As the Hammer and Scythe dropped out of hyperspace they were greeted by the Wrath's Revenge. The Super Carrier was surrounded by a swarm of fighters as it drifted in space. The area around the carrier was abuzz with commerce vessels and shuttles of all types. One of the Fighter groups broke off and approached the cruisers.
"Transmit authorization codes," Jodeas said. He stood up from his chair as he watched the incoming fighters.
"Transmitting codes now Sir," Com said.
The fighters made a pass over as the codes were checked and then both cruisers were given the ok to proceed. Jon stood up next to Jodeas as the cruisers entered the travel lanes that lead to into the system.
"That is an impressive ship," Jon said.
"That is the Wrath's Revenge largest ship of the Invaru Empire and flag ship of the Emperor himself, though he never has been aboard her. His oldest son, Admiral Breq, commands her in his name," Jodeas said.
"Captain," Com said.
Jodeas turned towards the officer, "Yes?"
"We're being ordered to fall out of the lane and to hold position. Admiral Breq will be contacting us shortly. He has additional orders for us from High Command," Com said.
Jodeas wrinkled his brow and glanced back at Jon as he spoke, "Do as we're commanded signal the Scythe."
"They have already received the orders and are currently falling out and coming to a stop," Com said.
"Ok, do as ordered," Jodeas said. He had retaken his seat as he watched them pull up next to the Scythe. "Tactical, my orders still stand. I want you ready at a moment's notice to target and fire on the Scythe."
"Yes Sir," Tactical said.
"This is very strange, something is wrong and I can't put my finger on it," Jodeas said.
"I thought you were taking me to see the Emperor," Jon said.
"I'm supposed to. However, I feel the situation has changed," Jodeas said as he eyed Jon. "I do not like this. Admiral Breq rarely contacts anyone in person. This is very unusual and out of the ordinary. You my friend have just been raised in importance."
"How so?" Jon said.
"You're the only reason that the Admiral would be contacting us in person," Jodeas said.
"Captain, I have Admiral Breq on an encrypted priority channel," Com said.
Jodeas raised an eyebrow, "Very important. Put him through." Jodeas stood and knelt as a large Invaru filled the main screen.
"Captain Jodeas," the Invaru said.
"M'Lord," Jodeas said. "I'm honored."
"I'm sure you are. You may stand," Breq said. Breq's eyes shifted to Jon as he continued. "This is the Captain of the Atlantis?"
"Yes, M'Lord, this is Captain Hunter," Jodeas said. He swept his arm towards Jon indicating him.
"Why is he not in cuffed and in the brig?" Breq said.
"He has put up no fight and I didn't see a reason to do so, as long as he was cooperative, Sire," Jodeas said.
"Hrm," Breq said. "Captain Hunter I'm surprised you didn't fight. From what I've heard you can put up a pretty good fight."
"Well, Admiral Breq," Jon said. "I am on a ship surrounded by guards with nowhere to run but the vacuum of space. That though just never crossed my mind."
Breq laughed, "Smart man. Captain Prasuh said you were a bit of a handful. I think he said you were very quick witted."
Jon shrugged, "Guess so."
"He also told me you were a bit of a smart ass," Breq said.
"I'm not one to lie down easily," Jon said.
"I have news for you," Breq said. His speech was slow and deliberate as he spoke. He watched Jon looking for a reaction.
Jon arched his eyebrow but said nothing.
"Your ship has been destroyed accidentally. All hands were lost in her destruction," Breq said.
"I doubt that," Jon said. Something tugged at Jon's mind telling him this was a lie an evil deception to take hope away from him. Even though he paled and felt weak, Jon stood his ground and made no outward move.
Breq grinned at Jon's strength of character; any lesser man would have crumbled. "Believe what you want Captain. However, the Atlantis and her crew are no more. Our fleet is moving to engage the station before she can put up any type of fight. Our observers there are still reporting the outer defense grids are offline."
"You Sir, can spew whatever filth you want and hope I take the bait. I promise you when I get free every Invaru will pay for the attack on my home world. Every life that has been lost since my capture, including those Eutharan serving on my ship, will be paid for twice over," Jon said. "Oh, if my sister is dead I promise you she will be avenged a hundred times over."
Jodeas took a step back from Jon. Something was different about him. There was a slight glow radiating from his eyes as if a fire burned inside him. Suddenly it was gone and Jon seemed completely relaxed.
