Hyperspace
Apollo
Bridge
The colonels are discussing the sudden appearance of an unidentified vessel that provoked the Jaffa fleet.
"Do you think the Jaffa are behind this?" Col. Stephen Caldwell of the Daedalus asked.
"Its unlikely sir. The missiles were similar to Ancient drone weapons. I don't think the Jaffa have access to that type of ordinance," Col Cameron Mitchell of the Odyssey explained, "further the ship that launched the attack used a cloaking device that was completely different to the Jaffa cargo ships. The fact is our Asgard sensors only detected them due to the increased efficiency from the ZPM and Asgard core."
"That's true we barely saw a shadow from our end," Caldwell agreed.
"They could have procured the technology from the Ori," Ellis interjected, "The Ori were Ancients themselves and they taught the people of origin their knowledge."
"That is a possibility," Cam supposed, "but they are pacifist now; and we've never seen them use this type of ship before."
"well…." Ellis began, "that doesn't mean squat…"
"Lets bottom line this," General Jonathan "Jack" O'neill broke his silence, "this changes nothing. The immediate threat still exists and it is coming for us." Everyone looked to Col. O'neill for orders.
"Cam I want you to keep the Asgard core working on the data you collected on the bogey," Jack ordered, "look for a means to cut through its stealth. In the meantime I want everyone to boost power to the sensors. I don't want to see that ship blindsiding us when the Jaffa come!" O'neill rose, "Col. Ellis you have the bridge' I'll report back to the president and the IOA." O'neill said as he exited the control room. O'neill tried to sound as confident as possible. He focused on his tasked but could help but wonder who were they really fighting?"
Kama Fleet
Restricted Medical Bay
Ryac kneeled in a huddled circle beside a man with bandages on his face red blots permeated through the thin cloth drenching it in blood. From what Ryac could see this man was beyond help. He was simply waiting to die. Generations of breeding and indoctrination to false gods made the Jaffa a race of warriors with stoic attitude and reverence to strenght. So much so that science of medicine was very primitive. While it is true that the Jaffa inherited Goauld healing devices only they could use them; besides, most of the injuries here required a sarcophagus. The sarcophagus was used boost health and longevity. It could even return those who had just died; but at a cost. The repeated use of a sarcophagus changes a man. They turn a man's hearts dark and corrupt their soul. Still Ryac couldn't help but yearn to have a device here to save even some is better than none. Unfortunately most sarcophagi were lost either during the Replicator invasion, Ori wars or stolen to be sold by the Lucian Alliance. There was no doubt that some faction leaders kept a few for themselves or their allies despite knowing the side effects.
Ryac peered through the bandages to see the man's face. It was ___, the man he was looking for. Ryac placed a ball que, a goauld recording device. Ryac search his pocket and took a small pack. Ryac hesitated for a moment. the man could die; but, if Ryac didn't get all the answers millions more will follow. He resolved to do his duty; better we die for the truth than live in a lie. He crushed it with his hand and pressed it on the man's nose. It was a Tauri herb called salt…smelling salt. It could wake a man with its pungent odor. Ryac did not want to do it; but, he needed answers. The man's eyes shot open. Ryac covered his mouth with one hand and restrained him with the other.
"Tek'mak tei brother, I am Ryac of Tulak hear me I need to know what happened here," Ryac asked, "who did this to our people?"
The man tried to mumble a scream.
"Hear me you are a Jaffa warrior. You must bear the pain. Your people need you to share what you know."
The man sniveled and nodded Ryac carefully uncovered the man's mouth. He was shaking bearing the pain all over his body.
The man swallowed, "one…ship…black as…void…it attacked wi..with…out warning. We try…ttto fight…" he gasped, "we could not."
"Was the ship Tauri?" Ryac asked.
The man shook his head, "no," his entire body started to tremble, "it…it was… unlike anything I…." the man gasped. His body jerked and spasm, he took one last breath.
Ryac felt the man, "May your soul find peace in Kheb." Ryac whispered.
Ryac raised his hood and grabbed the ball que. Perhaps this would be enough to convince the council.
"Halt who goes there!"
Ryac turned to Jaffa guards raised zats at him. Ryac rolled and ducked as they fired at him. Ryac fired back as he ran. Something told him Yorak didn't want the truth to get out.
