Jon stepped on to the bridge as they dropped from hyperspace. The Titan was waiting for them and she was on high alert. A squad of fighters on patrol turned and approached the Scythe as she slowed on her approach.
"Sir we're being hailed by the Titan," Com said.
"Put them through," Vaes said. He sat down in his chair and relaxed.
Carla's face appeared on the screen the background lit in a red hue. Her eyes flicked to Jon briefly as she spoke, "Captain of the Scythe you will release Captain Hunter and stand down and prepare to be boarded."
"Excuse me?" Vaes said. "That's pretty arrogant and rude young lady. If our intensions were hostile we would have already engaged you and we wouldn't be here alone. If this had been a trap you would have fallen right into it, you have a lot to learn. Now, let me speak to the commanding officer as you can't possibly be in charge."
Jon smiled as everything Vaes had said was true. He realized that his commanding officers had a lot to learn about tactics.
"Captain," Carla said. She ignored Vaes and turned her attention to Jon. "Are you ok?"
Vaes glanced over at Jon and when Jon said nothing and just returned the gaze he spoke as he turned his attention back to Carla. "He is fine," Vaes said. "I want to speak to your commanding officer, have I not made that clear?"
"I'm the Captain of this vessel," Carla said. She narrowed her eyes and glared at Vaes.
Vaes laughed, "Excuse me a second Captain and I use that word loosely." Vaes reached up and made a motion across his throat.
"Transmission muted," Com said.
"Tactical extend sensor range and launch a few medium range patrols. I have a feeling this might take a while," Vaes said.
"I thought we're in a hurry," Jon said.
Without turning around Vaes spoke to Jon, "We're in a hurry, however, this is something that need addressed and really shouldn't take to long."
"Your call Captain," Jon said. He didn't let the small smile that started to creep onto his face grow too big.
"You're people have a lot to learn about being officers and this is as good a spot as any to start," Vaes said.
"Agreed, I told you we're new to this," Jon said.
"Being new and stupid are two different things and she is being stupid," Vaes said. "Resume audio please."
"Audio restored," Com said.
"Sorry about that Captain I had a few things to deal with," Vaes said. "I would like to know how you gain control of a Eutharan vessel. Where is Captain Gilas?"
A stunned look formed on Carla's face.
"Oh, yes," Vaes said. "The Burnais and the Eutharan people might be on different sides but let me assure you we know each other quite well. What I would like to know is how you got control of his vessel and where he is. I'd much rather be dealing with him or his second in command Carex."
Carla's stunned look took on a look of anger as she lashed out, "Captain Gilas is indisposed and Lieutenant Commander Carex has been relieved of command."
"Interesting," Vaes said. "Who relieved him of his command and is he aboard?"
"Princess Deatra and yes he is," Carla said. "He is currently confined to quarters until I secure Captain Hunter. You're going to have to deal with me."
"No I don't," Vaes said. "Call me back when Commander Carex is on the bridge and ready to speak. You have no idea what you're doing and you're going to get everyone on that ship killed. You're not ready for the command or responsibility that comes with being in command. Call me back when he is there. Oh, and have the Princess present too." Vaes made a motion for the link to be terminated and the screen switched back to the Titan.
"That was pretty risky," Jon said.
"No," Vaes said. He turned to face Jon. "I don't think it was. Carla doesn't have the backbone to do anything without contacting the Princess. That woman has no diplomatic skills what so ever. All Captains must have a bit of diplomatic skills this is something that is learned. The way she started the whole conversation out could have very well ended badly for you and her ship. By placing ship in plain view she made it a target. She should have been hidden and waited for us to arrive then waited and watched, looking for a trap."
"I agree," Jon said. "I don't like the idea she was put into command and wasn't ready. She was being trained for command as is a few of my other people."
"She has spirit," Vaes said. "If she can be taught to control that spirit and not let it control her she will make a fine officer. Your people need to be brought up to speed as soon as possible. This new war is going to be spilling over and I'm afraid Ghost Station will be in the middle of it. You need command capable personnel right now. You have two officers here that can take command of a vessel if we had one. My second and Illus are capable officers. You also have Gilas and Carex, I have sparred with them multiple times, I know what they're capable of."
"I have an idea about that. I'll go over it with everyone once we get to the station," Jon said.
