Stargate Hastings
Chapter twenty-one: Part six
Aboard New Atlantis, Abydos system.
Whilst in his cell on the First-world, San'kha had been informed of Jeem and Larry's plans. He owed no allegiance to those people, only the one who was his destiny; He had risked everything to follow him; The lives of his wife and son, as well as his own. Jeem had opened his eyes to a terrible truth, one that once he knew, he could not understand why he had been so blind; With the truth of why he had not seen it earlier almost breaking him. They were all better off not knowing the truth, which meant he was a coward! Not just him, but his entire race.
Jaffa who worshipped the Gau'auld as San'kha once had, were the most cowardly of them all; They hid behind their faith, using it as a shield to protect themselves from the truth! Even his own wife had not been able to talk sense into him, even though she had risked her life in the attempt; It had taken human slaves, and the courage they showed to help grow the seed of doubt, that Jeem's strength had planted, but it was the struggle he had witnessed between Gau'auld and Host, that had truly given him the courage to open his eyes. The realisation of how many were trapped in a living hell, had driven his determination to free those people.
San'kha knew that what Jeem had asked him, was intended for the human he had just struck! When he spoke, he looked directly at him. "When Ra and those completely loyal to him, go to war with the other System-Lords; The human slaves and their settlements, are considered the goal of any engagement. They are the most precious of all resources to the Gau'auld! There are those among the Gau'auld System-Lords, who are not completely loyal to Ra; The forces of those false gods, will often target and destroy the human populations of worlds. They do this to make the world less valuable to its owner, but eventually they draw the wrath of Ra upon them". He explained to Richard Hastings.
What Jeem and Larry had told San'kha, and Joseph Hammond had grudgingly confirmed; Had made him doubt, his own doubt. He still fully understood that the Gau'auld were false gods, but they had also spoken of how a war with an outside aggressor, would be contested; How that war would be fought with no regard for the rules of engagement, set out by Ra. They had assured him they would try to limit civilian casualties, but if the war depended on taking a world, that was vital to the war effort; Then they could be far more ruthless than any Gau'auld. Those who chose to stay loyal to their God, and there would be many who would; The humans of the first world would see as the enemy, and would soon care less for the safety of those people.
His peoples way of life would alter for all time, whoever it was liberated them. The same went for the human slaves; Only they would be swapping one master for another, if the Tau'ri were to become their liberators. Those in Ra's domain lived far better lives, than those under the rule of the other System-Lords. San'kha had not been surprised by the chaos that ensued upon Ra's death, his forces were mainly despatched for the purpose of bringing a rogue Gau'auld into line or to ensure one of the System-Lords does not grow strong enough to pose a threat to him! Without Ra, they would all destroy each other, given enough time.
To make certain Richard Hastings understood him, San'kha said. "The people of Abydos are not the only humans within Ra's domain, many live very different lives to these people; Even if you show them evidence of what the Gau'auld truly are, a majority of them will not betray their God. The only freedom these people will ever know, is when they take their last breath". He indicated Jim, as he continued. "My brother has told me of your world's God, but he believes that the only thing worth fighting for or believing in, is freedom. Your war would have indeed freed those people, but they would hate you for killing their Gods. You would then be left with no choice but to kill them, for they would seek their vengeance; Both Jaffa and human alike!".
Jim then said. "Thank you brother, I'm certain they understood what you were telling them". He then looked to Richard Hastings.
He seemed to be preoccupied with the blood streaming from his nose, but he had been paying attention to what was being said. "We would have done all we could to ensure the safety of those people James. Why do you think so little of me old friend or is it the Gau'auld within, that believes this of me?". He asked him.
Jim started laughing hysterically, before regaining his composure and saying. "Actually, Old friend! My new friend, believes that I am being over critical of you; He thinks your intentions were pure, and I agree with him. You are a good man Richard of that I have no doubt, but you are so detached from those you wish to liberate". He then pointed to Ra, and said. "You have more in common with him, than you do those people Richard. In fact, the Gau'auld would fit perfectly into polite society; I am certain they would also feel at home on Earth! Our society was carved in their image after all or your society was". He turned then to his new family, and finished. "My society was carved in their image!".
