Jon stood staring at the image of the Hammer as he thought about what her captain had just said. He turned and motioned to the comm officer to mute the link. He didn't miss the fact that all eyes were on him as he paced for a brief second. He was in a dangerous position with the refugees on-board, but yet he refused to give in to the demands.
Jon walked up to the comm officer, "Get me the search and rescue team."
"Link established," The officer replied.
"Sergeant Leasan how long until the operation is complete?" Jon asked.
"About twenty minutes Sir," Sergeant Leasan said.
"Alright, try and step it up some. We have a situation developing here."
"Yes Sir."
Jon stood back up and walked back to look at the viewer. "Reopen the channel to the Hammer."
"Open," the comm officer said.
"Hammer, this is Captain Hunter."
"This is Captain Jodeas are you going to heave to and prepare to be boarded?"
"Sorry, but before I can make that decision I'll need some time to talk to my XO."
"You have ten minutes Captain."
Jon thought quickly, "I'm sorry but that won't be enough time. My XO is in Medical with a terrible case of the blue balls and I'll have to go there to talk to him. He's unable to walk straight right now and is in terrible pain."
Carex raised his eyebrow as some of the crew snickered.
"Uh, blue balls, never heard of it. Is it contagious?"
Jon had to fight hard not to laugh, "Yes extremely, but it only seems to affect the males. My CMO is searching for a cure right now, she hopes to find one before the rest of the crew is struck down."
"One second Captain."
Jon watched the viewer trying to ignore Carex's confused look.
"Ok, Captain, we'll give you one hour to confer and ready your crew for boarding. Hammer out," With that the link died.
Jon couldn't hold it any longer and busted out laughing along with several of the crew.
Carex just stared at Jon and asked, "What's this I have caught and am deathly ill over? I have never heard of this disease called blue balls."
Through his laughing Jon said, "I had counted on you or them not knowing about it."
"So?"
Jon had pretty much calmed down and looked over at Carex. "So, What?"
"So, what is it."
Jon took Carex to the side and started explaining it to him. Carex's jaw kept dropping through the conversation and then he busted out laughing. Jon just nodded and walked back to his chair every once in awhile glancing over and grinning at Carex.
Captain Jodeas called up his CMO and had him do a search on blue balls. The disease sounded really painful and he couldn't afford to have any of his crew infected.
"Sir, secure communication coming in from the Marudas," His comm officer told him.
Jodeas shivered, it was never good when his masters called. "Put it through to my screen."
Prasuh's face came up on the Captain's screen. "Captain Jodeas..."
Jodeas listened to Prasuh tell him of the attack on Earth and the destruction of one of the Titans by an old Atlantis class battle cruiser.
Jodeas looked up at the main viewer and his face paled. Good thing the Scythe was on her way. She was less than forty minutes out, that's why he had given them the hour.
"Sir, if it's the same ship I'm sitting face to face with them right now."
"What is your postion?"
"I'm transmitting that now," Jodeas replied as he nodded to his comm officer.
After a few seconds Prasuh said, "You are to delay them until I arrive. We're five hours from you. Do you understand? Don't let them leave that sector."
"Yes Sir we will not fail you."
"See that you don't," Prasuh said as the link closed.
Jodeas looked back up at the ship on his viewer and started thinking.
The Marudas broke orbit and moved away from Earth. When she passed the Moon four torpedoes left her and flew towards Earth.
The last thing that the people of Earth saw was a bright flash as the atmosphere caught fire and burned away. Earth was dead and would be for a very long time.
The Captain of the Marudas grinned as he watched it happen on the viewer.
Twenty-Five minutes later they had rescued what was left of the people on the smaller vessel. Everyone was aboard and accounted for, now all they had to do was wait. Jon hoped for a peaceful end to this situation. Jon sat staring at the viewer, watching the Hammer float in space. Carex had gone down to check on the new guests and to make sure they were taken care of.
"Captain," Carex's voice said.
"This is Hunter, go ahead," Jon turned his back to the viewer.
"Sir I need you in Medical right away."
"What, did you catch blue balls?
Carex coughed trying not you laugh, "Uh, no."
"Then is something wrong with the guests?"
"Um, you could say that; just please come to Medical."