Vaes and Illus nodded as the Com officer spoke, "Sir, we're being hailed again."
"Well that didn't take long," Vaes said. "Open a channel."
The screen blinked and showed Deatra standing on the bridge. Standing behind her was Carla and Carex. "Captain Vaes," Deatra said. Her tone was pleasant yet demanding.
"Ah, Princess Deatra," Vaes said.
Jon's heart raced as he looked at Deatra, her eyes shifted ever so slightly towards him. A hint of relief crossed her face as a small smile formed on her lips.
"I understand you're here to release Captain Hunter," Deatra said. "Am I correct?"
"You're correct," Vaes said. He glanced over at Jon and back at Deatra. Deatra couldn't keep her eyes from shifting to Jon.
"So what seems to be the problem here? Captain Taldage contacted me saying you refused to speak to her and requested Carex's and my presence on the bridge," Deatra said.
"Captain Taldage isn't ready for command Princess," Vaes said. "She may think she is but she isn't. We were to meet up with you and continue on to Ghost Station. However, the manner in which we were greeted leaves much to be desired."
Deatra glanced back at Carla and returned her gaze back to Vaes, "This isn't your ship; I'll put who I want in command. Commander Carex was relieved of command due to various reasons, none of which need concern you. Captain Taldage will learn as she settles into her new command."
Jon stepped forward, "Princess?"
Deatra shifted her gaze towards Jon, "Yes Captain?"
"Get off the bridge and return to your suite," Jon said.
Disbelief crossed Deatra's face, "Excuse me? Who do you think you are to order me to do anything? This is a Eutharan vessel and as such under my jurisdiction."
"Carla you're relieved of command, Carex you are to assume command of the Titan until further notice," Jon said. He ignored Deatra's little outburst as he continued. "I'm ordering you, Carex, to have the Princess escorted back to her suite and to follow the Scythe to Ghost Station."
"Sir," Carex said. "I can't, she's my Princess and I have to follow her orders." Carex was in a spot; Jon was right and actually trumped the Princess being her bondmate. Jon however had no clue and the Princess was playing on that. Damn if you do and damned if you don't situation.
"Fine," Jon said. "Have it your way. I'm ordering all ADF personnel to disembark from the Titan and land on the Scythe. We will be leaving momentarily and if you're still on the Titan you will be stranded."
"What do you mean stranded?" Deatra said.
"I mean the Titan and her crew is no longer welcome at Ghost Station. You want to play this is mine and I'll do as I please. I'm going to take my toys back and go to another sandbox. The Titan can return to Ghost Station and pick up its crew then leave. We will shuttle them out to you, however, no one will be shuttled back," Jon said. "The Titan has been loaned to the ADF by Captain Gilas to be used as we need. This makes her fall under my command as leader of the ADF. It also places all personnel attached to the Titan under my command. If this has somehow been changed then she is no longer welcome to dock at any ADF station."
Deatra paled as she spoke, "You wouldn't..."
"I will and I shall," Jon said. "Just because you think its right doesn't make it right. Carla is in training to be a command officer and nothing against her abilities but she isn't ready yet. There were several things she did wrong and could have done better. Chalk this up to a learning mistake if you want but it could have cost a lot of people their lives. The last time I checked we were in short supply of people. I'm not playing games here, there is something brewing and we all need to get prepared for it."
"Princess once you're up to speed with our current situation and the people around you, I would have less of a problem with you making some decisions. You're new around here and have little idea what is going on with the ADF. Now, send my people to me or step down and retire to your suite, the choice is yours."
Deatra blinked then smiled, "As you wish." She bowed and stepped out of view.
Vaes raised an eyebrow then a look washed over him as though he had just discovered something special. He glanced back and raised an eyebrow as if asking a question. Illus just nodded and smiled.
Jon continued oblivious to what had just happened between Vaes and Illus. "Did the Princess leave?" Jon asked.
"Yes Sir," Carla said.
Jon nodded, "Carla you will assume second in command and Carex will resume command. Is this understood? Carla, I have no doubt you will make a fine officer but you have a lot to learn. Watch and listen to everything that happens, remember it and learn from it."
Carla smiled, "Yes Sir!"
"Captain Vaes is now in charge of this battle group," Jon said. "He will see us home." Jon stepped back and gave the floor to Vaes.
