Jon sat at the desk in his office reading the reports from the past couple of days. Ghost was back at full operational status. Thing were going well, his sister was recovered and doing well. Not that Vors had done any real damage to her. Oojoung now carried the rank of Major, and wore the seal of the Empire.
Jon glance up as his door chimed, "Come in."
Bill walked in and saluted, "Morning Sir."
Jon looked Bill over, he didn't show any signs of lasting damage. Bill was still outfitted in his Battle Armor, refusing to wear anything else during duty.
"Good morning, how're you feeling today?" Jon asked, offering him a seat.
Bill sat down, "Better, not as tired as I have been, those nanites sure can kick your ass."
During a briefing Andie had explained that while she and Kelly were sitting talking about Bill. He just woke and sat up. Andie had been so surprised she had dropped her cup. Kelly seeing the look turned to look at what Andie was staring at. After all the hugging and kissing, mushy stuff as Bill put it, Andie ran some tests. Andie discovered that the nanites had shut Bill down to effect repairs on his damaged lung and heart. Bill was still weak from the blood loss but should recover. Had the damage been any more severe Bill would have died, as it was the nanites had a hard time, they weren't built to repair that kind of damage.
Jon nodded, stood up, and walked to the window. Atlantis was docked in view of his office, he never got tired of looking at her. Bill stood up, walking to where Jon stood and gazed out.
"Beautiful, isn't she?" Jon said, pointing at Atlantis.
"There are times I come in here while on duty just to stare at her," Bill admitted.
"What's the status of Atlantis?"
Bill sighed, "Mike and Brad are working on it. Mike said something about a lot of intertwining code. They said you would have a report later today. She'll be going in for repairs as soon as we get the last of the people moved off of her."
"Ghost?"
"I was informed that she doesn't show the same code. It seems when we sent the key codes she restructured herself."
Bill sighed, fatigue setting in. He had been on last watch and was really tired. Bill returned to his seat. Jon turned and looked at Bill, a smile crossing his face.
Jon returned to his seat and sat down, leaning back he put his arms behind his head.
Bill absently scratched his chin, "The new protocols are almost in. Marc has the marines working on it day and night. Illus and Gilas have been invaluable."
"How are Illus and his men fitting in?"
"There's some tension, but people know they rescued you. Plus with the help they're giving, people are starting to accept their presence."
The new protocols required a security check before anyone was allowed into secure areas. Check points had been set up and were manned at all times. No weapons were allowed in to those areas, unless you were assigned as security. Even then you were cross checked with Marine Control before being allowed to proceed to your post. Jon refused to have any more incidents like what had happen to Bill.
"Good," Jon said. "We'll go over everything at the meeting later today. Why don't you go get some rest?"
Bill stood up and walked to the doorway, "Ok, see you at the meeting later. Carla has CIC with Capt. Vaes as XO. I figured it would be good for her training."
Jon nodded, "Good idea, see you later."
Bill waved as he walked out.
Later Jon was walking down to the station's LC (Launch Control) when he ran into Terri and Oojoung.
"Hi Prince," Terri said.
Oojoung snickered when Jon started grumbling.
"Yeah, yeah, back at you Princess," Jon replied as he grinned.
Terri blushed and smiled, "No fair I'm the only one who gets to use that."
Jon changed the subject, "Oojoung I been meaning to ask you something." Jon said turning his head to Oojoung.
Oojoung raised an eyebrow, "Yes my Prince."
Jon muttered, "Not you too."
Terri and Oojoung started laughing.
Jon rolled his eyes and continued, "How did you get on Atlantis?"
Oojoung snickered, "Transporter in my ship."
"Oh, and where is your ship now?"
"In low orbit of your planet."
"Hrm, so how did you find Atlantis to begin with? I mean all these years and you just now found it."
"Don't know, Invaru tell Oojoung go there get on Atlantis and stall until fleet arrives. Then when fleet arrives Oojoung's Master tell Oojoung he's to be target and goodbye, nice knowing you. Oojoung no like that, Oojoung decide he's tired of always being bait, being used. So Oojoung decide to help Atlantis people."