"Pretty strong words coming from someone in your position," Breq said. "I doubt the Emperor will find them so amusing." Breq's attention was pulled away from the screen and he spoke to someone out of view, "Yes, tell them to prepare to get underway. They're to support the fleet at Ghost Station. Have the Captain of the Scythe transferred aboard, he's been reassigned. The second in command has been promoted to Captain in his place by order of the Emperor. Have Captain Vaes transferred with as soon as possible, the Emperor has some questions for him."
"Admiral," Jodeas said.
Breq looked back up at his screen and glared at Jodeas before he spoke, "What?"
"I'm sorry to interrupt you," Jodeas said. "However if we're going to be getting underway with the Scythe I need to prep and deliver the prisoner."
"I didn't say anything about the Hammer going anywhere," Breq said. "As far as the prisoner he will be transferred into my care. He will be going back with the Scythe to give the command codes for the station and turn control of it over to us."
"That will never happen," Jon said.
"Never, say never," Breq said as he locked eyes with Jon. "We have very special ways to make people talk.
"M'Lord," Jodeas said. "I was ordered to deliver the prisoner personally. This is way out of protocol."
"Are you questioning me?" Breq said.
Jodeas shrunk back from the screen a bit, "N ... no M'Lord."
"Good," Breq said. "The Hammer will be joining the fleet at Daestel. Prepare to depart as soon as the prisoner has been transferred. Do you understand?"
"Yes Sire," Jodeas said as he bowed. "But..."
"Listen, the battle there is not going well for the Empire. We've lost half the fleet in the past two days. They need reinforcements if we're going to hold that front. This new enemy has taken us a bit by surprise and their ships are strange to say the least. Our scientists are working around the clock to come up with something to combat them. Until they do we have to try and hold them back as best we can," Breq said. "If they manage to push us back they will be in striking distance of Omvaled and then it is just a matter of time. It may already be too late as it is. They key to this might be the station. This is why we're taking the Captain back there and forcing him to turn it over."
"In your dreams," Jon said. Jodeas and Breq ignored Jon's small outburst.
"I had heard reports," Jodeas said. "But, I never imagined it was this bad."
"It is and it will get much worse," Breq said. "I'm sending my second in command to pick up the prisoner. Once they depart you are to leave immediately." The screen blinked off after Breq finished speaking.
"Something isn't right," Jodeas said. "Com, get me a direct link to the High Council. I want to confirm these orders."
The Com officer sat there staring at Jodeas.
"Follow my orders right now!" Jodeas screamed.
The snapped the officer into action, "Yes Sir, raising the High Council."
An older Invaru appeared on the screen, "Captain Jodeas what can we do for you?"
"I need to confirm some orders Sir," Jodeas said.
"Yes, what orders?" the old Invaru said.
"Admiral Breq..." Jodeas started.
"Wait," the old Invaru said. "You're calling me to question the Admiral's orders?"
"Well Sir," Jodeas said. It was evident to everyone that Jodeas was starting to get nervous. "They're strange orders."
The old Invaru wrinkled his eyes, "How so?"
"I have the Captain of the Atlantis here and was ordered to bring him before the High Council. I have since been ordered to release him into the Admiral's custody and that he was being returned to Ghost Station so he could transfer control to us..." Jodeas said.
"Captain, do you know how foolish you sound right now? It doesn't matter what your orders were or what the High Council wants. The Admiral's order trumps all those and what he says or does is beyond us. The only person he answers to is the Emperor himself," the old Invaru said. "If he has given you orders then I'm sure he has his reasons. The renegade will be brought before us in due time and you will be given your recognition you so badly want."
"Sir, I don't want any recognition. I only want to do my duty," Jodeas said.
"Oh, Sauk shit," the old Invaru laughed. "Everyone wants recognition, everyone. If you want to do your duty then I suggest you follow orders and do as you're told. Now if you don't mind I have other matters far more dire in nature."
"Yes Sir," Jodeas said as the screen went blank.
"Sir, a shuttle has left the Wrath's Revenge and is requesting landing clearance," Tactical said.
"Let them land and then tell them the prisoner is on his way," Jodeas said. "Captain, in case we never see each other again. It has been a pleasure meeting you."
Jon blinked in surprise.
"Just because we're on different sides doesn't mean I can't have respect for you," Jodeas said. A smile crossed his face as he looked at Jon.
"Sorry, I just didn't expect it. The pleasure was all mine," Jon said.
"Guards, take Captain Hunter to the landing bay," Jodeas said.
When Jon entered the landing bay the first thing he noticed was a military shuttle surrounded by twelve marines in the center of the room. The marines were wearing heavy battle armor of the deepest red. Standing in the middle of the guards was a medium sized Invaru with all four of his arms behind his back. His uniform was crisp and clean and was deep blue. Jon had seen the same color of uniform on Jodeas and Admiral Breq. It denoted command staff and the gold band around this man arms put him in the top of the military. He watched Jon and his small detail of guards approach. Jon was led up to the Invaru.
