Shadows
I do not own Stargate, The Expanse, or Battlestar Galactica 2003. All information in this story is for the purpose of entertainment to the reader and not for Profit.
To all my readers, I do apologize for the delay. a little blockage of where I was wanting the story to go and how to set this chapter up for the next one.
June 6th, 1902
MCRN Donnager
Bridge
"Report" Captain Yao ordered to the officer on damage control, the stress of the crew currently on the bridge could be seen on the faces of every crewmember she had serving under her. Even after fighting pirates in the belt did nothing to prepare her the fear of being boarded, since she is the Captain and knew that the crew were looking to her to be the steadfast force on the ship they could look to she buried her feelings deep down for the sake of the crew.
"There are boarding pods being reported on decks 3, 6, 8 and 15. Security teams have been dispatched." the officer reported as he kept looking over the information that was being reported. There were multiple firefights between the Marine Security teams and the invaders with casualties piling up on both sides, they were evenly matched with each other.
"Lt. Lopez, take Mr. Holden and the data we collected on the unknown ships and get to the frigate. That data and his testimony need to make it to MCRN Command if we are going to stop a possible war between Mars and Earth. The only way it works is both together in front of the Admirals and Congress." Captain Yao emphasized the importance of the mission as she handed him the data stick containing the detailed scans they conducted along with the logs of the fight, she knew she was sending him to babysit a person she knew he despised all the while his marines were the ones getting killed by people they didn't know for reasons they didn't know.
"Yes Ma'am" Lt. Lopez replied and turned towards Holden who was helping a marine back to his feet all the while a gun was sitting on the floor in reach of him, but Holden didn't pick it up. Lopez in that moment started to rethink the info he knew about him, he knew that files are created by people that sometimes didn't like you, so the file may be wrong about one thing but he still didn't like Holden. "You two on me, let's go Holden." Lopez said not wanting to waste time while there were still enemies onboard.
On their way to the armory Holden told Lopez that he needed his crew, they knew just like he did what happened to the Canterbury, "Look, if all five of us are on our way to the frigate only one of use needs to make it, but if it's just me and I die then your mission will have failed." he said presenting a very valid point, and it wasn't far out of the way to the holding cell the rest of his crew were in after they headed to the armory. Armed and armored, Lopez had the other 2 marines on point and his six heading to the holding cell.
About halfway there they came under fire from the hostiles that boarded the Donnager, Lopez quickly pushed holden behind a pillar that was between them and the people shooting at them and signaled for the others to begin fighting back. As if both marines were of one mind, they stepped out from cover and started firing at the intruders while advancing hoping to catch them off guard and end the fight quickly; but marines know that a perfect plan ends at first contact with the enemy and that proved true right now as the momentary shock of being engaged was quickly put aside by the two and they started firing back at the MCRN marines. As each were advancing and landing a shot here or there, they quickly found each other in close quarters with each other and used everything they had, weapons, arms and their body to get an edge on the other. Lopez could do nothing but observe both of his marines doing what they do best while protecting someone he would have killed himself if the captain hadn't ordered him to protect him at all costs.
The marines and the intruders were hitting each other, the first marine got a lucky gut punch in with his rifle and tried to kick at the same time, the kick missed however and the intruder tried to swing at him, both were evenly matched but the marine had trained for this type of fight since he finished bootcamp, and jumping back with a role he found his opening and fired 5 shots at the same point melting through the armor and killing the intruder. The second marine wasn't having the same luck, his opponent was getting the upper hand, could have been his size or something else but he was wounded when a bullet went through his right shoulder injuring him, good thing he was left handed.
As the fight with the last intruder continued the second marine came to help him, both marines were fighting melee with enemy number two and were slowly getting the upper hand, just as he aimed his gun, his finger on the trigger squeezing it in to start firing enough bullets to kill the marine, his head explodes from a powerful bullet from Lt. Lopez and saving the marine from dying. As they regrouped Lopez checked his marines to make sure they ok, thankfully in the vacuum they found themselves fighting in the suits came with quick seal kits to cauterize wounds and seal holes in damaged suits.
