___________________
Disclaimer:
I do not own Andromeda, Stargate SG1, or any part thereof. All rights to these properties are retained by their respective owners.
However, I created the character Ishan and Species 8475.
___________________
Note: I'm trying to create a system to make crossover fics easier to read. Three stars indicate a major scene change (like going from the gate room to the bridge of the Andromeda), and three dashes indicate a time lapse. Please let me know what you think.
"All roads are not alike, and few can always recognize the Way."
- Himari Jelse, CY 9598
-------
"Incoming traveler!" The private shouted as the klaxon began to wail.
'What would we do without you?' Jack thought as he looked through the huge window overlooking the gateroom. After a moment, it became appearant that no clearance signal was forthcoming, and the iris was shut to prevent invasion.
"Something's wrong," Daniel said, a look of confusing spreading over his face.
"What is it?" Sam asked, stooping to view the computer screen.
"I don't know. I've never seen anything like this. I'm reading a huge energy spike coming in."
"You can say that again," Jack said, watching as smoke began to rise slowly from the aperture of the stargate.
"All nine chevrons have been activated," Sam said, looking at the gate in wonder.
"What is going on!" General Hammond demanded.
"I wish I knew…" Daniel trailed off.
"We're getting another energy spike coming in, but this one's…different," Sam began.
"Different how?" Hammond asked.
"Well…" Daniel said, looking at the readout.
"The iris seems to be getting hot," Teal'c said.
Everyone immediately looked up to see that the iris was already glowing red. Before long, a hole was burned through the heavy metallic disc. Soon, most of the iris was gone.
"SG-5, to the gate room!" Hammond ordered via the PA system, "Prepare for unidentified travelers!"
Slowly, a small metallic box came in through the stargate. The object was black, even the tiny wheels that rolled silently over the ramp. Quickly a voice from inside the box began to speak, "Please do not view our actions as hostile. I assure you, the destruction of the device by which you block the vortex was absolutely necessary. We will gladly replace the device for you. I will arrive shortly, and I hope that our meeting will be peaceful."
"Sir, we've got another traveler coming in," The private informed them.
***
Andromeda watched as the gray tunnel flashed by. Slipstream was an incredible mode of travel, and she sometimes wished that she would be able to pilot through the stream herself.
Dylan meanwhile sat in the chair, fully concentrating on the path ahead. He normally would have sent Beka or Harper to control the slip stream piloting, partly because High Guard Captains were supposed to delegate such responsibilities, and partly because he wasn't very good at it. However, he could get the ship through without damaging anything, and the others were all asleep.
He was glad when the ship finally came back into normal space. Although he tried to hide it, Rommie could sense his relief as he rose from the slip stream chair.
"Temosh Station ahead," Andromed told him.
Dylan suddenly realised just how tired he was, "Tell the chancellor not to worry. The mercenary vessle isn't going to try anything while we're protecting him. We'll conduct a full search in the morning."
Andromeda nodded, "Should I start combing the area now?"
"Just keep within site of the station," Dylan smiled, "We wouldn't want Chancellor Kyman to get nervous."
"Aye sir," Andromeda responded, and Dylan turned to go back to his quarters for some much-needed rest.
---
"OK, why were you being raided?" Dylan asked.
"Our mines on the planet produce a very valuable ore. Neitzchians use it in some of their higher-yield weapons. Also, many scientists wish to study it. Many of its properties are still unknown," The chubby chancellor explained.
"You produce high explosives for the Neitzchians?" Dylan asked, his temper boiling beneath his calm demeanor.
"Oh no," Kyman assured him, "That's why they were trying to steal it. We only sell to scientific institutions, like the Nyrom colony."
"I see," Dylan answered, relieved, "What do you know about the mercenaries?"
"They showed several different types of technology, including Neitzchian and Magog. We think they include technological advances as part of their fee. Still, the ship was fairly small. Probably a long-range fighter class. They are too small to bring the cargo pod aboard, and they won't be able to activate their slip stream drive with it in tow."
"Don't worry. If anyone can find your pod, Andromeda can."
"I hope so, I wouldn't want it to fall into the wrong hands."
Dylan nodded, then went back to the Andromeda. The ship immediately got underway.
"Dylan, I think I found a way to track down the missing pod," Harper said as he intercepted the captain in a corridor.
"Let's hear it," Dylan responded.
