The Arc Light was stuck, she couldn't move. Even if she had power, which she didn't, she couldn't have broken free from the docking clamps that held her. Ghost had cut all power to her, shutting down all her systems but life support, though she was temped to shut that down too. No matter how much Glias begged she wouldn't restore power. Mike had even tried talking to her, it was no use.
Because of the lock-down no one had access to her computer core or main systems. She had kept the stations outer defense on-line for protection. As time went on she even stopped showing up, saying she was waiting for Jon to return. The people on the station went about their lives as best they could, using the time to study and train.
Andie refused to remove the lock out on Medical, so Gilas had the Medical staff open up the secondary Medical Ward. Gilas hoped Jon was on his way back, sooner or later things would get worse.
Terri sat in the cockpit of the simulator staring at the blank screen. She wished there was power to the unit, because right now she felt like killing a few things. Oojoung, hidden by his camo device, watched her from a distance. He knew she needed time, so being a good friend he gave it to her. Oojoung hadn't really known Bill that well but from what he saw he knew the people on the station liked him.
Marc watched as the Hammer dropped out of hyperspace, the Scythe close behind. Vaes ordered the Scythe to take up a defense position like nothing was wrong.
"How long until they are in planetary orbit?" Vaes asked.
"Three hours," Tracking reported.
"We have three hours until they are in orbit of my home world," Vaes said as he turned to Marc. "If they make orbit he's lost."
Marc looked at the Hammer, "Could we board her and take her?"
"Probably, but his crew is loyal. You won't get help from them."
"His ship is identical to this one right?"
Vaes nodded, "Yes down to the last bolt, why?"
"Because I have an idea," Marc said grinning.
"Oh?"
"Yeah, let me go find Bish and we will talk it out," Marc said, as he turned to leave.
Vaes shook his head and grinned, "They are an amazing people."
"They will be dead soon," growled Gulis.
"Maybe, maybe not," Vaes replied as he turned to face Gulis. "But you need to be quiet or I'll have them sew your mouth shut. You're already tied to the chair, don't make things harder on yourself."
Gulis started to say something but when Vaes raised an eyebrow he stopped. Vaes nodded and turned back to the viewer.
Repairs were almost complete, well the ones that could be done. Carla sat on the bridge watching the viewer with new Lt. Cmdr. bars on her lapel. She was given a battle field promotion from the Princess until Jon could finalize it. Her one condition upon accepting it was that Carex be given his rank and status back. The Princess at first refused saying that it was a different matter but Carla quickly pointed out he was needed on the bridge. The Princess reluctantly agreed, telling Carex that the return of Jon would resolve him of his over sight. But she made it perfectly clear that Carla was in charge until that time.
Carla ordered Atlantis to set a pursuit course after the Hammer. The Princess had pointed to a system on the map saying the Captain would be taken there. Carex knew how the Princess knew where the Captain was but kept his mouth shut. Their estimated time to intercept was two hours. The people in the Launch bays were moved closer to the center of the ship for protection, as the flight crews prepared for battle; Atlantis was on full alert.
Sam woke and wandered out to where the Princess was sitting watching the stars; sitting beside her. The Princess smiled and looked down at Sam, "Did you have a good sleep little one?"
"Yes, Miss Princess," Sam said smiling.
"Good, are you hungry?"
"No, not really, Miss Princess will Captain Jon be ok?" Sam said as her smile faded.
The Princess looked back out at the stars, "You can call me Deatra and to answer your question, I hope so."
"Is he ok right now do you think?"
Deatra's face lost all emotion for a moment, "Yes, yes he is little one."
"You can call me Sam," Sam said as she leaned into Deatra.
Deatra smiled and hugged the little girl close, "Ok Sam."
After a moment Sam said, "Little One is good too."
Deatra smiled as she leaned back and watched the stars with Sam.
One and a half hours later the Princess made her way to the bridge. She had decided she would observe the operation from there, her guards allowed no argument.
Jon paced the small cell he was in, he had spent hours trying to find a way to get out. He watched the guards outside the cell chat, every once in awhile glancing over at him. If they had been Eutharan marines he might have tried to talk his way out. Listening to them talk he found out that his exploits had given him a kind of fame among the crew; they all wanted him dead. It seemed like they all knew someone who knew someone that was on the Titan that died.
Captain Jodeas had come to see him a couple of times during the journey letting him know they weren't far from their destination. He explained to Jon that he would be tried on crimes against the Collective and for the murder of 10,000 beings. He would get a fair trial and time to prepare a defense. Jodeas laughed as he walked away.
