My apologies on this chapter taking a bit longer than you may have hoped. Thanksgiving happened, and the holidays have a wonderful way of eating into my schedule. This chapter was originally meant to be much longer, but I opted to cut the last section into pieces to allow for this chapter to be published today. Christmas is almost here, and I hope everyone has a fantastic and safe holiday. Have a wonderful weekend!
Afrigeek- The warning was included, unseen, in Daniel's mission report. In any bureaucracy, it takes time for information to trickle down. Don't worry, it will make it to Destiny in time. I want the Ancients to meet their mentors, but haven't written it yet.
Munchinmonster- Thank you for the incredibly kind words of praise. The conclusion of Destiny's mission will be seen, as will the Volcae and their overly large ship.
Balthier- The problem overall, like so many in Stargate, is one of continuity. If you think back to the episode Exodus, the Ha'tak holding SG-1 is shown to be thrown into another galaxy due to the effects of a super nova. Though it is less advanced than those developed by the Asgard, it did function. This, when viewed against Unending, brings that continuity issue front and center. Despite that, I did come up with a theory for you as why the hyperdrive was an issue during Unending, and was not at the end of the last chapter.
The most capable energy producing technology shown in show for the Asgard is the neutrino-ion generator. These are capable of producing vast amounts of power. Perhaps, placed in a severe overload state, these were the mechanism the Asgard used to destroy their planet. If so, it might be possible that the radiation field produced might have somehow interfered with the functionality of a hyperdrive designed to use the neutrino-ion generator as a power source.
The Naglfar, like all Asgard ships in the universe my stories take place in, makes use of the Arcturus generator as the primary power production source. This change could be a possible source of change from the conditions seen in Unending. One other possibility, is the Arcturus itself. It uses the universe itself as the medium from which energy is extracted. Perhaps a nearby super nova somehow influenced an operational Arcturus in the positive. If you want to talk about this further, message me on here and we can discuss at length.
JEvryday84- I've kept old and young O'Neill apart, due to them going their separate ways. The concern is command influence, and how a close relationship would adversely impact young O'Neill's career. Nepotism could result in younger O'Neill being ostracized by his peers.
The odds of Arkos having a sister station are precisely zero. The reason I say that, is because of the issues Arkos brings to the table. Honestly, and I say this as someone who loves the creation I put together, Arkos is far too powerful. Many times, I run into the wall of realization that Arkos is far too overpowered, and adding another would further complicate that problem. Now, a second Destiny is something I'm working on, but for a different story.
The reason the Goa'uld resurrection tech, or the Ancient device from which it mimics, was not used is simply due to sideeffects. For the Ancient device, you run into the zombie issue. For the Goa'uld device, you run into psychological sideeffects and addiction.
For Earth's unified military to come, it will answer to the High Council of Earth, and the High Council alone. One thing that will happen, but hasn't been shown yet, is that the office of President, and it's equivalent in all other nations, are to be vacated. Individual Union's will fall under the governance of unified legislative bodies, and from each Union, members of the High Council will be elected.
Shambhala
Shambhala Solar System
Milky Way Galaxy
Beneath vibrant blue skies, the city of Shambhala stood. Sunlight reflecting from the crimson, sapphire, and emerald green tinted towers gave the city a picturesque quality. Though a stunning sight, Shambhala was now playing host to a grim new reality; the fallout of Galar's destruction. This latest occurrence was one the inhabitants of Shambhala found horrifying.
Hours earlier, the Asgard vessel Naglfar had arrived. Moments after her exit from hyperspace, Naglfar had descended towards the city of Shambhala, guided only by onboard systems. During her descent, due to Naglfar's ability to analyze damage to it's systems, the great ship had begun the transfer by beaming of Galaran evacuees to the city. These refugees, added to those brought by both Crossbow Class vessels that had arrived earlier, amounted to a humanitarian crisis writ large.
These evacuees were not the first to find their deliverance within the halls of Earth's first off world city. The People of Novus, like the Tollan's before them, had also began their lives anew within this city. Like the beacon of hope the city had been intended to be, civilizations came here to be brought back from the brink. Already, response teams from the city itself were hard at work, attending to evacuees in great number. Further response teams from the Red Cross, the militaries and nations of Earth, and worlds across the Milky Way were pouring in.
