Jon stood on the bridge of the Marudas watching the main screen as they dropped out of hyperspace. He was still upset about the death of Andie, but in was glad she died doing what she though was right. He had sent word back to Ghost Station that Kelly was to transported to the Marudas. She carried the last of the Hawkins line and he would be damned if he would lose her too, he owed Bill and Andie that much.
Jon turned and looked over at Prasuh, "Come Captain it's time for our briefing before we arrive Eutharan."
Prasuh nodded as he stood, "Aye sir, Lieutenant Commander Carla you have the Marudas."
Carla smiled and saluted, "Aye sir."
Prasuh and Jon walked down the short corridor to the briefing room. Everyone was gathered and waiting for them to arrive. This situation was going to get tricky at best. The King and Queen held power on Eutharan. Which means Jon would have to play his cards right. The only problem was Jon hated cards and always lost.
Jon glanced over at Prasuh, "So what do you think?"
Prasuh glanced over at Jon and raised his right upper arm to adjust his shirt, "About?"
"Carla, how has she been coming along?" Jon said.
Prasuh took a second before responding, "If you're asking if she's been coming along well. The answer would be yes. If you're asking if she's ready for command on her own. I would have to answer no."
This answer didn't really surprise Jon that much, "Your reasons for your answers?"
"Carla still has a habit of deferring judgment when she solo. I've been woken more than once to answer something another first officer would already know. I have gotten to the point where I tell her to use her best judgment. The other Captains she has trained under report the same type of behavior from her. It's all in noted in their reports and mine. Once she learns to actually take command and not depend on someone else being there to support her she'll be ready for a ship of her own," Prasuh said as he stopped walking and turned to Jon.
"Hrm, what if we gave her a ship? Would that make her finally realize and actually take command?" Jon asked.
Prasuh shrugged as his left lower arm adjusted his belt, "It might, but I wouldn't put her anywhere there could be a conflict right away. She will need to get used to her XO and crew."
Jon nodded, "I was thinking of the ship on its way here with Kelly. She has an XO but no Captain assigned. She's the first vessel from our construction yards. Although, she's still in need of some final equipment installations and an upgrade when the Talosian techs get done with Ghost Station. I need Captains and Carla one of the closest we have that's available right now. Everyone else has a ship assigned to them."
"I think it could be a good move, but I would make sure she has a competent XO, just incase," Prasuh said.
Jon nodded and started walking towards the briefing room again, "Good, because your new XO is also on that vessel."
Prasuh groaned and Jon smiled.
Jon stepped into the briefing room, followed by Prasuh. The room fell silent as he stepped through the door. All of his command staff was present and accounted for. They all stood as one and saluted him. Jon returned the salute, then moved around the table, and took his seat at the head of the table.
Deatra watched him as he walked around the table, her eyes never wavering. Something had changed in Jon in his time away; he was stronger and surer of himself. Of the little he had told her she one day wanted to meet this Ian person. He had helped Jon in many ways.
"Anyone know the status of Brin'tores and Angel?" Jon asked as he sat down.
"She is recovering and should be ready for light duty by the time we reach Eutharan. Angel has made a full recovery and is ready for duty. She didn't get as banged up as Captain Brin'tores," Terri replied.
Jon nodded, "Get her back with her team as soon as possible. I'll need her on Eutharan for security."
"We'll do sir," Terri said.
"Terri I want your team providing security at our residence. I don't want any house guards in our section," Jon said.
Terri raised her eyebrow, "Yes sir, do you think they will agree to that? I mean with the Princess and all in attendance."
Jon's face hardened for a second, "I don't care what they agree too. I don't want any house guards or unauthorized personnel in our section. Use extra marines if you have to, but I want our section secure."
"Yes sir," Terri replied.
"Brin'tores and her squad will be on stand-by for additional support. I want them stationed close to our rooms. They're also to wear full body armor when in public. I don't know how these people will react seeing a Benesean and I would rather not take any chances," Jon said.
Everyone nodded as Jon turned his attention to Prasuh, "What's the status of the Marudas?"
"We just brought the last of the newer systems online yesterday. Everything seems to be in working order. All fighters are prepped and ready for departure as are troop shuttles. We're ready for battle, I brought us up to silent yellow when we entered the system," Prasuh reported.
"Status of the Atlantis?" Jon asked focusing his attention on Rick.
"All systems green, we're standing by as ordered," Rick reported.
Jon nodded, he looked from face to face, trying to read the people seated at the table. He wasn't sure what was going to happen when they arrived, but he wanted everyone to be ready. Deatra took his hand and squeezed it under the table. Jon looked over and smiled at her as he squeezed it back.
The Jon got serious, "Ok, we don't know what to expect when we arrive in less than two hours. I'm pretty sure they know we're here already and their trying to figure out where the rest of their fleet is and why Captain Lylas isn't escorting us. I expect that Lylas will show up in the next 48 hours and not be happy. I want the Atlantis watching for them and scouting the system while we're planet side. The Marudas will maintain whatever position they ask us to take. The Atlantis is my trump card and I don't plan on using her until I need too. The Marudas will handle all calls for troop support or transportation to and from the surface. For all intents and purposes the Atlantis is quarantined."