James knelt down to look at one of the people that was trying to kill him and took off his helmet, looking at the helmet it reminded him of something from the time when swords and shields were used, kinda look like a high tech archaic helmet that could vacuum seal but had what looked like chainmail for the neck attachment, 'these guys look like a medieval nerd with a extreme leather fetish' James thought as he looked over one of the dead guys trying to find out who they were. There was no markings on the suit or helmet, they were good at hiding themselves and there wasn't time for a more thorough inspection, they were still in danger and needed to move.
"Let's move, if we stay more will come and we still need to get your friends" Lopez said to Holden as he was getting up from his inspection. They continued their journey towards the holding cell, every passageway they went through showed the signs of the fighting happening all over the ship. Scorch marks from weapons fire or corps on the ground just brought the reality of the situation further home for Holden 'we need to stop this before it gets any more out of hand, I was wrong and need to face up to it with mars' James thought to himself but first he needed his crew mates.
Holding Cell
Naomi, Amos, Alex, and the headless Shed were in the holding cell, Amos and Naomi managed to seal the two holes, a railgun round went in one side and out the other of the room causing the air to be sucked out and also blew off Shed's head killing him instantly. After they sealed the compartment Alex started freaking out "No no no no no no, who would be stupid enough to attack a Martian Battleship" he stated so fast Naomi had a hard time keeping up with his ramblings that started after that. To save air and calm him down she used a sedative stick to knock him out and then strapped him in so if the ship shook he wouldn't get hurt.
Naomi and Amos just sat down and tried to conserve air but she was thinking back to feelings she had when they were running out of air on the Knight shuttle before the rescue, the fear of suffocating, the regrets she had for being naive in joining the OPA, all the mistakes she made over the years that she couldn't ever make up for, but she held onto hope that someone would come for them.
2025
Pegasus Galaxy
Atlantis Shipyard
DSE-1 Thor
Standing on the bridge of the ship was the XO, "CHENG, report systems status" Devon asked the Chief Engineer of the ship Major Clayton "Clay" Haas who was at the engineering console on the bridge analysing the ships systems ranging from the reactor and ZPM's to shields and weapons. "Reactor at 10%, ZPM's and shields at 100%, all systems are fully operational, we are ready." Clay reported to Devon as they were all waiting for the CO to come to the bridge.
Outside the ship was the CO, Commander Amelia Corrigan was waiting for the leader of Lantia (the name they gave to the planet since Atlantis was a City-Ship) Angelica Nagala, since the importance of the Thor was so high that someone of Amelia's caliber was placed in charge the Commissioning ceremony was to be done with representatives from all the Federation worlds present. All were present except Amelia who had the final mission for the Wraith tyranny finishing with complete success and zero casualties but it took them longer to finish the wraith colony than expected.
Angelica approached Amelia and started walking to where the ceremony would begin momentarily as everyone had been seated and the cameras were broadcasting to the entire Federation to mark the historic journey that was about to begin. "Good Afternoon to the crew of this ship, the people of Lantia, and the citizens of the Federation. We have had a long road from those first steps through the stargate 31 years ago by General O'neil and his team, and during that first encounter through the gate we started a revolution on such a scale that it would affect not just the Avalon Galaxy but many others as we fought and bleed for the freedom of every world as we challenged tyranny on such a level even Hitler and Stalin would appear to be kindergarten children in comparison. They took people from their homes, forced beings such as the Unas to be used as a vessel, host would imply they asked permission as some of our friends do. They wiped out whole civilizations just because they could. For the longest time only the Asgard could stand against them and keep them from controlling the entire galaxy, but as time went on they were able to do it less and less and the fear of them was enough to enforce the protected planets treaty with the goa'uld for years. The list of enemies we have fought and defeated is long. Goa'uld, Replicators, Aschen, Wraith, Ori, Genii and the Lucian Alliance are just the major threats that had plagued two galaxies for millenia. The sacrifice and dedication of those that have given their lives to protect us even when we were unaware of how much danger or how close to annihilation we were is extensive. We now look to the stars for exploration and discovery as so many have done before, Christopher Columbus, Magellan, and Lewis & Clark have done the crew of this Deep Space Exploration vessel will be the next to follow those that made amazing discoveries such as the earth not being flat and the north american continent."
