AN: All Stargate rights to MGM
Rebirth of Ares
Summit of Surprises
March 2002
The unknown attacks had stepped up over the past ten months with ships being lost from most of the major System Lords. With none knowing who it was that was causing the attacks, suspicion and distrust between Lords was rife. In fact it had led to a number of small skirmishes between various Lords trying to settle old scores on account of the attacks. James though had managed to monitor a number of the unknown attacks through his spy probe network as well as reports from surviving ships. The result was that he now knew that the ships had Ancient upgrades. Their shields and weapons were stronger and they had a faster hyperdrive too. Most were older Ha'taks in design but a number of current models had been spotted with the same upgrades. Most of those had been taken from other System Lords rather than appearing freshly built. He'd heard too, from Earth, that the Tollans had been wiped out by Thoth on the orders of this unknown Goa'uld. Thoth was a scientist who had once served Anubis and had been thought long gone like his master. It was all adding up to something he hoped was not the case, but it paid to be prepared. Plus whoever it was had some knowledge of Ancient technology, not to his level but then he had a Repository to refer to and study.
He'd been enjoying a lovely evening meal with Carol when the call had come in. "Say James what do you think is going on with all this attacks? You're still holding on fine right? Any idea who it is?"
"Everything is fine, it's more pinpricks rather than large attacks which I'm mostly catching and then letting no one leave so the attacks on me have gone down. The other Goa'uld though blame each other and therefore attack them. Most have left me alone as they seem to figure I have enough troubles maintaining a large domain and are therefore too busy to attack them thus I can't be to blame. They aren't wrong" and he chuckled quietly. "Besides, if anything happens you can go back to Earth. And yes I have ideas who may be behind it but nothing certain. You found anything of interest in the Repository?" Before she could answer a knocking came from the door.
"My lord, I'm sorry to intrude but an important signal is coming for you on the System Lord channel" came the voice of his Lotar.
"Thank you Jamila, have it routed to my computer in here."
"Yes my lord" came the reply and her footsteps faded away. James left the table and headed over to the small computer at the desk in his quarters put aside for times like this. It was a text message sent out by Lord Baal which most had already agreed to. All ten major System Lords including him were to meet as one; Ares (himself), Amaterasu, Ba'al, Bastet, Camulus, Kali, Morrigan, Olokun, Svarog and finally Yu. The ultimate UN conference of space, with just as much bickering no doubt James thought wearily. He read through the terms of the meeting. No weapons were to be allowed on the station, they may attend with a single servant and arrive by Tel'tak only. The meeting would take place on Hasara Station, an impregnable space station with numerous weapons and gliders. It was kept as a neutral ground for exactly this kind of summit between multiple System Lords. James decided he would bring Jamila with him as while bring Carol appealed he'd rather not put her in harms way, plus she didn't know enough about the culture to blend in properly among the servants.
James sat in the co-pilot seat as Jamila flew the Tel'tak towards the large fortress that was Hasara. He went over his notes on the other lords as they flew, matching territories to names and current fleet distributions. As they approached a voice came over the comm. "Identify yourselves" it commanded.
"I represent the great god Ares, Supreme System Lord."
"Two life signs scanned, no weapons detected, lowering shields."
"Nicely done Jamila, now take care with the other slaves and servants. Do not trust them and say nothing about me or my people. That applies to the other System Lords as well" James said sternly.
"Understood my lord, I will be careful with the others" she replied with a nod.
