Terri stared at Jon standing there in shock, his sword held loosely in his hands. He couldn't believe he had just heard his sister ask him to kill her. He would rather kill himself than to do such a thing. Terri stood up and approached her brother, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Jon you have to kill me it's the only way," Terri said.
"I don't believe that," Jon said. "I refuse to believe that!" Jon took steps back from his sister and dropped the sword.
"Jon if you don't they will kill you," Terri said. "We, I, would have gone through this for nothing."
"If I kill you all this was for nothing anyway," Jon said. "The Ga'sahde won't have their leader and I will have lost someone I truly love. I can't kill you. You're one of the few things that keep me going. You keep me grounded in these trying times, my voice of reason."
"I'm already the leader of the Ga'sahde," Terri said. "By their laws this is the last step to confirm you as the supreme ruler. If you die, I have to choose another. If I die the rule defaults to you until a new head is found. This is your test, not mine."
"But, they said it was your final test," Jon said.
"No, and yes," Terri said. She scooped up the sword Jon had dropped. Her tears had dried up and she had a determined look in her eyes.
"Enough talk, finish this," the voice said.
"You can just shut up! Who in the fuck do you think you are?" Jon said. He yelled it loud enough for it to echo across the room. Jon was looking around the room for the source of the voice.
"Jon," Terri said. She was offering the sword to him. "Do it, please."
Jon's eyes turned back to his sister and he started shaking his head. "I'm not going too, I refuse. If you give me that sword I'll kill myself."
"You would be willing to sacrifice Deatra and everyone else for me, one person?" Terri said.
"I couldn't live with myself," Jon said. "Just the thought of it makes me numb."
Terri cocked her head and gave her brother a small smile and then her face took on a serious look. She flipped the sword so the pommel was in her hands. "Have it your way," Terri said. "One of us has to die. There is no other way out."
"I don't believe that," Jon said.
"Doesn't matter what you think silly boy," Terri said.
Terri charged Jon sword raised in a classic death blow fashion. Jon got wide eyed and stumbled as he dodged the swing. The sword lightly contacted his arm as he dodged leaving a light cut and a little blood.
"Terri?" Jon said.
"I told you, one of us will die. If you don't have the balls to do it I do," Terri said. Her voice was a growl that Jon had never heard.
She swung again at Jon who managed to dodge the blow only to catch a foot in the side of his head. It sent him reeling as the room swam from the impact. Jon stumbled and shook his head only to get enough of his senses back to dodge the next slash.
Terri spun in a dance like fashion as she hacked at her brother. Tears had started again as she slipped deeper into the sword play. Jon dodged another misplaced foot and then sword slashes that followed.
"Terri, STOP!" Jon said. He was starting to get a bit winded as he dodged his sister.
"I can't and I won't," Terri said.
"Terri, please," Jon said. "I love you." Jon dodged another kick and missed the sword that followed right behind it. The sword tore into his leg making him fall and roll to dodge the stomps from his sister.
"Too easy," Terri said. She backed off and paced as she watched her brother collect himself and stand up. She walked over and kicked a sword to him that was lying on the floor. "Fight back."
Jon kicked the sword across the room away from him as he spoke, "No, I'm not going to fight you."
"Then," Terri said. "DIE!" She launched herself at him again this time the sword play was much faster and Jon took multiple impacts from her feet, arms and hands. He sword would flash in and nick Jon every once in a while.
Jon was starting to tire a lot faster and was laboring to dodge the attacks. "Terri," Jon said. "I don't understand why it has to be this way."
Terri stopped her assault and backed up. She began to page that showed a lot of rage to Jon. "What don't you understand?" Terri said. "You caused this. This is what you wanted and now you can't follow through. Or maybe they're right and you're weak. Maybe everyone else in this Galaxy has it wrong and you're not the person you appear to be. Just like back on Earth where everyone pushed you around and I had to protect you there too."
"Terri, stop," Jon said. His eyes were starting to tear up.
"Weak and pathetic," Terri said. "You know our parents never understood what was going on. I always helped you hide the fact you couldn't stand up for yourself."
