Sorry for the long wait everyone but events conspired against me to update Chronicles as fast as I would have liked on as always hasnt been very helpful in that regard so again I apologize. Updates should be a bit more regular now until we catch up to current events. I'd also like to thank Phantom for his contribution which are the first 2 chapters in this update; we now consider him part of the Chronicles Team. Enjoy everyone.
White House – Oval Office
"Am I interrupting you, sir?" Hammond asked politely announced himself. He was dressed casually as he normally did off-duty, a big change since his retirement from the military.
President Hayes looked up toward the retired general standing by the northeastern door. He placed an electronic tablet aside and gestured Hammond to sit down. He smiled, clearly delighted by his friends' presence. "No, you are not interrupting. I've been expecting you, George. I'm glad that you're making a great recovery, how are you doing so far?"
"I'm doing fine, it beats staying at home or worse, the hospital. Thanks to medicine from our new friends." He stretched a little. "I've made a full recovery. Now I can enjoy life and spend my time with my grandchildren without having to worry about my health." Hammond chuckled as he seated himself on one of few comfortable seats facing the president.
"Glad to hear that you're enjoying your retired life." Hayes grinned. "Speaking of meds, my advisors recommend that the medicines be gradually released to the public and I agree completly."
"They could save alot of lives Sir. From what I know, some of them have already filtered down to treat the soldiers and civilians wounded in Afghanistan and the results have been nothing short of remarkable. Now we know they're real and effective."
The President nodded, wondering how many lives would have been saved if they had made a contact with the Earth Alliance earlier. Wondering about what ifs can be unpleasant if one dwelled on it too long and Hayes knew it very well from experience.
"Yeah, I have been reading these reports, they did good for the wounded over there and they could change the world for good, hopefully." Hayes stated and then sighed with a hint of apprehension.
"Something bothering you, sir?" Hammond asked as he noticed pessimistic impression embedded in Hayes' voice and facial expression.
"Well, yes. I've been looking over the Earth Alliance's history since it became available yesterday. To be honest with you, I have to admit that we have a lot more in common than we would like to believe. How they progressed in their future is pretty bleak. Thats something I don't want to see happening to us." The president told him. "They walked through the fires of World War Three and were on brink of fourth until aliens showed up."
Now that troubled Hammond since how close the United States, China, and Russia were to starting a global war that could have set back humanity severely. This almost happened, all thank to the Goa'uld infiltrators within the Russian government and Robert Kinsey, thankfully they had been thoroughly removed and eliminated after their true intentions were discovered. Earth came within a hairs breath from being burnt to cinder and the population had no idea. He knew that this piece of knowledge would never be revealed to the public after disclosure for a very good reason.
It was sometime best to keep some things secret in the name of national security.
"We had a very close call with Russia and China last year. I presume you are worried what will happen after disclosure." Hammond said.
President Hayes raised his hand and made a 'that close' gesture. It was far too close than he would like to admit. He chuckled unnervingly. "I will be damned if I didn't tell you this. Yes, I'm concerned with what will happen after this little revelation goes public. Its the uncertainty thats the worst part of it."
"Yes sir, I could see where you're coming from. There is another issue that I had during the conversation with General Franklin. What happened to San Diego could happen here."
"The city that got nuked which in turn started a world war?" The president asked with apprehension. "I'm sure that will cause some concerns and panic among our citizens if they find out about that."
Hammond nodded. "The Islamic faction used one of old nuclear bombs from the Soviet Union-era and coated it with dirty materials. A lot died on that day and it remains uninhabitable even now."
"Christ." The president remarked slightly loudly. "We need to keep an eye on our foreign affairs especially Middle East. Our world is very polarized these days, last thing that we need is a real trouble right here on Earth."
"Well, there is one thing that the people from the other side got absolutely right. We need to work very closely with the IOA members to ensure this will never happen. We need to do better than they did."
"Now that I agree on." Hayes confirmed. "We definitely need to do that if humanity wants to move forward, not backward or getting struck in a mess." Hayes stated with confidence. He looked down at an electronic pad that he set away a few minutes ago and then at Hammond with a grin. "Anyway, I'm curious, have read about their history especially the Dilgar War, our counterparts' finest moment?"
Hammond shook his head then smiled. "No I didn't have a chance to read that part because my grandchildren kept me busy."
"Well I was going through their history especially the Persephone Incident." President Hayes voiced his interest in the alternate counterpart. This particular episode was powerful and significant for him because it revealed what humanity was fully capable of and what their true colors were.
"Mr. Garibaldi's father was involved in that event. I believe he mentioned it." Hammond said as he remembered Mr. Garibaldi talked about this particular memory.
"Really, I didn't know that."
"It's amazing if you think about it. The Earth was somewhat intolerant toward the aliens during that time yet they went out and supported the besieged alien races out of compassion."
"Yes, unfortunately for us, we had it very easy because the aliens are usually humans. Okay, here we go." Instead of picking up a tablet the president put away earlier, he picked up a remote control and with single click, a holographic screen flicked to life and began displaying the record.
The Oval Office have been installed with new technology, a hologram projector, it was advanced version of commercial counterpart being slowly introduced to the theme parks as Samantha Carter assured in the television debate last year. A wonder technology, it was useful to save up the space of the office.
Through the speakers the voice of EAS Persephone's captain roared with a hint of enragement. "Damn them to hell!"
The war cry of Captain DeVierre became legendary and a rally point of the Earth Alliance military, the war posters had this slogan, and almost everyone remembered his war cry and will continue for generations. Ironically, twisted as it sounded, the slogan became reality when the Dilgar's sun exploded and took them out in a fiery cosmos blast, indeed it was the humans who damned them to hell with confinement. Thetwo men watched the complied record with amazement, listening to the chatters among the Persephone crews as the Earth cruiser turned toward the sounds of battle and tore through the enemy despite severely outnumbered, a flood of blue and red streaks burned the sky as the both side mercilessly pounded fought each other. A lonely and battered heavy cruiser stood its ground with brute firepower and tactical aptitude until it fired a furious and final shot against the main fleet.
The footage left President Hayes nearly breathless as he watched the final moment of Persephone, clearly touched by their bravery and dedicated professionalism. As for the retired general, he knew what it felt being in their shoes from his own experience against Anubis's fleet and in the fact he nearly sacrificed his own life to save his homeworld and people by ramming the Prometheus into Anubis' flagship. Until his fate was averted by Jack O'Neill action. Hammond could clearly see why these people decided to fight them out of compassion and morality. They did to save the alien refugees from being massacred.
"These action speak loudly and clearly than the words." Hammond stated in a beat.
"Yeah" The president responded, nodding his head in agreement. "But this one really disturbed me every time I see it."
With slow and hesitate tap by the president, the holographic screen shifted to another record containing hundreds of gun cameras, which had been complied into single record. Hayes and Hammond saw was simply a breathtaking and picturesque scene of thousands upon thousands of warships, transports, shuttles, and fighters, whever armed or unarmed all gathered in same place.
All in their lifetime, they never had seen so many vessels gathered and concentrated in single place. So dense, it was like a flying steel wall. Not even the Goa'uld System Lords could achieve that feat, best they did was a couple of dozens or more.
It was clear that these vessels were here for a purpose; they were here to defend the cradle of humanity.
The humans of alternate reality got a bit of their answer when a handful of the Minbari fighters shot up from the surface of Moon and caused havoc on an unfortunate Starfury squadron investigating it. The beginning of what will come for humanity.
"Mitchell! Stay in the formation! It might be a-" The voice of unfortunate squadron's leader yelled through the speakers.
"My god!" The squadron leader shouted as if this pilot sensed something was not right.
