Disclaimer: I never have and never will own the characters, Ideas or anything else based on these 2 shows. The TV studios that produced them, do. This story is also free as it is a pet project. Enjoy.

"Talking"

"Thinking"

"Wireless/communication"

"Speaking in a different language"

Chapter 17: Calm before the storm.

Earth's moon, high orbit, defense perimeter, 8 months later

Lt. Mary Stone was not having a good day. She had graduated weeks ago and earned her wings as well as a promotion. Being in the top 1% of all the rookies earned her those privileges. Including a F-203 with her name on it. Or Star Fury, as her call sign was now. She got it from her pilot friends because of her nature of getting angry when things did not go her way. And when she got angry, her kill board got filled. Something her instructors saw as a good thing as well as something to look out for.

Right now, she was angry. Earth was under attack. A massive Goa'uld fleet lead by Anubis himself was attacking the Sol system.

A massive fleet exited hyperspace mere 10 minutes ago. It was lead by that monstrosity of a mother ship. More than 80 Ha'tak's, twice as many destroyers and a dozen of those larger battleships, it was the biggest single Goa'uld fleet ever encountered. And if that alone was not bad enough, the improved fighters, the plasma super weapon and new frigate class ships equipped with a new anti fighter and missile weapon were hammering the defenders.

"The mother ship is charging her weapon again, break, break!" the CAG of the Trident, the ship she was assigned to, called out.

In space, Anubis's mother ship fired a concentrated beam of plasma energy at the Trident. Her Aegis shields active, the weapon and barrier clashed in a blinding flash. Seconds later, following a small shockwave, Mary looked outside her cockpit.

"Eva, report. What's the Trident's status?" She saw her capital ship still out there, but badly damaged, her Aegis shield off-line.

"The Aegis shield was depleted by that hit and her standard shields are nearly gone as well. Several hull breaches detected, decompressions detected on decks 7 to 9. Her maneuverability is decreased by 80%." her on-board VI answered.

"Damn. What's Anubis's mother ship weapon status?"

"On recharge cycle. Based on previous rate of fire, it will be recharged in 50 seconds."

The Damocles and Aegis modules were designed to increase the defenses and offences of a ship as long as the naquadria reactor designated for them still had fuel left. It was a poor man's substitute for the power amplification crystals of the Ancients. And in this case, having 4 original ones is better than having one poor substitute. Better recharge cycle, fire power and range. They lost 2 Excalibur, 7 cruisers and god knows how many destroyers by now. If that monster was not here, or if it only did not have that weapon, they would be able to keep the defense... but this was going from bad to worse. They also lost the Mars terraforming colony and Ceres mining colony. Over 85000 people dead. Now they were falling back even more.

"Fall back, fall back! The Trident is lost, her crew being evacuated. We are re-grouping at Earth orbit!" the CAG barked out again.

All the fighters and bombers did as ordered, following the capital ships. As they passed the moon, they saw their Lunar base... or what was left of it. Now only several craters remained. The plasma super weapon outranges all their planetary defense weapons, meaning that Anubis was able to destroy their Moon base at a safe distance with several shots, once crippling her shield defenses. Only their long range missiles and torpedoes had similar range, but the new anti missile and fighter weapon was countering their tactic's well. Almost too well. Anubis did his homework.

The remaining defenders, 42 capital ships, mostly cruisers and destroyers, since Anubis also prioritize the battleships first for his mother ship to take out, regrouped in high Earth orbit. The Aegis and Damocles modules were expensive, so only battleships got them, but they were no match for his mother ship. The only battleships left were the Phoenix and Titan.

Mary took her position with her wing next to a cruiser. The defense satellites in orbit, all of them designed with standard Terran technology, as well the several space stations, mostly designed for travel, logistics and defense, were ready to protect Earth as well. Below them, they saw the many bubbles of energy being deployed over the most populated area.

"This is not looking good, sir." one of her wing said over the tachyon comm systems.

"Stow the chatter! Stay focused!" the CAG ordered.

"Why did we have to send the last useful ZPM to Pegasus anyway!?" another pilot asked.

"I said stow it! One is being delivered to Earth thru the gate as we speak, but we can't rely on the drones for now!" the CAG roared again, trying to get some form of order.

"Eva, status report." Mary asked her on board VI.

"Armor intact, all primary systems at 100%. Missiles depleted, only particle impulse weapons and rail guns available, ammo for guns at 55%."

"Great. Join the space forces they said. See the galaxy they said. Help protect humanity they said. They should add, die against impossible odds into their recruitment slogan." she groaned.

Just then, another plasma beam from the mother ship, who had entered her long range weapons range, but remained outside the defenders range, hit the Phoenix, with the same result. The ship survived, but was crippled.

After the strike, the defenders saw the cloud of enemy fighters approaching them.

"Looks like Anubis is sacrificing his peasants first, get ready!" the CAG said. "With so many, we can't launch our missiles and torpedoes as well, they would be shot down almost on the spot. Clever bastard!"

The space battle began. It was a mess of dog fighting. The Goa'uld outnumbered the Terrans 3 to 1, but the Terrans had better fighters and the defenders advantage. Mary was having a hard time staying alive, with so many enemies around her. During the engagement, another flash was seen, crippling the Titan. Now they were down to cruisers.

"We can't stay here, were getting slaughtered!"

"Redeploy to the cruiser Alamo, we have to regroup there..." was the last the CAG said as his fighter was shot down.

Mary realized that she was now in charge of the squadron. "You heard him, let's move, people!"

"Star Fury, look!" one of her pilot friends shouted out.

She saw a hyperspace window open up behind the enemy fleet. "It's the Orion!"

The modified Aurora with a small escort had arrived. Not bothering with her Terran inspired weapons, she released her drones almost on the spot where she arrived.

"This is the Orion to all Terran forces, stay clear of the enemy fleet. Let's hope this works." her captain ordered the defenders.

In space, everyone saw the small could of glowing dots launched from the Orion, who got under attack the moment the Goa'uld fleet turned around. As the drones were still moving to the enemy fleet, the Orion got hit by the plasma super weapon, but fared much better than the Excalibur class ships. But the 4 power amplifier crystals were having an effect.

"Captain, shields dropped to 89%. That weapon really packs a punch to do this to an Aurora!" The tactical officer reported on the Orion bridge.

"And the other weapons were getting hit by?"

"Almost no effect, but if they continue hitting us with that primary weapon, the shields will be depleted in 5 to 6 shots."

"Damn. Order the drone operator to focus on that mother ship. Ignore everything else!" the captain ordered. "Anything we can do to increase shield strength to endure more shots?"

"No, we are maxed out on power output, only a ZPM would make a difference. With a ZPM, that weapon would do minimum damage..."

The captain gritted her teeth, hoping the drones would do it, she just shot the entire load of the Orion.

As the glowing could of drones reached the enemy fleet, it began tearing them apart, but all the drones were still focused on the mother ship. And Anubis saw what was coming and changed tactics. His mother ship pulled back at full sublight, while the rest of his fleet began forming a meat shield. A cold, but typical Goa'uld tactic. He was willing to sacrifice his fleet to achieve victory. The drones would use up more of their fuel as they had to either dodge or pass thru shields and armor. Sooner or later they would have to detonate after hitting a target, or stop dead in space.

And it worked. While Anubis sacrificed almost 90% of his fleet, the drones were depleted after that and his mother ship was still active, being hit by only a few drones, doing minimum damage.

"God damn it! Reroute power to standard weapons and open fire! We have to take him out fast!" the Orion captain roared orders. Just then, the bridge rocked hard, as the Orion was, again, hit by a plasma super weapon shot.

"Shields down to 64%" the tactical officer reported again.

"Full thrust, charge at him, take us slightly to port. Call Earth's remaining defenders, we need their help!" The captain ordered again.

"Yes sir, but they are still busy with the fighter assault over there." The comm officer responded.

"Whatever they can spare. I'll take it."

"Sir, the enemy..." the helm officer drew the attention of everyone. "They are retreating."

In space, Anubis's mother ship and the few remaining capital ships retreated into hyperspace, leaving the remaining Death gliders as a distraction.

In her fighter, Mary took a deep breath. "Well, it worked this time. After 7 tries..."

Terran main training and simulation facility, Hoth system, same time

Mary took a helmet off her head and looked around. "So, after 7 simulations today, we managed to hold the line once. God damn it, we need to do better. Every simulation we try, the moment we remove the ZPMs and drones from the scenario, we lose." She cursed.

As she stood up from the training simulation chair, another of her friends, who got 'shot' down during the simulation, helped her stand up and smiled. "Look at it this way, Star Fury, you at least got to the end of this simulation. Unlike most of us."

"Yeah, great, but WE still lost everything up to the Earth. And if we did not add the Orion this time, we would have lost... again. Why do we have to do simulations with no Antarctica ZPM?"

"Because we have to be ready for anything, Lt. Stone." Colonel O'Neill said as he entered that simulation room, mostly filled with pilots on their simulation chairs. There were many other identical rooms thru the base. The Terrans had adapted this planet, so well hidden, with an Ancient base on it, for training. And it was doing it's job good.

"Attention, commanding officer in the room!" Mary shouted and stood at attention. The others did the same.

"At ease, people. Nicely done. Nice to see you again, cadet. Or is it lieutenant now?" O'Neill smirked.

"Sir, yes sir. This was my final test day after shipping out."

"Oh, where you deployed?"

"The Trident, sir."

"Oh... Ramius ship? Here is a word of advice. That old Russian is one of the hardest captains we have. But while he will grind your ass down if you cross him, he is fair and has excellent judgment. You could do much worse." O'Neill smirked after telling her that.

"And here I thought he would get the Kursk?"

"Why, cause he's Russian? We are literally an international, interstellar... hell, now even intergalactic civilization now. No one gets to pick and choose. Although I do hope to get the Enterprise one day." O'Neill smiled. As he turned around to walk out, he said. "Come with me lieutenant, let's get something to eat. My team and I are meeting in the mess hall."

Mary nodded and followed him, not sure if he was joking about the Enterprise. Was there a ship with that name being built at all?

As they reached the mess hall, the rest of SG-1 was already there, with SG-1A also present.

"Hey sir! Over here!" Mitchell shouted and waved at the colonel.

O'Neill nodded in confirming that he will join them. Once he got something to eat. Mary, following him, had to ask. "Sir, why is SG-1 here anyway? Don't you have a galaxy to save as our flagship team?"

"Heh, well, we need some down time as well. In this case, Carter is looking how the simulation systems the egg heads installed on this Ancient outpost, are working. Teal'c is looking into the combat training simulator and Jonas is looking over the history simulation. Also, as you can see, we are now teaching new recruits with on the field training." He responded as he made his pick and went to the table where the rest of SG-1 were waiting. Mary noticed some of her old friends there as well.

As she sat down at the table, she was warmly greeted. "Wow, you guys. Fancy meeting all of you here." She smiled brightly at James, Ornek, Skar and Jennifer. "So, you guys are SG-1 in training?" She said mockingly.

"Oh shut it, 'Barbie'." Jennifer fired back, smirking.

"So, what assignments did you guys get?"

"Marines, explosives and tactics." Ornek replied.

"Engineers." Skar said.

"Marines, sniper specialist." James replied.

"What do you think? Tech specialist." was Jennifer's answer.

Mary nodded. "So all you are missing is the history and culture egg head."

"In the current situation of the galaxy, that is not a priority for SG teams at the moment." Mitchell responded, listening to their chat. "With the war between the System Lords against Anubis, us not wanting to wake up the Wraith, the New Great Alliance of 3 beefing up the defenses of all PPT worlds and the Asgard begining to push the Replicators back, we need fire power right now. That is why every SG team also has a marine escort right now."

"Yes, and if we had not "provided" the System Lords with a disabled Anubis Ha'tak in a secret location, they would be getting hammered. This way, they are at least putting up a fight." Sam sighed. "But his Kull's, Khalek clones and that plasma super weapon... it is only a matter of time."

"Speaking of those, Sam..." O'Neill began with his usually cocky smile. "How are our countermeasures coming along? Because based on these simulations, only the Auroras and drones can kill that thing. These simulations are becoming more and more like that Star Trek thing... Kobayashi test... Something. The unbeatable scenario. Do we really need a Kirk here?"

