Atlantis Rising (24 page)

“Ship types?” Jon said.

“Unknown, Sir,” Tactical said.
“But, neither of them are Eutharan design.”

“Oh, a party,” Jon said sourly.
“I hope they brought the party favors. Condition Yellow, all crew to combat
readiness, shields up. Helm, get us to that distress beacon as fast as you
can.”

The lights on the bridge took on
a deep yellow glow as Jon looked at Carex and said, “Here we go again.”

“Well, unless those two ships are
Titans I think we’ll have the upper hand,” Carex said, flashing Jon a large
grin.

Jon rolled his eyes as he said,
“Great! Jinx us, why don’t you.”

he Atlantis pulled up alongside the disabled ship. A shuttle departed
Atlantis, and attached itself to the damaged vessel. Fires burned behind
breached shields as the ship slowly tumbled.

Jon stood watching the damaged
vessel on the planning table. It was in bad shape, life support was failing,
and carbon dioxide levels were rising. Its main power was offline and the secondary
reactor was struggling to keep up with the power drain.

“Atlantis, release the sensor
drones,” Jon said. “Let’s see if the upgrades work.”

“Yes, Sir,” Atlantis said.

Ten sensor drones detached
themselves from Atlantis’ hull and surrounded the damaged ship. Nine of them
started projecting a field around the vessel.

“Stabilizing tumble,” Atlantis
said. “I am beginning the power transfer, now.”

The tenth drone brightened as a
beam lanced out from Atlantis and struck it. The drone magnetically attached
itself to the vessel.

“Connecting drone to the power
system, and beginning power transfer.”

Jon watched as the power levels
evened out on the other ship and life support started to catch up as new energy
flowed through it.

“Sir, the first ship will be here
in ten seconds,” Tactical said. “The second is still four minutes out.”

“Condition yellow,” Jon said.
“Shields up, weapons to standby. Fighter crews to alert status.”

Atlantis echoed his command
through the whole ship as the lights took on a dull yellow glow.

“Get me the landing party,” Jon
said.

“Channel open, Sir,”
Communications said.

“Captain Hunter to Search and
Rescue Alpha,” Jon said.

“SAR team Alpha here, Sir,” a
male voice said.

“What is the situation over
there?” Jon said.

“Sir, there is massive internal
damage,” the voice said. “It’s making it hard to get around. However, we have
been finding survivors and moving them back to the shuttle where medical is
treating them.”

“We have an inbound vessel,
possibly hostile,” Jon said. “We will delay them as long as possible. You need
to pick up the pace.”

“Yes, Sir,” the voice said.
“We’re working as fast as we can.”

“Be prepared to abandon the
rescue operation. I’m not risking you if I don’t have to. Also, be advised we
have stabilized the vessel and power systems. We don’t know how long that will
hold out though,” Jon said.

“Yes, Sir,” the voice said.

“
Atlantis
out,” Jon said.

“Sir, we have identified the
two ships, there listed as Buranis Battle Cruisers.

He was watching the first ship
approach. It slowed down and came to a complete stop in front of the Atlantis.

“Well, at least it’s not a
Titan,” Jon snickered.

Carex grinned, “Guess I didn’t
Jinx us after all.”

“There you go again,” Jon said.

He winked at Carex, who just
laughed.

“Sir, incoming communication from
the Buranis vessel,” Communications said.

“Weird,” Carex said.

“How so?” Jon asked.

“I was expecting them to just
attack,” Carex said. “They either didn’t do this or they want someone on board
that ship.”

“Let’s find out,” Jon said. “Com,
put it through.”

The Buranis that showed up on the
main viewer looked like Oojoung, he was a bit leaner, and his fur was
pitch-black.

“This is Captain Hunter,” Jon
said. “What can we do for you?”

“You can stand down,” the Buranis
said.

Jon’s eyes narrowed as he stared
at the Buranis, “Is everyone around here always this rude?”

The Buranis blinked for a second,
“What do you mean rude?”

