Euthara (24 page)

The Captains rose as one and each gave Jon a bow before they started for the door.

“One last thing gentlemen,” Jon said. They stopped and look back at Jon. “Your freedom on this station is at my discretion. Any hostile act will put your crew on lock down along with you and will be met with deadly force. I’m not going to play games with my people and their lives or the lives of anyone on this station. Is this understood?”

They all nodded and left one at a time under the escort of their guards.

Jon looked around at the people left as he spoke, “So?”

Gabriel was the first to speak, “I think four of them for sure. You could see it in their eyes that they knew something wasn’t right. One of the two hostile Captains maybe, the other one will oppose you. He knows what’s going on and he doesn’t like the fact you’re trying to stop it.”

“I don’t understand what is so important about these men,” Sa’oliq said. “Why not just hold them until it’s all over?”

“Every Captain that was here today represents a Royal on Euthara,” Jon said. He sat down as he spoke and took Nefeit’s hand in his. “Those Royals are a part of the Royal Court on Euthara. They’re the only ones allowed to have a fleet. Granted they don’t control much of a fleet but they have power in the courts. If we sway them to our side then we might gain access to information we need as our support grows.”

“What about the two Captains who seem to oppose you?” Sa’oliq said. “What are you going to do about them?”

“Depends on what they say or do,” Jon said. “The Captain that was fully opposed to everything said here is in the employ of Grand Duke Harmequ. From what I know of this Harmequ he’s power hungry and will do almost anything to forward his goals on Euthara. He seeks the crown for his family and it’s no secret he does so. If there is one Royal I think is in the thick of it, it’s him.”

The other is a lesser Duke and he’s not about power, he’s more about truth. He’s somewhat shunned in the Kings inner circle. He’ll probably be more likely to accept the truth if we can get it to him. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a supporter of the King and country, and it will be hard for him to take sides against them. However, if he sees the proof of what’s going on, I think the country will come before the King.”

Anyway you look at it though we will need more support here. I would like to bring the four Eutharan females who are pregnant back here to Euthara so people can see for themselves. There’s just something about seeing something for yourself that makes it easier to believe.”

“I don’t know what effect the toxins will have on them and their unborn children,” Andie said. “I don’t know if that would be such a good idea.”

“That’s why they will stay on the station here and not be allowed to go to the surface of the planet,” Jon said.

“Still I don’t know,” Andie said.

“Can something be built to detect this toxin and maybe filter it out of the air?” Jon said as he looked at Andie.

“Yeah, I guess something could be built to do the filtering,” Andie said. “The detection could be done by normal scanners. It’s easy enough to configure them to detect the toxin.”

“Get with Brad and Mike and see what you can come up with,” Jon said. “I’m going back down to the city to see how progress is coming along.”

“Is that wise?” Sa’oliq said. “The King by now is going to be hot for your head.”

“I’m not afraid of him,” Jon said. “If he wants me, he can come get me. I’m going to have Oojoung go on a mission for me, and I would rather tell him about it in person.”

“Terri?” Gabriel said.

“Of course,” Jon said. “There’s no way I’m going to leave her in the King’s hands. He took off the gloves when he forced Deatra to bend to his will and go to the palace. Then he swung the first punch when he attacked us and then took my sister hostage. If he wants a fight then he’ll get a fight, and I fight dirty. I can promise you that if he hurts one hair on her head I’ll skin him alive.”

“Do you think it’s wise to provoke him?” Sa’oliq said.

“I don’t care if it is or isn’t,” Jon said. “I pretty much have an idea of what’s going on here and I’m not going to let these people suffer anymore. There are a few more things to figure out, but I have a pretty good grasp of what’s going on.”

“You think the King is behind what’s going on?” Gabriel said.

Jon nodded slowly as he locked his eyes on Gabriel and spoke, “One way or the other, he’s behind what’s going on here. He might not be a willing participant, but right now that doesn’t matter to me. I can worry about that later once the truth is out and the people here are safe.”

“I’m not worried about the toxin as the effects are reversible,” Andie said. “I’m more worried about you and what the people behind it might have planned for you. If the ADF loses you, I don’t know if it would be able to continue.”

