Admiral Nagalla started the briefing. "Everyone, this is General Landry of Earth. He is going to give us a briefing on what we can expect in this galaxy when we begin venturing out."
General Landry adjusted his mic and pulled up the powerpoint with the introduction. "Admirals, Generals. This is the briefing I was given when I was told of the state of the galaxy. The most numerous type of ship you will encounter is this." A hologram activated and a ha'tak appeared. "This is the standard ha'tak. It was designed by the Goa'uld and is truly formidable craft. Its shield requires a 10-gigaton blast to weaken and a 200-gigaton nuclear detonation to disable. Weapons vary, but normal payload is a compliment of 60 plasma cannons and 12 wings of death gliders."
"What is the blast radius of the plasma weapons?" Admiral Cain asked, her eyes studying the image of the ha'tak looking for weaknesses and strengths.
"Standard ship to ship combat is rated at 100 megatons. Thankfully the staff cannons can only be fired one at a time at that power level and only one shot a second." Landry let that sink in before moving on. He covered al'kesh, death gliders and cargo ships. The cargo ships and al'kesh were impressive to the Colonials but they laughed at the death gliders, mocking them.
"This is a standard plasma cannon, more commonly known as a staff cannon. We have handed several over to your scientists to study. Now, the Jaffa are our longest standing allies, however we didn't go to them for aid for two reasons. They are still recovering from the recent Ori war that ravaged the galaxy. Also, there is some bad blood between the Jaffa and Terrans. Many Jaffa lost their lives during our war with the Goa'uld."
Baltar spoke up,"General, I noticed that the technology used by your ships is different than those used by the ha'tak. Why is that?"
"That is because the 304's use Asgard technology, not Goa'uld. The Asgard are now extinct, but they taught us how to build shields and hyperdrives based on their technology. Unfortunately, Asgard technology is entirely dependent on a mineral called neutronium which is formed in neutron stars. All of our neutronium mines are shut down or destroyed. So even if we gave you access to Asgard technology, we do not have the materials to even begin construction. Also, you don't have the industrial infrastructure to build the technology."
Admiral Cain then asked, "What about the weapons on your battlecruisers?" Thinking that they could be moved to the Battlestars.
"The weapons on the 304's are operational, but because we lack neutronium, we've been supplementing Asgard technology with Goa'uld parts." Realising what Cain was asking, Landry continued, "And removing technology from our 304's to install them on a battlestar would not work. The parts are designed to work on 304's and trying to modify them for a Battlestar would destroy them." Several people grumbled, but they nodded acceptance for now. Landry withheld a sigh of relief, thankful they bought the lie.
"Back to the state of the galaxy. To build Goa'uld technology, you need naquadah. It is the blood and soul of our galactic economy and technology. Now, you have an advantage here. No one but you has any experience in space-based mining. If you set up a mining agreement with the Jaffa, they could more easily search for space-based naquadah deposits. When a source is found, you would then mine it for them in exchange for a share of the naquadah, not to mention whatever else you find."
"Why would we need them to find a deposit for us?" a General asked.
"Space is a big place, General." Baltar said. "Our FTL drive has great limits in range compared to the size of the galaxy. The Jaffa have better star charts, sensors, and FTL. They would find sources of naquadah in a fraction of the time that we could."
Landry continued, "The next race is the Hebrideans. They are two distinct races living on the same planet, in harmony. There are also Human and Arakin hybrids living on the planet." A few of the assembled looked disgusted but many were thoughtful. "They are very advanced, even more so than you, but they lack a truly viable FTL drive. Their current FTL technology can propel them 1.7 Ly per hour. Their world was devastated by the Ori, and trade with them has enormous potential."
The meeting went on for many more hours. Questions were asked about Atlantis and access to the city. Nevertheless, Adar ended that line of thought by citing Zeus's command that Atlantis belongs to the Terrans. Admiral Cain asked about Lantean technology but Landry said that "Ancient technology is even more advanced than Asgard. If you do not have the ability to build Asgard technology, what makes you think that you can build Ancient? The reason we recommend Goa'uld technology is that you can build it with your current infrastructure. Asgard and Ancient are beyond your reach for the moment."
Landry then addressed everyone in the room as he added, "Goa'uld technology was based on Ancient technology. The Goa'uld were scavengers and never bothered to actually understand what they found. With a little ingenuity, what they left behind will be easily upgraded and refined. "
"He is right," Gaius Baltar confirmed, "we need to learn to walk before we can run. I've seen the contents of the Box of Pandora. It contains technology schematics and mathematical equations that I cannot even begin to understand. If this is an example of Alteran science, we will need a lot of time to properly understand it. I very much doubt that the Terrans even understand what they have." Landry did not say anything but they all realized that Baltar had a point. Even Cain nodded in understanding.
((((o))))
"I feel bit uncomfortable," Nagala told Adar quietly. "I never expected this to happen." They were standing in the newly made SGC for the Colonies. The facility was run by both Colonial and Terran officers. The Terrans were dressed in their traditional uniforms, giving any visitors through the stargate a familiar look, to put them at ease.
