Possara
Lucian Alliance Home World
Milky Way
For three days and nights, a steady procession of Alliance Al'kesh drawn cargo trains had arrived from the industrial world of Del'mak. The world of Del'mak was once the industrial engine driving the System Lord Sokar's domain. As each cargo train was unloaded, the Al'kesh with empty cargo modules in tow, departed once again to repeat the process. In their wake, each Al'kesh left a collection of armored vehicles.
Procured in trade with Tagrea, these examples of off world design were vastly improved over the original. Not content to rule simply as they currently did, with an interstellar fleet, the Lucian Alliance was stepping into the small club of worlds with powerful ground armies capable of expeditionary war fighting. As happened often in this corner of the universe, the status quo of the Milky Way had once again shifted.
Inside the inner sanctum of Lucian Alliance command, Kefflin and his lieutenants sat. At Kefflin's insistence, his underlings had rushed at great speed for the meeting now unfolding. The tension, anger, and hostility of the gathered men were palpable.
"It must be the Tau'ri!" Vosh thundered as he slammed his fist on the table before him.
"How can we be so certain?" Sloviash demanded.
"This was not a military attack. Swarms of insects were the cause!" Bulak objected.
"Worrel, incompetent fool that he is, was there as the event transpired. Silence your bickering and let him speak." Kefflin commanded in low tones.
"A Tau'ri attack craft similar to a glider fired my position. I fought bravely, destroying three fighters with my own hand until my men begged me to save myself." Worrel explained with false bravado.
"Worrel, as a reward for your bravery, you will be given a special task requiring a man of exceptional courage." Kefflin announced.
"What is this task?" Worrel asked.
"We will discuss that tonight. Now leave us." Kefflin commanded.
"We cannot let the Tau'ri attack stand!" Vosh hissed.
"An attack on our livelihood is an attack on the Alliance itself!" Sloviash agreed.
"Do you have a plan for this?" Bulak asked pointedly.
"The time has come to not only expand our influence elsewhere in the galaxy, but to also hurt the Tau'ri." Kefflin said clearly, without emotion.
"How are we to do that?" Vosh demanded.
"We move as they do, calculating the impact of every step we take." Kefflin stated.
"We lack the power to oppose them directly!" Sloviash argued.
"For now, you are correct. The time when we match their power is approaching though. We must continue to gather our strength, and distribute that strength outside of the Tau'ri field of view." Kefflin replied.
"We gather strength elsewhere? Where might this elsewhere be?" Bulak asked.
"Arraignments have been made. Vosh, send word to our vassal state and tell them the time has come for them to move." Kefflin said behind a smile.
Later that night, Kefflin sat in his sitting room, looking over information on a tablet style display. Photos, intelligence estimates, and human intelligence complied from unknowing sources. Kefflin knew that to stand against the Tau'ri would require more than simple brute force. Instead, he would take the route of proxies, and unaware agents.
He had long considered the option he now pondered. Yes, this might be the distraction needed for the Tau'ri. Admittedly, Kefflin was well aware this was not a long-term solution. It was not meant to be. A river creates a canyon through thousands of years of erosion. The Tau'ri could be dealt with in a similar manner. All he needed was to erode away the Tau'ri will to involve themselves in galactic politics.
As Kefflin pondered this line of thought deeply, a figure entered the sitting room. Disregarding this new arrival for a moment's time, Kefflin's vacant eyes stared off into the distance as his mind poured over the problem filling his mind. Blinking his eyes clear, Kefflin turned his gaze towards the new arrival.
"I am here as you requested." Worrel began stiffly.
"Yes you are. Take a seat." Kefflin ordered in an inviting tone.
"I am honored to be considered for a special mission." Worrel stated.
"Before we begin, I must stress the importance of not revealing this mission to any of my Second's. Can you do that?" Kefflin asked.
"My allegiance is to you and the goals of the Alliance." Worrel replied formally.
"Good. Tell me Worrel, what do you know of Langara?" Kefflin asked quietly.
Tagrea
P3X-744
Milky Way
Thirteen months ago
Once, hundreds of years before, Tagrea fell among the planets composing Heru'ur's domain. Resources depleting, Heru'ur abandoned the planet, leaving the Tagrean people to their own devices. In an act of spiteful vengeance, the Tagrean's destroyed all historical records from the age of Heru'ur's rule. Years later, emerging from that dark time in their worlds history, Tagrea became a thriving industrial society with no clue about their past.
