A/N: No review responses today, I'm afraid. With Hurricane Harvey knocking on my door I wasn't sure how much time I'd have before we lost power and wanted to get the chapter out. My family and I are in no danger other than a loss of power, which has been flickering since last night. And maybe our roof. My thoughts and prayers are with all those south of me. Harvey hit Rockport like a hammer.
Chapter Fifty-Two: Family
His Divine Imperial Highness, Crown Prince Daniel of Kheb, sat in the center of the three thrones that dominated the new House of Ministers. Just below him, in a second row of seats, Prime Minister Himilco of Byrsa oversaw the session with a professionalism that belied his simple origins.
The Byrsa man, one of the first to join Harry, was now in his sixties and had served in the Imperial Government in one capacity or another for over four decades. During that time, even while working, he pursued an education as an adult second to none and proved himself an able representative for his people and his world. His native pacifist sensibilities also helped rein in some of the hawks of the Eridu or the many, many Jaffa that served in the House of Ministers.
The House of Representatives was on their annual leave; Harry preferred the two houses not meet simultaneously except once per the four year fiscal cycle. While it greatly slowed down legislation that required both houses, that meant the Thrones had more time to shape the legislation before it passed. If there was something Harry truly wanted, he could always call both houses into session.
"The honored Minister Chel'nak of Chulak has the floor," Himilco said.
Daniel tried to pay attention, but he knew the Jaffa was talking about taxes, and the Finance Subcommittee was already working on the issue the Minister wanted to bring up. The man just wanted a chance to get publicity for his constituents, and Daniel didn't fault him for it. The Jaffa representatives had to work in some ways harder than their human colleagues because of the tradition of violence that they came from. Jaffa demanded immediate results and gratification, just as their former masters did, and were prone to violence if they did not get it.
There was no such thing when it came to bureaucracy.
Around him, the high walls of the chamber glistened with murals of the founding of the Empire. From Harry's destruction of the Goa'uld Tilgath to the breaking of the Goa'uld fleet, the new Parliament building was a testimony to Empire.
The whole city which bustled around the Parliament building was itself less than five years old.
With the fall of the Goa'uld and the Treaties of Year 32 where the surviving First Primes of the dead Goa'uld formally surrendered and joined the Empire, the representatives of the many worlds that joined the Empire quickly outgrew the original chambers in Byrsa City.
The Akai'kheb ordered a new complex built two hundred miles south of Byrsa City. In a move that surprised many, he named the complex Lomenet.
"Kisher Lomet served as the first Prime Minister of the Empire, and through his tireless efforts helped create the institution this city aims to serve. What better way to remember his contributions than to ensure his name itself becomes synonymous with Parliament," the Emperor said during the initial ground-breaking ceremony.
It was a politically astute move, Daniel acknowledged, as many still in Parliament remembered Kisher Lomet with the increasingly exaggerated fondness only death could bring. That fondness was what made the leaders of the empire look on with tolerant smiles as Kisher's grandchildren burned through his considerable fortune as celebrities of nothing.
Still, calling the city Lomenet gave Parliament a sense of history that was vitally needed given the institution itself was in reality only a few decades old. It also gave the ministers and representatives a sense of separation and independence from the Imperial apparatus that dominated Byrsa. The tube system meant only twenty minutes of travel separated the two cities, and the transport system for VIPs was instantaneous, but the geographical span had great meaning politically.
Given the fact that there were over eight hundred and fifty representatives in the House of Representatives, Daniel suspected his Uncle was just as happy to have them out of Byrsa City as they were to be away. The Parliament of Kheb was a completely different entity after the Goa'uld war than it was before. The challenges the Thrones dealt with were just as different.
Daniel's mind wandered again, thinking of his own life. He had apartments for his family in the main palace, but as a Crown Prince he was also given his own palace which he had built on the coast. It had multiple transport pads for quick access to the Stargate, the Imperial Palace or Parliament, but more importantly it also had access to the sea. A small village grew up around his palace for the support staff, the guards on rotation there, and the infrastructure to support those residents. Such was the life of the Imperials—civilization followed wherever they went.