"Captain Hunter," the Invaru said. "I'm Captain Illus, first officer of the Wrath's Revenge."
"Nice to meet you," Jon said. "Captain Jonathan Hunter, my friends call me Jon. You can call me Captain Hunter."
"Oh, come now," Illus said. "You might not find me that bad of a person."
"Time will tell," Jon said.
"I trust you will be on your best behavior. I would hate to have to cuff you for transport after you seemed to be so accommodating with Captain Jodeas," Illus said.
"I don't see why I should make things harder on myself Captain. I don't have anywhere to go," Jon said.
"Good," Illus said. "You're dismissed, we will departing right away." Illus waved one of his hands at Jodeas' marines. He led Jon into the shuttle as his marines followed and started stowing weapons in secured racks.
"Please take a seat," Illus said. He offered Jon a seat next to him.
Jon sat down, "How long until I meet Admiral Breq?"
Illus raised an eyebrow, "Right to the point. Well the Admiral will be staying here as we travel to Ghost Station. You're in my care now and the care of these marines. I've been ordered to let nothing happen to you until the Admiral see you. When that will happen I have no idea."
"Sir, we're cleared for departure," one of the marines called down from the cockpit.
"Make our departure," Illus said. "Once we're clear signal the Scythe for landing clearance and have her get ready to jump."
"Yes Sir," the marine said.
"Admiral Breq likes you Captain Hunter, did you know that?" Illus said.
"No, can't say I did. I've never met the man," Jon said.
"I've known him for over forty years and I've never seen him take to someone as much as he does you. He has a lot of respect for you; he will not let anyone talk bad about you in his presence. For him to do that speaks volumes about you," Illus said.
"Strange, I just met him today," Jon said.
"Yes, I know. He, however, has been following you since your ship left Earth. Every report on your movements what you have done has made it to his desk," Illus said. "The events of the downing of the Il'las is what I think made him respect you more. No one in our history has ever destroyed a Titan, no one."
"I keep hearing that," Jon said. "All I did was disable the ship, the planet did the rest."
"Ultimately, you were responsible for its destruction, no matter how you look at it," Illus said.
"Sir, sorry to interrupt but we've clear the Hammer and she is moving away to jump into hyperspace. We will be on approach to the Scythe shortly," the marine said.
"Thank you Lieutenant," Illus said. Illus turned his attention back to Jon. "We have a few things to discuss before we land on the Scythe."
Jon said nothing but arched an eyebrow.
"Captain, the Atlantis escaped and is now at Ghost Station," Illus said. "She is currently under repair in one of the docks and they have sent the Titan out looking for you. The Scythe is under what you would consider 'friendly' control and will be taking you back to the station. The Marudas has been reassigned for the time being and should not pose a threat for a while."
"The Atlantis made it?" Jon said in a hushed tone. Then he looked around at the marines watching him.
Illus smiled, "Don't worry Captain they're loyal to the Admiral."
"What? I don't understand," Jon said.
"The Admiral is the leader of the resistance," Illus said.
"What," Jon said.
"I'll explain it more once we land and get underway," Illus said. "For now I was ordered to tell you just what I have. I have been placed under your command as have these marines. Everyone here was a volunteer and all of us have sworn to follow your orders."
"Wow, this is a bit much to take in all at once," Jon said.
"I'm not done yet there is a lot more to discuss on our trip back to your station. While we're in route we will meet up with the Titan," Illus said. "I couldn't say anything while we were on board the Hammer as it wasn't secure. The Admiral sends his apologies that he had to say what he said but it was necessary for the deception."
"Ok, just give me time to let this all sink in," Jon said.
Illus smiled, "Sure you have about twenty seconds before we land and are underway."
"Sir, we're on final approach and will be landing in ten seconds," the marine said.
"Ok, make that ten seconds," Illus said.
Jon laughed.
"Have Captain Vaes leave immediately for Ghost Station once we land," Illus said.
"I have already relayed those orders Sir," the marine said.
The Scythe jumped into hyperspace as soon as the shuttle touched down. Jon stood at the ramp as it lowered surrounded by marines. Illus stood next to him as they departed the shuttle. A beam flew from behind one of the crates in the landing bay and struck the shuttle just above one of the Marine's head.
The marines fell on Jon and Illus as they took up defensive positions.
"What the hell!" Jon said.
