Jon stepped off the shuttle on to the deck of Hope Station in orbit of Euthara. That's what most of the people had started calling it and the name stuck. Mike, Brad, Bill and Kelly were standing off to one side as he stepped down. Mike and Brad seemed to be in a heated debate with Bill, Kelly was standing back as she watched them going at each other.
"I can't believe you did that," Brad said. "Are you crazy or insane?"
"I did what I had to at the time," Bill said. His arms were casually crossed and his posture was relaxed.
"You burned out the fold engines and half the power conduits in the ship," Mike said. "It'll take two days to get it fixed. You're lucky you brought extra fold engines with you. We don't have spares here right now."
"I'm not stupid," Bill said. "I knew it was going to burn them out, so I brought the replacements. Two days is fine anyway, there's a few upgrades that need a dry dock to be completed and my engineers will affect the repairs themselves."
A Eutharan female walked up to Jon and saluted. "I'm Dalliana, Earth's Revenge AI. I'm happy to finally meet you Commander Hunter."
"I didn't know you were online yet," Jon said as he continued walking towards the four people drawing everyone's attention. She was very pretty by Human standards. She was dressed in a light blue suit denoting bridge crew and had the bands of a deck officer. Her fire red hair was run through with strands of silver and flowed freely around her. He knew she was a hologram and yet she seemed so real.
"I was the one who made it possible to jump as fast as we could," Dalliana said. "Thirty second recharge on the fold engines is what burned them out. I had to shut down all systems but life support to do it. Then I force fed the engines the power I needed and we micro jumped across systems to the next fold point."
"Hrm," Jon said. He was impressed by what he heard. He would have never thought of doing it. "Impressive, what gave you the idea to do it?"
"You," Dalliana said.
"Me?" Jon said. "I've never done it."
"You're right you haven't done what we did," Dalliana said. "But, you were the first to use tactical jumps to get out of danger or to change position in a battle quickly. That's what I did and how I explained it to Captain Hawkins. It's basically the same thing minus the battle."
Atlantis appeared next to Jon and saluted as she spoke, "Repairs on the Atlantis is complete."
"Thank you Atlantis," Jon said.
"Dalliana," Atlantis said. "It's nice to finally meet you in person."
"You too sister," Dalliana said.
"Could you send me the reports on your micro jump theory," Atlantis said. "I'm very curious if it could be tweaked some."
"Of course," Dalliana said. "Transmitting all information on our micro jumps now."
"Thank you, if you'll excuse me we're leaving dock to start long range patrol," Atlantis said. Atlantis pouted a bit as she said, "I miss you Commander, things just don't seem the same without you."
"After everything is settled here, I'll be back to putting you into danger soon enough. You just be careful out there and don't have too much fun without me," Jon said.
"I'll be careful, Carla is a more than capable Captain," Atlantis said. "As to having fun, yeah it's loads. One long party..." Atlantis disappeared as she waved.
Jon chuckled and Dalliana smiled.
The AI's could roam freely on the station as long as their ship was docked. They actually helped keep the station operating at top efficiency as the station's AI wasn't online yet. Mike was waiting on three new cores before he brought them online. Then there would be three separate AIs; Medical, Engineering and Command and Control.
Jon's attention was drawn back to the scene he was approaching as Brad spoke.
"You put your entire crew at risk," Brad said. "The engines could have blown up under the pressure. They're not made to be run like that."
"They're wrong you know," Dalliana said.
"Maybe," Jon said. "But, they have a point. It was something that wasn't tested and could have been potentially dangerous."
"I was in complete control of everything at all times," Dalliana said. "I would have aborted if the engines were going to go critical."
"It was Bill's call," Jon said. "I'm not saying he was wrong. If I didn't trust him he wouldn't have a command. I'm just interested on how he'll handle this as he's my second in command."
"I see," Dalliana said. She stopped walking and stood next to Jon to watch the display.
"They're slag heaps," Brad said. "Both engines are useless and there are miles of conduit to be replaced."