Still, it meant that the six kids by the two separate women who called him father were not raised in complete isolation. He was forty-nine years old. With the Force as his alley, he liked to think he was in better shape than most his age, but he was feeling his years more some days than others. His wife-consorts, Her Grace the Imperial Princess Norta and Her Grace, the Imperial Princess Samantha, were thirty-seven and thirty-nine respectively. In their fourteen years together, Norta delivered him three force-sensitive sons and a Force-sensitive daughter. Sam had given him two daughters, neither Force-sensitive, but both showing clear signs of their mother and father's intelligence.
He rarely had the time he wanted with his children, unfortunately. But at least they had the sea.
Why can't I pay attention? The thought suddenly brought a stillness to Daniel. He was not ordinarily so easily distracted. So why was he having such difficulty focusing today? For the past few days he'd not slept well and was having difficulty meditating. But rather than seek the root of the problem, Daniel just brushed it off as typical mid-life ennui.
He closed his eyes and reached intently for the peace that came with the Force. It was the first concerted effort he'd made in days; he felt the Force swirling all around, but it seemed wrong. Normally the Force felt to him almost like an ocean with constant tides. Now it felt almost like a fast-moving river—a river during a flood. It felt almost angry and destructive.
That's when he felt rage. He winced, unable to school his emotions as the sheer power of his uncle's rage swept through the Force. Something terrible had happened, but he could not specify what, precisely it was.
"Highness, are you well?"
Daniel blinked his eyes, for the briefest moment forgetting where he was. Himilco was looked up from his desk, while beside him one of his rangers knelt down in concern. "Do you require assistance, Highness?" the ranger asked.
Daniel tried to remember the ranger's name, and felt oddly saddened that he didn't know it. "Something has happened; I need to speak with the Akai'kheb."
He started to stand when abruptly the main doors and both side doors of the entrance burst open and fully armored and armed Rangers rushed into the room. The various ministers rose to their feet, shouting angrily, but the shouting came to an abrupt end when Harry Potter, the Emperor and Akai'Kheb, stepped into the room.
Even Daniel stared in alarm. The air around his uncle didn't just shimmer. Licks of flame flickered over his head and shoulders and his eyes actually carried a preternatural glow. Most importantly, though, was how strongly he projected his rage. It brought the entire chamber with its three hundred plus ministers to utter silence as the Emperor marched down the center isle toward the Thrones.
Daniel stood without hesitation. "Resume your station, say nothing," he whispered to his ranger. "The Emperor is in a murderous mood."
Himilco himself stood frozen, having seen Harry at his most violent, and said nothing as Daniel stepped aside to allow Harry access to his throne. "How can I help, Uncle?" he whispered.
Harry met his gaze squarely. "Your nephew has chosen the Enemy. He nearly killed Hermione, and Magtireth has fallen. Sit down, Daniel."
Daniel felt as if he'd been punched in the stomach and sank weakly down onto Hermione's throne while his uncle viewed the now silent, standing ministers. He looked twenty, if even that, and yet the power and rage he projected was eternal.
When he spoke, his voice filled every corner of the room with the power of either magic or the Force, or a combination of both. "When my family and I founded this empire forty years ago, one of the underlying principals both of the Empire itself and of we the Tripartite Throne was to defend this galaxy against an ancient and terrible Enemy. We realize since that time that many of you have come to view this enemy as the Goa'uld, or as a metaphorical reference only. It was not. The Enemy that the Ancients chose me to fight against is real."
Burning green eyes swept across the chamber, making each minister wince. Daniel, however, paid more attention to the Rangers. He could tell from their gazes that they were picking out pre-selected targets. What in the name of the Force was happening?
"Millions of years ago," Harry continued, "a great and powerful race began to spread out among the stars. They were so technologically advanced that they created a means of instantaneous travel between worlds. Today, we call their legacy Stargates. They themselves were known as Alterans, and as their civilization continued to advance and mature, they evolved and began to ascend to a higher state of being. They became, for all intents and purposes, gods.