Jon nodded, "Interesting, is there a lot of your people who feel same way?"
Oojoung thought for a moment, "Yes, many people tired of Invaru wish they would go away leave us alone."
Jon was quiet a moment, "Thanks Oojoung, it was something that was bothering me."
Oojoung smiled and nodded as he and Terri turned into the pilot's dressing room and said they would see him at the meeting. Jon continued on to his quarters to get some sleep before the meeting.
Brad sat next to Gilas looking at the hologram of the Arc Light. Several spots were highlighted blue as proposed areas for the repair drone bays. The red highlights were for the secondary main reactor and a few secondary reactors.
"I just don't get it," Brad said, entering the additional work into the construction computer.
"Get what?" Gilas asked.
"Why you guys stopped using repair drones."
"Cost and construction materials mainly, both are in short supply in my home system."
"Well I guess that makes some sense, use what you have to repair ships or build new ones."
"No we haven't built a new ship in over 200 years, we have no shipyards. Repairs and upkeep is what the extra materials are used for. Just like technology, there hasn't been an advance in 400 years or so. We have been fighting a loosing war for years. The only strange thing that I can't figure out is why the Invaru haven't just come and taken us over."
Brad looked over the computer, "Three days for the upgrades, then we can get the Atlantis in and repaired. Mike, Illus, Vaes, and I are working on a solution to the Ion Disruptor problem. Once we get that solved we will apply that to the ships as well. You're more than welcome to come sit in and toss out ideas."
Gilas smiled, "Thanks but I'll leave the brain stuff to you guys, me I'm just a Captain that points his ship where he's told and pulls the trigger."
Brad grinned, "Yeah, just remember you have an invite."
Marc sat at his desk reading the latest update for the newcomers. 485 people had made the trip. One hundred and 37 were military so they were being absorbed into the marines. 73 of them were engineers or science people and were being held in a separate part of the station for training. They would make up part of the R&D team and repair and construction team. Fifty of them were medical personnel and were also undergoing training. The rest would make up stellar cartography and most would have a choice of where they would like to be posted. Most had already volunteered to be pilots, some wanted to work in the gardens, and then others wanted to be cooks and the like.
Marc signed off on their postings, Jon gave him the duty to get everyone situated, when he got a call from the barracks.
"This is Marc," Marc said
"Sir, Sergeant Neilman here we have a situation in barracks 15."
Marc sighed, "On my way."
Marc got up and left his office, arriving at the barracks seven minutes later. As he approached he heard shouting from inside. Most of the men from the barracks were outside at parade rest.
When they saw Marc they all came to attention, "At ease." Marc said, stepping through them.
"I don't give a rat's ass who you think you are son, I'm a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army. I will not take orders from a corporal, especially an alien one, and that's final," a male voice screamed
Marc's face briefly showed anger as he approached the two men at a stand-off. Sergeant Keoas was glowering at the human Lieutenant as though he was ready to beat the crap out of him. The Lieutenant crossed his arms and just stared at Keoas. When both men saw Marc they rapidly came to attention and saluted.
"What seems to be the problem here?" Marc asked, anger rolling off of him. He looked over to Keoas.
"Sir, I," the Lieutenant started.
"Private it would do you a world of good to be quiet right now," Marc growled.
The Lieutenant face turned read, "That's Lieutenant, Sir!"
Marc whirled on him, "What is your name Private."
"1st Lieutenant Jameson, Sir," as his anger faded under Marc's glare.
"Ok, Private Jameson, let me explain this to you in simpler terms you might follow," Marc said. "SHUT THE FUCK UP UNTIL I ADDRESS YOU! Is that clearer for you?"
Marc turned back to Keoas, "Sergeant Keoas what seem to be the problem?"
