SGU s04 e16

Time

Eli dialed the sequence to the Ori galaxy hoping that it would work. Bluish sparks flashed between the segments like lightening, causing the Supergate to come alive as it began to lock in the address.

Nick lent over in Everett's ear saying, "Are you sure about this?"

A collected Everett replied, "I'm not sure about anything to do with this mission." He looked up to Nick, "But we are going through this gate no matter what!"

Nick could see his determination and decided not to push his buttons with argumentative questions, instead replying, "I'll keep an eye open for any transmissions once the gate opens."

They all watch as the massive vortex wave sprung out from the center of the Supergate.

Everett said the moment it settled down, "Full shields Eli; Franklin, take us in."

Franklin moved Destiny around to face the gate and said quietly to himself. "Here we go," before moving her into the Supergate.

The weird sounds and wormhole rings passed by as they traveled to the other side, re-emerging to empty space. The Supergate closed behind them, but it was another anomaly that first caught their attention. A protective force field raised itself across the opening of the gate.

Eli said it first. "Oh crap, there's a force field across the front of the gate!"

Everett ordered, "Get what info you can Eli, you have thirty seconds then we jump!"

Eli and Nick both wanted to say, "Thirty seconds?!"

But instead they used the time to gather as much data about the force field as they could. Getting through this was paramount to their escape plan.

All too soon time was up with Franklin reporting calmly, "Two Ori warships just dropped out of hyperspace, do you want to engage them?"

Everett stayed focused, "Not unless we have to defend ourselves. Eli, Rush, do you have enough data about the shield yet?"

Franklin stayed calm in his response, "General, they're charging weapons, Destiny's are online and a firing solution is active." He kept his nerve staying composed. "They're closing in Ev; we have twenty seconds before they are too close to protect Destiny from the blast radius."

Everett yelled forcefully, "Rush, Eli; now!"

Eli concurred with Nick, "Got it Rush?" Nick nodded quickly. "Punch it Franklin!" he said.

Franklin threw Destiny's FTL drive back into the preverbal "D" mode, and she blurred and regained FTL speed in the blink of an eye.

Everett said with a smile on his face, "Well, at least that worked!" his smile disappeared as Nick reported what they had believed would happen, in fact did.

Rush said, "Everett, a transmission was detected the moment we exited from the Supergate. It's encrypted, but I'm sure we can crack it."

Everett nodded as his suspicions were confirmed and said, "Yeah, hate to think we knew that would happen but at least we had some warning. Decrypt it as soon as you can; at least we're safe in FTL for the next forty three hours—I will launch the fighters in about an hour."

Nick smiled, "Two days; going to feel like four." He moved back to his CI screen and worked on the message data.

Everett walked over to Eli at the right hand forward CI screen and said. "If you need some time Eli, now would probably be good. Just stay within reach if you don't mind."

Eli looked back to him, noticing quickly that Everett's eyes said it all. Eli replied, "Yeah; yeah I do."

As Eli left the bridge, Everett asked Franklin and Nick if all was under control; to which they replied yes. His answer was simple, "Call if you need me, I'll be in my quarters."

As Everett left the bridge, elsewhere on the ship another saga was playing out. Greer and Wallace were discussing the issue that was before them.

Ronald told Sgt Wallace, "Rush sent me a quick message about a transmission that went off just as the gate opened. Did you see anything?"

Sgt Wallace shook his head, "No, he didn't move. I was standing beside him the whole time, so either it was timed or sent remotely, or we have the wrong guy."

Greer twisted his face slightly while mulling the information over. He said reluctantly, "If he sent it remotely, he would need a trigger. Without that, it would have to be activated by the Supergate opening. Otherwise, how would he be able to guess the exact time we would dial the gate?"

Wallace replied. "He wouldn't. We have no way of knowing when the gate was dialed in here. My money's on a device triggered by the Supergate opening. Question is, where is the transmitter now?"

Greer smiled at Sgt. Wallace. "I know one way to find out, but for now that will have to wait. I don't want to tip him off that we're on to him just yet. We may need him for something else." Greer and Wallace went back to the men with some new orders.

