Chapter 3 Rekindling Old Flames
Stargate Command
"Unscheduled off world activation!" The voice of master sergeant Walter Harriman blared through the intercom system of Stargate Command. His voice was soon followed by the blaring of alarm klaxons as heavily armed security forces stormed into the gate room; charged their weapons and waited as the blast doors closed behind them.
With a whoosh and billow of motion the Stargate snapped to life as the unstable vortex exploded outward then collapsed in on itself. Soon after the sound of metal rings grating against themselves filled the gate room as the Iris closed.
"What have we got chief?" Major General Hank Landry said the moment he entered Stargate operations. He was still dressed in his usual dress blue uniform in addition to sporting his leather jacket. He like most of the alpha shift were just about to head home for the night.
"Unscheduled activation sir. We still have SG-3 and SG-7 on Dakara but neither is due to check in until 1700 tomorrow sir." Just then information scrolled across Walter's screen indicating they were receiving an Iris code which the computer recognized as an older code but still valid; even so protocols established during the 10 years of Stargate Command dictated caution and the computer sent an automatic signal telling the other side to hold. While this was happening Walter checked the code confirming its authenticity as one of the special issue codes the SGC gave to friendly off world allies. Walter checked then rechecked the code before finally verifying its authenticity.
"We're receiving an iris code; special code 3 sir. Its an older code but still valid, a hold signal has been automatically sent." Walter said looking up to the general looming over him.
"Special code 3." Landry considered for a moment. "The Tollan?"
"Yes sir." It was at that moment that SG-1 made its appearance stepping up behind the general.
"What do we have sir?" Mitchell asked cheerfully for the group as Carter took her usual seat next to Harriman while Daniel and Teal'c held back.
"The Tollan." The General replied.
"The Tollan." Mitchell repeated thoughtfully.
"You remember this one?" Daniel asked.
"I got this one." Mitchell confirmed. "Yeah...the Tollan." Mitchell repeated trying to recall the mission reports he'd read concerning them.
"Want some help Cam?" Carter smirked.
"No, I got it." Mitchell insisted. " The Tollan, as in technologically advanced humans with super cool space guns capable of killing Goa'uld motherships in a single shot Tollan?"
"Their first generation Ion cannons were capable of penetrating the shields of a Mothership in a single shot." Cater confirmed diverting her eyes to the screen infront of her. "But when Anubis upgraded the shields of his Motherships with Ancient technology the Ion cannons lost a great deal of their potency."
"So the guns are pretty much worthless then." Mitchell stated.
"Not exactly." Carter answered. "Shortly after we helped repel the attack by Tanith the Tollan built an even better Ion cannon, their mark 2 variant in addition to deploying their new phase shifting weapons. The newer Ion cannons are a radical departure from their first generation counterparts. With the upgrades Anubis made to Goa'uld shields the Ion cannons were no longer capable of phasing through them, making the weapons practically useless without concentrated fire."
"So what happened?" Mitchell asked.
"The Tollan went back to the drawing board. Instead of relying on their phasing technology they took a page out of our book. Raw firepower; why phase through the shields when you can just punch right through them."
"Cool." Mitchell replied. "But if I remember correctly there was a falling out wasn't there?"
"Yeah." Daniel interjected with a slight grimace. "Shortly after notifying us of the development of the Mark 2 cannons the State department sent one of their top Ambassadors Joseph Faxon to negotiate. It was hoped that we had attained some good will for saving the Tollan for the second time but it didn't quite turn out that way."
"What happened?" Mitchell inquired.
"Chancellor Travell and the Curia happened." Daniel answered.
"The chick that entered into the deal with the Goa'uld in the first place?"
"The very one." Daniel confirmed for the Colonel. "Still; wonder why they decided to pay us a visit, it's not like we parted on the best of terms." Daniel noted.
"Indeed." Teal'c responded flatly. "It would appear the Tollan want something from us."
"But what?" Cater asked.
"I am unsure but we will no doubt find out when they arrive."
"Sir?" Harriman spoke up directing a questioning gaze toward the general.
"Open the iris." Landry stated with a sigh. "Let's see what they want."
As the iris retracted a signal was sent through the Stargate which notified the other end it was safe to transit. Soon after 2 figures stepped through the gate; one of them easily recognizable to the veterans of SG-1.
"Narim." Cater said with a smile. She rose from her seat and followed the rest of SG-1 and the general out the door. The heavy blast door opened depositing SG-1 and General Landry into the gate room just as the two Tollan representatives walked slowly down the ramp.
"Stand down." Landry ordered which the security forces immediately complied. "I'm General Hank Landry welcome to Earth." Landry greeted.
"I am Narim this is my associate Orthan Director of the Tollan Science council." Narim said by way of introduction as he motioned to his companion.
"It is an honor." Orthan replied with a slight bow.
"So what can we do for you?" Mitchell asked.
Narim regarded Mitchell for a second. "I am sorry I do not believe we have met."
"Sorry." Cameron winced slightly "I'm Lieutenant Colonel Cameron Mitchell SG-1"
"I see." Narim replied. "What happened to Colonel O'Neill and General Hammond?"
"Promoted to head Homeworld Security." Carter shrugged slightly. "Both of them." She answered. "It's good to see you Narim."
"And you as well Samantha." Narim replied genuinely. Cater smiled brightly before realizing she had an audience staring at her.