"Even among the ascended, there was division, however," he said. "Most Ascended Alterans at that time, like their corporeal cousins who still lived and breathed among them, wished not to interfere in the affairs of the less advanced races. However, others discovered that they could gain power from the worship of their corporeal cousins. This led them to force more and more corporeal beings to worship them and increase their power.
"This group of ascended beings and their followers broke away from Alteran Society. They became known as the Ori. The Ori created a religion to support their way of existence—a religion that forced their followers to worship only them with the promise of Ascension, and actively sought to destroy any who opposed them. That promise was a lie. After all, the more Ascended Ori there are, the less power each Ori receives from the worship of their followers.
"The Ori and Alterans fought for millions of years, until both sides realized that reality itself would shatter if they continued. The Alterans fled their home galaxy, escaping their evil offspring. They built the gates and lived happily for millions more years before Ascending completely and leaving this plane in peace. But they still remembered the threat of the Ori, and because of that threat they created a champion to stand guard for this galaxy. They created me."
The air around Harry flared visible. "Five hours ago, on the world of Magtireth, formerly held by the Goa'uld System Lord Morrigan, Ori forces attacked and destroyed an Imperial fleet yard and a system fleet, killing almost two million imperial citizens. And the bastard champion of the Ori personally attacked and attempted to kill my wife, Empress Hermione."
Some of the Ministers, especially those from Eridu and its allied systems, shouted out "NO!" in alarm at the thought of their patron goddess coming to harm.
Harry raised his hands. "This Orici, as he's called, staged an ambush in the Gubernatorial Palace on Magtireth, killing Hermione's loyal Ranger guard. The Ori underestimated Hermione's power, though. She defeated him long enough to escape through the Stargate and her hurts have been healed by the power of her blood. The fact remains, however, that the Ori have struck at the Tripartite Thrones personally, and have already killed millions of our loyal soldiers. Our own Minister Gerak aided the Ori and personally led the Empress into the Ambush."
Suddenly Daniel understood. Rangers began firing stun beams into the floor of ministers, sweeping through to collect members of Gerak's Jaffa party. Many of the other ministers, despite their protests, realized this as well.
"It is my hope that not all Ministers who were part of Gerak's party were aware of his treason," Harry said. "The Empress Luna is personally investigating this breach in our government. Any who were simply misled will be released. Any who actively support the Ori will be tried for high treason and punished under Executive Summary Judgment."
Daniel watched beside his uncle as the Rangers quickly and efficiently executed their orders by carrying out nearly sixty stunned Jaffa. When they left the room, Harry nodded to himself. "The Empire is now in a state of War," he said firmly. "We ask that all able-bodied men and women of age not in essential professions to contact your local recruitment office. Each planet's population must receive basic defensive training in the event of an Ori incursion. Those of you who wish to join the main fight will be welcomed as honored soldiers of the Empire and as my brothers in arms."
Many of the Ministers applauded, despite having just watched their colleagues be culled. Harry wasn't done, though. "The Ori are not Goa'uld," he told the ministers. "They are Ascended beings of untold power. Just like the Ancients chose me, the Ori choose their own champion. And my wife nearly killed him despite being ambushed and surprised." The air around him flickered as the flame begin a deep shade of blue. "This war is why I am as I am," Harry said, his face now sharp with a terrible anticipation. "All the power I yield is to combat this one enemy. My companions are powerful because they needed to be. The Knights we have found and trained are our answer to this threat. We will be victorious!"
A loud cheer met the exclamation, led Daniel saw mostly by Jaffa and Eridu. Despite having their brethren culled, the remaining Jaffa had found the past twelve years of peace and politics a strain. They were grateful that their children the Mal Jaffa were forever free of the Goa'uld symbionts, but the Jaffa themselves were first and foremost fighters.
Harry just handed them the war to end all wars.
