Free Atlantis Rising by Michael McClain Page A

conquer the galaxy. From that point forward the
Eutharan Empire fought against the Invaru and their allies.”
    Jon stood up and spoke, “Thanks,
Atlanta that will be enough for now.”
    “Yes, Sir,” Atlanta said as she
faded from view.
    Jonathan bent down and pick up
the small device as he spoke, “We’re moving you to that base right now. We’re
running out of time. There is an Invaru Battle Fleet on course for Earth. They
might just be passing by, or they might have decided it was time to enslave the
Human race. We’re going to stop them if it’s the latter case.
    “This is your last chance to opt
out. If you don’t want to go to the base, stand up now and wait in the
reception room. We will make arrangements to get you back to the mainland.
Remember, for the time being this will function like a military operation. I’m
in command, and what I say goes. Those people holding a higher rank than you
are your bosses, so choose wisely.”
    “There is no going back.”

Chapter 5
Defiance
    J
    on walked down the hall, passing one of the new engineers. The man
had a panel off the wall and was half hidden from view. Jon smiled to himself;
it was good to see people actually moving about the base.
    “File six-a-three,” the man said.
“Think I got it now.”
    Jon stopped and chuckled.
    “Atlanta, can you give me a
reading on the power coupler on level four section twelve?” the man said.
    “The readings have evened out,
looks like you got the fluctuation taken care of,” Atlanta’s voice said. “Good
morning, Commander. We need you in Command.”
    “I’m on my way, Atlanta. Terri
relayed your message to me when I woke up,” Jon said.
    A loud bang, followed by some
cussing, came from the panel as the man slid out.
    He quickly got to his feet as he
spoke, “Sorry, Sir. I didn’t know you were here.”
    The man saluted Jon as he came to
attention.
    Jon saluted him back as he spoke,
“At ease, sailor.”
    He relaxed.
    “How is everything?” Jon asked.
    “Well, the main power conduit…”
he started to say.
    Jon held his hand up, “I meant,
with you. Are you adjusting well? Have you had any problems?”
    “Oh! No, Sir. Everything is fine.
Actually, it’s better than fine. I used to have to wear glasses, but the
nanites corrected my vision. I woke up this morning, and felt like a new man,
the best I have felt in years,” he said.
    “Good. Well, if you need
anything, let me know. Oh, by the way, you can access the information in your
head, by just thinking about it,” Jon said.
    “Yes, Sir. I’m still getting used
to how the nanites work,” the Ensign said.
    “I have to get going. Make sure
you attend all the classes, so you can get certified. Having the information in
your head, doesn’t replace experience. You need ‘hands on’ experience to learn
the things the manuals can’t tell you,” Jon said.
    “Yes, Sir. I’ll make sure I’m at
all my scheduled classes,” he said.
    Atlanta was holding classes for
all the divisions on base. She had told Jon they all needed practical experience. He even had to take
classes on tactics and strategy. He personally thought it was a good idea. He
even had people volunteering to teach classes to new recruits. Jon certainly
hoped they would be around long enough to recruit more people.
    Jon continued down the corridor
and stepped into the transport tube to Command as he chuckled. He needed to
contact the department heads and have them all tell their people to relax. He
stepped lightly out of the tube on to the Command level.
    Atlanta was standing at the
planning table talking to Mike. They were looking over the incoming fleet and
trying to come up with some type of plan.
    “Commander on deck!” one of the
marines shouted as Jon stepped off the lift.
    Jon cringed as everyone stopped
what he or she was doing and stood up. Jon gave the marine an evil stare as the
man stood up straight with a smile on his face.
    “As you were,” Jon said.
    Everyone resumed