“I introduced myself,” Jon said.
He stepped up out of the pit that contained the planning table and sat down in
his chair. “It would only be proper to introduce yourself.”

“You have my apologies, Captain.
I’m Captain Jodeas of the Buranis vessel
Hammer
,” Jodeas said. A toothy
grin spread across his face. “Now if you would please stand down and prepare to
be boarded we can make this fast.”

“What the hell is with all this,
prepare to be boarded, shit?” Jon said. “Is it the only thing everyone knows
how to say? I mean, you say that, and I say no, and then the debate starts.”

“There will be no debate
Captain,” Jodeas said. “You will stand down and be boarded or we will destroy
you. That ship you’re protecting has fugitives on it. They’re very dangerous
people and for your safety we need to remove them.”

“I will not stand down,” Jon
said. “No one… and I mean no one… comes aboard my ship without my consent. As
far as our safety, I thank you, we will evaluate the situation, and if I deem
necessary I’ll gladly hand them over to you.”

“Tactical, prepare to fire on
that vessel,” Jodeas said to someone off screen.

“Sir, they’re powering their
weapons and have raised their shields,” Tactical said.

“All right hold on a second,” Jon
said. He needed to delay them long enough for the SAR team to get back. “No
need to start shooting at each other.”

Jodeas raised his hand and said,
“Hold fire. So you will let us board and bring the people you rescued from that
vessel back with us?”

“Sir, SAR team reports operation
complete. They’re headed back,” Communications said quietly.

“Carex go greet our new guests.
Have Marc meet you there with a small detachment of marines,” Jon said.

“Yes, Sir,” Carex said. He
quickly left the Bridge as he called Marc.

“I might, allow you and a small
detachment of your marines to land on my ship and retrieve the survivors,” Jon
said. “However, my SAR team is just now returning and I have to confer with my
second in command.”

“You have ten minutes,” Jodeas
said.

“I’m afraid it’s a bit more
complex than that,” Jon said. “My second in command is in Medical right now
with a terrible case of blue balls. I have to go all the way there to talk to
him. It will also give me a chance to get my marines in place to protect us
from these evil people.”

“Blue balls?” Jodeas said. “Never
heard of it, is it contagious?”

“Man, let me tell you, half my
male crew had it,” Jon said. His face was a mask of seriousness even though a
few humans were snickering and the Eutharans all looked nervous. “It starts in
the crotch. It feels like someone is crushing your nuts in a vice. Every time
you move the pain makes you want to weep. Then it slowly works its way up into
the pit of your stomach the pain increasing as the days pass. Let me tell you
it’s just about the worst thing I have ever had happen to me.”

“Uh,” Jodeas said. “You have
thirty minutes. I need to speak to my medical staff.”

“You’re too kind,” Jon said. He
stood up as the screen faded and started for Medical. “Carla you have the
Bridge.”

“Yes, Sir,” Carla said. “Retract
all sensor drones. All of you Eutharans can relax he was just delaying the
other Captain.”

This got a round of laughs as the
Eutharans all visibly relaxed.

Jon was slightly startled as he
approached the Medical Ward. There were eight Eutharan guards stationed
outside, and he didn’t recognize them. They were in full powered armor covering
them from head to toe. On the chest-plate, just below the right shoulder, was a
crest he didn’t recognize. One of them looked at him as he walked down the
hallway.

“Halt,” one of the guards said
just as Jon turned to walk in.

Jon fixed the guard with a gaze
even though his face was hidden. “Halt?” Jon asked.

“What is your business here?” the
guard asked. He had stepped in front of Jon blocking the door.

“Who are you?” Jon asked.

“I’m guard to her Royal
Highness,” the guard said. “I ask you again what your business is here.”

“Royal Highness?” Jon asked. “A
Eutharan Royal Highness?”

The guards glanced at each other
before the one in front of the door spoke again, “Move along, if you need
medical assistance there is a temporary station setup down the hall.”

“Excuse me?” Jon growled. “I’m
Captain of this vessel, and I’ll go damn well where I please, Royal Highness or
not.” Jon started to move around the guard to go through the door.

