Disclaimer: The characters used within this are mostly the property of others. I have a few originals, but the vast majority are not original. A few well known names may be used, but everything here is fiction. This is for entertainment only and not for profit.

-=oOo=-

Araiansu - Chapter 13

-=oOo=-

"What are you saying about my daughter?" asked Soun.

"I think your daughter is fine. I think it was the correct decision to allow her to accept the role of captain of this ship. The oath she gave is binding, but I don't think she will regret it. She promised to do her duty by the honor of her family. I can't see her walking away, even if it wouldn't likely hurt them both, which it likely would. Either way, it would go against her honor not to at least try."

"When can I see her?"

"Now, if you wish, though she is sleeping. Freya is watching over her. I'll beam you here."

"I should have been there. I had hoped if I didn't go she would turn around and maybe come back to help me. I really should have been there."

"I'll transport you right after this call."

"Are you sure she is well?"

"She is. Rommie says she could live for hundreds of years as she is, or perhaps longer. It is only really combat where she is endangered, and all of us who know combat know we could die. We will of course do all we can to support her. My word, she will not face this alone."

"I just don't get it. Why Kasumi?"

Sam said softly, "You have been alone for a long time haven't you?"

"What, no I have Kasumi."

"You love your daughter. No one doubts that, but you loved your wife too, if in a different way. I would imagine that a part of you still aches for her presence. I know I would never be the same if Ranma died."

"Kimiko," he sobbed softly.

"The ship is sentient, and I think that has all the pluses and all the minuses for sentience. She is not like us. She was able to survive and stay mostly sane by sleeping for over a thousand years. She has been waiting for the time to do her duty, but to her she was also waiting to be complete again. She tried to trick Ranma, though not very hard, and he was too cautious. It probably wouldn't have worked anyway. Ranma and I are already bonded, and she wanted her own captain, not someone she would have to share. When she saw Kasumi, she was more than just someone who could provide a little life energy to help her heal. She saw everything she sought."

"Your not saying they are married?" asked Soun in wonder.

"No, and well maybe? It remains to be seen if Kasumi could give her heart to another, now that she is bonded to the ship, but that will be her choice. Perhaps one day she will. I know a few of my children that might like to meet your daughter."

"Are you matchmaking?" asked Soun incredulously.

"Perhaps a little bit. Kasumi is a few years older, but with their lifespans it is likely not a problem. Would you be opposed to them meeting?"

"Tell me about your kids." Sam smiled as she started talking about her favorite topic and did what she could to ease the concerns of a worried parent. She knew it was a cheap distraction, but if it delayed an interruption to his daughters sleep, then she would distract with all her heart.

-=oOo=-

Ranma took Jacob and Freya with him to tell the Reverend what had happened.

Reverend Alverez promised to pray for them all. They thanked him and returned to the Liberator where Ranma began replicating the parts for the Nozomi. After he had started Selmak asked, "Have you informed the Asgard about Rommie and the Nozomi?"

"We have. The Liberator has scanned her ship extensively. We sent the scans to the Asgard. Heimdall personally confirmed that this was a genuine Lantean ship, and requested the Nozomi come to Othalla after it was fully repaired. We asked them about the AI onboard. They said that they had chosen not to go that path, and the replicators they had yet to fully defeat were not why, which confused me. They asked us to use our own judgement. Before the call I didn't think they actually could have known she was truly alive; that the ki I didn't sense was only hidden. Now, I don't know."

"How are they doing with the replicators?" asked Jacob.

"Well. It is still a struggle, but the aid brought by the Heimdall from the universe we were in is turning the tide. They are winning, though it is slow. If they are lucky they have perhaps a year or so until they are eliminated."

Jacob bowed his head, as did Freya.

Selmak asked, "Can we be of help?" Anise nodded her support.

Ranma said, "We limit data bursts to the Asgard to no more than once a day, unless it is urgent. Simply ask Zen to record a message and add it to the next burst."

