Anger washed over Atlantis as she watched Carla choke, how dare she endanger Jon and Deatra. How dare she cause so many pointless deaths. Atlantis closed her hand more as the anger took her to a new level. Causing the deaths was one thing, but to endanger the royal line like this was unforgivable. When she was done people would know that the time for playing games was over.
There was nothing anyone in CIC could do, all their attempts to help Carla were useless. Atlantis was insubstantial, she had to be manipulating a force field of some type. Carla tried to control her fear as the oxygen was slowly cut off. Carla promised herself, if she ever got out of this, things would change; she would do better. Carla's world started to darken as her vision started faded. Suddenly, she fell to the floor. Gasping for air she looked up expecting to see Atlantis standing there gloating. Standing where Atlantis had been, was Ghost.
'Command codes accepted. Medical emergency to CIC.' Ghost's voice echoed.
Carla then passed out.
Two days later all ships rested in their berths undergoing repairs. The Ge'daes, being too big for one of Ghost Stations regular berths, docked at the new shipyard. The tugs had to move the frame of a ship out of the yard, an inconvenience but the Ge'daes had priority. Atlantis was out updating the outer defenses under the command of Gilas. For the time being Vaes still had command of the station, Carla was relieved of duty by Gilas. Vaes had been close but they need someone to run the station. Mike and Brad were still discussing the problems with Atlantis, who was disabled at the last second, preventing Carla's death. Ghost was standing in for her, helping out on the Atlantis until something was decided.
"You think she's went rogue?" Brad asked, looking over the code on Mike's screen.
"I don't see anything in the code that would have caused it. Wait, what's this..." Mike's voice trailed off.
Brad leaned in closer, "What?"
"Shhh, I'm going to need some time, let me look this over and I'll come get you when I figure out what this is."
"Ok, well I know when I'm not needed. I'll go monitor some ship repairs, or something."
Brad walked off as Mike turned back to the screen. Suddenly, a thought hit him. "Mike to Ellie," Mike said.
"Shasta here, go ahead Mike," Ellie's voice replied.
On patrol, that's ok though, "Shasta I need you to swing by Engineering later, I want you to look at some of Atlantis' code. I have encountered something new and have no idea what it is."
"Roger, that Mike, we're on our way in now, our patrol just ended," She replied.
"Thanks, Mike out."
"No problem, Shasta out."
Admiral Breq and Captain Heas planned the sector patrols. At the request of Gilas they mixed the crews. When the Light Cruiser Aquett arrived, they sent it to the outer markers to patrol. Invaru and Eutharan people worked side by side in their duties. Everything was quiet, everyone hoped they stayed that way.
The medical wards on Ghost Station seemed almost empty. No one wanted to stay, as every person was needed; only those not able to work were left. Andie had worked for both days without stopping. Gilas had come to her with Terri the day of the battle and informed her of the loss of the Earth's Revenge. Andie knew what it that meant but pushed it to the back of her mind. Andie now sat in her room refusing to come out. She cried herself to sleep as the events of the past two days flooded back.
In a room next to Andie's office Jon stirred and sat up. Deatra looked up at him, a smile on her face. Their time together had sealed their love for each other. Terri and Sam slept next to each other on a small cot in the corner of the room. When Deatra sat up, she put her arms around Jon, and kissed him. They heard an expression of disgust come from the direction of the cot.
Oojoung slowly faded into view his tongue sticking out, "Please Jon Captain get a room. Oojoung no need to see hooman mating ritual."
Jon snickered as Deatra blushed, "Hi Oojoung how is everyone?" Jon asked, as he got up. Jon finally realized he wasn't on the Atlantis, "Where are we?"
"Ghost Station," Terri's happy voice screamed. She jumped up, ran to Jon throwing her arms around him and hugging him.
Being rudely tossed from the cot, Sam woke up and added her squeal of delight. She ran to Jon and Deatra, alternating between the two every few seconds as she hugged them.