"Things are going to change on our world James, we have the leverage to ensure that happens now". Richard replied.
"When? After you got their husband's, father's and son's killed or before?". Jim asked in reply.
"Nothing is ever achieved without sacrifice James!". Richard defiantly declared.
"Something easy for the one doing the sacrificing to say; The sacrificed on the other hand, they have no more words to speak". Jim told him.
Richard knew what his friend or former friend was trying to tell him. However, he could not see how starting a civil war among the Gau'auld, would make the lives of the human slaves better; Who ever won that war, they would still be enslaved to the victor. "Will this civil war not cause loss of life, and what happens when all is done; Do these people remain trapped in a living hell of their making? What if they refuse to cooperate, what then James?". He asked, pointing in the direction of the Gau'auld.
Thank you, Jim thought to himself. He was growing tired of these games, and wanted nothing more than to get to the point. A smile that could only be described as evil spread across his face, as he answered him. "No more than already die in their wars, many of which are being fought at this very moment! No they will not be enslaved at the end of the war, the Gau'auld will become their teachers and benefactors when all is done! To answer your final question..." He turned to his right, then said directly to Ra and the other Gau'auld. "You do not have a choice! If you do not cooperate, each and every one of you will be removed from your Hosts, and destroyed!".
Both the Abydonians and the humans of Earth, all seemed to tense up at his words. What he said next made the Abydonians take a small step away from him; All except Nebu, who was fascinated by the sudden change in Jeem. "All except you!". He said to Ra. "I get you, and I have no intention of giving you a quick death; Father!". He heard gasps from his new family. When he looked back to Richard, he saw that he had only confirmed his worst fear.
Jim stared Richard straight in the eyes, as he said. "The Ancients were not wrong to fear what I did. In all things there is balance, and this was no different". He turned to his new family then, and only hoped they would understand what he told them. "I did not defeat the Gau'auld within, I became him or became more like him. I am sorry, I do not know how to explain this to you". He told them.
Fa'ruuk bravely approached Jim, and said. "What you gave to him, he gave to you?". He asked him. When Jim nodded his head. Fa'ruuk added. "You fear that we will reject you because of this?". He asked him.
With a tear in his eye, Jim replied. "Not only you my friend". He then looked to Donald, and then towards Rachael.
Fa'ruuk reached his right hand up to Jeem's face, and turned his gaze back towards himself. Looking him in the eyes, Fa'ruuk said. "I stood witness when the demon came with this face, and ordered our sons to stand before him; I have never been more proud or more afraid in my entire life. You sacrificed yourself, who you were for us". He looked to Donald, and then Rachael before adding. "For you also". Still holding Jeem's chin in his hand, he returned his attention back to him. "You will always have a place with us brother. You are the father of our King, and he will require your guidance; As for your woman...". He leaned a little closer, before saying in a hushed tone. "...They do not become easier to live with, as they grow older". He told him, before releasing his surprisingly firm grip on his chin, and patting his cheek affectionately.
"I heard that!". Rachael declared in mock outrage.
"My wife did not, you are his problem". Fa'ruuk replied, with a mischievous smile.
Ra could not believe how similar to Anubis this incredible human was, and it chilled him to the bone. Anubis along with Osiris and Heru'ur, were his most loyal and trusted children in the early years on the first world; With Anubis taking the position of the Gatekeeper to the afterlife. It was a position that many of the human slaves held more reverence for, than they did even for Ra himself.
It was not so much that he looked or particularly acted like him; Although he did have the same erratic nature that Anubis had developed over time. It was more how the human slaves were acting around him, that put him back in that time.