"I didn't expect it either, but here we are." Adar said, looking at the stargate. They both pondered what learning to use the stargate meant for the Terrans, both the advancement and the danger.
"Are we sure giving these Jaffa our location is a good idea?" Nagalla asked, thinking of potential security breaches.
"The Terrans trust them. And Zeus trusts the Terrans."
"I hate to say this, but it is my job, Sir. Can we trust the Terrans? I know that Lord Zeus trusts them, but we are going to be getting involved in a war against an enemy that beat the Lords?"
"I don't think we have a choice," Adar replied, not looking away from the stargate as technicians tested the iris. "According to the Terrans, the Wraith would have found us eventually. Since the Terrans came to us, we get access to greater technology. In addition, we have the largest fleet in the Galaxy. It may run on outdated technology, but not for long. The Terrans know this and we know it. Sooner or later we will know everything they do. Hopefully that will appease the quorum and the rest of the military."
The iris closed and Nagalla stood silent for a moment before nodding. "It might, but given that we are about to enter a war against these Wraith, I know that I want the best equipment for our ships that we can get."
"I agree, however General Landry made a good point. Our infrastructure needs to be updated first. If we can't build and maintain the equipment, what's the point in having it?"
"A lot of people won't care, Mr. President. They will want the designs in their hands now. And the factories building the weapons today."
"It doesn't work like that." Adar said.
"I'm afraid that some people won't understand. They will assume that the Lords' technology will be like magic; building an immediate and endless supply of whatever we want, ending all wars, hunger, and problems."
"That's what I'm afraid of," the President sighed.
A few moments later a Terran lieutenant walked up and saluted, "Sirs, the Daedalus is approaching. The Jaffa delegation will be beaming over in a few moments."
"Thank you, Lieutenant."
((((o))))
Jack and Bra'tac's meeting
The Free Jaffa and Colonials met for several hours. In the end, it was agreed that Teal'c and Bra'tac would keep the location of the Colonials a secret from the wider galaxy and their fellow Jaffa, except the Jaffa high council. Also, Teal'c and Bra'tac would appear before the Colonial people in a broadcast event to explain the truth of the galaxy.
"O'Neill!" Bra'tac greeted joyously after the meeting concluded.
"Bra'tak, I'm sorry that we couldn't ask the Jaffa for help."
"It wounds me that you would not even bother asking. We have fought side by side for many years."
"I am sorry, Bra'tak, but we know that the Jaffa Nation is still rebuilding from the Ori, and before that the replicators. We knew that there would be a great deal of resentment among some of the more anti-Tau'ri elements of the Jaffa. Worse, there's the chance that the Wraith would have learned of our survival and decided to finish the job." Bra'tac nodded sadly.
"That is true, but I would have liked to have had the chance to protect our brothers and sisters."
"I would have rather trusted the Jaffa as well, Bra'tak. We are taking a huge gamble joining the Colonials. There is something you can help though." O'Neill touched a control on his watch and the two beamed away.
"Where are we, O'Neill?"
"Atlantis, a secondary conference room."
"Why such secrecy?"
"We don't want the Colonials to know of this. You see, Bra'tac, we have no choice but to trust the Colonials right now. However, we are not going to put all our eggs in one basket. So, I need Teal'c and your help with a second home for the Terrans"
"So, the public face will be that you are residing with the Colonials, but you want my help to find a way to ensure that your people live?" Bra'tac clarified.
"Yes, I trust the Colonials to a point, but I trust you and Teal'c a whole lot more."
"You honor me, my friend, What do you need?"
"Colonel Carter is working on a ship. A prototype that we had under construction before the Wraith attack. It is nearly complete but we need naquadah, trinium, and neutronium to finish the ship. We also have a plan to stabilize the Jaffa and the galaxy. We have another favor to ask." Bra'tac looked at O'Neill and motioned for him to go on. "We are keeping the existence of the Odyssey a secret. We aren't telling them of the Asgard Legacy. Please keep that under wraps?"
"Of course, O'Neill, I understand. Now what do you have in mind?"
"These worlds here," the holotable activated and showed several addresses and planets, "are Lucian worlds where they are building ships. Several ha'tak and satellites guard those worlds. They also hold dry-docks and cargo ships full of refined naquadah. We want to steal it all."
"A bold move." Bra'tac realised that Jack needed the Free Jaffa ships to pull off this attack. "What do you offer in return?" He knew that it would be his men risking their lives.
"We ask for enough of the raw material to complete our colony. Dr Mckay has made modifications to the ha'taks we have under our control. He will make those same changes to whatever ships you can bring to the fight. The ha'taks we have are equal to or better than an Anubis upgraded version."
"A worthy offer. Will the same offer be extended to the ships we capture?"
"Even better. We will teach you how to implement the changes yourself."
"You have my agreement O'Neill. Even without your offer I would have accepted. But what do you want beyond that?"
"Your aid setting up a hidden world where we can build a colony beyond the sight of the Colonials and the Jaffa. A refuge where none can find us and we can rebuild in peace."