"Well, I've been studying the sample that Kyman gave us. Appearantly, this ore gives off some weird energy readings. We aren't sure, but we think it converts heat from the surroundings into a lower entropy state. So, I tuned Andromeda to pick up those readings, and bam. Those pods are about as inconspicuous as an elephant in a flea circus."
"Good work," Dylan smiled approvingly as the door opened to the bridge.
"I'm detecting a faint energy trail leading away from the station," Andromeda informed them, "Judging by the signal, and the rate of energy dissipation, I'll probably catch up with them in about five hours."
"What do you think they're planning to do with the pod?" Beka asked.
"If I were them," Tyr answered, "I would have a cargo ship hidding nearby."
"Perhaps we should stay near the station," Rev suggested, "We won't be able to catch them if they enter the slip stream. But, they might make another run on the station."
"These are mercenaries," Tyr said, "And from the description of the raid, they seem pretty intelligent. They aren't going to attack the same place twice when reinforcements are known to be in the area."
"Wait," Andromeda informed them, "I'm picking up a huge energy signature up ahead. I think it's the cargo pod."
"Why would they leave it here?" Harper asked.
"Maybe they don't have a cargo ship," Dylan answered, "They might have to carry the ore back in their fighter. If they tried that, they would have to make more than one trip."
"Even so, why leave it here for anyone to find?" Tyr asked.
"As far as they know, there is no energy signature. The ore doesn't convert much energy, so they probably didn't even notice it. A mining pod would be a needle in a haystack this far out."
"I'm picking up something else," Andromeda paused, "It's debris."
"Sounds like someone found them before we did," Tyr responded.
"Andromeda, do you have any idea about who did this?"
"No…I'm not detecting any trace of weapons. They've got burn marks on the hull, so they could have been using energy beams."
"As far as we know," Harper piped up, "Energy beams are too inefficient for ship combat. Whoever did this must have been pretty advanced."
Dylan sighed. Andromeda was more than a match for some mercenary raider, but this was a different story. They had to proceed with caution. Meanwhile, Andromeda moved to study the huge pod.
"It seems about half full," Andromeda observed, "A small frigate or an escort destroyer could have taken away the rest."
"What's are those?" Trance asked, entering the conversation.
"Frigates are small, general use ships. Destroyers are also small, but they trade armor for better weapons. They're designed to take out large ships," Andromeda answered.
"…Like us," Dylan added.
***
"Welcome to earth," Hammond said, trying to appear in control of the situation.
"Thank you," The stranger smiled, "Are you in charge here?"
"Yes, I am," The general responded authoritatively.
"I have a very urgent matter to discus with you," The still unidentified traveler stated matter-of-factly.
"Why don't we go up to the conference room," Hammond invited.
"Gladly," Smiling again, the newcomer followed Hammond through the doors of the gate room.
General Hammond and SG1 sat around the table, anxiously awaiting the visitor's explanation. As one might expect, the general was more than a little irritated about having his base infiltrated, but he knew not to do anything rash to someone with what appeared to be significantly better technology.
"I am Ishan, and I have come to your world to prevent an invasion. You see, a highly advanced species from a distant galaxy wishes to take possession of your galaxy, and this is the most likely starting point for their attack."
"Why here?" Jack asked.
"Because no highly advanced race occupies this world," Ishan explained bluntly, "They can conquer this world with relative ease and set up a base before defeating the Gua'uld, Asguard, and others in the area. Additionally, the asteroid belt near your world contains an unusual concentration of an element that is very valuable to them."
"What element?" Sam asked.
"It is the element we use to create energy vortices."
"You mean the stargate?" Daniel asked.
An amused look crept over Ishan's face as he nodded, "Yes, the stargate."
"Are you suggesting we bury the stargate?" Jack asked, incredulous.
"Of course not. They don't need your gateways. However, they do use the element as part of their ship-board vortex generators."
"So what do you expect us to do?" Hammond asked.
"I want your people to accompany me on a mission. We need to travel through the vortex to another galaxy, another dimension in fact, and destroy the ship being sent here."
"Only one ship?" Daniel asked.
"That's all they need," Ishan answered.
"Why do you require us?" Teal'c wanted to know.
"I don't need you, but you need me. I want you to be prepared if you are to ever face these things yourselves. You need experience with this technology."
"How do you know all this?" Sam asked.
"We aren't powerful enough to fight a war with them, but we have a great deal of espionage that allows us to oppose them at every turn. So far, they aren't even aware of us."