"Attention to Christening" the Master-at-arms announced on queue from Angelica as she approached Amelia who was holding the Champagne bottle that both would break over the bow of the ship. "This tradition dates all the way back to Rome and Greece as a offering to Poseidon, too bad they didn't know he was a parasitic alien." Angelica joked to lighten the mood. "Today we do it more out of tradition to christen the ship, as soon as the bottle breaks we call out the name of the ship and then the ship is fit for service." Amelia and Angelica pulled back on the bottle getting ready to push it and sending it to the ship. With a nudge from both the bottle was on its way and in unison they said "we christen this ship as the Deep Space Exploration vessel….Thor." they said the name at the same time the bottle broke.
"This ship has been named Thor in honor of our long time friend, ally, and protector of those who couldn't protect themselves. Thor was supreme commander of the Asgard fleet. We had a memorial service in secret for Thor and the Asgard back during the days of the SGC when it was the most guarded secret. Today let's have a moment of silence for our fallen brethren and allies…." Amelia said while looking at the camera crews and then bowed her head in reverence of the fallen. Moments later she concluded her speech with the mission they were heading on but it wasn't where it would end. "Today we set out in the footsteps of some of our greatest explorers and begin a time of peace, today we finished the final battle against the last remaining cell of the Wraith. Right now we are enjoying the first peace the Pegasus galaxy has seen in more than 10,000 years, not since the Alterrans first seeded this galaxy. The Avalon galaxy is also enjoying the freedom from the oppression of the Goa'uld for the past millennia. We now set off to the Orithyia galaxy to explore the original galaxy of the Asgard and seek to expand our understanding and knowledge. Thank you everyone for your support and keep at the forefront of your minds Exploring is a foundation to discovery."
As Amelia concluded her speech Devon knew that it was time, "Transport Commander Corrigan aboard." with the order given in a flash of light in front of the camera she was gone and as soon as the transport was complete and Amelia was completely solid the announcement over the Public Announcement system "Thor arriving" was heard inside and out of the ship and signalled the Commanding Officer was aboard. "Atlantis this is Thor, request permission to get underway and depart Lantia's Orbit...over." Amelia asked to Angelica signalling the start of the mission as soon as permission was given. "Thor this is Atlantis, permission granted. Depart and exit Lantia's orbit, good luck and stay safe."
As the final formal exchanges were made between the Thor and Atlantis the first exploration vessel specifically made for that purpose was departing to start exploring.
June 6th, 1902
MCRN Donnager
En route to Holding Cell
They heard some gun fire in the distance, but nothing close to them as they proceeded to get the remaining 4 crew survivors of the Canterbury, every corridor showed the signs of the current struggle in the ship, the invaders and the defenders. Bullet holes, shell casings, scorch marks, and bodies littering the floor gave the grave situation that had befallen the mighty warship, the pride and joy of the Martian navy, their mightiest warship.
It took them another 2 minutes to reach the holding cell, upon reaching the holding cell they saw the whole on both sides on the hallway from the railgun round that went through the ship. "Patch those holes enough so we can get air flowing through here, we can't be sure of the state of it but the giant hole right there is enough to give a good picture." Lopez ordered the two marines, they immediately got to work and patched as fast as they could just enough for the air to flow.
They patched the leak in under 20 seconds and called the Damage Control Central to pump some air in there if they could. With that complete they opened the door and found three people looking like they were going to die soon, the fourth person was sitting there without a head. Lopez didn't like the site even for someone not from Mars, but more pressing concerns brought him back the next moment and all four proceeded to check the other three.
Naomi and Amos started to rouse when the door opened, but couldn't move just yet. They were being checked as they started to get up and were on their feet in mere moments, Alex was being slapped awake by one of the marines and jolted as he woke up and got his bearings to what was happening. With the other three survivors up and on their feet they got into the space suits that were in the compartment and got ready to leave. "What is going on?" Alex asked James as he was finishing his space suit so he could breath in case there was another place on the ship without air.
"The Donnager is fighting the same unknown ships that destroyed the Cant, we are going with Lt. Lopez to a Frigate and burning hard to reach Mars so we can let the system know what is going on." James explained as fast as he could so they didn't waste time. With his answer, Alex finished putting on his helmet and the seven of them proceeded towards the hangar bay that housed the Martian Frigate onboard.