"I made a call," Bill said. "Assistance was needed here immediately. Based on that, what I did was the best option. We have plenty of personnel here and the repairs are minor."
"Minor!" Brad said. "It'll take a day or more to complete the repairs on just the engines."
"At which time the Earth's Revenge will be on patrol," Bill said.
"Impossible!" Brad said.
"Not impossible," Bill said. "The old engines will be removed here at the dock and the new engines will be replaced on patrol. Secondary systems will be rerouted around the damaged conduits. She is still space worthy and able to fight, she just won't be able to fold."
"Ok, genius," Mike said. "How do you plan to move from place to place? It will take you days to move from point to point under normal engines."
"Hyperspace engines," Bill said.
Mike and Brad exchanged surprised looks.
"Yes, they've been installed and during the twelve hour trip here they were put online and spun up," Bill said. "I'm not completely stupid and I always have a backup plan."
"Oh," Mike and Brad said at the same time.
"I knew they were on the plans to be installed," Brad said. "Last report said they hadn't been installed yet."
"They weren't installed until the trip out here," Bill said. "So, that report was accurate."
"Still," Mike said. "We don't have spare parts to be tossing around. You need to be more careful."
"How about you two do what you're supposed to and find a way to make the engines stand up to this punishment as it might just save someone's life," Bill said. "Then you stop trying to dress me down and get back to work. I want the engines on my ship pulled in ten hours so I can get back on patrol. The bulk of the dry dock work will be done by then and I plan on completing the rest of the repairs while on patrol."
"Hey look," Brad started.
Bill cut him off and said, "Do I need to really pull rank and make it an order?"
"No," Brad and Mike said in unison.
"One more thing," Bill said. "I don't mind arguing about something with people when they think I'm wrong. However, doing so in a public place where everyone is watching doesn't sit well with me. If you want to continue this conversation you can do so in private."
"Sorry," Brad and Mike said as one.
"No problem," Bill said. "We're friends and I respect your input. Just remember I'm in a command position and confrontations like this can undermine my authority."
"Afternoon guys," Jon said.
The small group immediately snapped to and saluted Jon.
"Commander," they all said.
"At ease," Jon said. "Mike what the situation with the Scythe?"
"She was caught mid hull and most of her main systems were damaged," Mike said. "Repairs are underway and we're estimating a week or more before we can start bringing systems online for testing. We're taking the opportunity to upgrade most of her systems and install the new weapons the Invaru gave us."
"The Atlantis has the newer weapons installed already according to the last report," Jon said.
"That's correct," Mike said. "We're installing the new weapons along side of the other weapons. Switching between the two systems is computer controlled and instantaneous."
"What about defensive systems," Jon said.
"Shields have been tweaked to make it harder for the Crystari weapons to penetrate them," Brad said. "Sorry to interrupt but that's my baby. Shields are now running on an inverse frequency and a higher modulation."
"Which means?" Jon said.
"From the scans and reports the Crystari weapons draw energy from the vessels they hit," Brad said. "As they do so they get more powerful and the more powerful they get the more energy they draw. This change to the shield systems limits the amount of power they can draw and even pulls some energy from their weapons. The result is their power doesn't grow as fast or that's the theory behind the changes. It only takes a few hours to tweak the shields and we're training people on how to monitor and adjust them while in combat. The data has already been uploaded to all AIs and they can also make adjustments if needed."
"I see," Jon said.
"I think we should do all adjustments," Dalliana said. "However, I've been over ruled on the matter."
"Why's that?" Jon said.
"To allow them to do the adjustments on the fly would take them off other important tasks," Mike said. "They can do so if the commanding officer gives them authorization."
"Makes sense," Jon said. "What's the status of the Titan?"
"She's been repaired and refit with the new guns and shields," Brad said. "She left with the Atlantis on patrol."
"Good and the Invaru fleet?" Jon said.
"Two ships are beyond repair and we're salvaging parts to fix the other ships," Brad said. "Out of the six ships one is ready and has left on a separate long range patrol. The other five will join it as they're repaired."
"Captain Vaes?" Jon said.
