The Atlantis pulled up along side of the disabled ship. A shuttle departed the Atlantis and attached itself to the damaged vessel. Fires burned behind breech shields as the ship slowly tumbled.
Jon stood watching the damaged vessel on the planning table. It was in bad shape, life support was failing and carbon dioxide levels were rising. Its main power was offline and the secondary reactor was struggling to keep up with the power drain.
"Atlantis release the sensor drones," Jon said. "Let's see if the upgrades work."
"Yes sir," Atlantis said.
Ten sensor drones unattached themselves from Atlantis' hull and surrounded the damaged ship. Nine of them started projecting a field around the vessel.
"Stabilizing tumble," Atlantis said. "I am beginning the power transfer now." The tenth drone brightened as a beam lanced out from the Atlantis and struck it. The done magnetically attached itself to the vessel. "Connecting to drone to power systems and beginning power transfer."
Jon watched as the power levels evened out on the other ship and life support started to catch up as new energy flowed through it.
"Sir, the first Buranis ship will be here in ten seconds," Tactical said. "The second is still four minutes out."
"Condition yellow," Jon said. "Shields up, weapons to stand-by. Fighter crews to alert status."
Atlantis echoed his command through the whole ship as the lights took on a dull yellow glow.
"Get me the landing party," Jon said.
"Channel open Sir," Communications said.
"Captain Hunter to Search and Rescue Alpha," Jon said.
"SAR team Alpha here Sir," a male voice said.
"What is the situation over there?" Jon said.
"Sir, there is massive internal damage," the voice said. "It's making it hard to get around. However, we have been finding survivors and moving them back to the shuttle where medical is standing by."
"We have an in bound vessel, possibly hostile," Jon said. "We will delay them as long as possible. You need to pick up the pace a bit."
"Yes Sir," the voice said. "We're working as fast as we can."
"Be prepared to abandon the rescue operation. I'm not risking you if I don't have to. Also, be advised we have stabilized the vessel and power systems. We don't know how long that will hold out though," Jon said.
"Yes Sir," the voice said.
"Atlantis out," Jon said.
"That is a Buranis battle cruiser," Carex said. He was watching the ship approach as it slowed down to come to a complete stop in front of the Atlantis.
"Well, at least it's not a Titan," Jon snickered.
Carex grinned, "Guess I didn't Jinx us after all."
"There you go again," Jon said. He winked at Carex who just laughed.
"Sir, incoming communication form the Buranis vessel," Communications said.
"Weird," Carex said.
"How so?" Jon asked.
"I was expecting them to just attack," Carex said. "They either didn't do this or they want someone onboard that ship."
"Let's find out," Jon said. "Communications put it through."
The Buranis that showed up on the main viewer looked like Oojoung, he was a bit leaner and his fur was pitch black.
"This is Captain Hunter," Jon said. "What can we do for you?"
"You can stand down," the Buranis said.
Jon's eyes narrowed as he stared at the Buranis, "Is everyone around here always this rude?"
The Buranis blinked for a second, "What do you mean rude?"
"I introduced myself," Jon said. He stepped up out of the pit that contained the planning table and sat down in his chair. "It would only be proper to introduce yourself."
"You have my apologies Captain. I'm Captain Jodeas of the Buranis vessel Hammer," Jodeas said. A toothy grin spread across his face. "Now if you would please stand down and prepare to be boarded we can make this fast."
"What the hell is with all this, prepare to be boarded, shit?" Jon said. "Is it the only thing everyone knows how to say? I mean, you say that and I say no. Then the debate starts."
"There will be no debate Captain," Jodeas said. "You will stand down and be boarded or we will destroy you. That ship you're protecting has fugitives on it. They're very dangerous people and for your safety we need to remove them."
"I will not stand down," Jon said. "No one and I mean no one, comes aboard my ship with out my consent. As far as our safety, I thank you, we will evaluate the situation and if I deem necessary I'll gladly hand them over to you."
"Tactical, prepare to fire on that vessel," Jodeas said to someone off screen.
"Sir, they're powering their weapons and have raised their shields," Tactical said.
"All right hold on a second," Jon said. He needed to delay them long enough for the SAR team to get back. "No need to start shooting at each other."