The real and harsh answer came as the space around them exploded, multiple jump points formed and blossomed like flowers and split out poisonous seeds, more and more as many angelic fish-like ships burst forth with deadly intention. The sheer sight alone frightened Hammond and Hayes; it was beyond comprehension and pure madness, an ultimate pit of slaughter. The dejected cries, war cries, chatters, and yelling among the humans unexpectedly increased, all lasted a minute before green beams reached out and silenced them. For the counterparts, the answer was nothing but silence.
A pure annihilation. Just three words sufficiently to describe it so Hammond thought, he cringed. "My god!"
Same thing was repeated every second; the human ships were blasted out of the sky, sliced to pieces. It was same everywhere, they were being torn to ribbons with precision and swiftness. Few ones managed to score direct hits against the attackers with sheer volume of fires. Another of handful managed to get through the defensive wall and rammed the Minbari warships taking these slaughterers out with them. There was one thing that caught President Hayes' attention was a dilapidated and distinctive transport, it had Belt Alliance marking, blazing at full speed before it plunged into the attacking frigate, destroying both of them in a fiery fireball. Despite the fact, the Humans knew they were doomed, but amidst the despair, they chose to continue fighting with much greater strength. It was not enough to avert the mass slaughter that befallen on the largest fleet of humanity's history. They called this bloodiest event "Battle of the Line"
"I had enough of this." President Hayes said, shutting down the hologram projector with a flick. "That was Battle of the Line, the final battle of Earth-Minbari War. No one knew why the Minbari surrendered at the last minute, even to this day."
"That was completely madness!" Hammond said abruptly, feeling disgusted inside because of what he saw recently.
"Yes, that was another concern of mine about the disclosure. You see the universe doesn't take mistakes very kindly. Our counterparts made a mistake somewhere that resulted in the one-sided war with these aliens. We did made some mistakes in the Stargate Command along down the line, but it was not severe enough to make us pay dearly." The president said with slight pessimism.
"So you are telling that we have a very long way to go."
"They ventured beyond their planet into the stars, they have matured vastly better than us but they were not perfect, they still make mistakes. But still, they are much more mature than us."
"Here, we just barely starting to venture into space. Humanity in the general has not yet developed beyond the surface or walked among the stars. We have absolutely no way to know how the population will react to extraterrestrial beings after the disclosure. God help us if we do make a mistake as bad this one, we will be ones to pay it in full." Hammond replied.
"Exactly!" The president said. "You know there are so many alternate timelines out there virtually same as ours. I can't help it but I have this feeling that somewhere out there, people exactly like us made a mistake and are paying for it."
Only if both of them knew that one of alternate timelines actually did that. Through misjudgment, they contacted one of distant galaxies and bought the wrath of powerful beings, they were beyond the physical need. It was a good thing that discovery of inter-dimensional gateway averted this reality's fate. Only if they knew how fortunate they were.
The retired general glanced at his watch and chuckled, changing the room's atmosphere. "Boy, the time flew by us really quickly. We have ten minutes to attend the meeting today, pretty soon"
"Well, I will be damned." The president smiled as he glanced at the office's antiquated clock. "Let's go, you have a lot to explain to the Senate's Appropriation Committee why we need to buy upgrade packages for our newly acquired warships and a big batch of the PPG weapons. Brief them how our future pilots and crews are doing at one of Earth Alliance's military schools. You know every in and out of the Stargate program better than anyone including Jack O'Neill."
Orbit of Jupiter, near Io
Earth Alliance
Aboard EAS Hydra –Cronos class frigate
"Few more weeks, it will be completed." General Ryan smiled as he looked over to a high-resolution screen and watched a partially completed Orion battlestation being assembled near Io moon. It was being constructed using prefabricated sections bought from one of the Earth Alliance's many cold storage areas. A few hundred automated construction bots and a handful of human workers swarmed the battlestation, around them they were surrounded by a network of GODs, patrolling fighter squadrons, and few warships.
"After that, the station will be moved to my side through the gateway, seriously?" Lieutenant Colonel Paul Davis remarked amazedly, having been promoted as the SGC's military liaison to the Earth Alliance based on his excellent career record.
General Ryan chuckled as gestured Davis toward a partially completed station. "Yes, that is what will happen in a little while. We managed drag one of these battlestations from Mars's orbit to the gateway location last week. If the guys could do that, I have no doubts that they will manage through the gate."
"Impressive, it would be nice if we could do the same thing with Gou'ald stations or warships." Davis looked to the left where the general was standing and cleared his throat. "Don't mind me asking, sir"
"It's alright, Davis. You don't have to address me as sir. Ryan will be sufficient." The general nodded, he thought this guy would have made a good Earth Force officer. "Fire away."
"Having seen the battlestation guarding this side's gateway, I noticed few external differences between that and one guarding." Lt Colonel Davis finished asking Ryan a question and proceeded to squirt his eyes to examine the battlestation, spotting few external changes.
"Yes, you are quiet correct. In the fact, there are differences which are all major improvements. That station will be first of its variant kind of the Orion family, Zeta model. Currently, nearly all of Orion battlestations have been updated to Epsilon specs." The general raised his hand and visually counting the improvements, finger after finger. "The improvements being implemented to Zeta model as follow: hybrid cannons replacing the plasma turrets, latest sensor suite, advanced reactors, and four of the universal fighter bay modules which will accept either Furies or F-302s. It will be first station to be fitted with a shield generator."
Now that is a massive improvement over previous model, Epsilon, and these enhancements would make sense when operating in another reality opposing the Earth Alliance, so Davis thought. It needed to stand against the potential threats like Gou'ald and others. Enough firepower like that would make a Minbari warcruiser blush with envy.
"They are big improvements then." Davis considered. "I would view them as very good investment for the defense for both sides' gateway."
"Yes, both of our governments saw the necessity of safeguarding the gateways from threats and unauthorized travels." Ryan acknowledged. "This is better alternative than leaving them to be guarded by a handful of warships. That's another good start for the humanity."
"Sorry to having say thss, I am getting very hungry." Davis blushed slightly
"Same here," Ryan laughed. "We are almost to Io transfer station. It has few top-notch restaurants there. I think you will like the foods, say… Cancun?"
The Ancient Medical facility.
P3X-7171
Things were quieter now, the battle had claimed three Lucian Alliance Ha'taks and five Al'kesh for precisely no damage to the brand new Odyssey, her shield and interceptor combination lasting just long enough to keep the mass fire from her hull. It had been a baptism of fire in the very truest sense and the new ship had performed exceptionally earning her place alongside her two illustrious sisters. One of the Lucian ships remained in orbit beside the Odyssey with its crew in the brig and Marines from the SGC watching over them. Of the other two Ha'taks neither would fight again, one was totally destroyed while the other was a wreck with more than half it's mass blown away by rail gun and pulse cannon strikes. Of the fleets airwing just five gliders had survived long enough to surrender.
The facility itself had been secured with any stolen items returned from the Lucian ships and fresh teams arriving through the gate to fully scout and catalogue the facility letting SG-1 relax a little. They rested on the floor of the main chamber while Doctor Lamb and her team busied themselves around the facility.
"So," Vala said conversationally. "What's planet Earth like?"
"green and pleasant." Daniel replied. "Before you say anything else, you wouldn't like it."
She frowned "Of course I'd like it, I just happen to think that maybe my days of adventuring are over and I should settle down in a nice out of the way world protected by a trio of super battleships."
"You're worried because the Lucian Alliance has placed a bounty on your head." Teal'c commented. "And you wish to hide from them."
"pretty much, yeah."
"And all that loot you filled your pockets with would really help you retire." Daniel noted.
"I just want to know if I could fit in without drawing attention, you know, alien on a primitive…. I mean sheltered world, I don't want to get burned at the stake because that would ruin my hair."
"You'll fit in just fine." Mitchell waved. "Just look for biker bars and heavy metal concerts, they'll love you."
