Jon stepped on to the Bridge of the Atlantis followed closely by Terri and Mike. They had completed their repairs thanks to the Castanians. Atlantis stood next to Jon's chair smiling.
"Good to see you Atlantis," Jon said as he returned the smile.
"Good to be back Sir," Atlantis said. "Glad to have you back too Captain."
"Glad to be back," Jon said. "Wearing my uniform with the helmet deployed was getting a bit awkward."
"No joke," Terri said. "I would have never guessed they lived in an atmosphere that thick."
"You could breathe it if you had too," Mike said. "It's pretty close to our own. It would make you light headed because the helium content is a bit high. It would also tire you out quickly and you would probably suffocate from exhaustion if left exposed for too long. The density combined with the pressure is what allows them to breathe. From what I gathered speaking to them, they absorb it rather than inhale like we do."
"An interesting race," Jon said. "Speaking of them, how are our guests doing?"
Mike turned and check a few read outs as he spoke, "Deck six environmental systems report the atmosphere is a match for their own. They should be quite comfortable for the trip."
"Tactical, make sure guards are posted at all entrances and exits," Jon said. "I don't want any of our people wandering in by accident. They also have limited access to the whole ship. Just make sure they have an escort. If Sa'oliq needs anything make sure she gets it if we can do it."
"Aye-aye Sir," the Tactical officer said.
Deatra stepped off the transport tube, followed by her guards, and walked towards Jon as she spoke, "So how was it?"
"Confining," Jon said. "But, pleasant and interesting. Their capitol is something to see."
"So I have heard," Deatra said. "Is it true what they say?"
Jon nodded as he spoke, "Their city is made from an amber substance that is created by a lower caste of drone workers. It's almost as hard as steel and at the same time flexible enough to absorb impacts. It's a massive golden city that reaches far into the sky and shines brightly in the Sun. It's very beautiful and breath taking."
"I'm glad everything has worked out," Deatra said. "I'm also glad you all are ok."
Jon watched Deatra as she spoke. His heart thumped as he felt her love reach out to him as his own love warmed him. "You know," Jon said. "I have a job for you."
"Anything I can do to help," Deatra said.
"I want you to go to the secondary bridge and get with Carla," Jon said. "I want you to make sure the preparations for the Castanians' arrival at Ghost Station are ready. You pick a deck and work with Engineering to get it prepared. Carla and the secondary bridge crew will be at your disposal. I'll also leave it to you to contact Sa'oliq to find out if there is anything she will need done special."
"It will be my pleasure," Deatra said.
"If you have any problems Carla is there to help you," Jon said. Carla's hologram which was across the room looking over the shoulder of one of the holographic personnel looked up at Jon and nodded as she spoke, "I'll be honored to assist you."
"Thank you lieutenant Taldage," Deatra said.
"Carla is fine, Princess," Carla said.
"In that case you can call me Deatra," Deatra said.
Jon stood up and gave Deatra a kiss and then swatted her ass as he spoke, "Off you go then."
Deatra let out small squeal as she jumped. "Just you wait," Deatra said as she walked away. She swayed her hips a bit more than usual. "I'll get you back Mr. Hunter."
"Yeah, well you better bring your guards with you," Jon shot back as he winked.
"No, I think my handmaidens will suffice," Deatra said. She grinned at Jon, who was open mouthed and trying to think of something to say. Before he could say anything she disappeared into the transport tube with her guards close behind, every one of them were snickering.
"Have your hands full bro?" Terri said. She had an evil little grin on her face.
"You have no idea," Jon said.
"Oh, I think we do," Atlantis said as she winked at him.
Jon just blinked as the chuckles started.
"Way to full," Terri said as she turned back to the Con.
"I, um," Jon said. "Never mind, prepare for departure. Have all stations report ready."
"That's what I thought," Terri said.
"Stuff it," Jon said. He smiled as his sister giggled.
"Oh, big strong Captain at loss for words," Terri said. "Who would have thunk it."
Mike had been laughing the whole time as the two went on, as was most the bridge crew.
"Hey chuckles," Jon said. He looked over at Mike. "How about a report when you're done laughing it up."
"Sure, just give me a second," Mike said. Mike began laughing harder and wiped some tears from his eyes then suddenly stopped mid laugh. "Engineering is reporting all green."