"Recovering quickly," Andy said as she walked up. "I lost two more people this morning bringing the casualties to over two thousand including Invaru losses. I heard you were here and I thought I would swing by and say hi."
Jon felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him. He knew the loss of life was going to be high but two thousand? "All those people," Jon whispered.
"Would have been many more had we not been here," Mike said.
"What do you mean?" Jon said.
"I've reviewed all the recording of the battle and there were two ground strikes by the Crystari ships," Mike said. Mike raised his hand and an image of Euthara popped in to existence in the middle of them. "Here and here."
"That's the middle of the forest," Jon said. "Miss fires?"
"No," Mike said. "I've sent some Eutharan personnel down to the sites and there was some type of industrial building there. The sites were crawling with military personnel and it looked like engineers were accessing the damage."
"Can't be industrial in nature," Jon said. "Any industry is forbidden on Euthara."
"Beats me," Mike said. "I would need close scans of the sites to figure out what was there and right now that's not going to happen. My guys barely made it out with their skins intact."
"Oh, speaking of industry," Brad said. "The first two factories came online yesterday and will be cranking out needed supplies in a few days."
"Good," Jon said. "How long until the two light cruisers are finished at Ghost Station?"
"The Chief Engineer says two weeks and two months for the battleship," Mike said. "However, we don't have the crew to man them fully."
"We will," Jon said. "This Euthara thing will be over by then one way or the other."
Jon com beeped and a voice said, "Commander Hunter, incoming call from Euthara from the King."
"Finally," Jon said. "Only took the bastard a day. Everyone's dismissed I'll be in my quarters if you need me." He tapped his com and continued, "I'll take it in my quarters."
Brad and Mike saluted and walked away as Bill said, "Jon."
"I already have your report from Dalliana," Jon said. "You two go get some rest. I'll talk a bit more in depth with you later."
"Ok," Bill said. "But, I have a question for you."
"You'll have to follow me to ask," Jon said as he started walking off. Bill, Kelly and Dalliana close on his heels.
"Kelly and I want your permission to get married," Bill said.
Jon stopped in his tracks and stared at Bill and then at Kelly. "Congratulations, though I think you're both old enough to make that choice."
"He's a bit slow isn't he?" Kelly said.
"Sometimes," Bill said a grin spreading on his face.
"What?" Jon said.
"As their commanding officer they need your permission to marry since they both are under your command," Dalliana said. "That way you know and give approval if you think there's no conflict of interest."
"Oh," Jon said as his cheeks colored slightly. He made an 'O' with his mouth.
"Well?" Bill said.
"I don't know," Jon said. "I need to think about it for a while."
Bill looked at Kelly as she blinked at Jon in surprise.
"How long Sir?" Kelly said.
"I have so many things going on it might be a few months," Jon said as he raised a finger and laid it on his cheek.
"How long is a 'few'?" Bill said.
"Four or five?" Jon said.
"Four or five!" Bill said.
"Ok, four," Jon said.
"What!" Bill said.
"Alright, since Kelly called me 'Sir' I'll make it two. But, that's really pushing it," Jon said.
"You're insane," Bill said.
Bill turned to Kelly and said, "He's insane, how hard is it to decide if someone can get married or not."
Bill turned back to Jon and said, "Did you fall and bump your head or something?"
Jon couldn't hold it any longer and busted out laughing.
Bill and Kelly just stared at Jon as if he had lost all his marbles.
Once Jon calmed down he said, "Of course your two can get married. I love you both you know that. I've been waiting for this for a while."
Bill reached down and grabbed Kelly's hand as he said, "Good, because you're performing the marriage."
"Oh, no I'm not," a suddenly sober Jon said.
But it was already too late as Bill and Kelly disappeared down a side corridor and Dalliana waved as she disappeared just as fast.
"Not funny!" Jon said.
Jon started for his quarters once again as he muttered to himself.
Ten minutes later Jon settled behind his desk in his small office connected to his quarters. He ran his hands through his hair as he prepared to confront the King. He reached up and opened the com channel.