“The ADF will survive with or without me,” Jon said. He swung his chair to look out at Euthara through the large observation window in the room. It was almost calming watching the silvery clouds move across the surface. “Your brother is more than ready to step up into my position and then there’s Vaes, Gilas and all of you to help support him.”

“You under estimate yourself,” Sa’oliq said. The others nodded in agreement. “You’re the one who has brought the current members of the ADF together. You’re the one who holds it together and has brought hope to the Universe for the first time in over three hundred years. You found a way to bring back a key to making the various races work together and not against each other. Without you none of this would have happened. Now you’re about to save one of the most important races this Universe has ever known.”

“I don’t know about all that,” Jon said. “I think anyone could have done it. If it hadn’t been me it would have been someone else. I’m just someone who got forced into a situation and has had to make do with what I’ve been given. As far as the Eutharan people, I don’t know how important they are or aren’t. I just see a people in need, and I am going to help them as best I can.”

“And that is what makes you the perfect choice for the job at hand,” Gabriel said. He stood up and clasped his hands behind his back and started a small pace on the far end of the table. “I was sure you were someone who was just using the people around you to gain any foot hold you could…”

Gabriel paused as Jon swung back around and interrupted him, “Of course I’m using the people around me it’s not something I’m trying to hide. I use people to do what I think is right and good for everyone else around them.”

“Not what I was saying,” Gabriel said as he continued. He stopped and faced Jon a slight grin on his face. “I meant you were in it to push your own power as far as you could and do what you needed to do to secure yourself in a leadership role. I explained this to the Matriarch and a few of the Ga’sahde council. Each and every one of them told me to look back over all the records from the time of your arrival until that minute and then make up my mind.”

“There are records of everything I’ve done?” Jon said. His face showed his surprise at the revelation.

“Of course, and being Ga’sahde we have access to those records,” Gabriel said. “It’s not complete, mind you, however every major event has a recording and has been documented. Going through all that, I discovered that almost every action you had taken was to protect someone. You hadn’t gone out to conquer anything or force races to see things your way or else face your wrath. It opened my eyes and made me understand what was going on in the grand scheme of things. You weren’t trying to accomplish anything except protect your people and those around you. That is why I apologized and have accepted that you’re the prophesized one the ancient texts speak of.”

Jon rolled his eyes at the mention of the prophecy. “All right let’s get back to work, meeting is adjourned.”

The com beeped just as Jon finished.

“Jon here,” Jon said.

“Sir, Captain Anders is requesting your presence on the surface. They have a situation that needs your attention,” a female voice said.

“Put him through,” Jon said.

The com clicked as Mark’s voice came through, “Jon?”

“What’s going on Mark?” Jon said.

“We have massive troop movements headed for the city,” Mark said. “It looks like twice the current forces we have deployed. The Eutharan’s have reinforced the surface strike areas and are digging in as we speak. It’s getting nasty here and really fast.”

“I want you to hit the surface strike areas before they can do something to it,” Jon said. “We need to be able to investigate the site. That is your priority right now.”

“What about the city?” Mark said. “We have a lot of people relying on us here. We’ve shown them a glimmer of a better life, and they have been quick to lend a hand. Even the surrounding tribes have begun moving back into the city and are helping rebuild.”

“Really?” Jon said. “Things are going that well?”

“Yup,” Mark said.

Jon tapped Nefeit on the arm and made a motion towards the com as he spoke, “Nefeit is deploying more troops as we speak. They’ll secure the city as best as they can until they can be reinforced. I’ll double air support in that area.”

“Alright, we’re going to move out then and assault the primary target and secure it for your arrival,” Mark said.

“Ok,I’m on my way now,” Jon said. He stood up and Nefeit, still talking into her com, followed suit as Jon left the room. “Control, have a shuttle prepped for my departure. Contact the
Atlantis
and have her make ready for my arrival.”

“She’s currently on patrol Sir,” the female voice responded. “Do you want me to recall her?”

“Yes, recall her,” Jon said. “I’m going to the surface and I’m placing Gabriel in command of the station, Sa’oliq will be his acting second in command.”