That was before the Sarcophagus technology was developed, using technology that Ra knew had once belonged to these Ancients; Everything changed then, and the less savage version of his people, that his Queen Hathor had spawned; Became almost as cruel as those corrupted by the primal nature of the first Hosts, the Unas. Ra had cautioned his children about the side effects of the device, but almost all of them had ignored his warnings. His three closest children were among the few that heeded is warning, but it was not the effects of the Sarcophagus, that ultimately turned Anubis against him.
It was what the device had done to his siblings, that gave him the inspiration for his own cruelty and ambitions. Long after the Gau'auld left the first-world, and the empires of the System-Lords had taken shape. Anubis used his siblings cruelty against them, by offering a new order to their Jaffa; One with a single deity, that would put an end to the oppression of those they vanquished, and they loved him for it. Very few Jaffa from Ra or those loyal to him had joined his cause, but several of the more powerful System-Lords, had themselves lost substantial numbers to Anubis; Others their lives. If he had not acted when he did, and reached out to those who hated him; This galaxy would be under his control now, and there was no way of knowing what Anubis's vision would have manifested into.
What Anubis had done to those he defeated, had not been rivalled since! With even those actions being used to garner more devoted followers. Each world he conquered or liberated, he would carry out lengthy and painful public executions, whilst listing the crimes of his fellow Gau'auld; Crimes he could never be accused of himself! Anubis took his role as the Gatekeeper to the afterlife very seriously, and demanded only that his followers lived riotous lives; With a war to free their brethren from the evil ones, guaranteeing them their passage to the afterlife. He was a tactical genius, rivalled by only Ra himself among the Gau'auld System-Lords; Only Ra had technology and experience on his side!
He had waited patiently for the right time to strike, and had convinced Apophis his eternal enemy, to show his throat as bait. Anubis had wisely avoided his territory, waiting for the perfect moment himself. Only Apophis and his forces were not taking advantage of a weakened Cronus, as he believed; They were instead joined by the full force of the remaining System-Lords, in the largest space battle in Gau'auld history. With even the Gau'auld forces at the battle of Heliopolis, being dwarfed by that sent against Anubis's own substantial fleet. Even after his defeat, it had taken several day cycles to finally catch up with him.
Anubis always had a way out, especially when he was cornered; only this time he had been fatally wounded, before he could enact his plan. Apophis himself had delivered the fatal shot, with witnesses all stating that the wound was fatal. Ra no longer had any reason to believe, that he was being lied to by these people; It was he who had hidden the truth from his children, not their creators; Who had erased only the knowledge concerning their technology. Other than that fact, everything they had told him, matched what he already knew of his kinds creation.
It was the knowledge Ra had learned before he became Ra, that he had used to kill the other Unas Gau'auld; The alterations or advancements he had made to his Host using that knowledge, had enabled him to create a virus that rendered the Unas useless as Hosts for several generations. Although his more advanced genome was immune to this virus, his tampering with it had not been without side effects; His Host was dying! In his rush to destroy the others, he had left himself without a replacement, so he searched deeper and found the world on which his people had been ripped from their true first Hosts; That just happened to be the first-world!
Whilst on the first-world, he had used his vessels sensors to try to locate buildings or technology, but found only ruins, and the device used for creating the Sarcophagi; He suspected that their were more long buried structures deep enough to evade even his technology, either that or shielded from it. The real prize had been the new Hosts, that he had found for himself and his new Queen.
Ra had been a benevolent God in the beginning; A role he still played on many of the worlds under his control; He had been this through necessity to begin with, more than out of any desire to be loved by his subjects. Ra needed obedience and blind faith, this was the swiftest route to gain those things, nothing more. Over time he began to see the advantages of a devoted people, but he also knew that fear was a powerful motivator.
Ra had no choice but to cooperate for now; Even the vessels that ensured his dominance over the rest of the Gau'auld, could never prevail against the Asgard; The Progenitor race or the Ancients, were even more advanced still. In truth, Ra had planned to eliminate the more destructive elements of his people in time, and would use this situation to do just that. What happened later, would depend on Ra's position in the new order of things!