"Thank you Sir," Vaes said. "All ships prepare to enter hyper space, destination Ghost Station. Recall all fighters and set condition yellow."
Vaes orders were relayed to the Titan and once they were ready both ships made the jump.
"Nicely done Bea'mao," Vaes said.
"What did you call me?" Jon said.
Illus chuckled under his breath.
Jon frowned, "What's so funny?"
"Ask the Princess what Bea'mao means," Vaes said. "I think you'll be surprised."
"More prophecy," Jon groaned.
Vaes smiled, "Yes and no, just ask the Princess."
"Oh, I plan on it since I'm not going to get anything from either of you," Jon said.
Vaes chuckled, "This should be good."
"Yeah, I'm thinking the same," Illus said. "If only we could get his face on a holovid when he asks her..."
"Why do I feel like I'm not going to like the answer?" Jon muttered.
The Scythe and Titan dropped out of hyper space outside of Ghost Station's outer markers. Jon immediately noticed Atlantis was sitting in one of the repair docks. Robotic arms were swapping damaged panels for new panels. A few manned repair ships were helping remove damaged parts and helping guide new ones into their new homes. All in all the work on Atlantis seems pretty far along.
In one of the other construction bays a hull for a new ship was being assembled. This surprised Jon he had been told it would take months before they would be able to get ship production back on line. There was one new addition docked to one of the docking platforms. It caught Jon's attention as he was looking over the hull that was being assembled.
"Tactical can you please zoom into the ship that is docked?" Jon said.
Tactical looked back at Vaes who nodded, "His orders are to be followed as if they were given by me."
"Yes Sir," Tactical said. "Zooming into the Eutharan Carrier Arc Light, last reported under the command of Royal Admiral Vors."
"Royal Admiral?" Jon said.
"Yes," Illus said. "The Eutharan people have two ranking systems, normal ranks and then Royal ranks. Royal ranks denote Royalty or someone who was granted Royalty through some action. They're the bottom of the Royal line but can work themselves up into positions of authority. An Admiral would be considered just below the lowest royal of any house. Royal ranks can also be passed on though they start at the bottom and have to work their way up."
"Interesting," Jon said.
"Oh, there's a lot more rules that was just a brief outline of how their ranking system works," Illus said.
"It's enough," Jon said.
"Sir, new contact dropping out of hyper space," Tactical said.
"Condition Red," Vaes said. "Where is it going to land?"
"Four hundred meters off our port bow," Tactical said. "Hold on receiving IFF transponder." The Buranis at the Tactical station colored slightly, "Sorry Sir, false alarm she is registered as a mining vessel in bound from Coria One mining outpost."
"Secure from Condition Red," Vaes said. "There's nothing to be sorry for. I would rather be safe than sorry."
"Thank you Sir," Tactical said.
"So where does Deatra rank according to this Royal Admiral?" Jon said.
"I believe the Princess is of the First Tier, heir to the throne. If that is correct then she out ranks this Admiral. That is unless," Illus said.
"Unless what?" Jon said.
"Several possibilities present themselves," Vaes said. "If he is speaking with the King and Queens voice he out ranks all but those he is speaking for. If he can prove her compromised then he would out rank her and be able to command her in her father and mothers name."
"I can see this could be a tricky situation," Jon said.
Both Illus and Vaes nodded as they got interrupted.
"Sir the station is hailing us priority one," Com said. "They're asking for Captain Hunter."
"Put them through," Vaes said.
Ghost appeared on the screen, "Captain Hunter you're needed on the station now. I'm clearing both the Titan and Scythe for immediate docking. Directions are being sent now."
"Ghost," Jon said. With the Royal Admiral on the station all sorts of things ran through his head. "What's wrong?"
"Sir," Ghost said. "Commander Hawkins has been shot by Royal Admiral Vors. The nanites are repairing the damage but it's going to be close."
"WHAT!" Jon yelled. "Helm, take us to the station fastest speed. When we get in range Teleport me to Command on the station. Ghost, have marines standing by. Who is currently in command of the station?"
"Captain Gilas is Sir," Ghost said.
"Did he have anything to do with this?" Jon said.
"No Sir, I don't believe he did. He has detained Vors and is awaiting your arrival," Ghost said.
"Good," Jon said. "Have him meet me in Command."
"Yes Sir," Ghost said.