Later, Tagrea was reunited with those from the planet of their ancestors when Earth's first space faring vessel landed. Suffering a reactor overload, Prometheus landed on Tagrea in the hope of utilizing the world's stargate. This reunion ended peacefully, but was one marked by its many misunderstandings and sense of distrust between the two peoples.
Many years had passed since the Prometheus incident. Once again, a hyperspace window tore open in the distance. Exiting the window was the imposing figure of a Lucian Alliance Improved Ha'tak. Gliding onwards toward the world once belonging to Heru'ur, the Ha'tak silently stalked. Establishing a high polar orbit, the vessel sat. Shields up and sensors active; the mothership took no outside action.
Detecting the mothership's arrival as it powered past the Tagrean moon, the Tagrean Defense Force swung into high gear. Kalfas, commander of the Tagrean Defense Force, urged the immediate use of the planets defensive rocket batteries. Chairman Ashwan, Chairman of the People of Tagrea, remembering the arrival of the first Prometheus and SG-1, disregarded the pleadings of Commander Kalfas.
After hours of watching the vessel sitting silently in orbit, it was the unknown craft that initiated contact. Avoiding the pitfalls of Prometheus's landing, commander Kalfas kept this dialogue well away from the ears of Chairman Ashwan. That night, in the darkness, Kalfas arraigned a meeting with the representative of the Lucian Alliance in the desert to far to the west of the Tagrean capital city.
On his authority as the Commander of Security Forces, Kalfas ordered the deactivation of orbital radar tracking of the unknown vessel. To ensure the vessels descent towards the desert to the west was not witnessed, Kalfas ordered the radar tracking staff home for the evening, after swearing them to secrecy. Alone, Kalfas drove towards the rendezvous point, in the barren desert landscape.
Crossing the desert in his open topped all terrain vehicle; Kalfas looked towards the night sky. In the distance, he say the large form of the Ha'tak begin to take shape. Marveling at the vessels size, he thought back to the Prometheus incident. This time things would be different, he told himself. Clouds of dust billowed in the darkness, as the Ha'tak settled to the ground silently. Stopping his vehicle, Kalfas slowly approached the vessel on foot. At the base of the towering vessel, a shaft of light cut through the darkness. This light soon gave way to the outline of a human form exiting the crafts opening.
Cautiously, Kalfas walked towards the man approaching him in the distance. Even at several hundred yards away, Kalfas could see the physical difference between himself and the unexpected visitor. Kalfas was of average height and slight build, while the approaching man was taller and well muscled. This visitor's dark blonde ponytail irritated Kalfas, as he was balding. Stopping five feet from each other, the two men quickly sized each other up.
"State your purpose for coming to this world." Kalfas ordered boldly.
"I come seeking like minds. Perhaps introductions are in order." The visitor suggested.
"I am Kalfas, Commander of Tagrean Security Forces." Kalfas replied formally.
"Kalfas, it is an honor to make your acquaintance. I am Kefflin, leader of the Lucian Alliance." Kefflin said in introduction.
"I will ask you again, what is your purpose in coming to this world?" Kalfas asked.
"As I said, I come here in search of like minds. I also come to educate you about a civilization I am told you have encountered." Kefflin hinted.
"You mean Earth." Kalfas said plainly.
"We call them the Tau'ri, but yes they are also known as Earth." Kefflin answered.
"If you come on their behalf, I demand to know the reason for the subterfuge." Kalfas stated.
"My arrival is not at Tau'ri behest. I can deduce from your tone that you have no love for the Tau'ri." Kefflin said in an amused tone.
"My opinions are not the opinions of the Tagrean government." Kalfas spat.
"Ah, so your leadership is enamored with them?" Kefflin asked.
"Negotiations have been underway for sometime for the inclusion of Tagrea into an organization known as the United Worlds. The Tau'ri are very insistent that we become members." Kalfas answered with disdain.
"Have they requested basing rights for their military forces on this world yet?" Kefflin inquired.
"They have. That matter has been deferred until a later date in the future thankfully." Kalfas admitted.
"Then it seems my coming here was a mistake. It might already be too late for your world." Kefflin hinted.
"Is Tagrea in danger? I demand to know!" Kalfas demanded.
"I have said too much already." Kefflin rebuffed, while turning to walk away.
"My allegiance is not to the Tau'ri! My priority, my only priority, is the safety of this planet and people." Kalfas admitted urgently.
