Chapter Twenty-Nine: Crossroads
Thursday, 9th March 2000.
Luna sat comfortably, her father beside her in person for a change, having been convinced to actually attend and see her latest creation for himself. Most of the others had gathered, the doctors from downstairs all sitting opposite her as holograms, looking quite confused at the whole situation. She knew that where they were actually sitting, they would be looking into a wall, but thanks to the Alteran/Asgard hologram technology mashup they now used, that wall would look like they were sitting here in the meeting room with everyone else.
The other council members were also on the inside edge of the table, arrayed out to her right, hoping that they would be better able to ignore the view out the large window than the others, so that everyone might focus on the meeting itself.
She turned as the door opened and Harry and Hermione walked in together, hands clasped as they often were these days, but there was a level of tension in the grip that she didn't usually see that had her slightly worried. The pair took the two remaining open seats in the middle of the others before Harry spoke.
"Thank you, everyone. For what you've been doing for us, with us for the past few months. For everything that you all contributed to yesterday's… excitement. And for coming today."
He glanced up and down both sides, taking in each face in turn before facing Hermione once more and getting a final nod of support. Luna was worried now, Harry had not looked this conflicted over something in a long time.
"I suppose everyone is wondering why I called us all together?" Several nods and a few affirmative responses came from across the group. "Yesterday, Earth was just about invaded by a dangerous technological alien force. Victory was achieved, but it was not by our hand, and I believe…"
Harry fell silent as he turned to look at Luna and she realized he was silently asking for her report.
"We inspected the residue from the crash in the crevasse. We found five complete Replicator units amongst the debris, proving just how resilient these bugs are. But worse, we found out that neither our energy weapons nor most forms of magic had any effect on them at all while they are in the bug form. Beyond perhaps giving them a little extra charge. Were it not for Jack and Mother, we might still have had an absolute disaster on our hands."
"Hokey religions and ancient weapons." Mother said with a smirk.
Jack gave a chuckle from his place beside the woman and nodded. "I've found there are very few problems in life that cannot be solved by introducing a fifty-calibre bullet to the mix."
"So standard muggle weapons affected them?" Neville asked curiously.
"You bet your arse it did. As much fun as we've been having, it was nice to use a proper gun again. Gotta love that rate of fire." Mother mused.
Luna nodded. "The ballistic projectiles seemed to impart enough force directly onto their forms to shatter them apart. Even damaging the blocks themselves in some cases. They can reform if enough intact pieces remain in proximity, but Mother seems to like overkill."
Mother smiled again and several of the people at the table leant away from the imposing sight.
"You said most forms of magic?" Summer asked, looking at Luna directly.
"We did find that indirect magic can be effective. Padma cast a sticking charm in the path of one and it was sufficiently held in place long enough for Mother to deal with it, but it was already using its spray to melt the wall underneath it trying to get free. Banishing charms knocked them back slightly but did not cause any physical damage. Every other spell we tried, including transfiguring them into another form, was simply absorbed like the energy weapons fire."
"And it would appear that when enough blocks come together they are resistant to beaming," Padma added. "Most likely due to the beam we use being partially Asgard in nature. I have to assume the Asgard tried weaponizing it against the Replicators at some point in the past. They can actively jam the effect when directed at them, whether a whole unit or the individual blocks that make up part of an active unit. I tried using it when magic and the blasters proved ineffective. I'm guessing they were only carried to the cave due to being in contact with the matter that was beamed there from the ocean."
"That's all very good to know," Harry said. "Now that we are certain all the blocks are destroyed, Merlin is breaking down all of the matter that was anywhere near those things. The first point for today, we believe we should break down the Biliskner debris into its base compounds and store it all in a buffer so that we can return it to the Asgard. Anyone opposed?"
No one spoke up. "For?" Every hand went up. "Great, one down. Next, I apologize for doing this without seeking opinions from the rest of you first, though I have discussed it from time to time with more than one of you. We had a very small window yesterday where the SGC moved the backup porta they kept in the Groom Lake Facility to the Mountain. I took that opportunity to replace that unit with a new model.
"It still looks the same as the fourth-generation units common across Avalon, but it will hopefully interface better with the SGC computers. Rather than replacing their entire computer system and hoping they don't notice. As I said, I've already done it, so this is more asking forgiveness than permission, but those opposed?"
Again, no one spoke up. "For?" Hermione asked beside him, raising her hand. The others paused for a moment before again each one of the council raised their hands. The holographic participants simply sat there, seeming confused, and Jack and Mother just smirked at them.