"Admiral Breq and all Invaru will remain on station aboard the Marudas..."
Breq spoke up, "Sir, we can't protect you if we're here."
Jon smiled over at Breq, "I know that, but for now all Invaru are confined to ship. If the Eutharans see Invaru on the surface of their planet, it could cause a riot. They have been oppressed by them or hundreds of years, I don't know if they're ready to accept them as allies."
"I can see you point," Prasuh said. "But, that will affect the Marine squads."
"It won't matter most of the marines will be on board anyway. The ones we take with us can be reorganized, just make sure to explain it's a temporary thing and the reasons for doing so," Jon said.
Terri and Prasuh nodded at the same time.
Jon redirected his attention back to the room as he continued, "I want to land strong but not too strong. Two squads of marines and Death's Hand flying cover for the shuttles. One of the squads is to protect the shuttles at all times."
"Sir, you sound like you'll be staying on the surface. Wouldn't it be safer to stay on the Marudas?" Illus said.
"Yes it would, but I don't think the King and Queen will let go of me that easy once I'm in their grasp. They will offer me a place to stay and protocol states I must accept," Jon said.
"Then what makes you think they will let you have your own guard detail?" Captain Jodeas said.
"Because protocol gives me that right and no where does it say I can't. From what Deatra has tutored me on Royalty is very protocol oriented. So, I plan on taking advantage of that when ever I can. I'm still studying their protocols and laws, but I have a good grasp of what I need to know," Jon said.
Deatra spoke up, "Jon and I have already gone over most of this plan and everything he's doing is acceptable. They can't argue with it, the most they can do is station a heavier guard around us."
"Jon is also correct once my father gets him in his grasp he won't let go of his so easy. They will both want to control our every move while we're their guests. They will also be responsible for the safety of Jon and I while we're planet side. The most dangerous time will be if and when they allow us to leave."
Jon spoke up as Deatra finished, "And I have plans for that too. There is only one last thing to discuss, Carla. I'm promoting her to Captain, she'll take over the ship on it's way here. I want it to be everyone's job to help her adjust to her new position. I think she'll make a fine Captain and you all have taught her well. Now she needs to be place in that position. I'll be giving orders to her XO that they're to monitor her and take command incase she crumbles from pressure. I'll be receiving reports on her progress. When she assumes command on the new ship, I want her to stay on station with the Marudas and complete her equipment installations. Admiral Breq will have command of the fleet for our duration here. Second in command will be Lieutenant Commander Wilson, let me make it clear the Atlantis has free rein while were here, as long as she's scouting, anything else is Admiral Breq's call. Anything else that needs discussed or brought up?"
When the room was silent, Jon dismissed them to prepare and had Prasuh send Carla to him in the Captain's ready room. He was sipping a cup of coffee when the door chimed, letting him know there was someone on the other side. Jon turned from the window and took a seat behind the large desk.
"Enter," Jon said.
Carla stepped through the doorway when it opened. She looked nervous and Jon had expected that. Every time he had ever had a one on one with Carla it had always been to bust her chops.
"Reporting as ordered," Carla said coming to attention.
"Please sit Carla," Jon said motioning to the chair on the other side of the desk.
Carla took the offered seat as she waited for Jon to continue.
"How has everything been going?" Jon asked.
"Ok, I guess. I've learned a lot being an XO under different Captains," Carla said as she picked at her nails.
"So I have heard, you understand why I chose to have you serve under different Captains?" Jon asked. He sipped his coffee as he waited for a response.
"Not really Sir, it made learning more difficult. Every Captain does things different and I had to learn to adapt to that," Carla said. She watched as Jon sipped on his coffee.
Jon set the mug down, "I'm sorry, would you like something to drink?"
"No Sir, thanks for asking, but I'm ok for now," Carla said.
Jon nodded, "Carla the reason I had you train like that so you would learn how different races handled their ships. It will make you a good tactician if you're ever in a fight with a race you studied under. Does that make sense?"
"Somewhat, I understand how the different races run their vessels. I could switch to any vessel in the fleet and fit in," Carla said.
Jon sat back a second, "Yes, but you also understand their tactics and what they will most likely do in a given situation. There will always been uncertainties in battle, but by knowing an enemy you can cut those odds down."
Carla nodded, "Makes sense Sir."
"Jon," Jon said.
"Sir?" Carla said.
"Call me Jon when were alone, I promise not to bit too hard," Jon said.
"Yes Si... Ok Jon," Carla said.
Jon smiled, "I've been hard on you and I know that. I did it for a reason and it wasn't because I hated you or even disliked you. I did it because I seen great potential in you, even when you were screwing up; you were doing right. My question to you is are you ready for command?"
Carla stared at Jon for a long second, "Command?"
"Yes, I said command. Do you think you're ready to command a ship?" Jon asked.
"I... I'm not sure," Carla said.
"I think you're ready, so does the other Captains. The only problem that was brought to my attention is your inability to make choices on your own," Jon said as he picked up his mug again.
