I know some of you were expecting this to be a huge slugfest chapter. Due to world events, my schedule has been a bit crazy. That being the case, I broke this chapter into two pieces. The next piece I will try to have in your hands as quick as I can. I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. Tomorrow could be a very interesting day, so let's hope the Korea issue stabilizes. On a side note, my apologies for not responding in a timely manner. The site stopped sending me email alerts completely. Let's hope that is now resolved.
Synbad2- I don't update nearly as fast as I would sometimes like. The hoped for smack down is on the way.
George17- These cave people were seeded two years ago by the story's timeline. This is nothing like having a child, and then abandoning it. Earth is allowing this race to develop with their assistance. Earth is also standing guard over these seeded humans, which shows they have not simply been created and abandoned. To simply hand them a template of language, culture, and science would mean that these people were never given the chance to develop their own culture and practices. Sure, Earth could hand these newly seeded human's the secrets of fusion, but would a caveman know what fusion was? This is a long term program. The Ancients were shown to do the very same thing, hence Earth's early cultures not becoming a Lantean culture after the Lantean's returned to Earth.
Firestorm563- Thank you!
Animal Kingdom- You will see what happens once the bulk of Lucian Alliance ground power has been compromised. That answer will become clear over several chapters.
SMForrester- As a man who loves timely action, I'm surprised it took you this long to actually create an account. Don't give me any of that old Sergeant Major with bad knees action either...
Guest- Here is a bit more.
Lonewolf1701- The rebellion will be seen in the next chapter. The mystery ship is where the second half of this story is centered. You will be seeing much more of that ship before this story comes to an end.
Osced- Goodly is playing a dangerous game, and doing it well. She knows what buttons to push. On identifying her, hindsight is always 20/20. The Lucian Alliance agents on Earth will make their presence known very soon.
Star Gate Command, Cheyenne Mountain
Earth
Milky Way Galaxy
Having exited the gate two minutes earlier, Doctor Daniel Jackson found himself walking into the unexpected. After several weeks in the Alterran galaxy, Daniel was stepping into an unexpected fray. Much can change in a few weeks time, especially at the galactic level. In many ways, Daniel knew he shouldn't be surprised that things were heating up between Earth and the Lucian Alliance.
Learning of the death of Jack's son, Daniel knew that war was now unavoidable. His heart broke for his longtime friend. Adding to this was the sadness that he had not been on Earth during Jack's time of need. In many ways, Daniel felt that he had failed his friend. When events allowed, Daniel swore to himself that he would set aside the time to be at Jack's side, and help him deal with the emotional trauma he was sure Jack now felt.
Jackson was thankful to be back on Earth. This return would allow him the time to thoroughly document his discovery and time in the Alterran galaxy. What he had found was information that needed to be shared with Earth, and off world allies. Much of that information would need to be examined closely, as it pertained to the continuation of Destiny's mission. Any resulting decision was far above Daniel's pay grade though. These thoughts ran through Daniel's mind, as General Samantha approached. Pulling Daniel aside, Carter guided him into a nearby vacant room.
"What's going on Sam?" Daniel asked.
"Things got serious. Don't bother unpacking your gear. A Jumper from Borealis is standing by in the upstairs Jumper bay to take you back to the city. Borealis is to deploy to Aris Boch's home world, to provide medical support and any support needed by expeditionary forces from Earth tasked with liberating the planet." Carter explained in reply.
"I'm not understanding why. Borealis is not a warship. What can we possibly bring to the table?' Daniel questioned.
"Due to repeated Roshna use, the inhabitants of the planet are going to face some medical issues. Withdrawal is the big one we are worried about. Aboard Borealis are several thousand medical specialists from here on Earth. You will be working in conjunction with a hospital ship. They will pass out Roshna replacement patches, to keep these people on their feet for a week. After that, they will crash, and that is why we need you there." Sam continued.
"That makes sense. Ok, let me run grab a few things here, and I will make my way to the Jumper." Daniel stated.
"Good luck Daniel. Give my best to Teal'c." Carter offered.