"Because of the demands this coming conflict will have on our time," Harry said when the applause and cheering abated, "I formally confirm our beloved Prince Daniel is to act in our stead on all domestic issues. Many of you have noticed his presence these past few years—this was not accidental. Prince Daniel has proven time and time again that he is an able administrator of the Empire, and he has our fullest faith."
"More information will come as it becomes available," Harry said. "In the meantime, know that the Ancients of Kheb smile down upon you all. Those who fight and die for truth and freedom will walk the halls of Kheb with honor and love. May Blessing be on all of you."
With that, the Emperor swept from the chamber just as dramatically as he arrived. When he was gone, Daniel stepped back to his position in front of the center throne. "My friends, given this news, I call a recess for the day. The Palace will be contacting each of your offices soon with more information and details. Thank you all."
With that, Daniel also escaped.
While Daniel did not have the magical ability of apparation, he did have access to Alteran beaming technology, and found himself striding through the halls of the palace in Byrsa less than ten minutes after dismissing parliament in Lomenet.
He entered the royal apartments with a nod to the squad of rangers on guard duty and found one of the handful of Imperial Knights already there. Mione Montrose at twenty-four was an interesting mix of her parents—she had her mother's muscular frame and darker skin but her father's features, making her attractive in a startling way.
"Highness," she said with a quick nod when she saw him. With a start, Daniel realized she was actually standing guard.
"How bad is it, Mione?"
"Her armor was destroyed, Daniel," the younger woman said. She sounded at once awed and horrified.
He nodded and continued on through the various sitting and receiving rooms until he reached the sanctity of Hermione's actual suite. Somehow, it didn't surprise him to see Mione's little sister Celeste and Jeneu Indich, one of Daniel's own Force students, standing guard on either side of the door.
"Prince Daniel," Celeste said. She was the opposite of her sister, with her father's paler complexion and her mother's strong chin and cheekbones. "You can go in."
With a nod to the two young knights he stepped through. The feeling of powerful protective wards washed over his skin leaving an odd tingling sensation. Within the room he saw old familiar figures—Ishta and Teal'c in a corner of Hermione's personal dressing room speaking intently with Secretary of Defense Tel'gat Montrose.
Opposite them Bra'tac sat on a cushioned bench, looking haggard and tired. Gerak, Daniel knew, was a man Bra'tac had deeply respected. They all greeted him with a nod, which he returned before knocking on the door to Hermione's bedchamber.
The door opened and Luna looked up at him. The normally smiling empress did not smile, but she did gently hug him. "Come in," she said.
He stepped into a room that was an odd mix of wealth and practicality. Hermione loved books, and so her room was lined with beautifully crafted wood bookshelves that bulged with texts, most of which were salvaged from Earth, Tollana and Hebridan. There were pictures on the walls, many of which featured a young Daniel and Cathy. Being his first time in the room, he was surprised to see a picture of his entire family from before their deaths. He stared in surprise at the image of his parents beaming around their four children. With a start of guilt Daniel realized he'd not thought of his deceased younger siblings Michael and Karen in years.
The rest of the room, however, had painted plaster walls but little else. The only real extravagance was a bay window made of shielded transparisteel that held a seating nook overlooking a breath-taking swath of the Imperial gardens and the mountains in the distance.
He saw immediately that Hermione was lying in her large, four-poster bed. Slung over the footboard, as if forgotten, he saw her body armor. The heavily enchanted piece of naquedah was strong enough to survive a laser cannon blast. Now, it was cracked and inert, utterly spent by whatever threats she faced.
"Hello, Daniel," she said with a tired smile.
He came and gave her a hug. "Are you okay?"
"I will be," she assured him. "It will be a bother to enchant new armor, but I'm thankful for it. Your nephew is bloody powerful."
Daniel felt as if he were punched in the gut again. "Cathy…?"
"Is a very angry and disturbed young woman," Hermione said. Her voice cracked a little. "I'm sorry, Daniel. I'm so sorry. We thought we were doing the right thing by exiling them, but we just made it worse. We gave them the motivation they needed to join the Enemy."