"Sir..." Carter sighed. She knew this was coming. "Based on the information we have on Anubis forces, we know that his super weapon can overpower our defenses, the Aegis included. Only Ancient shielding used on an Aurora or Atlantis class cityship can resist it. If he had all 6 power amplifier crystals, his weapon would be that much more destructive. Even if we knew how it works and how he made it, we would still be 1 crystal short of building an equal version, we only have 3."

"OK, so... Were screwed? Since only drones can defeat that monster..." Mitchell tried to wrap his brain around this discussion.

"No, the anti-particle beam is effective as well." Sam interrupted him.

"Is that the reason that both the Velocity and Orion are hauling 4 of those satellites to the Milky way?" O'Neill asked.

"Yes sir. That is the reason. 1 for Earth, 1 for Tollana, 1 for Langara and 1 for Hebridan."

"Why only those 4?"

"Most populated, developed, industrialized or rich in resources worlds. That is why. New Terra will get one at some point, but since the Goa'uld don't know about its location, it's safe for now. Besides, we needed to evacuate 3 worlds in the past months, since we knew that we could not hold them, because they were in bad locations, either deep in Goa'uld territory or in the middle of nowhere with their location known to the enemy. The Ilempiri world Atropos included. We simply don't have enough of the satellites to defend every world."

"Sam's right." Mitchell agreed. "Our only luck is that they were not densely populated. Hell, the longest it took us was to evacuate the 2 million Ilempiri and we had several weeks to spare before Anubis arrived to only find an empty world. What do you suppose he wanted there?"

"Only guess was the Ancient laboratory with the anti Goa'uld immunity research. Thank god we took everything with us." Sam responded as she took another bite.

Everyone sighed. This was becoming a depressing conversation.

The sad truth was that they were afraid of Anubis. It seems that Daniel's warning a few months ago during a short conversation he had with O'Neill, thereby breaking the ascended rules, was right. He warned O'Neill that Anubis is aware that something in the time line was altered. Anubis did not know what was changed, but he knew something was off. The perks of being half-ascended it seems. O'Neill remarked that space monkey came thru for them that time, but still said that the whole ascended thing was overrated.

Now the renamed Terran Federation was having issues understanding the power amplifier technology as well as the upgrades Anubis did to his mother ship. They had 3 of the crystals, but were one short to match Anubis and they could not make more. It was discovered that a rare mineral was needed to create these crystals. It was even rarer as neutronium.

Because of this, the Terran fleet could stand up to Anubis regular forces, but his psyonic solders and mother ship were a real problem. The Tok'ra had no success in getting someone on board that ship to either sabotage it or study it. The same applied to his Kull factories and Khalek cloning facilities.

During the many clashes, they also noticed that Anubis was not sleeping during this conflict. He was adapting. Both his tactics and technology. In the case of tactics, Anubis knew he could not be everywhere, so he kept his forces together and not spreading them out thin to be picked off one by one. Anubis would only attack when it was on his conditions and when he located a good target. Terran outposts or planets too far out with small populations were ignored. He could break those worlds with a large scale attack, but they were not worth it. The larger worlds were. Like Atropos. Ba'al, against his better judgment, warned the Terrans of Anubis plans, giving them the time to evacuate the planets population. O'Neill was glad he did, but knew that Ba'al only did it to further his own cause.

As for the technology part, Anubis began adapting his ships to counter the Aegis and Damocles technologies. His approach was to adapt his weapons and shields to be better at countering these technologies. It was not a perfect solution, but it drastically reduced the Aegis durability, while the Damocles remained almost 80% effective. In the end, Anubis had the same problem as the Terrans. Lack of information. He was forced to study sensor data and not a captured Terran ship.

To get a break, the Terrans needed one of several things. Either a fourth power amplifier crystal, access to Anubis mother ship or another secret planet with abundant resources, inaccessible for the Goa'uld and with already functioning shipyards. Good luck with any of those objectives.

Their progress in Pegasus was also slow. They had their hands full with Anubis, so the last thing they wanted to do is awaken the Wraith. Or the Pegasus Replicators. Imagine the shock the Terran Council got when McKay send them a report of the origin of the Replicators and that there was a human form Replicator world in Pegasus. God help them if the spider Replicators ever join their humanoid brothers.

What success they did have in Pegasus was in making contact with the Genii, which did not go well, as the Genii wanted to be the military power in Pegasus. Other than that, they did discover 2 more Auroras. One just drifting in space after it was abandoned because of a radiation leak. The other however was so badly damaged that she would be used for spare parts and nothing more. The latter did have its original crew still alive in stasis pods, but they were so old that they were beyond help. All they could do was make its crew as comfortable as possible, while the Ancient crew helped them with information and knowledge as much as possible. The other Aurora was being retrofitted on New Terra at the moment, while the original two, that they found months ago, were making their final delivery run from Pegasus to the Milky way. For now.

"Yeah, good old Anubis making things harder. As if he is trying his hardest to be a bastard." O'Neill joked, trying to lift everyone's spirit.

"I have a feeling he is doing this as part of a preparation for something else. Bigger." Mitchell added his thought. "Think about it, we know that he knows the future was changed, but no details. Yet his actions are really different from what you said happened the first time, sir." he looked at O'Neill, who was now eating and listening to his comment. "He is stocking up his fleet and solders, now creating these Khalek clones... is it me, or is this overkill, even for him? Why not just go to Dakara and get it over with?"

Everyone else had a deep thought after this. Mitchell had a point.

"While I agree with you, Cam, speculating on this will get us nowhere. I do fear that the timeline was altered even outside our sphere of influence, but only Janus knows the full extent. Even that AI of his in Atlantis doesn't tell us everything. Or knows everything. All we can do is to continue on our chosen paths." Sam responded.

Everyone nodded their heads. As they continued with their meal, a soldier who had just entered the mess hall, approached them.

"Colonel O'Neill, you, SG-1 and SG-1A are to report to Earth ASAP. We have a situation and Earth Council has requested your presence. This is a need to know only order, so keep quiet, sir." the solder whispered to him.

"Understood." O'Neill saluted him and stood up. "So much for down time. Let's go people."

As everyone began to leave the mess hall, O'Neill turned to his recruits.

"OK, you guys stay here, this sounds official. Continue the simulations and try to win some of them." He then smirked and turned to Mary. "Keep up the good work, even if only simulated for now." O'Neill saluted them all, and left with the rest of the main SG-1.

When the former cadet's were left by themselves, they realized that they had another simulation session in 1 hour. Plenty of time to finish their meal and to catch up.

As SG-1 and SG-1A were moving to the gate room, android Carter slowed down and held her hand to her forehead. Sam saw this and slowed down as well.

"Something wrong?" Sam asked her android self.

"Nothing, just... fucking months and that bitch's virus still has side effect on me, even after purging it. I'm still not at 100%. Wraith viruses now really scare the shit out of me." she replied slowly.

"It's going to be fine. Just take your time." Sam patted her on the back.

"Yeah, as if being stuck on lab duty is not taking is slow enough. Feel so useless these days." She looked up again and smiled. "I'm OK. Let's go."

Earth, New Earth Council HQ, Outpostship Terra, middle of Atlantic ocean, 1 hour later

"Really love what they have done with the place." O'Neill remarked with his usual humor.

In fact, Earth had repurposed the Outpostship that Simmons used in his failed attempt to destabilize the planet. Limited to one micro ZPM, it was running mostly on the naquada reactors that they fueled up, reserving the micro ZPM for emergencies.

It provided for a secure, out of the way location for Earth politicians and military command to set up a command and control center where civilians could not be nosy or annoying around them. Like the media.

The Outpostship was fixed up and was now permanently populated by several ten thousands of people, mostly assistants, technicians and security personnel. Even a fresh coat of paint was added to give it a more personalized touch.

The Earth Council was made up of nations that met the criteria that the original Stargate nations as well as the members of the larger Terran Council decided were necessary. Like technological level, poverty and inequality status, infrastructure, political system, level of religious influence on the government, level of industrial influence on government and many others. That solved many issues, since the new Earth council did not have any religious influence, but also created other problems along the way. There were no African nations on the council or part of the Stargate program. That meant no access to any technologies or travel options. Many called that a racist decision, but looking at all of the nations on that continent, none made the minimum requirements in any area. Civil wars, inequality, uncontrolled population expansions... Until those issues get addressed, they are out. The same was with dictatorships, fake democracies and states controlled by religion. No matter how much they protested, they are out. It was also decided that if any nation already on the Earth Council regressed back and made bad political or economic decisions, it could and would be thrown out.

On the other hand, the Earth Council was also made responsible to help these nations to get their acts together. Any method was authorized, short of a military intervention. Infiltrations and assassinations were also out of the question. But if the nation did not want help, they would not get any as well.

So the Earth Council was made up of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Germany, UK, Italy, France, Russia and China. The remaining EU member states were represented by the EU itself, while Turkey, India, Brazil and Israel were made part time members. The part time membership was given as to not insult them, because otherwise they would be out. They made the cut in military and economic influence, but struggled in other areas just like many EU member states, but had issues that were easier to resolve than those that were not admitted.

Every nation had problems, but they hoped that with a refocus of objectives, these could be resolved fast. One was actually being resolved on its own. The education of the younger generations. Seeing what the future could bring and the threats outside the solar system meant that people stopped arguing on pointless matters and focused on what was important. Enlistments into the military or civilian careers like science, engineering, environment, architecture, programming and other similar fields swelled up, while the social studies, which were useless to a development of a civilization on a larger scale, began shrinking. People began to understand that when faced with the wider galaxy and enemies like the Goa'uld, a degree in social dance classes would help no one. Least the one having such a useless degree.

Walking down the hall to the central military wing, they had to pass thru several security points. Finally arriving at their destination, general Hammonds office.

"George's door is even more fancy than before." O'Neill joked again, noticing all the security and decorations.

The doors opened and they entered the general's office. Inside, the general, Selmak, Bra'tac and Richard Woolsey were all already waiting at a tactical holographic map of the galaxy.

"Ah, SG-1 and SG-1A, welcome." Woolsey greeted them. "Please come in. We have much to discuss."

They did as they were told and entered the room, taking positions around the large table with the display.

"Sir." O'Neill saluted. "SG-1 and SG-1A reporting as ordered."

"At ease, Jack." Hammond ordered and smiled at his friends and subordinates. "A situation has arisen that requires our immediate attention. Unfortunately, that also means that we had to push some changes meant for both teams up the timetable."

"Sir? changes?" O'Neill asked on behalf of the rest of the team as they all had confused looks.

"Relax, no one is getting fired or court-martialed. In your case, I should add the word 'yet', right Jack?" Hammond smiled with that little joke aimed at O'Neill. "Anyway, to business. Android Carter, as the reports have shown, you are still not 100%, even 8 months later?"

"No sir. The fastest way to get another 100% android Carter is to make another copy of the original. With me, I may be a machine, but this will take time and several more purges and scans of my entire neural structure, before I am at peak efficiency. Sorry for that, sir."

"No need, we are only human, as they say. Based on that and the other situation, I'm disbanding SG-1A, effective immediately."

"What?" Android Carter wanted to protest. "Sir, I swear I will get back to peak..."

"That is not the main reason, so relax." Hammond stopped her protest. "Android Carter, you are being reassigned to the R&D division on New Terra, subdivision Ancient technologies. We need all the people there we can get our hands on. If one Carter is there, that is a win in my book." Hammond then turned to android Jackson. "Since Dr. Jackson had an unplanned ascension, you are going to be replacing him, along with Jonas Quinn, of course." He turns to android Teal'c. "You will go with master Bra'tac. In the upcoming operation, the free Jaffa will need all the help they can get. As for you..." he turns to android O'Neill. "One person does not make a team. So, for the time being, you're being reassigned to the military academy."

"What?!" android O'Neill shouted out. "Sir, with all due respect, babysitting kids is not what I had in mind."

"It is either that or back to Harlan. He did say he would like one of you back on their home world. Since so many of his people returned, they are expanding..."