"Captain Hunter," Engineering said. "We need the station's shield frequency if we're going to transport you directly there."
"Ghost, give them what they need," Jon said.
"Transmitting information now," Ghost said.
"I'll speak to you in a minute when I'm on station," Jon said "Hunter out." The screen switched back to the view of the station. "How long?"
"Thirty seconds Sir," Engineering said.
Jon nodded, "Vaes dock the ship and secure her until you hear from me. If you don't hear from me assume the worst and do whatever you need to survive."
"We'll come for you," Vaes said. "We have orders to protect you. I don't like this but you're in command."
"Ghost would have let me know if this wasn't safe," Jon said.
"I hope so," Illus said.
Jon frowned, "What do you mean by that?"
"Just it is a Eutharan station and the AI has certain routines that allow them to be over ridden," Illus said. "If this Royal Admiral has those..."
"Sir, we're in range," Engineering said.
"Let's hope not," Jon said. "Energize!"
"Excuse me Sir," Engineering said.
Puzzled expressions filled the bridge as they looked at Jon. Jon laughed, "Come on you don't say that when you're ready to transport over?"
"Uh," Vaes said. "No, we just say 'Transporter Engage'."
"Oh, I see you all need many teachings," Jon said. Then he got serious look on his face as he said, "Transporter Engage."
Jon appeared in the station's Command Center. Six marines and Ghost stood waiting for him.
"Report," Jon said. One of the marines started helping Jon get into the battle armor they had brought along for him.
"It's not good Sir," Ghost said. "Vors has escaped and is somewhere on level fourteen."
"Seal off the level," Jon said. He cinched the chest straps tight and started placing the rest of the armor on. "No one in or out until I arrive."
"Sir," Traffic Control said.
Jon turned as he spoke, "Yes?"
"The Scythe and Titan have docked," Traffic Control said. "The Arc Light is attempting to break free of her moorings."
"Ghost, shut her down. No one's leaving this party until it's over," Jon said. He tossed the helmet back at the marine who handed it to him, "No thanks."
"But Sir," the marine said.
"When they come up with a better model that I can see out of and not feel like my head is in a fish bowl I'll wear one. Until then, no thanks," Jon said.
"Yes Sir," the marine said. A few of them chuckled.
"The Princess and her guard have disembarked from the Titan, Mark is leading them," Ghost said.
"Damn it," Jon said. "I didn't want this getting more complicated." Jon was making his way to one of the transport tubes as he spoke.
"It just has," Ghost said.
Jon stopped just before he stepped in and looked at ghost, "What do you mean?"
"Vors has Terri and Gilas has him pinned down," Ghost said. "Vors is threatening to kill her if he's not allowed back on his ship and allowed to leave. He says he will release her once they're clear of the station."
Jon's face started to twitch as controlled anger welled up. He reached up and thumbed the com unit built into the armor. "Captain Gilas," Jon said.
"Jon?" Gilas' voice sounded relieved.
Jon stepped into the transport tube as he spoke, "I'm on my way to your position. You tell that asshole if he harms one hair on my sisters head there will be hell to pay."
"He heard you," Gilas said. "I don't think he believes you though."
"He had better," Jon said. "Hunter out."
Jon's slowed his decent and stepped out of the tube and onto level fourteen. He stepped up to the door and waved his hand over a panel. It brought up a small holographic display and Jon typed his ID into it. The door cycled open and granted him access. They were close and Jon started down the corridor in a run the marines keeping pace.
A couple minutes later Jon rounded a bend in the corridor and almost ran smack into Gilas. Bill was standing there in full battle armor pointing a rifle at Vors and his men. Some of the stations marines had taken up positions around the Vors and his men.
Terri was kneeling on the ground in front of Vors in pain. Vors had a hand full of her hair and had her head pulled back. He was aiming a gun at her as he glared at Gilas.
"I said let us get back on our ship and this will be all over," Vors said.
Jon looked over at Bill and smiled briefly, "Good to see you're ok."
Bill smiled, "Still healing, but for the most part I'm ok. Almost died a few times but these nanites kick some ass."
Jon nodded as he peeked around the curve again.
"I'm sorry Jon," Bill said.
"Nothing to be sorry about," Jon said. "We were lax in security, from this point on that changes."
"Yeah, well no one is as sorry as I am," Gilas said. "I trusted him and that's the only reason he got near Bill."
