Chapter 15
Samantha Carter
The Samantha Carter, flagship of Thor, dropped out of hyperspace once again above Atlantis, and with it came the final batch of Colonial ships. The old and tired vessels broke away from the Samantha Carter and joined their fleet, in orbit over New Lantea. The people onboard knew that on the planet below, in just a few hours, their President would be negotiating to secure them a better future.
As the Colonial fleet once again joined in orbit, another hyperspace window opened, and the Daedalus dropped back into real space alongside the Asgard ship.
On the bridge, Caldwell turned to his Colonial visitor. "Lieutenant Agathon, I take it you would like to go down to the planet to see your wife?"
Karl turned to face the Colonel. "Very much so, Sir."
"I'll see what I can do. Major, open a channel to Atlantis."
Atlantis Conference Room One
Conference Room One, the largest of the two conference rooms in the city, was being prepared for what would be one of the most important events to take place there for thousands of years. Representatives for the Colonials, humans, Cylons and the people of Pegasus would all take part, it was to be a truly momentous occasion.
On one side sat Teyla, who had arrived earlier than the others to help with preparations. Carter had joined her soon afterwards. "Colonel Carter! It is good to see that you are well."
Sam smiled. "Thanks Teyla. That's what a good trip to Asgard ER will do for you, I guess."
"Have you seen Dr. Jackson and Vala since you returned? I know they were both worried about you, as we all were..."
"I saw Daniel on the Galactica before I went with the Asgard, and I saw Vala this morning. I couldn't find the General though."
"Well, I'm sure he'll be here soon." Teyla knew that Sam and the General were very close, as were all of the old SG-1 team.
"Hey." The two women turned to see John Sheppard entering the conference room.
Teyla walked over to greet her friend. "John, good morning..." She paused for a moment as she looked at him. "You do not look well... Is there something wrong?"
"Just... Didn't get much sleep last night. I had a pretty weird dream."
Sam looked at John. "A dream?"
"Yeah... I couldn't get back to sleep afterwards. I didn't feel tired at all, it was weird."
Carter walked towards the doors of the conference room. "John, can I speak to you for a moment outside?"
Sheppard and Teyla looked confused. "Uh... Sure?" He walked outside with Sam, to the balcony overlooking the gate room. "What's this about, Colonel?"
"I need to know what your dream was about, what was it like?"
John turned to his superior officer. "To be honest I don't really feel comfortable talking about it, so unless..."
"John, please." He looked at Sam, he knew she was serious, he could see it in her eyes.
"...I saw Elizabeth. She told me that 'they' were coming, but not for me. Then she raised her hand, placed it on my shoulder, and everything turned... white." Sam digested the information, before turning and looking out over at the Gate, but John wasn't prepared to finish the conversation yet. "Why is this so important?"
Carter sighed. "I had a similar dream on the Galactica after I was shot. Only it was my father instead of Dr. Weir. I don't know, I..." She turned to John. "I just don't think this is a coincidence. My dream was very similar, and I felt the same as you did afterwards."
John could see that this was hard for Sam. He could relate. He placed a hand on her shoulder in a sign of comfort and friendship. He respected her greatly, and from what he could tell the feeling was mutual.
"Colonels?" Carter and Sheppard turned to see Jack and Daniel standing behind them. "Are we going to go and sit down? The Colonials are due any minute now."
"It's good to see you guys." Sam replied, before walking over and hugging her friends.
"You too." Replied the General. "We better get inside."
"OK, we're right behind you." Daniel and Jack turned, walking into Conference Room One. John walked up beside Sam again.
"We can talk about this later, if you want?"
Sam looked at him. "I don't know... I don't get what this can mean. It could just be our imaginations for all we know. I think we should just try and forget about it, for now at least." She turned and walked into the Conference Room, leaving John wondering if what he had seen the night before was just a dream.
Atlantis Gym
Ronon Dex walked into the room that had been designated a gym by the Expedition members, followed by Kara Thrace and Sam Anders. Originally, the city gym had been in a smaller room that was used mostly for sparring, but as the population of the city grew over the years it was decided that better recreational facilities would be set up. Among these facilities was a gym that was worthy of the name, and the inhabitants found it very useful. Today, a visit to it was to be one of the numerous activities to make the Colonials feel more welcome.