"No, changed my mind. I'll babysit, sir."

Hammond had to suppress a smirk. He knew that would happen.

"Anyway, you might like that. Sharing your experience from the field, mostly tactics against the Goa'uld and flight instructions." Hammond ended with SG-1A and turned to the original SG-1 members. "Which brings me to you, the flesh and blood O'Neill."

"Sir? Who did I piss off this time?"

"You mean who you didn't? Relax, Jack. It is not about your character or actions. It is politics." Hammond then nods to Woolsey as they both move to O'Neill, Woolsey carrying his briefcase with him. "Stand at attention, colonel O'Neill!"

Jack did as ordered. Woolsey opened his briefcase and pulled out new rank insignias. He passed them to Hammond.

"Colonel O'Neill, in recognition to your contributions to both Earth, the Terran Federation and its allies, I am herby promoting you to the rank of brigadier general, effective immediately." Hammond proceeded to add the new rank on O'Neill's uniform. When he finished, he saluted him and shook his hand. "You deserve it, Jack."

"Emmm... I'm speechless, sir."

"Had to happen someday."

"If I may ask sir, why? With this rank I won't be able to take part in missions."

"That is the point, general." Woolsey responded. "After the incident with the original Khalek, we understood that if he had broken Jackson mental defense and our team was not there to kill him, god knows what could have happened. Only you, the now ascended Dr. Jackson and Dr. Weir in Atlantis possess extensive knowledge of the future. We kept it this way to minimize the chance of something like this happening. But it still almost happened. With you not in the field, no one can mind probe you or read you mind, since you can't get captured. Sorry, general, but politics are politics. And I agree with the Council's decision this time."

O'Neill huffed. "Great." He then looks to the ceiling. "Thanks for this, space monkey! Laugh your ass off!"

"Emm, sir, you got promoted? Since when is that a bad thing?" major Carter asked.

"For me it is! I always give crap to the man. But if I am the man... who do I give crap to? Also, speaking of this, thank you for all those years of extreme understanding, sir." O'Neill looked at Hammond.

"Your character flaws were always made up with mission proficiency. And they came handy from time to time. Anyway, this leaves SG-1 without a commanding officer, so..." Hammond once again turns to Woolsey who hands him new rank insignias. "Major Carter, at attention!"

She does as ordered.

"For your continued service and past accomplishments, I am honored to promote you to the rank of lt. colonel and give you command of SG-1" He then saluted her and shook her hand. "You'll do just fine out there."

Her father, who had been standing back to let things develop the way they were intended to, couldn't resist anymore. He went over to his daughter and embraced her. "Congratulations, kiddo. You deserve it."

"Heh, thanks, dad."

"Ehhmmm, not that I want to disrupt this, but where will I be posted, sir?" O'Neill wanted to know.

"My old post, Jack."

"Cheyenne Mountain? But..."

"It is only temporary, so relax. Look at it like this. At least your office is not on a floating island with lots of politicians and you get to spend more time in that fishing hut of yours." the general tried to see O'Neill the good side of his new posting. "Besides, once your knowledge of the future ends, when we reach that point in time, the restrictions go out the window as well."

"I guess."

"Now back to business, if we could?" Woolsey said. He wanted to get to the heart of the matter. "The mission that we will brief you on, was green lit based on information we got from the System Lords. More precisely, the Goa'uld Camulus paid us a visit after we cleared him."

"Camulus? Who's that?" Mitchell asked what most others were thinking.

"Camulus, a minor System Lord, mostly in service of Ba'al." Teal'c answered.

"Also the ancient Celtic god of war. Remember that planet where we stole a ZPM from under the Goa'uld noses. That was his planet." android Jackson added.

"OK, so what did this snake want?" android O'Neill wanted to know.

"Right, let's begin." Hammond said and looked to Jacob, who switched to Selmak.

"As you all know, we have been sharing information with the System Lords. The military movements and other tactical information regarding Anubis, to be specific. All off the record, of course. The people would not understand that we are partially cooperating with one enemy to defeat another."

"Worked in WW2, if you asked me." Mitchell remarked.

"This is a completely different scenario. And we are not sharing resources or technology, that is out of the question, even if Camulus made an effort for those. No need to say that the Terran Council dismissed that request on the spot."

"Even if the real issue is this: We have the tech to counter Anubis, the System Lords have the fleet size and ground forces." Woolsey pointed out. "Not that I disagree with the decision of the Council, we can't trust the Goa'uld to keep their end of the bargain."

"Yeah, the moment this is over, they will backstab us. You don't need to be a university professor to know that." O'Neill added.

"The Council came to the same conclusion. But we did give them the schematics for the anti Kull energy weapon. A sign of good faith."

"Let me guess. They were not impresses and wanted more." O'Neill asked.

"Indeed. They demanded our MAC weapons technology, since with the Aschen tech upgrades ,the Kulls are much more resilient to our anti Kull energy weapons. They also demanded any and all info on our anti psyonic technology." Woolsey answered.

"You mean the thing that can block telekinesis and telepathy? I thought they were not even past the prototype stage?" android O'Neill asked.

"That is an issue, yes. We only have Khalek's corpse and that of his clones. Having a living clone would help." Woolsey responded.

"And that brings us to the matter at hand. Ba'al has given Camulus all his info he managed to obtain on Anubis territory. It is far more detailed than any Tok'ra agent managed to get." Hammond activated the holographic display on the table and showed them Anubis territory and all planets. "Camulus has shared this information with us."

On the display, the galaxy was now carved up into different parts. Anubis's territory was stretching from the tip to the third of the Scutum-Centaurus arm as well as the larger portion of the Outer arm. The planet Delmak was shown highlighted in the middle part of Anubis territory in the Scutum-Centaurus arm. But several other locations were highlighted as well.

"These are the objectives needed to be taken out." Hammond began pointing to different locations on the map. "Demos shipyards, Renan shipyards, Xi shipyards and Korinaros shipyards. The biggest ones are on Delmak, but going there is now suicide. And even with what we know, we can destroy only 3 of them."

"A multi pronged attack? Ambitious, sir." Young remarked, impressed with the plan.

"Yes. The System Lords will attack Xi, they are the closest to their territory. Our free Jaffa friends will attack Renan, they are the least defended, while the Federation hits Demos. It is the furthest away and our fleet has the best mobility. But we will need a distraction. That is where the last shipyard comes in. A fake attack will be launched, making the impression that a large fleet is being deployed there. That will force Anubis to use his Mother ship." Selmak continued Hammond explanation. "However, we will not be sending any fleet there."

"Emmm, yeah. Don't want to sound stupid, but if we don't use a decoy fleet... then what? Ask Anubis kindly?" O'Neill wondered.

"That is where Rush and Wallace come into play. They developed a new system based off the Asgard holo technology. One of our 401 cruisers is being equipped with mass holographic projectors. With that and sensor scrambler technology, that one ship will be able to make an entire fleet appear. Of course, if the enemy fleet gets too close, they will be able to see thru the ruse, but by that time, we hope Anubis will eat our bait. With the sensor scramblers, we also hope to simulate the energy signatures of hyperspace engines, making it appear that a fleet is moving thru hyperspace. The illusion will not last long, but hopefully long enough."

"I have a feeling that there is a 'but' coming." android O'Neill remarked as he listened to the plan.

Woolsey, Hammons and Selmak all sighed. Android O'Neill noticed it.

"Yes, the power needs for the holographic projectors and sensor scramblers to create an entire fleet and fool the enemy...are large." Woolsey answered.

"Like ZPM large?" Mitchell guessed.

"Yes, we will have to use one of our surplus ZPMs for this." Woolsey confirmed.

"OK. Sounds interesting. But Anubis is no idiot. He might suspect a diversion." Carter pointed out.

"That is why the Tok'ra will raid several small bases on the outskirts of his territory, making it look as if that is the diversion." Selmak answered. "If all goes well, that one cruiser and the small escort will be able to fool Anubis to commit his main fleet. Once his forces are displaced, we strike."

"All fine, but why are we here, sir?" Mitchell needed to know. He was getting impatient.

"This." Hammond pointed to another planet on the map. "Tritris system. Anubis main Kull and Khalek clone R&D lab. Heavily fortified. An attack from orbit would be suicide, unless we commit a third of our fleet, which we can't. So this is where SG-1 comes in."

Hammond then activated the display to show the entire compound on the planet. It was indeed a fortress.

"OK, I did not sign up for suicide runs, sir." Mitchell argued. "I don't mind going on dangerous missions, but this..."

"Relax, Cam. We would not send you without a plan." Selmak calmed everyone down. "You have young Mr. Wallace to thank for your way in." Selmak pressed on the display controls and an image of a Puddle Jumper appeared.

"OK, a Jumper? What of it? A cloak won't get us passed the energy shields, unless we get their precise frequency and calibration to shut them down or bypass them. Regular scans won't do that." Sam pointed out.

"Eli got an idea from Janus." Woolsey responded. The image of the Jumper changed to its interior. Inside the rear passenger compartment, which is usually empty in the middle of the walkway, was filled with a device. "Remember the time drive Thor removed from Janus prototype Jumper? Well, this one has a Tollan matter phasing device integrated into it."

"Same problem. If we don't know the exact settings or as close to it as possible, we can't phase thru the shields or the field he will have at the gate. The only advantage is this would enable us to remain cloaked, since we would not have to drop the cloak to convert it to a shield and try to bypass their defenses. And Ancient cloak's are resistent to most detection technologies." Carter pointed out, a bit disappointed. "In the end, we hit the same brick wall. I know Eli is a genius, but he did not thought this one thru."

"Actually, Sam. He did. And for the record, Rush had a similar reaction, but louder and some curse words added. " Jacob Carter corrected her. "Eli and Narim found a way to set the matter phasing device to a wide spectrum range. The advantage is that this way we don't need the precise settings of Anubis shields at that base. But... and yes Jack, there is a 'but'. While all the simulations show a 92% success rating, there is also a 96% chance that the matter phasing device will short out after you pass thru the shields. The trade off for the wide spectrum settings. It becomes a onetime usage."

"And based on that, we are back to the suicide part." Mitchell pointed out.

"No. Only the matter phasing device will be crippled, everything else should still work after that. All you need to do then is land somewhere under cloak and infiltrate the base." Jacob concluded his briefing.

"Define 'should' still work." android Daniel demanded to know.

"There is a less than 2% chance of the cloak or other systems failing as well. Negligible, if you ask me." Selmak, who took over from Jacob, responded.

"Said every gambler on the planet ever." Mitchell cursed.

"Guess it is a risk we have to take, right sir?" Young asked, knowing what was at stake.

"Exactly. But don't worry. We will have our newest 306, the Specter, hiding on the outer edge of the system, aviating your signal for pick up. All you have to do is shut down the defenses, once our primary mission is complete." Woolsey responded, wanting to conclude this briefing.

"Speaking of objectives, let's go over them." Hammond suggested. The display remained that of the laboratory and the surrounding compound. "Unfortunately, we don't have detailed information on this location. Even Ba'al could not get anything more than this surface schematic. But we do know that this is the main R&D site for the Kull solders and Khalek clones. Your primary objective is to destroy this entire complex. Use any means necessary. Secondary objective is to download as much of Anubis research and database on his research here as possible. Preferably everything. The tertiary objective is to capture a living specimen of a Kull solder and a living Khalek clone. Your choice how you accomplish this."

"Only these objectives? Should we take his silverware as well, sir?" Mitchell joked. Or so the others thought. He was serious. This mission was looking worse every minute.

"I know this sounds hard, but it is doable. You will get 2 members of Fisher's shadow unit for this mission, Nomad and Psycho as back up. Additionally, everyone will get a now new mark 3 nano-suit for this mission."

"Sir, I know the make 3 has a personal cloaking device, but we also know Anubis has sensors that can see thru Goa'uld based cloaks, even ours. And sensors like that are always deployed on a planet. A planet like this will have detection capabilities like that in spades." Sam pointed out. "I know the jumper has ancient cloaking technology, so we don't have to worry about that, but the personal cloaks are useless. Even TER's can see thru them."

