Quellis stood on the bridge of his ship watching a ship decloak. He had been expecting this arrival. He had moved his fleet to the Fadeas system to help avoid detection or the chance they might be stumbled upon.
"We're being hailed by the medium battle cruiser Ogeat" com reported.
"Put them through," Quellis said.
"Adjunct Quellis, we have arrived as ordered." A light voice said.
"Good, how big is your fleet?"
"I have 15 ships ready for your orders, sire."
"Good dispatch two ships to monitor this Ghost Station and their movements."
"As you wish, Sire."
"Tell them to be careful. We have lost two ships already, I don't want to lose any more."
"Yes, sire"
Quellis stood looking over his plan on the main screen. Now that the other ships had arrived, he might just able to pull this off. It was time to remove Ghost Station for the game.
Jon stood in front of the gathered assembly. He and the upper command staff were dressed were in their dress uniforms. Outside the large hanger doors, the Atlantis was on station. Throughout the Station, and on every ship, the ceremony was being displayed for those who couldn't make it. Jon stood up and walked forward to the podium in the center of the raised platform.
He looked over the crowd as he began to speak, "We are..." Jon began.
Tears came to his eyes unbidden, as he choked on his words. He thought of his friends that had died. Then his mind flashed to Bill, one of his closest friends, Jon would miss his company.
Jon began to remember a talk he had will Bill just a week ago.
"Jon, I need you to do something for me," Bill said, taking a seat in front of Jon's desk.
Jon watched Bill's face shine, he knew what was coming, "What's that?"
Bill blushed a bit, "I want you to perform a marriage ceremony for Kelly and I."
Jon arched his eyebrow, ok this wasn't what he was expecting. Not that Jon wasn't pleased for Bill. Jon had just expected him to ask for Andie to be stationed on the Earth's Revenge, so he could be closer to his sister.
"Do huh?" Jon asked in surprise.
"You know marriage, the I do, you do thing. Usually involving two people, a priest and witnesses. Preferably Kelly and I, you and close friends and family."
"I can't do that, I'm not a priest," Jon replied in shock.
Bill grinned, "No you're a ship's Captain, which also has the authority to marry people while at sea. Atlantis undocked, you, me, Kelly, and friends. We can take a cruise of the system, getting married in the restored atrium. It would be fitting, considering Kelly had a hand in restoring it."
Jon stared at Bill, "This is space, not sea."
"Are you trying to convince yourself or me?"
"You, I don't think I can do this." Jon started to fidgit.
Bill laughed, "Oh boy, you should see yourself right now. Mr. Cool Under Pressure, is suddenly not so cool."
Jon smirked, "Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up while you can."
Bill smirked back, "Well, we already talked to Deatra about it and she thinks it's a great idea. First marriage in space for our people and it will help raise spirits."
Jon groaned, he was sunk now. It was all over but the crying.
Bill grinned, "She even said and I quote, 'Tell Jon to make sure it is broadcast over all viewers.'"
Jon started muttering to himself.
Bill laughed, "Having problems Oh Great Leader?"
Jon tried flashing Bill an evil stare, "Yeah, It's called the Hull Scrubber sitting in front of me."
Bill snickered, "Hull Scrubber?"
"Yeah, it's going to be your job for the foreseeable future."
"Cool, I always wanted to be able to paint Atlantis as I see fit," Bill said grinning.
Jon shuddered as his mind had a sudden, horrible picture of a pink Atlantis, with big round purple poke-a-dots.
"Well, I know when I'm beat. It was an unfair tactic to call in the heavy artillery so soon in battle. Guess we'll do it, you and Kelly set a date?"
Bill smiled, "Hey, you're the one that taught me all's fair in love and war. We have already set the date, two days from now."
"That quick, sheesh, I don't know if we can get everything ready in time."
"It already is, Deatra and Kelly have already gotten everything prepared. The last part was to sucker... I mean convince you to perform the ceremony."
"No, you said it right the first time, sucker me into it."
Jon stood up and grabbed Bill into a hug, "Congratulations."
