Jon's door chimed, letting him know someone was requesting entrance. He looked over at Terri sleeping in the other room, got up and closed the door to the bedroom. She had refused to sleep anywhere but in his quarters, she told him she didn't want to be alone anymore.
"Enter." Jon said as he sat back down at the table.
Brad limped in and took the seat opposite of Jon when he motioned him to sit down. Jon looked briefly out the large window that overlooked Repair Bay 4. Ghost's drones were doing a good job repairing the ship. Most of the Atlantis' hull was already in place. Brad glanced out the window too, smiling to himself about the progress made already.
"What's up?" Jon asked turning his attention back to Brad.
"Well I wanted to report personally that the main shield generators are replaced and on-line. With what Ghost and Atlantis have been teaching us we were able to get the station's main reactor running at 85%. So now the station is shielded and has a stable power source." Brad said as he reached down and rubbed his leg.
"Still bothering you?"
"Nah, not so much. I have just been on it most of the day. Between six hours of classes and six hours of work it starts to hurt some."
Jon nodded "Well don't keep straining yourself; I want you to start doing four hours of work. Hand some of it off to your second, that's what he's there for, no sense running yourself into the ground."
"Ok, you don't have to tell me twice." Brad grinned "I just want to keep on top of what's going on."
Jon once again stared out at Atlantis watching the drones weld plates in place, "How long on the station's defensive weapons?"
"We're still tracking down the bad circuits; it could be a while yet."
"And Atlantis?" Jon asked once again looking at Brad.
"Another three weeks before she's ready to leave the dock. We could take her out right now if we needed to, but she only has one shield generator on-line and no weapons yet. The good news is during the past two weeks Marc and his security people have managed to explore most of her."
"Good, I'll have to speak with him later. What about the station, how much of it's been explored?"
"Ghost, display station map." A holographic map of the station blinked to life above the table. "Display all areas searched so far. Three decks and about 20 areas turned red. That's all we have explored here, about 15% of the station. We have kept mainly to the areas we needed to conserve power, Ghost led us where we needed to go to get repairs started."
Jon's brow creased in a frown, "I thought the computer routines that allowed Ghost to project a holographic image were damaged."
"Mike's working on that using Atlantis' program as a guide to rebuild Ghost's. But to answer your question, no she can't. but she led us by using lights. She would turn all lights off in a section or corridor and only light one, kind of like runway lights."
"Pretty smart of her to do it that way." Jon stood up and once again looked out the window at Atlantis "I want everyone available working on Atlantis, all but your small crew working on the station. She's our only defense right now and I want her ready if we need her." Jon reached up and absently ran his finger along the scar on his face, it was almost healed.
"I think they are already, but I'll check and make sure."
Jon turned and smiled at Brad, "Good, now get out of here. I have a class to take."
Brad stood up slowly and hobbled to the door, "Oh, one more thing, what about Oojoung?"
Jon's smile faded, "I don't know yet. Part of me wants to toss him out of the nearest airlock, but then part of me realizes how he was used and how he helped save us. I really don't know what to do with him. I think I'll talk about it at the next officer's meeting and see what everyone thinks."
Brad nodded as he ducked out the door.
In Control on the station Bill walked around looking at various displays. There were 15 people manning stations, five people to each tier of the large room. Bill was on the second tier and the main holo projector was displaying Atlantis under repair. Every once in a while he would stop and watch the drones going about their tasks. Atlantis was on the third tier training people at various tasks, both for the station and for her.
A loud beep caught his attention and he turn to the ensign sitting at the table.
"Sir, a ship just appeared by the sixth planet of this system," The ensign reported, not taking her eyes off the holo screen in front of her.
"Class?" Bill asked
"Unknown sir, they are just outside of identification range."
"What are they doing?"
The ensign studied the screen for a bit and replied, "It looks like they are settling into orbit."
"Computer patch me through to Captain Hunter."
'Connection established... ' the computer replied.
"Captain, Control here, we have an unidentified ship that just appeared in system and seems to have taken up orbit around the sixth planet."
"On my way. Keep an eye on them, Captain out." Jon replied
Bill turned back to the ensign, "Bring it up on the main viewer."