"On my way," Jon turned and headed for the lift. "Carla you have the bridge, call me if anything happens."
Carla nodded as she stood up, taking the captain's chair; another ensign took over her post.
Jon made his way down to Medical as fast as he could expecting the worst. When he reached the doors the two marines stationed outside saluted; stepping out of his way.
As he stepped through the doors the first thing he noticed was that all the people on the various medical beds were Eutharan. Carex quickly intercepted him, pulling him towards one of the private rooms.
"What's the problem?" Jon asked him as he was half dragged to the room.
"They are."
Jon frowned, "Come again? They are your people, how can they be a problem?"
As he said this Carex pulled him through the six Eutharan marines and into the room; dropping to a knee. "This is Captain Hunter your Highness."
Jon didn't hear Carex, all he heard was a buzzing noise in his head as his eyes locked with the woman in front of him. His jaw dropped open and his knees almost gave out as he took her in.
The Princess bowed slightly to him smiling, her skin changed colors as she moved. Her skin reflected the light of the room giving her a natural glow. Her hair almost seemed to float about her head, strands of platinum streaked with amber. Her eyes were the color of pure gold, that shined with intelligence that seemed beyond his grasp.
Finally, the buzzing stopped and he was able to think again.
"You're the woman of my dreams... err I mean from my dreams," Jon corrected as he blushed.
The Princess smiled, "Princess Deatra C'loth of the Eutharan First Tier House," Her musical voice said.
Jon's heart leapt as she spoke, Carex had stood back up and was staring at Jon; reaching out he closed Jon's mouth. The action snapped Jon back to reality.
"Your Highness," Jon said as he bowed.
"You said I'm the woman from your dreams?"
"Yes, at least you look a lot like her."
"That's very interesting."
"It is?"
"Where I come from, we put a lot of stock in dreams. My people feel that every dream has a meaning. We can talk more about this later. Now on to more important matters, Captain am I right to assume that you are in a stand-off with the Hammer?"
"Well your Highness..." Jon started.
"Please call me Deatra."
Jon smiled, nodding he said, "Deatra, I wouldn't say that. We can leave at anytime."
Deatra raised an eyebrow, "We can leave at anytime?"
Jon nodded, "I was only delaying them, so we could finish the rescue mission."
"The Hammer was the one that attacked us. Captain, I can't fall into their hands. If we can leave, can we please do so now?"
It finally hit Jon, her mouth wasn't moving yet he heard her speak, "You're telepathic aren't you?"
"I'm sorry Captain, does it bother you?" Deatra finally spoke.
"In some ways yes it does, in others no. Let's just keep this a secret for now please, I'm not sure how my people would react."
Deatra nodded, "Ok."
Carex looked at the Princess like she had just stripped naked; his jaw dropping. Jon absently reached over and closed Carex's mouth.
"Careful, with how far your mouth was open a repair drone might fly into it."
Carex blushed.
"Excuse me Your Highness, but I have a problem to take care of."
Deatra bowed slightly and nodded.
Jon's face darkened as he strode out of the room.
"Lieutenant Commander Carex," Deatra said turning her attention to him.
"Your Highness?"
"You know what just transpired?"
"Yes your highness."
"I'm 18 years old, Carex and it has finally happened." She said as a smile crossed her face.
"Yes, your Highness. I have a question though, if I may."
Deatra nodded.
"Why him? Out of all the men on our worlds. Why a man not of our world or race?"
Deatra frowned at his question, almost lashing out at Carex. Instead she soothed her mind and said, "It's not for us to decide, but for fate to decide. This is how it must be."
"I'm sorry for the question, but I had to ask." Carex bowed low.
"I understand and others will question it too."
Carex nodded and turned to leave.
"One more thing," Deatra said.
Carex stopped and turned back around, "Your Highness?"
"I understand we have a detachment of Eutharan marines on board."
"Yes we do," Carex was trying to think where this was leading.
"Good, pick eight of the best. They are to be his honor guard. They will be accorded the rank of House Guard Captains with all the privileges and honors. Also spread the word to only the Eutharan on board that the Captain speaks with my voice and we know what that means, right?"
Carex paled a bit, "Yes your Highness, you speak with the voice of your mother and father."