"oh, great." Vala smiled. "Does this mean I can…"
"No." the team said in unison.
"We can take you back to Earth." Daniel said. "You did almost help us, but you'll have to stay in the SGC until we find somewhere safe for you."
"Do you have bars?" She asked hopefully.
A shrill alarm ended the conversation.
"Carter?" Mitchell stood and readied his rifle.
"Proximity alarm." She took a look at a nearby control console. "Relax sir, it's Prometheus."
The importance of the discovery had not been lost on their superiors, and while Odyssey had fought hard she needed some backup to make sure this planet was securely protected. As senior vessel Prometheus would relieve Colonel Emerson and allow the Odyssey to return home for her full commissioning and outfitting, though after the battle it was more symbolic than anything else. The SGC ship however had not arrived alone.
As she exited Hyperspace four more ships followed, hitching a ride across the galaxy in the same way that a contingent of ISA ships had travelled to Atlantis. When President Sheridan had been told about the importance of this world he had pulled out all the stops and sent the best ships he could gather.
Leading the group was the Destroyer Victory recalled at extreme short notice from her investigations, with her came the Excalibur still bearing the scars of her last battle but still more or less functional. With them came two ships Carter hadn't seen before, clearly human in origin thanks to their simple and brutal design but with a series of unknown and confusing readings provided by the extremely advanced Ancient sensors on the base.
The two warships bore the names Salamis and Agincourt and belonged to the Marathon class of Heavy cruisers fresh from the yards with no real time for trials. They had been rushed into service as one of the few Earth ships able to realistically take on a Drakh cruiser and win, alongside Warlocks and the two Victory destroyers. The fact Earth Force had sent two of them and both of their Victory destroyers outlined how importantly they were taking this mission. The secret to the Marathon class was recovered Shadow technology, an extremely touchy subject in the ISA. The ships used modified systems trailed on the X-Type ships of Clark's era to be less invasive and more mechanical in nature. The ships did not need genetically manipulated crew to merge with them like Clark's monstrosities and would operate like a normal vessel. In theory anyway. The only organic part was a bio-computer designed to help keep the automated systems functioning at full power, an artificial intelligence that should be able to fight the ship even if all but one crewmember was killed.
They used Shadow based sensors which while not revealed openly would make short work of Minbari jamming technology, Neutron slicer cannons upgraded from the old Omega-X class ships, and most controversially of all Shadow armour. The difference was the Marathon did not use living Shadow armour like a pure Shadow cruiser or Clark's ships, but what amounted to 'dead' Shadow armour. It had all the toughness and resilience of the material but could not heal itself or diffuse energy impacts. It acted simply as another layer of defence on top of more conventional alloys. While the ship was black as the void it didn't shimmer and morph like a real Shadow ship, but it still unnerved the hell out of anyone who fought Shadows, including Minbari. Many on Earth thought that intimidation was exactly why the ships were built the way they were instead the gleaming refractive hulls of their bigger cousins.
"SG-1, this is Colonel Pendergast, come in."
"Colonel." Mitchell answered. "Good to see you."
"Cam, how's the new job?"
"Well it sure has its moments. You taking over here?"
"That's confirmed." Pendergast answered. "We're going to secure the system while Earth Force holds orbit. There's a Captain Gideon who'd like to see Galen as soon as possible."
"I'll pass the message on."
"Plus I have new orders for your team Cam," Pendergast continued. " You're to head home through the gate as quick as you can with samples of the cure, as you can guess you've made a pretty big impact."
"Understood Colonel."
"Except for Doctor Jackson." He continued. "General O'Neill is assigning you to oversee this facility, at least for now. He says it isn't Atlantis, but it still sounds pretty cool. Exact quote."
"That's Jack."
"Earth Force has sent some of it's own people to help, they have experience in researching Alien technology and can help mass production of the cure." Pendergast reported. "But the base is under your Authority."
"Guess we better move." Mitchell decided. "Good talking to you Lionel."
"You too Cam, stay safe."
They ended the message and Mitchell turned to the team. "Well, guess we're homeward bound."
Galen nodded. "Our paths will cross again." He smiled widely. "The Universe enjoys trouble makers, and there is a lot more trouble out there to be had. It's been fun."
Indeed it has." Teal'c bowed slightly. "Farewell Galen."
"Yeah, see ya round." Mitchell waved slightly and chuckled.
Galen stepped back and slowly faded from view, vanishing as if into thin air.
"Nice exit." Daniel noted. "Takes his magic very seriously."
"Carter, Teal'c, we should go." Mitchell said. "And I guess we better take Vala. She did almost help us."
"Really?" she perked up. "Oh good."
"I'm sure you'll love it here." Sam smiled at Daniel.
"I won't even notice your gone." He smiled back. "Say hello to Jack for me."
"Will do." Carter nodded. "Have fun."
Stargate Command.
"General Landry! All settled in I take it?"
Landry halted his stride amid the concrete corridors and took a moment to find who had spoken, noticing a large middle aged man in Khaki walking up to join him.
"Colonel Chekov, I'm settled fine, like a second home."
"Good, good." The Russian nodded. "So I take it you are aware of the origin of the Stargate?"
"Generally of specifically?"
"Specifically General, the one in this facility."
Landry kept an even face. "I understand it belongs to your government and is leased to us, and we pay for its upkeep. Not a cheap task as your government knows."
"Very true, but it is a very rewarding responsibility." Chekov said. "Much is gained from owning the Stargate. You must also know the lease comes up for renewal later this year."
Landry agreed again. "You have a point to make Colonel?"
"My Government is considering renegotiating the treaty when it is up for renewal." Chekov said. "Right now my nations representative to the IOC is meeting with his Chinese counterpart and your Mr Woolsey."
"I see." Landry said flatly.
"While nothing is certain, my Government does not believe it has seen the best returns on this lease and is actively considering reclaiming the gate."
Landry fixed the Russian with a very harsh stare. "Considering this action?"
"Well I expect it will depend on how the negotiations go, after all if my Government is satisfied with a new deal from the programme I don't think they will push for a change."
Landry smiled very widely. "I'll give your team credit, they know how to play the game."
"Game?"
"The Treaty is leverage isn't it Colonel?" Landry spoke. "Your Government wants something from us, and I think I can guess what."
"It is simply a case of evenly distributing the benefits."
"Of course, lets not use the word 'Blackmail' to describe this."
"With respect General, things have changed." Chekov said. "It is not just the Stargate anymore, now we have this second gate to a new world, one which the United States currently has sole access to. The Russian government is not content with this situation and will act to remain an equal partner in this project and to secure its sovereignty."
"So we come to it again, what exactly will you be negotiating for?"
Chekov looked straight at Landry, and told him.
"Another day, another dilemma." General O'Neill exhaled. "Like what you've done with the place."
General Landry chuckled as they entered his office, one only recently vacated by O'Neill. "I haven't changed anything yet."
"Exactly." O'Neill nodded. "Liking the chair?"
Landry settled with obvious relish into the huge leather seat with a grin. "Well it beats the back of a C-130. Remember Greenland in '83?"
O'Neill grimaced. "Don't remind me, I thought my teeth were going to shatter. One hit and it would have been Terminator two." He clapped his hands together. "Little pieces of me everywhere."
Landry chuckled. "Good old days."
"Good old days?" the other General raised his eyebrows. "You were there right? We did serve in the same unit? You know, mud, ice, deserts, getting shot at. In fact pretty much the same as last month for me."
"I was meaning to ask about the new job." Landry changed subjects. "Having fun at that desk?"
"Well you should see the chair they gave, now that's incentive." O'Neill replied. "Plus the desk has all these built in computers, just freakin' sweet, and it can pick up cable. I keep wanting to look for the button marked Warp Speed."
"So, shall we have a talk with Colonel Chekov?" Landry wondered.