Jodeas raised his hand and said, "Hold fire. So you will let us board and bring the people you rescued from that vessel back with us?"
"Sir, SAR team reports operation complete. They're headed back," Communications said quietly.
"Carex go greet our new guests. Have Marc meet you there with a small detachment of marines," Jon said.
"Yes Sir," Carex said. He quickly left the Bridge as he called Marc.
"I might, allow you and a small detachment of your marines land on my ship and retrieve the survivors," Jon said. "However, my SAR team is just now returning and I have to confer with my second in command."
"You have ten minutes," Jodeas said.
"I'm afraid it's a bit more complex than that," jon said. "My second in command is in Medical right now with a terrible case of blue balls. I have to go all the way there to talk to him. It will also give me a chance to get my marines in place to protect us from these evil people."
"Blue balls?" Jodeas said. "Never heard of it, is it contagious?"
"Man let me tell you, half my male crew had it," Jon said. His face was a mask of seriousness even though a few humans were snickering and the Eutharans all looked nervous. "It starts in the crotch. It feels like some is crushing your nuts in a vice. Every time you move the pain makes you want to cry. Then it slowly works its way up into the pit of your stomach the pain increasing as the days pass. Let me tell you it's just about the worst thing I have ever had."
"Uh," Jodeas said. "You have thirty minutes. I need to speak to my medical staff."
"You're too kind," Jon said. He stood up as the screen faded and started for Medical. "Carla you have the Bridge."
"Yes Sir," Carla said. "Retract all sensor drones. All of you Eutharans can relax he was just delaying the other Captain." This got a round of laughs as the Eutharans all relaxed visibly.
Jon was a bit taken back as he approached the Medical Ward. There were eight Eutharan guards stationed outside and he didn't know who they were. They were in full powered armor covering them from head to toe. On the chest plate, just below the right shoulder, was a crest he didn't recognize. One of them looked at him as he walked down the hallway.
"Halt," one of the guard said just as Jon turned to walk in.
Jon fixed the guard with a gaze even though his face was hidden. "Halt?" Jon asked.
"What is your business here?" the guard asked. He had stepped in front of Jon blocking the door.
"Who are you?" Jon asked.
"I'm guard to her Royal Highness," the guard said. "I ask you again what your business is here."
"Royal Highness?" Jon asked. "A Eutharan Royal Highness?"
The guard glance at each other before the one in front of the door spoke again, "Move along if you need medical assistance there is a temporary station set up down the hall."
"Excuse me?" Jon growled. "I'm Captain of this vessel and I'll go damn well where I please, Royal Highness or not." Jon started to move around the guard to go through the door.
The guard pushed Jon back as several of the other guards brought their weapons up.
Jon narrowed his eyes, "Touch me again I dare you. I'll have you put back on that vessel you came from so fast it will make your head spin. Then I'll tell the Captain of the Buranis vessel we're sitting in front of to have a nice day and leave. This is MY ship and I will not be restricted from accessing any part of it."
Marc had just showed up with twelve marines in tow.
"Mr. Anders if this guard touches me again I want you to throw him out of the nearest airlock," Jon growled.
"I'm sorry, but I have my orders," the guard said.
The door behind the guard opened and Carex stood there. "Yes you do, stand a side and have respect for this vessel and its Captain or I will strip you of all ranks and privileges. You were told to not let anyone but the Captain of this vessel enter Medical," Carex said.
"Sorry Sir," the guard said. "I wasn't sure."
"You could have simply called me," Carex admonished. "We're not on a Eutharan vessel. Well we are, but it is controlled by humans. We have to respect that and them. They saved you and the Princess. Now, have a little respect."
"Yes Sir, Sorry Captain," the guard said. The guard stepped a side to allow Jon to pass.
"No problem," Jon said. "Marc set up extra security, work with these guards. Make sure they're fed and get them anything they need."
"Yes Sir," Marc said. He turned and started giving orders as Jon stepped into Medical.
"What's the situation with the Buranis Cruiser?" Carex asked.
"Jodeas is a bit impatient. However, I bought us a bit to time," Jon said.
"Good, how did you manage that? Buranis aren't known for their patience," Carex said.
"Well you suddenly came down with a case of Blue Balls," Jon said as he snickered.