Several levels below where Carter and Jackson spoke, a man from Alba Longa roamed the hallways. Having arrived several days before, Flamine Portunes Aulus Scribonius had been disheartened to learn that Daniel Jackson was currently deployed elsewhere. When told that he was welcome to remain at the SGC and wait for Jackson's return, Aulus Scribonius had instantly agreed. Many of the sights of the SGC fascinated the Alba Longan. The site of an Asgard had come as a shock, but what those of Earth called Jello was a fantastic discovery. Blue Jello was his favorite so far.
Learning of Jackson's return minutes earlier, Aulus Scribonius quickly made his way towards Jackson's temporary quarters in the SGC. Passing through hallways along his route, Scribonius warmly greeted familiar faces encountered along the way. It amazed him that those here had welcomed him, and accepted him as an equal so quickly. It helped that a letter of introduction from the Alba Longan government had arrived at the SGC shortly before the arrival of Scribonius.
Turning yet another corner in the subterranean complex, Scribonius neared his end destination. Making his way down the hall, a grizzled Air Force Sergeant stopped Aulus. Looking at the visitors badge on the Alba Longan's tunic, the Sergeant realized that Scribonius was cleared for this area.
"Can I help you find something sir?" The Sergeant asked.
"Yes, I am looking for Daniel Jackson." Aulus replied.
Tapping a device similar to a wristwatch, the Sergeant brought up a holographic display in front of him. Entering a search query verbally, the Sergeant quickly ascertained the location of Daniel. Seeing this, Aulus was amazed. Such technology amazed him.
"By Janus!" Aulus exclaimed.
"Janus? He's down the hall." The Sergeant replied.
"What?" Aulus asked in confusion.
"Janus. I just passed him down the hall. Doctor Jackson is in his quarters now sir." The Sergeant pointed out.
Thanking the Sergeant, Aulus walked away in confusion. What did that man mean that Janus was down the hall? Perhaps Janus was a common name on Earth. Yes, that had to be the most logical explanation. Turning his attention towards the end of the hallway, Aulus saw a sight that caused his breath to catch. Approaching him was a face he knew. That face was of the mysterious man who had spoken to him in the Temple of Portunes.
Janus, with a broad smile on his face, approached Aulus Scribonius. Walking at a steady pace, Janus kept his eyes fixed to the shocked face of Aulus. As he grew closer, his smile grew even broader than at had been. Coming within feet of Aulus, Janus offered a sly wink.
"He's in his quarters. Better hurry though. I wouldn't want you to miss your ride." Janus hinted.
As Janus walked away, he began to whistle a tune that Aulus knew well. That tune being whistled was a song associated with the Cult of Janus, and the Temple of Portunes. Aulus simply stood there dumbfounded for a moment. Janus turned the corner and fell out of view before Aulus found his mental faculties returned. Of its own accord, Aulus's mind pushed the shock and surprise away. With purpose, Aulus continued towards Jackson's quarters. Knocking on the open door, Aulus saw Jackson standing within, grabbing a few items and adding them to the baggage sitting on the floor.
"Come in." Jackson said absently.
"Doctor Jackson? I am Aulus Scribonius, Flamine of Portunes." Aulus announced.
"Flamine of Portunes? So you are a priest of Janus?" Jackson asked.
"Yes, that is correct." Aulus answered.
"I think he is around here somewhere." Jackson added.
"The purpose of my visit here is to meet with you." Aulus stated.
"I'm afraid you have bad timing. I am departing in a few minutes. Is this important?" Jackson asked.
"I feel it is, yes." Aulus conceded.
"Well, if that is the case, then you are more than welcome to join me as my guest aboard Borealis. Learning about your world would be a welcome distraction during this deployment." Jackson admitted.
"Borealis is a ship?" Aulus asked.
"No, it's a city. I'm the commander of Borealis." Jackson explained.
"You are relocating a city? I'm afraid I don't understand." Aulus countered.
"Come with me and I will show you." Daniel invited.
Minutes later, Jackson once again shouldered his baggage. WIth Aulus Scribonius in tow, the two men made their way towards the Jumper bay several levels above. Settling into the seats directly behind the Jumper's flight crew, Jackson and Scribonius chatted amicably. This conversation carried on as the Jumper departed, and began its trek towards San Francisco, and Borealis. Throughout the flight, the conversation continued.