Sgt. Wallace made the call. "Okay people listen up! In about an hour we will be launching fighters for extra protection. Now these new F-302V's have got better weapons, shields and long distance hyper-drives. Our mission is a snatch and grab from where we believe the hostage or hostages are being kept. At this time we are still awaiting further intelligence on their location, but from all accounts we are looking at either a planet, or an Ori mother-ship, possibly of a different design to what we have seen so far. When we have eyes on target it's game time. Until then, I need you to stay ready to move at a moment's notice but you can relax for twenty minutes until we know more." He watched Corporal Luffe closely as the men rested their heavy gear for the time being.

Sgt Wallace caught the Ron's ear. "Do you think telling him about the F-302V's was the right move?"

Greer replied with certainty, "Yeah I do. Let's see if he makes a move to send another message; keep an eye on him Sergeant."

Wallace smiled, "Will do Sir," he said as Greer walked away.

In Destiny's hanger, a very busy crew of twelve was arming the fighters with warheads and other supplies. The pilots were in a crash course on the new technology by one of the most well known SGC Officers from Apollo 2011, who had volunteered to stay aboard Destiny and help with the mission. Colonel Samantha Carter had an abundance of information for the pilots and navigators, as she had been heavily involved in the upgraded F-302V design. Her knowledge of the Ori and their known tactics was also invaluable information to pass on.

As Sam was finishing up the briefing, Everett entered the hanger and walked up to her. "I hope you know what you're doing here," he said jokingly and smiled at her.

Sam replied, "It's good to see you too General, sorry that Colonel Mitchell beamed me in without your knowledge."

Everett was dismissive of the oversight and laughed. "He likes to sneak one past me every now and then, but it's a pleasure to have you aboard." He put his hand out to her and said solemnly, "I'm glad you're here Sam; I don't know how this is going to pan out though."

Sam replied with a smile, "I volunteered for this General, I thought you guys could use an extra pilot since Captain Scott and Chloe are not here. Besides that, I'm the best one to teach your crew about the new F-302V's."

Everett asked out of curiosity, "So how well do these perform in combat?"

Sam shook her head but kept her smile and gave a little giggle. "Well; that remains to be seen! We had some trouble with the first prototype Ur'torina Generators due to the size, compared to the Naquadria units, but the Asgard and Ursini managed to reduce the size of the unit to about twice that of the original Naquadria unit, which only required minor modifications internally to accommodate it. The advantages of nearly one hundred times greater output far outweighed the size issue."

Everett was taking it all in, but he still had some questions for Sam. "Can I ask what happens if something goes wrong?"

Samantha looked over to one of the fighters, then back to Everett and said, "There is an ejection seat as per normal for inter-atmosphere issues" she paused and looked him squarely in the eyes, "But if it's in space; the pod would be too slow to escape in. The unfortunate side effect of the generator going critical is thermonuclear. The pods are simply not shielded enough to survive the explosion. The recommendation is – unique—for now; find the nearest target." Sam wasn't happy they didn't have the time to fix this major flaw in the fighter's design.

Everett took a deep breath, sighed, and shook his head. "Did you tell them that?"

Samantha's regretful expression told the story. "I was very clear on that point General, they all understood the order."

Sam moved to the more positive aspects of the new fighter. "Please don't forget though, we have shielding technology the likes of which not even the Asgard have seen or been able to create. The new helmets have thought processing and retinal scanning weapons control. The pilot only needs to glimpse a target and have a thought to take it out, as the weapons system will track all targets and create a firing solution. The F-302V's computer has the ability to fire the correct weapon before the pilot could hit the button. One other new survival technique is called the Hyperspace Loop. If you are under severe attack or defenseless, the F-302V will jump into hyperspace to clear the area, and allow the pilot full control to either escape, regroup or re-enter behind the enemy. We have tried to make them as bulletproof as possible before anyone ever needs to use the last resort."

Everett knew she was passionate about doing the best they could to save lives, even though sometimes it may cost one. He replied honestly, "Thank you Sam, I know you will do your best to help them."

As Destiny readied to once again drop from FTL and launch the F-302V's, far away, another new menacing ship was having a final inspection by Genesis—as he was told the news of Destiny's arrival in his galaxy.

Laughter was the order as his loyal Prior gave him the message. "My lord Genesis, the Ancient ship Destiny has entered our galaxy by the Supergate from the Valeyian Galaxy. My spy has confirmed they are on a rescue mission to save the unholy one."