"So what can we do for you?" she asked quickly trying to divert attention away from herself.
"May we talk privately?" Narim asked suddenly aware of his surroundings. "It is a matter of great importance."
"Briefing room." Landry answered turning to the blast door with Narim and Orthan following him. They in turn were followed by Daniel and Teal'c while Cater and Mitchell took up the rear.
"So Sam?" Mitchell spoke lowly but there was no hiding the humor in his voice. Cater directed her attention to Mitchell with a slight grin. "What's the deal with you and Mr. Narim?"
"We're friends." Cater responded quickly.
"uhh huhh." Cameron said with a smile.
"Don't even." Carter replied in the same good humor. They shared a laugh as they entered stargate operations and climbed the circular stairs that lead into the briefing room. Narim and Orthan took one side of the table while SG-1 took up their usual places and Landry took up his position at the head.
"I apologize for coming on such short notice." Narim spoke first as everyone settled in. "I know there is a great point of contention between our two peoples that was not resolved well when we last spoke."
"You could say that." Daniel stated.
"So we come to it then." Landry said getting to the point. "What can we do for you?"
"Recently our colony world of Calphina was attacked by the Goa'uld, the one you know as Ba'al." At hearing this bit of news the members of SG-1 and General Landry traded uncomfortable glances.
"He attacked with a fleet of Motherships." Narim continued. "His Jaffa boarded our orbiting research station stealing a prototype drive system we have been developing for some time. Once Ba'al recovered the drive system his fleet destroyed the orbital station then wiped out the colony's main settlement. Almost 7000 people were killed in the attack." The room grew quiet for a moment; despite their numerous skirmishes with the Goa'uld It never got easier to hear about the wholesale slaughter of a people.
"I'm truly sorry to hear that." Landry spoke sympathetically. "You have my sympathy."
"Thank you General."
"So what was this new drive system?" Carter asked diverting the room's attention away from the tragedy.
"A Quantum subspace displacement drive." Orthan answered. "It was one of my lead projects at Calphina."
"Quantum subspace drive?" Cater raised her eyebrows.
"A revolutionary type of drive system that would allow us to travel between alternate universes." Orthan answered.
"Wow!" Cater said in appreciation her mind already racing with the possible theories and physics involved.
"So this thing works right?" Mitchell asked.
"It does Colonel." Orthan answered. "We had just finished another series of successful tests earlier in the day. I was on my way back to Tollana with the data to review it before the Curia that's when the Goa'uld attacked and stole the device."
"While we sympathize with your situation Narim what exactly is it that your people expect from us?" Landry asked. The two Tollan shared a look before Narim continued.
"Even though relations between our two peoples is not as good as they once were; word has reached us through the Tok'ra of your considerable successes against the Goa'uld. We are aware of your great victory over Anubis two years ago and your numerous victories over Ba'al particularly at Dakara."
SG-1 nodded as Narim listed off their victories.
"We have also received word from the Tok'ra about a certain formidable warship in your possession a…Prometheus you call it?" Carter looked to Landry who nodded.
"We do have Starship assets now." Carter confirmed.
"That is one of the reasons why we are here." Narim answered.
"The Tollan wish to use the Prometheus to recover the device?" Teal'c stated seeing where the Tollan were going with their argument.
"Yes." Orthan confirmed." We know Ba'al has already used the quantum drive successfully and has left our galaxy with an unknown number of Ha'taks. It was our hope to procure a formidable warship, track him down and recover the drive system before any irreparable damage is done."
"Why only one ship?" Carter asked.
"Because we only have one other quantum drive." Orthan explained. "It was the first prototype developed several years ago. Its subspace field generator was only powerful enough for a small ship to ever utilize it without…incident." The way Orthan said that didn't exactly inspire confidence from his audience.
"Ultimately for all intense and purposes it was considered a failure but we did use it as the basis to build the second quantum drive. The second drive utilized lessons learned from the first device having a much greater energy output and subspace field generator capable of encompassing a small group of ships." Orthan stated.
"When you say a small group how small are we talking?" Mitchell asked.
"We never tested its exact limits." Orthan answered truthfully.
"Ballpark it." Mitchell shrugged.
"15 perhaps 30 ships…" The room simply stared at the Tollan as the incredulous request sunk in.
"Narim." Daniel was the first to recover. "What you're asking for is a lot, especially now, and there's still some bad feelings left after the attack."
"I-"
"-We understand that and we are truly sorry for that." Orthan said cutting Narim off. "But I do not think you have seriously thought about the ramifications if Ba'al is allowed to dominate this technology."
"Which are?" Teal'c asked.
Orthan fixed the Jaffa with a long look before responding. "If Ba'al is allowed to cross the dimensional barrier uncontested he will cause havoc across the multiverse as he builds his new empire. If he is not stopped now he will rise to dominance and there will be nothing that can stop him, including you."
"Wow wow wow lets just back up there for a second." Mitchell raised his hands then pointed to the Tollan representatives. "You want to borrow the Prometheus so you can hop into this alternate universe retrieve a stolen piece of technology from under Ba'als nose and shut down his cross dimensional empire building?"
"Yes…" Narim answered with slight hesitation. SG-1 and Landry shared a look at that.
"Are you serious?"
"We are very serious Colonel Mitchell." Narim answered.
"Certainly an original request." Cater remarked dryly.