"That's settled then. Merlin will keep a close watch as they integrate the unit into their system. Hopefully, it goes smoothly and we can tick one more problem off the list for a while." Hermione finished, turning back to Harry.
Luna saw the hesitation in his face and realized that nothing they'd discussed so far was bothering him as much as what he was stewing on now.
"Go on, Harry." She said softly, drawing his eye for a moment and trying to show her support. It concerned her that looking at her seemed to add to his dilemma, rather than easing it.
"Alright. Next is the elephant in the room. According to Thor, the reason that the Replicators targeted Earth was us." Harry said plainly, laying the issue out and leaving it to hang in the air.
Everyone around the table looked concerned at that. The idea that their presence had directly put their entire planet in danger was extremely concerning.
"Now, to be clear, I do not mean us individuals, precisely. But it was the information aboard his ship that there is an active group using the technology of the Alterans on Earth that made us their target. They have been pushing towards Othalla for months, but they caught one whiff of this technology and made a beeline for us from the Ida Galaxy."
Harry paused once more, looking at all the faces and their varied looks of shock, panic, regret, and resolve. "It is probably safe to assume, if it happened once, it can happen again. We were extremely lucky this time. Were it not for the efforts of SG1, we'd probably be completely overrun by now. Given this new information that most of our methods of defence would be worthless against these things…" he said, looking to Luna and Padma as he trailed off.
"What we propose," Hermione said, taking over from Harry who looked somewhat distraught that his little adventure the past May had led to this, "is that we move." Hermione glanced at Luna and her face was very apologetic, and it finally clicked for her. They weren't upset with her or disappointed in her. They were apologising to her. "Off-world."
"Oh. Of course." Luna whispered and Hermione gave her a sorry smile but Luna returned it cheerily.
Harry squared his shoulders and spoke once more. "Our end goal currently is the reformation of an entire civilization. While at the moment, we are few. Eventually, our numbers will hopefully grow. Considerably. Earth is already home to over six billion human beings. That is over two billion more than it was when my parents were born. And a number that is still growing at quite a rate. Spread throughout almost two hundred sovereign states over every continent bar this one. Then we have to account for all of the magicals and their hidden enclaves. Some of which need to be enormous to account for the magical creatures they're keeping hidden.
"I don't think that we can properly thrive as a civilization in the middle of all of that. Not without bringing considerable risk to the people of Earth that we are, currently, under-equipped to deal with."
Harry finished his speech with a firm voice, but Luna could see the idea also somewhat terrified him. It did her too. The idea of permanently leaving her home planet for somewhere new was a whole other league from moving into the home she built in Antarctica. And she would definitely miss Aether.
"What about this place?" Parvati asked softly, speaking Luna's thoughts aloud from her place at the far end of the table beside her sister.
"Aether will remain," Hermione assured them all. "I cannot bring myself to ruin the magnificence that our Luna managed to build. It is beautiful, and I love it. It will remain here, a secure and hidden gateway to friends and family for us all."
"We're not suggesting we abandon Earth for all time," Harry explained. "Just that the threat we pose, and the resources and space we need to grow as a people… can't really be done here and now."
"Where will we go?" Neville asked and everyone saw the resolve in his posture. He had already decided to go.
"You're sure?"
"I was all in the moment there was a chance something from out there could heal my parents. If this is a necessary step in that goal, I take it gladly. Besides, we all know the kind of trouble you'd get into if you were left alone out there. As long as I can easily come back and see my parents, I'm with you, whatever comes."
Harry flushed at the statement but nodded. "Thank you. We haven't talked about it much, having only really begun discussing it last night." Harry said, looking at Hermione again.
"We thought one of the Lal Ring might be a suitable location." She said "But that can be decided later. The decision before us now is whether we should relocate or not. To discuss the pros and cons of both sides, and get everyone's opinion on the matter. This is going to need to be a group decision."
Carson sat forwards and all eyes turned to him. "I have to say, despite the apparent danger, I quite like working with you all. As long as you can guarantee me ready access back to Scotland on a regular basis, so I can go home and see my mum, I'd be happy to tag along."
"Really? You want to officially join up?" Harry asked the Doctor.
"Aye. This has been the most fun I've had in a long time. And my work has continued in leaps and bounds with access to all of this. I'd be a fool to give that up. Having said that, we're still not quite ready down here. We cannot move her yet." He finished, looking suddenly solemn.