"Jon?" Mark's said.
"Mark? How the hell did you survive the decompression," Jon said.
"Long story, are you ok?" Mark said.
"Yeah, I'll be fine as long as you stop shooting at me," Jon said.
The marines and Illus stayed quiet during the exchange.
"I'm ordering all Invaru to lay their weapons down now and release Captain Hunter," Mark said.
"Uh, Mark," Jon said.
"It will be ok, we have them surrounded. They have nowhere to go," Mark said.
Jon shoved a few of the marines back and stood up, "Mark, I'm fine they're friends. They helped me escape."
"What?" Mark said. "Are they forcing you to say that?"
"No," Jon said. Jon turned towards the marines around him. "You all are under my command?"
They all nodded as Illus spoke, "Yes Sir."
"Good stand up slowly and lay you weapons down," Jon said.
They looked at each other, waiting for someone to make the first move. Illus was the first he stood up slowly and unbuckled his gun belt, letting it drop to the floor. The rest of the marines slowly did the same.
"See," Jon said. "Everything is fine."
Mark and six marines stood up slowly, their weapons never wavering off the Invaru in front of them. "Are you sure you're ok?" Mark said.
"Yes, I'm fine," Jon said. "This is Captain Illus and these marines are for my protection. They're under my command and protection. Put your weapons down we have a lot to talk about."
"Then I suggest we make our way to the bridge, Captain Vaes is waiting for you," Mark said.
"Retrieve your weapons and stay close," Jon said.
The Invaru picked up their weapons and formed up around Jon, Mark and Illus. Mark's marines took up positions in front of and behind the small group.
"How did you do it?" Mark asked as they made their way to the bridge.
"Do what?" Jon said.
"I think he mean us," Illus said.
Mark nodded, "How did you gain support and escape?"
"They're part of the resistance," Jon said. "Admiral Breq was the one who put this plan into motion. I had no idea what was going on until just a little while ago."
"How come we weren't informed?" Mark said.
"It was last minute and rushed as the Admiral set it up," Illus said. "I think only Vaes was informed and a few personnel."
"Could be we were in planning for a while trying to come up with a plan to spring you," Mark said. "Right before we were about to take off the Captain delayed our launch. When we seen you coming down the ramp we jumped into action, it was quite unexpected."
"Captain Vaes is a support of the Admiral and his crew was handpicked by the Admiral himself," Illus said.
"Excuse me a second," Mark said. He reached up and touched the side of his ear. "Yes Captain? Of course. Ok, we will be there in a few seconds."
"Change of plans?" Jon asked.
Mark nodded, "Corporal, we have a change of plans. We're going to the meeting room just off the bridge."
"Yes Sir," the Corporal said.
"So, what is all this talk about resistance?" Mark said.
"I'll explain everything once we're in the meeting room. No need to explain it more than once," Illus said.
Mark nodded, "Good, because we're here." The guard took up positions outside the room and the trio stepped in.
Seated at the far end of a long table was Captain Vaes. He looked up and smiled at Jon, "Captain Hunter I presume."
"Captain Vaes," Jon said.
Vaes nodded, "Please sit and make yourself comfortable we have a lot to discuss. We're in route to the Titan we contacted her on your way here. We will drop from hyperspace briefly to form up and jump to Ghost Station. Carla send word that your sister is fine and back at the station."
Jon sat down in relief at the news, "Thank God. My ship and crew how are they?"
"I'm sorry Captain, that was not something we had time to discuss," Vaes said.
Jon nodded.
"Captain Hunter," Vaes said He stood up and knelt in front of his seat. "As ordered by the Admiral, I'm placing myself and crew under your command. We're now part of this ADF you're forming."
"I, uh," Jon said.
Mark raised an eyebrow and stared at Jon then Vaes.
"Your orders Sir," Vaes said. He stood back up and kept his eyes on Jon, waiting.
Jon looked at Illus, "Um, a bit of help here."
"Don't look at me. You're the Commanding Officer of the ADF and we're now part of your personnel," Illus said.
"Ok," Jon said. "My first order is don't ever kneel to me."
"Yeah, he doesn't like saluting either," Mark said. "Or being called Master or M'Lord..."
"Stow it Mark," Jon growled then started laughing. That eased the tension in the room and Vaes sat back down. "Just keep doing what you were Captain Vaes. Now I would like an explanation as to what is going on here exactly. Why is the Emperor's son the leader of this rebellion and who are these people you're fighting?"
Illus nodded and relaxed in his chair as he begun, "The rebellion has been in place for over twenty years. It involves a lot of key people in the Empire. Breq's father is a ruthless expansionist; he wants to control everything and everyone. Every civilization encountered by the Invaru has either been conquered or destroyed."