In front of the group stood Teal'c, who bowed his head as they entered. Kara hadn't gotten why the man did that, but she had heard about him not being from Earth. The Colonials still hadn't been told much about the Milky Way and it's history, even though it was there native galaxy, but Kara had heard about how Teal'c and his people had been oppressed. She had a lot of questions, but for now they could wait.
Ronan turned to the Colonials, Kara first. "Pick your partner."
"What?"
Ronon smirked. "We're gonna spar. Pick a partner. Me or Teal'c."
"OK..." She looked between the two men, and a smile crossed her lips. This was going to be a tough choice. After a few moments... "Teal'c."
The Jaffa bowed his head again, and Ronon looked at Starbuck once again. "Don't think you can take me?"
The smile on her face grew wider. "Of course I can. I just don't think Sammy-boy can take Teal'c."
Atlantis Conference Room One
The occasion was a momentous one. It wasn't the first time that these parties had met since meeting with each other, but this is where the alliance between the two people would be forged. This is where the Colonials would find out if they had any sort of meaningful future. It was an important time for the people of Earth too, but for those who had fled from the Twelve Colonies a number of years before, this was their final chance.
And boy, did Laura Roslin know it. She intended to come away from the negotiations with hope for her people, and she wasn't willing to stand down until she got at least that. Ever since the first nuke hit the Colonies, Earth was the only thing that kept the survivors going. Now they had discovered that they wouldn't be able to relocate to Earth, at least not at this time, but that they would be taken to another planet. Some had been outraged, others had been grateful for whatever they could get. It wasn't going to be a repeat of New Caprica; Roslin would make sure of that. With the help of the people of Earth and the Asgard, they could prosper once again. However, their new 'friends' could also use it as an opportunity to take advantage of them. This was the day to ensure that didn't happen, and that her people could remain independent.
It hadn't taken Laura long to decide who he fellow representatives would be. Admiral Adama sat to her left, the military representative for the Colonials, while Gaius Baltar sat to her right, a scientific mind being required. She hadn't been sure about bringing Gaius down to the negotiations, but it was still infinitely better than bringing Zarek, and she thanked the gods for the look on his face when she informed him that he wouldn't be in attendance. A look she would treasure for the remainder of her days. She smiled as she thought of the reprieves she had already had. If things continued the way they were going, she could enjoy that memory for a long time.
To the right of Baltar, at the end of the conference table, sat Athena Agathon and Caprica Six, the only regular Cylon models trusted enough to represent their own people in the City of Atlantis, and both residents of the Galactica. The Cylon allies aboard the Basestar had not been happy with that, but as Adama himself had told them, they had no choice. Athena and Caprica could speak on their behalf, while not being deemed as high a security risk to the City. Meanwhile, General O'Neill, Daniel Jackson, Colonel Carter and Colonel Sheppard represented Earth, with Teyla Emmagan representing the people of the Galaxy that the Colonials had been inhabiting for the past year.
Laura realised that the Expedition members had tried their best to create a relaxed atmosphere for the negotiations. The tour and what could only be described as the feast the day before had both been pleasant and welcome, but this wasn't a time to be laid back. She was negotiating the future of her people, the terms and conditions that would govern them for years to come. That couldn't be taken lightly. Finally the noise of murmurs and final preparation between the separate parties died down, and there was quiet in the room. "Can we get started?" Laura asked, an open question to those sitting opposite her.
General O'Neill wagged a finger in her direction. "Not yet. We're still waiting for one last party to join us." The Colonials looked around, baffled by the lack of empty seats. "Wait for it..."
The room fell silent again for a moment, before being illuminated by a flash of white light. Thor appeared in front of the group, in his own chair. "Greetings to all, on behalf of the Asgard High Council."
O'Neill smirked, looking at the faces of his visitors. Although some of them had already seen the Asgard and their technology, they all still had a look of shock on their faces. "Now, that is interesting..." Caprica Six tilted her head slightly, looking at the small, grey alien. Her gaze soon turned to her lover, whose eyes and mouth were both very wide.
Thor turned to President Roslin, addressing her directly. "Hello President Roslin. I trust you are well?"
Laura smiled a warm smile. "I am Commander Thor, thank you for your concern." She turned to Baltar, who was staring; his jaw was still close to touching the table. He looked away long enough to notice the look others were giving him, before coughing and straightening his tie, trying to make it look like he was interested in anything but the naked alien sitting in the funny chair.
