'personnel' here ASAP so we can begin repairs and training. Atlanta prepare some more of those nanites for when we get back. Bill hang around for a second I have something I would like for you to do while we're away." Jon said as he stood up dismissing the meeting.
Several hours later the shuttle Razor skimmed the surface of the ocean headed to Mike and Brad's house.
Marc leaned back in his chair reading the files from the Coast Guard about the explosion of the Yacht. They had found no survivors, only wreckage. Their findings pointed to a fuel leak in the main engine compartment which spread very quickly to the propane tanks. Marc wasn't sure where to go from here; with the Anspachs dead it left no one in control of the estate or the company. His job was still the security of the house and corporate offices, including the people who worked there. He had assigned a quarter of his men to the mansion to keep people out, mainly the press. The rest were assigned to protect the company headquarters and the personnel that lived there.
Marc leaned forward and rested his elbows on the desk, putting his chin on the top of his hands. Something wasn't right and it was bugging him, sure they found the wreckage. But they sure were fast on getting the facts out, too fast.
His headset buzzed, "Marc here, what's up?" he asked reaching up to activate the small ear piece.
"Sir, we have company at the front gate and it doesn't look pretty." A female voice replied
"On my way." Marc said as he got up and headed for the door.
Ten minutes later Marc pulled up to the front gate in something that looked like a military jeep. The jeep was unremarkable from the outside, but inside it contained state of the art electronics designed by Anspach Corporation. The jeep tracked all of his people in a five mile radius, monitoring their life signs and current locations. Right now those electronics showed over 75 of his people surrounding the front gates of the mansion.
Marc approached his people from behind taking in the situation that had developed. Several Black SUV's lined the drive up to the gate and a couple of APC's were parked behind them. His second in command was standing at the gate arguing with a man in a camouflage uniform. Marc walked up next to his second in command and listened to the conversation that was happening.
"Sorry sir, I can't allow you access to these grounds no matter what warrants you have." Marc's second in command said politely. She stood just 5' 9" and filled out her uniform in all the right places. The uniform itself was unremarkable, light grey top and pants with the corporation's emblem on one shoulder and the American flag on the other. Hanging on her hip was what looked like a 9mm berretta, but again the gun was more than your standard issue weapon. It had a 'smart chip' in it, if it was pointed at someone with a corporation's IFF chip embedded in their body it wouldn't fire. It also recognized who was holding the weapon using the same IFF chip which allowed it to fire. Her name was Sara and she was not someone to take lightly.
"Little lady I don't care if God himself told you not to let me in. You are on American soil and are therefore under the jurisdiction of the United States and what I'm holding in my hand is legal and binding" The large captain almost yelled back at her while shaking the papers in his hand.
Sara crossed her arms and smiled at Marc then said, "Sir as I have explained you and your men are not standing on American soil. The Anspachs bought this property from the United States ten years ago. You and your men are actually trespassing and I'll ask you again to leave or we will be forced to remove you."
Marc took this moment to give the papers he had in his hand to the captain. "Captain these papers are documents filed with the United States government showing the land you're standing on as belonging to the Anspachs. The U.S. did this because of the sensitive nature of the research being done here and the need for the Anspach Corporation to be protected even from the government itself."
The captain read over the documents and huffed, "Seems to me the Anspachs are dead and that's why we're here to secure this compound to make sure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. Now if you would please allow me to do my job and let us in."
"I can't do that sir, sorry" Marc said as he turned away. Sara followed Marc as he walked away from the gates, she almost ran into him when he stopped short and turned back to the red faced captain.
"Tell you what captain; until I get time to talk to the President, you and your men are more than welcome to protect the outside of this compound. If I catch any of your people inside they'll be dealt with harshly." Marc said in an even tone.
The captain just nodded, knowing his time would come once this upstart talked to the President, considering his orders came from his Chief of Staff.
The shuttle skimmed over the top of the water headed for Mark and Brad's house. They had waited until night because Jonathan thought that would be the best time to make a landing and get the shuttle under cover. Terri was leaning back in the pilot's chair watching the power readings and course corrections taking place. The shuttle basically flew itself once you gave it a destination; she had discovered a few things she had missed before. The shuttle had a light shield and two light magnetic pulse cannons; Razor was more intelligent than she first thought. The shuttle also had a sound dampening field that could help make it stealthy, which was turned on.