Jodeas sat in his chair watching his home world get closer. Displayed on the viewer was the 10th, 12th, and 36th battle fleets. What worried him the most was the little fleet that was approaching him. It was the Emperor's Home Guard Fleet, the Captain of the fleet was not known for his light handedness.
"Sir, we're receiving a transmission from the Wrath's Revenge," Comm reported.
Jodeas scowled, to be so close, "Put it through."
A large Invaru filled the screen, "Ah, Captain Jodeas."
Jodeas almost choked, "A-Admiral Breq to what do I owe this honor?"
A hint of smile crossed the Breq's face, "Prasuh sent word that you captured the Captain of the Atlantis."
Jodeas almost cried out in grief, "Y-yes Master I did."
"Good, I'm sending a shuttle to pick him up. We will take him to the Emperor directly."
"It was my hope that I would have that honor." Jodeas said, trembling slightly.
"Are you arguing with me?" Breq asked, his face showing no emotion.
"No, no Master it's as you wish." Jodeas replied, climbing out of his chair and kneeling.
"Good, the Emperor has ordered you and the Scythe to continue the search for the Atlantis."
"The Atlantis is still alive? I thought the Marudas destroyed her." A stunned Jodeas replied
"Yes, she has slipped away again. Prepare for my guards," Breq's face faded.
"Sir, Wrath's Revenge is launching a troop transport," Tactical reported.
"Have it dock as close to the Brig as possible."
On board the Wrath's Revenge Admiral Breq turned and took his seat, watching the two ships in front of him.
"Secure communication from the Scythe Sir," Com reported.
Breq got up, "Put it through to my ready room." Breq turned and walked to his ready room. Several of his officers smiled and turned back to their duties.
Once the shuttle landed in the Hammer's landing bay thirty marines in heavy combat armor disembarked. They formed two lines, fifteen each to the left and right of the ramp.
Slowly a large Invaru carrying a six foot staff walked down the ramp, his cloak hanging loose across his right shoulder. Jodeas knelt with the rest of his crew as General Illus stepped up in front of him.
Illus looked down at Jodeas, "Well?"
Jodeas glanced up, "Sir?"
"Where is the prisoner? Are you that useless you didn't bring him?" Irritation crossed Illus' face.
"N-no he's right here." Jodeas motioned six marines forward.
Jon looked Illus up and down, trying to figure a way out of the situation. The marines pushed him forward, he almost stumbled on the leg irons they had on his ankles.
Illus turned and looked at Jon and grinned, "Finally I meet the man who took down a Titan and survived to talk about it."
Jon didn't say anything.
"Not talkative are you? Well we'll change that I'm sure." Illus motioned for his marines to take Jon into the shuttle. Illus turned and followed them into the shuttle the rest of the marines following closely behind. Once on board the ramp closed and the shuttle departed, only then did Jodeas breathe a sigh of relief.
Illus took a seat by the shuttles pilot and relaxed.
"New orders Sir, We've been ordered to land on the Scythe." The pilot said.
Illus' face clouded, "whose orders?"
"Admiral Breq, Sir."
Illus nodded, "Ok, land on the Scythe. I'll find out what this is all about." Illus contacted Breq on a secure line.
"Ok people listen up," Marc said to the marines in the room.
The room got quiet as everyone's eyes watched Marc.
Marc stepped up to the large holotable sitting in the center of the room. The room reminded him of a large college class room. Marc pointed to the hologram as little images popped up in front of the marines for closer viewing. "We'll be entering here and here, this entry point will put us just outside of the brig," he said pointing back to the first. "This other entry point will put us next to the engine room, Sergeant H'iloh will be in charge of that one. Your job is to kill the engine and communications, after that's done we'll assault the brig. Hold the engine room for forty five minutes and then return to the ship. We will be close on your tail. Engineering has modified the dampening field on the shuttles to prevent detection, stealth is very important."
The marines all stood and saluted.
"Ok everyone get suited up and good luck," Marc said
"So, Bish," Marc said as he turned to him. "You think it will work?"
"It's a good plan."
"Yeah, you panned most of it, remind me again when we get back to the station to start ship assault classes."
Bish smiled, nodding.
"So how much of a chance do you think we have?"
"Uh, I don't know, 25%."
"That low?"
"Ok, 50% no, no maybe more like 70/30."
Marc moaned, "Remind me to never ask you about our chances again."
Bish laughed and chatted with Marc as they walked to get suited up.