"So, what kind of technology is this?" Jack wondered.
"It is a nanobot-based weapon designed to destroy the cellular structure of their ships."
"…The cellular structure of their ships?" Sam said, taken aback.
Ishan nodded, "They use organic vessles."
"How do we know that we can believe you?" Hammond asked.
"I'm not sure that I can prove myself to you, but I hope you don't risk ignoring me."
Hammond nodded, "Fine. SG1, what do you say?"
"I think we have to check this out," Daniel answered immediately.
"Daniel's right," Jack added.
Hammond nodded, "Just let us know if you need anything."
"I will," Ishan smiled.
***
"There is no sign of the other ship," Andromeda finally announced.
"Bring the cargo pod aboard. We'll bring it back to the station before heading out."
"What's our next move?" Beka asked.
"We'll be heading for Krisar Prime like we planned before all this happened," Dylan answered.
"So we're just going to leave without investigating?" Beka responded.
"What else can we do?" Dylan asked, rhetorically, "We have no leads on whatever destroyed the raider ship."
Beka was about to protest, but she realised he was right. They had no way of finding who did it.
---
"I never thought he'd leave," The tall figure said, entering the chancellor's office.
"Without him, you wouldn't have gotten any of it back," Kyman answered.
The Neitzchian scoffed, "Even so, a rival pride now has half a pod full. Its enough to wipe out a colony."
"How do you know another pride stole the shipment?"
"Typical Neitzchian tactics. They killed the mercenaries and took the shipment rather than paying for it," The male smirked, "Who else could have done it?"
***
"Now what?" Jack asked, surveying the landscape.
"We have to make our way to the outpost and find a ship that can get us close enough to the bioship that we can launch the nanobots at it," Ishan responded as Teal'c emerged from the stargate.
"Is the bioship nearby?" The Jaffa asked.
"No," Ishan answered, "But this is the only world with a stargate. Luckily, the Frea'shar never found it."
"Who are the Frea'shar?" Daniel asked.
"They fought a war with those who built the original stargates," Ishan answered, "The Frea'shar had the ability to generate the energy vortices from their ships, they had no need of the stargates. However, the gatebuilders did not have that ability. So, the Frea'shar destroyed the gates to slow their enemie's travel. They would have done the same thing in your dimension, and mine, had they not been defeated."
"I can see why they never found this gate," Sam said, wandering over to the cave entrance. The others soon joined her.
"It appears we have a long walk ahead," Teal'c observed, surveying the mountainous region surrounding them.
---
"So, do we just stick our thumbs out and hail a cab?" Jack asked, noting the various ships coming and going from the space port.
"Excuse me?" Ishan asked, unfamiliar with the human custom.
"He means," Daniel answered, "How do we find a ship?"
"We just have to ask someone," Ishan replied, looking around, "There."
The team looked in the direction that he was pointing.
"Her?" Jack asked, "How do you know that she's the one to ask?"
Ishan shrugged, "She looks nice."
"Nice isn't the word I'd use," Jack responded, following Ishan over to the girl's ship.
"Excuse me miss," Ishan said, as he approached.
"Yes?" The girl asked, sweetly. Her tail swaying gently as she turned to meet them.
"We're looking for transportation to the Kelmar Belt. Do you happen to know of a ship we could use?"
The girl seemed shocked, "We were on our way there anyway. We just had some vital repairs to do before we went anywhere. I'm sure Dylan won't mind bringing you along."
---
"Have you lost your mind?" Dylan asked, shocked.
"What?" Trance asked.
"You brought five armed strangers aboard the Andromeda, knowing nothing about them, so that we can bring them along while we try to protect a planet from being attacked by the Neitzchians, and you don't see a problem with that?"
"I don't think they'll cause a problem," She answered.
"Trance usually is right about this sort of thing," Rev added.
"Still…" Dylan objected.
"Dylan, the repairs are finished. We should get moving as soon as possible," Andromeda informed him.
Dylan sighed, "You can come with us if you agree to stay in your quarters."
"Of course," Ishan agreed.
"Tyr, please show our guests to the crew quarters."
"That way," Tyr said, motioning with his weapon.
"Wait a minute," Jack spoke up, but Ishan cut him off.
"We were lucky to find a ship heading for that area. Don't worry, this is a High Guard ship of The Line, and he is a captain in the Systems Commonwealth. They're trustworthy."