"I guess we better." O'Neill moved to stand by the far wall. "The President made the call, but he wasn't happy."
Landry tapped the intercom and asked his aide to send in Colonel Chekov, the grim faced Russian arrived very shortly afterwards, no doubt anxious to hear the news.
"Colonel, why don't you take a seat." Landry offered.
Chekov did so, nodding a greeting to O'Neill. "General, I hope you find Washington agreeable."
"It happens." O'Neill said guardedly. "The President has made a decision on your request."
Chekov kept an even expression but was clearly quite agitated. "What was the outcome?"
"Well I think his first words had to do with the Russian Premier having, 'Balls of Steel' was the exact quote." O'Neill spoke. "Then he started swearing a lot. That went on for a few minutes until he sat down and had a drink. Then he started swearing again."
"So it did not go down well, I am sorry for that." Chekov replied. "But you understand I had orders."
"Your government asked for a 304 Battlecruiser." Landry leaned forward. "And then asked for the Earth Force cruiser we were given. I'm surprised he didn't have a heart attack."
"He did turn purple for a while." O'Neill added.
"You know how big of a deal this is?" Landry continued. "It's like giving away two or three Nuclear carriers! The cold war is gone Colonel but that doesn't mean we've gone soft."
"He refused?"
"Actually, no." O'Neill shrugged. "He will give you the ships but not under these terms. We're going to change the treaty stipulations."
"In what way?"
"We're buying the gate." Landry said. "At the price of a 304, which I'd say is a damn good deal."
"The gate will become the property of the United States government." O'Neill picked up. "Russia will give up all claim and all rights to it. That's the deal, and it's better than you deserve."
"And if the government refuses these terms?" Chekov asked.
"We don't like blackmail." Landry stated. "Your government wants to use the gate to get something from us? Well that isn't happening twice. If you refuse you can have the gate back with our blessing, we'll just send one of our ships to pick up a new one from an uninhabited world. You can kiss goodbye to any technology sharing and access to our research division."
"Which as you know has a lot more money than the Russian version." O'Neill put in. "It also has Carter. Oh, and some really, really big nukes."
"Russia has more to lose here than gain, I mean this is a real bad bluff." Landry said.
"Like playing Black Jack with a three." O'Neill said. "Or challenging Teal'c to an arm wrestling match. That guy just doesn't know when to stop." He flexed his arm. "very, very competitive. Must have had a sheltered up bringing issues."
Chekov nodded. "My government will probably play on their relations with the Chinese."
"Let them." Landry grinned. "If you want to work with China on this be my guest. Give them the gate, I'd like to see you get it back."
"Pull a stunt like this with the Chinese and Moscow will be eating Noodles." O'Neill grunted. "Or more likely will just get nuked."
"Russia and the United States have more in common than Russia and China." Landry said. "We get on most of the time and recognize there is a bigger picture."
"A picture with life sucking or brain munching aliens." O'Neill smiled. "Depending on the week."
"And dividing into two opposing power blocks isn't going to help beat them." Landry finished. "That's why the President agreed, not because of your negotiations but because it would mean sacrificing global unity."
Chekov nodded. "I shall tell my government, and I suspect they will agree readily with these terms."
"Well lets hope so." O'Neill remarked. "And this gets rid of their leverage on this programme. We're supposed to be partners, we've given you technology to build your own space fighters, plus plans for all the 304 technology. Not our fault you're too lazy to build your own."
"It's done now." Landry cut them off. "The Europeans are taking possession of the two other Earth Alliance ships and the British have a 304 coming online soon from a hidden base in Australia."
"A ship they paid for themselves." O'Neill couldn't resist. "We provided the technology and they didn't even get sulky at the price."
"As more ships come through from the Alliance we'll distribute them equally." Landry explained. "Russia, China, Europe and ourselves. We also have the Defence grid to set up and a new Space station to guard our end of the gate. Every IOC nation will be responsible for operating, and paying for, these new defence systems."
"Like it or not we're in this together." O'Neill concluded. "And like the song says, divided we fall."
"That's all Colonel." Landry stood, prompting Chekov to do likewise. "SO you know Colonel I still think you're a good officer and an honourable man, regardless of what your superiors order you to do."
"Thank you General." Chekov nodded. "General O'Neill." He acknowledged, then left the room.
"Well that went well." O'Neill said. "I mean he didn't even declare war."
"The Russians are in a weak position and they know it. That was the last of their leverage." Landry shrugged. "Now they'll have to play by the rules."
"Well I better get on with stuff." O'Neill moved for the door. "We've got Tok'ra on the way to join the big pow-wow we're holding. President Sheridan is due to be here in an hour and I have to go make ice with Gerak."
"I've scheduled the meeting for midday." Landry said. "Sure you want me there?"
"Oh yeah." O'Neill confirmed. "You ain't ducking out of this one."
Half an hour later…
The satellite based sensor grid around Earth picked up the ship as it arrived behind the moon, an open jump point vortex concealed by the mass of the planetoid so as not to draw attention from the unsuspecting world below.
"General, we have a ship emerging from hyperspace." Sergeant Harriman checked the reports. "It's following the beacon Captain Gideon left at the Lunar ship yard."
"That'll be Sheridan's ride." O'Neill guessed. "We got a visual?"
Harriman entered some more commands and a large plasma screen activated showing a feed from the sensors. A large and flowing blue vessel dominated the picture, rounded curves and tall fins arcing through space.
"That's different." Landry noted. "Not a human ship?"
"No, Minbari." O'Neill said. "A race of giant space fish, generally peaceful and quiet with a taste for Kangaroo meat and some incredible progressive jazz bands. You haven't heard jazz until you've heard it played under water by a five piece giant fish band."
Landry gave him a sceptical look. "Really?"
"Nah, not really." O'Neill shrugged. "Let them know they can send a ship down, we've got a private strip in the mountains they can put down on."
"You need to stop making up alien races." Landry said. "You know the Joint Chiefs hate that."
"How was I supposed to know they didn't watch Farscape?" O'Neill defended. "Well, okay in hindsight maybe not such a big leap of imagination."
"Just remember that next time you have a formal dinner and want to make a joke." Landry huffed.
"Well it'd been a while since we'd gone to Defcon Three, we needed to check the bulb in NORAD still worked anyway."
"Good to have friends in high places."
"Saving the world tends to make you really popular." O'Neill grinned. "Good conversation piece too."
Landry chuckled. "Well the Tok'ra should be arriving soon."
"I'll go say hello." O'Neill offered. "Why don't you have fun with Gerek?"
"Oh, joy." Landry winced "That guy makes Teal'c look fun loving and care free."
"It's about time we brought everyone up to the same page." O'Neill remarked. "The page marked 'Earth Rocks' which we already knew."
"Well, this'll be fun." Landry shrugged. "Or we all die, one or the other."
"Another day in the SGC." O'Neill grinned. "Feels good to be back."
The Stargate growled and exploded into life, something O'Neill never got tired off. Teal'c could speak of its place in Jaffa society for hours, Daniel could write a book on its archaic symbols, and Carter had based a career on the physics of its operation. O'Neill needed just one word to sum up all those volumes his colleagues could create.
"Cool."
From the glittering pool emerged two figures, women he recognized and stepped up to greet as the water bliken out with a whoosh.
"Welcome to Stargate command." O'Neill said. "Good to see you again, I'm glad you're both looking good and healthy."
"Greetings General O'Neill." Garshaw, head of State for the Tok'ra nodded slightly. She appeared no older than when O'Neill had last seen her, they years of hiding from Anubis apparently not affecting her appearance. "I trust you remember Anise?"
"How could I forget?" He beamed.
"And I have not forgotten you." She stated, a hint of the attraction she had displayed previously.