"Oh Yeah." Mitchell agreed with a bemused expression. "I see this one going down real well at the Pentagon."
"Indeed." Teal'c replied with a raised eyebrow.
"So why not use a Tollan ship?" Daniel asked.
"A Tollan ship would not be an optimal choice for the mission we had in mind."
"You expect to do battle." Teal'c stated again.
"Yes." Narim confirmed. "Tollan ships are optimized for transport and science missions. We are not a warring people and do no posses such ships."
"And since we do you were hoping to borrow ours." Daniel finished his line of thought.
"It is not just your warship." Orthan stated. "As I have stated earlier you have had considerable success against Ba'al. I am also aware that you have experience in cross dimensional travel." The members of SG-1 fidgeted in their seats each remembering a separate incident involving cross dimensional travel that didn't turn out too well.
"You want us to do this for you." Daniel surmised. "Recover your technology before the Goa'uld can do any serious damage."
"You would not be alone." Narim stated. "I would accompany you."
"As would I and the surviving members of my staff." Orthan confirmed. All eyes turned to General Landry.
"What exactly are your people offering for our help?" Landry asked thoughtfully.
"I would think stopping Ba'al from becoming the supreme system Lord and dominating all life in not just this Galaxy but others would be enough to propel you to action." Narim stated in surprise.
"To fix your mistake." Mitchell pointed out reasonably.
"Believe me when I say this Colonel." Orthan's voice cracked slightly before he got it under control. "I did everything possible to destroy the technology before it fell into the hands of the Goa'uld. Unfortunately I was not fast enough to stop them." Orthan's face seemed to grow distant as if lost in memory. "They killed many of my people…friends I have worked with for years." Orthan focused his full attention on Colonel Mitchell. "Just as the Goa'uld fleet arrived our communications systems went offline. The Goa'uld bombardment knocked out our shields and crippled our defenses; they boarded the station sweeping through the last of our security forces like they weren't an obstacle and headed straight for the device as if they knew exactly where it was."
"How did they know it was operational? In fact how did they know what it was, or where to find it?" Daniel asked with a sinking feeling in his gut. Orthan and Narim shared an uncomfortable look.
"We do not know for certain." Narim finally answered.
"There are theories." Orthan stated bitterly.
"None of which can be proven." Narim responded looking directly at Orthan.
"You believe Ba'al to have a spy in your ranks." Teal'c said, again sizing up the situation impeccably.
"That is my belief." Orthan confirmed.
"One I do not share." Narim countered which raised some eyebrows around the table.
"And you want our help?" Mitchell asked incredulously.
"You are the only people we could turn to." Narim answered.
"This sounds familiar." Daniel said causing Carter and Teal'c to nod.
"I do not understand?" Orthan frowned.
Daniel smiled. "Nothing."
"Narim." Carter started uncomfortably. "I don't think you realize what you're asking us to do. You're asking us to hunt down Ba'al at great cost to Earth." She looked at General Landry uncomfortably before returning her attention back to Narim. "If we're to convince our leaders to do this then they're going to want to see something concrete in return."
"I do not know what we can off you that would be acceptable to the-"
"How about cold fusion technology?" Orthan stated suddenly to the surprised glare from Narim. "I've read the information you've disclosed to the Curia about your current technological level. I understand that nuclear Fusion technology is something you have been attempting to achieve for some time now."
"Well yes." Cater stated straightening in her seat. "While we have developed stable Naquada fusion reactors we've yet to perfect the technique through standard means and materials."
"We can help you with that." Orthan began. "Our scientists perfected cold fusion technology a long time ago, it would be no trouble."
"You do not have the permission of the Curia to make such an offer!" Narim stated hotly.
"On the contrary." Orthan stated. "I spoke to Chancellor Travell after the meeting with the Curia; she reluctantly agreed that such a trade in technology would be necessary to procure Earths aid in retrieving the Quantum drive." Orthan directed his gaze to General Landry. "Assuming we have a deal."
"Travell working her magic again." Daniel remarked dryly.
"So it would seem." Teal'c agreed.
"Narim, even if we do agree to this we don't exactly have ships we could spare for this mission, our resources are spread pretty thin aiding the Jaffa in their war against the remaining system lords, not to mention other concerns. And I'm afraid one ship with our current defense armament won't be enough to take on a fleet of Goa'uld ships." Carter related as her mind ran through the numbers and not liking the outcome.
"But you were stated to have developed powerful weapons capable of defeating Goa'uld ships." Narim countered.
"Well yes we have, but we have a limited supply of them at our disposal, we'd run out of ordinance long before we put a dent in Ba'als fleet." Narim seemed troubled by the news as Carter spoke. Orthan remained quiet watching the two speak until he recognized the opening offered to him.
"What kind of weapons are they?" Orthan asked thoughtfully. Again Carter looked to the General who nodded.
"We use ship to ship missiles fitted with Naquada enhanced nuclear warheads as our primary anti-ship armament. And we use railguns for point defense but they're not very effective against more massive or shielded targets.
"Railguns?" Orthan asked.
"A gun that uses an electrical current between 2 conducting magnetic rails to fire a solid slug at hypersonic velocities."
"Ingenious, but no energy weapons correct?"
"Not yet but we're working on them." Carter confirmed.
"Hmmm." Orthan nodded in consideration.
"You cannot seriously be thinking it!" Narim cried out in alarm.