"Let me tell you a story the Tau'ri will never admit to you. Listen closely." Kefflin instructed.
"You have my undivided attention. Please, tell me your story." Kalfas pressed.
"Have you ever heard of the Lucian Alliance?" Kefflin asked.
"No, I cannot say that I have." Kalfas admitted.
"My people, the Lucian Alliance, have long been all that stood between the Tau'ri and complete domination of this galaxy. We are a peaceful people, seeking only to live our lives free of oppression. We value freedom of ourselves while we also value freedom of all worlds." Kefflin lied smoothly.
"This alliance, is it made up of worlds treated as equals?" Kalfas asked.
"It is. The Tau'ri hate the Alliance for that reason. We are an Alliance of equals, and that goes against everything the Tau'ri stand for. In rage at our refusal to ally with them, the Tau'ri have waged an undeclared war against my people. We are a group persecuted, and fighting valiantly against the imperialistic Tau'ri juggernaut." Kefflin continued.
"The Tau'ri have never made mention of this to us." Kalfas argued.
"Why would they? It would serve to expose their true aims to you and your people. No, the Tau'ri are a devious and sly people. They win you over with their wit and charm, while seeking to dominate the future of your world. The people of Earth refuse to allow any other world or people to approach their level of power. They savaged the Alliance fleet and many of our worlds. All of this they did to put an end to the group that sought only to check their power." Kefflin further explained.
"During their stay here after their first arrival, those from Earth created deep and lasting divisions between myself and Chairman Ashwan. I can see them doing as you have explained. Manipulators, nothing more!" Kalfas said in agreement.
"So you defied the Tau'ri once? They will not forget, and one day return to subjugate this world and your people." Kefflin said solemnly.
"I will not allow that to happen!" Kalfas swore.
"Your world lacks the power to defy the Tau'ri alone." Kefflin warned regretfully.
"What can we do?" Kalfas asked in desperation.
"My people and yours must stand together. The Lucian Alliance seeks your hand in friendship, not that of the Tau'ri sympathizer Ashwan. The Alliance needs you. This galaxy needs you. Tagrea and her people need you." Kefflin announced.
"How do we sidestep Ashwan?" Kalfas asked.
"As the Tau'ri have done; subtly." Kefflin suggested.
For three evenings, these covert meetings between Kalfas and Kefflin continued. At the end of the third evening, as the Ha'tak departed the deserts of Tagrea, Kalfas found himself a reenergized man. His long held beliefs about the Tau'ri had finally been confirmed. Vowing his support to the Lucian Alliance cause, a plan took form in his mind. Now was his chance to secure lasting safety for Tagrea, and it would be done through maneuvering instead of his normal highly vocal and argumentative style.
Fifteen days after the Alliance's departure, a political shakeup of high order took place within the Tagrean government. Kalfas resigned from his long held position as Commander of Tagrean Security Forces. In his place, he nominated his longtime protégé Liptis. Outside of the government, Kalfas took his rallying for vastly increased defense infrastructure and spending to the people. Weeks later, his grassroots campaign gained traction. In a public referendum, the Tagrean people spoke. The defense of Tagrea would become a prime focus of the world economy. The esteem in which the common man held Kalfas grew day by day.
Shambhala
Milky Way
Current Day
The rays of the setting sun shone brightly on the colored glass exteriors of the city's towers. Golden shafts of light blazed against sapphire blue, ruby red, and emerald green panels of the decorative glass. Had one photographed it, the result would have been an inspiring image of a metropolis amongst the stars. Within the halls of the picturesque cityscape, business as usual played out.
For the last twenty-four hours, delegates to the United Worlds along with their respective heads of state arrived in small numbers. The United Worlds organization, seeking to further increase its number of member civilization, had extended the invitation to join its ranks to Tagrea eight months before. During those eight months, Tagrea sat as a visiting nonmember world. In the coming day, Chairman Ashwan would sign the United Worlds charter, making his world a full voting member of the intergalactic body.
Chairman Ashwan and Commander of Tagrean Security Forces Liptis had arrived earlier in the day. That night, they sat in the place of honor at a banquet attended by member world's delegates. Wine had flowed over the course of the lavish meal. Commander Liptis refrained from drinking so much as a single glass, instead sticking with coffee. None took notice, assuming Commander Liptis was a man who wished not to dull his senses with the wonderfully aromatic Athosian wine.