Hyperspace
Apollo
Bridge
O'neill entered the room. "Get me the Odyssey," He marched to the chair immediately fell on the Captain's chair feeling exhausted. Mr. Coolidge the IOA represented had just chewed him out about protocol and procedure in diplomacy with the Jaffa and threatened to relieve him of command. O'neill really didn't like Coolidge he was annoying and a bureaucrat. It was one time he really missed his P-90 or even his 9 mil. The President overruled him and kept O'neill in charge. The IOA manage to convince the President to give O'nell additional orders.
Cam appeared on screen.
"Cam the IOA has ordered me to tell you withdraw your ship and join Col. Samantha Carter and the rest of the fleet and stand by outside the Solar system in Pluto. Atlantis has been ordered to prepare to return back the Milky way Galaxy. The IOA wants the fleet and Atlantis to get to the final alpha site destination. The alpha site list was a list of the best and brightest the Earth had to offer. They were to be evacuated to a secret planet in the event Earth was destroyed by enemy attack. Originally the list had a few hundred names now there were over several thousand people from every nation and race on the planet. While Earth didn't have any major infrastructure or colonies on other planets to support that many people, the evacuees would be divided among one of the off-world bases until Atlantis was recalled from Pegasus. The Ancient City had enough resources to support millions of people if they had sufficient power.
"What why?" Cam oppose, "The Odyssey is our best ship! We have the Asgard core and ZPMs"
"Which is why they want you out of harms way the ship is too valuable to loose," O'neill amswered
It was still a few hours until they got home; but they had already taken precautions all military forces on earth are mobilizing and the alpha site lists were being evacuated. If Earth falls you will need the fleet to defend whats left.
"But Sir!" Cam protested.
"You have your orders!" O'neill said curtly.
SORYU
"Sir we got a lot of company!" Major Jennifer Hailey shouted. Weapons fire filled the air as Hailey and the rescue team laid down cover fire. Neith of the Haktyl was down on one knee as she carefully aimed at the on coming attackers. The rescue team got Ishta out of the medical bay. They were on their way to the hangar bay when security patrols found them. They were now retreating.
"Keep them pinned!" Lt. Col. Richard Anderson yelled as he fired with his P-90. Two other marines opened fire on the oncoming patrol, "grenade!" Anderson yelled as he through a grenade to the patrol. BOOM! An explosion erupted in the corridor and the energy weapons stopped. Smoke filled the corridor then heavy foot steps echoed in the silence. A silhouette formed. The smoke cleared and there it was a pair of Kull warriors appeared. They slowly but purposefully marched through the hallway. Unaffected by a hail of bullets hitting them, they marched on opening fire with their arm bands. The two marines beside Anderson was hit. A shot narrowly missed his temple. Hailey opened fire with her modified ARG the two unstoppable Kull warriors fell to their knees but a hail of energy blasts filled the corridor as a group of Ken Rai warriors used the fallen Kull as human shield to cross the corridor.
"Fall Back!" Anderson ordered. Anderson, Neith, and Hailey laid quick fire to try to slow down the patrol teams running them down. They were just a few more meters from the Hangar. Anderson optimistically believe they were going to make it.
A few meters behind them Nesa, Neith sister, followed two marines as they quickly ran to the Hangar. Sgt. Chris Lawrence/Majel carried the unconscious Ishta on his shoulders in a fireman's carry. Lawrence was injured but he still felt great; his newly acquired Tok'ra symbiote Majel was doing well inside him. In fact Majel was doing better than expected. Normally Tok'ra get a dying, sickly, malnourished, or elderly host from slave worlds or primitive human cultures very rarely do they get a human in peak physical condition with the will of a warrior like Lawrence. With Lawrence's physique and will combine with Majel experience and healing abilities they would make a great match.
"Faster girl we're almost there!" Lawrence yelled as he picked up the pace.
Neith carried the modified ARG; shifting her gaze to make sure no kull warrior ambushed them.
--
Ling had arrived in the corridor with additional Ken Rai warriors. She surveyed the mess. Several of her men were dead. One member of the patrol saw her and saluted.
"Report!" she said plainly.
"The patrols are chasing them through corridor 18 in H level!"
Ling pressed on his arm communicator, "Seal corridors 22!" Ling ordered. Ling turned around, "take G tunnel and cut them off in corridor 22!" Ling commanded, "you keep running them down; but, hold off on corridor 20! My party will finish them." The men behind her moved back as they distance they shimmered away and vanished.
Kama Fleet
Yorak sat in the Tel'tak the viewer shimmered. Kanan appeared on screen.