"Hey, don't do us any favors," Beka stood up.
"Just forget I said anything," Jack shook his head.
"Harper, take us out," Dylan ordered as Tyr guided the SG team off the bridge.
"Can do," Seamus Harper answered, "Slip stream is coming online…now."
***
"So, what do we do once we got to this Kelmar belt?" Jack asked, sitting on the bed.
"I'll have to activate my time dilation matrix to slow them down, allowing us take some sort of shuttle or an escape pod. Then, we can fire the weapon once we are close enough to the enemy vessle. After that, we can simply return the pod, return to normal time, and get a ride back to the stargate."
"Sounds like a piece of cake," Jack answered, sarcastically.
"Now that you mention it," Ishan answered, "I wonder when they will be serving a meal aboard this ship."
---
"Uhhh…Dylan," Harper said, piloting through the slip stream, "We have a problem."
"What kind of problem?" Dylan asked.
At that moment, the Andromeda transited to normal space.
"That kind," Harper answered, "We just lost slip stream."
"I guess the Krisarii engineers aren't as good as they claim," Beka said.
"Or maybe that ore did more damage than we thought," Harper told them.
"Andromeda," Dylan said, "How bad is it?"
"I'm…not sure," She responded, "I'm not getting any power to the drive system."
"Harper, go down to engineering and check it out. Trance, see if you can help him out. Andromeda, I'll need your avatar down there, too. Beka, be ready to get moving as soon as the drive comes back online."
"Right," Beka said, taking Harper's place.
"We'll be moving in no time," Harper assured him as he walked out, followed closely by Trance and Andromeda.
---
"What just happened?" Jack asked.
"We've stopped," Ishan answered simply.
"Are we there already?" Sam wondered.
"No…" Ishan was clearly worried.
"Could enemy technology be interfering with the vessle?" Teal'c asked.
Ishan shook his head, "They couldn't have even detected us by now. Besides, they wouldn't see us as a threat."
"Andromeda, privacy mode off," Ishan said, touching a control panel.
"Privacy mode off," Andromeda answered, a hologram appearing in the room, "Everything all right?"
"Could you tell us why we stopped?" Ishan asked.
"A minor technical problem. We'll be underway soon."
"Perhaps I could help," Ishan offered, "I am very good with machines."
Andromeda looked at him incredulously, "Thanks, but we can handle it."
"I'm afraid time is of the essense," Ishan said, "Unlock the door."
"No," Andromeda answered, irritated.
"Unlock door, authorization High Guard Admiral 38474-omega-charlie."
Andromeda's face took on a look of utter shock as she automatically opened the doors for him. The SG team followed Ishan out before the ship could recover from the shock.
"Hey, how did you know that code?" Jack asked.
"I've got a permanent connection to the main computer database on my world. I simply downloaded the appropriate file into my brain. As I said, we have a massive espionage program."
---
"This damaged energy converter was welded right to the conduit. We'll have to cut it out," Harper observed, "Rommie, hand me the laser cutter… Rommie?"
"She just started staring at nothing," Trance explained as Harper peaked out from the damaged drive system.
"Rommie!" Harper shouted, trying to get her attention.
"Wh…what?" Andromeda asked.
"Did you have a power surge or something?" Harper asked, concerned.
"No, I was just…surprised by something. What do you need?"
"The laser cutter," Harper said, "You're sure you'll be fine?"
"Don't worry," The avatar responded as she brough him the tool.
"You know, you could just bypass the damaged systems," Ishan pointed out, as he arrived on the catwalk nearby.
"Hey, aren't you supposed to be grounded?" Harper asked.
"We decided to sneak out," Jack said.
"I thought you were keeping them in their room," Trance asked, looking at Rommie.
"He told me he was an admiral," Andromeda explained.
"And you believed him?" Harper was amazed.
"He had my access codes," Andromeda answered apologetically, "I can't turn down his orders."
"You really should let me take a look," Ishan urged.
"What do you know about repairing slip stream drives?" Harper replied, a hint of anger in his voice.
"More than you, appearantly," Ishan said, also becoming irritated, "You could run a high energy conduit right past that burned out section."
"How exactly is the sensor manifold going to handle all that power, smart guy?"
"I'll show you," Ishan answered, moving resolutely in the direction of the damaged system.