Keoas eyed Jameson for a second, "Sir, we were just about to start getting the men into their training routine. When Jameson here told me he wasn't following the orders of an Invaru, no matter what rank."
Two MP's came running into the barracks, slowing when they saw Marc. Marc turned back and looked at Jameson. "Is that about it Jameson?"
"Uh, well no," Jameson started.
"Remember we have ways of finding out the truth, if you lie to me I'll have you scrubbing the outside of the station with a piece of floss and a toothpick."
Jameson looked doubtful then sighed, "Yes Sir, that's what happened."
Marc nodded, "Ok easy enough, MP's throw Private Jameson in the brig for four days for insubordination."
The two MP's took Jameson into custody and escorted him out the door.
Marc turned back to Koeas, "Don't put up with this behavior, they have all been stripped of their ranks. At least until we get them assessed and assigned. Toss them in the brig for a few days, mark it in their file and make sure I get a copy. I'll deal with the big trouble makers. Don't let them disrupt your training schedule."
Koeas nodded, "Sorry Sir."
"No apology needed Koeas, you're doing a great job. Keep it up and pass my word to the other Drill Instructors." Marc turned and started walking to the door.
"Yes Sir," Koeas said as Marc left.
On his way back to his office he made a mental note to have an assembly with all the marines. Reminding them of their current ranks and letting them know this behavior wouldn't be allowed to continue. He sighed as he entered his office.
The Marudas and Hammer exited hyperspace in the Oriala System. They had been ordered there by the Emperor to see why they had lost communication with the planet and shipyards. Slowly the two ships slipped close to the planet keeping sensors on low power.
Prasuh leaned on the railing watching to viewer, "Ready all fighters, set condition yellow, order the Hammer to do the same."
Prasuh didn't like the feeling he was getting. One of the system defense ships should have been calling for identification already.
"Sir, I have a debris field at 231 Mark 016 200 kilometers," sensors officer reported.
"Any idea what it was?" Prasuh said as the viewer switched.
"No sir, but the field is big enough to be the Illiad,"
Prasuh's face paled a bit, "The Illiad are you sure?"
"Yes Sir, it's confirmed I have the registration plate on sensors. That field is what's left of the Illiad."
Prasuh's jaw dropped, "All Stop! Prepare for hyperspace. I want to be able to get out of here at a moments notice. Launch recon fighters and have them scan the planet and try to contact the Shipyard."
The meeting was going very well, everyone that was rescued from Earth seemed to be fitting in. Gaps in the station were being filled and things had started to run a bit smoother as people learned their jobs. There had been a few fights between humans and Invaru but for the most part they were few and far between. People who started the fights were dealt with quickly and severely. The greatest boost was to the marines and fighter pilots, which they needed. They would take some weeks for training but a few were showing promise.
Illus and Oojoung, with Jon's approval, had formed two special ops teams. The teams were mixed and assigned two shuttles. The shuttles held the latest technology from all the gathered races. The work on the Arc Light was going well and should be done in less than three days.
"Bill," Jon said, as he looked over at his XO.
"Yes Sir?"
"I'm changing the Arc Light's name to Earth's Revenge I want you to Captain her. Pick an XO and I'll approve them."
Bill's face showed the surprise as did everyone else. Then the congratulations started. "I don't know what to say," Bill stumbled.
Jon grinned, "Happy Birthday and just say thanks."
"I... uh, thanks, I don't know if I'm ready for this," Bill's face turned to concern.
"Well, I know you're ready as does everyone else here. They're all in agreement."
Everyone nodded.
"I... Well I know who I want for my XO already," Bill replied.
"Thought you might, you and her have been working close and make a good team," Jon said smiling.
"Yes ever since the incident she has taken a closer interest in my work," Bill said brightening.
"That's why I approved the move. You and Kelly go over to the Earth's Revenge and take command. She's going to be light crew until we get more people but you should be able to handle that. Ghost log William Hawkins rank as Captain and Kelly Jenson's rank as Lieutenant Commander assigned to the Earth Revenge."
