The Ancient Enemy
Part III
Ha'tak Command Vessel Keb
The Bridge
Ten'ra drummed his fingers on the arms of his chair, impatient after the unexpected delay in their voyage. Today would be long remembered in the history of the free Jaffa, of that he was certain. The commander of the Jaffa fleet smiled in anticipation for the ensuing battle.
"We are approaching the planet now," said one of the officers. "Our sensors detect no enemy vessels. Perhaps they do not know we are here."
"They know, Seb'ja," Ten'ra said with assurance. "They know."
After a moment, one of the Jaffa suddenly pointed at a corner of the planet where the sun was shining the brightest. "Commander, there!"
And there it was, Ten'ra saw. The black ship, just as Vik'lar described. He regained his composure and began preparing for the battle that lied ahead. "Alert all other vessels," he ordered. "The Keb has sighted the enemy."
Yes, today the free Jaffa would provide a display of their newly acquired powers. A display that would prove to all of their dominance in this galaxy.
The Kiu Suok
The Bridge
Dae Nak also sat in his chair, his eyes closed as he passively listened to the thoughts of the Be'nox soldiers. He always felt an inner calm when the thoughts and feelings of the lowly Be'nox washed over him. He was interrupted by the voice of his subordinate officer.
"My lord. The Jaffa fleet is now within their firing range."
It was about time, thought the Be'nox Lord. "Scan them" he commanded.
The ship was overcome with the soft humming noise of the Kiu Suok's sensors as they determined not only the number of enemy vessels, but their classifications, strengths and weaknesses, detailed maps of the insides of each vessel, the number of personal onboard, their locations inside the enemy vessels, as well as their gender and age.
"Sensors report 230 Ha'tak battle-class ships, 369 Al'kesh-class cruisers, and 1,289 Glider attack-class fighters."
"Very good," Dae Nak commented. "Just as Lord Sor Jakk predicted. He will be most pleased by our newly acquired fleet. Are the Ackr'atons ready?"
"We are preparing them for launch now, my Lord."
Dae Nak nodded his head, eager to display the true might of the Be'nox. "Target the Ha'taks and the Al'Keshes for assimilation. Destroy all of the Gliders. Do not let the entire fleet escape, but ensure that a few live to tell the tale. Today will truly mark the glorious return of the Be'nox. Wait for some time after they have fired before we attack."
"It will be done as you command, my Lord."
Dae Nak closed his eyes once more and watched in contentment as the Ha'taks opened fire on the Kiu Suok, little knowing they had already begun their own demise.