Deatra nodded, "He is to be protected at all times, in this I overrule him for now."
Carex paled more, "Y-yes your Highness it shall be done."
"Good you're dismissed."
Carex quickly left and ran all the way to the Barracks.
Five minutes later Jon stepped off the lift to the bridge.
"Captain on deck," The marine shouted.
Carla stood up, reported no activity, resuming her post.
"Con back us off slowly," Jon said as he stepped up to watch the viewer.
Atlantis started to back up going under the disabled vessel as she slowly turned to port.
Carex and eight Eutharan marines in full battle dress stepped on the bridge. The Princess's seal was embossed on their chest plate, just below the right shoulder. The marines immediately took up positions close to Jon.
Jon raised an eyebrow, "What's going on Carex?"
Carex stumbled with the words, "Uh, well... the Princess demanded that you be protected. She uh... loaned you some of the Royal Guard."
"Hrm... I don't need them. Tell them to go protect her," Jon turned his attention back to the viewer.
"I can't do that."
Jon couldn't believe what he just heard. This was the first time he had ever seen Carex disobey an order. Well unless you include that upstart councilor. Jon turned his head back in Carex's direction. "What did you just say?"
Carex huffed, "I said, I'm sorry Sir I can't do that."
"That's what I thought you said. I'm telling you, get these marines off my bridge and send them back to the princess right now."
"Jon, I can't do that. The Princess gave me an order and I am duty bound to do it. It was a lawful order and does no harm. You're just now starting to learn our customs, but you have to understand. An order from the Princess is an order from the King or Queen, we have to follow it. If anyone of us disobeyed the Princess she could have us thrown in the brig."
Jon thought for a second, he knew Carex was in a bind because that's the only time he called him by his name. "Ok, this once I'll allow this because there are other things going on. But once this is all over, your Princess and I are going to have a little talk."
Carex sighed in relief, he sure was glad he had told the guards to expect this.
Jodeas was reading some reports waiting for the Scythe to arrive when the tactical officer told him that the Atlantis was moving. Jodeas looked up at the viewer and sure enough there she was backing off and turning to port.
"Comm get me Captain Hunter."
"Link open," Comm reported.
"Captain Hunter what are you doing?"
"Moving," Jon replied.
"Yes, I can see that why are you moving?"
"Well you missed play time, Mom called and it's time for me to go home."
Jodeas cocked his head to one side, "What?"
"I don't play well with others, I'm leaving. Have a nice day."
"Sir, the Scythe has just arrived and will be here in two minutes," Comm reported.
Jodeas nodded, "Captain Hunter if you don't stand down this instant I'll be force to open fire."
"Sorry I don't like crowds there's just one too many at this party," Jon said as the link died.
"Condition Red... All hands to battle stations... This is not a drill..." Jodeas yelled.
Jon watched on the viewer as the other ship took up position next to the Hammer. He didn't like the odds. He looked over at Atlantis who was standing next to him.
"Well?" Jon said.
"I think I could take one of them but not both. Not with out major damage at least. The Princess being on board makes it a priority to escape," Atlantis replied.
"What do you mean priority?"
"It means just that. She's next in line for the throne by definition of her title. She has to be protected at all cost."
Jon didn't like this, "So what you're telling me is that regardless of orders I give you this priority overrides that?"
"Yes, it's built into my subroutines and there's nothing I can do about it. At a point where it becomes flee or maybe be destroyed or captured. My programming will force me to flee."
Jon sighed, "Ok, let's just hope it doesn't come to that."
Atlanta nodded.
Jon left Atlanta standing at the railing and walk over to the com officer. "Get me a secure link to Brad in Engineering."
"Link established."
"Brad I need you to do something for me," Jon said.
"Anything, what do you need?"
"I need for you to put the rabbit back in the box."
"Huh, are you sure?"
"Yes, do it now."
"Ok, you got it."
"Thanks, Captain out."
Jon walked back over to stand by Atlantis. "How long?"
"Hrm?" Atlantis said looking at Jon.
"How long do we have until the Hammer attacks? I mean are the Buranis aggressive?"
"They're aggressive but not like the Invaru, they usually have to be provoked."
Suddenly Atlantis was gone.
"Sir, Engineering reports job complete."