"Agreed. Relocation is something that would take quite some time." Hermione said. "We'd need to scout out the different options each planet provides first. Then we'd actually have to design and build our new home there. It took Luna nearly a month to build this place."
"I've already got new ideas," Luna said, smirking as she looked down the table at the others.
"I'm very proud of you, Luna." Her father said softly from beside her, and she turned to face him. "I am not cut out for all of this, so I would remain here on Earth. But I look forward to hearing about your many adventures."
Luna felt a small amount of sadness but felt that her father even sitting here in person was a huge step towards repairing the rift that had formed in their family during the war. His guilt was still evident any time he went anywhere near Harry, though Luna knew the boy had long since forgiven her father for his actions, knowing they were made out of desperation and love.
"Of course, daddy."
"Ok. We're skipping ahead of ourselves." Harry said, gesturing for everyone to calm down and focus on the topic itself. "The point of this meeting is to discuss the options. The pros and the cons. Does anyone have any cons they want to air out?"
"Obviously it would mean diminished access to locations on Earth." Jack pointed out plainly.
"Not overly so. We will always have the secure astria porta here in Aether to allow virtually instant access back here. As simple as opening a door and stepping through. From here, you can beam anywhere on Earth within minutes." Padma corrected.
Jack simply nodded his head, not seeming to give a preference to one side of the argument or the other.
"I would not be going," Leo said firmly, his gruff face looking overly squished due to the shimmering nature of the hologram. "Well-paying though it may be, this little effort has already taken considerable time. I will be leaving as soon as our work here is resolved."
"Very well," Hermione replied. "Anyone else?"
"As much as I have enjoyed my time amongst you, I too shall be taking my leave at the end of our contract." Summer said, and Luna was surprised as the woman had seemed the most likely of the three healers to stay on. "I've other research and plans I had postponed in order to work with you that I need to get back to eventually. Not to mention a series of journals on the wonderful new techniques that are going to help revolutionize the administering of potion treatments in our world."
Summer smiled at Carson who gave her a cheery wave. "A pleasure."
"It will make keeping an eye on the SGC more difficult." Padma pointed out.
"As I am not technically alive," Merlin said, "I cannot truly migrate to a new world. Logistically speaking, the hardware that makes up my 'body' remains part of the Glastonbury Lab. I am projected here through the advanced computer systems. Therefore, I will remain on Earth, forever. To move my body would mean irreparably damaging my consciousness. I would cease to be me and become something new once the hardware was plugged in again in the new location. I would prefer not to die like that. I will be able to manifest anytime the porta is connected between the two locales, but here I must remain."
"Seriously?" Harry asked, taken aback at the statement.
"Seriously. And as I will have to remain regardless, I will be able to continue monitoring the SGC, and the rest of the planet accordingly."
"Huh. We sort of just assumed…"
"With how you followed us from Glastonbury to Fundamenta, and then to here," Hermione explained, "we'd never really given a great deal of thought into the mechanics of 'you'. You were just always there when we needed you."
"Time to take the training wheels off, kiddies." Mother said with a smile.
"Well, it's not like it's the first time everything has rested exclusively on our shoulders." Neville bantered back.
"Right," Harry said, sarcastically. "Be that as it may, so far, I still think relocation is the best option."
"I wanted to be an astronaut when I was a child," Natalie said, piping up for the first time in the discussion. "There is a defect in my left eye that meant I would never be able to, so I focused instead on medicine. And I had lived a wonderfully normal life until the day Professor McGonagall arrived on our doorstep. Now, I wouldn't change any of it, even if I could. I am being offered the chance to now go and live on another world. To continue exploring and learning new things I couldn't have dreamed of as a child. Even if there are downsides, I don't see how we can possibly choose not to go."
Luna was somewhat surprised by the statement. Natalie was hardly a reserved sort of person, but she had not shared that once-buried desire before that Luna was aware of.
"If we leave," Parvati chimed. "We would need to finish our checks for dangerous technology left lying around on Earth. Make sure we take it with us for proper disposal."
"You'd leave Earth and come with us?" Padma said, shocked.
"Come on Pad. This is incredible. I thought magic was wonderful and all, but this has shown me an entire universe of possibility. How can I go back to pretending that all of that isn't out there? Mum and dad might want to have their say, but it's our life. We choose how we live it."
Padma just smiled at her sister as the rest of the group nodded in agreement.