Beyond the city's perimeter, floating above the Shambhala shipyard, Naglfar sat. It's hull torn, scarred, and burned, the powerful Asgard vessel was also being attended to. Around the ship, units of the Asgard fleet also hovered. Sections of Naglfar's hull shimmered and illuminated, as repair efforts using matter stream construction technology were underway. While repair efforts focused on the uppermost sections of Naglfar's hull, shattered hull plating fell from the bottom regions. That Naglfar had survived the onslaught of the supernova was a testament to her Asgard designers. Her survival, though a miracle of technological achievement, was far more significant due to the vessel's efforts to deliver a large portion of Galaran survivors to safety.
On the opposite side of the city from the shipyard, deep within a medical tower designated for critical care, human and Asgard medical professionals cared for Hrym, Naglfar's commander. Despite the best efforts of Tau'ri doctors, and the technology at their disposal; Hrym's body was too damaged to save. So sudden and severe were Hrym's injuries, that were it not for automated systems aboard his ship, the vessel and all it carried might never have arrived.
Once again, the forethought of Asgard designers and engineers came into play. Seconds after Naglfar had been damaged, as she raced through hyperspace, monitoring systems aboard the vessel diagnosed Hrym's injuries. These readings were then broadcast to Asgard forces throughout the galaxy, and the Asgard home world a galaxy away. Navigation data included in this transmission told the Asgard when and where they could save their heroic, yet grievously injured ship commander.
The arrival of the Asgard armada at Shambhala's doorstep brought with it many things. Engineers and technicians, along with the technology necessary needed to repair Naglfar was but a part of this response. Other vessels, outfitted to address the massive material needs of the influx of several hundred thousand refugees also arrived. To the Asgard, the most important portion of this response came in the form of Heimdall.
Carried to Shambhala, aboard Heimdall's ship, was a genetically engineered body. Accompanying this body vacant of intelligence was the technology necessary to extract the very essence of Hrym, and allow for the transfer of this mind into an unbroken body. Had injuries to Hrym's cranium been more severe, this download and transfer might have proven impossible to accomplish.
In one of the city's many lush and ornate gardens, teams of administrative personnel busied themselves with the task of checking in refugees brought to this zone of Shambhala. While this administrative effort was underway, teams of grief counseling specialists circulated amongst the evacuees. The emotional fallout from the destruction of Galar was a trauma like few others, and would forever etch itself into the culturally psyche of each surviving Galaran. These grief councilors had perhaps the most difficult of tasks; convincing survivors that guilt felt due to surviving was not healthy.
Walking amongst these tattered throngs of grief-stricken survivors, were two female figures. Melia, delegate of the Ancients, and Lya, delegate of the Nox, were here not in their official capacity as delegates to the Alliance of Five Great Races. Instead, they were here to see what their respective civilizations could do to aid these people, and to finally silence the recent dissension that had taken root within the Alliance.
Far more empathetic that her Ancient counterpart, Lya was deeply affected by the sight before her. Seeing these people, and the pain clear in the eyes of each. Lya's heart broke. War, and the aftereffects of war, were both abhorrent to the Nox. Lya wanted nothing more, that to hold each evacuee close, tell them that they were not alone, and hear the story of their life. On another level, Lya was painfully aware of why she had been brought here, to see the situation as it unfolded.
"I want to resent you, for showing me this, but I cannot." Lya began, in a voice dripping with sorrow.
"We have known one another for a millennia. Do you really believe I would bring you here, to use the misery and suffering of these people as a prop? Is that what you think of me?" Melia questioned.
"No, I do not think you would do such a thing." Lya replied quietly.
"Segments of your population begrudge Earth's response in a war, but what will they say about this? In the history of our two cultures, we have faced fearsome enemies. Not once, have we faced an enemy intent of inflicting devastation simply for the sake of devastation. The universe has evolved, and so must we. The old way has failed, and we must adapt to the new reality if we wish to prevent something like this from ever happening again." Melia stated.
"I fear to venture a thought as to how Earth will respond to this." Lya said with a heavy heart.