Terri circled their landing spot three times to make sure no one was around the beach, scanning the entire area. Finally she picked a place where the shuttle would be hard to see from the house or water.
The five people from the shuttle silently made their way towards the mansion passing through a security gate that Brad knew the combo to. Mike and Brad were in the lead when they heard a low growl coming from the darkness ahead. They all froze in their tracks trying to peer into the darkness, only to hear a matching growl come from behind them.
Brad knelt down on one knee and whispered the name 'Hera' and tapped his leg. The night got silent for a second and slowly from the darkness a large form came into view, the rottweiler was crouched low to the ground. When she reached Brad she sniffed him once then laid down on her back and whined, Brad reached out and rubbed her belly. Mike felt something shove him from behind and turned to look down at the other rottweiler.
"Zeus, how are you boy?" Mike said as he bent down and scratched the large dog behind the ears.
The next thing the small group heard was a voice from the darkness, "Freeze!"
Zeus and Hera moved in front of Mike and Brad and watched the darkness silently. Lights from all sides of the group flared to life illuminating the area. Not being able to see the figures on the other side of the flashlights Jonathan tried to shield his eyes from the intense light. Terri moved closer to her brother and Andie moved closer to Mike and Brad.
Brad was first to speak up, "Zeus, Hera heel." The dogs moved to either side of Brad and Mike although they were still plainly agitated that their masters might be in danger.
"Holy shit! Brad? Mike?" a female's voice said from the darkness.
"Yes, who am I speaking to?" Mike replied
"Corporal Sara Jenkins sir." Sara said as she stepped forward into the light and saluted. She made a motion with her hand and several of the lights winked off. "We thought you were dead sir. Marc will want to see you right away, there's been some developments lately you should know about."
Marc sat at his desk watching the five people sitting before him. He had told them everything that had happened from the time of the explosion until now. Now he waited for orders from Mike and Brad as to what to do about the military that was banging at the front gate. Mike, Brad and Jonathan were in a discussion about what to do when Marc interrupted.
"Sorry to interject but Jonathan this doesn't really concern you, this is more of a family matter." Marc said firmly.
Jonathan looked up at Marc and smiled a half smile, "I'm sorry Captain, this does concern me. Mike and Brad are family and I may have the solution to the problem."
Brad and Mike exchanged looks, turning to face Marc, Brad spoke first "Marc relax a bit and let us tell you the story of where we have been the past day and a half."
Mike then began the story from the beginning telling Marc and Sara everything in detail of what had happened to them. Jonathan got a call from Bill while he was relating the story and stepped away to take it. Terri and Andie had rummaged around the kitchen gathering food for them all. Jonathan stepped back into the room with Terri and Andie right as Mike was finishing up.
"And now here we are. What we would like to know is if you and your group would like to help us. If so we would like to move everything here back to Atlantis Base and in effect leave nothing for the government to find." Mike finished
Marc and Sara were both definitely interested and Marc was sure the rest of the troops would be. Hell, he was even sure the people who lived and worked here would be more than willing to move. None of them would want to fall into the hands of the government, the only question would be how long it would take. Jonathan took that time to explain that he already had two troop ships on their way, he had William and Atlanta prepping them when they had left the base.
Half a day, 145 people and two canines later, Atlantis Base was a beehive of activity. Atlanta was assigning people based on their skills, Medical had finally been opened and Andie had things to do. Ten nurses and three doctors later she started the nanite treatments for the rest of the crew. Marc and Sara got the security personnel settled in and figured out a duty schedule, while Mike, Brad and their people set to work on getting the main reactor on-line. Jonathan and William got the new command and control people settled in to help with the monitoring and coordination of the base personnel. That's when Jonathan called a command staff meeting, he had been sitting staring at a screen one of the crew had pointed out to him asking if he knew what it was. Atlanta was the one who clued him in about what he was looking at, she had began making rounds helping the new people settle in when he called her.
