Jon sat staring at the screen listening to Breq speak about the current situation on Eutharan. Occasionally he would cast a glance at his sister's room. Finally, Breq had just couldn't hold back any longer.
"Sir, is everything ok?" Breq asked. "You seem distracted."
Jon sighed, "I'm sorry Breq and to be to be truthful I'm a bit preoccupied with current events here on Atlantis."
"Terri?" Breq asked quietly.
Jon leaned back and rubbed his temples, "She has arrested several times, we've almost lost her each time. The nanites are out of commission, probably due to something that Atlanta did before we destroyed her. Then not moments ago just before you called, Oojoung died on the operating table. Sam and the kids are devastated by the loss. Deatra is trying to calm them down now. Honestly, I would have to say the only good thing to happen in the past few days is I gained another wife."
When Breq raised an eyebrow Jon explained, "Deatra's sister bonded with me too."
Every Eutharan behind Breq on the screen started whispering in hushed tones and then as one knelt and bowed their heads.
Jon looked back at the screen as he continued speaking, "I didn't mean to leave you in a spot, for that I apol ... Uh, what the hell are they doing?"
Breq raised an eyebrow as he turned and looked behind him. When he seen every Eutharan in the room in the same position he responded, "I have no idea."
Jon shook his head in wonder, "Anyway, put me on planet wide, I'll solve this problem right here and now."
Several second later Jon's face appeared on every holo screen across the planet, 'Hello people of Eutharan. As you may or may not know, I'm your King. I address you as your King and as a citizen of the once proud Empire. Events beyond my control called me away before I could do a proper address to you. For that I'm sorry, I will be back shortly for the coronation ceremony, my wives assure me that everything is perfectly legal and I have not broken any long standing traditions.
My goals are simple, we're going to rebuild and expand the Empire. To this end, I have left my second in command in charge of the daily running of the Empire. His decisions are final and he speaks with my voice.
I have authorized him to use any means at his disposal to see that MY goals are achieved. If there are any questions feel free to have him contact my wife Deatra and she will see things are corrected in a timely fashion. Although, I hope it doesn't come to this.
I have been informed the mining bases are back up and running. We're currently working out a reasonable pay scale for the laborers. The Shipyard is also up to 70% functionality. I congratulate those people who made this possible. The thanks of millions of people go out to those few who have worked hard to ensure that progress is made.
Several ships from the recent battle have been refit and are back in active duty. Captain Carla Taldage is in command of the fleet under direct supervision of Admiral Breq.
Yes, the rumors you have heard are true, we have some new allies and are working with them in a massive campaign. Our newest allies are what's left of the Invaru and Buranis. I will address more issues once I return to Eutharan.
There is a new enemy plaguing this Galaxy and that is what our main object is at this time. To put a stop to this threat, to push it back to where it came from and stop it from every showing its face again.
I plan on restoring the Invaru and Buranis to their throne worlds. I intend to restore peace and prosperity to all people in this galaxy. I intend to remove anyone who steps in our way to our goal.
We have a chance to establish a lasting peace and cooperation among the people who live here. We can not afford to pass up this great opportunity, we need to; no we MUST work together or we will fail.
The people who you have called an enemy for so long have sacrificed much to protect the Eutharan people. They did not ask 'why' or 'what is in it for us', they did not flinch when the odds were stack against them. Many of us have lost friends in the battles we have fought. My sister, your princess, lies dieing on a table from wounds received in combat against a tyrant bent on overthrowing the old King and Queen. Do not make her sacrifice in vain or those of the many who died quelling the rebellion.
I must cut this short. However, let me make this perfectly clear to everyone. Admiral Breq is in charge of the planet and its day-to-day running. I leave you with one question. Do you like the way you lives have decline?
Thank you and may the fates watch over you.'
As Jon ended the address, citizens across the planet were kneeling and whispering about the man who had two bonded wives, the man from the prophecies. The man destined to bring a lasting peace to the galaxy and its people. A man, who would sacrifice everything gain nothing in return.
One of the Vejaas tapped a couple keys on the console in front of him. The slight rumble in Atlantis smoothed out as he fine tuned one of the inertial dampeners. He touched several more keys as Atlantis and Ghost speared next to him.
"Online, systems reboot complete," both AI's said at the same time.
"Atlantis, Ghost. Your code is complete and not compromised. Although, I must confess I haven't seen anything this sleek before. I would like sometime to study it," the man said.
Atlantis nodded, "Thank you sir, I'll speak to our engineering chiefs about allowing that to happen."
Ghost turned and began to read the code displayed, "Have you found the problem with the nanites?"
"Thank you Atlantis," the man said then turned to Ghost. "No, I'm afraid not. We have sealed off all primary systems just in the event it is a virus. We're just getting ready to bring the main reactor back online. We needed you to help monitor the progress as you know these systems better than us."
An ensign stepped up and handed a PDA to the man, "Sir, secondary systems are online and whatever you adjusted smoothed out the vibration in the engine."
The man smiled, "Thank you Ensign, please continue with your duties."
The Ensign saluted, "If you require anything else please ask."
The man nodded and once the ensign was gone said, "Very nice people."
Atlantis glanced at Ghost a look of concern crossed her face.
