Chapter 54 (1/2)

New Heliopolis

In the wake of the Jaffa execution of Mr. Briggman revulsion had rippled through the five races. Civilized people were expected to respect the sanctity of diplomats. In the aftermath of this recent debacle it was decided to immediately halt all aid to the Jaffa. No further would medical or technological assistance be provided. Military action was not considered, but not ruled out should further hostile actions take place.

Hammond

Dropping from hyperspace the Hammond engaged sub light engines. The long range sensors of Atlantis had shown this area of space was the most likely drop out point from hyperspace for the Wraith hive ship that was being tracked. It was the Hammond's mission to intercept and engage this hive before the culling it was surely headed to perform.

”Raise shields. Anything on the sensors” asked Colonel Carter.

”No ma'am, sensors are clear at the moment” responded Major Marks.

”Go to battle stations. I want to be ready the moment they exit hyperspace” ordered Carter.

Onboard the Hammond men and women hurried through the many corridors of the ship to their assigned battle stations. Like a finely tuned machine the crew of the Hammond readied themselves for the battle to come. This well rehearsed dance was now second nature during their time in the Pegasus galaxy.

”Hyperspace window opening to starboard. One hive and one cruiser detected” said Marks quickly.

”Move to intercept. Power up the Asgard beam and give me three bursts at the cruiser” ordered Carter.

”They are powering weapons” announced Marks.

Changing course the Hammond charged towards the two Wraith vessels from abeam. Three bright shafts of superheated plasma sprang forth towards the smaller Wraith vessel. Tearing through the organic hull of the vessel the beams destroyed everything in their path. Passing through the interior of the hull the three beams broke through the other side and continued on into the emptiness of space. In seconds the Wraith cruiser disintegrated in a horrific explosion consuming the entire ship.

”Cruiser is neutralized. The hive is firing” crisply stated Marks.

The many weapons points along the flank of the hive ship spat a powerful volley of energy bolts towards the Hammond. Colliding into the Tauri sh.i.p.s shields each bolt caused the shields to blossom brightly as the Wraith weapons fire dissipated against the protective energy screen. Aboard the Hammond sparks flew from electronics consoles below and over head of the crew seated on the bridge.

”Shields are at ninety one percent” called out Marks.