Debriefing Room, SGC
Upon returning from Tollana, Commander Riker split up from the SG1 team. He got a status report from Geordie and beamed back to the Enterprise for a debriefing session with Captain Picard.
SG1 went had to go through the same procedure.
"So our hunch was right."
"Yes sir," jack replied. "It was them."
"It looks like the Goa'uld have upgraded their defenses on their ships making them invulnerable to the Tollan ion cannons. This left Tollana vulnerable to Goa'uld attack. However, instead of destroying Tollana, Tanith made a pact with the Chancellor wherein the Tollans would develop a phase shift weapon for the Goa'uld in return for not destroying Tollana," Daniel explained.
"The goa'uld also forced the Tollans to deliver the bomb since they themselves did not want to for fear repraisal from the Asgards," O'Neil added.
"So what happens when the Goa'uld find out that the phase shift weapon failed to destroy us?"
"Tanith's not going to like it. And since the Tollans are at their mercy, they might decide to bomb Tollana back to the stone age as you call it," Teal'c finished.
Everyone digested the information. Although they felt that the Chancellor and the Curia deserved it, there would be lots of civilian casualties, something none of them liked. However, there was nothing they could do to help the Tollans even if they wanted to. The Tollans would have to reap the results of their harvest no matter how bitter it might be.
USS Enterprise-E, Earth Orbit
Captain Picard listened attentively to his Number One as he related the incident. He was not too sympathetic to the plight of the Tollans. In his book, anyone who would put their own safety in front of billions of helpless people did not warrant much sympathy. It was against everything he and Starfleet stood for. He couldn't count how many times he had laid his life on the line for the safety of others. However, doing nothing meant the death of countless civilians on Tollana. That too was against his belief. He had to do something.
"Thank you Number One. What is the status of the installations at the SGC?"
"Its coming along fine, sir. Geordie should be done with the force field around the stargate in another hour or so. The rest of the stuff will take a while longer."
"Good, have Data plot a course to Tollana. We'll have to leave immediately if we are to get to there in time."
"Yes sir," Riker replied as he headed out of the Captain's ready room.
"Number one, ask General Hammond if we can borrow SG1 for a while too. We might need their services when we confront the Goa'ulds again."
"Yes sir."
Chancellors Office, Tollana
Nerim was clearly incensed. He couldn't understand how any one of his people who considered themselves "advanced" could stoop so low, especially someone of such rank as the chancellor. He understood that she was under a lot of duress, but to break down at the implied threat of the Goa'uld should have been beneath her. Another thought crossed his mind. What if Omac's death hadn't been natural as it was claimed to be. He was sure that if Omac had been alive he wouldn't have gone along with this farce. No, they wouldn't go that far, but then again would they? After all they had already broken the supreme edict and lied to the people. So what's stopping them from murdering Omac to keep things a secret?
The chancellor could see the turmoil in Nerim's face and tried to solace him, "Nerim, what ever we did, we did it to protect Tollana and our people. Tell me, what would you have done in my place?"
Nerim did not reply at once. He did not have a clear answer but surely there had to be another way, a way where they did not have to be subservient to the Goa'uld. Was this really a better alternative? Today they had to bomb earth, what next? What would happen when the Asgards found out about this? How would they take it? Would they understand their predicament or would they just consider the Tollans an enemy and proceed to destroy them. He was sure it would be the latter. After all the Asgards were in debt to Earth and had placed it under their protective custody. No wonder the Goa'ulds did not want to deliver the bombs themselves. Why do it when you could have your lackey do it for you. He shook his head in disgust, "No Chancellor, I would not have done it. Don't you understand what is happening here? The Goa'ulds are using us to get rid of Earth so they do not have to face the Asgards. What do you think the Asgards are going to do to us when they find out what we attempted?"
It was one more thing the Chancellor had not taken into account. How could she have missed it. But that was besides the point now. What was done was done and they had to face the music. She was sure that Tanith would return when he found out that Earth wasn't destroyed. There was no doubt that he would keep his promise to turn Tollana into a pile of molten rock. But it wouldn't quite be as easy as he had assumed it would be for she had an ace up her sleeves too. Granted it was a weak one but never the less it was something. After finding out that the ion cannons were useless against Tanith's new shields, she had her scientist working twenty four seven to come up with new weapon that could breach his defenses. They had come up with something alright, but it was untested and would have to be baptized under fire. So be it, she thought.