"Well, alrighty then." O'Neill moved quickly on. "If you'll follow me we have a lot to talk about."
O'Neill lead them out of the gate room and through the concrete corridors. To Anise it was familiar but Garshaw carefully observed the surroundings. "Simple but effective." She remarked.
"That's what everyone say's to me." O'Neill replied. "But I have hidden depths."
"Sorry General, I meant the facility, not you."
"I know." He smiled. "Just a little Earth humour, Anise can explain."
Garshaw looked at the other Tok'ra who just shrugged non commitally. "It's complicated."
They arrived at the conference room to find Gerak, Bra'tac and Teal'c already seated with Landry, the Jaffa wearing formal tan coloured robes for the occaision. They acknowledged the Tok'ra as O'Neill showed them their places.
"Any word on out final guests?"
"On their way now." Landry said. "Sergeant Siler is escorting them through the base."
On cue Siler arrived with Colonel Carter, behind them followed Sheridan, Delenn and Garibaldi. The half Minbari elicited the most attention as a completely new species unfamiliar even to the old and knowledgeable Tok'ra leader. They took up their assigned seats and finally the groups were assembled.
"I think the best thing to do is introductions." Landry began. "A lot of people here won't know each other, so to start My name is Hank Landry, commander of this facility."
"I am Bra'tac." The elder Jaffa said. "And this is Teal'c and Gerak, we represent the Free Jaffa Nation."
"I am Garshaw of the Tok'ra, this is my friend and our leading scientist Anise."
"I'm John Sheridan, President of the interstellar Alliance, this is my wife Delenn and friend Michael Garibaldi."
"And I'm Spartacus." O'Neill grinned. "Okay, now that's over with lets get to it. I bet our old friends are wondering where President Sheridan is from."
"And the lady Delenn." Anise added. "You do not appear to be a species we have met before."
"Some months ago we found something here in our solar system." Landry took up the story. "A giant gateway like a Stargate but miles wide. It was accidently activated and sent one of our ships to a different dimension, a parralel reality where we found a duplicate universe including an alternate version of Earth."
"That's not all." Carter added. "Not only did it breach the gap between realities but also travelled through time, nearly two hundred and sixty years."
"And that's where we met the Interstellar Alliance." Finished O'Neill. "A grouping of a dozen different Alien species from this alternate future, with President Sheridan as it's head. We helped them, they helped us and now we've finally got some really, really good news."
"You said the world had an advanced medical facility on it." Sheridan spoke. "And that it needed protection."
"All is true, and thnks for the ships, but there was more we didn't want to add on an open channel." O'Neill grinned. "We found it. A cure."
None of the ISA representatives could say a word.
"Cure?" Garshaw prompted.
"An alien race infected the other Earth with a plague, and we've been helping the ISA to find a cure for it." Carter explained. "And yesterday we finally found it."
"And it works?" Sheridan managed to say through his surprise.
"Well we had a chance to test it." Carter winced. "And yes, it worked fine."
"Right now we're looking into mass production." Landry said. "The facility we found the cure at can produce it in large quantities, give it a week or two and we should have enough."
"I don't believe it." Garibaldi shook his head. "You guys really did it?"
"We really did, we saved the world." O'Neill beamed. "That's fifteen times."
"Fourteen O'Neill." Teal'c corrected.
"Whatever, it still rocks."
These last months one thing alone had dominated Sheridan's thoughts, commanded his every moment and robbed him of sleep. That was the fate of Earth, and though the Drakh war was still considered a priority of the ISA it had always been saving Earth that came first. The Rangers had been searching for cures rather than enemy fleets, Earth and Minbari battle groups were more occupied with hunting planets based on Ranger reports and protecting the remaining human colonies instead of chasing Drakh. But now if Earth was truly saved the focus could turn and all those ships would find a new and more forthright purpose regarding the Drakh.
But all of that was driven somewhere else as the news sunk in. There was a cure, it workrd, and it was safe from Drakh interference.
"If you need anything, anything at all." Garibaldi spoke up. "My company is the biggest medical supplier in the galaxy, we've got people, facilities and large scale delivery systems."
"We might just need that." O'Neill said.
"I don't know what to say." Sheridan stammered. "Thank you doesn't cover it."
"But it is a good start." Delenn said softly. "Thank you General O'Neill, and all of your people."
"Our pleasure." O'Neill smiled.
"I'd like to take a look at this place, if that's okay with you guys?" Garibaldi requested.
"Shouldn't be a problem." Landry agreed. "We can gate you there after the meeting."
"This place." The deep and rumbling voice of Gerak cut in. "It was created by the Ancient ones?"
"Yes." Carter confirmed. "We couldn't date it but it was old, real old."
"And it's secrets now belong to the Tau'ri." The Jaffa lord considered. "Where they will remain."
"Not entirely." O'Neill defended. "When we find out exactly what is in there we'll share with our friends."
"Like your other Taur'i." He pointed at Sheridan. "The Secrets of the Ancient ones are too powerful for one world to posess."
"As a wise man once said, 'with great power comes great responsibility' and we're responsible." Continued O'Neill. "We're tripping over responsibility around here. You can't move for it."
"The Jaffa nation demands a representative."
"You got Teal'c don't you?"
Gerak did not look at his fellow Jaffa. "We demand other representation."
"You know what, fine." O'Neill huffed. "Teal'c isn't good enough just pick another guy and send him along."
Anise cut in before the conversation continued. "Can I assume I was invited for this same purpose?"
"Yes." Carter answered. "We thought with your qualifications you'd be the best Tok'ra for the job."
She looked to Garshaw who gave a nod of approval. "Then I will be glad to visit."
"So," Gerak stared on accusingly. "When were you going to share this information?"
O'Neill frowned. "like, now."
"Not when you first found this Gate or facility as a true ally would?"
"The Tau'ri have ever been our allies." Teal'c contradicted. "They fought to free Jaffa when no one else would."
"They gave us a sanctuary when the system lords hunted us." Bra'tac added defiantly. "They are friends to us."
"The Tau'ri fight for themselves." Gerak snarled. "They did not fight for the Jaffa, our fate was merely a side effect of their war."
"Now wait a minute!" O'Neill snapped. "We went out of our way to not kill Jaffa if we could avoid it!"
"How very noble." Gerak sneered. "Yet how many jaffa lay dead, and how many Tau'ri?"
"Enough on both sides." Garshaw interrupted. "And enough Tok'ra. The long war is all but over, the system lords broken. It is thanks in no small part to the Tau'ri we have this victory."
"Thank you." O'Neill said. "Nice to see a little credit."
"Do not mistake this for unconditional support." Garshaw said carefully. "I also disagree with the way you handled this, but we do recognise your intentions are not malicious."
"I am unconvinced." Gerak growled. "These people are new to the galaxy, they do not know their place."
"No, they do not." Unexpectedly the voice was Delenns. "And it is common both here and in my home galaxy. "For a thousand years the old order had endured, and we Minbari observed and distanced ourselves from the cycle of life. Nothing great changed until we met humans. They did not know their place, they did not follow the wishes of their elders and refused to bow, even when we fought them nearly to extinction. Still they did not accept what others wished for them."
She looked to Sheridan, knowing that part of their history was indelibly part of their lives. Great leaders on the wrong side of the war with blood on their hands. They had come to terms with it, as had many of their people, but much distrust and hatred yet endured even after all this time.
"They are stubborn, obstinate, wilful and rash." She continued. "They are dangerous and do not comprehend how things work."
"I am glad I am not alone in thinking that." Gerak said sombrely.