He knew who the most powerful being in the room was, so he addressed his question to him. "What is it you expect of us?". Ra asked Larry.
Apophis could not believe what he was hearing, and against his own better judgement, he blurted out. "We are Gau'auld! We will never...".
Ra gave him a look, that stopped him before he could get himself killed. He turned back to face Larry, then said. "He is correct, we are Gau'auld. We will listen to your proposal, before we give you our decision. Explain?". Ra prompted.
"It is quite simple really, I ask only that you follow the example Cronus will set out for you". Replied Larry. Just then a tall handsome young man appeared next to Larry, who asked him. "How long have you been observing Cronus, Philip?". The young man just stood there as if he had not heard the question. "Your doing this now?". Larry asked him.
"You said I could choose my own name, and I chose". He replied.
Larry gave an exasperated look, that only a parent could. "Very well Fifth, could you please tell them how long you have been with Cronus?".
"Since he has been joined". Fifth told the Gau'auld, then said to Larry. "You could have just told them this yourself father".
Of all his children, Philip was the most human. Even his sisters whose origins were human in nature, had lost much of what truly made them who they were. Fifth as he liked to be called, was as close as a machine ever could be to a human; With all the strange and wonderful things that made them so unpredictable, built into his original design. Unpredictable was not what Larry needed right now, and his son knew that. "Could you take Cronus place at the table please?".
Fifth smiled, then said to his father. "I have been looking forward to this father". As he walked towards Cronus former position, his body transformed into that of the System-Lord. "All Free-Jaffa, will be welcome to spread the truth of their liberators throughout my empire! Those who created both Humans and the Gau'auld have returned, and they have demanded the release of all those who have lost faith in their God's!". He then turned to face Ra. "The Gau'auld have strayed from the path set out for us, if we do not alter our ways; That which was created, can be undone!". He said, in a perfect imitation of the real Cronus.
The arrogance emanating from this copy was pure Cronus, with his voice completing the illusion perfectly; If he had not seen it with his own eyes, he would believe it truly was him. Ra could even sense the Naquadah coursing through the individuals blood, as all Gau'auld Hosts had, in order to operate their personal hand devices. It then dawned on him what his fate would entail, if he did not cooperate with these people; He would be replaced in the same manner, along with all his children! Even when told this undeniable truth, many of them would rather die than submit to this reality.
"Why do you not just replace us all in this way; I suspect you have other spies among us?". Ra asked Larry.
Instead of receiving the answer he expected, a man appeared next to Ra; Unlike the one who now looked like Cronus, this person was much older in appearance, with greying hair. He acknowledged his father first, before turning his attention to Ra. "Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Adam, but you may call me First if you wish".
He gave a quick glance in Cronus or Fifth's direction, in order to see if he had gotten the desired reaction. He had not, but he suspected that if he broke the promise they had all made to each other, and used the link to know his true feelings; His little brother would be annoyed by his joke. Even after all this time, it was still easy to get under Phillip's skin. They truly were brothers, even when compared to the rest of their brethren.
In the world created for them by their father. Adam had been the eldest of his siblings; With his father ordering their ages, in the order the first eight were originally created. Adam had enjoyed being the eldest, and had become very protective of his younger siblings. With Phillip it had always been more of a sibling rivalry, than it had with the others; It was almost as if he knew their past history together, even before their father had returned their memories to them. It had been a long and sometimes frustrating period of adjustment, when they had regained their memories; But the bonds created during their rebirth, had overcame any past grudges. That was if grudges could describe how they had felt about one another; Before their father had given them a childhood in which they could learn by trial and error, rather than simply having all of the knowledge they possessed within the collective, just there at a thought.
"You are my replacement?". Ra asked him.