A few minutes later Jon stepped off the mag lift and walked over to where Bill was watching the main holo viewer.
"Report XO." Jon said as he started watching the viewer.
Bill jumped slightly and came to attention as he started his report. "Sir, there are now three ships in orbit of the 6th planet. The other two arrived about five minutes after the first one established orbit. They are too far out to get a positive ID on them and we don't think they know we're here yet. I had the Station go into low power mode and all repairs stopped for the time being. Terri and her flight crew are standing by in the station's Delta Hanger."
"We have fighters ready? When was this done?"
"From what I understand Terri and her crew found about four fighters that only needed minor maintenance."
"Hrm... Four and how much flight time have they got in the past two weeks?"
"None, Terri asked me about setting up a patrol so that her pilots could start getting some flight time instead of simulation time. But I haven't had the chance to bring it up yet, I was planning on it at the next meeting."
Jon nodded "It's ok, have them stand-by in case we need them." Jon watched the three ships slowly circling the planet on the viewer and a thought came to him.
"Ensign Sanders." He said turning to Carla, "Those drones in sector 10 that are working on the listening post there. How long would it take to get one of them into position to 'spy' on what's going on?"
As Jon spoke Carla turned her attention back to her console and started tapping buttons. After a brief delay she replied "30 minutes Sir. But they almost have the listening post operational; I should be able to get telemetry from it in a few minutes Sir."
Jon nodded and turned his attention back to the display, "Ok let me know when you can start getting a feed from it. But I want it kept quiet, passive scanners only and low power mode."
"Aye, Sir"
"Ghost open a channel to Lieutenant Commander Anders." Jon said.
'Channel open.' Ghost's voice replied.
"Commander Anders, Captain Hunter here I need you to pull your people from their current duties and get suited up for battle."
"Yes Sir, if I may ask you what the situation is?" Marc's voice replied.
"We have three unknown ships in orbit around the sixth planet. I'm about to bring one of the listening posts on-line and I just want to be ready incase they detect it. We don't know who they are or what their intentions might be."
"Ok, I'll have five security personnel sent to Command and get the rest posted around the station and onboard Atlantis."
"Thanks, Captain Hunter out." Jon said. "Computer close channel." A beep sounded letting him know the channel was closed.
"Sir," Carla said.
"Go ahead Ensign." Jon said, turning his attention back to her.
"I'm about ready to bring Listening Post 10 on-line."
Jon nodded and started to tell her to do so when he was interrupted by another Ensign. "Sir, I have a large jump point forming by the fifth planet."
Jon turned his gaze back to the viewer, "Decrease magnification." The view jumped and settled showing both the fifth and sixth planets. A dark spot highlighted where the jump event was forming. "Ensign Sanders don't activate the listening post yet. Ghost deactivate all drones in sector 10."
'All Drones in sector 10 deactivated.' Ghost's voice replied.
"Comm, get me the Atlantis on screen." Jon said
The ensign at the communication console quickly hit a few buttons. Atlantis' face appeared on one of the view screens that hung just above the main holo viewer. "Atlantis is on screen now."
"Atlantis are you following what's going on?" Jon asked her as he looked up.
Atlantis' head nodded as she replied, "Yes Captain."
"Good I want you and Ghost to get your brains working together in case we need help. We still don't know enough about this station or Atlantis to know all of our options. Ghost have all senior officers report to CIC and set condition yellow."
'All senior officers report to CIC... Set Condition Yellow through out the Station... All senior officers report to CIC... Set Condition Yellow through out the Station... This is not a drill, ' Ghost's voice echoed through out the Station and Atlantis
Throughout the base people stopped what they were doing and started running to their posts. Lights dimmed and yellow lights came to life all over the station. One minute later all the senior personnel stepped off the lift with five security personnel close behind. Mike and Brad took up their positions at engineering while Terri took up her position at flight ops. Andie walked up next to Bill and motioned the two nurses with her to take up positions on the other two levels. Two security officers were placed at each door and the last one moved from place to place, never standing in the same spot for more than one minute.