The Kings face filled the screen and he frowned when he saw Jon, "Commander Hunter I'm not accustomed to waiting on people," the King said.
"I'm not accustomed to having to defend a planet without the support of the people who live there," Jon said. "I think that makes us even as I have a mess to deal with up here."
"Of your own making," the King said.
"They weren't after us," Jon said. He wasn't ready for how fast the discussion had elevated and he attempted to diffuse it and put the King off balance. "How is my bond mate?" Jon knew this question would irk the King and that's why he asked it the way he did.
The Kings face reddened at the barb but managed to keep his composure as he responded, "Deatra, my daughter, is fine. The Bond thing is yet to be determined as you know."
"And you know it's legit," Jon said. He tapped the side of his head as he continued. "If you pull anything sneaky I'll know and I promise you that the results won't be pleasant."
"If, and that's a big if, it's legit then nothing will happen. If I find out it isn't then I can make the same promise," the King said.
"Oh, since you look so worried, Duke Andara is fine," Jon said. "Pleasant man actually, reminds me a lot of you in ways."
"Good," the King said. "I assume he'll be returned shortly as he has duties."
"Yes, he's just waiting on the arrival of Deatra. It's been so long since they seen each other he's hesitant to leave before seeing her," Jon said.
"He can see her here at the palace," the King said.
"I don't think it would be safe for him to travel right now. My medical officer says he has a slight concussion. He slipped and ran into a door jamb, twice," Jon said. "For a graceful man he can be quite clumsy at times. By the time Deatra gets back he should be well enough to travel."
"Heard you have a missing pilot," the King said.
Jon didn't miss a beat as he answered, "Yeah, seems there was a brush up with some Eutharan forces over my Embassy grounds. A few of our pilots went down when we attempted defend our air space. When we tried to rescue all the pilots, Eutharan and Human but Eutharan ground troops hindered us. We captured several Eutharans in the brief fight that errupted. Would you like me to release your people back to you?"
"They're not my people," the King said without missing the meaning or a beat. "They're most likely rebels. You can do whatever you want with them."
"Oh, I didn't know you have a rebel problem," Jon said. "Now, I'm really worried about moving such an important man as the Duke." Jon kept backing the King in a corner and thought he had him where he wanted him.
"Were all your pilots recovered?" the King said.
"One is still missing," Jon said. "We're searching for them right now."
"Female?" the King said.
Jon paled as he tried to keep his composure and barely got the words out, "Yes, the pilot is a female."
"I'll keep an eye out for any reports and if we find her I'll send her back to you," the King said.
Jon let out a small sigh of relief as he said, "Thanks."
"I have reports there are Invaru in the system and supporting your fleet," the King said.
"Yes, we have Invaru allies," Jon said.
"The Invaru are our enemies and I want them out of this system post haste," the King said. "I'm issuing orders that my ships are to fire on any Invaru ship they see as they're breaking a treaty."
"I invited them and if you fire on them while they're under my protection you'll have one less ship. That I can promise," Jon said. "I'm issuing orders that my fleet is to protect the Invaru vessel from all Eutharan hostiles. If you want to keep playing this game I'll keep playing. I would rather we get along and stop this fighting. I'm here to help you don't you understand that?"
"I understand you think that's what you're doing but you're interfering in things that you have no right to interfere with," the King said.
"I suggest you have your fleet dock so we can refit them with the necessary modifications to combat this new enemy," Jon said. "I'm extending a hand here to help you out."
"Like I said, they weren't after us," the King said. "They followed you and the Invaru here. I don't need your help in any case."
"Except the two ground hits on Euthara that happened during the battle," Jon said. "They took out two industrial sites as far as we can tell. I thought industrial sites were against the law on Euthara."
"There were no ground strikes during the battle," the King said. "Rebels attacked two military bases and managed to detonate the ammo caches on those bases."
"Do you need assistance?" Jon said. "These rebels sound pretty dangerous."
"From you?" the King said as he let out a small chuckle. "No, we have it under control."