"Possibly! However, I hope that, that will not be the case. You have been a very interesting individual to observe. Now that you know I am here, perhaps we can get to know one another; I already know everything there is to know about you, but I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about myself; Within reason of course. To answer your earlier question; My father believes in second chances, and I suggest that you take the one he has given you". Adam politely told Ra.
Ra turned his attention back to Larry, ignoring his possible executioner. "If you can replace us all so easily, why do you even need us?". He asked.
"My son as just told you why! I believe in second chances, but you can be assured that I do not believe in giving third chances! You must be at the forefront of their liberation Ra, with those who support you doing so freely; Any that do not, must be considered your enemy and dealt with accordingly. It is you who have allowed this state of affairs we find ourselves in Ra, and it is you who must put an end to it. Your empire must also be reformed into a Protectorate, in which the Gau'auld will for the time being, continue to rule over those who keep faith with them". Larry told Ra.
He then addressed the Hastings family. "If you were to tell a devout Christian, Muslim or Hebrew; That you had proof their God is a lie, would they thank you for this or would they fight to ensure your lies were not spread?". When none answered his question, he prompted. "It is not a difficult question. The great library of Alexandria is a prime example".
Larry knew the members of the Hastings family present, were beginning to understand the chaos they would have unleashed. Rachael Hawthorn had a different perspective on matters through Jolinar, and only stayed quiet to let it sink in for her family. If it was as simple as her family believed, the Tok'ra would have found a way in almost two millennia; It may have been possible, but the problems that followed would have been worse than what had been before. She had only gone along with what Janus proposed, because of the technological advantage he would have given them over the Gau'auld. Jolinar had reservations, but even she agreed that Ra was a stabilising force on the System-Lords.
It was Joseph Hammond who answered him. "I believe your point as been made sir".
"Good, then I hope you take this into account, when rushing to reveal the existence of the Stargate to the general public. You may have a very different worldwide war of your own, if you do not handle such matters with tact; I truly do hope that you understand this, for your entire world's sake!". Larry told them all, as if talking to his children in their simulated world.
Larry spoke to the Free-Jaffa next. "The Abydonians have invited you to become their guests, until suitable worlds can be found for those who wish to live free. I have some suggestions, that I will discuss in greater detail with you another time. You are now free, and your families will arrive before they are allowed to leave. The Asgard have also reported, that they have found your wife and son also San'kha; They will be arriving with the others". He said with a smile.
"How?". San'kha asked.
"The Asgard have substantial resources in this galaxy, and have found a match for your son; The woman with him, is most certainly his mother. It is the Asgard you will need to thank for this, I merely made them aware of their predicament". Larry informed him.
San'kha looked in the direction of the Asgard, and slightly bowed his head. "If there is ever something you require of me, you need only ask". He told them.
Kaar was showing more delight at the news, than the always calm and measured San'kha. "This is good news brother, I can not wait to meet them!". He excitedly exclaimed.
San'kha gave him a knowing look, before saying. "My son is still young, he likes everyone. My wife will not!".
"Why?". Kaar asked him.
"My wife is very difficult!". Replied San'kha.
Bra'tac slapped his hand on Kaar's shoulder, then said into his ear. "All Jaffa wives are difficult my friend, do not take the words she spits at you to heart!". He then burst out in laughter, with San'kha even cracking a smile.
Larry then turned his attention to the Tok'ra. "Although it was necessary for you to be present for this; l believe your participation in what is to come, would be counterproductive. The Tok'ra and the Gau'auld have a disdain and mistrust for one another, that will only get in the way of what we are trying to achieve here. There is still a way in which you can make a valuable contribution; You are under no obligation to do so, but the humans of the Earth are going to need to get used to dealing with meeting species, that are alien to them; Now that they are taking their first steps into the galaxy, it would be for the best if the first aliens they meet were friendly".
"What do you propose?". Egeria asked him.