"Blue Balls?" Carex asked a confused look on his face.
"Yes, apparently it's sweeping through the crew," Jon said. Jon continued on to explain to Carex what he was talking about. When Jon finished he was laughing.
"Brillant," Carex said.
"So what is really going on here?" Jon said changing the subject.
"The people we just rescued included the heir apparent for the Eutharan Crown," Carex said. "I have to warn you, she is a princess in every meaning of that word. She must be protected and returned to Eutharan."
"I can see why they wanted that vessel so bad now," Jon said. "Is she ok?"
"Yes, most of the crew is fine," Carex said. "She wants to see you."
"Why?" Jon said.
"She wants to know who the Captain of this vessel is. She wants to look at you and see for herself if what I have told her is true," Carex said.
"Just what did you tell her?" Jon asked in a slow manner.
"The truth, that the Weaver of Worlds commands this vessel," Carex said.
Jon moaned as he spoke, "You and I are going to talk. This Weaver of Worlds business is getting a touch out of hands."
"I have no doubt," Carex said.
"Good glad you see it my way," Jon said.
"That you're the prophesized one," Carex said smiling.
Jon rolled his eyes and said, "Whatever, lets get this meeting over so I can go take care of our other problem."
'Bridge to Captain, ' Carla's voice said.
"Hunter here," Jon said.
'Sir, the second ship has arrived, ' Carla said.
"Ok, keep me posted," Jon said. "Hunter out."
Jon followed Carex in to a side room. Andie was attending to someone who was facing away from him. Four young women stood at each of the four corners of the room. Each was very beautiful. Dressed in dresses of what could only be the finest materials. Each had her eyes down cast as though waiting for something.
Andie glanced up at Jon and smiled as she spoke, "Ok, Princess you look to be ok. A few minor bumps and bruises but those should heal in a few days."
"Your Highness, Captain Hunter is here," Carex said as he kneeled.
"You can leave us know Doctor, thank you," a musical voice said. It made Jon's head swim as he listened to it.
"I'll be outside if you need me Princess. Holler for me if the Captain here gives you too many problems," Andie said. She winked at Jon as she walked out of the room.
"Jon groaned and muttered, "Women."
"I heard that," Andie hollered.
"Yeah, yeah, you know its true too," Jon said. A smile was on his face. If there was one other woman he loved as much as his sister it was Andie. He had grown up with her and they shared a lot of the same interests though they had never dated.
"Captain Hunter," the Princess said as she turned around. "I'm Princess..."
Their eyes locked and Jon's brain started to feel as though it was on fire. The woman was beyond words. Her skin shimmered in the light of the room as if she was covered in diamond dust. Her golden eyes pulled him in and allowed him no escape. Her hair floated as though weightless, it's amber and platinum strands seemed to wave at him, calling to him. Somehow, through the haze he noticed she had stopped talking too and had frozen in place.
Time seemed frozen as they stared at each other. Slowly the burning began to fill his body making his want to scream in pain. Something clicked in his head as the pain started to subside. The world once more came to life as his mind cleared.
"... Deatra C'loth of the Eutharan First Tier House," Deatra's said.
Jon blinked for a second, "I'm, you're the girl of my dreams. I mean, from my dreams."
Deatra smiled, "Really?"
"I'm sorry, I'm Captain Jonathan Hunter," Jon said as he blushed a bit. "My apologies Princess."
By now, the handmaidens were all looking at each other in surprise. Carex was switching his gaze between Jon and Deatra as he watched what was going on.
"What?" Jon asked Carex.
"Uh, nothing," Carex said.
Before Jon could pin Carex down Deatra spoke up, "You said I was from your dreams?"
"I'm sorry Princess," Jon said.
"Deatra," Deatra said.
"Ok, I'm sorry Deatra. It was a slip," Jon said.
"My people put a lot of stock in dreams Captain, " Deatra said.
"Jon," Jon said.
"Very well, Jon, we have a strong belief that every dream means something. So that is why I'm interested in what you said, " Deatra said.
Jon watched her closely as she spoke and gasped. "You're a telepath?" Jon asked.
"I'm sorry, does it bother you?" Deatra said out loud.
"No, but let's not let everyone know that just yet. Some of my people might not be comfortable," Jon said.