Richard gave a small cough before he leaned forward and spoke. "On the side of risks, it would mean our homeworld would no longer be a part of the Protected Planets Treaty. Though given some of the weapon designs we were going through yesterday, and the resilience of something like the cityship shields, I don't think we would be unable to defend ourselves or our new home."
The group seemed to give that factor a great amount of consideration, falling silent for several long moments as it sunk in that the tiny sliver of security the bluff of the Treaty provided would vanish.
"There is one other important factor such a move would bring up that none of you seems to have given much consideration," Jack said, reclined comfortably back in his chair, the shiny metal surface of his left arm laid casually on the tabletop. "When I first became disillusioned with the military back in the eighties, the brass sent me to study under my friend Max Epper. And study I did, quite a lot of it into ancient civilizations. Their rise and fall. How they expanded and diminished. About how their identity is forged and can often change over time.
"As long as I've known you, you have been friends and family. A small group or team doing what you can here and there. But you never refer to yourselves as Alteran or Lantean, those you supposedly hope to rekindle back to life. You have no collective identity. That's not a civilization. So, if you aren't them, who are you?"
All those at the table began to look amongst themselves confusedly. Jack was right in that none of them seemed to have given the matter much consideration at all. The man glanced at Mother who smirked at him before turning back to face the council as he continued.
"You seem loath to leave this majestic temple of wonders you created in Aether. So I suggest that you embrace it instead. Become the Aetherial. They sound powerful. They sound mysterious. They sound like a civilization. They would have a capital and a flag. Honour your history, short though it may currently be, and this magnificent place by taking it as your new collective identity and you will forever carry it with you."
The entire room fell silent as they considered it, and Luna felt something welling inside of her at the idea of them naming their entire civilization after her handiwork.
Mother slapped Jack loudly on the back and gave a hearty chuckle. "You're a damned nerd, Huntsman."
The sound seemed to break the spell over the group and the others began to laugh with Mother.
"I have to admit, I like the sound of it," Harry admitted, turning to Luna seeking her approval.
Luna glanced at her father, who nodded before she turned back to the others and nodded rapidly.
"To a vote then. All those in favour of henceforth being known as the Aetherial?"
Everyone at the table raised their hands, even though technically only the council needed to vote. It was completely unanimous. They had a collective name for the first time on their little adventure. Luna felt her chest fill with love and pride for her friends, and she gave Jack a quiet nod of appreciation.
She would still miss Aether, but it would forever be remembered by whatever form of civilization they managed to create. A memory passed down throughout the ages. The weight of it almost overwhelmed her for a moment.
"Your mother would be so proud." Her father's voice whispered in her ear and Luna couldn't help the enormous smile that split her face.
"And on the matter of migrating the Aetherial nation from Earth to another world? Does everyone think they're ready to make a choice, or would you like a few days to think about it?" Harry asked.
Natalie and Richard looked at one another before he spoke. "We're ready now."
"I've been ready since the topic was raised," Neville said proudly.
"Agreed. We know the benefits and the risks." Padma added, Parvati nodding along as she spoke.
The others glanced over at Luna and she nodded her readiness. Harry glanced at the smallest member of their group, the one who had so far remained silent, just watching and voting silently as the discussion played out.
"Dobby? Any thoughts?"
"Dobby is happy wherever his family is happy." The house-elf stated as if that settled the matter for all time.
"Still, you are a member of our council, you have an equal say in everything we do. And this could very well affect your own people as well. It will certainly mean Hermione might be slightly busy off-world delaying any push for bettering your standing with the Ministry."
"Dobby has spoken to the others. They are patient. And we are learning much here. As long as Dobby can come and go, he is happy following his friends on this adventure."
"Actually, following this path might even help those goals," Hermione said softly. "If we can prove that house-elves are the ancient descendants of different galactically recognized species, the Ministry might be forced to reclassify them entirely. It might be easier to get freedom and rights for the Furlings than for the house-elves. As backward as that sounds to me. Freedom should be a fundamental right, to begin with."
Harry ran his hand through his hair in the way he always did when he was stressed and trying to hide just how much, and Luna couldn't help but smile a bit at how well he still handled himself under such pressure. One of many reasons the group had elected him as head of their council.
"So be it. All those in favour of beginning the process of relocating off-world?"
With the exception of Leo, Jack and Mother, every hand in the room was once again raised as the Aetherial voted to leave Earth.
When Luna glanced at Jack, a curious look on her face, he smiled back. "I like a bit of a commute. And I've still got Lily to look after. But I do look forward to the day I can bring her to the capital city of an alien world."