Genesis stopped his boisterous laughter. "Oh my; I'm so scared! Is that tiny little ship trying to save their friend?" He lifted the Prior's bowed head and looked him in the eyes. "Get the "unholy one" as you put it, and bring him to me. I would like to show him—our new ship design—and see what he thinks. Bring him to me now!"

The Prior backed away, bowing after Genesis let him go, "Yes my lord Genesis, immediately!"

Genesis turned back to his right hand Prior. "Continue with your description of my new ship Prior Abarchus, while we wait for my uncle to arrive."

Abarchus nodded gracefully to his Master. "Yes my Lord. As you can see all of your specifications have be adhered too. The knowledge gained from the Ursini ship Porta Galassie, has aided in our new shields and weapons' designs. We also now possess Asgard beaming technology for both inanimate items and living beings."

Genesis smiled broadly. "Excellent! And what of the new drive system?"

Prior Abarchus kept his explanation simple. "The Ur'torina Drive system was not fully comprehended before the ship was destroyed. As we have never seen technology like it, we are missing far too many pieces of information to recreate it in full working order. As it stands, we do not have the ability to use it at all until we can gather the required information. Capturing another Enterprise class ship will give us the required data to complete our work."

Genesis hated failure, but he made an exception this time upon being impressed with what technology they had managed to hack form the ill-fated Porta Galassie. "Very well Prior Abarchus. I will order the capture of the next Enterprise Class ship we engage in battle. What has become the alternative drive system?"

The Prior continued. "In the information taken from Galassie databank we have been able to construct a Star Drive system of the same design as used in the Ancient City ships. The data contained fully translated diagrams and calculations from a Tau'ri called Dr Rodney McKay, who is involved with Ancient City ship Atlantis. The Star Drive power source –known as a Zero Point Module— was easily exchanged for assimilation to our energy power systems."

Genesis sat down in the Control Chair of the familiar looking Ori Bridge and replied, "This ship looks the same, but is twice the size of our other Warships, with greater technology." He looked straight at Abarchus with a cold stare, "For the light of the Ori, and for your own life Abarchus, it better not fail!"

A Prior approached with several guards in tail, and Castell in chains. "Lord Genesis, here is the prisoner you requested," said the Prior while slightly bowing.

Genesis smiled again upon seeing Castell. "Oh come, come; does he have to be chained like a beast? He is family after all." Castell's restraints were immediately removed by the guards.

Even after what Castell had endured over a few months, his "recharge" from Everett had helped to remind him of those who would do all they can to help. He said with some small amount of gratitude to Genesis, "Thank you nephew."

Genesis replied without emotion, "I trust you will behave yourself then uncle?"

Castell nodded. "Yes." He paused a moment before adding, "Nice new ship you have here nephew, does it have all the upgrades you stole from the poor Ursini?"

He answered emotionlessly, "They had a choice to become one under Origin, but alas, they refused. I could have just jettisoned them all into space now couldn't I?" said Genesis, "But I was gracious and allowed them to enter stasis. It was your friends that destroyed their ship, not me."

Castell couldn't resist his own trouble making sense of humor. "A little bird tells me you didn't get everything you wanted –like a Ur'torina Drive?"

Genesis retaliated quickly, but kept smiling at him. "Uncle, it would be unwise of you to allow your attitude to dictate my next action. I have extended you a small civility and warn you for the last time –do not test me!"

Castell bit his tongue and only nodded a sincere understanding. He knew that Everett would be walking into a trap which was likely to end in failure and the death of everyone he cared about, so with nothing to lose he asked, "Destiny is on her way, isn't she?"

Genesis gave him the answer he expected. "Yes, your friends are in the galaxy and hiding in hyperspace I would imagine. They will definitely attack and probably destroy some of our ships, but they're no match for this ship –and that is why you are here to watch their demise. I thought they might like to rescue an old friend of theirs first, only to learn that you are –indisposed—having no chance of escape. Your friends only possess less than twenty ships. How do you think they will fair against the might of a full Ori Warship fleet of over five hundred?" Genesis saw the sadness in his uncle's eyes and laughed.