"Look around you. This is their response. They, along with the Asgard, risked their lives to save as many Galaran's as possible. Out of basic decency, they have taken these people in. Earth's first thought, is to care for those in need. The Asgard are responding much differently. As we speak, the Asgard Fleet is pouring into this galaxy, to stand guard over the remaining Protected Planets. My understanding is that Thor has been dispatched by the Asgard High Council, to retrieve the enemy leader who gave this order. If it is a vicious response you fear, then fear that of the Asgard." Melia explained.
"What will happen to these people? Will they remain here?" Lya asked, trying to change the subject.
"Earth is willing to house these people as long as is necessary. Chancellor Narim of the Tollan has approached Earth, and asked that they be allowed to house all evacuees. I believe he feels it is a matter of showing these people the same kindness that the Tollan were once shown." Melia responded.
"We must never allow something like this to happen again. I will return to my people, and tell them what I have seen here. Those who were so quick to rush judgement against Earth will be forced to support that position now. I speak for myself, and those like me; the Nox will stand with the Alliance now and far into the future." Lya announced with conviction.
Washington D.C.
Earth
Milky Way Galaxy
Continuing what had become a tradition over the months since his brother's abduction, Colonel John Sheppard quietly ate alone. The restaurant, Marvin, was the sight of his brothers abduction. Each Friday, Sheppard made it a point to return, and sit at the table he and his brother had used that fateful night. Ronin, well aware of this tradition, knew this was Sheppard's way to mourn, and feel closer to his missing brother. On these nights, Ronin made it a point to remain well away from his longtime friend, lest he be viewed as intruding.
The staff, well aware of what had happened outside of their establishment, took pity on Sheppard. His presence on Friday night had become a fixture, and as such, it was assured that his table was always vacant and ready. Watching him eat alone, the servers felt it their responsibility to attend to needs before they became needs. Their hearts went out to this incredibly lonely man.
What Sheppard did not know, was that the staff of Marvin were not the only ones watching him on this cold Friday evening. Outside the eating establishment, in a nondescript sedan parked across the street,a single well dressed gentleman also sat. His task this night, was to keep watch over Colonel Sheppard, and this task was one he did not relish. The Colonel that he watched over, compared to the Colonel who's file he knew intimately, was nothing more than a shadow of his former self. Watching Sheppard eat alone, frankly, was incredibly depressing. From his vantage point, he watched as Colonel Sheppard rose from his seat, and began to trudge up the stairway leading to the rooftop bar. From the passenger seat, the watcher grabbed an encrypted radio.
"Subject is on his way to the roof." The watcher said to an unknown recipient.
Moments later, the watcher took note of a familiar face approaching the restaurant. The approaching figure was a man the watcher knew well, and trusted with his life. The sight of this approaching figure told the watcher exactly why he had been assigned this duty. Though the approaching figure gave no sign of seeing the watcher, the watcher was sure his location was known.
Walking through the doors of Marvin, the new arrival smiles at the hostess. When asked if he would be dining alone, the man pointed towards the stairs leading to the rooftop bar and smiled. Making his way up the staircase, Brigadier General Dean Frost, commanding officer of the ISA, store closer to the meeting place he had chosen, unbeknownst to Colonel Sheppard. At the top of the stairs, Frost walked through a large glass door, and stepped onto the rooftop bar. Taking in his surroundings quickly, Frost took note of Sheppard leaning against a railing as he sightlessly watched over the DC skyline. Stepping to the bar, the General quickly gained the attention of the single bartender in attendance.
"What can get you?" The bartender asked.
"I'll have whatever the gentleman over there is having." Frost replied.
"One Glenmorangie 18 coming up." The bartender confirmed.
"Make it two." Frost countered.
Moments later, after a slight shock at the price of these two drinks, Dean Frost made his way towards Sheppard with both drinks in hand. His eyes locked on Sheppard, Frost took note of Sheppard having taken note of an approaching figure. Almost imperceptibly, Sheppard's body tensed. That action told Frost that Sheppard was most probably armed, which came as no surprise. Erring on the side of safety, Frost opted to let Sheppard know a friend was approaching, instead of a potential enemy.
"Mind if I join you John?" Frost asked.
Turning his head slightly, Sheppard looked at Frost from the corner of his eye. Again almost imperceptibly, the tension drained from Shepard's body. Altering his stance somewhat, Sheppard motioned at the rail beside him. John was somewhat surprised when Frost handed him a drink.