Despite the large quantities of wine consumed the night before by all parties in attendance, none were absent the next morning. Over the always delicious breakfast served in the United Worlds dining hall, the mood was joyous. A world added to the United Worlds was always cause to celebrate. After breakfast was finished, and copious amounts of coffee and tea consumed, charter members of the organization moved to the lavishly appointed Signing Room.
Dr. Elizabeth Weir, as a charter member and matriarch of the Replicator race, sat in the front row of witnesses in the Signing Room. Before her time with the SGC and later the Atlantis Expedition, Weir had been known as a savvy diplomat and shrewd political operator. While with the United Nations, she became known for negotiating many treaties of importance and as a keen observer of human nature.
Looking at the Commander Liptis, Elizabeth's instincts told her something about the man was off. Everything in her mind screamed that his polite and formal demeanor was an act. It was almost as if he was an actor, following a script written by another she thought. As the signing ceremony began, Elizabeth put these thoughts out of her mind.
Seated beside and around Elizabeth Weir were other delegates of charter member worlds. Lya of the Nox, Penegal of the Asgard, United States Secretary of State Simon Barnes, representatives of the Canadian, Australian, and Russian governments were present. Also in attendance were members from other civilizations of the Milky Way and Pegasus galaxies. Secretary General Sean Lee, current head and spokesperson of the United Worlds, sat at a dark mahogany table in the center of the Signing Room.
Laid out before Lee, bound in a calfskin portfolio and printed on parchment, was the document solidifying Tagrean entry into the United Worlds. To Lee's left sat Chairman Ashwan, and to his right sat Commander Liptis. In front of each of the three men was a writing implement of historical significance, on loan from museums of Earth. A Russian pen from the time of the Czar's on loan from the Hermitage sat in front of Ashwan. In front of Liptis was a pen from the British Museum. At Lee's fingertips sat one from the Smithsonian. These would be used to sign the historic document.
Photographers at the corners of the room eagerly committed the scene to photo. Secretary General Lee, on behalf of the United Worlds, raised his pen and signed the document. A moment later, Ashwan raised his pen and followed suit. Commander Liptis picked up the writing instrument before him, and looked at it intently before setting it down on the table's polished surface.
"I wish to speak before we move forward." Commander Liptis announced.
Those in the audience nodded their heads in agreement to this request. Perhaps Liptis wished to make a statement of his vision for Tagrean involvement in this august body. Stiffly, Commander Liptis rose from his seat, to deliver his message while standing.
"You have all been so welcoming. A people must join the ranks of like-minded civilizations. Our commonalities of thought and belief bring us closer together. Relationships like these protect a world from tyranny at the hands of others in this galaxy, and in this universe. I celebrate the relationship Tagrea has been gifted." Liptis began.
In the audience, many nodded while others smiled broadly. The Commanders message was one the audience fully welcomed and embraced.
"As a people, we will move forward onto the galactic stage, and oppose those tyrannical powers we know to be present in this galaxy." Liptis continued, before turning his gaze towards Ashwan.
"I as well as those in this room, agree with your inspiring words. Very well put Commander." Ashwan replied proudly.
"We will be doing this without you Chairman Ashwan. On behalf of the Tagrean people, it is my duty to inform you that your services are no longer required." Liptis said formally.
"Now is not the time for political grandstanding!" Ashwan objected, clearly embarrassed.
"At this moment, Tagrean forces under my command are removing your appointees and supporters from their governmental postings. As the Commander of Tagrean Security Forces, I have declared a state of emergency on our world. As you are well aware, under a state of emergency, my position empowers me to select a new leader of our people. Whit those in this room as witness, I hereby inform you my predecessor Kalfas will assume the Chairmanship of the Tagrean government. As an enemy of freedom and of the people, you are to consider yourself unwelcome on Tagrea. Your exile begins now." Commander Liptis announced.
"You can not do this and hope to succeed!" Chairman Ashwan sputtered.
"It is done." Liptis replied simply.
Already standing, Commander Liptis quickly moved to exit the room. Those in the audience looked at him in shock at this unexpected development. To catch a career diplomat unaware and leave them speechless, it takes a major shakeup. Liptis had accomplished just that. For a long minute, the audience sat stunned before Weir and now former Chairman Ashwan began to speak.
"This is a coup, nothing more." Elizabeth fumed.
"The document has not been signed by both members of the Tagrean government, it is not ratified." Ashwan said in sorrow and shock.
"It actually is a binding document." Lee interjected.