Somewhere in the outer reaches of Subspace, Captain Matthew Scott and the new Mrs Chloe Scott—Armstrong, (having decided to keep her last name in tribute to her father), were in control of a Valeyian Battle ship. Commander Odin was close at hand standing in front of the forward controls facing the main screen, already impressed with young Chloe's navigational and natural piloting abilities. The Commander was a very well built man with dark olive skin, and a smooth hairless face and cranium. He rarely smiled nor did he give out many compliments to his crew, but he was a very compassionate man with a strong sense of moral compass. As the two from Destiny would find out, he was very hard on the outside—but a kind and gentle soul for his 1100 years, (although he looked to us in his mid thirties). When the commander spoke, Matt was thinking to himself how much his deep toned voice reminded him of Barry White.

Odin turned to face Chloe. "Young Mrs Scott", he bellowed in his deep voice, "Once we emerge from Quantum space, please engage the ship's cloak."

Chloe answered efficiently, "Yes Commander Odin."

Still looking directly at Chloe, the Commander's softer side shone through for a fleeting moment. "Since you are our guest here, Commander is fine." He turned to Matt, "But not to you Captain Matthew Scott." Odin gave a quick wink to Chloe, who smiled.

Matt took him very seriously, respectfully replying in full military style. "Yes Sir, Commander Odin!"

The Commander asked Chloe casually, "How long until we drop from Quantum?"

Chloe again smile at him. "In about fifteen Valeyian hours* Commander." (*1 Earth hr = 1.5 Valeyian hrs).

Matt sat in the Commander's Chair and watched the unusual reddish brown patterns of Quantum Drive travel, vastly different to what had become the normal of Destiny's FTL drive, or the Stargate. It was an eerie tunnel of light, like a twisting vortex that gave the impression of moving down a gun barrel. Matt was thinking to himself, I feel like I'm looking out from inside a bullet, trying to relate it to something familiar.

The arm of Matt's seat suddenly began to give a pulsing vibration, alerting him to a secure communication from one of the other Battle ships. "Commander Odin", he said clearly, "We have an incoming message from the Battle Ship Iglasis".

Odin was kind but abrupt, "On Screen Captain Scott!"

The main screen flickered to a picture of another Valeyian Second Commander named Warenz, standing on the bridge of his ship. He was vastly different from Odin, having several ear and nose piercings, and a Valeyian language tattoo written vertically down the side of his right cheek that looked like Chinese characters. He was pale white with broad shoulders and spiky short blond hair and a very fierce expression adorned his face as he spoke.

"Odin my good friend, our scouts have returned. We have located the twin planets and estimate around five hundred and thirty five Ori Warships and one other."

Odin raised his eyebrows, "One other?"

Warenz didn't seem fazed by it. "It is about twice the size of a normal Ori Mother-ship, but of similar design. We detected shielding technology around several ships of a similar design to our own, but it was strongest around the big one. I don't believe our Leapers were detected."

Odin turned to Matt who was thinking the same thought, and as he turned back around to face the screen Odin said, "The stolen technology from the Ursini ship. Did you detect the signature of the Ur'torina Drive?" he asked.

Commander Warenz showed some concern. "No, and I don't believe they have it operational, for the fact they would have to know that Destiny has already come through the gate. Genesis would have personally intervened if he could, and I would bet the fleet on it that he is aboard that ship."

Odin cracked a smile at his good friend. "I trust your instincts too Waz, but we need hard facts and eyes on target in this case. If they have adapted our shielding technology, then all of the Enterprise ships are at greater risk."

Matt stood out of the chair and interrupted, "Commander Odin, what are you saying?"

Odin spun around and drilled him. "I was not speaking with you Captain Scott!"

Matt felt like he was back in boot camp being hardened by his old Drill Sergeant and immediately apologized. "Sir, my apologies Commander Odin, Sir!"

Warenz asked rhetorically, "Who is the undisciplined creature in your chair?"

Odin faced the screen and smiled broadly saying, "An Earth creature I'm afraid; although the other one is much more in control of herself, and an excellent navigator."

Chloe tried not to laugh and looked over to Matt waving her pointer finger at him, and mouthed the words "Naughty boy" with a sexy look in her eyes.

