Chapter 205 - 204 (1/2)
Midway Station
Twenty hours earlier, the Athena class vessels Perseus, Atlas, and Reprisal had exited hyperspace. In tow with them and safeguarded by each vessels powerful defensive shield, the three vessels carried with them the makings of a new facility. Constructed within Arkos, the three station sections would form a structure identical to a capital letter H when interlocked. On release from the towing vessels, an automated set up protocol had initiated.
The outer legs of the 'H' were nine hundred meters in length, and one hundred meters in height. Comprised of a bottommost flight level, this deck was designed to house, launch, and recover F-302's for defense, as well as Puddle Jumpers in the event one was needed. Levels above this contained crew and quest quarters, automated medical fixtures, and a bevy of other necessary systems. The center section of this largest of letter shaped structures measured four hundred meters in length, and again one hundred meters in height.
On the uppermost level of the center section sat the area meant for both gates required for the link to the Pegasus and Milky Way galaxies gate networks. The control center, power generation, and other vital systems rested below. Unlike the outer legs, the center section lacked the docking facilities found on the outer legs. These docking ports would allow in the future docking between four and six Athena and Daedalus class vessels at one time.
Along the outer skin on the upper and lower station, every fifty meters sat Destiny style anti fighter energy weapon turrets. Top and bottom of the center section sat single turrets of a different type. These were equipped with dual Asgard plasma beam arrays. Protecting Midway from now on was a conformal shield array originally designed by the Ancients for use on the Aurora class of vessels.
In the nerve center of Midway sat Colonel Telford and Doctor Kavanaugh. Any change from the day-to-day tasks in this outpost between two galaxies was welcome, if not hoped for. For the first time in weeks, the two men actually engaged in conversation.
”Finally getting some new digs.” Telford said dryly.
”That's not all we're getting.” Kavanaugh hinted.
”What is that supposed to mean?” Telford demanded.
”You mean you don't know?” Kavanaugh asked in disbelief.
”Let's pretend I don't. Explain. Now. That's an order.” Telford hissed.
”We've been assigned a third member to join us in exile.” Kavanaugh stated.
At that moment, Doctor Jay Felger entered the command center, with his customary goofy grin in full attendance.
”Colonel! I'm here with your orders.” Felger began.