Space-Dock - Earth-Lunar Orbit

Seven Months Earlier…

"Supreme Commander, can I talk with you for a minute", turning around I notice one of the FTL Project Scientists approaching my position. Shaking my head with a sigh I motion for him to follow me, as we walk I look at his lab coat, the name stitched on it says Willings.

"Supreme Commander, are you returning to the Aurora? I was hoping that I can talk to you about installing the Geodesic Fold Drive for testing." That was when it hit me, Willings is the one whom has been lobbying for ships to test and utilize the GFD system or loving call Jump Drive. "Sir, I am certain you know that the Hyper-drive system is only the tip of FTL technologies, will you be willing to allow the Aurora the chance to be the first to use such technologies?"

I have to wonder about some people, but in this case I will be fair and hear him out. "Willings, if and I stress if you can prove to me that the GF Drive is safe and can reproduce results on demand then I will consider allowing it to be installed on the Aurora."

Before I leave the Professor to his thoughts, I turn to him and mention "We are going to be at Midway next month for a full systems overhaul, if you can be ready by then it would improve your chances of having it installed." How little I knew then, but the primary mandate of the Star Forces is to explore new worlds and technologies, even if the technology in question is over one million years old.

Returning to my ship an annoying sound reaches my ears before I can even step on board. Directly in front of the Starboard Docking Station is the Aurora's Chief Engineer and Commanding Resident Asgard Hermiod and Leading Navigational and Helm Officer Charlie Polk 'my adopted little brother', were once again arguing. Even after being friends for the last six years they still butt heads over the strangest of things and at times the crew bets on the subject of each event, to the point that there is a running betting pool. By now the crew should know that the pool is worthless, not because it is against SF Protocol but because normally it is me or the Chief Medical Officer Hiendol whom always win.

Stepping through load and behold equipment cases and a scientist are in front of the two and Charlie and Hermiod are actually yelling at the scientist and not each other, will wonders never cease. Before the two start a new triad the young woman stutters "Sirs, Professor Willings ordered me to oversee the installation and operation of the Geodesic Fold Drive, and confirmed that all required processing has been completed with orders for you to begin installation."

All three are caught off guard by a low growl, turning in the general direction they now notice my presence. I order them to assign her to quest quarters and to store the equipment while I confirm the orders for the GFD Installation.

When I get my hands on Willings, I am going to fold him in half the little prick wants to test his new toy on my ship. As I enter my quarters I order the computer to connect me to Fleet Command on Earth, within moments I am connected and ask for General Ronson.

Phoenix, what can I do for you?

"Ronson, what in the name of creation is this order to install a new drive on my ship about?"

The order is a general standing for ship commanders if they volunteer their ship to help with the GFD Project

"Really, well you might want to reel those scientists in a bit, somehow Willings has gotten it into his head that I have volunteered the Aurora."

So you didn't talk with him last week?

"Last week? Don't you mean a few hours ago?"

I see, so Willings falsified the Aurora's agreement to test the GFD, but we can use this to our advantage.

"How so?"

Due to the GFD testing schedule provided by the Science Council, we can get the Aurora overhauled now instead of next month and we can use this as an excuse for a full resupply of all ships using the Science Council as the main argument.

"I see, when should we set course for Midway?"

As soon as we finish this conversation; Phoenix, be careful this man Willings is up to something I just don't know what it is yet.

"Don't worry old friend me and the crew will come back with Aurora intact and untouched, Trust me."

I will Phoenix and good luck, Ronson out.

"Confirmed; Phoenix out."

"Bridge, Recall all crew on shore leave and prep for departure. We are leaving space-dock in one hour that is all."

With that I begin my own preparations for launch from space-dock, and here I was looking forward to some down time. I had planned on spending time with Annalisa and my mother; I hardly get the time anymore with all the missions that have to be accomplished. I still wonder why I even opened my big mouth and reviled the existence of the Asgard and the fact that I am a Lantean, but then I remember that doing so actually prevented the Great Third World War. I guess that I will just have to get Mother and Annalisa Gate Passage to Midway, so we can spend time together during the overhaul for Aurora.