Carla turned and informed Jon that she was patching the data on the new arrival through to the main viewer. It happened to be close enough to get a reading on it with passive sensors.
A box surrounded the new arrival on the viewer and then the image jumped magnifying the ship. A smaller box opened up under the ship displaying the reading.
Invaru Super Carrier (Unknown Design)
No information available.
Jon muttered, "Great just what we need. Ghost give me information on the last known design."
The box started displaying additional information.
Last known configuration:
30 J'leate Fighters (hvy)
45 M'hoas Fighters (med)
65 H'bergr Fighters (light/space superiority)
5 Class V Torpedo Tubes
8 Class X Missile Launchers
10 Class III Pulse Cannons
22 Point Defense Cannons
150 MJ Shield (Magnetic/Kinetic)
Bill's jaw dropped and said "Well that certainly sucks."
Jon saw the carrier turn towards the Station and start launching fighters. Bill shouted out to go to condition red but Jon knew it was over. He walked over to his sister as she launched all four of the fighters she had in working order. He hugged her watching her console as the four fighters were overrun quickly. Seconds later the carrier started launching missile and torpedoes, the base started rocking with explosions.
"JON!" Bill said as he shook him.
"What, oh sorry I was thinking about something." Jon said as he snapped back.
"I said what do you want to do?"
"Shut it down. Shut everything down right now, go to bare minimal life support and close all communications. Do it now or we're all dead." Jon almost shouted. Orders flew to every part of the base as the reactors started shutting down lights dimmed and went off. Life support was set to bare minimum and running off of the power reserves, Communications were shutdown completely. The only other draw was the viewer which still was watching the events, although it was a bit fuzzy and updated every 10 seconds to reserve power and to keep emissions low.
"Commander, there are three ships in low orbit of the sixth planet." A young ensign said.
The Commander turned and looked at the view port at the front of his bridge. "Are they the ones we're looking for?" The large man unfolded his four arms bringing them around in front of him and crossed them over his chest.
Commander Prasuh had seen a lot of combat in his years of service and didn't like the patrol duties he was now assigned to. He was just under seven feet tall, his bald head and pointed ears gave him an evil look. His multi-facet eyes gleamed with the excitement of the upcoming battle, however brief it might be. His battle suit creaked as he moved to the railing that separated the upper and lower decks.
Another Ensign caught his attention, "Sir."
Prasuh turned and looked the ensign, "What is it?"
"I swear I just got an energy reading from the direction of the station. But before I could confirm its location it was gone."
Prasuh's eyes narrowed "Are you sure?"
The ensign gulped, "No Sir, not certain."
"Keep an eye on the Station, let me know if it happens again." He turned his attention back to the first Ensign "Well are they or are they not?"
"Yes Sir, they match the descriptions of what the Collective Council sent us."
"Have they detected us yet?"
"I don't know Sir, But I don't think so, they have made no move. I think the magnetic field of the planet is disrupting their sensors."
Prasuh nodded and turned to his Flight Operator, "Lieutenant Bemish launch Wrath Squadron orders are as follows. They are to intercept and Disable all ships in the area."
The Lieutenant turned back to his consol and started issuing the orders. One minute later Wrath Squadron was flying towards the planet on an intercept course. The bridge got quiet as the Commander watched the main screen. He liked the quiet and the crew knew if you were disruptive during operations you could expect to see the outside of an airlock, without a suit.
When the squadron got to 100 kilometers the three ships broke orbit and started to run. But it was too late, two of the ships were disabled in minutes with the third making it to the jump point and escaping.
Klaxons suddenly sounded and the computer broke in on the silence on the Bridge.
'Incoming Fold event in two seconds, ' A lifeless metallic voice said.
A new spot appeared on the view screen marking the spot of the expected entry. It was never quite right, predicting folds would never be. It was amazing that the scientists and engineers were able to get anything that would warn them at all.
Suddenly the view on the main screen switched as a bright flash filled the screen. Prasuh heard one of the ensigns gasp as the new ship was identified, he himself showed no surprise at the arrival.
"Battle Stations," He said calmly.