Daniel stepped onto the station and noted the brownish gold walls and the series of heavy duty blast doors that rose and closed behind them as they made their way to the centre of the station and its meeting room. He was not looking forward to this. Sure it was a viable plan but the hosts, and not to mention the Jaffa, would die, so no he didn't like it but there was no other way. He and Lord Yu finally entered the meeting room. It was circular with a number of gold throne-like chairs spaced evenly to allow each to view the others, though Daniel noted that one seemed larger and more regal as well as being raised up higher. It was also occupied, by whom he could not see due to the walls and panels surrounding the meeting area. As they came in a human slave announced their arrival causing the few standing in the centre to turn and look. "Lord Yu Wang Shang Ti" the servant said. Yu looked at them unconcernedly while the other returned the looks with speculation and curiosity. "Note them, Jarren. Our future allies" Yu said with some disgust as he walked around the edge of the room. Daniel then spoke in reference to two female Goa'uld who were talking in the middle of the room. "Bastet and Kali the Destroyer. They made a treaty with Sobek and then moved against him during the celebratory feast. Sobek let his guard down. Rumour has it, his head still decorates Bastet's palace in Mubastas."
"You have a good memory. They are still worthy of my allegiance." He then looked at Ba'al. "Do not accept gifts from Ba'al."
"They have a habit of exploding especially when he feels he has been slighted. He wiped out the inhabitants of two star systems, sixty million lives, rather than lose them to Sokar in a territorial dispute" Daniel said expanding upon Yu's statement.
"A poor loser." They continued to circle the room and saw a rather busty woman with red hair and black clothes. "Do not consort with Morrigan's servant."
Daniel nodded before adding "he will attempt to draw strategic information in seemingly idle conversation. I know your last servant unwittingly gave away the location of one of your secret bases in Velong, to his credit, he was killed in the surprise attack. It is what has given me the honour to serve you, my Lord."
Yu spoke again as they spotted a tall man dressed in African costume. "Olokun is still seething over a recent loss to my forces. He may try to kill you out of spite. Do not make me look foolish by allowing yourself to be murdered."
Daniel nodded. "Yes, my Lord" he said simply.
"The others?"
"Camulus has kept out of most of the fighting but has still engaged some of your forces my lord."
"Yes he might feel slighted just like Olokun. Who else?"
"There's -" and he cut off as the one on the throne came into view. There he was looking down upon the other lords as they talked quietly before the meeting. Ares sat regally on the throne as his per his station as Supreme System Lord. Catching himself Daniel quickly continued. "There's Ares on the throne. He has done the best out of the others by expanding into Cronus' and Apophis' domains."
"Ares is the only one I feel even remotely confident in. He has kept his word when given agreements but he is also now too busy with his domain to worry about the rest of us." Yu then headed over to Ba'al.
"Yu" Ba'al said and they bowed their heads to one another. "I am pleased you were able to join us given recent events. I understand your fleet suffered some heavy losses."
"I am not the only one. Did I not hear that your flagship was destroyed?" Yu answered with a slight dig at Ba'al. Ba'als lips twisted in distaste.
"I lost two thousand Jaffa."
"Such is war."
"No. This is different. This enemy attacks like a coward. Bastet and Kali have suffered similar setbacks. I hear only Ares has suffered the least. The attacks are becoming more frequent while the identity of our antagonist continues to elude us" Ba'al spat angrily.
"I am certain you have your suspicions. As does Ares no doubt, see how he is looking carefully at each of us" and both turned to look at the Ares, who was indeed carefully studying each Lord.
"Indeed I suspect he has ideas. We are though, all suffering at the hands of this unknown adversary. By shrouding himself he sows discord amongst us" Ba'al replied. Daniel meanwhile glanced at Ares, who had by now looked at Yu, and though Daniel could see Ares had spotted him there was no obvious reaction, not even a raised eyebrow. He gulps nervously as Yu continues to mingle with the other lords as they wait for the last of the ten to arrive.
Eventually they settled down though Yu still paced in the middle of the room. This time Ares does raise a brow, looking pointedly at Yu. Daniel stands beside Yu's chair, watching the interaction. "This has gone on long enough, we must determine who is responsible for these attacks."
"The coward refuses to show himself. He only strikes with his ships, never with ground troops" Ba'al comments.
"You are the 'Supreme System Lord' Ares, do you know who it is?" Yu says, turning on Ares who sits there calmly.
"As Ba'al said he refuses to show himself and strikes only with ships or Al'kesh. I have sensor scans of the attacking ships to show they have been upgraded beyond the norm. I have suspicions of course but no proof, so saying who I think it is will do nothing for us for now."