Oojoung was hiding around one of the corners watching the hoomans work on the main reactor. He wasn't very happy about the things that were going on especially since they brought more of the hoomans back with them. He squatted down and watched Brad work, this hoomen was very smart, so was the other one that looked the same. His com unit gave a slight vibration signaling him that his master was calling.
Oojoung moved swiftly down the corridor back to his secret hiding place. Once there he disengaged his camo field and activated his com unit.
"Yes master, you servant is here." Oojoung said
'How is everything going there? Is everything ready for my arrival?' a gruff voice said
"Master, there are complications that I couldn't predict or stop." Oojoung's voice almost broke as he tried to get this out.
'What complications?' the voice growled back
Oojoung started to fidget "They got more Hoomans Master there was nothing I could do. You told me..."
'WHAT!? You useless excuse for a servant! You let them bring more humans to the base? I told you to DELAY them, did I not? The fleet is one day out and now we might actually have a harder time bringing this planet under our rule, because of your incompetence. IF you survive expect the worse punishment I can think of for your lack of brains in this matter. You have caused me enough grief... ' The voice lapsed as though listening to something.
Oojoung moaned quietly to himself not knowing what he should do, he hated his master. But his master was the only thing that had kept him alive this long, but now he was sure he was dead. He slowly shook his head and slouched against the wall.
'Turn on your locator beacon, we will use it to pummel the outpost into dust. It seems since they were able to get help, because you couldn't do your job, they have been tracking us since we entered the system. There is no telling how much of the outpost is up and running. Do it now, turn on your beacon and stay put... ' The voice faded
Oojoung reached out and tapped a small object attached to his forearm. He then sat back and contemplated his life.
Jonathan sat at the head of the oval table in the briefing room, he was looking at all of his department heads, new and old. He wasn't sure about how he was going to let them all know what was coming their way. First he wanted a status report from them, he started there.
"Marc how is everything going on your end?" Jon asked
"We're getting settled in and getting the security rotation finalized. I've got guards posted in all the critical areas and as we discussed we have some that are filling dual roles, which should help with security. Atlanta has been checking us out on the new armor and weapons we have here on the base, as well as updating all of the security protocols." Marc said as he leaned back in his chair.
"Good work, I would like to have a couple security personnel stationed in Command and Control if you have them to spare." Jon said
"Sure not a problem I'll give that task to my second in command if that's ok." Marc replied
"Sure, just get it done ASAP. You'll understand the need once we're done with this briefing." Jon said as he turned his attention to Brad. "Brad, how are things going in engineering?"
Brad looked over at Mike then looked back to Jon "We think we will be able to get the main reactor on-line. But it's going to be a patch job and I don't know how long it will hold. Hopefully long enough to get it fixed right and we need the main power for that. We need access to some of the machinery that is off-line because of the power restrictions."
Jon looked over to Mike then back to Brad "Will it be safe?"
"Safe as we can make it be. We're only going to bring main power to 40%, that with the back up reactors should give us the power we need to do what we need to do. Mike has been modifying the main and secondary programs with fail safes to make sure we don't do anything harmful." Brad said
"Atlanta has again been very helpful with that, she has pointed out where the safeties need to go in the main routines" Mike said as he flashed Atlanta a smile.
"Alright, how long before you start it up?" Jon said as he leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table.
"Six, maybe seven hours or more for a test run." Brad said as he looked back over at his brother. Mike just nodded back answering the unasked question.
Jon nodded and turned to Andie "Medical?"
"I have ten nurses and three doctors and we have about 75% of the personnel treated with the nanites. The rest of them should be done in about three hours tops. Other than that everything is going like it should in my department, quiet, just how I like it." Andie replied chuckling a bit to herself. The doctors and nurse hadn't wanted to follow Andie at first, but after a talk with Brad and Jonathan they reluctantly agreed, especially once they saw how the nanites worked and could teach needed skills in little time.
Everyone snickered at the comment, Jon was the only one who didn't and not one person in the room missed it.
"Command and Control," Jon asked Bill.