"I might have to talk with Ralph. This lot are awfully good fun to be around. Depending on where they end up moving to. Well, let's just say I'll be buying us a holiday home at the least, at a discount rate for sure. Beats the frozen waste outside."
"You're never going to let go of Wilkes, are you?" Jack asked.
"It took my fucking leg, Huntsman."
"Yes, it did," Jack replied quietly, turning to face her. "And you shot it in the brain at point-blank range as payback."
"Damn right I did." Mother said with pride, reclining in her chair and tucking her arms behind her head. "And the Scarecrow took care of the rest. Now that's a marine."
Harry laughed at the pair before he drew attention back to the centre. "Unless anyone else has any business to discuss, I think we can call this meeting here." No one seemed to have any objections, so the doctors gave a soft wave and shimmered out of view as Harry turned and whispered to Hermione. "Why did I let all of you talk me into this high councillor thing?"
"Because you do it so well," Hermione said cheekily, giving Harry a hug before turning to face Luna. "Sorry, Luna. We should have discussed it with you this morning. Things got kind of hectic."
"I don't mind." She replied. "As much as I love Aether, it went from a nice place to be to a foundational part of a future civilization. It's safe up here in the mountains for the foreseeable future. And has power enough to run for millennia. And now I get to take everything I learned building this place and do it all over again."
She couldn't help but smile at the slightly helpless look on Harry's face and she wondered what she looked like, given all the incredible plans that were whizzing through her mind. She could build a proper place to house any more creatures they found in their travels. As she considered the honour they had bestowed on her work, she felt a figure move in her pocket and poke its tiny head out.
The shiny black fur shimmered in the light coming through the window, and she smiled as she recalled the day that Hermione had named this place.
"How did I not see it before? Hmm?" She asked the little shape as it slinked out of her pocket and jumped onto the table, the others quieting as they watched her and her wee pet. "Nyx."
The little feline-esque creature stood on its two hind legs and waved its four other limbs in the air. A hiss of joy escaped its maw and Luna pulled a small cube of meat from her other pocket and fed it to her birthday present.
"At long last," Harry said, reaching gingerly forwards and running his fingers slowly over Nyx's sleek coat. The tiny beast rumbled with delight at the treatment and Luna smiled at it. Things were turning out better than she had expected.
ϟ
Major Samantha Carter stood and stretched the knot in her shoulder from the uncomfortable position she'd spent the past few hours resting in. She was immensely grateful for the shelter that Teal'c and the Colonel had created the evening before, while she had attempted to dial the SGC.
They had arrived mid-afternoon on P3X-234, but she had waited almost nine hours before she had begun attempting to make a connection, given she estimated it would take that long for the SGC to transport the Beta gate from storage into Cheyenne Mountain. Had she connected while the gate was in transit, it would have destroyed whatever it was presently being transported inside of. Potentially revealing the existence of the entire program in the process.
And yet, despite several more attempts that evening, they were still receiving no response to their radio or GDO transmissions.
Shaking off the last vestiges of sleep, she stepped over to the hovering pod containing the unconscious Thor. She checked the readings on the side panel and noted that he was still being kept in suspended animation. And there he would have to stay, as none of them had the tools or knowledge of Asgard physiology necessary to assist him further.
With a quick sigh, she stepped away from the covered area under the nearby trees, over to where Teal'c was silently standing watch by the DHD. He was quietly holding the SPAS-12 he'd used against the Replicators in front of his lap, but he did not turn at her approach.
"Good morning, Teal'c."
"Good morning, Major Carter." He replied, and Sam smiled at his brevity. Teal'c was not one to waste words.
She glanced down at the DHD and began the now very familiar sequence. Auriga, Cetus, Centaurus, Cancer, Scutum, Eridanus, and 234's point of origin. A three-pronged Y shape, similar to the symbol for an antenna used in electrical schematic diagrams. The only symbol on the device that was unfamiliar to her. A step she now knew to be necessary on a DHD, in the same way, a stop command was given in a telegram. Due to the existence of eight-chevron addresses, provided one had the power needed to make the connection. Thankfully the fusion power source inside the DHD was more than enough to dial Earth's seven-chevron address.
Once more the gate connected as the kawoosh burst out from the inside of the gate, and a startled shout came from the campsite behind them as Colonel O'Neill was awakened by the sound of the device activating. Carter noticed a slight tightening of Teal'c's cheek as she lifted her arm and entered her IDC into the small device strapped to her wrist. With this done, she switched her radio back on and keyed it.