"The bartender said this is what you were drinking, so I thought I would join you." Frost stated.
"It's good stuff. If you are a scotch drinker, you'll like it. Dr. Beckett turned me onto it on Atlantis." Sheppard responded.
"So how are you doing John?" Frost inquired.
"Just another day for me. I heard about Galar." Sheppard responded, trying to shift the focus of discussion elsewhere.
"On the record, Galar is a tragedy. Off the record, this is a massive intelligence failure." Frost grimaced.
"No warning of an impending attack then?" Sheppard asked.
"That is what makes this situation doubly tragic. We had warning, not pinpoint warning, but warning nonetheless. When the intelligence came in, I passed it up the chain. My feeling is the intel was lost in the white noise of a war declared won." Frost replied in disgust.
"What will happen to whoever dropped the ball?" Sheppard asked with mild detachment.
"It is safe to say that heads will roll over this, but as has happened in the past, the wrong heads will be laid upon the chopping block. Someone will get scapegoated for political reasons, and that will be that." Frost answered.
"Why are you here?" Sheppard asked pointedly, cutting through pleasantries altogether.
"I'll level with you John; I'm here to discuss a few things. Some, in my opinion are unimportant wastes of time, while others are significantly more important. To get it out of the way, I'll start with the unimportant. Your friend McKay has been on a tear. Every week, three times a week, he has been putting forward a request to General O'Neill. McKay seems to believe you are on a self-destructive path, and should be either locked in a psych ward, or sent elsewhere. One thing I should point out, is that General O'Neill understands what you are doing, and more importantly, why you are doing it. He asked, simply to close the matter entirely, that I extend to you the opportunity to return to Atlantis no questions asked." Frost explained.
"That will not be happening." Sheppard said simply.
"That's what he told McKay, and what I told him when given this assignment. Now that we have that matter settled, let me explain something to you that I feel needs to be shared with you. Have you ever worked hard, and felt that despite your best efforts, you accomplished nothing?" Frost questioned seriously.
"That sums up much of my Air Force career before joining the Gate Program." Sheppard responded with a trace of humor.
"I feel that way now due to the loss of Galar. Bringing home your brother will mean something, not just to you, or this nation, but for me personally. I, as a man, believe in what you are doing, and realize the importance of this task to you. I couldn't save Galar, but I can do my all to help you save your brother." Frost vowed.
"General, this isn't your fight." Sheppard warned.
"It may not be, but it is a fight I can assist in. For once, I want to generate useful intelligence that isn't disregarded, and is used for the greater good." Frost countered.
From his breast pocket, Frost removed a small data stick, which he placed on the railing between he and Sheppard. Taking a sip from his drink, and savoring the rich flavor of the incredibly pricey scotch, Frost knew he was providing something of extreme value to a man he had learned to trust in the Pegasus galaxy.
"What's this?" Sheppard asked as he took the data stick into his hand.
"That, is everything you need for your next target. You asked for information on Ami Su, and that is everything about her. Having looked over everything, I can tell you that all is not right with her." Frost pointed out.
"What do you mean?" Sheppard questioned.
"Ms. Su, previous to becoming chief legal counsel for Farrow Marshall, was a very different person than she is today. Generally, to become a major corporation's chief legal counsel, one should be an attorney of note. In the case of Ms. Su, she did not decide to attend law school until a four years before assuming her position. Who paid for her law degree? Farrow Marshall Aerospace. Seem strange to you? It did to me." Frost surmised.
"That could all be conjecture." Sheppard argued.
"That is entirely possible, but the deeper we looked into her background, the stranger things became. Previous to her interest in the law, Ms. Su was best known as a profligate user of social media, to the point of sharing her breakfast menu for the morning on Twitter. When not bombarding social media with her every, and there are many, musings, she was also known as someone dedicated to Sailor Moon cosplay. She made her living by modeling and cosplay. A week before she applied for law school, her family died in a boating accident. From that point forward, she never returned to any of her many social media accounts, nor her cosplay routine. Now, that could all be coincidence, or a sign of a young woman changed by tragedy, but to me, it doesn't pass the sniff test." Frost continued.
"I'll look this over, but you might have a point. How is her security?" Sheppard asked lightly.