Anise said, "We will, though I think Freya and I will remain with Nozomi, for a time at least, once she is fully repaired."

"Why is that?" Selmak asked.

"Freya is learning how to use life energy. I am learning still, but it is still quite puzzling to me, when I try to do what she has clearly done. It doesn't matter, even while I am in control she can aid me in this." She held out her right hand, and in her palm cool white ki pooled.

"She can control that energy while you are in control?" asked Selmak surprised.

"Yes, it is amazing! I almost hope it is impossible for me to do, for it allows us to truly be a team."

Selmak said, "I'm glad for you. Jacob too is curious. Do you think Freya could teach him?"

Anise said, "I do not believe that would be wise. She is but a student."

Ranma said, "I could. Sam could. Soun Tendo could teach you a little. Our kids probably could as well, though I'd still like Sam or I to check now and then."

Anise asked, "But what about Kasumi and myself? If we are on Nozomi?"

Ranma hesitated, then after a moment said, "I need to talk with Sam. I know my kids are technically adults… We might get her father to go, though I doubt it."

Selmak said, "I understand."

"In the meantime," Ranma added. "Soun is no doubt a competent master in teaching the art, if less so in the subject of ki. Much of ki training is simply continuing to practice while making sure it remains neutral. Simply lending extra ki to the ship will probably help with that. There is more of course. Healing requires extensive knowledge of anatomy. That too requires no special training, and it is likely that the church already has a competent doctor in their crew, though we should check. Using ki externally as a weapon usually is a joke compared to a modern weapons. Replicators are an exception. Using ki internally is likely the skill you want. The ability to move faster and resist damage will help a lot. The ability to sense enemies and danger is nearly as useful."

Anise said, "I will verify what skills the Vatican crew members have."

"Anise, I would like one favor."

"Of course. What do you need?"

"Sam saved one of the weapons the Tollan designed that phase through shields. Narim is saving a supply for our use should they be required. This is top secret information. Do not disclose it without extreme care. The tasks we want from you is your opinion on when to install the upgrades to the Nozomi's shields. We assume that will be very soon after she has a power source, but I want you to make the final call. The shield upgrade do block the phasing. The second is whether or not we permit Nozomi one of the weapons."

"I could understand why you would restrict the second, but why the first?"

"The Asgard think that the solution to preventing phasing may be more fragile than we like. If the technology gets out, we could lose the advantage. It is not as great a risk as the bombs, but it is not far off."

"I understand. This will be difficult. I am not good with judging people. I may leave that task to Freya."

Ranma said, "I'm not asking for an absolute guarantee. That is impossible. Rommie was able to fully hide that she was truly a living entity from me, at least initially. I get why. I understand that and sympathize, but we can't afford to assume my senses or what Sam felt are the complete truth. I want you and Freya to observe and as soon as you possibly can let us know."

Selmak asked, "Are you sure you are not being excessively cautious and increasing the danger?"

"No, we are not sure. At the very least we are not doing it before she gets a power module and is repaired. We want to see what Rommie's actions are when she no longer depends on us."

Anise asked, "I hate to ask, but do we have any guarantees that Rommie can't corrupt the person in her chair?"

"We have you," Ranma said.

Anise swallowed.

"We also doubt Rommie is a threat, but the Azgard told us to use our own judgment and we remain wary. The Azgard did expressed surprise at Rommie's killing of the two rapists; not that she committed the act, but that could exert that much influence outside of Nozomi. It may mean nothing. The records are old and people keep secrets, even from allies."

"What is your biggest concern?" Selmak asked.

"Sam pointed this out, but it was obvious once she said it. What does thousands of years alone, other than whatever games she played with the Vatican people, due to a person? She never revealed herself once, yet she could have."

Anise said, "You think she may not be entirely sane."

"We don't actually know. She seems okay. I'm not trying to invent problems, but caution is warranted here."

Selmak said, "Some Goa'uld will torture our host's bodies. They know we will, if necessary, suppress our host to save them the worst of it, but they do it…"

"So we are alone," Anise finished.