"Sierra Golf Command this is Sierra Golf One Sunray, please respond." She said, intentionally using the vaguest possible terminology in case the radio transmission was not going through to the SGC, as it had the past four times she had tried.
Teal'c glanced at her over his shoulder, one eyebrow raised in question as she repeated the transmission once again. When after four more attempts there was still no response, and the gate had been open for five straight minutes, she leant forwards and depressed the large orange dome in the centre of the DHD again, severing the connection.
"Still no joy?" Colonel O'Neill asked, stepping up behind her.
"No, sir. Looks like we're still not getting through to the SGC." She said, turning to face her commanding officer, who was still wearing the mostly casual outfit he'd been about to leave the base in the day before when he was kidnapped by Thor.
"Well, I guess we'll just have to make ourselves comfortable for now." He replied, glancing at Teal'c. "Watch is over, T."
Before Teal'c could respond, the sound of an Asgard beam sounded and all three turned to see Thor's capsule disappear into the sky. A few silent moments passed before the Colonel began to look around before his gaze settled on Teal'c and Sam once again.
"Oh, for crying out loud. You're welcome!" He yelled sarcastically into the sky.
Sam tried not to laugh at his comment. It would have been nice for whoever picked up Thor to help them back home, but she considered the status of the Supreme Commander of their Fleet and decided it was probably for the best that they get him medical attention as soon as possible. 234 had no sign of dangerous fauna thus far, and the SGC would eventually get the Beta gate installed and operational.
Jack sighed heavily and looked at the pile of sharpened sticks that Teal'c had prepared at some point during his watch. He bent down and picked one up, before looking off at the nearby tree line. "Guess that means it's my turn for breakfast."
With a short glance at Sam and Teal'c, he nodded and turned, marching off into the underbrush. Carter tried once more not to laugh, though the realization that for the time being, they were stuck on 234 quickly took any humour out of the situation.
ϟ
Friday, 17th March 2000.
Hermione and Neville stood by the console, watching as terabytes of information rushed past. Five months' worth of data of all kinds on the Lal Ring was being summarised through the computer. Comparisons were being made to Earth for long-term temperature and weather patterns, notable flora and fauna on each world, tectonic movement, any evidence of historical disasters, planetary gravity and other orbital anomalies.
The calculations had already been running for days, starting two days after the meeting, and they were still ongoing in most cases. The dozens of vulta that Neville had released onto each world had been extremely busy gathering information.
"You really designed them well, Neville." Parvati complimented. "I wouldn't have thought to give them half of those sensors."
"The plan was always to use them as an advance scout. Be pretty poor at that if they can't tell us if the atmosphere we're about to walk into is unsafe."
"Well, obviously. But gravimetrics? Is that an addition after Verda?"
Neville nodded, smiling at the Indian girl. "Yeah, that's why those records only go back three months. I figured it might be useful to know details like that for other destinations."
"Sure beats exploring on foot. This will definitely speed things up." Hermione said. "Good looking ahead, sending them out to all the planets at once."
"Not like we had a whole lot else to do that first month. Waiting for Merlin to get the plans from Myrddin. And then they were on the planets but we were cut off from them for another month while Luna built Aether."
"I'm just glad we don't have to sift through it manually," Padma said from her place seated by the wall. "It's enough trouble scanning those dig sites in detail, checking for dangerous technology the Alterans or Goa'uld left behind."
"How is that coming?" Hermione asked, turning to look at the other girl.
"Pretty good. Slow, but good. We've removed a half dozen deadly artefacts. Merlin has broken them down, but kept records of the schematics. In case they might somehow prove useful later on. I still think we ought to take all of it though."
Hermione smiled softly as she noted the frustration in Padma's expression.
"We talked about that, sis. We aren't trying to deny Earth the chance to learn. That would make us hypocrites."
"I know. I don't need the spiel again." Padma groaned.
"I'm sure the SGC will locate some of them eventually." Neville joked. "Now that they've got their primary team back on the planet again and the porta is working properly. Harry sure made them work for that one with his replacement."
Hermione was about to say something, but she held off when the computer screen suddenly paused in its calculations. A small image appeared in the corner of the screen showing the porta had activated, but nothing was coming through.
"That's odd." She said softly, moving to enlarge the image before a second far larger one imposed over the top. "Thor! It is so good to see you."
