“Thanks,” Jon said. “How about next time you let me know though.”
“Wait smaller force?” Mark said. “Just how many troops can you field?”
“Currently?” Nefeit said.
“Uh, yeah,” Mark said.
“Well,” Nefeit said. “I would have to say just shy of two hundred thousand shock troops and seven hundred thousand normal troops. That includes air forces and all equipment. Now that we’re in the ADF I can step that up and multiply those forces by half again.”
“Mother of God,” Mark said.
“How many ships can you field?” Jon said.
“Home fleet is about ten ships carrier class down and ships abroad is what I just mentioned including my vessel,” Nefeit said. “That is one area we’re hurting in. We have the crews for more vessels but most of our fleet was destroyed by an unknown force while they were on deployment. My people aren’t ship builders, however we’ve been slowly replacing the ships we have lost. It’s a long process as we build them on one of our moons and launch them into space. It’s not as fast as a having an orbital ship yard, something we’re working on. We’re learning from trial and error as we do things.”
“I find it a bit strange that you don’t have your own ship yards,” Jon said. Jon was still watching as the battle slowly came to a halt as the Eutharan troops began to surrender. The screen switched to a Drovasian male in heavy armor. He saluted once he realized the connection was live.
“My Queen,” he said as he knelt and bowed his head.
“How dare you!” Nefeit said.
The man looked up eyes wide as stunned silence filled the command center.
“You know better than that,” Nefeit said. “I’ll not put up with breaking of customs from anyone. You’re relieved of your command and will report to me directly when you return.”
“My Queen?” the man stood up and bowed. He left the view of the camera as Drovasian female took his place and saluted and knelt head bowed.
“My King,” she said. She rotated slightly and spoke again. “My Queen, may the Gods protect you and your family.”
“That’s better,” Nefeit said. She motioned to Jon.
Jon blinked once as he regained his thoughts. “Where is Lieutenant Jalash?” Jon said.
“He’s dead Sire,” the female said. “He was too far gone when the Med-techs got to him.” She flashed a brief smile as her eye lost contact with Jon for a brief moment.
Jon frowned as he spoke, “Something funny… I’m sorry I don’t’ know your name or rank.”
“Lieutenant Eaowu, Sire,” Eaowu said. “No, nothing is funny.”
Jon glanced back at Mark who was standing there his mouth open and eyes wide. Jon gave the bottom of Mark’s jaw a nudge with his elbow as he said, “Might want to close that before a fly flies in.”
Mark blinked and shook his head. “Sorry,” Mark said as his face colored slightly.
“You know it’s not nice to stare,” Nefeit said.
“Sorry,” Mark said his face reddening even more.
“Now that you have stared at her you’re bound by our customs to take her out on a date,” Nefeit said.
“Custom?” Eaowu said, but Nefeit cut her off by raising her hand.
“I uh,” Mark said.
“Do you want to insult her?” Nefeit said.
“No,” Mark said. “But, a date? I don’t even know her.”
“What better way of getting to know her?” Nefeit said. “Do you not like her? Do you think she’s not pretty?”
“She’s beautiful,” Mark said.
“So, what’s the problem?” Nefeit said.
“Nothing,” Mark said. “If she would like to go on a date I’d be happy to take her out.”
“Fine it’s a date,” Nefeit said.
“She doesn’t get any say? What if she doesn’t want to go out with me?” Mark said.
“Ask her you oaf,” Jon said.
“Eaowu, would you like to have dinner with me?” Mark said.
Eaowu smiled and blushed a bit as she said, “Of course I would.”
“Fine, congrats you two, now can we get on with the report?” Jon said.
“Sire, the Princess’ fighter is in route back to you under its own power,” Eaowu said. “Princess Hunter however is not in it and nowhere to be found. The Eutharan troops have surrendered and we currently have a head count of thirty soldiers. Only losses on our side were the Lieutenant and six other soldiers.”