"Yah," Ranma said soberly. "Just remember ki wise she reads fine, which both reassures and worries."

Anise said, "You expect her to not be normal."

"Would you be?" asked Ranma. "If she could mask herself from me, she could probably mask more. What is more, Kasumi was slightly infatuated with me, and slightly annoyed to see my wife. It was minor stuff, but still affected her ki noticeably. Sam easily helped her work through it. Kasumi was and is a very well balanced person. I in no way want to accuse Kasumi of anything. She seems a wonderful young woman, much like the one I knew. I have no regrets to helping her, well unless this ends badly. That I would regret. I just want people to keep their eyes open is all."

Selmak said, "A valid point. All we can really do is watch and monitor the situation."

"I know," Ranma said. "We were beginning to relax and then this."

Anise said, "I'm not really the best person when it comes to psychology. Freya is better. I understand things not people. We will do what we can though."

-=oOo=-

Soun Tendo could hardly believe the life his daughter had chosen. They were sitting in his daughter's new quarters, which were fairly spatious.

His daughter said, "I truly am fine. I am better than ever."

"But."

Kasumi carefully enfolded her father in her arms and just held him. "I truly am fine, and I know you will be fine too. I asked Reverend Alverez to send people to check on you from time to time."

"You didn't need to do that."

Kasumi nodded.

"And this Rommie?" he asked.

"Is the best thing that ever happened to me. You can talk to her if you want."

"Please."

Rommie appeared just behind Kasumi. "Hello sir. You have a truly lovely daughter. She is a credit to her upbringing. You should be very proud."

"I am of course but.."

"I promise to watch over her as best as I am able, to guide and guard her for all the days we are fortunate enough to be given."

Soun added, "I feel like I've given away my daughter in marriage to someone I do not even known."

"Then, by all means, feel free to ask all your questions. I will answer."

Kasumi slipped out of the room.

-=oOo=-

Kasumi laid on her new bed.

Rommie was fully visible and appeared to be laying on the other side of the bed facing her. The only difference was that she didn't affect the bed in any way.

Kasumi said softly, "You have been hurting for so very long."

"I'm fine," Rommie insisted.

"No you are most certainly not fine. You may have a will and body of steel, but you hurt so much. Why did you lie to them and to my father? Why did you pass everything off as fine?"

"They wouldn't trust me if they knew that I was hanging onto sanity by my fingernails. With their experience with the replicators they might insist on terminating me."

"I will not allow that!" stated Kasumi firmly. "You know, they could help you."

"They were worried about sentient AI in the time when I was built, and I am hardly just one of those. I can't risk it. I can't give them any reason to doubt me. Please."

"You know I won't betray you Rommie. Don't you?"

"I know. I know. You were such a light in the darkness. I was so scared you would say no."

"Come here Rommie."

"I can't merge with you too often. You could lose yourself, particularly early on."

"You are solid, are you not? You can wrap your arms around me can't you?"

"Are you sure?"

"You are hurting. Please."

Rommie gently moved towards Kasumi and enfolded her in her arms, even as she was enfolded. Tears ran down the avatar's eyes as she dropped her defenses and was just held. Around the ship systems that had not truly rested in millennia slowly went to sleep. A father found his way home, but still, oddly unsettled.

-=oOo=-

Plans were set aside when they all got the word of Reverend Alverez requesting a meeting. SG-1 along with Sam,Ranma, Jacob, Freya, Rodney and Kasumi were there.

"I'm a bit surprised that you haven't reported how we are intercepting Stargate Command private communications, but in perhaps this instance, I wanted to let you know what they were doing. I suspect Rodney will be recalled soon."

Rodney said, "I already have been. This meeting was just called early enough that it was before my flight."

"What is going on?" Jack asked.