The Asgardian gave a soft smile in return. "Greetings."
"How are you? We feared the worst when you ended your last transmission."
"I am well. My former body was able to be sustained long enough for a new one to be properly prepared." Thor answered, as though that didn't raise more questions than it answered.
"Good to hear," Neville said. "We watched the whole thing play out. It was a genius move letting atmospheric entry destroy the ship."
"It was Major Carter who came up with the idea. I was unfortunately unconscious for most of the encounter. I had to review the records stored on my medical pod four times before I could be sure of their actions. Utilising the gata as a method of escape was most ingenious."
"Yeah, we pulled it from the ocean floor afterwards. Those things are tough. Not even a scratch."
"Were there any remaining Replicators?" Idun asked, looking concerned as she stepped into the frame.
"Hello, Idun." Hermione greeted the familiar face. "Several intact specimens survived the crash. When the ship exploded mid-air, it tossed several mostly undamaged units out into the open. Thankfully, Neville is a dab hand at aiming the ferra."
"The ferra?" Idun asked softly.
"Er, they are... Here." Hermione said, entering several commands into the console and sending the schematics for the weapons to Thor. They had discussed it after the meeting and decided that it might be prudent to provide such designs to the Asgard if they proved effective against this insidious enemy.
"Fascinating," Thor said quietly, inspecting the design on his terminal. "The energy field around them was successful in damaging the Replicator blocks?"
"Very successful," Neville replied. "Sheared one clean in half. And if the ferrum is allowed to explode, it shatters the blocks entirely."
"Interesting," Idun said, consulting the information on their end. "I will send this on to Penegal. He will be most interested."
"Indeed," Thor said. "I am afraid we do not have long to talk. We needed to ensure that the effort had been successful and that no blocks remained a threat on Earth. However, no ships were available to make such a journey."
"Why? What's wrong?" Hermione asked.
"Othalla is still under imminent threat from the force I had been engaging. They have since moved into position to strike at our homeworld directly."
"You have to let us help."
"As much as I would like that, we still cannot allow your technology within reach of the Replicators. They will be in our system within the day. There is no time with which to build any new defences. And our forces are spread across the galaxy, engaging the Replicators already. We cannot call them back to defend Othalla without sacrificing other Asgard colonies."
"What do you plan to do?" Parvati asked, looking distraught at the idea that even after succeeding, all the effort might have been for nothing.
"As I said before, Major Carter was successful in figuring out how to both destroy the Biliskner and save all our lives in the process. And their human projectile weapons proved extremely effective in permanently damaging the Replicator cells. I will be contacting them momentarily, and seeking their aid once again."
Hermione looked at the others who all looked rather down at the news, hoping that when Thor had appeared, it might be to share happier news.
"Alright. Best of luck. Actually, before you go." She said as she saw Thor reaching to end the transmission. "I'll send this through as well. It might not help with today's assault, but Merlin found it while we were looking for weaponry strong enough to vaporize the Biliskner. It's a satellite beam weapon platform that, if sufficiently powered, we believe should be able to slice through any ship in no more than a few shots. Even if shielded."
Thor's head tilted as he inspected the second set of schematics they sent through. "Another promising design. We shall have to see if such a device can be manufactured. I greatly appreciate your assistance."
"Good luck, Thor. Idun. Let us know how things go." Neville said, waving to the aliens.
Thor nodded and Idun spoke. "Farewell."
The transmission cut out and the porta deactivated once more.
"Always such good news when they call," Padma said sarcastically, but Hermione ignored the comment. She'd discussed Padma's increasing antagonism towards the Asgard with Harry and they knew it was not entirely her fault. Hermione hoped that they'd soon find a way to clear whatever was left of Anubis from her mind.
"I just wish we could do more to help. I feel horrible just sitting around waiting for them to call back. Or worse, not to." Neville said.
"Agreed." Parvati chimed in from beside him.
The group went silent as the computer indicated an alien presence in the SGC, and they recognized the technology they carried as being Asgardian. Thor was obviously requesting the assistance he felt it too dangerous to ask for from them.
"Merlin?" Hermione said aloud.
The hologram appeared by Padma, who glanced up at the figure but otherwise did not respond.
"Yes?"
"Did you find any other weaponry in the records that would be effective against these Replicators?"
"No. As individual units, they are resilient against most forms of energy. It is only the violent intensity of the field around the ferrum, designed to penetrate starship hulls that allowed those to be effective in combating the Replicators. Destruction of vessels under their control should be easily achieved through a combination of ferra and the beam weaponry, but we currently have no vessel which would be reliably useful in such an encounter."