Once everyone was loaded the pilots requested clearance to depart.
"Clearance to depart denied Shuttles Alpha and Bravo," Launch Control told them.
"Why is clearance to depart denied," Marc asked.
"I don't know Sir," the pilot said. "hold on a second. Launch, mission commander says this is a time restrictive mission, would like to know reason for delay."
"We have another inbound shuttle," Launch said. "Please stand-by."
Marc looked back at the marines, "Everyone get out of the shuttle now and disperse in the Launch Bay. I want coverage on that incoming shuttle. Pilot have Bravo shuttle do the same as fast as they can."
The marines flooded out of the shuttles and took up covered positions around the Bay. Marc stood next to Bish as they watched the new shuttle land. Slowly the ramp lowered and two figures walked down it followed by thirty marines. Marc recognized Jon and immediately stood up from cover and shouldered his rifle taking aim at the man standing next to him.
"Freeze!" Marc shouted.
Everyone reacted the same way, the thirty marines surrounded Jon and the Invaru in a half circle. Weapons hummed to life as safeties were clicked off.
"Sir, heading to last fold point," con reported to Carla.
"Ok, condition red... all hands to battle stations... prep all fighters for departure." Carla said as she stood and walked to the railing.
"Condition red... All hands to battle stations... Launch Bays prepare all fighters for departure... This is not a drill." The Comm officer's voice said.
People scrambled to their stations, marines spread out through the ship. Medical took up key points through out the ship getting ready for the up coming battle. All over the ship people activated their dampening devices. The only thing that bothered Carla was the loss of Atlantis, she had discussed this with Brad.
"Why is Atlantis off-line Chief?" Carla asked, she slowly walked around the main reactor looking at it.
"Captain Hunter had me take her off-line because she might have gone rogue. Mike had found some anomalies in her program, we weren't sure of what they were so we set up a plan to take her off-line in case something happened." Brad was studying some readings but briefly glance in her direction.
"Any reason we can't bring her back on-line?"
"Yes," Brad said finally turning to face her.
Carla arched her eyebrow.
"Captain's orders," was all Brad said.
"He's not here and I need her for the up coming battle."
"The Captain had me take her off-line for a reason, I don't pretend to know the reason. But, there was something wrong and he ordered it. I'm not about to go against that order."
"I'm ordering you to bring her back on-line," Carla said giving him a stern look.
"Lieutenant Commander that look won't work on me, you forget I deal with the Captain daily."
"Chief I'm in command of this vessel and I am ordering you to bring Atlantis back on-line, or else."
"Or else what?" Brad said as he set down the holopad he was using.
"I'll have you tossed into the brig for insubordination, then I'll have another engineer bring her on-line."
Brad took a step in her direction, "Look her missy, you don't come in here telling me to ignore the Captain's orders. I don't care if God himself ordered me to turn Atlantis back on, I wouldn't do it. You have been in charge of this vessel for what, one day? Jon is a friend of mine and nobody else on this vessel wants him back as much as I do. But that doesn't change the fact that the Captain of this vessel ordered her turned off. As far as throwing me in the brig, do it, I could care less, no one will be turning Atlantis on without my authorization codes anyway. Now either throw me in the brig, when I know you'll need me in the up coming battle, or kindly get the hell out of my way, Sir."
Carla's face turned four shades of red as she fumed, "Fine but I'll be reporting this to the Captain when we get him back." She stormed off leaving Brad there grinning.
Brad looked around and saw the techs all staring at him, "What the hell are you looking at? Get back to work."
Carla was still pissed about Brad disobeying a direct order, but he was right she needed him. She looked up on the viewer, "Time to fold?"
"Twenty seconds," con reported.
"Carex take command of the fighters please." Carla said turning her head in his direction.
"Yes Sir," Carex said as he took the bridge's Tactical station.
"After the fold plot a new fold to put us right under the bow of the Hammer." Carla told the con officer.
"Yes Sir," con replied, "new fold will take one minute to recharge. Engineering Chief is putting all addition power into the recharge."
Carla nodded and flashed a smile at the Princess standing next to her.
"We'll get him back," Carla said "Don't worry."
"I hope so," Deatra said
Atlantis disappeared in a flash of light.
Things happened all at once, the Atlantis appeared for one minute and folded again. The Hammer realized the shuttle had landed on the Scythe and called the Admiral. The Admiral claimed to not know anything about why the shuttle had landed there. The Admiral then issued orders to engage the Scythe when she wouldn't return his communications and her Hyperspace engines started charging. The Scythe fired on the Hammer as she turned to flee. The Hammer returned fire, it was a dance that neither could win.
