Golden Dawn
Chapter 11: Trials and Treaties
A flash was seen as the flagship of Anubis returned to Tartarus. As Anubis approached the planet he sensed that something was wrong. The Alesian ship was missing. He immediately contacted the planet. Thoth bowed on the screen.
"Thoth, report!"
"My lord, I have received reports that the prisoners have escaped"
"Unacceptable! I also see that the captured Alesian ship is MISSING! You and others will be punished!"
Anubis roared in fury and cut the transmission. Anubis was truly enraged. Hre'rak bowed. Anubis gestured him to rise.
"Only you have not disappointed me, Hre'rak. Continue to do so, and I shall be pleased."
"Thank you, my lord."
"The attack by Lord Yu was repelled. My flagship has performed well. However, there are bigger concerns. How many ships have been assembled?""
"My lord, we have three of the new motherships you have designed and ten motherships of Apophis' design, and these ships have been fitted with the beam weapon of the Alesians and the Protoss weapon as well. Also, there are fifteen Apophis motherships equipped with the Protoss weapon, 36 Hataks with Protoss weapon and new shields, 77 Hataks with new shields, and 146 un upgraded Hataks. There are still another 168 Hataks that are arriving and being upgraded right now."
"How long before those 168 ships are ready?"
"About a week, my lord. It will take more time for the rest of the new ships to arrive. Even with the new technologies, the ships are difficult to make, but we are building ships much faster than the System Lords are."
"When will they be ready to join the fleet, and how many of them?"
"About 58 of them will be ready within ten days, my lord."
"I will not risk fighting the Alesians with a fleet that is not ready."
"But, my lord, this is the largest fleet ever assembled in the history of the Goa'uld Empire. There will be over 500 ships, my lord."
"That is true, however, the Goa'uld Empire have not been under a single ruler. It will soon be so, and then I shall command a fleet far larger than this. I will not land on Tartarus this day. Bring six upgraded Ha'taks and a small escort of Alkesh, and set a course for planet Irush."
Hre'rak looked up.
"Irush, my lord? That is the territory of Kali. She has formidable defences, my lord."
"She does. Let the System Lords know that I will take Irush, then Mark'kara, Traxion, Brigas and Eltesh."
"Mark'kara is of Bastet, Traxion is of Morrigan, Brigas of Ba'al and Eltesh of Yu. You will attract their attention, my lord. They will bring everything they have to dare fight you."
"I expect them to do so. I will show them my might."
"As you wish my Lord"
Hre'rak said bowing and issuing the order, minutes later the battle group was ready and work put into place for more workers to upgrade the other Ha'taks of the fleet as Anubis and the battle group jumped to Hyperspace for Irush, a planet of Kali.
Near Rivanna…
A Ha'tak approached the planet. Amann was informed immediately and he was on the bridge of the Angelan within a minute.
"Commander, report!"
"A Ha'tak is approaching the fleet, Councilor. It is hailing us."
"Very well, onscreen."
The screen flashed as Lord Ba'al appeared on the screen. Amann spoke crisply.
"Lord Ba'al. I am Amann, High Councilor of the Alesian Empire. You have requested an alliance against Anubis. We both share a common enemy and with similar interests. Anubis threatens both of us due to his gathering of both Ancient and Protoss technology. My question is, do you speak for all of the System Lords or only for yourself?"
Amann looked intently into Ba'al's eyes. A cold but curious expression flitted across his face. Ba'al nodded in acknowledgement and smiled charmingly.
"While I'd like to ally with you as a representative of the entire Goa'uld domain, other System Lords are too short-sighted to see the bigger picture. Not even Lord Yu, who is fiercely opposed to Anubis, would seek to form an alliance with anyone other then the Goa'uld. I am more open minded, and I seek this alliance for myself. If I can reap victories over Anubis by allying with you, other System Lords, however releuctant, will have to agree with me."
He sipped the drink.