"I'm one of the few left," Deatra said. "I can send, I can't read."
"Oh," Jon said. His nostrils flared as her scent finally reached him. It reminded him of roses and lilacs with just a touch of spice.
Deatra watched him for a second before she spoke, "Carex, I believe you're right."
Jon moaned, "Not again."
"I told you Princess, he doesn't believe it," Carex said.
"You can stand Carex," Deatra said. "Maybe he believes it and just doesn't want to admit it."
"I do not believe in the prophecy. I make my own fate," Jon said. He crossed his arms in defiance.
"Perhaps, you making your own fate happens to follow the prophecy," Deatra said. "Perhaps you are driving the prophecy by doing this. Prophecy is a fickle thing. A thousand different things can look like prophecy or fit some of it. You know when you have the real thing when one after another has been filled."
"I guess," Jon said dismissively.
"Just giving you a different point of view Jon," Deatra said. She smiled and his world seemed to brighten.
"I'll think about it," Jon said.
"On to other matters if you don't mind," Deatra said.
"Sure, what's on your mind?" Jon said.
"The vessel that attacked us is here, is it not?" Deatra said.
"Yes, we're currently in a stand off with the Hammer. Their Captain is pretty hot to get his hands on you," Jon said.
"That, Captain can't happen," Deatra said. "It would destroy the Eutharan Empire if I were to fall into their hands."
"I wasn't even considering it," Jon said. "I was just curious what could be so important to them."
Deatra relaxed visibly as she spoke, "Is there anything preventing us from leaving?"
"At the moment, no," Jon said.
"Then can we please leave before back up arrives?" Deatra said.
"Too late, another ship is here already," Jon said.
"The Scythe," Deatra said.
"I have no idea. We haven't had contact with them yet," Jon said.
"It always travels with the Hammer and you won't have any contact with them," Deatra said. "The Captain of the Scythe takes orders from the Hammer."
"Well, then I guess it's time to leave this little party and be on our way," Jon said.
"Yes, please," Deatra said.
Jon started to bow but Deatra stopped him, "Never bow to me. You are not below my position. If anything I should be the one bowing."
"Uh, ok," Jon said. "But, I'm not a Prince."
The look Deatra gave him told him there was more going on than he knew.
"Come on Carex," Jon said. "Let's go take care of our problem. Atlantis, meet us on the Bridge."
"If you don't mind I need to speak to Carex for a second. He'll join you on the Bridge," Deatra said.
"As you wish," Jon said. He turned and walked to the exit of the Medical Ward.
"How did it go?" Andie asked.
"Strange, very strange," Jon said.
"I hope you didn't fall over when you seen her. Her beauty is astounding," Andie said. She was grinning at Jon.
"Nope, I didn't fall over. I was even able to keep my hands to myself as tough as it was," Jon said. He was grinning back.
Andie laughed.
"I have to get going, we can talk more later," Jon said as he continued on.
"Ok, take care," Andie said.
"I will," Jon said.
Jon exited into the corridor and walked up to Marc. "Get down to the hanger and get all those people moved towards the center of the ship. We're probably going to be in a battle shortly and I don't want anyone getting hurt because of carelessness," Jon said.
"Yes Sir," Marc said. He turned and ran down the corridor.
Jon turned to the guard at the door as he spoke, "No one, and I mean no one, is to enter unless you are given an order by Andie, Carex or I. Is that understood?"
"Yes Sir," Jon's marines all said.
However the Royal Guards had different opinions, "Sorry, but you do not command us. We will allow the Princess to decide who and who doesn't enter."
"Remove your helmet," Jon snarled.
"Excuse me?" the guard said.
"Remove your helmet. I don't want to break any of the bones in my hand when I punch you in the jaw," Jon said.
The guard laughed, "That wouldn't be advisable."
"What part of this is my ship do you not understand? Do you think I'm ordering you to do something for my health?" Jon said.
"I..." the guard started.
Jon cut him off as he continued, "Never mind I'm not arguing with you." Jon turned to his marines, "Spread out down the corridor and seal this corridor. No one in or out of this corridor unless cleared."
"Yes Sir," a sergeant said. The marines spread out and took up positions on both ends on the corridor.