Unknown Wraith Facility
Todd sat in his private quarters, looking out as the last of the Hive Ships came online. Tonight, the ships would launch. He had no doubt that the Expedition already knew of his new fleet, but they did not have the numbers to fight such an overwhelming force. It had been the same with the Ancients.
He felt a sense of sadness for the Expedition members who had tried to help the Wraith; he had to admit that he had at least a sense of respect for them. Colonel Sheppard had helped escape from Genii captivity. Teyla had helped him when he was first taking power. Doctors Keller and Beckett had attempted to devise a way to allow his Wraith to feed on 'normal' food. This was history now though. Their plans had not worked; their understanding had not withstood the test of time. He was Wraith. They were human. The only lasting relationship he could truly maintain with them involved the food chain.
He looked out as the final Hive powered up, leaving the moonlit dunes and rising to the skies above. As much as he enjoyed reminiscing, and thinking of the times- and meals- to come, his scout ship would be waiting. In a short time, he would be transported to his flagship, and he could take his rightful place as commander of his species. This was the start of a new age for the Wraith.
Atlantis Conference Room One
"That is unacceptable." O'Neill was hoping he wouldn't have to use that word in the negotiations, but he knew all along that he would. It was inevitable. "We simply can't give you those weapons."
The negotiations had been ongoing for hours already, and the separate parties were growing agitated. O'Neill had also been hoping that he would only have to sit through one day of this, but it was becoming apparent that he was wrong.
Adama leaned forward in his seat. "We saw what those weapons did to those ships, those 'Wraith' ships... They would be the best means for us to defend ourselves."
"I'm sorry Admiral, but the General is right, Dr. Baltar's demands aren't acceptable. We can't simply hand over technology like that to anyone who asks for it." Carter backed up O'Neill, as he knew she would. "There are other weapons we could give you however, weapons capable of giving you a real edge over your main enemy, and a fighting chance against others..."
"...And don't forget, we will always help you, if you ever fall under attack. Be it Wraith, Cylons, or whoever else." Daniel continued from Sam, hoping to appease the Colonials slightly.
The President stared at him with a stern expression. "I should think so. Although we may have been separated for a long time, we were still all created by the same gods, you are our brethren..."
Daniel looked surprised. They hadn't had time to talk about this side of things yet. "You see the Ancients as gods?"
"We were created by the Lords of Kobol, Dr. Jackson. Our colonies, and your tribe, left Kobol many years ago..."
"We're pretty sure human life originated on Earth, we have evidence of that..."
"Well obviously your 'evidence' is wrong." Roslin felt almost insulted by the doctor's assertions, she had seen aliens for the first time and a massive flying city all in the space of a few days, but this was too much. The remarks went against everything she believed it.
"I doubt that Madam President."
Thor raised a finger, taking the attention of the room. "You may both be right, at least in part."
Baltar looked intrigued. "How could that be possible?"
"There were cases of the Ancients spreading the human population across the Galaxy. It is possible that Earth was already inhabited when the 13th Tribe left Kobol to find it, and the two cultures integrated."
No one spoke for a moment. "...There could be a way to find out." Sheppard stood from his seat and opened the Conference room doors, before turning and noticing that no one else had gotten up, everyone was staring at him. "Follow me."
Hologram Room
The four parties all walked into the Hologram Room of Atlantis, hoping it would provide them with answers. At this point, it was the only way to verify Thor's theory. Sheppard stepped up to the control platform, and brought up a hologram of an Ancient woman, all in white with a slight glow around her. Without hesitation, he asked the question.
The Colonials and Cylons looked on in awe as the holographic woman began to explain the history of the Twelve Colonies. Finally, she came to the part they were all waiting for. "...Eventually, the people of Kobol split into two separate peoples, one group destined for a system within a relatively short distance of the planet, while the other group was bound for Earth..." The expressions on the faces of the city's visitors were intense as they listened. "...This tribe eventually reached their destination, leaving signs along the way, if their brethren were to ever search for them. They integrated with the native people of planet Earth, and the two became one."
Following the completion of the answer, the Ancient hologram disappeared, and the group were left silent. Laura wasn't sure she wanted to believe it, but even though it went against what she believed, it still held true to the scriptures. It made sense. She couldn't deny that.
Heracles
"No! No don't do that, you'll just make it worse!" McKay was frantic; he was growing tired of amateurs being assigned to such important positions. "You may have been the best at whatever stupid College you came from but this is the real world!" He tried his best to show his authority, but the squeal that escaped him as one of the bridge consoles overloaded did him no favours.