"Hrm," the man said as he caught the look. "What's wrong? Is there something in your code I missed?"
"What? No, I feel fine," Atlantis replied.
A concerned look crossed the man's face, "Are you sure? Your holo matrix seemed to distort for a second."
"Oh, you don't know. Ghost and I are sentient," Atlantis said.
The man arched an eyebrow, "Sentient? You mean you can feel emotions and make your own choices?"
Ghost nodded, "Yes, we stay with the ship because we want to not because we have to. We enjoy our jobs and serving the ADF."
"Interesting," the man said. "Then perhaps I shouldn't..."
One of the other Vejaas techs gave him a look that made him shut up. All three Vejaas had been listening to the AI's as they spoke.
Atlantis' brow furrowed, "Shouldn't what?"
"I uh..." the man started and then stopped.
Ghost began scanning systems quietly, something had happened while they were offline and she was going to find out.
"Finish your statement please," Atlantis said.
The man glanced at the other two Vejaas and glanced back at Atlantis before he spoke, "Atlantis, I'm sorry to say but the one you called Oojoung has passed away to the great gods," the man said.
Atlantis and Ghost gasped at the same time then Atlantis spoke, "Oojoung died? What about Terri?"
"The great sister is still alive; we have been attempting to get the nanites back online to save her life. We're about two hours from Ghost Station," the man said.
Atlantis disappeared before anyone could say anything else. Concern crossed everyone's face.
Atlantis appeared behind Jon just as he finished his address. He sighed heavily as he leaned back in the chair. Her heart felt heavy for the man she had stood next to for so long, he had been through so much. She longed to let him just relax and enjoy life, deep inside she wished she could just take all his burdens and let him have peace. Even if that peace was only for a short while, just as long as Jon could enjoy life once more. Holographic tears filled her eyes and ran down her cheeks. Sometimes, she hated her new awareness it made her feel weak and useless.
She sniffed, drawing Jon's attention. He turned and looked at Atlantis, "Nice to see you again Atlantis, I'm going to guess the Vejaas has been somewhat successful at restoring some of your systems."
Atlantis nodded, "Yes, but the most important system still eludes even them."
Jon watched her for a second, "You know about Oojoung."
Atlantis slowly nodded as new tears filled her eyes, "I'm sorry, I have failed you."
"What?" Jon said as he stood up and walk towards her. "How did you do that?"
"I should have done a better check of my systems and found the problem with the nanites before they were needed. I should be able to sense the problem and correct it, I let Oojoung die and now Terri may die because of my failure," Atlantis replied.
Jon's heart went out for her, "No, my dear. You're not at fault, no one could have foreseen the problems with the nanites. The sub routines that control them are dormant until they're needed. Terri will be ok, we're almost at the station and once there we can correct the problems and she will be up and around in time to wear her dress at my wedding," Jon said as he gave a small smile.
As much as Atlantis didn't want to, she giggled at the thought of Terri in a dress. Then something struck her, "What did you say about the nanites?"
Jon arched an eyebrow, "About them being offline until needed? Well, that's not completely true. I know they're always active, they just don't do repairs until they contact the main computer core and receive orders."
"Oh, I could just kiss you!" Atlantis yelled as she disappeared.
Jon shook his head, "Yeah all I need is another wife." He said to thin air. A cough caught his attention and he turned towards the door. Standing there was Deatra and Opellissa, both of them were smiling.
"You need another wife?" Deatra asked as she walked towards Jon.
Jon blushed, "Uh..."
"Oh, so two isn't enough for the Great King?" Opellissa said as she walked towards Jon too.
"Uh, yes two is fine; trust me I don't think I could deal with another one. You two are bad enough," Jon said with a hint of mischief in his voice.
Opellissa grinned, "So sis, you haven't told him about our other sister yet?"
"What?!" Jon said as his jaw dropped.
"Nope, she should be on Ghost Station in a few days though. He can meet her there and bond then," Deatra said.
"Well, I hope she's as cute as you two," Jon said as he wiggled his eyebrows. "You two are getting a bit old you know."
Deatra slugged Jon in the arm, "Old?"
Jon grabbed Deatra and kissed her as he reached with his free arm and pulled Opellissa into his side. They both giggled and laughed as Jon started peppering them with kisses.
"Nice try girls," Jon said as he let them go. "How are the children?"
"They have finally settled down and are sleeping," Deatra said.
"Good," Jon said as he stood back up. "I'm going to the bridge, we should be arriving at Ghost Station in a bit and I want to be there when we arrive."
Jon started to walk from the room when Deatra spoke, "By the way dear Husband, we do have another sister." Deatra waved and grinned as Jon turned white and stumbled into the door jam.
"You're kidding right?" Jon asked as he rubbed his forehead.
"Nope, go to the bridge and we will speak on the station," Deatra said waving him off.
Once Jon was gone Opellissa turned to Deatra, "That was mean."
Deatra smiled, "I know, but I didn't lie."
"No, but you forgot to mention she was already bonded," Opellissa laughed.
"Yes, I know but that's part of the fun. Besides, serves him right for thinking he can one up us," Deatra said as she winked.
Both women started laughing
Thanks to all my fans for making this possible, remember feedback is welcome.
Thanks to my editor BoB_McC
Siath