"We know, lt. colonel. That is why we came up with an alternative for this mission. Another of young Mr. Wallace's ideas. Although we do have to thank our newest R&D member, Miss Ginn." Woolsey continued explaining. In truth, he had to pull his weight to allow Ginn access to such sensitive areas, but after 6 months, most 'former' Lucian members proved their loyalties to the Terrans. Made sense, if living conditions were so much better here and loyalty meant something. But the Terran Council was still weary. They had to remain vigilant, mostly because some rescued Lucians still returned to their people instead of joining the Terrans. Like Simeon. So no matter how badly the situation there was, some would remain loyal to their old commanders. Bad treatment or not.

"Oh, Eli's groupie?" O'Neill smiled. "Never thought the math geek would have a hot girl swooning over him."

"2 math geniuses working on the same projects. Had to happen sometime. Besides, he's still a bit clueless." Carter remarked.

"Back to the point. What they suggested was this." Woolsey changed the holo display to that of a small device.

"Are those not..." O'Neill wanted to ask.

"The Stragoth holographic masking technology." Carter finished his question. "Have the scientists found a way to copy this technology?"

"Not entirely, but well enough to have the nano-suits you will use, equipped with them. They have a time limit, but can create a disguise from scanning someone from a certain distance. "Selmak began explaining. "The Tollans inspected every piece of technology that was rotting in Area 51 and unlike us, they grasped the basic of the tech. Eli and Ginn thought that this might be useful in this mission, since Anubis never encountered and will not be ready to counter it or detect someone using it. Theoretically."

"Meaning even this is not a 100% guarantee? Right?" Mitchell asked.

"There are no 100% guarantees, major." Hammond responded. Then he moved to his private table. "This concludes the briefing. Jack, you go to Cheyenne to get acquainted with your new command. The rest of SG-1, report to New Terra, where the preparations for this mission are underway."

"Sir, just one last question. Can we really trust good old Ba'al and Yu? I mean, they are snakes?" O'Neill asked the obvious question. Woolsey, who was halfway out of the office, responded.

"We don't, but we can't risk Ba'al being on the level as well. In this case I think he values his survival more than hurting us. In reality, it will be the Jaffa taking the biggest risk. Their fleet is the weakest, that is why they are taking the easiest target."

Bra'tac nodded. He did not like it as well.

"To think that in my old days I will be leading great warriors into battle on a word of a false god. But we will not go unprepared. We will take our Re'nak to the battle. Hopefully, it will be enough."

"What about our SG-1 in training?" Carter also wondered.

"They will be reassigned for the duration of this mission. Don't worry, we'll take care of them." Hammond reassured them. Whit everything done, they all left Hammond alone in his office. Jacob Carter escorted SG-1 to the transporter room.

"I'm coming with you to New Terra. There is something the Tok'ra council wants me to do."

"Something serious, dad?"

"No, just the research on our queens offspring has produced interesting results. Our new young queen might go into a procreation cycle a few years faster than anticipated."

"Oh, you guys found her a boyfriend already?" O'Neill asked, overhearing the conversation. Jacob sighed.

"Jack, you do know that there are no Goa'uld or Tok'ra males. Our queens can manipulate their own DNA and fertilize their own eggs."

"Sounds boring. Is that why you take hosts?"

Everyone but Jacob chuckled.

"Now that I think about it, is that why so many SJW are abandoning ship on Earth, now that they know that the slavers and dictators of this galaxy are biologically what they want to be?"

Jacob just ignored him and went ahead.

"Was it something I said?"

New Terra, planet based shipyard, same time

Eli was looking out the window. The view he had was, from an engineering point of view, magnificent. An area over a dozen kilometers long and half that wide, filled with ships in various stages of construction. Some were only a skeleton, others were almost finished. some were completely landed, others floating over the ground. But the one that had his attention was the 3rd Aurora the Atlantis expedition found. And this one had his full attention. He managed to convince the Terran Council with his calculations that a dumb down but functioning ship killer weapons system of the Ancients can be installed on it. Rush argued against it, stating that while 'young Wallace' is intelligent, but this was a pointless waste of resources. Eli argued back with compelling simulations.

In the end, the council decided to green lit the project and install a Terran build ship killer weapons system of Ancient design on the latest Aurora. It would take the entire forward ventral section of the ship, making adding any turret there impossible. All they did was copy and paste the weapons system that the Ancients used on their satellites. But what Rush argued against was the power issue. With a ZPM there is no problem. without one, the rate of fire is abysmal. Eli countered back by adding a naquadria reactor designed for the Aegis and Damocles modules, but powering the ship killer weapon. They needed an equalizer against Anubis mother ship and this could be it.

"Enjoying the view, Eli?" a female voice asked him from the rear. He turned around and saw Ginn enter the observation platform. She carried a Pad in her hand.

"Something like that. Are those the latest calculations?"

"Yes. Its looking good." She handed him the Pad to look over.

"Hopefully. This might get Anubis off our back. And Rush off mine. He's even more annoying that usually."

"I think he's jealous. You, the young star overshadowing him, the old man." Ginn smiled and stepped closer. Eli got a bit nervous.

"Emm, yes. maybe. Anyway, I'll input this data and see what it spits out, OK? Thanks Ginn."

"I actually have to thank you. If you and Mr. Woolsey would not have supported me, I would still be doing pointless stuff here. Not that I would not be grateful, butt..." She begins to leave the room and almost stumbles. "Anyway, see you later."

As Eli is left alone in the observation room, a solder enters the room.

"So, you busy, Eli?"

"Ah, Sergeant Greer . Not much. Waiting for a computer analysis on the power distribution of the main weapon system on that ship."

"Ah yes. I heard. The ship with the big honking gun, as colonel O'Neill calls her. Really looks like a gun with engines now

"Well, that is the idea. And a weapon like this takes up allot of space. You have no idea how much energy and space it is needed to create and then properly align antiparticles to..."

"Yeah, I'll take your word on that. How is it going with you and red?"

Eli stops his calculations and looks at him.

"What? What do you mean?"

"Really? I've been assigned to her escort duty until the council is sure we can trust her. Which means I've seen her allot. And let me tell you, the way she acts around you. She's into you."

"What? Really? No way. You must be wrong." Eli brushed that thought away. Greer sighed. This was not going to be easy.

"You have zero clue about women, do you? How much more obvious could she make it for you? You are a math genius, she likes math. So how often does a geek like you get a chance with a girl like that? Go for it my man. I mean, as smart as you are, do a mathematical calculation on this. Or do a math equation for love for all I care."

"Your serious?"

Greer put his hand on Eli's shoulder.

"Look, I may only be a marine grunt. I have zero clue how to build that ship outside or calculate the density of a star. But I do know how women think. That is the advantage of being a simple grunt. I don't over think things. Not everything has to compute or make sense. Not everything has to be explainable with an equation. If it could, machines would love as well. Even thou my old truck would disagree with me on this one. If I don't treat it with love, it breaks down on me."

As Greer left the observation deck, Eli was in deep thought. But for the first time in a long time, it was not math that he was thinking about.

Earth, New Earth Council HQ, Outpostship Terra, middle of Atlantic ocean, Dr. woolseys office, minutes later

"Why did I agree to take over the international Earth relations office?" Woolsey asked his assistant. He had a pile of digital paperwork on his desk.

"Because your efficient, hard working and an honest public servant." she replied back.

"I guess that is the reason general O'Neill tolerates me. Nice to know that. anyway, when is the meeting with the representatives of the industry to start?"

"She looked at her Pad she had in hand. "You still have 4 min until the meeting, sir."

Woolsey stood up. "Let's not waste time then. This work can wait till later."

A few minutes later, Woolsey arrived at a conference room, where industrialist and company representatives of nations that are part of the Earth Council were already waiting for him. Greetings and handshake followed. Representatives from the computer industry to the agricultural sector, car manufacturers and communication companies. Everyone wanted a piece of the pie, but they knew that they would have to give away huge concessions to get anywhere with the Earth Council, who had to play by the rules set up by the Terran Council. The Council needed the industry to implement the technologies in the civilian sector but the industry needed the Council to get access to the knowledge and resources. And the industry already made some agreements, but this was a continuous process, so more negotiations were needed. But what astounded Woolsey was that the representatives of the industry all agreed, more or less, on a chairman who would represent them.

"Mr. Colson, nice to meet you for the first time." Woolsey shook his hand. "So you're the leader of this representation?"

"Yes. After several months and hard negotiations, I manage to convince most of my fellow CEO's that I am the best for this job."

"Well then. Let's start with this, I still have a ton of work waiting for me in my office."

"I know the feeling. " Colson laughed. He really did know that feeling.

Cheyenne mountain, Old SG complex, brigadier general O'Neill's new office, minutes later

"What the hell!" O'Neill shouted as he entered his office for the first time.

Walter, hearing his ne CO react like that, runs into his office.

"Sir, what's wrong?"

"What's wrong? What's wrong!? Tell me, Walter, what is wrong with this picture?"

"Emmm... is this a trick question, sir?"

"No chair, no desk, no flag, no nothing. Only the damn red phone!"

"Ah,... sir, did no one tell you that... well, general Hammond took most of his old stuff with him."

"And since George commanded the SGC from his temporary moon posting before he got reassigned to the city of Terra... yeah I get it now. This office was empty for months. And since there was no one here I never went to look as well." He looked at Walter. "I bet good old George is having a laugh at my expense now."

"I wouldn't know sir. As for your office, you'll have to request a new table, seat and everything else. Should not take more than a few days."

"Am surprised he didn't take you and Siler with him."

Walter coughed a bit at that statement.

"He tried, didn't he?" O'Neill asked.

"Emm, I'll take the 5th if you don't mind, sir."

"Is that even a thing now, since a new constitution for all Earth Council members is being drawn up?"

"In a way it still is, sir. Now, if there is nothing else..."

"One last thing, Walter. Is there a hidden reason for my posting here or is it really just a temporary measure?"

Walter got a bit nervous. O'Neill saw it and knew there was another reason.

"OK Walter. Let's have it. I promise you I will not get mad."

"Umm, sir. Remember P3X-439 and P3R-272?"

"Again, who names these...! Never mind. Should I know these planets?"

"Sir. These 2 planets were known to poses Ancient Repository of knowledge devices."

"The head sucking thing that pops out of the wall?"

"Yes sir. We took them both with everything we found there to New Terra. Ever since then, our scientists have tried to connect them to our computer networks to download the entire Ancient knowledge."

"Let me guess. It hasn't worked, has it?"

"No sir. The Ancients build allot of barriers and security measures to prevent something like that. Ever since that, one of them is being kept here. No point to have them both on New Terra. So..."

"OH HELL NO! Those assholes! I'm their guarantee, should we ever need that knowledge again. I and that head sucker are in the same base. So I just stick my head back in, get the info and save the day. F those ass holes! I'm not a guinea pig! Where is that red phone!?"

Walter sighed. He knew how O'Neill would react.

Planet Delmak, same time

Anubis was looking over the reports from the front and the laboratories. Things were not progressing as planned. The System Lords were putting up a better fight than anticipated. He could only guess that their new anti Kull energy weapons adaptations were a result of an unofficial exchange of information between them and the humans. The irony. He hated irony.

These humans and the System Lords were making things difficult. No doubt by whoever altered the time line. But he needed to be ready. When Surtur's slaves arrived, whoever they were, he needed to be ready. And no humans or his lesser brethren would stop him.

To accelerate things, he informed Thoth of his suspicions of the time line alterations and his encounter with Surtur. He needed someone he trusted to accelerate his productions and research. Half ascended or not, he could only be in one place at a time.

The Kull upgrade thanks to the Aschen database helped his solders to survive longer when hit with the anti Kull energy weapon. But his Khalek clones were the real prize in this. After his son 'unfortunate' demise, he decided to begin cloning him, based on his genetic template. But he needed a control mechanism. As well as a way to terminate them, should they revolt. Again, the Aschen data came in handy. He designed a genetic flaw into their DNA. On purpose. It meant that they needed a specific chemical compound on a weekly basis to survive. It regulated their higher brain functions. Without it, they die in 2 weeks, but lose their psyonic capabilities in one week.