Jon wasn't happy about it but it had to be done. "Tell them thank you."
"Sir, the Hammer is charging weapons as is the second ship," Tactical reported.
"Second ship ID confirmed it's the Scythe," A midshipman reported from another station.
"Condition Red," Jon said.
Condition Red... All hands to battle stations, this is not a drill. A metallic computer voice said
"Bring us about, full ahead. Fire only if fired upon," Jon said.
"New heading 180 Mark 001, full ahead," Con reported.
"The Hammer is firing." Tactical reported.
Atlantis shuddered as she was hit.
"Shields down to 90%, no damage," Tactical reported.
"How far is the fold point?" Jon asked.
"Two minutes Sir," Con replied.
"Tactical return fire, target the Hammer first," Jon said.
Jon watched as the aft batteries started firing at the Hammer.
"Hammer's shield down to 97%," Tactical reported.
"That's one tough bitch," Jon muttered.
The Hammer and Scythe fired at the same time striking the Atlantis just above Launch Bay Charlie.
Hull breech Launch Bay Charlie... the computer reported.
Jon paled, "Dispatch Search and Rescue (SAR)."
"Shields down to 35%, hull breeches in Launch Bay Charlie and decks 23 — 32," Tactical reported.
"How in the hell did they get through our shields?" Jon almost screamed.
"It looks like they concentrated their weapons on one point and punched through Sir," The Tactical officer replied.
"Prepare for an in system fold," Jon said "put us behind the fourth planet."
"Sir, 45 seconds to fold point," Con said.
"We can't take another hit like that," Jon said slumping in his chair.
"Fold plotted."
"Execute."
Atlantis disappeared in a flash of light as twelve more beams passed through where she had just been.
Marc and twenty marines watched the Scythe come right at them. Their battle suits had sealed when the bay was hit, metal bands extended from the collar up to the forehead and a force field covered the face. Five marines and all of the people weren't so lucky. Atlantis folded and disappeared leaving them alone to make a choice.
Marc looked over at the senior Eutharan, "Any ideas?"
Lieutenant Bish looked over the marines and then at the Scythe, "Yes."
"What?"
"We board the Scythe."
Marc looked at Bish as though he had just lost every marble he ever had. "What, all 21 of us?"
"You have a better plan?"
"No, not really. But five of us are not Eutharan and we haven't been trained for this."
"It's not too different from defending a ship."
"Ok, but you're in command because I have no idea what to do. Oh, and remind me to get my men started in this type of training if we live."
Bish grinned at Marc and nodded.
Using small thrusters built in to the battle armor they maneuvered themselves to an airlock on the Scythe. As their feet touched the hull their soles became magnetized to allow them to walk. Thankfully the Scythe had stopped to scan what little bit of wreckage there was.
"Ok everyone turn on your dampeners," Bish said.
The suit's built in dampeners hid their life signs and some of the noise they made. After by-passing the airlock control panel Bish had the tech hack into the main computer. Bish and Marc studied the hologram that floated above the panel on the wrist of the tech.
"This is the bridge and this is engineering. We need to take both. If we can take those two places we control the ship," Bish told Marc as he motioned to the hologram.
Marc nodded, "Looks like the bridge is really close to here. Engineering will be another matter."
"We'll have to go through the Brig to get to either one. You lead the assault on the Bridge and I'll lead the assault on engineering. Once we're in position we will attack at the same time. All right let's get going."
Four minutes later Marc peered around the corner into the Brig. He raised two fingers to indicate there were two people inside that needed to be taken down. Bish nodded and pointed at two of the Eutharan marines. They both crouched and slid slowly to the edge of the doorway. Two shots and two dead Invaru later, the team stood looking into a cell.
"Who are you?" Marc asked.
"I'm Captain Vaes."
Marc looked over at Bish who just shrugged. "Is this your vessel?"
"Yes I was the Captain of her," Vaes said as sadness filled his face.
"So if this is your vessel why are you in the brig?"
"The Invaru discovered that we were tired of the mistreatment they gave us and were planning on defecting to the Eutharan military. So they sent a replacement Invaru Captain before we could do it. I was betrayed by my second in command."
"I'll tell you what, if you're willing to help us we'll let you out. We're going to take the Scythe."