Streaking high above ground level, the Jumper passed the distance between Cheyenne Mountain and San Francisco quickly.
Shedding altitude, the Jumper descended towards San Francisco Bay. Being early evening, the San Francisco bay area was shrouded in dark and fog. Playing the part of tour guide, Daniel pointed out the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. Fog made the Golden Gate nearly impossible to see. Through the fog, a brightly illuminated patch of water below came into view. Piercing the fog, Borealis came into view. This sight mesmerized Aulus Scribonius. Never before had he seen such a sight. The beauty of Borealis was striking to the Alba Longan priest.
Circling the city shrouded in fog, atop the cold waters of San Francisco Bay, the Jumper spiraled in for landing. Settling into a hover above the central tower of Borealis, the Jumper descended as the upper doors of the Jumper bay opened. Lowering into the bay, the Jumper settled on the bay's deck plating. Moments later, as the flight crew performed their post flight checks, the rear cargo hatch lowered. Jackson, with Aulus in tow, exited the Jumper. Standing in the bay to great his long time friend, Teal'c stood.
"Greetings Daniel Jackson. I hope your voyage to the Ori galaxy was productive." Teal'c began.
"That is was. I'll tell you about it later. Allow me to introduce Aulus Scribonius of Alba Longa. He will be accompanying us for this jaunt." Jackson explained.
Looking Aulus over closely, Teal'c mentally weighed the measure of the man before him. A warm and welcoming smile took hold on the Jaffa's face. Before speaking, Teal'c bowed slightly.
"Welcome to Borealis Aulus Scribonius." Teal'c said in greeting.
"Can we see to it that Aulus is assigned quarters, and provided with everything he will need? What is our current status?" Daniel asked.
"It will be done. Several thousand medical professionals are aboard, and settled in. The Coast Guard has diverted ship traffic away, and is patrolling around the city now. San Francisco International is standing by, ready to divert air traffic away also. We can depart immediately." Teal'c explained.
As Teal'c uttered those words, the image of the avatar of Borealis appeared. Looking closely at Daniel, the avatar began to speak.
"All systems are ready. With your permission, I will power the star drive. If your guest will follow me, I will show him to his quarters." Borealis stated.
Conversation carried on for several moments, before the collection went their separate ways. Borealis, preparing for departure, sent word to San Francisco International that departure would take place in fifteen minutes. Similar word was also transmitted to Coast Guard patrol craft slicing through the cold waters surrounding the city. As the star drive aboard Borealis charged, these small craft repositioned themselves further away.
On the piers of the city ship, large flood lights angled towards the fog soaked skies above. Activating, these flood lights pierced the fog and sky with pillars of light. This was the signal that Borealis was departing. In response, Coast Guard patrol craft, and other vessels nearby sounded with their horns. A cacophony of noise filled the air. This sudden burst of light and noise attracted attention from tourists walking along Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39. Turning their cameras towards the fog shrouded image of the city, many praised their luck at being here for this sight.
Internally, slight tremors of vibration shuddered through Borealis as she began to lift off. A blanket of cold mist, and waves raced away in all directions as the heavy city ship began her rise from the water. Slowly rising into the air, fog surrounding Borealis took on the glow of the city's lights. Rising higher above the waters, horns continued to sound as many near the San Francisco waterfront turned to watch the city's departure. Joining the boat horns filling the air, nearby car traffic soon added blaring horns of their own.
Continuing her rise above the fog shrouded waters of San Francisco Bay, Borealis clawed higher. Seconds later, the city's powerful protective shield energized and took form around the delicate city ship. Rising, like a sun at sunrise, the glowing orb of Borealis rose through the fog, and into a star filled night sky. Within minutes, Borealis and those aboard would enter hyperspace, and begin the first leg of their journey towards Ilempir.
"A flying city! By Janus!" Aulus exclaimed.
"Janus is not currently aboard." Borealis explained.
Lucian Alliance Space
Throughout The Galaxy
Milky Way Galaxy
Seven hours earlier, Task Force's centered around Prometheus Class Carriers and Ascension Class heavy combatants had departed the space surrounding Fleet Station McHenry. While the lead vessel of each of these Task Forces was powerful in its own right, the accompanying escort force comprised of Athena Class and Crossbow Class vessels greatly added to the lethality of each group. Soaring through hyperspace at speeds far in excess of light speed velocities, these individual groups made their way to Lucian Alliance space.