"Nerim, if you will excuse me now, I have to make preparations. We have to start moving our civilian population to a safer place before Tanith gets back."
With that she walked away leaving Nerim to his thoughts. He wondered how long they had before this started.
Bridge, USS Enterprise en route to Tollana
"Data, how long till we arrive at Tollana?" Riker asked.
"One hour, four minutes and 21 seconds at present speed, sir."
I better get the Captain up here he thought, "Captain, this is the bridge."
"Go ahead, Number One."
"Sir, we will be arriving at Tollana in an hour."
"Understood. Have SG1 meet me at the bridge."
When Picard arrived at the bridge, SG1 was already there. He nodded his acknowledgement to them and proceeded to his chair. "Status, Number One?"
"We will be dropping out of Warp and entering Tollana local space in another 10 minutes sir. All stations are operational and awaiting your orders."
"Have we detected anything unusual yet? Any sign of Goa'uld activity?"
"Yes sir, in fact long range sensors indicate that there is a battle raging around Tollana. There seem to be 5 Goa'uld vessels firing on the surface and numerous surface weapons firing back. The Tollans are taking a beating with lots heavy planetary damages."
"Ensign, raise speed to maximum warp and bring us in orbit around Tollana, 350,000 km from the surface. Engage!"
"Yes sir."
The Enterprise increased speed cutting down the ETA to 2 minutes and was soon entering orbit around Tollana. Both the warring parties did not notice them at first as they were too busy with each other. But things changed quickly.
"This is Captain Picard of the USS Enterprise to the Goa'uld ships, cease fire immediately," he ordered.
The picture on the view screen was replaced by the face of Taneth. He was clearly pissed but this anger turned into hatred at the sight of SG1 standing behind Picard. "You dare challenge a god," he roared, eyes glowing.
"You heard me, Tanith. This is your last warning. Leave now or I will destroy you," he reiterated with finality.
The channel was cut off as the Goa'uld warships proceeded to leave orbit and vector in on the Enterprise. When they were in range, they started firing with all weapons. The shields on the Enterprise glowed brightly as it was buffeted by the combined firepower of 5 Ha'Taks.
"Shields down to 90 percent," Worf reported calmly.
"Evasive pattern delta 2. Return fire Mr. Worf. Phasers and photon torpedoes."
"Yes sir," he replied. Like all Klingons, Worf lived for moments like this. Too bad he had to suppress his urge to roar out his pleasure, after all he was onboard the Federation flagship and such displays were frowned upon.
The Enterprise was a large ship, about the same size as the Ha'Taks it faced. But unlike the Ha'Taks, it was extremely agile and belied its size and mass. The moment Picard gave the order, the huge ship jumped into action, pulling off maneuvers, that the slower, lumbering Ha'Taks simply couldn't keep up with. As the Ha'Taks had never faced an opponent as fast and maneuverable as the Enterprise, most of the fire missed their mark frustrating the gunners. But that was only the beginning. When Worf went to work, all hell broke loose. The phaser arrays lit up stabbing out across the emptiness of space, touching the defenses of the closest Ha'Tak. The shields around the area simply couldn't bear the brunt and buckled under the assault letting the phaser cut deeply into the ship. This was quickly followed by a pair of photon torpedoes that sliced through the ship like a hot knife through butter, eviscerating the entire ship. It exploded into a spectacular ball of flame momentarily lighting up the nearby ships in an eerie glow.
Seeing how easily the first ship had been exterminated, the remaining Ha'Taks scurried, trying vainly to get out of the way. It was easier said than done. No sooner had it finished dispatching the first ship, the Enterprise was already swooping down on its next victim like a peregrine falcon diving after a grouse. Phasers stabbed at the enemy finding its mark, cutting deeply into its armored flanks. Jaffas unfortunate enough to be in the immediate area were killed instantly as explosive decompression emptied the effected compartments of all atmosphere. The rest weren't any luckier. As the Enterprise swooped past the crippled ship, aft phaser arrays delivered the coup de grace.
Tanith had been certain of victory when he took on the sleek grey ship. It had not look very menacing at first. But the more he looked at it, the more it reminded him of a deadly serpent... a cobra with its hood spread out striking at its enemy. It definitely felt like one. Every time it struck, it brought with it death and destruction. His fleet of five upgraded Ha'Taks were supposed to be invincible but now it felt far from that. Already, two of them were destroyed. The two remaining ships converged around his ship trying to protect him but he felt it wasn't going to be enough. He sure wasn't going to stick around to find out if he was right. He ordered his remaining Ha'Taks to provide cover as he tried to escape.