"As you are no doubt aware, Anubis has somehow amassed impressive technologies, which does not bode well for any of us. The System Lords are resisting, but Olokun has nearly fallen and his empire is now in tatters. I am organizing the System Lords to form a combined fleet large enough to get to Anubis himself, and destroy him. However, his fleet is large, and if you could hold down some one third to half of his fleet, then perhaps we can destroy Anubis. Of course, this is still some time off, since persuading the System Lords is a task most difficult."
Amann frowned and finally spoke.
"I understand that you are doing this for yourself. I recently won a victory over Anubis where my fleet destroyed over 100 ha'tak vessels. I did lose 5 ships to Anubis, which was unexpected and should not have happened. I got fleets deploying in theater. It is going to take some time before all forces are ready. I am sure we can pin most of Anubis's fleet down. However..."
Amann paused for breath.
"Anubis cannot be killed. He has no corporeal form. He is stuck between ascension and our plane of existence. Even I am unsure what we can do against something like that. Perhaps we should just kill all of his forces and then take the Stargate off the planet so he is stranded. But I do think the better idea is to use one of my people's devices to trap energy based beings into it and imprison him until we can kill him."
Ba'al raised one of his eyebrows.
"I see. You have a way to imprison him. That sounds good. I am sure that I can take care of his fleet once Anubis is out of the picture, but even destroying his current position will be impossible for me to do it alone. I will need the full support of the System Lords. I think I can amass enough ships within a month. But, we have word that Anubis is moving to attack Kali's territory. This can be an opportunity to destroy much of his forces. Will you assist our forces in defeating the attacking force?"
Amann nodded.
"I will see what I can do, however I will be meeting with the Earth representatives soon enough. Our combined forces should be enough to take down Anubis."
Amann then looked very sternly at Ba'al.
"I must warn you however. Betrayal will be rewarded with swift retribution. However, adhere to the agreement and we can have an era of peace between our empires. Send me the coordinates of the target and we will deal with it. AES Angelan out."
The transmission cut off as Amann looked at the commander who would be in command.
"Tell Governor Aldaras I will be down shortly. Have a small detachment of the 1st Legion beam down with me. I will go to Earth with 4 guards and Galadriel. Send word to me if anything turns up and have the Angelan and a few escorts arrive near Earth. Just in case."
The Commander nodded and Amann disappeared in a flash of light near the Stargate with Galadriel and his escorts. The Stargate chevrons began to light up as they awaited for the gate to open.
Near Irush…
Ba'al had returned to his capital world and summoned his fleet to him. Then he sent transmissions to the System Lords for a meeting. The screen showed Lord Yu, Kali, Aries and Camulus.
Ba'al spoke first.
"I have recently come to an arrangement with the Alesians to fight our common enemy, Anubis. However, they will not assist us unless we bring the full might of the System Lords' power combined."
Kali answered.
"Have you not heard, Ba'al? Anubis is gathering his fleet to strike us down in one fell swoop."
Ba'al turned to Lord Yu.
"Lord Yu, despite our differences, you and I share the common goal of defeating Anubis. What say you?"
"That's what I have been proposing to the System Lords."
Camulus interjected.
"Yes, but we do not like the idea of putting our fleet in your hands, Lord Yu."
Yu growled, but Aries cut into the conversation.
"What could these Alesians have that they can possibly offer us?"
Ba'al smiled.
"They are descendents of the Ancients, and therefore they have powerful technology. They have agreed to bog down Anubis' main fleet while we attack his lieutenants."
Yu glowered at Ba'al.
"What if they try to destroy us after Anubis? If they are so powerful, they are a danger to us as well."
"We are Goa'ulds. Once we take Anubis' technology and his forces, and divide them among us, our combined power will be enough to overwhelm them because they are weary from war."
System Lord Bastet appeared on the screen. Ba'al smiled.
"Welcome, Bastet."
"You fools! Have you not heard? Anubis just proclaimed that he will take Irush, Mark'kara, Traxion, Brigas and Eltesh. He dared to challange us to bring our combined might."