"Am I to assume you intend on grabbing her? Wait, don't answer that. I don't want to know. Her security is tight, and rivals that of some heads of state. If you intend to do what I think you intend to do, you are going to need to hit hard and fast. John, I do have one suggestion though." Frost hinted.
"I'm listening." Sheppard responded.
"She is an extremely attractive woman, and if possible, General O'Neill would prefer that she not have any appendages removed." Frost said deadpan.
"I'll keep that in mind." Sheppard said distractedly.
On the street, sitting in his sedan, the watcher looked up at Frost and Sheppard. Every few seconds, he cast his well trained gaze over the street, and those walking the sidewalks. Sensing a presence near him, the watcher turned towards the passenger seat suddenly. Shocked, the watcher saw a very attractive and well dressed woman seated beside him. On her face was a passive and knowing expression. Despite the sudden mysterious appearance of this woman, the watcher felt a sense of calm, almost as if she were somehow projecting this upon him.
"You have no need to watch over John Sheppard, as I watch over his every step. He may be valuable to your world, but he is far more valuable to me than I can put into words." Chaya Sar said with feeling.
Madagascar
Earth
Milky Way Galaxy
Separate from the African continent, the island nation of Madagascar was unique. Unknown to most, Madagascar is home to five percent of the worlds species of flora and fauna, many of which were found only on this island nation. In point of fact, a full ninety percent of island's plant life and eighty percent of its animal life are found nowhere else on Earth.
Masoala National Park, or rather, the area once known as Masoala National Park, is an area encompassing over half a million acres. Once, this area had been Madagascar's largest and least known ecological preserve's. Contained within this large area of land, were huge swathes of dense rain forest, covering a mountain range under the thick foliage. Tall palisander trees, orchids, ferns, and wild ginger provided an environment in which frogs, chameleons, birds, and lemurs thrived in great numbers.
This rain forest runs towards the coast, where a dreamscape of idyllic beaches are found. Large granite boulders dotted golden hued beaches, providing scenery that was both beautiful and unique as it was untouched. In the crystal clear waters offshore from these beaches, bottle nose dolphins were known to frolic, and in certain months, humpback whales were known to breed. At the periphery of these protected beaches, several small villages stood. These villages, composed of thatched huts, were filled with people who knew little of, and cared even less about, the state of this galaxy or others.
In the early 1980's, the state of Madagascar found itself bankrupt. A decade later, due to political upheaval, both the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank, suspended economic assistance, which caused Madagascar's government to fall. Years later, half of the nation of Madagascar's debt was written off by the International Monetary Fund. Despite this, the economic engine of the island nation remained sluggish at best, and stalled at worst. Due to an underperforming economy, a nearly two thirds of the population lived below the national poverty line of one dollar per day. That economic disparity was one that nations had exploited in the past, and one that would be exploited again, only not by a nation-state, but an individual.
It was location, political instability, and economics that made Madagascar attractive to Ba'al. Fully aware of the risk he faced by maintaining residence in the United States or Europe, Ba'al had turned his sights to more furtive grounds, where his wealth would provide the leverage he needed. This move was not one driven just by survival, but also one driven by ego, and a desire to further expand the power held over Earth's political landscape. That his move to Madagascar had drawn him recognition from environmentalists was nothing more than an added bonus.
Earth's move towards an as yet operating unified world government had presented an opportunity for Ba'al. It was almost as if Earth was playing directly into his plans. Perhaps, the mythical figure known as Santa Claus had delivered this gift to Ba'al. While Ba'al remained hopeful that Senator Carl Strom, and the other former leaders of the IOA, would ascend to higher levels of power within the coming government, he knew it would be foolish to only pursue his goals through a single angle.
By leveraging the war chest of funds Farrow Marshall controlled, Ba'al had arranged for the purchase of Masoala National Park. Paying a king's ransom for the Park, Ba'al killed two birds with one stone. First, he had gained a secure base of operations, far from the prying eyes of governments who would wish him dead. Second, the large cash infusion into the sputtering economy of Madagascar allowed for bribery on a scale not often seen. Through this method, Ba''al managed to subvert the government of Madagascar, while also purchasing the allegiance of regional governments that would soon make up the African Union. Ba'al had managed to purchase himself a substantial voting block within Earth's soon to take power government. Through these incremental steps, Ba'al was slowly consolidating political power that would soon span the globe.