"You have no right," the guard started.
"I do, my ship my rules. You were ordered to guard this door right?" Jon said.
"Yes," the guard answered.
"Then do so," Jon said. He turned and stalked off down the corridor.
"The Princess will hear about this!" the guard shouted.
"I count on it," Jon yelled back.
Jon was standing at the planning table with Atlantis watching the two ships. He had to figure a safe way out of this mess. But, nothing came to mind.
"You know I have protocols built in dealing with the Royal Family," Atlantis said out of the blue.
"What do you mean?" Jon said.
"I mean I'm duty bound top make sure they're safe. Kind of like when we got attacked on Earth. The system is automated, as soon as Andie logged her in those protocols became active. I can't control it and if things go bad I will run," Atlantis said.
"That could be bad if it's at the wrong time," Jon said. He was now looking at Atlantis.
Mike was also listening and not liking what he was hearing.
"I know, I just thought I would warn you," Atlantis said. "I didn't want you to..." Atlantis suddenly faded.
"Enough of that non-sense, I'll work on that later," Mike said.
"What did you do?" Jon said.
"I took her offline for the time being," Mike said.
"That will make this a bit harder," Jon said.
"I know, but do you want to chance it?" Mike asked.
"No, keep her offline until you get her cleaned up and I ok her start up," Jon said.
Mike nodded.
Carex took that time to show up on the Bridge with eight guards in armor all bearing the Royal Emblem. Jon shook his head as he watched Carex approach and the guard spread out among the other guards already present.
"No, get them off my Bridge," Jon said.
"I can't," Carex said. "The Princess has assigned them to you and there is nothing I can do to change that."
"Well tell them to leave. I don't need them," Jon said.
"They won't listen," Carex said. "Listen there is no harm in it. Talk to the Princess after everything has settled down. There is nothing I can do."
Jon knew it was the truth and just nodded his ok.
"Where is Atlantis," Carex asked.
"We disabled her," Jon said as he stared at the map on the table.
"Why?" Carex asked.
"Programming glitch, Mike's working on it," Jon said. "Now, can I please concentrate on our current situation?"
Carex knew what glitch he was talking about and just nodded. Sometimes Jon surprised him other times he scared him to death.
"Helm, back us away from the Hammer slowly. Take us under the disabled vessel," Jon said. "Condition Red."
"Yes Sir, reversing course at one eighth speed," Helm said.
"Sir, Captain Jodeas is hailing us," Communications said.
"Put him through," Jon said as he stepped out of the pit followed by Carex.
"Captain, where do you think you're going?" Jodeas asked.
"I have some other business to attend to," Jon said.
"I'm ordering you to shut down you engines and stand-by to be boarded. This charade has gone on long enough," Jodeas said.
Jon had had it with being told what to do. "Look there's one to many at this party. I'm leaving to make room. The disabled ship is all yours."
"Last warning," Jodeas said.
"Sorry, I don't play well with others," Jon said. "Besides, Mom called and it's time for me to go home. It seems that the bullies are out thick tonight."
"Fine your call," Jodeas said as the transmission ended.
"Think he is upset?" Jon asked Carex.
Atlantis shook as both ships opened fire.
"Shields at sixty percent," Tactical said.
"Yeah, I think so," Carex said.
"Helm, bring us about. Plot a course back to the station and prepare to fold. Full speed ahead," Jon said.
Atlantis shook again.
"Shields at forty five percent," Tactical said.
"Those ships pack a punch," Jon said. "Return fire, how long until we reach our fold point?"
"One minute," Helm said.
Atlantis shook again as both cruiser shot at her.
'Hull breech in main military hanger, ' a metallic voice said.
Jon turned white, "Security, what is the status of the people that were in there?"
"They were all moved. Last report was the Lieutenant Anders and a small detachment was still there," Security said.
"Get me Anders right now," Jon said.
"Shields are at twenty percent," Tactical said.
"Rerouting power to shields," Mike said.
"I'm not getting any response," Security said.
"Tactical, get me a location on Anders," Jon said. "Helm, do in systems jump now! Pick a planet to hide us at."
"He's not on board Sir," Tactical said.
Atlantis disappeared in a flash of light just as beams from the two cruisers passed through where she had been.