Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate or Battlestar Galactica: 2003.

Another Road not Taken

Chapter10: Negotiations

August 4th 2006
Sol System
In orbit above Earth
EFS Orion
O'Neill's Cabin

A week passed since the battle and the Daedalus had been sent back to Atlantis with the ZPM knowing that the city-ship couldn't go without one for an large amount of time. Thankfully the Orion had arrived at Earth having finally been upgraded with a new Asgard intergalactic Hyperdrive and was currently undergoing tests in orbit of the planet.

It had been a busy month following the Cylon attack on Earth resulting in disclosure and riots throughout the world's nations. Thankfully the fact that Earth was relatively safeguarded from exterior threats for the moment calmed down the masses however the damage was already done. With the Cylon attack thwarted and knowing it was unlikely that there would be another anytime soon, the nations of the IOA had put forth a proposal to form a new organisation dedicated to the security of Earth.

It was called the Earth Federation based out of Geneva and was being led by the legendary Lieutenant General George Hammond, former commander of Stargate Command. The Cylons had completely dropped off the grid following the destruction of the Resurrection Ship and the nuclear strike against Cylon Prime so for now Earth had shifted priorities to adapting to how things had changed.

Beep Beep

"Come in," Major General Jack O'Neill called as he looked over the latest report. He never did like paperwork, preferring instead to be back leading his old team through the Stargate on some kind of adventure. The door opened allowing Colonel Samantha Carter to enter, "I don't want to hear it Sam."

"Do you even know what I'm going to say sir?" Carter asked him. "The Colonials have left for New Caprica," she continued. "They intend to land the Galactica at the Ancient Outpost to conduct repairs and overhaul the damaged gun batteries."

"Were their pilots frightened enough?" Jack asked hopeful.

"They've never seen a bomb like the Mark IX before," Carter replied. "I'd say we scared them though I think the Cylons are more afraid then they are right now."

"Speaking of the Terminator rejects," Jack leaned back in his chair. "Any word from them yet?"

"Nothing yet sir," Carter shook her head. "Tok'ra Intelligence says that they've completely dropped off the grid...considering the losses they've sustained recently, it's to be expected that they would have pulled back."

"Yeah, destroying a planet will make just about anyone back off," Jack agreed.

"What are the USN designing exactly?" Carter asked as she picked up the report.

"It's some kind of support ship," Jack shrugged. "Officially they're calling it an escort for larger ships like the 303s and 304s."

"And unofficially?" Carter asked further.

"Unofficially it's a destroyer," Jack answered. "They're calling it the E305; she's about half the size of an Al'kesh."

"She's not exactly a large ship," Carter judged. "There's no way a ship that small can operate an intergalactic Hyperdrive...it might be able to power an interstellar Hyperdrive though. It wouldn't be able to make a journey to the Pegasus Galaxy to render aid to Atlantis but it would be good for patrolling the Milky Way."

"From what I hear, they're going to be used as guard ships and patrol ships. At the very least they'll bolster Earth's defences," Jack shrugged. "Though I swear to god, if the Navy names one of the ships Enterprise I will be pissed."

Beep Beep...Beep Beep

"Now what?" Jack asked and flicked on the intercom. "O'Neill here," he spoke into the comm.

"Sorry to disturb you sir, but you need to get up here," spoke his XO, Major Susan Taylor.

"I'll be right up," Jack said and groaned. "Can we go one day without a big galactic emergency?"

"Welcome to the galaxy at large," Carter said with a smile.

"Let's go," Jack rose from his seat and headed for the door.

"Report?" Jack questioned as he stepped onto the bridge. He strolled to the command chair and sat down as Carter came up beside him.

"Approximately two minutes ago the NASA deep space telemetry detected a single Cylon Baseship holding position above Saturn. They've been sending out a repeating message to us ever since," Susan explained.

"Let's hear it," Jack nodded.

"This is Lieutenant Junior Grade Sharon Valerie representing the Cylon Empire," a woman's voice sounded through the comm. "We which to establish a treaty between the Cylon Empire and the Humans of Earth. I repeat, this is-".

"...Enough," Jack said and the message cut.

"General," Carter spoke from the side. "We've done a lot of damage to the Cylons recently and we're still dealing with the aftermath of the last attack on Earth. If they're really willing to talk then we could at least find out their plans."

"...Contact Homeworld Command and inform them of the situation. Major, send a message back telling them they can send a small transport, unarmed and I want the Astrea to scan it for nukes as soon as it's within range," Jack ordered.

"I'll go and talk to Daniel," Carter told him and turned away.

"Patch me through to Stargate Command...Hank needs to know we're having company over for dinner."

August 4th 2006
Sol System
Earth
Stargate Command / Cheyenne Mountain
Briefing Room

The Cylons had dispatched a single Heavy Raider to deliver their delegation and the Colonials had been contacted. Both Admiral Adama and President Roslin had come through the Stargate to Earth as soon as they heard and the Cylon Basestar that had entered the Sol System was now under the guns of the Astrea.

When the Cylon delegation landed near the SGC the Eight known as 'Athena' was asked to 'inspect' the new arrivals. Upon entering the corridor Athena spotted the three Cylons, a One, a Six and an Eight. It was the eight that got her attention...

"That's Boomer," Athena spoke first.

"I know," Adama nodded as they entered the room and sat down at the table.