"We're about as staffed as we can get right now with what personnel we have. Per your orders we have routed power to the sensors and data net. There are still a lot of systems off-line because of the power requirements so a light staff is all we need right now." Bill said the frown plainly visible on his face. He was concerned about Jon's reaction to Andie's attempted joke.
Jon nodded "Deck Chief, how are things in your department?" Jon asked as he turned to his sister.
Terri was so worried she almost missed the question "They're going pretty good so far. My small team and I have about 35% of the shuttles up and running, we did that while training on the systems in Flight. I have about one quarter of my people training on the fighters, but it's going to be awhile before we have any of those up and running. I could use some help from engineering when they have the time."
"Ok, it seems like everything is coming along nicely. Mike, Brad when you get a chance help Terri out in Flight Control. Now I have to toss a bug in the ointment." Jon said as he got up and moved over to the table with the refreshments on it.
"As of one hour ago Tracking in Command and Control has been following several objects headed on what we think is an intercept course for Earth." Jon said as he walked back to the table and sat down, placing his water on the table. "Atlanta display image please."
A hologram came to life in the center of the table showing all the planets of the solar system. Next to Mars were four little objects labeled as unidentified, a red line plotted the course of the objects and intersected Earth. Above each object was the ETA to Earth, all of them had less than 24 hours.
"Atlanta has been tracking them with one of her secondary AI routines. She thinks they're Invaru Battle Cruisers, if they are we might be in trouble. What I want is ideas. We'll meet back here in twelve hours to discuss options. I would like everyone to double their efforts, Andie see if any of your people can help other departments out. Terri if you don't think you can get any of those fighters up and running disperse your department to help out where ever they can, but I want you and two other pilots with shuttles prepped in case we need to leave quickly. Dismissed." Jon said as he looked around to the pale faces that surrounded him. Talking broke out immediately as they got up to leave the room. After they had gone, Jon sunk into his chair and stared at the updating hologram. He watched as the blips moved closer to Earth with every passing minute.
Brad and Mike double checked everything one last time before calling Jon. They were pretty sure all the safeties were in place and all precautions they could take were done. It had taken them eleven hours to get to this point but with what they were about to face they didn't want any mistakes.
"Computer, connect to Commander Hunter." Brad said
'Link established' A voice said.
"Commander, we're ready to proceed here." Brad said
"Ok let me get to Command." Jon replied
'Personnel of Atlantis Base stand by for primary reactor start up. Set condition red thoughout the base, I repeat condition red. Medical to stand-by, Security Search and Rescue to stand-by. Primary start up in T-20 seconds.' Jon's voice echoed through the base.
Atlanta started the count down, '15, 14, 13, 12, 11'
"Primary reactor stage 3" a male technician said. He had been warming up and monitoring the main reactor for the past three hours.
"Secondary reactors to stage 2, power out-put reduced to 40%" a female tech said
'10, 9, 8, 7'
"Main reactor online, sub-routines active." Mike said
'6, 5, 4, 3'
"Primary reactor stage 4 and go for start up." the male tech said
'2, 1, 0'
Brad reached over and touched a sequence of buttons on his holo display. "Primary reactor start-up engaged, I have green across the board."
All over Atlantis Base unknown systems flared to life, dim hallways brightened. Systems started running at 90% to 100% power. The main reactor started to hum as everyone in the room looked at it and smiled at each other.
Jonathan watched as stations with no power suddenly sprang to life, he smiled.
Oojoung leapt up to his feet as the lights brightened around him and terminals in the room came to life.
"No, bad bad bad. Outpost not supposed to have power... Oh no no no bad bad, must stop power." With that Oojoung tapped his camo unit and started to run towards the main reactor room.
As he turned a corner that lead to the main reactor he noticed two very large black and brown forms on either side of the door. He wasn't threatened at all by them, after all he was invisible. It was then that the larger of the two raised its head and stared directly at him and started to growl. The other one stood up and started to growl too, now he was not as comfortable as he was three seconds ago.
Oojoung took this time to turn and start running back the way he came, only to hear the clicking of the dog's claws following him. It was at this moment that everything got suddenly dark and Oojoung thought, 'No not now Oojoung now needs power and lights.', he then ran into something very solid that knocked him out-cold.