“Aye Sir,” the female voice said.

“Well, here we go again,” Jon said as he gave Nefeit a lopsided grin.

“Oh shit,” Nefeit said.

Jon stepped on to the bridge of the
Atlantis
and let out a small sigh of happiness as he looked about. Everyone on the bridge stood and gave him a salute. Nefeit squeezed his arm and smiled at him. Atlantis appeared in front of Jon as Carla stepped up to him and gave him a smile.

“The ship is yours, Sir,” Carla said.

“Thanks Carla,” Jon said as he gave her a smile in return. “I would like you to take command of the secondary bridge. Once this is over I would also like you to report to me. I have a few things to discuss with you.”

“As you wish Captain,” Carla said. She turned to Nefeit and said “Ma’am, if you both will excuse me.”

Nefeit’s face brightened, it was the first time someone had addressed her as such and with respect and it made her feel good.

Jon leaned over and gave Nefeit a small peck on the cheek as Carla left. “Don’t act so surprised,” He said in a quiet voice that only Nefeit and maybe Atlantis could hear. “Our people know what you have been doing, and their respect for you is growing. Even Sa’oliq said she might have judged you and your people too harshly.”

Nefeit’s eyes widened in surprise.

“The changes you have initiated in your people are becoming known, and the other races are looking at the Drovasian in a different light for the first time,” Jon said.

Atlantis made a small sound like she was clearing her throat.

“Atlantis, you look wonderful,” Jon said as he looked up at her and smiled. He began walking towards the command chair with both ladies in tow.

“That’s impossible,” Atlantis said. “My avatar hasn’t changed since you have last seen me.”

“Really?” Jon said. He stopped and inspected her for a brief second. “Maybe it’s the uniform then.”

“Can’t be it’s the same…” Atlantis said.

Nefeit interrupted her, “Atlantis, you need to learn to take a compliment. Jon is just very happy to see you.”

“Oh,” Atlantis said as she made a small ‘O’ with her mouth.

Jon flashed a sly look as he grinned at Atlantis.

“I thought…” Atlantis said. Then she changed her tone as Nefeit gave her one of those girl looks that only they can do. “In that case, thanks, I’m happy to see you too, Sir.”

Jon let out a small chuckle as he sat down in his chair. “All stations, report,” Jon said.

“All stations report ready. I’m ready to get underway as soon as the last of the troops are loaded,” Atlantis said. “All systems check out and are standing by for your orders.”

Jon raised an eyebrow as this wasn’t something he was expecting.

“It’s something Carla started to help speed up things,” Atlantis said. “Engineering modified the program at all stations. They can now show green or red depending on if they’re ready or not. It makes getting underway a bit quicker and they’re able to report directly to me any problems they’re having with status updates.”

“Interesting,” Jon said. “How long until the last of the troops are loaded.”

After a very brief pause Atlantis responded, “Two minutes.”

“Very good,” Jon said. “So, since we have a bit of time anything else I need to know about?”

“No, everything runs pretty much the same as when you were last here, that is the only change,” Atlantis said.

Jon nodded as he spoke, “Good change, have it pushed out to all other ships in our fleet ASAP.”

“Yes Sir,” Atlantis said. “Mind if I ask a question?”

“Shoot,” Jon said.

“How is Deatra?” Atlantis said. “We haven’t heard much, just bits and pieces.”

Jon tapped the side of his head as he spoke, “So far she’s ok, a bit unhappy but unharmed.”

“Good to know,” Atlantis said. “And how is Commander Terri?”

“That is a different matter,” Jon said as his face darkened. “The King wants to play games and I’m not going to play how he wants to play. As far as I know she is unharmed and is protected by her Princess status. If the King is able to lift that then I’m afraid things might not go well for her.”

“You mean things will not go well for her captors,” a new voice said behind Jon.

Jon spun his chair around to look at the new comers. Standing behind him were four Ga’sahde dressed in a type of armor Jon had never seen. It looked like an updated version of the battle armor they used. There were slight differences between the two, but not enough to set them apart, at least on the outside. “You are?” Jon said.