Their destinations were varied. Since the Chimera run against Possara, the Lucian Alliance had wisely spread their followers among seven other worlds off the galactic gate network. Each of these newly claimed Lucian Alliance planets resided in uninhabited solar systems. These seven solar systems, and the solar system holding Possara would soon play host to elements of the Tau'ri Fleet. Standing between these worlds and the Tau'ri was the Lucian Alliance Fleet. While the movement of people and holdings to many worlds compounded the number of potential targets for the Tau'ri, this plan also served to greatly increase the number of worlds requiring the defensive presence of the Lucian Alliance Fleet. While solving one problem, the Lucian Alliance had created another. Instead of making a single stand in one place, the Lucian Alliance instead divided their Fleet amongst the worlds currently in their domain. That act played directly into Tau'ri plans.
Coordination and timing on an a galaxy wide scale was the cornerstone of the Tau'ri plan. In many ways, this effort was a gamble. That gamble was represented by the threat of force delivered by the sudden appearance of Tau'ri warships. What the Lucian Alliance did not know, was that this effort was a bluff. That bluff was meant to tie down the Lucian Alliance Fleet, and prevent interference in the liberation of Ilempir. This bluff would not be performed by the Tau'ri alone though.
Adding to the confusion of Tau'ri forces in the solar systems the Lucian Alliance called their own, vessels from allied civilizations would also make an appearance. Vessel's of the Asgard were out in force. The Fleet of the Free Jaffa Nation would also join this effort. The Jaffa joined not out of solidarity with the Tau'ri, but out of annoyance towards Lucian Alliance efforts to destabilize the Free Jaffa Nation several years earlier.
On top of this, the bluff would be further compounded by subterfuge. Hours earlier, cloaked vessels has quietly slipped into each solar system. Once their, they had emplaced dozens of small devices apiece in open space. These devices would play a role in what was to come. A bluff is never a bluff without the props to support said bluff.
In a ten second span of time, incredible numbers of hyperspace windows rent open the fabric of space within the eight Lucian Alliance home solar systems. Vessels of both the Tau'ri and Free Jaffa Fleet took station within the space of these solar systems. Upon exit, each collection of vessels raised their shields, while powering weapons. Jaffa Death Gliders and F-302's filled space around each coalition fleet. Simultaneously, power jammers aboard each Tau'ri vessel activated, blinding the Lucian Alliance sensors in the distance. This was done not to mask their approach, but to announce their arrival.
This was a challenge, daring the Lucian Alliance to oppose the Tau'ri and Jaffa presence in these home solar systems. In each case, the scattered elements of the Lucian Alliance Fleet felt fear from the forces standing in their midst. Had they known this galaxy wide effort was being done simply to precent Lucian Alliance interference in efforts on and around Ilempir, that fear would have quickly turned to resolve and anger.
In the Possaran solar system, USS Benjamin Franklin, and her assorted battle group held their ground. In the distance, forty Lucian Alliance Ha'tak's stood ready to defend Possara. Moving to establish a blocking force between Possara and the collection of vessels defending the planet, an element of five Ha'tak's advanced towards the oncoming Tau'ri and Jaffa vessels. As this took place, a tense exchange took place over subspace communication links.
"Tau'ri vessels, you are intruding on Lucian Alliance space. Leave now, or we will fire upon you." Vosh warned.
"You want to skip past the pleasantries, and get right to it? OK, we can do that. Open fire and you will bring about the immediate removal of the Lucian Alliance from existence. At this moment, armada's similar to the one you now see can be found around your other home worlds. Firing your weapons will simply hasten your people's end as a collective." Admiral Grant responded.
Despite this warning, the five Ha'tak's continued their approach. Each of the five powered weapons, while raising their own protective energy shields. Tensions ran high for the crews of these five vessels, as they knew that their five vessels were nothing more than a momentary speed bump for the forces they faced. A sacrificial lamb was acceptable to all, except the lamb itself. Pushing these thoughts aside, the five Ha'tak's continued their approach.