“Recall all troops and allow the Eutharan troops to go free, minus their weapons,” Jon said. “Bring their wounded back here for treatment. Tell the current Eutharan commander that they will be released as soon as the doctor approves or they can set something up through Captain Anders to have them picked up and moved to their own hospitals.”
“Are you sure that’s wise?” Mark said. “We’ll just end up fighting the same men again.”
“They have families and I’m not going to keep them from their loved ones,” Jon said. “I’m saddened that we have any losses and I wish this could have been avoided. I want more scouting parties sent out and I want my sister found and brought back here alive. Double them if you have to, hell triple them. Do whatever it takes. I’m going back to the house.”
Jon wanted to rush out and search for Terri himself. But, he knew that was impossible and Deatra not being here was making him a bit edgy. Admiral Gabriel had arrived and was waiting for him in the house. Jon had been putting that off as he didn’t really want to deal with it. Now that Terri was missing he wasn’t sure he wanted to deal with it at all.
“That was pretty sneaky,” Jon said as Nefeit and he walked back towards the house.
“What are you talking about?” Nefeit said as she smiled.
“You know what I’m talking about,” Jon said. “Mark and Eaowu, pretty slick how you handled it.”
“I know her, she’s never chosen a mate and it was getting to the time I would have to assign her one,” Nefeit said. “Mark on the other hand just needs to get laid. He’s way to up tight.”
Jon busted out laughing.
“I’m serious,” Nefeit said. “I bet ever since this thing has started all he’s been doing is working. I’ll bet he doesn’t have a girlfriend or wife and all he does is work and sleep.”
“That’s Mark,” Jon said.
“They will make a good pair,” Nefeit said.
“You say that like they’re getting married,” Jon said.
“Yup, they’re going to,” Nefeit said. “I’ve seen that look before, love at first sight.”
“Maybe,” Jon said. “It would do Mark good that’s for sure.”
Jon and Nefeit stopped short as a young ensign ran up and saluted them as he spoke, “Sir, the Atlantis and Titan are reporting they’re under attack from unknown vessels.”
Jon took off at a sprint towards the house followed closely by Nefeit, she was already talking to her com unit. As Jon entered the living room he noticed the Duke seated watching the screen hovering over the coffee table.
“No, I’m ordering you to help the Atlantis and Titan out Captain,” Andara said. “I don’t care what the orders from the Royal Court are. The Titan is one of our ships and we have a responsibility to protect those Eutharans on it. Doing that means you have to help the Atlantis.”
“I’m sorry Sir,” the male on the screen said. “I have my orders.” The screen went blank and Andara growled he wasn’t used to not being listened too.
Jon reached out like he was grabbing the screen and flicked it towards the larger screen on the wall. Upper right corner showed it was a camera from the station in orbit. The Titan was in a bad way and leaking atmosphere badly from multiple points on its hull. The Atlantis was trying to shield the Titan from most of the incoming fire. Jon immediately recognized Invaru vessels mixed in with the ships. However, they were firing on the other ships and seemed to be protecting the Atlantis and Titan.
Jon opened a connection to the Atlantis, Titan,
and Scythe as he watched the battle playing out. On the Atlantis’ bridge Carla was standing next to Atlantis as she gave out orders.
“Shields at thirty five percent. Another hit like that and we’ll lose them,” someone said. “The Titan has lost her shield again and reports they may not be able to get them back up this time.”
“Bring us about and put us between the Titan and the enemy vessels,” Carla said. “Have the Titan and Scythe jump to alpha rally.”
The bridge on the Titan was filled with smoke as Gilas gave out orders to jump. He had a light cut above one of his eyes as sparks flared from conduits hanging behind him. “Recall all fighters,” Gilas said. “Bring us about and jump as soon as possible. Order all remaining fighters to land at the Eutharan base.”
On the screen a beam lanced out hitting the Atlantis and leaving a gouge in her hull one quarter the length of it. Atmosphere began streaming out and small eruptions and sparks filled the gap.
“Shields are gone,” Atlantis said. “Major damage to alpha landing bay and decks twenty one and twenty two, sections five through ten.”