This made more than one of the crew start laughing again and even Jon smiled at the antics. "Oh, you're a regular riot. You both are, you should be a team and tour the known systems."
"Really, you think so?" Mike said.
"Yeah, really?" Terri said.
"No," Jon said.
Terri stuck her tongue out at Jon.
"Party pooper," Mike said.
"That's me," Jon said. "Ok, folks that's enough let's get down to business."
"All stations reporting green," the Tactical officer said.
"We have clearance to depart at our leisure," the Com officer said.
"Con," Jon said. "Take us out. Prepare for initial jump once we're clear."
"Aye-aye Sir," Terri said. "Docking clamps released. Making speed one quarter and preparing to fold in four minutes."
The Atlantis slowly backed out of her docking berth and turned, making her way towards the outer markers. She picked up speed and suddenly disappeared in a flash of light.
Two days later the Atlantis sat at the edge of the mystery system. Jon was staring at the hologram of the system. Atlantis was going through some reading on the other side of the table and Terri was standing next to Jon staring at a planet.
"You're sure about that Terri?" Jon said.
"Yes," Terri said. She pointed at a small planet displayed on the hologram. "That's where we will find what we have been sent to find."
Deatra and Sa'oliq stepped on to the bridge and made their way to where Jon was standing. Sa'oliq was dressed in a special type of environmental suit that also worked as battle armor.
"I'm getting a power reading from that planet. It's very low almost as though it was being hidden. I almost missed it and if Terri hadn't pointed the planet out I probably would have," Atlantis said.
Deatra and Sa'oliq looked at each other briefly and then turned their gaze back to Terri.
"What?" Terri said. She was looking at Deatra and Sa'oliq. Jon looked up at the pair as his sister spoke.
Deatra glanced at Atlantis as if she was seeking confirmation.
"I told you," Atlantis said. "She is the one."
"Of this you're sure?" Sa'oliq said.
Atlantis nodded.
"The one what?" Terri said.
Mike had stood up and joined the small group and was listening intently as they spoke.
Deatra glance at Sa'oliq, who just nodded.
It was Atlantis who spoke first though. "Terri, remember when I told you that you were special and very rare?"
"Yeah," Terri said. "You told me I had a special ability to understand languages and even learn them quickly."
"Yes," Atlantis said. "But that isn't all of it. When I scanned you after the accident on Earth I noticed your brain worked very similar to how a Cypher's brain worked. It was this that made you special."
Your brain is wired in such a way that you can't help but interpret what is going on around you. As a matter of fact I would say you're more advanced than a Cypher as you do this with almost everything around you. Piloting is an example and then the hand-to-hand fighting Oojoung has been teaching you is another."
You're more of a Ga'sahde than a Cypher. Sa'oliq and Deatra agree on this and we have had many talks about how to handle this situation."
"And following the appointed one shall be the appearance of an ancient and long forgotten sect of the Cyphers, " Deatra said.
"This is the same as our prophecy," Sa'oliq said.
"Two questions," Jon said. All eyes turned to him. "What the hell is a Ga'sahde and why wasn't I informed of this little bit of prophecy?"
Deatra cast her head down as she spoke, "My love, I'm sorry. You have to understand if word of this slipped out by accident the Emperor would have done everything in his power to destroy you."
"As if he hasn't already," Jon said.
"No Captain Hunter," Sa'oliq said. "He hasn't put effort into finding and destroying you. Right now he sees you as a thorn in his side, nothing more than a bug to be swept aside."
"I guess I can understand the need for secrecy, even though I don't agree with it," Jon said. "I don't want any more secrets kept from me, it's very important I have all the facts so I can make choices based on them. Now, about the Ga'sahde..." Jon let the last of hang in the air.
"Simply put," Atlantis said. "They were the warriors of the Cyphers. They were used to force peace agreements when there was no hope of a peaceful resolution. In those matters they held power above the Kings, Queens and Emperors. They're what kept peace and would have protected your world had they still been around. My base was a station for the one who protected earth and its people."
"If they were so powerful what happened to them?" Mike said.
"No one really knows," Deatra said.
"My people say they encountered something dark and more powerful than them," Sa'oliq said. "What is called a Black Death, gleaming ships able to withstand massive amounts of damage. However, this is just a story my people pass around. I don't know if it has any truth. I remember them and while they died like normal beings they also were capable of remarkable feats. They had different ranks, Engineering, Command and on from there."