Through a small series of bribes, to various government officials, Ba'al had managed to purchase a government protected tract of land abutting Masoala National Park. On this tract of land, Ba'al constructed his new base of operations. This compound, incredible in its size and scale, was a fortress of unseen walls. Ringing the compound were walls, composed of middle strength energy shields. These were not present to prevent an assault upon the compound, so much as to keep the natives out of sight. An airfield existed, within the walls, built of structures seen above ground, and others unseen below ground level. Vast rows of hydroponic facilities existed, as well as areas dedicated to raising game animals. This compound was meant to be self-sufficient from the outside world.
The true jewel of the compound, was found in the compound's center. To further the cover story behind this compound, palatial tourist lodgings had been constructed. A booming ecotourism industry meant that these tourist lodgings would seldom be found empty. In the center of these lodgings, another structure, one far different from the others, stood. This structure was one that stood as a testament to Ba'al's ego, and his sense of humor.
Rising hundreds of feet off the ground, and clad in a polished white material, which glittered from flecks of gold material imbedded within the covering materials surface, an octahedron stood. An octahedron, composed of an inverted pyramid atop which sat a second non-inverted pyramid, was a symbol with a long history. In ancient Egypt, as well as within Goa'uld culture, the octahedron was known as the creation sign. The uppermost pyramid was mean to represent inspiration, flowing down from the heavens above. The base inverted pyramid represented aspiration to achieve the perfection of heaven. In a not so subtle way, Ba'al was proclaiming to the world his status as a Goa'uld deity, with designs on enlightening the world. From here, Ba'al intended to rule over this world, and later this galaxy and others. To Ba'al, the symbolism was incredibly amusing.
In his personal quarters, high atop the octahedron, Ba'al sat. In his presence was Athena, who spoke at great length. Instead of giving Athena his full attention, Ba'al listened halfheartedly, while surveying his growing domain in the distance. Athena's sudden silence told Ba'al that the time to focus his attention on her was now, if he ever hoped to sit in silence.
"I would ask that you to get the point, if you have a point to be made." Ba'al suggested.
"Have you not been listening?" Athena demanded in irritation.
"Take care with your town. I do not answer to minor System Lord's." Ba'al snarled in challenge, as his eyes took on a golden glow of warning.
"Forgive me." Athena demurred quickly.
"Now, your point. Make it, or leave." Ba'al ordered irritably.
"Amaterasu is becoming a problem. She believes that she answers only to you, and not to me." Athena spat.
"She she wrong in that belief? Once again, you forget your place. She answers to me, as do you." Ba'al pointed out simply.
"How can I protect your many interests, if I cannot instruct her on what is needed?" Athena asked softly in defeat.
"This jockeying for position between you two is growing tiresome. If it is a change in status quo that you require, then I will embellish you. We will solve this through the old ways. Instead of this bickering, engage your opponent in a fight for position. One of you will live, and one of you will not. Whoever prevails will be the one who was correct." Ba'al instructed with a smirk.
"You would really allow me to kill her?" Athena asked coldly.
"If you want her gone, then make the arrangements, but know that the responsibility rests with you. Whichever of you prevails matters little to me, so long as this constant strife ends. Watching you two fight to the death for supremacy shall be an entertaining distraction." Ba'al taunted.
"Very well my lord. May we know move on to a business matter?" Athena asked, very pleased.
"Please do." Ba'al invited.
"As you know, we purchased large blocks of matter stream construction time from Earth's fleet. While I feel we too readily agreed to the ridiculous prices demanded, I am pleased to inform you that three of our off world company cities are now complete. Recruitment of the local populations, and their transfer into quarters within these company cities is underway. Several months will be required to train these populations, before production of products locally can begin." Athena explained.
"These company cities on worlds across this galaxy work far better than anything we ever tried during our rule over this the help of our former foe, we have built the infrastructure needed to rule these worlds, and control their populations. All this done without a single battle. Not only is it legal, but brings us riches both here and on other worlds. This is why I love Earth." Ba'al laughed jovially.
"The populations of these worlds do not fear us. The day could come, where they rise up in revolt." Athena warned.