The Atlantis appeared under the Hammer and let her have it full force. The Princess then realized Jon was on the Scythe and told Carla, who ordered the Atlantis in pursuit. Between both the Atlantis and Scythe they were able to knock the Hammer's shields out and do some damage to her. The other ships were gaining but not very quickly.
"I have the Scythe's hyperspace coordinates, they're jumping to Ghost Station," Con reported.
"Plot a fold back home," Carla said
The Princess nodded and then left the bridge.
No one had fired yet, but if looks could kill there would have been a lot of casualties.
"Marc," Jon yelled "put down your weapons."
Marc looked over at Bish, who just shrugged.
"Marc, come on, these guys rescued me," Jon yelled once again.
"They're Invaru or haven't you noticed?" Marc yelled back from cover.
"Really? Geez I didn't see that," Jon said sarcastically. "I'm ordering you to get your ass out here, right now mister!"
Marc stuck his tongue out the side of his mouth, crossed his eyes and circled his ear with his finger. "Jon's as crazy as a loon, what did they do to him?"
Bish had to stifle a laugh, "You look really dumb doing that."
Marc grinned.
Jon leaned over and whispered something to Illus, who nodded and waved for the marines to lower their weapons. Jon stepped out front and walked towards where Marc was hiding.
Marc peeked up and came face to face with a very pissed off looking Jon.
"Marc," Jon said in a controlled voice "order your men to lower their weapons. The Invaru marines already have."
"You're really ok? They didn't fry your brain or reprogram you?"
When Jon busted out laughing Marc started chuckling as he stepped out and ordered his marines at ease. Vaes stepped out of the lift just as the two marine units were starting to mix and talk.
The Scythe entered hyperspace followed closely by the Atlantis folding. The ships in pursuit entered hyperspace shortly after that.
Vors hit the marine serving him dinner in the back of the neck, knocking him out. Seconds later he had his men freed and half of them armed. They headed towards where their ship was docked.
After a day of sitting in the simulator alternating between sleeping and crying, Terri felt better. She also knew what she had to do now, she was next in line to take command of the station. Terri stood up and stretched her cramped muscles and stepped out of the simulator. Terri looked around and not seeing Oojoung anywhere she suspected he was close only using his stealth unit. That was just as well she didn't need the distraction right now.
"Ghost this is Terri, I'm headed to CIC to take command, meet me there please." Terri said into the air.
"Ok, but I'm not giving you full access until Jon gets back." Ghost's voice echoed in the room. "Vors will pay for what he has done."
"That's fine. I want to get construction back up and running and be ready for when Jon arrives." Terri said as she walked to the door.
Terri stepped out into the corridor and right into the chest of Vors, who grinned. Vors reached out and grabbed Terri by the throat and spun her around lifting her off her feet.
Vors leaned down and whispered, "Nice to see you again, let's take a walk shall we."
Terri couldn't reply because of the force of his grip, she was barely able to breathe.
Two decks later Gilas and twenty-five marines stood in front of Vors little group as twenty-five more stepped out behind him. Vors tightened his grip on Terri and ordered them out of the way.
"Let her go Vors," Gilas hollered "don't make this any harder on yourself or your men."
"Leave Gilas, run back to your ship and leave," Vors sneered.
Gilas face showed controlled rage.
Ghost appeared in front of Vors an evil grin across her face, "I've just cut life support on your ship, they have about two hours of oxygen left; that's if I don't vent it."
Vors glared at Ghost, "Turn it back on or I'll kill her!"
"Do that and they will die as well as you, right here, right now."
Vors tossed Terri to the floor, grabbing her by the hair. He pointed his gun at the back of her head, "I'm serious turn the life support back on!"
Terri shook her head.
Vors yanked back hard on her hair as Terri gasped in pain, "You shut up!"
Ghost got a disconnected look in her eyes and said, "Atlantis and unknown ship entering system."
Vors paled a bit but kept his hold on Terri.
"You're in trouble now," A voice said "that's Jon's sister you have in front of you. If you think Ghost is being hard on you, Jon will eat you alive."
Terri gasped, she recognized the voice and tried to look up.
Gilas turned and looked and did a double take, some of the men started talking in hushed tones.
Ghost even turned towards the voice a tear forming in her eye.
Bill stepped from around the corner in heavy battle armor carrying a rifle, "How about we stay here and wait for the Captain to arrive. I'm sure you two have plenty to talk about."