“Bring us about and prepare to jump,” Carla said. “Signal all friendly forces we’re preparing to leave. Atlantis contact Tatiana and Zadra for damage reports and status on jumping out.”
The enemy ships were of a kind he had never seen. They seemed to be made of a type of crystal material that was pitch black and seems to pull light in. Wherever the Atlantis’ weapons hit the hull it glowed for a few seconds. When it finally dimmed the hull was unscathed as if the energy from the weapon was absorbed.
“Jon,” Nefeit said. “The Drasian is in route from the other side of the planet. She’s ten minutes out and the Desmodi is currently undocking and will be able to assist in two minutes.”
“What the hell are those,” Jon said. “I don’t ever remember seeing anything in any database that mentioned ships such as these. Mike can you hear me?”
“I’m here,” Mike said. “We’re cycling up the station's weapons now.”
Jon’s eyes jumped to the view on the Atlantis’ deck as someone spoke. “We’re not going to make the jump. One of the enemy ships is preparing to fire.”
Jon hadn’t seen when it happened but Vaes was slumped over in his chair with blood running down the side of his head. Zadra had assumed command and was issuing orders in his place. That told Jon that most of the bridge crew was dead or disabled, it was the only way an AI would take command.
“Bringing us about on an intercept course,” Zadra said. “Rerouting all remaining power to shields and engines.”
The Scythe slipped in between the Atlantis and one of the alien ships. A beam lanced out from the alien ship and struck the Scythe mid ship and sliced through the hull as if it was cutting through hot butter. The lights on the Scythe blinked several times and finally faded as she started to tumble slowly in space with debris and atmosphere leaving a small trail that dissipated quickly.
Zadra screamed as the feed was suddenly cut off.
“Bring us about and prepare to render assistance to the Scythe,” Carla and Gilas both said at the same time.
“Yes that one,” Mike said. “Fire!”
Across the screen four large beams lanced out and struck one of the black ships. The ship began to glow with the intensity of a small sun. A beam suddenly erupted from the black ship catching one of the Invaru vessels which disintegrated into nothing.
Jon gasped as he watched the black ship continue its attack as if nothing happened. “No recall our ships get them out of here. We can’t win here, Mike stop firing on those ships,” Jon said. He reached down and opened a universal com channel. “All vessels this is Captain Hunter I’m ordering you to retreat from the field and move to alpha rally. Commander Taldage relay those coordinates to the Invaru ships. I’m instructing all vessels to cease firing on the unknown ships.”
He had kept quiet up to this point as to not interfere with what was happening. But, now things were bad enough that he saw the need to give orders.
Seconds later no other ships were on the field except the black vessels. They disappeared in what looked like a fold event. The only thing left on the screen was the heavily damaged Scythe tumbling in space.
“Mike, secure the Scythe and begin rescue operations,” Jon said. “I want an estimate on the time frame for repairs to all ships. If the Invaru need assistance include those times too.”
“Roger,” Mike said.
“Nefeit,” Jon said. “Have the Desmodi and the Drasian rendezvous with the fleet to render assistance. Duke Andara, I thank you for your attempt to get your people to respond.”
Andara shrugged as he spoke, “I didn’t do it for you, I was doing it for the Titan and her crew.”
“Fair enough,” Jon said. “Thanks anyway. Oojoung escort the Duke to his room. He’s to stay there until I call him, post guards in the corridors.”
Oojoung grinned at Andara as he said, “Yes Sir, will be Oojoung’s pleasure.”
“Commander Taldage, are you there?” Jon said.
“We’re here,” Carla said.
“If you see any sign of the enemy ships you’re to jump immediately to Ghost Station,” Jon said. “Have all ships on standby for emergency jump.”
“Yes Sir,” Carla said.
“How bad is it?” Jon said.
“We have multiple breeches across most decks,” Carla said. “The last hit was the worst. It hit the secondary bridge. We don’t know if anyone is still alive and we’re working on getting there. Containment screens seem to be holding as well as life support and main power. It was if every hit we took sucked power from the main shields. Engineering was reporting massive drains on power every time one of the beams struck us. Our Weapons seemed to have no effect on them.”