"Don't," Jon said. "You're just trying to make me angry and I'm not going to let you. I know you don't mean it and I still love you."
"Then I'm sorry," Terri said. "Time for one of us to die."
Terri charged Jon and engaged him with a flurry of blows that had him working hard to avoid the sword slashes. Terri lashed out with her hand and caught her brother in the throat hard enough to make him gag. She then grabbed Jon by the back of the head and leaned her forehead on his.
"I love you," Terri said. "I'm sorry for everything. It will be ok. Don't judge them too harshly you need them."
Jon tried to talk but could get nothing out. His eyes widened as he realized Terri had reversed her sword and from the outside it looked like they were struggling. She reached up and kissed his forehead as she pushed her full weight on to him and the sword. The sword suddenly sprouted from her back and Terri gagged as blood sprayed from her mouth covering Jon's face.
Jon and Terri fell to the floor in a pile. Jon scrambled to his knees and pulled the sword from his sister's chest. She gagged as blood flowed from the wound. Tears poured from Jon's eyes as he tried to help her. Unable to speak he was mouthing the words he was sorry and he loved her.
Terri reached up and rubbed the side of his face and smiled. "I will always love you," Terri said. Her eyes closed as she gasped her last breath and became still.
Jon leaned his head back and screamed as he began to cry uncontrollably.
"This trial is over," the voice said.
Jon's head was resting on his sister's chest as the voice spoke. He raised it up and in a hoarse voice said, "Fuck you! I will slaughter every last one of you for this."
"You might," the voice said. "But, you have gained our support and we ask you think about what has happened before you make a rash choice. We will return you to your ship now. You're free to stay in orbit as long as you need. We will send a representative to you shortly."
"Fuc..." Jon started.
"You!" Jon finished as he appeared on the bridge of the Atlantis. Jon collapsed from the stress and strain. The last thing he saw before he passed out was a teary eyed Deatra and a somber Sa'oliq kneeling over him.
Jon woke with a start and sat up in the bed. Sitting not far away, Deatra and Sa'oliq were involved in a quiet discussion. Both of them stood up and rushed to Jon's side when they saw him wake up.
"Doc!" Deatra said.
Jon started ripping leads off his body and he started getting out of bed. "Where are we and how long have I been out?" Jon said.
"Lay back down Jon. I haven't cleared you yet," Andie said.
"Andie? How did you get here?" Jon said.
Deatra laid her hand on Jon stopping him from getting out of bed. "We're at Ghost Station," Deatra said.
Jon pushed her hand away and he continued to get up. "Why?" Jon said.
"Jon lay back down," Andie said.
"No, I have things to do," Jon said. He had gotten fully out of bed now and was looking around for his clothes.
"Jon, I'm ordering you to lie back down," Andie said.
"Where's my clothes," Jon said. He ignored Andie as he continued to search.
"I have them and you're not getting them back until I release you medically," Andie said.
"Fine gown it is," Jon said. He started for the door. "Atlantis, prep for departure."
"Yes, Sir," Carla said over the intercom in the room. "How long?"
"We will be leaving when I get there," Jon said.
"Sir, I'm not showing you released from medical yet," Carla said.
"He's not," Andie said. "You'll belay that order and stand down."
"Yes Ma'am," Carla said.
Jon whirled on Andie as he spoke, "How dare you?"
"Jon stop and think a second," Deatra said.
"How dare I?" Andie said. "How dare you up slur my authority as CMO. You put me in this position and if there's anyone on this station that should be listening to me it's you! You're supposed to set the example."
Jon's eyes showed his grief as he spoke, "Andie, they killed Terri. They have to pay for that. I need to go before they run and hide again."
"You need to calm down before you go off half cocked and get yourself and others killed," Andie said.
"I'm going to have my revenge and no one will stop me," Jon said. It was clear to everyone in the room that Jon was not thinking straight and grief was ruling him at the moment.
Deatra reached out through the link they shared and tried to calm him down.
Jon felt the touch and spun on Deatra. "Get out of my head!" Jon said.
"I'm sorry, I'm just trying to help," Deatra said. She pulled back from his mind as she spoke.