"Sorry?" Carla asked.
Jon sighed, "You tend to defer judgment to those above you, even when they're not on duty. I you command your own vessel there will be no one but you to defer too. You're responsible for every soul on your ship and all actions of the ship."
Carla sat quiet as Jon finished, so he continued.
"I feel the only way you'll learn to trust yourself is to command. So I'm promoting you to Captain and giving you the ship that's on its way here. Admiral Breq will be in command of the fleet while we're here. I want you to support the Marudas, Prasuh's people will help you complete equipment installations," Jon said as he watched her reaction.
Tears came to Carla's eyes and in a hushed voice she said, "Thanks you Sir, I won't let you down."
Jon smiled, "See that you don't Captain. You'll have an experienced XO and at first you can ask him for support. But, I'll be getting reports and I want them to start saying you're improving. I also want you to get familiar with your new ship and crew as fast as possible. You're the first new Captain for the ADF and this is why I wanted you trained the way you were. The next few years will be very difficult for us and we need you."
"Thank you again for your trust and support," Carla whispered.
Jon stood up and walked around the desk to Carla. He unpinned the Lieutenant Commander bars and repined new Captain's bars on Carla's uniform, "For now you'll still act as XO for the Marudas. When your ship arrives I want you to assume command immediately. Now compose yourself and join us back out on the bridge when you're ready."
"Yes Sir," Carla said in a stronger voice.
Jon nodded as he turned and left the room.
Jon was half way to the bridge when the lights dimmed and turned red as a general call to battle station blared through the ship. Jon took off running the rest of the way.
Jon entered the Bridge and said, "Status?"
"Eutharan fleet on an intercept course," Prasuh said. "Their weapons are charged and shields online. They have just launched a small squadron of fighters."
"Position of Atlantis?" Jon asked.
Prasuh glanced at another screen, "She's making for the Eutharan fleet. Should I launch fighters in response?"
Jon looked over at the planning table, "No, and secure from condition red. Leave shields up but bring weapons offline. Have the Atlantis turn around and hold position as escort."
"Relaying orders now," Com reported.
"Secured from condition red," Tactical reported.
Jon nodded, "I don't want to start a conflict, we did arrive in system without an escort."
Jon watched as the Eutharan fleet closed the distance between them. The fighters would be in range in one minute. That's when he felt someone take his hand and looked up into Deatra's smiling face.
Jon smiled back as Deatra spoke, "I'm home."
"Communication coming in from the Eutharan fleet, Sir," Com said.
Jon looked up at the viewer and motioned Prasuh to the side of the bridge, "Put in on screen."
The screen flicker and changed images to that of an older Eutharan who spoke at once, "Unidentified vessel, you have entered restricted space. You have 15 minutes to change course and leave this system."
Deatra spoke, "Captain Mequa, how are you doing?"
The old man blinked a couple times, "Princess Deatra!" he stood up and bowed as everyone in the picture behind him bowed.
"This is my bond mate Fleet Admiral Jonathan Hunter," Deatra said.
The old man sat back down as he eyed Jon, "Bond mate? You finally bonded? We heard you were dead."
"Not hardly Captain, I've returned to get married as protocol dictates," Deatra said.
Mequa nodded, "Admiral Hunter, please heave to and prepare to be boarded for inspection."
Jon's eyebrow raised, "No."
"Excuse me Admiral?" Mequa said.
"No, simple enough; you're not boarding this vessel," Jon said. Deatra backed off a couple steps as to remove herself from the conversation. Jon couldn't let them board with all the Invaru onboard.
"Admiral, you have no choice in the matter. All vessels must be inspected before arriving at our world," Mequa said.
"This vessel is carrying royalty and as such doesn't adhere to those requirements," Jon said.
"I'm sorry Admiral, but I have to inspect the vessel and it's crew. Your vessel isn't flying royal colors as protocol dictates," Mequa said.
"This vessel doesn't have to show colors in time of war to protect any royal person or persons aboard," Jon said.
"The Eutharan people have been at peace for hundreds of years," Mequa said.
"No you haven't, you've been lead to believe that. Anyway regardless of that, the ADF is at war," Jon said.
"You know nothing of our history, we have enjoyed peace for as long as I can remember," Mequa said.
"Well maybe you need some Ginkgo Biloba to help that memory. Because, from what I have read of your history your war has never been officially ended," Jon said.
Mequa frowned, "Ginkgo Biloba? What's that and why would my memory need help?"
"Because, where have you ever read and official ending of the Invaru's war with your people?" Jon said.
"Doesn't matter Admiral, I still have my duty and I think you're hiding something. So I insist you allow me to inspect your ship," Mequa said.
"From the outside all you want, but you're not boarding this vessel," Jon said.
"Their targeting us Sir," Tactical reported.
"That would be a mistake Captain. Power down your weapons and escort us to Eutharan. You do not want to get into a fight with us," Jon said.
"They're firing," Tactical reported.
Jon glanced back at Deatra she had her eyes downcast.
Thanks to my editor BoB_McC