"Thanks," Bill said stepping back.
Jon refocused on the people seat before him, "Sorry, as I was saying. We are gathered here to pay recognition to the men and women who gave their lives protecting this station. They gave their lives protecting something some of them believed in and called home. Others gave their lives protecting something they had never stepped foot on, for a people they had never met. They all gave their lives performing their duty. We stand here today to honor the crews, alive and dead, of the ships: Atlantis, Earth's Revenge, Ge'daes, Hammer, Marudas, Scythe, and Wrath's Revenge. With out those ships and the dedication of their crews, we would not be standing here today.
Look around at those people standing next to you, they are now your brothers and sisters in arms. We have all shared the loss of loved ones. When next you enter battle remember the crews who died before you as you perform your duties. Engage this new threat with renewed heart, knowing the people who died before you gave you this chance to make a difference.
Captain William Hawkins, was a great man, he was my friend. He served with distinction and honor, as did the crew that served under him. He and his crew paid the ultimate sacrifice as they attempted to stop an almost unstoppable enemy. He did this knowing it could mean their sacrifice, but he did it because he knew it had to be done.
Captain Hawkins is survived by his wife..." Jon's voice broke again.
"So how does it feel to be married?" Jon asked Bill.
The reception was being held in one of Atlantis's landing bays. The hanger doors were open allowing for a spectacular view. Everyone was dressed in their formal military uniforms.
"No that different, at least not yet. I'm sure you'll find out soon enough," Bill chuckled.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Jon asked.
"Sometime, mon Capitan you can be soooooo dense."
"Huh?"
"Deatra, she's in love with you. It won't be long before I'm standing here asking you how it feels."
"That's the bond, I told you that. I don't think she really loves me," Jon said, looking over at Deatra.
Deatra was in a formal gown, standing in the center of a group of women.
"Uh, huh, I'm sure that's it."
"She is very beautiful isn't she..." Jon said trailing off.
Bill stood watching Jon for a second. There was no doubt; Jon was in love even if he didn't want to admit it. "Earth to Jon," Bill said.
Jon shook his head clearing it, "What?"
"I lost you there for a second."
"Sorry, I was lost in thought."
"Yeah, why don't you just tell her you love her and get it over with? We can take Atlantis and run back to the Earth's Revenge."
"Huh, I don't love her. I like her a great deal, think she's a fine woman. Why, would we need to run back to your ship?" Jon was flustered.
"Why else? You and Deatra can stand in front of me and say I do. Then I can run you two by the fourth planet..."
"I'm not in love with her... Why the fourth planet?"
"You said it was a beautiful planet, would be perfect for a vacation if it wasn't so barren."
"Yeah so..."
"Why not the royal honeymoon?"
"What honeymoon?"
"After I marry you and Deatra, you will need a honeymoon, won't you?"
"Of course, I mean I'm not marrying her..." Jon said. Bill had Jon confused and flustered, his mind just couldn't work right.
"Of course, no atmosphere could be a problem," Bill said thoughtfully.
"Why's that?"
"Well, makes it hard to make out with pressure suits on and all. Get too frisky and forget, it's zipppppp BOOM! Instant Ice cube. Would be a bad way to end your honeymoon."
"Yeah, that would be a shame..."
"You're telling me loosing Deatra like that would be devastating."
"Yeah, I hate to loose her too, there would have to be away around... wait a minute. Loosing Deatra would be a shame?"
"Well, Yeah, Oh I'm sure you would be missed a little too..." Bill grinned.
"Oh thanks," Jon said dryly.
"Probably be just me and Terri though, Sam maybe a little."
Jon slugged Bill, playfully, in the shoulder as he grinned.
"I know!" Bill almost shouted, ignoring pain in his shoulder.
"You know what?" Jon hesitantly asked.
"How to save you from the zipper effect."
Jon groaned.
"A shuttle..."
Tears wet Jon's face as he looked out over the crowd. He reached up and wiped his cheeks, "I'm sorry, for the delay."