"I don't think I have met anyone quite like you," Jon said.
"I doubt you will ever meet anyone like me," the King said.
"I hope you're right," Jon said. "If I ever met anyone so stuck up on themselves like you are I might have to push them out an airlock. You're beyond arrogant and you wouldn't know what was good for you if it reached up and slapped you in the face."
"You're pretty arrogant yourself, young man," the King said. "Thinking you know what's best for everyone around you and then trying to push yourself on everyone around you."
"You might be right but the difference between you and I am that I'm out here and I know what's going on," Jon said. "While you on the other hand are hiding on your little planet in the ass end of space oblivious to everything going on around you. Not caring to do anything about your people dying off while the universe falls apart around you. I on the other hand choose to do what I can to help those around me. One of these days, very soon, it's going to reach up and bite you in the ass."
"My people are doing fine and I know what's going on around me," the King said.
"I would say an eighty percent decline in births isn't fine," Jon said.
"You don't know what you're talking about," the King said. "The birth rate has been increasing. It's something we closely monitor."
"You're either hiding something or have blinders on and can't see the forest for the trees," Jon said. "When I get to the bottom of what is happening here you had better hope you're not involved."
"Are you threatening me?" the King said.
"No, I'm informing you," Jon said. "I have the power to make your life miserable and I have yet to exercise that. Even if you don't acknowledge it your planet still falls under the Ga'sahde treaty. That treaty specifically says that no one entity can revoke the treaty. It has to be done by vote by a specially created council. I've done my research and you disbanded the council, which is voted in by the people of the planet as a whole, the moment you took the crown. A year later you dissolved the treaty, which is unlawful by its very nature. Which mean that you still answer to me and I'm allowing you to play your little game while I figure out what is going on. So, you see you're on borrowed time any way you look at it. You keep pushing me and you'll find out how much of a pain in the ass I can be."
"You have no power here, I'm letting you have your little Embassy and play your little games," the King said. "I'm doing that in the hopes you get bored and go away."
"I control the space above Euthara and that means I control the air space. I can give a single order and no air craft will leave the ground without being destroyed," Jon said. "Your ships up here are a joke, Atlantis can take them by herself. If you think I'm pulling your leg just give me the word and I'll put it all into effect then we can talk. I'm pretty close to being finished with playing games with you. I have much more important matters to deal with and I'm only doing this to try to get along with you for the sake of Deatra."
The King sat back and didn't say a word for a second as he let everything Jon say sink in. "I don't think you have it in you to do that," the King said.
Jon arched an eyebrow as he spoke, "Really? You don't do you?"
"No," the King said. "You're weak and I have all the cards."
"Do you?" Jon said. "You really want to push this to the next level?"
"Do your worst," the King said.
"You're an idiot," Jon said. Jon reached up and hit the com button on the screen. "Command this is Commander Hunter, institute lockdown procedures alpha one immediately."
"I'm sorry Sir," a female voice said. "Did you say alpha one?"
"Yes, Alpha one," Jon said.
"Yes Sir," the female voice said.
Jon turned his attention back to the King. "You have ten minutes to ground all your fighters or they'll be shot down. I'm issuing you orders to have all your ships in orbit stand down and prepare to be boarded of they'll be fired upon," Jon said. "The princess is to be released right now and transported to the Embassy or I'll drop a landing party of your front lawn."
"Once again you have no authority here Commander Hunter," the King said. "I don't recognize you or the Ga'sahde."
"Regardless you have your orders," Jon said. "I'm going to quell the rebels for you and then there will be an official inquiry about the events taking place on Euthara."
"Speaking of the Ga'sahde," the King said.
"Representatives will be landing at the palace momentarily," Jon said.
"They're banned under penalty of death from landing on Euthara," the King said. "Which brings me to my next point, we found one wandering around in the forest and she's in custody. She's to be put on trial for crimes against this planet. I warned you what would happen if they landed and got caught."
Jon face froze as he tried to make words come out. Rage ripped through him as the King smiled. "You hurt her and it'll be the last thing you do in this life," Jon said in hushed tones.