Klaxons blared through the carrier and lights turned red, people scrambled to get to their action stations. Pilots flooded into the dressing rooms and got suited up.
The Eutharan Super Destroyer turned to intercept the Invaru Carrier.
"Sir I have an incoming communication from the Eutharan Destroyer Titan." Comm reported.
"Put it through."
'Marudas you are hereby ordered to stand down and surrender, ' A male voice ordered.
"Commander Gilas how nice to finally meet you; I'm afraid I'll have to refuse your invitation, but you're more than welcome to do the same."
The communications link died as the forward batteries of the Titan lanced out and hit the Marudas. Her shields flared and absorbed the impact, no damage was reported, and shields were holding.
"Tactical bring us about, have all fighters launch from the port side. Once port hangers are empty roll the ship and have starboard do the same."
He knew that the fighters were what would win the battle here, but if the destroyer managed to close in and turn broad side he could lose his ship. Beams lanced out once more hitting the Marudas, shields were at 89% minor damage to decks 20 — 34. Light damage to lateral thrusters and hangers 1 and 2.
Just as the Titan started to swing into position the Marudas started to roll as the fighters started pouring out of her like ants.
Onboard the Titan Commander Gilas watched as the Marudas slowly rotated bringing her port side to bear. He watched as the fighters that were already launched started making their way towards him. He only needed one minute and he would be in position.
"Flight, launch all intercept fighters. Tell them to keep them off of us for as long as they can."
"Yes Sir" the ensign turned back to his duty.
Gilas watched as beams leapt out and started killing some of the incoming fighters. Four of the fifteen main cannons lanced out and struck the Marudas causing her shields to flare briefly. The Marudas launched eight torpedoes, two got through striking the Titan.
'Warning Hull impact detected... Major damage to deck 12 — 35... Moderate damage to launch bay three... Shields at 82%... All medical and emergency crew responding... ' A female voice echoed through the ship.
"Fire at will, weapons loose." Gilas ordered.
Beams and torpedoes shot from both ships in a dance of death.
Jon and his command staff watched the two ships slug it out. At first it looked like the Invaru Carrier was doomed, then Jon watched as the ship rotated launching her fighters in safety away from the other ship. As he watched he saw the other ship start taking a beating and he knew if something wasn't done it was doomed.
"Ensign Sanders how close is this battle to Listening Post 10?" He asked turning around to face her.
She hit a few keys then replied "Right on top of it Sir."
Jon turned back and looked at the viewer. "How many repair drones there?"
Brad answered "22, why what have you got in mind."
Jon just grinned "Ghost, reactivate all drones in sector 10. Have them run on low power and approach the carrier from the aft."
'Activation complete, time to new destination thirty seconds.' Ghost reported.
"Ok, here's what I want to do..." Jon said.
On board the Marudas things were going well, Commander Prasuh was just about to demand the surrender of the Titan. Suddenly, systems started failing, first the main cannons went off-line followed shortly by the lateral thrusters. Shields then started fluctuating as well as their main engines.
'Warning intruder alert... Warning intruder alert... ' The computer reported.
Prasuh paled and looked over at his security officer. "What?!"
The officer turned white under the scrutiny of his commanding officer. "Sir, I don't know where they came from but we have intruders in main engineering and several other sections."
Prasuh growled, "How many?"
"I don't know Sir, I'm not picking up any life signs as far as I can tell they're uh... drones. I have security on their way to the locations Sir."
Another ensign chimed in "Sir I have casualties coming in from those areas."
Prasuh gritted his teeth, the Titan was almost done for, but now he had no weapons and his shields were failing.
"Sir, they are moving towards the main reactor." His security officer said
Prasuh knew when to run, "Recall all fighters, prepare for emergency jump in one minute."
His flight officer started issuing the orders but he knew they would only be able to recover about 80% of the fighters that were left. "Sir, I estimate only an 80% recovery of remaining fighters."
"Inform the fighters that the ones without the ability to jump will dock first. Relay our jump coordinates to the remaining fighters and order them to start jumping."
His flight officer nodded and started issuing the orders.