***
"Dylan," Andromeda said, "There's something I should tell you about our guests…"
Disclaimer:
I do not own Andromeda, Stargate SG1, or any part thereof. All rights to these properties are retained by their respective owners.
However, I created the character Ishan and Species 8475.
___________________
Note: I'm trying to create a system to make crossover fics easier to read. Three stars indicate a major scene change (like going from the gate room to the bridge of the Andromeda), and three dashes indicate a time lapse. Please let me know what you think.
"All roads are not alike, and few can always recognize the Way."
- Himari Jelse, CY 9598
-------
"Incoming traveler!" The private shouted as the klaxon began to wail.
'What would we do without you?' Jack thought as he looked through the huge window overlooking the gateroom. After a moment, it became appearant that no clearance signal was forthcoming, and the iris was shut to prevent invasion.
"Something's wrong," Daniel said, a look of confusing spreading over his face.
"What is it?" Sam asked, stooping to view the computer screen.
"I don't know. I've never seen anything like this. I'm reading a huge energy spike coming in."
"You can say that again," Jack said, watching as smoke began to rise slowly from the aperture of the stargate.
"All nine chevrons have been activated," Sam said, looking at the gate in wonder.
"What is going on!" General Hammond demanded.
"I wish I knew…" Daniel trailed off.
"We're getting another energy spike coming in, but this one's…different," Sam began.
"Different how?" Hammond asked.
"Well…" Daniel said, looking at the readout.
"The iris seems to be getting hot," Teal'c said.
Everyone immediately looked up to see that the iris was already glowing red. Before long, a hole was burned through the heavy metallic disc. Soon, most of the iris was gone.
"SG-5, to the gate room!" Hammond ordered via the PA system, "Prepare for unidentified travelers!"
Slowly, a small metallic box came in through the stargate. The object was black, even the tiny wheels that rolled silently over the ramp. Quickly a voice from inside the box began to speak, "Please do not view our actions as hostile. I assure you, the destruction of the device by which you block the vortex was absolutely necessary. We will gladly replace the device for you. I will arrive shortly, and I hope that our meeting will be peaceful."
"Sir, we've got another traveler coming in," The private informed them.
***
Andromeda watched as the gray tunnel flashed by. Slipstream was an incredible mode of travel, and she sometimes wished that she would be able to pilot through the stream herself.
Dylan meanwhile sat in the chair, fully concentrating on the path ahead. He normally would have sent Beka or Harper to control the slip stream piloting, partly because High Guard Captains were supposed to delegate such responsibilities, and partly because he wasn't very good at it. However, he could get the ship through without damaging anything, and the others were all asleep.
He was glad when the ship finally came back into normal space. Although he tried to hide it, Rommie could sense his relief as he rose from the slip stream chair.
"Temosh Station ahead," Andromed told him.
Dylan suddenly realised just how tired he was, "Tell the chancellor not to worry. The mercenary vessle isn't going to try anything while we're protecting him. We'll conduct a full search in the morning."
Andromeda nodded, "Should I start combing the area now?"
"Just keep within site of the station," Dylan smiled, "We wouldn't want Chancellor Kyman to get nervous."
"Aye sir," Andromeda responded, and Dylan turned to go back to his quarters for some much-needed rest.
---
"OK, why were you being raided?" Dylan asked.
"Our mines on the planet produce a very valuable ore. Neitzchians use it in some of their higher-yield weapons. Also, many scientists wish to study it. Many of its properties are still unknown," The chubby chancellor explained.
"You produce high explosives for the Neitzchians?" Dylan asked, his temper boiling beneath his calm demeanor.
"Oh no," Kyman assured him, "That's why they were trying to steal it. We only sell to scientific institutions, like the Nyrom colony."
"I see," Dylan answered, relieved, "What do you know about the mercenaries?"
"They showed several different types of technology, including Neitzchian and Magog. We think they include technological advances as part of their fee. Still, the ship was fairly small. Probably a long-range fighter class. They are too small to bring the cargo pod aboard, and they won't be able to activate their slip stream drive with it in tow."
"Don't worry. If anyone can find your pod, Andromeda can."
"I hope so, I wouldn't want it to fall into the wrong hands."
Dylan nodded, then went back to the Andromeda. The ship immediately got underway.
"Dylan, I think I found a way to track down the missing pod," Harper said as he intercepted the captain in a corridor.
"Let's hear it," Dylan responded.