"Chancellor Travell has authorized me to use whatever means necessary to get the Quantum drive back. She does not want the legacy of what happened the first time to happen again."
"So you trade one technology for another!?" Narim responded sounding almost livid at his colleague.
"The Tau'ri are not a threat to Tollana and in the past have conducted themselves with honor. Do you know of anyone else?"
"The Curia-"
"Will authorize it if it means recovery of the Quantum drive."
"They cannot-"
"The Tau'ri are not the Goa'uld. They will not use our technology to destroy innocent worlds where as the Goa'uld will. Travell understands this very well."
'I'm sorry, but what are we talking about exactly?" Mitchell asked catching the sudden tension between the two men.
"Ion cannons." Orthan stated simply. Again the room went quiet but now for a much different reason.
"Your serious?" Mitchell asked with a guarded expression.
"Completly Colonel Mitchell."
"Director Orthan." Daniel spoke up his face clearly showing that he wasn't convinced. "You're saying Travell and the Curia will authorize giving us Ion cannons...again?"
Do not misunderstand." Orthan explained. "It will be difficult to get authorization from the Curia on this matter. But the Goa'uld must not dominate this technology; they can not be allowed to destroy worlds across the multiverse. If they do the responsibility for it all will be laid at the Tollans feet."
"No offense or anything but weren't the Tollan willing to sacrifice worlds in this Galaxy including Earth to save its own ass?"
"Colonel." Landry shot Mitchell a warning glance before turning his attention back to the two Tollan representetives. "Despite his blunt way of putting it Colonel Mitchell does bring up a good point. Earth came within a hairs breath of having a weapon of mass destruction sent through our Stargate by you under orders from Tanith. And now we find ourselves in a similar situation with a similar offer of technology, I'm sure you can understand our scepticism."
"I understand." Orthan spoke up. "That was a different time and many members of the Curia have since been replaced. Our people were greatly shamed by those actions; it is something we do not want to experience again. I can assure you that this is no trick, there is no Goa'uld system lord on Tollana pulling the strings to entrap you. This is an honest plea for help." It seemed to Orthan that the temperature in the room had dropped noticably. He had figured that the Tau'ri would be skeptical of this proposal but that fact hadnt trully sunk in until now. For the first time since this meeting began Orthan began to doubt if he could sway the Tau'ri.
"Apparently not shamed enough to enact proper security measures." Landry snapped with a frown causing both Tollan to wince. "Becuase once again we find ourselves in a position where Tollan arrogance has allowed something like this to happen. Ba'al should never have been allowed to get within a lightyear of the damned thing; which should have been in a heavily guarded facility on Tollana and not some inadequetly defended outpost. This is starting to become a habit with you people, one I suggest you correct. Because quite frankly when you get down to it, Earth isnt at your beck and call to clean up your messes." Landry grumbled. "What about the next time? Or the time after that? This has got to stop!"
"We take full responsibility General Landry." Narim blushed, quickly trying his best to salvage the situation. Despite the grilling they were receiving he felt a brief glimmer of hope in the fact that the Tau'ri had not outright denied their help and sent them packing. They were venting their fustrations at the Tollans apparent ineptitude and... yes even arrogance. Uncomfortable as it was to be the one to endure it he could understand where the anger came from, but the offer of the Ion cannons by his counterpart had deeply disturbed him. Earth wasnt ready for that kind of technology, yes it was true they had a Hyperspace capable warship built with technology aquired from the Goa'uld and if the report was to believed even the Asgard. But in Narims mind he kept seeing the horror of Serita and the loss Tollan. Another tragic mistake the Tollan had made which had costed hundreds of millions of lives and the reason the Tollan kept their advanced technology such a closely guarded secret. He would definetly speak to Orthan on this matter. "When I return to Tollana I will use whatever means at my disposal to enact stricture security measures to make sure something like this never happens again, after recent events I am certain the Curia would listen. While that may prevent future incidents from occuring it does nothing to solve the current crisis. One that will affect you whether you believe it or not. Ba'al must be stopped now before he grows too powerful, and you are the only ones who can stop him."
"Which brings us back to this proposed mission to go after him." Mitchell stated.
"Yes Colonel." Orthan confirmed. "Chancellor Travell understands how bad the situation is and what it will mean for Tollana if the Goa'uld are allowed to use the quantum drive we developed to enslave worlds across the multiverse. That is why she authorized me to make this offer of technology for your help."
"Even so." Carter asked dubiously. "Enough to swing the vote our way in the Curia?" She like Daniel and Mitchell had a hard time believing what Orthan was saying.
"If I throw my support in favor of it alongside Chancellor Travell then yes it would be enough. My voice carries much weight in the Curia and Travell's influence is still strong." Orthan reaffirmed. "But that will only happen if I come back with a positive response from you."
The room went quiet again at this new turn of events. The Tollan had never shown any interest in sharing technology in the past... discounting that one incident. For them to part with not one but two powerful technologies spoke volumes of how desperate they had to be.
"In the past we know you have had a strong interest in our technology particularly Ion cannons. Surly this has to be worth it?" Orthan asked. He received some skeptical looks from the room.
"Colonel." Landry spoke up directing his gaze to Carter. "Assuming we decide to undertake this mission using the Prometheus and have it upgraded with Tollan Ion cannons; could the Prometheus have any reasonable chance of taking on Ba'als fleet?"