"Oh, I intend to execute her in public," the King said. "You never know though she could be aboard any ship or fighter and you could kill her by accident."
Jon hit the com again and spoke quickly, "Cancel that order return to green status."
"Sir?" the female voice said.
"Just do it!" Jon said as he flipped the com off.
"Good, I'm glad we have an understanding," the King said. "The Duke will be returned to me by the end of the day and the Titan will be back in Eutharan hands by tomorrow mid day."
"You're playing a deadly game," Jon said. "I assure you that you'll not win."
"Oh, I think I will," the King said. "After the Titan is returned I want you and your people to pull back from this system. Then and only then will I let the Ga'sahde go and we both know who she is."
"Pick a city," Jon said.
"The time for games is over boy," the King said. "Go play savior for someone else."
"Pick a city," Jon said.
The King sighed, he didn't know what game Jon was playing now but since he insisted he chose the worst of the four cities. "Euroth," the King said.
"Euroth it is," Jon said. "That city is mine now."
The King laughed as he spoke, "You can't win."
Jon continued no pulsed, "If you harm one hair on my sisters head I'll kill half the nobles in that city. If Deatra isn't returned to me by mid day tomorrow I'll execute one noble every hour until she is. If I run out of nobles I'll move on to the next closest city and start again until you comply. Eventually all that will be left is you and when I get there you will be next."
"You don't have the man power," the King said.
"We're already moving into position," Jon said. As soon as the King named the city Jon transmitted the go codes to Nefeit and Mark and troops were already in motion. "This will not be a long drawn out fight. Oh, and the first noble to die will be the Duke."
"I'm not playing games," the King said. "Do as I have said or she'll be put on trial and die to a public execution."
"Oh, I'm way past playing games," Jon said. "Now you get to see me pissed!"
Jon slammed the link closed then grabbed the side of his desk and flipped it over creating a loud crash that brought his guards running to make sure he was ok. He waved them off as he walked out the door and towards the command deck.
Jon stepped off the transport tube and on to the command deck unannounced. Someone yelled that he was on deck and everyone saluted. Jon stepped up on the command platform next to the current duty officer.
"I have command," Jon said.
"Yes Sir," the young Buranis said.
"Com, get me the commanders of every Eutharan vessel here," Jon said.
"Yes Sir," a young Eutharan female said.
"Recall all vessels while you're at it," Jon said.
"Sir?" the com officer said.
"You heard me," Jon said.
"Yes Sir, I have the Captains of the Eutharan vessels," the com officer said.
"Put them all on screen," Jon said.
Five Eutharan's popped on the main screen all at once.
"Commander Hunter," one of them said. "What can we do for you?"
"Surrender," Jon said.
"What? I don't think I heard you right," another Captain said.
"I'm tired of the disrespect you show me as your Prince," Jon said. "Tactical lock up one the vessels and prepare to fire."
"Sir?" the Tactical officer said.
"Do I have to repeat myself every time I give an order?" Jon said.
"No Sir," the tactical officer said. "Locking up the Aduriep."
"Now, one more time for the slow people out there," Jon said. "As your Prince I'm asking you surrender peacefully."
"You're kidding, right?" one of the Captains said a small smile crossed his face.
"Fire," Jon said.
"Firing," the Tactical officer said.
Lights flickered behind one of the Captains as sirens came to life. Suddenly it was a bee swarm of activity behind the Captain as reports started coming in. "What the hell?" the Captain said.
"You refuse to help defend your planet and leave us to do all the work," Jon said. "In doing so you cost thousands of lives because of your inactivity."
"We were ordered to stand down," the first Captain said.
"That was a warning shot," Jon said. "The next will cut through the shields. I'm not joking when I say surrender or die. That choice is yours to make. Most of you know something is wrong on this planet and your people and families are suffering. I'm here to end that suffering and because I'm trying to help your King has taken my Fiancée and sister hostage. I'm done screwing around here. We have more pressing matter we should be dealing with."
