Chapter 1

"To whomever it may concern,

Peace has come to the Milky Way, more or less. There is always a group of thieves, or a military faction roaming about, but they never got large enough to be threat without Earth, or other allied forces intervening. So what was there left to do? After Atlantis landed on Earth we started reverse engineering their technology to improve Earth's defences, they even manage to integrate some into civilian life. Which confused scientists not in the loop greatly. But even that slowed eventually. We turned to other Galaxies and began to explore, but after previous instances we were hesitant to stretch themselves too thing, in case we awakened some ancient evil which threatened Earth. Which unfortunately isn't as unlikely as it sounds. That's when we stopped finding new Stargates, we had found all the addresses on the Goa'uld, Ancient, and Asgard databases. With several of-world bases and allied worlds exploring we had gotten pretty efficient. But by mapping these connections we found a Dead Zone. An end to the Stargate system. At the edge of our galaxy there was a large quadrant left unexplored. So what are we going to do? Explore it. But we're also going to use this opportunity to try something new.

As most of you should know the Tauri, the Jaafa, the Tok'ra, and several other nations have formed a coalition, a Galactic Alliance, and while we've been working together things are still new. For example there is no capital of this alliance, this galaxy. And to even try to decide one is a diplomatic nightmare. So the people of Earth have a proposal, he have built a new base on the world closest to the Dead Zone with a Stargate. And while we are not sparing maximum resources for this endeavour, we are hopeful it will wield exciting new oppurtunities. And know we invite you to join us here, on the coordinates enclosed, at a base we have named Theta. This will not be a base solely run by Earth, or any nation in the Galactic Alliance, but a joint taskforce, even perhaps a settlement. And one day maybe a capital.

Some of you have received this invitation personally, as your skills and experience are respected and helpful, however any who wish to join Theta in any capacity are welcome. I have been chosen to lead this base due to my diplomatic experience and the trust I hope I have gained with your people. I hope you will join me here, and help reveal this Galaxy's final mysteries, and secure a solid future, for all of us.

Dr. Daniel Jackson"

Daniel sat back in his chair and sighed, "Are you sure about this?"

"'Secure a solid future' yeah sure, a bit cliché, but it works," Jack responded

"No I meant about this 'settlement' and the Dead Zone," Daniel had his doubts about this experiment

"You don't think we can all get along? Hold hands and sing? Daniel I'm shocked!"

"Oh no I'm sure it's possible, but probable?" Daniel stood and looked out the large windows at the Stargate, "I mean, wouldn't it be better if we asked the Alliance this first? As opposed to us just sending out an invitation" he waved it about for emphasis

"Look, Daniel, Theta Base is going ahead anyway, the big wigs upstairs are trying to impress the other nations and this is their plan," he took the paper, sighed dramatically and slowly sat down, "but if you want to pull the plug I'm sure the military would be all too happy to take over…"

Daniel snatched the paper back, "no it's fine"

Jack smirked back, and stood with him at the window, "good, know isn't it time I showed you your new command, Governor?"

"I'm not calling myself that"

"Mayor?"

"No"

"President?"

"…maybe."

Three months later and the last few people they expected were arriving. Theta was a large, grey building perched on a hill surrounded by forest, like every other off-world military base. But now it was different because in several places nearby colourful and varied tents and half-built buildings were sprouting up. The reception was better than they hoped. The nations of the GA quickly sent military and civilian forces, but Daniel was unsure whether they truly believed in Theta or just wanted to have people there if things went wrong, or well. Smaller worlds moved people here too, sometimes entire villages, eager to gain the support of the GA. Now though he had to start the actually exploration part. Daniel freely admitted he didn't care much about that part, nor did he expect the Dead Zone to hold anything of interest, but it was necessary.

Jonas Quinn was almost through the Stargate as soon as he read the invitation, his work on Langara was important, but diplomatically he was the best choices for an ambassador to Theta. And scientifically exploration was always his dream. Not to mention working with Daniel again was an exciting prospect. He had been called to the briefing room, and almost replica of the one at the SGC, except with a lot more flags and a lot more books and tech lining the walls. Daniel was already there, along with three others he didn't recognise. "A Jonas, good," Daniel gestured for him sit across from the other three

"Daniel," Jonas nodded hello as he sat, more than happy to be in a civilian-led operation

"Now really Daniel, what's all this about?" asked the woman in far-too-tight leather, "when you called me here I was hoping for a bit of sex but now I'm starting to think you have other ideas"

"Vala, enough," Daniel shushed her with a gesture, barely startled by the lewd remark, "as you all know Theta has two purposes, exploration and"-

"Team-building?" Vala said sarcastically

"I was going to say diplomacy, but yes"

"I take it this is about the former?" Jonas added, annoyed at Vala's interruptions

"Yes, just like the SGC we're going to be putting together teams of 4 to explore the planets in the Dead Zone"

"But I thought there were no Stargates in the dead zone," the other woman said, she was a Jaffa, with a very clear face, the mark on her head cover by a band of cloth as was the style among the free Jaffa

"We've found a way around that," Daniel replied

The third man stood up suddenly and bowed briefly to Daniel, "if you will excuse me I will take my leave," he spoke in the deep, distorted voice of the Tok'ra

"We're not done here Gel'nak"

"I am here to represent the Tok'ra in this settlement Doctor Jackson, not to go exploring in the Dead Zone," he turned a left before he'd even finished his sentence

"It's alright," Daniel gestured after him, "I'll talk to him later"

"So I assume the three of us and the Tok'ra are to be one of these teams?" the Jaffa spoke with a very clear, light voice

"Yes, Laren, this is Vala Mal Doran and Jonas Quinn"

"Nice to meet you," Jonas leant over the table to shake her hand, which she did with some amusement

"Thank you, Daniel," Vala began, standing up, "I am so happy to be chosen as the leader of this team, I promise you we will bring back every piece of treasure from the Dead Zone, minus our cut, of course"-

"Vala," Daniel stopped her again, "you're not the leader of Theta One," he nodded to Jonas, "Jonas is"

Jonas' heart leapt in his chest, he was going to be leader? And of Theta's first team. His smile got even broader than before, "Thank you Daniel, I won't let you down"

"Hang on a minute, you even is this guy," Vala pointed a finger at him while glaring at Daniel, "I was part of SG-1 Daniel!"

"So was I?" Jonas was confused, "did, did they never talk about me?"

Daniel looked sheepish, but ignored him "look, Vala you both have experience at this, but Jonas has more experience leading teams on Langara, and he has a more… um… diplomatic way of doing things."

"Ugh," Vala stormed off

"If you'll excuse me, I'll go back to my office, and make myself ready," Laren left quietly

"Well," Daniel smiled falsely, "we're off to a good start."