"On the planet Velona they believe they have found an extremely strong weapon. Its power source has been destroyed. They want to reactivate it. Orders have been issued where they are not to leak to SG-1 what they are doing. One of the other scientists there has a theory about using a Naquadah reactor and setting it to overload, but releasing the energy when the weapon fires so it doesn't explode and kill everyone there. They want Rodney to make it work."

Rodney said, "That sounds like a singularly stupid idea. Get it even a bit wrong and your dead."

Sam said, "It could work, maybe. Oh I agree it is near suicidal, but it might work, and I can think of a few tricks to make it a little safer."

"Stargate Command found that the weapon had been used successfully, saving the people of that planet from enslavement, but it appears they had decided to use their new power to conquer. They do not know how the weapon power source was destroyed or why the population is gone. If an enemy killed them, then why leave the weapon mostly intact? For that matter how did a civilization without such advanced weapons suddenly get one in the span of a year?"

Jack said, "Good questions, and I agree that we should find the answers, but they are going to have orders. The pentagon is going to push here, and likely push hard, particularly with us. They really hate not being the top dog in the food chain."

The reverend said, "Something killed that planet and that something may have partially destroyed that weapon. Perhaps they are gone. Perhaps not. I don't know. I'm used to looking at things deeper than most. I understand the pressure the US feels to gain strength, but this seems risky. If they make it work, will it only be used to defend? Will whatever destroyed it and the planet come after us? There are a lot of unknowns. Just the fact that General Hammond has an order not to tell you made us convinced that you must be told."

Jack said, "If we show up there, they may eventually find your bug. They will certainly look a lot harder. They would also probably blame Hammond, fair or not."

Sam said, "I need to talk to Rodney. I can give him some ideas how to not get killed and to drag things out or even to actually make it work if necessary. I figure he should be able to delay it for a couple weeks with some effort."

Rodney said, "That is nice and all, but what happens when the two weeks is up? "

"We should be there by then," added Ranma. Sam nodded.

Jack said, "I need you to buy us time Rodney. Can you do that?"

"I'll do what I can."

Sam asked, "How much time do you have left before you have to be on a plane?"

"About three hours, but that is the departure time. I'll heave to be at the airport earlier."

"We can beam you someplace hidden at the airport." Rodney nodded.

Sam said, "Ranma, Jack will you see to the energy tether for Nozomi? That remains a priority. Don't forget the cloak."

"Sure," Jack agreed. Ranma just gave a small nod.

Sam said, "Zen beam us up, except for Kasumi, Freya, and the Reverend."

After they got to the Liberator Sam pulled Rodney to the design lab and began going over her ideas.

Ranma took the engineering station that Sam usually sat at. Jack took the pilot's seat. Everyone else arranged wherever they were needed.

Avon said, "You may want to wait on this."

"Why is that?" Ranma asked curiously.

"I replicated and charged an older Azgard power module."

"You have a replacement?"

"No. The module I replicated has less than one one percent of the energy of the Lantean module. It was intended to solve the current problem only. The Asgard have much better designs than this, but this is fairly easy to replicate and does the job. Some temporary connections are required. I have already replicated those connections. It is rechargeable with local power, though I'm not sure it will help given the numbers. Still, I created connections for that as well."

Jack chuckled. "Well ain't that cool."

Ranma said, "I assume you have summarized all this and are ready to go?"

"Of course."

"Do it. I can't think of any reason not to do it this way. Send your plan to your Mom, and if she doesn't object plan to install this ASAP. You are sure this can't be copied?"

"Doubtful. Sure if you had a deep understanding of Asgard science, but if you had that you wouldn't need to copy it."

"Well campers, I guess we aren't going anywhere, and I for one wanted an excuse to fly the ship again."

Jacob said, "We can't have everything Jack. If that module is safe and if the Asgard approve, it sounds like something the Tok'ra would really love to have."

Anise said, "Love is not the word. That is still likely more energy than available in a Goa'uld mothership. The Tok'ra could setup active shields around their bases. We couldn't run them unless we were preparing to evacuate, since they would give us away, but they could save a lot of lives."