"Done," Ghost replied from where she was sitting.
Jon turned to Illus, "I want one of the special units assigned to the Earth Revenge and the other assigned to Atlantis."
"Yes Sir, I have two ready and a third in training. I'll have them moved and stationed including their equipment."
Jon turned to Terri, "Assign two squadrons to her, I know it's not enough but until we get more people we will have to make due."
Terri nodded, "Consider it done."
Jon turned to look at Gilas, "When do you leave?"
"I have to leave no later than one week from now to make it back as per my orders," Gilas said frowning.
"Good, expect an escort," Jon said grinning.
Gilas raised an eyebrow, "An escort?"
Jon nodded, "Gilas, at first I blamed your people for what went on here. Lately I have begun to realize it wasn't your fault or your people's fault. It was a lack of leadership that caused it. I plan on fixing that, so I'm going with you. Your people have stood by long enough, it's time for them to decide. Fight or wither away into nothingness. I hope they decide to fight, we could use the support."
Gilas grinned, "I'm sure they will once they see what I have to show them. Your battles will convince them of what's right."
"My battles were lucky, the enemy wasn't ready for me. They still aren't ready for me, but I hope you're right."
"Sir," Vaes said. "I have an idea."
Jon turned and smiled, "Shoot."
"Well it just occurred to me what you said about the Earth's Revenge not having enough crew. Since my ship is primarily a short range ship, I can give her all of my flight squads but two and a little over a quarter of my crew. It should balance her out some." Vaes grinned as he winked at Bill. Bill just stared at the man in wonder and respect.
Jon thought for a moment, "Won't that weaken you?"
"Some but not much. I can afford the 300 crew and the 5 squads. Besides we'll most likely be supporting each other anyway. I would rather see her closer to what she needs than not."
"Well 7 squads of fighters will be scratching the surface, she supports about 30. As far as the extra crew that sounds good. Get with Capt. Hawkins and his XO after the meeting and pick out whom to transfer. Thanks Captain," Jon was impressed; Vaes just went up a notch in his book.
After the meeting Jon was sitting in his quarters with Deatra and Terri. Oojoung had taken Sam to the play with some of the other kids in the Gardens. Jon was standing looking out the window watching the work progress on the Earth's Revenge when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned as Deatra passed him a cup of coffee, following her to the couch and resuming their discussion.
"So have you decided what to do about my mom and dad?" Deatra asked, sipping her drink.
"Not really, but from what you have told me your people haven't really been attacked in years. So it really makes little sense to me as to why you haven't rebuilt and gone on the offensive."
Deatra set her cup down, tucking her legs up under her, "Well, from what my father has told me we don't have the resources to do that."
Terri spoke up, "Bull, I've seen the scans from your home system. There are plenty of minerals in the asteroid fields. I think it's for lack of ambition, your people have stagnated since they feel safe. One of these days it will come back to bite them in the ass."
Jon nodded, "I hope it's not too late to do something about it. But I think there's more to this than meets the eye. I can't imagine being shoved for so long and not shoving back. Then also there's the question of why haven't the Invaru attacked you. I plan on finding out."
Prasuh stood waiting on reports from the scouts. He didn't know what could have turned a Titan class ship to debris like this and it worried him. What worried him more were the rumors could be true, and if they were his people were in trouble.
"Sir incoming transmission from the scouts," Comm reported
"Put it through," Prasuh said.
"Sir, we have reached the planet. The shipyard is destroyed and there are no life signs on the planet."
"What do you mean no life signs? I want you to do a fly by of the capital city and check again. They are probably having transmission problems after an attack."
"Sir, we have already done that, the cities are intact and show no signs of battle. The people are just gone."
If Prasuh had hairs on the back of his neck they would have been standing up. Everything was wrong and nothing was right. "Return to base, best speed. Con prepare a jump to the home world. Comm signal the Hammer, have them do the same. Tactical drop some listening devices so we can monitor this system."