"You're an Alpha Terri," Atlantis said. "A supreme Ga'sahde."
"That means what exactly?" Terri said.
"You will rule the Ga'sahde," Deatra said.
"What?" Terri said. "No thanks."
"They will need you," Sa'oliq said.
"Who will?" Terri said. "There's no one left."
"My people have begun testing a week ago," Sa'oliq said.
"Ghost has been going over medical scans for over a month," Atlantis said.
"I've seen a couple of my handmaidens back to Euthara. They have been secretly transmitting medical scan back to the station for just as long," Deatra said.
"Great," Jon said. He was muttering to himself. "The handmaidens know and I don't."
"I never said they knew why they were doing it, just that they were," Deatra said.
Jon slammed his fist down on the planning table. Everyone in the room jumped at the sudden outburst. Jon glared up at Deatra as he spoke, "This is all some big game to you, isn't it?"
"I..." Deatra said.
Jon interrupted her as he raised his voice, "Shut up! I trusted you and this is what I get back in return, secrets!"
"Jon..." Deatra said. Tears were filling her eyes as she took a step towards him.
"Shut up! I don't want to hear any more from you right now," Jon said. "Guards confine her to quarters until I decide what I'm going to do with her, no visitors. Com, no calls to or from her room until I say otherwise. I'm so sick and tired of being led around so I can do what you all want me to do."
The Royal Guards escorted a crying Deatra off the bridge.
"Jon," Mike said. "That was a bit harsh, bro."
Jon glared at Mike.
"No need to get that upset," Terri said. "It's a bit much for us all."
"I'm not done yet," Jon said. He focused his attention on Sa'oliq who backed up slightly.
"Captain," Atlantis said. "You're..."
"Computer, AI disable, minimal functions only," Jon said. Atlantis disappeared from sight as Jon finished. "Sa'oliq, I want you to think real long and hard about my next question."
"Yes, M'Lord," Sa'oliq said as she bowed.
"Is there anything else I need to know?" Jon said in an even voice. "Any more secrets I need to know about?"
"No, M'Lord," Sa'oliq said. "Nothing I'm aware of."
"I swear, I'll space the next person who keeps something like this away from me," Jon said.
Carla's hologram had walked up next to Jon. Even though she was on the auxiliary bridge she could hear everything that was going on. Up to this point she had been listening and staying out of the discussion. Now she felt it was time to speak up and she did so.
"Captain," Carla said.
"What?" Jon said. His voice still showed his anger.
"You once told me that I needed to see a larger picture when I'm in command," Carla said.
"Yeah so?" Jon said.
"Well, Sir," Carla said. "You're not seeing the larger picture here."
"I think I see more than you realize," Jon said. "This secret business will end up hurting us in the long run. I'm tired of people and their secrets. I should have been told about this a long time ago. For them not to tell me makes me think they don't trust me and if they don't trust me why are they here following me?"
"You're right," Carla said. "They should've told you about something this important. You're our leader and you have a right to know everything going on. You are also going to have to understand that you're our leader and you will not know everything. You have to trust those people around you to do the right thing. You're blowing this whole thing way up for no reason. Simply telling everyone you would like to know about important things like this would have been fine."
"Have you been talking to Marc?" Jon said. He blew out a breath as he tried to calm down. "I did over react a bit didn't I?"
"No why and yes a bit," Carla said.
"You just sounded a lot like him there for a second," Jon said. "Computer restore AI and Com have Deatra brought back to the bridge."
Atlantis blinked into existence and opened her mouth only to see Jon hold his finger in front of his, motioning her to be quiet. Atlantis nodded and then started looking through the data streams on the hologram as she waited.
Deatra stepped off the transport tube a few minutes later and made her way to where the small group was standing.
"We're here now," Jon said. "I over reacted a bit about the whole thing. I do want to be informed about anything major that might greatly affect the ADF as a whole. I'm not sorry for what I said, but how I said it. So, let's get back on track here and do what we have come here to do."
Jon gave Deatra a brief smile as he reached for her hand. She took it and nodded to Jon as she leaned into him. "I'm sorry," Deatra said. "I didn't mean to keep anything from you that was vital. I was just protecting Terri until we knew more. We all were just trying to help."