Carters face went blank as she calculated the odds.
"Colonel Carter?" General Landry prompted impatiently. Carter reflected on the question for a second before directing her attention back to Orthan.
"How many ships attacked your station?" she asked Orthan.
"There were at least 34 Ha'taks and a Flagship."
Receiving a glance from General Landry. "Sir assuming Ba'al uses the same fleet he attacked Calphina with we'd still be vastly outgunned. Even if we were to somehow use our entire fleet..." She shook her head. "I just don't see us winning against that many Motherships."
"So I guess charging in guns ablazin is out of the question." Mitchell considered.
"Probably hit and run tactics as well." Carter considered. "The only thing we'd have in our favor would be the element of surprise."
"Perhaps we could enlist the aid of local races." Teal'c offered.
"Worth a try." Carter considered. "But its not something Id depend on."
"All eyes turned to General Landry." I'll get in touch with General O'Neill and General Hammond." Landry said. "See what they think."
"We understand." Orthan said though it was clear he was nervous about the possible outcome.
"In the mean time these airmen will escort you to a nearby waiting room while we consult our superiors."
"Of course General." Narim replied. Both Tollan representatives rose from their chairs and followed the two SF's out of the briefing room. When Landry was sure they were out of earshot he turned his attention back to his flagship team.
"Well let's hear it."
"Ba'als forces have taken considerable losses in his recent battles against the free Jaffa. Just yesterday Bra'tac lead the liberation of his primary staging world. I would not put it past him to use such an opportunity to procure resources and technologies to swing the war back into his favor." Teal'c said.
"Not to mention the fact he'd have a safety net to fall back too if he needed to rebuild free from any opposition." Carter chipped in.
"And we'd probably be fighting this war again sometime down the road." Daniel added. "Only with Ba'al ten times stronger."
"On the technical side of things Ion cannons would make our ships a lot more formidable in combat as well as having an entire network of them protecting the planet." Carter added. "Not to mention Cold Fusion could conceivably end pollution on Earth, I think it's worth the risk sir."
Landry turned to Mitchell. "Yeah; what they said."
Landry sighed. "Can anyone give me a good reason why we shouldn't do this?" The General asked.
"It's a possibility we could run into a potentially hostile race even more powerful than the Goa'uld sir." Carter considered which darkened the mood considerably as the group thought over that possibility.
"Why cant it be the Goa'uld who run into these hostile situations?" Mitchell huffed and recieved a few chuckles from the group.
"Never the less Colonel Carter Ba'al is a known threat that must be dealt with." Teal'c responded. "He can not be allowed to rise to dominance again."
'I'm with Teal'c on this one sir. Let's take him down." Mitchell agreed. The room looked expectantly at Daniel.
"Do we really have a choice?" Daniel asked rhetorically. "I mean we know the free Jaffa is his main focus right now, but we all know he'll eventually turn his attention to Earth."
"Well then I'll get in touch with Jack; let him know what we have in mind and get approval for the mission. Colonel Carter I want you to review Prometheus's specs and find where we can mount these weapons."
"Well in that case sir Prometheus wouldn't be the optimal choice to undertake this mission." Carter countered.
"What did you have in mind?" Landry asked already having a good idea.
"We could use the Odyssey sir. With Daedalus half way to Pegasus she's the perfect platform to undertake this mission."
"Why is that?" Mitchell asked.
"Odyssey has superior shields and energy reserves, 3 times the weapons and twice the fighter compliment just to name a few. We're going to need every advantage we can get if we're going against Ba'als fleet."
"Fine." Landry agreed. "Now if you'll excuse me I have a call to make."
"Do you have any idea what you have done!?" Narim growled at his companion the moment the door closed behind him.
"It was necessary Narim." Orthan countered. "This situation is entirely our fault."
"But to just give away our technology like that!?" Narim hissed. "It is Serita all over again."
"A few years ago I would have agreed with you my friend, in fact I did agree with you and Omok when the issue of transferring technology to Earth came up 5 years ago." Orthan said in a more conciliatory tone. "But the Tau'ri have grown far more powerful as a people since we have last had dealings with them. They now have interstellar warships which changes how we must deal with them. If they were going to destroy themselves I would think they would have done so by now." Orthan sat down in a relatively comfortable chair. "Besides do you seriously think the Curia wants a rising power harboring a grudge against us? Especially one that took down the Replicators and the Goa'uld Empire?"
Narim sat down next to Orthan, though he said nothing his body language indicated that he was at least listening.
"You are now on the Curia Narim, You know as well as I that the issue of reestablishing relations with the Tau'ri has come up several times over the years. Now suddenly we have a chance to rebuild our relationship with these people; one based on mutual benefit and respect. We can finally set things right."
"Why was I not informed?" Narim asked the question that had been gnawing at him since Orthan had offered Earth Tollana's most guarded secrets.
"In the Past the Curia was evenly split on the issue with literally 1 vote being the swing vote. I know you strongly support the old ways especially after Omoks death. But I have to wonder if those policies are outdated concerning Earth, especially in the face of this crisis." Orthan looked around the room when he realized he was stalling, finally he willed himself to look squarely into the eyes of his friend. "We didn't tell you because we knew you would do everything in your power to stop this before we even had a chance to make our proposal to Earth."
"So you went to Travell behind my back?"