He was the only one to know the formula and ingredients of the compound. Not even Thoth knew, since his mind could be read by a telepath. Anubis was beyond such tampering. But what worried him were not the System Lords, but the Terrans. He heard reports that they possessed one or several Ancient warships. If true, that could be a game changer. A big game changer. The only reason they hadn't used them yet must be because they were either not ready or needed elsewhere.

As he stood up from his throne and moved to the balcony overseeing the main staging area for his Kull solders, Her'ak entered the throne room. He was clearly smiling, meaning he had good news for his master.

"My lord, our scouts in the Pentak system were successful in acquiring what you ordered them to do." he reported as he kneeled down. Two more Jaffa entered the throne room and did the same. One of them held a box in his hands.

"Show me." was Anubis simple reply.

They did as ordered. What Anubis saw in the box were several blocks of something technological. He picked one up and began examining it.

"You have done well Her'ak. You please me. You shall be rewarded accordingly."

"I only followed your guidance, my lord. If I may ask, what is it?"

"A Replicator building bloc. Ancient technology that might be useful to my plans. That is all you need to know for now. Tell no one of this. And summon Thoth to my chamber at once."

"It shall be done, my lord. " Her'ak kneeled again. As he stood up to exit the room, Anubis stopped him.

"One more thing. I received a report of increased Tok'ra activities on our borders. Go to my command ship and assume command. I have a feeling they will try something."

"You believe an attack on those worlds? I think it might be a diversion, my lord."

"I agree. That is why I actually like you, Her'ak. You are loyal and can think. Prepare the fleet, but await my instructions."

Minutes later after Her'ak left, Thoth had arrived.

"My lord, you wanted to see me?"

"Yes. Take these Replicator blocks and begin an analysis. I want to see the possibilities that this technology can offer me."

"My lord, pardon for asking, but is it wise to tamper with technology that even the Asgard can't completely understand?"

"We will not be so careless as the Asgardians. I only wish to see how we can use it to upgrade my forces, not to make more Replicators."

"Of course, my lord. How did Her'ak find them?"

"One of my informants, before being exposed and killed by the Tok'ra, transmitted the location where Thor's ship, with the help of Earth's SG-1 managed to defeat these machines. It was a gamble, but it seems that they did not take all the remains of their enemy with them. Now, leave me." Anubis waved with his hand, signaling Thoth to leave.

"Of course, my lord. I shall transmit the findings the moment I have them."

New Kobol, Helix star system, same time

Admiral William Adama was having a good day. Most of his days have become a routine by this point. The alliance with the rebel Cylons was remaining strong. His people were finished fixing the city on the planet. The first harvest of the year was done and promised to be a surplus for their demands. They surveyed the other systems in this detached group of stars. There were many natural resources on this and the other planets, the infrastructure left by the Builders was amazing and mostly already reactivated, but still needed maintenance. But most importantly, for 8 months, nothing bad happened. They truly were isolated out here in the middle of nowhere. A perfect spot to start anew.

The only bad news was that his military forces were massively reduced. The bulk of Colonial civilian ships were 'rotting' on the planet's surface in the landing area, while the military ships and civilian ships that can't land on a planet, did the same in space, docked with the Builders orbital facilities. Only a skeleton crew remained to man the orbital facilities, the Battlestars were unmanned for the past 5 months.

His only true military forces were the Cylon Centurions (oh the irony), their Basestars, Raiders and his Colonial military on the military base overlooking the city they settled in. Less than 2000 people. He hated it, but understood that to rebuild any civilization with no threats on the horizon, the military was not a priority. He could still remember the day he finally arrived here after his 2 months long trip.

Flashback, outpostship transporting the Colonial and Cylon fleets to New Kobol, en route, hyperspace, 6 months ago

Bill was walking thru the corridors of the Pegasus. It was a walk he did every day after waking up for the past few months. It was his routine he developed. Inspecting his 'new' ship. He continued to the Kobol command center to do the same. Every Colonial, human form Cylon or Centurion he met, he just nodded to them and continued. I amazed him how he got accustomed to Centurions walking the halls and not bothering him. Looking out, he saw the blue flow of this other dimension called Hyperspace. So much they still needed to learn. To understand. But in the end, he could only wait until the day they arrived. And that day was close. In just a few hours, they would arrive.

As he arrived in his office on the Kobol, his Cylon counterpart, a model Six by the name of Natalie Faust.

"So." She began. "Almost over. Our little trip."

"Indeed. Can't wait to see some of my old friends again." Bill smiled as he sat down and poured himself a drink.

"A bit early, don't you think?"

"Perhaps. Maybe I'm picking up Saul's bad habits?" he smirked back and took the glass into this hand.

"If I may suggest something, admiral?"

"Please. I actually enjoyed our little talks these past months."

"Get rid of the mustache. I don't think Laura would like that."

He remembered. He actually stopped shaving when they departed. She was right, maybe it is time to get rid of it.

"Perhaps your right."

Hours later, he and Natalie were in the ring room with most of the officers. They were looking out the main window on the top of the ring room.

"10 seconds sir." the nav officer reports.

Over them, the view of hyperspace disappeared and normal space appeared for the first time in months. Stars, planets and all.

"Report." the admiral ordered.

"Sir, we are exactly where we should be. I'm detecting massive orbital installations, the stellar constellations match and... were being hailed from the planet, sir!" the nav officer, clearly exited, reported.

The entire room exploded with cheers and laughter. well, except for the Centurions, who just remained standing as if nothing happened.

"Let's see it."

On the main screen on the command platform that overlook the rest of the ring room, Laura Roslin and commander Nash appeared.

"Hello Bill. Welcome to New Kobol!" Laura announced.

"Glad to finally be here, madam president. It was a long trip. Anything happen during this time?"

"Nothing that we could not handle, admiral, but you will need to sit down for an explanation. Sufficed to say, it was Baltar's fault." commander Nash reported while smirking. That peaked the admirals curiosity.

"What is it? Tell me, that is an order!"

Instead of answering, Nash just stepped aside to give room to another person who appeared on the screen. another admiral... Adama? Bills brain froze on the spot. Deer in headlights look applies.

"You had the same expression when we told you the truth." Laura laughed while looking at the other Adama. "Bill, what do you know of parallel universes?"

Flashback end

He still had to chuckle when he remembered that meeting. Parallel universes. If he hadn't seen the proof himself he would have send them all to an insane asylum. If they had one.

But talking to himself was an eye opener. A person that was in a way himself, had similar experiences and had endured similar hardships... all of that made him be thankful for what they had. Like in that other universe, it could have been harder here as well.

The one truly emotional scene was the meeting with Zak. He never thought that he would see him again. This Zak was not his son, but he was the next best thing. And he would not look a gifted horse in the mouth. That was his chance to say goodbye to Zak the proper way. And he took it.

Adama had to laugh now. All of this because Baltar can't keep his fingers off of things. Almost like his inability to keep a certain lower body part out of a certain other body part. Once it nearly cost them everything, now it opened up new possibilities. Of course after he read the report Baltar and Caprica wrote on their discoveries in the other 'multiverses', overcoming a headache and getting a translator for the techno babble, he agreed with Laura. The mirror was off limits with one exception. The universe where they helped their counterparts. Some like Nash pointed out that other universes might exist where the Colonials needed help as well. Or where they themselves could get help. The admiral answered with simple logic. It is both too dangerous and the fact that in this universe they have enough problems on their own. They can't play police for every other universe. Hard, but that's the way it is.

Flashback, New Kobol, 8 months ago

"YOU DID WHAT!?" was the one sentence echoing thru the research tower where the mirror was located.

"Madam president, if you could..." Baltar tried to calm Laura down. She and the rest of the expedition to the other universe just arrived and noticed that some things in the mirror room were off. Not bothering to conceal it, Caprica told the truth. Laura was not blind or stupid, so why try it. As Baltar predicted, she was furious. He had hoped to return everything to its proper place, but the other multiverses they saw had shaken them up to a degree that they forgot the time.

"I explicitly forbade YOU TO DO ANYTHING LIKE THIS!" She then turned to parallel admiral Adama who accompanied them with some of his people. He had every right to see their universe like they did his. Laura did not object. Neither did her counterpart. "I can't believe this. You are supposed to be the smartest man in the Colonies, scientifically speaking! You have proven time and again how well developed your survival instinct is! Where in Hera's name was it today!? You like to play with fire far too often!" She took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "Bill, I know you're not my admiral, but since he is not available at the moment, I will ask for your advice on how to handle this matter."

"My pleasure. I have a few ideas already."

"I see yours is as arrogant and shortsighted as mine. Guess in every universe, Baltar is the same." parallel Laura half jokingly responded to the situation. "Makes you want to rethink the airlock option, doesn't it?"

"That was idea one." the admiral responded.

Baltar just gulped. He was in hot water indeed.

Flashback end

Laughing some more, the admiral just shook his head. Of course Baltar was too important to airlock, but his counterpart and both Laura's put the fear of the Lords themselves into him that day. As well as making large restrictions on his privileges.

As he stood up from his desk in his office, he turned around to look out the window. He saw the entire city, the other landed outpostship docked next to Kobol and the ocean stretching in front of him to the horizon. It was so... peaceful. No more combat alerts, no more emergency jumps, no more whining civilians... well that one still remained. But to a much lesser extent. With a sky over their heads, dirt under their feet and real air to breathe, the people were far more content than before. Humans by definition need space and not to be locked up like sardines in small ships. If there was one truly unchanged thing, it was the... god's damn Quorum. Politics. Good thing he and Laura were on friendly terms. On very friendly terms. But then there were the Gemeniese representatives and of course Tom Zarek. He was quiet. Too quiet for his liking. He wouldn't mind throwing him into the prison they now had. Too bad they had to leave the prison ship behind, but found a functioning structure of the Builders that fulfilled that function perfectly.

Not all people were fine with following the rules, so a prison was needed. Mostly the ones from the black market that lost the most when it was shut down. That was another ironic situation. The Cylons were better model citizens than the Colonials.

Speaking of their allies, the Final Five, even if reluctant, reestablished the resurrection technology, by linking their minds together on said ship and combined their knowledge to assemble the plans and knowledge of the working process of resurrection. After that, it took about a month to modify the ship to perform the function of the destroyed hub. But with far smaller capacity. So their only remaining resurrection ship was now effectively the hub, but it was still just one ship and had limited range. It could only cover their local systems.

Saul even contemplated to resurrect, just to get his eye back, but the problem was that the Final Five had only 1 extra body on the ship. The main supply of bodies for the Five were lost with the original Hub. Cavil apparently decided to restrict the model supply on ships based on said models usage. There was always only one model per Final Five, so no need for a big stock. That way he also decreased the chance of being discovered during the time when his plans were going according to his design. When he was the only one who knew everything.

Based on that, Saul decided to not resurrect. It would take several months if not years for the resurrection ship to grow additional bodies for the Five. So no hurry. Also, Ellen did not mind, so he didn't care if looked like an old movies pirate. Even joked that since pirates always drink excessively, he had another excuse to do that as well.

Bill wanted to let Saul go to enjoy civilian life, but couldn't. Not completely at least. So he kept him on the reserves. Most other commanders left as well. Only his son and Nash remained. Adjusting to civilian life was hard for people like them. A lifetime's worth of war can't just be brushed under the carpet.

He turned around and put the stack of paper down on the table. Paper. They had all this 'fancy' alien tech, yet still relied on something so... antiquated. He didn't mind. He liked old fashioned. His taste in Battlestars showed that. Also his mistrust of technology contributed to that. Look what their own technological accomplishments got them. Here on this 'virgin' planet, they at least would never have a paper shortage like they did in the fleet. He had to laugh again. Yes, those were some desperate times. A space fairing civilization. And it once had a paper shortage. He didn't know if it was tragic or a joke. If there were any Lords out there, they had an interesting, almost perverted sense of humor.

As for the Battlestars, one final advantage of the mirror was that he could see 'his' old ship again as well. He had to give his a burial. Nice to see the old girl remained somewhere else, doing what she was made to do.

A knock on the door shook him from his thoughts.