"How do you come to that conclusion?" Ashwan asked.
'Chairman Ashwan and I signed it. The signature of Commander Liptis was not needed. His was nothing more than an unnecessary formality." Lee explained.
"In that case, Tagrea then falls under the charter of the United Worlds. We are bound by treaty to defend the people and true government of Tagrea." Elizabeth surmised.
"I believe it would be wise if those present contacted their respective governments on this matter." Lee urged.
USS Edmund Halley
Tagrean System
Milky Way
Seven hours after the bloodless coup within the halls of Shambhala, the Edmund Halley arrived in the solar system of Tagrea. Dispatched because she was the nearest vessel to the solar system, Halley was an unusual vessel for this type of mission. A Copernicus Class science vessel, modeled after and closely resembling Destiny; she was not a warship or one would expect to undertake diplomatic missions.
Her sublight drives powered the large vessel past Tagrea's lone moon. Following instructions from Earth, Edmund Halley's powerful Ancient designed sensors scanned Tagrea and the solar system around the planet. Detecting no satellite traffic in orbit, the large vessel maneuvered into geosynchronous orbittook station.
"Tagrean government, this is the Earth vessel Edmund Halley." The ships commander transmitted.
No reply came. For ten minutes, the vessels commanding officer waited for reply. When no reply came, he again transmitted the same message. Every ten minutes the vessels commanding officer repeated this process.
"Tagrean government, this is the Earth vessel Edmund Halley." The ships commander transmitted yet again.
"Earth vessel, you are not authorized to enter this sector. Depart immediately." A disembodied voice replied.
"At the direction of my government, we are here to pass along the insistence of my government and many others, that actions to remove Chairman Ashwan's administration from power cease forthwith. My government further demands that Chairman Ashwan be immediately returned to power." The Halley's commander stated clearly.
"Earth vessel, your presence in this solar system is unwelcome. Leave now or you will be deemed to harbor hostile intentions." The disembodied Tagrean voice replied.
"Edmund Halley is a science vessel, acting as a diplomatic courier. Freedom of navigation guaranteed by your world's membership in the United Worlds organization states clearly that we are not in violation of your sovereignty." The Halley's commander argued.
Far below, in a secure bunker beneath the Tagrean capital city, Defense Force technicians monitored the Earth vessel in orbit. High power phased array radar forty miles outside of the city painted the spacecraft with a continuous stream of radar pulses. For a moment, the radar technician's concentration was broken, as now Chairman Kalfas announced his arrival.
"What is the situation?" Kalfas demanded.
"Chairman, a large spacecraft has established geosynchronous orbit above Tagrea." A technician replied.
"Has contact with the intruder been made?" Kalfas asked.
"Yes Chairman. The intruder initiated radio contact. The vessel claims to belong to Earth." The technician explained.
"What did they say?" Kalfas asked.
"They demand the return to power of Ashwan, Chairman." The technician replied sheepishly.
"The Tau'ri have arrived to demand return of their prize." Kalfas whispered to himself.
"Chairman?" The senior technician asked in confusion.
"Do you have a targeting lock on the intruder?" Kalfas asked.
"We do Chairman." The senior technician replied.
"Are defense batteries standing by and prepared to launch?" Kalfas asked seriously.
"Battery six has been assigned in the event a launch order is given. The strategic rocket forces stand ready." The senior technician explained, as his stomach turned.
"The order is given." Kalfas said crisply.
"Chairman?" The senior technician asked in disbelief.
"The order is given! Launch on the intruder. Now." Kalfas ordered furiously.
The technicians exchanged shocked looks amongst themselves. Since the launch against the Earth vessel Prometheus years before, Strategic Rocket Forces had not fired a shot in anger. Chairman Ashwan had given standing orders not to fire on unexpected visitors. The technicians mulled this over, and hesitated to carry out the order to fire immediately. This hesitation infuriated Chairman Kalfas greatly. Overcome by anger, he stormed towards the firing panel beside the senior technician's consol. As he turned the firing key, he turned his furious scowl towards the senior technician.
"I said fire!" Kalfas raged.
Turning the firing key, Kalfas initiated a series of events. Receiving the order to fire from the turned key, the automated firing sequence engaged. Radar tracks of the targeted vessel were confirmed from other tracking sites scattered around the planet. Each of these tracks confirmed the current firing solution and launch data. This data traveled at light speed through underground fiber optic cables to the chosen launch site.