"Since you never had a large domain of your own to rule, I will forgive your ignorance. The rabbit comes more readily to the carrot, than the sword. In time, these peasant populations will forget how to exist without us. One day, they will thank us for invading under the cloak of capitalism." Ba'al countered with a smile.
SGR 0501+4516
Milky Way Galaxy
Fifteen thousand light-years from Earth, an oddity of the universe sat. This oddity, like those similar to it, had the distinction of being the most magnetic objects ever detected in the universe, with a magnetic field one hundred trillion times stronger than that of Earth. Known in scientific circles as a magnetar, the magnetic field of these small stellar bodies also gave rise to very strong emissions of both X-rays, and gamma rays.
A magnetar's magnetic field alone would be lethal to life, at a distance of several thousand kilometers, due to magnetic field distortion of the atoms that make the chemistry of life possible. At half a moon's distance from Earth, a magnetar's magnetic field would be capable of stripping data contained on the magnetic strip medium common on credit cards.
Following a supernova, should a star collapse into a neutron star, its magnetic field increases in strength by several thousand orders of magnitude. As linear dimension decreases, the magnetic field increases further. In some instances, heat and rotational energy convert into magnetic energy, further increasing the already astounding magnetic field strength. Through this chain of events, a magnetar is born. It is said that big things come in small packages, and a magnetar was evidence of that fact, due to this fearsome stellar body having a size of no more than twenty kilometers in diameter, with a thimble full of it's matter weighing in at over one hundred million tons.
Forty minutes earlier, following a preset operations schedule, the Lewis and Clark Class fleet replenishment vessel USNS Sacagawea had exited hyperspace, and assumed station twenty five thousand miles from SGC 0501+4516. The reason for her arrival was the same as her reason for being built; to replenish vessels currently underway. The reasons surrounding the selection of this locale for the coming evolution revolved around the idea that magnetar's were things to avoid, so it stood to reason that less than friendly vessels would be inclined to be elsewhere doing less than friendly things.
Vessels of the Lewis and Clark Class were but a part of the incredible logistics train operated by Earth. Due to the matter stream technology integrated into many of Earth's ship classes, the functions of an underway replenishment vessel were unneeded. While this was true for a majority of Earth's fleet, it was not true for all. Nor was it true for the vessels operated by the coast guards of many nations, that were now taking delivery of interstellar vessels in ever increasing numbers. These vessels, based on a downgraded version of the Galactic Express Class, were deployed in the hope of securing supply lines, monitoring commercial traffic, and rendering aid when and where needed.
Several thousand miles to starboard of Sacagawea, four small hyperspace windows tore open the fabric of space. From these dimensional tears, the forms of USCGC Tamaroa, USCGC Raritan, USCGC Kiska, and USCGC Absecon emerged. Upon exit from hyperspace, due to the hostile environment, each of the four United States Coast Guard cutters raised their shields, as they powered towards the waiting replenishment ship.
Systems aboard Sacagawea, slaved to systems aboard each of the four newly arrived vessels. Assuming control of propulsion, navigation, and station-keeping; Sacagawea guided the four cutters closer. At a distance of seventy miles from Sacagawea, both Tamaroa and Raritan came to a halt. Both Kiska and Absecon continued towards the replenishment ship. Shields on the two moving vessels lowered, as they maneuvered into close proximity of Sacagawea.
Shields aboard the replenishment vessel activated, enveloping Sacagawea, and the two vessels in close attendance. Slowly, both Coast Guard vessels maneuvered into position, guided by automated systems aboard another vessel entirely. From the hull of Sacagawea, to port and starboard, corridor sized extendable boarding platforms extended. Reaching the airlocks built into the hulls of both Coast Guard vessels, these platforms affixed themselves to the hull of each magnetically, and with a series of interlocking mechanisms. As airlocks aboard all three vessels opened, atmosphere within these boarding platforms was normalized. Through these platforms, the supplies necessary to support the crews of each vessel would be transferred, while water was pumped aboard each through piping built into the outer sections of the platform itself. Through other sets of piping, waste water from each cutter's sewage holding tank was pumped aboard holding tanks aboard Sacagawea, to include grey water contaminated by shipboard laundry, and showers, and wash basins.