Delenn smiled. "And they are noble, brave and courageous beyond measure. Immovable in their determination and steadfast in resolution. They protected life even when it did not profit them. They stood against conquerors and fought Ancient terrors, even the gods of old when no other race dared, and they won. They have such passion and vision that one cannot help but be caught up in it's wonder. The universe needs them, it needs them to be difficult and to stand out from others because it shows us how wrong we are." She placed her hand on her husbands. "They changed the universe, and they changed all of us. They brought peace to all of us but at terrible cost to themselves. Do not look down upon them because they do not understand their place, it is through them that we see the truth, that it is the older races whom do not know their place and it is we who must change and move forward to wherever life will take us."
Sheridan was smiling widely, his wife had always had a way with words.
"They are dangerous." Gerak held his place stubbornly.
"Very much." Delenn agreed. "But not to those who understand them."
Gerak snorted and for a while there was silence as Delenn's words sunk in.
"Well said, Lady Delenn." Garshaw allowed. "And I am sure time will tell how the Tau'ri here acquit themselves. Their actions to date have been trying and painful, but the results we deem are a benefit to the galaxy at large."
"On that note," Landry directed the talks. "We feel it appropriate to reveal our current military strength. We have as you all know being building our own ships using technology we have found or been given. With help from the ISA we've found ways to automate a lot of the fabrication process and have increased our production rates."
"Bottom line." O'Neill stated. "In a month we'll have seven Battlecruisers, one experimental battlecruiser, two Frigates from Earth Alliance and a Heavy cruiser from the same source. We also maintain twenty four squadrons of space capable fighters, five major off world facilities, forty three SG teams and soon we'll have a planetary defence satellite network and a battlestation."
"Is that all?" Garshaw raised an eyebrow.
"It is more than enough." Gerak snarled. "Such power in such inexperienced hands…"
"It's more than we had when we smacked down the system lords." O'Neill cut in. "And lets not forget Replicators huh?" he nodded sharply. "We owned their lego asses."
Beside him Carter coughed.
"Oh yeah, there is one extra detail." O'Neill smiled sheepishly. "Just a little project we're working on."
"What for?" Gerak demanded.
"Well nothing really, just a, you know, super giant space Battleship."
The Jaffa and Tok'ra gave him a drawn look, Sheridan was looking rather more gleeful.
"We call her the Achilles," O'Niell continued, clearly quite proud. "BB-305 technically, new generation heavy warship made possible by our new understanding of ship construction thanks to Mr Garibaldi."
The Executive grinned at the Jaffa, especially Gerak.
"The design is still secret right now." Carter said. But we will keep you informed."
"The Tok'ra accept this information in the spirit it was given." Garshaw announced. "We have spent most of our time rebuilding and forming a safe hold now the threat of certain destruction has been lifted from us. We are still in conflict with the System Lords who survived, but now at least the balance is more agreeable."
"This is dangerous, and I don't trust them." Warned Gerak.
"I do." Bra'tac said firmly. "I have fought with them and know their ways. The Tau'ri are honourable warriors, and I am proud to stand with them."
"As am I." Teal'c supported his old mentor. Gerak made no reply.
"We'll be heading to the facility soon, You are all welcome to come along." Landry offered. "Until then we've provided some dinner which should hopefully appeal to all of you."
The assembled groups stood and made their way out, Gerak pausing and looking at O'Neill. "This is not over."
As he left O'Neill sighed and turned to Carter.
"They have to make a threat as they leave the room, they can't just not do it."
"Must be all that Goa'uld training sir."
"Seem that's what I thought." He remarked as they left the room. "Unless glowering is hereditary, is it hereditary?"
"No sir."
"Think he was struggling with constipation and the wind changed?"
"Would explain a lot sir."
Ancient Facility.
"So when you say 'Ancient' how old exactly are we talking?"
Max Eilerson was at first not hugely impressed, sure the method of travel was something new and fascinating but after monitoring the Star gate for an hour or two he had a working theory on how the system operated and would be eager to compare notes with the local expert, one Samantha Carter. He would never claim his life was dull, after travelling around on the Victory after Captain Anderson saved them from a Drakh warship crew Eilerson and a small but effective IPX team had been at the forefront of the search for a cure having gathered a lot of information and samples of the Drakh virus. When word came through of this place the Victory was immediadely diverted and Eilerson found himself in another underground site.
Beside him walked three other people, two were scientists from the SGC while the third was an alien, a Tok'ra called Anise. Eilerson had a quick briefing on the Tok'ra, a sort of 'bodysnatcher' species. Well this one had sure snatched a damn fine body.
"We did a quick test on a sample the General brought back." One of the scientists, an energetic man named Simon Coombs replied.
"And," interrupted his associate, an equally enthusiastic man named Jay Felger, "It came back as at least four million years old."
"I was going to say that!" Coombs hissed. "You always do that, you always jump in and cut me off!"
"Well you take forever to say anything, you have more pauses when you talk than Kirk did in Star Trek the motion picture!"
"You don't attack James. T like that!" Coombs snapped. "You're still bitter over Jar jar!"
"Okay, enough!" Eilerson raised his hand. "This is the fourth time you've argued about stuff I've never heard of. Lets just stay on mission shall we?"
"Yeah." Felger grumbled. "Yeah, it's just up here."
They walked on, Coombes and Felger falling behind and muttering at each other again.
"Picard could come up with a plan to beat your precious Imperial Star fleet using reverse polarised phasers."
"Please." Felger scoffed. "With two hundred gigatons a shot you don't need a fancy plan, just a big red button of maximum ownage!"
Ahead both Anise and Eilerson sighed.
The group stepped into the main chamber through a large open door, they they were greeted by the man Eilerson presumed was the expedition leader.
"Hi, I'm Daniel Jackson." He introduced himself to Eilerson, the rest of the group already familiar to him.
"Max Eilerson, Interplanetary Expeditions." They shook hands. "Nice place you got, I noticed the language here shares some roots with Latin."
"Well yes, yes it does." Jackson nodded. "But only a passing similarity, it is still a very different language."
"Linguistics are my thing." Eilerson smiled knowingly. "Mind if I take a look around?"
"Sure." Jackson nodded. "The main computer is over there."
Eilerson took a walk, allowing Jackson and Anise some time together.
"A remarkable find." The Tok'ra said.
"It's a medical facility." Jackson said. "I take it General O'Neill briefed you on the other Earth and it's problems?"
"He did, and that the solution is here."
Jackson pointed to a cabinet with numerous containers held inside. "Just in there."
The two walked over and looked at the substances.
"It has been here all these years?" Anise asked. "Their stasis technology is remarkable."
"Our main effort is now trying to find how to produce large quantities of the stuff." The SG team member explained. "We have found a few places that might be manufacturing systems, but so far nothing concrete."
"Oh, Doctor." Felger waved his hand. "We were just talking about that, we think we've narrowed it down to two locations."
"What? Really?"
"Yes." Coombs looked a little hurt. "Really, we do have some experience you know."
"Well, okay then." Jackson accepted the idea with some difficulty. "What did you find?"
Elsewhere in the facility Max Eilerson was uncovering a treasure trove. He had been right when he told the SG representative he had a gift for language, a nearly supernatural ability to find familiar structure and Syntax in ancient carvings and draw patterns from it. He had studied photographs of the Ancient writings when he arrived and already had a working knowledge when he steped through the gate, it didn't take long for him to work out the blank spaces.
The computer before him cycled through rems of data, most of it incredibly complex chemical symbols. He was smart enough to recognize a lot of what passed by, but it was going to take IPX's best people a very long time to truly decipher what was written here. Hopefully he could just press a button and create the cure here, some samples would be vital to IPX. The more he read the more he began to understand, a lot of these compounds weren't cures, but virus' themselves, plagues of such unspeakable horror they would make Deathwalker's crimes look like a science fair. As one half of his mind calculated how fearsome these compounds were, the other half was working out what sort of commission he could get from Earth Force New Technologies Division for this data.