Orthan considered for a second how to answer that. "I went to Travell who had already formulated a strategy on how to proceed. Everyone knew it but no one wanted to say it publicly; that Earth would be skeptical at best unless we offered something in return for their aid. The Tau'ri are good people but they are not altruistic Narim."
"I still have my reservations." Narim responded after a moment.
"I do to, but I am convinced they will not turn out like Serita, if anything we may have taken steps to mend this relationship with them."
The two sat in silence for several moments having come to a grudging consensus before an airmen entered.
"They're ready for you."
The two Tollan representatives stood up and shared a nervous look before following the airman back to the conference room and retook their seats.
"I have spoken to my superiors." Landry began as the two were seated. "They have agreed to your proposal. In exchange for Ion cannons, cold fusion technology and the reestablishment of diplomatic relations; the SGC will aid the Tollan in recovery of the QSDD. General O'Neill has recognized the severity of the situation; to that end he has devoted SG-1 and the Odyssey to this mission."
Narim shared a confused look with Carter. "Odyssey is the newest ship in our fleet and a more optimal choice for this mission than the Prometheus." She explained.
"I understand. Thank you General."
Landry nodded then turned his attention to Orthan. "Director Orthan assuming the Curia does give the green light for this little exchange how soon can we proceed?"
"As soon as tomorrow General." Orthan answered. "Chancellor Travell made sure that everything was hastily setup before we departed; all that was required to act was your compliance."
"Colonel Carter how soon can Odyssey be equipped with these new weapon?"
"Well sir this is going to take some work. Our 304s were designed with just such weapons in mind but the weapons themselves are nowhere near ready for deployment. Simply put; we'd need to build the base housings for the weapons from scratch, attach power conduits and computer links, possibly add additional naquada generators to ease the strain on the power grid, conduct extensive testing to see-" Landry simply stared in annoyance.
"A little over a month possibly a month and a half; provided things go smoothly." She added sheepishly.
"Alright; we've got a lot of work and not a lot of time. Lets get this done, dismissed."
The Meeting soon broke up each member of SG-1 going about their assigned tasks while the Tollan representatives gated home to confer with their leaders. It was close; just as Orthan had predicted, but the Curia backed the plan by a slim margin even Narim threw his support behind it (much to the surprise of the traditionalists) but only after making his reservations noted. By the next morning the first delivery of equipment and Personnel to area 51 arrived and was soon whisked away to begin the work of giving Earths newest ship a very sharp set of teeth.
Groom Lake Area 51
Nevada United States
Earth
One Month later
In the Nevada night sky stars twinkled serenely against the backdrop of space as the Chevy Tahoe and its 5 companions sped along the groom lake dry flats to a seemingly unimpressive looking desert landscape illuminated by the distant light sources of nearby hanger facilities and search lights of a nearby guard tower. Seated in the front seat of the lead Tahoe Samantha Carter had to suppress a grin as she saw the sleeping and drooling form of Daniel's head on Teal'c shoulder. The Jaffa regarded Daniel for a second with a raised eyebrow then looked to Carter with the same expression. As Carter turned away to hide her laughter Teal'c did a not so gentle shrug of his shoulders which woke the sleeping archeologist like a jolt.
"Uhmm I'm awake!" Daniel stated straitening up in his seat; glancing at Teal'c who simply raised an eyebrow in return as Daniel wiped the drool from his face.
"You were sleeping Daniel Jackson." Teal'c stated.
'No I wasn't I was just…resting." Daniel squinted around the cramped vehicle noticing Orthan and Narim staring out the windows intently. "Are we there yet?"
"Few more minutes." Mitchell confirmed from the row behind him as he glanced at his watch reading 01:30. "God I hate late nights." Mitchell exclaimed rubbing a hand over his face.
"Colonel Mitchell If I might ask, why are you launching your ship at such a late hour in the evening?" Narim asked.
"Less chance of attracting unwanted attention." Mitchell answered.
"I do not understand." Narim replied.
"The Stargate program is still a classified operation. Until we go public we have to take measures like this to ensure we aren't discovered." Carter answered.
"I see." Narim replied evenly.
Mitchell laughed. "This place is hugely popular with UFO enthusiasts looking for the next big alien spaceship. They think Area 51 is where the government conducts top secret research and development of alien spacecraft. And… well for the most part they're right."
"What is a UFO?" Narim asked.
"Unidentified Flying Object." Mitchell tried to explain. "But in most cases people just assume alien space ship with that acronym. As for the conspiracy nut jobs they believe the government is hiding the truth from them about alien life."
"It is from my understanding that the vast majority of your world is still unaware of alien life." Orthan commented tearing his gaze away from the window.
"They are." Mitchell confirmed. "But that doesn't stop people from speculating about what's going out here." Mitchell pointed upward. "Or out there. In a perverse kind of a way it makes it the perfect cover story. I mean what government would actually be stupid enough to conduct research and development of alien technology at a facility everyone knows about?"
Narim blinked, then blinked again before deciding to refrain from commenting on Colonel Mitchells odd sense of logic and apparently the United States government's as well.
The Convoy arrived at its destination an odd red and white building looking no bigger than a simple storage shack along the rocky makeshift road in the fenced off desert landscape; far from the prying eyes of UFO enthusiasts. In the starlit night crickets could be heard chirping in the far off distance as a light wind added to the chill as the near total darkness was now only partially lit by the full moon overhead. Which was enough for everyone to see the few sign posts warning intruders they would be arrested or shot on site, not nessisarily in that order.