While supplies flowed aboard Kiska and Absecon, the crews of Tamaroa and Raritan waited patiently. On the bridge of Raritan, the bridge crew tried to make sense of sensor readings. Due to their close proximity to the magnetar, sensor performance was degraded to the point of being near useless. One crew member standing on Raritan's bridge, believing she saw something in the chaos of the sensor readings before her, informed her commander.
"I think something is on the other side of the magnetar sir." The young Petty Officer announced.
"What have you got?" Raritan's commanding officer, a Lieutenant Commander questioned.
"It's faint, but I think it is some type of beacon sir." The Petty Officer explained.
"It's probably just interference from the magnetar, but forward it Kiska and Absecon just to be safe. They can go check it out while we resupply." The Lieutenant Commander instructed.
Twenty five minutes later, after monitoring the faint signal closely, the Petty Officer was no closer to being sure if the signal was truly a signal, or simply random interference from the magnetar. From her vantage point on the bridge, she watched as the diminutive by comparison cutters pulled away from the much larger Sacagawea. At two thousand feet in length, the supply vessel dwarfed the two hundred and seventy one feet in length of both cutters.
Across the inter-ship communications network, Sacagawea transmitted a song in keeping with Navy tradition. Known as breakaway music, fleet replenishment vessels always broadcast a song of the ship's choosing to announce the completion of underway replenishment. In this instance, Sacagawea's chosen breakaway song was the Neil Diamond tune of 'Sweet Caroline', due to the Captain of Sacagawea being a rabid fan of the Boston Red Sox, and in celebration of the recent World Series win of his hometown team.
"I really hate that song." The commanding officer of Raritan grimaced.
"Why is that sir?" The Petty Officer asked lightly.
"I'm a Yankee's fan." The Lieutenant Commander scowled.
While Tamaroa and Raritan were enveloped within Sacagawea's shields in preparation for docking and underway replenishment, Kiska and Absecon engaged shields of their own. Moving off, to verify the validity of the sensor data provided by Raritan, both vessel crews were convinced this was a wild goose chase. Already severely degraded sensor performance worsened, as both vessels powered towards the opposite side of the magnetar. In time, as they emerged on the opposite side, sensor performance improved from what could be considered basically blind, to a level not much better.
"This may not be a lost cause after all. The signal strength is increasing." A sensor operator aboard Kiska announced.
"Can you detect a source Chief?" Kiska's commanding officer asked.
"Something is there, but I can't tell what. We might consider closing to visual identification range sir." The Chief suggested.
"Make it so." The commanding officer ordered.
Both Kiska and Absecon continued to close in on the source of the faint beacon that may, or may not be present. As the two vessels drew nearer, the sensors began to suggest that this task might not be a lost cause after all. Slowly, the sensor readings began to firm up to the point where both Coast Guard vessels were certain that a faint signal did exist. In the distance, the faint form of a truly large vessel took form. Seeing this, and in keeping with their mandate to render aid to those in need, both vessels continued onward. As the two vessels closed to within twenty miles of the stationary vessel, the commanding officer of Kiska turned to the Chief watching over the sensors.
"What can you tell me Chief?" The commanding officer asked.
"Sir, they could be doing keg stands at the galaxy's best tailgate party in there, and we wouldn't be able to tell. The interference to sensors is just too severe sir." The Chief said apologetically.
"Get some visual's of the vessel, and run them through the computer. See if that turns up anything." The commanding officer ordered.
Both Kiska and Absecon closed on the vessel, and began to slowly circle it. The lack of reaction suggested the vessel was derelict. On the port side of the lifeless vessel, evidence of a weapons strike was evident, as evidenced by the hull charring and hull breach seen. This vessel, mammoth in size, was a dull grey metallic color, with telescoping wings. On the bridge of Kiska, an audible alert announced that the ship's computer had found a possible match to the identity of the lifeless vessel.
"Sir, we've got a problem." The Chief warned.
"Does that mean we have a match Chief?" The commanding officer asked in mild annoyance.
"According to the computer sir, this vessel matches the stored profile of a vessel that once attacked the first Prometheus. The notes state this vessel attacked without warning, before taking the crew of Prometheus, and cornering her in an interstellar gas cloud." The Chief explained with concern.
"Communications, report this to Earth. Also, send signal to Sacagawea." The commanding officer of Kiska ordered.
"How do we handle this sir?" The Chief asked.
"With Grace." The commanding officer responded quietly.
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