Prasuh slumped in his chair and start thinking about what was happening. The only explanation was that Commander Gilas had somehow launched some of his repair drones. But why? This had never been done before to his knowledge. As the hyperspace engines charged Ghost recalled her drones sending them to help the Titan. He kept mulling it over until his ship jumped followed by the rest of his fighters.
Gilas stared in disbelief as he watched the carrier recall her fighters and jump. He knew he was beaten and was preparing to send his terms for surrender. His ship was battered and he had lost most of his fighters. He issued orders to recall them and to start repairs immediately, he also dispatched search and rescue to tow in the two disabled ships.
"Sir I have 10 drones approaching." Tactical told him.
Gilas moved over and looked at the screen. "Drones? They haven't been used in hundreds of years."
"Yes sir, they are pretty old, computer marks them as old Class X drones. They were mainly used at repair faculties."
"Do you have any idea where those drones came from?"
"There is only one place that they could have Sir." The tactical officer touched a few buttons and shifted his view to Ghost Station.
"From the station? That station hasn't been in operation in ages and we don't even have the codes for her. Hell even the Invaru won't bother it, they know what happens if you tamper with one."
"The drones have started repairs and are moving us towards the station."
Gilas' eyebrows went up in surprise, "Are they now."
As he watched Ghost Station suddenly lit up and the listening post became active.
The communications officer turned to Gilas, "Sir we're receiving a request for communication from the station."
Gilas' brow furrowed, "Issue order to prepare to repel boarders. Have the fighters on stand-by to remove the drones towing us. Then put whoever it is through."
The comm officer nodded, "Putting Captain Hunter through now. Also Rescue and Recovery reports the two ships are secured in Docking Bay Six. They also report all hands ok."
"Have a security detail secure Docking Bay Six, no one in our out without my permission." He got the last out as Captain Hunter appeared on the main screen.
"Secure from Condition Red. Ghost bring our guests into repair bay one, I don't want them seeing Atlantis yet. Marc have an armed marine detail dispatched there to await their arrival. Get the Cruiser's commanding officer on screen please. Terri launch a two man patrol of the system, I have a feeling they will need the experience. Ghost and Brad work together and get as many of the listening posts and Defensive platforms on-line as you can." They all nodded and got to work, well Ghost didn't nod, she just replied affirmative.
"Commander Gilas of the Eutharan Super Destroyer Titan on screen Sir." An ensign reported.
Jon looked up and smiled, "Are you in need of assistance Commander.?"
"Yes, we could use some assistance Captain Hunter." Gilas replied.
"Ok we will be putting you into berth one to start repairs."
Gilas nodded, "Thank you Sir. Can I ask a question though?"
"Sure Commander, ask away."
"You're not Eutharan are you?"
"Nope we're not."
"How did you manage to get into the station then?"
"Perhaps I should explain that to everyone at once. Once you dock I'll tell you the story and then if you like you can assemble your crew and I'll tell them."
Gilas nodded.
"Commander, I'll see you when you get here. Oh, for our protection I have a security detachment standing by in the berth. I would really appreciate it if for now only you and a few guards for yourself come aboard. We can talk in the berth so you and your crew feel more comfortable."
"Ok Captain I can agree with that and thanks for helping out."
"My pleasure, Hunter out."
Gilas' XO listened to the whole conversation and smiled once it was over. "He sounds honest enough."
"Yes he does, we will see though, something's not quite right. Have security pick out the ten best people they have to be my 'personnel guard'. Full dress battle armor, also have thirty stand-by in case things get ugly."
"Yes Sir."
"I'm going to change into my formal dress clothes. You have the Bridge."
His XO sat down in the command chair as Gilas left.
By the time the Titan had been moved into position and secured in to the repair berth. Jon had a small table set up and was standing, watching as the massive ship was secured in place. He would have had refreshments but their supplies were dwindling quickly and it would be awhile before Atlantis' atriums were producing enough to feed even his small crew. He did have water for the Commander, it was about the only thing they had plenty of. With the ship's ability to recycle, the water would outlast the food by months. As Jon mulled this little problem over the main door to the docking platform cycled open.