No one said a word as they watched their commanding officer wipe his face on his sleeve.
"We're here to honor Captain William Hawkins posthumously with the Eutharan Medal of Victory. This is the highest Medal that one can receive in their military career."
Jon turned and walked to where Kelly and Andie were seated. He opened the case carrying the medal and presented it to them both. He bent down and hugged Andie, whispering to her how sorry he was that if she needed anything to let him know. He did the same to Kelly. Jon turned and walked back to the Podium after saluting both women.
"I will now turn the podium over to Admiral Breq," Jon said as he stepped down.
Admiral Breq gave a short speech and presented the Invaru medal to Kelly and Andie.
Lieutenant Xeiad stood on the ruined bridge watching the pursuing ships. They had been pulled from hyperspace twice on their way to Ghost Station. Two of their ships had been destroyed and the rest weren't in good shape.
"Send a sub space communication to the Wrath's Revenge, that we have been engaged by the enemy and require immediate assistance. We have lost two ships and the rest of the fleet is in danger. Make sure you send our coordinates."
"Message sent Sir," com reported.
"As soon as all ships are clear of this field resume hyperspace to Ghost Station."
"Sir, they will catch us before we get past the field," Tactical reported.
"Well in that case let's hope they get our message."
The com officer on the Wrath's Revenge was kicked back watching the broadcast of the ceremony when he got the incoming message. As he listened to it he sat upright, turning off the broadcast.
"Ghost Station this is the Wrath's Revenge, we have received an emergency transmission on a secure channel. Forwarding it to you, priority Alpha."
'Roger that Wrath's Revenge, receiving communication now.' Came the reply.
In Control on Ghost Station, the comm. officer called the watch officer over.
After replaying the message, the commanding officer put a call in to Jon.
"Admiral Hunter, emergency transmission, priority Alpha." Com relayed.
'Hold a second. Ok, put it through.' Jon's voice said.
Jon stood at the back of the platform listening to the message as Breq finished his speech and presentation. His eyes widened as he listened, he issued orders and approached Breq just as he finished.
Jon smiled as he took the podium back, "Thank you Admiral Breq. People I'm sorry to have to cut this short. I need all Atlantis personnel to immediately proceed back to their posts. The Atlantis will be leaving on an emergency rescue mission. That's all, good luck and god speed."
Jon stepped down from the podium as people scrambled for the exits. Admiral Breq approached him, Andie close on his heels.
"What going on Admiral?" Breq asked.
"Jon, please. Some of your ships are a jump away and have run into trouble. Andie I need you in medical."
Andie nodded as she hurried off.
"I would like to come if that's ok," Breq said.
"Breq I need you here in case something happens. I want you to take command of the station and prepare for battle. I think the Scythe and Hammer are partially refitted with the new weapons. Set them on patrol and have them ready at a moments notice, in case I need them."
Breq didn't like it but he had his orders, "Yes Sir."
A flash of light announce the arrival of the Atlantis. Jon surveyed the situation on the planning table. The computer marked 3 enemy ships pursuing 4 Invaru ships. The Invaru ships were in bad shape.
"Bring us around on an intercept course. Bring main batteries online, sound condition red, raise shields. Launch Death's Hand and SAR teams, have Death's hand cover the SAR teams as they land on the Invaru ships, then have them stay on station to help cover those ships. Charge up the Fold Drive, and put a call into the Invaru tell them we have arrived and are on an intercept course."
Atlantis swung around and sped up, a light shimmer covered her as her shields kicked on. Death's Hand squadron launched and escorted the SAR teams towards the Invaru ships. Jon watched as events unfolded, something wasn't right, he could feel it.
"How long until we're ready to fold?" Jon asked.
"Three minutes Sir," com reported.
Jon didn't like this feeling, this wasn't right. According to the damage on those Invaru ship the enemy...
"Son of a Bitch," Jon yelled. "Comm. order Death's Hand to destroy those ships, tell them to be careful. Launch additional fighter support for Death's Hand. Tell them we will be back, ask one of the Invaru cruisers to allow them to land if needed. Tell engineering to dump all power into the fold drive, I need an emergency fold Now!"
