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them with money in their time of need. Then you gave them their shares back when you realized things were about to pick up. You would create strong ties between you and those you help.”
    Jao’uos turned and walked back around to his chair and sat down as he thought about what Jon had said. “You’ve made your point,” Jao’uos said. “I’m a shrewd businessman, and I’m not stupid. You’re right by saying at first I would profit, but in the end it would destroy me and my name and the ADF along with it. By doing things your way, I secure the corporation for my family down the line. I’ll start contacting and transferring ownership and controlling shares to the former CEO’s.”
    “Good,” Jon said. “So we have a deal then?”
    “I have one condition, and then we have a deal,” Jao’uos said.
    “That would be?” Jon said.
    “The ADF stops making the fold drives, and all drives created by you are locked down so they can’t be replicated,” Jao’uos said.
    “I can deal with that,” Jon said.
    “Including the
Atlantis’
drive,” Jao’uos said. He was watching Jon for a reaction.
    “Certainly,” Jon said with no hesitation.
    “My family and staff will be ready to be picked up at your earliest convenience,” Jao’uos said.
    “I’ll contact you again when we’re in orbit and things have settled down a bit,” Jon said. “It will probably be a few days.”
    “Fine, now what account do I transfer ownership of the shares to?” Jao’uos said as he smiled.
    “Uh,” Jon said. It was the first time he was unsure of his self.
    It was Deatra’s turn, and she stepped into view. Jao’uos gasped and immediately knelt with his head bowed as he said, “Your Highness.”
    “Rise,” Deatra said. “You can transfer those shares to my account for the ADF under my care.”
    Jao’uos stood up as he spoke, “Of course, Your Highness.”
    “Princess will do, no need for all that,” Deatra said.
    “As you wish, Princess,” Jao’uos said. He turned his attention to Jon as he continued to speak. “You Sir, have a bit more clout than I gave you credit for. Had you just made mention of the Princess it would have been a done deal from the start.”
    “I understand that,” Jon said. He stepped up to Deatra and put his arm around her. “I wanted you to want to do it and not be forced to do it. I wanted to see what kind of a man I was dealing with.”
    Jao’uos gasped when Jon wrapped his arm around Deatra’s waist. Deatra caught his uneasiness and laughed as she spoke, “He’s my bond-mate.”
    “Oh my god,” Jao’uos said and dropped to his knee again and bowed his head. “Forgive me, My Prince, I had no idea.”
    “For god sakes man, stand up,” Jon said as he chuckled. “I’m less formal than the Princess, you can call me Jon while were in private company. You also don’t need to bow when we’re in private company.”
    “As you wish My Prince… Err Jon,” Jao’uos said as he stood up again.
    “I think we’re going to get along just fine,” Jon said. “Prepare for your departure, I’ll call when it’s time. Take care until then.”
    The viewscreen went blank just as the Tactical Officer spoke up, “Sir; we have an incoming hyperspace event. Ship is emerging now twenty thousand feet off our port bow.”
    Jon dropped his arm from Deatra as he spoke, “On main view screen.”
    Jon watched a ship exited the hyperspace event. It was twice the size of the
Atlantis
and if that wasn’t enough, the ship had a very dark look to it. Multiple gun ports littered its surface. It was definitely a ship of war from the way it was built. Jon watched as fighters swarmed over its surface heading towards the
Atlantis
.
    “Condition Red,” Jon said. “Contact the
Desmodi
and request their assistance. Bring us out of orbit and plot a rendezvous point with the
Desmodi
. Launch all fighters and bring all guns and point defense systems online.”
    “Sir the eight Invaru vessels are on the move.