"No, it's my fault," Daniel said. "Force and stars above, I'm the one who begged you to spare her and the baby. And now look at what she's done."
"The Ori were always going to have their champion," Luna said as she stepped to the far side of Hermione's bed. "If not Amhar, then they would fashion another. I suspect it was not entirely of Cathy's volition that she raped Harry after he fought Anubis. I think she was being guided and manipulated in the same way Harry and we were guided and manipulated by the Ancients."
The door opened and Harry surged in. Tel'gat, Ishta and Teal'c followed on his heels. "Better?" he asked his first wife.
"Exhausted, but whole," Hermione said.
"I'll make your new armor," he said without hesitation. He stopped at the foot of her bed with Tel'gat a step behind. "We just received word of ten simultaneous Ori incursions. Tel'gat?"
"So far they've attacked with one hundred destroyer-class ships," the Secretary of Defense said after consulting her datapad. Being Mal'Jaffa, she would not retain her youth for centuries like Teal'c or Ishta, but she carried her years far better than a normal human did. "In our encounters our most advanced destroyers have held up fairly well; the incursions were successful because of surprise. The problem we're encountering is on the ground. They're throwing unbelievable numbers of soldiers at us, and the soldiers are fanatics on par with the most loyal Jaffa. More importantly, they have a lot of Jaffa support among conquered worlds and…well, the early reports called them priests. Intelligence reports state they call themselves Priors. They have power similar to yours, and on two worlds used that power to break through defensive lines."
Harry nodded, frowning intently. "Luna?"
"Half of Gerak's supporters support the Ori. There is an Ori presence on Dakara."
Both Teal'c and Ishta hissed angrily. Bra'tac, the last to enter the room, sighed loudly. "My friends, leave Dakara to me. I will speak with them, if you please."
Harry met the far older Jaffa's gaze before nodding. "Be careful, Bra'tac. These Priors are a threat. I'm going to send Mione with you."
"The daughter of Tel'gat will be most welcome," Bra'tac said with a nod. "Let them see a former First Prime as a link to their past, and a Mal Jaffa Imperial knight as a promise of their future. I will return."
He turned and left just as quickly as he came, having assigned himself a task even Daniel admitted was important. If Dakara turned, that would be a blow to many Jaffa. "So, what next?"
"Recruitment and wartime production quotas," Harry said. "Tel'gat, put out the orders to all Imperial contractors. We take first priority on everything. Daniel, hit the Finance Committee hard. We're going to need to start raiding the surplus funds and start issuing war bonds."
"I'll start recruitment efforts as well," Tel'gat said.
"Dear, have your husband swing by my office tonight," Luna said as the SecDef began to leave. "Unfortunately we're going to have to be aggressive with internal security."
Tel'gat's eyes widened in concern but she only nodded. "Of course, Majesty. I'll have him come by at five past."
"Thank you all, we'll be contacting everyone about their roles shortly," Harry said. "I would like a few minutes with my family if I may."
Everyone left at that request—except Daniel. "Well?" Harry demanded.
Hermione sighed and held her hands together so tightly her knuckles turned white. "He had all of your power, Harry. Magic and the Force. He didn't know the refined magical techniques we learned, but the potential is there. It will not shock me if he is apparating now that he saw me do it. He's tall, physically powerful, but still very young. I almost had him, but he wore armor not so dissimilar to mine and it blocked my lightsaber. If I'd aimed higher, I'd have killed him."
"He's the figurehead, he's not the Enemy itself," Harry said. "Even if we kill him, the Enemy remains. We're going to have to destroy their military forces first, find their incursion point and destroy it, and only then can we finish him off." He turned to study Daniel intently. "You do understand we can't let them live, don't you?"
They were talking about his only surviving blood family. Unable to help himself, Daniel turned and stared at the old picture of himself, his parents and siblings. "She made her choice," he heard himself said. "It's always been her choice. But what you're talking about…you're talking about a long-term shooting war."
"That's the way it was always going to be," Harry said. Daniel tried not to shudder at the look of anticipation in the Emperor's face. "This war is why I was created."