"I don't need help," Jon said. "I'm taking my ship and I'm going to get my therapy."
"I won't clear you and I'll call control and make sure they lock Atlantis down. You need time to heal," Andie said.
"Fine," Jon said. "I quit and I'm pulling the Atlantis out of the ADF. Have fun doing whatever it is you people think you're doing."
"You can't quit," Sa'oliq said. "You're needed and you know you're needed."
"Watch me," Jon said as he stepped through the door.
Jon stalked down the hallway towards the Atlantis as stunned people parted to let him pass. "Carla, clear all personnel off the Atlantis," Jon said.
"Sir?" Carla said.
"Don't Sir me," Jon said. "I'm not your commander any more. I want all personnel off my ship by the time I get there."
Suddenly a bulkhead door close in front of him as Ghost appeared.
"Open the door Ghost," Jon said.
"I'm sorry Commander, I can't do that," Ghost said.
"It's an order," Jon said. "Open the door."
"I'm sorry Sir," Ghost said. "You no longer command on this station as it is an ADF station."
"Oh, really?" Jon said. Jon rattled off his command codes and cycled the door open.
Ghost followed him walking beside him, "So, now you just use people however you want and the hell with everything else?"
"Yep," Jon said.
"I thought you were a bigger man than that," Ghost said.
"You thought wrong," Jon said. "Don't you understand these people killed my sister?"
"I've seen the recordings," Ghost said. "What I saw was her giving her life to protect her brother."
Jon stopped and looked at Ghost as he spoke, "She was forced to do what she did by them. She didn't have a choice. They murdered her regardless of if it was by their own hand or not."
"Your sister wouldn't want you to do this," Ghost said. She followed Jon as he started back down the corridor.
"How do you know," Jon said.
"I loved your sister as much as I love you," Ghost said. "She gave her life so that you may continue doing what you need to do."
"What I need to do right now is kill the people who caused her death," Jon said.
"So, you're after revenge?" Ghost said.
"Yep, it's a plate best served cold," Jon said.
"I'm begging you as a friend to reconsider your actions," Ghost said as she faded from view.
"Not likely," Jon said.
"Then I'm very sad for you as you can't see the bigger picture and all of the people who need you now," Ghost's voice said.
"What about what I need for my own peace of mind?" Jon said.
Jon rounded a corner and into Oojoung and a squad of Black Ops all battle ready. Jon stopped short and looked at them as he waited for them to make a move.
"Oojoung come and squad help," Oojoung said.
"I can't ask you to do that," Jon said.
"Oojoung loved Terri," Oojoung said. "Oojoung needs to go and help with beatings."
The entire squad nodded as a Eutharan spoke up, "Terri was a Princess to the Eutharan people and we want to help. You're our Prince and we must help you and protect you. Please allow us to come with you."
"Are you sure," Jon said.
"Oojoung sure of only one thing," Oojoung said. "Oojoung sure someone is going to pay."
"Fine, come on then," Jon said. As he started back down the corridor his Royal Marines showed up running down the corridor towards them from behind. Jon stopped and turned as the squad surrounding him got ready for a fight.
The Sergeant from the Royal guard stopped short and saluted Jon as he spoke, "Sir, were here to help and continue our duties."
"Why?" Jon said.
"Princess Deatra has given us strict orders you're to be protected and we aim to do that," the Sergeant said. He smiled at Jon as he winked. "Besides, we want pay back too. Half us are from the Princess's detail, the others are staying to make sure the rest of the royal family is well taken care of."
"Welcome to the fun," Jon said.
Five minutes later Jon and his small army walked through the airlock and on to the Atlantis where Carla was waiting for him. Jon frowned as he looked at the crew assembled behind her. They were all dressed for battle.
"Carla, you're relieved I'm assuming command," Jon said.
Atlantis appeared next to Jon as Carla spoke, "You have command. We however would like to stay and help."
"You sure?" Jon said.
"Absolutely," Carla said.
"Atlantis," Jon said as he turned to look at her. "You here to stop me?"
"Hell no," Atlantis said. "I'm here to support you. You're my Captain and always will be I will always follow you no matter what. However, I agree with this action. Terri was like my best friend."