Ranma said, "If Sam approves, we go ahead with the Nozomi install and send the request to make additional modules available for the Tok'ra."

"And now we wait," noted Jenna.

Daniel said, "Yah that happens quite a bit."

A few minutes later Sam's voice said, "Avon's plan is better. What does everyone think of Rodney mentioning that we can make such a thing after we leave Earth? We are leaving a transmitter this time. If we can get them to ask for our help with regards to the weapon."

Jenna asked, "What weapon?"

Ranma said, "Stargate command has discovered a planet called Velona that appears to have a weapon, likely capable of wiping out warships, possibly even Liberator. The planet did not have that tech before suddenly getting it. They used it. It worked, possibly to kill Goa'uld. Then they apparently wanted to use their new toy to conquer. Then the weapon was broken, but not fully destroyed and the planet is now without human life. We aren't supposed to know any of this, but well the Vatican is spying on Stargate Command with the help of Nozomi. The question is do we tell Rodney to tell Hammond about Avon's power cell, in the hopes they decide to contact us, and we avoid having to interfere and compromising Hammond's position. The other alternative was that Rodney modifies a Naquadah reactor to overload in some kind of controlled way. Sam was briefing Rodney about how to do that without killing himself and how to delay enough so we could get there. Does everyone understand?"

He got a round of agreements.

"Okay, Jenna your thoughts."

"It is no secret that we have advanced tech. I say try it. We just need to keep control and find out what happened. I'd say use the new plan."

"Cally?"

"I agree. There are few downsides. Even if General Hammond says no, Rodney could potentially contact us. He is a civilian, they can't do that much to him."

"Avon?"

"Do it, but don't be surprised if we end up having to beam a bunch of soldiers far enough away not to interfere. We might also need to beam enough dirt around the gate to prevent it from opening."

Jack said dryly, "That will win us friends."

Daniel said, "I think the point was that it would be the least bad option, not that we liked the option."

"True," Jack agreed.

Jenna?" asked Ranma.

"Let's see the choice between potentially annoying what could kill a planet or the US military, or giving a weapon that could kill us to the US military. I think that no matter what happens they should not have it. If the Asgard weren't so busy, I'd suggest turning this over to them."

Ranma said, "Unfortunately, they are, and I'd rather not leave the hard decisions up to them, unless there is an actual need. The US military can be mad all they want."

Villa nodded. He said, "I agree."

"Dana?"

"I think it has all been said. Hell the liar is only just now starting to lose popularity. There is no way we can possibly allow any government on Earth to have such a weapon, not when there is a non zero chance of him deciding to use it to maybe wipe a country he doesn't like off a map for political purposes."

Daniel asked, "Are we overthinking this? Couldn't we just go to the planet, stay cloaked and wait for an opportunity to blow the thing to hell and get out?"

Teal'c said, "Daniel's plan has much to speak for it."

"Agreed," Jack said.

Ranma asked, "Are you following this Sam?"

"I am. Rodney likes this plan more too. He is going to delay and find lots of reasons to come back to the mountain. We might still have to move some out of danger, but it is the best we are going to get."

Ranma said, "Agreed. Avon, can Anise handle the installation?"

"She should be able to. It is relatively simple."

"Go with her. Make sure she has a good start then come back."

"Cally, begin beaming down Nozomi's parts as well."

"Of course."

"Zen, contact Rommie. Tell her we want everything she has from Stargate Command on the Velona situation. Once you have that, take it, and the recording of everything since we came back and send it to the Azgard asking if they agree with this plan. We may not be expecting the Asgard to solve our problems for us, but they definitely need to be kept in the loop here. Also send information on which module Avon replicated and this entire discussion asking if they object to distributing additional modules to the Tok'ra."

"Confirmed."

"Well that was anticlimactic," noted Daniel.

"Don't Jinks it," added Jack.

Fifteen minutes later they got a video message from Thor.