Warenz continued. "Without underestimating, I would dare to say they have our weapons technology as well, which will make the need for surprise all that more necessary. We can adjust our shields to absorb any Asgard beam technology they may have, but if they have reproduced our subspace disruptors, it may be hard to defend. At least our Destroyers have subspace shields, so they should be our first line of defense, with some rear guard hidden throughout the solar system and galaxy."

Odin put his hand to his chin and dragged his pointer finger and thumb downward, in a repetitive gentle pinching motion as he contemplated the situation for a few moments.

Finally he replied. "Hmmm, underestimate we should not. That much is true. We must assume that they have adapted everything we gave the Alliance, except maybe for the drive. I would also suggest that Genesis would have a Stargate on his ship to block any external travel. What really concerns me is that Destiny will drop from FTL into a trap surrounded by Ori ships. At that range, their shields may not hold up against the explosive force generated, by taking out multiple Ori Warships close in."

He paused for a moment looking for a solution. "We need to create a buffer between the Ori and Destiny. Maybe send a Destroyer to protect them, but remain cloaked until they are needed. I know that General Young and his crew will do everything they can to protect their own lives and Destiny. Either way we do this, there is great risk to many lives."

Warenz nodded in agreeance. "But if we fail, the whole universe will turn to shit! I for one, will not live under that little Fuck's Origin rubbish, and I will die trying to stop him if need be." Warenz smiled broadly at his highly respected friend. "I know just the person to pilot that Destroyer too," he turned to his crew, "Ready my Leaper—I will go."

The transmission ended with a nod from Odin. He then turned to Matt and shook his head, but said compassionately, "I trust you will not interrupt me like that again when I am addressing my staff, young Matthew?"

Matt was honest. "No Sir, I was out of line Commander Odin."

Odin finally smiled at him. "Some news is hard to hear when it affects those we care about. It takes great courage to make decisions based on facts and not emotions, something Humans have yet to learn properly." He allowed Matt time to ask anything he wanted.

There were many things on Matt's mind to ask, but he stuck to the most obvious. "Will the shields be ineffective on our Enterprise Class ships against the Ori, Commander Odin?"

He answered directly. "Only if they have the ability to fire the subspace disruptor, the same weapon we equipped your ship with to fight the Ori. I don't believe all of their ships are able to, but if they can, it would have the same devastating effect." He paused for a moment before adding, "That is why my good friend has gone to protect Destiny personally. Your ship is far more valuable than your Alliance realizes, in particular, one of your crew—and besides, fifty million years of travel is a lot of data to lose," he smiled broadly at Matthew.

Matt had to ask, "One of the crew?"

Odin's mind was now switching to other matters, so he kept it short. "Something that will become apparent in time, not of our immediate concern now." He changed the subject to the present. "Now, I know your race has fought against the Ori several times now, so let's get into some detail— shall we?"

Matt started from their first encounter...

As Destiny continued along in FTL, now with four escort F-302V's, Adam Brody was at the forward gun controls with Eli in Kirk's chair. Several hours had passed since entering the Ori galaxy, and already they had encountered at least two Ori warships as they entered. Eli had spent a couple of hours with Ginn and their daughter Lala, but now he just sat and watched the stars go by in the distance beyond the eerie glow of FTL.

He recalled thoughts about how he came to be sitting in the captain's chair of an alien space craft that, at their best guess, was around fifty million years old. Soon enough his mind turned to the more special moments of being with Ginn, especially the first time they made love after she was given a second chance at life. Her words of "I believe you just took my virtue..." rippled through his mind as Eli's eyes began to close and he became sleepy. A short subspace transmission caused Eli's eyes to flutter open as he opened the channel to one of the their escort.

"Destiny, this is Captain Tez, are you receiving?"

Brody's ears immediately pricked up as he turned to hear Eli's answer. "This is Destiny and your speaking with Eli, go ahead Captain," he replied.

"Eli, can you get Col. Carter on the line, I'm picking up some strange readings on my scanners and I'm not sure what it is." Tez sounded concerned.

Eli replied quickly, "I'll call her now Tez, hang on," Eli muted the radio. "Brody, check our scanners for anything unusual while I get Sam on the line". He opened the ship's com and called for Sam to pick up at the nearest point.

"This is Col. Carter Eli, what do you need?" she asked.