"I understand. I will help you. I will find as many cargo ships and al'kesh for your use, O'Neill, however, your friend Vala Mal Doran will be of great assistance."
"She is already out searching for cargo ships, al'kesh and cargo movers." Jack said. Bra'tac nodded and returned to his ship.
((((o))))
A week after the initial meeting between Adar and Woolsey, a fleet of 200 ships left the Colonies.The rapid deployment was simply due to the Colonials' desire to help Earth as quickly as possible.
President Adar's send off speech was still ringing in their ears. "My fellow Colonials, three days ago we learned something amazing. Earth is real, and they have contacted us. However, this good news is mixed with bad. The planet Earth has recently been destroyed. Five years ago, they stumbled across an ancient enemy of the Lords of Kobol. Just a few months ago, that enemy jumped three asteroids into orbit of Earth and sent them crashing into one of Earth's oceans and onto two continents.
"The enemy that destroyed Earth is right out of our history. A legend, a legend that was a warning straight from the Lords themselves. This enemy is the reality behind the Empusa. Earth's battlecruiser, Apollo, has one in their brig. They showed it to me, it matches our legends.
"Our brothers and sisters have fought these creatures for 5 years using limited resources and innovative strategies. Now however, these creatures have got their hands on technology built by the Lords and they used it to destroy Earth.
"Now the Terrans, the people of Earth, have come to us for shelter. I say that we must take them in and rejoin with our lost brethren.
"This mission is ordained by the Lords themselves. The Box of Pandora has opened." Gasps were heard around the room and across the colonies. "Inside, we learned that while Kobol is our home world, the first of the 13 colonies were brought from Earth, with a special task. When the Lords traveled to Kobol from Earth, they did so to escape the slavery that was rampant at the time. The beings that enslaved the galaxy had taken millions of humans from Earth and spread them across the galaxy. There are billions, trillions, of humans throughout the galaxy. Our ancestors' mission was to one day free the galaxy from slavery and help them rebuild their societies. Earth defeated the slave masters, known as the Goa'uld, before the Box of Pandora opened and we learned of this mission.
"The Terrans successfully freed our brethren across the galaxy from the Goa'uld. But now there is a new threat to our galaxy, the Empusa, the Wraith.
"These Wraith defeated the Lords, they destroyed Earth, and they now stand ready to attack this galaxy as well.
"Thankfully, Earth has made allies with many of these former slaves. Allow me to present the Jaffa." Behind Adar and above him, a ha'tak decloaked. Moments later a hidden ring platform activated, depositing Teal'c and Bra'tak on the stage.
"Greetings. I am Jaffa Master Bra'Tak. For 15 years, I stood alongside the Tau'ri against these false gods, the Goa'uld. Now we are free, but Earth has fallen to the Wraith. The Tau'ri now lack the strength in numbers, so they ask to join with you to defend those that can't defend themselves.
"Should you stand, the Jaffa pledge their support against the Wraith." The crowds across the colonies yelled as one pledging their support.
Adar took the mic and continued, "The Terrans have given us the location of Earth and need our help in bringing the one and a half million survivors to the Colonies. They, and the Jaffa, have given us a very powerful energy source that will make this journey, an eight month trek, possible in just three days.
"The Terrans have proven their friendship. When one of their ships arrived, they discovered a series of signals transmitting to Cylon space. Signals that we were unable to detect. With their help, CID has shut down the signals and captured the perpetrators. The Terrans have helped us already. Now we must help them.
"Today we send off a fleet of 200 vessels, to bring the Terrans to the Colonies. When they return, I say we stand and take our place in the galaxy. Earth has done their part. Now it's time for their brothers and sisters to stand. So Say We All."
"SO SAY WE ALL," thundered across the twelve worlds as the Colonies prepared to take the fight to the Wraith.
((((o))))
Cylons
"Well, this is interesting," Cavil said as he watched the screen.
"We need to hold off the attack." Six said to her siblings.
"Are you out of your mind? We can destroy all of humanity right now!" Cavil bristled at the suggestion.
"No, we can't." Deanna countered. "Look at their technology. We do not have a chance right now. Also, look at these schematics for the Wraith ships."
"Ahh yes, these Wraith. Clever excuse."
"Shut up, Cavil. As I was saying, these Wraith, if they are real, are the worst type of enemy for us to fight. Their ships are immune to our missiles and weapons. Their fighter screens are massive and their weapons will destroy our ships in single shots."
"She is right." Leoben agreed, "I agree with Six, we should wait."
Deanna continued, "Let's continue installing the CNP into the fleet. Then we can wait for the Colonials to upgrade their fleet with the shields and energy weapons. After all, we cannot upgrade our fleet right now. Sure, we have the designs in our hands, but we lack the resources. We don't have any naquadah at the moment. I vote we look for naquadah and let the Colonials upgrade their fleet. Then once they finish we can shut down their fleet, vent the atmosphere and take possession of a powerful and newly upgraded fleet to use against the Wraith. Even if we just ram the battlestars into the hives, we won't be wasting our ships."
"I agree." Six, Eight, Three, and Four voted. Cavil snarled but nodded, knowing he was beaten.