Chapter 198 (1/2)

Pegasus Galaxy

Borealis's ability to track a vessel in hyperspace made possible the task at hand. Constant monitoring of hyperspace activity by both city sh.i.p.s made possible the creation of an overall picture of movement activities in a large portion of the galaxy. As the positions of allied sh.i.p.s was already known, and Wraith Hive movement's were limited to certain corridors of Pegasus, it was a fair guess that the lone unidentified ship speeding across the cosmos belonged to the Harbinger. That was the thought anyway.

Intelligence gathering was the cornerstone of any war effort. Little was known about the Harbinger, and that deficiency was one that was badly in need of correction. To answer that call, the Daedalus class vessel Leonidas had been dispatched. Racing through hyperspace, Leonidas was the only asset in position to intercept the new threat. Tensions were high as the ship and her crew raced towards the unknown. Far too little was known about their potential foe.

”Incoming message subspace message sir. Borealis has detected the target dropping out of hyperspace. Updated coordinates are available.” The communications officer announced.

”Confirm receipt of coordinates. Helm, take us their at best possible speed.” Colonel Lucas Pratt ordered.

”Estimate our arrival at new coordinates in seventeen minutes sir.” The helmsman stated.

”Understood. When we drop out of hyperspace, I want the cloak online. Let's not take any chances with this one.” Pratt ordered hopefully.

Seconds spanned into minutes as Leonidas closed in on her prey. As a relatively untested crew, everyone was jittery to a certain extent. Speeding into the great unknown in an Athena was one thing, but it was an altogether different prospect in the much smaller 304. These were the moments they had trained for, and no other option existed but to rise to the occasion. Now was not the time to have these types of thoughts Pratt said to himself.

Bringing the cloak online, Leonidas prepared to exit hyperspace. Weapons were powered and placed in standby, sensors were brought to maximum gain, and battle stations were manned. All was ready. Ninety seconds later the warship slipped out of hyperspace, wrapped safely in the warm embrace of their invisibility.

Standing off in the distance laid the imposing bulk of the Harbinger's vessel. Large, sleek, and fearsome; it was an intimidating sight. Justification for that intimidation was confirmed, as sensors began to take readings. Detected power levels showed several times the amount of energy production than a standard Wraith Hive. Internal scans provided a picture of a vessel far different from a Hive in layout as well. Instead of many corridors and compartments, this vessel seemed to only have a lone corridor and a single compartment. Clearly, this was the bridge of the unique ship. If only they had known that on that bridge, a hyperspace window opening had been noticed.

”The targets power levels are dropping like a stone sir.” The sensor officer announced.

”Transferring power to other systems?” Pratt wondered aloud.