"I understand that and I respect that," Jon said. "I was caught off guard by the whole situation and after when we talked about it hit me wrong. I don't keep anything from you and I expect the same from you. That is one thing you'll understand about me. I don't hide things from the people I care about."
Everyone nodded their understanding when Jon finished.
"So," Jon said. "What do we know about this system?"
"It's said to be the base for the Cypher Guild," Atlantis said. She touched the hologram and zoomed into a planet that had a small pulsing dot marked on its surface. "This planet here has a small energy reading and a debris field around it. The planet has a breathable atmosphere and multiple life signs."
"Life signs?" Deatra said.
"Yes, I'm guessing it's the planets indigenous wild life," Atlantis said. "I'm not getting any readings that would point to a civilization being present."
"Any idea what the debris field is?" Jon said.
Atlantis nodded as she spoke, "It appears to be some sort of battle field. However, they're from an unknown class of ship."
"Strange," Jon said. "Con lay in a course to that planet and put us in orbit."
"Aye-aye Sir," the Con officer said.
"Not really," Sa'oliq said.
"Not really what?" Jon said.
"She's right," Deatra said as Atlantis nodded her agreement.
"She's right about what?" Jon said.
"The Cyphers are peaceful by nature," Sa'oliq said. "Their ships are unarmed and usually protected by the territorial owners."
"What about the Ga'sahde, I thought they were the warrior sect," Jon said.
"They were, but they were destroyed long before the Cypher Guild was destroyed," Sa'oliq said. "The Cypher Guild stood for hundreds of years after the Ga'sahde. They weren't seen as a threat and served a purpose to the galaxy."
"You mentioned something about testing people," Jon said. "How many are we talking?"
"Ga'sahde or Cyphers?" Atlantis said.
"Both," Jon said.
"So far, about three hundred," Atlantis said. "Two hundred and twenty of them have the ability to be Ga'sahde, the rest have the ability to be Cyphers."
"How will all this work?" Jon said. "Do we really want to bring them back?"
"What?" Sa'oliq said. "Of course we want to bring them back."
Deatra held her hand up as other people started to speak. "The choice isn't ours to make it's Terri's. She is the one who has to decide," Deatra said.
"Look," Jon said. "This is something we all have to agree on. It's not something one person can decide."
"It is and she will," Deatra said. "She out ranks you on this matter."
"Like hell she does! She's my sister and I'm responsible for her," Jon said.
"Jon, you're not listening," Deatra said. "She is the Ga'sahde Alpha it is her choice as to if she brings them back. You're bound by the same law as the rest of us."
"I'm not bound by any laws," Jon said.
"Sorry Jon," Atlantis said. "When you took command of me and the station you bound yourself to those laws. If you refuse those laws we can't allow you to command us."
"They're ancient laws," Jon said. "I can't believe..."
"Stop," Terri said. "They're right, I've read the laws and this is something I have to decide on my own."
Jon looked at Terri, stunned. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Terri, I don't know if this is the best thing for us," Jon said. "We don't know enough about this Guild. I know they have their uses and I can respect that. I just don't know if it's the best thing."
"They're maintainers of the peace," Terri said. "Well, at least the Ga'sahde was like that. Cyphers we more like the lawyers of the galaxy, they made sure that contracts were binding to both sides and no one took advantage of the other."
"Oh great," Jon said. "Lawyers in space just what we needed. Can this possibly get any worse?"
"It's not that bad," Terri said. She giggled a bit at Jon's antics.
"So, how does all this work?" Jon said. "I would like to know something of what is going on."
"It's pretty simple," Terri said. "The Cyphers are diplomats and are allowed to come and go freely no matter what is going on. They're called to ensure contracts between people and races are legit and say what they're supposed to say. They are used to negotiate treaties, all treaties have to have a Cypher present to validate them. Without a Cypher to validate and major agreements they're considered nonbinding."
Jon's eyes widened as he spoke, "Did you just say what I think you said?"
Terri nodded as she spoke, "Yes, all agreements between the Invaru and their allies, and I use that term loosely, are null and void."
"This is why we hid what Terri truly was," Sa'oliq said. "Our people aren't bound to the Invaru any more with the appearance of the Cypher. We're currently relocating closer to Ghost Station. You see the danger now? The only reason you lived was because of this Admiral Breq. This is why I said you have important friends. If it had been any other Invaru you would have been attacked."