At that time, the First Primes of the System Lords whispered to their masters, and Ba'al could see them on the screen, just as his own First Prime entered the chamber. Ba'al raised his hand and everyone went quiet.
"If Anubis is so foolish to challenge us, then we shall oblige. Convince others to join this battle as well."
The System Lords all nodded and cut communications. Ba'al turned to his First Prime.
"Bring me my reserve fleet and the new ships. We are going for a fight."
On Earth…
An Asgard Daniel Jackson class science vessel entered Earth orbit with two escorting Beliskner class warships.
An Asgard beamed next to General Hammond. Hammond spoke first.
"Hello, I am General George Hammond of the SGC. Welcome to StarGate Command."
"I know who you are, general. I am Kvesir, I don't think we have been introduced yet. I am here because Thor thought that you would need a mediator with the Alesians."
"Well, thank you. We could use the extra help. We are taking extra precautions in light of seeing what these Alesians can do."
"A wise move... for a human. I will patrol Earth's solar system but I am here strictly as an observer to the possible negotiations, only."
"I understand."
"The two ships that were already in orbit will depart once Thor and Daedalus arrive. They are needed elsewhere to protect other Asgard interests."
Walter's voice echoed over the PA.
"Unscheduled offworld activation!"
Hammond looked toward the gate.
"That must be the Alesians. Please come with me to the briefing room."
Hammond and the small gray form of the Asgard moved into the briefing room and looked from the window 30 feet up from the Stargate. The gate opened as Amann and Galadriel moved out of the event horizon with 4 white armored Alesian Legionnaires. In Amann's case, he was wearing his white armor as well with a sweeping white cape. Galadriel was in her traditional white robes as was custom among Alesian women. Sergeant Siler was waiting at the bottom of the ramp with a platoon of guards.
"Welcome to Earth, I'm Sergeant Siler, this way please"
Siler lead the way to the briefing room with the Alesians following. Jack O'Neill sat in his seat as the group arrived. He gave a nod of greeting towards Amann. Amann nodded back and sat at the head of the table with Galadriel in the seat next to him. General Hammond, Kvesir, and Dr. Jackson sat at the other side of the table.
"So, Mr Amann, you wished to talk about an alliance against Anubis?
"Please, just plain simple Amann will do, General. You I assume are the leader of this complex? Yes, the Terrans have much to offer regarding an alliance against Anubis. Despite your technological inferiority, you have prevailed against many enemies. That is commendable and we would do well to ally with you. You could prove useful and I am sure you would find us a worthy ally. Is your President coming?"
Hammond crossed his hands.
"That is correct. President Hayes will be here shortly. You have sent a treaty proposal back with our delegation."
"Yes, it is simple no? We Alesians hate inefficiency. We have read a few of your treaties and find them tiresome to analyze. It is not far off the mark to say that about 80% of the content of treaties is complete nonsense and shouldn't bother to be included. Anubis is the immediate threat. I am willing to use the lunar satellite in orbit of your planet to stage a military base there to protect your world. If Anubis has Protoss technology, it is a danger to us all. Anubis is at the moment weakened, he lost over 100 Ha'taks to me in a big battle over Rivanna after you left, but managed to destroy 5 ships. I suggest an alliance with the forces of the Tok'ra, the rebel Jaffa, The Goa'uld System Lords, Earth, and the Alesian Empire. We are all enemies of Anubis and we all will be better off when he is defeated."
The Asgard spoke.
"You only won against Anubis because he had only fought to gain information from you. He had only so much before he captured your ship. Sadly even with the limited info he had gotten from your ship, it appears that you yourselves are at greater risk."
Amann glared at the Asgard.
"We are Alesians! Anubis doesn't have the might to defeat our entire military. The Goa'uld are only superior in only one respect."
The Asgard looked coldly at Amann.
"And what is that?"
"They are better at dying."
"Underestimation of the enemy is a dangerous thing, Councilor."