Onboard the Enterprise, Picard knew what was going on. He knew that Tanith wasn't a fool. Now that he realized he couldn't win, he would tuck his tails between his legs and run. He knew he should finish Tanith off right there and then, but that would be simple murder in his eyes. They did not stand a chance. "Let them leave," he commanded.
Jack couldn't believe his ears. Just when they had Tanith where the wanted, Picard was going to let Tanith go. "Are you out of your mind. You cant let him go," he protested. But the captain of the ship had spoken. He could do nothing about it.
Military Command, Tollana
Nerim couldn't believe what he saw. Just as the battle with the Goa'ulds were taking a turn for the worse, fate seemed to intervene. A gleaming white ship of an odd design dropped out of nowhere and challenged the Goa'uld ships. Who were they? Could they be the Asgards, he wondered. Not likely, why would they come to their rescue? So who could it be? He got his answer soon enough. On the view screen, he could see an authoritative figure giving the Goa'uld an ultimatum. What was more intriguing, was that SG1 was standing behind him. So, Sam had brought in the cavalry, but who were these people? He then noticed Commander Riker. So that's who he was. No wonder, they were able to defeat the bomb they had sent over.
Obviously, the Goa'uld did not heed the warning and started to fire upon this newcomer with little effect. He knew it was a bad mistake on the their part. The strange grey ship jumped into action with blinding speed, stepping neatly out of the way of incoming fire. It also returned fire with deadly precision. The first ship fell almost immediately. Then another. It was over as quickly as it had started. With the destruction of two of his ships, Tanith high-tailed it out of the system as fast as he could. A jubilation roar erupt around him. But deep down, he knew better. The battle was won but what about the war. Surely, Tanith wasn't working by himself and more of his kind would be back when they found out what had happened here today. They would send 10 to take place of the 5 they had lost today and 20 more if they lost that 10. They couldn't let some strange ship run roughshod over them. He was sure of it. He could only hope that they could come up with something between now and then.
Upon returning from Tollana, Commander Riker split up from the SG1 team. He got a status report from Geordie and beamed back to the Enterprise for a debriefing session with Captain Picard.
SG1 went had to go through the same procedure.
"So our hunch was right."
"Yes sir," jack replied. "It was them."
"It looks like the Goa'uld have upgraded their defenses on their ships making them invulnerable to the Tollan ion cannons. This left Tollana vulnerable to Goa'uld attack. However, instead of destroying Tollana, Tanith made a pact with the Chancellor wherein the Tollans would develop a phase shift weapon for the Goa'uld in return for not destroying Tollana," Daniel explained.
"The goa'uld also forced the Tollans to deliver the bomb since they themselves did not want to for fear repraisal from the Asgards," O'Neil added.
"So what happens when the Goa'uld find out that the phase shift weapon failed to destroy us?"
"Tanith's not going to like it. And since the Tollans are at their mercy, they might decide to bomb Tollana back to the stone age as you call it," Teal'c finished.
Everyone digested the information. Although they felt that the Chancellor and the Curia deserved it, there would be lots of civilian casualties, something none of them liked. However, there was nothing they could do to help the Tollans even if they wanted to. The Tollans would have to reap the results of their harvest no matter how bitter it might be.
USS Enterprise-E, Earth Orbit
Captain Picard listened attentively to his Number One as he related the incident. He was not too sympathetic to the plight of the Tollans. In his book, anyone who would put their own safety in front of billions of helpless people did not warrant much sympathy. It was against everything he and Starfleet stood for. He couldn't count how many times he had laid his life on the line for the safety of others. However, doing nothing meant the death of countless civilians on Tollana. That too was against his belief. He had to do something.
"Thank you Number One. What is the status of the installations at the SGC?"
"Its coming along fine, sir. Geordie should be done with the force field around the stargate in another hour or so. The rest of the stuff will take a while longer."
"Good, have Data plot a course to Tollana. We'll have to leave immediately if we are to get to there in time."
"Yes sir," Riker replied as he headed out of the Captain's ready room.
"Number one, ask General Hammond if we can borrow SG1 for a while too. We might need their services when we confront the Goa'ulds again."