Commander Gilas stood for a second looking over the people arrayed before him then stepped into the room. Funny, they are dressed in uniforms almost a thousand years old he thought. He heard one of the security personnel whisper something to one of his comrades and it stopped him in his tracks. He turned and looked over the security personnel around him and realized that this was a bad idea.
"Sergeant Nowl take all but four security back to the ship and have the rest stand down. This man," Gilas pointed at the officer who had whispered, "Is under arrest, charges pending."
Sergeant Nowl nodded motioning for two of the other security officers to take the man into custody. "If you don't mind Sir, I would like to stay."
"That's fine."
Nowl pointed to three of the officers and motioned the rest back to the ship. Giving orders that the man in custody was to be held in the brig until the Commander figured out what to do with him.
Satisfied Gilas turned back and smiled in Captain Hunter's direction as he proceeded to the table.
Jon watched everything transpire and was stunned when the Commander sent all but four of his guards back to the ship. What stunned him even more was the fact that one of them was stripped of his weapons and led away. It didn't escape his notice that their armor and arms were a bit more advanced than anything his crew had, after all he was working with a thousand year old stuff.
Jon's com snapped open as he was called by Ghost and notified that repairs had resumed on the Atlantis and had started on the Titan. Gilas reached out and shook Jon's hand in formal greeting.
"Please sit Commander" Jon said, motioning him to sit down.
"Thank you Sir, but can we dispense with the formalities? Just call me Gilas if you don't mind." Gilas replied as he took a seat.
"Sure as long as you stop calling me Sir and call me Jon."
"Agreed." Gilas smiled
"Well let me start by telling you a story..." Jon started.
Three hours later Jon finished his story and watched the men on the other side of the table stare at him in half-belief.
"That's certainly is an amazing story Jon. I didn't know there was a base that far out. I knew of the Atlantis but she was considered lost with all hands hundreds of years ago. Since then we have been fighting a losing war and have struggled to keep what we have.
I find this almost impossible to believe, I hope you understand that. I mean to say that you and your friends stumbled on to the Atlantis, managed to get her somewhat repaired and then undocked and took off. Then you fought your way through two Invaru Heavy Cruisers while taking heavy damage. Then you folded without blowing yourselves up or tearing the ship to pieces. Then after all that you manage to make minor repairs, then fold here with the key to this station. Well it's a little bit hard to believe." Gilas replied watching for Jon's reaction.
Jon had expected this, "Care to take a walk with me?"
Gilas looked back at his guards and then turned his attention back to Jon.
"Oh they can come too if you want I just want to show you something."
Gilas stood and turned to his guards, "Stay here. No one is to leave or enter the ship until I get back, is that understood?"
Nowl nodded and motioned the three guards with him to take up posts at each entry point into the ship. "Sir, if I may I would like to come with you for your protection."
Jon spoke up, "Gilas, I have no problem with that and I certainly understand. I'll have no guards with me but you're more than welcome."
Gilas stood for a second thinking about what Jon had just said. "No. Stay here and do as I ordered."
Nowl saluted and moved over to the other guards by the ship.
"Now shall we go?" Gilas asked "Trust has to start somewhere and you have certainly saved my ship and haven't given me reason to distrust you."
Jon nodded and walked next to the Commander as they exited the docking platform.
Listening post 10 picked up the return of the ship that fled earlier and alerted Ensign Sanders.
"Commander Hawkins the ship that was orbiting the sixth planet has returned."
Bill stood up and walked over to the railing to look at the main viewer. "On the main viewer please."
The viewer shifted and zoomed in to the medium size ship.
"Can we tell what class she is?" Bill asked as he turned to his tactical officer.
"She's an old Jadean Light Cruiser according to the computer. There's nothing else on her in the database." The officer replied.
"Comm get me the Captain and Flight."
"Link established, Sir" the com officer replied.
"Captain we have a small Jadean Light Cruiser on sensors that just jumped into the system."
"What's she doing?" Jon voice replied
Bill looked over to his tactical officer and raised an eyebrow. "Tactical?"
After a few seconds the officer replied "Looks like she has set up a search pattern around the sixth planet, Sir."