“I want those engineering reports sent to Brad and Mike,” Jon said.
“Atlantis?” Carla said.
“Transmitting the reports now,” Atlantis said.
“Where did they come from?” Jon said.
“They just appeared,” Gilas said. “The Titan has minor damage to a few decks and the shields are out. Engineering is reporting shields will be back online within the hour. Our casualties are light and we’re still operational.”
“Yeah,” Carla said. “One moment it was quiet and the next all we knew is we were taking fire. The Invaru ships moved in and assisted us after they signaled their intentions.”
“Atlantis, get me the commander of the Invaru fleet,” Jon said. He sat back down and pulled the screen back to the coffee table. Nefeit sat down next to him as she listened.
Andie appeared on another as she opened a com link, “Jon, I’m on the station and as far as the medical facilities here, I can take wounded. I’ll pull people from the ships to temporarily man the wards here.”
“Do it,” Jon said. “Mike, your priorities are the medical systems on the station and then defensive and offensive systems. Pull people from Ghost Station priority one transport to get these ships back up to speed.”
“Sa’oliq’s people are already lending a hand and the Scythe is in bound under tow,” Mike said. “We’re cutting into the bridge as they’re moving. Zadra’s main core took some damage but nothing major. I’m going to wait until most of the repairs are done before I bring her back online so she’s not traumatized by the damage to her ship. Vaes is trapped on the bridge and is responsive; he’s reporting that most of the bridge crew is dead. Other than that I’ll have to wait til she’s in port to get a true assessment of her damages and crew.”
“Ok, get me the report as soon as possible,” Jon said. “Pull any equipment you need from the Atlantis and Titan stocks and I want that station fully operational in two days.”
“Two days?” Mike said. “Jon that’s…”
“I don’t care! Pull all the people you need from wherever you can get them,” Jon said. “I want that station fully operational in two days. You can upgrade systems once it’s online and fully operational. The onl
y exception is if Andie needs something.”
Mike ran his hand through his hair and let out a heavy breath. “Alright, we’re on it,” He said.
“Thanks,” Jon said. Mike and Andie disappeared from the screen. Jon looked back at Mark as he walked in and opened his mouth to speak.
“Already done,” Mark said. “I’ve dispatched troops and all techs to the station. They’re on their way now. Two squadrons of fighters and some of the Drovasian shock troops. I also sent Andie all but a hand full of the medical techs with equipment.”
“Thanks,” Jon said.
“No problem, I was here for most of the battle,” Mark said. “I’ve intensified the ground patrols and tripled the scouts looking for your sister. I’ll find her, I promise you that.”
“Thanks Mark I don’t know what I would do without any of you,” Jon said.
“Survive and carry on,” Mark said.
“Maybe,” Jon said. “Maybe not.”
Nefeit squeezed Jon’s hand as she took it in to her own and gave him a brief smile as she spoke, “You’re a strong man and have been through a lot. You’re lucky to be surrounded by so many strong people.”
Jon started to respond but a beep alerted him to the call coming through. Bill’s face popped up on the screen. He was standing on the bridge of the Earth’s Revenge his girlfriend and second in command, Kelly Martin, was standing just behind him. Bill saluted Jon once the connection was fully established.
“Bill?” Jon said.
“Jon, we’re inbound with extra personnel and equipment,” Bill said. “We’re just now leaving port and will reach you in about twelve hours.”
“Twelve hours?” Jon said. “It’s a two day trip.”
“Twelve hours,” Bill said.
“Impossible,” Jon said.
“I don’t have time to explain,” Bill said. “I’ll do that once we arrive. We’re about to make our first jump and it will shut down the com systems. I just wanted you to know we’re on our way.”
“That was fast,” Jon said.
“Twenty minutes from the time of the call from Atlantis requesting assistance and personnel the ship was loaded and we had so many people wanting to go we had to turn some of them down,” Bill said. “As it is now we’re over capacity, so it’s a bit cramped.”
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