A Ray of Hope

[Greylock]

Omicron Minor, 1930 SMT

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"No doubt it'll be a pleasant surprise," said the man at Solandros' side. "I've been off the grid for four months, as far as most of the fleet is concerned. Hell, even Cleveland doesn't know where I am. Take good care of the Atlantis, and she'll get you home safely time and time again."

As Solandros left the bridge, the man sat down in the Captain's chair and awaited the arrival of the crew from the Bogue.


Carrier Valley Forge, Omicron Minor, 1940 SMT

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"That's our queue," said Admiral Prower, who had taken command of the experimental Atlantis-class carrier which had been outfitted with a cloaking device and hyperdrive to ensure that both the Zagazig and Bogue would be safe throughout the operation. "Bring us in close and get ready to tow the Osiris back to port."


L.N.S. Bogue, 1945 SMT

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"Colonel Solandros, welcome aboard the Bogue. Lieutenant Peterson and his team will stay aboard long enough to get your team acquainted with all of the inner workings of the ship, then return to Liberty."

"Much appreciated, Captain. Best of luck with your endeavors. We left a surprise on the Zagazig, I think you'll quite like it."

The two men shook hands and Briggs departed for the Zagazig, wondering what the surprise could be. As he boarded the Osiris, he headed straight to the bridge.

"Hello, Luke."

"Who's there?"

The man rose from his seat, and as the lights on the bridge became brighter, Luke saw a familiar face. The face of Grey Evans.

"Grey? What the hell are you doing here?"

"There's time for explanations later. Right now, we need to get this hunk of junk back to Juneau in one piece. I trust one of our ships is nearby, preparing to jump us to Alaska?"

"Yes. The Valley Forge, which was commissioned shortly after the Antietam was taken out of service should be right off our starboard bow now."

"Excellent. By all means, this is your operation now, I'm retired."

Briggs walked over to the comm panel and opened a channel on the secure frequency used by the Liberty Navy

"Valley Forge, this is Captain Briggs aboard the Zagazig. Package acquired. Take us home."

As he spoke, the colossal form of another Atlantis-class carrier shimmered into view as the cloaking device deactivated.

"Captain Briggs, this is Admiral Prower. Prepare for jump in 3... 2... 1."

Juneau Shipyard, 2130 SMT

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"Juneau Shipyard, this is Admiral Prower aboard the Valley Forge. Requesting drydock clearance for an Osiris and mooring clearance at mooring point eight for the Valley Forge."

Rear Admiral Ayato was in the traffic control room on Juneau Shipyard when the call came in.

"Admiral Prower, this is Rear Admiral Ayato speaking. Can you repeat that? Did you say Osiris?

"Yes. We've already done a security sweep through the entire ship. She's clear. We'll talk about this further once I'm aboard. Also, prepare some quarters for a special guest.

"Acknowledged. The Osiris is clear for drydock one, and you're clear for mooring point eight."

Battleship Zagazig, 2140 SMT

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"Well, here we are. I bet you didn't expect to see me back here after I retired and gave up my security clearance."

"No, sir, I definitely did not expect to see you again. Let's head on in. You know the way."

With that, the two men took one more look around the bridge of the Zagazig, and departed to head for the airlock onto Juneau.


Juneau Shipyard, 2200 SMT

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As the men walked into the briefing room, the high command of the Fifth fleet was there to greet them. As they took their seats, Grey cracked a grin.

"I must apologize for keeping you all in the dark about why I really retired. It was becoming clear to me that I would have to do some things to make this deal happen that I could not do with the government watching my every move. Cleveland, I can only hope that you will forgive me and allow me to resume my commission as an Admiral within your fleet."

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