"How goes the rescue?" Kanan asked.
"We have save all that can be saved," Yorak answered.
"What did the survivors say?" Kanan asked.
"The same as the initial reports; the Tauri came decimated the defenders and drop a device of great explosive power!"
"I see," Kanan commented eyeing him intently, "I need all available ships for the attack on the Tauri homeworld! Bring the injured to the closest Chapa Ai send them to Dakara. They can serve as further proof for the council. Meet the fleet in these coordinates.
"Yes, my lord!"
The screen faded out.
"Vorash!" Yorak yelled, "detain the ones in the restricted bay. The rest will be sent to Dakara…"
"My Lord, what about Ryac son of Teal'c?"
Yorak thought for a moment, "Seal the ship. Fire at his ship disable the engines and communications only! Nothing can save the Tauri!"
"yes my lord!"
"My family will be avenged…" Yorak whispered.
----
SORYU
Neith, Anderson, and Hailey joined Nesa and Lawrence as they headed to the Starboard Hangar bay. The patrols seem to have laid off them. Anderson had a bad feeling creeping up his spine. This was a ship not really a lot of places to hide in here.
"Sir we have a problem!" a marine called.
The corridor was sealed.
"Crap!" Anderson uttered.
"Marine! C 4!" Anderson ordered.
The marine gave Anderson two blocks of C 4. Anderson set the charge through the hall. Neith pushed Anderson away without warning. Suddenly a specter appeared from nowhere. A blade cut through the air, right where Anderson was standing. The two marines weren't so lucky; as they were slashed dead by the shadows. Anderson jumped to his feet; but Neith had already thrown herself into the fray smashing one of the attackers with her staff weapon. She was now dueling with another. Shadows were appearing and disappearing as they hacked the team. Nesa was supporting Hailey pushing her aside as she used the ARG to block the sword forcing it into a glancing blow. Lawrence set Ishta down and was struggling with one of the attackers. Lawrence's eyes glowed as he used his dual strength to force one of the attackers down with his bare hands. With a clang the sword fell from his hands then he use a combat training move to pin the man down. With great effort Lawrence twisted the arm until he heard a crack. Another appeared on top of him with his sword about stab Lawrence from behind; but Hailey covered him with her P 90. Anderson raced up to them and fired on an empty hallway in case more were on the way.
Someone jumped Anderson from behind the sword barely missing him; but, the surprise and force of the shock made him pushed down on the detonator. The door behind them exploded the blast forcing everyone to the floor. Anderson turned and saw the door blasted open.
"Everyone fall back!" he was about to move but stopped.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!" a feminine scream filled the air. Anderson looked up and saw Nesa on her knees her shoulder was bleeding one of the attackers manage to cut her deeply. The attacker wore a more regal armor lined with gold and the attacker didn't have a helmet she had jet black long hair.
"Any last words Jaffa?" Ling said.
Nesa whimpered then she eyed her defiantly, "I die free!"
"…you will make a poor edition to my wall. Are you the best your people have to offer?" Ling scoffed as she raised her katana overhead focused for a beheading blow. Suddenly staff blasts fired on Ling. Ling stepped back and vanished.
Neith poised herself for Ling's reappearance. A quick slash came for her but Neith's senses gave her just enough warning to jump back but not without swinging her staff weapon to smash Ling's right arm smashing the stealth device.
"Human!" Neith shouted referring to Hailey, "take my sister and go! More are coming!"
Hailey heaved up Nesa as Anderson helped her carry Nesa her blood dripping from her arm. Lawrence quickly picked up Ishta and ran.
Nesa defiantly tried to stand but she was too weak. She was loosing too much blood and she could barely move her feet.
"Sister…" Nesa whispered
"I will follow! Go!" Neith screamed as she dodge another slash.
Anderson was the last, "Come on!" he yelled but Neith couldn't turn her back lest she get stabbed. Anderson looked through the P 90 but he could get a clean shot because Neith was too close.
"Save my sister!" Neith urged as she parried another slash.
Anderson took one last look before he ran through the hole as he heard foot steps echo in the hall. He knew Neith could not get out.
"Go!" Neith urged, "now! Save my sister!
Anderson and Neith shared a look and turned away.
Ling and Neith were struggling against each other with supreme effort. Suddenly Ling stepped back much to the confusion of Neith. Ling raised her left arm, "All patrol teams hold position!"