Vaes brightened and grinned an evil grin. "Why I'd be happy to help and so would over three quarters of my crew."
Marc looked once again at Bish, "What do you think?"
Bish looked down at Vaes then back to Marc. "I think we go for it." He said grinning.
As the tech opened the cell Marc, Bish and Vaes started to plan.
"Con bring us around the planet and make for the fold point," Jon said.
"Aye Sir."
Atlantis came out from behind the planet and started running for the fold point. The Hammer and Scythe turned and started to close the gap. As Atlantis got close to the fold point the Marudas came out of hyperspace blocking their path. Atlantis didn't make the fold point.
"Sir," A voice said
Jon opened his eyes, he was standing at the railing over looking the viewer. Both of his hands were gripping the rail in a death grip. Once his eyes focused Jon looked over at who was shaking him.
"Are you all right?" Carex asked.
"Yeah I was just thinking. Sorry about that."
Jon walked back to his chair, sat down, staring at the viewer for a second. "Con nearest fold point is how far away?"
"Three minutes Sir."
"Tactical if we head for that fold point how long until the Hammer and Scythe engage us?"
"We would be about ten seconds away."
"Can we make it?"
"I think so but we will probably take some damage. Shouldn't be much with the shields recharged."
"Ok, Con head for the closest fold point; max speed."
Atlantis came out from behind the planet at full speed and headed for the fold point. The Hammer turned and started to close the distance. The Scythe continued her course.
"Scythe why have you not turned to engage?" a voice said.
Marc walked on to the bridge and ordered everyone to lower their weapons. "We need him alive."
The Invaru Captain grinned and got up from his chair and stepped towards Marc. "Oh is that so?"
Marc nodded.
"Good when I get done bashing your brains in I'll kill the rest of your pathetic marines."
"Scythe report damn it! Why have you not turned to engage?" the voice said.
Marc looked over at one of the Buranis marines. "Talk to the Hammer, sound like we're having com problems and some engine trouble." The marine nodded and took a seat at the Comm station.
The Invaru Captain took that second to take a swing at Marc, who dodged back. Marc watched him flex all four of his arms, growling. The fight was fast but brief, in the end Marc was standing behind the Captain; who was on his knees. Marc reached out, slapping something on the back of the Captain's head.
"W-what was that?" The Captain said starting to reach to the back of his head.
"Don't touch it or it will go off," Marc said, stepping around the Captain. With a big grin on his face, Marc waved a small device in front of the Captain, who watched it move back and forth.
"What did you do to me?" The Captain said almost in a panic.
Marc looked up as Bish stepped on to the bridge; smiling. He turned his attention back to the Captain. "I planted a small injector on the back of your neck. It has a very lethal virus in it. This device here controls it. If I push this button it will inject you, if you try to remove it without turning this knob it will inject you."
The Captain's eyes got wide.
"The virus once injected will turn your insides to liquid slowly, very very slowly. The last things to go are your heart and brain so you live through the whole process. I saw a man that accidentally injected himself. He lasted for two days dying in excruciating pain, he begged to be put out of his misery. It's an awful way to die," Marc said tapping the button with his thumb nail.
The Captain paled, "W-what do you want?"
"I want you to get back in the chair and act like nothing is wrong. That you got everything repaired and are joining the pursuit."
The Captain got up and sat in the chair, "Anything, just please don't let me die that way."
Marc smiled, walking over to where Bish stood.
"Nice," Bish said "I didn't know you had anything like that. Think we could get some when we get back?"
Marc snickered, "You have some now." He said tapping Bish's rank insignia.
"Huh?" Brig said looking down to where Marc was tapping.
Whispering Marc said, "I took off one of my rank insignia and pinned him with it."
Bish's mouth dropped, "But what about all that stuff you said."
"I made it up."
"And the control button," Bish said pointing at the object Marc was holding.
"Oh that," Marc said, pulling out a cigar and lighting it.
Atlantis was almost at the fold point when the Marudas came out of hyperspace, blocking the old fold point. When the Marudas realized they were out of position they turned to close on the Atlantis.
"Sir the Scythe is joining the Hammer, " Tactical reported.
Jon watched it play out on the viewer; they would make it but just barely.