"Yes sir."
Chancellors Office, Tollana
Nerim was clearly incensed. He couldn't understand how any one of his people who considered themselves "advanced" could stoop so low, especially someone of such rank as the chancellor. He understood that she was under a lot of duress, but to break down at the implied threat of the Goa'uld should have been beneath her. Another thought crossed his mind. What if Omac's death hadn't been natural as it was claimed to be. He was sure that if Omac had been alive he wouldn't have gone along with this farce. No, they wouldn't go that far, but then again would they? After all they had already broken the supreme edict and lied to the people. So what's stopping them from murdering Omac to keep things a secret?
The chancellor could see the turmoil in Nerim's face and tried to solace him, "Nerim, what ever we did, we did it to protect Tollana and our people. Tell me, what would you have done in my place?"
Nerim did not reply at once. He did not have a clear answer but surely there had to be another way, a way where they did not have to be subservient to the Goa'uld. Was this really a better alternative? Today they had to bomb earth, what next? What would happen when the Asgards found out about this? How would they take it? Would they understand their predicament or would they just consider the Tollans an enemy and proceed to destroy them. He was sure it would be the latter. After all the Asgards were in debt to Earth and had placed it under their protective custody. No wonder the Goa'ulds did not want to deliver the bombs themselves. Why do it when you could have your lackey do it for you. He shook his head in disgust, "No Chancellor, I would not have done it. Don't you understand what is happening here? The Goa'ulds are using us to get rid of Earth so they do not have to face the Asgards. What do you think the Asgards are going to do to us when they find out what we attempted?"
It was one more thing the Chancellor had not taken into account. How could she have missed it. But that was besides the point now. What was done was done and they had to face the music. She was sure that Tanith would return when he found out that Earth wasn't destroyed. There was no doubt that he would keep his promise to turn Tollana into a pile of molten rock. But it wouldn't quite be as easy as he had assumed it would be for she had an ace up her sleeves too. Granted it was a weak one but never the less it was something. After finding out that the ion cannons were useless against Tanith's new shields, she had her scientist working twenty four seven to come up with new weapon that could breach his defenses. They had come up with something alright, but it was untested and would have to be baptized under fire. So be it, she thought.
"Nerim, if you will excuse me now, I have to make preparations. We have to start moving our civilian population to a safer place before Tanith gets back."
With that she walked away leaving Nerim to his thoughts. He wondered how long they had before this started.
Bridge, USS Enterprise en route to Tollana
"Data, how long till we arrive at Tollana?" Riker asked.
"One hour, four minutes and 21 seconds at present speed, sir."
I better get the Captain up here he thought, "Captain, this is the bridge."
"Go ahead, Number One."
"Sir, we will be arriving at Tollana in an hour."
"Understood. Have SG1 meet me at the bridge."
When Picard arrived at the bridge, SG1 was already there. He nodded his acknowledgement to them and proceeded to his chair. "Status, Number One?"
"We will be dropping out of Warp and entering Tollana local space in another 10 minutes sir. All stations are operational and awaiting your orders."
"Have we detected anything unusual yet? Any sign of Goa'uld activity?"
"Yes sir, in fact long range sensors indicate that there is a battle raging around Tollana. There seem to be 5 Goa'uld vessels firing on the surface and numerous surface weapons firing back. The Tollans are taking a beating with lots heavy planetary damages."
"Ensign, raise speed to maximum warp and bring us in orbit around Tollana, 350,000 km from the surface. Engage!"
"Yes sir."
The Enterprise increased speed cutting down the ETA to 2 minutes and was soon entering orbit around Tollana. Both the warring parties did not notice them at first as they were too busy with each other. But things changed quickly.
"This is Captain Picard of the USS Enterprise to the Goa'uld ships, cease fire immediately," he ordered.
The picture on the view screen was replaced by the face of Taneth. He was clearly pissed but this anger turned into hatred at the sight of SG1 standing behind Picard. "You dare challenge a god," he roared, eyes glowing.
"You heard me, Tanith. This is your last warning. Leave now or I will destroy you," he reiterated with finality.
The channel was cut off as the Goa'uld warships proceeded to leave orbit and vector in on the Enterprise. When they were in range, they started firing with all weapons. The shields on the Enterprise glowed brightly as it was buffeted by the combined firepower of 5 Ha'Taks.
"Shields down to 90 percent," Worf reported calmly.