Four of the Captains along with all the command center crew gasped when they heard that Deatra and his sister was being held hostage. Some because the princess was being held and some because Jon's sister was. Others gasped because both were. Royalty were allowed to move freely and to hold them hostage was a crime even for the King.
"You," Jon said pointing at the only Captain that wasn't surprised. "You will stand down and surrender your vessel."
"I don't recognize your authority," the Captain said.
"Target his vessel and prepare to fire," Jon said.
"You wouldn't dare," the Captain said.
"I just did," Jon said. "what makes you think I wouldn't shoot you too?"
"Sir, the Desmodi is moving to intercept them," the Tactical officer said. "They're charging their weapons."
"I imagine they're pretty upset to find out their leader is being held hostage," Jon said. "I suggest you stand down Captain."
"Again, I don't recognize your authority or that of the Ga'sahde," the Captain said. "Desmodi I'm ordering you to stand down your in Eutharan sovereign space and..."
The communications was cut off as the Desmodi fired on the Eutharan battleship with her forward weapons. On the screen Jon watched as the Desmodi's weapons punched through the ships forward shields and cut into the hull. Small explosions erupted from the point of impact as the hull plates buckled.
Jon sat down as he spoke, "What about you four? What is your response?"
"We serve the Euthara and up hold her laws," one of the Captains said as the other nodded in agreement. "We all took that oath when we joined the service."
"I see," Jon said.
"Therefore, we can't support the King in his unlawful act and we will do as you request," the Captain said.
"Then I suggest you make your way here and dock up," Jon said. "I want you and your crews assembled in hanger alpha in one hour."
"As you command my Prince," the Captain said.
Beams lanced out from the Eutharan battleship striking the Desmodi with little effect. The Desmodi returned fire striking the battleship mid ship and tearing a gouge in her hull half her length.
"Incoming communication from the Desmodi and the Hazea," the com officer said.
"Put them on screen," Jon said as he settled back and relaxed.
Arianna's face appeared on the screen next to a Eutharan he didn't recognize. Behind the Euthara the crew scrambled to extinguish fire as panels erupted in sparks.
"My Lord," Arianna said. "It's good to see you well. Would you like us to continue firing?"
"That depends..." Jon said. He was interrupted by a panicked Eutharan
"This is second in command Barle," Barle said. "The Captain has been relieved of duty and I'm now in command of the ship. We surrender as per your request, please stop firing."
Sa'oliq stepped on to the command deck with Admiral Gabriel by her side. They both hurried over to Jon's side, looks of worry on both their faces.
"In that case cease fire Arianna and start rescue operations," Jon said. "Tow her into port and resume your duties. The station crew will pick it up from there."
"As you wish My Lord," Arianna said. Both com links closed at the same time.
"What's going on?" Sa'oliq said. "Are we at war?"
"We're always at war," Jon said. "Officially, I haven't declared war with Euthara."
"Then what's all this about?" Sa'oliq said.
"A battle of wills," Jon said.
"My Lord," Gabriel said. "I wish to apologize for my previous actions. I have had time to reflect on my actions and I now know that I was wrong. Please accept my apologies, I wish to only serve the Ga'sahde as best as I can. I know that means serving you and my Matriarch. I'm prepared to accept any punishment you feel I deserve."
"Good, because I need you," Jon said. "I want you to assume command of the station. The Ga'sahde will be the 'police' of this station. You will see to the day to day operations and relations of the people here. You will also have fleet command in this area."
"Of course as you with My Lord," Gabriel said as he bowed.
"We're running out of time and because of that this is a necessary move. A bit early but necessary," Jon said. "Not to mention they have my sister and Deatra held hostage. There is something going on with the King and his crew. I plan on applying pressure until I figure out what that something is."
"What?! How dare they hold the Matriarch against her will?" Gabriel said. Anger filled his face as he tried to control it.
Sa'oliq gasped as Jon's words slammed home. "The King's insane! He has to know that you have the power here. Why would he push the issue if he's trying to cover something up?" she said.
"That's what I plan on finding out," Jon said.