"None of you have seen the faces of the enemy Jaffa?" Yu asked in look at each other suspiciously though Ares remains impassive. One eventually speaks after a moments silence.
"I have. When my outpost at Zeldor came under assault, my First Prime managed to disable and board one of the enemy ships" Bastet says softly.
"Did you take any prisoners?" Yu asks hopefully.
"They fought to the death. Most had been in service of Ra, Heru'ur and Sokar. But one bore the mark of Olokun" she says before raising her eyebrows at Olokun in accusation.
"My own ships were attacked from forces appearing to come from his space as well. We boarded one but it too had both Sokar and Heru'ur Jaffa on board" Amatarasu said angrily.
Yu stood up in anger, "how do you explain this?!"
"One of my motherships was surrounded by the enemy. Instead of dying with honour, the cowards surrendered and were taken" Olokun said in disgust. "They may well have switched their allegiance."
"And you expect us to believe this?" Ba'al said sarcastically.
"I too have suffered at the hands of this unseen foe. How dare you accuse me!" he angrily denied.
"He is not wrong, I have monitored ships be captured and some willingly surrender across the galaxy. Most are ships of minor Goa'uld though and thus none are present today" Ares finally said, intervening before the talks got more out of hand. Daniel was surprised by how little Ares interacted considering he was the Supreme System Lord, though given Yu's remark maybe many don't agree with the title but accept it since he is the most powerful System Lord. Before anyone could say anything else, Ba'al's slave announced the final guest had arrived and the main door opened to reveal a tall, slim bald man with a small goatee.
"Greetings, I hope I have not missed much" he said slyly as he came to a halt in the centre of the room.
"Welcome Thoth" Ares said.
"I thank you for honouring my request."
"Normally a petition would not be accepted, but these are not normal times" Olukun said with a glare at Ba'al and Yu.
"I think you'll find that I and my master have much to offer" Thoth answered with a small smile.
"Indeed. Very well, we shall break for a few minutes before we reconvene to hear your request, consider what you will say wisely" Ares spoke commandingly and the other System Lords nodded at the request.
Daniel took the chance to go refill Yu's tea and call Jacob on the Tel'tak. Daniel walked down a corridor and into a room which was part of Yu's quarters. He pulled out a communication device and spoke into it, "Jacob?"
"What's the delay? They should all be there by now."
"Yeah, we got a full house. But there's a complication. Ares is here and another Goa'uld just showed up. Apparently he reports to another."
"Ares? Did he spot you? Who's the other Goa'uld?"
"I don't know, I think he might have but he never said anything. As for the other snake, he said his name was Thoth." He heard Jacob swear in Goa'uld.
"You sure that's his name?"
"Yes why?" asked Daniel curiously.
"He used to be a big name, he was a brother of Ra and fellow underlord to Apep, the former head Goa'uld and Supreme System Lord. That was before Anubis killed Apep in his rebellion in which Thoth sided with him while Ra, along with the rest, put Anubis down. Anubis is believed to be dead, in fact they both were." Before anything else could be said the door behind him opened and in came Ares.
"Well well well, Doctor Jackson. You're a rather long way from home, what brings you here?" he said with a smirk.
"Ah yes hi. Er nothing to see here, just watching a meeting and making some tea" Daniel said, attempting to be as innocent as possible.
"Uh huh, I'm sure. Don't do anything stupid. Observe and then leave, it was foolish of you to come here. I can not aid you if you are caught, so stay out of trouble." With the warning given and a hard look he turned and left the room.
"Jacob! You still there?"
"Yes Daniel, what happened?" came the reply over the comm device.
"Ares just paid me a visit, warned me not to do anything stupid or get aught."
"Huh, odd but maybe he thinks you'll owe him one and will have leverage later, no matter. Why haven't you released the poison?" There a long pause where nothing was said. "Daniel"?