"Some of this information is extraordinary." Anise was in awe. "Look, this formula here if applied appropriately could actually halt the ageing process! Or at least slow it down!"
Daniel nodded. "Reminds me a little of the energy signature of a Goa'uld sarcophagus. Probably where they got the idea from."
"Most of their technology is badly copied Ancient items, usually perverted for the infliction of pain or suffering."
"Not guys you want to party with." Daniel nodded. "been there."
"Yes, yes of course you have." Anise lowered her voice sympaphetically. "I am sorry for your loss."
"It was a long time ago, but thank you."
With a rustle and a slight cough Felger drew their attention.
"Doctor Jackson, hi again."
"Hi Felger."
"And Anise, or is it Doctor Anise? I mean I don't know how the Tok'ra honour scientists, I mean I guess you are worshipped… I mean honoured for your fine pair of…. Frontal…. Lobes…."
He tailed off wincing in acute embarrassment.
"Well now you have our attention." Jackson said. "Well done, high marks."
"We err, well I really…" he grinned at Anise.
"We!" Coombs yelled from a dozen feet away.
"Right, we, well we found what we think is the right machine."
"Something to manufacture the cure."
"Yeah." He grinned. "Bingo!" he said with far too much enthusiasm, causing Anise to lean back a little.
"Well, lets have a look." Daniel ushered her away. "This one?"
"Yeah, that bank of consoles." Felger grinned through gritted teeth, watching them walk over.
"You are so lame at chat ups." Coombs sighed. "Really, you should just buy cats."
"If anyones crazy Cat guy it's you!" Felger snarled.
"Anyway, thought you had the hots for Carter?"
"Yes, well no, well I mean, I'm a man of the world."
"Well you're wrong on both counts there." Coombs smiled. "You aren't a man on any world."
"Well just shut up!" Felger cut back. "You get less action than the Doctor on Enterprise!"
"He had a harem!"
"And had to run away to an alien starship to get away from them!" He paused. "In a certain light it could be you."
Coombs gave him a cold stare, then went to join the team.
"Mr Eilerson?" The voice sounded almost distant. "mr Eilerson, what are you dong?"
He snapped out of his almost trance like state and noticed Doctor Jackson stood with him.
"Oh, hi there. I was lost in the moment." He cleared his throat. "I made sense of this data, they are chemical formulas, lots of them."
"yeah, and that?" he pointed to a box.
"Palm computer, helps me with translating."
"Nothing at all like the Data Recorder Mr Garibaldi showed us as an example of Earth technology."
Eilerson went very quiet. "No."
"This information," Anise frowned. "It is hard to tell but it looks like a weaponised biological virus, simpler than the one these Drakh used." She looked to the scientist. "Easier to recreate."
"Really? Well what a coincidence."
"You were downloading blueprints for biological weapons." Jackson accused.
"Well, there's no law against it."
"We signed proliferation treaties!"
"Valid on Earth, and this isn't Earth." Eilerson defended.
"Don't split hairs, these weapons can't leave here!"
Eilerson tutted. "You aren't seeing the big picture, Do you know how much this discovery is worth?"
"Discovery?" Daniel stuttered. "These are weapons! Biological weapons, you could kill whole worlds!"
"Enemy worlds." Eilerson said. "In case you didn't notice that's what our enemies are trying to do to us."
"You don't need these weapons to beat them!"
"My orders are to acquire anything that will help win this war." Eilerson said "Think logically…"
"Logic!" Coombs yelled an interruption. "We're talking about universal Armageddon and all you can talk about is logic! You inhuman…"
"Enough with the Star Trek!" Felger yelled. "And stop yelling!"
"I'm not yelling! You are!"
Jackson waited for quiet before continuing. "You aren't taking the data."
"You owe us."
"You owe us more, leave the recorder."
Eilerson weighed his options, ultimately nodding his head. "Fine, but IPX would pay you big money, you should think about working for us."
"Err…no." Jackson said. "Oh, and I'll take the crystal you hid in your pocket when you thought I wasn't looking."
Eilerson gave him a thunfderous stare, then reluctantly surrendered the crystal.
"Now, why don't you work with Felger and Coombs, sure you'll get on great."
The IPX man stood and walked away, followed by the other two scientists. Jackson waited until he was gone, then sat down at the console. "Guess this is a picklist, we just have to pick the right substance."
"That man," Anise said. "I he typical of the other world?"
"I don't think so, you met Sheridan right?"
"I did."
"I like to believe he's an average." Jackson answered. "He signed this place into SG control without question, the facility and everything in it belongs to the SGC, Eilerson was in the act of stealing information."
"Will you not punish him?" Anise asked.
"I just did." Jackson smiled, as Eilerson was drawn into Felger and Coombs little world.
Asteroid belt
Orion class battle station, SGC ownership.
The spinning ring looked fairly impressive, made somewhat more so by the bristling cannons and defensive batteries encircling it. Currently only two of these stations existed, refitted with the first examples of reverse engineered Goa'uld technology and standing guard on either side of the gate. One in Earth Force hands and the other under Stargate Command's jurisdiction. In addition to the station a grouping of Particle cannon armed satellites lingered nearby under local control of the battle station.
What made it more impressive was how O'Neill was seeing the view.
"So I was wondering, can you get HBO on this?"
He gazed up in the black chamber at the heart of the Minbari battle cruiser, the place where the highest echelons of the Minbari military would gather to command ships and fleets in war. The holographic curtain display showed the human station much as it had during the war, but in this case the Minbari ship was not attacking. Indeed the station now had the firepower to turn a full Minbari Task force into scrap.
"It is not something the Worker caste likely considered." Delenn smiled. "But I'm sure you could."
O'Neill shrugged. "Over priced anyway."
The Minbari warship that had brought Sheridan now transported representatives of the SGC to this battle station to formally accept it from the Earth Alliance and to give the returning Odyssey the recognition it deserves and formally commissioning the vessel into the fleet.
"Entil'zha." a human bowed to Delenn. "We have clearance from the station to come along side and transfer guests."
Delenn bowed respectfully. "Thank you."
O'Neill watched the robed man leave before speaking. "Didn't think Humans served on these ships?"
"Not usually." She admitted. "But this is a ship of the Rangers, not of the Minbari Federation itself, a gift from the Worker caste in recognition of the role the Anla'shok played in defeating the shadows."
"Well it beats a fruit basket."
She smiled. "You have a unique approach to leadership. I like it."
"Unique huh?" he returned the smile. "Well, better than craptastic."
"We should go, they will be waiting for us."
"Can't wait, I mean just when you think it can't get any cooler, from ships to giant guns someone gives us a battle station. I love Earth Force, I mean really, who else would make something so stupidly over armed?"
"One day you must look at the Minbari home system defence, built to fight the Ancients. I believe John's first words were 'Oh Mama' if you understand what that means?"
"I think I get it." O'Neill grinned. "On with the show?"
The short shuttle ride took them to the station with a brief flitter around its perimeter for a better look. O'Neill, Carter, Mitchell, Teal'c and like it or not Vala had come to show the SG side, with Garibaldi, Delenn and Sheridan arriving for the ISA and Earth Alliance. Two flights of fighters escorted them in, F-302B's and Thunderbolt MKII's, both using the latest technologies from each others governments to create truly fearsome war machines.
The fighters had been the first, but not the last. While the SGC had been fielding well armed 304 class ships the Earth Alliance had also been busy, and while these stations were the largest examples of the integration Earth Force was currently repairing and refitting damaged ships to the newest standards, including the Titans and the Hecate, two Warlocks that had seen plenty of action in past months. Along with a series of other vessels the were going to the form the spearhead of a Drakh hunting force, already referred to as the Head hunters.
The small craft came into dock where they were met by a group of military officers from a selection of countries.
"General O'Neill, welcome aboard." A man said in a thick German accent "I am Captain Hans Manstein, senior officer on this station."