"The Hastings family and the empire they represent, are one of many different nations on their world. I have cautioned them on revealing the presence of the Stargate to the general public, but they will have to reveal it to those nations leaders. Using this vessel, which my children built, and Rachael Hawthorn is capable of operating or at least she will be once Janus gives her training. I would like you to help convince them, that working together as a united people will give them wondrous opportunities; But if they intend to bring their wars to the stars, then they will be returned to their world and isolated from the rest of the galaxy. Meeting the Tok'ra, will also prepare them for eventually interacting with the Gau'auld". Larry explained to her.
"You wish that we lie to these people?". Asked Egeria.
"Yes and no. The threats that you make will be very real, but it will not be you that carries them out. It is my hope that working together to explore and colonise the galaxy, will help them put aside their differences. Many of their wars are blamed on religion, but in truth they only use religion as an excuse; The wars that they fight are for greed, with religion merely being a way to justify their true motives or manipulate the masses. A powerful alien species, who are willing to help mankind advance technologically; Could be just the incentive they need to keep them honest". Answered Larry.
"What would we tell them of the Gau'auld?". She asked.
"The truth! Tell them that you are the same species as the Gau'auld, but you have been at war with them for millennia. Explain about the humans throughout the galaxy, and also the distant war to free the enslaved. I can assure you my lady, that the path the Tau'ri take; Will one day have a large influence on this galaxy, and beyond! It is in the best interests of everyone, that they have positive influences going forward". Larry finished. Everything was revealed, but Larry still needed to explain what had happened in the other timeline.
He spent the next couple of hours recounting a future, that would not come to pass in this reality. With the Gau'auld listening intently, especially during the parts that concerned themselves. Larry had tried to be tactful when going over the brief section involving Heru'ur, but Apophis had not been able to resist mocking him for begging for an alliance; Heru'ur should have moved quickly to takeover his father's territory, but like everyone else he had not even known he was dead. Apophis had been the first to learn the truth, and had stolen a march on the other System-Lords; By the time Heru'ur learned the truth, most of Ra's known empire was gone!
Apophis was fascinated by the parts involving himself, and seemed to take pride in what he saw has accomplishments. Even Ra seemed to look at him with a grudging respect, even though Larry spoke of many failures on his part. They both seemed to be ignoring the failures, and instead were focusing on the epic scale of those failures. When Larry spoke of the time Apophis spent as Sokar's prisoner, and the manner in which he had killed his twisted sibling; Ra even seemed to take some pride in Apophis. Probably seeing a strength in him, that Ra did not believe he possessed.
When Ra's death had been explained. He had pointed out to everyone, that his actions leading up to his death had been completely justified. These humans had bought an extremely destructive weapon to Abydos, and he had merely intended to send that weapon back to them. Larry had countered. That if they had not bought the weapon, Ra would have enslaved the Earth; Without any fear of the Asgard getting involved. Under the terms of the treaty, the Gau'auld were allowed to defend themselves against any civilisation that attacks them. The presence of men carrying weapons, is not in of itself a good enough reason to warrant an invasion, but fermenting rebellion amongst Gau'auld populations, was considered more than enough cause.
When the story of the fall of the Gau'auld was complete, and any questions anyone had were answered. Larry gave the Gau'auld one final piece of information, one that would chill them to the bone! "Your Sarcophagi". He said to them.
"We would die without them!". Apophis stated. He had understood immediately, where he was going with this.
"Yes you would, however my children will be able to prevent this; All you will need do, is ask for their assistance". Larry told all three Gau'auld present.
Ra spoke next. "What you ask is unreasonable! Is there no way to negate the negative effects of the device? It was developed from your technology!". He asked him.
"That particular piece of technology was left behind on the first-world, and hidden to prevent them finding it too soon. The Sarcophagi work precisely as they are supposed too; It is those who are utilising them, that are defective. Humans are not yet compatible with that technology, and they will not be for some time yet. The device's purpose is not to give back youth or to heal, it is preparing the body for something else; Something that the humans are not yet ready to become, and it drives them insane because of it; It is your Hosts that are twisted by the device, with that in turn transferring on to yourselves". Larry explained to Ra.