Eli replied, "I have Captain Tez on the line and she says her scanners are picking up some strange readings—I'll patch you through directly".

"Okay Eli, thanks" said Sam.

Body asked Eli, "Can we listen in on that?" as Eli connected them through.

Eli looked at him for a moment, then put his finger to his lips. "You won't be able to talk to them okay?"

Brody nodded as Eli crossed it to his CI console, and Adam heard what was going on, but missed the first couple of lines.

Sam: "...Okay, have you tried resetting the system?"

Tez: "Yes twice, but even after a reboot it was still giving off the same readings. I'm getting concerned Colonel."

Sam: "What is the reactor core temperature at?"

Tez: "It's at 900 deg Kelvin and stable within one percent. Hyper-drive systems are stable within normal readings, speed and navigation don't seem to be effected."

Sam: "Um... Try a systems check of the shield emitter probes and see if there are any radiation fluctuations externally. We may be traveling through an area of subspace with a higher background radiation, so the test should gather that info for us."

Adam looked at Eli with a very worried look on his face. "Eli, is it possible she has a radiation leak from the 302's generator itself?" he asked.

Eli tried to reassure him, but he had no idea himself. "I don't understand the technology in them, and I'd only be guessing." He smiled at Adam and then said, "What I do know is, Col. Carter is awesomely smart, and she knows these things inside out—we best just let her sort it out, that is what she's good at."

It was small comfort to Adam who kept on about it. "But they're dealing with antimatter—that stuff produces gamma radiation the moment it meets matter—."

Eli waved his hand and cut him off. "Brody, I know. But we don't know exactly what is going on, and you're making assumptions about it. Look, if that was Ginn in there, I'd be worried shitless about her too. As long as Col. Carter says it's okay, then we have to trust that she wouldn't put Tez in danger!" Eli had started to raise his voice, but then took a breath and calmed down. "Adam, how about we just ask Sam what is going on?"

Adam nodded, "Okay. And thanks Eli".

Eli checked to see if Sam was still in contact before asking, "Um Col. Carter, could you please come to the bridge if you have a minute?"

Sam answered, "I am a little busy Eli, is it important?"

Eli gazed at Adam seeing the fear in his eyes. "Yes Ma'am, it is," he replied.

Sam could sense the tone in his voice. "Okay Eli, give me a few minutes and I'll be there."

Adam wiped a tear away from the corner of his eye. "Thanks Eli."

Col. Carter arrived at the bridge a short time later, with Everett in tow. "Hello Eli, good to see you again—Dr Brody, hello."

Both Eli and Adam acknowledge Sam and Everett before Sam asked, "Okay, what did you need me for Eli?"

Eli felt a little dumbfounded at what to ask, but with the thought of if that was Ginn, he soon found the words he needed. "Um, Ma'am, what is the issue with Captain Tez?"

Sam, not knowing the situation or why Eli was asking, looked firstly to Everett who gave an approving nod. "Okay. Well it's not a dangerous situation—."

Adam interrupted, and said anxiously "But what?"

Sam was a little taken back by Brody's sharp reaction, but then it dawned on her why, which caused Sam to ask, "Captain Tez and you—oh, okay now I understand." She replied as she nodded her head.

Eli added hesitantly, "Yeah, sorry about that but we heard some of the conversation."

Everett looked at Eli with understanding, but more like the way a disappointed father looks at their child when they have done something they shouldn't. "Eli, you know that was a private conversation between Col. Carter and Captain Tez."

Sam cut in. "It's okay General, I understand why." Sam took a breath and deep sighed. "She has an elevated radiation detection within the 302. Now it is not dangerous, and is at a level of what would be the equivalent of flying maybe three times around the world in a high altitude plane. If you were to have long term exposure to this level it may be of some issue, but in long term I mean months or years of constant exposure. She is only in the 302 for some hours."

Adam asked more calmly this time, "But I thought the 302's were shielded against radiation?"

Sam smiled. "Yes they are, both inside and out. The most logical explanation is that a minor fracture has occurred in the graphene impregnated titanium bulkhead, that is causing the electromagnetic shielding to jump across it. This would allow a very minute amount of radiation to "leak" out. We're talking nearly at the atomic level here, so the amount of leakage is barely noticeable—and far, far less than you would receive from anything like an x-ray."