"Come in."

It was Laura.

"You done, Bill?"

"Yes, with what little work I have these days. Also, you do know these doors have buzzers?"

"Old habits. Now, come. People are waiting."

As they walked down the halls, their destination one of the habitation towers on the mainland, Bill continued to look around. The city was buzzing with life and activities, human and Cylon ones. It was refreshing to see most humans not being afraid of a Centurion walking by anymore. And the Cylons working on living together with humans. It was not perfect, some wounds ran deep and the people that had them would not forget. Or forgive. Not in their lifetimes. But peace, as fragile as it was, was better than the alternative.

"So, how are things with the leeches?" he asked her.

"You mean the Quorum? Same as always. Everyone is whining about something. The Gemeniese are threatening to leave for the isolated land mass on the southern part of the planet if they don't get their ways."

"Is this about the abortion thing again?"

"That is only the tip, but yes. I agree that for the time being, abortions are put on hold. We need to repopulate and we can't do that if we abort unborn children. But I only accepted that law since it is temporary. Once we get to a normal sized population, whatever that means, we return to the old laws put in place before the fall."

"I thought that woman would count her victories and not whine about them. This is basically as good as she could hope for."

"All she knows is how to whine. Religious people. Like all zealots, I can't give her the hand. If I do, she'll tear my arm out. I will not ignore centuries of laws and backtrack women's right just because of her."

"Just remember, the other extreme side can be just as bad."

"Yes, the new representative from Caprica and Leonis went up the walls as well. For the opposite reasons. 'How dare I take women's rights away'! Can't these people see the situation were in?! Yes, we have a home now. Resources, food and a well defended place, but if we don't start to have allot of children, all these rights will be good to no one but the dead. I got a projection of how many children each woman needs to have in order to guarantee a stable next generation and a good genetic pool. They... and by 'they' I mean Baltar, said that we should also put the human Cylons into this equation. It improves the outlook."

"You mean more babies like Hera? I don't have a problem with that, but some might. The Cylons do in fact have mostly female humanoids"

"I know."

"What about our side project?"

She sighed. That. She understood Bills urge to do that, but getting enough support in the Quorum was a pain.

"I got the majority in a secret voting. The Quorum agreed that the people didn't need to know this."

"Do I want to know how you pulled this off?"

"Well, Gemenon sided with me because of the abortion thing, even if they continued to whine. But ... Zarek was the one who tipped it to my side. I don't like being in his debt."

"With 13 members, how could there be a tie?"

"Picon, Leonis and Libra remained neutral."

"Well, as long as it worked. I'll take it."

"So you have been preparing?"

"Yes. The Pathfinder is stocked, fueled and ready. All she needs is her entire crew and she is ready to go."

"And who will lead this expedition?"

"We are going to him right now. Just have to convince his wife, my daughter in law to say yes."

"Well, if Baltar had found out how to dial the Great Kobol galaxy and maybe Earth's address, this would not be needed. Figures. He finds other multiverse's but fails at something so much closer."

Minutes later they arrived at their location. Lee's apartment. As they waited outside after ringing, the door opened up. It was Sharon.

"Hey, you two are late! Come in!"

Bill just hugged her.

"How are you doing, Sharon? Or do you prefer Athena these days?"

"Either will do, sir."

"Off duty, so drop the sir." he smirked back.

Inside the apartment, they reached the den, where several people, mostly couples were having a party. The kind meant for children.

"Dad. Madam president. What took you two?" Lee asked as he stood up from his chair, holding a baby in his hands. He approached the older Adama.

"Late or just on time if you ask me. How is my grandson?" Bill asked, looking at the baby in his sons arms.

"Zak has issues letting his parents and sister sleep at nights." Lee responded handing his son over to his father to hold.

"Ah, so no different than you in that age." he responded while cradling his grandson.

Dee, who enjoyed the sight of father and son interacting, decided to join them.

"Here is someone else wanting to see her grandpa." she said in a childish way, holding her daughter.

Bill switched grandchildren with his daughter in law.

"And how is little Carolanne today?"

"She is quieter at night, but is greedy during feeding time." Dee answered.

"That is good. She needs a healthy appetite." Bill then sat down while still holding his granddaughter.

There were many friends gathered in this get together. Saul and Ellen. The Galen and Cally as well as their son Nicholas. That was a rough patch for them to work out. But they managed it. Just like Sharon and Carl with their daughter Hera who was also present here, crawling on the floor and exploring her environment.

Bill turned to Laura and whispered into her ear.

"Is this not what you wanted? Children?"

"Well, it is a start at least."

About 2 hours later, most of the people had left when their kids began falling asleep. It was a nice get together. Something even Bill needed after all he was thru. But the elephant in the room was still there and he needed to address it.

"Ehhhmmm. Son. Can I have a private word with you?" he asked Lee.

"Is this about the Pathfinder and your quest to find the real Earth?"

Both Bill and Laura almost choked on their drinks.

"How?"

"Yes, how? It was confidential." Laura demanded to know.

"Tory. She told us in secret. A heads up if you will. Lee and I had a long talk about it." Dee answered as she sat back down and joined the remaining group. "She decided to tell us ahead of you to keep your hands clean. And while I don't like it, Lee convinced me. I'll allow it."

"Thank you Dee. This will help allot now that she will have a competent commander. Also..."

"I was not yet finished, admiral." she stopped him. "Under one condition."

Uh oh. Bill thought it was too easy.

"Name it."

"If my husband and father of my children will be absent for an unknown amount of time, my children will need to see more of their grandfather. Like every day."

Laura smirked. Dee had fire in her.

"You would make a good politician. Ever thought about it?"

"Why is that? Cause she holds my grandchildren against me?" the admiral asked confused.

"In a way. So?"

"I'm not a politician, madam president."

"Perhaps, but you would be much better than some of the sharks there. I myself would much prefer to teach again, but can't trust any of those in the Quorum to not destroy everything we accomplished in the past months if I hand over control. Anyway, it was just a thought."

"So, admiral? A deal?" Dee asked her father in law.

Bill knew when he was beat. This was no different than with his wife. Take or leave it. Not that he mined. He wanted to spend more time with them. He only feared what Dee will use him for when he would visit.

"Deal."

"So, who's my XO?" Lee wanted to know, now that he was going. He also needed to change the subject.

"Shaw declined, she has her own life to work out. You're stuck with Kara."

"Oh gods... wait! She knows and has agreed?"

"Yes. She was the easy part. She and Sam are on board. As well as Caprica Six. She will be the tech expert on this mission. But after what happened with that mirror, I'm not sending Baltar. Can't have him do something reckless again. Felix also volunteered as well as several other officers and several squads of marines. In total around 300 people. As well as... one squad of Centurions. I know, but get used to it. You'll also get several Raptors for scouting or landing purposes, but I won't waste many Vipers. You'll only get 7 of them. We saw how useless they would have been against those blue skinned giant aliens, so why waste them here. This is a reconnaissance mission with the goal to establish contact with any human civilization, preferably Earth."

"Understood, sir. When do I leave?"

"One week."

Pegasus galaxy, TFS Banshee, Nebula X-22, 1 day later

"Remind me again why we are here again, Meredith?" Sheppard whined, dying of boredom. Thew were on the bridge, behind the science station, looking at the scans of the nebula.

"As I wrote in my report... you did read the report?"

"Emm, yes?"

Rodney got an annoyed look now. He knew what that meant.

"You didn't read it. What a surprise. Am surprised you can read at all, Kirk."

"Hey! That is below the waistline! So, why are we here?"

"Replicators."

"Huh? I thought their home world was in the other direction?"

"It is, but I do hope to find 'it'. It being the Wraith outpost from where a command protocol was uploaded to the Replicator mainframe to stop them from going to war with the Wraith. They had to manually put an upload device on the Replicators planet, but it was uploaded from this outpost."

"So... this outpost is important?"

"You serious? Janus little AI program keeps allot to itself, but he did intercept the command protocol when it was uploaded. If I can study it, maybe I can undo it or use it to further alter the human form replicator programming. Imagine if you will, we can reprogram them to start building Auroras for us, and allot of them. Jumpers, a stockpile of ZPMs and drones... everything we will ever need."

"And they will just hand it over when we ask nicely, right?" Sheppard asked with his usual teasing way.

"Do you always have to be such an ass?"

"When it comes to you, yes."

The holo screen in front if Rodney began beeping.

"Captain, we may have something. A bio signature, coordinates 330 - 213. Near the center of the nebula. Judging by the size of it, it has to be a Wraith construct." Rodney reported.

"Helm, take us there, full sub lights. Tactical, keep sensor scans at full, but passive status. Look out for any problems. What is the cloak's status?" the captain asked.

"Working at 100% sir. The nebula is not interfering." the tactical officer reported.

"Good. Keep an eye on it. Can't have it fail on us in there."

New Terra, main research complex, same time

Rush was looking over the progress on the latest Aurora refit. He was still angry that he lost the argument with Eli on how the ship should be refitted. As he entered the research lab where Eli was working on... something else, Rush did not really care what it was. He needed his input on something. He spotted Eli in the middle of the room, standing perfectly still.

"Eli, I need your opinion on something, could you look at this?" he held his Pad out to give to him. Nothing happened. Eli did not react.

"Eli?" Rush grabbed his hand and still nothing happened. Eli looked like an emotionless doll.

"Eli!? What is wrong with...?"

"Rush, what are you screaming at...? Oh?" Eli responded. The Eli that just entered the lab the same way Rush just did moments ago. "I thought I turned that off."

"Yes, you were a bit forgetful today, Eli." Greer smirked as he followed him into the lab. "Maybe it's the red on your mind making you forget things?"

"Greer, please. I feel like in high school again."

"Sorry man. I'll continue my routine."

Greer left, leaving the 2 scientist alone.

"So? What is this?" Rush asked pointing to the other Eli.

"My latest project."

"You have many of those lately, don't you. What is it?!"

"You know we have access to many alien databases. Well, only rudimentary ones with the elder races, but still..."

"The point, Eli!"

"The Asgard, Tollan, Ancient, Gadmeer... all of their holo technology, since I came up with the mass holo projector idea to simulate an attack fleet for the upcoming mission, I thought if I can combine the best aspects of all these holo technologies, maybe I can develop something better. Viola, the Isomorphic projection technology. Here you can create the classical holograms..." as Eli pushes a button on the nearby console, then steppes to his holo clone and swings at him, only for his hand to pass thru. "... or become a solid projection." He again turns to that console and presses another button. Now he touches his projection and his hand does not go thru.

"Amazing. Solid holograms?" Rush tries to grasp the concept of what Eli just did.

"Not entirely. Holograms with added force fields and particle synthesis technology. The last one is only available to the Asgard and Ancients."

"I may not be a fan of Science fiction, Eli, but all those terms sound familiar. Did you just use Star Trek metaphors?"

Eli just grinned. He was caught.

"Hey, I am a geek after all. Besides, if Anubis can do it, why can't I?"

"Do what?"

"Rip off Star Trek. The Khalek clones. He uses a biochemical substance to control them after creating an intentional weakness in their DNA. That is so Deep space nine."

Rush shook his head. He lost a debate with this kid in front of the Council? How did that happen?

"As impressive as this new toy of yours is, let's get back to work. I have some calculations for the anti particle dispersion rate of the main weapon..."

Pegasus galaxy, TFS Banshee, Nebula X-22, 3 hours later

"This was exiting for about 5 minutes, but I'm getting bored here again, Meredith." Sheppard whined.

"Would you shut up. We are downloading as much of the Wraith code on how they hacked the Replicators as we can. This is a delicate procedure, so again, shut up! We are just lucky, there is only a small force of Wraith on this outpost and that all are in hibernation. Hmmm..." Rodney began looking intensely at the code in front of him. "Fascinating. Replicator coding is so advanced, but to create an opening in such a way is clever. For a Wraith I mean. Captain. we may have what we are looking for. I can't be 100% certain, but won't know until later when I analyze everything."

The captain, who left his seat and walked over to Rodney, looked at the data stream.

"Anything else of value there?"

"No, just some logistical data, nothing important. As... woah. I take it back. This is interesting." Rodney responded.