"This assistance you speak of, will it also aid in the suffering we will be forced to endure?". Asked Ra.
Larry gave a sympathetic look to all three of the Gau'auld, before saying. "They will be able to alleviate some of your suffering, I am sorry but there will still be a great deal of discomfort. You will have an entire solar cycle of your throne world, before Cronus reveals himself to the rest of the Gau'auld; Until then, his domain will be isolated from the rest of the galaxy. This should help with convincing them to change their ways, but I am certain many will still resist! Not all of the Gau'auld's faults, can be blamed on the Sarcophagi Ra!". Larry said accusingly.
"They will not give them up freely!". Ra understandably exclaimed.
"In seven turns of your world, they will all be deactivated! You will have no need to inform the others of this, their counterparts are informing them as we speak! Their reactions have been varied, although all of them have attempted to murder my children; A pointless exercise!". Larry told them, in a very matter of fact tone.
Just then, Modi announced. "The vessels with the Jaffa's families, have returned to this system!". He then looked to San'kha and said. "One is still to arrive. It seems that your wife is indeed difficult San'kha; She would not leave without the people who have given her sanctuary, and their number is quite considerable. That would not be a problem, but they are insisting on bringing their animals along with them; Our ships are not built for carrying such cargo. Once modifications have been made, our transporters will be able to store them for transport; This may take some time, but I can assure you that your family are safe". The Asgard Supreme Commander informed him.
Larry thanked Modi, then said to the Gau'auld. "As a sign of good faith, I suggest you return to your worlds via Stargate. There is one within this city you can use, and leaving your vessel behind would show that you intend to support; Both the Jaffa and humans who choose to live free!". His tone made clear, that it was not a suggestion.
When none of the Gau'auld objected. Larry said to them. "Adam will operate the Stargate for you, you need only to tell him where you wish to go. If any of you have any further questions, you need only ask my children to appear; They will answer any questions you may have, and can communicate with myself if you wish to contact me personally". The Gau'auld and the Jaffa still loyal to them, all vanished in a flash of light; Leaving the imposter Cronus sat alone.
Larry then addressed the remaining Jaffa. "Your people will be transported to a different part of this city, it would be best if you were there to greet them. I ask that you inform them of their new reality, and make it clear they are guests of the Abydonians; They are no longer the overseers of these people, they are their equals". The Jaffa all slammed their right fist against their chests, and bowed slightly in acknowledgement of his words.
To San'kha he said. "Your family is not yet among us San'kha, it is best if you stay here". The Jaffa all vanished from around San'kha and Kaar.
He then turned his attention to the humans of both Earth and Abydos. "You require Naquadah!". He said to the Tau'ri. "The Tau'ri have foods and other supplies, that will make your peoples lives better". He said to the Abydonians. "Need I say more?". He then asked both parties.
When neither side said anything, he added. "I will be improving the working conditions, and this is one of the most abundant Naquadah mines in this galaxy. Both parties will benefit greatly from any arrangement you make, and the Jaffa will also require food". He looked directly at Richard Hastings, then said. "Until you locate and set up your own mining operations, you will require a steady supply of Naquadah. The same can be said for the Abydonians need for a steady food supply, I am sure your two people can reach fair terms?". He asked him.
"Yes of course, but I do not understand. You have been speaking as if you do not want us involved; What has changed". Asked Richard.
"I do not want your world involved in a war with the Gau'auld, for your world's sake as much as anyone else's. These people are not involved in this war, unless they decide to join Ra's crusade. I will not allow you to exploit them, but I encourage your people to go out into the galaxy and forge peaceful bonds; Even with the Gau'auld in time". Larry explained.
That is the end of this Chapter now. Will condense this into one or two parts when I clean it up. The Epilogue will tie this all up, and also set the stage going forward.