As I walked on to the Bridge an hour later, I notice that everyone has a sullen look on their faces, even Charlie whom was actually going to spend his time on Aurora during leave. For me just another reason to fold Willings in half and now to throw him out an Airlock for added measure. As I take me seat, I look over to my Executive Officer, out of all or us, she is the one most and least affected by this change in orders. She is the most affected because now she would not be able to spend a relaxing vacation alone with her husband, but also the least due to the fact that her husband is also on board the Aurora. Officially he is a civilian aid for Hiendol, working primarily in the field of medicine and advanced genetics but unofficially he is here as a personal doctor for his wife and a small hand full of the crew when Hiendol is unavailable.

"Colonel Hunter, prepare to take us out of space-dock."

Yes Sir, Supreme Commander

All hands Go-no-Go flight check

Helm and Navigation

"Go"

Weapons

"Armed and Ready, Go"

Shields

"On Standby, Go"

Communications

"Communications All Clear, Go"

Long Range Sensors

"Online, Go"

Close Range Sensors

"Confirmed Online Sir, Go"

Standard Sensors

"All Data Green, Go"

Combat Sensors

"At the Ready, Go"

Emergency Systems and Damage Control

"Systems Set, Go", "Confirmed Green, Go"

Sublight Drives

"Online and good, Go"

Hyper-drives

"On Standby, Go"

Combat Information Control

"CIC is Go Sir"

Medical

"Ready Here, Go"

Engineering

"We are at the Ready, Go"

Security Teams

"Ready to Repeal Boarders, Go"

Fighter Flight Control

"All Fighters Secured and Ready for Rapid Deployment, We are Go"

Sir, all systems are Go for launch and awaiting your orders.

"Very Good, put me on ship-wide."

"All hands, this is Commander Phoenix, I am certain many of you were looking forward to some well deserved rest and relaxation, but I hate to say that has been put on hold. Our new orders are to launch from space-dock and make course for Midway Station to under go immediate systems overhaul and refit. It will be at that time we will begin a new mission for the Science Council, for the Geodesic Fold Drive Project headed by Professor Alexander Willings. It appears that the refit will take shortly over a month to complete, during this time all non-senior staff and crew will be filtered back to Earth via Stargate for one week shore leave. Check with you section Chiefs and Senior Officers to confirm which group you will be assigned to for leave, I am sorry that you will not be able to enjoy the month long shore-leave that you were planning. I will be contacting the Supreme Council on this matter as well as Fleet Command in order to at least make up for your lost leave time. Any questions that you have can be directed to your immediate Senior Officer, that is all."

"Colonel, take us out of space-dock."

Yes Sir, Communications contact Dock Control for clearance to leave dock.

Helm, bring sublight engines online and ready thrusters.

"Colonel, Dock Control says we're clear for launch."

Clear the docking clamps, aft thrusters to one quarter power and take us out.

"Yes Colonel, docking clamps are cleared, thrusters at one quarter power, we are clearing the dock."

At the ships current speed it took us three minutes to clear the dock itself and to move clear of the dock yards.

"Sir, we are clear of Dock Yard Traffic"

Well done Mister Polk, bring the Hyper-drives to full power and begin course plot for Midway Station.

"Confirmed, bringing Hyper-drives to full power, plotting course to Midway Station Milky Way-Pegasus Galactic Bridge."

Commander we are ready for Hyper-space transit to Midway Station.

"Very Good Colonel, take us to Midway."

Yes Sir, Mister Polk engage Hyper-drive and take us into hyperspace.

"Yes Sir. Jumping to hyperspace now."

With that the ship jumped into the familiar purple cloud of the hyperspace window. Now all we can do is wait to arrive at the Midway Station.