The guard pushed Jon back as
several of the other guards brought their weapons up.

Jon narrowed his eyes, “Touch me
again! I dare you. I’ll have you put back on that vessel you came from so fast
it will make your head spin. Then I’ll tell the Captain of the Buranis vessel
that is sitting in front of us, to have a nice day and leave. This is MY ship,
and I will not be restricted from accessing any part of it.”

Marc had just showed up with
twelve marines in tow.

“Mr. Anders, if this guard
touches me again I want you to throw him out of the nearest airlock,” Jon
growled.

“I’m sorry, but I have my
orders,” the guard said.

The door behind the guard opened
and Carex stood there. “Yes you do! Stand aside, and have respect for this
vessel and its Captain, or I will strip you of all ranks and privileges. You
were told to not let anyone but the Captain of this vessel enter Medical,”
Carex said.

“Sorry, Sir,” the guard said. “I
wasn’t sure.”

“You could have simply called
me,” Carex admonished. “We’re not on a Eutharan vessel. Well, actually we are,
but it is controlled by humans. We have to recognize that fact, and them. They
saved you and the Princess. Now, have a little respect.”

“Yes, Sir, sorry Captain,” the
guard said.

The guard stepped aside to allow
Jon to pass.

“No problem,” Jon said. “Marc set
up extra security, work with these guards. Make sure they’re fed and get them
anything they need.”

“Yes, Sir,” Marc said. He turned
and started giving orders as Jon stepped into Medical.

“What’s the situation with the
Buranis Cruiser?” Carex asked.

“Jodeas is a bit impatient.
However, I bought us a bit of time,” Jon said.

“Good, how did you manage that?
Buranis aren’t known for their patience,” Carex said.

“Well you suddenly came down with
a case of Blue Balls,” Jon said as he snickered.

“Blue Balls?” Carex asked a
confused look on his face.

“Yes, apparently it’s sweeping
through the crew,” Jon said. Jon continued on explaining to Carex what Blue
Balls meant. When Jon finished Carex was laughing.

“Brilliant,” Carex said.

“So what is really going on
here?” Jon said changing the subject.

“The people we just rescued
included the heir apparent of the Eutharan Crown,” Carex said. “I have to warn
you, she is a princess in every meaning of that word. She must be protected and
returned to Euthara.”

“I can see why they wanted that
vessel so badly now,” Jon said. “Is she alright?”

“Yes, most of the crew is fine,”
Carex said. “She wants to see you.”

“Why?” Jon said.

“She wants to know who the
Captain of this vessel is. She wants to look at you and see for herself if what
I have told her is true,” Carex said.

“Just what did you tell her?” Jon
asked in a slow manner.

“The truth, I told her that the
Weaver of Worlds commands this vessel,” Carex said.

Jon moaned as he spoke, “You and
I are going to talk. This Weaver of Worlds business is getting a touch out of
bounds.”

“I have no doubt,” Carex said.

“Good glad you see it my way,”
Jon said.

“That you’re the prophesied one,”
Carex said smiling.

Jon rolled his eyes and said,
“Whatever. Let’s get this meeting over with, so I can go take care of our other
problem.”

‘Bridge to Captain,’ Carla’s
voice said.

“Hunter here,” Jon said.

‘Sir, the second ship has
arrived,’ Carla said.

“Okay, keep me posted,” Jon said.
“Hunter, out.”

Jon followed Carex in to a side
room. Andie was attending to someone who was facing away from him. Four young
women stood at each of the four corners of the room. Each was very beautiful.
Dressed in dresses of what could only be the finest materials. Each had her
eyes down cast as though waiting for something.

Andie glanced up at Jon and
smiled as she spoke, “Okay, Princess you look to be alright. A few minor bumps
and bruises, but those should heal in a few days.”

“Your Highness, Captain Hunter is
here,” Carex said as he knelt.

“You can leave us now, Doctor,
thank you,” a musical voice said. It made Jon’s head swim as he listened to it.