"What?" both Sheppard and the captain asked.

"This is interesting indeed. As you know, the Ancients created these Replicators as a weapon to fight the Wraiths. They put several security measures to keep them under control. For instance they can't rewrite their own programming and enhance themselves. They can't attack their creators. But here is another, well hidden restriction."

"What kind? Of any use for us?" the captain asked.

"Well, of the strange variety. The Ancients gave the Replicators the ability to copy their technology as well as their entire database. But with exception of critical technologies, everything else the Replicators build and is based on Ancient tech, is a poor man's version of it."

"You mean the Replicators can't do good copies of Ancient tech?" Sheppard asked.

"Not by choice. A ZPM can't be made any other way it is made, so ZPMs are as good as the ones the Ancients build. But their ships and cities are only about 50% as good as the originals. The Replicators are not even aware of it. This restriction is part of the activation phase. If that Ancients ever wanted to unleash them, they would switch to phase 2 and removed this restriction, but they never did when they abandoned this plan. So the Replicators were... are stuck in Demo mode for a lack of a better explanation."

"So what? If they build an Aurora, it s only 50% as good as the ones we found? Why are we bothering with this then?" Sheppard wanted to know. He would hate this to be a waste of time.

"Even a 50% Aurora is an Aurora. Give me time to figure it out. I bet these restrictions can be removed with some work. From the ships they build I mean. This was not a waste of time, I promise. Besides, if the Replicators ever take the initiative, we can handle them a bit easier."

"Will this help with the ones Thor has issues with?" the captain asked as he retook his seat.

"Maybe. Since the Asgard managed to push their Replicators out of the Othala galaxy, they had little success in Ida. I'll sent this data to him, see what he makes out of it."

"Helm, 180 turn, get us out of the nebula."

New Terra, R&D laboratory, weapons testing area, same time

"Nice new toys you guys have." android O'Neill remarked as he inspected all the weapons and armored exoskeletons. "Mark 3 nano-suit?"

"Mark 3, version beta. This is what SG-1 will get for the upcoming operation." Anise replied. She was put in charge of testing the equipment that would be used in the field. "They have the Stragoth holo masking technology instead of a cloak. As well as a prototype psyonic inhibitor. But it has limited range. And it was never really tested. If we could get a live Khalek clone..."

"We know, Anise. That is why we are going." Sam reassured her.

"Fancy new suits. Do I get one as well, darling?" Vala asked, since she will be going as well.

"Against my better judgment, yes." Anise responded with annoyance.

As SG-1 continued looking over their equipment for the upcoming mission, android O'Neill almost kicked himself. He is stuck with babysitting. At least he doesn't have to listen to Harlan, so that is something. But he was impressed how these eggheads managed to crate by crossing so many technologies from so many sources together.

Ever since it's conception, the Humans of the Terran Alliance which was a few months ago renamed the Terran Federation, knew that they could only represent humanity. They would make the exception for the Ilempiri, who had just lost their home world and were close to human physiology, the Serrakin who had integrated themselves well with the humans on the planet Hebridan and the Altair, who were once humans.

But the other races would work with the Humans in another organization. Each race would have only one representative, so for all the human worlds out there, they would only have one voice. The galactic Alliance. For now, they lacked a formal HQ. The first idea was the planet Heliopolis, the former home of the Alliance of the great four races. But that planet was in a deteriorating orbit around its star. A consequence of the war between the Alliance of the 3 great races (the Ancients not included) and the Goa'uld.

So they decided to meet on New Terra for now. Some would come in person, some via holo transmissions. The Great races had their own plans, so asking them to join was pointless. This Alliance had to prove it's maturity to the elder races, before they would interact with them on an equal level.

Since the Gadmeer were finished terraforming, Lotan agreed to represent them until the ship grew enough of the Gadmeer people from its genetic storage area and they actually build a civilization. And while Lotan was more than willing to share technology, he was also grateful for any help he received for his creators in return.

The Netjerian, Ohne, Omeyocans, Spirits and Re'tu were the only new members that had their own planets, society and technology on a level that rivaled the Terrans at this point. But the Ohne and Re'tu had suffered at the hands of the Goa'uld which left their home worlds devastated. Being part of this Alliance meant that they did not just contribute but also got help in return and the Re'tu and Ohne were grateful for it. But while they were all willing to share resources and to a degree technology, only the Re'tu decided to wage an offensive war against the Goa'uld. The other races currently lacked the military power or capability to wage an offensive war.

The energy beings from P9C-372 refused to join and wanted to remain isolated. As did the
Stragoth, who were as aggressive as they were during the first contact with Earth.

The Sekhmet, Reol and Unas were just too primitive and scattered all over the galaxy thanks to the Goa'uld. But all that were found were contacted in hopes to return them to their worlds of origin. As well as to try to undo as much damage done to them as possible. The Sekhmet and Unas as a prideful races wanted to help no matter how small their contributions would be, so the developed races would look into it how they could contribute. As for the Reol, just their cooperation in understanding their natural defense capabilities was appreciated by the scientists.

That left the Tok'ra and free Jaffa who were already active members. All the other races still out there were either not on friendly terms, not capable to join or help or even pre-verbal.

Now the scientists on New terra had the task of seeing what tech was useful and how to integrate it into their forces. The nano-suit was a great example of crossing technologies from many sources and get great results.

"I am so jelly right now. you guys go out there and kick snake asses, while I'm stuck here." android O'Neill whined as he marveled over a nano-suit.

"Unfortunately that suit is not compatible with androids." Anise said to dismay him of putting it on.

"So Anise. Any important project you guys are working on? I mean besides everything in this armory?" Mitchell asked her, curiosity getting the better of him.

"If that is not the lamest pick-up line I have ever heard of..." Valla remarked, clearly trying to embarrass him.

"If you must know, while Rush and Wallace are in the ship construction and their technologies, I am in technologies that we don't have yet but would be really useful right now."

"Such as?"

"Terraforming technology. And I mean the Ancient variety. And how the Ancients build the ZPM's and power amplification crystals. These are top priority. If we could just download the data depository from that device... but the Ancients protected it from tampering well. In a way it is better that way. imagine if the Goa'uld managed to find and crack one of them?"

"Any headway in any of those categories?"

"One. We now know that the crystals and ZPM's need 2 extremely rare elements to create."

That got Valla's attention. rare means valuable.

"How rare? How much would it sell for?"

"Rare as neutronium if not rarer."

Pegasus galaxy, TFS Banshee, Nebula X-22, 1 hour later

The Banshee had exited the nebula and began her preparations for the departure, her mission now complete.

On the bridge, Rodney had his hands full with the data they downloaded.

"Well, you have fun, McKay, I'm getting something to eat and then some sleep. Chewie and I have a mission tomorrow." Sheppard said as he stood up from a chair next to Rodney's working station.

"You go ahead. I still have to look thru this before we leave. If we missed something, it would be good to..."

"Sir, hyperspace windows forming, 7 of them. Ships incoming!" the tactical officer reported.

"We're cloaked, but in any case, battle stations!" the captain ordered.

Outside in space, close to the nebula, 7 ships exited hyperspace and remained in a closed formation.

"They are actively scanning the area, sir." the tactical officer reported.

"That is not the only thing those morons are doing! They are using active sensor pinning and tachyon comm signals. They are lit up like a Christmas tree. Automated or not, that Wraith outpost will detect that! We have to stop them before it is too late!" Rodney yelled out.

The captain cursed. He wanted to remain undetected, but not waking the Wraith was a priority.

"Any info on those ships? Do we have a hit in the database?" the captain demanded to know.

"No, no match. A completely unknown. Whoever these ships are in a poor state. In need of a major overhaul. Like they didn't see a dry-dock in decades. They..." Rodney stopped abruptly.

"What, Rodney?" Sheppard asked.

"Since they are so badly maintained, I managed to get a scan of the interior and... the life signs are human!"

Sheppard and the captain shared a look.

"Travelers?"

"My thoughts exactly." the captain agreed. "De-cloak us and open a channel. Lets shut them up before they mess things up."

The Banshee appeared to the port side of the small fleet, startling them as they almost panicked, not expecting something like this.

"This is captain Morales of the Terran ship Banshee. Inside that nebula is a Wraith outpost. Your active search of this area might alert them to your presence. Please stop with your search and maybe we can help you with whatever you are searching for."

After about a minute, the unknown ships stopped their search as they deactivated all of their sensors and comm systems.

"Well, they listened to you, captain. They went silent. Let's hope the Wraith didn't pick anything up. Or the Replicators, since we are only a few light years from their system." Rodney reported.

"Sir, we have a comm. Request to speak to us from the lead ship." the comm officer reported.

"Put it on. Let's see who we are dealing with."

On the main holographic screen that was overlaid on the bridge view window, a blond, attractive woman appeared.

"I thank you for the warning, but must ask why you did not destroy the Wraith outpost you mentioned?"

"First meetings require introduction. Ladies first." Sheppard responded.

"Oh, a man with a backbone. I like that. I am commander Larrin of the Travelers. You?"

"Lt. colonel Sheppard, Terran Federation. That is captain Morales, the CO of the Banshee."

"Terran federation? Sounds like a military alliance. Am I wrong?"

"And if we are?"

"I have been instructed to search for a new military power in this galaxy that might usurp the Wraith. We were searching for months now until we got a tip that they might be here. And so we found you."

"And almost blew up our plan to let the Wraith sleep for a couple of centuries more while we prepare. Great job. As for the military power, Terran means human in a dialect of the Ancients, who also called themselves Alterran a long time ago. And Ancient is a Ancestor for you Pegasus people. So in short, you found us, yay!" Rodney responded with a raised voice.

"Rodney! Keep it down. We are here to try to get them to cooperate with us, not yell at them!" Sheppard looked angrily at Rodney.

"So, finally a result. Have to ask why you were here at this Wraith outpost. You didn't destroy it... so are you trying to sabotage it?"

"How about this, you tell me your secret, I tell you my secret?" Sheppard tried to be charming with his best smile.

"Fine by me. And stop with the theatrics, men allot handsomer than you tried. Most are not around anymore. So, why were you here?"

"There is a planet only a fre Ly avay from here. On it a machine race called Replicators exist. They are a weapon created by the Ancients. They were designed to fight and destroy the Wraith, but the Ancients disassembled them when they deemed them a failure. They failed at the disassembled part and the machines are still there. To prevent the Replicators to go to war with the Wraith, the Wraith found a way to insert a command protocol into their system to prevent them leaving their solar system and going to war. Satisfied?" Rodney explained, not happy he had to.

"interesting. So you reactivated them?"

"Ahhh, not so fast, little lady. Our turn. If you are the Travelers we heard so much of, would you be interested in an alliance? you know military support, exchange of technology?" Sheppard sopped her.

"Perhaps, but I would have to ask our ruling political body to decide. And based on this, do you know the location of an Ancestor ship, massive in size that we found some months ago, but when we returned to ti in order to reactivate it, it was gone. Do you know anything about it?"

Sheppard gulped. Damn. They sure did know about it. It was on New Terra, getting a new paint job and big gun.

"We found it 4 months ago. It is in our galaxy of origin being upgraded and repaired."

"And what if we want it back?"

"Hey, you found it and left it cause you couldn't salvage it! Not our fault we found it later and could salvage it! But if you want stuff, the Satedan's wanted stuff as well, so that should not be a problem. We could overhaul your entire fleet of rust buckets if you ask me."

"Satedan's? So the rumors are true."

"OK, you know what. You want us to talk some more who gives you these rumors? How did you know we would be here!?"

"I don't like being ordered around! The last man who did, went out the airlock!"

"And I bet he didn't have a ship behind him or was so good looking!"

"Rodney had to sigh at that remark. Here we go.

"You got courage. It has been a while since I saw a man speak like that to me. The Genii. Ever since you made contact with them, they have been trying to do everything to prevent you from becoming the main military power in this galaxy. Of course they can't do anything directly, but turning planets against you and spying on you is another matter. As I understand it, some of your young solders need to learn to keep their mouths shut when speaking to young farmer's girls on some planets they visit."