"Well, I've been studying the sample that Kyman gave us. Appearantly, this ore gives off some weird energy readings. We aren't sure, but we think it converts heat from the surroundings into a lower entropy state. So, I tuned Andromeda to pick up those readings, and bam. Those pods are about as inconspicuous as an elephant in a flea circus."
"Good work," Dylan smiled approvingly as the door opened to the bridge.
"I'm detecting a faint energy trail leading away from the station," Andromeda informed them, "Judging by the signal, and the rate of energy dissipation, I'll probably catch up with them in about five hours."
"What do you think they're planning to do with the pod?" Beka asked.
"If I were them," Tyr answered, "I would have a cargo ship hidding nearby."
"Perhaps we should stay near the station," Rev suggested, "We won't be able to catch them if they enter the slip stream. But, they might make another run on the station."
"These are mercenaries," Tyr said, "And from the description of the raid, they seem pretty intelligent. They aren't going to attack the same place twice when reinforcements are known to be in the area."
"Wait," Andromeda informed them, "I'm picking up a huge energy signature up ahead. I think it's the cargo pod."
"Why would they leave it here?" Harper asked.
"Maybe they don't have a cargo ship," Dylan answered, "They might have to carry the ore back in their fighter. If they tried that, they would have to make more than one trip."
"Even so, why leave it here for anyone to find?" Tyr asked.
"As far as they know, there is no energy signature. The ore doesn't convert much energy, so they probably didn't even notice it. A mining pod would be a needle in a haystack this far out."
"I'm picking up something else," Andromeda paused, "It's debris."
"Sounds like someone found them before we did," Tyr responded.
"Andromeda, do you have any idea about who did this?"
"No…I'm not detecting any trace of weapons. They've got burn marks on the hull, so they could have been using energy beams."
"As far as we know," Harper piped up, "Energy beams are too inefficient for ship combat. Whoever did this must have been pretty advanced."
Dylan sighed. Andromeda was more than a match for some mercenary raider, but this was a different story. They had to proceed with caution. Meanwhile, Andromeda moved to study the huge pod.
"It seems about half full," Andromeda observed, "A small frigate or an escort destroyer could have taken away the rest."
"What's are those?" Trance asked, entering the conversation.
"Frigates are small, general use ships. Destroyers are also small, but they trade armor for better weapons. They're designed to take out large ships," Andromeda answered.
"…Like us," Dylan added.
***
"Welcome to earth," Hammond said, trying to appear in control of the situation.
"Thank you," The stranger smiled, "Are you in charge here?"
"Yes, I am," The general responded authoritatively.
"I have a very urgent matter to discus with you," The still unidentified traveler stated matter-of-factly.
"Why don't we go up to the conference room," Hammond invited.
"Gladly," Smiling again, the newcomer followed Hammond through the doors of the gate room.
General Hammond and SG1 sat around the table, anxiously awaiting the visitor's explanation. As one might expect, the general was more than a little irritated about having his base infiltrated, but he knew not to do anything rash to someone with what appeared to be significantly better technology.
"I am Ishan, and I have come to your world to prevent an invasion. You see, a highly advanced species from a distant galaxy wishes to take possession of your galaxy, and this is the most likely starting point for their attack."
"Why here?" Jack asked.
"Because no highly advanced race occupies this world," Ishan explained bluntly, "They can conquer this world with relative ease and set up a base before defeating the Gua'uld, Asguard, and others in the area. Additionally, the asteroid belt near your world contains an unusual concentration of an element that is very valuable to them."
"What element?" Sam asked.
"It is the element we use to create energy vortices."
"You mean the stargate?" Daniel asked.
An amused look crept over Ishan's face as he nodded, "Yes, the stargate."
"Are you suggesting we bury the stargate?" Jack asked, incredulous.
"Of course not. They don't need your gateways. However, they do use the element as part of their ship-board vortex generators."
"So what do you expect us to do?" Hammond asked.
"I want your people to accompany me on a mission. We need to travel through the vortex to another galaxy, another dimension in fact, and destroy the ship being sent here."
"Only one ship?" Daniel asked.
"That's all they need," Ishan answered.
"Why do you require us?" Teal'c wanted to know.
"I don't need you, but you need me. I want you to be prepared if you are to ever face these things yourselves. You need experience with this technology."
"How do you know all this?" Sam asked.
"We aren't powerful enough to fight a war with them, but we have a great deal of espionage that allows us to oppose them at every turn. So far, they aren't even aware of us."