"I didn't know you two were that close," Jon said.
"We talked a lot and spent a great deal of time together," Atlantis said.
Jon started towards the bridge as he spoke with Carla, "How many crew do we have left?"
"Well, it seems Terri was very popular," Carla said.
"Really?" Jon said.
"Yeah, you're quite the star too," Carla said. "As far as crew, we're at full compliment. I've had to turn requests down."
Jon stopped and stared at Carla as he spoke, "Full compliment?"
"Well, a little over," Carla said.
"Miricles will never cease," Jon said as he started back towards the bridge.
"Not a miracle Sir," Carla said. "Love, people love you. They have a lot of faith in you and believe in you. Most of them would do anything for you."
"Amazing," Jon said.
"Why's that?" Carla said.
"I haven't done a lot," Jon said. "It just surprises me that people think so much of me."
"You haven't done a lot?" Carla said. She almost laughed.
"What's so funny?" Jon said.
"You have restored the greatest military asset in the Galaxy," Carla said. "Not to mention getting races that has been warring for hundreds of years to actually work together. I would say you have done quite a lot."
"Never really thought about it that way," Jon said. "I guess I have been a bit busy."
Carla nodded and stopped at an intersection as she spoke, "I'll see you on the Bridge."
"Take care Carla," Jon said.
"Yes Sir," Carla said.
"No need for the Sir," Jon said. "I quit the ADF and no longer have a rank."
"Sir," Carla said. "If you'll excuse me, you're the ADF and can't quit."
"Interesting," Jon said as Carla started towards the Secondary Bridge.
"Indeed," Carla said.
Jon started back down the corridor as Atlantis fell into step beside him and spoke, "Captain, I'm sorry about Terri."
Tears threatened to spill again as Jon forced himself to hold it back. "I am too, I loved her very much. I don't think I ever told her enough."
"She knew," Atlantis said.
"I hope so," Jon said.
"She did," Atlantis said. "She often told me that she knew you loved her deeply and that it was her duty to make sure nothing happened to you."
"That's why she did what she did?" Jon said.
Atlantis nodded as she spoke, "She knew how important you were to all of us."
Jon reached up and wiped a tear from under his eye as he continued to fight for control, pushing his emotions down and letting the only emotion that he needed surface, hate. He refused to let himself feel sorrow or pain. The only emotion he needed was rage and it would suit him well.
Jon stepped on to the bridge and immediately his crew started rattling off their readiness. Jon walked over and sat down in his chair.
"Con, set course to the Cypher's home system," Jon said.
"We already have the course plotted," Mike said.
"Mike?" Jon said. He was stunned when he saw his friend.
"Of course," Mike said. He grinned at Jon. "You didn't think we would let you have fun without us, did you?"
"We?" Jon said.
"Yeah, bro's down in engineering," Mike said.
"Thanks," Jon said.
"Terri was family and we always take care of family," Mike said.
Jon nodded as he spoke, "Seems we're all family here."
"That we are," Mike and Atlantis said at the same time.
Jon smiled as he spoke, "Con, take us and prepare to fold."
"Yes Sir," the Con officer said. "Ghost Station, this is the Atlantis requesting permission to depart."
"Atlantis, you're not clear for departure. The lanes are full," a voice said.
Jon blinked as he looked at the screen. There wasn't a ship in sight. "Ghost Station what lanes are you looking at? I don't see any traffic," Jon said. "Give us clearance for departure now."
"Jon," Gilas' voice said. "You can't go off half cocked like this. You need to calm down and think about what you're doing. You need time to grieve."
"When I'm done," Jon said. "I'll grieve. Until then I'm on the war path."
"We all lose loved ones Jon," Gilas said. "You're not the first and you won't be the last."
"That was my sister!" Jon said. He jumped up from his seat and was yelling. "How dare you tell me you know how I'm feeling? Release us or I'll order the clamps cut."
A hand touched Jon's back and he felt a little bit of peace seep into him. He turned and was staring directly into Deatra's eyes.
"Thought you didn't agree," Jon said.