"Thoth said he was working for someone, if we take them all out this someone will just come in and replace them. Plus maybe we could save the host of Ares since he has only been taken in the last five years or so."
"Very well. Find out who it is, Thoth may just be bluffing to be let back in. If so release the poison and get out."
They were shortly back in the conference room and James was seated upon his throne once more. Thoth had been prattling on for the last few minutes now about various schemes and problems with some System Lords nodding in agreement. On the other hand James was bored out of his mind and though trying not to show it. "Weakness is befalling the System Lords. If this tenuous alliance crumbles it will leave the Goa'uld vulnerable to threats that exist outside this galaxy. We must put aside our differences and individual struggles for power to strengthen the Goa'uld and ensure our supremacy over those who threaten our domination" Thoth was saying.
"You speak of grand principle-" Yu said interrupting.
"But you have no official seat here" Ba'al adds snidely.
"Then I ask you to officially recognise my status then" Thoth returns with a grin.
"What do you offer as support for your claim for position as a System Lord?" James said seeing Ba'al was about to speak again.
"Nothing. I am here to represent the vote of another."
"Whom do you serve?" Yu questioned.
"Anubis" Thoth said simply, still smirking. Oh shit James thought with a grimace and looking grim while shouting raged and various curses were said.
"What!" Olokuns shouts.
"You lie!" declares Ba'al as he stands.
"He is dead!" Yu says also now standing.
"That was what you assumed after you attempted to murder him. Was it not enough that he was banished from the System Lords for a second time?" Thoth said standing to glare them.
"And never to be allowed to return!" Yu shouted back angrily.
"That was long ago and only one System Lord remains from that time" Thoth replies before looking directly at Yu. "He has sent me to ask that you accept him back or…place yourselves at his mercy." Thoth smirks evilly at them. There's a few moments of silence before nearly everyone turns to look to Ares as if expecting a comment.
"What? Do I have something on me?" James replies before patting himself down and checking for any marks. Daniel, who'd been watching the whole time, just rolls his eyes at the old joke used in many Earth TV shows and films.
"Do you not have anything to say about Anubis' supposed return and threat as well?" Camulus asked.
"It fits with what I've read and heard of him as well as that Thoth here seems to serve him. That he still lives is surprising. I thought him dead as well yet his return fits the facts that I have. As for throwing ourselves upon his mercy. I scoff and say he is welcome to try with my domain. He will find no easy pickings from me. He should submit to me as the Supreme System Lord or return to his exile" James replies defiantly. "That said I think a break is in order, some will need time to calm somewhat after certain surprises were revealed." The others nod at the suggestion and head off down the corridor to their rooms or they begin to gather to speak amongst themselves. James watches as Daniel crosses the floor to the door, leaving the meeting room behind.
Daniel hurried back to Yu's quarters pulling the communicator out once inside knowing that he had to let the Tok'ra know about Anubis' return. "Jacob?"
"Yeah. Did you get anything?" asked Jacob.
"Thoth said he was here representing another Goa'uld, one named Anubis."
"He is dead" came Selmak's voice from the communicator.
"Apparently not. He wants to rejoin the System Lords. Ares and the others weren't too impressed."
"Why now? Where has he been for the last thousand years? And it's not surprising they wish he wasn't back."
"I don't know but we suspected there was a new Goa'uld out there on the rise, we just didn't know which one. Just turns out he's not so new" Daniel replies.
"If it is really Anubis-" begins Selmak.
"Then killing all the System Lords here would just open the door for him to take over completely" Daniel interrupts. "You always said yourself; a bunch of warring System Lords is better than one all powerful one, though with Ares it's debatable, so…"
"You do not understand how bad Anubis is. He was banished, and presumed killed, by the System Lords because his crimes were unspeakable. Even to the Goa'uld."
"Yeah, so, guess what? Mission's off."
"Anubis has not waited this long just to return to the System Lords. There must be more going on."
"So…" Daniel starts.
"You must stay and find out what it is. If you can" Selmak orders. Daniel sighs and nods his head despite Selmak not being able to see it.