"Madam President, Admiral Adama," the Six greeted with a nod and a smile.

"Let's keep this simple, Cylon," Roslin told her.

"I am Doctor Daniel Jackson and I will be representing the Earth Federation during these talks," Daniel introduced.

"I am Caprica Six of the Cylon Empire; it's a pleasure to meet you're acquaintance," the Six smiled

"Alright, let's begin," Daniel started. "What do you want exactly?"

"Because of recent events pertaining to the war between our two governments we wish to form a none-aggression treaty with the Tau'ri," Caprica Six spoke clearly. "This treaty would be in essence...a new Armistice Line between Earth and Cylon space."

"You upheld the last one for forty years and then launched an unprovoked and genocidal nuclear assault again twelve human worlds along with many others. Why would I or my superiors believe you would uphold this treaty?" Landry questioned. "What's to stop us from simply going into your territory and nuking your worlds into oblivion?"

"If we hide then you'll never find us and as for the treay...well...we didn't break the last Armistice Line; the Colonials did," Cavil sneered.

"Y-you're blaming us for the massacre you committed?" Roslin roared.

"Of course we are Madam President; after all one of your Battlestars did send a scout ship into our space," Cavil responded.

"I refuse to believe that," Roslin said trying to contain her anger.

"Well why don't you ask the ship's commander? After all the Battlestar Valkyrie was commanded by someone in this room," Cavil sneered and cast a look at Adama.

"Bill?" Roslin asked him at seeing the look sent at him.

"...It's true Madam President but even so we could have used diplomacy to settle the affair; we may have broke the line first but we would have negotiated if given the chance. That still doesn't condone their actions," Adama admitted.

"I-I can't believe this," Roslin shook her head at his words.

"What would this treaty entail?" Daniel inquired.

"Essentially any form of aggression by either government would be a breach of the treaty," Caprica Six explained. "No ship from either side would be allowed across the border and any vessel that does would be required to surrender or be destroyed."

"So you want to establish a new Armistice Line," Daniel waited for them to confirm. "What about the other human worlds in this galaxy? We've been monitoring them and we know you're attacks on them have been repelled by the Asgard Fleet every time."

"What about them?" Cavil sneered.

"Well we're not going to just abandon them," Daniel responded simply. "Some, if not all of them are members of the Protected Planet's Treaty which the Asgard uphold and what we intend to uphold shortly. Every planet under that treaty will be placed as part of this one also...meaning an attack on them is the same as an attack on us and tantamount to act of war."

"...We will have to reach a consensus on this matter," Caprica Six said after a moment. "However I think we can agree to that...is there anything else?"

"Yes there is," Landry said, bringing the rest of the demands to the table. "You will recognize that everything within one thousand light years of Earth and everything within five light years of a protected planet is Earth-claimed space. You will also completely withdraw from the Cyrannus System effect immediately...failure to comply with these demands will result in our ships heading into your space and finishing the job we started on your home planet."

"...You will have our answer within the day," Caprica Six said with a nod. "Take us back to our ship," she spoke as she stood up. An uncomfortable silence fell upon the room when the Cylons were escorted out, heading back for their Heavy Raider.

"Do you think they'll agree to our demands?" Cam asked after a moment of silence.

"I don't know," Daniel shook his head at the question.

"It would be easier to just wipe them out," Roslin spoke up.

"Well unfortunately we do not condone genocide," Landry sighed. "Not to mention if they really wanted to disappear then we would never find them again...not until they came back with greater numbers."

"But it's not like we haven't done it before," Daniel countered.

"If what she said is true then I gave the Cylons legitimate reason to launch their attack," Adama leaned back in his chair and shook his head.

"If only it were so simple," Daniel said cryptically. "Whether we like it or not we shouldn't dwell on the past...we should be trying to make a better future."

"So say we all," Adama nodded.

August 15th 2006
Sol System
Earth
Stargate Command / Cheyenne Mountain
Briefing Room

"So how did it go?" Cam asked the question as SG1 and the base General sat down at the table.

"The IOA is happy that the Cylons accepted our terms but I don't think either side is fooled," Landry responded. "The IOA knows that the Cylons won't just sit out there forever...they're going to come back just like they did before...they'll wait until they've built up their forces again before launching another attack."

"Which gives us enough time to build up our own forces and secure our hold on this galaxy as well as Pegasus," Carter added. "The Cylons have backed off for now but they're machines...I'd estimate that they'll have recovered enough to restart the war within ten years...maybe less considering they're no doubt researching captured Goa'uld technology."

"The Odyssey is currently undergoing resupply at Area 51," Landry spoke up. "The brass wants it deployed to the Cyrannus System along with a Stargate in order to salvage anything not bolted down."

"Grave robbing?" Cam asked with a wince.

"Grave robbing," Landry nodded in confirmation. "Suit up...because you're going with them."

"Yes sir," Cam nodded at the order.

"And the Colonials?" Carter asked.

"They're keeping their heads down," Landry replied simply.

"How much is one of their warships worth?" Vala couldn't help but ask.

Author's Notes:

EFS literally means Earth Federation Ship when placed in front of a warship's name; I have been watching Gundam Seed lately and the name 'Earth Federation' came from the original series. I thought it would be a good name for the new united Earth multi-government system representing Earth. It's essentially the IOA with a more dedicated name.

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