"Good to meet you." O'Neill returned the salute. "Don't suppose you heard from Earth about…"
"Regrettably sir they will not be naming this facility the 'Death Star.' Sorry."
"Their loss." O'Neill shrugged.
"And they objected to you saying 'Now witness the firepower of this flly armed and operational Battlestation' as part of your opening speech."
O'Neill tutted. "No sense of tradition."
"We had one more guest arrive." Manstein said. "A friend of the President?"
"Good." Sheridan smiled. "Well, I think we're meant to be in the main assembly hall."
The group walked through the winding corridors, with the strategically valuable gate now adequately protected there was talk of starting a more regular trade service that could use this station as a transfer point as well as for protection. There were more EA personnel on the station than SGC staff but under the agreement the EA crew would follow the orders of a commander to be appointed by the IOC. Manstein was a temporary assignment. Sheridan was still elated after confirmation there was a cure, this formal occasion was just something extra to be glad about.
The entered the room and there saw their guest stood by the turning windows, a large alien with a bald spotted head.
"Mr President!" G'Kar announced loudly. "This is wonderful isn't it? A whole new universe!"
"Quite something." he agreed with a smile. He made the round of introductions and headed for his place.
"A Narn huh?" O'Neill said. "Lot of aliens over there I see."
"Quite some diversity." G'Kar confirmed. "From what I hear less so here."
"We've met a handful of unique species." Carter said. "But we tend to be limited to the Gate network which means Ancient seeded worlds, and they didn't interfere much with real aliens."
"But now we have ships, Universe is our Oyster." O'Neill smiled. "Really big one, hopefully with pearls included."
"Just when you think you are beginning to understand things something like this happens." G'Kar sighed. "Don't you find that General."
"Oh, all the time." he glanced at Carter who fought to hold back a smile.
"As if there wasn't enough mystery in one universe, we now have two to consider." G'Kar said almost in frustration. "There is only so much wonder a person can stand before he feels the urge to scream."
"I get that all the time, I mean I have every Simpson Episode on DVD." O'Neill related. "It's like where does the time go."
"Exactly!" G'Kar snapped. "Good to see there is wisdom here." he grinned.
"See Carter. Wisdom." O'Neill nodded. "Pity there's no Woolsy to receive some gloating." he paused. "Second thoughts it ain't worth it."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention." Captain Manstein spoke. "To speak, President Sheridan."
He took his que ad moved to the front of the room, taking a moment to look at the gathered people, old faces and new.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, honoured guests from many worlds." Sheridan smiled genuinely. "You know this is something isn't it? Human, Minbari, Narn, Tok'ra and Jaffa. Groups which were old friends, old enemies or total strangers to each other. How much separates us? How much divides us? And yet here we sit united in a common goal. The goal of life."
"We have found a cure for the Plague that has infected our home, finally we have a way to save ten billion lives and to keep humanity alive, at least until the next time. With help from our brothers and sisters here we did it, and I can't put into words how grateful we are."
"Now we have something else to look for, a way to prevent the same thing happening elsewhere. The Drakh are still out there and we will find them. We have new sensors, new defenses, new weapons. We can take the fight to the Drakh and we can beat them, because of our new friendship."
O'Neill grinned, Carter also pleased by the recognition.
"So we have this station. A battle station." Sheridan continued. "A few months ago it was part of the Io defence grid, now it shows the best of both our universes. It is armed and protected by the latest weapons, run by joint crew until the SGc can find some spare capacity, and positioned here to protect the portal between us. There is another one, identical in every way on the other side of the gate watching our entrance, defending it as one of the most strategically vital locations of the galaxy."
"Two stations on different sides of the gate, solid proof of what we can achieve if we work together. They are different, but they are also the same. They serve the same purpose and were made for the same reason, to defend Earth and Humanity wherever we go in the universe. Today is no different, we are no different. On behalf of the Interstellar Alliance I give you this station. May it endure as a symbol of our two people and their unity, human and alien wherever they came from."
There was a round of applause as Sheridan stepped aside and O'Neill rose to take his place behind the podium.
"Well, there isn't much I can say to top that." O'Neill grinned. "Like trying to follow Houdini with a Chinese finger trap act."
G'Kar and Delenn shared a confused look.
"Oh yeah, forgot the audience is from out of town." O'Neill corrected. "I'll be quick. We have a long way to go, and the past hasn't been easy. Everyone here has seen what happens when things go wrong. Well now you've seen what happens when things go right. We've had a look at what we here can achieve, a united planet, a unted Planets, almost a Federation of United Planets if you will." He caught a glance from Carter and moved on. "Point is we can work together, aliens and humans, and we can even work together on our own little divided planet. Barring a few world wars. Sowe gladly accept this station and the unity that comes with it. We had friends before, now we have relations."
Again there was clapping as O'Neill stepped back.
"Okay Captain, brewski time!"
The bases new commander unveiled some food and drink and the party very slowly began, rather awkward at first but gradually getting more open.
"General O'Neill." G'Kar grinned widely. "Stirring words."
"Thanks. And hey call me Jack."
"Jack." G'Kar absorbed the name. "Good solid name, reminds me of a Narn name!"
"Well I think that's cool." Jack grinned. "Daniel liked your book, friend of mine, big reader."
"Good, good." The Narn grinned. "I went to hell and back as you humans say writing it, remind me to lend him the book of G'Quon one day."
"That like a prequel?"
"Yes." G'Kar laughed. "Yes, a prequel! Even here you humans surprise me."
"Well great."
"Did you ever think of writing a book?"
"Well I could, but I'd have to shoot everyone who read it."
G'Kar stared at him for a second, then broke out laughing again, slapping him on the back hard enough to shake teeth. "I like you! You must visit my planet someday, they'll love you!"
"I am sure they will." The ever so soft voice of Delenn chimed in. "I must steal you away for a few minutes, I have some questions."
Delenn guided O'Neill away, G'Kar turning his attention to Bra'tac and Teal'c.
"You looked like you needed rescuing." She chuckled.
"Thanks, he seems a good guy. Little heavy handed, like a mule kick in fact, but nice."
"He has endured a great deal, if you have read his book you know."
"I'm waiting for the movie, or for the next time I run into Daniel. Sure he'll tell me all that happened. Over days, and hours, and months."
"It is a miracle, what he did." Delenn said. "But it seems we live in a time of miracles, your world being the latest."
"It's just a job we do."
"It is more than that, and I think you know it." She smiled. "It took my people a thousand years to stand alone, you did it in Nine."
"Never been really patient."
"We overthrew false gods with fleets and armies, you did it without anybody else on your world even noticing."
"Stealth is our primary weapon." O'Neill said. "And surprise, surprise and stealth are our two primary weapons. And dedication. Our three…"
She was smiling widely. "I see why they follow you. You hide it well, but I see why you inspire such loyalty and confidence."
"Well bribery was a good plan B."
She grinned wider. "Enjoy this place General, I've found Humans tend to build big space stations at exactly the perfect time and place for them to be used. Just not in the way they were necessarily designed."
"General Jack!" G'Kar called. "My fellow warrior Teal'c here tells me you have many words of withsdom!"
"Indeed." Teal'c could have been amused. "His speeches are legendary."
O'Neill grinned through his teeth. "Thanks Teal'c really."
"SO let's hear one!" G'Kar prompted.
"Alright." O'Neill frowned. "Fear leads to Anger, Anger leads to hate, Hate leads to suffering."
G'Kar nodded. "You know that's very astute General, very astute."
"Another one O'Neill?" Teal'c was enjoying this.
"How about, What we do in life echoes in eternity?"
G'Kar gasped. "Remarkable!"
O'Neill forced a grin and bega nthinking of more films.
"Did you ever here of a planet called Mordor?"
.