Oojoung shook his head, "Never understand hoomen greeting rituals."
"God I'm so glad you're awake, now I can stop being a Princess and start flying again."
Jon shot Deatra a questioning look, Deatra just shrugged, "What do you mean start flying again?"
"Gilas grounded me..." She quickly related her grounding.
"Gilas?" Jon asked.
Terri realized Jon had passed out before the rescue. "Yes, we managed to rescue Gilas and 75 crew members that were trapped in the wreckage of the Titan."
Jon started beaming, that was the best news he could get.
"Anyway, he grounded me and threatened to make me wear a gown. Then take tours of the Atlantis, as if I needed a tour," Terri continued.
Deatra started laughing.
"It's not funny," Terri complained.
"Yes it is, dear," Deatra said trying to stifle her laughter.
"Why?" Terri pouted.
"Because you outrank the good Captain Gilas."
"No, I don't."
Jon started laughing, "Yes you do, think about it."
"I'm so happy you two find this funny at my expense."
Sam chimed in, "You're a Princess, right?"
"Yeah, so?" Terri replied.
"Sometimes, you can be so dense," Sam huffed. "Princess, get it?"
Terri though for a second, then it clicked, "Why that little..."
"Give Sam a cookie, she's the winner of todays, name one way Princess Terri can be stupid. Tune in tomorrow, for our next episode, dressing to impress, 100 things Princess Terri will not wear." Jon said.
Sam giggled as Terri punched him lightly in the arm.
Deatra and Oojoung started laughing.
After they composed themselves, Jon stood up and stretched as he dressed in his uniform. "Get Bill to meet me in my ready room on Ghost Station, I'm going to CIC. I'll see you later Deatra."
"Jon..." Terri said.
Sam busted into tears at the mention of Bill's name.
Confusion clouded Jon's face at the outburst from Sam. Jon walked over and picked Sam up. "What's wrong little one?"
"Jon it was awful..." Sam trailed off into sobs.
Deatra got up and took Sam from him, trying to comfort the little girl.
Jon looked over at Terri and saw the tears filling her eyes. Oojoung was nowhere to be seen, but Jon swore he heard the door in the outer room open.
The crying confused Jon, "Would someone care to tell me what the hell is going on?"
Tears fell from her eyes as Terri said, "Bill is dead Jon, we lost the Earth's Revenge in a battle here two days ago."
Jon's face paled as he fell back on the bed as a tear fell from one of his eyes. Deatra's mouth dropped as she stared at Terri in shock. The entire Earth's Revenge was gone including its crew.
"How," was all Jon managed to choke out.
Terri started to relate her version of what she knew.
Jon stepped on to CIC, his guards close behind. Silence filled the room as Jon stepped through the doors. Vaes glance up as the doors open and gasped in relief when he saw Jon. The room fell silent as Jon stared at Vaes, turned and strode into his ready room.
"Captain Vaes, send word I want a command staff meeting in my ready room in 5 minutes. Everyone is required to attend, including the Invaru command staff." Jon said in a monotone voice.
Before Vaes could reply Jon was gone, his guard took up positions by the doors.
"Sorry Captain, Commander Hunter ordered me to keep his awakening quiet until now," Ghost said as she looked towards the door leading to Jon's ready room.
"It's ok Ghost, at least he's back. Comm send his orders, priority Alpha."
"Yes Sir, transmitting now," Comm reported.
The entire command staff stood in CIC waiting for Jon to allow them access. Jon's guards had refused them access until he contacted them to let the staff in, they had been waiting for 15 minutes. Finally, Jon called for them.
Jon sat at the head of the table staring dispassionately as they enter one at a time. A few he didn't know, some were once old enemies, then there were the people he depended on. Last to enter was Andie, she looked thin and frail, her eyes were puffed by crying. Jon's heart leapt at the sight. Deatra took a seat slightly behind Jon as the rest sat down at the large table that filled the room. All of them told him they were happy to see him up and around, everyone was glad to have him back.