"Evasive pattern delta 2. Return fire Mr. Worf. Phasers and photon torpedoes."
"Yes sir," he replied. Like all Klingons, Worf lived for moments like this. Too bad he had to suppress his urge to roar out his pleasure, after all he was onboard the Federation flagship and such displays were frowned upon.
The Enterprise was a large ship, about the same size as the Ha'Taks it faced. But unlike the Ha'Taks, it was extremely agile and belied its size and mass. The moment Picard gave the order, the huge ship jumped into action, pulling off maneuvers, that the slower, lumbering Ha'Taks simply couldn't keep up with. As the Ha'Taks had never faced an opponent as fast and maneuverable as the Enterprise, most of the fire missed their mark frustrating the gunners. But that was only the beginning. When Worf went to work, all hell broke loose. The phaser arrays lit up stabbing out across the emptiness of space, touching the defenses of the closest Ha'Tak. The shields around the area simply couldn't bear the brunt and buckled under the assault letting the phaser cut deeply into the ship. This was quickly followed by a pair of photon torpedoes that sliced through the ship like a hot knife through butter, eviscerating the entire ship. It exploded into a spectacular ball of flame momentarily lighting up the nearby ships in an eerie glow.
Seeing how easily the first ship had been exterminated, the remaining Ha'Taks scurried, trying vainly to get out of the way. It was easier said than done. No sooner had it finished dispatching the first ship, the Enterprise was already swooping down on its next victim like a peregrine falcon diving after a grouse. Phasers stabbed at the enemy finding its mark, cutting deeply into its armored flanks. Jaffas unfortunate enough to be in the immediate area were killed instantly as explosive decompression emptied the effected compartments of all atmosphere. The rest weren't any luckier. As the Enterprise swooped past the crippled ship, aft phaser arrays delivered the coup de grace.
Tanith had been certain of victory when he took on the sleek grey ship. It had not look very menacing at first. But the more he looked at it, the more it reminded him of a deadly serpent... a cobra with its hood spread out striking at its enemy. It definitely felt like one. Every time it struck, it brought with it death and destruction. His fleet of five upgraded Ha'Taks were supposed to be invincible but now it felt far from that. Already, two of them were destroyed. The two remaining ships converged around his ship trying to protect him but he felt it wasn't going to be enough. He sure wasn't going to stick around to find out if he was right. He ordered his remaining Ha'Taks to provide cover as he tried to escape.
Onboard the Enterprise, Picard knew what was going on. He knew that Tanith wasn't a fool. Now that he realized he couldn't win, he would tuck his tails between his legs and run. He knew he should finish Tanith off right there and then, but that would be simple murder in his eyes. They did not stand a chance. "Let them leave," he commanded.
Jack couldn't believe his ears. Just when they had Tanith where the wanted, Picard was going to let Tanith go. "Are you out of your mind. You cant let him go," he protested. But the captain of the ship had spoken. He could do nothing about it.
Military Command, Tollana
Nerim couldn't believe what he saw. Just as the battle with the Goa'ulds were taking a turn for the worse, fate seemed to intervene. A gleaming white ship of an odd design dropped out of nowhere and challenged the Goa'uld ships. Who were they? Could they be the Asgards, he wondered. Not likely, why would they come to their rescue? So who could it be? He got his answer soon enough. On the view screen, he could see an authoritative figure giving the Goa'uld an ultimatum. What was more intriguing, was that SG1 was standing behind him. So, Sam had brought in the cavalry, but who were these people? He then noticed Commander Riker. So that's who he was. No wonder, they were able to defeat the bomb they had sent over.
Obviously, the Goa'uld did not heed the warning and started to fire upon this newcomer with little effect. He knew it was a bad mistake on the their part. The strange grey ship jumped into action with blinding speed, stepping neatly out of the way of incoming fire. It also returned fire with deadly precision. The first ship fell almost immediately. Then another. It was over as quickly as it had started. With the destruction of two of his ships, Tanith high-tailed it out of the system as fast as he could. A jubilation roar erupt around him. But deep down, he knew better. The battle was won but what about the war. Surely, Tanith wasn't working by himself and more of his kind would be back when they found out what had happened here today. They would send 10 to take place of the 5 they had lost today and 20 more if they lost that 10. They couldn't let some strange ship run roughshod over them. He was sure of it. He could only hope that they could come up with something between now and then.