"Sir, the Hammer is firing," Tactical reported.
Lightning danced across the Atlantis's hull as she lost power and started to drift.
Emergency lighting came on as Jon asked, "What the hell was that?"
"I don't know Sir but it knocked out all of our power. We've lost shield and weapons," The Ensign at the engineering station said "secondary main reactor should be kicking in right about now."
Lights came back on as stations started rebooting.
"We have engines, fold drive will be charged in 30 seconds," Con reported.
Running lights flared to life on the Atlantis as the Hammer came to within 100 yards.
"Ten seconds to shields and weapons Sir," Tactical reported.
"Sir, I have the Scythe on the comm," Carla said turning to Jon.
"What do the..." Was all Jon got out, before he disappeared in a flash of light.
The bridge fell silent, as Carex stared at the spot where Jon had been standing. Jon's guards all looked nervous.
"It's the Hammer Sir," Carla said.
"Atlantis we have your Captain, pursue us and he dies," Captain Jodeas said.
The Hammer jumped to hyperspace.
"Atlantis this is the Scythe, Captain Anders here, we have assumed command of the Scythe and will pursue," Marc said.
"What? How?" a stunned Carex sputtered.
"I'll explain everything later, we're entering hyperspace now."
The Scythe jumped to hyperspace.
Suddenly Atlantis rocked, Carex looked up at the viewer, watching the Marudas start launching its fighters as beams lanced out.
"FOLD NOW!" Carex yelled.
Atlantis disappeared in a flash of light.
Captain Jodeas turned in his chair and looked at Jon. "Welcome to my ship Captain Hunter."
Bill watched as a Eutharan Heavy Carrier, the Arc Light, sat at the outer marker requesting permission to dock. Gilas had told him a day before to expect company, so he wasn't surprised.
"Sir her registration checks out," The dock control officer reported.
"Ok, let her come in," Bill said as he turned and sat down.
"Arc Light this is Ghost Station Docking Control, you are cleared for entry into the outer marker. Do not charge weapons inside the marker or you will be fired upon," The dock officer said.
"Copy that Control. The ship is yours," A voice said back.
"Roger Ghost Station has control, you'll be docking at clamp five; see you in a few."
"Thanks Control, Arc Light out."
As soon as the Arc Light docked, the doors to the docking platform opened and a man walked out followed by ten marines in battle armor. Gilas was at attention when the man walked up and stuck out his hand.
"Gilas old friend, how are you doing?" Admiral Pocad said smiling.
"Fine Admiral, how was your trip?" Gilas said returning the smile.
"Now Gilas you know to call me Vors, none of that Admiral stuff. The trip was boring as usual," Vors looked around. "so this is Ghost Station, never thought I'd get to see her from the inside."
"Yes, an amazing place and the people are remarkable as well. Wait until you meet Captain Hunter."
Briefly a frown crossed Vors face but he quickly smiled. "I would like to see C&C, I want to see the heart of this place. See how it's run from day to day and what they're doing to improve it."
Gilas directed Vors over to a window and pointed out a newly started structure. "That Vors is the start of a dry dock so we can build ships here, not just repair them. They have three more planned, they will all be big enough to build Super Carriers. They have even started up a computer assisted mining operation in the asteroid belt here to get the needed supplies for the manufacturing."
Vors was impressed.
"Anyway CIC is this way, we can talk more later," Gilas said leading the Admiral and his guards down a corridor.
Fifteen minutes later Gilas and Vors stepped into CIC. Bill stood up and saluted when the guard shouted admiral on deck. Vors looked around the large room as his marines took up positions. Bill had started to walk up when the Vors asked a question.
"So who's in command?" Vors asked.
"Lieutenant Commander Hawkins is," Gilas said smiling at Bill.
"Just call me Bill Admiral," Bill said sticking his hand out.
"Thanks Bill," Vors said as he pulled out a gun, shooting Bill point blank in the chest.
Bill looked down at the gun then up at Vors and said, "Lock-out Alpha One Nine Six Beta Echo," as he collapsed to his knees.
Gilas looked at Vors in shock as he reached down to help Bill. Bill was staring straight at him, a look of betrayal across his face. Bill fell forward as Ghost's voice said "Lock-out confirmed."