"Here we are." Carter stated as the group poured out of their vehicles. The members of the SGC who had done this dozens of times unloaded their bags from the vehicles without a second thought while the Tollan representatives looked this way and that in total bafflement.
"Samantha?" Narim asked having done a 360 of their surrounding area and seeing nothing that looked remotely like a Starship.
"It's this way." She smiled reassuringly."
"I don't know about the rest of you but when we get our bags onboard I am so going to get some sleep." Mitchell enthused as he grabbed his bag from the rear of the Tahoe and moved to the entrance of the shack. He produced his card and ran it through the scanner allowing the doors to open and the rest of SG-1 along with the 2 Tollan scientists to enter while the rest of the convoy's occupants were still retrieving their gear. As the doors closed Mitchell again slid his card through the scanner then punched a number on the board sending the elevator downward. As the elevator came to a stop the doors parted to reveal a massive underground hanger complex with a sleeping giant of a ship at its center. It still gave the members of SG-1 a smile every time they saw one of these and as Daniel looked to their guest could tell they were reasonably impressed as well.
"The Odyssey." Carter stated for the group. "Second ship of the 304 Daedalus class and now..." Carter drew her gaze upward at the main hull and noted several large cannons bearing the telltale resemblance of Tollan designs "…Is the first ship to be equipped with energy based weapons."
The rest of the group took in the view although they couldn't see it they knew from technical briefings with Orthan's assistant Talia that the Ion cannon they were seeing was one of four such mounts along the main hull. Each weapon was placed in purpose built housings with two facing forward and two facing aft on their slightly elevated mounts. It only enhanced the overall look of a powerful warship of the Tau'ri who's ships would soon be prowling the spacelanes with the ability to kick the crap out of anything that crossed their path…short of an Asgard ship or perhaps Ba'als flagship which was a thought that the members of SG-1 and the Tollan personnel tried not to dwell on.
Mitchell whistled in appreciation. "I got a hand it to you Orthan your tech crews did a superb job."
"It was not really that much trouble." Orthan noted. "Talia told me it seemed the ship was designed with housings for heavy energy weapons in mind."
"They were." Cater confirmed. "Before our agreement we were working on a variation of a Goa'uld plasma weapon that would have acted as our primary weapon."
"Really?" Orthan asked intrigued; remembering several references to the weapon. "What happened to them?"
Carter grimaced at the memory. "They haven't exactly panned out yet."
"Of course." Orthan said in understanding. "Perhaps we could be of assistance there when we return from this mission."
"That would be a lot of help thank you." Carter smiled back. Over the course of the past month Carter had spent a lot of time with Orthan and Talia and had come to appreciate them for their honesty and kindness something that had been in short supply in past dealings with the Tollan with the exception of Narim.
The group moved to the gangway and boarded the ship; after a close inspection from the SFs. SG-1 and the Tollan representatives moved to their assigned quarters and stowed their gear. Having finished settling in Cater was on her way to the bridge when she ran into Mitchell.
"Sam." Mitchell said with a tired smile.
"Cam." Carter responded.
"You know I was just thinking about something." Cameron said gliding into step with her. "Just how effective are these new guns gonna be?"
"Well the Tollan claim these new and improved Ion cannons can punch clean through a Motherships shields without any trouble. I've looked at the tests and simulations and… they seem to support that claim."
"But?" Mitchell asked catching the slight hesitation in her voice.
"They've never actually been used against an Anubis upgraded Mothership." Cater responded with a slight hint of disappointment.
"Something Orthan forgot to mention." Mitchell groaned as the other shoe fell. "Guess it's a little too late to back out now huh?"
Carter laughed in good humor. "I've gone over the specs and energy requirements, even if they don't breach a Motherships shields in one shot they're still easily superior to Goa'uld cannons; even the variant that we've been working on."
"Enough for the Odyssey to take on a fleet of Motherships and a flagship?" Mitchell asked. Carter held her tongue. "I was afraid of that. So why are we doing this again?" He asked rhetorically.
They reached the bridge and noted that preflight procedures were well underway; more than a dozen crewman were operating stations on the bridge and moved with a sense of urgency as they prepared for takeoff.
"Colonel Mitchell, Samantha." Narim said in greeting when he arrived on the bridge.
"So what do you think of the ship? Not bad for a bunch of primitives eh?" Mitchell asked.
"I am most impressed." Narim admitted. "As are Talia and Director Orthan. Unless we had seen it none of us would have believed it possible that a world with your current technological level could have built such an amazing ship."
"Thank you Narim." Carter smiled.
"If I may ask; some of the sytems on board seem far more advanced then those we recognized based off Goa'uld technology. Can you tell me where you aquired them?" Narim already had an idea thanks to the report from the Tok'ra but he hadnt really believed it. Howerver having been onboard the Odyssey for only a short time had radically changed his views. It hammered home the point just how much Earth had advanced since the last time the Tollan had any dealings with them, and how they were still advancing.
"Well various sources here and there, but predominatly much of the technology incorporated in the 304s are Asgard in origin." Carter explained with a hint of pride.
"The Asgard directly install their systems in these ships?" Narim asked.
"Ahh no. While the systems are Asgard designed they're manufactured here on Earth thanks to a little technical assistance from a team of Asgard technical advisors at Area-51. Everything is locally constructed."