Under orders from Vosh, the five Ha'tak's opened fire well away from the intruding fleet. Not meant to strike the enemy fleet, these shots were simple warning shots. It was hoped by Vosh that this display would force the Tau'ri and Jaffa to alter their approach. Instead of causing the Tau'ri concern, this demonstration brought about a discreet subspace transmission from USS Benjamin Franklin. This transmission was aimed directly at the approaching five Ha'tak's. As the transmission raced towards the Lucian Alliance craft, a similar set of events was taking place in other solar systems.
Upon receipt of the transmission, the sentient program slumbering within each Ha'tak's systems was awakened. Seizing control of the Ha'tak and all its systems, the entity communicated its intentions with copies of itself in other vessels. Acting in concert, each entity powered down weapons, defensive shielding, and propulsion. The entities did not stop there though. Shielding systems meant to contain atmosphere within each Ha'tak powered down next.
In response, the five approaching Ha'tak's vented their atmosphere violently from all compartments. Men, materials, and anything else not securely fastened was ripped from its place, and violently ejected into space. In the space surrounding these five vessels, a collection of paperwork and now lifeless bodies could be seen drifting away. This event was not a lone event though. Across the galaxy, the Lucian Alliance lost forty vessels in a matter of minutes, without the Tau'ri firing a single shot.
Horrified by the sight before him, Vosh quickly ordered his vessels to back away from Possara. As the group of vessels under his command complied, reports of dozens of hyperspace windows opening in the distance flowed in. As no ships were detected exiting these hyperspace windows, it stood to reason that further Tau'ri vessels under cloak had arrived. Instead, these were simply hyperspace window simulators firing. This was fast developing into a no win scenario for Vosh. Becoming overwhelmed, the Lucian Alliance Second quickly sent word to Kefflin by subspace message. As he did, the five now lifeless Ha'tak's in the distance were taken under tow by Jaffa Ha'tak's accompanying the Tau'ri.
Kefflin's Flagship
In Hyperspace
Milky Way Galaxy
Aboard his recently completed flagship, Kefflin's day had begun like any other. Over the preceding months, events had played out much as he had envisioned. While minor hiccups had cropped up several times, these were nothing that could not be dealt with moving forward. The one major problem Kefflin had not accounted for was Sloviash. His actions endangered Kefflin's future plans, while serving to put the Lucian Alliance as a whole in the gunsights of Earth. That single event could undue all of Kefflin's efforts. Thus far, agents on Earth had provided little in the way of warning that a violent response from Earth was coming.
In his quarters, Kefflin sat down to enjoy his lunchtime meal. As he dug into his meal, his mind was consumed with thoughts of the future. Oh, how he had plans for a galaxy where the Tau'ri were not the power to be feared. Like any great future, the future Kefflin envisioned would take time to bring about. Time worked for Kefflin, much like time working in favor of erosion. One day soon, assuming everything went to plan, Tau'ri power in this galaxy would have eroded to the level necessary. While this line of thought passed the time, Kefflin was all too aware that it hinged on the Tau'ri not responding to Sloviash's provocation.
Before Kefflin could finish his lunch, indicators of his worst fears coming true began to arrive. Frantic subspace signals from all eight Lucian Alliance home systems began to pour in. Each of these signals announced that Tau'ri and Jaffa war fleets now stood in the home systems. Normally subtle in their visitations to Lucian Alliance space, these war fleets had made no move to conceal their presence. That fact told Kefflin that the Tau'ri had indeed risen to the challenge of Sloviash's provocation. The hypothetical danger a Tau'ri reaction had posed was now a very real threat.
Minutes after the first frantic messages arrived, further messages were received. Reports flowed in of ship systems aboard Ha'tak's going dark, shortly after computers aboard taking on a life of their own. Crews vented to space represented not just a loss of vessels, but also of manpower. One instance like this might have been an odd happening, but eight times meant it was Tau'ri trickery at work. Without so much as firing a weapon, the Tau'ri were systematically weakening the Alliance, his Alliance.