"So, what kind of technology is this?" Jack wondered.
"It is a nanobot-based weapon designed to destroy the cellular structure of their ships."
"…The cellular structure of their ships?" Sam said, taken aback.
Ishan nodded, "They use organic vessles."
"How do we know that we can believe you?" Hammond asked.
"I'm not sure that I can prove myself to you, but I hope you don't risk ignoring me."
Hammond nodded, "Fine. SG1, what do you say?"
"I think we have to check this out," Daniel answered immediately.
"Daniel's right," Jack added.
Hammond nodded, "Just let us know if you need anything."
"I will," Ishan smiled.
***
"There is no sign of the other ship," Andromeda finally announced.
"Bring the cargo pod aboard. We'll bring it back to the station before heading out."
"What's our next move?" Beka asked.
"We'll be heading for Krisar Prime like we planned before all this happened," Dylan answered.
"So we're just going to leave without investigating?" Beka responded.
"What else can we do?" Dylan asked, rhetorically, "We have no leads on whatever destroyed the raider ship."
Beka was about to protest, but she realised he was right. They had no way of finding who did it.
---
"I never thought he'd leave," The tall figure said, entering the chancellor's office.
"Without him, you wouldn't have gotten any of it back," Kyman answered.
The Neitzchian scoffed, "Even so, a rival pride now has half a pod full. Its enough to wipe out a colony."
"How do you know another pride stole the shipment?"
"Typical Neitzchian tactics. They killed the mercenaries and took the shipment rather than paying for it," The male smirked, "Who else could have done it?"
***
"Now what?" Jack asked, surveying the landscape.
"We have to make our way to the outpost and find a ship that can get us close enough to the bioship that we can launch the nanobots at it," Ishan responded as Teal'c emerged from the stargate.
"Is the bioship nearby?" The Jaffa asked.
"No," Ishan answered, "But this is the only world with a stargate. Luckily, the Frea'shar never found it."
"Who are the Frea'shar?" Daniel asked.
"They fought a war with those who built the original stargates," Ishan answered, "The Frea'shar had the ability to generate the energy vortices from their ships, they had no need of the stargates. However, the gatebuilders did not have that ability. So, the Frea'shar destroyed the gates to slow their enemie's travel. They would have done the same thing in your dimension, and mine, had they not been defeated."
"I can see why they never found this gate," Sam said, wandering over to the cave entrance. The others soon joined her.
"It appears we have a long walk ahead," Teal'c observed, surveying the mountainous region surrounding them.
---
"So, do we just stick our thumbs out and hail a cab?" Jack asked, noting the various ships coming and going from the space port.
"Excuse me?" Ishan asked, unfamiliar with the human custom.
"He means," Daniel answered, "How do we find a ship?"
"We just have to ask someone," Ishan replied, looking around, "There."
The team looked in the direction that he was pointing.
"Her?" Jack asked, "How do you know that she's the one to ask?"
Ishan shrugged, "She looks nice."
"Nice isn't the word I'd use," Jack responded, following Ishan over to the girl's ship.
"Excuse me miss," Ishan said, as he approached.
"Yes?" The girl asked, sweetly. Her tail swaying gently as she turned to meet them.
"We're looking for transportation to the Kelmar Belt. Do you happen to know of a ship we could use?"
The girl seemed shocked, "We were on our way there anyway. We just had some vital repairs to do before we went anywhere. I'm sure Dylan won't mind bringing you along."
---
"Have you lost your mind?" Dylan asked, shocked.
"What?" Trance asked.
"You brought five armed strangers aboard the Andromeda, knowing nothing about them, so that we can bring them along while we try to protect a planet from being attacked by the Neitzchians, and you don't see a problem with that?"
"I don't think they'll cause a problem," She answered.
"Trance usually is right about this sort of thing," Rev added.
"Still…" Dylan objected.
"Dylan, the repairs are finished. We should get moving as soon as possible," Andromeda informed him.
Dylan sighed, "You can come with us if you agree to stay in your quarters."
"Of course," Ishan agreed.
"Tyr, please show our guests to the crew quarters."
"That way," Tyr said, motioning with his weapon.
"Wait a minute," Jack spoke up, but Ishan cut him off.
"We were lucky to find a ship heading for that area. Don't worry, this is a High Guard ship of The Line, and he is a captain in the Systems Commonwealth. They're trustworthy."