"Sorry about that sir..."
McKay was about to fly into a fit of rage before someone stopped him. "Meredith. Stop scaring the scientists!" He turned around to see his sister entering the bridge, finding it troubling with her crutches.
"Jeannie? What are you doing here?" He rushed over to his sister. "Jennifer said that you should rest."
"It's OK Rodney, I'm improving quicker than she'd hoped. When you've got an Ancient infirmary to go to, things like this don't keep you down for long." McKay grinned before hugging his sibling, being constantly wary of hurting her leg.
He pulled away for a moment, looking suspiciously at Jeannie. "So, what are you doing here exactly?"
"I thought you could use some help. I heard things went a bit downhill last night."
"You're telling me! We were making real progress, and then we tried to bring the ship to full power... But don't worry; I've got everything under control!"
His sister looked over his shoulder, seeing the scientists behind him almost shaking in fear, each wondering who he would scream at next. "Oh yeah. Really under control."
Rodney gave her a look that only a sibling could give, it didn't take a scientist to realise that she was being sarcastic.
Atlantis Mess Hall
It had been a long day, and the negotiations had finally ended. They would begin again tomorrow, but for now O'Neill didn't want to think about that. He had originally meant to be enjoying some food with Sam, Daniel and Teal'c but they had found themselves otherwise occupied. Sam was with Lee Adama, who hadn't had a chance to see her since she was shot. Vala had cooked Daniel a meal, and he had decided to rest. And Teal'c... Teal'c had found himself in the makeshift bar the Expedition members had set up, along with Ronon Dex, Kara Thrace, and Samuel Anders. Jack was a little disappointed, but hey, at least the kids were off doing their own thing.
"May I join you?" Jack turned around to see Admiral Adama standing near him, wearing the same expression he had worn since Jack had first met him.
"Be my guest, Admiral." The General moved along the seat slightly, allowing for more room. "I was starting to feel a bit... unpopular sitting here by myself." O'Neill noticed the Admiral let out a small chuckle.
The two men sat in silence for a moment, before the Admiral spoke. "So, do you feel the negotiations went well today General?"
"First, yes. I do. I think we're getting somewhere, slowly but surely." He turned to the Admiral. "I do know how important this is for your people. I hope you understand that. We want the best for you, we don't want to exploit you." He turned back to look at his water. "And second... Call me Jack."
There was another silence for a moment, before Adama spoke again. "You know, it's funny..."
O'Neill waited for a second for the Admiral to finish his sentence, but he didn't. Maybe he was thinking out loud? "What is?"
"No more than a few hours ago, we were at each other's throats arguing about who would get what technology, how soon aid would be delivered, what relationship we would have with your allies and what we could expect from them. What would be done with the Battlestar Ares... Then there was the religious side of things. I was really hoping that wouldn't be dragged up... Now, we're sitting together here, drinking water and... just talking. I think I prefer it."
Now O'Neill was chuckling. "No matter how much we disagree in negotiations, we don't need to bring that outside the conference room. Things will work out, eventually. We can't let the disagreements get personal."
The Admiral agreed. "... If we are going to forge a relationship between our two peoples, it can't just be built on business."
Jack smiled. "Indeed." The two men took another ship of their drinks. "How do you feel about joining Kara and the others in the bar? This water isn't doing anything for me. I think..." He was interrupted by Amelia Banks over the intercom before he was able to finish his sentence.
"General O'Neill, where are you?"
Jack stood up, hearing the tone in the technician's voice. "I'm in the mess hall with Admiral Adama. What's going on Banks?"
"Sir, you need to see this... In fact, I think you both do..."
Atlantis Control Room
"I want to know what's going on right now!" O'Neill walked in to the Control Room hungry for information. Something was going down. Sam and Lee were both already there, and the President was on her way.
Carter walked over to meet the General and Admiral as they entered. "As you know, the Wraith left their planet earlier today. We were expecting them to drop out of hyperspace hours ago, but they never did."
"Old news Sam, what's happened now?"
"Well, following the end of negotiations Thor took his ship to try and track their fleet, and he's just reported back... They've made their first stop..."
"And?"
Sam sighed, unsure of how to break the news. "And it wasn't where we thought it would be. Not only have they travelled much further than we thought capable, they are also following a different course. We thought they were coming to Atlantis, but we've discovered they aren't..." A look of realisation dawned on the faces of O'Neill and Adama. "They're going for Earth."