"Being worried about my future husband's health doesn't mean I don't agree," Deatra said. "I told you, I'll back you up one hundred percent and I mean it."
"Thank you," Jon said. He hugged Deatra tightly, tears threatening to well up again. "You don't know how much that means to me."
"Oh, I have an idea," Deatra said. She smiled as she looked Jon in the face and then gave him a quick peck. "Go get them."
"Sir, sorry to interrupt," the Con said. "But the clamps have released and we're free."
"Thanks Gilas," Jon said. "Con, get us moving."
"Thanks for what?" Gilas said. "I'm not letting you go until you calm down a bit. You're just going to get everyone killed."
Ghost's voice echoed in the bridge, "Commander, I have thought about what you said about your peace of mind. If this is what you need then so be it. Just come back safely."
"Thank you Ghost," Jon said. "I'll do my best to return in one piece."
"How did you get free?" Gilas said.
"A little Ghost helped me," Jon said.
Atlantis headed for the outer markers the Titan close on her tail. Atlantis picked up speed as they approached their fold point.
"Stand down Jon," Gilas said. "Please don't make me fire on you."
"Condition Red," Jon said. "Gilas, if you fire on my ship. I promise you one thing. You'll pay dearly. The Princess Deatra is on board."
"I'm trying to protect you and the Princess," Gilas said. "I'm with in my rights to disable your ship and hold you until you calm down. You're not thinking straight."
"Titan, this is the Earth Revenge," Bill's voice said. "If you fire on that ship I'll shoot you down.
"I can't believe this," Gilas said. "Are all humans so irrational?"
"Most of us yes," Jon said. "Especially when one of our families is killed or hurt."
"Fine," Gilas said. "Have it your way."
The Atlantis and Earth's Revenge both folded at the same time, followed shortly by the Titan.
A day later all three ship appeared in the Cypher's system and made the short jump to the home planet. Jon, Gilas and Bill stood at the planning table as they scanned the surface of the planet looking for anything unusual.
"I'm telling you it was right here," Jon said. He was pointing at the map.
"Well it's not there now," Gilas said.
"You think they fled?" Bill said.
"I have no idea," Jon said.
"Sir," the Tactical officer said. "I'm picking up several hyperspace events in close proximity."
Jon switched the map and it showed ten little dots where the events were located. Gilas and Bill faded from view as Jon spoke, "All ships, Condition Red."
The Marudas exited the hyperspace event as several battle cruisers did the same. Jon gasped at the small fleet. "Prepare for evasive maneuvers," Jon said. "All fighters to stand-by and all guns prepare to fire."
"Incoming transmission from the Marudas," the Com officer said.
"On screen," Jon said.
Prasuh's face faded into view and a smile slowly spread over the Invaru's face as he saw Jon. "Captain Hunter," Prasuh said. "We meet again."
"Well, at least one of us is happy about that," Jon said. "What do you want?"
"Why you of course," Prasuh said.
"Sorry, I'm already spoken for and I don't think Deatra is the sharing kind," Jon said. "I really don't swing that way either. I know a few who do and would be glad to set up a meeting for you."
"Always the smart ass," Prasuh said. Prasuh's face faded from the screen as the Atlantis shook.
"They've opened fire on us," the Tactical officer said. "Shields at seventy percent and holding."
"Guess he's not in a talkative mood," Jon said. "Weapons free."
"Sir," the Com officer said. "The Titan and Earth's Revenge are reporting power failures and major damage to several decks. They seem to be concentrating their fire on them."
The Earth's Revenge still wasn't completely finished with her refit and Jon half expected this. "Bring us about and target those Battle Cruisers. Try to draw some of their fire."
"Aye aye Sir," the Tactical officer said.
The Atlantis turned and approached the Titan as she spread fire to several of the Battle Cruisers. It worked as they started targeting the Atlantis as the two other ships were almost dead in space.
"New fold event," the Tactical officer said.
"Fold?" Jon said.
"Yes Sir," the Tactical officer said. "Oh my god, it's the Ga'sahde vessel we encountered when we first arrived here. They're powering weapons and have their shields up."
"Oh fun times!" Jon said.