Disgusted and not a little worried, Kefflin pushed away from his lunch. Rising to his feet, the Lucian Alliance First exited his quarters, and made his way to the bridge. Along his route, those he encountered saw the rage simmering beneath the surface of Kefflin's face. He was not one who accepted failure or defeat lightly. As he stormed towards the bridge, his mind raced. How would he respond to this? What would be the repercussions for any response he might mount?
Storming onto the bridge of his flagship, Kefflin tried to smooth over his anger. Those standing at their duty stations sensed the simmering rage barely concealed on Kefflin's face. When he was in one of these moods, someone typically paid a price with their life. That knowledge ensured that those standing nervously at their duty stations would remain agreeable, supportive, and most importantly compliant.
Seconds later, the flagship and accompanying collection of fifty Ha'tak's exited hyperspace near hyperspace. Decelerating rapidly, the collection of Lucian Alliance slowed. In the distance, the planet of Delmak stood. That was the expected part. The unexpected part was the ten Asgard vessels standing between Kefflin and Delmak. Each imposing, the five Hala Class and five O'Neill Class vessels sat in line formation. This was a development Kefflin had not foreseen. A face to face showdown with the Asgard was the last thing Kefflin needed, especially on this day where it seemed the sky was falling.
Acting quickly, Kefflin passed orders throughout the fleet with him. In response, the large armada of Lucian Alliance vessels raised their shields and powered weapons. Despite this veiled threat, the Asgard vessels remained on station, with no outward sign of concern. Seeing this, Kefflin was unsure if this should enrage him, or frighten him. After all, the System Lord's had rightly feared the Asgard for a reason.
Standing on the bridge of the Hala, Thor consulted his long range sensors. Yes, this situation was developing as he had planned. Any moment now, Thor was certain that the Lucian Alliance leader aboard his flagship would send a message full of bellicose rhetoric. Kefflin could issue his threats, but Thor knew the situation was under his control. The only question remaining was how long it would take Kefflin to accept that fact. Only Kefflin knew the answer to that question.
Thor's wait for the expected message was not a long one. Receiving the subspace signal, Thor served to remind Kefflin who had the power here by waiting three minutes to respond.
"Your message was unintelligible. Repeat your message if you wish it heard." Thor instructed.
"Leave this solar system immediately. You are trespassing within Lucian Alliance space. Leave, or we will destroy you.' Kefflin threatened.
"Do you really believe that?" Thor asked in response.
"Look around you. My forces greatly outnumber your own." Kefflin chided.
"Outnumber, yes. Outclass? Hardly." Thor rebuked.
Before Kefflin could respond, two massive hyperspace windows tore open behind the Lucian Alliance armada. Emerging from these abnormally large hyperspace windows were two vessels unlike any the Lucian Alliance had ever before seen. Larger than any vessel in the Asgard or Tau'ri fleet, these two vessels emitted incredible energy signatures, and were strangely biological in nature. Todd and two of his ZPM powered Hive's had arrived.
Panic surged through the crews of the Lucian Alliance armada. Who and what were these never before encountered vessels? Any hope of resistance within the Lucian Alliance crews faded as the two Hive's powered weapons and deployed thousands of Darts. On the bridge of his flagship Hive, Todd sat merrily.
"The enemy fleet's weapons are powered. Do you wish to open fire?" A Hybrid commander asked.
"We are not here to kill these humans. Maneuver around the enemy fleet." Todd instructed.
"As you command." The Hybrid commander acknowledged.
"I do not miss the days where we fed on humans. I do admit to loving the fright they experience when we arrive though. This makes our trip well worth the effort." Todd sighed contentedly.
Standing on the bridge of his own flagship, Kefflin's mind raced. He knew that his fleet was outmatched by even one of these new alien craft. If he could not hope to defeat one, how could he possibly dream of surviving a battle with two? This was before adding the Asgard into the equation. Slamming his fist down on a console, Kefflin gritted his teeth.
"Tell our vessels to go into hyperspace." Kefflin whispered disgustedly.
As the Lucian Alliance armada made their quick exit from certain death, Thor stood on the bridge of Hala content with the outcome of todays efforts. As Kefflin's flagship passed through the open hyperspace window, Thor received word that the Tau'ri offensive aimed at Ilempir was beginning.
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