"I thought we were working on that," Padma mumbled from her place against the wall.
"We are. Progress is slow. There are many differing designs in the database. More so since Myrddin left behind his expanding gift. Not all of them would be suitable. Virtual assembly also takes time. Working with Richard, I believe we will be ready to integrate a suitable design within a month or two." The image paused for a moment, looking towards the centre console before continuing. "It would appear that Thor has departed with Major Carter and the rest of SG1."
Silence once again fell over the sombre group. They had gone from jovially discussing potential new homeworlds to wondering whether, by this time tomorrow, if the Asgard would even have one.
"Let's not dwell on what we cannot change," Parvati said. "How about we get back to figuring out where we might want to move to?"
ϟ
Saturday, 18th March 2000.
The atmosphere in Aether had been tense since Thor's communication the day before. While they had tasks with which they could attempt to distract themselves, Harry and his friends found themselves drifting often, their minds returning to the aliens that they so wished to befriend.
So far, they had not been of much assistance to the Asgard, and that left them feeling less than useful overall.
"Ah, we have incoming," Neville said suddenly, sitting forward at his own control station.
Harry lurched forwards, triggering commands on his own terminal and bringing up the display showing a vessel approaching Earth once again. He felt his throat go dry as he watched the approach, the vessel settling into a similar orbit to the one the Biliskner had taken only ten days prior.
He felt himself wishing for some kind of sign when a beeping sound indicated an incoming transmission. Though the bright white light beside the porta indicated this one was not a communication, but a transport.
Harry glanced at Neville before they both grabbed their sidearm and apparated into the conscensa. but before either one could bring them to bear, they recognized their visitor.
"Thor. Don't do that to us. Would a message have been too much to ask?" Neville growled.
Harry knelt down in front of the tiny alien and looked into its large black eyes. "I take it this is a good sign."
"Correct. We had to destroy the O'Neill, but the assault on our world was successfully repelled." Thor said. "I apologise for frightening you, but I was returning with SG1 aboard, and I did not think you wanted me to open communications with them present."
"Thanks. We'll introduce ourselves eventually, I'm sure." Harry replied.
"Wait, if you're down here, who's flying your ship?" Neville asked.
"Asgard vessels are easily remote piloted. It was the method used to employ the O'Neill as bait. But I wanted to personally thank you for your efforts. It may not seem like it, but your repeated desire to lend aid is earning you support amongst the council. I believe it may not be much longer before those holdouts can be convinced of the worth of such an alliance."
Harry gave a relieved sigh. "That's good to hear. But don't you go being a stranger alright? You have our number. Keep in touch."
"I will endeavour to do so when possible. Penegal has already begun testing the designs you provided. It is hoped that they will allow us to fight back far more successfully against the Replicators for the foreseeable future. If used sparingly, we may be able to prolong their use before the Replicators are able to find a way around them as well."
Neville smirked. "Just make sure they don't get their claws on them." He said, jokingly mirroring Thor's insistence that the Replicators not gain access to Lantean technology.
Thor looked up at the boy and smiled. "Of course. I would stay longer, but I have duties to attend to. Othalla needs to see our fleet projecting strength right now. After so close a call."
"Just how close did they come?" Luna asked, stepping into the open space and Harry wondered how long she had been listening from just outside.
"They were in high orbit when we sprung the trap. Had they not fallen for it, Othalla would now be overrun." Thor replied, no humour in his voice now.
"Well, I guess we all owe SG1 a big thank you. We'll be sure to keep our eyes on them for you for now."
"That would be greatly appreciated."
Before Thor was able to say anything further, Luna stepped quickly forwards and embraced the tiny alien. Harry couldn't hold the smile at the face Thor made at the gesture.
"Keep yourself safe too, ok. We don't have many friends out there. I'd rather not lose the ones I have."
Thor looked at her strangely before he nodded. "I will try. Farewell, friends."
With a burst of bright beam energy, the tiny figure disappeared, and Harry noted the message on his remote indicating the vessel was leaving Earth orbit, and had shot away into hyperspace.
He gave a heaving sigh of relief, falling backwards onto the floor and beginning to chuckle uncontrollably. The disaster they had been dreading all day had been avoided. It was several long minutes later when he managed to regain control and noticed that Luna and Neville had joined him in place. Today was a good day after all.