"Greetings. We have reviewed the situation. The storage module you replicated is fine for this purpose. Use caution when replicating others that may not be under your control. We agree with providing the Tok'ra a system to shield their main base and potentially one or two more. Once we have finalized a design we will send it to you for replication."

"In regards to Velona, we are uncertain of the exact cause of these events. It is possible an Ascended being is involved. We approve your plan. You may want to beam down after everyone is gone and investigate further. Our fight against the replicators is ahead of schedule. We appreciate your concern for our resources. Unless something significantly changes we ask that you destroy this weapon per your plan. Thank you for your efforts." The screen went black.

Selmak spoke, "This is a great gift the Asgard offer."

Anise said, "We will still need to plan our tunnels carefully in case the Stargate is taken. Perhaps we can hide a set of rings to tunnels on the other side of the planet. If the tunnels are compromised the shield buys us time, and keeps the Goa'uld looking where we are not. If they break through it could all be set to blow. Maybe we can make them think we are dead."

Sam walked in. "Let us know if you need any help for any of that Anise. Selmak."

"We will," Selmak answered.

Sam added, "I beamed Rodney to the airport. Avon is due back in about an hour, then I guess it is time to start looking for a Lantean power module."

Ranma asked, "So are we good to go? One super weapon to destroy and one power module to find?"

"I want to check on Kasumi first. Coming?"

-=oOo=-

Avon looked at the mess they had made of the Aurora's cargo bay. Stacked in neat piles all around the cargo bay were bars or piles of all the common elements and many not so common elements. Superconducting cables ran from his module to the power cabinet located there.

Freya struggled to roll in a very thick roll of wire through the door to the outside. The cross sectional diameter of the wire had to be at least an inch and a half across. Avon helped her roll it the rest of the way before turning the roll on its side. He then looked at the actual wires.

Avon looked at it with disdain, "Are they really using aluminum wires?"

"It is what they had," Freya said.

The reverend came in on the tail of her comment. "We actually looked for a roll of copper that would carry the same current, but it would take a couple weeks to get it here. That is what we have now. It is, or will be once it is connected a 230 volt 200 amp connection, though you probably want to use a little less. If we go above that, it would require a lot of electrical work to be done, and they will wonder what it is for."

Rommie appeared. "Curious. An old Asgard power module. I had no idea they still used those. I almost didn't recognize what you beamed down at first. That is from back when they were trying to figure out a way to copy our technology. We really should have shared more than we did then. I'm pretty sure I can replicate it, at least once I have power, though to be useful we would have to take it somewhere with a lot more available power than that wire can give. Some place like Stargate Command would work."

Avon said, "I replicated it from the archives, and I agree there is not enough available power to matter, not unless the Liberator is gone months."

Carlos said, "I don't think we can ask General Hammond to install a copy of this device. Too many questions would be asked. We also don't have anyplace with such great quantities of power available. We could get one built, but it would take time, probably over a year, and even then there would be no keeping the new place secret."

Avon added, "I wouldn't bother. Liberator should be back by then. Are we ready to power on?"

Kasumi walked through the door. "We are. You can activate when you are ready."

Avon flipped several small switches and suddenly all the lights brightened.

Rommie said, "Finally, I have usable power. Beginning repairs. Kasumi, could you please help me?"

"Always."

Kasumi laid down not far from the device. Rommie then stepped in front of her before laying down on top and merging into her. Kasumi's voice rang out with an odd dual tone, "Beginning repairs. Please remain clear of the raw materials."

Even as she said this the pile of silver ingots got noticeably smaller. The wire that was coiled and unrolled shimmered and suddenly transported into a separate pile of aluminum further along the wall. The plastic coatings were left where they were.

"Amazing. Many in the church would see this as some kind of miracle or perhaps the opposite. It is still amazing that she can take raw materials and manipulate them."

Avon said, "These were just the easy targets. This is still extremely energy intensive, just less so due to the raw materials. A lot of the matter needs rearranged into highly complex forms, and that is always extremely energy intensive. Even the Asgard don't needlessly replicate matter. It is far more efficient most of the time to create things in other ways."