Rodney could hear Sheppard's teeth grind against each other. That meant he will get an earful from colonel Marshall for not maintaining closed mouths with the troops.

"And how did you get the Genii to cooperate with you?"

"We helped them with their nuclear weapons program. For helping them getting the program to a working prototype, they provided us with information. Strange thou. The information stopped a few days ago. We herd rumors that there was a coup."

"Enough of this." the captain stood up. "You want to discuss this further, fine by me, but not here. Meet us at these coordinates in 3 days and we can talk in depth. Fine by you?" the captain asked as his comm officer transmitted the coordinates of their Beta site in the galaxy.

"Fine, we'll see you there. And don't disappoint me Sheppard. The last man who did, didn't fare well at all." Larrin smirked as the view screen returned back to the space in front of the ship. There the 7 Traveler ships began to accelerate and entered hyperspace.

"You really are Kirk!" Rodney whined. "Every time it is an robot, enemy alien or technical trouble, they call me! When it is a sexy blond captain, it's you!"

"Do I need to remind you how you were leaving a drool train behind you on Taranis. What is her name again... oh, right, Norina."

"Can you two bicker somewhere else, like the mess hall? Helm, get us back to Atlantis. This will be an interesting debriefing." the captain ordered. "Also, make a note in the log that there may be a change in the Genii leadership. Maybe now they will be a bit more cooperative."

Earth, O'Neill's fishing hut, 6 hours later

There was a getting together of people at the back of O'Neill's fishing hut. Grill and beer party.

"So nice of you guys to join me. I could never get my old team to just go out here and relax. Next to this lake, with no pesky fish in it." O'Neill said with satisfaction as he took another beer bottle and opened it. "Besides, I need this after the president told me I have no choice but to be the guinea pig since I am the only one so far to survive having all that Ancient junk in my brain thing."

"You'll get over it, general. And congratulations." admiral Chegwidden said with a smirk.

"How is that fair? You getting a promotion?" Maybourne whined as he too took a sip of his beer.

"I never sold secrets, Harry?"

"Your never letting that one go, Jack?"

"Uncle Sam almost didn't." Rabb responded. "And I would not either, if I had my way. But I guess in the end you did more good than bad."

"Great. 2 flyboys picking on me."

"They pick, I shoot." Gibbs responded as he rolled the meat over on the grill. "And I am a good sniper."

"I am getting the feeling that I came to the wrong place. All this military talk." McCoy said. He was indeed the only civilian here.

"Don't worry, you nailed Kinsey good. Your always welcome here, chief justice." O'Neill smirked.

"I am not that yet."

"The part being yet. I have faith." Rabb responded. "From one lawyer to another."

"Chief justice? Sounds like something from a movie or something? Earth Council approved this unified judicial system plan?" Chegwidden asked. He was not a fan of this.

"For the moment yes. But it is a long way to go before we get there. Also, good job nailing Simmons, captain." McCoy applauded Rabb.

"Like you, just doing my job. Now, general, any news on the front?"

"You know he can't talk about that." a teenage sounding voice said from inside the hut.

"Did you guys hear that as well?" O'Neill asked.

"Sure did. OK, son. Come out so that we can see you!" Chegwidden yelled at the hut.

"Relax you old people, just trying to get a beer." said a young man, more a boy, who exited the hut in an attempt to join them.

"Oh, hell no! What are you doing here... mini me!?" O'Neill exploded as he stormed to... well himself.

"What do you mean. This is my hut too!"

"This is general O'Neill's hut, not O'Neill the puberty kid! This is the thanks I get for allowing Thor to take a sample of my DNA for Loki to experiment with it and create you! And give me that!" he swiped the beer can from his hand. "You underage!"

"I have your mind and memories, so how can I be underage!?"

"You have pimples and no armpit hair!"

During all of this, Maybourne had to hold off his laughing.

"I always knew Jack would one day go crazy and talk to himself, but this..."

"I am lost for words." Rabb agreed.

"OK, let them argue it out. Gunny. Question. Did you build that ship over there?" Chegwidden asked Gibbs about the small ship made of wood in the lake next to O'Neill's hut. It had the name 'Charlie' engraved on it.

"A little gift from me to the general. We both lost our kids, so we understand each other that way."

"That was nice of you, gunny." the admiral remarked.

"How did you even get here!?" O'Neill asked his younger self.

"I can drive, remember?"

"But do you have a license?"

"You know what? Next time I'm having them beam me over here!"

Maybourne laughed again.

"Makes sense. The only one who can beat O'Neill in a BS contest is O'Neill."

Higher planes of existence

"Janus. Not that I am not thankful, but I have been here for 8 months now and you still have not told me your end game plan?" Daniel argued with Janus.

"The fever know, the better. Besides, my friend. You'll be needed down there soon." Janus responded.

"Take it as a compliment, dr. Jackson. You can at least go back." Elizabeth sighed. She could not go back. She was already there. The other her. The one of this timeline.

"Besides, I will need you down there. The plan has to be altered a bit. Surtur arrival has created another problem."

"Who is Surtur? I mean I know Norse mythology, but here?" Daniel asked with worry in his voice.

"All in good time, my friend."

Unknown planet surface, landed Wraith Hive ship, same time

The sleeping pod opened as 2 Wraith drones picked the now wake Wraith from the pod and helped him on his legs.

"Is it time for the harvest again?"

"No, commander. We woke you early. We may have a situation." the 2nd in command of this ship reported as he approached the stasis pod chamber.

"This had better be good."

"I rather risk your wrath than hers."

The woken Wraith smirked at that remark.

"Yes, our queen can be unpleasant after being awakened. And hungry. since it is not harvest time yet, you made the right decision, or you might have been her meal. What is it?"

"We received a transmission from the outpost at sector Black."

"Sector Black? Have the machines overcome the programming?"

"Unknown, but I don't think so. The report is in your quarters."

As the Wraith commander entered his quarters and accessed the console, he began reading the transmission. He remembered that outpost. It is from there his people infiltrated the Asuran planet and deactivated the Asurans' Wraith-attack program. But now there seems to be other activities in that area. The Travelers were known and of no consequences, but there was something else. He summoned his XO.

"Yes, commander?"

"Prepare my Hive for departure. We must inspect that outpost ourselves. Also, tell our hunters to search for a Wraith."

"Any particular Wraith?"

"One gone missing for years. One who might be of use again, should the Asurans become active. Find Guide!"

Asuran home world, same time

Niam was working on the long range sensor telemetry when the door to the sensor room opened up.

"You wished to show me something, Niam?"

"Yes, Oberoth. Our sensors have detected several ships close to our system not long ago. I thought you might..."

"Why do you waste my time. The Wraith are of no consequence to us."

"These are not Wraiths. Look." He shows him a close up image taken of the ships.

"Is this why you didn't simply transmit these findings thru our link? As I said, pointless. These are some primitive organics. Not out problem. Do not waste my time anymore!"

New Kolob, high orbit, 1 week later

The Pathfinder was ready for departure. Lee and all the others had made their farewells. Father and son shared a hug.

"Safe journey, son. Send regular updates and don't go looking for a fight. remember..."

"I know. Finding Earth is top priority." Lee turned to the president. "Madam president."

"Good hunting, commander. Hope you find what we are all hoping to find."

Lastly he turned to his wife.

"You'd better come back in one piece, Lee. Do you hear me?"

"That is the plan, Dee. until then, grandpa will have to hold the fort."

Minutes later, Lee arrived on the bridge. Everyone was already at their posts.

"Commander on deck!" the security officer yelled.

"At ease. You all know our mission. So let's hope we find what we are looking for. Kara, do we have a course?"

"We do indeed, Lee. Want me to punch it?"

"Please do. Let's get underway."

In space the Pathfinder accelerated from the planet and entered hyperspace. On the min orbital station, the admiral and president along with D'Anna looket out the window and saying goodbye again.

"There she goes." Laura remarked. "Couldn't even say goodbye with a proper ceremony, since this is an off the books mission."

"That the price we had to pay. Anyway, I'm off to the resurrection ship." D'Anna replied and began to move to the transporter room.

"Problems?" the admiral inquired.

"Hopefully no, but since this is the only working resurrection ship now, we found a backlog of information in it's buffers. Might be nothing, might be something. Have to look it over. Don't want any of cavils old sins to follow us here, do we."

Planet New Kobol, New Kobol city, industrial sector, same time

Galen was looking over the large empty storage facility. one of many they found in the industrial sector. They moved all they could use from these storage facilities to the still empty sectors of the city. The remaining stuff was moved to one of the outside areas of the city. They simply needed the room for their own products and goods.

But finding out what was junk and what was useful was another matter. That is where Baltar came in. Whenever something was found that could not be categorized yet, he had to find out what it was and how useful it is. When Galen and his crew found 2 containers they could not get open and did not know what they contained, they called him to inspect it.

"Ok, chief. What is it this time?" Baltar said with an annoyed look as he reached the chief.

"These 2 containers. Both full as they are heavy, but no idea what's in them as we can't get them open. As you can see, there are some numbers on them, but..."

"Yes, I see. Perhaps we can access the logistics logs." Baltar thought as he went to the ring control console. "Hmm, ah yes. Here it is. An inventory catalog. Let see... I input the number here... interesting."

"I'll say. what the Frak are Yurantic crystals and Lythuric ore?" one of the chiefs people asked. as he read what was displayed on the console.

"Good question. But since they are sealed in such tough containers, I have to guess they must be useful for something. Move them to the laboratory complex. I'll see what they are there."

"Sounds good to me. Useful or not, it is taking up space I need. OK people, you hear the man, move them!" the chief ordered his people who went to wonrk.

New Kobol Orbit, Cylon resurrection ship, 1 hour later

D'Anna moved fast to the main control room. She had just finished helping with the cleansing of the main bath tanks filters.

"Lisa, you said it was urgent?" she asked a Six who was overseeing the ship.

"Yes, take a look at this!" she urged D'Anna to put her hand in the neural interface.

As D'Anna did as she was asked, she noticed it too.

"A log of every Cylon, who's mind is still stored in this ship? But how? If you die when there is no resurrection...?"

"I know, but it seems we only lose the ability to download again, but our memories and personalities still get stored it seems."

"Still, stuck inside a data storage device is no better than death if you ask me. Is this all you wanted to show... me... My god!" D'Anna gasped.

"What?"

"Our Cavil, Boomer, Gina, they are in here!"

"You mean we can bring them back?"

"Don't know. This was never done before. It will all depend on how badly their memories and personalities have degraded... But we have to try." D'Anna said with a determined look.

The Pathfinder, hyperspace, en route, 1 hour later

Lee had taken the first shift, letting Kara and Sam get some sleep. But Kara was not sleeping. She was in the main computer room of the Pathfinder. The same room, where on the Discovery not so long ago, it all started. But Starbuck hadn't told anyone yet. That something was wrong.

As she looked at the command chair, she felt it approaching again.

"You have a destiny, Kara Thrace. God has plans for you." Leoben said as she had just stabbed him to death. Then she went back to eating her meal, as if nothing happened.

She breathed deeply, as her vision ended.

"These are not memories. I never had a conversation with Leoben like that. What the frak is going on?"

She looked at the chair again.

"I really hope there are some answers on Earth. If there is an Earth."

The answers to which other multiverses Baltar and Caprica saw:

1. Alien vs. Predator (more from the games than the movies). A Wayland Yutani corporation off world dig site.
2. Marvel comics, pre Avengers movie. SHIELD storage room.
3. Star Trek. Iconian planet with active gateways.
4. Battlestar Galactica 1978 (the original one). Caprica main street after the fall.
5. DC comics. Superman's fortress of solitude, an indirect link for a story written by ben10987654321, story's name is Superman Returns: A New Vision. He uses a quantum mirror as a plot device there.
6. Game of thrones. The far north of the wall, where the undead roam the ice-lands and the Night king looks at the mirror.
7. Dr. Who. Planet Gallifrey, former home world of the time lords, now a dead planet. The statues were Weeping angels, one of the scariest monsters I ever saw in a show or movie and the only reason I ever watched Dr. Who, since it is a bit cheesy UK show otherwise.