"Captain she looks to be searching for something." Bill heard whispered voices come across the com.
"Ok watch her and let me know if she starts heading this way."
"Yes Sir." The link closed and Bill said "Flight this is Control"
"Go ahead Control" Terri's voice replied
"Get your birds hidden but keep them ready incase we need them."
"Roger that."
"Control out." Bill said as he closed the link.
Jon and Gilas were sitting in his room looking out over the repairs on Atlantis. Gilas still couldn't believe it, but there she was as big as day. He had even talked to her AI and confirmed Jon's story. That's when Jon's com beeped.
"Captain we have a small Jadean Light Cruiser on sensors that just jumped into the system." Bill's voice said
"What's she doing?" Jon replied
After a few seconds of waiting Bill replied, "Captain she looks to be searching for something."
Gilas spoke up, "I think she's one of ours Jon. They were on a secret mission when we intercepted a communication ordering the Marudas here to intercept them."
Jon nodded and thought a second, "Well evidentially we don't have her in the data base or my XO would have included that information. What do you suggest?"
Gilas was stunned for a second, "Wait and see what she does when she gets in communication range I'll contact her and fill her in."
Jon nodded and told Bill "Ok watch her and let me know if she starts heading this way."
"Yes Sir." The link closed
"Thank you, Sir" Jon looked at Gilas.
"For what?"
"Your trust, I have never been asked what I though of any situation by a higher rank."
"You're more experienced than me Gilas. I only got this commission about three weeks ago."
"Yes but you're still a higher rank and Captain of the Atlantis and Commander Ghost Station."
"That brings up another question I meant to ask you. How is it you only have the rank of Commander yet you're in command of the Titan?"
"My turn to tell you a story Jon, but if you don't mind can I contact my ship?"
Jon just nodded and said, "Ghost patch Commander Gilas through to the Titan."
'Link established.' Ghost's voice replied.
"Gilas to Lieutenant Commander Carex," Gilas said.
"Carex here, go ahead Sir."
"Everything's fine here, set up a detail to bring supplies into the station."
"Yes Sir."
"I'll be down in a few, until then no one leaves the ship, understood?"
"Yes Sir, see you in a few."
"Gilas out."
The link closed as Gilas took one more look at the Atlantis and smiled to himself. This could turn the tide of the war.
Jon watched the man wondering what he was thinking. Hopefully they had made a new ally.
Gilas turned back to Jon and started his story.
"My story is pretty much the same as Atlantis' except that for the last 400 years we have been on the verge of destruction. The Invaru have been relentless in their tracking down of our bases and fleets. We have gone from about 25 bases to almost none and from about 50 fleets to three. Most of the fleets are split up and run in pairs or by themselves trying to protect supply lines and the few worlds we still have. One fleet remains intact but is a skeleton of its former self, it guards the secret seat of the Empire. Even though you don't think you have done a lot, you have given at least me hope. You see we have no more repair faculties, this station right now represents the last hope of the Empire."
Jon leaned back in his chair and looked at the man before him. He realized this could actually turn out to be very bad.
"Last hope of the Empire?" Jon asked
Gilas nodded, "With this station and our help it could be updated and to our latest technology. Then we could start assembling ships and building the fleet back up."
"Ok, now you have me slightly worried."
Gilas frowned and stared at Jon trying to figure out what he was thinking. "Why would you be worried?"
"Well, what's to stop you from just coming here and taking what you want and then putting me and all my people in a shuttle and sending us on our merry little way?"
Gilas jaw dropped, "We would never do that, that's not how we work."
"If you think something is your last hope of winning a battle what do you do?"
"I put everything I have into it." Gilas face registered what he had just said.
Jon just turned and looked back out at Atlantis and said, "I have read your histories and I know that some of you do work that way. Every species has their bad eggs that break the rules and do what they think they must. I'm more than willing to help but not at the expense of my crew. If it comes to the point you must have the station just let me know and I'll load up my crew in Atlantis and figure another way to try to save my home world."
"I really don't think it will come to that. I think the Empire will more than welcome you and Earth."
"We'll see Commander" Jon replied.