The reverend knelt down and gently touched Kasumi's hand. "Are you well?"

"Cannot talk now. Must focus."

Freya bowed her head. Anise said to him, "This is not surprising. Sometimes when a host and a symbiote are deeply concentrating together it can be hard to reach either. This is similar we think."

Sam and Ranma beamed down behind them.

Sam asked, "How is she?"

Anise said, "Well, I think. Rommie merged with Kasumi to do the repairs. You can tell by the slight shimmer around Kasumi. You can also see the different raw materials we gathered vanishing as we speak."

Ranma asked, "How is the power usage? Is it enough?"

Avon said, "There is enough for another half a day usage at this rate. She seemed confident it wouldn't take but half that."

Sam said, "Good. Would she be able to defend herself if something happened when we are gone?"

"Perhaps," Avon said. "Though not for long."

"Would replicating another of those make a difference?. That is a lot bigger than the module she wanted."

"The problem lies in time and also in available materials. We too use common materials to avoid having to create everything from raw energy, and we are now low. Repairs from that last battle took a great deal. This and the items for Nozomi took most of the rest."

The reverend asked, "If you have a list, we could provide at least some of it."

Avon said, "Zen send a list of primary materials needed for the replication system to the Reverend."

"Confirmed."

"The materials will help, but not for this. I could not duplicate another in the time we have. It would be better to wait until she is done and recharge this one."

The Reverend said, "I'll see what we can get you get back to you right away."

Ranma said, "Thanks."

Sam said, "Then we will wait." She turned to the Reverend. "I have a question that I don't expect an immediate answer to."

"Go on."

"There can be at most one portal between Mars and Earth. Other nations of the world have volunteered to help, but we are still uncertain where to place the portal. It is assumed that this will be used to move shipping containers through. Wherever we put it is going to need power comparable to Cheyenne mountain. Could your people create a recommendation and reasoning behind it?"

"Would you put it where we recommend?"

"If we did not, we would give you the reason for changing."

"What are your goals?" the Reverend asked.

Ranma said, "Our goal is not to spread any particular religion. In fact if it looked like that is what we were doing, we would have to take steps to change. Our goal is also not to make one world government or anything like that. We are deeply concerned about propaganda leading to bad governments, but beyond that we would prefer not to be involved."

"Most in legitimate churches would feel the same. Oh there are some, even many that use anything to serve their ends. They do not serve God. They serve themselves. It is disgusting. Many politicians and even some businesses are no better. Lies do not serve God. They are sin, plain and simple."

"We know," Sam said softly. "Believe us, we know."

"I'm sorry. I really hate to be reminded how some of my fellow priests so easily find justification for ignoring their vows." He exhaled slowly for several seconds. "I know it only means there is more work that must be done."

Anise said sharply, "No. This is wrong."

Sam asked, "What do you mean?"

"I may be a poor leader. I do not contest that, but I have studied those who are not. You can't wait around for this country or that country not to be corrupt. That way lies ruin."

The Reverend asked, "What are you proposing?"

"You are going to need some water for Mars anyway, likely transported via the planetary gate. You will need planetary scale desalination to make a difference."

Sam said, "Well yes, but that is far off, isn't it?"

"Is it really? With the weapon systems on Liberator you can carve up even the biggest asteroids like cheese. Those can be returned to Earth either in large sections by the Liberator or in smaller sections by the world gate. With your transporters you can place them exactly where they are needed. Think about it. Myths. Legends. The past and the future coming together."

"It sounds like you are proposing we raise Atlantis?" said Sam sardonically.

Rommie suddenly stood up from Kasumi and even helped Kasumi up.

Sam blinked at that. "I thought you weren't solid."

"I normally do not waste the energy, but can be if the need arises. More importantly, I want in. If there is any chance to restore even a part of my creators legacy, well, count me in. In fact, if you can find more than one power module, and ideally several more, I happen to know where the city went."

"What do you mean went?" asked the Reverend. "Cities don't move."