Brad and Mike almost panicked but suddenly the lights and power came back.
'Back up systems to stand-by, primary systems on-line.' Atlanta's voice echoed.
But before anyone could cheer the whole base shook and people were knocked off their feet.
"Brad, Mike what the hell was that?" Jon's voice asked through the link.
Brad and Mike were both scanning terminals looking for a problem. "Jon I don't know, as far as I can tell we're ok down here." Brad replied.
Atlanta stood off to Jon's side in a trance like state. "Atlanta I need your help." Jon said as he stepped a bit closer "I need you to run a..." Before Jon could finish Atlanta faded out of sight.
Jon's jaw dropped, "What the hell! Atlanta come back here right now, that's an order!" Jon yelled
Nothing happened. "Computer." Jon said
No reply.
Jon turned to one of the crew members "Carla what's the status of the computer?"
Carla tapped a few buttons, paled and turned to Jon "Off-line sir."
"Can you get me a link to engineering?" Jon asked moving over to her side
She tapped a few more buttons "No sir comms are down."
"Ok, I'm headed to engineering if you need me." Jon said as he walked over to the door that lead to the lift, which he walked right into as it failed to open. "What the fuck is going on?!" he said as he picked himself up off the ground.
Just then another light tremor shook the base.
"Sir, I know where the tremors are coming from." Jack said.
"Where?" Jon said as he moved over to look at the screen.
"Space..." Jack replied pointing to the two objects displayed on his screen
"Huh?" Jon said as he looked closer at the screen.
"We're being shot at from space." Jack said turning in his chair to face Jon
"Impossible they're not supposed to be here for another 12 hours." Jon said turning to the center planning table. "Bring up the system view."
Jack routed his console to the table and then got up and started tapping buttons on the table's control console. The map of the system clearly showed the four in bound objects and it showed two new objects in orbit of Earth. The objects in orbit were close enough to get a reading on, Jon reached out and touched one. A smaller image overlapped the main display showing them to be Invaru Light Cruisers. One of the images faded out and the other one showed a weapons charge up. Jon felt another tremor run through the base as he watched a beam lance out from the remaining ship.
"Sir we have multiple surface launches from around the globe." Jack said as he touched another button which highlighted the nuclear missiles.
Jon watched as the missiles impacted the ship which displayed no damage. As the shock wave reached where the other ship was an outline could be seen of the ship.
"They're either cloaked or have figured a way to jam our sensors." Jon said
"Second cruiser becoming visible." Carla said
Jon watched in horror as the second ship faded into view and started shooting at ground targets. Houston, Dallas, Washington DC, Seattle, Moscow, London, Tokyo, and countless other cities vanished.
"Jo... static... ying to re... static... tor... oms" Jon heard through his com.
"Ok, do what you can Brad. We're in a bad situation right now and I need the coms up and running and get Atlanta back on-line." Jon replied hoping Brad got the message.
"Sir, I think I figured out some of new systems that are on-line." Carla said
"What have you got for me." Jon said moving to her side.
"Well some of these new systems are defensive and some offensive it looks like. The offensive are still off-line but it looks like the defensive are in the green. If I understand what I'm looking at, these are defensive screens and dampeners like on the shuttles." She told him
"Well what are you waiting for an invitation from the Easter Bunny? Turn the damn things on and hope they work." Jon said gaining a little bit of hope
"Yeah I was getting to that, my only question would be. Will it help them target us?" Carla asked looking over her shoulder at Jon.
Jon thought for about five seconds before replying "I think they already know we're here so it can't do any more harm than good. Turn them on."
Carla touched a few screens and then a few buttons turning on the defensive systems.
Jon nodded and turned back to the main table looking at the display. It now showed Atlantis Base as having defenses on-line and powered up. The next shot from one of the cruisers hit the base dead on and the reading for the defensive screen showed 75% and charging. Three more hit the base dead on bringing the defensive screens to 35% and knocking out the dampening field.
"Minor buckling to landing bay beta and alpha atrium." One of the other people said
Jon swore a string of curses that would have Andrew Dice Clay blushing as he watched the base was hit two more times.