Eli asked, "Shouldn't there be no radiation at all in the cab of those things?"

Sam turned to Eli saying, "No, there is always a small amount from the electronics and guidance systems inside the cockpit, but any shift in this background level will trigger an alarm, which is what she was reporting on."

Adam looked back to Sam, "What about from the outside?"

Sam again answered directly. "The F-302V's have both electromagnetic shields and the Valeyian force shields. Force shields keep you safe from weapons/impacts, the other—from radiation, similar to Earth's magnetic field." Sam smiled at Adam and said with genuine compassion, "I know you're concerned for her, but if there was any doubt we would call her back."

Sam turned to Everett who also nodded in agreeance and smiled at Adam.

Everett finally said, "Now, is there anything else? If not, Col. Carter and myself have a lot to do."

Adam answered, "No Sir—and thank-you Col. Carter."

Sam beamed a smile at him. "You're welcome, Dr Brody." They turned and left the bridge.

Eli looked at the clock on his CI screen—fifteen hours to go. He sighed and said out loud, "Fifteen to go..."

In another part of Destiny, Ron had a conversation with Wallace. "Has he made any sort of move?"

The sergeant answered honestly, "No Sir, hasn't moved a muscle really. So unless he has some kind of ESP device and can think his way through, I have no idea if or how."

Greer replied, "Na, I don't think he has done anything. I spoke to the bridge a short time ago and they said nothing more has been transmitted that they have detected." Greer shrugged.

John nodded in agreeance. "Did they find the transmitter yet?"

Ron shook his head. "It must have been a short burst—there is no other detectable signal. Anyhow, word back from the advanced Valeyian scout is that both men are being kept on the planet where calling "A", so it will be a ground party snatch and grab. We have a probable location and dwelling, but we will have to improvise on the fly with the assault, as we have no layout yet. Make sure we take lots of 'bang in a can' (spay foam explosive), C4, and the Alien C4 stuff—may have to get through several walls. Take at least eight plasma rifles, we can use them like artillery cover for our escape. Col. Carter has jerry rigged our shuttles with a cloaking device from the Atlantis Jumpers, so we can sneak in and out. She will be flying one with us too since Capt. Scott ain't here. Only tell them it is a planetary assault, not how or where. If he knows where, it will become obviously fairly quickly—keep an eye on him."

Sgt Wallace smiled, "You got it Sir."

Nick was in his quarters with Amanda, under the covers.

Mandy said as she spooned into him, "You know there is a million things we should be doing."

Nick coughed and cleared his throat. "And your point is?" he smiled at her.

Mandy slapped him playfully on the arm, then climbed over the top of him, forcing Nick to lay flat on his back, as she began to rub herself against him saying, "Well this is one thing we could do." Just as quickly, she stopped and said in a harsh teasing way, "But no, we're needed elsewhere!" She threw the covers off, jumping up naked and dragged Nick by the arm, pulling him out of bed. "Now put your clothes on and let's get back to work—playtime is over!"

Reluctantly Nick got up, but then he moved fast and grabbed Mandy, forcing her up against the wall and kissing her passionately. She returned the kisses, but again stopped him short in a more gentle way.

"Come on Nicky, I have things I need to do" she said against her own desire as he continued to kiss her neck. "Oh Honey damn it, please stop." She finally pushed herself free from his grip. "Save it for later Baby, you can have me as much as you like then." Amanda became more stern with her words. "I have to get things prepared in the infirmary, I'm expecting a lot of injured in all this."

Nick watched her get dressed and sighed, "I suppose you're right." He went quiet for a moment as Mandy noticed.

"What is it Hun?" she asked.

Nick just shook his head saying, "This is madness—this whole thing—is just madness."

Amanda was empathetic but still managed a slight joke and smiled, "You mean us, or the mission?"

Nick got a little snappy in his mood, "Of course the mission! I mean, how the hell are we supposed to fight against the Ori? Like one or two ships maybe, but a fleet? It's suicide!"

Amanda walked over fully clothed and sat facing him on his lap. She lent forward and kissed him passionately for a long moment, before ending the kiss and saying in a collected and heartfelt voice,

"Then fight for this—fight for our love. That's what I'll be fighting for, you..."