Neith craned her neck as Ling looked at her.
"I am Hime Ling first daughter of the emperor of the Mein Jin Dynasty. Second in line to the throne of the empire," Ling introduced herself with a quick bow.
Then Neith understood what she wanted. Ling wanted a duel to the death. This was good news for two reasons: this would buy her sister and their allies more time to flee; also as a warrior to see who was the best. Ling's earlier blows show precision and skill that could rival even Lady Ishta. This woman was a worthy opponent.
Neith stood straight and let her staff rest on her left arm. She wiped the sweat off her face as the war paint was smudge from sweat and dirt. She gave her a Jaffa salute with her right fist to her chest, "I am Neith of the Hak'tyl. Sworn servant of Lady Ishta.
Neith raised her staff and Ling made her stance. Neith studied her opponent. Ling sheath her katana on her left hip. She crouched with her right foot forward ready to draw it in one quick move. Judging from her stance, she was very experienced. Neith stood her ground. Neith wanted her enemy to make the first move.
Ling charged in drawing her in rapid move. Neith jumped back to evade the weapon. Ling quickly recovered charged with a straight forward thrust. Neith swiped her staff and deflected the thrust. Ling spun around and swiping her sword at Neith's head. Neith spun her swung her staff 180 degree but Ling bend back. Neith swung back to hit Ling's knees but Ling jumped to evade she then thrust down with her sword so hard it broke the ground. Neith barely manage to evade it. Neith paced back relaxing herself. Ling had been very aggressive; while, this woman agreed to this one on one duel; she needed to capture the rescue team. So she would need to finish this quickly, Neith concluded.
Ling took a step back. She took a deep breath to calm herself down. This Jaffa was far more skilled than the last one, Ling thought with a smile.
"Neith of the Hak'tyl," Ling said nonchalantly, "I just burned your world and slaughtered your sisters they are not worth the air they breath," Ling taunted.
Neith gave her a murderous look. She started to breath heavily.
"For a race of warriors Jaffa in are poor warriors…I cannot believed the ancient emperors refused to face the Goauld a hundred years ago," Ling pressed, "especially the last one I fought. She was a poor warrior. I had faced her twice and defeated her with little effort. You only prolonged her worthless life."
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!" Neith screamed as she threw herself at Ling. Charge in swinging. Ling grinned she manage to rouse her and made her careless in fighting.
SORYU
STARBOARD HANGAR BAY
Anderson and the rest boarded up the Puddle jumper. Anderson started up the jumper. Nesa tried to protest. Lawrence restrain her with great effort despite her injuries and size. Andesron ignored her. The jumper started to rise. The gates were sealed. Anderson maneuvered to the gate not stopping. Not even cloaking he raced through the gate. The jumpers weapons went on line.
"Hailey contact the Excalibur!" Anderson ordered.
CORRIDOR
They traded blows again and again. Ling was on the defensive; but, she had Neith right where she wanted her. Neith swiped her staff straight down. Ling shifted her feet and evaded it. Ling jumped up and slashed straight down. Neith tried to block the blade but the her staff gave way broken in half. The force of the blow severed the staff and slashed Neith on the shoulder. Neith groaned as she fell back on her knees.
A large grumbling sound vibrated through the ship.
Ling took a deep breath and relaxed, "Any last words Jaffa?" She asked
"I am victorious!" Neith said spitefully
"Really why is that?" Ling countered
"My sister is safe. Our lady is safe." Neith said with a grin.
"Really now!" Ling raised her arm, "destroy them!" she said
OUTSIDE
The puddle jumper maneuvered as the Soryu opened fire. The Excalibur moved to close the distance to the jumper; but it was too far. The jumper took a hit grazing one of the engines. They barely limped forward before it took a direct hit.
The Excalibur shifted and went for the Soryu. Openning fire on the Soryu. Explosions echoed into the Soryu. The Soryu returned fire but the Excalibur's shield held.
INSIDE
"We destroyed the scout ship but the battle ship is attacking"
Ling smiled savoring the look on Neith's face as fear filled her, "Engage hyperdrive and flee."
OUTSIDE
The Soryu turned around and entered hyperspace.
INSIDE
"Now to you…." Ling said as she grinned raising her sword beside Neith.
A/N
Thanks for the reviews. This should have happened earlier. I am glad I finally finished it just a few chapters left. The Jaffa are still going for Earth.
Please review. How do you guys feel about it?