"Breech in cargo bay alpha, section sealed." Carla said
Suddenly the lights in C&C dimmed and turned red and a computer voice sounded over the intercom system.
'Warning... Breach in Cargo Bay Alpha... Containment Field Engaged... All Emergency Crews Respond... Condition Red... All Personnel Evacuate to Main Hub... Main Hub Detachment in 10 Seconds... ' Atlanta's voice said.
Jon looked up as though looking for where the voice came from. "What the he..."
Loud clanging could be heard from everywhere as Atlantis Base shook violently. Jon reached out and grabbed the table to steady himself, that's when the display of in front of him caught his eye. He reached up and tapped where the base was to zoom in to see what was happening around them. He looked up at Jack and saw him staring at the display, mouth hanging slightly open. Just as the countdown finished, the last of the people got into the main base. The arms detached themselves from the base and pulled back away from it.
The main base then sank into the ground and the shaking increased almost knocking Jon off his feet. The shaking suddenly stopped and everything became quiet.
'Magnetic Coils Fully Charged... Main Systems Online... Reflection Field Online... Magnetic Compensators Online... Gravity Drives Online... Navigation and Defensive Stations Engaged... ' Atlanta's voice said.
Two work stations rose out of the floor behind the planning table. Jon looked around at the four people and pointed to Carla and Jack to take the new stations.
'Launch Sequence Initiated... '
The hologram that displayed where Atlantis Base used to be, showed the ground open up and a battle cruiser sized object rise from the opening. It started to move forward and up as Atlantis broke the surface of the ocean the computer voice once again spoke.
'Rigging for Atmospheric Flight. Plotting Course for Exit Vector... '
Atlantis wasn't complete and Jon could see this through the displays above the table. Gaping holes dotted her hull and it looked like sections of her hull were missing in some places. Atlantis did a good job dodging the fire from above only taking a hit every once in a while.
'Magnetic Dampeners On-line. Exit Vector Plotted... '
With that Atlantis' bow turned towards the sky and started gaining speed to break the gravity of Earth. Another beam lanced into Atlantis and although she shook in the hologram Jon felt very little of it.
'Warning Magnetic Reflection Field to 10%... Increasing Power to Compensate... Field Integrity to 40%... '
"I think I have most of this figured out." Carla said
Jack touched several buttons on the holopanel in front of him and their forward momentum increased.
"Bringing Offensive Batteries On-line." Carla said as she touched a few buttons.
An explosion rocked Atlantis throwing everyone to the floor.
As Jon once again picked himself up he looked over at Carla and said "What the hell just happened." The computer answered him before she could.
'Warning Explosion On Deck 37... Extinguishing Internal Fires... Weapon Systems Offline... Magnetic Dampeners At 73%... Reflection Field To 29%... Containment Fields Engaged... '
"Shit." Was all Jon could get out.
"Sir, we've reached space." Jack said clearly in awe.
Someone had figured out how to get a view displayed on the bare wall in C&C, it reminded him of Star Trek.
Atlantis shook again and the view switched to behind them. The Invaru cruisers were in pursuit of Atlantis and they were catching up. Good Jon thought At least they will leave Earth alone for now.
"Jack get us out of here, now!" Jon almost screamed
"Sir we're running at 100% and the engines are heating up very quickly I don't know how much longer we can take this." Jack replied
Atlantis rocked again as another beam found its mark.
'Magnetic Dampeners at 15%... Main Drives Off-line... Space Fold in 10 Seconds... '
Jon looked over to Jack and he just shrugged.
Just as they made the jump two things happened. An explosion shook Atlantis as she jumped and everyone onboard froze as though time had stopped. To the pursuers it looked like the ship just disappeared in a flash of light, they jumped in pursuit although it wasn't a fold jump. Their computers told them it would take a month to get to where Atlantis had jumped.
Under the Ocean a rather large explosion happened where the base used to be.
A flash of light lit the blackness of space as a ship appeared. The ship tumbled out of control, lights flashing off and on. In her wake a cloud of smoke and debris followed.