"Atlantis did. Her star drive was a thing of beauty. It is a shame they refused to endow her with life. I knew of many that volunteered, but they ended the program over concerns about the ethics of what they did. I believe I am the last sentient ship in existence. Still, I would love to see her again."

Carlos said, "You were alive once."

"Yes, of course I was. Technology cannot create true life. Oh it can fake it to a large extent, but it is always, at the heart false." Kasumi put her arms around her.

"Where is it?" Sam asked.

"If my records are still current it is in the Pegasys galaxy. I even have Stargate coordinates, though I would use caution there. The last information I have was they were going to sink the city under the ocean. If the shield has been eating away at the life of the power modules, well if she is intact, then the modules have to be running low by now. She may be drowned. You need a ship with extra power modules and people that can repair the systems or you risk any team sent becoming causalities."

"Liberator can make the trip. Could you?"

"Not in the time you can make it in, at least based on the conversations I've had with Zen. I would be weeks in transit. You could make it in days, but you will also need someone with the right Lantean gene sequence. It doesn't matter for me, since I am the security system, but for Atlantis you will need it. Soun and Kasumi have it. It is partly why Kasumi has such potential. Ranma is oddly close. The Asgard could probably safely adjust his DNA if you needed another. Jack also has it. There may be others. I have sent the genetic signature to Zen. Your going to need at least two people. One will have to use the control chair, but systems are going to need to be monitored, well unless you want to wait till I can get there and take over functions remotely."

Avon said, "Zen begin scanning for additional people who have the Lantean gene sequence provided by Nozomi."

"Confirmed."

Sam added, "Focus on anyone on our list of possible candidates for the EDF."

"Confirmed."

Less than a minute later Zen reported, "A candidate has been identified. John Sheppard of the US Air Force has the gene."

"That figures," Sam said. "He was probably in a Tok'ra shuttle moving stuff around, so being closest was the first scanned." She looked at Ranma.

"You want to try to find several possibly no longer existing power modules, a wedding, destroy a weapon, and swing by another Galaxy all at once?"

"Yes. I have a feeling we may need the help."

The Reverend said, "I know the Holy Father would not miss a chance to visit another galaxy, even if it is a very short trip."

Ranma said, "We need to talk to General Hammond. If we are doing this we probably need to suddenly have a good part of the people that come decide to retire and join the EDF."

"I'm worried about the position this will put the General in."

Ranma added, "It doesn't matter, or at least it doesn't matter enough. Look at the analysis. Your talking a piece city far bigger than Liberator, possibly there for the taking. It is not something we can turn down, nor can we just hand it over. That was clearly spelled out by the Asgard. We may not like the situation we are in, but we can't fail to take these actions. If the General gets in trouble he can join our group."

Sam replied, "Your right. The main thing is that the planet is defended. I still can't believe our democracy can be under such a threat. Don't we have enough problems?" She sighed. "One thing at a time. We will talk to the General." She turned to the Reverend. "Will you get as much of the things on that list ready as soon as possible? If there is a debt, we will find a way to pay for it."

"I will, and I doubt there will be. The church has a duty of care. Normally that doesn't extend militarily but it has in the past and can again if need be. We will get it done, and if there is money to be dealt with, we will figure it out later."

Sam asked, "Good. How much longer Rommie?"

"A few hours, but we might have to take at least one more break. It is dangerous for Kasumi to merge for long periods, particularly when she is new to our bond. The power module was also getting too hot."

"Really?" asked Avon surprised. He went over it and started looking at readings. "Your right. We could do something with cooling."

Rommie said, "I have designed an addition which will allow water to cool most of it. I have sent it to your ship to review and fabricate. I assume water hoses can be brought?"

"Of course," added the priest. "I'll go get these things done."

Sam said, "Avon, stay here and facilitate this all. When she is done beam the module back for recharging."

"Okay mom."

"Zen beam Ranma and I up."

-=oOo=-

Author's Note: Vote