"I had no idea," Jon said.
"Part of what Breq said is true," Deatra said. "He will have to report it. He needs to log her as a Cypher. This is both good and bad at the same time. Good that it lets the other races know there is a Cypher. Bad that it puts her in a dangerous situation. The Emperor will attempt to kill her if given the opportunity."
"I have no plans on leaving the Atlantis," Terri said. "My place is by my brother's side and that is where I will stay. This Ga'sahde just allows me to do what I want, fight and fly."
"In a way yes," Atlantis said. "However, you will also have other responsibilities. It's very important that if you start rebuilding it is kept a secret and built up quietly. One or two more Cyphers showing up, no one will think much of as you're already here. A massive migration of people and then people will start poking around and at the early stages the Cyphers will be vulnerable."
"Let me get this straight," Jon said. "The Cyphers mean the down fall of the Invaru Empire or at the very least a downsizing, right?"
"Yes, in certain aspects," Sa'oliq said. "The Invaru will try to declare the old laws redundant and have them removed before Terri can make a presence."
"How can we stop that?" Jon said. "Now I'm starting to like the idea of rebuilding the Guild. Anything to put a thorn in the Emperor's side makes me happy."
"Our people are already spreading the word and holo vids of the emergence of a Cypher," Sa'oliq said. "That should slow them down a bit."
"You're sneaky Sa'oliq," Jon said as he smiled.
"Thank you," Sa'oliq said.
"Sir," the Con officer said. "We're approaching the planet."
"Contact," the Tactical officer said. "Fold event forming directly in front of us."
"Condition red," Jon said.
A ship the size of Atlantis appeared in front of her. The hull was a deep red and it had cyan markings on its hull in tiger stripes. The cyan lettering on the side named her as the Brisqeth.
"What is that?" Jon said.
Everyone's answer was the same, they didn't know.
That is until Sa'oliq said, "That is a Ga'sahde ship."
"Sir, we're being hailed," the Com officer said.
"On main viewer," Jon said.
A figure dressed in blood red battle armor and cloak holding a large staff that glowed at either end stood in the middle of the screen. A helmet visor deployed made it impossible to tell what race or sex it was.
"Kiosah nuh ikas jutlaes," the figure said.
Jon tapped the side of his head as he spoke, "Are the translators offline?"
Atlantis pulled up a screen on the planning table and looked it over. "No, they're working fine," she said.
"It is what they are," Sa'oliq said. "Their language can't be deciphered by normal means."
"Ovax madij lakode ufaw," the figure said.
"How do we respond t..." Jon said.
"SHHHH!" Terri said.
The figure raised the staff in its hand and tapped it on the floor as it spoke again, "Ighas ologen hufeq ousad."
"Pohus ikkjas," Terri said. "Hope I got that right."
"What did you say?" Jon said.
"We come in peace," Terri said a she grinned.
Jon rolled his eyes as Mike chuckled.
The figures head turned slightly in Terri's direction. "Onneas hijooa kilap neaw unjissak," the figure said.
"Utepi pewea ijusah," Terri said.
"You will be tested," the figure said.
"Tested?" Jon said. "What does it mean by that?"
"I have no idea," Terri said.
The figure made a motion with its staff and a glow surrounded Terri. Jon reacted instantly and grabbed her as a blinding flash of light filled his vision. When his vision came back he was standing next to Terri in front of the strange figure aboard the other vessel.
"What the hell is going on here?" Jon said.
The figure struck out with the staff hitting Terri in the chest. Terri immediately crumbled to the floor as Jon eased her fall.
"What did you do to her?" Jon said. He had taken up a defensive stance.
"I only put her to sleep," the figure said. "You aren't supposed to be here and you might cost her everything including her life."
The figure swung the staff at Jon's head. Jon reached up and deflected the blow. Jon's foot snapped out and struck the figure in the chest. The figure reacted instantly and grabbed Jon's foot as its other hand lanced out catching Jon in the chest. Jon body wanted to stumble back but his that was held made that impossible. The figure's hand lanced out again, this time grabbing Jon by the throat and picking him up off the floor. The pressure increased around his throat making it hard for him to breathe as his feet dangled. Jon reacted and grabbed the hand around his throat trying to break free.
"Nice but not good enough," the figure said.
The pressure increased as Jon began to black out.