Once everyone was settled, Jon began, "I know everyone is happy to have me back and I'm happy to be back. In the same token I'm also unhappy to be back after learning some of the circumstance that happened while I was incapacitated."
Every smile in the room faded, several people felt tears fill their eyes.
Jon continued, "I want to make sure everyone understands. This was unacceptable in my absence, this will never happen again. Most of the events surrounding the destruction of the Earth's Revenge couldn't have been prevented. I have reviewed the recordings from Ghost's archives. Does everyone follow me so far?"
Nods filled the room.
"Good, I understand the Ge'daes and Wrath's Revenge, along with the Hammer got caught in the middle of the events prior to their arrival. So, they're not really included in this little incident. But before I forget my manners, welcome to Ghost Station."
The five Invaru in the room smiled briefly and said their thanks.
"Now before I continue, does everyone in this room accept my command?
People looked at each other, a few surprised at the question.
The Captain of the Aquett spoke up, "I don't know you, I accept the command of Admiral Breq though."
Jon stared at the Captain while Breq's eyes widened at what he had just heard.
"Ok, anyone else, this is your time to speak up. After this moment if you change your mind I'll have you tossed in the brig for treason."
No one said anything. The Eutharan accepted him because he was their Prince. The humans had always followed Jon. Most of the Invaru, minus the one, knew he was their last chance. Rick and Ellie didn't care, they would be back home soon, and even if not Jon had proved himself to them.
Jon looked at the Captain of the Aquett, "Captain..."
The Invaru sat up straight, "Foiju of the Light Cruiser Aquett."
"Thanks, Captain Foiju, you are hereby relieved of your command. You, under guard, may remove your personal effects from the ship. I'll then give you a shuttle to go where you please. Please follow these two guards, they'll help you on your way." Jon said as two of his personal guards stepped into the room.
Foiju stood his ground, "You can't do that, I'm under the command of Admiral Breq. The Aquett is an Invaru ship; you have no authority over her."
Jon looked over at Breq, who was staring at the Invaru Captain in shock.
"Uh..." Breq started.
Jon stood up from his seat, Deatra reached out and touched his back. Jon turned, looking at her and gave her a brief smile.
"Let me make this simple for everyone. If you want the help of me and my people, then you will join and follow my orders. If not, then by all means collect your people, get back on your ship and have a fun time dodging the enemy. Captain Foiju, fine keep the ship, get on it and leave the station, you have 20 minutes to get past the outer markers."
Foiju paled, as he looked over at Breq.
"Jon..." The Breq started.
"I don't have time for this, I know it was the Invaru who have brought this new enemy to us. I don't really have a problem with that, it was something that would have happened anyway; Ghost."
"Yes Commander," Ghost replied, as she appeared.
"Set Aquett as an enemy ship, she has 20 minutes to get past the outer markers. If she's not past them at that point, give her a five minute warning. Once the five minutes are up destroy her. Stop all construction and repairs on the following ships, remove them from berths in 5 minutes. The Ge'daes, Marudas, Hammer, and Wrath's Revenge. After removal from berth those ships will have 30 minutes to cross the outer markers, if they don't then destroy them. Then I want you to have all Invaru rounded up and detained. These are my orders, lock out all commands except from Station Actual Commander Jonathan Hunter."
"Orders accepted," Ghost said as she faded. 'Command lock out enabled.' Her voice echoed.
People stared in disbelief as Jon finished the orders. Jon slowly looked at each of the people in the room as he leaned down to the table, placing his hand on it, "I'm not fucking around people, get your heads out of your asses or get the fuck off my station!" Jon yelled.
"Jon," Breq said. "Please, you have to understand..."
"Oh I understand, I'm not the one who came running looking for help. We will work together or not at all. Make your choice and you had better make them fast." Jon looked up at Foiju, "What is he still doing here, remove him, put him on his ship and have him escorted out past the outer markers."
The guard reacted instantly, grabbing Foiju and dragging him out the door. Foiju started screaming for Breq to do something.