It took them eight more minutes to reach the entrance to the hangar bay, but Lopez had them stop while they looked for potential hostiles since it was over 100 feet to reach frigate. "We will lay down cover fire as you proceed to the frigate." Lopez explained for both the marines as to their job and the survivors so they knew what was going to happen. As soon as the marines and Lopez stepped out of the entryway and took aim at the first ones they saw they were being fired at from multiple locations. Bullets were going back and forth between the two parties, the marines had taken down six hostels but there were so many of them that the suppression fire back on them was increasing. The first marine went down as Naomi and James had gotten a third of the way across the bridge, the gravity fluttered again as the damage to the Donnager kept stacking up from the ships that attacked them. As they were floating James quickly activated his Mag boots and grabbed Naomi's hand while swinging her around and pointing her feet towards the bridge, the momentum from the move also pulled him down and they continued to run as fast as they could.
After they finally reached the frigate and opened the doors Alex and Amos also proceeded to the Frigate, but the intense fire from the invaders was too much for the second marine and he was also killed. Lopez continued to shoot back at the people who dared to invade his ship and kill his marines, he fought harder after the second marine went down but after getting word from James that Alex and Amos reached the frigate he started to run towards it himself. He was two arm lengths from the ship and an explosive round hit him and punctured his armor but the momentum of the run carried him into the ship where James and Amos were carrying him to one of the many seats in the CIC. Lopez said "I'm not a pilot, I need someone else to take the control."
James grabbed Alex and shoved him to the pilot station located up a ladder from the CIC section "You need to fly this thing." James told him and went back to looking at Lopez, he was in bad shape
"Authorize full operational control of all systems for everyone now on board." Lopez told the computer onboard . "Alex dust off and get us going." James told him as he went to check on Lopez and see how bad his injuries were. "Alright, I need some juice...mmmmm, that's the stuff." Alex said more to himself as he types in commands to get the cocktail that were connected to every chair to aid them in staying awake and not blacking out when in full burn. Now that he was awake he proceeded to input commands and get the frigate underway from the Donnager and get them out of danger.
After the docking ramp retracted enough and the doors on the frigate were closed, he started turning the ship to align it somewhat. With that complete he then deployed the six PDC's she had, as soon as they deployed they went to work eliminating hostiles everywhere in the hangar bay, dozens of enemies were shooting at the ship but the small arms they fired didn't do much more than piss them off. The PDC's were firing every which way they could and eventually fired at the doors of the hangar bay leading to space, with them destroyed the frigate had a clear path to get clear of the warzone.
"Evasive maneuvers and max burn, do not let anyone stay on our tails." Lopez ordered Alex who turned towards him "You got it hoss...I mean Yes Sir." Alex replied while reminding himself that he use to be MCRN and respect for a fellow service member was needed. As the frigate started it's burn Lopez looked at James "it would have been nice to see an ocean on Mars." he said and as his face showed the pain he was in he died.
Back on the Donnager the scope operator reported "The Tachi is away." a marine reported that the door wouldn't hold much longer. "I didn't think we could lose" Captain Yao said with remorse written all over her face, both officers placed their thumbs in their respective spots to initiate the self destruct and end it. In a brilliant flash of light the Donnager and the last of the enemy ships were destroyed. The surviving crew of the Canterbury had escaped death again and no one knew they were alive. Or so they thought.
Unknown Location
"They still don't know who or rather what you are, even with the loss of six ships we are still on plan to incite the war between Mars and the UN." an unknown man told the other man. "Six ships is not an acceptable loss, the shipmasters were incompetent. That should have been an easy victory with no losses." the second unknown man said in a deep echoing voice that sent shivers down the first man's spine. Even being a CEO in charge of one of the largest corporations in the solar system he still feared the man he was in the presence of.
Next Chapter we will see who the men behind the curtain are that are pulling the strings of the UN and Mars. We will also see more from the UN side of it. Next chapter will not be out until after New Years.
Thank you and Merry Christmas/Happy New Years/Happy Holidays