"Hey, don't do us any favors," Beka stood up.
"Just forget I said anything," Jack shook his head.
"Harper, take us out," Dylan ordered as Tyr guided the SG team off the bridge.
"Can do," Seamus Harper answered, "Slip stream is coming online…now."
***
"So, what do we do once we got to this Kelmar belt?" Jack asked, sitting on the bed.
"I'll have to activate my time dilation matrix to slow them down, allowing us take some sort of shuttle or an escape pod. Then, we can fire the weapon once we are close enough to the enemy vessle. After that, we can simply return the pod, return to normal time, and get a ride back to the stargate."
"Sounds like a piece of cake," Jack answered, sarcastically.
"Now that you mention it," Ishan answered, "I wonder when they will be serving a meal aboard this ship."
---
"Uhhh…Dylan," Harper said, piloting through the slip stream, "We have a problem."
"What kind of problem?" Dylan asked.
At that moment, the Andromeda transited to normal space.
"That kind," Harper answered, "We just lost slip stream."
"I guess the Krisarii engineers aren't as good as they claim," Beka said.
"Or maybe that ore did more damage than we thought," Harper told them.
"Andromeda," Dylan said, "How bad is it?"
"I'm…not sure," She responded, "I'm not getting any power to the drive system."
"Harper, go down to engineering and check it out. Trance, see if you can help him out. Andromeda, I'll need your avatar down there, too. Beka, be ready to get moving as soon as the drive comes back online."
"Right," Beka said, taking Harper's place.
"We'll be moving in no time," Harper assured him as he walked out, followed closely by Trance and Andromeda.
---
"What just happened?" Jack asked.
"We've stopped," Ishan answered simply.
"Are we there already?" Sam wondered.
"No…" Ishan was clearly worried.
"Could enemy technology be interfering with the vessle?" Teal'c asked.
Ishan shook his head, "They couldn't have even detected us by now. Besides, they wouldn't see us as a threat."
"Andromeda, privacy mode off," Ishan said, touching a control panel.
"Privacy mode off," Andromeda answered, a hologram appearing in the room, "Everything all right?"
"Could you tell us why we stopped?" Ishan asked.
"A minor technical problem. We'll be underway soon."
"Perhaps I could help," Ishan offered, "I am very good with machines."
Andromeda looked at him incredulously, "Thanks, but we can handle it."
"I'm afraid time is of the essense," Ishan said, "Unlock the door."
"No," Andromeda answered, irritated.
"Unlock door, authorization High Guard Admiral 38474-omega-charlie."
Andromeda's face took on a look of utter shock as she automatically opened the doors for him. The SG team followed Ishan out before the ship could recover from the shock.
"Hey, how did you know that code?" Jack asked.
"I've got a permanent connection to the main computer database on my world. I simply downloaded the appropriate file into my brain. As I said, we have a massive espionage program."
---
"This damaged energy converter was welded right to the conduit. We'll have to cut it out," Harper observed, "Rommie, hand me the laser cutter… Rommie?"
"She just started staring at nothing," Trance explained as Harper peaked out from the damaged drive system.
"Rommie!" Harper shouted, trying to get her attention.
"Wh…what?" Andromeda asked.
"Did you have a power surge or something?" Harper asked, concerned.
"No, I was just…surprised by something. What do you need?"
"The laser cutter," Harper said, "You're sure you'll be fine?"
"Don't worry," The avatar responded as she brough him the tool.
"You know, you could just bypass the damaged systems," Ishan pointed out, as he arrived on the catwalk nearby.
"Hey, aren't you supposed to be grounded?" Harper asked.
"We decided to sneak out," Jack said.
"I thought you were keeping them in their room," Trance asked, looking at Rommie.
"He told me he was an admiral," Andromeda explained.
"And you believed him?" Harper was amazed.
"He had my access codes," Andromeda answered apologetically, "I can't turn down his orders."
"You really should let me take a look," Ishan urged.
"What do you know about repairing slip stream drives?" Harper replied, a hint of anger in his voice.
"More than you, appearantly," Ishan said, also becoming irritated, "You could run a high energy conduit right past that burned out section."
"How exactly is the sensor manifold going to handle all that power, smart guy?"
"I'll show you," Ishan answered, moving resolutely in the direction of the damaged system.
***
"Dylan," Andromeda said, "There's something I should tell you about our guests…"