"Mistakes happen," Jon said. "Bill is ok and Terri will be too if he knows what is good for him."
Jon stepped around the curve and out into view as he spoke, "Hey asshole, that's my sister and it would really make me happy if you let her go."
"Commander Hunter I'm guessing," Vors said. A grin crossed his face as all of the marines support Vors leveled their weapons.
"That is a bad idea boys," Jon said. "I would point those weapons some where else."
The hum of weapons being cycled filled the air around Jon as the station's marines edged in closer.
"Yeah, well I want safe passage to my ship," Vors said.
"You don't get it," Jon said. "You don't have a ship."
Vors frowned, "The Arc Light is my ship."
"No," Jon said. "She is my ship until the Eutharan Empire settles the docking fee for her."
"That's absurd," Vors said.
"Our station, our rules," Jon said. "However since you're not going to pay I see no reason to keep her plugged in."
"What do you mean?" Vors said.
"Ghost," Jon said.
Ghost shimmered into view behind Jon, "Yes Sir."
"Shut down all umbilical lines to the Arc Light and cycle her computers down," Jon said.
"Yes Sir," Ghost said.
"Wait!" Vors yelled. "If you do that the crew will suffocate. You know a docked ship can't run its reactor high enough to generate enough power to run their systems."
"Yes I do know that," Jon said. "You seem to think you're in charge here and you're not. Lay down your weapons and surrender."
"This station is property of the Eutharan Empire. You have no authority," Vors sneered.
"Ghost, proceed with the shutdown," Jon said.
"If you do I'll kill her," Vors said. He shoved the gun hard against Terri's temple making her yell in pain.
"You do that and you kill a Princess of the First Tier," a familiar female voice said.
Jon glanced back as Deatra stepped into view. Her marines raised their weapons and positioned themselves so there was no clear shot to the Princess.
"What?" Vors said.
"That woman is a Terri Hunter, correct?" Deatra said.
Everyone was stunned into silence as Deatra spoke. Some of the marines supporting Vors seemed to hesitate as if trying to decide what to do.
"Then she is Princess Terri Hunter-C'loth, First Tier and you are breaking some major laws," Deatra said. "This man is..." Deatra motioned at Jon. "Prince Jonathan Hunter-C'loth, Heir to the Throne, my bondmate."
Jon did a double take and suddenly a few things fell into place. Mark, Gilas and Terri were all staring at Jon as though he had just grown another head. Deatra smiled in his direction as if saying she was sorry.
Vors started laughing as he leaned down next to Terri, "You hear that? You have just been promoted from Bitch to Princess."
"I'm very serious," Deatra said. "Let her go now and surrender."
"I can see you are and I have no doubt to your claim. Even you can't lie about such things," Vors said. "However, I speak with the Kings and Queens voice and I'm ordering you to let me pass."
"That won't happen," Jon said. "I'm ordering you to lay down your weapons."
Several of Vors' marines laid their weapons down and backed off.
"Captain Hunter, I'm sorry, Prince Hunter. You have a lot to learn about our culture," Vors said. "I speak with their voice, I out rank you and Princess Deatra. I have been tasked with securing this station and I plan to do so. Now that you fall under my command it should be rather simple."
"See that's where you and I disagree," Jon said. "This is our station and we're not on Eutharan and here regardless of rank I am King. Since you're on my station I'm ordering you to lay your weapons down."
"Seems we're at a impasse," Vors said. "Let me on my ship and let us leave and we will settle this through the King and Queen."
"What ship? You don't have a ship, that's been stripped from you," Jon said. "Captain Hawkins now commands the Arc Light."
"You can't do that!" Vors said. "I'm a Royal Admiral and my ship can't just be stripped from me."
"You're not a Royal anything," Jon said. "I'm stripping your rank and status."
Vors yanked on Terri's hair and made her yell in protest as his anger built.
"You're walking a thin line with me," Jon said. "Hurt my sister again and I'll kill you with my bare hands."
Vors knew Jon had the authority to remove his ship. Although, his rank would have to go up in front of the King and Queen before it was stripped. This was a standoff he couldn't win and was getting worse by the second. He looked up at Jon then at Deatra his mind made up. He flipped the safety off on his handgun and started to squeeze the trigger as he spoke, "Good-by Princess Hunter..."