"So is overestimating to the point where you are afraid to act. We Alesians are still superior to the forces of Anubis, even if he has made great technological leaps. This is why I proposed this alliance. I am sending a fleet to help defend a Goa'uld homeworld against Anubis at this very moment and hopefully destroy a portion of the attacking fleet."
Dr. Jackson looked between the Asgard and the irritated Councilor.
"May I suggest we adjorn for an hour? We have to wait for the President before we can proceed with any more negotiations. He will be here in a few hours.
Amann looked at Hammond.
"Do you have training facilities for me and my men? It is customary for Alesians to train every day in fighting, it keeps our war skills sharp."
Hammond nodded as O'Neill and Teal'c led them to a good sized space inside the base. It was a big area for sparring and to exercise. Many of the SGC soldiers in the room moved to the edges of the room to give space to the soldiers and the 2 Alesian councilors. Galadriel smiled and sat down to observe the men as they deployed blue plasma blades and stood in a ready stance facing each other. Amann was against 2 of the soldiers. The men guarding him were of course some of the most experienced warriors of the Alesian Empire. The Legionnaires began to attack Amann in a blur of blue as the blades arced through the air. Amann was barely seen as he began to block the blades. He was backed into a corner and with a speed that shocked everyone there, he began to counterattack in a fury. The Legionnaires was sweating to keep up with the speed of the blows coming at them. One of them jumped up and spun kicked at Amann, which earned a grunt as the blow landed, twisting Amann into the air and flying into the wall. He crashed into it with a thump but got back up quickly as the Legionnaires ran at him. The Plasma blades once again flew as the men were engulfed in arcs of blue light, such was the speed of the match. Amann smirked as he blowed 3 blows aimed at the head within the speed of a half a second, then counterattacked by jumping up and kicked with his whole body with 2 feet to the chest of the Legionnaire. The Legionnaire flew 30 feet back and landed hard on the mats. He was on his way off the ground when his shield flared about where his head was. Amann had run the distance in 2 seconds and had attacked, scoring a kill on the elite soldier. The other soldier tried to take advantage of Amann's weakness by closing from behind. Amann grabbed the wrist of the legionnaire and hit the soldier repeatedly, then threw the soldier flat on his back. The man was unable to get up in time before Amann scored his second kill. Amann smiled and helped both of the men up. O'Neill looked at Teal'c and nodded.
"Impressive aren't they Teal'c?"
"Indeed."
Teal'c walked forward and picked up 2 sparring sticks. He looked at Amann and tossed him one of the sticks. Amann shut off his personal shield and deactivated his wrist weapons so they wouldn't activate during the match. Then the match began. Teal'c attacked relentlessly, but the Alesian was too fast for him. Amann didn't attack. It was as if he was toying with the Jaffa. Teal'c kept swinging the sparring stick, but found himself blocked at every blow. He changed his tactics by swinging one way, then changing direction in midair. He was rewarded with a satisfying grunt as the blow hit Amann in the ribs. Amann then began to attack. Teal'c found himself being pressed back by the smaller man as the attacks rained on him. The air was pierced by the sounds of the sticks. Teal'c was unable to block many of the blows as they connected with his head, his chest, and his arms. The strength and speed of the Alesian in the lighter gravity environment was too much. With a resounding crack, the stick Teal'c was holding broke in half as Amann swung down and then swung across and hit behind the kneecaps. Teal'c went down quickly and landed on the mats. He looked up to find the head of the stick at his neck. Amann smiled down on him holding the stick.
"That was very impressive for a Jaffa, Teal'c of Chu'lak. You must come to Alesia again and train with us. A Jaffa of your skill would do well with our training."
Amann reached down and pulled the bigger Jaffa up with seeming ease. Galadriel stood up and smiled at her brother, who smiled back. An airman came in.
"Sirs, the President is here to see you in the briefing room."
Amann dropped the stick as everyone filed back to the briefing room. President Hayes stood up as the Alesians entered the room. Amann looked over the man in the suit then spoke.