"Messages sent, Engineering reports they can do it but they don't know if we would be able to fold again after." Com reported.
"Tell them I said to do it, right now. Con, plot a course back to Ghost Station."
Everyone on the bridge paled as thoughts ran through their mind.
"Course plotted, Sir. Sir, you don't think..." Con said.
Jon nodded, "Yes, I do. Those ships chasing the Invaru are decoys, they should be able to easily overtake the damaged Invaru. Let's just pray I'm wrong."
Everyone knew he was right.
Admiral Breq stood in Control pacing as he waited for word from the Atlantis or other ships. He had the Scythe and Hammer patrolling the outer markers and one squad of modified fighters standing by. Three of the defense batteries were converted and armed. The Hammer and Scythe weren't in the best condition, but they were in better condition than the other ships.
"Admiral, I'm detecting event formations just outside the outer markers," Tactical reported.
"On main viewer," Breq ordered.
Breq watched as three black ships came through the Hyperspace event, the other two events closed with nothing coming through.
"Condition red, target those ships, launch the fighters," Breq ordered.
Alarms rang out across the station as lights flickered and dimmed to red.
"Did anything come through those other hyperspace points?" Breq asked.
"I didn't detect anything Sir, maybe the ships were destroyed in transit," Tactical reported.
"Have the Scythe and Hammer close on them. Tell them to watch for surprises."
"Admiral, the enemy ships are moving to a point on the outer defenses that are unprotected by the new weapons." Tactical reported.
"Order the Hammer and Scythe to stand their ground, those ships are not to get through."
Captain Jodeas watched as they closed on the black ships. The sensor tie in with the station was working, they were able see them but were unable to get specific readings.
"Target the lead ship, relay targeting information to the Scythe," Jodeas ordered.
The Scythe slid into position next to the Hammer. Carla was monitoring the situation on the main table. Gilas was watching one of the viewers as the black ships closed.
"Captain, the Hammer is transmitting targeting information," Tactical reported.
"Set weapons to match targets," Gilas ordered.
Before the Hammer or Scythe could get into firing range, two ships appeared behind them and opened fire. Beams lanced out striking both ships, puncturing their shield and inflicting heavy damage. As fast as they faded into view they disappeared.
The strike had been perfect, both ships were disabled and slowly drifted apart. Confidence in their victory, the black ships passed both disabled ships. Had they known of the new weapons on both ships they would have destroyed them. Fighters launched as the squadron from Ghost Station approached. The main advantage was the little known fighter that was launched solo.
This is how the second battle for Ghost Station started. Breq watched as the only two ships that he had drifted useless in space. The enemy ships continued on their course and if they reached the station, it would be over very quickly. He had already sent a communication to the Atlantis, but that would take five to ten minutes to reach them. Then the fold could be done, if it was charged, if not another five minutes. Then the time it would take for them to reach the black ships.
Breq looked over the planning table, no this could be over before then. He needed to find a way out of this. It was do or die time and he didn't plan on dying.
Death's hand engaged the enemy ships, taking two out before the others knew what was happening. SAR teams had landed on the Invaru ships and started rescue operations. Atlantis, turned around and headed toward the fold point.
"Five seconds until fold," Con reported.
Jon watched as they approached, his stomach hurt. If he was right the station was in danger. What made it worse was that Deatra was on the station.
"Engaging fold in 3... 2... 1... engaging," Con reported.
Atlantis flashed out of site, only to be jerked violently back into the same spot. She tumbled as lights flickered, she was dead in space. In engineering her main reactor shut down as emergency protocols tried to reroute systems to the back up reactors. Damage reports flowed into an unmanned com station. Bodies littered the floor, none moved. Atlantis appeared next to Jon, try as she might she couldn't access the systems to stabilize her tumble in space. Nothing worked, she was almost completely cut off from herself. Despair welled up in her as she became frightened at what might happen. Atlantis faded from view as holographic tears fell from her eyes.