The Invaru Collective, though we us Empire when not around the Emperor, has two main groups that compromise its core, the Invaru and Buranis. Everyone else is just pawns and puppets of the Emperor. They work on back world farms and construction yards and are rarely seen in general population. The Buranis hold a special place in the Empire as they have a force close to the Invaru, thus they're held in a higher regard. They have a few Council members, mainly puppets, something to keep their general population happy. However their vote means nothing in the grand scheme of things. They generally are told how to vote and do so out of fear."
Vaes eyes widened, "I didn't even know that."
Illus nodded, "The Buranis are the only threat to the Empire in existence right now. Well, now there is a new more deadly threat but I'll cover that in a bit."
"I've hear rumors but I took them as such," Vaes said.
"No, they're more than rumors. Anyway, let me continue explaining things to our new allies," Illus said.
"I'm sorry, I'm just surprised. I've never heard any of this," Vaes said.
"We kept most of it from you because we were afraid it might disrupt everything we have worked for. Those of us in the resistance are in it because we're tired of fighting all the time. We think it is time for peace in the Empire. We want to allow the various races live their own lives and offer them a true seat in the Empire. All the death and killing have gotten out of control."
Now, with this new enemy knocking at the door it strengthens our resolve to bring the races together. The Empire as a whole would be stronger if all races were allowed to have their own fleets and work on their own technology. This suppression of races has weakened the Empire and not let it come to its full height and power. We want to change that and in a good way. However, we might never get the chance to do so."
This new threat fly ships we can't damage and have weapons of the like we have never seen. They have taken out super carriers in a single shot and have sat in the middle of a battle group and came out unharmed. The best guess of our scientists are they are made of some type of crystalline substance. As far as what the race looks like, we have no idea no one has ever came back from them alive. Countless diplomats have tried to communicate with them and make a peace treaty and they're never seen again."
This is why the Admiral saved you Captain Hunter and allowed you to escape. You are the key to ending the fighting in the galaxy and uniting the races under one flag. You are the one the prophecy speaks of; you're the Ni'Alcha, the Chosen One."
Jon groaned, "Not you too."
"They're not the only one," Vaes said. "He is known as the Posadis in our language. I have been reviewing the reports on him and his people and he does fit some of our prophecies."
"Look," Jon said. "I'm no one special. I'm a man that stumbled upon a special ship and got tossed out here by accident."
"He shall unlock a special place that many people will find refuge at. He will then fight with a silver sword the likes of which hasn't been seen in hundreds of years. He will restore a civilization to its former glory while pushing back the darkness that threatens all. He will form a new Empire from the ashes of many, " Illus said.
"Ours is much the same," Vaes said.
"The Admiral has done a lot of research into this and you fit the prophecy," Illus said.
"Still doesn't mean it is me in the prophecy," Jon said.
"No," Illus said. "However the people need something to believe in. Omvaled will fall in less than a week. The Admiral stayed behind to help defend it and to direct people where to flee. When Omvaled falls he will call a retreat of all remaining ships to rally at Ghost Station. I'm here and Vaes is here to help you prepare the station. Why do you think he gave you this entire ship and all the personnel aboard her? They're here to help you prepare for the inevitable. The Admiral and many of the resistance members that know of you have faith in you and will follow you to their end if that is what it takes."
"Great," Jon muttered.
"It's a lot to take in, I know. Don't change what you're doing just use the tools available to you to do what you were going to do anyway. Everything else will come naturally," Vaes said.
"What do you think Mark," Jon said. Mark was staring at Jon open mouthed as he listened to the conversation.
Mark blinked as though he just woke from a dream, "Um, all hail the Ni'Alcha?"
"Ass," Jon said.
Mark laughed as did everyone else; the tension broke as Vaes com beeped.
"Yes, what is it? I said we weren't to be disturbed," Vaes said.
"I'm sorry Sir," a female voice said. "You asked to be let known when we reach the rendezvous point with the Titan."
"Yes," Vaes said.
"We're about to drop out of hyperspace Sir," the female said.
"Condition Yellow, we're on our way," Vaes said.
"Why the status change? Don't they know we're coming?" Jon asked.
"Yes, they know but how many others know or do they really trust us?" Vaes said. "Would you trust someone who could be setting a trap? I would rather be safe than sorry. Once they see you're ok and free to do as you please thing will be different. However, I urge you to get them moving as soon as possible."
"Ok," Jon said. "Let's get this done then so we can be on our way."