During the break Yu met with Thoth while Daniel served tea. "Time has taught him humility and respect for the union of the System Lords" Thoth was saying.
"You take me for a fool."
"Please. The Goa'uld have warred with each other since the beginning of time. Anubis has been amassing power so that he may win back your respect. He is also no fool. He knows you would not accept him back without need even if that need is mitigates somewhat by Ares' rise."
"We do not need Anubis! Ares is already stronger than any before, even more so than Ra, just as you said."
"Dissent and disbelief previously unseen in the ranks of the Jaffa, infiltration and subversion by the Tok'ra and you cannot continue to ignore the threat of the humans on Earth" Thoth says as he glances briefly at Daniel who is pouring tea. "How many must die, how many dominions must fall and how can we continue to claim to be Gods if we cannot act like them? The Tau'ri cannot be allowed to triumph again and again. And Ares may or may not do anything about it."
"The treaty with the Asgard protect their planet, that is why Ares does nothing direct" Yu argued back.
"From the System Lords" Thoth answers nonchalantly.
"Who must enforce the treaty upon all Goa'uld."
"But not from one who's been dead for a thousand years" Thoth says smugly to Yu.
"What do you propose then?"
"Accept my vote on behalf of Anubis and before he resumes his position amongst you, he will destroy Earth and the Tok'ra." Daniel just continues to go through the motions of making tea and clearing up to hide the fear he has for his home and friends.
When the group returns to the meeting room James is pondering the return of Anubis. It matches up with what Ares knew of him and what is still said or written about him. The Ancient tech Anubis uses in regards to his ships is particularly disturbing since it would imply he has an Ancient repository or a ship to base designs on. Neither of which is especially palatable. But how to vote is the question really. Getting on Anubis' good side would give him time to solidify his control of his domain and roll out upgrades to his fleet. As well it would give him time to improve his own grasp of Ancient technologies thus giving him a leg over Anubis, assuming he does not have a Repository himself. Equally he did not want Anubis to return due to his past crimes, which regrettably aren't mentioned anywhere he could find just that it was atrocious and he had to be exiled even after his failed rebellion. Noting that everyone had returned he saw Ba'al looking up to him waiting to start. He nodded and Ba'al spoke. "Whom among us accepts the return of Anubis to the ranks of the System Lords?" James looked around the room as one by one the others slowly nodded in agreement until only himself and Yu remained. Yu shook his head to deny Anubis before the rest turned to look at him. He sighed before slowly nodding in acceptance. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. "The vote need not be unanimous. By a count of nine to one, Anubis is awarded the status of System Lord and welcomed back among those that lead the Goa'uld. Thoth will be allowed to vote on his behalf."
"You shall not regret this" Thoth says with a smile.
"May we rule forever" Ba'al continues with reverence.
"There is much to discuss in that regard" Olokun chips in.
"But first" Bastet starts. Ba'al smirks then looks to the ceiling with raised hands.
"Lor kor harak. Sha mel." With that command the rings above activate and brings down a decorated vat with symbiotes displayed upon it. He glances at Jamila beside him who looks confused as does Daniel when he spots him. The other System Lords approach with Ba'al pulling up his sleeves and reaching in to grab hold of something. He pulls out a mature symbiote which is ready for a host. The other quickly follow, taking one each until only he is left. "Ares? Will you not partake?" Ba'al says turning to him. James raises an eyebrow at that before slowly stepping down from his regal throne to approach the vat. He puts his hand in and grabs one before quickly adding his second to it as it tried to wriggle free. He watched as the others then bit into theirs and ate part of the lower half. He looked back at his and had a very queasy feeling about doing it. Sure he knew some back home would eat awful stuff in Africa, South America or parts of Asia but this was almost as extreme. Seeing the others progress meant he couldn't stand there for long so he quick bit into his own and tried it. Yep it was disgusting, not even salmon or tuna was this bad or any other fish back home for that matter. He ate enough to appear into it but not lots, he threw the rest on the floor and indicate Jamila to dispose of it. He wiped his mouth in distaste and almost felt sick. Yeah not a good look to throw up in front of the others. He called for recess after that and left to his quarters quickly. Daniel looked on, shock and disgust on his face. He could see that James really didn't want to do that either and had actually looked almost sick. It was partially amusing to see how quickly James left the after calling for a break when it was over.