"Remarkable." Narim smiled. "Had I not seen it I would not have believed it. The Tau'ri have much to be proud of, but I do have one grave concern about this ship."
"Oh?" Carter and Mitchell shared a look. "Whats that?"
"Your ships life-support systems seem...well I do not wish to offend-"
"-Crude?" Mitchell offered.
"I was going to say insuficient for what could be a potentially long voyage but that analogy works as well."
"Yeah..." Carter grimaced slightly. "We've been working on newer systems with much greater reserves but they're quite a while off. Our ships life-support systems just dont have the kind of endurance we'd like."
"Uh Sam." Mitchell spoke up. "I think we're about to launch soon." The three moved into the bridge proper and did their best to stay out of the way as the crew ran down their preflight checklists.
"Sub light thrusters primed."
"Switching from shore-side to internal power." There was the briefest flicker of the ships lighting indicating that Odyssey had switched to internal power.
"Naquada generators 1 through 8 at idle generation, main reactor at nominal output."
"Life support switched to internal; pressurized at 14PSI, temperature within norms. Gangway retracting."
"Anti-grav wave generators to standby…"
"Inertial compensators and shields are set to maximum." Having finished with the preflight checklist Captain Marks turned to the ships master himself occupying the center chair.
"All systems green we're go for launch Colonel."
"Thank you Captain." Colonel Emerson said as he rose from his seat. He tapped the compact headset/microphone; the system that linked him into the Odyssey's communications systems. "Tower this is Odyssey requesting departure clearance."
"Odyssey this is tower permission to launch granted. We are 30 seconds from launch window; contact Vandenberg on SATCOM 2 upon entering standard orbit."
"Understood." Emerson replied into the link.
"God speed Odyssey and good hunting." The technician signed off. Outside the ship in the huge docking bay; personnel hurried into thick concrete bunkers as the lighting in the bay wound down to bare minimal levels. At the same moment a sound more like a jet engine powering up increased in volume as a low rumble permeated the air. Above the starship the concrete/steel mesh docking bay doors jolted then began to retract dumping a considerable amount of dirt on the ships main hull. As the doors parted the ships helmsman (Or in this case helmswoman) maintained a steady grip on her yoke as the ships auto-pilot slowly brought the Odyssey up and out of her lair; a barely audible high pitch whine the only noise she made. Once she was about 100 feet from the ground she hovered for a moment before the ships sub-light thrusters ignited propelling her upward out of the atmosphere and into Earth orbit.
"We've reached standard orbit sir." Lieutenant Stephanie Womack reported from the pilots station, she like Marks were on loan from Prometheus while the ship was undergoing yet another refit.
"Captain Marks contact Vandenberg on TAC 2. Let them know Odyssey has reached Earth orbit and is standing by for mission go ahead."
"Roger that sir." The young officer went about his task. Moving till he stood next to the two members of SG-1 on his bridge Emerson spoke quietly.
"Though I appreciate the new guns Sam I'm not too crazy about jumping into another universe to face a fleet of Motherships and God knows what else that could be out there." Though he spoke casually Carter could detect the undercurrent of concern in his voice. She couldn't blame him; while Ba'al had a fleet of Motherships for support Emerson was being asked to take the Odyssey into an alternate universe alone with what little support the SGC could provide in the form of SG-1. With potential hostiles at every turn, an unstable drive system that wasn't designed for a ship this large; utilizing experimental weapons that hadn't yet been proven…it was very unenviable position to be in and everyone knew it.
"Price of working for Stargate Command sir." Carter joked receiving a small chuckle from Emerson. "SG-1's taxi service."
"Still, this is uncharted territory." Emerson said in all seriousness. "I just hope this quantum drive works as the Tollan says it does."
"We'll know in a few minutes." Carter added.
"Sir Space Command acknowledges and has given the green light for mission go ahead." Marks reported. Emerson turned to the two members of SG-1 "Let's get this party started then." Tapping his headset "Engineering, bridge whenever your ready director."
Deep in the bowels of the ships engineering section Director Orthan and his assistant Talia were working along side the ships engineering crew as they made final preparations for their jump into the universe where Ba'al and his surviving forces had escaped too. Having arrived in Engineering in the midst of the Chaos Daniel and Teal'c looked on (and traded trepid glances) as the Tollan and their Tau'ri associates made final preparation."
"Daniel Jackson perhaps it would be prudent to make a hasty withdraw." Teal'c said eyeing the QSDD drive with a curious look.
"Oh? Why do you say that Teal'c?" Daniel asked.
"I once remember O'neill saying something about SG-1's infamous bad luck concerning alien technology. I thought it prudent we depart engineering before we find ourselves in a situation where that theory is put to the test."
Daniel opened his mouth to respond then stopped. He eyed the QSDD for a second before regarding Teal'c "Yeah; probably a good idea, lets book." As the two members of SG-1 departed Engineering all activity continued unabated.
"All diagnostics are green and coordinates have been inputted." Talia said as she studied her board. "We are ready Director."
"Colonel we are begging activation now."
"Understood Director." Emerson responded from the mike/boon headset around Orthan's ear. "We're in your hands now so if something looks wrong don't hesitate to abort."
"I understand Colonel." Orthan said. Finally glancing one last time around the ship Orthan took a deep breath and began the activation sequence.
"Here we go."