"Well, you don't need to worry about me or my ship. I'll join as I'm sure my crew will, if they won't I'll happily give them a shuttle and let them on their merry way." Prasuh said as he leaned back.
"Ghost, remove the Marudas from previous commands. Have the repairs and refit continue on her."
'Orders recognized and accepted, Marudas returned to previous status.' Ghost's voice echoed.
"Do you guys not get it? We almost lost the everything, all because everyone is doing their own thing. My people and I can't afford that, it's do or die time, choose."
Breq spoke up for the remaining Invaru, "We'll join Jon, you don't have to worry about that. All I ask is you reconsider about Captain Foiju, he was defaulting to me because of my status."
Jon arched an eyebrow, "Status?"
"Yaaa..." Breq sighed.
"I can understand that, you're probably one of the few remaining high ranking command staff."
"That, and I'm the oldest remaining Prince for my people."
"Good, that makes this last part even easier. Illus has briefed me that you were the one who helped me escape?"
The other Invaru in the room gasped in surprise.
Breq's eyes widened.
"The past is the past, none of that matters now," Jon said.
"Yes, I did. I was one of the leaders of the rebellion."
Heas leaned over and started whispering to Jodeas.
"Care to share?" Jon asked.
Heas and Jodeas looked up at Jon, "Not really." Heas said.
"Ghost, have my guards enter the room."
Jon's guards entered the room weapons at ready.
"Admiral Breq is to be protected as you would me. He's an Invaru Prince and until he can get his own guards you will create a honor guard for him."
Carex stood forward, "Yes my Prince. You four will have the honor, do not fail me."
The four Royal guards saluted.
"Stay in the room please and take posts," Jon ordered.
The Royal guards spread out and covered the room.
"Ghost, play Captain Heas and Captain Jodeas' conversation back," Jon said staring at the two men.
'Playback started' Ghost's voice said.
'Did you know this Jodeas?'
'No.'
'All along, the great Admiral Breq was leading the Rebellion and trying to over throw his father.'
'It doesn't matter now, the Collective has fallen. All that matters now is we help as best as we can.'
'I'll take care of him at first opportunity.'
'Take care of what? There's nothing to take care of, Breq is our Prince now, Jon our Commander. There's nothing to take care of, what you're suggesting is another Rebellion.'
'It will be fast, over befo... '
'Care to share?' Jon's voice breaks in.
"Stop playback," Jon said.
Jon walked around the table towards Breq. Breq's guards immediately raised their weapons, leveling them at Heas. Heas paled, Jodeas scooted his chair as far away from the man as possible.
"So, Captain Heas, already planning to kill the Emperor?" Jon said, glaring at the man.
Heas tried to shrink back, away from the approaching man. Unfortunately, there was nowhere to go. Breq was staring open mouthed at Heas, unable to understand what he was thinking. The Invaru Collective was dead.
Jon stopped next to Carex, "So I just need to know one thing. What part of I'm not putting up with this shit did you not understand? After you answer that answer this: What part of we all have to work together to win this war?"
"I... I..." Heas started.
"Take him to the brig I'll decide what to do with him later." Jon said. "Ghost, cancel all previous commands, have Captain Foiju brought back to the meeting."
Breq thanked Jon as Heas was led away.
"Think nothing of it your Highness," Jon replied.
"Oh no you don't, It's Breq or Admiral Breq if you want. If you start calling me Highness I'll start calling you the same," Breq said with a hint of smile on his lips.
Jon smiled, "Deal, Admiral"
Jon walked back around and retook his seat as Foiju was led back into the room.
"Foiju, Commander Hunter is now your direct superior, you will take his orders as law." Breq said. "This goes for all Invaru, pass the word."
"I'm direct Military Commander, until such a time as the Alliance is formed. Then whoever is appointed to rule will then be leader," Jon corrected.
Foiju said, "I can accept that."
Breq nodded.
"Take a seat, we have some things to discuss," Jon said.