When they returned the various System Lords began to discuss their new topics. It was not helped that Jamila said that the eating of symbiotes would happen each day of the meeting. He really did not want to eat more. When asked why she hadn't known she replied that he had never attended such a summit as he had been a minor lord beholden to Cronus so she had never needed to know, she asked forgiveness for not warning him or checking beforehand.
"I lost two motherships in that battle" Bastet complained.
Thoth just replied smugly, "your strategy was obviously stupid then." They exchanged hostile glances at that.
"Your master has exacted tolls from each of us" Yu commented.
Thoth looked at him. "And yet you have all voted to welcome him back into the fold."
"The power he has regained so quickly is worthy of respect" Ba'al said quickly to try to calm things somewhat.
"What does Anubis offer as payment, as it were, for his title to be re-instated?" James asked.
"Anubis owes the System Lords nothing. He joins you for the greater good of all Goa'uld" Thoth answered in an aggressive manner.
"Bah, Anubis may have grown strong but he does not outweigh the collective power of the System Lords nor myself. What deed does Anubis offer as evidence of the dedication you claim on his behalf?" James retorted.
"Speak now or leave us" Yu demanded.
Thoth sighed tiredly. "As I have said before, Anubis believes that the greatest threat to the Goa'uld is that which comes from within." He looked around at the expectant faces and gave a slight nod to James. "As we meet here, that threat is being greatly weakened. Over the years we have all lost a great deal to the infiltrations, subversions and rebellious acts of the Tok'ra. Today, will henceforth be known as the day that the blood of the Tok'ra ran free and their rebellion ended for good. We shall be victorious" Thoth explained with a vicious grin.
The next few hours passed as they debated borders and also formally accepted James as the new Supreme System Lord since he had the largest fleet and held almost 50% of Goa'uld territory given that he'd claimed Cronus', Nirrti's, Ra's, Apophis' and Heru'ur's domains. From what he could tell Anubis had claimed the remnants of Sokar's domain plus the little Zipacna had granted him as well as some forgotten or outer rim worlds. With the main territorial disputes resolved and the issues of the Tok'ra mostly done they turned to the Tau'ri. Most of it was spent complaining about them and that there was very little they could do. Thoth merely said that Anubis would solve it. James retorted that the System Lords have to enforce the treaty with all Goa'uld. "Not from a dead one" Thoth answered with an evil smirk. The summit then slowly broke up with the main issues resolved. Not all were happy, especially where it concerned Anubis as a few felt he should pay reparations for what he had done but it was not to be. Another point of interest was that Daniel had disappeared shortly after Thoth's reveal of an attack on the Tok'ra which had left Yu fuming in anger that his Lotar, Jarren, had disappeared. It was amusing watching him fume silently in his seat afterwards. In fact a few took great pleasure in watching him fume such as Ba'al and Thoth who smirked at Yu regularly throughout the rest of the summit. The summit only lasted two more days and thankfully he only had to eat the symbiote's once as he was 'busy' at the time the third was consumed. He'd arranged for a call to be made for him at that time so he could get out of eating one again. Convenient he thought.
On the way home he sighed and enjoyed a peaceful sleep in his Tel'tak while Jamila flew the shuttle. Thank god that summit was over, he couldn't of stood more of their petty bickering and complaining. He was worried of Earth though. He knew that somehow Anubis would target them and he was sure he wouldn't be able to help if at all. Guess life's just got a little more interesting he thought as he fell into a restful slumber on his trip home.
AN: So I hope you liked it. It was mostly quoted from the show but I changed the text and slotted Ares into it. Hope his reaction to the symbiotes was good, how old you feel about eating one? Hope you enjoyed and please review. J signing off.