"President Hayes, I am High Councilor Amann, leader of the Alesian Empire. I have here a copy of the treaty between our worlds. You will find it brief and to the point. "
President Hayes held out his hand and Amann looked at him briefly and took his hand slowly. Amann handed the data pad over after they let go.
"Councilor Amann, please sit down."
Hammond spoke first.
"Mr President, I am sure you have read through the terms of the alliance treaty and do you have any other questions, sir?"
Hayes was looking at Amann with narrowed his eyes and a slight smile on his face.
"Well, Mr. Woolsey assures me that you have done a good job of negotiating these terms, but I had my people read through it, and also to read through our agreement with the Tok'ra"
Dr. Jackson interrupted.
"Sir? Something wrong with the Tok'ra treaty?"
Hayes shook his head and looked at Amann.
"No, no. Just to compare them. However, I was concerned about the aggressive nature of the Alesians. To tell the truth, Councilor Amann, our allies in the past have been very peaceful people. The Asgard, the Tok'ra... relatively speaking, of course. What assurance do we have that once your eliminate Anubis, the greatest threat in the galaxy, that you will not come after us? Asgard can protect us so far, and we don't have many ships. While I don't doubt your personal honor, counciller, but as the representative of this nation and the planet Earth, I must be cautious."
Amann narrowed his eyes in anger then softened.
"Alesians do not betray their allies. Not in 20,000 years. You have my word that we will not betray you nor will we attack you. I do intend to have this galaxy under one banner or at least following the same purpose, but as a confederacy, not as part of the Empire."
"I am sure that you don't as this is a peace agreement between your people and those of America. Once can only learn so much, as currently this is only between America and Alesia."
"Understood. An alliance is beneficial. We are willing to share our technology with your people, unlike many of the races out there, including the Ancients. But the Ancients are not concerned with us or what we do even if they won't share themselves. To them, we are second class Ancients. It has always been their smug sense of superiority that has irritated Alesians to no end. It was Alesian soldiers who struck the first blows to the enemy known asWraith and it was Alesian soldiers who defeated the Wraith when the Ancients were defeated in battle. We are a formidable empire and we are on your side."
Galadriel looked at Hayes directly then spoke in her calm voice
"What you must understand however, is that we can only give technologies on a limited scale until your race is ready for all of it. We will attempt to teach you on it however. We can have some scientists deployed here to help you understand. To advance your race by a million years will not happen overnight."
Hayes nodded.
"The treaty is simple and it can be expected. A base on the moon we cannot allow, but the rest of the treaty seems to be fine. I will agree to the treaty."
Reynolds walked into the room.
"Sir, we are reciving a transmission from the Daedalus."
"Put it on speaker."
Colonel Caldwell's voice was heard.
"This is the Daedalus to SGC, do you copy?"
"This is Hammond. Go ahead Colonel."
"Thor is saying that he has picked up an energy signal being sent from the SGC to a point in orbit of the planet, after doing a scan Thor has found a pair of ships. They're about the size of a Wraith Hive, but look more of Ancient make. Advise?"
"Colonel, Tell Thor that he has full cooperation with you on the Daedalus to oversee any threat to this system. Continue to monitor the ships."
"Yes sir, Daedalus out."
The radio went dead. Hayes looked at Amann.
"Why is there an Alesian fleet in orbit, Councilor?"
"It is for my protection, Mr. President. The Angelan always travels to where I am with a small escort of ships. I apologize for not saying anything. It slipped my mind. There is no hostile intent. Let us sign the agreement and I will be beamed up to the ship and depart."
Hayes signed the paper copy of the agreement and then stamped approval on the Alesian pad. Amann did the same and stood up.
"It has been good to come here. Someday, I will have to see this world. You are all welcome to visit Alesia any time. Just go to Rivanna and ask them to send you to our homeworld. We will allow you there. Good day everyone."
Amann and the Alesians beamed up to the Angelan as it left the system with its escorts for home.
To be continued…