Reaching the subterranean launch site command center, the onsite Strategic Rocket Forces officer confirmed the launch order was valid. Fingers danced over the keyboard in front of the officer, as the launch data was transferred to the rockets selected for the task. At rest in their silos, the targeting data transferred into the rockets onboard computer. From that point, the process was automatic.
Explosive charges fired, blasting the protective concrete cover off two of the deep silos. Inside each rocket, valves opened, and hypergolic fuels mixed. On contact, the two hypergolic fuels reacted violently. Flame belched from the three circular rocket nozzles beneath each rocket. Overcoming gravity due to incredible thrust, the large rockets began to slowly climb from their individual silos. As the nose cone of each rocket emerged from the silo, umbilical cables attached to each rocket body broke free.
Flame and smoke erupted from vents surrounding the two launching silos. Noise thundered across the open plain surrounding the silo facility. Climbing, the rockets began to accelerate quickly. Gyroscopes inside of the rockets guidance system instructed the flaming bodies to rolls several degrees to the north. For the second time in the Strategic Rocket Force's history, they opened fire upon vessels of the Tau'ri.
On the bridge of the Edmund Halley, the avatar of the vessels artificial intelligence appeared. Seeing this, the Halley's commanding officer turned his attention towards the holographic representation he had learned to value as a member of the crew.
"What is it?" The commander asked.
"Sensors have detected two thermal blooms originating outside of the Tagrean capital city. Based on current flight profile, I surmise these are weapons aimed at this vessel." The avatar of Edmund Halley announced.
"We were warned they might open fire. Shields up!" The commander ordered.
"I detect first stage separation of both missiles. They continue to accelerate." Edmund Halley stated.
"Time to intercept?" The commander asked.
"Shields are now active. Three minutes commander." The avatar replied.
Outside of the bridge windows, a golden glow shimmered. Shield generators online, the Edmund Halley was quickly cocooned in her conformal defensive shields.
"Power up the sublight drive. Break orbit and maneuver away from the planet." The commander ordered.
"Maneuvering now. Despite maneuvering, I estimate high probability of missiles achieving intercept." The avatar stated.
"Open fire with the anti-fighter batteries!" The commander ordered desperately.
"That will not change the outcome. This vessel lacks anti-fighter turrets along the underside of the hull. Maneuvering towards the missiles makes possible engagement with the main weapon. That course of action lacks a high probability of success." The avatar explained.
"Time to intercept?" The commander asked again.
"Sensors detect third stage separation of both inbounds. They have exited the planets upper atmosphere and are continuing to close while accelerating. Impact in forty seconds." Edmund Halley stated.
"Sound read for collision throughout the ship." The commander ordered.
Throughout the Edmund Halley, red lighting activated, as claxons began to sound loudly. Men and women dropped what they were doing and quickly ran for safe areas. Edmund Halley's powerful sublight drive powered the vessel away from the planet of Tagrea. It was too little, too late though. Banking into a tight turn to starboard, Edmund Halley attempted to force an overshoot of the approaching interceptors.
Closing to within thirty kilometers of their target, the final stage of each rocket powered down. Explosive bolts fired, releasing the arrow shaped interceptor atop the final stage from its restraints. A final short pulse rocket fired at the end of each interceptor, accelerating them further. The radar mounted in the nose of each interceptor tracked the large target both fast approached.
Edmund Halley reversed its bank, and angled sharply to port. Spread apart by twenty kilometers, the nearest interceptor lost lock. The interceptor behind the first did not however. Inside the final interceptor, firing circuits armed. Programmed for a skin detonation, the interceptor charged headlong into the conformal shield of the Edmund Halley, striking one hundred meters in front of the sublight drive.
Firing circuits discharged, initiating nuclear detonation of the warhead within the interceptor. The force of this detonation transferred directly into the underside conformal shields of the science vessel. Intense light and heat filled the cold space surrounding the vessel. In the vessels long corridors, those still rushing to safe areas were knocked bodily to the deck plating. Items not secured fell also. Women screamed at the chaos of the assault, unsure if the icy clutches of death was reaching out for them.
On the bridge, a shower of sparks exploded from overhead. The acrid smell of ozone permeated the air. For a brief moment, the Halley's commanding officer was speechless. Thanks to the need to safeguard his crew, he quickly regained his composure.
"Hull integrity?" The commander half yelled.
"Hull integrity has not been compromised." The avatar replied.
"Get us out of here now!" The commander said with urgency.